"I'm not sure what to think about Trenton." (paraphrased)
--Gloria Higginbottom, May 12, 1997
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Evvey had just started to doze off in the chair when the trio was startled by the clicking sound of the door handle being pushed down.
"Ay, look aloive, mytes!" Whispered the wallaby. "Sh's commin' aout!"
The three stood to attention as Erin stepped into the hallway.
When the blue-eyed vixen, clad in her long, black cloak first saw the creatures waiting to greet her, she was a little surprised, a lot curious, and smiling shyly.
Reshat was smiling warmly.
Evvey was grinning disarmingly.
Tikkcik was drop-jawed and oogling.
Evvey thwacked the squirrel with his tail.
"Hello." Said Erin slowly. She was a bit unsure of the rules of etiquette among city creatures, so, hoping she was doing the right thing, she stepped forward and sniffed Reshat's nose in greeting.
"Greetings!" Said the genet, returning the gesture.
Tikkcik, who was now standing between Reshat and Evvey, made the sniffing gesture with what he supposed to be a debonair flourish, then he made a bow, touched his nose to her paw, and did a complicated tail flick, while doing his best to flash a smile like Evvey's.
As Erin greeted him, Evvey winked. "G'daiy an' welcome, m'laidy! If theah's anythin' aht ahll thaht we cahn do foah yeh, weah heah t' serve yah!"
Reshat nodded. "Yes, lady. If I may introduce myself and my friends, I am Reshat Sarakvas, this," he indicated Tikkcik, "is Tikkcik Sciuris-"
"'Scuse me, it's Tikkcikaakikk Gravaakiyakk Sciuriusson, and I'll thank you to get it right next time."
Reshat glanced reproachfully at his friend. "Uh, yes." Then, nodding towared Evvey, "And this is Evvetts Rangleaper."
Evvey smiled again.
Erin bowed down so her chin was on her paws. "It's so nice to meet you all. My name is Erin Ruadh daughter of Seumas and Deirdre Ruadh."
Evvey tilted his head a little. "Strange, that name seems familiar..." he muttered.
"Well met, lady Erin. Now, if you don't mind, there is a friend of ours downstairs who I think would like to meet you, and you can have dinner as well." Reshat said, turning towards the stairs.
"I don't mind at all." Said Erin cheerfully. And so the three knights-in-training escorted her downstairs.
By the time Erin reached the dining room doors, she had already formed a strong opinion on her three guides.
Reshat, oviously, was the poilte, sensitive one, who, though he may have been a touch too serious at times, was certainly the kindest.
Tikkcik, it seemed, was something of a rascal. Oh he was nice, but to Erin he appeared as if he were constantly trying to impress someone, while still having a bit of a private joke himself. You felt like you didn't quite want to know what went on in his squirrely little mind. Erin found him really to be more annoying than downright rude, but he was certainly one you had to watch.
Evvey, of course, was the charmer. Straightaway it was clear that he was the true "clown" of the bunch, and had the best (not to mention quirkiest) sense of humor. Not only that, but he seemed to have a way with people, making you think right away, "He's a bit odd, but I do believe I'd want him to be my friend."
As they went into the dining room, Erin saw a somewhat dopey-looking young hare seated at the table, messing the food on his plate around with a spoon. Erin thought he looked vaguely familiar...
"Theah 'ee is, Eirin," Said Evvey, pointing quickly. "This is A-Polloh."
Apollo looked up, his expression like that of a creature who's just been hit by something hard, yet hasn't felt the pain yet.
Erin suddenly felt weak, remembering her mission. She could cope with the idea that Bratis was dead easily enough, but telling it to someone else? And how would this strange creature react? And suddenly, she felt a knot in her stomach and, not knowing whether it was from hunger (she couldn't recall the last time she'd eaten) or nerves, she turned to Reshat and said, "You know, now that I think of it, I'm starving." Then, turning to Apollo she said, "Could I eat first and talk later?"
Apollo blinked. "Oh, uh, sure. Fine." He looked back down into his plate and started eating again, but out of the corner of his eye he was secretly watching her the whole time.