(https://i.ibb.co/9w7qyy7/girl-1147383-340.jpg)<br/><strong>Name:</strong>Katrina Romanov<br/><strong>Pet Name:</strong>Cathrine<br/><strong>Breed:</strong>Russian Blue<br/><strong>Wearing:</strong>fur to formal business suit<br/><strong>Location:</strong>Hermitage Museum going to Catmandu<br/><strong>Tagging:</strong>Her "aunt" Pingva, an older cat who has watched over Katrina since she was a kitten<br/><strong>Content:</strong><br/><hr/><br/><br/>Katrina was lying down on the second floor of the Hermitage’s Pavilion Hall, staring down at the large crowds moving through the ornate room below. The museum had just opened its doors for the day and already it looked like it was going to be extra busy. And while that was good for the museum, Katrina hated the noise and crowds. No, the Guardian much preferred the evenings when she could roam the museum freely. For now she was content to observe the humans from up here, where they couldn’t bother her.<br/><br/>She was musing about the day ahead when she felt the presence of the older female approaching slowly and stiffly but trying her best to still look dignified.<br/><br/>“Dobroe utro, myshka,” Pingva greeted Katrina. “I thought I might find you here. Happy Bast day.”<br/><br/>Katrina turned and watched the black and white cat approach with respect.<em>Her arthritis must be really bad this morning,</em>Katrina thought to herself.<em>And yet she still comes up here to greet me.</em><br/><br/>“And the same to you, tetya,” Katrina responded happily. She was glad to see Pingva up and about. The older female had watched over Katrina since she was but a kitten as a favor to her mother. Katrina had long since considered Pingva to be family. Which is why the older female could still call Katrina myshka, “little mouse” without any rebuke from the younger cat.<br/><br/>Gingerly Pingva sat down next to Katrina on the plush carpet. The arthritis she had in her hindquarters hurt with every step, and was even worse when she tried to sat down. She had also lost much of the sight in her right eye from a fight from long ago. But Pingva was too proud a cat to complain about her ailments, even if she was in pain.<br/><br/>“Ahhhh.” Pingva sighed in contentment when she had finished. “That is a long walk from downstairs,” she said to cover her pain and discomfort. Katrina said nothing as Pingva joined her to look down at the tourists passing below.<br/><br/>“It will be busy today,” Pingva observed.<br/><br/>“Yes,” Katrina said simply. She groomed her left paw.<br/><br/>Pingva turned to the younger cat and looked over her before shaking her head and tisking.<br/><br/>“Is this how you plan to spend the holiday, myshka? Sitting here watching the crowds while you groom yourself?” Pingva asked with mild disapproval. “Don’t you have responsibilities to attend to?”<br/><br/>Pingva was too old and respected to beat around the bush when it came to observations or opinions, She was also a stickler for protocol, and she knew the Guardian should be in Catmandu and not here. Normally, Katrina appreciated her forthrightness and honesty.<br/><br/>Just not today.<br/><br/>“Da, tetya, you know I do,” Katrina responded. She sighed. “You know I hate the crowds, the formality…I would much rather be here.”<br/><br/>“Oh myshka, I know you do,” Pingva said sympathetically. “I understand. But it is the same thing every Bast day. You are a Guardian, and you are going to have to…what do the Americans say…suck it up.”<br/><br/>Katrina turned to the older cat in surprise. “Where did you learn that phrase?”<br/><br/>Pingva grunted. “You think just because I am a staryy perdun I can’t learn a few new things now and then? And don’t try to change the subject.”<br/><br/>Katrina’s guffawed at her aunt’s response.<br/><br/>“Yes, tetya, you are right,” Katrina replied, trying to sooth Pingva. “I’ll go. Still, I can wait for them to fetch me, right? No need to rush.”<br/><br/>Pingva was about to respond when suddenly there was a voice behind them, causing both cats to jump in surprise. "Greetings Katrina of the Nine,” the Monk said.<br/><br/><em>Speaking of which…</em>Katrina wryly through to herself. The Monk continued with his rehearsed words. ”I am to bring you with me to ensure you will be present before the King and Queen of Catmandu and…”<br/><br/>Katrina cut the Monk off. “Da, da, I know the routine,” she said irritably. The Monk sputtered to a stop, as Katrina  got up. She looked at Pingva.<br/><br/>“Are you sure you don’t want to come with me, tetya?” Katrina wistfully asked the older cat.<br/><br/>Pingva laughed. “Oh, myshka, you know I would only slow you down. Besides, somebody has to keep an eye on the temple."<br/><br/>Katrina sighed. She was trapped by her duties, and she knew it. “Ok Monk, follow me. And do try to keep up, I don’t want you getting lost, or seen by the tourists.”<br/><br/>Katrina scampered off and before long the Monk was chasing Katrina through what seemed an endless series of secret corridors and rooms before finally ending in the dimly lit basement of the Hermitage. The Monk, now out of breath, came to a halt behind her, totally confused as to where he was.<br/><br/>“Er, forgive me Katrina of the Nine, but where are we?<br/><br/>“My bedroom.” she replied simply. Katrina waved her paw and suddenly a door appeared in the wall. The two stepped through the door into what appeared to be a small and simple bedroom, complete with a bed, dressers, wardrobe and dressing table. It looked more like a monk’s cell than a bedroom, but Katrina was rarely in here.<br/><br/>Katrina moved behind a four panel dressing screen and transformed into her human form.<br/><br/>“Sit and be comfortable, Monk, this will take a few minutes, da?” Katrina said.<br/><br/>“I prefer to stand, oh Guardian,” the Monk replied.<br/><br/>Katrina shrugged to herself and continued getting dressed. Before long Katrina reappeared from behind the panels, her hair down and dressed in formal suit, completed with dress, jacket, and stockings,  accented by a simple silver neckless and bracelet. Understated but elegant.<br/><br/>“Ok, Monk,” she said. “Let us be off.”<br/><br/>The Monk waved and a gate appeared to Catmandu. Katrina followed behind the Monk into what seemed to be a riot of colors, smells, and the noise of both people and cats celebrating. Katrina smiled. She may not like the crowds, but the festivities were still something wonderful to behold.<br/><br/>Katrina wanted to stop for a moment and watch, but the Monk had other ideas, briskly walking on, seemingly oblivious to what was happening. Soon they were at the palace doors. The Monk suddenly withdrew, leaving Katrina all alone to face the Queen and King.<br/><br/>Katrina straightened up, and put on her best neutral face before entering. Standing before the King and Queen, she got down on one knee and bowed her head. “Chest' vashim velichestvam,” she said before rising. “It is an honor to be summed here on this day of celebration.”