Kandar Ep 13

Donnie sat down on the couch laying the end on his tail in his lap. He opened the second ale Jessie had given him on the way out taking a sip while he idlely twitch the tip of his tail noting the pattern of different colors for the N'th time. He picked at one of the light spots as he recounted the conversation in his head. Coco entered the room from the kitchen coming up from behind him. She straightened the back of his collar with her free hand as she held a glass of white wine in her other. "I thought you were going to see Jessie?" He craned his head up and around to watch her circle the other end of the couch. "Hmm?" Sitting down she pulled her feet up next to her smoothing the ruffles in her sundress out before wrapping her long fluffy white tail around herself. The knee length dress was of simple design but the bright flower were in great contrast to the very plain blue button down shirt and black pants Donnie wore. Much like his molted tortis shell coloring of his short fur to her long stark white fur.
"Oh, yes I did, quite the interesting fellow." Giving up on whatever it was that held his eyes to the light spot on the tip of his tail, he gave her his full attention. "There is much more to him than meet the eye."
She gave him a soft smile "Then where did you get that from?" pointing at the bottle.
"This is my favorite" then taking a swig for effect "Jessie"
"He was expecting you?"  Her voice was always soft and sweet but he could tell she doubted this.
"Honestly...no, I do not believe he was." she tilted her head down a little batting her eyes at him. A look he knows very well that says 'do you really think I am that naive?' "He was drinking them. Drank one with me while we spoke."
"And just how many have you had?"
Holding up the bottle "regrettably this is only the second one right here." He looked back down at his tail perplexed. "This is the least of what I gained from the conversation. First, he is the blood creature Master Eldritch spoke of, he did overcome the Passage of water under Master Eldritch. Second he plays Podunk and know both subterranean and rat rules." Her expression changed to one of mild surprise. She was never one to over exaggerate anything. "Third, he was also given honors a Breema would be proud of and last speaks Bastet, a bit poorly but still." Her mouth was left open in shock at this."I know incredible, but thats not all. Besides not knowing he even participated in the rite despite speaking Bastet had no clue about the honors. On top of that he has no clue at all you are the Queen of the White Kingdom or any kingdom for that matter. Oh yeah and his 'research assistant' is a jacker, don't know the number of jacks but I could smell the metal. And yet still he is holding something back he does not want me to know."
Coco takes a brush from the drawer in the end table and starts brushing her tail. "That is quite a bit of interesting from just one human. Do you feel he is dangerous and should I speak with Elijah myself?"
"Dangerous? Just the fact that Master Eldritch let him live says volumes and places him in a very unique category of humans. I do not at this time specifically think he poses any direct danger to you. On the other...I am not sure you will get anywhere with Master Eldritch. You know how he like to speak in riddles. This is beginning to feel like one of his games he likes to play which will only exacerbate his attempts to befuddle and confuse any. Though at this point I am still not sure who he is playing. There is definitely something caught in the paw right now."
"And what of the Sandrider?"
"Who better to ask that question to him than Sylvia and Sadina. Besides it will be funny if they think he has lied to them."
"For who? I'm the one that had to pay for the transport to be put back together last time they decided to 'get even' with someone."
"They are still doing all you vehicle maintenance to pay you back."
"And I still get complaints from the school about theirs not running right. I am not saying what the driver did was right but what they did was not the right response. One must be responsible, more diplomatic, especially with knowledge and power." She took a sip of her wine before setting the glass back on the table to resume her grooming. "If he plays Podunk invite him to play with your friends one night. See what else you can gleam from him."
"Keep your friends close and your enemies closer." He eyes her knowingly. She plays the distressed widow well but it was her tactics and unyielding will that brought the war to an end. Funding new towns and developments like this one, hand picking the founding members of each she has put glue to the tattered frail peace that came after. Her courage and faith gave strength to the people that already loved her for her great commitment to them. Her words kept them all striving to be better, to overcome the hate.
All of the rulers of the five kingdoms of the Kandar strive to serve the people. To better the lives of all the people, but only the Queen of the White Kingdom went to live with the people from time to time. She and her predecessors thought it kept them in check with the will of the people. To better serve the needs of the people. Even during the war they would leave behind their normal guard detail selecting only a few Breema to watch over them.
"There are other matters in the kingdom that require your attention." He stretched his hand out to her gently taking the brush from her. She turned away from his to allow him to groom her hair. She smiled thinking 'What a sight, one of the strongest most decorated Breema Paladin brushing the Queens hair.' His strokes were smooth and gentle. He cared for her and Tessie as if they were his own family not just the Queen and the Princess he promised his dieing friend he would protect.
"I have taken care of all of that. I do not just sit around here looking beautiful" she smiles at him over her shoulder.
"You know I can smell the catnip on the couch don't you?"
"Hush. We do not speak of that." She giggled at herself as she stuff the toy between the cushions.