“Only one way to find out,” Kjell replied cheerily, not stopping his steady pace back over to the scene of the crime.  Sure, the girl might be right – but this time, he knew there were bees about.   They could stop and listen, and if that telltale hum and buzz was missing, they would be scot free.  And to think, the glorious prize they’d have!  The loner had only had honey once before, but his mouth was already watering at the memory of the sweet, thick liquid.  He had no doubt that was why the bees protected their home so fiercely.  He’d protect a cache like that, too.

“Zeta, huh?  Nice t’ meetcha,” he hummed, glancing over his shoulder one more time.  Finding the youngster to be following behind, he flashed her a quick grin and trotted onwards.

To his great delight, his persistence seemed to pay off.  All signs of the little terrors were gone.  No buzzing, no swooping insects – just an abandoned hive, shattered into tiny little pieces on the forest floor.  Kjell gave a pleased noise as he broke into a lop, enthusiasm evident in his bright orange eyes.  He did not hesitate before digging in, using his nose to shove away papery bits and find the sweet bits of honeycomb underneath.  Zeta was offered her fair share – he was most pleased to enjoy, even in silence.

Fade.