Within the confines of Cone and Faust's woven nest.
In the larger confines of the Arrowroot Road Dowt.
Vinegar returned and laid a well caught hare onto the
rough edged center stone.
Ready to be skinned, and prepared.

"You didn't have to go out of your way, but thank you Vinegar."

" I needed to take my claws out on something.
I've been working like an adult for
months and those old cats still don't trust me."

"Hunting out of spite, may have something to do with it."

Cone chided him, with some amusement.
Only earning a derisive snort from Vinegar.

"Dinner's still caught isn't it. Besides, they'd hold Basil and Badger
over my head even if I was sweet.
No one's more angry about their decision than I am, they're no better than rabbits,
frolicking and breeding with half a mind."



Silence hung. Faust was prompted to grow from his rest,
as Cone often faltered at Vinegar's moods.

"Come now dear, you know how they are. It's harmless chatter and nothing more"

"They call me the trouble, their trouble even."

Cone stood to his paws, as Faust circled the young cat to offer him comfort.

"...I can talk to Our cross, he's a level headed cat, traditional. I'm sure he'll appreciate the work you're putting in to contribute."

A notable puff rippled across Vinegar's shoulders. And ran all the way through his thin black tail.

"Y-You don't need to. They'll think I'm being coddled"

"Our cross putting out a good word for you will do the opposite, they'll have to see you differently."

Cone hesitated a moment, before licking Vinegar's forehead.

"....... I'll be back soon."

He sees Cone talk to Crossroads, who seems amused at being stopped by a lesser cat.
That cat, is as big as the pine trees. He could eat anyone alive.
Vinegar stiffens when The Cross's keen eye meets his across the distance of the Dowt.


swallowing embarrassment
the food he provided at his feet, Vinegar begins to slowly skin
it for dinner preparation.

"You have gentle paws, for someone who works when they're angry.
Taking shifts for the egg toll seems like work you're made for."

Faust soothes. And Vinegar nods absentmindedly, unable to tear his gaze away from what was happening.

"Yeah."