Eliza never doubted her love for city life, but the strain was getting to Scarlett. They had grown up on the islands of Sulani with a passion for the salty air and hot summers. San Myshuno carried its weight in industry. The city redeveloped over the years, but there were times when a thick orange smog descended. Scarlett wheezed, suffering with each breath. The mayor opted to designate the central areas off-limits to car traffic. It mitigated the accumulation of exhaust fumes alongside industry. None of this made a difference to Scarlett. The mornings faired better; the air flowed in with the waters. It seemed crisp and fresh as it filtered through the mountains. As the day wore on, it was clear this city possessed a micro-climate. The heat-absorbing concrete filtered the congested lungs of its buildings.
The decision to escape the buzzing atmosphere was sudden. Scarlett had secured a weekend off work, the first in months. They expected to relax, visit the spa, or binge-watch TV shows Eliza thought intriguing. Eliza had devised an alternative plan, and a bag stood prepared, poised beside the door. Their friend Azure welcomed Scarlett. He had received a key and strict instructions from Eliza regarding the cats. Azure watched, amused by the extra special attention Eliza gave. Each received a kiss and head scratches. The favorite was clear, with Chandler coming back for another round of attention.
Granite Falls held a certain charm. An old world feel with a strange mythology of magical wars ripping apart the earth. The jagged rocks and scattered boulders claimed to support the bizarre stories. Nature spread across the once supposed barren land. It grew tall, throwing a canopy of shade to filter the air and sunlight. The earthy aroma warmed the evening as trees settled and cooled. Hints of musk as the damp ground exhaled, giving a sweet, rich atmosphere. Scarlett felt invigorated as these scents emphasized the pine surrounding them. When Scarlett imagined the campgrounds, they expected colorful canvases. Unwashed people scattered through the forest and an unkempt toilet block with spiders. The thought of insects crawling into sleeping bags made them shudder.
A modest wooden cabin nestled amongst the trees awaited their arrival. Pine timbers affixed to a rudimentary frame formed the basis. It featured windows with single panes of glass. The shallow slope of the gabled roof and rear porch completed their weekend home. Scarlett relaxed their shoulders, and a curl of the lips turned towards the sky. The decoration was simple, spaced out, yet cozy. They eyed the basic kitchen, wondering who would sign up to cook. While restaurants and cafes were absent, the ranger suggested fishing for supper. They could also make use of the garden for their vegetables.
Eliza set the picnic basket she had brought to fulfill their needs onto the countertop. It let out a growl, a hiss, and then came a yowl. The drawn-out cry of a young cat who thought they had found the perfect hiding spot. Eliza tensed, and Scarlett turned, their eyes widening at the sound. Chandler, his leopard print spots, pushed his head through the opened basket lid. His white belly purred, filled with nibbles. Chandler enjoyed snacking on the chicken, fish, and pork Eliza had prepared for their trip. She sighed, scratching his head, guessing she would be fishing for their supper after all.
Eliza and Chandler: https://katverse.com/2020/07/17/posing-with-a-cat-pose-pack/#google_vignette
By the Grace of Sim Gods 