The bluish tinge of the child’s lips brought back a flood of memories, and Robin choked back a lump in her throat.  She ran to the girl’s side, scarcely aware of the furry rodent’s nervous movements.  Recalling the motions made by her father so many years ago, she carefully covered the tiny mouth with her own and blew as hard as she could.  Over and over she tried to force life back into the fragile form.  “Breathe, little one!  Breathe!” 

Seconds felt like hours, and sweat mingled with the tears dancing down her cheek.  The rabbit finally stilled its frantic trembling and hopped over, placing a downy paw on the tattered blue cloak.  Infuriated that another small life was being snuffed out so soon, Robin’s calm demeanor snapped.  She blindly lashed out at the animal, hitting the child’s chest instead.  A gurgling cough broke through her rage.  Robin pushed down once more on the center of her chest, then gave the girl another breath.  Water spewed from the parted lips, and the youngster gave a gasp.  Robin scooped her to her chest and rocked her as the girl sobbed. 

“It’s okay, Child,” she soothed.  They continued to rock, Robin stroking the wet, tangled hair for a timeless moment.  From the patches on the tattered cloak, it was clear the child was a peasant, and it was not fitting for one of her class to be consorting with such.  But the distinction was lost in the memories, and Robin paid no heed to the distinction.  She continued to comfort the girl until the gasping sobs subsided.  Finally, Robin’s concern got the best of her.  “What’s your name, sweetheart?  What are you doing out here, by yourself?”

The child bit her lip and turned a small, round face toward Robin’s.  Her raspy voice was no more than a whisper, nearly drowned by the gurgling of the stream beside them.  “My name is Rose…”  Her large eyes darted from Robin’s hair to her tunic, then stared vacantly at the water.

The rabbit, as if tired of the scene, chose that moment to hop into Rose’s lap, startling the youngster.  She traced a long, delicate finger across the downy ears and absently began to stroke the soft fur.

“What a curious little bunny you have, Rose,” Robin attempted. 

Her slightly upturned nose wrinkled.  “It’s not mine; I thought it was yours.”  Two pairs of tawny eyes now drilled into hers, and Robin felt unnerved by the mischievous twinkle in the rabbit’s stare.  She could have sworn the thing smirked at her.

“No,” she began, but as the creature rose back on its haunches and glared at her, she changed her mind.  “I mean, yes, he is mine.”  She glanced quizzically at the bunny, who now looked quite pleased.

“He’s funny,” Rose stated simply.  She continued to caress the animal, the tension in her small shoulders easing. 

“He is indeed,” Robin nodded.  “Quite a useful little thing.  Now if only he could find us some breakfast…”  Before she could finish, the rabbit hopped off Rose’s lap and took off into the reeds.  Robin glanced down at the child to gage her response. 

Rose stood on shaky legs.  “Should we follow him?”

Robin cocked her head, peering into the brush, and soon was rewarded with two long ears poking back out.  The rabbit stared at them until Robin stood as well, then darted into the brush once again.  The girls followed, Rose clutching Robin’s strong hand timidly.  They retraced the path back toward the clearing, where the rabbit waited in front of a large bush.  Robin felt a shiver run up her spine.  The bush had not been there before.  But the tangy smell of the juicy, dark berries drew a rumble from her stomach, overpowering her concerns.  Rose ran to the bush, undeterred, though she had only just escaped death’s clutches.  The rabbit joined her, nibbling on a low lying leaf.  Soon Robin ate as well and found her hunger quickly sated.  Content for the moment, she watched the younger girl leaning back against a tree.  Robin was contemplating what to do with her unexpected visitor and unusual new pet when the child spoke.

“Do you know how to get to Ribbon Falls?  There is supposed to be some sort of contest, and my father is the very best hunter, so he should be there.”  She added in a whisper, “He has to be there.”

Robin suppressed the urge to inquire further, realizing the child’s need for privacy was likely as strong as hers.  She smiled gently at her new companion.  “Yes, I am on my way to that very competition.”  Rose’s eyes grew wide, but as Robin held out a hand, she accepted the unspoken invitation.  They made their way back to the path and set out on the trek once more.  Their silence was broken only by the muted thumps of the fuzzy guardian behind them.