gondolindrim | ABOUT THE SPY CATS IN MY PALACE, LIO

Turgon: *heading straight for Lio, just calling to say he's on his way*

Ecthelion: *okay then*

Turgon: *comes inside and checks the windows*

Ecthelion: Hey. What's up?

Turgon: there's spies in my city

Ecthelion: *arches an eyebrow* And you think they're looking in my windows? Spies for whom?

Turgon: I don't know. They were in the palace.

Ecthelion: You saw them?

Turgon: *upset pacing* some sort of... cat. Called Black Numenoreans.

Ecthelion: *relaxes a bit* Spying cats?

Turgon: they were in my *daughter's room*.

Turgon: I want them killed

Ecthelion: Aren't they her cats?

Turgon: she doesn't mind, trust me. And the big black one that's the father

Ecthelion: Turu. Calm down. Here, sit down, and I'll get you a drink.

Turgon: *frowns and sits* don't you understand how bad this is? It's like my city's infested with crebain

Ecthelion: *pours him a glass of brandy* It's not that bad.

Turgon: HOW

Ecthelion: *pushes the glass in front of him* Drink that.

Turgon: *frowns and sips*

Ecthelion: They're spying for me. And you.

Turgon: ...what?

Ecthelion: The cat approached me - said he was a spy for the Queen before he ended up here. Offered to spy for me. I figured it would be better for ME to take him up on it, than for him to approach someone else, like, say, Fëanor. I pay him in fish.

Turgon: ... *takes another gulp of his drink and gives Lio a not exactly pleased look*

Ecthelion: I asked him if I could reveal him to you, and he didn't want to be. So I agreed. I did mention to you that I had sources - and he's provided me with some useful information, about the murders and other things happening in the city.

Turgon: you let the cat decide.

Ecthelion: I thought it was worth it.

Turgon: *frowning* I was extremely upset that there were spies in my home, Ecthelion.

Ecthelion: I can see that. Who did they say they were spying for?

Turgon: they just said they were spying. They attacked my daughter and ran away.

Ecthelion: And you would like to have them killed.

Turgon: ....mng. I may reconsider my stance, as apparently they are your employees

Ecthelion: *rubs his head* I'm sorry, Turu. I really only employed the black cat - the others are his kittens. I don't know that they're old enough to spy. In any case, they're your employees as well, since I've only taken them on to keep an eye on the city.

Turgon: *sighs* do you have any more secrets?

Ecthelion: I tried to hire the ravens.

Turgon: are you trying to get a zoo?

Ecthelion: No, but the ravens were causing trouble in the city. I thought I'd try to put them to use. And if we're going to have sentient animals here, I'd rather they be employed by us, than ... others.

Turgon: you really think Feanor would hire an animal?

Ecthelion: *shrugs* I don't know. Maybe not. I just preferred to be the one in charge of the spies, rather than being spied upon.

Turgon: next time, tell me immediately, no matter what the cat tells you to do

Ecthelion: Yes sir.

Turgon: good. *not looking impressed* You don't have to kill them

Ecthelion: If you want them punished, I'll do it. But since they're sentient creatures, I'd assume a trial would be in order. *not feeling particularly impressed himself*

Turgon: they're *cats*. You don't give a cat trial. I don't want them punished, but I don't want any more surprises

Ecthelion: I see. *nods* Yes, sir.

Turgon: *sets down the empty glass* Idril was very alarmed, when her cat told her it was spying on her

Ecthelion: *nods* Of course.

Turgon: I... understand what you were thinking.

Ecthelion: You do?

Turgon: Yes. I know you were trying to do what's best. *rubs the bridge of his nose*

Ecthelion: You've placed a lot of trust in me with this job, and given me the discretion to do as I see fit. I don't abuse that trust. If, however, you prefer to change things now, I understand. *calm and dispassionate*

Turgon: Inform me of any future spies. That's about it

Turgon: I don't want any secrets from you

Ecthelion: I didn't consider it a secret I was keeping from you, but of course, sir.

Turgon: *nods and gets up*

Ecthelion: *sees him out*

Turgon: *leaves*