#anywhere

Constance scribes quietly. Doing her work.

The mother cat mews

"I am working" Constance says

Meow?

"Yes, I am," She says "One does not simply declare an heir. One has to issue it in multiple sets, send out the finest paper with the best writing. And I must do it in both English and Spanish"

The mother cat does not see how this is HER problem?

Meow!

"I am sure Salma or one of the other girls will charge in with your food. " Constance says "I am scribe, not Cat Care provider"

Meow!

"Oh for goodness... what is it? you need water?" She rises to check

Salma has fallen asleep, face atop a book and an arm around the kitten box.

"Oh my." She picks up Salma gently making sure the kitten box isn't too neglected

"Just one more chapter...." She mumbles in her sleep.

"oh my, asleep on the book with the cat nearby, that takes me back" She takes Salma to her bed to tuck her in.

Ellie sits up when someone enters her room - Ariel is snoring in the top bunk of the bed shared with Salma.

Constance.. the Scribe, lays Salma down gently on the bed

and tucks her in

Salma, even snoozing, still clutches the book and smiles as she curls around it, into a deeper sleep.

Constance looks over at the young Countess "Apologies, Countess" She whispers "Just needed to get her in a proper bed"

"I knew she wasn't going to leave those kittens. Thank you, Scribe Constance."

"You're welcome. Now, sleep, Countess. Your great deeds can wait till another day, and the cat and kittens will be fine"

A yawn and a sleepy nod. "Thank you for letting them stay in your library."

"Well, it's the Hold's library/study but I suppose I do get territorial. Still, it's the best place for now."

"I think so. But it's okay to care about where you work, right?"

"So thank you."

"You're welcome then," She gives a bit of a curtsy, "Good night" and slips aout

"Salma, are you asleep?"

Apparently she's VERY asleep.