>>6172318The black cat arrives near a grungy-looking apartment building. It's a danchi public housing complex that's so dirty and old that the grayish walls have turned brown with age and pollution. To your surprise, the cat stops running at a children's playground and sits waiting for your arrival. The Baphomets are far behind; you don't know where they are. The Dowser might have to use Mana and dowse your location.r.
You land after another mighty leap right in front of the runaway feline.
"---_____-----"
Irritated, you toss the Silence Stone away.
"Caught up with you at last. Thought you could escape a King's affection so easily? MWAHAHAHAH!"
Hand ready, you finally pet the cat who purrs with delight. It even meows for more.
"Okay, you can stop pretending to be a normal cat. I know you tried to say something earlier. Out with it."
"Doth not thee witting know, that a thing won is dearer than what is freely given? Ah but tis time to discharge my humble duty and then take my leave.
Know this well Lost Child of Avalon, for Cath Palug commands and I, the humble messenger, obey.
Know that the pretender kitten who dares to snatch the crown of others and the servants are his to slay.
So go back to thy rightful hell and stay away, unless with rich treasures and eloquence thee can pay."
This talking cat didn't trigger any Blacklash. The hateful World knows yet does nothing at the unnatural violation... unless talking cats are actually perfectly normal in the mundane world.
"Is your boss trying to shake me down?"
"A beneficial exchange of gifts is how I would put it. Thy guest and servant returned and for Cath Palug thy submission and treasures."
<span class="mu-r">"A thing won is dearer than what is freely given. True words from thy master, tell him that I am of the same creed. So I shalt dare and win back my servants and guest."</span>
"Calm thy soul and think tamely. The easier path is before thee but if thy heart of iron is set upon the deadly road, then what more need be said? I shall return to my lassie and go back to sleep, for Cath Palug will knoweth by my absence what thy answer is."
The cat stretches and yawns before attempting to slink off but you stop it from leaving. Shooting the messenger is pointless but you need a clue where his master is.
"I shall reward you; a messenger should not leave without a gift after working so hard. So tell me what reward your King has given you and I shall try to match it."
"Cath Palug is not the cat-sith, and he'd never gift anyone, anything. Thus there is nothing to match from the miser. But dear heart, I shall accept any lordly gift generously granted."
The tail of the cat swishes with excitement and shakes with impatience to see what you'll give. You reach into your pack and find the small dried fish that makes part of your rations. The smell gives it away before your unwrap the silvery fish and the messenger pounces on it with excitement.
