Rion Peak Retirement Center Meeting

“MYYRH IS MISSING!” Peat’s frantic voice breaks the silence in the small clearing where the older cats of Aldora often hang out. A few cats look up from their tasks, but many just continue their knitting or games of mah-jong. “C’mon everyone, this is serious!” Peat insists, crossing his forelegs and sitting back on his haunches.

Wilson rolls her eye from the corner she’s slouching in, “Oh, calm your buns. I’m sure the kid’ll be fine, she’s probably just getting into trouble.”

The ambient clicking of knitting needles falters as more cats start to pay attention -- anything to liven up the day.

“There was an earthquake,” Peat continues urgently, “My young colleague Myrrh is missing. Knowing her, she was trapped within some caves trying to inspect the situation. We can’t just stand by! We have to go look for her!"

“Earthquake…” Horace mumbles, “I thought that was just my wobbly hip…” Then, suddenly, his head snaps up from his upside-down Reader’s Digest, a twinkle in his eye, “Did you say caves? Are you going on… an adventure?!”

“That’s right,” Peat confirms, “It’ll be an adventure for sure. And not an easy one. That’s why I need help! If it was just me, I don’t think I would be much help.” He lets out a strained laugh.

Horace closes his magazine with a snap, a lopsided grin spreading across his face, “Ohoho, an adventure!” He hops up from his chair and prances clumsily over to Peat, taking a seat beside him and rubbing his paws together in slightly tipsy anticipation, “It’s been ages since I’ve had a proper adventure!!!”

Peat is unsure if Horace has ever had a proper adventure, but he’s willing to let it slide. “That’s the spirit, Horace! Now...” he looks around the room, eyes settling on Doris and Carlisle, “Who else is with me?”

Carlisle peers over at Horace and Peat, a mah-jong tile in her paw. “What do you think Doris?” she asks casually, putting aside her tile and picking up its match, “Those two could probably use all the help they can get. Besides, poor Myrrh...”

“You know I can’t pass up an opportunity to provide a helping paw,” Doris smiles softly as she picks up two matching tiles, “Besides, if we leave Peat in charge, he’ll probably just get himself trapped in the caves trying to investigate some interesting geological phenomenon.”

Peat huffs fondly and gives his wife a sheepish smile that says ‘guilty as charged.’

Carlisle cackles, “Good point. As tempting as it is to hang back and enjoy the peace and quiet while these two loudmouths go gallivanting around in the caves… we really oughta tag along and make sure they don’t get themselves into trouble.”

“I for one would appreciate a bit of peace and quiet,” Bronte chimes in from his vantage point atop a comfy looking ledge. Carlisle lets out a snort of laughter, continuing her game with Doris.

“Agreed...” a voice purrs out from the outskirts of the clearing. Decima stops to survey the area, “What’s all this about an adventure?”

“Everyone, please. This is about more than just adventures versus peace and quiet,” Peat frowns, Horace consoling him with a barrage of sloppy pats, “A young cat is in danger! We have to go help the search.”

Bronte slowly stands, stretching out and leaping down from his perch to stand next to Decima.  “Peat, please, of course we will help.” he says.

Doris and Carlisle step forward as well, smiling and nodding.

“Y’know who else can help? Lady Grey! I’ll go get her now,” Horace announces, wobbling off before anyone can stop him.

Doris chuckles and shakes her head, strolling over to give her husband a reassuring nuzzle, “We’ll find her, dear. Don’t you worry.”

“We may be old, but we ain’t useless,” Wilson huffs, spitting on the ground, “‘Sides, me an’ Mitch could use a good adventure. I’ll round up her and the rest of the pirates.”

“And I’m sure the grandkids and their friends will be happy to help, as well,” says Doris.

Peat visibly relaxes, “Thank you, friends. You don’t know how much this means to me.”

“I hope you know you’re paying for any grooming I need after this adventure.” Bronte chimes in, causing a ripple of laughter throughout the room.

Peat agrees with a wink, and the newly-formed team sets to work preparing for the adventure of their aged lives…