Posted to alt.devilbunnies 9 December, 1997.
Ash puts her backrubbing lessons from Eugene to work as she starts her bid to win Aldin's heart.
©1997 by Scott Bernier
First HTML-ized 27 January, 1998
Ash was a bit upset when she got word that their mentat was disobeying the recommendations of the council and was apparently sleeping alone. The report she got from the two who volunteered to insure Aldin wouldn't be sleeping alone didn't help either. It seemed that for the past few days Aldin hadn't slept, at least not in his old nest in the large, old oak down on the lakefront. So Ash went searching. It was well past the bedtime of any respectable squirrel, 10pm, but she was determined to find-out what was wrong with Aldin.
The lab was dark, except for the faint gleam of light from under a closed door at the far end, Aldin's office. Ash tapped lightly on the door. No answer. She quietly and carefully opened the door a crack. Within Aldin was staring intently at a computer monitor with bleary eyes.
(scoldchitter) "You're worse then some of the yearlings..."
Aldin looked-up. (wearysighchitter) "It's the only time I have now to even attempt to keep-up with the group. My students keep me too busy during the day. I'm very thankful that Ronin decided to come here. Now there are a few less in the lab, giving me more time to provide one-on-one with those who have stayed. He turned back towards the monitor. (alasflick) "I'm beginning to wonder if our allies are fighting a loosing battle." (dejectedflick) "Look at this."
Ash peered over Aldin's shoulder and read the post. (disbeliefflick) "But didn't he help Ronin?"
"They fought side-by-side according to Ronin. He'll probably be devastated to learn the buns have somehow brainwashed Quincy."
"I don't look forward to telling him in the morning or showing him this post." (drooptail)
"I discovered the bad news, I should be the one to bear it, Ash."
Aldin suddenly tensed-up for a moment as Ash, uninvited, placed her paws on the back of his neck and started slowly kneading the muscles. "Enough for one night, Aldin," she whispered in his ear. "When will you learn you can't save the world alone, nor would you be able to do it in one night." She worked her way towards his shoulders, and Aldin completely relaxed. He began to flick his tail in lazy enjoyment. Ash took her time massaging Aldin's neck, upper back, and shoulders as Eugene had taught her over the past few months, finishing-up after a good 15 minutes. Aldin was totally relaxed.
"Where did you learn..."
(coyflick) "My secret," (wink) "and it's time you get some rest. Maybe if you take the advice of the council you'll get a little more." Ash led Aldin out to his nest. She didn't leave until the following morning.