twenty seven

[lionesssejant]

Seeing Ed was a small comfort. He's well. I should be glad. I think that it only makes his absence felt more the past few days. He'll come back again. Someday. Soon, let it be soon. Just like him to keep us all in suspense.

A full moon once more. I almost forgot. I'm so glad that I invested in larger outfits. A robe for an entire day would never do

Comments

[caughtthebullet]

Before Adrian Veidt actually announces his own presence, it's the genetically modified lynx who steps out first. Bubastis stalks like the best of any big cat, but her fur in stripes of purple and lavender are rather not conducive to ambush hunting. In any case she isn't really hunting at all, just investigating her surroundings while her master does whatever it is he does when he's alone in the gardens.

[lionesssejant]

Just because she's familiar with a big, benevolent lion doesn't mean that Susan assumes that all large cats that cross her path are friendly. "Oh my!" she cries out. The instinctual step back makes her ballet flats kick up some of the turf, even though she has no quiver or arrows with her she moves as though to take them up.

A purple cat? It is not a cat at all. Shock doesn't allow her mind to come up with the correct type that its ears resemble, however elongated they may be. It sees her and has yet to pounce. This puts Susan at more ease. "Hello," she offers. In Narnia it would be rude to stare and not say anything at all.

[caughtthebullet]

"Bubastis," Adrian says, commanding although he hasn't even seen who it was the large feline frightened. The tone of voice is enough to let him know this person is not a threat (yet) whether or not she's alone (her with her family on the other hand is a force to reckon with).

It takes only half a second for the blond to realize who it is around this particularly cut hedge.

"Susan, right," he asks, offering the lady a smile that doesn't reflect an ounce of the direct order he gave to the cat who now joins his side.

[lionesssejant]

For half a heartbeat she thought the cat spoke. No, someone else did. The brightly colored beast responded. Bubastis must be its name. How curiously lovely.

Susan smiles back easily once she sees a familiar face. The man from before. He was kind to walk with her. "Yes, that's right. Hello again. That's quite a friend you have." All of the tension has left her stance.

[caughtthebullet]

He recognizes her motions but also recognizes that currently she has no bow on her person.

"Bubastis has been with me since she kittenhood," Adrian nods, palm flat to stroke down the feline's head. "I'm sorry if she frightened you."

[lionesssejant]

Just a stroll, she had reasoned at the time. And there was a silly impulse to leave them because she's recognized with her bow. Without it? Maybe she's someone else. Silly, Susan sees now even though this was harmless.

"Only for a moment. She's such a great cat. I've never seen one quite like her." As a pet, in that color, as a---whatever kind of cat Bubastis was.

[caughtthebullet]

"Because there is no other like her. She's unique to my world, unique to me," Adrian explains.

Some may call it boastful for him to speak of Bubastis this way, but none of it is a lie. Work went into her creation, his work, and it's something well worth boasting about. But Adrian isn't quite that person, leaving Bubastis' individuality at that.

"Enjoying the summer?"

[lionesssejant]

"She's remarkable." Susan doesn't entirely understand what he means, but does pick up on the implications. Asking further somehow seems rude, even if he is resembling a proud father.

"Very much so." That's what she dressed for. With or without company. The sundress with green flowers matched her shoes. "You both walk often?"

[caughtthebullet]

"Yes. The apartment isn't big enough for her to stretch her legs, and I try to keep her out of the way while we're renovating the Palace. Are you aware it's come under my management?"

He offers her his arm as it's what gentlemen do when walking in a garden with ladies. Adrian Veidt of all people knows this well.

[lionesssejant]

The size of Bubastis makes it impossible to have a leash. That's very logical of Mr. Veidt. No, Susan corrects herself mentally, Adrian. "I heard that it was changing hands. I didn't know it was to you. Congratulations." It was a very large structure, difficult to miss.

Susan takes his arm lightly. "What will you do after you've settled there?" One man and his pet in such a large place, there must be more going on.

[caughtthebullet]

"Thank you," he nods.

"I suppose I'll do the same thing it was built for; functions, parties, galleries, wine production," Adrian says, smiling still as he tucks his arm closer and walks along with path. Bubastis follows, loyal as ever and quiet too. Unlike a pet dog she doesn't require immediate or undivided attention.