Ask to Join The Princess and the Damsel

Heir to the Black Prince

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Ahryndae stepped into the garden as though the manor grounds belonged to her lineage rather than to the House of Noon. Her dark coat drank in the sunlight rather than reflected it toying with the faint spotting on her flanks, setting them glimmering like embers caught inside obsidian.

She took in the scene before breathing out. "Relaxation looks becoming on you, Lady Laetitia. Is your noble brother around?"

Her tone was smooth as she approached the stone with unhurried confidence. "Though I confess…" Her golden eyes swept the bright garden. "I did not expect to find the sister of the Duke of Noon without her servants."

She stopped at last beside the rock, tail curling neatly around her paws. Her gaze softened slightly, almost amused. "I hope the day has treated you well so far."

Grace is effortless when born into it.

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Laetitia's ears gave a slight twitch at the sound of a familiar, regal voice. Her pale eyes opened, half lidded, and glanced at the dark form before her, watching her golden eyes moved beside her with rehearsed elegance. A delicate smile then tugged at the corners of her muzzle.

"Princesse Ahryndae!" She mewed in greeting as she lifted her head to completely face the black princess. At the mention of her brother she paused for a moment, flicking her tail lightly "Mon frère, Lelouch? He is taking rest inside the manor, if he has not moved since I have been out here." she purred stretching out her front paws before placing them gracefully in front of her as if it came naturally.

The damsel's eyes narrowed, not in frustration or so forth, that emotion was unbecoming of her lineage, but in a soft kind of focus. "La servants are observing from where Lelouch lays." She trilled, gesturing to a higher window where the tall creatures that walk on their hind legs kept watch, not of diligence, but of a kind protection.

For a moment, she thought to Smokey, the steward that was more recently employed by the Noons. "I for one am rather, surpris that the steward Smokey has returned to traverse the garden one more." she added before routinely grooming the fur that she took great pride in, a near identical mimic of her older brother's.

Heir to the Black Prince

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Ahryndae’s whiskers dipped in a faint, acknowledging smile at the flourish of princesse. The title always sounded different coming from Laetitia. Probably how her voice sounded...so musical. Her and her family all.

"Mm. Then perhaps I should drag your brother from his silks and cushions later." She murmured, a soft tease threading through her tone. The brilliant shine of her golden eyes flicked towards the window, musing. "How fortunate for a lady who requires little more than a sun to make her radiant."

She made no outward indication when the lilac she-cat mentioned her steward, but noted her grooming. "You and Lelouch do share a resemblance...Not unlike myself and my noble brother." An ear flicked towards the faint sounds around the neighborhood.

The world is your play den~
˗ˏˋ ꒰ ♡ ꒱ ˎˊ˗

A sharp jingle announced Smokey before he even appeared. The fluffy tom bounded into the garden with so much enthusiasm his paws slid on the smooth pathway, forcing him into an awkward hop to regain balance.

“Laetitia! Ahryndae!” he chirped, beaming at the two she-cats. “I heard talking and I thought, maybe you were doing something fun without me.”

He trotted straight over, brushing his tail along both their shoulders in greeting before plopping himself between them like he belonged there (because he did).

“So!” he continued, eyes bright and hopeful. “What’re we doing? Are we planning something exciting? Are we going somewhere? Do you need help? I’m very good at helping. And listening. And also… helping.”

His bell chimed as he puffed up eagerly.
“Please tell me it’s not just something boring like napping. I already tried that. It didn’t work.”

Grace is effortless when born into it.

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Laetitia opened her mouth, about to answer her new company when her voice was plunged into her throat by the caterwaul of her steward that she had mentioned not to long before. He had a way of showing up when his name or title was mentioned…

"Your misplaced excitement is palpable, mon ami." The younger she-cat mewed softly, her long and wispy tail met Smokey’s shoulder in return for the affectionate, friendly greeting. "A casual converse has no need to such excitement you bring to it. But… it’s appreciated" she spoke the last part a bit softer, as if she was hiding a quiet kind of infatuation. 

Then, the lilac coated she-cat turned her pale green gaze toward Ahryndae, her eyes bright from the newfound company. "Ahryndae, would this company accomodate your divine taste?" She enquired, voiced soft a woven silk.

Heir to the Black Prince

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Ahryndae did not startle at Smokey's arrival though the sudden jingle tore a tiny ripple through the calm line of her shoulders.

"Steward Smokey." She greeted, inclining her head with poise. The brush of his tail earned a light ear flick from her and simply adjusted her posture. When Laetitia's voice drifted back toward her those golden eyes returned to the little noble.

Two entirely different energies, both undeniably loyal to the House of Noon. "Yes..." She decided with a languid blink. "I believe your steward's liveliness will not wound my divine taste."

Her tone was warm enough to remove the sting, cool enough to keep Smokey guessing." ' A conversation can benefit from variety'. Though tell me, steward. Would you assist us with your life? If we are to treat with the destitute here in Whitehart and the savages beyond."

The world is your play den~
˗ˏˋ ꒰ ♡ ꒱ ˎˊ˗

Smokey’s bell chimed a little trill as he puffed up proudly at Laetitia’s soft praise.“Appreciated? Really?” His whole body seemed to vibrate with delight. “I knew it! I knew my excitement had to be useful for something besides knocking over the laundry basket!”

He leaned toward her with a wide, earnest grin, so sunny it bordered on foolish.
“But if talking needs excitement, I’ve got tons more. Buckets. Mountains. A whole bowl full of it!”

Ahryndae’s poised address pulled his attention next, and he straightened instantly, trying to look proper. The effect was ruined by the tiny wiggle of his tail and the soft jingle that followed.

“Ahryndae,” he mewed with exaggerated dignity, bowing his head much too deeply. “I would never wound your divine taste. Not even on accident. Probably.”

Her question made him blink… then swell with an explosive, dramatic gasp.

“My life? Yes! Absolutely! I would defend you both with my life, my claws, my teeth, my… my very bell if I had to!” He stood a little taller, as though imagining himself a great knight from the stories housefolk told their kits.

“And if we’re treating with, uh… desti-tutes and savages... don’t worry!” He flashed them a gleeful smile. “I’m really good at talking to cats who don’t like me. I just talk more until they do!”

He looked proudly between the two she-cats, tail fluffed and ringing.

“So! Where are we going? Out into danger? Or are we planning inside first? I can do both. Very bravely. I think.”

Grace is effortless when born into it.

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Laetitia’s expression softened as Smokey went on and on, spitting out words like they would save lives. But, admittedly, she listened, she seemed to hang on every word and snicker at this charming excitement. Her steward had quite the way of being so charmingly amusing.

"If I were no wiser, mon ami, I would take the thought that the laundry hamper is afraid of you" She trilled playfully, shifting her weight to get her more comfortable on the stone, not very soft, but warm enough to make up for it. 

At Smokey’s mention of defending them with his life… and his bell, Laetitia thought back to Duskmantle, how silent he seemed to move, when she could know when Smokey was coming before he would even enter the room. "La bell would be rather… how do you say… distrayante? It would let your opponent know where you are before you make a move. I would not walk into battle if I your you mon ami." He purred, tone light as freshly spun cotton.

She flicked one of her triangular ears at Smokey’s question and cast Ahryndae an amused glance. "On some occasions, noticing the smaller details outweighs the reward of exploration. I would like you to try laying up here with me. If you do not like it, we may see what treasures lay beyond the garden." It was smart not to admit she had already been out of the garden beyond what Ahryndae and Smokey knew, met cats, these ‘savages’ Ahryndae spoke of. While she agreed they were primitive, she thought savage would have been a bit far for the ones she had met.

With a quiet purr, she tapped her tail on the space next to her, an invitation for her dearest friend that she had grown rather fond of over the passing moons.

Heir to the Black Prince

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Ahryndae listened to the two of them between Smokey’s earnest dramatics and Laetitia’s feather light teasing. Her golden eyes warmed with amusement at Laetitia correction of his...distracting bell. She couldn't imagine having a more vexing object 'round her neck.

At the she-cat's offer a very subtle smile curved the corner of her mouth. "Tempting." Then she shifted, glancing past the garden wall where the warm scent of the manor lands thinned… and the wilder, unclaimed tang of Whitehart began to bleed in.

Her tail swept once across the ground like a dark brushstroke before she rose with a fluid stretch, muscles rolling beneath her sleek pelt.

"Very well. But then after commiting ourselves to sunbathing I wish us to have a walk. My brother and I are meant to treat with some of the...locals...soon. I wish to know how far the scent marks run on the other side of the street."

Her whiskers twitched in faint amusement.

"And perhaps it will reassure me that your House has not let its borders grow… porous." She looked between them, a dark silhouette warmed by sunlight as she lowered herself delicately against the stone. As if Ahryndae was anything but delicate.

The world is your play den~
˗ˏˋ ꒰ ♡ ꒱ ˎˊ˗

Smokey puffed up at their attention, then immediately tried to look dignified about it and attempted to imitate their mannerisms.

“Well... of course the laundry hamper fears me,” he announced as he climbed onto the stone beside Laetitia. “I have to keep such monsters in line.”

He settled down, purring as the warmth soaked into his fur. When Laetitia and Ahryndae mentioned his bell, he paused, ears tilting.

“My bell is a symbol of vigilance! Of readiness! Of...”

Chime.

“…of announcing my every move,” he sighed. “Highly inconvenient for dramatic entrances.”

Still, he brightened as Ahryndae stretched out and joined them.

“A sunbath and then a walk? Perfect,” he purred, scooting just close enough to feel included. “And rest assure, I personally inspect every inch of our borders. Very official work. Very thorough.”

His tail curled neatly around his paws.

“But truly… I’d be honored to go wherever you two wish.”

Grace is effortless when born into it.

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Laetitia watched with an amused lilt as Smokey attempted his act of being a distinguished gentlemen. For a the most part, it kept appearances, it worked. But Laetitia had seen the real Smokey, and admittedly, she preferred it. 

At the acceptance of both cats to her offer, her ears rose and her smile twitched between relief and glee. It felt to be moons since her and Smokey truly sat in peace, at least for a short while. "Très bien!" she chirped sweetly letting herself settle more comfortably on the sun warmed stone. Well... as comfortable as one used to sleeping on silk bedding could get.

When Laetitia felt the presence of Smokey move shuffle nearer, she brushed her tail against his flank, a sign that he was welcome and should feel included in the quiet moment that the three had decided to spend together. 

Laetitia did not utter anything more, simply listening as Smokey and Ahryndae took to conversation, warm and clear, like the two had known one another for longer than they had. It was nice, just to simply be, even if it was fleeting.

Heir to the Black Prince

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Ahryndae let the quiet settle around them like folded silk. Her eyes half closed, lashes casting slim shadows along the slope of her cheek. A breath eased from her before a single golden eye cracked open.

" A game. We should pass the time with one." Her voice dipped into an elegant purr of mischief. "Let us play 'Pass the Whisper'. A noble's game." She lifted her chin slightly, regal without effort.

"The rules are simple. Each of us takes a turn telling a single line of rumor. Something that could be true… or could be a lie. The next cat must build upon it with their own line… without contradicting the thread. And we see, by the end…whether a coherent tale survives or whether we have crafted utter nonsense with perfect confidence. Like a proper court."

The world is your play den~
˗ˏˋ ꒰ ♡ ꒱ ˎˊ˗

Smokey all but melted when Laetitia’s tail brushed his flank, his careful 'distinguished' posture instantly ruined by a loud, involuntary purr. He tried to cover it with a throat-clear.

“Er... yes. Uh… tray… bee-an,” he echoed, proud of himself despite getting it wrong.

He settled beside her, finally relaxing, letting the warmth of the stone, and their company, sink into his fur.

Ahryndae’s suggestion of a game perked him right back up, his bell giving a bright jingle.

“Pass ze Whis-purr,” he repeated, deeply mispronounced, absolutely confident. “A noble’s game. Yes. I am… familiar.”
He was not.

Still, he lifted his chin with earnest enthusiasm.

“Since you suggested it, Ahryndae, you must begin. I will follow with… uh… courtly elegance.”

His tail thumped once.

“…Or something close to it.”

Grace is effortless when born into it.

━◇──✧──💎──✧──◇━

Laetitia let out a soft, musical hum, the kind that suggested polite approval... and a hint of amusement that she was trying not to show too plainly. Smokey's attempt at her language earned him a gentle smile, her whiskers curving in subtle delight.

"Très bien, mon ami" she murmured, the words gliding off her tongue like silk. "You are improving. A little." With a graceful flick of her tail, she settled more comfortably between the others, posture perfect, chin delicately lifted as though seated in some imaginary court hall rather than on sun-warmed stone.

Ahryndae's proposal drew a spark of interest in her eyes, exactly the kind of cultured pastime that sparked at her sense of refinement. She dipped her head, elegant as a bow. "'Pass the Whisper' quel charme. A most appropriate entertainment for company such as ours."

Her gaze slid towards Ahryndae, warm yet there was a glint of her usual quiet expectation of being obeyed, not intentionally, but a life of luxury had done such a thing. "And oui, Smokey is correct." She added lightly, a soft purr under her words. "You suggested the game, Princesse Ahryndae. It is only proper you begin the first line of our... courtly spectacle." Her tail curled neatly around her well groomed body, though her eyes shimmered with a mischievous interest. "After all, one must set the tone. And I am most curious to see the tale you choose to weave first."

Heir to the Black Prince

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Ahryndae let the anticipation build for a heartbeat then she lifted her head, chin angled in a subtle show of command befitting someone born to royal lineage. "Very well." She murmured as her tongue smoothed the fur down on her chest.

"Here is the whisper." Her tail flicked an inch before her paws tucked under her. "Last moonrise it is said a mysterious traveler was seen slipping over the rooftops of Whitehart wearing a cloak made of starlight."

She paused, letting the air grow deliciously heavy as her inviting lidded eyes invited them to partake. Now… who dare add the next line to our rumor?"

The world is your play den~
˗ˏˋ ꒰ ♡ ꒱ ˎˊ˗

Smokey straightened as both she-cats spoke, trying his hardest to look like he belonged among nobles instead of, well… jingling.

Laetitia’s praise,“improving… a little”, lit him up like a kit at his first feast.

“I... oui! Tray bee-ennn,” he said again, slower this time, as if careful pronunciation might magically appear if he just focused hard enough. It did not.

But he beamed anyway.

When Ahryndae spun her opening rumor, Smokey’s eyes grew wide, his tail curling neatly around his paws in what he hoped was a refined manner (it wasn’t).

“A cloak of... starlight?” he echoed in awe. “Right, right, I can do this…”

He cleared his throat, puffed his chest, and attempted a mysterious tone:

“It is said that… uh… when this traveler landed on the last rooftop,
they left behind a single glowing pawprint that no rain could wash away.”

His bell chimed at the dramatic pause, ruining the effect entirely.

Still, he looked very proud of himself.

Grace is effortless when born into it.

━◇──✧──💎──✧──◇━

Laetitia’s ear twitched at the beginning of the whisper and Smokey’s addition, a cat cloaked in starlight seemed rather impossible, but Laetitia nodded, if she were to add onto something impossible, she shall.

"Ah oui, the tale of la cat coated in lumière des ètoiles," she began, acting as though this was a rumour she knew well. "His pawsteps shone just as bright, the pawsteps lead near a tall, towering palace with cats of his kind, glimmering coats and bright eyes." She added, her silky tail  curled upward in curiosity that wasn’t misplaced anymore, and she invited the wide eyed curiosity that welcomed itself across her expression.

As her green eyes moved to Ahryndae, they softened slightly, still glistening with curiosity but something that was softer around the edges. "The mantle passes to you now, Princesse." Laetitia added, moving her tail to a gentle curl around her paws, giving it a few delicate licks before finally giving another glance at Smokey "We shall practice your pronunciation, Mon ami" she added, feeling herself smile with the smallest bit of amusement.

Heir to the Black Prince

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Ahryndae listened to their additions as though she were judging performances at a courtly festival maybe the kind where a misplaced breath could earn applause or exile. Their embellishments painted a picture far stranger and far more charming than she originally hoped.

"Très bien…" She meowed with all the grace of her station and just a hint of mimicry, as though she were gently teasing Laetitia by showing how effortlessly she could do what Smokey struggled adorably to achieve.

She reclined with slow, languid poise as she thought about her next whisper. "They say... that when the traveler reached that towering palace of starlit cats… he spoke no ordinary greeting."

A slight cool smile curved her lips. "Now tell me, my nobles...why would a wanderer of starlight be welcomed like royalty… ?" Her golden eyes glittered like a jewel, amused by their antics as one would jesters.

The world is your play den~
˗ˏˋ ꒰ ♡ ꒱ ˎˊ˗

Smokey’s ears shot up as both she-cats finished speaking, and he practically bounced on his paws,half from excitement, half from the pressure of being expected to say something cool.

“O-okay, okay, uh... listen, I don’t know anything about those sparkly palaces or...  or glowing paws or whatever,” he blurted, words tumbling out faster than he could organize them. “But! But! If that traveler got treated like royalty, maybe it’s ‘cause he just, y’know, marched right up there!”

His tail flicked, not gracefully like theirs, more like a squirrel catching static.

“I mean seriously, who does that? Starry cats, giant palace, weird glowing stuff everywhere? Most cats would turn right around!” He made a little spin with his paw like whoosh, gone. “So maybe they thought he was brave. Or crazy. Or bravely crazy. But either way, worth listening to!”

He paused only long enough to gasp a breath, golden eyes wide.

“…Or... or maybe I just totally messed that up. Happens. A lot. Still counts though, right?”

He gave them a hopeful, jittery grin, like a tom who both wanted approval and might also run into a tree at any moment.

Grace is effortless when born into it.

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Laetitia's tail swished back and forth, as if brushing the stone with a silky paint brush that had yet to be tainted by paint of muck. The expression that followed Smokey's addition was of practiced grace and amusement, as if every line that marked her features was planned or preordained to the moment.

"Oui." Laetitia chirped at Smokey's remark about bravery, she hoped it wouldn't travel a very... overly regal route. "La féline of starlight used confiance and boldness to bypass the palace's regality! Quaint non?" she chirped, using her tongue to smooth down the fur that had been bristling with anticipation when the story had begun, vastly fictional, but she didn't mind that, it was much more amusing this way.

The pale lady moved her pale green gaze towards the clouds as the sun hid itself behind them, as if it were a shy kitten hiding behind the fur of their queen's tail. She purred at how easy this all was, the company, the game, the life she was born to. But something still felt somewhat empty about it, she paused, thinking of Duskmantle, Emberdust, the ShadowClan cats she had met not very long ago. She wondered how they were doing right now...

She didn't say much more, simply gave Ahryndae her attention, as if waiting for the story to either continue or end. With either option, Laetitia would follow, not out of duty to the proclaimed princess, but out of respect for a friend.

Heir to the Black Prince

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Ahryndae watched them both with a satisfaction so subtle it barely creased her features. From Smokey's humorous ramblings to Laetitia's polished translations into something courtly...Yes, this was exactly why she liked this game.

A soft hum left her throat, not so much a purr, but something akin to one. "Boldness has its place in the stars. Maybe." The golden depths of her eyes slid half-shut with guarded pleasure.

"A fine a rumor as any...Not, as tradition demands the last speaker of the previous rumor begins the next." She fixed the smoky grey steward of the Noon household a mischievous glance.

"Go on. Spin us a whisper."