Post by Nakia on Aug 2, 2022 8:25:14 GMT
The little rented room in the town inn is quiet but for the occasional breath of wind from the un-shuttered window, and the regular methodical clink of bead against dragon scale, as the speckled cat works cross legged on the reed mat in the middle of the room.
His work is laid out before him. Five simple clay beaded necklaces, their colours stark in the soft candle light. Red to show the courage of his companions in facing those winged terrors, blue to honour the loss of those pulled from their lives so early. Both strings curving down to end in a dappled polished red pointed dragon scale, prised from the hide of that mighty terrible beast they had slain before the great temple in D'Avalon.
A larger necklace sits nearing completion upon the lap of the speckled cat, matching in colours with its counterparts, but made with thicker polished carved stones from his collection, this is for a Bigg’cat after all. A row of polished ruby dragon scales arching in a downward point are strung along its front, clearly displaying the mighty deeds of the feline in taking down so many..'dragons'..as they called them. All of his might deeds, and yet to be awarded with the loss of a dear and selfless friend.
As the last bead is set into place and tied off, there is a sudden strong breeze from the window, which snuffs out the candle to his side. The speckled cat looks up curiously in response, his pupils eyes adjusting to the sudden change of light in the room, but then also widening in surprise at the vision that awaits him framed in the moonlight.
A black furred female kitten, round faced and slight build, mirroring a sitting position similar to his own. Her person bare but for a simple cloth wrap about her waist, a pale gold sash drifting ghostly in the now still air, matched by her tail.. Two large but simple plain gold earrings, each hanging low pick out her wide pointed attentive ears. Her face is in shadow, eyes closed. Till suddenly they open, casting a pale white moonlight glow from their large blank curved forms. No focus point within them, and yet they clearly move to stare down with a twitch of her head to the figure before her.
The speckled cat stares up in return. Afraid? No. But unsure? Yes.
Till a sudden flash of memory from two days past strike his mind with their vision.
A young black furred kitten girl standing alone and afraid amongst the flustered activities of fleeing and sheltering townsfolk. Large fearful pale blue eyes staring up at him as he approaches and kneels before her to enquire the whereabouts of her family. The silent tearful downward fall and shake of her head in response. The soft touch of her innocent unworked pads as she clings to him in his now sheltering embrace. The final wide eyed glance for assurance and head turning acceptance at his nod, as she is lead away to safety within the confines of the temple.
It is that same girl.
“You.” Escapes the word from the awed cat’s mouth, his voice soft and rich despite not being used for many an hour since his work began earlier that evening.
The little floating figure watches him for a moment, before a small smile spreads across her lips, her whiskers crinkling in response. Before her eyes slowly close and she bows her head, her dark form gently dissolving into the shaft of moonlight that is left in her wake. Lighting the face of the speckled cat.
Who just sits..and wonders.
Who just sits..and wonders.