Sunday Afternoon

In the small enclosed space, Adrian had created himself a little audience. Every stuffed animal big or small, was placed, poked prodded in such a way that made them all appear to be focusing on one thing - only no one could tell which thing they were focusing on. Adrian had made it far from clear.

Prowling around the space, Nightmare, the boys almost constant shadow was pacing out the length of the area. Every time she passed the boys little groupings she'd pounce trying to grab at one of the animals before Adrian noticed, let out a cry, or grabbed at the teddy, rabbit, or Hippogryff that was being attacked. The frown he'd give the kitten who would slink away could almost be said to be reprimanding.

Under his elbow, Roar - constantly with him - was tucked safely, as went back to his game from Nightmares's latest swipe. In one hand he held a drum stick that had landed in the play area in one form or another, and was pounding it on which ever surface he felt it would make the best sound.

In his wobbling childish babble one could almost say he was singing - at least if they wished to stretch it, they could

Karma wandered to the play pen, her arms - from finger tip to elbow - covered in high, protective gloves. "Bedalito." She called, waiting for a pause between his speaking and kneeling down beside her side of the gate. "I have a present for you."

Nightmare perked up, amber eyes glowing with anticipation as she moved toward her master. Her tail flicked once, and suddenly she was purring, pleased with herself and a cat once more.

Setting a small bundle of blankets down beside him, Karma smiled softly down at her son, eyes almost as excited as her familiar's. Nightmare had already bounded to the small bundle, nose sniffing curiously at the folds and meowing happily when it moved in response. All at once, the black cat froze as another nose, much smaller sniffed right back, their noses touching as Nightmare leaned backward.

A kitten, much smaller than Nightmare was in kitten form, patterned with dark spots on soft golden orange fur, tilted its head this way and that, eyes still closed in just-born innocence. Nightmare's purr deepened, and she looked up at Adrian, eyes bright with happiness.

"This is you new friend, Adrian. You have to take care of him, understand? Nightie will help you." The familiar meowed in answer as her mistress waited for the boy to touch the small creature. With touch, the magic that connected them would come into full affect, and Adrian would have his own familiar, just as every Black should.

His babbling song cut off suddenly as he saw his mother on the other side of the gate. His blue orbs light up brightening with excitement and his arms were thrown into the air, Roar falling to the ground as he called in greeting, "Ma!" Tiny white teeth sticking out of gums shown as his mouth stayed open in a grin.

The grin, however, and the brightness of the expression turned from one of excited joy to curiosity as the bundle was place before him. Leaning forward on his knees he crawled forward, watching Nightmare examine the thing first. However his reserve evaporated at the appearance of the nose and the sound of his mother's words.

"Friend?!" Adrian liked friends, and he liked the small orange and black creature that appeared, "Kitty!" Hesitantly he reached out, mindful of the order to take care of the small thing, and patted it with his hand. "Kitty."