Russet woke shivering his mind still half-blanketed in sleep, he sat up in bed the covers sliding down and he wrapped his arms around himself. He could remember waking up, Leana, Eliki and then dreams, his mind shied from the dreams. He panted softly it was hot, much too hot and his pyjama's were sodden with sweat from his furry body. He unbuttoned his top and slipped his trousers off before pulling the covers back up and turning around. He almost cried out when he found himself looking into the sleeping features of Eliki but he was too tired and worn out to worry so wrapping his limbs around the snowkitten he was soon fast asleep once more.

Hours later, long after the sun had arisen Eliki woke with a soft mewling noise and blinked his eyes open to find to his surprise a naked yet comforting bundle of black fur wrapped around him peacefully fast asleep. Sighing softly Eliki allowed his paws to run gently through Russet's head fur, which caused the skunk to stir and mumble something before opening his eyes, and smiling up at Eliki.

"Morning Eliki," he said followed by a soft yawn as he snuggled closer and laid his head on the snowkitten's shoulder, "Thank you, both you and Leana I, I don't think I could have made it through last night on my own."

"Hush," Eliki said stroking the skunks head fur, "Don't talk about it, we don't it is over now and nothing to worry about."

Russet nodded and then seemed to realise exactly what kind of situation he was in, with a soft mewl of surprise he bunched a large portion of the cover up over himself.

"I, I'm sorry Eliki," Russet said, "I, I was hot so I, I didn't think, I, I." he got no further as Eliki's paw on his muzzle silenced him.

"Hush, it is ok Russet," Eliki said with a smile, "I've seen it before anyway." He finished with a grin that got him a muzzle full of pillow as Russet threw one at him.

"Well then you won't mind," Russet said bounding out of bed and pulling his towel around his waist, "If I use your bathroom first, I feel all icky and horrible." And with that he was out the door and before Eliki could follow their was a soft click, the sound of the lock on the bathroom being slid into place. Sighing Eliki made his way to his own room and wrapped his robe around himself before he descended the stairs and went into the kitchen to start making breakfast for himself and Russet, Leana having left for work several hours back.

Eliki placed some eggs and bacon in to fry and popped some bread in the toaster before wandering back upstairs to find the bathroom empty and Russet's door closed. Smiling Eliki went into the bathroom to shower and then dressed in a pair of denim shorts and a fawn coloured T-shirt as the day promised to be a delightfully hot summer's day. Making his way back downstairs Eliki found Russet buttering the toast quite happily humming to himself. Eliki paused in the doorway to admire Russets knee length blue shorts and a rather fetching red T-shirt with a black R painted on the front.

Russet caught his glance and smiled softly, "You saw enough of me earlier Eliki see to the bacon will you kitty." He chuckled softly as Eliki blushed under his fur and hurried over to check on the items he had put in to fry. A few minutes later the two friends were sitting down at the table to tuck into breakfast.

"So," Russet began looking up, "What is the plan for today then?"

Eliki grinned rather sheepishly at Russet, "I hope you don't mind but I wanted to finish your surprise. I mean you gave us both lovely gifts and my gift for you is not yet ready so I was thinking maybe you would like to take a walk around town for an hour or two and I'll have it finished in time for lunch." He said looking down at the table and fiddling with his fork.

Russet laughed, smiling broadly at Eliki, "Of course I don't mind, I want to see what the big secret is, I'll take a walk into town gawk at some of the sites, go over the bridge maybe and be back here in time for lunch."

Eliki smiled, "That is great I was worried you'd think I was a bad host or something," he said looking relieved.

Russet chuckled and walked around to Eliki's side of the table to give him a hug. "After the way you looked after me last night how could I think that?"

"Well I was still worried," Eliki said, "But I am very relieved you think otherwise."

So half an hour later Russet bid Eliki farewell and with sunglasses in place headed off along Apple Avenue away from the Snowkittens house and into the town of Phoenixbrook. It was eleven o'clock when he left and he had two and a half-hours until he was due to be back to have lunch with Eliki and Leana. As it was a Saturday Leana only worked a half- day until one and then they were going to take Russet somewhere special though no amount of prodding or coaxing had managed to entice the secret from Eliki. Eliki had suggested Russet head down towards the water front and the Friday Craft market in the Town Square, so humming softly to himself the skunk followed Eliki's directions and soon found himself wandering down Riverfront Boulevard and into the bustling, stall filled town square. Russet wandered from stall to stall looking at the oriental foods and spices, the textiles and rugs on display, he stopped and perused along the bakery stall for a good five minutes before buying himself a cream filled pastry horn. As he was passing along the central lane, passed a couple of empty stalls a voice hailed him from off to the left.

"Heeeeeeeeey, it's you isn't it?" the voice called out and turning Russet saw a white furred, red haired snowkitten waving at him from behind a stall selling what looked like home-made jewellery. Before Russet could reply she had leaped over the stall's edge and run up to Russet enfolding him in a hug, "Yes I thought I recognised you from the paper, Eliki and Leana have been telling me all about you, I was hoping they'd bring you down to the market." She looked around. "Where are they?"

"Uhm they had engagements this morning so I decided to take a walk down to the market and then meet them for lunch." Russet said slightly bewildered.

"Oh of course, Eliki is probably trying to finish his surprise for you he was telling me all about it, it sounds really nice." The snowkitten said and Russet blinked in shock to find that he had been quite nicely guided over to stand in front of her stall. His eyes traversed it quickly and stopped on a bracelet made from Lapis Lazuli and he smiled laying a paw on it.

"This is lovely uhm Miss?" he said

The snowkitten smiled before wandering back behind the stall, "Oh I'm Andrina surely Leana or Eliki must have mentioned me?" she said smiling at Russet who was fingering the bracelet.

"No, no they did not well it is lovely to meet you Andrina," He said then held up the Bracelet, "How much is this one?"

Andrina chuckled and told Russet the price and he happily bought it and slipped it onto his right wrist admiring it in the light, "It is lovely Andrina this whole town is." He smiled at her, "I only arrived yesterday I am sure Eliki and Leana would have mentioned you sooner or later I am here all week."

Andrina nodded and smiled, "I know its great that you came to visit and it's an honour to meet you, its not every day you get to meet the Grand Duke of most of Southern Aredria." She said with a grin coming back out from behind the stall, "Come on I'll show you around the market, there is bound to be something you will like."

"Why thank you Andrina but what about your stall?" Russet asked.

"Ah no worries," Andrina said with a smile before turning to look at the slim racoon on the stall next to hers, "Hey Rich, keep an eye on mine for me, won't be long."

Rich the rather bored looking teenage Racoon waved and nodded and then Andrina was tugging Russet along behind her. The two spent a good hour wandering about the market and russet bought several small ornamental pieces that caught his eye and a small cushion lined with lambs' wool on both sides. After the hour was up Andrina sadly had to make her way back to work not wanting to leave Rich to have to deal with two stores on his own much longer as the market started to get busier in the lunch time period.

"Take care now Russet dear and I'll see you later in the week I am sure," Andrina said waving.

"You to Andrina, was nice to meet you," Russet said back, he paused for a minute looked around and smiled, "I think I'll try and find that store you mentioned the Lazy Dragon sounds like an interesting place."

"It is you'll love it I promise, take care now," Andrina said and departed into the crowds filling the Town Square.

Russet waved one last time and set off away from the Square and down a small cobbled street leading around the base of a hill. Russet wandered along quite happily looking up at the architecture of the buildings on either side. After about fifteen minutes Russet stopped and looks around him a frown creasing his forehead. "This can't be right." he murmured to himself. He was standing about a third of the way down a dark shadowed street, the buildings overhanging, blocking out most of the light. "Teach me to not look were I am going," Russet muttered looking back the way he came but it all looked the same to him, red brick walls and over hanging eaves. As he looked behind him he saw a dark figure stride out at an intersection part way back and Russet hurried forwards.

"Excuse me!" he called out, "Can you help I seem to have got slightly lost." The skunk paused as the figure stopped and turned to face him, black coat flaring around his legs as he turned to face him. Russet blinked in surprise to find himself face to face with a black furred feline, lithe, athletic with red and black head fur tied into a ponytail and a long brown tail. He bore all the signs of a snowkitten and yet his appearance was the complete opposite to any of the snowmews he'd met before hand.

The dark feline looked the skunk over and his face split into a sly grin. "Now this is a surprise I did not think Leana and her precious brother would let you out of their site," he said softly as Russet stopped in his tracks and stared in surprise at this hostile reaction. "Traitors both of them or did they think I would not find out who you are Vardenai, your kind are not welcome here in Phoenixbrook and it will be my pleasure to do my duty and remove you."

Russet drew himself up to his full height and glared at the feline before him. "Now just see here, I have every right to be here and I do not take kindly to being spoken to in such a manner, How dare you presume an opinion of me based on a five hundred year old superstition." He snapped at the feline but he only grinned wider at the skunk and flexed his paws.

"You are not safe in the borders of you lands now Vardenai, you're in my town and I will see you punished for your invasion."

"Invasion! Your Town" Russet shouted, "Who do you think." he got no further as the snowkitten before him flexed his paws at him and a psychic blast knocked the skunk backwards off his feet sending his bags flying. Russet lay on his back for a moment listening to the clinking as the stones from his new bracelet bounced off the cobblestones. Russet looked up into the grey eyes of the kitten as he loomed above him.

"I am Jarret, the true Snowkitten of Phoenixbrook and you will pay.." He got no further as without even lifting a paw Russet slammed Jarret backwards down the street. Spinning in the air Jarret righted himself and was about to touch down on his foot paws when he let loose a piercing cry as his brown furred tail snapped out behind him pulling him up into the air to leave him dangling painfully from nothing in mid- air. Glaring at the snowkitten Russet stood back up dusting himself off.

"How dare you," he said bringing his paws together in front of his chest, holding them a couple of inches apart, the air in between seemed to glow blue for a second before the skunk thrust his paws forwards. Jarret cried out as he felt something hit him in the chest and he flew through the air for at least six feet before hitting the cobbles hard. Before he could move he felt something tug on his tail once more as another blast hit him in the stomach winding him as he slid along the cobbles to land in a heap upside down against the wall at the intersection between this street and the next.

Jarret shook his head and tried to stand but found he could not move struggling he tried to bring his power to bear but cried out in pain as something squashed it. "None of that," a female voice sad softly and blinking his eyes he focussed on the frowning features of Andrina.

"Release me!" Jarret snapped, "How dare you interfere."

"It is not me," She said simply jerking her head down the street. Straining Jarret could just see Russet picking up his bags in the street and Leana walking towards them, a couple of minutes later she was crouching down by Jarret's head. "What?" She said, "Possessed you to attack Russet?"

"Traitor," he shouted, "Release me now or you will pay," before Leana could speak Russet's voice broke in as he came to stand besides the two emales, his shopping bags in one paw and the ruined remains of his bracelet in the other.

"If you actually listened to the powers here Jarret," the skunk said in contempt, "You would know it is me holding you, I will not be so insulted Jarret, there was no reason for you to attack me."

"There is every reason," Jarret began.

"There is no reason," Leana snapped glaring down at him, "No reason what so ever."

Andrina had taken the bracelet from Russet and was looking at it, "I can fix this for you if you'd like Russet?" she offered.

"Thank you Andrina, Leana shall we go, Eliki will be worried?" Russet said in reply ignoring the black furred bundle at their feet.

"Yes, let us," Leana said softly glaring down at Jarret.

The three began to walk down the street away from Jarret and struggling against his bonds he called out after them. "Let me go, you coward come back and finish this."

"It is finished Jarret you lost," Russet said calmly not even stopping or looking back, "The bonds will fade in about five minutes, do not come after me again."

"This is not finished Skunk, this is not finished." Jarret shouted after them but Russet just sighed and walked on.

Ten minutes later the three found themselves out on Riverside Boulevard where they stopped just outside the alley they had emerged from under the shade of a tree to talk.

"How did you know?" Russet asked turning to face the two snowkittens.

"I got out of work early and was passing through the market place when Andrina called me and said you had been there and were going to the Lazy Dragon so I started after and then we both felt a surge of power." Leana said placing a paw on Russet's arm and turning him to face her.

"Are you ok? Did he hurt you?" Andrina asked worriedly.

"No I am fine thank you both for coming so quickly," Russet said his paws shaking softly and then he sat down or rather collapsed down onto his behind on the pavement.

"Russet!" Leana cried out kneeling down next to him and holding his hand and looking into his glazed eyes.

"He's is most likely in shock," Andrina said bending down to place a hand on the skunk's forehead, suddenly he blinked and looked around wildly before sinking back against the tree trunk shivering softly.

"So, sorry if I startled you Leana, Its just that I've never been attacked like that before really I guess it is catching up with me."

Leana helped Russet back to his feet after a couple of minutes and with an arm around his shoulders smiled softly at Andrina before speaking, "I should have guessed your visit would have been eventful Russet, dear lets get home and have lunch and I'm sure you'll feel better."

Russet nodded and the two began to set off down the street. "See you both this evening with Eliki, later," Andrina called after them and was gone.

"This evening?" Russet asked hesitantly looking at Leana.

"Yes this evening but you will have to wait and see." Leana said with a chuckle guiding Russet towards a small footpath that would take them through a tunnel under a hill and out into Apple Avenue. The pair walked into the tunnel entrance and Russet cooed in awe at the site that met his eyes. The tunnel stretched out before them a long straight pathway of shimmering white stone but it was the walls and ceiling curving above them in an arch that made the skunk stop and stare.

"It, it is wonderful." Russet breathed softly walking out into the centre of the pathway staring up at the glowing crystal ceiling. All along the tunnel pale golden light shone down upon them from the golden blocks that made up the curving expanse of the tunnel. Russet walked a few more steps into the tunnel and then paused again as a soft gentle yet mournful sound reached his ears. "Leana!" he exclaimed, "The tunnel. it is singing."

Leana nodded and came to stand next to Russet, "Yes The Tunnel of the Golden Song" she said softly. "No one knows how it works or why but the song is always there and the light as well," she paused and shook her head sadly, "But if anyone ever knew what the song was they have forgotten it."

"I know this song Leana," Russet said softly as they walked further down the tunnel. Leana froze as did one a couple of mice and a squirrel that were passing them in the tunnel. "It is the Lament of the Northern Stars" the skunk said softly as they reached the point in the tunnel where the song was loudest, he paused and suddenly spun around in a slow circle letting his tail sway out behind him and then to the gathering crowd's amazement he started to sing.

The skunk closed his eyes suddenly stopped spinning as his words echoed around the tunnel and the light and song seemed to grow louder and brighter. He brought his paws in front of his chest and with a soft sound a silvery blue light appeared between his paws before spiralling around himself. As he lifted his head in song once more he began a softly weaving dance around the small circle that had opened up around him in the gathered furs. Eyes closed arms spread and his light mingling with the golden glow of the tunnel, Russet sang softly words that melded and wove themselves around the endless melody flowing from the stones of the tunnel. Leana watching the skunk dance and sing she found herself crying, tears running down her cheeks and dripping from her whiskers and she noticed that she was not the only one. All around the citizens of Phoneixbrook were caught up by the beautiful yet saddening melody, "The Lament for the Northern Stars." Wiping tears from her eyes Leana started as she noticed that Russet was dancing but not on the ground but at least two feet from the floor. The skunk spun in one last weaving pirouette and stopped tear filled eyes locked with Leana's for a moment and then he brought his paws together and he began to fade into the silver light.

"Russet!" Leana shouted started forwards but her cry fell flat against the shattering crescendo of the song as with a flare the light from the skunk merged with that coming from the walls of the tunnel.

"Worry Not Leana, I will be at yours, find me there." Russet's voice echoed in her mind and then he was gone leaving behind the faint sighing melody of the tunnel but the light had changed, no longer was it the soft white light of before now it was laced with the silvery blue light that had surrounded the skunk. The people who had gathered were now milling in confusion at what had just happened and one or two of them recognising a Snowkitten came up to Leana to ask what had just happened.

"The tunnel has been awoken," Leana said softly but her voice carried to all those in the tunnel, "Russet Vardenai has restored it to what it must used to have been when Phoenixbrook was first built."

"A Vardenai?" a young female squirrel said in surprise, "A Vardenai has returned to Phoenixbrook? Then maybe the prophecy is true."

"What prophecy?" Leana said suddenly turning to face her.

"It is said that when a Vardenai makes the tunnel shine and the people cry the first of the lost arcana will be restored to the towns people." She said firmly, "I read it on an inscription in the church vault."

Leana nodded and smiled softly to herself, "Well it looks me and Eliki made a good choice in becoming friends with Russet, now if you will excuse me I must away to home." She said and with that she hurried off down the tunnel and out into the street where she and Eliki lived and quickly made her way up the stairs and into the house.

Entering the living room Leana found russet sunk into a chair his paws wrapped around a cold glass of orange juice with several ice cubes clinking in it as he brought it up to drink from. Eliki was knelt next to him but he quickly got up and hurried over to face Leana when he caught sight of her.

"What has been happening out there?" he demanded, "First there was a whole barrage of energy and then there was a steady build up and an explosive flash and Russet was wavering on the doorstep."

Leana drew Eliki off to one side casting a worried glance at Russet but he just waved and smiled. Leana told Eliki about what had happened in the alley way with Jarret and then about Russet's behaviour in the Apple Lane Tunnel. Eliki whistled softly in amazement and turned back to face the skunk. "He really is something isn't he?" he asked softly.

"But he will need out help Eliki," Leana said gravely, "With Jarret after him and after his display this morning most of the town will soon know that there is a highly powerful skunk in town. I fear some of Phoenixbrook's less desirable practitioners of the mystical arts may raise their heads from the woodwork."

Eliki nodded and walked back over to kneel next to Russet. "Are you ok?" he asked softly laying a paw on the skunks shoulder.

"Yes, Thank you Eliki, and you Leana I am fine just a bit shaken, I do not know what came over me in the tunnel and I must thank you again Leana for coming when Jarret attacked."

"It was my pleasure Russet, and in some ways my duty, I am just sorry that your first day in Phoenixbrook has been wrought with such unusual happenings, the Skiryks, Jarret and now the tunnel though for that I think we ourselves should be thanking you."

Russet shook his head and smiled softly, "Not at all Leana, nothing to apologise for, it is a real honour to be here in Phoenixbrook and anything she might throw at me will not deter me or detract from my visit. I had a lovely time this morning and I am sure this Jarret character would have tried to attack me eventually and I am sure you have much more planned for me." He said smiling at them both.

Leana sank into a chair and smiled at Russet. "Well you sit there and relax for a bit while I get changed, then I am sure Eliki will want to give you your surprise and then we are heading north of the river across the bridge. We want to show you some of our favourite places in the north of the town."

"That would be lovely Leana," Russet said with a smile, "I'll probably change as well."

"Me too," Eliki said with a grin, "now you sit there Russet and I'll be right back."

Eliki and Leana went upstairs and laying his head back against the headrest Russet let his eyes close and his breathing lighten. Dozing softly Russet only stirred when he felt a paw on his shoulder and a voice call his name.

"Russet, wake up."

Opening his eyes he smiled up at Leana and then turned his eyes to Eliki who was hanging back holding onto a large covered rectangular object. Leana was dressed in a soft green bathrobe and her head fur was dripping slightly and motioning Eliki forwards she went and sat in here chair.

"Uhm, I made this for you Russet," Eliki said blushing as he shoved the rectangle under the skunk's nose. Smiling Russet took the object and untied the string holding the white canvas in place. Pulling the cover off Russet found himself holding a silver picture frame. Russet gasped as he turned the frame around and saw secured behind the glass was a hand drawn portrait of himself.

"Eliki," Russet said softly running a paw along the picture, "This is amazing, thank you, but you did not have to do this." he trailed off looking at the feline with a broad smile on his face.

"Eliki blushed and hugged Russet suddenly, "I wanted to do something special for you, you've been a great friend and besides you can add it to your collection in the gallery back home."

Russet smiled happily and hugged Eliki back smiling over at Leana who had a small smile on her muzzle, "Thank you Eliki I will treasure it always." He said and then turning back to the snowkitten he gave his nose a quick lick and smiled as Eliki pulled back a bit and blinked in surprise. "Now should I change if we are going out this evening?" he asked.

Stretching Leana stood up and smiled at the two males, "That might be an idea we are going to a favourite restaurant of ours this evening, feel free to use the bathroom of course." She said smiling.

Russet untangled his arms from around Eliki and jumped up smiling, "Thanks Leana" He said with a smile pushing Eliki gently down into his vacated seat before he started to bound up the stairs.

"Hey you get back here, I want it first," Eliki shouted scrambling up and hurrying up the stairs after the skunk, he caught up with him on the landing and tried to tackle him but he missed and hit the carpet with a soft thud. Looking up he groaned as he heard the bathroom door click shut. "No fair," he muttered to himself as he picked himself up.

"You know," Leana said as she reached the top of the stairs, "It is big enough that you could have both used it," she said with a grin.

Eliki blushed furiously and turned away to look at the floor, "Leana." he muttered.

Laughing Leana shook her head, ruffled her twin brothers head fur and went into her room. Sighing softly Eliki looked back at the bathroom door as the sound of running water reached his ears and then he went down the stairs to start on lunch.

Russet took a nice long shower letting the water run through his fur rinsing the accumulated dust from his activities in the town, letting the water wash them away. Smiling softly as he remembered his time in town and the gift Eliki had painted for him he massaged the shampoo into his fur and then rinsed himself off.

After his Shower Russet wrapped a towel around his waist and wandered out onto the landing and into his bedroom. Locking the door he let his towel drop and set about drying his fur with the hand held fur dryer he had brought with him. Once his fur was dry Russet stood up and opened the wardrobe where he had stored his clothes. Russet pulled out a green shirt and a pair beige trousers; he then looped a soft silk scarf around his neck as well in a pale blue colour.

Once he had dressed Russet headed downstairs to the kitchen to find Eliki setting some food down onto the table, "Hey kitty," Russet said jovially as he walked into the room. "Hmm those look nice." Russet sat down looking over the sandwiches and crisps Eliki had prepared for lunch

"Glad your feeling better Skunkie but now I need to change as well, tuck in and I'm sure Leana will be right along." Eliki said and then left the room.

Russet followed orders and tucked into the sandwiches before him and it was not long until Leana came back down as well, dressed in a black skirt and purple blouse she joined Russet at the table and they both tucked into the meal Eliki had prepared for them chatting softly. Though Leana like Eliki refused to tell Russet anything about what they had planned for the evening. About ten minutes later Eliki came back downstairs dressed in a pair of navy blue trousers and a dark red long sleeved shirt. He sat down at the table and smiled at them both.

"So Russet are you ready for a night out in Phoenixbrook?" he asked

"Well I would be Eliki if it wasn't three thirty in the afternoon." Russet said with some puzzlement.

Leana laughed and stood up stacking plates, "When was the last time you went out Russet?" she asked kindly.

"Months ago, before Orona left on his trip. Why?" Russet responded standing up and helping Leana shuttle plates over to the sink.

"You'll see Russet, you'll see," Eliki said as he filled the sink with water, "It will be a nice night, I promise you."

So after they had successfully cleaned up the lunch items the three furs left the snowkitten's house and taking a short cut through the Apple Tunnel they stopped to admire Russet's work there along with a quite substantial crowd of townspeople. Russet hung behind the two kittens trying to remain unobtrusive until they had passed the groups of admiring citizens some whom even recognised the snowkittens and called out to them for answers.

Once clear of the tunnel Russet relaxed feeling safe for now and vowing to never let his emotions run away with his power again in such a way. The trio passed across the now empty Market Square and up the wide street leading towards the bridge over the Phoenix River. And what a bridge it was, from a distance it dominated the River Line but up close it was a marvel of engineering, an aesthetic masterpiece, tall curving girders, straight rivet studded supports, several hundred thousand tons of pure steel arching its way across the river. Linking the two sides of the countries greatest town together.

"This is amazing," Russet whispered in awe as he crossed the bridge, "Never have I seen something so striking, at a distance it looks impressive but up close, well I don't know how to describe it."

"Thank you Russet," Leana said as the three walked along the left side of the bridge above the slowly moving waters of the river. About five minutes later the group left the bridge behind and began to descend a small hill into a large square at the base of the hill. Russet looked around in awe at what he saw. In front of him was Phoenixbrook town hall, clock tower rising high and chiming out the half-hour. Four thirty in a sound like angelic trumpets. Granite grey and black carved in ancient medieval patterns and frescoes, Gargoyles, little towers with battlements. To the right the square opened up into a wide boulevard tree lined and pedestrian's only as it curved along the river embankment. But it was the building to the left that caught Russet's breath the most and made him stop and stare.

There in front of him was the world famous Phoenixbrook train station, Hub of Aredria's Magnople train network, a tall slender front of a rose tinted stone interspersed with niches and alcoves containing statues and ornaments. At either end of the front façade two tall crystal towers rose glittering rose in the early evening sunlight. Leana catching Russet's apparent enrapture with the station took his paw and led him over the square to the station entrance. The tall archway loomed in front of the Skunk; a golden sandstone tunnel leading into the archaic yet modernised station. Russet was so busy staring at the ceiling that it was not until he was halfway towards the centre of the main concourse that he did not at first see the floor, but when he did he froze still and stared about him in amazement.

The floor was made up of Blue/purple coloured flagstones but as he watched people walking across them they changed colour. Laughing at Russet's amazement Leana span out in front of him and danced around on them darting from flagstone to flagstone gracefully making the floor cycle through its colours as she danced around on it. Laughing and clapping his hands Russet quickly joined in and soon unable to resist Eliki joined them in their capering over the flagstone floor of the station. Laughing Russet spun around leaping from stone to stone weaving in and out between the two felines. After a few minutes the three stopped holding onto each other laughing and wheezing to get their breath back.

"That was fun," Russet said with a smile, "and this place is amazing, it is such a perfect mix of gothic architecture and modern institutions."

Chuckling Leana stretched letting the other two go as she stood on her own feet again, "I love this place it is so much fun." She said smiling.

"You just like the floor stones Leana," Eliki accused with a smile, "But come we'll be late if we don't hurry."

Russet followed the two snowkittens as they went back out of the station and crossed the Town Square towards the River front Boulevard under the shade of the trees. After the trio had been walking along the boulevard for about ten minutes Russet caught site of a large flower shop with many blooms on show in the windows and out on the street in front.

"Hang on a minute," Russet called out suddenly stopping in front of it and placing a paw on Leana's shoulder. "I want to go in here."

"Hmm what? Why?" she asked but Russet had already gone into the shop and was walking over towards the counter and the female skunk standing behind it.

Smiling Russet walked up to the skunk behind the counter, "Hi, there," She said pleasantly, "can I help at all?"

"Yes do you have any lilies in store?" Russet asked,

"Yes of course, what type?" the lady, asked.

"Three white, a blue a rose and a one of them Rose with the yellow inside petals if possible." Russet asked politely.

"Certainly sir," she said and began to wrap the requested flowers into a bouquet with a tissue paper wrapping around their stems. Just as Russet was closing the sale and handing over his money to the skunk when suddenly a ball of light wafted gently in front of them.

"What the." Russet began in surprise stepping back. The ball span before them colours rippling across its surface.

"Eliki!" the skunk called out frowning over Russet's shoulder, "What are you up to?"

Turning to face the snowkitten the bouquet of lilies in paw Russet smiled, "What are you up to?" he echoed.

Eliki just smiled and moved a paw crosswise across his body and suddenly the glowing sphere split into a dozen different singular spheres in a variety of colours, which suddenly began to spin around Russet and the other skunk in the store.

"Why ever would I be up to anything, Russet, Laura," Eliki said laughing softly.

Giggling slightly Laura tried to escape from the spiral of bubbles surrounding them both, and Russet attempted to dodge left as well but the bubbles just followed them. Wrapping around them tickling and ruffling their fur before they all popped in a shower of multicoloured petals which drifted to the floor.

Laura ran past Russet and gave Eliki and hug and Russet followed as well. "Thanks Eliki that was great." She cried happily stepping back.

Laughing Russet hugged Eliki as well giving his nose a quick lick; "You always surprise Eliki, always."

Chuckling Eliki blushed softly giving Laura a hug back, "Well its always nice to see you Laura, but if we don't hurry we'll be late and Andrina's waiting, we are late as it is Russet?" Eliki asked with a question in his eyes.

"They are for tomorrow Eliki," the skunk said as they all walked back out of the shop, "I'll was hoping of you did not mind that we could go to the church and the graveyard tomorrow morning?" he finished the question hanging in the air.

"Of course we can, Russet dear," Leana said smiling as she re-joined them, "We can stop by their tomorrow on out way out of the east gates, we were planning on taking you out into the fields to the east and north of the town, you should like it." She finished as she greeted Laura.

"Well you three have fun now you hear," Laura said with a smile, "And I'll see you in the market on Tuesday Eliki," and with that she went back inside her shop.

The three carried on down the street for another ten minutes and then they were met by an excited Andrina just at the head of a small pier leading out into the river, at the end of the pier was a large, single story building of white marble.

"Your late," She shouted happily embracing them all in turn, "No let's hurry or Greg might not be able to keep our table, you know how hard it is to get a reservation at the River Dome."

"The River Dome?" Russet enquired softly as he released Andrina from their hug, "What is the river dome?"

"The River Dome my friend," Eliki said with a smile, "Is the greatest restaurant in Phoenixbrook, we had reservations for tonight for a party of four, Andrina's friend Greg is a waiter there and he helped us to get them."

Russet beamed and taking Leana's arm in his set them off at a brisk pace towards the building at the end of the pier. "Then let us go, I want to see, it sounds like an intriguing restaurant."

Laughing and joking the three friends made there way down the pier and into the restaurant where the concierge at the front desk confronted them. He was a tall dark furred otter, dressed in an immaculate suit. "Yes?" he inquired in a flat voice, "How may I aid you three?" he finished glancing over them with a disdainful eye.

"I have a reservation, in the name of Andrina," the female snowkitten said stepping forwards.

The concierge did not even bother to look at his ledger, "I'm sorry but you are late, your reservation was not held and the table was given to someone waiting, we cannot fit you in tonight." He said with a barely hidden smile.

"Now just see here." Leana began but Russet's arm on her shoulder quietened her.

"Let me," He murmured and stepped forwards, "Before you make up your mind Le Concierge," He said in an imperial sounding tone, seeming to stand taller and take on a more noble, imperious manner then his normal frame set. "Take a look at this," he held out a small plastic card that glittered with the sheen of holograms and a chip shimmered silver under the lights.

The concierge took the card and sneered at Russet,

"Why should I look at your ID card, sir?" he asked with contempt and made as if to throw it back but his paw froze as Russet stared at him with his piercing blue gaze.

"Why do you not read it on your scanner, you may change your mind." Russet said his eyes seemed to glow softly for a moment and before he knew what he was doing the concierge had inserted the card into the small reader on his stand and pressed the button. The large screen on his stand and behind him on the wall lit up and a display of Russet's information came into focus.

Citizens Identity Card
Aredria
Issued by the Ducal Governance of the Duchy of Vardenai
The bearer of this card is
His Grace
Russet ti Nostor ei Vardenai
Grand Duke of Vardenai

The concierge stared at his screen in shock while behind the group of four the other furs who had since entered the restaurant whispered at one another in shock.

"Your grace," The concierge said at last pulling the card out and handing it back looking slightly shocked and wild eyes, "Please follow me and I apologise." The concierge quickly escorted them into the restaurant and across to a table situated in the grand bay window looking out on the river. Lit from below the River presented and eerie yet enchanting site with the bridge illuminated to the right and the southern part of the town spread out before them glowing softly as it spread across the hills. Smiling Russet held out a seat for Leana and Eliki did the same for Andrina before settling down themselves. Russet turned to face the hovering concierge.

"Please ask if Greg would serve as our waiter for the evening, I must thank him for suggesting this lovely establishment to me." He said levelly glancing quickly at Andrina who smiled broadly knowing that the concierge for bringing such an important person into his restaurant would praise Greg. "If I like what I see I may just leave my charter mark with you." Russet finished and turned to face Eliki knowing that the concierge would be beaming behind. "At once your Grace," he said before he hurried off.

"Russet." Eliki said in awe looking out of the window, "You got us the best table, do you know how hard it is to get this?"

Russet smiled, "Well I have this title I might as well use it to help my friends like I have said before." Looking around Russet noted that all the staff appeared to be otters, he mentioned this and Leana nodded.

"The restaurant is run by a family of otters, The Levinska family their Holt is underneath us in the river as well, Will you really give them your recommendation?" She asked.

"I might, depends on how nice the food and service is, thou they'll have to work hard to make up for the concierges actions and I intend for him to know that." Russet said smiling.

"Russet," Leana chided softly, "That is cruel and will attract unwarranted attention to you as well."

"It is too late to worry about that, Jarret knows I am here and he is no doubt telling everyone he can that I am skulking about, if I appear out in the open his rumours become unfounded. The snowkittens and the Vardenai had entered into a new alliance of friendship and to celebrate you have invited me here to spend some time with you. We can tell that to any nosing reporters but I doubt we'll see any." The skunk said confidently.

"Why not?" Eliki asked.

"Reporters know better then to bother me, they know to contact my Ducal Secretary back in Velles if they wish an interview." He responded but said no more as a rather handsome otter in his early twenties walked up to their table smiling happily and arm wrapped Andrina in a hug.

"You never said your special guest was an aristocrat and not just any aristocrat the recluse Grand Duke of Vardenai at that." He said smiling at Russet. "Your grace welcome, how may I serve you this evening?" he said to Russet handing out menus to them all.

After a lengthy perusal and debate the group ordered their food and drinks and after the other patrons had got over the fact that there was a duke in the restaurant and returned to their own companions they settled down to eat and drink and joke and laugh and enjoy themselves. Throughout the meal the concierge came past to see if they were enjoying themselves but one of them dismissed him. But whenever Greg stopped by his brown fur glittering in the lights they would stop him to thank him loudly and praise his service to them though Andrina did accuse Russet of admiring his lithe body a tad too much. But Greg just smiled and said if the skunk wanted to admire him he could and turned a circle for him lifting his tail and allowing him to view him. Russet murmured that it wasn't a bad sight making the otter blush but the good natured laughter of the skunk set him at ease.

As they lingered over dessert they discussed what their next move would be. Andrina suggested the make their way to the 'Cat Nip' a nightclub about three streets in from the river. The others agreed that it would be a great idea and after finishing off their desserts they called for the bill which brought the concierge over with Greg agging along behind him looking annoyed that his hard work was no doubt going to be claimed by the elder otter.

Standing up Russet looked frostily at the otter before him but his look was ignored as the concierge stated that it was their honour to serve him and his guests and the meal was on the house. At the request of the Matron, Madame Levinska and it was then that Russet noticed the elderly grey furred female otter standing over by the doors to the kitchen frowning at them. Ignoring the concierge Russet walked forwards and embraced Greg before stepping back and pulling two items from his small shoulder bag. One was a small silver medallion with the crest of Vardenai engraved upon it and the other was a piece of hand written parchment.

"I would like to thank Greg Levinska and the entire Levinska Holt for their sterling service here this evening. It has been a pleasure despite the rude behaviour of the concierge upon our arrival to dine here tonight and I am happy to award this restaurant the Vardenai Charter Mark." Russet said smiling handing Greg the parchment, a pre signed charter right which would enable them to claim a large sized Vardenai crest and have it on display in their restaurant. "And secondly I would like to award Greg Levinska the Crest of Service for making our visit here an extremely enjoyable one beyond any level I might have imagined possible after the initial reaction of the concierge." As he said his last word and looped the medallion around Greg's neck the otter blushed furiously and the restaurant erupted into applause led by the elderly Matron of the Levinska Holt who was smiling happily and nodded her thanks when she caught Russet's eye. The only one not applauding was the concierge but Russet could not have cared less about that arrogant and undeserving otter.

After saying a good bye to Greg and bowing towards Madame Levinska Russet and his four friends left the restaurant in a dignified calm manner which lasted until they were out of earshot where they promptly fell about laughing.

"Did you see his face?" Eliki asked bending double with laughter, "Did you?"

"Yes, yes oh Russet that was marvellous" Andrina said hugging him, "the way he looked, he's needed the wind taken out of his sails for months but I don't think anyone could have done it better. Well done."

"Well I had help, you all helped throughout the meal." Russet said modestly blushing.

Laughing and congratulating each other for a job well the four friends made their way along the pier and across the street and made their way towards the 'Cat Nip' club which Leana was telling Russet was mainly underground. One level at ground level and then a large cavern like dance floor with niches and alcoves all around the edges and a great bar open until late and a DJ who knew what he was doing as well.

Ten minutes later they joined the queue waiting outside of nondescript door set into the wall of a small single story building, above it a flashing blue sign shone above it displayed the words 'Cat Nip'. After about five minutes the bouncer waved them through the doorway a tall muscled badger. The group stopped by the cloakroom first to deposit their coats and Russet had his bouquet taken by them as well. The group then made their way down the spiral staircase and Russet smiled as he got his first look out over the Cat Nip's main dance floor. The cavern appeared to have been formed natural and then just built over. At one end the bar stood with furs gathered around it, there were more furs out filling the dance floor. Around the room small niches and alcoves held tables and benches for furs to sit in when they were tired from dancing.

The night passed with music and drink four young friends who here in this place could forget their cares and duties for just a few hours and enjoy themselves. About two and a half hours after they arrived Russet shook himself as a song wound to an end and smiled at Leana he brushed his sweat soaked head fur out of his eyes and pointed at the bar and then the alcoves. She nodded understanding his meaning but she and Andrina began to dance to the next song and Eliki had made a break for the rest room. Weaving his way through the crowds Russet made his way to the bar and bought himself a Malibu and coke before making his way over to the alcoves and finding himself an empty table sat down on the padded bench lying his head back and breathing softly. It was hot almost humid inside the club now with so many furs there and he was sweating quite a lot so he unbuttoned the top couple of buttons on his shirt and sipped his drink.

A shadow fell across him blocking out the lights and he looked up to find Eliki leaning on the table head fur ruffled and out of place by the dancing, he grinned at Russet then sat down on the bench and scooted up close to him. He mistimed and bump Russet making his drink slosh over onto his wrist.

"Heeee," Eliki said suddenly arm wrapping Russet in a hug and snuggling close placing his muzzle next to his ear so Russet could hear him better over the loud beat. "I think I may have had one to many."

Russet mewed out a soft reply as he was sucking the liquid out of his fur before it soaked in, "Me too, 'tis hot down here Kitty," he murmured softly placing his empty cup down on the table.

Eliki nodded and laid his head on Russet shoulder, "it is yes, hotter the usual which is a bit odd." He smiled up at the skunk and met his gaze, their eyes locked and he let loose a soft mewling noise and leaning up placed a soft kiss on the skunks nose.

Russet drew back surprise and blinked at Eliki looking back the awaiting snowkitten, he was unsure what to do, he was drunk and not in his best mind but Eliki was cute and well. He let his thought trail off and leaning forwards planted a soft kiss back on Eliki's muzzle brushing his lips gently and letting his paws drift across his arms to stroke his fur. Russet began to draw back but Eliki's paw was suddenly behind his head stroking his fur and holding him close into their kiss. Russet felt the felines tongue pressing against his lips and parted them allowing the questing tongue to slip inside and meet his own where they tangled together softly.

How long they kissed he could not be sure but eventually they drew back smiling shyly at each other their paws softly stroking the others fur. Eliki brought his paw around Russet's shoulder running his claws through his fur and then down across his neck to rest against the light material of his shirt. He smiled as he felt the skunk shiver in delight at the stroking and leaned forwards to whisper in his ear again. "If you are hot Skunkie dear." he whispered as his claws deftly undid several more buttons on the skunk's shirt.

Russet shivered softly feeling the kitten undo his shirt button by button, he let his paws drift across the felines own shirt releasing buttons as it past until it hung open revealing his chest and stomach like his own did. Leaning forwards he ran his paws up through the kittens fur and then over his back to rest on his shoulders. He reached up with his muzzle and kissed the kitten again like before but as he kissed his paws gripped the shirt and pushed it softly back over the kittens shoulders to fall down his arms and he felt the feline do the same to him. His shirt sliding over his fur. As they broke the kiss again and released their hold on each other their shirts slipped off to lie behind them on the bench.

"Is this safe?" Eliki murmured suddenly looking into the skunk's eyes.

Suddenly they both seemed to become aware of the thudding beat of the music and crowd of furs out on the dance floor. Though they were hidden in the darkness anyone could walk in. Together without speaking they raised a paw and a shimmering barrier seemed to form for a moment around the archway. They could see out but they knew that from the outside it would appear to be part of the wall.

"It is now Kitty," Russet said softly turning back to face his friend, he let his paw linger for a moment on the felines cheek stroking it softly before turning and wrapping his legs behind his waist and pulling himself closer to him and kissing him again.

Leana paused panting hard and leaning on Andrina as the song wound to an end, she was looking around trying to spot both Russet and her brother they had wandered off awhile ago and she had not seen them since. She was just about to tell Andrina she was going to look for them when her friend let out a squeal of delight and hugged her pointing across the dance floor.

Coming towards them was Russet and Eliki arms wrapped around each other's waists and both were shirtless their shirts tucked into the waistbands of their trousers. White fur sparkling in the light and black fur reflecting softly the two rejoined them smiled then span together and began to dance to the next song as it blasted out around them. Laughing Leana threw herself back into the dance but she noted that the two men were attracting looks from male and females across the floor but they hardly left the others side and their paws would continuously trail through the others chest fur. As the night drew to a close Leana's suspicions were confirmed when suddenly moving in close to her brother Russet reached up and kissed him soundly on the muzzle and whether he was too drunk to care or had overcome some of his shyness Eliki kissed back earnestly holding the skunk before they separated and continued to dance.

Much later that night or some might say very early that morning Leana, Eliki and Russet arrived back at the snowkittens house, They were all still a bit tipsy but they had collected their belongings and made their way home safely. Leana made her way to her room and immediately curled up to sleep. Russet and Eliki both made use of the bathroom. As Eliki came out of the bathroom he found Russet waiting for him. He looked at the skunk and smiled happily reaching out to take his hand and led him into his room where they curled up together in each other's arms beneath the sheets and slept for the second time in each other's arms.