The tethercat is a small feline creature with three eyes and a three-pronged tail.
Its fur ranges from short and stubby to long and thick. Some tethercats are fluffy with ornate patterns, while others are solid colors.
Their most remarkable attribute is the ability to teleport short distances. Sometimes, when their third eye opens, they disappear shortly after. It uses this trait to easily capture and exterminate its "prey" with its sharp claws.
The more likely scenario is that they use this ability to access things they are not supposed to, as most tethercat owners can attest. Their murder of the small and often defenseless creatures of Keceo is typically unwarranted. Doing the deed for enjoyment, rather than nourishment, as they are all vegetarians.
Assuredly, if they were the size of, let's say, a Shadowflame, they would be a threat to our existence. Yet, since they are so small (and often adorable), they pose no threat to our species. The tethercat has been domesticated since before the elven kind knew magic.
Their very existence often led our ancestors to question whether the ability to teleport—or something similar—resided within themselves.
Excerpt from Kreatures of Keceo, A Brilliant Bestiary
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"And this is where you'll be staying."
Artero stood in front of a massive seven-bedroom dwelling that had been permitted for Gwyn to use.
"This is way more than I need."
Gwyn was flustered. It was twice the size of her home back on Earth.
"It's the smallest we have, so I apologize. It's the best I could do in such a short amount of time. Sometimes it's a burden being so rich."
Way to brag.
"No reason to be sorry. This is much better than my room at the Gilded Towers."
The view from the Gilded Towers was better. The Wall now loomed uncomfortably close. It towered above them, looking past the Kosmairian Estate; it was all one could see.
The sun was setting, turning the sky into an orange-red haze.
"Night approaches. Creatures sometimes lurk in the dark, so you need to be careful when wandering the Estate at night."
Gwyn nodded.
"Also, servants will be arriving tomorrow to clean the dwelling, but for now. He pointed to the man standing at the door, clad in blood-red armor. "This is Sir Rodrick; he is your personal bodyguard and shall accompany you everywhere you go."
Gwyn and Rodrick made eye contact.
"It's you!"
They pointed at one another, and anger immediately overcame them.
Artero faltered.
"I-I'm sorry? What's going on?"
"She was the woman who berated me during my career day presentation! To think, I had planned for minutes beforehand!"
"I'm surprised you even did that!" Gwyn pointed a thumb at the knight. "He was the big 'tough guy' trying to act cool in front of children."
They glared at each other. Rodrick's mustache bristled.
"I refuse this assignment, Young Master."
"R-refuse?! You've never refused an assignment in your life!"
"Well." Rodrick stared down at Gwyn. "When someone is as rude as her, I don't think I have it in me."
This fucking guy.
"Oh, I say a few words and hurt your wittle feelings, then you're just going to give up?"
"Give up?!" He shouted. Standing an inch away from her. "I've never given up on anything. If that bell hadn't rung, I would've put you in your place!"
"Put me in my place?" Gwyn laughed. "You look like you sleep with a freaking teddy bear!"
Rodrick scoffed.
"Who told you that? I'll have you know my father was never around and I am very—"
"Enough!"
Artero shouted. Both Gwyn and Rodrick stopped glaring at one another and focused on the prince. Artero pinched the bridge of his nose.
"Rodrick."
He stood erect and saluted.
"Yes, Young Master."
"Has she hurt you in any way?"
His eyes darted around, his words jumbled. He slammed his visor shut, muffling his words.
"Well… not physically but my—"
Artero didn't bother waiting for him to finish.
"Gwynevere."
"I know you aren't about to scold me."
"I am, because you are in no position to be picky."
What the fuck?
"Excuse me?"
Gwyn now turned her anger towards Artero.
"Do you have any idea the strings I had to pull to get you where you stand? Do you know how many attempts on your life there have been or will be? You are a Chosen One. The King of Terror has his eyes set on you for some reason, and I seek to protect you from all harm."
Artero grabbed the feuding hands and then smashed them together.
"That requires you two to get along."
Gwyn stared at the man in the massive crimson suit of armor. His hand dwarfed hers.
"I…"
Gwyn trailed off.
"No, no… let me…"
Rodrick trailed off.
Artero rubbed his temple. He hated it when he acted like his sister.
"For the love of the… You two may not get along. But I am asking you to try. If this doesn't work out, I will find you another knight for your protection. Currently, Rodrick is all we have."
"Are you saying you'd choose someone else?"
Rodrick sounded offended.
"No, you are one of the greatest knights we have, and I am surprised my father has surrendered you to Gwynevere."
Rodrick nodded.
"It is odd, now that you mention it."
There is too much going on.
Gwyn looked the knight up and down.
"I'm sorry, Rodrick." Gwyn held out her hand. "I didn't mean to be offensive. I've had an interesting couple of days."
He rubbed his hand behind his helmet, ashamed of himself.
"I honestly shouldn't have acted as I did. I was using you to impress those kids, and I am sorry."
"Alright, this sounds like the beginning of a wonderful relationship," Artero slapped the back of Rodrick's armor. "Rodrick will be your bodyguard from here on. Does that suffice, Gwynevere?"
Why is he even offering? He basically called me a burden.
"It does." She looked at Rodrick. "Are you going to follow me everywhere?"
"Not everywhere, madam," Rodrick said, already seeming much kinder. "If you wish to dismiss me, just do so."
"Perfect."
"Then that's everything." Artero dusted his hands. "I'm off to bed; an elven prince needs his beauty sleep."
Gwyn couldn't help but notice how annoyed he sounded.
"Bye, Artero!"
What is he not telling me?