Tales from the Mouser: The Elders (long)

That evening word had spread among the cats and kittens who were on
their maiden voyage of the Mouser. They gathered in the sleeping room,
bringing with them treats that they had taken from the galley to munch
on as Lacey told her story. Even Mischief was listening, although she
pretended to be asleep in her hammock.

Lacey settled down in a meatloaf position, enjoying the attention she
was getting, but realizing that what she had to tell was a very
important story. One that all the felines needed to hear. As the ship
gently rocked in the waves and the moonlight spilled through a porthole
of the sleeping quarters, Lacey began to explain:

This is a story that my sister, Selena, told me. She told me it was very
important that I listen to her and understand what she was saying
because someday I would need to tell the story so that other kits would
know. Selena is older than I am. She is 7 years old, but she is not the
oldest or the wisest feline aboard the Mouser. You might have noticed
that most of the hard work, the scrubbing of floors and the hoisting of
sails, is done by the younger kits. You dont see many of the older cats
on board but they are here. They are the primary reason that the Mouser
sets sail each year. It isnt so that we get to have an adventure
although we are expected to learn while on board, to mature and begin
climbing the levels of experience.

You see, as we learn the lessons that the older cats tell us and as we
experience purr days each year we begin to climb what Selena called
Levels of Experience. Shes on her third level. Ive reached my first
level and since Im 4 years old I should climb a level in another year.
She and I had to learn to survive outside with out the help of our
humans, my brother Hobbes is only on his second level even though he is
seven years old too, but he didnt climb as fast as Selena because he
had Meowmy and Paw since he was a kitten. Hes never had to hunt or
protect himself from the evils of the night.

But the oldest of the cats, they are called Elders. They have learned
many lessons in life and experienced all kinds of situations. They are
able to teach the rest of us what we need to know to survive this
adventure as well as any situation we might find ourselves in later in
life. Then there are the most protected of the Elders&I guess youd call
them the elder Elders. The Grand Dame of the Elders is Tanada. Shes
Capt Pine Cones sister. Shes said to be grumpy and nasty and you want
to stay away from her if possible. Shes the one you have to watch out
for even before Capt Pine Cone because shes the one he sends the
errant cats to for discipline. She is the one who gathers the Elders at
night for their purr sessions.

As Lacey pauses to lap at the saucer of milk she has found beside her
she looks around at the circle of cats listening to her story. She sees
with satisfaction that they are paying attention, their eyes wide with
anticipation of what is to come next.

Lacey finishes her milk and looks back up at the circle of wide eyes
watching her, listening to her story:

There are quite a few Elders on board. Tanada is one. Natasha, Dorrie,
Sugar and Grant and Pearl, Hugo Katt and Nanki Poo. There are many on
board, I dont know them all but some of them may live with you. The
Elders meet at night, when the moon is high in the sky and form a circle
and begin purring. And as they concentrate on their purrs they somehow
bond to form one mind and together they follow a shimmery white path to
bond with what is known as the Exalted Elders. (here Laceys story is
told in almost a whisper). The Exalted Elders are those that have gone
beyond - the wisest of all felines in existence. They know more than any
other cat on our earth. The Elders and the Exalted Elders spend the time
before the moon begins to fall from the sky visiting and sharing stories
of the past year.

Lacey stands a moment, and stretches her legs and back before settling
down to finish the story.

Selena says that each Level of Excellence has a place in this ritual.
She says that when the Elders form their Circle of Purrs that the Fourth
Level of Excellence forms a Circle of Watch around the Elders. This
Circle ensures that no one stumbles onto the Circle of Purrs. The Third
Levels circle around the Circle of Watch as added security. Second Level
is supposed to create diversion around the Third Level so that humans
are distracted and not aware of the ritual that is taking place.

Then, finally we reach our destination. It is Elder Frank and Nikkis
island. Our arrival at the island is always timed to coincide with a
full moon so that the silvery pathway is brightest and easiest to
follow. It is at this place that the Elders unable to make this voyage
arrive. Smogg arrives from Australia, Waffles and her crew arrives,
Romeo and Juliette and the other Elders from around the world. This is
the most important ritual of the year for the Elders. The Circle of
Purrs is formed and protected by the lower Levels. The Elders bond and
follow the path to the Exalted Elders where they celebrate the induction
of the past years newest Exalted Elders. Our Elders deliver to the
Exalted all of the purrs and hugs and headbutts that followed their
journey to the Bridge.

Selena says that this year they will induct quite a few new Exalted
Elders. There will be Shadow and Mike and Dusty and Lord Amber. Simon
will be there and Samantha and Smokey and Penelope Marie and oh, so many
will be inducted this year. Theyll all visit and our Elders and the
Exalted will retell stories of past years and remember lessons best not
forgotten to ensure the survival of the species. Theyll review and
approve of the newest Masters coming along. As the moon begins to fall
in the sky each of the Elders will say a reluctant goodbye to the
Exalted, for this is the final night that they will bond in this manner
during this voyage. The Elders have completed their mission. Theyve
attended the induction. Now it is time to return to the Mouser and begin
their job of showing the youngest the ways to climb the Levels and
preparing the young for the day they take their place in the Circle of
Purrs.

As Lacey ends her story each of the kittens and young cats return to
their hammocks. They are thinking of what they have learned tonight and
their future role in the very important ritual of the Circle of Purrs.
Lacey visits the litterbox before climbing into her hammock. She is
remembering the day that Selena had told her this story and the
importance of the message. She is also thinking of her role as a First
Level. She knows shell need to help guide some of the youngest and is
thankful that no one in the sleeping quarters knows of her first night
on board the Mouser.


If some of the above seems to follow the ideas of a certain author of
adventurous cats it is only because of her influence on my imagination. -j

"Julie Snowshoe" wrote in message
...
That evening word had spread among the cats and kittens who were on
their maiden voyage of the Mouser. They gathered in the sleeping room,
bringing with them treats that they had taken from the galley to munch
on as Lacey told her story. Even Mischief was listening, although she
pretended to be asleep in her hammock.

really, REALLY excellent story parts snipped

"Pssstttttttt," Sammy whispered to Tabitha, "what did you think about the
story Lacey just told? Do you think it's really true?" "Of course it's
true," Tabitha replied, "why would you think that it isn't?" "I don't
know," Sammy said, "I live with an Elder and she just doesn't seem that kind
or wise. Bandit is really, really mean to everyone, even to our hoomin
mommy, and she LOVES our hoomin mommy!" "Mean how?" Tabitha asked. "Well,
when I bite on her tail, or jump on her back she swats me on the head."
Tabitha sneered at Sammy, "Well of course she does, Elders can't be bothered
with hooli-kittens." "Well, she sometimes bites our mommy too!" Sammy added
defensively, then relented, "But mommy says it was because she was once
fur-real. That confuses me, I thought everyone's fur was real." "Silly
kit," Tabitha scoffed, "she said feral, FEH-rell. That's when a cat is born
in the wild and has to find her own way and fight just to live. Sometimes
that makes them nervous when a hoomin pets or touches them too much and they
can't help but bite." "Oh." Sammy looked somewhat abashed, "Hey, I'm
hungry, let's go find something to eat!" "I don't know," Tabitha said,
"we're supposed to be asleep." "Well, I'M brave enough to go and get me
something to eat." Sammy taunted. "So am I!" Tabitha rejoined. And thus
began a night of commotion that would soon be felt in all corners of the
ship.

To be continued...

Hugs,

CatNipped

CatMom to:
Bandit, (a.k.a. "Bitch Cat From Hell"), 14, DLH Tabby
Demi, (a.k.a. "Ghost Cat"), 5, DLH Pure White Beauty
Jessie, (a.k.a. "Jet Ski"), 4, DSH Tortoiseshell
Samantha / Sammy, (a.k.a. "Mini Me"), 4 months, DLH Tabby

http://www.gcmensa.org/Cats.html (Jessie, Demi, Bandit)
http://www.gcmensa.org/Sammy/ (Sammy and Bandit)
http://www.gcmensa.org/Sammy2/ (All my fur babies)
http://www.gcmensa.org/Sammy3/ (Sammy and Jessie)

"Julie Snowshoe" wrote in message
...
That evening word had spread among the cats and kittens who were on
their maiden voyage of the Mouser. They gathered in the sleeping room,
bringing with them treats that they had taken from the galley to munch
on as Lacey told her story. Even Mischief was listening, although she
pretended to be asleep in her hammock.

really, REALLY excellent story parts snipped

"Pssstttttttt," Sammy whispered to Tabitha, "what did you think about the
story Lacey just told? Do you think it's really true?" "Of course it's
true," Tabitha replied, "why would you think that it isn't?" "I don't
know," Sammy said, "I live with an Elder and she just doesn't seem that kind
or wise. Bandit is really, really mean to everyone, even to our hoomin
mommy, and she LOVES our hoomin mommy!" "Mean how?" Tabitha asked. "Well,
when I bite on her tail, or jump on her back she swats me on the head."
Tabitha sneered at Sammy, "Well of course she does, Elders can't be bothered
with hooli-kittens." "Well, she sometimes bites our mommy too!" Sammy added
defensively, then relented, "But mommy says it was because she was once
fur-real. That confuses me, I thought everyone's fur was real." "Silly
kit," Tabitha scoffed, "she said feral, FEH-rell. That's when a cat is born
in the wild and has to find her own way and fight just to live. Sometimes
that makes them nervous when a hoomin pets or touches them too much and they
can't help but bite." "Oh." Sammy looked somewhat abashed, "Hey, I'm
hungry, let's go find something to eat!" "I don't know," Tabitha said,
"we're supposed to be asleep." "Well, I'M brave enough to go and get me
something to eat." Sammy taunted. "So am I!" Tabitha rejoined. And thus
began a night of commotion that would soon be felt in all corners of the
ship.

To be continued...

Hugs,

CatNipped

CatMom to:
Bandit, (a.k.a. "Bitch Cat From Hell"), 14, DLH Tabby
Demi, (a.k.a. "Ghost Cat"), 5, DLH Pure White Beauty
Jessie, (a.k.a. "Jet Ski"), 4, DSH Tortoiseshell
Samantha / Sammy, (a.k.a. "Mini Me"), 4 months, DLH Tabby

http://www.gcmensa.org/Cats.html (Jessie, Demi, Bandit)
http://www.gcmensa.org/Sammy/ (Sammy and Bandit)
http://www.gcmensa.org/Sammy2/ (All my fur babies)
http://www.gcmensa.org/Sammy3/ (Sammy and Jessie)

"Julie Snowshoe" wrote in message
...
That evening word had spread among the cats and kittens who were on
their maiden voyage of the Mouser. They gathered in the sleeping room,
bringing with them treats that they had taken from the galley to munch
on as Lacey told her story. Even Mischief was listening, although she
pretended to be asleep in her hammock.

really, REALLY excellent story parts snipped

"Pssstttttttt," Sammy whispered to Tabitha, "what did you think about the
story Lacey just told? Do you think it's really true?" "Of course it's
true," Tabitha replied, "why would you think that it isn't?" "I don't
know," Sammy said, "I live with an Elder and she just doesn't seem that kind
or wise. Bandit is really, really mean to everyone, even to our hoomin
mommy, and she LOVES our hoomin mommy!" "Mean how?" Tabitha asked. "Well,
when I bite on her tail, or jump on her back she swats me on the head."
Tabitha sneered at Sammy, "Well of course she does, Elders can't be bothered
with hooli-kittens." "Well, she sometimes bites our mommy too!" Sammy added
defensively, then relented, "But mommy says it was because she was once
fur-real. That confuses me, I thought everyone's fur was real." "Silly
kit," Tabitha scoffed, "she said feral, FEH-rell. That's when a cat is born
in the wild and has to find her own way and fight just to live. Sometimes
that makes them nervous when a hoomin pets or touches them too much and they
can't help but bite." "Oh." Sammy looked somewhat abashed, "Hey, I'm
hungry, let's go find something to eat!" "I don't know," Tabitha said,
"we're supposed to be asleep." "Well, I'M brave enough to go and get me
something to eat." Sammy taunted. "So am I!" Tabitha rejoined. And thus
began a night of commotion that would soon be felt in all corners of the
ship.

To be continued...

Hugs,

CatNipped

CatMom to:
Bandit, (a.k.a. "Bitch Cat From Hell"), 14, DLH Tabby
Demi, (a.k.a. "Ghost Cat"), 5, DLH Pure White Beauty
Jessie, (a.k.a. "Jet Ski"), 4, DSH Tortoiseshell
Samantha / Sammy, (a.k.a. "Mini Me"), 4 months, DLH Tabby

http://www.gcmensa.org/Cats.html (Jessie, Demi, Bandit)
http://www.gcmensa.org/Sammy/ (Sammy and Bandit)
http://www.gcmensa.org/Sammy2/ (All my fur babies)
http://www.gcmensa.org/Sammy3/ (Sammy and Jessie)

On Thu, 19 Aug 2004 15:54:29 -0400, Julie Snowshoe
yodeled:

(snip)

But the oldest of the cats, they are called Elders. They have learned
many lessons in life and experienced all kinds of situations. They are
able to teach the rest of us what we need to know to survive this
adventure as well as any situation we might find ourselves in later in
life. Then there are the most protected of the Elders&I guess youd call
them the elder Elders. The Grand Dame of the Elders is Tanada. Shes
Capt Pine Cones sister. Shes said to be grumpy and nasty and you want
to stay away from her if possible. Shes the one you have to watch out
for even before Capt Pine Cone because shes the one he sends the
errant cats to for discipline. She is the one who gathers the Elders at
night for their purr sessions.


Stinky is now 14, but he wouldn't believe it if you called him an
Elder. I don't know if he would even want to be one. He seems to be
incapable of solemnity.


Theresa
Stinky Pictures: http://community.webshots.com/album/125591586JWEFwh
My Blog: http://www.humanitas.blogspot.com
alt.tv.frasier FAQ: http://www.im-listening.net/FAQ/

On Thu, 19 Aug 2004 15:54:29 -0400, Julie Snowshoe
yodeled:

(snip)

But the oldest of the cats, they are called Elders. They have learned
many lessons in life and experienced all kinds of situations. They are
able to teach the rest of us what we need to know to survive this
adventure as well as any situation we might find ourselves in later in
life. Then there are the most protected of the Elders&I guess youd call
them the elder Elders. The Grand Dame of the Elders is Tanada. Shes
Capt Pine Cones sister. Shes said to be grumpy and nasty and you want
to stay away from her if possible. Shes the one you have to watch out
for even before Capt Pine Cone because shes the one he sends the
errant cats to for discipline. She is the one who gathers the Elders at
night for their purr sessions.


Stinky is now 14, but he wouldn't believe it if you called him an
Elder. I don't know if he would even want to be one. He seems to be
incapable of solemnity.


Theresa
Stinky Pictures: http://community.webshots.com/album/125591586JWEFwh
My Blog: http://www.humanitas.blogspot.com
alt.tv.frasier FAQ: http://www.im-listening.net/FAQ/

On Thu, 19 Aug 2004 15:54:29 -0400, Julie Snowshoe
yodeled:

(snip)

But the oldest of the cats, they are called Elders. They have learned
many lessons in life and experienced all kinds of situations. They are
able to teach the rest of us what we need to know to survive this
adventure as well as any situation we might find ourselves in later in
life. Then there are the most protected of the Elders&I guess youd call
them the elder Elders. The Grand Dame of the Elders is Tanada. Shes
Capt Pine Cones sister. Shes said to be grumpy and nasty and you want
to stay away from her if possible. Shes the one you have to watch out
for even before Capt Pine Cone because shes the one he sends the
errant cats to for discipline. She is the one who gathers the Elders at
night for their purr sessions.


Stinky is now 14, but he wouldn't believe it if you called him an
Elder. I don't know if he would even want to be one. He seems to be
incapable of solemnity.


Theresa
Stinky Pictures: http://community.webshots.com/album/125591586JWEFwh
My Blog: http://www.humanitas.blogspot.com
alt.tv.frasier FAQ: http://www.im-listening.net/FAQ/

Kreisleriana wrote:


Stinky is now 14, but he wouldn't believe it if you called him an
Elder. I don't know if he would even want to be one. He seems to be
incapable of solemnity.




Sounds pretty wise to me. I really believe that those who don't take
the world too seriously are the wisest of all. Unfortunately, I don't
fall into that category very often.

Pam S.

Kreisleriana wrote:


Stinky is now 14, but he wouldn't believe it if you called him an
Elder. I don't know if he would even want to be one. He seems to be
incapable of solemnity.




Sounds pretty wise to me. I really believe that those who don't take
the world too seriously are the wisest of all. Unfortunately, I don't
fall into that category very often.

Pam S.

Kreisleriana wrote:


Stinky is now 14, but he wouldn't believe it if you called him an
Elder. I don't know if he would even want to be one. He seems to be
incapable of solemnity.




Sounds pretty wise to me. I really believe that those who don't take
the world too seriously are the wisest of all. Unfortunately, I don't
fall into that category very often.

Pam S.