Happy Faust
The frame vibrates with the quick knock on the door, sending Faust's head up to taste the air with her tongue. Many tastes come in with the waft of air as the door opens. Portia. Faust is nervous that Portia will find her. The red-headed woman strides in to speak with Vaila. Faust tastes the air coming through the open window. Her favorite smell accompanies the sea breeze, distracting Faust completely.
Asra. Faust, fully awake now, moves down the frame while Vaila watches wide eyed. Portia's head snaps around and Faust drops at her gasp. Asra Faust calls back to Vaila. Then, she slides hastily out of the room. Portia makes excited noises. Then, strong vibrations move across the stone as Portia chases her.
Faust moves even faster to escape the feet. The vibrations get softer and then stop as Faust flies across the stone. Portia's voice carries across the hall as she spots Faust's tail. Always finds me. Faust slows when she feels no chase, taking time to taste again. Faust freezes. There is another taste in the air now. Bad taste.
Four red eyes at the opposite end lock with Faust's. Melchior. Mercedes. All the animals watch and wait until Faust moves her head to see a door to her left. At the slight move, the dogs launch turning into white blurs with teeth. Faust whips under the door bringing her tail in just before teeth snap at the opening. Mercedes scratches the door fervently while Melchior sniffs pressing his muzzle as far through the space under the door as he can.
Want Asra Faust thinks sadly. Asra is closer now and Faust feels it through her whole body. Plans begin to form as the dogs persist in their attempts to get through. Eat them? She tastes the air again and brings her head back in revulsion. Bad taste. Bite them. She brings her head back, preparing for the best bite. Melchior brings his snout back under the door and strike! She connects with Melchior's nose and releases. Melchior pulls back, knocking Mercedes from the door.
Mercedes snaps at Melchior furiously. Melchior, of course, snaps back. Mercedes chases Melchior all the way down the hall snarling and nails scrape the flagstone as they round a corner. Faust tastes the air again. Asra! He is so close now she knows exactly where to go.
She slides swiftly down the hall skidding around a corner and into the garden. She relaxes into the earth beneath the tall plants. Here she is the predator with no dogs to fear. A bird looks nervously down from a nest sounding a warning call but Faust has no time for food. She feels the ground vibrate from footfalls going to the stairs. She follows behind waiting for Asra to appear. As the silver shines, she prepares for her ambush. When the cloud emerges, she launches into the dark chaos winding and searching until a leg forms. She promptly climbs the leg and has already settled into Asra's scarf as he fully forms. There is some kind of crash but it is no matter. He's here. Asra she greets.She tastes his scarf to see where he has been.
Nadia and Asra speak, but Faust does not care. She wants everyone together and brings her eyes up to look at the apprentice. Vaila. She feels that Asra wants the same. Vaila she hears him agree. Faust gives him a squeeze to hurry his conversation with the good smelling one. Asra stops and finally goes to her. As he squeezes her tight, I squeeze them both. Together!