• Closed • A Very Furry Decision

[Shl'Drei]

12 Cylus, Arc 721

Antsy.

Shl'drei had done a lot of thinking, and because of recent events and his own observations it was clear that the lumen wolf, the poorly behaved but much beloved lumen wolf, was suffering separation anxiety. It started the previous cold cycle- slow and hardly noticeable in the condition of detachment Shl'drei had regrettably entered. He'd wake up, let Leora roam outside, whistle or call her back- at least, he would have. But the poor things glow was dimming, a sign of her health not being at full status; she'd just whine and move closer to him unless he went with her. And it would have been fine if Shl'drei had been at full emotional and metal health himself. In his state of distress he'd all but neglected her.

Nervous.

She'd shake when they got too far apart and would lay down until Shl'drei knelt beside her and cooed. A lot. He'd gotten used to taking her just about everywhere because of it, though she wasn't so well trained with his poor skills that she was fit to be out and about people and crowds. Sadly he was left with little choice as he couldn't lock her in the hut and leave- it would make things worse. Still, he had tings to settle and fix with himself so he didn't have time to devote to her completely which admittedly hurt him deeply.

He was, however, in the market for her to have a companion other than himself. That in mind, Scalvoris Town was his destination, and after asking around the most highly spoken of was the Menagerie, a not so small place nearer to the town outskirts. At this point, Shl'drei was accompanied by Leora, who behaved strangely thanks to the process of events and lack of proper care. Her eyes darted here and there, accessing everything. Tail low in what Shl'drei recognized as either nerves or fear, perhaps a mixture. Her glow was brighter today though, which was a good sing of her improving health.

Thankfully, he'd made it to the Menagerie without another bolting incident, his palm resting on her upper back might haver had a hand in keeping her calmer. Perhaps it was reassurance he wasn't going anywhere without her- he didn't know. He had hope that, in going to socialize her, he might find someone with experience enough to clue him in to her condition. As he approached, Leora seemed to perk and sniff the air- and Shl'drei could see why. The land on which the Menagerie was seated was teeming with animals and people- workers and guests alike. Shl'drei was momentarily stunned- how had he missed this place? He was at a loss at where to go and where to start, who to ask and what- he just stood their gawking excitedly as he rubbed trough Leora's fur. In his immeidate vicinity, he took note of someone and went to ask questions.

"Excuse me, miss?" He waved with his other hand, hoping to appear friendlier. "Would you happen to work here?"

[Perdita Westcott]

A Very Furry Decision

Perdita had heard that the Menagerie- which was apparently a place where there were animals - had a lot of abandoned animals. Some of them, she thought, might be cute or furry or something like that. And, for whatever reason it had entered her head to think it, she had decided that Eli would like a pet.

He didn't talk much about his childhood, but Perdita felt that perhaps it had not been easy - and she had seen his face soften with a look of fondness when she'd told him that she'd written to her parents and asked them to look after her cat, after all. So it must be that his expression was because of his fondness for small and cute things, she reasoned. Perdita had not considered for a moment that the expression on Eli's face might have been to do with her, and so she had gone from one conclusion to another, and not stopped in between.

And so, she was here.

Here, being the Menagerie and it was huge. The shy young woman wanted to turn around and run away. There was too much, too much choice and too many creatures to look at. She didn't think that Eli would like it if she came home with a very large owl, or a winged horse, but she wondered if he'd like one of these things. Rabbits were cute, weren't they? But would Eli like cute? If she was honest she didn't think that he would.

Yet, he'd had that look when she'd talked about Sooty, her kitten.

There were too many options, Perdita decided. Too many options and she really didn't know what to do about it. She was just starting to think that maybe she should leave, or speak to someone or - as a last ditch option - actually talk to Eli. But then a person spoke to her and Perdita jumped. Literally. "Oh!" she said, and she looked at him rather surprised to see another biped in the area. A male one. Oh dear. She didn't do well at talking and talking to boys, even less so. So, of course, she blushed. "Oh, no." That was the answer to his question, she thought. She did not work here. But then, that led to possibilities. "Do you?"

As those two words exited her mouth, she realised that, if he did work here, then he'd know she didn't and so, her blush deepened. "You don't. Sorry." Shaking her head slightly, Perdita struggled to make eye contact so instead, pointed to the creature she'd been looking at. He was a male of the species, she considered. He'd know. "Do boys like flunnies?"

[Shl'Drei]

Shl'drei flinched, startled by her sudden exclamation. He rushed an apology, hand over his racing heart. "Sorry, sorry, didn't mean to startle you," He laughed awkwardly steadying his breathing. He paused at her return inquiry, looking at her with one brow arched. But he shook his head slowly regardless. Maybe he had scared her a bit too much. He exhaled a little loudly- if she didn't work here the were stuck until someone could find them to provide assistance.

Could be worse, he reminded himself. He noticed her struggle to look directly at him- was he scary? He didn't think he looked that bad to-trial... He as about to turn away, a bit carried by his thoughts and searching his search for stains or the like when she spoke again. He titled his head, visibly confused. "P-pardon?" He asked dumbly, as if he hadn't heard her- he had, but it was an odd way to phrase question. It sounded more like she was question something more than him. When he realized she was pointing, he turned his gaze.

"I suppose? It depends on the person honestly. For a child?" He responded hastily when he realized she expected an answer of sorts. Was she buying for a child? Hers maybe? No, she looked a little young for that.. not that he would judge. Though, looking at the flunnies, he registered they might be fun for children- they could fly and chasing them could help with energy concerns. Not for him, as he didn't have the time to devote to one. Maybe a canine- someone Leora could essentially play with without thoughts of eating it. He looked down at her to see her carefully watching them with a wagging tail. Yeah no, definitely no flunnies.

"There's so many species here, its a tad overwhelming, don't you think?" He asked with soft awe. Oh, right. "I'm Shl'drei, you are..?" He asked, extending his larger hand to her. Whether or not she took it, he would smile and withdraw it after a few trills. "I have no idea where to look honestly."

[Perdita Westcott]

A Very Furry Decision

He didn't mean to startle her? Perdita shook her head. "I arrived startled," she said, softly and with the slightest of smiles. But no, she did not work here and - quite obviously - neither did he. So, she blurted out a question about flunnies and he answered. Maybe for a child? Well, Eli wasn't that. Far from it. "He's grown up," she said, of the male in question. He was, of course, her ... room mate. House mate. Friend. Not-boyfriend. Friend who was a boy. Her crush? Oh well, yes, maybe. But the young woman tried her best to look at Shl'drei and largely failed.

However, she realised that she had failed in her basic manners when the man next to her introduced himself. He was Shl'drei, and that required a response. "I'm Perdita," she said and held out her own hand as he did the same. That was what people did, so she did it. But, again, she found it hard to look at him, to make eye contact. His hand was large and wrapped around herself easily. If there was any doubt that Perdita was not a fighter, it was probably no longer in doubt after the feel of her grip.

He said that it was overwhelming and she nodded. "It is," she agreed. "What are you looking for?" That would help, she thought, maybe they could look together for what he was after, and that would give her the chance to maybe look around, have a think. Once he had answered, she spoke again. This meeting people thing really did require a lot of talking, Perdita thought, and she would probably be better off being quiet somewhere where no one bothered her. Somewhere with lots of books, preferably. But, in order to make sure that she was reciprocal, and didn't simply ask questions without providing information herself, once Shl'drei had been quiet for a short while, then she spoke.

"I'm just browsing." That was very true. "for a gift," she shrugged slightly, "maybe."

So, flunnies were out, probably. If Shl'drei thought they were for children, maybe they were. Looking around, Perdita asked what seemed to her to be a very sensible question. "Do all animals need training?" Cats didn't, she knew that. But equally, were cats really pets? In many ways she thought that it was more the mortals who were the possessions of the felines, not the other way around. In truth, other than her brief ownership of a kitten which she'd found in her chimney, Perdita knew nothing about animals. So, she asked her question and looked to Shl'drei curiously. He seemed to know more about this sort of thing than her, in so much as he seemed to know something and that, very much, was an improvement.

[Shl'Drei]

He snorted at her response and nodded. Given the sight of the place, he could believe it. Not for a child then, he noted.

Shl’drei smiled at her introduction. It was a pretty name, Perdita was. He said as much. He was right to assume she was young, she lacked the firmness or hardened hand of a fighter- and most of Idolas was dangerous and fight worthy. Well, from his minimal experience anyway. He wasn’t much of a fighter- even if he looked it. Decent sized, a tad bulky… that was the extent of his fighting aside from his whip skills. Though he rarely used it and doubted he knew enough for anything eye catching.

“Ah, well… I’m not exactly sure? Preferably a canine of some sort, this gal here,” He gestured with his head at the lumen wolf beside him who was oddly well behaved in comparison to normal. “She needs a buddy. She’s very social and has been unfortunately deteriorating because I’m not home often enough. I’ve made some bad choices in regards to her health for sure.”

He seemed causal as he shrugged but remorseful all the same. There was a large void of improvement that needed filling. One he desperately sought to fill. To that tune though, he was very happy that Perdita mentioned training. Though it was clear she was a little awkward socially, she was attempting to rectify it or trying to seem like it- whichever it was, it was endearing and very brave and he respected that. He smiled though, eyes almost twinkling with adoration as he spoke of his work.

“Well, it depends on the animal and what the owner wants for them. I’d say no? It's preferred, for sure. But required? Iffy on that.” He shrugged again, but continued after a few trills. “Actually, I train animals for a living. Not very impressive considering the work here, but I think myself good at it. Or, I enjoy it at least.”

He laughed a little awkwardly, but no less genuine. His skills were a work in progress, but he was good at enjoying it at least. He put forth the effort and the enthusiasm if nothing else. As he scanned the area, he noticed a particular creature. “Those look interesting,” he pointed in the directions of some Linnarets. There was a group near them, possibly looking to return or adopt, but he was more interested in the creatures. “Hey, would you maybe want to try this adopting thing together? That is, looking around and such. Two heads and the like.”

[Perdita Westcott]

A Very Furry Decision

e thought she had a nice name? Of course, that prompted a deep blush from her, but also a smile. Although she said nothing she was pleased. She liked her name and a certain gadgeteer insisted on shortening it. He did it to annoy her, she knew. Looking down at the very large dog with Shl'drei, Perdita dropped so she was sitting on her heels and she held one hand out to the "She's a wolf?" beside him. Perdita made no fast moves, simply let the creature come to her.

When Shl'drei said that he trained animals for a living, though, her eyes widened in surprise - and respect. "Really?" she said. "That's impressive!" She genuinely thought so - the idea of being responsible for, caring for - and training animals was something which sounded like a very important thing to her. In comparison, she could only admit. "I make books." Hardly something impressive, she feared. But still, it was what she did. Oh. Also. "And baskets."

Something caught his eye and then, of all things, Shl'drei asked her if she wanted to adopt an animal with him? Perdita was about to splutter out an excuse and back away quickly - and her cheeks burned as she blushed furiously - but then he continued speaking and explained that two heads would be better than one in the choosing, looking, exploring this place sort of way. Not in the 'hello, lets adopt an animal' way.

Aware of her own suddenly deepening blush and just how silly she'd been in misunderstanding what he said to the point of panic, Perdita nodded her head. "I'd like that," she said and moved over with him. She had no idea what most of these things were, nor did she really understand the extent of what the Menagerie did. But, she was happy to learn and Perdita was content to walk, side by side, in relative quiet. She didn't chatter for the sake of it, there was no need to and she was, personally, much more comfortable with silence. However, if his wolf was friendly, she would regularly give scratches and such - if the creature wanted it, of course.

At a particularly fluffy looking puppy, Perdita let out a small squeal of joy. "Look! He's gorgeous!!" she said and moved over to look. Shaking her head as she read the small information card, she looked at Shl'drei with a frown. "He was abandoned." That seemed to her to be a very bad thing to do, judging by her reaction. "That's so sad." The puppy in question, a small ball of fluff and big eyes was quite happily yipping around the place. Perdita looked at Shl'drei. "Do you want him?" she asked, quite genuinely.

[Shl'Drei]

Shl'drei smiled back. She seemed happy for the compliment- his mild worry faded away. He thought that might prompt a bad reaction- they were strangers after all. But he felt like it was something he could explain if it came to that. When Perdita rested on her heels, Shl'drei seemed to watch the wolf carefully. While she wouldn't normally attack anyone, he didn't know if her current state was... stable. "Oh yeah, she's a Lumen wolf specifically." Leora seemed fine though, and reacted with a bit of hesitation but eventually rested her head in the girls hand. Well, she didn't seem afraid which was good, but Shl'drei wasn't exactly expecting Leora to be this calm. "That's a good sign. She must like you."

He shook his head and looked away bashfully. It wasn't super impressive compared to others in his family. Honestly his skills were quite lacking. Having Perdita sound so awed though, it gave him a sense of pride. He wasn't the best, the greatest either. He was learning and improving, and that was the most important part of his job. He turned his attention back as she spoke, albeit quietly, of her job. "Wow, that must be hard work. I can't imagine," he shrugged, but he was curious. "It only takes so long to read a book, but the effort that goes into making one? You do good work." He felt inclined to encourage her confidence- she seemed shy, but she was trying her best. He didn't know much about basket weaving, perhaps he could ask about that later.

He raised a brow as she seemed to flinch away. Had he- oh. OH. He went to clarify, but she seemed to have understood after a few trills on her own. He exhaled his relief and smiled. It was a little crooked because of the scare though. "That's good. Also, I realize that probably sounded bad at first," he apologized but directed his eyes away from the young woman. When they began to move, the wolf shifted between the two, adamant on getting her pats where possible. He turned his attention to the pup Perdita had her eye on, but frowned in turn at the news. Abandoned? He kneeled down to look at the decent sized puppy. Her seemed excitable, ready to play, and very curious. He was friendly too, as he approached quickly as they made their way over. He was cute, and Shl'drei took his chance to read the card.

Viden Malamute, huh? He took it that the puppy was about three or four months, nice sized and very, very fluffy. He smiled as the puppy licked his fingers, nubby tail wagging as it yipped and bounced. Its fur, very light colored and very soft. He considered Perdita's question as he looked at the malamute. Folded ears, cute, grows large? He clicked for Leora, who walked up slowly. "I think I love him," He chuckled, as he played with the puppy. Leora sniffed the young Malamute and he returned the favor. "Who would abandon such a precious boy?"

He barely heard Perdita's inquiry, but he whipped around a bit fast with a blush. "I mean... He's cute. Do you think I should?" He asked quietly. He was tempted to say yes immediately, but he had to think on it. The last thing this pup needed was to be returned again. "He and Leora seem okay. She doesn't seem to mind him for now at least. Hmm," He turned back tot he puppy with a soft smile as it nibbled his fingers. "Hey hey, no, no biting."

[Perdita Westcott]

A Very Furry Decision

ealistically, Perdita thought, she had to admit to total ignorance about the breed of wolf. Perdita was not afraid, because she wasn't aware that she should be. She hadn't known that you could tame wolves but, since the wolf was there and in front of her and not gnawing anyone, she could only assume that yes, you could. When Shl'drei said that it meant that the creature liked her, Perdita smiled. "It's reciprocal" she said. This was a beautiful creature, and she was delighted to have met them both.

To his assessment of book-making, though, she shook her head. "I love it," she explained. Therefore, she had never once worked a trial in her life, yet, she thought. One trial she would be good at it, and that would be even better, but until then she was learning, and learning so much. Between the University, her work, this place - this whole island - was just a learning experience for her and Perdita loved it. So, his compliment was well-received and she smiled (and, of course, blushed) as she added. "Thank you." Kindness was important, after all, and he had shown her plenty of it.

When Shl'drei said that what he'd said had sounded bad, however, Perdita shook her head firmly. "My misunderstanding. Completely." He had nothing to apologise for, nothing at all. Just the opposite, in fact. So she was glad to go and have a look at the animals, making sure to provide head pats and ear-scratches to the lumen wolf as she went. She was careful, it being a wolf, not to make any sudden movements or to scare the creature in any way. But if the wolf wanted fussing, fussing was what it got.

She had to admit that she was delighted at Shl'drei's reaction to the puppy. Perdita didn't really have much of a clue about animals but it was small and fluffy and adorable and she was entranced. When Shl'drei asked if she thought he should, Perdita nodded her head. "He's beautiful," she said, earnestly, and watched as the wolf stepped forward and started sniffing the fluffy thing. "And needs a home," she knelt next to him and the two canines and she beamed in delight as the fluffy ball of puppy yipped and playfully bounced around. "And safety." She made sure to provide fusses to the wolf as much as the puppy - new and shiny didn't mean that a faithful creature should be ignored, after all - and so, she scratched and patted and played with both and looked over at Shl'drei with a smile.

"What's his name?" Perdita asked.

[Shl'Drei]

Definitely shy, he noted. But as they played around with the pup and Leora Shl'drei couldn't help the gleam of joy that seemed to take over him. The little malamute pup waddled over to Leora, who crossed her eyes after he licked between them. A trouble maker for sure, he thought as he ruffled both canines fur. He couldn't deny it- the pup needed a home and safety, a forever place that wouldn't change. His hut in Sweetwine wasn't so huge that it was a concern or so small, but he wondered if he should...

Watching the puppy waddle and snuffle around, nipping at their fingers and yipping as his tail swiggled... yeah, he'd made up his mind. He looked over the small malamute- he'd grown into all that fur and would become large if he recalled correctly. Large enough to safely play with Leora. He ruffled the pups fur and then turned to Leora, who paid no attention to him, focused on the little fluffy thing that seemed to keep it's eyes on her. Grinning, he looked at Perdita and considered his options. Names were hard honestly, but..

"Sekhmet, but I'll call him Sek for short." He smiled at the puppy who shifted and shook, floppy ears and all yapping happily. "C'mere boy," He cooed, holding out his hand for the pup again. And of course the pup choose that moment to roll over for belly rubs, exposing his white tummy with a pleading look. "Yeah, yeah,." The tamer's reaction as immediate. "I've never adopted anything officially. I'm not sure how to." He admitted, looking around. Should he flag someone? But who? Their were plenty off people, and Shl'drei wasn't sure who was who, or if the worked in the space or were visiting.

[Perdita Westcott]

A Very Furry Decision

ooking at Shl'drei and the furry pup together, Perdita stepped back, just a little, and observed. After she had fussed the puppy, of course, but she was able to observe and watch them together. It seemed like Sekhmet, as Shl'drei named her, had found a permanent home and that was a very good thing as far as Perdita was concerned. "A good name," she said when Shl'drei told her what the pup's name was. It was, she considered. It sounded strong and proud and she was quite sure that the small bundle of energy would grow into it.

When Shl'drei admitted that he didn't really know what the next step was, Perdita was quick to respond. "I'll go," she said and jumped to it. It was fairly easy to track down someone who worked here and then she blushed and muttered quietly. "There's a puppy," she said. The assistant, who was a biqaj male of much the same age as her, grinned. "Over there," she said. He nodded. "There is, aye." Perdita blushed furiously and, without making eye contact, said. "And an adopter," she gestured to where Shl'drei was. "Will you help?"

"Sure thing, sweetheart, come on," he replied and he sauntered over to where she was gesturing. Perdita let out a slight meepy sound at the word "sweetheart" but said nothing more. Instead she followed the man blushing and frowning at the same time. "Hey, sweet!" He exclaimed as he saw Shl'drei and the puppy. "You adopting her? Seems like you've already got your hands full," he gestured to Leora. "So you two adopting her? I'll take some details, if that's alright."

Perdita smiled at Shl'drei, studiously ignoring the loud and over-familiar man. "I must go," she said. "It's been fun." Offering a hand to shake, she smiled at him. It had been a genuine pleasure to meet him and she hoped that he and Sekhmet were happy together. However, the loud man sorting this out was too much for her and Perdita left with the speed which suggested that there was a pack of dogs chasing her. There weren't, of course, but her sense of urgency to escape couldn't have been greater if there were.