The one where I find out about the spycat

[celegorm]

I walked Lio home from work today, and he told me about the cat that has been spying on Father...and the fact said cat wants to move into our home. I don't like that. Not at all...but I'll give it a try for Lio's sake.

Celegorm: *taps on the door to Lio's office* Want some company?

Ecthelion: *looks up and smiles* Of course. Come in.

Celegorm: *plops down in the chair next to the desk* How's your day been?

Ecthelion: Pretty good. Mostly reading reports, getting caught up on everything that's been going on.

Celegorm: Sounds...fun. *grins*



Ecthelion: *grins back* Well, I like it. Better than doing nothing.

Celegorm: But you weren't doing nothing...I was entertaining, wasn't I? *pretends to pout*

Ecthelion: You were EXTREMELY entertaining, to be sure.

Celegorm: *laughs* That's more like it.

Ecthelion: Still, it's good to be back.

Celegorm: I know. You're such a workaholic.

Ecthelion: *glances at the clock* And you're here to drag me away, aren't you?

Celegorm: How'd you guess? *looks stern* Even though you're feeling better, I don't want you to overdo it and relapse.

Ecthelion: I know. Everyone says the same thing.

Celegorm: Well, everyone is right. You should listen. *waves at the paperwork* This will be here tomorrow.

Ecthelion: *smiles* You're right. *somehow doesn't mind being dragged away from work when it's Celegorm doing the dragging; starts putting things away*

Celegorm: *leans back in his chair* I enjoy being right.

Ecthelion: I've noticed.

Celegorm: *grins* It happens frequently.

Ecthelion: *finishes up and stands* Yes, yes, I am learning so much from you. *grins, just teasing*

Celegorm: *laughs and pokes him in the tummy* You're quite the student.

Ecthelion: *leans in for a quick kiss* Well, I've always been quick.

Celegorm: *kisses him back* That's why I like you. Fast boys turn me on.

Ecthelion: I've also noticed that. *flirty smile*

Celegorm: You're very observant. *offers his hand* Walk me home and tell me what else you've learned.

Ecthelion: *takes his hand and leaves the guardhouse with him* Oh, well, you've taught me numerous tricks...

Celegorm: *grins* That I have.

Ecthelion: And I've learned you're a great cook... *grins*

Celegorm: *laughs* Not that great, but getting better.

Ecthelion: Well, much better than I am. I've learned that I'd probably starve, left to my own devices.

Celegorm: Well, we can't let that happen, can we? It's a good thing I'm there to keep you fed. *pats Lio's tummy*

Ecthelion: Among other things.

Celegorm: Well laid? *grins*

Ecthelion: Exactly. That and the food put you at the top of the list. *grins*

Celegorm: I'm multitalented. *pokes out his tongue*

Ecthelion: Indeed you are. *leans in to kiss again*

Celegorm: *stops walking, turns and wraps his arms around Lio* At this rate, we'll never make it back to the house. *gives him a real kiss*

Ecthelion: *leans into him* Oh no, not that. *grins* We better hurry, I'm hungry and delicate and I need to be fed.

Celegorm: *kisses the tip of Lio's nose* Absolutely. Anything for you. *takes his hand again*

Ecthelion: *as they approach the house* So, any thoughts on what to do about living arrangements? Add on here? Move to my place? Or somewhere new?

Celegorm: *frowns* I've been thinking about it a lot...but haven't really reached any conclusions. If you had your choice, what would it be?

Ecthelion: Well, my place is bigger, but you know me. I'm easy. *grins* Anyplace you are is good with me.

Celegorm: *grins like an idiot* Okay. I'll move to your place. Maybe I can get some things packed while you are at work.

Ecthelion: *pauses* Really? Are you sure?

Celegorm: *nods* Yeah. I need to get over this whole territorial thing I have going on. It'll be good for me to live in your space for a while.

Ecthelion: There's lots of room - I mean, it's a pretty big house. So you could still have your own space if you need.

Celegorm: Maybe a workshop or a place to keep my weapons. You know...a mancave. *grins*

Ecthelion: *laughs* Yes, I know, a mancave. There's plenty of space, don't worry. And Huan can have his own room. *pauses* Oh, and there's kittens there now.

Celegorm: *raises an eyebrow* Kittens? Why are there kittens?

Ecthelion: You know that black cat? It's Theoden's... or maybe Theo belongs to the cat? Anyway, the cat needed a place for his kittens.

Celegorm: What was wrong with Theoden's apartment? Why yours?

Ecthelion: Oh, it's kind of a long story, but the kittens needed a safe place. *sighs* You're going to think I'm crazy...

Celegorm: Probably, but tell me anyway. *grins*

Ecthelion: Well... the cat talks. The black cat. And so do his kittens.

Celegorm: Ah. I believe I have met him before. I spoke to him in his own language, but I got the feeling he didn't need that to understand me.

Ecthelion: *nods* Yes. He approached me, offered to spy for me. Said he was a spy in his own time and place, for his queen.

Celegorm: *both eyebrows raised* A spy? Interesting. Who are you spying on?

Ecthelion: Well, when the cat first approached me, after I got over the whole "I must be crazy talking to a cat" thing, Turgon had asked me to have someone follow your father. *pauses* That's over with now, but the cat did a lot of work during the murders, and keeps me apprised of things going on in the city. He's a good spy.

Celegorm: *isn't sure he likes his father being followed, even if he's crazy* Hmm. I don't doubt the cat's ability to spy. After all, who would suspect a cat?

Ecthelion: *can see that on his face, squeezes his hand* Yes, that's why he's excellent. Anyway, the cat had kittens with Idril's pet cat, who can't talk, and he's been training the kittens as spies too. And one of the kittens blurted it out in front of Idril, there was a scene, and ... *sighs* Basically Turgon wanted to drown the cats, was very upset with me for lying to him, and so on. So Dagnir wants to hide the kittens at my place. For now.

Celegorm: As long as it's temporary. And I'm not sure I trust a cat who spied on my father. He'll need to stay well away from me and from my part of the house. *wonders now about the silm again and the cat finding it*

Ecthelion: I told him it's temporary. Turgon already flipped out on me once. *kisses him again* I'm telling you because I trust you. And I love you.

Celegorm: I love you, too. *smiles* I guess I should start packing tonight.

Ecthelion: *leads him into the house* No, not tonight.

Celegorm: Oh? Do you have a suggestion of something better to do with my time?

Ecthelion: *grins* Yes, feed me and take me to bed, in that order. Or... well, you could mix it up, if you want to.

Celegorm: *laughs* Your wish is my command.

Ecthelion: *pleased!*