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Post by Fionnula mab Bevin on Feb 7, 2011 12:17:07 GMT -5
I walked along the stands in the market alone, I'd left Leon at home and snuck out early with a purpose in mind. I was going to find us a puppy. We had talked about it awhile back but it hadn't been brought up since then, what with him asking me if he could court me and then going to see the Showing....
I giggled at that memory, and the nights that had followed since, a flush of heat suffusing me momentarily at the savory images rolling through my mind. Shaking my head to clear it, I wandered around in search of a farmer who had a litter of pups to sell. I'd hoped to find one and be back before Leon could worry; I'd left him a note letting him know I would be back momentarily and not to worry, but he probably would anyway.
Smiling, with love in my heart for the man who had captured it, I glanced about with my ears open for the sounds of pups.
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Post by Faolan mab Ceallach on Feb 7, 2011 13:11:39 GMT -5
There was no way I could sit in my room in the Palace any longer, not with what had happened to me, not with how the man I loved had proposed, no, there was no way I could keep this happiness pent up. Besides, it felt odd being in a palace full of sadness when I was brimming with the exact opposite. I had to leave it, just for a little while, even, and thought that perhaps I should venture to the shops. Perhaps I would pick out a dress for when I would get to remeet his mother, or for, well anything really. He was the only man who understood my masculine side, or what others not from Alba might consider masculine, but he was also the one who brought out the feminine side in me, even though it really could use some work. And so, with that in mind, I set out to find something pretty to wear for him, weather a dress, or... well perhaps somewhat else. I could feel my cheeks warm at the thought as I ventured to the marketplace on foot, full of thoughts, ideas, and barely looking where I was going save for the stalls I passed.
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Post by Fionnula mab Bevin on Feb 7, 2011 13:22:01 GMT -5
I was so busy glancing around for any sign of a litter of pups that I barely noticed the woman in front of me, and I avoided crashing into her by a hair. Still, our shoulders connected solidly, and I was already apologizing as I shook my hair out of my face.
"I apologize madam," I said as clearly as I could, my thick accent marring my d'Angeline, which had become much better under Leon's calm, patient tutelage. I knew the language, it was simply the brogue that wouldn't go away. I was proud of it, but some still had trouble understanding me because of it, and that was sometimes frustrating. "Are you all right?" I asked her. I felt horrible for not paying more attention to where I was going, and I hoped the other woman wouldn't be too angry at me. "I'm so sorry," I explained, "You see, I was looking for a pup to surprise my beloved with, and I'm afraid I was concentrating more on finding that than finding my way around the people who are also here shopping! I do hope you're all right," I continued, trying my hardest not to babble or unconsciously switch to Cruithne.
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Post by Faolan mab Ceallach on Feb 7, 2011 17:00:17 GMT -5
I felt a jolt as my eyes went flying to who I had knocked in to, hoping they would not be terribly purturbed. But as I started speaking, voicing my apologies in my own accented d'Angeline, so did she. i let her finish, a smile spreading across my lips.
"Not to worry," I said to her with a chuckle, speaking Cruithne. i would be surprised if she di not know it for her accent was nigh as strong as my own, "I was not looking where I was going either. I have been lost in thoughts of my betrothed," I said wiht a laugh. "From Eire are you?" I asked, still speaking my milk tongue, and hoping that sh ewould understand it, and guessing that she would.
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Post by Fionnula mab Bevin on Feb 7, 2011 17:19:14 GMT -5
"Aye I am!" I exclaimed happily in Cruithne, grinning at the young woman before me speaking my mother-tongue. "You're the first person I've met in the City who speaks a language I understand more than partially," I laughed.
"I'm Fionnula mab Bevin," I said with a sketched curtsy. "Betrothed, you say? Congratulations! I've just began courting, myself. Perhaps our beaus are in the same circles!" I joked. "I'm courting Leon, Comte d'Essoms."
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Post by Faolan mab Ceallach on Feb 7, 2011 17:28:39 GMT -5
I smiled when she responded in kind, her Cruithne perfect and fluid. It made me feel good, to know that my people were welcome here, and were thriving here.
"I am happy to meet you. My name is Faolan mab Ceallach. I .. .well I have no idea if they might run in the same circles," I said with a laugh, "and if they do not perhaps that could be changed. It would be nice to have a friend from the same part of teh world as I. Tell me, is your beau from Camlach? They may know each other then. My love is Benedict Liatris... he's the sovereign duc," I could not help but that my cheeks warmed, and most likely reddened at the mention of his name. I felt a little like I was bragging, even though such was not the cas, and I wondered if Benedict felt teh same when he told others who he was betorthed to.
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Post by Fionnula mab Bevin on Feb 7, 2011 17:42:52 GMT -5
"It's nice to meet you too, Faolan! And I don't think so, Leon is from Namarre. But I'm sure they could know each other simply because they're both peers. The sovereign duc, you say? That sounds quite impressive! We'll have to ask our respective beaus if they know of each other, and then write each other or meet up again!" I laughed. Seeing her blush, I couldn't help but relate. It was exactly how I felt when I spoke of Leon. Infinitely proud.
"So, what are you looking for in the market today, Faolan? I'm looking for a pup, myself. I seem to have a hard time finding any; I'd like to surprise Leon with one." I frowned, looking around once more. "Have you seen any stall owners with pups, by chance?" I asked her. I didn't know if she'd been here long, but perhaps she'd started from a different area than me since we'd crashed into each other.
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Post by Faolan mab Ceallach on Feb 7, 2011 20:28:13 GMT -5
I laughed softly, the two of us getting through pleasantries quickly and without much difficulty. I always found it difficult to converse with d'Angelines at times. It was as though they often expected something... different from me.
"I will certainly ask him," I said with a grin. "As for the pups, I've not seen a whelp around as yet. But I've only just arrived," I said with a grin. "And I'm not sure what I am looking for... a dress, perhaps or, well, something... for my betrothed," I blushed again. "I've never been good at picking out either. I am a warrior, not a princess, well... not a d'Angeline princess," I replied. "You have a lovely sense of style though, if you do not mind me saying. Your gown is lovely."
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Post by Fionnula mab Bevin on Feb 7, 2011 20:37:19 GMT -5
I blushed, glancing down at my dress, a dark red one that Leon had picked out when we'd gone shopping a few days prior. "Thank you! Yours is quite beautiful also," I complimented her in return. It was so nice to not have to worry whether I was offending someone. Wait a moment....
"A warrior you say? Trained? Aye, me as well!" I said happily, pointing my thumb at my chest. "I'm certainly not a princess, though. And I've also got the same problem as you; I never know what to get!" I agreed readily. "Let's explore, shall we? I'm sure we can both find exactly what we're looking for."
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Post by Faolan mab Ceallach on Feb 7, 2011 21:46:06 GMT -5
Of all the odds! Not only were we from the same land and shared the same milk-tongue, we both had problems looking ladylike in this country. I could not help but to grin widely and laugh.
"Finally, a woman of my own heart!" I exclaimed. "Yes, lets see if we can find you a pup and me... well anything really," I giggled. "Ah it is nice to speak in Cruithne. I have missed it so. When did you come here from Eire?"
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Post by Fionnula mab Bevin on Feb 7, 2011 22:46:39 GMT -5
"About two weeks ago, by my count," I responded with a grin. Things had certainly been a whirlwind since I'd gotten to the City. "I'd just escaped a Skaldi steading and traveled to Alba to board a ship to Terre d'Ange to find my cousin, Joie de Mornay," I explained as we walked, keeping my ears and eyes out for pups.
I wondered what she'd make of the tale; it certainly wasn't something one heard every day.
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Post by Faolan mab Ceallach on Feb 7, 2011 22:51:46 GMT -5
"That is..wow,"I whispered, half in awe and half feeling sorry for her. "How did you end up in a Skaldi camp coming from Eire?" I asked.
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Post by Fionnula mab Bevin on Feb 7, 2011 23:09:00 GMT -5
"Raiding party," I said earnestly, not bothering to embellish. It simply wasn't in my nature. "They came into my village and I was taken for the warlord, but used by his men." I shrugged. "I filched money out of the warlord's coffers for two years and then made my escape, just me and a pony and a pack."
Grinning, I stopped at the stand I'd see with Leon when we'd gone shopping; it had strips of leather thong that had beads and precious stones sewn onto them. Gesturing to them, I explained, "These are for tying your hair back. Or, you can tie them around your wrist as a bracelet. Be careful of the merchant though," I warned in quiet Cruithne. "He'll gouge you on the price; they're about half of what he says they are or so, perhaps a bit more. They're beautiful though, and rather handy."
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Post by Faolan mab Ceallach on Feb 8, 2011 13:26:11 GMT -5
As wel walked I listened to her story. She minced no words, and that reminded me of me. I smiled at her bravery. "True to our nature," I said with a smile, "You are certainly a warrior to have escaped in one piece - physically and mentally. Were you woaded for the victory?" I asked her as we moved on. I looked at the item she had pointed out. It was pretty, and they had different colours, black leather, tan leather, white leather even. I fingered a white one with green and purple beads.
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Post by Fionnula mab Bevin on Feb 8, 2011 13:38:14 GMT -5
"My thanks to you. No, I wasn't in Alba long enough to be woaded. I was rather anxious to put as much distance between Skaldia and my person as humanly possible. I wouldn't mind being woaded for it, if I could actually find someone to do it without having to go back to Alba. I don't think I'm quite brave enough yet," I joked.
"That would look very pretty in your hair," I said as she touched a white strip of leather. "It would stand out. Messire!" I called in d'Angeline, speaking as clearly as I could. He stepped over, and I instantly saw a flash of recognition in his eyes; he remembered me from when Leon had haggled him. "Ah, my lady. Brown leather, rubies, was it not?" He said with a slick grin. I grinned back, and my polite demeanor belied my cold words. "Very close messire, but it was actually black leather and sponge coral that you decided to overcharge my beloved for. I, messire, am not so stupid as to believe you the kind of man who would gouge a price on purpose, or even twice to one person, so I believe I'll just pay the same price for this as my beloved paid for mine, and we'll call it a day, shall we?" My eyes hardened, and the grin froze on my face, my expression to any passerby would look kind and polite, but I knew he could see I wasn't going to take no for an answer.
He considered it, certainly, but with a frown, his cheeks pinkened and he nodded. I gave him the coin with a sincere and polite, "Thank you messire, and good day!" And handed the strip of beaded leather to Faolan. "There you are, friend!" I said happily as we walked from the booth.
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Post by Faolan mab Ceallach on Feb 8, 2011 13:55:11 GMT -5
I ws about to respond, but the man came forth, and Fionnula had began to haggle with him... though really, there wasw no ghaggling. The girl put the man in his place, told him the price she would pay, and did it all within a few moments, and without any yelling, screaming, or pain inflicted on any of the parties involved. I had to giggle as he walked away, obviously upset and dejected that he had been caught out, and taught yet another lesson. In fact I could see his lips moving though his tone was low, grumbling to himself about it. At that I laughed outright as she handed me the leather jewelry. I turned to her and smiled widely, still chuckling.
"You are terribly good at what you do!" I said with a lopsided grin. "You dealt with him as though he were a child trying to take too many candied petals from the bowl," I snickered, looking at the item. "It is lovely, Fion, thank you," and it was. I was touched that, even though we were strangers, she would purchase this item for me. She had a big heart, it seemed, and that made me like her even more. Of course, I would want to get her something as well, not to even things out, but because her kindness had touched me.
"Usually when someone is giving me any sort of issue, I just happen to let my shrug or cloak fall from my shoulders just so," I said, showing what I do, "and let them see my woad markings," I turned and let her see the whorls that danced along my shoulders and shoulder blades. "And then the issue is magically rectified," I giggled, blushing slightly. "Is that terribly dishonest of me?"
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Post by Fionnula mab Bevin on Feb 8, 2011 14:08:17 GMT -5
I grinned. "My thanks! And aye, you're welcome. And no; if I had woad, I would probably do it as well!" I sighed. I had wanted my woad for quite some time but had never gotten it. "Mayhap someday we'll be able to compare woad, my friend."
We continued walking along for a bit, and as we passed one merchant I heard a snuffling sound. "Faolan, do you hear that?" I asked, touching her arm and stopping her. "It sounds like something I'm looking for..." I grinned, listening intently. "I can't place exactly where that snuffling is coming from. Can you?" I asked her softly, not wanting to lose the sound. I knew it had to be pups in a crate or basket of some sort; there was no other sound quite like it.
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Post by Faolan mab Ceallach on Feb 8, 2011 19:08:24 GMT -5
I laughed and then nodded and moved along with her. I could smell the smell of pups, excrement and all, before the sound of yelps and whining. I looked to Fion, and then looked about, following my senses. "Ah, I think I know where it is coming form," I said with a grin as I pointed to a larger stall. The wares out front were varied hand made trinkets, but somthign was definitely behind the vendor. The more I focused on teh spot, the more I heard. "In fact I am nigh certain it is coming from that stall." I grinned at her. "Hopefully they will be the sort of pups you are looking for."
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Post by Fionnula mab Bevin on Feb 8, 2011 19:39:41 GMT -5
Grinning, I followed my kinswoman to a stall where, sure enough, the snuffling, whimpering sound of pups was definite. "Oh, I could care less, as long as it's small and fuzzy and cute!" I laughed happily in Cruithne, stepping up to the table. I motioned the vendor over and, in d'Angeline, asked him, "Pardon me, messire, are those pups in that crate over there? If they are, may I see them? I'd like to purchase one, if that's possible." The man smiled, my d'Angeline finally was passable enough for the merchants around here to understand me. "Aye my lady," He said as he brought the crate up onto the table where there were a few pups in a crate. My eyes fell on a pup in the crate, and I knew he was going to be the one. Picking him up, I nestled him against my chest, where he yipped once and licked my face. Grinning, I turned to the man. "How much will he be, messire?" I asked. "This is the lad I want." The man smiled; I could tell he had a soft heart. "Ah, my lady, I could not ask you to pay, seeing how happy you and the pup make each other. You may have him for free, and I wish you much joy with him. Oh, here--" The man reached into the crate and took up a square of cloth to give to me. "For the pup, so that he has a piece of something familiar until you become familiar to him," He said. My eyes widened at the kindness. "My thanks to you, messire!" I grinned, elated at how well that had gone. "I do appreciate the gesture, and rest assured the pup here will be well-trained and even more spoiled," I assured him. Glancing at Faolan, I smiled at her. "Are you going to get a pup too?" I asked her as mine gnawed on my finger.
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Noemi de Trevalion
Royal (Staff)
Her Highness, Princess of the Blood; House Trevalion *Voted Character You'd Most Like to Meet 2010*
Sister to Victoire and Cygnus
Posts: 1,119
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Post by Noemi de Trevalion on Feb 8, 2011 20:14:30 GMT -5
It was another beautiful day, the sun was bright and I was tired of being sad and sitting inside the walls of my family house. I'd been worried and grieving for awhile now, trying to be the smiling face to keep everyone else going, but in turn that meant I'd tried to stay home as much as possible in case I was needed. Finally I couldn't stand the idea of sitting still any longer and had ventured out, my black fedora slightly cocked on my head, and headed out into the Artisan's District.
The people seemed to be getting back to their normal way of life and I was glad for them even as I hoped that it was a sign of things improving in other areas as well. Everywhere there was people bustling and the businesses were open again, and I let the busy, regular calm wash over me. Maybe it was a vain hope that anything would ever go exactly back to normal, and likely it would get worse before it got better again but for now I wanted to just be one of those people with a job to keep my mind occupied.
As I walked I passed a pair of women, both with heavily accented tones, and a vendor who seemed to have a crate of small puppies on a table and I smiled to see them. They were well cared for, obviously not the tossed-away ones Christien had mentioned finding but they appealed to me nonetheless. I didn't have any dogs yet and while my kittens were incredibly precious and special they were still cats and had their own minds made up about things already. A dog would be a companion. Stepping a little closer but not so much so that I'd be eavesdropping I walked to the far edge of the table and crouched slightly to look through the slats of the crate, then gave the two women and the vendor a smile. "I'm sorry if I'm intruding, they were just so cute I couldn't help it."
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Post by Faolan mab Ceallach on Feb 9, 2011 11:22:49 GMT -5
I smiled as Fion picked up a pup, black and brown and tawny fur with ears that pirked up quirkilly. He was adorable... or she, I was not sure. It licked her face, and seemed to smile as she laughed and teh vendor smiled at us.
"I would love to get a pup, but I am unsure as to how that would be welcomed... I am staying in the Albal quarters at the Palace... so it may be a bit unfair if I had a pup about, barking and whatnot, especially with what has happened there," I frowned softly. "Perhaps if I ever get my own home, I could get a pup. I know I would love one," I mused. I crouched to look at the box, and was soon joined by another lady with bright sunny lockas and a disposition to match. I smiled at her and with accented d'Angeline replied, "no intrusion at all. They are absolutely adorable, aren't they?" I asked, looking at the newcomer and then back to Fion. I Patted one on the head that jumped to sniff, lick and wrap its paws about my hand. i hd to laugh, rubbing its belly as it stood unsteadily on its hind legs.
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Post by Fionnula mab Bevin on Feb 9, 2011 12:54:05 GMT -5
I grinned to the newcomer as she peered at the pups, mine still contentedly gnawing on my finger, which I had wrapped in the cloth given to me by the vendor. Good thing, too; that pup had some sharp little teeth.
"It's never an intrusion where there are cute pups about, my lady," I said with a smile as she came forward to look. I stepped to the side to allow her access to the crate, considering I had what I'd come for already. "Are you in the market for a pup as well, madame?" I asked politely.
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Noemi de Trevalion
Royal (Staff)
Her Highness, Princess of the Blood; House Trevalion *Voted Character You'd Most Like to Meet 2010*
Sister to Victoire and Cygnus
Posts: 1,119
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Post by Noemi de Trevalion on Feb 9, 2011 16:46:55 GMT -5
Both of these ladies were a little older than I was but that didn't bother me at all; most of my relatives were as much older and I was used to being the youngest in almost every gathering. They seemed friendly as well and that helped too even though the puppies themselves captured a good bit of my attention. After another moment of watching them I did straighten though and gave the two another smile, hearing their accents but not able to specifically place them. It sounded a bit like Cruithne, at least what small bit I'd heard of the language.
"I've always had a soft spot for cuddly animals and these puppies certainly fit the bill," I replied with a light laugh as I moved a little closer and reached into the box to pat one that was leaning against the side as though he or she was all tired out from all of the energy in the area. "And I don't have a puppy right now, so maybe- unless you're taking them, of course. I wouldn't want to try and take them from a happy home together if that's what they're meant for."
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Post by Fionnula mab Bevin on Feb 9, 2011 16:54:37 GMT -5
I shook my head in the negative. "Nay, my lady; I believe the man who's courting me would have heart palpitations if I were to bring home an entire litter of pups!" I couldn't help but laugh, especially at what Leon's face would look like if I came in carrying an entire crate of four or five pups. "You should take one; the more pups who go to loving homes, the better, I say."
Smiling, I glanced over at her. "My name's Fionnula, by the way, and this lovely woman is my new friend Faolan. It's nice to make your acquaintance."
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Post by Faolan mab Ceallach on Feb 10, 2011 10:19:10 GMT -5
I listened to the two of them exchange words, rising from where I crouched to pet the pup who finally let go of me, though it peered up at me longingly. Perhaps I would be back for him, who knew. I turned my gaze to the ladies, smiling, and curtseying in greeting as Fionnula introduced us, even though the motion felt awkward and slightly clumsy. I was still not used to it.
"Pleased to make your acquaintance," I grinned.
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Noemi de Trevalion
Royal (Staff)
Her Highness, Princess of the Blood; House Trevalion *Voted Character You'd Most Like to Meet 2010*
Sister to Victoire and Cygnus
Posts: 1,119
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Post by Noemi de Trevalion on Feb 10, 2011 11:54:42 GMT -5
At Faolan's curtsy I returned it at the same level, though with the unthought grace of someone who was used to it, and then gave both of them a smile. "I'm Noemi and it's wonderful to meet both of you as well," I said eagerly but sedately as I continued to stroke the relaxed puppy inside the crate, then with a gesture from the vendor gently picked it up. Her up. It was easier to tell now that she was in my hands. "I don't think anyone would exactly get annoyed if I brought home a puppy, so maybe I should- but then the only people who could say anything are my brother and sister," I continued with a laugh. "And generally they don't care so long as my pets don't get in the way."
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Post by Fionnula mab Bevin on Feb 14, 2011 2:50:44 GMT -5
Oh, I had forgotten to curtsy... But Noemi hadn't seemed too perturbed by it, and so I didn't worry overmuch. Nodding, I agreed. "Aye, it's just me and Leon in the townhome, aside from the help, and this lad here is a surprise. We've both been wanting a pup and, since I've moved in with him, I decided to sneak out and find one." I grinned and looked down at the pup in my arms, who looked up at me and licked my nose. I scrunched my face up and wiped my nose off with a laugh. "Well, at least he's affectionate," I said happily. I wondered what Leon would want to name him.
"Are you going to get a pup too then, Noemi?" I asked her with a genuine smile, seeing how the pup she held already had snuggled close to her, getting comfortable in her arms. "She seems quite happy there, does that lass," I pointed out.
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Post by Faolan mab Ceallach on Feb 14, 2011 11:20:09 GMT -5
I smiled, laughing as Fionnula's pup licked her. He seemed the kind of pup that would be full of energy and love. The one Noemi held seemed more sober, but still affectionate.
"You should, I reckon she will be heart broken now that she's taken a shining of you," I chuckled.
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Noemi de Trevalion
Royal (Staff)
Her Highness, Princess of the Blood; House Trevalion *Voted Character You'd Most Like to Meet 2010*
Sister to Victoire and Cygnus
Posts: 1,119
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Post by Noemi de Trevalion on Feb 14, 2011 17:00:56 GMT -5
It hadn't really ever been a question once I picked the puppy up, I knew that as well as the two I was speaking with did, but I had to at least give myself to think of any outstanding reasons not to do so. When none came to mind I could relax though and let myself look down at the puppy I held. She seemed a but calmer than the one that Fionnula currently had but they all had their personalities and excitement levels; once I got her home her demeanor could change a bit.
"Oh, I can't just put her down, that would seem so mean somehow- giving her an idea that she could have an owner and then taking it away," I agreed merrily as I scratched lightly behind her ears. "So I guess I'll have to get her. The name's always the hardest thing for me though so don't ask me that yet. It might take me days to get just the right one." I could tell the Fionnula had her puppy and with the way she talked it seemed she was taking it to her lover or husband. "So Leon's the man who is courting you, Fionnula? And are you getting one of the puppies, Faolan?"
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Post by Faolan mab Ceallach on Feb 15, 2011 10:41:57 GMT -5
I smiled as she agreed, proclaiming that she would keep the pup. It looked so content in her arms.
"I would love one, but as I said to Fionnula before," I said glancing in her direction, "I am not sure what protocol is when I am a guest at the Palace. I do not want to bring a loud pup who has not yet been trained into the Palace, especially considering teh somber mood it had been in lately. Though one would think that a pup is exactly what everyone would need to help aleviate some stress. It seems too soon," I mused, smiling a little sadly.
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