Said I heed you, your every need
My heart, my liege, mi capitán
My heart, my liege, mi capitán
.
The evening air was laden with chill, carrying the usual scents of rust and rot. A cold wind rattled through the rusted halls of her kingdom, setting tin cans clinking and metal groaning. While still early in the moon, she could feel what was coming in her very bones.
The matriarch emerged with a worn blanket dragging in her steps. She crossed the clearing and began the climb up the garbage-laid ramp to her throne. An exhale bottled up in her lungs as she climbed, which was then released as she eased onto the sagging cushion. Nonna folded her forepaws delicately before dragging her gaze below, where familiar shapes gathered like pigeons for crumbs. They gathered with the expectation that she was there to feed them. Feed them she would, before asking something in return.
"Good evening." She croaked in greeting, punctuating what is sure to be a long discussion.
There was much to go over. Among the topics was the race to prepare for one of the cruelest times of the year. A cat her age didn't need falling leaves or longer nights to warn her of its approach. The young were unfazed, but even the slightest temperature change waited no time settling into her bones. It wouldn't be their first preparation, but it could always be their last.
"I'm sure you can feel it by now. In just a few moons, bone-chill will be upon us." The message was a grave one for all of them, but she spoke with a measure of confidence. So far, her experience guided them well, but as always luck and hard work were equal parts for success. "The time has come to make our preparations. For some, that means making sure we have plenty of warm bedding, and for others, ensuring that our stockpile holds enough prey to feed us through the season."
All of them had a part, no matter their age. Filling bellies and keeping warm were only the most pressing things on the list. If one task wasn't suited for them, then they could easily find another task. "With that in mind, I ask that our borders be handled with more care while we prepare and until the thaw. That may mean turning away others so that we have a better chance of feeding the hungry mouths we already have."
Turning away cats looking for shelter is a harsh but necessary choice. She is used to having to make the difficult calls by now, and she knows not everyone will be happy with it. If there are complaints, they are welcome to voice them after she is done. "Now… onto more pleasant things." Giavonna searches the crowd for a familiar copper coat. "Brick. Come forward, dear."
She waits patiently for him to come forward and stand beneath the perch. "Our need for another enforcer still stands. Last time, I asked—No, demanded to be shown the resolve needed to fill that role. What I have seen led me to you." Her glassy eyes hold a fondness, not unlike that of a mother looking upon her son. "Brick, your keen eyes and resourcefulness have served you well as a scrap collector, but I believe they would serve you even better as an enforcer." Brick might seem an odd choice, especially compared to her other enforcers. He did not have Minty's tooth or Ambrosi's cunning. The two were a more 'traditional' choice for enforcer, but she would prefer a well-rounded toolkit rather than just those most willing to get their paws dirty. The consideration Brick had shown for his fellow Rustclaw and his eye for value were what set him apart in her eyes. The ability to find worth and appreciation for things others threw away was a potent skill. One that could be sharpened into a weapon with the right guidance. "There's no pressure to answer now. Think and come to me when you are ready."
She shifted her attention to the rest of the crowd. With one paw, she makes a dramatic sweeping motion through the air. "Now, a request for all of you."
"Several of our young have come of age and are now old enough to begin preparing for their futures. These cadets carry our future, and their failure is ours as much as it is theirs. So, the responsibility to guide them falls upon every Rustclaw, no matter your rank. Let's do right by them." These were exciting times to have so many promising pupils. She can't speak for every cat, but personally, she looks forward to watching them grow, as well as taking part in shaping them.
A pause, before a brighter smile spreads across her weathered muzzle. "Lastly… it brings me joy to announce that Rachet safely delivered three healthy kits named Dart, Mallet, and Bobbin." With no help from their useless sire, but she leaves that part out. There was no need to sour the moment. The birth of a litter was something to celebrate, and she would not let it be blemished by one tom's failure. "It's been some time since we've welcomed new life, so tonight we celebrate. Offer congratulations to Ratchet, share in one another's company, and get some much-needed rest. Tomorrow we begin preparing in earnest." She dismisses them and leans back with a sigh, allowing herself to sink into the cushion that cradles her spine.
Speech, thoughts/emphasis
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