5. Chapter 5

The Feliner

soared over the frozen plains of Third Earth with Argo and Crystalandra both

looking out the side windows of the vehicle. Ranger sat between Argo and Tygra,

who sat next to Crystalandra. Galina had insisted that the two Sh’iars have the

window seats so they could take in the views this planet had to offer.

Crystalandra was enthralled by the snow covered hills, trees and frozen icy

lakes. Tygra was content to sit quietly by her and not say a word, but wondered

how this weekend would go. Crys had always been rather frosty towards him, and

he hoped that there would not be any uncomfortable moments on this trip due to their

clashes in personality. Crys sat staring

out of her window. She was lost in private thought, also wondering how she

would hold up this weekend especially noticing how Tygra’s attitude hadn’t much

changed towards her since the last time she had seen him. He was being his usual cool and seemingly

aloof self; not saying much to her.

Inwardly she sighed, wondering what she had agreed to. She looked over

and noticed Argo appeared quite happy on his side of the plane especially sitting

next to Rangerkitty. Trying to make most

of the situation, Crys decided to try and engage the architect tiger in

conversation.

“So tell me

Tygra, how much further is it to this mountain retreat?”

He glanced at

her, somewhat startled hearing the she-cat direct a question at him. “Not long at all…It should be another fifteen

minutes at the most.”

Crys waited

for Tygra to elaborate further then turned back to stare out the window when he

fell silent. Well that was a waste of

time…

On the other

side of the plane, Argo had his right arm around Rangerkitty and was grinning

from ear to ear observing the numerous landmarks below she was pointing out to

him. The Vortex, the Forest of Silence, and the River of Despair--he found it entirely

fascinating and hoped to someday see it when the weather was more favourable,

preferably warmer.

“Wow, this planet

is terrific! There are so many adventures to be had!”

“And so many

that have been.” Rangerkitty replied. “I was not here for many of the really

good stories, but I figure if I stick around long enough I might make the

history books.”

Tygra turned

towards her and ran his finger lovingly down her cheek. “My love, your beauty

has already put you there.”

Rangerkitty

blushed and sat back in her chair gazing affectionately at her tiger. From her

left, she did not quite hear Argo, he nodded and said it, ever so quietly. “I

second that.”

The cabin sat

upon the mountainside, with large snow covered lawns in both the front and the

back of the building. Bengali manoeuvred the vehicle into a landing pattern and

once it made touchdown, he activated the rear thrusters so he could steer it

like a land vehicle. They pulled up to

the front entrance where the house staff assembled to greet them. Bengali waved as he set the gears into park.

“Everybody

out, we’re finally here!”

It was more

like a lodge that could accommodate many groups of guests, but for the time

being, the ThunderCats and the Sh’iars were the only felines that were

expected. Rangerkitty climbed out of the vehicle and gazed up at the two story

building, rustically built out of wood from the forest. It had a wrap-around

porch that was decorated with several cushioned armchairs and couches.

Fire-pits were present as were wooden tables, and around back they were

informed there were several hot tubs and an indoor pool for the guests’

enjoyment. Crystalandra exited the plane and looked around, then up at the

building and winced. She was not used to roughing it since she had taken over

as the Sh’iar queen on Tymperia; Crys had grown accustom to the luxury of

palace life. Argo climbed out as well and stood next to her squeezing her hand,

excited and eager for the change of scenery. They had not taken a honeymoon

since the mating ceremony, and this was their first get-away from their native

planet; their first time to relax since taking over the throne.

Tygra and

Galina also exited the vehicle and took in their surroundings; Bengali followed

a staff member who was directing him where to stow the aircraft.

“This is Awesome!”

Galina exclaimed jumping for joy.

Tygra studied

the place. “I have not been here in years. They have made a lot of improvements

and have finally modernized the place.”

Modern? They call this modern??? Crystalandra thought silently as Argo nudged

her.

Come on, marozi, this is going to be

fun. Give it a chance. The tiglon mentally replied.

She sighed. I’ll try.

Argo gave her

a wink and with her hand linked in his, the tiglon led the group to the front

door where the staff awaited. Taking

turns and going down the line, the felines were greeted by the concierge, the

chef, the housekeepers, the waitresses, the groundskeeper, the butler, the

bartender, and the security guards,

“Not that we

expect any trouble while your party is here.”

They were assured.

Each staff

member was greeted with graciousness; Tygra removed a folded piece of paper

from his pocket and scribbled each of their names down, along with their job

titles. This was a usual habit with the

tiger since he never liked to not remember a name, and made certain he shook

the hand of each person in turn. Rangerkitty followed behind, introducing

herself and doing the same. Bengali hurried from the hangar garage and rejoined

the group just in time as they were about to be led inside.

“Tygra,

Tygra,” he hailed, “They’ve installed electrical cables in the hangar! The

Feliner will stay charged and ready and we won’t have to rely solely on fuel to

take off! How cool is that!?”

“Very cool,”

Tygra agreed, his eyes fell upon the Sh’iar queen who was hugging herself and

shifting from one foot to the other against the cold. “Let’s get these guys inside, Crystalandra

looks a little on the chilly side.”

“I’m

fine!” The she-cat bristled. “I just wasn’t expecting there to be so much

snow and ice!”

She stomped

forward and entered the lodge through the front door that Argo held open for

her. Rangerkitty, Argo and Galina followed; Bengali approached Tygra.

“Well, maybe she’s fine, but her attitude is what I

would consider a tad bit icy…”

“I guess that

means everything is completely normal.”

Tygra added and pushed his friend inside.

Crystalandra

rushed over towards the inviting fireplace that was prominently set in the

lodge and stood before it warming herself.

In truth, Tygra had been right. She was definitely feeling chilled but

didn’t want to give the arrogant tiger the satisfaction of confirming his observation.

Argo walked over, removed her gloves, and took hold of her hands, gently

rubbing them between his own which were hot and comforting.

“My poor kitten

is cold.” He whispered so the others

could not hear. “Don’t worry I’ll warm

you up again in no time.”

“Argo…I’m not

sure if I can tolerate this cold weather.”

“Nonsense

Marozi, you are a tough Sh’iar warrior--it’s not like you to let something like

a bit of wintry weather slow you down.”

The Tiglon raised her fingers to his lips gently blowing hot air on

them. “I was actually looking forward to

playing with you in the snow my beautifully exotic snow angel…Don’t leave me to

play alone.” His blue eyes held her

gaze. “I need my playmate.”

This made the

she-cat flush with heat getting Argo’s implied meaning. “Since you put it that way, all right…You

know something? I am beginning to feel a

lot warmer…thanks to you.”

“I’m glad my

fierce warrior.” He leaned down and they

shared a deep, long, passionate kiss.

“Hey! Break

it up you two! You can do that in the privacy of your bedroom later--much later!” Galina yelled causing the couple to break

apart. “Right now we’re making

arrangements to hit the slopes!”

“Slopes?” the Sh’iars asked in unison; the two white

tigers smiled, sharing a grin.

“Yes, the slopes.”

The Galina confirmed. “We’ll

chuck our stuff in our rooms and head out!

You both are going to absolutely love it!”