Fall 45, 516 AV
With fresh tea in her system, hair neatly combed back and kina jingling in her myriad pockets, Estrellir had to be one of the first customers walking into Piramba’s that day. Fall was in full swing, so she had her scarf wrapped neatly around neck and shoulders, the wool ends trailing after her.
The redhead owner didn’t hesitate to approach. “Good morning, is there anything I can help you with?”
Estrellir straightened from where she’d looked at some colorful dog toys. “If you have cats, then yes, I believe you can.”
She hadn’t had a cat since leaving Whimsy and Poppy behind in Kenash. Surely Mell or one of the maids would take care of them, but that didn’t mean the Konti didn’t miss their quiet company. Cats never talked back, they didn’t ramble and they certainly didn’t ask stupid questions – extremely fine qualities, in her book. Sure, some scratched and bit without prior warning, but that only served to keep one on one’s toes. Prevent one from growing lazy and negligent. Since Estrellir hated laziness, she didn’t mind being scratched.
Fai Piramba led her into the back and to the area where a few more or less fluffy felines were curled up, wrestling or prancing around. Estrellir immediately leaned forward with wide excited eyes. “You’ve a good selection there.”
The shopkeeper murmured her thanks, although she’d only stated a fact. Most felines featured silvery brown or grey coats and bushy tails, two smaller ones looked slightly crumpled with sunken faces and huge eyes. One was dozing in a corner, its spotted sandy coat and pointed ears reminded Estrellir of something, probably a painting she’d seen in a book.
After prolonged silence, Fai followed her stare and broke into a smile. “You have good taste too, miss. That’s a rare one over there. Bobcats make loyal companions, although they won’t tolerate other animals in the house. They've been quite popular with the ladies recently.”
“With a price to match, I’m sure.” Estrellir cocked her head, Fai’s expression told her enough. When no cat stuck out to her, she opened the small door and slipped into their little room, all with the shopkeeper’s permission. First she played with one of the mountain cats, a species only found in Kalea (according to Fai), then she sat in front of a smaller cat, the more lethargic half of the squashed face duo. It was nestled into the soft folds of a blanket, obviously sleeping, but Estrellir teased it awake with a mischievous grin. She had no claws, but if they scratched, she could at least rob them of their sleep in turn.
As soon as the cat opened its eyes, the Konti knew. Golden and huge, like lanterns, they seemed to suck her into a mysterious void. Cat eyes did that, but that pair seemed even more intense. Less of the world. When she tested it with two fingers, then scooped the entire fluffy ball up, its gaze only got grumpier.
To balance it, Estrellir only grinned wider and stepped out into the corridor. “I’ll take this one.”
With fresh tea in her system, hair neatly combed back and kina jingling in her myriad pockets, Estrellir had to be one of the first customers walking into Piramba’s that day. Fall was in full swing, so she had her scarf wrapped neatly around neck and shoulders, the wool ends trailing after her.
The redhead owner didn’t hesitate to approach. “Good morning, is there anything I can help you with?”
Estrellir straightened from where she’d looked at some colorful dog toys. “If you have cats, then yes, I believe you can.”
She hadn’t had a cat since leaving Whimsy and Poppy behind in Kenash. Surely Mell or one of the maids would take care of them, but that didn’t mean the Konti didn’t miss their quiet company. Cats never talked back, they didn’t ramble and they certainly didn’t ask stupid questions – extremely fine qualities, in her book. Sure, some scratched and bit without prior warning, but that only served to keep one on one’s toes. Prevent one from growing lazy and negligent. Since Estrellir hated laziness, she didn’t mind being scratched.
Fai Piramba led her into the back and to the area where a few more or less fluffy felines were curled up, wrestling or prancing around. Estrellir immediately leaned forward with wide excited eyes. “You’ve a good selection there.”
The shopkeeper murmured her thanks, although she’d only stated a fact. Most felines featured silvery brown or grey coats and bushy tails, two smaller ones looked slightly crumpled with sunken faces and huge eyes. One was dozing in a corner, its spotted sandy coat and pointed ears reminded Estrellir of something, probably a painting she’d seen in a book.
After prolonged silence, Fai followed her stare and broke into a smile. “You have good taste too, miss. That’s a rare one over there. Bobcats make loyal companions, although they won’t tolerate other animals in the house. They've been quite popular with the ladies recently.”
“With a price to match, I’m sure.” Estrellir cocked her head, Fai’s expression told her enough. When no cat stuck out to her, she opened the small door and slipped into their little room, all with the shopkeeper’s permission. First she played with one of the mountain cats, a species only found in Kalea (according to Fai), then she sat in front of a smaller cat, the more lethargic half of the squashed face duo. It was nestled into the soft folds of a blanket, obviously sleeping, but Estrellir teased it awake with a mischievous grin. She had no claws, but if they scratched, she could at least rob them of their sleep in turn.
As soon as the cat opened its eyes, the Konti knew. Golden and huge, like lanterns, they seemed to suck her into a mysterious void. Cat eyes did that, but that pair seemed even more intense. Less of the world. When she tested it with two fingers, then scooped the entire fluffy ball up, its gaze only got grumpier.
To balance it, Estrellir only grinned wider and stepped out into the corridor. “I’ll take this one.”
Receipt :