A long time ago, back when his deal with Lady Moth was still a happy one. ^^

I didn't even realize he could shift between full fox and his half human state.

He can't ^^' His full fox form only lasted as long as the deal with Lady Moth specified. He did enjoy it while he had it, though ^^

Never seen you on all fours, Lester. It suits you.

Lester: *wags his tail slightly* There is something freeing about it. Pity it is only temporary... I would very much like to stay this way for a while.

I find it very entertaining. The idea of someone just going full animal like that.

Heh keep you away from the chickens

It is a fun idea to explore. ^^ What must it be like, letting instinct take over?

Lester: *pauses and wags his tail sheepishly*

This is the first time I've seen Lester as a full fox. I'm glad he's happy, though, it does look like he's having a lot of fun.

It didn't last very long. Once Moth wanted payment, he was stuck in his half-fox state. Even so, he did enjoy the freedom of being a fox while it lasted. ^^

Nah, the chicken belongs to me. *Licks his chops.*

Lester: *skids to a halt and slowly backs away, not wanting to tangle with a feline much larger than himself*

*The chicken also flees the tiger, but he doesn't pursue, for he was being silly in regards to ownership of the bird.* Chicken sure is the most perfect food, isn't it?

Lester: *wags his tail tentatively* I certainly like it. *still believing the chicken belonged to the tiger* But, I certainly do not wish to intrude. I apologize for scaring your bird. *he lowers his head and tail in a show of submission*

*His ears swivel forward a little and then relax.* It's okay, I'm being silly. I have my own birds I can chase. If you don't hurry, this one might escape.

Lester: *perking up at once* We could share it if you like. It is easier hunting with a friend.

Well, tigers typically do hunt alone but... I'll go that way and you go around the other way and we'll head off the chicken before it can get away. ^^

Lester: Perfect! *he rockets off in the direction specified*

*He slips into the shadows on the other side of the chicken and then is suddenly chasing it, making it run towards Lester!*

Lester: *Sees his quarry heading in his direction and, filled with the instinctive need to take down his prey, quickly and skillfully catches it with his jaws. He lifts the limp bird in an invitation to his companion.*

*He happily trots forward and licks his chops.* Tonight we dine well. ^^

Lester: *setting down the bird and beginning to pluck out the feathers with his teeth* Thank you for your help.

You clearly like chicken as much as I do. It's great to find another with such excellent taste. *Lounges beside Lester as he watches him pluck the chicken.*

Lester: *shakes his muzzle to free a few stuck feathers and grins sheepishly* It is a lovely flavor. Though, if I may ask a favor of you, if you come across my wife do not tell her what I have been up to. She would not approve. *he noses the freshly plucked bird toward you*

She doesn't approve of you having chicken? That's rather sad. There's nothing in this world quite like a chicken dinner. *Licks his chops. He uses his jaws to tug off a leg from the chicken to enjoy.*

Lester: *pulling loose a wing to gnaw on* Oh, chicken does not bother her, it is the stealing that she does not approve of. *his tail's wagging slows at the thought of the mischief he has gotten up to*

Oh? So this chicken belongs to someone? *Sniff, sniff.* Doesn't smell cursed, but then curses don't really have a scent, do they?

Lester: *a bit ashamed* I chased it from a farm. I do not think it is cursed, but it was someone's.

That's probably not going to reflect well on a creature such as me. It usually ends pretty badly, in fact. Let's see if the farmer's willing to let us make amends.

Lester: *if a fox could go pale, he would* I-I... do you think that is the best idea? Farmers usually have guns...

It probably isn't a good idea, but I expect he's going to send hunters into the woods after us anyway. Maybe we can cull pests for him.

Lester: *he nods, fur on end with nerves and tail tucked between his legs* That does make sense. This way. *he trots off in the direction he had originally come from*

*He follows along.* Okay, now before we go greet the farmer, we'll need to observe his farm. Depending on how he reacts to stuff, we may need to revise the plan or even abandon it completely.

Lester: *He slows his pace and takes the tiger's advice. Before the pair lies acres of farmland, complete with fully ripe crops overseen by scarecrows, pens of livestock, and in the distance a humble farmhouse situated next to a large barn. The place seems peaceful, but two or three dogs can be seen roving the place and keeping guard of the other animals. Lester's ears fall back* They were not awake before.

*He watches the farm.* Hmm, I might want to try talking with one of the dogs, but if they're too well trained, it won't work in our favour. When you're a guard dog, "We come in peace" usually means "We totally do not come in peace, please let your guard down" so they'll be prepared for that. Hmm, do you have any ideas? I'm thinking they'll be trained for foxes but might not be trained for tigers.

Lester: *tail tucked further between his legs at the prospect* I do not much favor returning to the scene of the crime with them alert... but perhaps there is nothing for it. You are bigger than they are. Perhaps you could intimidate them?

It's the best plan we have at this point. *He watches until he sees the nearest dog turn away from where they're hiding.* My friends back home have a saying for times like this. *He tenses his muscles and gets ready to run.* "Leeroy Jenkins" *Then he rushes forward, crouching low, to try to pin the dog beneath a paw before it has a chance to react.*

*The dog, a fairly large shepherd that is still dwarfed by the tiger's size, struggles beneath the paw but cannot escape. He wheezes with wide terrified eyes* You... have got to be... the biggest cat I have... ever met.

Lester: *watching the spectacle with mingled fascination and horror* Oh, dear.

Dog: *eyes straying from the striped face above him to the source of the voice* You! You made off... with that... chicken!

*Addresses the dog.* Hey, eyes on me and I'll explain the situation. First, I'm going to lift my paw and if you promise not to run, I promise I won't hurt you. My claws aren't even out so I promise you that you're safe.

Dog: *eyes the paw on his throat, taking note of how big the claws must be* I will not run... I *hack* I promise.

*He lets up the pressure almost right away and then after a moment, removes his paw entirely. His ears slip back a little and with some remorse in his eyes, he says softly,* I hope I didn't hurt you too much. *He gently licks at the dog's throat.* Does that feel better? I'm sorry.

Dog: *unnerved by the tiger's teeth being in such close proximity to his neck, he scrambles to his paws and puts a little distance between himself and the big cat* Nothing a good explanation can't fix. What business do you have on this farm and with this thief?

Lester: *wincing at the label* I wish to apologize for my poor conduct.

Dog: *not taking his eyes from the tiger* I shall deal with you, fox, in a minute.

(Bet you thought I forgot about this. Yeah, got sick and then busy. Started a new job, too!)

*He lays down and lounges on his side to appear relaxed, although he's watching the rest of the farm out of the corner of his eye with the wariness of one who knows he's too close to man.* Well, I must apologize too. I participated in the eating of the chicken before I understood it was the property of another, so I am here in the capacity of my friend here's conscience as we both come to see if there is restitution that we can make. Some kind of task that's better suited for a fox and a tiger than it might be for a dog or a human so we can pay for the chicken in a way. I would understand if you don't trust us, of course. If our offer is one which you may consider, we'll stay long enough to complete the task and if it is not, we will go in peace and try to figure out another way to make restitution.

(I did! But I'm glad you're back and that you found a new job ^w^)

Dog: *considers this for a few long moments* I won't involve my master in this matter. He'd probably try to kill you out of fear. If you want to help, track down the bear who has been troubling our farm. Reason with him if you can, kill him if you can't. *he glares pointedly at Lester* That will make up for the insult to my master and his property.

(Earlier this week I was told that I'll be working more hours at this job starting in the new year. I'm really happy for that!)

*He ponders over the proposal for a moment and then nods.* I think if I can reason with you, I'll give it a shot with the bear. How is he troubling the farm? Is it similar to what my friend and I did?

(Even more good news! ^w^ I'm so happy for you)

Dog: *with a sigh* Yes. Between stealing food, killing livestock, and knocking down fences, my master is left at his wit's end.

Lester: *nerves apparent in his voice* And if we cannot reason with the bear we have to... we have to... kill it?

Dog: *staring him down* Yes.

(Thanks!)

*The tiger breathes in and out once, long and slow as he thinks it over.* I don't know that I'm comfortable with killing this bear. It may seem odd for a dog to hear but tigers generally only kill to eat. Even territory disputes are usually resolved without bloodshed, but only because both tigers understand that fighting isn't in their best interests. *He stands but keeps low to the ground for he's still wary of calling too much attention to himself if someone was to look over.* That said, I will defend this farm like it was my territory, in penance for the chicken we took.

Dog: *nods* I will await your return on the outskirts of our fields when you are done. We believe the bear lives in the dug-out roots of a huge elm west of here. Good luck to you. *he shoots Lester one last venomous glare and returns to his patrol*

Lester: *waiting until the dog is out of hearing range* You do not have to do this. I was my fault. I do not blame you if you go home while I face the bear.

I can't promise it'll be quick but I'll do my best. *He sneaks along until he's back in the forest and out of sight.*

*Upon returning to Lester, he stretches contently and then gazes in a westerly direction.* I suppose I don't have to do this, but I want to do this. I did eat part of the chicken. Shall we go and see what the bear has to say?

Lester: *with an apologetic and grateful smile* Thank you. I suppose we should get this over with.

I know I, for one, am quite curious to hear from the bear. *He sets off west, keeping to the shadows until he's well out of sight of the farm.*

Lester: *treading as silently as possible in the big cat's pawprints* I am sure he has his reasons... heaven willing he is an understanding sort.

I am hoping the bear is reasonable, too. I don't intend to kill anything that I don't plan on eating, and bears typically don't fall onto my personal menu. *He talks as he continues west.* If it does come to a fight, I'll protect you.

Lester: *ears falling a little* I certainly would not want you to risk yourself for me. Can we agree to run if it is a danger? You have already done enough atonement on my behalf... *a prominent elm stands taller than the other trees in the moonlight and the scent of bear is strong in the air*

I'll decide if I run or not. *But he stops talking when he begins to smell the strong scent of a bear.* I'm trespassing on all kinds of territories today. *He sounds cheerful when he says it, but he says it softly so only Lester can hear it, and glances playfully over at him. Then he calls out to the bear.* Hello? Is anyone there? We need to speak to the bear in charge of this territory.

Lester: *smiles weakly in the face of such a dangerous situation*

*The scuffling of disturbed deadfall and a series of put-upon ursine grunts come from the dark base of the tree. A sizeable bear squeezes out from beneath the dug out roots of the tree and takes an intimidating stance. It does not speak, but watches impatiently.*

*The tiger waits patiently for the bear to speak, but realizes the bear is doing the same and so he begins.* I heard that there's been a conflict between you and the farm in this area owned by a human. May I hear your side of events?

Bear: *chuffs and places itself directly between the tree and the fox and tiger* Why should I explain myself to you? Everyone must eat, even scavengers.

Lester: *clears his throat nervously* We mean no insult to you in the least. Please, do not take offense. We only wish to sort this matter out in such a way that everyone is pleased.

Bear: *growling* If you wish to please the farmer, then we can find no common ground. I steal from him because he stole from me.

Aha. *The tiger lays down, looking relaxed.* Now we get to the heart of the matter. What did the farmer steal from you?

Bear: *surveys the pair before dropping her guard just a little and sitting* My cub's life. *she growls again, this time pained* He was the smallest and slowest... he was no threat.

Lester: *whimpers* Oh, dear.

*He looks up at the bear with sympathy.* I'm sorry for your loss. Did the rest of your litter survive, I hope?

Bear: *she gestures toward the base of the tree with her nose* They are here. I take from the farmer to feed them. It seems only fitting.

Lester: *gives you a glance that says something along the lines of, "What do we do with that?"*

*The tiger ponders this for a moment and then says,* This is rather difficult. We were asked to deal with this situation, using lethal force if necessary. But I refuse to kill a mother trying to feed and protect her young. You and your cubs are safe from my claws and teeth. I also think that my companion and I have likely worn out our welcome by now and should remove ourselves from your territory. I do have one question that might go a long way towards resolving this peacefully. Do you think that you have exacted appropriate retribution for the loss of your cub?

Bear: *narrows her eyes* Can the price of a cub's life ever be paid with vegetables and chickens?

Lester: *tucking his tail* Nothing can replace a life, madam, of course not. But is there anything the farmer could do that would start to make up for what he has done?

Bear: *falls silent for a few long moments* If he were to give me the weapon he used to kill my son so I may destroy it, I would leave him alone.

*At this, the tiger gets up and approaches the bear slowly, then rubs his cheek against her fur.* I will see what I can do, but if it would resolve the situation, I should hope I can return with the weapon. I can't imagine how much you're hurting right now and I appreciate your willingness to bring a resolution to the situation.

Bear: *leans into the nuzzle and gives a quivering sigh* I will watch for you both.

Lester: *bows his head respectfully* We shall do what we can.

*After a moment longer, the tiger turns and starts to walk away, then he looks over his shoulder at the bear as he pauses, smiles and nods a little and wanders back towards the farm and says to Lester,* If only all situations like this could be resolved with a fetch quest, the world might be a bit happier.

Bear: *nods, and returns to warm her cubs with her pelt*

Lester: *he laughs a little* If only. *with his trademark nervousness* Do you think we will have to face the farmer to acquire this weapon?

I don't know, it depends on what the dogs have to say. It also depends on the weapon, although I expect it's probably a rifle of some sort, one that the farmer is probably going to notice if it goes missing. *He looks ahead.* Now the dog said he'd be waiting near here. *He sniffs at the air curiously.*

Lester: *sniffs and pauses* Yes, I believe he is.

Dog: *making his way over a small hill* Well, you have returned in one piece. Did you learn anything?

*He approaches but stays on the other side of the fence.* We learned quite a bit, in fact. The bear accuses your master of killing one of her sons in cold blood. *His ears slip back a bit in anger as he says this, but they return to normal after a moment.* And she requests the weapon used in the killing as compensation, upon which she says she'll leave the farm alone.

Dog: *his ears fall very briefly at the request* Did he, really? These are poor tidings. Please, send my condolences. I will try to fetch the roaring stick... wait here. *his eyes flicker to Lester for a moment, lacking the venom from before, before he leaves*

Lester: *breathes a sigh of relief* Thank you for speaking with him. I doubt he would be so understanding if it came from me.

*He lowers himself down to the ground and lays there to relax for a few moments but he keeps his eyes and ears open and alert.* I've learned a long time ago that if you respect a potential enemy, they often don't become an actual enemy. This isn't always true, of course, but it goes a long way towards resolving difficult situations.

Lester: *perks his ears forward* Sound advice.

Dog: *after something near twenty minutes he returns dragging the gun like an overlarge fetch stick*

*He watches the dog dragging the gun for a moment and then says softly,* Would you like some help with that?

Dog: *drops the gun* Please take it quickly. I may have woken him.

Lester: *tenses* We should leave at once...

*He jumps the fence and quickly drags the gun the rest of the way, then turns back towards the dog.* Thank you for everything you've done, and for your understanding. I hope you don't think any less of your master. *After jumping back onto the correct side of the fence, he drags the gun through and then says softly,* This is probably the last you'll see of me. I hope you live a good life. *Then he turns his attention to Lester.* I agree, let's get away from here.

Dog: *bows his head with respect* Fair travels, cat. And to you, fox. *he turns and begins the trek back to the farmhouse*

Lester: *quickens his pace to keep up with the lengthy steps of the tiger* You handled that very well... how have you come to remain so calm even in the face of danger?

*He looks over at Lester with exaggerated calmness as he carries the rifle towards the bear's den.* It's just a facade. My heart is beating so rapidly right now.

Lester: *chuckles* Well, I am in awe, sir. That is a gift.

It's a feline thing. I think it's genetic. I am calming down gradually, the farther away we get from the farm. But let's make sure the next chicken we catch is a wild chicken and not someone's property.

Lester: *smile dissolving into a contrite frown* Yes, you are quite right. I knew better but allowed base instinct to get the better of me. I must make amends with you for drawing you into this tangled mess.

Well, I did choose to partake in the chicken with you. *Then his ears perk up.* We're almost there.

(I'm assuming his speech is still able to be understood as he carries the rifle in his jaws.)

(That plus body language makes me think yes ^^)

Lester: *cowers* Qu-quite. I will knock on the door, shall I? *he slinks ahead, tail tucked and ears alert* Madam Bear?

Bear: *a sleepy growl comes from the den*

*The tiger silently lays the rifle down and then calls out.* It's a tiger and a fox, bearing gifts!

Bear: *there is an audible shifting from the den and she emerges, bleary-eyed and a little disoriented* So soon? You must not have gotten the... *she blinks* you... you did it.

*The tiger steps forward and gently nuzzles one of the bear's paws.* We're so sorry, ma'am, for waking you. But we basically asked for the rifle and got it and brought it over as quick as we could. It should have the farmer's scent all over it. And a bit of drool. Rifles actually taste rather terrible, I've come to find out. But anyway, I hope this brings you a little bit of peace. Again, I'm so sorry for your loss.

Bear: *in a swell of emotion, she pulls the tiger into a crushing hug and quakes with sobs* I never thought I would see the day when I could tear apart the thing that took my son. Thank you... thank you..

Lester: *timidly* Madam, I think you may be hurting him...

*After being momentarily surprised by the affection, the tiger speaks up,* Hush, Lester, don't ruin this. *His nose buries itself in the bear's fur as he hugs back and he seems to be making a pleased growling sound, almost like a purr. If he is being hurt by the bear hug, he doesn't say anything.*

Bear: *after a few more moments of quiet emotion, she releases the embrace and bows her head* I have wanted this for so long, but I never thought it would actually happen. Perhaps now we may heal. Thank you both. *she lumbers forward to Lester, who flinches, and pats him gently on the head with a paw*

*He gently rubs his forehead against the bear's side with much affection.* I wish you well, ma'am, and hope that the seasons treat you kindly and grant you many cubs. Lester, shall we take our leave?

Lester: *thoroughly shaken from coming so close to such big claws* We should not d-disturb the lady's rest any further. Good night to you, madam. *he bows and skitters away as quickly as he can manage without seeming impolite*

Bear: *gives a long farewell growl-moan and returns to her cubs*

*He makes a soft chuff sound in response to the she-bear and then follows calmly after Lester. The fox can hear the sound of his bones cracking back into place, but he makes no outside indication that he feels uncomfortable.* Are your days always this eventful? I might stick around for a while, this place interests me. And I think I made a friend. *He glances over his shoulder but the she-bear's already back inside her den.*

Lester: *an ear twitches at the sound of the realignment but he thinks better of acknowledging it* Unfortunately, yes, that seems to be the trend. My wife and I are on the run from both of our families... that is why I appear this way. *he gestures to himself with a paw* I have found that attempting not to be noticed has been the most difficult endeavor I have ever encountered. *he pauses to look back toward the den* She did seem to be very fond of you if that hug was any indication. *he laughs quietly*

Maybe I'll see her again someday. *He seems pleased with that thought.* So you're on the run? Interesting. I imagine it'll be that much harder to go unnoticed with a tiger around, but maybe I'll lend myself out as a bodyguard of sorts for a while, if you'll have me. Anyway, it's been a long day, so let's look for a place to rest.

Lester: I would be honored for your company. *looking around* Yes, a bit of respite would be best, I think. I can hide just about anywhere, but I imagine it is harder for a tiger to hide himself for the night. I will follow your example.

You hide how you normally would, and I'll just sleep out in the open. I usually do anyway. Nothing usually bothers me, but if something does, stay hidden until it's gone, alright?

Lester: *ears perking anxiously* And if you need help?

Then we'll both probably have a very bad night, but I'm sure we'll be fine. *He stretches and yawns contently, for it certainly has been a long day.*

Lester: *finds a bush to hide under and curls up, still very alert, but also feeling the effects of such a busy day*

Good night, Lester. *The tiger finds a spot beneath a tree with low branches as shelter and yawns again. His ears remain alert for several minutes until he's satisfied that this part of the forest is quiet and sleepy tonight, upon which slumber finally takes him.*

(I think this is scene. What do you think? RP successfully completed?)

Lester: Good night, my friend. *keeps watch until his eyes fall shut*

(I concur! Thank you for the fun ride ^^)

(It was indeed fun and I'm glad I could share it with you! We'll see if the future holds more adventures for Lester and myself!)

(I'm sure eventually we'll find another chapter of the adventures of the tiger and the fox ^^)

^w^