FSE

Furry search engine

formerly SoFurry search engine

It was a pleasant day, the sun shining bright along the forest clearing. There were no sounds of the city: No honking cars, and frustrated shouts: Just chirping birds, singing their pleasant songs to all near. Neither was there any cement or concrete to be found. No walkways, no buildings. Instead, an unpaved dirt path, surrounded by lush green plant-life.

An untouched paradise.

Taking advantage of the day and surroundings, a large white rat could be seen. He lifted his his head, revealing his large teeth, and bright red eyes. His burly frame turned, peering slowly, nose ever sniffing as he searched.

Stretching languidly, a purse slung over her shoulder and wearing shorts, a grey feline anthro gracefully strolled along the path, enjoying the beautiful day. Catching sight of something out of the corner of her eye, she'd kneel down and peer past a bush. Her eyes would grow wide and her tail would become still as she spotted the hugest rat she'd ever seen, evidently peering at something round the corner. "Oh. . . . . .my. . . . . .god. . . ." she whispered, a smile covering her face.

The large albino continued to sniff about, only lightly shielded from the back by brush. . . which wasn't nearly enough to hide him. No, that wide burly frame would not be concealed by a few leaves, even if it gave an internal comfort of 'i'm hidden. i'm safe'. His long bare tail twitched, but body remained peering forward. It wouldn't be but a few more seconds, before he'd give a large sigh, head going very low, the rat looking quite glum: He didn't smell any food near! At least. . . none he wanted.

By the time Bylun dropped his head, the cat would be halfway up a tree. This was her favorite trick for sneaking up on rats, whose exquisite sense of smell so often gave her away no matter how thoroughly she groomed her fur. She'd study the rat from the tree tops then, taking her time assessing him. Like her friend, the python Jaabir, one of her prime hunting virtues was patience; she wouldn't give herself away, not until she found the perfect opportunity. Not that she didn't mind speeding up the process. Perhaps it was prejudice against those both big and burly, but peering at the rat for a while. . . he didn't look entirely bright to her. Careful not to make a sound, she'd open her purse and pull out a bright red berry, tossing it to land on the grass beneath a tree who's large branches could easily obscure an observer from on high. She'd wait patiently for him to notice it.

The rat just sat there for a moment, taking in the disappointment. It was very upsetting. Still, there was more time left in the day, he reasoned, he could find more food.

He very slowly peered around, taking one last survey. Though thorough in his search, the tabby above was not something he had awareness of. From her view, she'd get a much better look at him. Deep large eyes, coarse white fur, sharp over-grown nails for claws, and a towering form (for a rat) of pure muscle. His tail alone was long enough to be mistaken as a small snake from a distance, but Tabatha wouldn't make that mistake. . . it was clearly an overly meaty. . . bare. . . *rat* tail.

Swaying that appendage as he searched, his muzzle would slow and freeze. "Chur. . ey?" he'd mumble in a confused whisper. Bylun was a simple rat, but he was at the same time a rather experienced gather. Cherries didn't come up so often,not in this season, and. . . judging by the smell, it was only a few, not a whole bush as it should be: A learned gatherer should realize this straight away. His head would tilt, eyes would blink. . . stomach would rumble. He'd stare there for a bit, conflicted.

The cat lay stretched out flat against a branch and peered at the rat from above. Her spine tingled and her mouth watered, she'd never seen anything like him! She shifted as she moved about, staying out of sight, remaining hidden, except for a pair of feline eyes barely noticeable against the leaves if one stared up long enough. She smiled as she saw his cautious look, oh he wasn't so foolish after all! She didn't mind. She was patient. He was more than welcome to the cherry. If he didn't drop his guard, she'd wait and bide her time. She'd stalk him for hours if need be.

Those red eyes would lock with the red of the cherry, both of the same deep red. From his distance they were only blurs, the eye-sight of a rat being quite poor, but his nose. . . his nose knew what they were! Ooooh was Bylun tempted. He had little variety in his diet of common berries and nuts. . . aside from the occasional juicy mouse or lizard. And not just that, he was hungry! His muzzle began to water. Maybe. . . maybe he shouldn't pass this time. It was unusual, and the unusual were best avoided if one wanted to survive. But it was hard to take that luxury. . . when you were an outcast. He'd get to his feet, and peer around as before. Very slowly he'd lumber himself forward, his movements taking the form of a 'waddle' due to his size. Every move was slow passed, and his nose twitched with each.

When he got just before his prize he'd wait there, again checking all around. Confirming where he stood as 'safe', he'd take a new step and. . . quickly snatch the fruit in his paws! He'd move himself back hastily, still under the tree, but a few steps off. The rat would pause again, not yet eating, just waiting, looking. If there was not yet any noise or movement, the rat would untie a fuzzy bag, which was held about his waist on a belt. He'd place the cherries inside with a big smile.

The cat lay out on the tree limb watching the rat's every move. She wasn't impatient, she didn't mind waiting. Watching the rat was pure pleasure! When he finally slunk forward, she'd grin wide, holding her breath, claws digging into the bark. Ohh, that waddle made him look sooo tasty! It felt so good just watching him walk. She was a little disappointed when he put away the berry for later, but she had to admit it was the right thing to do, he was a cautious fellow! Yet even as he stuffed the treat away, the cat would toss out another temptation, a blackberry, letting it land in a spot he'd cross if he followed the path of sunwards.

The rat would tie up his sack fast, highly proficient in this display, suggesting it was done often. Ooooh, he could practically taste those cherries already! To bite into that sweet red fruit. . . he could just imagine. But no. Not now. It was risk enough to even gather them. He had to make it to his burrow if he wanted to eat and, protested by his stomach, the rat stood his ground. That didn't mean, however, that he couldn't head home faster than he might otherwise. The rat would proceed to do just that! He'd turn in place, heading forward and. . . come to an awkward halt. "Wut? . . ." he'd murmur, just barely audible. Now. . . a blackberry? He'd sniff again. It certainly was a blackberry! He. . . hadn't had those in a while either. And it. . . just smelled like one. . . and close! The rat grew conflicted as before. . . but having already survived the last instance, this one was met with less caution. And. . . blackberries at least made a little more sense than cherries around this time. Maybe a bird dropped them? The rat would nod, and made his way over. He'd take a big whiff, standing over it. . . licking his muzzle. His stomach growled louder now. Maybe it wouldn't hurt to just eat this one here? That wouldn't take *too much* more time than having to untie his sack would it? He'd give a reassuring nod, and grasp the fruit tight, bringing it up to his muzzle. His jaws parted for a large bite, the sweet red juice staining his otherwise pure white fur. "Mm. . . " he'd bellow low, his eyes half shutting.

The cat swiftly moved along a limb, stretched herself out, and spied. He was going in roughly the right direction. For a moment she worried he was going to pass it, and she contemplated throwing another. But then he stopped. She stretched herself even flatter and held her breath, watching from above as he searched and found the treat. 'That's it!' she called out silently in her mind. 'Yes it's good. . . no, don't put it away for later. . .. aren't you hungry now?" She smiled and suppressed a purr of delight as he raised the ripe fruit to his lips. 'Yeeees, eat! My gift to you. . . . .I want you to be happy. . . .I want you to be fed!" She'd wait patiently until the rat appeared to be finished eating.

It wouldn't take the rat long, to eat. The single fruit lasting only a few bites. The result of his meal, however, would linger. That wonderful taste, he never had anything quite like it. True he'd eaten black-berries, but this one so rich, so juicy. Bylun would lick at his paws eagerly. Ooooh he looked contented, happy. . . though empty just the same. There was a hunger in him now, a thirst which wasn't there before: He needed more. The rat quickly looked about, nose aiding the search.

As the rat rose from his brief snack, a voice would sound behind him. It was a voice just above a whisper, feminine, silken, yet somehow chilling. "You're beautiful," it said. "Do you know that?" A split second later and there'd be the faint aroma of an exquisitely clean and well groomed cat, accented with just a trace of flowers. Should the albino turn he'd see her squatting just behind him leaning forward, smiling, at him. Whether or not he turned to see her, she'd purr. "You're the most beautiful rat I have ever seen!"

Still scanning, the rat's every thought brought him to focus on a single scent. The blackberry. He couldn't quite pick up anymore. But. . . wait, no. . . he could smell it again, very faintly. It's like this one just appeared out of nowhere. And. . . it smelled like it might be. . . just behind him? "Huh? . . . " An ear flicked, and he'd tense! His head quickly spun, and he'd startle. "Uuuhagh!" a voice of both shock and fear. "T-thab-a-thuh. . ." he'd mumble. Bylun would look behind, only to find most routes cut off by thick brush: Such cover would usually be thought a blessing to rat in such a situation. . . but Bylun was too large to fit. His heart beat strong, every instinct telling him he was cornered. Muscles tensing, he'd face her then, back beginning to arch hesitantly. . . suggesting that despite those red eyes, long teeth and sharp claws, he wasn't usually one to fight. He'd just look to her, clearly frightened. Even still, her words brought confusion in him, and he'd tilt his muzzle. "Bylun. . . Beaut-i-ful? . . ."

The grey feline would smile. "Bylun?" she'd reply. "Is that your name?" Her smile would widen. "And yes. . . .your gooorgeous!" she'd purr, tail flicking behind her. "Don't be afraid," she'd say gently, slowly lifting her paw. "I promise you, I'm not going to hurt you, Bylun." The paw would slowly approach the huge rat from above. "I already hunted and ate this morning, so I'm not hungry, and I promise you, I'm quite safe. . . for now." If the albino allowed it, she'd slowly lower her paw to gently caress his head.

As the cat's paw lifted, Bylun showed his teeth. It was a reflexive gesture, his back raising higher. He wanted to make himself appear intimidating, not gorgeous. However, it didn't seem to work. He was about to warn more directly, tell her he was going to bite! That was before those soft words reached him. He wasn't sure how to react. This was a cat! A cat he saw eat a fellow gatherer from his colony. His muscles tightened. Should he trust her? "No hurt. . . Bylun?" The rat would lower his guard, but still kept his jaws parted when her claws came down. His new posture suggested he wasn't 'intending' to bite, but was certainly prepared to. Those red eyes followed her. He'd tense again when she rubbed him, but made no other motion.

"No hurt Bylun. . . ." the cat would answer as she continued stroking his head. "Another day, perhaps I'm hunting, but not today. Today I just wanted to say, hello." She'd smile, peering over the rat, studying him. He must be an outcast. How had she missed him? The answer struck her, and her smile widened. Why of course, that dingy little rathole would have been too small for this one. "I have something for you," she'd say softly, withdrawing her paw. "Something I think you'll like." She'd open her purse with a soft snap.

Bylun lowered his head, eyes raising at the assurances. The strokes weren't unpleasant, but he wouldn't churr or grind his teeth. He'd only look up to her, blinking at her words. "Hullo? . ." he'd repeat, confused. Was that all she really wanted? He didn't know, but at least. . . it didn't seem like she was trying to eat him. The large albino relaxed himself just a little more when the feline's paws retracted, his jaws beginning to shut. He'd regard her for a moment, curiosity settling in. "Something. . . for Bylun?"

The feline smiled as the rat replied.Oh he was just adorable! She felt a twinge of conscience as she looked in her purse. It appeared the rat was alone, and if that was true, it was her fault, she'd eaten all his friends. Now he was lonely, and she was to blame. "Something for Bylun," she'd repeat, drawing a wrapped package out of her purse. True, a bit of cheese wouldn't make up for the sin of failing to eat him when she should, but it was a small atonement for her failure. The air would fill with the aroma of cheese as she neatly sliced the package with a claw, sliced of a wedge, and handed it to the albino. "Something to eat," she said softly.

He'd look ahead, squinting, his nose beginning to twitch. He. . . smelled that faint scent of black berry again, and it got just a little stronger when that bag opened. And not just that. . . there were lots of other smells too! One of them he identified as "chur-ey. . ." The rat was slow in his words, but he at least understood where the fruit was coming from. He'd blink again, his nose reacting a bit stronger. That was. . . a really nice smell, and his mouth would water as it grew. He'd eye that package, head tilting. Bylun was a wild forest rat. The best meals he had were picked or hunted. So while the scent appealed to his senses, he wouldn't know what it was. He'd reach out as the offering neared him, trying very hard to be cautious. This yellow block was even more tempting than the red fruit. And so, as it met his paws, the albino grasp it firm. At first he'd just stare at it, admiring. What was this thing, that smelled so wonderful? And what should he do with it? First he'd glance to the fuzzy bag along his waist, before quickly looking back. He'd sniff a few more times. There was nothing in his mind that indicated the food as poisonous. . . only delicious. And so, he'd part those jaws, and take a large bite. His eyes opened wide, his lips meeting that expensive and rich delicacy. The taste lingered about his tongue. "Mm-umm. . ." he'd practically moan, tail curling behind him. He'd chew slow and swallow down the mouthful. That head tilted sharper than before. He'd open his mouth to speak, but found it difficult to not shove more cheese into it. "Wut this. . . wut. . . give Bylun? . . ." his voice conveyed a sense of awe. He looked down. . . and took another bite.

The cat's eyes would never wander as she watched the rat take the treat. He was so adorable! She'd wait patiently, enjoying watching him as he sniffed, examine it, and finally ate. She gave a low purr, and her tail twitched, seemingly enjoying watching him eat, almost as much as he enjoyed eating himself. "It's called 'cheese'," she answered. "I'm so very glad you like it." Eyelids would narrow as she tried to think how she might help the rat. It was tricky, she couldn't ask him where he lived of course, and she wasn't sure if she should mention Tarik. For the moment, she decided just to chat. "Those are some very nice bags you have there," she'd say, gesturing towards the ones he carried. "They look like they come from mice?"

"Cheeese?. . ." he'd repeat slow, his mouth full of the golden bounty. That rat would certainly be grinding his teeth now, a gesture of contentment among most rodents, and especially common among rats. There was something he knew he was forgetting, but he wasn't sure what it was anymore. . . the cheese being the most he could think about at this point. He'd continue to eat, growing more and more at ease. The rat gulped down a bit more, before he blinked and looked up. His eyes slowly drifted to his belt and pouches, before turning back. Bylun would nod confidently. "Oh. . . Yes. Mouses! Bylun catch!"

The cat smiled and her tail twitched. "We have something in common then. I like to hunt mice too!" Oh she liked this fellow. She wouldn't be so rude as to point out she liked to hunt rats as well as mice. Still, perhaps she could do the fellow a bit of good. "There's something you should know however," she'd tell him, lifting up a paw. "If you should ever see a mouse doe about this tall, white fur, rather nice looking. . ." she'd bring her other paw over. ". . .carrying a stick about this tall. . . ." She'd eye the rat and lower, holding her paws up for emphasis for a moment before lowering them. "You shouldn't hunt that one, you should leave her alone."

Bylun smiled and gave a friendly nod. This cat didn't seem so bad. He still wouldn't yet recall that this was the very same feline his colony so often spoke of with fear, the very same feline he witnessed devour a fellow gatherer. He did initially of course, but with all the kind words and wonderful food, he was growing distracted. And. . . what was it she was doing now? He'd watch with interest, nibbling slowly at the cheese. 'Something he should know'. That sounded important. Ok and. . . its a mouse doe. A white mouse doe. A nice looking white mouse doe. Well that certainly did seem like a good thing to know so far, he'd even lick his lips at the thought. Strange that it was a mouse doe though, those don't come out of their colonies much. Not counting the ones which were dragged squealing into his colony by the hunter rats, Bylun had only seen one mouse doe. That was only a few days before, and what a coincidence that she had white fur too! Was even the same size! He blink for a moment, "Has stick?" The rat pursed his lips, which were lightly stained by red juice and yellow crumbs. He'd suddenly look as if he came upon a grand realization! "Bylun saw!" he'd announce, nodding. "Mouse Lich-thi-uh."

The cat spoke slowly and patiently, and sat still as the rat thought it over. She began to wonder if it was even worth trying, he was a dear fellow, but none to bright; likely as not he'd forget her warning by the time it mattered. If it ever even mattered. Still, it was trying, she didn't want this lovely fellow to suffer Tarik's fate. Besides, Jaabir had ended up catching enough of her prey already. She smiled, surprised as the rat lit up. So he had seen her. That wasn't too great a surprise, the python's nest wasn't that far away. Still, she was glad she'd told him now, if he ever did. . . .

It was a measure of the cat's poise and dignity that she remained outwardly completely calm even as inwardly at the mention of the mouse's name, she felt like she'd been struck in the head by a two by four. She'd pause only a fraction of a second, a soft insincere smile on her face. Was there anyone this mouse hadn't met? "Yes. . .." she answered sweetly. "Mouse. . . . . Lichthia." She'd sigh. "I take it you've met her?" Oh, she just hoped at least this one wasn't on some sort of mission for Jaabir, and therefore off limits.

Bylun gave a big nod, smiling wider. "Yes!" he answer, quite excitedly. "Met Lich-the-uh" He'd nod again for emphasis. "Vis-ut Bylun. Show to nest."

"Did you?" the cat answered sweetly, her smile masking her internal vexation. "And. . . what did you do with her?" she asked. She could only hope the rat had made a nice meal and pillowcase out of her. Somehow she doubted that was what had happened.

"Uh huh" he'd nod, still smiling and very proud of himself. He'd blink then and think for a moment. What *did* he do with that mouse? If the feline inspected, she'd find that the bags along his waist were grey and white. The white bag though. . . the fur wasn't as silky as Lichthia's, and far too spotted. If he skinned her, she wasn't one of his current gathering bags, that much was clear. The albino raised his muzzle, "oh." he'd mutter out, looking to have recalled. "Talked." His nose raised and lowered in that all too familiar gesture. "Then. . . ate." There would be a short pause there, the rat quiet. "oh." he'd pronounce as before. ". . . burries. Then talk more. Then mouse go." Bylun looked quite pleased, the memory a happy one. "Said Turik friend. Said tell Turik find Bylun. Mouse said friend too."

Talked. Hmmmmph She might have known. Her ears pricked and she felt a brief moment of hope at the next word, but was quckly let down. Ah well, it was good the mouse had told him about Tarik, something the cat wasn't sure she could do. The poor fellow ought to have the company of his own kind, after all. Who knew, perhaps she could even help this fellow return to his colony, the way she was doing with the other.

Still, it was maddening. What was it about this mouse, what dark power did she have to twist the natural order? She was positively the most mouth watering plump doe a pred who dined on mice could possibly ask for, the sort wild preds might even fight over. She'd fallen into the coils of a python, and now he was her love-sick protector! And now she'd somehow charmed this perfectly good fellow who dined on mice and wore their skins! Why by now she decided she wouldn't be surprised if the mouse flew down on the back of some bird of prey! It seemed Tabatha herself was the only one immune to her siren's call. The cat sighed. Who was she kidding? She was her slave, like Jaabir, why she'd even taught the mouse how to use that staff. The only difference was, she knew it. Oh, if only she'd discovered the mouse before Jaabir had, things would be so much simpler now!

"How lovely," she replied.

"Yuss!" the large albino would agree, the word slurred more than usual as he filled himself with more cheese. Eating outside the safety of a burrow was something he knew to be wrong, but he just couldn't help it. "Mousse help Turrrik. Turik friend. Mouse friend." He'd nod, cheeks bulged. . . soon coming to a pause. What did the mouse help Tarik with anyway? Just like so many things since he started eating this wonderful food, it completely slipped his mind. "oh." he'd swallow then, and look to her happily. "Lich-the-uh save. . . from cat." It would take Bylun a few more seconds, before everything settled in. The intoxicating aroma and cheese no longer enough to pacify and lull his instincts, memory, and reason. "auuh. .. Tab-a-thuh" he'd mumble out, dropping his cheese. . . his voice a mix of surprise, fear, and betrayal. The mouse didn't tell him much, but he knew this cat tried to eat Tarik. . . and further, he saw her eat another fellow many months before. The rat inched himself back; his head lowering, back arching, and fur standing a bit as he did before.

"Did she?" the cat replied, her brow furrowed. "Well I suppose she did. Hmmm." She gave a tiny laugh, and lower her head to view the rat and ohhhh, it appeared the dear fellow had put two and two together. Such a pity, they'd been getting on so well. Her tail would droop and she'd tilt her head. "Ohhhhhh, it's alright!" she assured the albino. "As I told you, I'm not hunting today. I promise you, you're perfectly safe." She'd glance at the ground and gesture at the cheese. "You should at least pick that up for later. There's no point in wasting good food."

Bylun looked hesitant, no longer showing that big happy grin. The sudden recollection didn't feel much different than when the cat had appeared out of nowhere. Still, he wouldn't show his teeth this time, suggesting at least a little trust. She had plenty of opportunity to eat him after all, and hadn't done so. He'd flick an ear, those words of reassurance helping, just as they did before. His eyes came down to the cheese and drifted back up. Being an outcast, he couldn't exactly pass up the chance to eat. And while it didn't feel good to have a cat's scent so close (something he could smell more clearly when not focused on the cheese), or to have bad memories stirred up. . . he wasn't in danger if she wasn't hungry. Maybe it was in his best interest? He'd take a step nearer, head lifting to watch the tabby, then took some more, until he was right back where he was. He'd give a small nod, and peer at the cheese then. He'd reach a paw out for a piece. . . and hold it there, a single eye drifting to his sack. . . before placing the food in his own muzzle. His lids near closed, however, he'd wouldn't slip so easily into contentment as he did before, and was very quiet. As he resumed, this time he'd think to pass a look behind himself. In all his life as a gatherer, he never saw a predator disturb another predator, but wouldn't rule out the possibility.

The cat sat still, unmoving, patiently watching the rat as he picked up the cheese. It was a pity, but to be expected; pred and prey in general couldn't be friends. Jack was an exception of a sort, but he was an extremely sweet bunny. Ah well, perhaps she could have a longer conversation with him, if she should ever have the luck to come upon him when she were hungry. "You needn't worry about Tarik," she said softly, snapping shut her purse. "Your mouse friend is correct, because of her I cannot hunt him, at least for now." This was meant to be a kindness to the albino, in case he worried he'd brought the cat's attention to Tarik, to free him from possible guilt. "Do say hello to him for me when you see him?"

Bylun still wouldn't look quite sure how to act now. The cat spoke friendly words, and gave him nice food, but it was hard to be happy around someone that hurt your family, and he didn't even know the extent of it. And. . . maybe he already said too much already. All those things about his friend Tarik, and even the nice mouse that was helping him. Tabatha's reasoning would be well timed, and he'd lift his muzzle to her, part way tilted. He wasn't sure what she meant, but it was nice to know she wasn't hunting Tarik. The rat blinked, and gave a slow nod. "Yus . . say hullo. . ." He'd look to get his voice back with that reply. He'd consider the request only briefly. From the mouse's account, he was not aware the cat actually spoke with Tarik directly at all, but wouldn't dwell on it. "No hunt Tur-ik? . . ." he'd think to confirm, head lifting a little higher, his body relaxing.

The cat picked up her bag and nodded as Bylun spoke. "No hunt Tarik," she replied amiably. While the situation with the grey rat was rather awkward, she didn't mind saying something that could put the albino at ease. It was natural he was concerned for his colony mate, and she didn't want him to feel any unnecessary pangs of guilt over bringing him up in their conversation.

He'd pause and blink. "No hunt. . . mouse Lich-the-uh?" While there was some self-benefit to that, him needing the mouse to see Tarik again, he did have a little personal worry for her as well; this cat seemed to know a lot about her.

Picking up her bag, the cat subtly flinched. Worrying about his colony mate was understandable, but why on earth did he care about the mouse. "You needn't worry about Lichthia," she said in a slightly exasperated tone, pronouncing every syllable of the mouse doe's name. "I can't touch her." She'd raise her head and peer at the rat. "She belongs to another."

The rat would watch close as the feline gathered her belongings, but wouldn't seem to startle. He didn't really understand the reasoning, but all this confirmation was putting him at ease. It was sad that he saw her eat one friend before, but that was long ago. . . and she wasn't going to harm the friends he knew now. And maybe. . . it could stretch more than that? Lastly, behind the others, he'd pose one final question, "No hunt. . . Bylun? . . ."

Tabatha sighed then, relaxing, her smile returning. She really shouldn't take out her frustrations on this lovely fellow. Still, she shook her head at the question. "I'm sorry, Bylun, I can't promise that," she replied.

The albino gave a small frown at that answer. "oh. . ." he'd mumble, his voice carrying a sense of disappointment. His muzzle lowered.

The cat would smile slightly, gathering her bag. "I'm sorry, Bylun, but I'm a hunter. . . .like you." She'd peer down at him. "But I won't hunt you today," she'd say softly "And it's unlikely we'll cross paths again." She tried to think. She wanted to tell him she didn't play favorites with prey, that she wouldn't stalk him, that he needn't lie in fear, but she didn't know how to explain it; he just didn't seem very bright.

Bylun gave a bit of a sigh, and he'd nod. "hunt-tur. . ." the rat would repeat, muttering. He knew of course, that cats ate rats. And, he should probably be happy she was at least giving him this much. All that food and letting him go. . . even promising to not harm him for the day was a kindness. Still, after the mouse, this had been his only other interaction since being exiled from his colony. It was a little uncomfortable being near her now, but. . . it had still been nice, he considered. And so, perhaps strange from the cat's prospective, his head actually came a little lower when she suggested they probably wouldn't see each other again. It was just as well, he reasoned, if she would likely eat him in the next encounter. . . but it was a little upsetting just the same. "O-kay. . ." he'd nod again, going quiet for a moment. His head soon began to rise, his lumbering frame of muscle leaning forward. "Bylun thank Tab-a-thuh. . . for burrie. . . " His eyes looked down at that yellow block, "and cheeese."

The cat smiled back at the rat. Such a dear sweet fellow, such a proper prey. Why he made her entirely forget her earlier frustration. "You're welcome, Bylun," she replied, her voice rich and warm. "It was my pleasure." She gave him a small nod. "Goodbye."

Bylun would nod, still looking a little sad. Those kind words did help at least, the rat's ears lifting. When the feline turned away, he'd raise a white paw to wave. "Bu-bye. . . Tab-a-thuh. . ."

The cat waved back, and turned to go.. Such a wonderful fellow. Despite everything, she couldn't help but feel warm inside after meeting such a sweet rat. Yet even as she took a step. . . . she felt a pressure on her forehead. She frowned slightly and stopped. Oh no. . . . . .She bowed her head. That infernal mouse. . .. she was going to do it again, wasn't she? The cat could foresee it already. She'd take the cat aside, and plead Bylun's case, just as she'd done with Jack. She'd use the cat's own principles against her, twisting them like a knife inside her, until she was her slave. Oh she could practically hear it already! It was her fault the albino was alone and lonely. And now he was afraid, with no friends to console him. The least she could do was to take away one fear. Oh she was going to do it, wasn't she? She was going to do it again. Well not this time! The cat wasn't going to have it. Not this time! Not again! "Bylun!" she called out, her voice unthreatening, but firm. In one graceful motion, she'd simultaneously turn around and kneel in the grass.

Bylun would already have begun pulling apart the cheese before him, and placing it in his fuzzy white bag. He'd be moving a little slower than when he packed away those cherries, but knew he couldn't take too long. When you were trying to survive, you couldn't let yourself get too distracted, regardless of what it was. Even in his colony, gatherers were expected to finish their duties, even if one was claimed: He had done so before. So he'd continue to focus, turning away from the cat, and working at the cheese to store it away. The rat wouldn't manage two paw-fulls, before he'd flick an ear and look up, blinking. At first, and rather naturally so, he'd lower himself a little. The cat was coming back. Maybe it was feeling hungry after all? Still he wouldn't get too afraid, even as she settled herself down before him. She had promised him the day, and while he wasn't certain how well he could hold her word, she hadn't given him any reason not to trust it. "Yus? . . ." he'd question slow, his head tilting.

The cat would settle herself, straighten out her pant legs, and take a deep breath. That done, she'd look at the rat, and after a pause, say in a formal voice, "As long as you are an outcast. . . ." She'd pause a moment to let those words in. ". . . I will not hunt you." Her shoulders would relax and her head would bow. There. It was done. She was still the mouse's slave of course, in a way more than ever. But at least this way she wouldn't have to face her again. This way, she could pretend it had been her idea.

Bylun continued to stare, red eyes blinking. The cat's change in tone was already a little surprising to the white rat, it sounded important. And. . . while he was outcasted? Was she going to warn him about something again? He'd lean in, head tilting now in the other direction, as he lifted slightly from his fore-paws. When she continued, his head rose a bit more. . . and that wide smile returned to his muzzle. "No hunt Bylun? . . ." he'd ask, seeming to already know the answer and looking quite happy of it.

"No hunt Bylun. . ." the cat agreed. It was good to see the albino happy. It was the one thing in all of this that made it bearable. ". . . as long as you are an outcast," she'd repeat to be sure she was understood. The rational for her promise would be gone if he ever returned to the company of his fellows once again, after all.

The rat give a big nod, "uh huh." He'd look to understand the limitation, but it didn't seem to deter him any. Even though Tarik had somehow managed, the rat himself never truly expected to see his colony again. "No hunt. . . bunished." the rat would make clear. He'd pause for a time, lowering his paws back and just looking up with a smile. Bylun understood this was the very same cat he witnessed devour a squealing gatherer fellow many months ago, and he remembered hearing far more from others. Somehow he was able to look past it for now. He had been without kind words for so long, and was happy to welcome them from any source. "Bylun. . . friend?" She was nice to him. She gave him food. She wasn't going to hurt him now, and not Tarik and LIchthia either. Should he look at her any differently?

The cat smiled at the rat. Such a sweet fellow. Of course she couldn't lie to him, but she couldn't be mean either, so would dodge the question instead. "You're a sweet fellow, Bylun," she'd reply gently. "I very much like your company. If you ever need any help, or just want someone to talk to, I'd be more than glad to do so."

Bylun seemed to take that reply quite well, nodding his head. She liked his company, liked talking to him, and was willing to give help when he needed it: He'd take her answer to mean 'yes', just a longer way of saying it. "O. k!" He'd almost look to beam. "Bylun like too. And halp." He'd nod again to emphasize. The albino would get to his feet then, and lumber himself a little closer to the cat. Getting just beside, he'd look straight up, red eyes bright, smile wide, "Bylun. . . thank" he'd say gently.

Such a dear sweet rat, the cat could only smile affectionately. She wished she could accept his thanks as she had before, but she was not quite hypocrite enough for that. "Don't thank me," she'd reply softly, "thank Lichthia." She sighed. Still, the reminder wasn't enough to sour her good mood; Bylun was such a good fellow. Not wanting to dwell on that, she'd continue swiftly, "Now I'm sure you'll want to be getting back to your den. And I should be going to my home. But if you ever see me, you can call me, and we can talk." There. Her debt was paid. Perhaps not quite as well as if she'd taken him when she should, but it would do.

Bylun blinked, "Lich-the-uh?" He was just a little confused why the cat wanted him to thank the mouse for the cat not hunting him. It didn't make too much sense to rat, but wouldn't think too much of it. He'd instead grow distracted, looking behind toward the sun. . . which was just beginning to set. He'd turn back, and nod slow. "Yus." Nightfall was dangerous for a rat, whose sight was limited enough as it is. And with such bright white fur, the albino would be an easy target for any wondering night hunter. He wasn't even small enough to take advantage of most cover like other rodents. "Ok!" he'd announced, certainly happy to find that he'd see her again. He wouldn't even have to be afraid when he does! That long bare tail would curl in behind him. "Bylun cull. And talk." He'd lean a little closer, and seem to sniff in the feline's direction. That done, he'd smile, and get to all fours, waddling back over to the mouse-skinned bag and cheese. He'd go about the task of collecting the bounty, no longer so troubled.

"Goodbye Bylun," the cat purred, and turned to walk away. She smiled, her mood lightening. It was good to see the fellow at ease. Giving him a pass seemed the right thing to do. She stopped then and turned her head, watching him walk away. Oh, look at that tail! So thick and meaty. She smiled, eyeing him. Mmmm, she could just imagine it going down her throat. And who knew? Maybe someday she'd get that chance. Outcast rats didn't ordinarily return home, but the mouse was something of a miracle worker and the cat wouldn't put anything past her by now. And if the albino found his home or even started a new colony, why he'd be fair game. And if she caught him then. . . .She eyed the huge rat as he lumbered away and felt a shiver down her spine. Mmmmmmmmmmmmmm, so much muscle! So much meat! And with those happy thoughts, she'd turn and walk away.