"And what will we be using?"
When Atiq heard the question, his expression lit up.
He, a friend, and a few others who'd be going on the expedition were gathered on a collection of chairs around a large, square table in the center of Atiq's parlor. On the table was a large parchment, depicting a map of the continent of Le'Ranna. The room itself was half lounge, half display room. Several hunting trophies such as sets of antlers, stuffed heads, and even a few taxidermized fish, dotted the walls. At the far end of the room, there was a fireplace with some cozy looking seats with plush cushions dotted around it.
"Well, for the hunt we'll be using crossbows, of course. The secret, you see, is in the bolt. The right kind of crossbow bolt can, er..."
He trailed off when he saw the dark figure of Kitty slink into the room. When she let out her roar, several of the men around the table (save for Atiq, of course) jumped or otherwise startled.
"Angels above, is that a panther?" One of the men exclaimed, and Atiq raised a hand.
"Please, gentlemen. No need for alarm," he said, even as Kitty slunk closer and started to butt at his legs, and before he knew it, her paws were on his lap.
"Kitty, come on. I've got friends here," he said, although his tone was teasing as he passed a hand down her head. His guests were seemingly at awe, and Atiq grinned up at them as they resumed their seats.
"She's quite tame, gentlemen. Usually, that is."
He looked down at Kitty and rubbed the back of her neck.
"What's gotten into you, girl?"