Caviessofrodentia
From BluWiki
The Cavies of Rodentia
The Cavies were once their own nation, made up of their own people and their own culture. After being forced west by the Hamster hordes, they were discovered by the Cats. The Cats grew to be a stiflingly dominant presence in the lives of the Cavies, with most Cavies becoming slaves to the superior Cats. But, as long as it isn't actually hurting them, why is it so bad?
Catnap
'Fur-Like-Snow could not sleep. This would not do. The feline glared at the open window, at the sunlight streaming in. When was the last time he slumbered? It seemed like hours ago. He kneaded the silk cushion he preferred for sleeping on with his paws before slumping back across it again in a different position. With a snarl he called for his slaves, "Bitesize! Smudge!"
'Instantly there was a scampering noise as the cavies ran along the servant's passage, and a rustle as the curtain leading to it was pushed aside. The pair of cavies ran around the bulk of their substantial master till they could face him properly, and bowed low to the ground. As an afterthought, Bitesize yanked his fez, denoting him the senior steward, off his head and fidgeted with it in the 'Aye-senor-the-banditos-have-attacked-again' position.
The fluffy white mass of fur that was Fur-Like-Snow narrowed its emerald eyes at the pair. "What were you useless things doing? Have I not told you countless times that the thin line between late slaves and light snacks can be erased with the sweep of a paw?!" As he spoke, a broad paw pushed out from between the glossy white folds of fur-covered fat. There were, in theory, sharp claws somewhere in that paw, but it had been years since they had been seen.
' 'Bitesize kept his head down and tactfully decided to start with a buttering up. "S-s-sorry, O Lord Of Lords, Light Of My Eyes, May-You-Live-Forever. Your Opulence ordered that You were not to be disturbed during Your Fifth Time of rest this morning. So we were busy preparing Your Massiveness' first lunch." Smudge whimpered pathetically beside him in agreement.
' 'Fur-Like-Snow glared in silence for another minute or two as he slowly pulled his forepaw back under his substantial body. Was it his Fifth Time of rest? That would mean it was almost noon. "My lunch is important. Yes. You are to be rewarded for your devotion to duty..." The pair of cavies shuddered in relief. "But as punishment for not knowing your master would be having trouble falling asleep, I hereby retract that reward!" The feline cackled in glee at seeing the crestfallen looks of his slaves. "I can't get comfortable! Play me music! And I want a massage!"
' 'Bitesize scurried back to the servants' passage and clapped his paws three times. Meanwhile, Smudge cracked his knuckles and then began climbing up onto Fur-Like-Snow's cushion, and then further up onto the massive Persian. A trio of smaller cavi brought instruments into the room, and under Bitesize's direction they set up on the the straw servants' mat in front of Fur-Like-Snow. The feline slowly lowered his head as he watched the trio begin to play. It was an old tune, one Fur-Like-Snow liked very much. As Smudge's talented paws worked behind his ears, his breathing became slower and deeper. Eventually a low rumble filled the room as Fur-Like-Snow began to purr in his sleep.
' 'As the feline drifted further off to sleep, Bitesize gestured for his children to play their music softer... softer... then he held the curtain open and waved his children through. He continued to hold it until Smudge had managed to climb down from atop the living mountain of plush feline and the two slipped into the passage. As they began nearing the servants' quarters, Bitesize clapped a paw onto Smudge's shoulder. "That was fine whimperin' you did there, boyo. You learn that back at Eyes-At-Night's place?"
' 'Smudge nodded, "Aye. Dad always said the only thing better than whimperin' is piddlin' yourself. But Eyes-At-Night ate anyone who piddled near her bed, and Fur-Like-Snow looks like he's eaten his fair share of slaves..."
' 'When they reached the servants' common area, Bitesize flicked his whiskers. "Oh no, that's all fish eggs and shrimp. Fur-Like-Snow hasn't eaten anyone since before my pappy was head steward." He took some wooden mugs off some pegs on the wall near the kitchen entrance. "We got some time before he's ready for lunch. What say we knock back a couple, and I'll impart you a little bit about the fine art o' asskissery?"
