***I had written this as a birthday present for my roommate. After I gave it to her I decided to post it on here for anyone else who might want to read it. I hope you enjoy.***

Your radiance extends over field and stream

Across mountains and valleys

It drips from your satin lips

Like a cool elixir overflowing from a golden goblet

Cooling…

Günter scowled and placed his quill off to the side.

"No, no, no. I already said 'cool' once. This is very bad word choice indeed. What would be a better way to describe the influence of His Highness's love? Aha!" Günter dipped his writing implement into the ink with a triumphant flourish and resumed writing. "…soothing my pounding heart and quivering hand. When our bodies intermingle and our souls become one- no! No! Scratch that. Remember, Günter, this is not for our private collection." He scolded himself solemnly and dabbed a couple drops of blood from his nose with a handkerchief.

Günter's silver head snapped to attention when the door flew open. Gwendal swept inside abruptly and softly clicked it shut behind him. He leaned against the wall; eyes squeezed shut, and let out a breath of relief.

"Finally. Alone."

"Pardon?"

Gwendal's piercing eyes shot open.

"Damn. What are you doing here?"

"I have been slaving away over a book of poetry. It is meant to be a gift for His Highness. It chronicles the times we've shared and my visions of our future. So far it is a mere one thousand pages. I felt the quiet serenity of this space might inspire me." Günter tipped his head to the side quizzically. "I am surprised to see you here. You don't often venture into this branch of the palace."

Gwendal took a couple of steps into the room. He clutched several ledgers close to his chest.

"True. I've had to go into hiding. His Highness and Wolfram are at each other's throats. For reasons beyond my understanding, Wolfram continuously requests that I act as a mediator so much so that my work was being impeded. To put it simply, he was standing on my last nerve."

"Ah, and your cloth companion?" Gwendal glanced at his shoulder. His cheeks reddened slightly.

"It's a little kitty cat."

"Do you need him to complete your work?"

"….He was lonely."

"I see. What happens to be at the root of this altercation?"

"Something about an official portrait."

Günter leapt to his feet and headed for the door.

"Goodness, if anyone means to capture the likeness of His Highness I really ought to be there to supervise. Please excuse me."

Gwendal listened to his footsteps echoing down the hall. When he was sure the coast was clear, he sank into the comfortable chair next to the window. He poked his kitten's nose affectionately.

"Now, we're finally alone."

The words had barely escaped his lips when he heard someone with a nasally voice enter.

"This room looks empty. I could eat in here."

Gwendal gritted his teeth and growled.

"Dacascos…"