Awakening

[dodd4]

((Coricopat))
the dark calico tom gently helped his sister to sit up, then he got some tea for himself and offerd some to Quaxo aswell, a simple Earl Gey rather than Tantomiles healing mixture.
"yes it was built very well and suits us quite well, even when my sisters experimental mixtures  get unruly." then Coricopat smiled.
'and Munkustraps reaction to that Sister Dear would be very funny  to see!
I think this fine fellow would at least take it in stride!' he sent to Tantomile mentaly.
"not that that happens very often." he contined wryly.

[shizoo]

TANTOMILE

Starting to feel a little better, Tanto cautiously continued to sip the nourishing liquid. She slanted a look towards her brother & the handsome large tom currently being social over a cup of tea. <Behave brother dear, or I will fish out that spell that turned your fur mustard yellow & made you smell like the back end of a pollicle for a week. I still have it you know.> The slender calico threatened, slightly amused.
She sighed inwardly, <Right now, let's leave my personal foibles out of this shall we?? Now, I know you said his name, but who is Quaxo? And not to be rude, why is he here now of all times? Have you asked? I'm sure his coming here is no accident. He may even have been obliquely summoned by one of my spells earlier. I told you, I was sensing something, & right now, we need all the help we can get. 'By the prickling of my thumbs something wicked this way comes.'> she quoted, mentally, covertly watching the tall stranger.

[dodd4]

((Coricopat))
'he is from Japan and is Mistoffolees's cousin so you can ask him,
( oh wait do we have a Misto yet? )
he has said that he has been in the city about a week so it is certinly possible...'
Cori sent mentaly to Tantomile. then he said aloud to Quaxo, "may I be so bold as to what brings you to us at this time Quaxo? the timing is most advantages and if thanks are in order that it is only good form to be prompt!"

[Graymane]

From where he stood by the door keeping watch Quaxo thought carefully on the question posed and then replied "A human commited Seppeku in the courtyard of my humans home where I am from. After finding himself cornered by my sister and myself he took his own life. It taught me then and there that I knew nothing of the wider world as a whole. With my human friends leave I traveled west. At first learning all I could. But also as of recent times, looking for my cousin and extended family where possible." Quaxo explained.

"I was just outside the capital of Mongolia when I met up with another like myself. Well skilled in combat and wits. Large man as well when his Glamour was active. Humans understood him perfectly as if he were one of them. After meeting with him I chose to look for my extended family. Something pulled me eastwards. So I came here." The Glamour affect that Quaxo had was of a young Japanese Samurai student of sorts.

"Sometimes I too question why I did things. But I think She knows." And by she he meant the Everlasting Cat. "And because of that I choose not to question why I do certain things or when I go to certain places and why. She has a plan." He said thoughtfully.

[shizoo]

TANTOMILE

Tanto quietly finished her tea, feeling the energy starting to build a little. She listened to both her brother & Quaxo discuss the situation. Then Quaxo's somewhat convoluted reasoning as to why he was here. She mused quietly to herself, careful to block Cori from her thoughts. To be honest, the large tuxedo cat rather intrigued her--not that she would admit that to her nosy brother. She loved Cori, but he could be a little, ahem, difficult. She was fascinated by Quaxo's calm admittance of his spiritual side. Other than old D, most cats rarely expressed a willingness to explore the less tangible aspects of life.

<Cori, ask him if he's heard of Macavity, please.>

[dodd4]

((Coricopat))
'as you wish,' the dark calico tom thought to his twin.
then he turned solem eyes to the large tuxedo tom. " have you heard the name Macavity?" Cori asked Quaxo, watching him carefuly to gage his rection.

[Graymane]

For a long moment Quaxo did not speak. Mentally going over his trip to the city to find his cousin Misto. "No. I know only rumors. I came acrossed a cat or two that tried to corne me. They kept referring to another as the Boss. Or something akin to that manner. I paid little heed. After besting most of the group that tried to corner me they let me alone. Took their wounded and left." He sighed, "So no, I do not know of such a man or cat by that name. Unless it his men I faced in the streets three days ago."

then he posed a question; "May I ask why you seek this information ?"

[dodd4]

((Coricopat))
the dark calico tom gave his new friend a small smile, "Nature. everything touches on evrything else intertwined, all part of  the weaving...and your coming now, as we had come then...there is a tom whoum the low and the base the riff and raff name Leader,
and that is The Mystery Cat, The Hidden Paw, Macavity.
he is the eldest son of  the Jellicle Leader Old Deuteronomy,
not long before my sister and I came to London he tried to take control of the tribe
and was exiled.  he has risen to prominance at the head of a 'tribe' of his own which controls and influances the criminal elements of the city and your words show that his reach exteneds beyond as well. like the human Napoleon his ambition knows no bounds. like my sister and I, and I think you aswell, he see's The Pattern, the tapestrey that is Life but rather than embraceing it and his place within, he wishes and seeks to be the Weaver and his will the pattern." Coricopat said.
then he sighed, "to be truthfull he may not even be as...wicked as others belive him to be which sadly means that he must be guarded against with even greater care as
his convictions lend strength to his schemes that mere calamy would not."

[shizoo]

TANTOMILE

Her throat relaxed & feeling much less raw thanks to the tea. Tanto managed to sit up a little, hoping she didn't look like a complete ragdoll in front of the handsome strange tom. Her voice a bit low & quiet, she replied as well, "I am glad the henches did not overpower you. They can be very overzealous in their duties. Macavity is dangerous on many levels. He not only seeks to rule the catkind, but the humans as well."
The slender cat took another sip of tea, warming her suddenly cold hands on the mug.
"He does not need to coerce in most cases,  many of his people serve him out of love & loyalty. Here, even, in our own tribe, many see the situation as an overreaction on our part. 'for no one that charming could be evil'."
She shivered a bit, despite the warm room, visibly tiring. She added one more comment, "The truly frightening part is he truly believes in the rightness of his cause & that the end justifies the means."
She looked at Quaxo with her huge golden eyes, waiting to see his reaction.

[Graymane]

"They lacked.... skill, timing, control." Quaxo replied, "The rabble that tried to take me down lost because they lacked the proper training and skills to do so." He went quiet then and listened as Cori spoke, then was about to speak when Tantomile beat him to it.

'He sees the Weave as something he wants to control. And yet, none of us, not even him, can do so, only She can see and touch that. And seldom will she give over such control and ablity to another." Quaxo said thoughtfully, "His reach then must be long if he wishes to control not just felines, but humans as well. I felt watched on the Silk Road the closer I got to here, and I am sure it is not of my weapons either."

For a long moment he then went quiet, then he said. "I think I know why I came here, at first I was merely wishing to find my distant relations here. But instead I see now that She defined my path to meet you, and also the other and Miss Jellylorum as well. She has a plan for me. For us. When you are well enough I think I should like to see the one you mentioned in charge of this place. Not for a place to stay mind, but to offer my aid. If this.... Macavity, is who the rumors say he is in the East where I come hence. then that means we have more trouble then we first thought on our hands."

That said he stayed quiet at the door. Listening intently, and yet thinking. the Everlasting Cat wanted him there for a reason. She wanted him to meet Tantomile and her brother. And also with Graymane and Jellylorum apparently. Something was going on. Something big. Something he could not quite put his paw on yet, but he was working on it. Slowly. And each piece of the puzzle was put into place. So far, so good

He then said softly in Japanese "私たちの取る正しい道を示して、私たちにレディを表示します。私たちの心を悩まされるないようにしましょう​​。安全な経路で私たちを導く。絶望に私たちをリードしないが、安全性と穏やかに私たちを導く。"

Which translated was "Show us Lady, show us the right path to take. Let not our hearts be troubled. Lead us by safe paths. Lead us not into despair, but lead us to safety and calm." Apparently he was praying for the right path to be revealed, and for their safety when traveling upon it.

[dodd4]

((Coricopat))
the calico tom sat quietly apearing serenely calm as he watched Quaxo at his prayers.
'so sister dear what do you think? oh and we are going to have visitors...
I belive that Munk and Stubinz should be ariving very soon.....'

((Stubinz))
the  mangeled old tom had been driving poor Munk to disraction because despited setting a brisk pace he kept insisting on stopping and gathering things that made little sense to the silverback tabby.
smelly flowers  here meatel shavings there. until finaly they were aproaching the den....

[shizoo]

TANTOMILE

Tanto watched the large tom. There was something appealingly straightforward about him that soothed her nerves. She could sense that he'd rarely prevaricate or hide what he was feeling.
She turned to her brother, <Well, he brings us some interesting problems. How does Lady Jelly fit into this? All is not as it seems.> She paused thoughtfully.
<He is correct, in a way. Macavity seeks to control fate, I think he seeks to become the one to be worshiped, not to simply to re-establish the proper worship.>
She nodded at Cori's warning, feeling a ball of nerves beginning to roil in her stomach again-albeit a bit muted thanks to the tea. To herself she thought, Munk was coming here?? She didn't mind Stub, he was one of the few who didn't make her feel shy, but she still wasn't sure how she felt about the silver tom.
Politely waiting until Quaxo was done with his ritual, Tanto spoke in a sweet low tone. Her voice was still slightly raspy, but clear. "Quaxo, it appears we are about to have company, if you do not mind, perhaps you may explain more about what we need to do when Munkustrap & Stubinz arrive?"

[Graymane]

"At this moment there is only one thing we can do." Quaxo replied calmly, a massive paw went to the swords at his hip at the sounds of coming footsteps. But at the notice of who was to join them he relaxed his stance a bit and went to the door. He turned back to Tantomile and her brother "We can only prepare for what is to come." With that he opened the door and held it open for the two new arrivals.

Outside Munkus was starting to get extremely nervous. Tantomile was ill, and Stubz was collecting dead flowers ? Metal shavings and some fishing line ? What in the world was all this for. At least he kept his mouth shut when asked to carry the metal shavings and the fishing line. Munku's at the time was holding a paw over his nose and mouth, the flowers stank to high heaven and beyond! As they neared the Den where his friends lived Munkus was about to ask just where the door was when it was opened rather unexpectedly, Munkus nearly tripped on his own tail at the time when he saw who held it open, Quaxo, Misto and Vickys massive cousin. Hey, Munkus thought, He's helping Cori with whatever's needed, including bodyguard! I just hope Tanto is OK with that bit. Munkus then relaxed a bit and followed Stubz

[dodd4]

((Stubinz Coricopat))
even with the massive tuxedo tom holding the door open Stubinz paused, and the mangeled old tom politely rappen the doorframe three times with his walking stick. then he turned and took some of the metal shavings and drew a line across the edge of the doorstep. then he carefuly stepped over and looked up at Quaxo giving him a measuring glance, "well ya are a true fathach taint ya? good ta see tha Lad and Lassie are takin this serious," he said with a nod.
then he busteled down the hall straight to the workroom, "welladay my friends,
ah was told that ya twere in ned so ah brought meself right quick!"

the dark calico tom stood and gave a nod to the old fellow.
"greeting and welcome Elder, my Sister has been the victim of an attack arcane while she was strengthening the wards of The Yard. and there has been a drain upon her, both vitality and mystical power hen she sleeps," he said in a quiet serious tone.
the old tom limped over to Tantomiles pallet, mindful of the symbol,
"well my Dear why don't ya tell me as well ey?" Stubinz said gently with an encouraging smile.

[Graymane]

Quaxo smiled then at the arrival of the elder, and also of Munkustrap. with a slight nod he said to Stubinz, "Greetings Elder," Was all he said, with a nod to Munkus he let the two in without a problem, he turned and spoke towards Cori in a low voice. "Lady jellylorum I met moments before coming after you to aid your sister at the Lady's insistence." He said. "She offered me a space to stay until I speak to Deuteronomy of my staying here." It was the way he revently said 'Lady' that made sense. He believed that the Everlasting Cat was directing his footsteps all his life.

Munkus however kept clear of the symbol on the floor by a good meter and stood next to Cori, In a thoughtful tone he asked his friend 'Any changes ?' it was clear he was worried for his friends sister. But why he had no idea, he'd need to ask his father about that. He cared for Tantomile and her brother. But for some reason he felt something more between himself and Tantomile. What it was, he had a small inkling thanks to a certain elder tom who was with them right then.

[shizoo]

TANTOMILE

Tanto nodded at the toms, a little uncomfortable with the way Munk occaisionally looked at her. She wasn't sure how to define her own feelings for the handsome tom. Any other queen would be delighted by this, but she wasn't--she felt wary & nervous. Actually the only male besides the elders & her brother who didn't make her feel that way was this new one, Quaxo, but she had no idea what that meant.
She wrenched her attention to the elder standing next to her. "Well, I was in the middle of the spell to call the 4 quarters, when a force from outside & inside the warding grabbed ahold of the energy I was channeling & tried to steal it. I managed to get most of it back where it belonged, but left myself open-too open. I wonder now, if that were the enemies' true purpose. I was lifted high into the air, then when I broke most of the spell, I was dashed ot the ground. If it weren't for Cori, I might have been killed." she gave him a wry look & a soft laugh. "I landed on him."

[dodd4]

((Coricopat Stubinz))
the dark calico tom gave a small smile, *my pleasure dear sister* he sent her telapathicly, aloud he said, "I am only releaved that I was there to do so."

the old tom nodded, then he leaned in carefuly and examined the young queen.
"well ah am likely na suggestin anyhtin that our bright young miss haina though of herself, but fer now interlocking rings a salt an iron round tha beddin ta filter an beef broth and greens ta build strength, ya look like ya have missed a few meals ey?"
then he rocked back and leaned on his walking stick, the stub of his tail twitching,
"but that definetly sounded more like a mortal agency rather than Fey, unless ya have been doin somthin that offened them but ah donn see that bein likely."

[Graymane]

Munkus at first said nothing, seemingly afraid to speak. However the look he felt from the massive tuxedo tom in the doorframe made him think twice, and very carefull before saying simply and as truly as possible. "I was patrolling, I was on my way back along the fence when I thought I heard something break. When I arrived saw exactly as Tantomile said, she was indeed on her brother, who broke her fall." He honestly had no idea what broke though, he heard something snap. But that was it. He left out the part of him meeting up with his uncle.

Quaxo remained quiet. Something was indeed going on, And something did not feel right if at all. And he did not like it either. He remained at the door, fey or not he was not letting anything past him to harm anyone in the den.

[dodd4]

((Stubinz Coricopat))
humming to himself the batterd old tom began to create the patterns of salt and iron that he had mentioned.
Coricopat watched as Stubinz drew a complicated celtic knot around Tantomiles bed.
while the dark calico tom carefully held Tantomile he gave Munkustrap a comforting smile. "we are taking care of her," he said quietly.
"and our large friend has been very helpful, so I do believe that we are making headway slowly."

[shizoo]

TANTOMILE

Tanto sighed as the runes & magic did their work. She could feel energy starting to flow back into her--carefully she immersed herself in the lines of force beginning to gather around her, reaching & feeling the bright glow emanating from each cat--a deep blue color for Quaxo, a deeper darker gray one for Stubinz, golden for Munkustrap & of course a deep emerald for her twin. One by one, she shut them away from the power drainage, putting strong flexible shields around them, augmented by the power flow from the ley lines.
Stretching her 'mental senses' she could see the fresh scar on the old tree in Jellylorum's garden & the relief from the old tree. Closing her eyes, she 'spoke' with her brother. <my brother, I am putting some safeguards in place, be at peace, I will be in trance for a while.>
The young queen carefully knitted the protections around the yard--finally spotting & following the thread which trailed out of the yard--a deep purple-black she could see the severed end attempting to reattach itself to her. Unnerved, she realized it acted as if it were alive. . . She filed the information privately, there was something. . personal about this attack that she intended to check out personally.
When she was done, she sat up carefully, replenishing herself from the ambient magical flow. "There, I am finished. The yard is protected."