Basil was glad that this time, argument between Mayberry and Thyme anded peacefully. They didn't need another fight and injuries to make this journey more difficult...
He noticed then the scared looks on rabbits mouths. Basil could understand their fear of the woods, even if he was used to living in it. Amongst the trees you couldn't see very far and predators had an adventage while sneaking, so you had to be vigilant at all time...
Walnut looked more frightened than the others. He almost went tharn. He could use some words of comfort probably, hare thought
"Cheer up, young buck!" he said to Walnut "There is nothing to fear here. And if any stinking fox shows up, I will beat out of his head any idea of eating one of us." he said with pretended self-conffidence. If fox really came, they would have to run and not fight, but saying that wouldn't do any good to Walnut's morale "Why you looking at me that way? You think I couldn't fight a fox, eh? Ha! I am telling you, that I will not only fight him but I will also hold him tight, so you could also give him a smack between his ears."
Thyme stared at Basil, for a moment believing that the hare was either insane or was trying to show off, while there was no elil to threat them, but then he realized the real goal of this little speech. He decided to play along with Basil.
"I would really like to see that, Mister Hare." he said, glancing at him with pretended admiration "And while holding him, would you allow me to smack his head too?"
"Well, of course, Thyme. Be my guest." Basil answered "But Thistle, as rabbit's Chief would have the precedence, so you would have to wait for your turn." he added jokingly.