by Adamented » Fri Jul 29, 2022 2:36 am
Owner: Adamented
Cat Name: tbd
Prompt:
In fear, they professed that if the eagle ate them their secret treasure would be gone forever, and what a terrible shame that would be. The eagle, fascinated by shiny human things, demanded that they reveal where the treasure was hidden. The cat ducked away from a harsh peck as it grew impatient while he tried to think quickly, how could he save his fur after the giant winged beast plucked him from the earth with deadly talons and drew him all the way up to its nest, a high up perch he could never hope to escape.
He stuttered, but got out that he couldn't describe where it was, that it would be forgotten if he just spouted directions. The eagle was admittedly suspicious of his offer of reward, questioning why the cat would lead it to a trove of shimmering treasures if he knew he would only be the eagle's dinner in the end. He stammered that he would show the bird something he had never seen, in return all he asked was that the treasure not be lost forever, but that the harpy eagle decorate its nest with the gold and jewels for all the world to see. He said it would be a shame if he found it and was to leave the earth behind with no sign of him having been there, he promised that if the eagle spared him a day to lead the eagle to the hidden treasure that in that time he would make peace with his end.
The eagle was greedy, it was also hungry, but its fascination with sparkling things led it to agree with some reservation to being led to this treasure. It was a long trek, the cat demanded they had to take precautions not to be followed, surely they would be seen by other birds with an eye for the shinier things of the world if the eagle just carried him out over the trees. Again the eagle agreed reluctantly to his terms, flying low and hopping from branch to branch as the cat led him forward. The bird didn't know, but all this branch hopping was wearing it down. The cat was secretly leading the bird in a long drawn-out figure eight, as the bird got tired it began to hobble on the ground alongside the cat, exhausted. It shrieked in frustration, demanding to know how much longer it would be. The cat told the eagle they would made it at nightfall.
When they arrived at a nearby pool of water, where it formed a small waterfall off the rocks, he told the eagle they would rest for the night and then they would search the pool of water for a secret cave opening. It would be too hard to find at night, especially when they were so tired.
As the bird roosted, on a low branch to stay out of view, the cat pretended to fall asleep below. However, the cat was used to staying up long nights, wandering on and on hopelessly into the world. His limbs were strong, his mind was sharp, and when the eagles feathers no longer stirred with signs of consciousness, he moved quickly. There was no chance for the bird to even chirp in response.
Instead of becoming breakfast for the harpy eagle in the morning, he himself found a bountiful feast for his dinner.
