THE DEFINITION OF PEACE
Chapter 27: Enjoying Her Company
The two sat under the tree for a couple of more hours before Sheara noted the time. "Guess we should be heading back, its nearly dinner time."
"Okay." He climbed to his feet and gave her a paw up.
She brushed off her pants and walked down toward their horses. Once mounted, they let the horses amble at their own pace toward the estate. As they got closer they could see kittens playing on the swing set, some of the older members sitting on the veranda and her father standing at the barbeque cooking. A stray breeze blew across their path with the delicious scent of roasting meat.
Rumbling with pleasure and hunger, Sheara and Ulysses guided the horses toward the stables and quickly turned them over to the stable hands before briskly walking toward the house.
As they reached the veranda and began walking through, her father called out from his position at the grill, "Dinner will be ready in ten minutes, Sheara."
"Alright, father!" She called over her shoulder as they walked past and stepping into the house to wash up.
Walking down the hall they were greeted warmly by people hustling back and forth as they carried food and dishes out to the veranda.
Grinning to each other like little kittens, Feral and Sheara hurried up that stairs to her room, where he collected his bag and went to the room they'd learned was his from a passing maid. They both quickly took showers and redressed.
He was waiting for her at the top of the stairs and gave her pretty yellow sundress with a sprinkling of white flowers all over it an admiring look and a smile.
"You look beautiful."
"Thank you, and may I say, you certainly cut a handsome figure yourself." She purred, admiring his dark brown slacks and gold short sleeved shirt with tie that suited him well.
Thank you. May I escort you to dinner." He rumbled warmly.
She grinned at him and place her arm in his. They walked down the stairs and through the house to the outside veranda where many of the family was already sitting and talking.
There were cries of pleasure upon seeing them and her mother indicated a pair of seats near her for them. They had been placed near the head of the table, of course.
Her father came sweeping in with a steaming tray of meat followed by other members of the household carrying various dishes of food. Soon they were digging in, the room filling with happy chatter.
As dinner wound down, Darren Wenstar called to the dark tom. "Commander..."
Feral turned his head and inclined it politely, "Yes sir?"
"I wished to inform you of my discussions with the Firecrest Clan Leader on the disposition of Freeland." Darren began. "He was equally appalled and furious to learn of his clansman's behavior. He left it in my paws to determine Freeland's punishment." He gave Feral a toothy grin.
Feral's return grin was just wolfish. "Soo, does this mean I get to play chase on your fine estate?" He asked, anticipation lacing his voice.
"Oh yes. Terrence Firecrest was choking with laughter when I suggested it. Said it was the perfect punishment and that he would love to watch if you would permit it." Darren said in dark humor.
"I have no objection though watching me would be really difficult. I don't show myself unless I desire it." Feral rumbled, eyes glinting with mischief.
"Ohhh, we have the perfect observation spot to watch the action!" Sheara interrupted excitedly. "Bender's Point!"
"Great idea, granddaughter. I suggest we set it up for a couple of hours before dusk tomorrow. How does that suit you Ulysses?" Darren asked Feral politely.
"Perfect!"
The rest of the evening was spent watching evening fall and many of the Wenstar Clan chatting up their possible newest member.
At bedtime, Ulysses escorted Sheara to her room.
"I had a wonderful day. What have you planned for tomorrow?" He asked softly.
"Hmm, well I thought we might go into the city and see the sights before the evenings entertainment." She suggested warmly, brushing a paw up and down his massive chest.
"Sounds fun. See you in the morning then." He murmured a husky good night, leaning forward to nuzzle her face lightly before moving back to walk down to his room.
She sighed and turned into her room. Tomorrow was going to be a really good day.
Rising early as was usual for him, Feral showered, dressed in jeans and light shirt for his anticipated visit to the city and made his way downstairs.
He wasn't surprised to see a great many of the house occupants already sitting down at breakfast. For an estate this size, he knew their were many tasks that needed getting down just after sunrise.
"Good morning, Commander. Sit down and have some breakfast." Liam Wenstar said warmly from his end of the table. He was nearly finished with his meal.
"Thank you." Feral said politely, sitting down and serving himself up a hearty meal. At home he normally made do with coffee and a donut so getting a nice hot meal was a treat he was willing to indulge in.
"Do you and Sheara have plans for the day." Liam asked.
"She said she'd like to give me a tour of the city." Feral told him.
"Oh, that's a great idea." Liam said grinning. "By the way, everyone is excited about this evening's event. Should be fun, though I'm certain Jericho and that fool Freeborn wont think so." He snickered.
Feral gave him a wolfish grin as he finished a bite of his food before answering. "I think you'd be right."
"Good morning all!" Sheara sang out as she entered the room then halted by her father's side to give him a warm kiss on the cheek before sitting down across from Feral.
"Good morning, daughter. I heard about your plans for the day. Great idea." Liam said warmly as he started to climb to his feet. "You two have a good time and we'll see you this evening." He said by way of farewell.
"Thanks, Father. We'll see you later." Sheara said as she began filling her plate with food.
Giving them both a pleased nod, Liam turned and left the room.
"Your family serves a fantastic breakfast." Feral said, finishing his food and pushing his plate away.
"Yes and I'm hard pressed to keep my weight down when I'm home. I never have time for more than coffee and bagel for breakfast." Sheara grinned.
Feral chuckled, "So do I. Perhaps I should be sure to get some exercise while I'm here. Though I'm sure today's trip to town and tonight's event will certainly be enough to shed what I eat today."
"Oh for certain!" Sheara said then sighed. "How I wish I could go for a run like that too."
Feral's features displayed commiseration for her restriction. "I wish you could to."
"Oh well, it will be soon enough that I'll be able to again." She said more upbeat.
Some twenty minutes later, they were driving into town. She had taken a non-descript jeep from her family's garage of cars and was soon parking it at edge of a large plaza where many people had their wares set up under colorful tents. It was already crowded despite the early hour.
They spent several hours cruising the many stalls, picking up small treasures pausing at lunch time to allow Feral to try the local cuisine before going back her car to drive to some of the local museums and parks.
Sun was a couple of hours from setting when they finally headed home.
"I had a wonderful time. Your city is breathtaking and I'll miss it when I leave." Feral said, relaxing in his seat as Sheara drove them back to the estate.
She turned her head briefly to give him a wide grin of pleasure. "I'm glad you feel that way. Perhaps you'll be inclined to return." She said.
"Perhaps." He said, noncommitally.
They drove on in companionable silence. As she reached the estate and drove up the long drive they were greeted by the sight of many of the clan waiting for them.
"Looks like everyone has turned up including the Firecrest Clan." Sheara commented as she parked the car near the front doors.
Feral climbed out and felt a bit overwhelmed when dozens of young teenaged Kats came close and tried to talk to him at the same time. He raised an eyebrow at all the commotion and waited for Sheara to rescue him.
"Alright, enough! Give Commander Feral some room. I take it grandfather is waiting for us?" She asked of one of her relatives.
"Yeah! We're all waiting to go up to the point to watch the fun." The youngster said, grinning madly and unable to stand still.
Sheara just shook her head and took Ulysses' arm in hers, walking him through the house to the back veranda where her grandfather, father, mother, and other older relatives waited along with some strangers that stared at Feral in barely restrained excitement.
'Wow! Is this going to be a circus.' He thought in amazement.
