It's springtime in Kroz, and if it weren't for the occasional monster or bandit, it would seem that the land is just perfect this time of year. The flowers are in full bloom, the birds have come back, and winter has surrendered its grip on the land.

A bell rings, as a watchman calls from the tower, "Carriage coming down Breakneck Road!" Some of the villagers pause in their daily chores, curious to see what visitors might be coming down this way from Naochi Principality.

A gray Skreek sits casually in front of a cottage with a newly thatched roof, watching a red-haired black kitten play with a silver bug at her feet. The rat's hands are stained with dirt as she inspects the contents of several sacks of seeds piled up beside her, occasionally glancing down at the kitten to make sure she's continuing to stay out of trouble.

The carriage continues to make its way carefully down the winding road, followed by a wagon … and then another wagon. At last, the Drokar-drawn carriage rolls into town and comes to a stop in the center square. At first glance, it almost looks like it might be Gallisian in design … but that's only because of the attention to detail and the "frilly" trappings on the mostly white carriage. No, it looks like it's probably got more to do with Chronotopian design, though the big Titanian sitting on the driver's seat would suggest that maybe things have gotten a little more amiable between the northernmost countries of Nordika in recent times.

Behind the carriage, a couple of wagons roll to a stop, one of them laden with large logs, and another with an assortment of wares. The Titanian coachman leaps off of the carriage, causing it to rise on its spring suspension visibly, then walks up to the door of the carriage, pulls on a big lever that sticks out from the otherwise fancy designs rather incongruously … and with a whirring and clicking and clattering, a set of steps wind down to the ground, just outside the door.

The door pops open, and out comes a prim and proper-looking young Khatta lady, as white-furred as her carriage, in a very conservative looking travel dress with a high collar and low hem, a pair of boots peeking out from under the skirts. "Hellooooo!" she mews, waving a handkerchief to anyone within sight.

The Skreek carefully drops the seeds back into the sack and stands up, wiping her hands off on the sides of her dress. Her clothing is a bit fancier and more expensive looking that that of the villagers, but it's obvious by the cut that it's still something meant for doing work in. "Remember your curtsey, Nene – and be sure to ask them if they want to see your bug before you stick it in someone's face. Remember what happened to the last bug." She clears her throat and waves back. "Hello there! Welcome to Dack Principality! A pleasure having your visit, Duchess!"

An exceptionally large cheetah working out in front of an inn called the "Last Resort" pauses in digging holes to plant sapling trees, and leans on the shovel handle, reaching for a rag from his pocket to wipe his brow as he surveys the carriage.

Nene nods solemnly several times, giving the Skreek a sad and obedient look … then waves vigorously at the carriage. "HIIIIIIII!" she squeals, and then curtseys. "Pleased to make your aqwanence!"

Standing behind the white furred feline is what at first seems almost to be her shadow, emerging after her from the door. But as the figure comes more into the light, it becomes apparent that this is yet another Khatta, this time with black fur and a simple uniform. "C'mon Eve, this is business, not a social call." He smiles, "Good day to you as well!"

Eve leans back, stage-whispering to Jynx, "It never hurts to make friends and lots of them! Ohhhh! She's so cute!" Eve returns Nene's curtsey, smiling widely.

Eve mews, "It is a pleasure to visit. It's so lovely here this time of year! I love the smell of the wildflowers along the roadways!"

Jynx smirks with a slight eye roll, but refrains from commenting. "And good afternoon to you, Lady Dack. Or should that be 'ladies'." He winks at the small feline.

Nene squeals, "Wanna see my bug?"

The Skreek takes the kitten's hand. "This is the Princess Jezebel Nene Dack. Nene, this is Lord Kurai and the Duchess Kurai." She ruffles the kitten's hair. "The flowers didn't want to grow here for awhile, but we coaxed them out. Are either of you weary from the trip? The Inn serves very good meals and drink."

"Well, we don't mean to impose," chuckles Jynx, "but it was a pretty long trip, so we'd be delighted. Had to bypass all of Gallis entirely, which added quite a bit onto our trip."

Eve mews, "Oh, I'm too excited to be weary … but this is an enchanting town! And your very own enchanted forest! I know, on account of all the monsters Jy – Lord Kurai fought off. He's so brave! You don't happen to have any pretty single feline women in town that I could get him married off to, would you?"

The black Khatta frowns and nudges the white feline. "Eeeve!" he whispers almost whiningly.

Eve covers her mouth, mewing, "Oopsie!" and looks politely chastised.

"Lady Willow-the-Wisp Dack at your service, Lord Kurai. I got that title right, didn't I? The happenings in your lands were the talk of the town for awhile." The Skreek winks. "As for arranging marriages, well… let's let you have a look around first." She jerks a thumb towards the Inn. "The innkeeper there is a friend of mine, as are the employees. We'll have some lunch and catch up before we start in on the boring trade talks."

"Nene… would you like to pick some flowers for Duchess Kurai?" Willow whispers in the kitten's ear.

Nene smiles brightly at the whisper, nods several times, then squeals, "BYE!" and scampers off on her mission.

Eve mews, "Oh, yes, Lord Kurai is just fine, though Czar Justinian made him a Count, so 'Count Kurai' would work just as nicely. I think either sounds positively splendid." She giggles. "I'd love to go inside. Shall we, Lord Kurai?"

Jynx gives a lopsided smile of embarrassment, "Yeah, Lord's alright, although I don't do much of that. Lunch sounds good! Come on Eve, let's leave Nene alone so she can surprise you." The Khatta smiles, and follows the Skreek into the inn.

"Count Kurai then." Willow waggles a finger. "Believe me, I can relate to not feeling that a title fits, but you should still wear yours proudly. Think of it as a snub in Rephidim's face for trying to give your lands over to the Gallisians." She shakes off her skirt and starts to head towards the Inn.

Inside the Last Resort, the bright sunshine gives way for the muted tones of what light filters in through the windows and the occasional lantern. A hearth on the far side of the main room may provide warmth for the night, but it's not burning at present, since the weather is pleasantly temperate as it is.

"I guess that's a piece of good advice," grins the Khatta, as he follows behind the rat. "That's part of why I'm here, of course – or partially, at least."

The main room has several round tables with chairs made from barrels – a fairly popular style amongst many taverns to be found on Sinai, but these are interesting in that they've been "hollowed out" from barrels, basically looking like normal barrels from the back, but having a chunk cut out from the front and a seat added in there, so that the original hull of the barrel forms a slightly rounded back. It looks rather clever, though it may not actually be the most comfortable of designs, and not the least bit accommodating for fliers. But then, there don't seem to be too many of those in these parts, and a stool could probably be pulled up for any exceptions.

The main room is mostly empty, as this doesn't seem to be a busy hour. A lady Siamese hangs up some mugs, while another Siamese cat who looks like he might be her younger brother sweeps the floor, and an even younger one cleans the windows.

"Afternoon all. If you have any to spare, could you get a bowl of fruit for me and my guests? Also a pitcher of milk." The Skreek waves the two felines to a large circular table which she promptly seats herself at, folding her hands under her chin and smiling with a certain conspiring glint in her eyes. She looks ready to start talking trade right now, but politely restrains herself.

Jynx walks over to the table, and pulls out the chair for his sister. "This is very kind of you." He smiles, lookingaround. "This place is a lot like Blackshire, actually. We seem to have a lot in common."

The elder of the two Siamese brothers sets his broom aside, and ducks his head in a bow to Willow. "Yes, m'lady." He walks swiftly – but without looking terribly rushed – to the pantry room, then comes back out with a pitcher of milk, a bowl of fruit, and some cups, setting them down one by one off of his tray and onto the table. He smiles at Willow and the visitors, perhaps smiling for a fraction of a second more at Eve than the rest.

Willow leans back in her seat. "Well, we're both in the same region after all, although we're a bit closer to Bosch than I'd like. Still, not too many people, and we've managed to get the land to start growing things that aren't all brown."

The black Khatta nods, hiding a grin at the Siamese. "We've had similar luck ourselves, now that most of the strange creatures and other assorted nasties have gone away." The Khatta takes the glasses, and pours some milk for all three seated. "The Savanites in Kurai Town have helped a lot too, since they know how to deal with wild lands."

"Likewise here." The Skreek's smile fades by a couple of degrees. "Even with the war mostly over, I don't think every spot is all that happy with how things are panning out in the Savan, and are finding new places to settle in. I'm sure there'll be more trouble there soon enough."

The front door opens up, and a very aged-looking cheetah walks in with the aid of a staff, adorned in a heavy cloak and robes. A younger cheetah, perhaps his son, wears traveling clothes combined with pieces of studded leather armor, and he has a sword at his side.

Jynx's smile also sobers lightly, as he takes a sip of the milk. "Most likely, yes. Hopefully places like Kurai Town will give them at least a refuge though. Hear that you have a rather successful colony of your own – " The feline cuts himself short as he looks towards the door and the cheetah that enters.

The lady Siamese comes over to the table. "Welcome to the Last Resort. It's a bit early for supper, so it may take me a little longer to cook things up for you, but would you care for a meal after your journey?"

Eve sips at her cup of milk, following Jynx's eyes to the door, and then looks back at the Siamese. She wipes her mouth daintily with a napkin, then mews, "I think I'll be content just to soothe my parched throat for now. I wouldn't want to spoil my appetite and miss having supper with everyone else."

"Welcome to Dack Principality, gentlemen." The Skreek waves to the newcomers. "Dame, put their meal on my tab. I always try to welcome newcomers here."

"Certainly, Lady Dack," answers the lady Siamese.

The brother Khatta looks back to the Siamese. "I'll just take whatever you have that's small for now." He smiles.

The youngest cat, not quite in his teens, pipes up, "How about all those game hens Lumpy caught? Those cook fast!"

The older brother somehow looks both pleased at the mention of his accomplishment, and displeased at something else – or perhaps just a little embarrassed.

Jynx grins. "I'll take one of those; I'm sure they're tasty."

Eve looks tempted. "Mmmm … maybe later." She grins thoughtfully.

Willow folds her arms across the front of the table. "I don't quite know how to classify what I have here. Most of the Savanites that come here are of the religious sort, probably due to my latest ravings in Safar. I'd like to start a monastery out here someday, but that takes far more money than what I have on hand. But maybe in ten years or so if I'm still around." She shrugs and picks up an apple from the bowl in the middle of the table.

Lumpy nods. "I'll spit the hens and put them over the fire. Midnight-Breeze gave us one of the best herbal mixes you've ever tasted, and I'm sure you'll love them." Still beaming, Lumpy heads back to the cooking area, stoking the fire, then fetching some hens off of cords where they hang in the walk-in pantry.

Dame smiles and bows again, then hurries over to the two newcomers. "Here, shall I find you a table? Do you care for a drink? A meal?"

Munching a grape, the black Khatta nods. "I'm sure you will be, and if mine and my sister's plans work out, you might have more than enough money, and some say in what goes on in this world." He nods to the Siamese with a grin, then plucks another grape. "Where is your husband, if I might pry? Out on business?"

The old cheetah shuffles his way into the main room, then pauses in front of the table. He smiles, his sagging, furred skin forming wrinkles that radiate outward from his eyes, as they peek out from under his wide-rimmed hat. He holds up the hand that is not holding his cane, and dips it, flicking it in a gesture in the Silent Tongue that indicates a request to join one's company.

"He's in Olympia right now, to see about getting some marble to fix our fireplace up. He should be back in a few days if you're planning to stay for a bit." Willow shifts in her seat, trying to get in a position where her tail doesn't fall asleep. "What do those plans entail, Count Kur – " She stops abruptly and nods, rising from her seat and offering the old cheetah her own. "Er… you don't mind, do you?"

Jynx smiles at the old cheetah. "Please, be our guest," he signs to the old Savanite. "I don't mind at all. We have a few days to kill, and I'm not too eager to start the return trip, so we can stay for a while."

The old cheetah's shoulders shake in a silent laugh, and helooks askance to the younger cheetah accompanying him. The stern spotted man ducks his head and pulls up a couple more chairs from neighboring tables. The old cheetah then sits down with the assistance of his younger companion, smiling and nodding to each of the others at the table in turn. Despite two chairs being brought over, the younger cheetah still stands.

The Skreek eases herself back down in her chair. "Won't your… um … companion have a seat as well? There's plenty of room."

The old cheetah looks up to his companion, and nods. The younger cheetah sits down, though his bearing is like that of a soldier in a drill or at inspection, not a traveler eager to relax after a long journey.

Jynx takes another sip of the milk, looking to the cheetah curiously. "Welcome to our little chat, friends. To what do we owe the pleasure?"

"I'm Lady Willow Dack; this is the visiting Count Kurai and Duchess Kurai. Where do you hail from and what brings you to Dack Principality?" She pushes the bowl of fruit towards the two cheetahs.

The old cheetah frees a gnarled hand from his staff, which he no longer needs to lean upon, setting it against the crook of the armrest of his barrel-chair. He bows his head slowly and reverently to each at the table, then signs, "I am a traveler, going wherever the Star leads me. I have other names, but you may call me 'Methuselah', if you so please."

"Methuselah it is then, pleased to meet you," signs Jynx. "My name is Feli Kurai, but my Savanite name is Unlucky-One."

"And your companion?" Willow glances at the younger cheetah.

The younger cheetah has straight hair that looks as if it has been bleached by the sun … or else as if it were originally a lighter color that had been dyed black, with roots that were growing back out to their original color. He does not volunteer a name for himself, but Methuselah signs, "Yoshua."

The Skreek nods, pausing a moment to smile at the two Khattas. "So what brings you to Dack? Are you on your way to Olympia, or perhaps looking for work or a place to settle? I can offer you help for all of those needs."

Methuselah smiles. "I seek the Unlucky-One and the friend of the Priest-Queen."

Eve just blinks a few times.

Jynx blinks at the sudden mention, and gives a curious glance at Willow. "You've been seeking us?"

"You've found the former … as for the later, that may depend on which Priest-Queen you mean. The current one will probably not claim me as any friend of hers." The Skreek bites her lip.

Methuselah signs, "Perhaps one, perhaps the other. In any case, the Star has guided me here."

Willow sets her half-eaten fruit down. "For what purpose?"

The black Khatta readjusts himself in the barrel seat. "Exactly… why has the Star guided you here?"

Methuselah puts his hands together, massaging gnarled fingers against each other, delaying his reply. But at last, he signs, "To find illumination. I have heard of each of you in my travels. You have been kindly to the People, with no clear cause to, by this world's standards. Why, might I ask?"

The dark Khatta just blinks, taken slightly aback. He looks to Willow, staying quiet to let her speak first.

"Guests first." Willow gives the Count a sly wink as she sips from her mug, although her tone hints at a certain bit of nervousness.

Jynx grimaces a little, then shrugs, trying to think of the words. "I lived with the people for a time, when they were all that I could turn to, and lived as one of them. They made me feel more alive than I had ever felt, and helped me to discover who I was." He shrugs, unsure exactly how to state it. "Ever since that time, I have seen them as my brothers and sisters, and I would do almost anything for them."

The old cheetah nods solemnly, then scans over to Willow – Eve avoiding his gaze as he shifts it.

"The question isn't so easy for me to answer. It's like asking me why I love my husband or why I love my daughter." She sets the mug down. "I suppose the seed of it is thatwhen I was a slave owner I was won over by the love and loyalty of my slaves, and then led to the path of the Star by the queen of the slaves. My first priority is to the Star, regardless of who follows it, but most of its followers are Savanites, so in my spiritual wanderings I often find myself in their circles. I've come to understand that slavery is wrong and that the Savanites are as equal to any race on Sinai. But despite my love for them, I would welcome anyone with equal love."

The old cheetah nods at this as well, then signs, "But despite this, you have your clashes with the present Priest-Queen, yes?" His expression is unreadable, perhaps intentionally so.

"Yes." Willow nods. "She follows a false star and is being further led down the wrong path by most of the Twelve. I am trying to turn her back to the true Star before she brings the false one to Sinai."

Conversions in hand-sign are notoriously slow, especially when trying to use proper grammar. Therefore, perhaps it's not entirely surprising when Lumpy emerges from the back area with a tray laden with fully cooked game hens. His younger brother, Pip, brings along some bread, and a mix of beans and peas in a bowl.

The old cheetah smiles approvingly and sits back as the Siamese Khattas set out the meal, not yet commenting on Willow's answer.

The Skreek clears her throat a bit and hands the youngest kitten a shekel. "Pip, could you make sure Nene is doing all right with her flower gathering? Make sure that her bug hasn't eaten half of them and I'll give you another one when you get back."

Jynx gives a nod of thanks to the Siamese waiter, and sits back to give the other Khattas room.

Eve speaks almost too swiftly as she says, "Oh! If you don't mind, I should like to check on little Nene as well. She's such a darling little kitten!"

Pip smiles at the shekel. "Right away!" he purrs, and he darts for the door.

Lumpy shakes his head, and finishes setting the table. "There you go. The Silver Family hopes you enjoy your meal."

Count Kurai gives another nod of thanks, and takes a long whiff of the meal to show he appreciates it. "I don't mean to sound rude, Mister Methuselah, but you haven't yet told us why you are interested in us, besides our connections with the People."

"Just follow the bouncing Kattha." Willow manages a grin at Eve and motions after Pip. "And thank you, Lumpy; one of these days I'm going to have to swipe Midnight-Breeze from you and hire her as the Dack family chef."

Eve rises and bows as she leaves the table, and Lumpy's smile ever so briefly shows a hint of disappointment as the white Khatta leaves. He recovers and chuckles at Willow's "threat". "I shall have to tell her you said that." He bows and leaves the group to their meal.

Methuselah smiles, then signs, "Perhaps your connections to the People are interesting enough, young lord."

"I hope the Duchess doesn't mind brown flowers. Nene's never been one for bright colors." Willow coughs. "Anyhow, as we were saying?"

"Perhaps,", Jynx signs with a slight smirk, "but I get the feeling there's more to it than that."

Jynx grins to Willow. "I'm sure they'll get along great."

Methuselah looks to the meal, an expression on his face hinting that something's missing.

"Oh! I'm sorry… I get distracted." Willow folds her hands in front of her plate and bows her head.

Jynx also bows his head, closing his eyes.

Yoshua mimics Willow's gesture. And though Jynx cannot see it, with his eyes closed, he can hear the rustling of cloth as the old cheetah's hands move about.

"Heavenly Star, thank you for the guests you have brought to my lands this day. Keep us all safe and healthy. Thank you for the food and may its nourishment aid us in your service, amen." She raises her head back up again.

After Willow's vocal prayer, the old cheetah moves his hand in a sign for "Amen" or "So be it," then smiles, looking pleased.

The black Khatta raises his head after the others are finished, and takes the eating utensils into his paws. "Anyways, where were we?" He slices off a small piece of then hen, and forks it into his mouth.

"If I may ask, are you from the Savan? I'd almost wonder ifyou were Abaddonians except that you show your faces." Willow lays an elbow on the tabletop.

Yoshua sits up straight again, but doesn't make a move for his plate. He gets another glance from Methuselah … and then he proceeds to grab one of the small buns and scoops out some of the vegetables onto his plate … and puts food of equally meager proportions on Methuselah's plate. He splits one of the game hens in half, and deftly removes the poultry from the bones with rapid cuts of his knife.

Methuselah smiles faintly, then signs, "I am from no place that you have been to, but it would not be appropriate for me to sign of where I come from at this time. I seek to sign no lies, and I do not desire to deceive, but neither do I wish to call undue attention to my wanderings."

After another bite of his game hen, Jynx spoons some of the vegetables onto his plate (but only a little). "Have you wandered far? It's not entirely safe for the People to be abroad these days, not that it really ever has been."

"I … get the feeling you've wandered very, very far." The gray rat spoons out some vegetables for herself, pulls out a pouch of herbs from her pocket and sprinkles them over the dish.

Yoshua takes a piece of the game hen, some of the vegetables and half of the piece of bread he put on Methuselah's plate, and takes samples of each. Methuselah then nibbles at his own portion for a bit.

Willow shakes her head. "I won't pry, although if you need my help, I'll offer what I can – and if you can help me, I'd be equally as eager."

"And you are always welcome in my home as well," adds Jynx. "I'm afraid I will only be here for a few days."

The old cheetah eats a little more, then looks up to nod at Willow. He smiles again, though it looks a little … tired. "I will remember, the next time I travel by," he signs, "or I shall make certain that my heir remembers. My days grow short, and I am not long for this life… " He doesn't actually properly finish the last sign, letting his hand linger a bit, as his brow furrows in thought.

The Skreek's ears droop, reminded of Mother Diamante and her similar situation. "Well, I'm also a doctor. If I can help you with my skills, you need only ask."

The old cheetah frowns, slowly shaking his head. "A wealthy old man may have many sons, and they may squabble over the inheritance," the old cheetah signs. "The eldest may claim the inheritance his while his father lies ill in bed, without waiting for the elder's death, or his father's blessing."

The old cheetah continues, "It matters not how many days the father may have left, nor that the firstborn would be certain to receive his birthright upon the father's death. To claim it early, to not wait for even a blessing from his father, is a disgrace. A father in such a position may be in the position of blessing a younger son instead, though the servants already follow the orders of the firstborn. To do such a thing will invite discord. To not do such a thing will invite disgrace."

"Is Yoshua your son?" Jynx gestures to the other cheetah.

The old cheetah smiles, and signs, "I have never had a wife, and I have had no sons, but Yoshua has treated me with greater honor than most sons give their own fathers. So perhaps he is my son."

Jynx looks at the duo curiously. "Why does he travel with you? Are you his teacher?"

"What you say reminds me of a story about two brothers in the book of the Star." Willow plucks at her lip. "Is that where your signs come from?"

The old cheetah signs, "I am an old man, and unable to travel on my own. As for the story you speak of, there may be parallels, but I sign in riddles, for it is the prerogative of the old to sign with a third hand, so that they may seem wise to the young." His ears wiggle slowly.

"I'm not that young." The Skreek smiles, tugging at one of the strands of white that pepper her deep black locks.

The old cheetah doesn't argue, but takes a larger bite of his meal. "Delicious," he signs, after wiping his hands off on a napkin.

Jynx grins lightly, raising his glass in a salute to the old feline. "Well, whether simply seeming wise or not, it is a pleasure to talk with you. I've only got a few seasons under my belt myself, although work is making me feel old." He takes a sip of the milk.

Yoshua, having reduced his meal to a pile of bones already, sits quietly and still, his ears flicking at the occasional sound.

Willow picks at her plate. "You've heard of my disagreements with Jade-Eyes then. May I ask your counsel on what you think of my actions? Some see me as a zealot, and in my last days in Safar, the local authorities had started trying to make things difficult for my mission. I still don't know if I managed to touch the queen's heart in the slightest."

The old cheetah dabs at his mouth with a napkin, then signs, "I think you present the signs you believe, not those you bring to please those who see them. When you seek to turn others from the error of their ways, how often do they receive the truth with rejoicing?"

"I understand as much, and I'm not bitter at any bit of treatment I've received." The Skreek waves a hand over her head. "What I fear is that Jade-Eyes has completely walled me out, long enough for the Twelve to undo any good I've done and I may never have any chance to try to reach her ever again. I pray for her every day, but I wonder if she is at least seeing the truth or if she's hidden it all away. I wonder what it will take to get her to see and what I can do to help her."

The old cheetah nods solemnly, then signs, "It may be that the time soon comes that we will all see which is the case. But for now, I shall have to be content to rest, for my body is protesting being treated like that of a dashing cub, with all my wandering." His ears wiggle, then he looks to his companion. "Yoshua, please pay the innkeeper for a room for the night."

Yoshua nods, and then rises, heading over to Dame Silver, the innkeeper.

"I'll get that for you." Jynx pulls out his coin purse, and gets up to pay the Siamese. "You're the guests, after all."

"Wait!" The Skreek shrinks down, her ears blushing. "I have room at Castle Dack. It's well known that I take in travelers of the People, and with my husband gone it would be nice to have company in the castle."

Yoshua looks to Methuselah. The older cheetah gives a nod, then signs, "It is not necessary, but I shall not argue over your generosity."

Jynx halts on his way to the innkeeper, then shrugs, giving the money anyway. "Then think of this as a tip for the good food." The Khatta smiles, and walks back to the table. "How long do you plan to stay?

Dame Silver smiles to the count, bowing in thanks for his generosity.

Willow smiles to the Count. "You and the duchess are welcome as well. My food isn't as good as it is here, but they have a very fast meal delivery boy here, so we'll be fine for breakfast I think."

"Only the night," Methuselah answers. "I do not stay in one place for very long."

The front door opens, admitting a squealing kitten. Eve follows after Nene, holding a bunch of what might charitably be called wildflowers, but she smiles like she's been given a bouquet of roses.

Pip marches in, announcing, "Found her!"

The Khatta smiles to Willow, "Thank you very much, Lady Dack, I'm honored. Although you'd better be careful with Eve; she might turn it into a slumber party with your daughter." He grins, and turns to the entering felines. "Hey, not too shabby. Did you pick those, Nene?"

"YAH!" squeals Nene, and then she quickly follows with a curtsey, mewing, "m'lord."

"Nene could always use another lady to play with, although the duchess had best not have a fear of bugs." The Skreek coughs into her hand. "One thing I should tell you. My castle is fine and safe, but lots of old memories live there and there's several rooms that we like to keep closed, so be careful if you feel the need to wander."

The old cheetah nods. "It will not be a problem. Your hospitality is most appreciated." Then, with Yoshua's help, he manages to get up from his chair, leaning on his staff once more.

Jynx finishes off his game hen, downs the last of his milk, and stands up from his chair, stretching his tail. "Thank you very much for the food, Lady Dack, it was excellent!" He goes around the table to help the Skreek from her chair. "I suppose it's time now to go talk business."

( Why do I feel like he won't be alive tomorrow morning? Maybe I'm just taking his words a little too darkly… ) The Skreek smiles at the Count as she rises with his help and hands the end of her tail to the kitten. "I'll show you the way to Castle Dack; we can get an extra carriage if you need it. I hope you like music." Her smile is bittersweet as she leads the group out of the Inn.