Ladies! Gentlemen! Readers of all ages!

Alas, it is time to see Shadows, Assumptions and Lies end. This is the final chapter of this story. There may be an epilogue and there are hints of a sequel. Nothing settled and no promises, but I do love this world and I can't help but want to see what happens next. Now, on we go to finally getting a few answers, maybe?

At the dock, a huge crowd of rabbits had convened. Traditionally, a journey such as this was no cause for celebration or large attendance at the outset. In this particular instance, tradition was discarded as the family seeing their daughter off to her exile was too large and loving to contain. Siblings, friends and well-wishers clogged the quay and a great portion of the wharf at large. It took some time for the Lady of the hour, her escort and her parents to make their way to the cutter moored and waiting to sail with the tide.

Scattered throughout the crowd were smatterings of foxes who wanted a word with Mister Wilde before his departure and several local notables had last minute business to address with the fox. It was clear to Judith that the vulpine gentleman would be missed during his absence. To her dissatisfaction, she noted the several vixens attempting to express their desire for his swift return. It was trifling, but still a nuisance. There was no doubt in her mind that the next many months would see her as the exclusive focus of his attentions, not that he had wavered in the meantime. His loyalty was unshaking, despite being fated to be short lived.

Judith was no fool. She knew that under the laws of the land, marriage between her and the fox she loved was impossible. Eventually, he would be corralled into a marriage by some female or other. She had come to terms with this fact and decided to simply wring the greatest amount of happiness from these months as she could. It would not be enough, but that was as far as she could bring herself to look.

At long last, Nicolas managed to extricate himself from his adoring hangers-on and join the Hopps' at the gangplank. Under the Captain's impatient eye they made their last farewells. The baggage and goods had been boarded and stowed already. The only thing left were the few personal touches. Packets of letters were handed over including a couple curiosities. One was a letter for the both of them, sealed with the Lordship's seal and with strict instructions not to open them until they were at sea. As it was Lady Hopps herself who gave the instructions, neither of the travelers dared second guess. The second was a parcel and note from the Lord to Mister Wilde concerning a private matter. That garnered a raised eyebrow from not only Judith and Nicolas, but Lady Hopps as well.

Then, it was the bosun's whistle prompting the hands to their places. Judith was helped aboard by her escort and he bore the letters, parcel and satchel case which carried many official documents they would both need for their journey and also establishing their identities. Letters of introduction, transfer of responsibilities and advice were manifold and packed tight in the oilcloth bag. They would be protected on their journey and serve the bearers well.

Nicolas accompanied Judith as they waved their last farewells from the taffrail, mindful of the parting words from Lady Hopps to care for each other on their journey, no matter how long it was. A curious turn of phrase, Nicolas thought. One he had not heard before despite his familiarity with the Lady. He would have suspected a trap were it not for the circumstances. As it was, he had very different concerns pressing on his mind.

He was placid to the sailors, but his companion could see and practically feel his desire to spirit her off to their state room and make up for their restraint of so many weeks. She could not help but want the same as he, but they had to play the proper roles, until they were out of sight. They could not simply sprint to their rooms and shed their garments as they ran. That would strain the acceptable level of excitement allowable for a young lady's first journey abroad, even by a brothel's standards.

The destination she was bound for was tantalizing, she had to admit. A life of her own, on her own terms. A rare thing for a lady in this age and she got the chance to at least begin her life with the male she loved. Perhaps she could convince him to vow his love and claim a place as his mistress in years to come. That was, blessedly, a concern for later.

After an appropriate interval Nicolas calmly suggested they make their way below, so as not to inconvenience the sailors unduly. Judith smiled. They felt the same eagerness, but for once she was the better informed. The secret she had been privy to at her mother's discretion was about to come into play.

She preceded him into the state room and neatly stepped aside. It took him a moment, but when he saw the surprise it was clear. It was also not what she had expected. Looking at the sea chest waiting for him, he looked closer to tears than she had ever seen him.

"What is this?" he croaked.

"A gift from my mother. She makes traveling chests for all her children when they leave home as brides, or to venture out into the world. Mine is in the corner, there. She said yours had special significance, but refused to tell me more. She said it was your story to tell."

Judith waited for an answer, but the silence stretched as did her beloved's distress. She went to him and held him, confused and frightened. She had never seen her fox upset, yet now he looked as though he'd seen a ghost.

At length, and haltingly, he spoke, "That chest was my father's."

"Your father's?"

"Yes, he…" Nicolas paused and gathered himself. "He was a carpenter, press-ganged into the navy when I was five and died at sea. The navy was good enough to return his sea chest, which he had carved on his own. That and the money he had saved fed me and my mother for a time. I had to leave it behind."

"When?"

"When I left with Lady Hopps. I thought it was lost."

"Mother said she had collected it and kept it safe."

Nick chuckled weakly. "And nothing else, correct?"

Judy shook her head. "She told me nothing of how you met."

"I can see you hope I will tell you."

"Please?"

Nick walked to the chest and ran a paw over the worn and polished wood, carved in scenes of ships and monsters of the deep. "I was eleven when my mother died. The hovel we lived in wasn't owned by anyone. It was just a place. I had to fend for myself, but I had a place to sleep. One day, I saw a noble Lady somehow lost on the streets. I had thought to lift her purse, but thought better of it. Stealing from a noble would have seen me join my mother in the pauper's graveyard."

"So, what did you do?"

"I walked up to her as close as I dared and offered to guide her. She was uncertain. I was dressed in rags and coughed at every pause. My mother's illness was mine, as well. I knew I wouldn't live long, but I was too stubborn to lie down and die. Between my coughing fits, I spoke well, as my mother had taught me. I offered guidance out of the alleys and help if she needed it. Which constables were less corrupt and the like. For some reason she asked to see my home and then guide her to her carriage. I understood neither order, but complied. Shortly thereafter, I found a bag of my possessions stuffed into my paws as I sat terrified in her carriage. I was certain I was going to my death. In a way, I was."

"What do you mean?" Judith queried, mixed emotions colouring her voice though she daren't interrupt him now that he was finally sharing his past with her.

"I mean, the old me died that day. I was taken to the Manor and at Lady Hopps' order I was bathed, seen by a physician and fed hot food for the first time since I couldn't remember when. The following days saw me fitted with new clothes, introduced to tutors and my training began. It took time, but I eventually understood. She had saved me. I had gained a patron and lost my old life. My father's sea chest and my mother's locket were both lost, I thought. But I would live. I devoted my life to her service for saving me. I learned to fight, speak, serve; anything I could to show my gratitude. And now this…"

"Open it."

Shaking paws went through barely remembered motions, freeing clasps and loosening bindings. The wood was well oiled and cared for. The metal work was free of rust and glided smoothly as the lid raised. Even the lock on the front looked to have been maintained by a mammal that knew their craft.

However, all thought of the chest itself was blasted from his mind when he saw the contents. In the underside of the lid were secured three sets of his fangs and a small collection of his preferred armaments; all oiled and sharpened, awaiting use.

In the belly of the heavy wooden box the surprises continued. A book of poetry he had loved in his teens sat next to several small toys he thought lost to the mists of childhood. A book that appeared to be handmade lay by a wooden sword he remembered from his fencing maestro's tutelage. Trinkets and oddments from his childhood and all his life sat haphazardly atop a bed of purses and bags he had no doubt were stuffed with coins.

He reached for a letter that sat in the center of the chest, baring Lady Hopps' personal ink and seal. Its misshapen feel was explained as the seal broke and a small silver locket and chain slid into his paw. Judith watched as laughter forced its way through his building tears.

"Nick?"

"My mother's locket." With shaking paws, he opened the clasp.

Judith watched as the dam broke and her beloved wept openly. She held him as the tears flowed. They did not last long, but meant world for their passing. When Nicolas Wilde collected himself again and spoke, there was less darkness muting his spirit and joy flowed through him as though in place of his blood.

"My mother hid this in a seam of my jacket as a kit. I thought it lost after arriving at the manor. A child's foolishness. She kept it safe for me all this time." He held the open locket out to her and she took it in her little paws. On one side was a lock of fur colored to match the fox standing beside her. The other bore another lock but of a ruddier hue and coarser texture. "I have my mother's fur and my father's eyes, in case you were wondering."

"My mother kept it for you?"

"Apparently, so. The last pieces of them I had thought lost." Nicolas kissed the locket before loosening the clasp on the chain and securing it around his own neck and slipping it under his shirt.

"What is the rest of this?"

"Toys from when I was a kit. A book of poems and a memento from my training at arms. This book, however," he said intrigued as he raised the unknown tome. "I do not know."

Judy giggled. "That is a gift for you. She keeps all the flowers she gets from her kits and presses them into books along with cards and letters. I helped her assemble that for you."

"The memories of a lifetime are in this box."

"And a few things besides," Judith commented eyeing the weapons.

"Indeed."

"Nicolas, I must ask. Why all these purses?"

An emotion laden smirk curved the todd's muzzle as he replied, "I have a sneaking suspicion, but I suspect the truth of it rests in this letter."

They settled into the seat adjacent to the windows at the rear of the ship. Judith rested her back against his chest and they read together. The script was the sharp, clean hand of Lady Bonnie Hopps, herself.

Dearest Nicolas,

If you are reading this, no doubt you have opened your chest and discovered some of the things I've kept for you. I have desired to return both your chest and locket for longer than I care to admit, but I feared it would harm you more than anything. I hope you bear me no ill will for my trepidation and delays. In this box are many things that Judith can explain. They are traditions of our family and you are a part of it. Learn well and remember.

The weapons are a gift. You may need them in the days to come, though I pray to all Gods that will not come to pass. The purses are also a gift. They are the sum total of all the purses and letters of credit you have so carefully slipped into my desk over these last twenty years. That includes the very first one. Your frugality and subtlety do you credit and now you reap the reward. You will need them, also, in the days to come. Invest in the land and mammals who love it. They will bear fruit.

All else of explanations I leave to my daughter, who no doubt is reading with you. There is much more to say, but you have another letter to read and more to understand. That said, I bid you adieu, children. Rather, au revoir.

-B

Judith sat stunned for a moment, until she was unceremoniously lifted from her seat upon her fox's lap and placed beside him. He popped out of his seat like a shot and addressed his new sea chest anew. She watched as he carefully, almost reverently, removed each item until he discovered the one he was after. A small purse, even to her, vanished into his waistcoat pocket under her gaze. He then set about returning every item removed to its place in the chest.

Standing, Nicolas recalled himself and chuckled nervously.

"What was that about, may I ask?"

"My apologies for the rough handling, Judith. I… Needed to confirm something."

"What was in that purse?"

In response the fox removed the purse from his pocket and opened it into her waiting palm. A single silver coin half as broad as her paw slid out and plopped heavily into her grasp.

"It's beautiful."

"It's a coin my father won aboard ship, before he died. It was the last one left of his legacy. My mother said it was good luck, so I kept it hidden and never traded or spent it. When I realized my luck in meeting Lady Hopps, I gave it to her as a gift. It seems she is returning it."

"Does she know the meaning of it?"

"I would not be surprised if there is a letter in that tome you made for me having to do with it."

"A task for later." Judith stated as she returned the coin to its owner. "She has returned your luck to you. Let us not see it wasted."

"I don't need luck, m'lady," Nicolas replied primly. Then he grinned. "But it is nice to have on one's side."

Judy couldn't help but giggle. "Shall we move to the next letter from Mother?"

"I would say yes, but I must confess my curiosity piqued by the packet and letter from your Lord Father. I have a vague idea of what your mother is likely to say, but your father remains a mystery. His behavior towards me these last weeks has been a stark contrast to his previous character."

"Indeed." Judith mused. "Very well. Open his letter. We will save the mundane for last."

"I doubt mundane in the least."

"The details of our travel arrangements, the terms of my rustication and mammals we shall meet when we arrive, most likely. They can wait in the face of what my father desires to speak to you privately about."

"Very well. As M'lady wishes."

They resettled in their previous places, if more snugly, and Nicolas broke the seal on the letter addressed to him from the Lord. The thick, strong lines characterizing Stuart Hopps' personal script.

Nicolas-

I will not mince words. I have only moments to write much, so I will leave it to the essentials until I may speak with you more freely. You have done me great service. Time and again you rose to par and then exceed the expectations of your office. I was blind to your service owing to nothing more than my own fear. I was foolish. I hope to remedy that.

As your Lord and Head of House, I am issuing you a single order. You will stay with Judith for the term of her rustication. When her due time is complete and she may return to our shores without consequence, you will escort her home. Then, we shall speak of the reward you are owed both for your service and sacrifice.

The only boon I may grant at present, I regret, is in the packet that accompanied this missive. Years past, rabbits were of heartier bearing. The rings enclosed no longer suit the dimensions of any kith or kin of our House, yet they are an heirloom of our House. They may yet suit a mammal of your stature and that of the lady you take to wife. When that day comes these tokens may stand you in good stead, as I will stand for you.

-Lord Stuart Hopps, Earl of Triburrows

Judith found her voice first. "Foolish?!"

"Your father gives me a family heirloom that must be generations old and that one word is what you find shocking?"

"It's the first point to address!"

"I will leave the concern over your father's peculiar turn of phrase to you, then, my dear. I will save my concern for what he will term my appropriate reward after such an effusive foundation. He had been generous as it is."

"I can only think it will be to the better for you, Mister Wilde. Perhaps, it will be a Title!"

"Even with his excessive wealth and clout, the most he could accomplish is begging a knighthood for me from the Palace, or name me a squire. Neither holds much appeal to me."

"You would not embrace such a turn of events?"

"I would not decline such an honor as such behavior would be rude. However, my ambitions do not include a title."

"What are your ambitions, good sir?"

"Uncertain."

"Oh?"

"I will wait to read our final letter before I assess my future. My only hope is that you remain in it."

"You are sweet to say so, but what problems we may encounter in that pursuit are many."

"A topic for another moment, I think. We will have much time to discuss things in the next year."

A year was far longer than Judith had anticipated and she was glad of it. She would not be parted from him until she could return to the Manor. She now had longer to enjoy him and when returned home she could press her case to claim a place with him in some capacity. There was some flexibility to the law and while marriage was impossible, there were other ways.

"Shall we move on to the final document?"

"If we must."

"Impatient rabbit."

"It will be nothing of consequence, I assure you. There are better pursuits to occupy our attentions."

"I don't disagree, but the Lady was most insistent. If we don't we may yet regret it."

"I suppose so. Now you've said it, it is entirely possible she would know if we did not."

"I learned years ago not to underestimate her."

The fox gestured for her to sit, which she did, albeit with more use of her hips than was strictly necessary to take her seat. Through a supreme act of will, Nicolas managed to focus on breaking the seal on the final letter. They read it several times before they could set it aside.

My Dear Children,

In the satchel you carried aboard you will find all the letters and documents you will need to make the necessary introductions and assume control of the estates. The lands are old and well cared for, but will need your touch to thrive. Your travel has been seen to and that also is addressed elsewhere. I mention both merely to assuage your fears, Judith. There will be no such mundane topics in this missive.

Nicolas, I am aware of the gift my husband has made to you. I know you will use those rings well. They will fit if you wear them on your thumbs in the old style. The lady you are so in love with is not beyond your reach, but the explanations must wait for a moment. You have grown into a fine male and at last have results befitting the service you have rendered this House. I speak not as an employer, but as a mother when I say you have become everything I could have hoped for. I am proud of you. Your parents would be proud as well. You have a great task ahead of you and I would wish you luck, but the outcome is known to me. Now, I beg your patience.

Judith, I am sending you to my family's Chateau not to manage the estate, but to claim them. The females of our line held the title of Countess. Namely, of the Saint Lapin region. Within the documents you bear is the final declaration which will see you assume the role and title. You are now the Comtesse de Saint Lapin. The region has good soil and is excellent for the growing of grapes and flowers. The perfumers and vintners are among the best on the continent. When you arrive at the Chateau, Maurice will meet you. He will aid you in settling in.

When I told you of my family I told the truth. The bucks of my clan were dreamers and poets, while does of my clan were wild and strong of will, but when I said they loved predators, I both lied and spoke truth. They did love predators, but more than in bearing them welcome. My grandmother had a lover very similar to your beloved Mister Wilde when I left the Chateau. As such, it should not be a surprise to you that my family's rule of those lands led to laws that were uncommon and remain as such.

My grandmother married her lover in her fifty third year, fangs, claws, coarse fur and all. The laws have not changed. I've seen to that. Therefore, when the good fox who is no doubt close at hand asks, I suggest you say yes. Though, I doubt you require encouragement. I plan to attend a spring wedding.

Good travels, children. Keep each other safe.

-Bonnie

PS. I will be sending some of the kits your way, from time to time. The Saint Lapin blood runs strong in some of your siblings. They will need a place they can dream and pursue their dreams. Make them welcome.

At length, Nicolas muttered, "That crafty old…"

"Have a care, Mister Wilde. That is my mother you speak of."

"Our mother."

Before Judith could manufacture a retort, Nicolas slipped a paw under her chin and tilted her face up to his. The world stopped for her. Staring into his eyes, all she could do was remember to breathe. The next words reshaped her reality.

"Judith Laverne Hopps, Comtesses de Saint Lapin, will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?"

Her breathless and joyful reply came fast on the heels of his last words. "Yes."

For all things change, some remain unchanging. Honor, dedication and love. A new land and a new life with horizons ever greater spread before them, yet so little differed. One word, only.

I serve the House of Hopps. None shall harm my family.