I watched them leave before scrambling up and along the wall to drop into the garden in a safe spot. I did vaguely heard Kestrel speaking as my feet bounced along the top edge on the wall and landing by the bench Meli sat upon. With a quick salute to Lord Kestrel, I took my place beside Meli. I glanced toward Deas wondering if having one of the Prince’s friends joining us was odd but would not question Kestrel’s decision.
“Chichi did add a glass and plate for you Deas.” he remarked to him. “Join us.” he continued. Deas stared at us but did not move from his place by the door. “I truly doubt the chef would want you starving on such a wonderful day.” Kestrel added with a chuckle. Deas jumped and moved after a few more minutes of resistance. He sat quietly staring at his feet on a newly formed bench between Sert and Kestrel. This was shyness that could not be allowed to remain in place even if he remained silent.
“You don’t speak much.” I remarked to him. I moved to him with a plate and a glass for him. He looked slightly shocked as our eyes met. “Just sip it slowly like wine and it should not affect you negatively especially if you are eating as well.” I explained to him. I had gotten a sniff of this sake and knew it was strong but not overly problematic with food. I gave him one last closed mouth smile before returning to my perch beside Meli. He gave everyone a quick nervous glance but his heartbeat slowed to a more natural pace. He did remain silent but did eat and listen to the conversation around him.
“When are we escaping Cole and Royal duties, oh great Royal Advisor?” Meli asked with a soft giggle. The hushed laughter waved around the inner walls of the garden.
“I’m surprised you did not call him Flower this time.” Sert remarked with a smirk at her. A softer laugh echoed as Meli and Kestrel scoffed at the comment.
“Need you two start this again?” he retorted calmly. “We have the issues with the Ice Dragons once you explain what is supposedly happening, Meli.” he stated to her. “Cole’s dislike of cold weather will keep him away from us.” he concluded awaiting her reply.
“Word from the village’s headman speaks of passive Ice Dragons attacking the village and surrounding areas.” she informed us quickly. “But no injured villagers has the headman requesting a research mission.” she added with a half shrug. Kestrel nodded his agreement to this odd request.
“Visiting this village will also give me a chance to verify on a small personal matter near that area.” he returned calmly. I could see in Sert’s and Meli’s eyes the excitement of a new adventure but I also knew, I would not be going with them this time. My duties lied in watching over the events in Atlantis during their absence.
“A personal matter?” the two excitedly chimed in.
“Yes.” Kestrel replied with a sigh. “I must check a sealed gate.” he continued slowly. “You may accompany me part of the way but this is a duty only I can accomplish.” he informed them directly. “Royal duties should be dealt with tomorrow morning, allowing us to depart within a day or two.” he added softly.
“Have you recovered enough for this?” I asked in a purring whisper to him. All eyes turned to him with a hint of worry on their face. Kestrel smiled brightly at them before replying with a nod and words.
“I will be fully recovered from my mistake in that village before we leave here again.” he assured us. I held back the jubilation at these words unlike Meli and Sert that relaxed instantly. I mostly held my tongue allowing them to discuss their plans and what they required for this adventure into the frozen lands to the south. My orders to remain in Atlantis did eventually come but I had already knew this was an adventure for the senior members only. As we parted after the meal, I assisted Deas to place the empty platters, plates, glasses, and bottles upon the handcart for him to return it all to the kitchens.
Lord Kestrel decided to tour Atlantis while his team prepared their items and gear for exploring the southern reaches of the world. I followed but did not stay in the shadows at time walking beside him. We did not truly talk as he made sure Atlantis knew he was still open and available to them with his new role of Royal Advisor. He did appear fully recovered but was this still in part what had happened between him and Lacona, or the actual power of Atlantis healing him. We returned home to be ushered into the dining hall where the fully household retinue waited for us to join them. The celebratory feast was a lavished mixture of different meals from Atlantis and with a small medley of worldly delicacies from all over. The friendly but derisive snaps back and forth between Meli and Cole were held within the edge of annoyance but no true angry words exchanged. Cole did glance half in surprise that I was included with the entourage but as I ate with dignity he seemed to mostly accept my presence at the table. Sert bantered about possible sparring sessions with Cole which I had already witness a few in the past that seemed very pleasant for both of them. I did hazard a request to join their sparring sessions if they allowed the house cat to join. Sert agreed easily while Cole gave me another curious glance but did not outwardly refuse my request.
They talked long after the empty plates and platters were removed from the table while much lighter drink was still flowing slowly. As they retired for bed, Meli asked me where I planned to sleep this night. I simply told her I would be in the garden in my favorite perch for my rest. She looked at me worried but did not offer an alternative place to spend the night. With all of them safely in their rooms, I was sat upon the wall of the garden looking towards the Royal Enclave of Atlantis. The light of the Heartstone of Atlantis bathed the area with a soft bluish-white light giving it a permanent twilight environment over night.
My feet hit soundlessly upon the road as I moved towards the central core of Atlantis. I could not be sure I was not being silly or foolish by listening to a pair of foxes but I felt compelled to do this. I did stay closer to the shadows while I moved slowly in the darkness of the coming night. It felt odd only noticing a handful of Royal Guards patrolling the central areas. I did not attempt hiding from them greeting them with a silent nod or a salute to the higher ranked Feral Guards. Even with my uncommon armor, they did not seem to have a problem with my presence floating through these prestigious enclave.
“Seems my kin did get a message to you.” a voice whispered from a shadow up wind from me. I gazed into the shadow allowing my eyes to adjust to the dim lighting. A foxed shaped figure stood a touch taller than me with a cloaked human beside them. The vixen that stepped from the shadows was truly taller than me with midnight colored fur which is not typical for foxes. As the being accompanying her stepped forward, the scent of heavy perfume tickled my nostrils and told me who this was: the King’s concubine. She was cloaked perfectly hiding herself from head to toes but her scent was unmistakable. “From the snarl on your face, you know who stands with me.” the black vixen softly said.
“Yes, but why is the only question I have.” I returned in a hushed growl. “But first, proper introductions while I calm myself.” I added reigning in my reactions to her perfumed.
“Munin’s perfume selection is quite horrible.” the concubine stated. A slender white hand reached out from under the cloak towards me. I last saw that hand holding a hand crossbow but was held openly to me now. “My name is Shala Meuse, but with you it will be Shala.” she added holding her hand out to me. I took it gently in my padded paw of a hand to shake it. The soft giggle showed she accepted this simple human action.
“Kestrel.” I returned with a slow nod of my head in greeting. I still waited to discover this odd fox’s identity.
“They sent the outcast fox, Siren of the Lashed Wolf Pack, to watch over the idiot’s concubine.” the fox revealed without a hint of anger or annoyance. “Well met Kestrel of the Redpath clan.” she continued calmly. I felt her touch at my chin before her cheek brushed along mine. “Better to greet you in feline fashion than anything else.” she added. Her touch had been firm but not forceful at my chin to allow her rubbing cheeks with me.
“You raised a weapon in Munin’s defensive, which I must thank you.” Shala whispered. We had placed ourselves in a tight triangle at the edges of the shadows. “His death at a foreigner’s hand would not be seen as a bad event for Atlantis.” she remarked. “It’s why the Royal Guards did not move to stop that possibility from happening.” she added calmly.
“Too many other problems would arise from such an action.” I remarked with a huffing growl.
“She does not see that yet but is not foolishly remaining blind.” Siren replied slowly.
“If he dies, Annianka can be with her true King.” Shala interjected. The vixen groaned at this comment.
“Prince Bryan would be tossed aside, and so would all of Munin’s playthings including yourself Shala.” I warned her. “Do you truly wish to be tossed on a foreign shore with nothing but the clothing on your back?” I asked sightly blunter than I meant. A bark of laughter escaped Siren at my summation of the situation. “Better to have him step down eventually to allow Princess Sara and Prince Bryan to co-rule Atlantis with honor.” I added with a small toothy smirk.
“You believe he would give up the power of being the King of Atlantis?” Shala retorted. “I understand waiting could give Prince Bryan a chance to show his nobility that his father lacks but the lot of us that he dragged along to satisfy his debased needs have no value.” she stormed forward verbally. “I have no place because of that degenerate man.” she added. Siren’s hand was around her shoulders instantly.
“I will still follow and protect you, silly woman.” Siren purred at her. I sighed softly as all my annoyance melted away.
“You will make sure she stays safe, Siren?” I asked. She looked at me and nodded. “I will inform Lord Kestrel of our two mystery allies that could sway King Munin’s thoughts indirectly.” I told them. “But for now, why did you decide to call upon me?” I added in a more casual tone.
“Of all the Royal Guard clans, you are the first other than Miss Hope to select your duties personally.” Siren admitted softly. “One of two that could see a half-breed can have merit among the Royal Guards.” she continued in a nearly inaudible whisper. She was hiding her words from the one she guarded to protect this woman. An insane thought had me taking a chance by placing a firm hand at her chin. As our cheeks touched, I whispered a lone question to her.
“Do you love her?”
“What?” she yapped pulling back. She stared into my eyes trying to find words to answer my question. “I...do...not...know.” she breathed out in a slow halting way.
“Close enough.” I exclaimed with a smirk. The warning sound of a higher pitched chuckle told me another had joined this conversation from the Ferret Guards. The step was light even if the nails clicked on the marble walkway.
“And good enough for my big brother to vouch for you as a member of the Ferret Guards.” Khëndrâèl stated as he stood beside me. “The squad leader was worried for no reason when the foxes wanted time alone with you, young Redpath.” he continued casually. “You are, in Captain Jäzærha's eyes, a fox even with your lupus mixed blood.” he told her. “As for yourself, kitten, any of the Captains would give you an honorary place in their squads, little Knight.” he added.
“A Knight?” Shal remarked shocked. “I thought the armor was a...” she tried but could not finish her words.
“A help return a Princess back to her Throne to be their Queen.” I informed them briefly. I knew it sounded both silly and unrealistic because of how simplified my explanation was. “The Queen who knighted me gave this armor as a personal gift to me.” I continued keeping an annoyed growl from my voice. Before I could say more, Siren did the cheek rub once more adding the question I had whispered to her. “Yes!” I exclaimed. Her eyes went wide while Khën chuckled beside me.
“And your duties can remain as they are Siren since someone needs to keep Munin focused on his duties.” he remarked. He bowed to Shala and drifted away without anything else said.
“Why do I feel drafted as a soldier?” Shala returned to us.
“More like a good influence that watches over a fool.” Siren replied with a soft giggle. “But we should all be returning home for some sleep this night.” she added quietly.
“May I request an odd favor from our feline Knight?” Shala whispered hesitantly.
“If it is within my power, I will give it proper consideration.” I replied easily.
“I wish to rub cheeks with you as well.” she asked in a small quiet voice. “I know my perfume is horrible but I wish to experience what seem the most innocent and pleasant greeting.” she continued slightly bolder.
“It is a rather odd request coming from a human.” Siren stated slowly. She looked at me unsure if she should allow this to happen.
“You would be exposing your face to all that might be passing by.” I warned her gently. I looked back to Siren as we both shrugged towards each other undecided. “I will accept this but only this once from you.” I answered feigning calmness. This was an action that Diadem was the only human to receive it prior to this moment. Shala’s hood was pulled back as she stepped hesitantly forward. She placed a hand on my one cheek and slowly rubbed her cheek along the exposed one.
“I love Siren” she whispered into my ear. She pulled away slowly with a small smile on her face. “Now you know why I needed to do this, yes?” she told me. She pulled the hood back firmly in place to hide her face in shadows. I had caught the hint of blush upon her cheek before the shadows made her disappear.
“Completely.” I replied. I gave Siren a knowing smirk before bowing to both of them and drifting away into the shadows. Many different thought floated around my mind as I neared what was now my home. Shala admitting that she loved Siren while knowing the fox had feelings for her as well made me think about Dia. I nearly missed the squawk as I landed upon the wall at the same moment a harpy landed beside my perch. She place the scroll at my feet then bent her head forward to receive head scratches. Purring chuckles rolled out of me as I idle scratched the harpy’s feathery head. “Thank you.” I whispered to her. I collected the message I had received from my helpful harpy friends.
I did not try reading the missive until I was in my place in the bow of the tree I slept peacefully in. I unrolled it wondering if it was from Dia, Deidra, or maybe Rouge but I was looking at a message from Artea. It was mostly a simple report of the event to the southern edge by the mountain pass. It mentioned the life-like statues that would be left to hold lanterns to light the passage at night but no suspicions that they were once alive. I debated telling her the truth but they could not truly help them anyways. She also explained that the lands for our Royal Guards vacation lands were already being prepared and the citizens of those two areas were more than happy to receive my kind and kin into their lands. The last part was telling me how brave and strong Dia was behaving even if she missed me deeply. She also mentioned that Queen Diadem hoped I would be the one bringing the Royal Guards personally to her land with a chance for a visit together. I sighed considering how impossible this would be with my duties towards Lord Kestrel. I drifted to sleep and dreamed of future times with Dia. I awake hearing the growls of Miss Hope in the foyer. I did not need to see her to know her annoyance was edging into anger. I could not wait to listen how this would turn out. I moved to enter the foyer from the garden door to find her standing there fuming.
“You seemed perturbed this sunny morning, Lady Hope.” I greeted her with barely the hint of a smile on my face. My tail had wrapped itself at my waist and leg to hide my nervousness. She glared and growled at me sending a shiver of icy cold down my spine. I shrunk before her but kept my eyes upward to meet hers. Her growl remained as one hand had my chin in a tight grip. Her growled died in her throat as her eyes went wide for a barely a moment before she shook her head releasing me.
“Go play guard somewhere else, please.” she asked in a growl. “Lord Kestrel will not be needing a shadow today.” she added in that same growling voice. I sighed and nodded to her drifting towards the kitchen to see if Meli had started boiling water for morning tea. The kitchen was empty so I took it upon myself to prepare the kettle for tea. I was at least able to hear when Kestrel come downstairs and left with Miss Hope. When Meli arrived a few minutes later, she was happy seeing the water ready and I informed her of Kestrel’s departure with Miss Hope. It was after the noontime meal when Kestrel returned alone. While he prepared the team to leave to the southern lands, I assured him I would keep an eye on Cole. I carried most of their heavier supplies to the harbor for them to be placed onboard the Herald that was quickly re-provisioning itself for Lord Kestrel’s next adventure. The rest of the day was spent exploring Atlantis and practicing with Cole and some of the mixed Guard groupings.
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