"Aldan, that you?" Dulcinea asked, coming out of the kitchen, Finlay close at her heals. Aye Dulcinea, it's me. "Where did you g..." the human girl stopped the thought short, blinking at the form that was walking into their home. Like a cat had been sliced together with a human and painted green...and blue. Dulcinea had seen her share of interesting people down at the docks, people from other world entirely on strange ships said to "travel the cosmos." She wouldn't have believe the tails had there not been a two headed man, or a were-beast the size of a house standing in front of her to prove there were other worlds out there. But never had she seen one that looked so handsome, and so much like the creatures she loved so dearly. Dulcinea, what'd the old fogie do now? Finlay asked rather nonchalantly as he stepped from the kitchen behind the girl...jumping back and hissing sharply at the sight of the being before him. What the...Aldan, what monstrosity did you... I'd watch who you're calling a monstrosity, Cat. I won't hesitate to tear these buildings down if you're going to defile my Rider. What was that? Finlay shrieked, looking around, hair raised and prickly. He nearly danced on his toes around Dulcinea, confused as to where this strange, very un-cat like voice was coming from in his head. Dulcinea was also very confused, as were many of the cats in the house. Mothers and young ones had already dashed upstairs, a few of the braver toms staying down to growl and hiss menacingly at the being. But he seemed just as surprized to see Dulcinea as she was to see him, and didn't notice the cats that threateningly advanced on him. But he felt them. Suddenly he shrunk back, holding his head with both hands as what Dulcinea knew where hundreds of angry words and picture bombarded his brain. He screamed out in agony as he slowly dropped to his knees, shaking his head to try and rid himself of the thoughts. Somewhere not too far away, there was a bellow of mixed anger and pain. The ground trembled under there feet, and for a moment all the cats stopped to look up and wonder what that was. That moment of lapse in thought gave the man some relief, and Dulcinea jumped across the line of cats to kneel by him. Dulcinea, get away from him! Finlay shouted, following her...drawing the attention of the others again. The cat-like being cringed, starting to curl up again. "Stop it! You're hurting him!" Dulcinea shouted, but the cats refused. This being had intruded on there home, frightened their mates and their children (not to mention themselves). "Stop it!" the young woman shouted again... Stop t'is now! and several of the cats went flying backwards, landing hard in chairs and cushions. Aldan sat, huffing and puffing, trembling in anger. Just stop it! Go upstairs, all of you before I send you up t'ere! All the cats sat shivering, rightfully more afraid of Aldan than the intruder. Not even stopping to add an extra hiss or spat, they all hi-tailed it to the next floor, barely peeking down from the hole in the ceiling. Only Finlay remained, fur still bristling. You all rig't t'ere, boy? Aldan asked, trotting over to where Dulcinea knreeled with the man. "I think so..." the interesting creature said, looking up at Dulcinea with a thankful smile. "If not now, I will be." What do you think you were doing, bringing something like that here? Finlay suddenly snapped, going over to get right into Aldan's face. 'Ush you, boy! You've no idea w'at t'is man can do, 'as done, and will do for Dulcinea! What, are you playing matchmaker or something? What can he do for Dulcinea? "I can teach you to fly..." he said rather simply, not directed at either cat, but to the girl herself. Dulcinea blinked, several times, the white Calico cat mimicking her. Fly? Aye, you 'ot 'eaded kit. Our friend 'ere is a dragon rider...t'at voice you 'eard was 'is dragon. "Speaking off...Surrith, you all right?" My head hurts...but I'm fine. What about you??? Are you ok, T'ran? "Just fine...Aldan helped me out." "What do you mean, you can teach me to fly?" Dulcinea asked as she helped T'ran to his feet and they started to head for the kitchen. She could actually see a blush in his ears, looking a little guilty. "Well, I suppose I'm getting a head of myself. You might not fly, per se...but you'd definately get a dragon." Dulcinea stood stunned for a moment more, causing the cat-man to smile. Come sit down, Dulcinea...our friend 'ere 'as a tale you need to listen to... |
| Text, Characters, and Ilori cats are (c) Jennifer, yr 2002 & Beyond. T'ran and Surrith (c) The Healing Den. |