It's a Seasonal Sunday Selfie Card from Valentine and I...........
We are joining the Sunday Selfies, hosted by the fantastic Kitties Blue from The Cat on My Head blog
The Sunday Selfies is a wonderful weekly celebration of blogs and bloggers from across the world, and shares stories and pictures for others to enjoy.
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Erin had passed the afternoon with Valentine, on the Black Floof, recovering from her wounds and exhaustion. A healthy dose of cream, sweet marshmallow oil, and nip tea laced with silvervine, soon had her up and about.
With some doubloons in her pocket, and the stench of Camembert washed from the town, Erin resolved to savour the final few hours before they set sail. As Valentine was making ready for casting off, she made her own way to the ports shops.
The transformation in the few short hours since the battle, was immeasurable. Once shuttered and silent shops and streets, now bustled with life. Erin's senses became alive to the sweet floral and culinary wares on display. She stopped to play with some kittens who, once too scared to venture out, now played in the streets with wool. She was amused to note their grannies, who sat sipping nip gin, were completely oblivious to their slowly unravelling knitting.
Erin visited as many shops as she could find and none refused her entry. In fact, everyone wanted to meet Valentine's beloved and all had something to buy. And so as the evening drew in, Erin wound her way along the dock, full of the delights of southern shops, cuisine and hospitality. Indeed, such were the number of delights, it took a clowder of the towns strongest, and single toms, to get them all to the ship.
Valentine raised an eyebrow as the last of the eight shipping trunks was hoisted aboard. "A little light shopping my dearest one? I can see you have an eye for a bargain. I do hope you have something for me? I just pray it's not a lump of cheese, or a fondue set! I've had more than enough of that to last several if not ALL of my nine lives!"
Erin's whiskers drooped and she reddened, abashed at letting her more feminine side show. She had long forgone new tunics, hats, and hope of a college education, to pay for the palace roof repairs and the staffs wages. The little luxuries of life, the hot and cold running mice, and coal fired cream warmer, had all been shelved to keep the dream alive.
The last long, low rays of the sunset, cast red tinged shadows across the water from the vat to the shore. Shadows that, had anyone seen, they would have sworn showed some grotesque puppet show beast with pointed ears and long dripping claws, emerge from within the vat and slip beneath the water........
Of course, such things are just flights of fantasy, or tricks of the light and too much nip wine. Or maybe they're just tales to tell kittens on a cold winters night........ or are they?
The End................ almost
Valentine, of Noirkittymews.com & Erin, of Erinthecatprincess.blogspot.com
Captain Count Prince von Valentino.................Valentine the Black Persian Cat, of Noirkittymews.com
Cat'ptain Erin of the SS Erinee..................... Erin the Cat, Princess of erinthecatprincess.blogspot.com
Young Prince Marv/Coachman......................Marvelous (MarvelousisMarvelous.com)
Long Tom Silver........................................................................Silver (Dashkitten.com)
Arion/Lead black stallion.........................................................................ARION (a god)
Mosey, the Gen7Pets Regal Stroller...................Himself (wonderpurr.com)
Ginger Bess Steed/Steed..................................................Bessie (Noirkittymews.com)
Harvey....................................................................................Harvey (Dashkitten.com)
Persian Captain Moet/Moey....................................Moet (@MoetBlindCat on Twitter)
Gunnercat Chalky...................Chalky Choo Choo (@chalkymacalpi on Twitter)
Daisy & Tuna, Cafe proprietors.........................Themselves (da-tabbies-o-trout-towne.blogspot.com)
Master Craftscat Brian, Simon, Dolly, Zoe.............Themselves (Brianshomeblog.com)
First Mate Halo............................................................Halo (purrseidon.wordpress.com)
Apprentice Gryffindor Bunner...........Gryffindor Bunner (@bunniemommie on Twitter)
First Mate Otis/Mr Fuzz.................................Otis Fuzz (@TheRealOtisFuzz on Twitter)
Boatswain Angel..................................................................Angel (Katzenworld.co.uk)
Barrelcat Broffurs Andy and Dougy....................Themselves (Weggieboysblog (phainopepla95.com))
Sailing Master Minion...............................................Minion (Blog.catblogosphere.com)
Crewcat Sophie..............................................................Sophie (Threeechattycats.com)
Surgeon Hugo...................................................................Hugo (@hugo4de on Twitter)
Master Gunner Toby...............................................Toby (Timmytomcat.blogspot.com)
Sirenmese Sisfurs Kadae & Kitsu.....................Kaede & Kitsune (from youtube.com)
Speedy.........................................Speedy The House Bunny (speedyhousebunny.com)
Crewcat Purrseidon.........................................Purrseidon (Purrseidon.wordpress.com)
Carpenter Catty Boy.....................................Catty Boy (@lathomas_lynne on Twitter)
Crewcat Zoe................................................................Zoe (Playingincatnip.com)
Truffle and Brulee, Diamond Shop proprietors.....................Truffle & Brulee (Sweetpurrfections.com)
Captain BasilBlackheart...........................................................Bionicbasil.blogspot.co.uk
Dezi & Raena Belle's Southern Grill......................................................Dezizworld.com
The Great Bear Tasty Chicken Ranch, Inc. ...Mommakatandherbearcat.blogspot.com
The Kraken Family; Feathers Express pigeon.
and Finally......
The Villain! Please feel free to BOO and HISS!
The Evil Cardinal Camembert.................Caracal the caracal, of African Plains School of Life
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Audio Copyright Credits:
'Pirates Action Loop' music audio #89236849: Copyright:
This Christmas Eve, Valentine and I are celebrating the conclusion of our 15 week romantic adventure on the high seas, with a combined Selfie Greetings Card.
And whilst the story may be about to end, a friendship has begun.....
We would both like to take the opportunity to thank The Kitties Blue for hosting the Selfies, and for you the readers, for supporting our adventure.
We wish you ALL a Wonderful and Happy Christmas.....
To see what all our other pals have been up to this week, please click the links below....
If you missed the penultimate chapter, posted by Valentine on Noirkittymews, it can be found HERE.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
And now without further ado, the Finale!
*****For your added pleasure there is a little pirate music to help us set sail... Please check your volume and click to start/stop....... *****
Chapter 16:
Love is a Treasure
Erin had passed the afternoon with Valentine, on the Black Floof, recovering from her wounds and exhaustion. A healthy dose of cream, sweet marshmallow oil, and nip tea laced with silvervine, soon had her up and about.
With some doubloons in her pocket, and the stench of Camembert washed from the town, Erin resolved to savour the final few hours before they set sail. As Valentine was making ready for casting off, she made her own way to the ports shops.
The transformation in the few short hours since the battle, was immeasurable. Once shuttered and silent shops and streets, now bustled with life. Erin's senses became alive to the sweet floral and culinary wares on display. She stopped to play with some kittens who, once too scared to venture out, now played in the streets with wool. She was amused to note their grannies, who sat sipping nip gin, were completely oblivious to their slowly unravelling knitting.
Erin visited as many shops as she could find and none refused her entry. In fact, everyone wanted to meet Valentine's beloved and all had something to buy. And so as the evening drew in, Erin wound her way along the dock, full of the delights of southern shops, cuisine and hospitality. Indeed, such were the number of delights, it took a clowder of the towns strongest, and single toms, to get them all to the ship.
Valentine raised an eyebrow as the last of the eight shipping trunks was hoisted aboard. "A little light shopping my dearest one? I can see you have an eye for a bargain. I do hope you have something for me? I just pray it's not a lump of cheese, or a fondue set! I've had more than enough of that to last several if not ALL of my nine lives!"
Erin's whiskers drooped and she reddened, abashed at letting her more feminine side show. She had long forgone new tunics, hats, and hope of a college education, to pay for the palace roof repairs and the staffs wages. The little luxuries of life, the hot and cold running mice, and coal fired cream warmer, had all been shelved to keep the dream alive.
Looking around it was possible, she thought, she may have succumbed to a few too many indulgences at the boutiques. But the Purrada Boots with a soft leather, had fitted so well and called out to her as the essential wear for those special acts of piracy. And then there was the Georgio Angora sheath for her cutlass. Trimmed with 'Earless Cat' motif stitching, and little black tails, it was so her. And whilst the pair of Jackie Chan Choo heels weren't strictly in the pirate dress code, for an evening function the heels could prove handy in a fight.
Taking her paw in his, Valentine escorted Erin into his private suite of rooms, and then stopped. "My dear, I see you have had the cases unpacked, already!" Valentine, slowly turned around and inspected the new decor, and lifted another eyebrow. A bachelor all his life, he had not fallen into the unkempt ways of many, and order, harmony and calm reigned supreme. "My sweet, I see you have added, ahem, a few finishing touches. The furniture and the curtains...... OH, and the rug. It adds such a......... erm....... Scandinavian feel to the place. I see you even have some of those natty food containers with the blue lids, oh and a set of nip jars too!"
Erin blushed once more, and her whiskers sagged yet further. Tears started to well in her eyes and she managed to sniffle "They were just a few things I found. Just a few trimmings, odds and ends, they seemed such a good price at the time and..... and I thought that is what I should do to make you happy and at home. I think I still have the receipt, so I can take them back if it pleases you?"
"OH my dear sweet Princess, Erin I tease you so, and you do not deserve that, I know." Valentino turned Erin into his arms and touched her softly on the cheek to raise her eyes to his. "But I have been without a feminine feline's touch for so long, far far too long. They are divine, if that is what YOU wish. But pray do not stand on ceremony or bow to fashion for my sake. I love you for who you are not for who you think I would like or want you to be. And certainly NOT for society's expectations and affectations. It is the simple life for me, for your love gives all I need, and fills coffers of my heart with golden joy."
Gently drawing closer, they touched noses and kissed.
Time stood still for them, and the embrace radiated light and warmth that lifted their souls. But then as all good things must, the moment passed and, with a lover's sigh, they separated. They stood, paw in paw looking at the cabin, it's new decor, and then the black and white zigzag pattern fake fur rug. "You know" Erin groaned, "that thing is awful! Maybe in two hundred years it will be the rage?"
Valentino turned, and after a moments contemplation, said "I do declare you may well be right. What say we confine this to the brig, or better still the crows-nest!" Erin gasped, and then, seeing Valentino's cheeky smile, they both burst into laughter.
Once they had settled, Valentino walked to the bureau and pointed to a gilded frame that now stood on the shelf. "One item does however catch my eye, Erin, and for the life of me I cannot say why you should give me a framed, torn map? Is this some Scandinavian shopping trinket or strange custom?"
Erin came over and pawed the frame as it seemed askew. "Oh Valentino, this is the one gift of any worth that I can give to you, besides my love and friendship. This is a map, well half map to the famed Golden Double Cream Mines of El Creamado. Alas I have never been able to find the other half, though it may yet cross our path and then, my love, we can retire. Maybe to Florida or California, where Summer comes from.
Why wait till we retire," Valentino smiled at Erin and handed her a brochure from his bureau. "I have a villa in the Carib, a tall ship and fit crew to take us there. I think after what we have done, and all we have been through, a little beach time is just what the physician ordered. The villain is dispatched, there are no loose ends and nobody knows where we will be. What can possibly go wrong?"
Taking her paw in his, Valentine escorted Erin into his private suite of rooms, and then stopped. "My dear, I see you have had the cases unpacked, already!" Valentine, slowly turned around and inspected the new decor, and lifted another eyebrow. A bachelor all his life, he had not fallen into the unkempt ways of many, and order, harmony and calm reigned supreme. "My sweet, I see you have added, ahem, a few finishing touches. The furniture and the curtains...... OH, and the rug. It adds such a......... erm....... Scandinavian feel to the place. I see you even have some of those natty food containers with the blue lids, oh and a set of nip jars too!"
Erin blushed once more, and her whiskers sagged yet further. Tears started to well in her eyes and she managed to sniffle "They were just a few things I found. Just a few trimmings, odds and ends, they seemed such a good price at the time and..... and I thought that is what I should do to make you happy and at home. I think I still have the receipt, so I can take them back if it pleases you?"
"OH my dear sweet Princess, Erin I tease you so, and you do not deserve that, I know." Valentino turned Erin into his arms and touched her softly on the cheek to raise her eyes to his. "But I have been without a feminine feline's touch for so long, far far too long. They are divine, if that is what YOU wish. But pray do not stand on ceremony or bow to fashion for my sake. I love you for who you are not for who you think I would like or want you to be. And certainly NOT for society's expectations and affectations. It is the simple life for me, for your love gives all I need, and fills coffers of my heart with golden joy."
Gently drawing closer, they touched noses and kissed.
Time stood still for them, and the embrace radiated light and warmth that lifted their souls. But then as all good things must, the moment passed and, with a lover's sigh, they separated. They stood, paw in paw looking at the cabin, it's new decor, and then the black and white zigzag pattern fake fur rug. "You know" Erin groaned, "that thing is awful! Maybe in two hundred years it will be the rage?"
Valentino turned, and after a moments contemplation, said "I do declare you may well be right. What say we confine this to the brig, or better still the crows-nest!" Erin gasped, and then, seeing Valentino's cheeky smile, they both burst into laughter.
Once they had settled, Valentino walked to the bureau and pointed to a gilded frame that now stood on the shelf. "One item does however catch my eye, Erin, and for the life of me I cannot say why you should give me a framed, torn map? Is this some Scandinavian shopping trinket or strange custom?"
Erin came over and pawed the frame as it seemed askew. "Oh Valentino, this is the one gift of any worth that I can give to you, besides my love and friendship. This is a map, well half map to the famed Golden Double Cream Mines of El Creamado. Alas I have never been able to find the other half, though it may yet cross our path and then, my love, we can retire. Maybe to Florida or California, where Summer comes from.
Why wait till we retire," Valentino smiled at Erin and handed her a brochure from his bureau. "I have a villa in the Carib, a tall ship and fit crew to take us there. I think after what we have done, and all we have been through, a little beach time is just what the physician ordered. The villain is dispatched, there are no loose ends and nobody knows where we will be. What can possibly go wrong?"
As the sunset came, the Black Floof, it's crew, and two weary but entwined lovers, sailed off into a rich golden sunset. The waves, parted by the elegant ship, rippled across the harbours waters and came to rest on the towns sandy beach. By the dock, the vat of cheese had, with the raised tide, started to collapse. By the following dawn the townsfolk would find it no more than a memory, some planks, and stringy cheese.
The last long, low rays of the sunset, cast red tinged shadows across the water from the vat to the shore. Shadows that, had anyone seen, they would have sworn showed some grotesque puppet show beast with pointed ears and long dripping claws, emerge from within the vat and slip beneath the water........
Of course, such things are just flights of fantasy, or tricks of the light and too much nip wine. Or maybe they're just tales to tell kittens on a cold winters night........ or are they?
The End................ almost
End Credits:
Written, Produced, Directed, and Nip Tea and Coffee made by:
Valentine, of Noirkittymews.com & Erin, of Erinthecatprincess.blogspot.com
Leading Characters:
Captain Count Prince von Valentino.................Valentine the Black Persian Cat, of Noirkittymews.com
Cat'ptain Erin of the SS Erinee..................... Erin the Cat, Princess of erinthecatprincess.blogspot.com
Guest stars, in order of appearance:
Young Prince Marv/Coachman......................Marvelous (MarvelousisMarvelous.com)
Long Tom Silver........................................................................Silver (Dashkitten.com)
Arion/Lead black stallion.........................................................................ARION (a god)
Mosey, the Gen7Pets Regal Stroller...................Himself (wonderpurr.com)
Ginger Bess Steed/Steed..................................................Bessie (Noirkittymews.com)
Harvey....................................................................................Harvey (Dashkitten.com)
Persian Captain Moet/Moey....................................Moet (@MoetBlindCat on Twitter)
Gunnercat Chalky...................Chalky Choo Choo (@chalkymacalpi on Twitter)
Daisy & Tuna, Cafe proprietors.........................Themselves (da-tabbies-o-trout-towne.blogspot.com)
Master Craftscat Brian, Simon, Dolly, Zoe.............Themselves (Brianshomeblog.com)
First Mate Halo............................................................Halo (purrseidon.wordpress.com)
Apprentice Gryffindor Bunner...........Gryffindor Bunner (@bunniemommie on Twitter)
First Mate Otis/Mr Fuzz.................................Otis Fuzz (@TheRealOtisFuzz on Twitter)
Boatswain Angel..................................................................Angel (Katzenworld.co.uk)
Barrelcat Broffurs Andy and Dougy....................Themselves (Weggieboysblog (phainopepla95.com))
Sailing Master Minion...............................................Minion (Blog.catblogosphere.com)
Crewcat Sophie..............................................................Sophie (Threeechattycats.com)
Surgeon Hugo...................................................................Hugo (@hugo4de on Twitter)
Master Gunner Toby...............................................Toby (Timmytomcat.blogspot.com)
Sirenmese Sisfurs Kadae & Kitsu.....................Kaede & Kitsune (from youtube.com)
Speedy.........................................Speedy The House Bunny (speedyhousebunny.com)
Crewcat Purrseidon.........................................Purrseidon (Purrseidon.wordpress.com)
Carpenter Catty Boy.....................................Catty Boy (@lathomas_lynne on Twitter)
Crewcat Zoe................................................................Zoe (Playingincatnip.com)
Truffle and Brulee, Diamond Shop proprietors.....................Truffle & Brulee (Sweetpurrfections.com)
Special Thanks to:-
Premier Seville of Canada...............................................................Nerissaslife.comCaptain BasilBlackheart...........................................................Bionicbasil.blogspot.co.uk
Dezi & Raena Belle's Southern Grill......................................................Dezizworld.com
The Great Bear Tasty Chicken Ranch, Inc. ...Mommakatandherbearcat.blogspot.com
Fictional characters:
Captain Mignon Mouse-Morsels; Freakin' Frank; Ships Engineer Scottie, and Crew of the SS Erinee; Velmer Edgar Tail (aka V-E-T); Will-a-Mutt (a river); Butler of Valentino; Albino keeper;The Kraken Family; Feathers Express pigeon.
and Finally......
The Villain! Please feel free to BOO and HISS!
The Evil Cardinal Camembert.................Caracal the caracal, of African Plains School of Life
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
'Pirates Action Loop' music audio #89236849: Copyright:
https://www.123rf.com/profile_ebunny"> ebunny / 123RF Stock Audio
'Pirate Adventure' music audio #39579883: Copyright:
'Pirate Adventure' music audio #39579883: Copyright:
https://www.123rf.com/profile_flush303"> flush303 / 123RF Stock Audio
Image Copyright Credits:
Decking image: Copyright: daizuoxin : 123RF Stock Photo<:a>.jpg
Wood ship Image: Copyright: rustyphil / 123RF Stock Photo
Red and White Christmas Frame https://www.freepik.com/free-vector/red-and-white-christmas-frames_1439469.htm">Designed by Freepik
Treasure Chest with Christmas Decorations ©: https://www.123rf.com/profile_ruslan117' >ruslan117 / 123RF Stock Photo
Beautiful Ancient Sailing Ship at Sunset Illustration Copyright:
https://www.123rf.com/profile_maxmitzu'>maxmitzu / 123RF Stock Photo
PhotoShop & Pizap paid photo imaging tools used for other aspects of images.
All IP (Intellectual Property), text, and images © Noirkittymews.com, and Erinthecatprincess.blogspot.com
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Image Copyright Credits:
Decking image: Copyright: daizuoxin : 123RF Stock Photo<:a>.jpg
Wood ship Image: Copyright: rustyphil / 123RF Stock Photo
Red and White Christmas Frame https://www.freepik.com/free-vector/red-and-white-christmas-frames_1439469.htm">Designed by Freepik
Treasure Chest with Christmas Decorations ©: https://www.123rf.com/profile_ruslan117' >ruslan117 / 123RF Stock Photo
Beautiful Ancient Sailing Ship at Sunset Illustration Copyright:
https://www.123rf.com/profile_maxmitzu'>maxmitzu / 123RF Stock Photo
PhotoShop & Pizap paid photo imaging tools used for other aspects of images.
All IP (Intellectual Property), text, and images © Noirkittymews.com, and Erinthecatprincess.blogspot.com
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
