RP:A Double Adoption Day

Summary: Lanara brings Largakh and his grandparent's to the animal sanctuary so that they can pick out a new puppy, however, they aren't the only ones getting a new furry addition! Larz surprises Lana by adopting her a puppy that she had her eye on for the the past week, with ulterior motives, of course. She'll have to spend more time at his place, if she wants to see her favorite dog, and the two are now proud pet parents!

Location: Lanara's Animal Sanctuary, in Northern Sage Forest.

Lanara excuses herself after helping to clean up the breakfast dishes and heads into the spare room that had become her very own, over the past two weeks. Although the decorations, furniture, and bedding, remain unchanged, the elf had also added a few things to make her feel as though this space held her own personal touch. Lavender scented candles have been placed atop each dresser and nightstand, and there’s a hint of her signature vanilla scented perfume in the air. A massive chest rests before the bed, and though there isn’t a lock on the chest, none other than the witch herself would be able to pry it open, as it was heavily enchanted. This is where her crafting tools and prized possessions were kept, although her leather bound grimoire lies on top, opened to a page that bears the title ‘Animal Ally Magic’s’ in elegant script. Upon closer inspection one would read that the writing is in Sylvan, though if someone were to touch the grimoire, it would slam shut, and refuse to open again, as though it could read fingerprints, and Lanara’s was the only hand that would earn a favorable response from the biting book. There is also an oversized ‘dog’ bed in the corner that would be for use if any of her animal companions wished to spend the night. The closet door is ajar and various articles of clothing have been neatly hung on hangers, some with the tags still on them, and about twenty pairs of shoes are lined up on the floor of the closet. Everything appears organized and clean, as though this room was thoroughly cleansed after each use, which would hint at the obsessive-compulsive nature of the little witch. As she begins to pull leggings and undergarments from a draw and place them into her duffel bag, her eyes are drawn to the interior side sleeve, as she notices the bulge. “What…? I don’t remember putting anything in there…” Perhaps it was a crystal, or some beef treats that she kept on hand for Bjorn, the previous weekend? Reaching into the pocket, her eyes widen, as she pulls out the pearl necklace that Seldanna had loaned to her, and she admires them for a long moment. Vestele had loved these. They were so beautiful, much like Larz’s late mother. How did they end up in here?! Her memory flashes back to Larz wrapping an arm around her and dismissing her fears that the pearls had gone missing. He assured her that they were in a safe place. Were they intentionally placed in her bag? She’s momentarily confused, before she reaches into the pocket once more and finds a small note, written in the half-orcs script and stating that ‘he couldn’t live without her’, signed with a heart, and his name. “Are these a gift? But… They aren’t his to give… Seldanna loaned them to me.” Her head lifts as she hears footsteps nearing the door, and she locks eyes with Larz, though over his shoulder she sees that his grandmother is also entering her room. “Is everything okay?” She’s trapped. Again. The male had made a habit of catching her off guard, and often, and she hopes that she doesn’t look like a wide-eyed moron as she lowers the pearls onto the bed and folds her arms over her chest, trying to act casual. Lana still had some packing to finish up and she was eager to get to the sanctuary to introduce Larz to some of her staff and the animals. They had a long day ahead of them, but she curiously meets Seldanna’s gaze, and gives her a small smile, hoping nothing was amiss. The pair has her full attention, though every so often her mind wanders to the desire to see a little golden puppy at the shelter. Not like she needed to adopt -another- pet, but this was Lanara, and it was likely that the second she got there that she’d whisk the little guy into her arms… And her heart.

Largakh looked over his shoulder and down at Seldanna, “I told you she would be right out.” Seldanna waves to Lanara over Larz’s shoulder and skitters down the hallway. He chuckles softly while closing the door shut, “yeah. Everything is great. Sorry about her, she's just excited about picking out a new puppy.” When he turns around to look upon his only his tuscan eyes soften to match his grin and from across the room he seems to just admire the woman… One might wonder what the man was thinking. After closing the distance between them, softly placing his hands on the sides of her head so his fingertips were lost in her tresses and placing a deep kiss on her lips that lasts a second longer than it should. When the kiss breaks he grins down at the woman who has entirely captured his heart and helped her with her things so they could leave. Then he grabs a bag that Seldanna wanted to bring and Theoduin plops another in Larz’s arms before pulling Lanara in for a warm hug, “I put together some supplies and salves to get you started, consider it a donation for your next endeavor and if you need any help from an old guy like me, let me know.” He escorted her outside with Seldanna and Larz to a small carriage he hired which was packed with a couple of crates (more supplies and food items). Theo held onto one hand of Lanara’s while Seldanna took up the other she said, “We are just so proud of you Lanara, dear. Please don't work yourself too hard.” She placed a motherly kiss on Lanara’s cheek and if Lanara didn't believe their words it was proof of their expressions how they saw nothing but love and pride when they looked to Lanara. Theo asks, “I would like to come along and see this sanctuary myself. If that’s alright,” Larz shrugs as he loads the back of the carriage up with all the bags and secures them all in place while watching his grandparents with his only and a slight grin on,his face. Larz helped Theoduin and Seldanna into the carriage, closed the door for them and then put his arm around Lanara, “want to ride up front with me?” Taking Lanara by the hand to help her up to the bench driver seat and then climbing up after her. Even though it's a short ride, passed the pond and woods that divide the Rolafir’s cabin and the sanctuary they had a lot to carry over! Once parked in front of the impressive establishment he let them all go in ahead while he works on unpacking the carriage, even if help was offered he insists on them going on in ahead, but secretly he was dreading freaking out some of the animals just because of the evil in his veins. How it would just break Lanara’s heart that he couldn't be involved in her work and it even bums him out as well.

Lanara sighs softly against Larz’s lips as he pulls her in for a passionate kiss, and her figure leans against his own, as though she were, literally, melting in his arms. She forgets about the pearls, the note, or the unfinished packing, and for a moment it’s just the two of them, sharing a loving kiss, as his grandparents wait beyond the door. He pulls back and gives her that sexy smirk, and she feels her heart pounding against her chest, like a caged animal trying to break free. “Right. Packing.” She tosses a few more garments into the bag, along with a moss green small leather collar, and she steps from her boots and replaces them with sneakers. Comfort was key when standing on your feet all day! Larz takes her bag and she smiles at him, grateful for his help, as she had packed quite a bit for a one night stay, but that was the way of the witch. She was -always- more than prepared, and she had an eye for fashion! Theo and Seldanna wait in the living room, and the look on her face is priceless, as she takes in the multitude of supplies, animal crates, and all the healing herbs that would have taken her weeks to gather. All three of them watch the gratitude wash over the young woman’s face, and for a moment she’s speechless, as Theo pulls her into his arms and gives her a loving hug, as well as offering any assistance she may need in the future. “Thank you for everything… You have no idea how much this all means to me. My entire life, all I ever wanted was to build a sanctuary and… Now my dream has been literally dropped on my lap, overnight, and I realize how unprepared I am, but all of this… You have immensely helped my cause, Theo…” Lana looks to Seldanna, pulling her in for a hug, as well. “Thank you both for all your hospitality, and for all of these incredible donations. I’m so touched…I’m so excited to show you the place! We have a few exotics, but most of the shelter is domesticated animals, at least for right now. And I’m still interviewing, so I really only have two guards and a caretaker at this point, as well as some teenagers that have volunteered to help in the nursery on the weekends.” As she’s explaining all of this Larz is loading up the carriage and it’s Seldanna that states they are so ‘proud’ of her, which causes her eyes to brim with tears. Having grown up without grandparents, or a father, and only seeing her mother a few times a year… It was tough. The elf often craved the guidance of an elder, and their approval tugs at her heartstrings, so much, that for a moment it looks like she’s about to cry, though it’s at this moment that her warrior steps in, as if on cue, and helps her into the carriage. Lana meets his gaze as she takes his hand, only to pull him in for a sudden hug, “Thank you” she murmurs against his chest, though it’s unknown if she’s thanking him for introducing her to his grandparents, for loading the carriage with the endless supplies, or for always being her knight in shining armor. The ride over is short and she fills it with talk about the litter of puppies and how she thinks they will just fall in love with a particular brown puppy, that is a little chubby, but is constantly climbing into her lap and dousing her face in licks. As they arrive, she hops out of the carriage and leads the couple through security, giving both guards a ‘look’ that tells them not to bother frisking the elves, and she leaves them with Venin, the caretaker, to fill out a small adoption form, before she retreats to the carriage to find Larz. “Hey… I’ll have one of the guards do that… Come with me. I want you to meet all the animals and show you my workplace, and…” She pauses briefly, and takes his hand, the fact that he’s wary around animals registering in her mind. “You’re going to be fine. They are all babies! None will harm you, and the ones that could be a little ‘eh’ well… They are behind a double layer of tempered glass. This is important to me… Let’s go, Lard!” Pulling him along the way, she winks at one of the security guards, and naturally he pulls the half-orc to the side, feeling his form for weapons, as the other guard is on luggage duty. She giggles as the guard roughly rubs Larz’s legs and buttocks, though she eventually clears her throat, calling an end to the search, and she leads him indoors. A large parrot stands on a perch near the entrance, greeting them with a series of “Hello, Hello, Hello” and some raucous whistling, and Venin meets Lana’s gaze and hands her a piece of parchment, which she quickly scans. The dislike on both women’s faces was apparent, though the caretaker was competent at her job, and that was all that mattered. “Alright… Let’s see. I have a tiger cub that needs an intake evaluation, a newborn that is due for a feeding, and a ‘package with holes’ that was dumped overnight!? Okay…Venin; please take a peek into that strange package, when you get a chance.” Lana shakes her head, tugs the note into her pocket, and leads the three of them down the aisle. To the left and right are various cages housing hamsters, birds, rabbits, cats, and dogs, and there are a few tanks with turtles and frogs, however, no snakes are in the building. Further down the aisle there are a few exotics that are there for recovery, though not adoption. These are all behind a double layer of tempered glass, and their enclosures have been uniquely modified, with magical enchantments, to ensure it’s similar to their natural habitat. A snow leopard growls as they pass, a lioness protects her cub, and a winter wolf warily watches through the glass. Lana is babbling, proud and overly excited to show the place off, and she points to each section, describing what happens and where, and she explains the process of adoption. “I’ll show you to the nursery in a bit, so we can all help bottle feed the babies. But… Why don’t you guys pick out a puppy, first?!” In the center of the aisle is a wire pen, housing seven puppies, all which look to be a fancy purebred of some kind, in black, golden, and chocolate coloring. They can’t be more than eight weeks old, and they are yipping and trying to climb out as they see the newcomers, only to tumble over each other and fall back down. The elf grins, as they are beyond adorable, though she seems to be looking for her ‘favorite’ which doesn’t seem to be in the pen. Was he adopted? A slight frown is on her face, as she looks to Larz, and motions to the pen. “Pick out a puppy that you like… Feel free to hold them, interact, all sorts of things. Take your time, as this is a lifetime decision! There are also older puppies and full grown dogs in the cages along the way, they are a variety of breeds and colors, and they start at four months old, up to about five years. I’ll be right back!” She leaves their side, in pursuit of Venin, and they can hear her testy tone as she inquires about a particular puppy, to which the caretaker shoots back, “He wasn’t adopted! I separated him from the others as he kept escaping! And Miss Lana your sister said this would happen! You can’t keep them all, you know… I think you need to not get so attached. Why have you singled out that -one- dog, out of all the animals in here? He’s a terror! I can’t wait until he’s off our hands!” They’d hear Lana’s retort, her voice low and threatening, “I think -you- need to realize that -I- am your employer and what I say goes around here. Do -not- tell me that I’m not allowed to imprint on any of these animals. I’m not sure if I’m going to adopt him or not, though my business is none of your concern. For now, he’s marked ‘on hold’ until I make my decision.” Both women fall silent, and Lana returns minutes later, relieved that her ‘precious’ wasn’t yet adopted, though her gaze continues to eye each cage, as though Venin had hid him on her, on purpose. “So… Have you seen any that you like?”

Largakh wasn't worried about being harmed by animals, but he would rather not cause them the discomfort just by being near. His rabbit, Bunilla Ice, still cowers and looks as if he's about to have a heart attack every time he feeds him or even just comes home from work. He's being roughly padded down and just stares ahead, not minding at all for their job is very similar to his own. Although, when she stopped them before they got to his ankle area he lowered to one knee and pulled out his dagger, Remnant, to give one of the guards. A pat on the shoulder to him with a sincere, “great job.” He mutters to the fellow before joining up with Lanara and getting a tour of her new workspace, grinning that crooked grin all the while. He was relieved that most the wild animals were behind glass in a homey environment and appeared to be happy, “so. When are you going to release these guys back into their natural habitat?” That was the point of this place, right? To take in injured animals, heal them, and then release them to where they belong and can run free? “Unless most of these are your own companions?” He knows she has many. Then they all come to the puppy pen and the grandparents lose it, let the coos and deciding begin. “These two look inseparable; I couldn't do that to these guys. What about this one Theo?” Seldanna was absolutely beaming and Larz keeps a good distance away from the pen while watching them take on the daunting task of picking just one puppy. Distractedly he sees Lanara having a heated discussion with Venin and when they are done he made his way around to her before she got too close to the puppies, “everything okay?” Theo and Seldanna missed the thing entirely as they are drowning in puppy kisses, but when Lanara approaches the couple to inquire about a choice Theo chuckles, “I think Seldanna just wants them all,” he said jokingly and Seldanna giggled as well, “no Theo. What about this one?” Her words are nearly muffled by puppy licks by a certain chubby chocolate lab on her lap. Larz watched as his grandparents traded the puppy and it was easily just as loving to Theo as he was to Seldanna. The orc looked on and shoved his hands in his pockets as he leaned against the wall while saying to Lanara if she found herself near him again, “they've always wanted a domestic animal I think, but they just put it off because of me… I've inadvertently kept them from a lot of things.” He pulls free a pouch of gold, walked over to the counter where Venin was and set it before her, “I would like to be the first customer.” He gave her a reassuring grin to which she looked the lanky orc up and down with a sort of unpleasant expression. She's probably thinking ‘this guy is so gross looking, what is Lanara doing?’ But she accepts the gold while he went on, “yes, the going rate for an adoption of that brown puppy, any vaccinations it needs and can we get a starter package? You know, with food and a crate?” Venin was writing something down and Larz was happy for the distraction his grandparents were providing Lanara because he knew she totally wouldn't accept a coin from him or them. Then Larz does something he will probably regret later as he wrote down on some parchment, ‘can I adopt the puppy Lanara put on hold? I want to surprise her with it.’ Venin took the paper, gave Larz a long and warning look before ripping the note up so she may retrieve the rambunctious pup. His landlord is going to flip on him for wanting to keep another pet in his place, but he didn't care, whatever it takes to put a smile on that face and keep her coming around his place. Venin clears her throat after the transaction is done and two beginner’s packages were brought out, “congratulations! We have our first customer!” A big smile on Venin’s face as she motions to Larz and before Lanara could ‘have at her’ he would pull his only into his arms for a hug in order to whisper, “don't be cross, I insisted on being your first customer for two adoptions.” A kiss on her forehead before releasing her so her staff, himself and his grandparents could applaud Lanara.

Lanara looks at Larz and shrugs her slender shoulders, before motioning him over to look into the enclosure that housed the winter wolf, whose name tag read ‘Delilah’ and who studied them both with a furtive gaze. “Delilah will be released once she is fully on the mend. You can’t see it from this angle, as she’s lying down, but her left back leg was broken in two places. Once the cast is removed, a few weeks of therapy, she’ll be able to return to the wild. I’ll have to journey to Frostmaw and release her there… That’s assuming she doesn’t become domesticated while in this place. We always run that risk, as well. Though eighty percent of the ‘exotics’ remain feral, and are returned to their natural habitat. Animal surrenders seem to fall into the mix, too. Take ‘Leo’ over there…” She motions to the snow leopard in the corner cage. “He was dropped here by someone that couldn’t care for him anymore, so he would likely do best in a home, and not released back into the wild. If he’s too trusting, he will easily be tagged by a hunter, or forget his natural instincts. The ‘domestics’ are rehomed to loving adopters, and the sale of them, along with donations, is what keeps this place going, and allows me to keep an employed staff. The intent isn’t to make ‘gold’ it’s more like… Making enough for me to get by, while helping animals and keeping a strict budget, so I’m always in business.” She smiles up at Larz, delighted that he’s asking questions and seems to have a genuine interest in her career. The mention of her own companions causes her to chuckle, and she shakes her head, “No. None of my companions reside at the sanctuary, though one day I hope to have a home where I can build them their own sort of enclosure. I’m thinking of bringing in Damon, as a mascot, of sorts, but he’s not exactly an animal.” A pause. “He’s a potato with legs and arms, and he can talk, and dance, and he dresses in a business suit. He’s some sort of magical amalgamation that my sister gifted to me two years ago. You’ll meet him one day.” After answering the questions, speaking with Venin, and returning to find Theo and Seldanna smitten with the litter of puppies, she spies the male, chocolate colored pup, in Theo’s arms, and nods. He was the ideal choice out of all the animals within the sanctuary. “Awwww! You chose the one that I figured would be a perfect match!” The elf steps nearer and extends her arms for the chubby puppy, and once she has a firm hold on him, she undoes the small collar from around his neck and replaces it with the green leather collar she had packed earlier. “This is a uniquely enchanted collar. It has a tracking device spell on it, should he ever run off. If he gets more than three hundred feet from you, the collar will ‘beep’ until you are rejoined. Congrats! You got yourselves a new family member!” The puppy is returned to their arms, and Lana is jumping up and down and clapping, elated that her -first- adoption was to two people that have come to mean the world to her, and that they had chosen the sweetest of puppies. The elf is oblivious to the fact that Venin and Larz are deep in conversation, or that there was an exchange of coin, which would have infuriated the woman as she would never charge the Rolafir’s, for anything. Two crates, two blue leashes, two blue collars, two bags of kibble, and four bone-shaped feeding bowls are set on the counter, and Lana quirks a brow, her gaze clouded in confusion. “Wh-” Her words trail off as her ‘precious’ is brought forth, the puppy nipping playfully at Venin’s chin, while his massive paws smack against her chest, though his tail never stops wagging. His fur is a dark golden color, and his ears are slightly darker than the rest of him, which makes his hunter green eyes stand out, and though he’s from the same litter as the others in the pen, he seems to be almost doubled in size. He wears a wolfish grin, and wiggles in the caretaker’s arms, trying to launch himself into Lana’s arms, as she happily catches him, when the woman loses her hold. “Tanner, there you are!” The rambunctious retriever licks her cheek about a hundred times, before nipping her tapered ear, and finally calming down after a few minutes, content in her embrace. Lana nuzzles the puppy that she fondly named days ago, despite Venin’s warnings, and scratches him behind the ears, her gaze once more returning to the ‘double’ order of pet supplies. Had the Rolafir’s taken two puppies? It dawns on her then, and Larz confirms it as he pulls her and the puppy into his arms for a hug, his whisper causing her chocolate hues to sparkle with tears. “OHMYGODDESS! YOU ADOPTED HIM FOR ME?!?” She squeals, shoves the puppy into Venin’s arms, and forgets that the disgruntled caretaker, Seldanna, and Theo, are all watching, as she jumps into Larz’s arms, and presses her lips against his in a deep, tender, kiss. Her legs wrap around his waist, her arms coil around his neck, and as she finally breaks from the passionate kiss, they lock gazes. He had made the decision that she had been putting off for a week, though if another had taken this puppy, she would have been heartbroken. Lanara is giddy and bouncing around in the half-orcs arms, much like the puppy is in Venin’s embrace. “Larz. REALLY!? You bought us a puppy?! THANK YOU! I lo-” She nearly utters those three words, and she would have meant them too, if they weren’t interrupted by a stream of curse words from the caretaker, as she loses her hold on Tanner, and the puppy drops to the floor and gives chase to the parrot near the entrance. All hell breaks loose as Lana slips from Larz’s arms and runs after the puppy, who at this point, had knocked over the perch and a large bag of bird seed, while the macaw flies through the air and screeches, “Murder, Murder, Murder” accompanied by some ear-splitting chirps. Lana regains control of the puppy and holds him in her arms, gently scolding him, though it’s obvious she’s amused by the whole thing. Venin glowers at the woman and her dog, as she gets a broom and pan to clean up the mess, while the bird is screaming up in the rafters. The elf gives the Rolafir’s a parchment which talks all about puppy care, and asks if they’d like a ‘behind the scenes’ tour of the facility, or if they wanted to head home with their new furry bundle to get him adjusted. If they declined her offer, she’d spend the rest of the day showing Larz what a typical day was like for her at the shelter, and if they accepted, the trio would be guided to the nursery to work with the newborns.