2

            Junter had woken early that morning and headed to the east part of the wood. Mole’s house wasn’t too hard to spot, seeing the stained oak door in a blanket of white.

            Junter hopped up to the door and knocked, waiting patiently for Mole to answer. As he waited, he looked around at the scenery admiring how serene everything looked. No tracks were left, the covering of snow undisturbed and peaceful. The crisp, cold air standing still and giving him the calmness of all things as well. Enjoyment of such mornings were taken by him as they came, never taking for granted the feelings they provided.

            “Who is it?” Mole asked as he cracked the door a bit.

            “It’s me Mole, Junter.”

            “Ah, my son, come on in.” said Mole with a wide smile on his face. Mole was never one to turn away Junter, regardless of the day he was having. Not that Mole had too many bad days. His manner mainly was that of an easy going uncle. They had known each since Junter was a youngling.

            Walking in, there was a bit of a mess with maps to and fro, haphazardly about with measuring and digging tools of all sorts and kinds. It was evident that there was a plan going down. Digs were secret and extensively planned, the final result being explained in splendid animation and an avid listener.

            “Planning another adventure I see,” commented the young hare.

            “Yes, to be immortalized in due young hopper.” replied Mole as he poured tea for Junter who sat in a down armchair next to a fire that had found it’s slow pace in the fire place.

            “I have come to seek details about an adventure I have committed myself to Uncle Mole. Seems as my insides desire to seek what is beyond the border of the wood.”

            “Whatever for young one?”

            “To know beyond my current understanding uncle, so that I may know what is good apart from the limited present circumstances.”

            “But you have me.” Mole said as he sliced some cheese to go with the Frescetta he had prepared for Junter’s current visit. “What do you plan on doing with this knowledge that I haven’t already tried?”

            “That’s what I wish to find out uncle,” replied Junter. “Was also hoping to speak with Owl to see what advice he has to give as well.”

            “He is to be here shortly young one.”

            “Is he visiting to discuss how you two will combine the tales you two will have soon from both travels?”

            “Quite right. What he can’t see, I will help with and vice versa.”

            “When might I be able to help with such tales uncle?”

            “I suppose when you come back. The three of us will determine the state of the world together.”

            “Gladly uncle. Maybe we could even expand the wood in time.”

            “Not so fast. The wood only goes as far as its inhabitants will allow it.”

            Mole sat down on the opposite arm chair of similar quality, pouring tea into his cup. Junter topped his cup and set the pot of tea on the center table.

            “Perhaps we ought to decide which direction we each should go if we are to split or be simultaneous,” said Mole as he relaxed into the chair and set his feet onto the stool in front. “Though, of course we can cover much ground if we split.”

            “Would just need a list uncle, then I’m set with which ever direction is decided upon by you and Owl since you and he have been at this longer then I.”

            Mole thought about this as he sipped and stared into the lazy fire and feeling the warmth emanating from the source.

            “Let’s see what Owl says and we can make a determination from there young one,” said Mole after a few minutes of dwelling on the matter.

            “Ok uncle, sounds good to me. I hope he decides what I hope he does.”

            Both sat drinking tea and eating, talking about times of old as they enjoyed the warmth of the fire.