Changed to actual book idea

[Asa]

No longer a thread

 

[cnuveau]

Eldrich stalked the grounds of the mansion in his usual stealthy manner using his keen smell to detect any interlopers who might try to trespass. It had been weeks since Grace had passed and though he missed her dearly he was excited to meet their new mistress. It was a pattern that had been playing out for several generations of mistresses and Eldrich had grown to know his role well. To protect and serve was his place in the hierarchy of the constant inhabitants of the mansion. Though they each served their own domestic roles they were each there to serve and they all took on that role with an unmatched enthusiasm.

Inside Lucien was curled up on a window sill peering out at the drive. From the activity in the house he could tell it wouldn't be long before the new mistress had arrived and he looked forward to being the first to greet her. As the one tasked to provide comfort it was his enviable job to introduce the new mistress to the secrets of the mansion and he was eager to start the process again. Though Grace's death was devastating to all of them the excitement of serving someone new was always exhilarating. It was as like it breathed new life into the old worn down mansion and he was anxious to feel that rush again.

 

[cnuveau]

Lucien eyed the cars pulling into the drive then stopping in front of the house. When Raven stepped out of the car he got up and stretched out before leaping off the window sill and making his way toward the front door to greet her.

Sitting front and center at the landing of the stairs he took a moment to lick his fur, smoothing it out then began to purr loudly as she walked in, calling attention to himself.

 

[cnuveau]

Lucien got up from the spot he was sitting the approached Raven, taking a moment to circle her, rubbing his body on her legs as he did before turning back towards the stairs. As he made it to the stairs he looked over his shoulder toward the woman then flicked his tail as if motioning for her to follow him.

Lucien walked slowly up the stairs, making sure she as following, then led her to the master bedroom so she could put her bags down. Making it to the door, he pushed it open then hopped onto the bed, doing a couple of circles before curling up on it as she got herself settled.

 

[cnuveau]

It was obvious to Lucien that his size was somewhat startling to the woman. It was a reaction he was used to but the reaction was preferable to the way people reacted to Eldrich. Over the years they’d found a feline presence was the best way to ease a new mistress in so the task settled on him.


At her mention of food Lucien got up from the bed and hopped down onto the floor. At the door, he again looked back and flicked his tail beckoning her.

Leading her back down the winding staircase he led her through the dining room and too the kitchen where he’d overseen the delivery of groceries earlier in the day.

 

[cnuveau]

Lucien saw her go for the door then pull it open. It was an area that she didn’t need to be exploring just yet with Malcolm resting down there. Quickly he made his way over then placed himself between her and the stairs as he began licking his lips and purring loudly as he looked at the steak in her hand.

This was always the awkward part where he tries to find just the right opportunity to reveal himself. He usually waited until they went to bed and he curled up beside them but her going down there might force his hand and make things more difficult.

Still in her way, he tapped his tail against the smaller wine cabinet beside the door in case all she wanted was a bottle of wine.

 

[cnuveau]

Lucien took the steak down in a few bites then licked his lips before nuzzling his large head against her thigh in appreciation. There'd be plenty of time for exploration but hoped she'd focus on other parts of the house that would be less problematic.

The job of initiating their new mistress was always a challenge. Certainly after, things got substantially easier but picking just the right time to reveal himself and secrets of the mansion could be the difference of her running scared never to return or her realizing it's an oasis she never wanted to leave again.

Lucien flicked the door closed with his tail as he continued to nuzzle her and purr loudly.

 

[cnuveau]

With Lucien's keen hearing he could hear both sides of the conversation and he was a little shocked but also pleased that Grace had taken it upon herself to reveal the secrets of the house to Raven. With him being the only constant through the generations it had always fallen on him. He wondered for a moment why she had neglected to tell him of her plan but the final weeks of her life were chaotic and painful for her so he forgave her the oversight.

When Raven hung up the phone he nudged her a final time with his head then started out from the kitchen towards the conservatory. With the trail of clues she seems to have left he found himself just as intrigued to find out what she'd done as Raven must have been.

 

[cnuveau]

As Raven began looking around for the first clue Lucien thought of places she might have hidden it. He knew that Grace spent a lot of time in the sitting area she'd arranged that was nestled in towards the back of the cavernous space. With a nudge of Raven's leg Lucien led her further back through the overgrowth and into the nook where a white wicker sofa with floral cushions was place. As they approached he noted the drawer of the end table was slightly pulled out and he wondered if it was there.

Jumping onto the sofa Lucien curled up then waited as Raven began to explore the space.

 

[cnuveau]

Lucien had been waiting for just the right opportunity to reveal himself but, as of yet, it hadn't presented itself. He watched as Raven struggled with the task that Grace had set out for her and recognized it was an elaborate way for Grace, herself, to introduce them to her. Knowing that task might be significantly easier with him at her side, he decided that now was the time.

Uncurling from his ball on the sofa Lucien stretched himself out one last time before leaping down from the sofa. Timing his transformation to the moment his paws hit the ground he rose before her in his true form. His sleek coat of fur replaced with toned, rippling flesh he noted her startled expression. Raven gazed up into his still feline like eyes that highlighted the chiseled features of his face framed by thick dark hair that cascaded down to his shoulders.

Taking a step towards her, now on stable legs, Lucien took the note from her hand then took another step closer. "I believe she was referring to me that you may always keep for you." he said as he stood naked in front of her.