I had barely awoken when Meli entered to check upon my state. A young maid followed her carrying a tray of food for our breaking morning fast which she placed upon the table in the cheering well lit nook in the corner. She curtsied before exiting without saying anything, not even a good morning greeting. Meli gave her a single quick confused look before turning her attention to me sitting on the side of my bed. I had not bother undressing the night before wanting a quick departure before Sephina or Meli decided we should stay for my health. Using my walking staff, I gained a standing position and moved slowly to sit at the nook table. Meli gave me a glare but said nothing as she joined me at the breakfast nook.
“Stop worrying and eat.” I told her before picking at my plate while gazing out of the window.
“How will Sert and our kitten know we are going to leave the city?” she asked calmly between bites of breakfast.
“His other set of eyes high in the sky.” I replied with a small chuckle. I pushed aside the glass panel covering the window hole. I flurry of flapping sounded before a small harpy landed on the parapet outside the windowsill. “He seems to have befriend a flight of harpies during his adventures.” I reported softly. I held out a fruit to the harpy before finding paper and quill. She ate slowly cautiously while keeping a watchful eye on my actions. I quickly wrote a note for Sert and the other Kestrel informing them to meet us at the southern gate. “Bring this to your feline friend, please.” I requested holding out the tightly rolled parchment. The harpy squawked and cooed nodding her human like head towards me before gentle taking the scroll from my hand. “Thank you!” I called after her as she launched like an arrow skyward.
“How is he so comfortable in the other world?” Meli asked suddenly. She was looking at me with a look of betrayal in her eyes and mind.
“He is very adaptable and uncommonly wise for his young age.” I returned slowly. I knew she’d consider my countenance and slow pace of speech as a sign of pensiveness and not weakness. “I have given him no training directly but he must learn from observing and listening to all of us.” I continued with the same slow pace. “As far as a hidden ally, would you ask for a better companion?” I added with a shrug in her direction.
“Best ally possible but I believe it’s his feral nature that allows him to react quicker and with better thoughts than most of us.” she returned calmly. I looked at her feeling her mental nervousness and worry but pure serenity showed in her face and behaviour. “Do you believe Sertian discovered as much about the guards as we have?” she added with a smirk. Her childish ideology to challenge and compare herself with Sert was the core of her smirk and self-control she showed.
“I do not know but we asked the right question before Sephina, which he could not.” I replied with a soft chuckle. “He might not have connect the war rumours with the distracted guards.” I reminded her. “He does overlook simple solutions often.” I stated softly under my breath. She smiled and nodded to me.
The rest of the meal was filled with minor comments and conversations mostly about our return route and method of transportation. As much as I did not worry about walking, Meli could not allow this constantly using my still weakened state as requiring a carriage, horses, or even an ox drawn wagon. I did not argue that vehemently against her thoughts but reminded her it was easier and simpler for us to walk as we have done many times before. She would not relent and had already called in a servant to ask about finding a means of transportation for us. It seemed that we would be walking but that was changed by other hands.
A lone guard escorted us directly from the inner enclave to the southern gates of the city. A horse pulled wagon sat with Sert at the reins, young Redpath standing beside him, and a man in burnished armour sat upon a war horse with them. I looked at the wagon nothing the secondary set of seats and the stacks of provisions loaded upon it’s back section. I stopped and waved at this transport with a curious look. Sert only shrugged thumbing towards the armoured horseman.
“Transporting supplies to villages giving an easier travel path for my feline friend’s master.” Hawke stated from behind his visor. He lifted his visor smiling broadly at me. “Cavalier Hawke from the southern lands at your service, sir.” he announced with a quick crisp bow from his saddle. Young Redpath moved towards me to assist me into one of the secondary seats behind Sert.
“Accept the lie and simply accept this, sir.” the feline purr whispered to me. “Sert has filled in the gaps in my information about your weaken state, sir.” he added in the same purring whisper.
“I agree with your Royal Guard.” Meli stated louder and more firmly making sure I was being forced upon the wagon’s back seat. “Let’s not look upon providence offer for a faster and quicker trip towards home, sir.” she added. I agreed with only a few glares at my three retinue members. And our voyage across the southern lands upon this side of the mountains began with a fast pace and only minor discussions between the Cavalier, Sert, and my feline namesake. I will admit that I stayed mostly in a quiet state of self-contemplation and naps until we approached the village that was supposedly the destination for the supplies. We had reached here just after dusk instead of two days of walking which was pleasant in it’s own way. But my heart felt anxiety as we stopped before our place of residence for the night, a brothel which I recognized. Mistress Rouge the demoness.
“Yes, we know what type of establishment this is!” was growled out drawing my attention to Sert and Meli angrily facing off with Hawke and young Redpath. “It is truly the safest place for us to stay the night!” the feline continued angrily retorting to Sert and Meli.
“But it’s a ...” she snapped back but was interrupted by myself.
“Lady Rouge is an acceptable choice!” I squawked at their back. I saw them tense and slowly turn to face me. “And yes, I should stop in to have a discussion with her, Little Kestrel.” I added bringing the same shocked look on the feline’s face. Hawke stood with a hint of blush on his cheek and a mirthful chuckle in his throat. None had noticed that the madame herself had moved to stand behind our feline companion.
“The Queen Diadem’s Knight returns to us bringing most noble of friends?” she asked in her husky voice in young Redpath’s ear. I saw him shiver as she giggled merrily behind him. She moved flowing like water to my side of the wagon holding out her arms to me. “I have missed you deeply, Dread Bird.” she stated to me with a teasing smile and hearty laugh. “Come in and be at peace my most noble of guests, including you Hawke.” she concluded as she pulled me from the wagon to my feet beside her. She kept an arm tightly around waist to keep me on my feet while bringing the back of my hand to her lips for a gentle kiss. She ignored the other’s stunned looks as she walked me into her establishment directly to a lavishly table set aside from the normal patrons.
“The harpies brought you word of our impending arrival?” the feline asked as he rushed to follow us. She glanced back to give him a quick nod. She sat beside me and started feeding me and holding a cup of drink to my lips which I accepted. I noted two women, possibly sisters, pulling Hawke into a seat between them as they took turns spoiling him. “Remember the advice you’ve received, Hawke.” young Redpath stated more stiffly to the Cavalier. “Tell them!” he ordered bluntly. This drew a quick look from Rouge that singled the kitten to sit upon her other side.
“Yes, I will!” Hawke snapped back. He leaned by the ear of each woman at his side in turn. Their face brightened instantly at his whispered words followed by a deep kiss. “The rest is in your hands with your Queen Diadem!” he returned with a mischievous gleam in his eyes directed at the feline. What followed between Rouge and Redpath showed he had grown and learned much faster than I thought possible. He touched Rouge’s chin gently guiding her ear close to his mouth to whisper to her. I did not hear his word but saw the smile brightening Rouge’s face. Meli and Sert stood staring at us confounded and confused.
“Take a seat or continue this impolite behaviour.” I told them with a chuckle. Another woman sat by young Redpath starting to spoil him by hand feeding him food and drink which he accepted as easily as Hawke and myself did. A strangle choke escaped Meli and shudder rocked Sert as a woman take their arm to place them into seats across from us. “This a safe residence away from Atlantis, my friends.” I continued casually. “Nothing happens under Mistress Rouge’s roof unless it’s truly needed.” I informed them before receiving a tasty morsel from Rouge. Slowly Sert and Meli started accepting the hand feeding but still looked nervous while the rest of us chatted casually back and forth.
I felt the energy of the place including the waves of strength Rouge sent my way. I did not mention anything about the plague village nor the trade deals while truly allowing myself a chance to relax. I knew I would eventually explain my weakened state to Rouge, but I also knew she would not ask. accepting my silence and secrets. This was the safety of Rouge’s domain where people’s wants would be ignored over what they truly needed. She had made her own kind of miracles since she stayed behind here to make this place. She knew me, walked at my side for a time, but would not interfere or harm others. I try to touch my companions mind but found myself blocked.
“That’s not allowed here Kestrel.” she whispered deeply in my ear. A soft touch of her lips on my cheek held heat but nothing evil. “That ability of yours could cause problems in a place where needs that burn bright are often overlooked by the dark desires in people’s minds.” she continued in the same soft deep whisper. I shivered surprise by this feeling washing through me from her warm breath. “What one truly needs is always easy to draw forth even if the mind believes it not what they want.” she told me with another warm peck on the cheek. “Your true and deepest need cannot be found in this or any worlds, silly bird.” she added with a soft giggles. I turned to lean closer to her ear.
“I thought our mutual teasing was what we needed the most.” I whispered in her ear. “Or is that you need to tease as many as possible, old friend?” I suggested before returning the soft ephemeral pecks upon her cheek. I pulled back to look in her glowing blood red eyes. “I will watch and read their unspoken speech as you wish, Mistress Rouge.” I told her returning my focus upon our group at this personal partially secluded table.
I first observed Sert and Meli whom usually acted like sibling while around me. The glances they threw at each other were filled with worry as they saw the attention placed upon them by the woman at their outer sides. He blushed each time his escort touched his arm, whispered in his ear, or a teasing peck on his cheek. Every time he blushed, Meli body would tense making her escort repeat the action Sert had suffered, to her making her tremble and look nervously around the table. Sert would tense at her gaze but a new touch returned him into a blushing state. I avoided her glance noting their overly protective nature rise to be crushed down with a simple but teasing touch. I already knew they would up in the same room laying back to back to protect each other.
“They could be a good couple but it is not what either of them truly need.” Rouge whispered in my ear. I nodded before my eyes turned to observe the Cavalier Hawke. “That one is about to get what he needs and give those two sisters what they need as well.” she added as I made my evaluations.
This man was an oddity, showing both wants and needs merging into his true desires which was these two sisters at his elbows. Their touch was not subtle as when the meal started as both would make him drink with their mouth in soft kisses to his lips. Their hands moved along his body in a constant slow pattern. All three pairs of their eyes glowed with something than went beyond simple lust or love, it was devotions to each other. I had heard but ignored his passing comment to young Redpath that this was as far as he would travel with us but our other companions did not understand. Their whispered words were lost in giggles and merry laughter keeping it a secret for only the three of them to know. This little village was going to be his home and those two would be the heart of his starting family. He was getting both his wants and needs while giving himself over to do the same for those two sisters.
“They will be happier being his wives and only acting as serving maids here from tomorrow on.” Rouge informed me in a husky whisper. “It is wonderful to be part of this happening but your kitten is why he is finally accepting this path of happiness.” she added after a quick bite at my earlobe. I sighed but remained silent as my focus now turned toward my name sake.
Kestrel of the Redpath panther clan was not a typical cursed Royal Guards of Atlantis. He seemed to revel in his half beast form unable to be neither human nor a full animal. I had wondered if it could be young age but that did not feel correct. The woman at his elbow feed him with a silver fork and gave him drink from a bronze goblet but kept her touch to simple scratching behind his ear and spoke openly with him. His title as Rouge stated was a bit of a shock but not truly surprising to me. His willingness to throw himself into anything that felt honourable showed itself fully in this title but I knew it could be a weakness. I feared he would resist using violence openly to keep both honour and true justice alive. It could have been my fault showing him the darkest side of honourable behaviour towards the traitorous fairy. I sighed and looked down at my half-full plate.
“He is wise, cautious, and has the most potential I have ever witness since meeting you, Genin.” Rouge’s husky whisper touched my ears. A hand cupped the back on my head twisting my face to meet hers. A kiss that was both passionate but chaste touched my lips. “You should simply relax and let me take care of your needs like all the previous time I did so, my dearest friend.” she states after the kiss. She helped to my feet leading me away from the noise and the crowd into her private lounge. The escorts diverted my companions attention as I was whisked away except for the Cavalier. He simply nodded to me but said nothing returning to his two loved ones. She sat me on the middle of the comfortable divan. Her outer layers dropped away as she brush her crimson hair away from her horns before taking a place in my lap cuddled against me. “Just accept the pleasure of not being alone this night.” she added softly. She wrapped her arms around my body nuzzling at my neck and nothing more. I did not resist sleep taking me but it was pure dreamless blackness that I received. One night truly detached from everything which was my deepest truest need.
The next morning found me feeling refreshed and strong but still only human. My slow sigh rumbled out of me waking Rouge still clutching to me. She rose her head to look into my eyes and placed a soft lingering morning kiss upon my lips. She smiled as she slowly rose from my lap to dress before holding a hand out to me. Words were pointless between us as she lead me to a table that overlooked the main hall of her establishment. A maid entered to place a tray of food before us, curtsy to both of us, and departed ignoring the demonic traits Rouge freely showed. Before the door closed behind her, I spotted the swish of her heart tipped whip-like tail. I gave the madam of the house a quick glance receiving a small smirk in response.
“Her father died long ago but she has remained at my side.” Rouge reported quietly. “The seed of men or women is nothing but a treat for my lovely daughter, Kestrel.” she told me with a shy smile. “Regular food fills her hunger without her craving to suck the life essence from humans.” she added tilting her head.
“She seems like a perfect assistant and loving daughter.” I replied simply before slowly eating. She blushed but said nothing joining me in our shared breakfast. “I am still wondering about the wagon with Hawke remaining here.” I remarked halfway through our meal.
“Those supplies are to be shared and traded along the pathway to the royal capitol.” she returned. “This place is accepted and encouraged because we can supply any and all their needs.” she continued between bites. I nodded but I am sure the look on my face must have warned her about my unspoken thoughts. “This is now the duty of your cat to bring more comfort and help to the people his new Queen requires.” she added softly. She smiled with mischievous glint in her eyes.
“What do you know of this Queen that has claimed him as her Knight?” I asked slowly.
“She returned to her stolen kingdom to sacrifice herself for her people to be protected from the beastly king that took the throne.” she answered quickly and crisply. “I believe this is why your kitten decided to help her but I still do not understand how he saved her life.” she continued, tapping a lone finger at her pursed lips. “The Royal Sword was a replica of the true weapon but it still shattered at the back of Princess Diadem’s neck.” she explained slowly. “He did nothing until the blade shattered then he knocked back the false ruler and allowed the guards of this land to execute him instantly.” she stated with a shrug. “He stood unafraid that she would die and moved at the most honourable moment to rally the troops around the true royal.” she told me slowly. “I cannot explain more than order and peace has returned with her return to the throne.” she concluded.
“I cannot think of anyway for him to make this happen.” I returned slowly and pensively. “He does not wield any form of magic that I know of yet.” I continued in that same pensive pace. “But it does sound like he performed a truly good action for the people and the Queen.” I added with a shrug. She nodded giving my a soft pleased smile.
We regrouped at the front of the establishment, myself being the last to arrive with Rouge once more appearing fully human at my side. She waited until I was in place upon the wagon’s seat before whispering something to young Redpath which made him smile and possibly blush. I held back touching their minds but watched the feline and cavalier parting ways. The sister stood by him and both came forward to hug our cat and, placing a kiss upon his fuzzy cheeks, they quickly whispered words to him. I sat watching only as our group lost one member but not our means of quicker travel. Sert and Meli stood aside speaking to the matron’s daughter. The girl’s tail was perfectly hidden as she had a lone hand on the elbow of those two.
Once Meli and Sert sat upon the front seat, our trip continued leaving waves behind us to our hostess, her daughter, and Hawke’s new family. I listened barely to the banter between Sert and Meli as they teased each other like siblings normally would. Young Repath walked ahead of us with a bouncing step as he waved and bowed to farmer or called them over for quick handing over of goods and trades. He acted like this was perfectly natural for him dealing with humans as if they are no different from him. Even Sert and Meli did not behave this casually and easily with the people of the outer worlds during their first trip. My mind returned to the problem at hand for me missing most of the events until we arrived at the royal capitol.
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