#fenixtj

*****

Tiny soft feet... as the trod from Rivevale opens

And slips by the guard

Of course, even the stealthiest sluagh can be foiled by bad timing...

"Mroop?"

A tabby cat! In the awkward stage between kitten and adult, all gangly and stripey.

Lily fusses "A guard cat? diabolical.." And the little girl tries to resist, but.. no, she must pet her. And so does

Purrrrrrrrr. Ramona arches her back to receive appropriate worship.

A pooka girl sitting so quietly that she might as well have been a statue, or a sluagh herself - until she exhales and closes the book with a soft snap, a finger in her page. She looks over at the cat, and the girl. "Do you have to sneak here? I was at a good part."

Not unlike a cat herself, but Salma sought out sun not for napping in, but for reading under.

"Hmmmph" Lily says "It was my intention not to be noticed at all. I was foiled by a cat, but then, that's at least respectable."

"I did not notice you. I noticed Ramona."

Lily's shins are head-butted. More pets!

Perhaps that helps!

"Oh" Lily says pleased "Kind of you to say. I do need to work on my sneaking" She bends and gives MORE pets "is that a good book?"

She shows her the cover, it's called "Matilda".

"It is about a terrible little girl, and the fine and wonderful teacher that she torments." Salma says.

"You see...." She says, peering over the cover. "The girl? She is a most wicked witch."

"I like her already" Lily observes "The little girl I mean"

"You can tell she is a witch, because her last name is 'Wormwood'." Salma considers, then offers the book to Lilly. "You may bring it back next time. I already know the tragic end."

She takes the book "Thank you kindly, do forgive me, I am about to be late for high tea"

"Go on, then. Vamanos."

Another stroke for the kitten, then a glance at the pooka girl and...what is it that's required for proper socialization among non sluagh? Oh yes, a compliment "Your ears are lovely, they remind me of little brown funeral shrouds." And she heads off.

"How nice." Salma says. She watches her go, then pulls another book from one of her large pockets - this one, "The Witches". She starts at page 1.

Ramona trots after the sluagh.

Lily turns at Ramona, "You really must go. Adler is gentlemanly enough, but Ahpuch may try to sacrifice one of your lives. Alas, there are few childling sluagh to have high tea with, and the ones here are... well, boys" A sigh "But despite that, I persevere. Perhaps you could terrify a small mouse? Make it fear your shadow? " She suggests

Ramona twists about Lily's ankles.

"Oh dear" the girl whispers "It is a secret lair you see. The lords of the seasons are said to be inn a part of the basement. Onnly sluagh can fit or find it" A pause "Though, I suppose a cat could try"

"no, away with your cunning feline ways" She says "I cannno violate the sacred trust of my peers"

She makes a shooing motion

Purr.

"Oh bother" She takes the cat and wraps her gently about her neck.. and heads to the super secret area

******

The boys stare "You're not supposed o bring a non sluagh" Ahpuch fusses

"This is not a non sluagh," The girl eyes both boys and sips her tea "THIS is my stole"

Purrrrrr.

Adler looks tempted to say something, but sighs. Girls change the rules as they will. "It's a lovely... vocal stole"

Ahpuch sighs but tea goes on. And yes, a cup with FRESH Cream might be set up for a cat stole

(End Scene)