The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum - View Single Post

The X Phial · 08-09-2003, 02:46 AM

Pirro sighed to himself as he watched the queen ready herself for the dinner. Someone would have to be there, to assess the situation and know what was going on; to report to Miaama. It had been decided that Athel and Lassra were the best choices and they had already gone to the dining room to hide in preparation. Pirro knew why he was never picked for spying and hated his own weakness. He didn't cry, for cats cannot, but silently berated himself for not being strong enough to be there for Beruthiel. The usual trip to the warehouse had been taken from him as well since Beruthiel was sending no official message and his talents as a scout were outweighed in this case by his apprehension.

He sat and washed his paw, watching as Habeth wove elaborate braids into Beruthiel's hair. There was a strength in the queen's face tonight. A beautifully sad expression in the eyes and a determined set to the jaw. He heard her whisper to her maid, "They cannot take my pride."

The small cat's heart swelled with admiration for his mistress. He also counted them all lucky that she was distracted with preparations and did not notice the absence of Miaama, her especial pet. He supposed that was his real role, to watch and be there in case she needed a warm body to cuddle, to keep her from worrying after the leader of the cats. It wasn't much, but it was something he could do. He made his presence known then, threading through the ankles of Habeth and then Beruthiel, content to play even the smallest part in making his mistress's life easier.

**********

In the streets of Osgiliath Pirro's most sensible sibling was watching the two younger cats in her charge. She wasn't sure why so many were needed, but she was pleased to see that Arye was being cautious and that Huine's sulk had been replaced by a look of intense concentration. Miaama was behind, only darting to the new hiding places after they had been secured by the others. Her white coat was a liability on these trips and Yawla knew the leader's safety depended partly on her ability to read the route quickly and accurately.

Huine had already made herself useful, her bulk discouraging an attack by a sunken-eyed tabby in one of the dark alleys. Arye had a talent for learning quickly and Yawla watched with amusement as he unconsciously mimicked her pacing gait before nodding his all clear. She trusted him and sent the signal back to Miaama, but wished for the keen senses of her brother and his uncanny knack for identifying threat. He was safer at the palace, she reminded herself, warring between exasperation and admiration as she always did when thinking about Pirro. His gift is also his curse, she thought to herself and was surprised by the sudden warmth at her side. Miaama had made her dash. Angry at herself for losing focus, Yawla threw herself back into the moment. She forged ahead, used to being point on missions, sure the others would follow.

**********

The formal dining room was silent as the two feline spies scouted for hiding places. Rumor had it that Earnil had a dog, one of the wretched hounds that Athel delighted in tricking on every occassion. It meant they would have to hide out of reach of the floor and the prying eyes of any diners. The hound's nose would not be fooled, but if they were hidden well enough his barking would seem more like bad behavior than a real warning. Athel almost hoped he would spot her and have to be sent out of the room for causing a disturbance. Her amusement at the thought brought a sharp look from Lassra and Athel quickly sneezed to cover.

I will hide behind that vase, she decided, leaping to the mantle and insinuating herself behind an urn twice her size.

Athel, I can see your tail, Lassra warned, and the small cat pulled it in more closely. Better, her companion verified.

The lamps and fire were already lit and Athel's black coat blended well into the shadows. It was as good a place as any.

Lassra took up her vigil, close to where the queen would sit and, therefore, far from where the hound would be. A weapon cabinet stood in the corner near the queen's chair. It was filled now with nautical displays rather than actual weapons, the racks replaced by shelves to hold the king's intricate models. The cabinet was tall, to accomodate the length of a spear, however, and had a high scrolled frontpiece. Lassra could perch atop it easily and go unnoticed by the humans. Athel heard her sneeze and smirked to herself at the excellence of the king's cleaning staff who probably couldn't reach the top and so never bothered to dust it.

All that was left to do now was wait and listen. Athel braced herself for a long evening and hoped any excitement wouldn't be at her expense.

[ August 09, 2003: Message edited by: The X Phial ]

08-09-2003, 02:46 AM	#55
The X Phial Shade of Carn Dûm Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Out there with the truth. Come find me. Posts: 317	Pirro sighed to himself as he watched the queen ready herself for the dinner. Someone would have to be there, to assess the situation and know what was going on; to report to Miaama. It had been decided that Athel and Lassra were the best choices and they had already gone to the dining room to hide in preparation. Pirro knew why he was never picked for spying and hated his own weakness. He didn't cry, for cats cannot, but silently berated himself for not being strong enough to be there for Beruthiel. The usual trip to the warehouse had been taken from him as well since Beruthiel was sending no official message and his talents as a scout were outweighed in this case by his apprehension. He sat and washed his paw, watching as Habeth wove elaborate braids into Beruthiel's hair. There was a strength in the queen's face tonight. A beautifully sad expression in the eyes and a determined set to the jaw. He heard her whisper to her maid, "They cannot take my pride." The small cat's heart swelled with admiration for his mistress. He also counted them all lucky that she was distracted with preparations and did not notice the absence of Miaama, her especial pet. He supposed that was his real role, to watch and be there in case she needed a warm body to cuddle, to keep her from worrying after the leader of the cats. It wasn't much, but it was something he could do. He made his presence known then, threading through the ankles of Habeth and then Beruthiel, content to play even the smallest part in making his mistress's life easier. ********** In the streets of Osgiliath Pirro's most sensible sibling was watching the two younger cats in her charge. She wasn't sure why so many were needed, but she was pleased to see that Arye was being cautious and that Huine's sulk had been replaced by a look of intense concentration. Miaama was behind, only darting to the new hiding places after they had been secured by the others. Her white coat was a liability on these trips and Yawla knew the leader's safety depended partly on her ability to read the route quickly and accurately. Huine had already made herself useful, her bulk discouraging an attack by a sunken-eyed tabby in one of the dark alleys. Arye had a talent for learning quickly and Yawla watched with amusement as he unconsciously mimicked her pacing gait before nodding his all clear. She trusted him and sent the signal back to Miaama, but wished for the keen senses of her brother and his uncanny knack for identifying threat. He was safer at the palace, she reminded herself, warring between exasperation and admiration as she always did when thinking about Pirro. His gift is also his curse, she thought to herself and was surprised by the sudden warmth at her side. Miaama had made her dash. Angry at herself for losing focus, Yawla threw herself back into the moment. She forged ahead, used to being point on missions, sure the others would follow. ********** The formal dining room was silent as the two feline spies scouted for hiding places. Rumor had it that Earnil had a dog, one of the wretched hounds that Athel delighted in tricking on every occassion. It meant they would have to hide out of reach of the floor and the prying eyes of any diners. The hound's nose would not be fooled, but if they were hidden well enough his barking would seem more like bad behavior than a real warning. Athel almost hoped he would spot her and have to be sent out of the room for causing a disturbance. Her amusement at the thought brought a sharp look from Lassra and Athel quickly sneezed to cover. I will hide behind that vase, she decided, leaping to the mantle and insinuating herself behind an urn twice her size. Athel, I can see your tail, Lassra warned, and the small cat pulled it in more closely. Better, her companion verified. The lamps and fire were already lit and Athel's black coat blended well into the shadows. It was as good a place as any. Lassra took up her vigil, close to where the queen would sit and, therefore, far from where the hound would be. A weapon cabinet stood in the corner near the queen's chair. It was filled now with nautical displays rather than actual weapons, the racks replaced by shelves to hold the king's intricate models. The cabinet was tall, to accomodate the length of a spear, however, and had a high scrolled frontpiece. Lassra could perch atop it easily and go unnoticed by the humans. Athel heard her sneeze and smirked to herself at the excellence of the king's cleaning staff who probably couldn't reach the top and so never bothered to dust it. All that was left to do now was wait and listen. Athel braced herself for a long evening and hoped any excitement wouldn't be at her expense. [ August 09, 2003: Message edited by: The X Phial ] __________________ But then there was a star danced, and under that was I born.