[b]Kathelia![/b]

The collar falls to the floor with a melancholy jingle, and Azora Howl breathes out in shock. "My kitty..."

Then she turns on you, furiously. "What did you do to my kitten? Bring her back!!" She unrolls the blanket dramatically and steps on the still sleeping Konkon princess, sneering. "Go and bring back my little Mittens or I'll toss your little girlfriend down there instead!"

She's being arrogant and vulnerable to a sudden strike, but even if you managed to overcome her, you would have to move quickly and skillfully in order to avoid her vengefully hurling Kyouko down the hallway.

That being said, you've already figured out the purpose of the hallway. Behind each of the doors is a dungeon dimension, naturally, given the runes etched into the frames. They're custom designed just for each and every one of you, and... well, either there's unbelievable torment or pleasure so decadent you'll never want to leave. Imagine what might be behind your door... maybe it'd be Hornet's workshop! You could spend the rest of your life there fangirling over her inventions and notes!!

Eupheria has to be here. She's hidden, for once, but she has to be here. You're being watched by her right now. If you play your hand too early, if you spoil her game, you'll force her hand. But if you manage to figure out where she is, to surprise her... wait. There. Of course she's hidden behind the Caduceus, [i]again[/i]. Just like at the beginning.

Too bad that Azora's playing right into Euphie's sense of drama.

***

[b]Adila I![/b]

This really is an impressive device. Everything inside of the drill is finely crafted, except for the shambles of a ruined tea corner, covered in broken porcelain and dog hair. You've managed to fit your army inside, and are homing in on Eupheria's location, using Hornet's strange homing device. It repeatedly pings as an arcing line sweeps across its face.

"You'll have to tell me when to stop," Princess Hornet says, though in the larger sense, you have no such intentions to stop her chaos. She is your new secret weapon. You will use her to attract Eupheria's attention, along with your young successor.

"Adila," you say, scritching her behind her ear. "I would like for you to spearhead the assault on Eupheria, and your partner will be Princess Hornet of Hobling Keep." You quietly ignore the fact that she is draped over the satyrian Felorian princess. She is a member of the Watch. She knows her role is to carry out your own orders.

"Good girl."

***

[b]Mittens![/b]

The fire in the fireplace is sparking and warm, radiating heat onto the rug and the sofa. The brazier smoking on top has a lavender catnip mix, so faint and so delicate from your position curled up on the rug.

Your Mommy pats her lap and smiles at you, a smile without any exhaustion or shivering. Outside, the rain plays a soft staccato on the glass balcony, kissing the orchids so gently. The clouds are faintest violet. 

"Come here! Come here! Who's Mommy's special little kitten, huh? Come climb up here!"

You were doing something else, weren't you? Just a moment ago? You put your head in your little paws. All your thinkies smell like lavender catnip.

Pat, pat lap!

"C'mere, raindrop! That's a good girl!"