[The X Phial]

The human did not seem pleased, did he, Miaama? Yawla thought conversationally as the four cats wound their way back into the royal compound. The trip through town had been mostly uneventful, save for a moment when Miaama had to wait for several minutes while a cart lost control. Apparently horses are not fond of small black shapes streaking in front of them at night, and Huine was looking appropriately abashed for her role in the chaos.

Already, Arye was already atop the wall and looking back at the others. Huine was still climbing, making use of the old and weathered ivy. Ready to spring to the top of the wall, Miaama replied.

He did not seem pleased at all, no. But that, after all, is why we went. We need to do something about that note. Get Pirro's help taking it off when we get inside and find some way to get rid of it.

Yawla purred in response and watched as Miaama topped the wall lightly and disappeared.

Once inside she found her brother asleep in the Queen's chamber and the two of them retired to the garden to remove the note since Pirro's movements were the most delicate and he had the most experience with carrying the notes. They removed it with only a little shredding and pondered what to do with the incriminating evidence. Pirro's instinct was to hide it, but Yawla was afraid that someone would find it. It was too thick a parchment to chew up effectively and too slick to destroy by claw. Usually this was an asset for wet and danger was a constant threat when carrying messages through a city as busy as Osgiliath.

I think we have to burn it somehow, Pirro.

Well, we can't burn it.

No, but they burn the trash once in a while. I know I've smelt it.

Yes, it fills the palace all day and it comes from across the yard. I could probably get it over there and back quicker than you could. My senses are better than yours. Pirro shook as he said this and Yawla could see how much it cost him to volunteer. She began grooming his ears and purring.

I'm sure you can find it easily, she replied.

When he was calm again, he slipped out of the garden, note in mouth. Yawla found her way back inside and was surprised to see that the Queen was already back. Somewhat upset but hiding it well, Miaama in her arms.

Pirro, meanwhile, was making his way, as stealthily as possible, to the burnable trash pile, which he could smell from far away. He arrived with no trouble and began to bury the note. Suddenly a howl from the nearby kennels went up. The sound froze Pirro to the bone and he dashed away from the pile, acting purely on instinct, leaving the vitally important note to drift casually on the rising wind toward the chambers of the ladies in waiting.