This does, indeed, catch his eye. He stops, then turns and heads for the massive French doors, pushing them open and stepping out onto the portico.

The little black cat gives a trilling meow, trots toward the portico, then looks back at Abel, slowly swishing her tail as if to say, follow me. She then trots onto the flat stones and makes a beeline for Azwel. Meowing, she bunts her head against his leg until he picks her up.

"Well, Hypatia," he chuckles. "You've outdone yourself this time--you've caught a person!" He tilts his head, looking at Abel with a slight smile. "Who does my cat bring me from my garden, tonight?"