Shadow made his way without incident to the house shared by Jezzabella and Sable her protégé.

Shadow

This was territory that was very definitely not yet Mine, and that always put Shadow on edge. So, it was important to follow protocol, to respect the authority of the incumbent as those who passed through His would rightly do to him. At least to start with. He looked around for Sable.

There in one of the clear things lounged the dark cat upon a window spot. His eyes were closed as he napped.

Shadow

He paced back and forth: The nap would end when it ended, and Sable should be able to sense the intrusion. Patience.

Sable

Almost as if on que, the cat opened one eye and stretched a lone paw forward. Slipping from the warmth of the pillow he jumped down and came around to the burden door. Moving through the panel at the bottom he stepped out with a click. "Yes Shadow, welcome."

Shadow

He showed the proper respect for the possessing cat in territory which he did not yet intend to make Mine, and almost nonchalantly asked,

"Greetings, Sable. Do you know where Jezzabella is?"

Sable

"She left on a trip to the forest. Not sure of her intentions, but she went with Tiger-Lily." The cat licked a paw after meowing his answer.

Shadow

The ginger tom inspected a swatch of fur on His right rear leg, thoughtful. In truth, Jezzabella had been alive when He'd seen her last, so anything presumptive would be premature.

"I see. I was thinking of discussing the position of next in line, after yourself of course."

Sable

The black cat eyed him with an air of appraisal. "There hasn't been declaration of succession yet. Would you like to be considered? I am sure that the counsel would like potentials to be named in the event such an act becomes necessary."

Shadow

He closed his eyes briefly to avoid the direct challenge, and murred,

"That seems prudent, then. What is your own stance?"

Sable

"Well I make it no secret that should Jezzabella feel the need to step down, I am happy to take on the responsibilities. However I do not believe she should do so lightly. Change in leadership can be difficult and disrupting. We have a pleasant peace that should not be disturbed without dutiful consideration." He licked his paw paying extra attention to his dew claw.

Shadow

"A peace that would need to be enforced in the event of change, by those aware of the need for stability and a smooth transition. In the best case this would be unnecessary, but best cases so rarely happen. I suspect we will need to be alert in the near future, should things turn out for the worse."

Sable

The cat meowed a tone of acknowledgement. "Agreed. I will inform her as soon as she returns home. We have discussed such plans before, but your name was not on the interested parties list. It will be now." The cat didn't move, as if unwilling to terminate the conversation, a very considered political move on his part.

Shadow

"May I enquire as to who else is on the list? It would seem wise to ensure none work at cross-purposes to others."

Ending this was the senior cat's prerogative, within his own territory. Shadow wasn't going to pass u an opportunity to acquire further information.

Sable

He seemed to consider the question carefully before answering, or maybe he wasn't sure he wanted to answer. "So far you and I are on the short list. To be fair, it hasn't been discussed openly. Till today I was the only one being considered." He gave Shadow a nod.

Shadow

He returned the gesture as decorum decreed, and spake,

"Perhaps it is time for a wider discussion on the matter. Not mine to initiate, but I would not be opposed. If I may take my leave?"

Sable

"Yes, enjoy your hunting. Something to consider," he meowed almost as an after thought. Turning the sleek black cat went back through the door in the burden sized door.

Shadow

The red dot of an idea had been shown, it remained to be seen if they would pounce or look with reproach at the nearest burden. For now, he swiftly departed these lands that were not yet His: The truth of Jezzabella's condition was a mystery to all of them until She, or possibly Tiger Lily, revealed it.

His trip back across town was uneventful. It was almost as if the other cats knew what was coming. Soon the night in which spirits held more sway would be upon them.