Private Thread Prudence & the Knave

No other protection is wanting,
provided you are under the guidance of prudence.

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Prudence made her way along the shadow of the fence, keeping it between herself and the road as she headed for the shelter of the thick, overgrown back garden of the house nearest the straight-lined pines. She still hadn’t set up a proper base of operations here in Whitehart. It was growing overdue that she settle. At least before snow flew again and a warm place was necessary.

The oak in this yard, however, would provide the best cover she could think of from the storm that was bringing to rage. She was looking forward to the potential of a dry place until she picked up the smell of freshly killed game and tom cat. Cautiously, she continued to draw near.

“Hello?” Her voice was soft, but intended to carry. Until she knew what she was facing she didn’t want to put forth an indication of a threat. ”Who’s here?”

Survival demands caution, but greatness requires daring
✧ ⭒ ♦ ⭒ ♖ ⭒ ♦ ⭒ ✧

Licking the blood from his whiskers, he cleaned his maw after every mouthful. Poppy was a pleasant sensation and catnip was even more so, however, a nice meal had its merits too. Necessities such as this in times like these were welcome. Little did he know that another would find shelter under the same oak as he, soaked from the rain.

Despite the rain, a small voice carried to his ears, causing them to flick outwards towards the sound. His gaze followed suit, odd eyes catching the shape of a small brown tabby.

He suspected others would be seeking shelter from the storm, but it was his luck that this she-cat happened by his side. His face, while bloodied, stretched in a smile, half marred tail beckoning. "I am a visitor here. Is this your thicket?" Territories and boundaries had left his head spinning with frustrations lately. He wanted to be left to explore freely, but he also wanted to make sure he wasn't trespassing in some way.

"Come out of the rain. I'd be pleased with some company - if you're willing."

No other protection is wanting,
provided you are under the guidance of prudence.

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”As far as I know there are none that lay claim to this place.” Prudence kept her answer to the tom simple and straightforward. At the least he was friendly right now, though it could be some for of dissembling. She should know, she certainly was. Ears forward and tail in a relaxed but confident poise behind her Prudence stepped under the oak.

A quick shake at the border of the dry space to shed what water she could to avoid bringing it within and slid closer to the tom. She settled several feet away, at least a good bound. She would keep the space until she was more certain of this one. She settled herself and began to work her tongue over her coat in hopes of working the remaining water out. Right now it looked almost normal water-plastered to her hide, but the moisture would soon have the curls rolled as tight as they got.

”My name is Prudence.” From the side of her  eyes she kept a watch on the tom, but her voice was even and she worked to keep confidence in it. ”You say you’re a visitor?”

Survival demands caution, but greatness requires daring
✧ ⭒ ♦ ⭒ ♖ ⭒ ♦ ⭒ ✧

The swipe of his eyes afforded a better look at the water ragged she-cat who stepped forward at his invitation. She was drenched by the storm, her scent unable to pin down. No collar shackled her neck so he wondered if she was free to wander as she pleased, untethered to two-leg overlords. When she confirmed that no one had claimed where he now rested, he withheld a sigh of silent relief. He wasn't willing to battle over borders or chastise ignorance over his sheer existance.

Kosmo, meal momentarily forgotten, willed himself to retain a friendly demeanor. He pushed himself onto his haunches, sitting there while his tail curled around the space of his cinnamon darkened paws. His ticked hide had managed to dry well enough from sheltering, and would be completely in no time unless he was forced to leave. Her confidence seemed contagious, and offered her a smile at the revelation of her name.

"Kosmo. An admirable name, Prudence." Governing oneself spoke of discipline that wasn't lost on the tom, and it spoke of civility that seemed sorely lacking in his life at the moment. He inclined his head. "A visitor of sorts, yes. Returned, finally, after a lifetime. Certainly the first time I've been here - in this very place. I don't often rest near two-legs and their dens, but I don't suspect one lives here anymore."

A paw motioned towards the half eaten rabbit, an ear flick swished the slight tufts of his ears. "If you're hungry, help yourself. I'm nearly full myself and I wouldn't want for anything to go to waste."

No other protection is wanting,
provided you are under the guidance of prudence.

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”Once I’m a bit drier I’ll hold you to that.” Prudence was too careful to let a chance at an easy meal pass. His demeanor helped her to settle somewhat, but she still kept a careful eye on him. Once couldn’t be too careful with strangers from who knows where. What brought you back after a lifetime?”

Curiosity was a dangerous bait, but one she would hazard a go at. If he didn’t wish to share, he wouldn’t. And with luck it wouldn’t end in a quarrel before she’d had her fill of that rabbit.

Survival demands caution, but greatness requires daring
✧ ⭒ ♦ ⭒ ♖ ⭒ ♦ ⭒ ✧

From all around he heard the sounds of Whitehart, but also the calming sounds of the forest. Closer towards the two-leg dens were strange noises, some could be alarming like the warning barks of dogs or speeding roars of monsterous things that took to the thunder paths, but otherwise todays was the sound of rainfall and wet pattering. It was relatively quiet, and Kosmo now could enjoy his meal with a spot of company.

Calmly he rose to his paws, legs stretching out beneath him that gave question to his large size. One by one he stretched his limbs from laying down for a while, and took a few steps to the side to make room for the she-cat. He understood that strangers could be intimidating, and hoped she'd feel more comfortable if she had her own place at his dinner table. Half circling around one of the oak boughs, he lowered himself into a loaf position, tucking his paws.

He hadn't been offended by the question. She was probably just making conversation, and Kosmo was pleased enough to answer her, even if he may have hesitated on his response. "Family business. Matters of inheritance. It may have been a lifetime ago, but my family settled in the area by the river - southwest of here. Do you know of it? I've reclaimed it since my arrival, but there is still much to do with so small a group." He heaved a sigh, looking away from her hoping she couldn't see the turbulence there.