Solo Folds

[Estrellir Konrath]

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.”

Receipt :

Squash cat – 8 ki
Small blanket, cloth, brush, cat food – 2 ki
= 10 ki

[Estrellir Konrath]

It took a little longer than that, but Estrellir didn’t mind. Fai explained at length that squash cats had folds in their cheeks and how those folds had to be cleaned routinely. Dirt could accumulate, clot the fur and even invite infection, especially if the cat was allowed to roam outside. The best approach, according to Fai, was taking a wet cloth and rubbing softly until both fur and skin underneath were clean. A fine brush worked too, but only if there was no dried mud on fur or whiskers. Lastly, the shopkeeper fetched the soft brown blanket, adding a cloth, brush and some cat food to the pile. “He will have an easier time adjusting if there’s an item he knows and feels comfortable with in his new home, so take the blanket too. Same goes for the cat food. He’ll hunt for himself if you let him, although you should feed him so that he knows where to return at the end of the day.”

So it was a he? Just as well. With the cat wrapped securely into his blanket, tools and food pocketed in her cloak, Estrellir stepped outside and returned to her apartment. The short walk had obviously shaken the small animal, all those sounds and smells and other impressions must’ve been too much for its sensitive ears and nose. Once inside, Estrellir knelt by the door and carefully lowered blanket and cat to the ground.

Having shed her boots and cloak, she poured herself another cup of lukewarm tea and went over to watch the cat. He was just peeking out of his blanket fort, testing the air. The Konti sat down at a reasonable distance, cup in both hands, to watch. The cat didn’t seem overly shy, soon after he began exploring the room.

When he came up to her, Estrellir slowly offered one hand. Looking no less grumpy, the cat sniffed at it, then bared tiny teeth and bit the webbing between thumb and index finger. “Hey!”

He jumped back, shooting her an accusing glance. Obviously it had been her fault, why had she offered him her flesh in the first place?

Estrellir scowled, massaged the spot in question and took a sip of tea. The webbing was more rubber than tender skin, really, and her recovery took no time at all. Meanwhile, the cat had begun sniffing around her comfy armchair. After little hesitation, it jumped onto the seat and pawed around between the folds, trying to drag out the pouch of pipe tobacco she kept there. As his efforts were futile, his gaze became even grumpier.

“Hey, what’s your name?” The cat ignored her. “You should have a grand and slightly stiff name, it’d fit that expression of yours. In fact you remind me of Edmund a little, but Edmund doesn’t sound like a grand name for a cat, don’t you think?” The cat didn’t seem to have an opinion on the topic.

Estrellir cocked her head, momentarily lost in thought. Then she emptied her cup in one gulp and sat up straighter. “The name can wait. For now, I’m going to try something. Just try not to move too much, alright?”

The cat was still ignoring her, but at least he had given up on pursuing her tobacco. Instead he had curled up in the chair, resting comfortably between seat and backrest. His lantern eyes had narrowed to slits. If he dozed off, she could take her time and study all his colors in depth. Estrellir had practiced with flowers and plants before, small things to avoid overexertion. Since she didn’t tire as easily anymore, she had been planning to try her hand at something bigger for several days. Sitting cross-legged, Estrellir put her hands on her knees, palms up, closed her eyes and willed her breathing to slow down.

Yes, a dozing cat would do.