Dull as her senses had become in old age, Giavonna didn't miss the scent of strangers. As if it were easy to miss, so different from the filth and tang of rust that her kin wore. These intruding scents were tinged with warmth and softness. The kind of softness that clings to cats who've never had to claw for their next meal. Giavonna would know, she had worn that scent once too, a long time ago now.
Her gait was awkward, steps dragging softly through the dirt with a limp. Despite the stiffness in her joints, she moved with poise. Navigating her kingdom came as naturally as breathing.
She caught the sound of unfamiliar voices echoing ahead. It had taken her longer than she liked to catch up to the others, but that was of no matter. Let the young bloods move swiftly and meet danger first—if there was any to be had.
She crested a small mound of debris just in time to catch Firefly eyeing down a group of strangers. Socket stood close behind, looking grumpy as ever.
Cloudy eyes narrowed with curiosity as she descended the slope, light casting shadows across her bony frame and sunken cheekbones. Nonna stepped up beside Firefly, plumed tail brushing her lieutenant's shoulder.
"I would sure hope it's organized." She snorted, a dry chuckle rattling in her chest. Her humored gaze drifted across the gathered guests in all their polished fur and plumpness.
"No trouble here, long as you didn't come looking for any."
Her attention shifted to the cinnamon tom in their midst. There was a seasoned look in his eyes, more so than the other. She gave him a small, delicate smile.
"You've all found yourselves on Rustclaw land." Best to set clear boundaries, no matter how their discussion ended. She wouldn't want them getting confused, thinkiing they could come and go as they pleased... At least not without an even trade.
"Not that I mind visitors." Nonna's eyes flicked back across the rest of the patrol.
"So long as they come with good manners and…" Her clouded eyes dragged long on the shiny collars they wore.
"…perhaps a gift next time? If you seek passage through our land, it's only polite, no?"
They were soft but not oblivious. Her soldiers could have sent them running with their tails between their legs, but what was the point of wasting claws on easy prey? Bloodshed was always an option, but that didn't mean it was the
only option. She was far more interested in what might be gained than what could be taken.