RP:An Adoption Celebration

Summary: Meri brings Mountain and Mr. Weanie to an event at Lanara's Animal Sanctuary meant to celebrate those who have adopted from her in the past.

Lanara's Animal Sanctuary

The gates of the sanctuary are wide open today, and there doesn’t appear to be any guards on patrol, though it’s likely that they are lurking in the shadows, should anything ominous occur. The area that rests between the facility and the gates has been revamped for the day’s festivities. It seems as though it’s a winter festival for those that have adopted an animal, as the grounds are covered in peoples and pets alike, enjoying the companionship of one another. Tables of freshly baked goods, finger sandwiches, and loads of snacks, have been set up on the left of the grounds, while picnic blankets have been affixed to the grass with paw-print stones to hold them in place. On the right side of the grounds, there is a wheel that one can spin to win a prize for their pet, a kissing booth with some adorable puppies vying for attention, and an agility course for the more active pets that wished to earn a ribbon. Venin stands at the punch table, her hands on her hips and a scowl on her face, as the sun beats down on her tanned form. She hates people, she dislikes the thought of having fun, and she despises the outdoors. The only thing going for this event was that many would give a donation, and there were animals, which she likes far more than people. Lanara stands at the adoption booth, deep in conversation with someone that had an interest in taking home a pair of lynx kitten. After going over a care sheet, she hands them a stack of papers to fill out, and scans the crowd, hoping to see a familiar face or two.

Meri had gotten the memo that there was a little shindig occurring at the sanctuary today. Even if there was not a bit of a party, celebrating and appreciating all the pet parents that have adopted from the shelter, Meri would have brought Mountain and Mr. Weanie. Both dogs appear to be on their best behavior, walking nicely next to Meri....and it is good they are on their best behavior today for their momma has definitely grown in size. More rapidly than Lanara might expect for a human. Like sure, Meri was showing at the Yule Ball, but this woman is definitely unmistakably pregnant now. For the Yule Ball, Meri was probably in the tail end of her first trimester. For this meeting, it was a little harder to pin point. End of second? Beginning of third? The point is, this is not right, this is not normal....This is also not a repeat of the disaster in Larket for Meri seems to be in fine health. Meri meanders around the event with her two pups. Both Lanara and Venin are spotted at some point during her meandering. Lanara is in a deep conversation right now, so Meri is not going to approach and interrupt. She'll wait for the witch to have a chance to finalize the adoption. Venin....well Meri is just going to avoid her at all costs. Does Meri really need punch? Not yet, not now. She'll wait for Venin to go away. Meri is going to do what pregnant women do best and peruse the snack table, her pups will also reap the benefits of this....and Meri won't even care if Venin sees her give them too many "treats." Meri'll spoil her dogs how she wants!

Lanara’s babbling seems to be in full force today, and even the potential adopter is wondering if the woman’s words will ever cease. She loved her job, clearly, and it’s obvious that she cares for all of the animals, as several are tugging on their leashes to go and greet the founder. Once well-behaved pets are practically dislocating arm sockets of those that are strolling leisurely along the grounds, and the witch makes it a point to excuse herself from the adopter, in order to greet those in close proximity. A black dog is the first to win her attention, and Lana drops to her knees to place chaste kisses above the mutt’s brow, delighted at how he wiggles and douses her in affection. The couple that owns the dog is gushing over how she seems to have a way with animals, and the witch chuckles, knowing that only a select few knew of her empathic abilities. It could also be that she nursed all of them back to health, and when Venin wasn’t looking, gave them an abundance of treats! Speaking of Venin… The woman is now glaring at a fellow in the crowd that seems to be nursing his drink, and she’s convinced that he’s harboring alcohol. “There will be no spiking of the punch on this day!” She’s hissing beneath her breath, and before long, she abandons her post entirely and stalks into the crowd, intent on giving this individual a piece of her mind! The poor man was thirsty, having hiked all the way here from Cenril, and he looks alarmed as he’s wrongfully scolded. Over and over, he points to the cup, exclaiming that it’s ‘water’ but Venin continuously is overheard saying she won’t be fooled! A crowd is forming around the angered caretaker and the man, and it’s then that Lana lifts her head and locks eyes with the massive dog she appropriately nicknamed Mountain, and his counterpart was at his side! Rising to her feet, the witch closes the distance between Meri and herself, and greets her friend with a brief hug and a warm smile. Was she pregnant? How had Lana missed this at the Yule Ball?! Perhaps she was one of those women that didn’t show until the last minute? Suspicion is in her gaze, as she subtly glances at Meri’s protruding stomach, though she doesn’t outright comment on it, for now. Knowing Lanara, being the curious busy body that she is, it wouldn’t be long before she began with the loaded questions. “Meri! I’m thrilled you could make it! I love when my friends support me, and the sanctuary, it really means the world to me. How have you been? Is Callum here with you, as well?” She had only met the Catalian once, on the day that both dogs were adopted, in fact! The Dane and Doxen are each given a biscuit and some pets, as she waits for Meri to reply.

Was the punch spiked? Probably not, not with Venin on guard. Venin was charging toward some poor soul that she has convinced has alcohol, the crowd is forming. Meri is not traveling over to join the gawking crowd up close, but she is watching from a distance. At least until Lanara appeared, the moment she heard the witches voice, Meri's blue eues settle back on the witch. A smile is offered. "No, Callum is not here." Meri entertains the thought of ripping the bandaid right here and no, the two of them had split up, but this was not really the time to be dropping such bombshells. Besides, Lanara was still processing one major life change in Meri's life. Lanara had definitely missed this detail at the Yule Ball -- but there was a lot going on that day and Lanara was busy playing hostess. Plus Meri had worn a loose fitting shirt to help hide her belly. The point was, if Lanara did not notice, Meri was not offended. That day was not about her anyway. Nor is today really, today is about the animals that have been adopted and celebrating the people who have opened up their homes to the little furbabies. Plus, the former adopters might bring friends who want to adopt someone new! Both of Meri's dogs are very excited to see Lanara, they did afterall spend much time in her care -- combined with that empathic link. Mr. Weanie has always had a harder time when it comes to stealing attention from people given that his competition was Mountain, who towered over the smaller dog. "I am doing alright though." Which was not really the truth, but if Meri gave the honest answer then the preggo would end up an emotional mess. "How have you been doing? It seems like you have been doing quite well for yourself...The Ball you hosted was a success...Your wedding is right around the corner. Are you ready for it? Dress picked out and all?"

Lanara doesn’t think anything of it when Meri says that Callum wouldn’t be attending the fundraiser, as men often were elsewhere on business. She had known Khitti for several years, and had yet to meet Brand, and her own fiancé, Elioyahazer, was often in Xalious working at the Mage’s Guild or at the museum plotting an adventure. One didn’t need their partner glued to their hip to have a successful relationship, and Lana strives on her independence, so she merely replies with a smile. “Please, send him my best wishes. I’m sure I’ll see you both at the wedding!” Both of the dogs are given attention, and the little guy begins to yip, as his much larger counterpart greets Lana with ease, whereas he has to wait his turn. The witch doesn’t mind bending the extra few inches to sneak him some treats, and once they have had their fair share of love, she rises and meets those blue eyes. “I’ve been well… Planning the Yule Ball was exhausting, but the turnout was incredible! I’m sure that Queen Hildegarde will be pleased to see that it went off without a hitch. The sanctuary is doing great, too! Lots of adoptions happening this week, though it’s bittersweet… A few of my favorites are leaving!” She faux-sniffles, though she’s thrilled that the white shepherd was going to a family of hobbits and would have a large farm to romp and play. Lana smiles as the thought of her upcoming wedding is brought to the surface, and she nods, “I’m terrified! Eli and I are writing our own vows, and I’m struggling to find the right words that describe how I feel. Other than that… Khitti is catering, Alvina is handling the entertainment, and I picked out my dress with Taly last week. All that I have left to do is handle the florist, but the prices for fresh flowers are absurd! I’m still hoping to find a better deal.” There’s a lull in the conversation as heated voices are rising on the other side of the grounds, namely Venin’s voice, ringing loud above the man who was harmlessly sipping at his water. Everyone seems to be avoiding that area, and a few attendees are pointing and whispering about Venin’s antics. It’s no surprise that everyone dislikes the caretaker, and once the man throws the remaining liquid in her face, she turns around without a word and storms inside the facility. A round of applause follows, and Lana can’t help but bite the inside of her cheek, to keep from giggling. The wretched woman had –finally- gotten a taste of her own medicine! Once all the commotion dies down, the witch turns to Meri with a smile, “I swear, there’s never a dull moment around here! Have you eaten? Tried any of the games?” After a moment, she broaches the obvious topic, “So, Meri… I didn’t know you were expecting…” Was she carrying twins? A super late bloomer in the growth department? “When are you due? Is there anything that I can do for you? I’ve never assisted in a birthing, but I do have healing methods, and my sister and I would be more than happy to offer our services. Unless, of course, you seek someone in the Healer’s Guild, or Emilia, as they may be more capable… How are you feeling?” She’d be happy to offer her friend some tea, or a potion to help with morning sickness. Chocolate hues are filled with concern, as she gently takes Meri by the arm and escorts her over to a bench further away from the crowd, to afford them a moment of privacy.

Meri is trying to juggle the variety of tones in this conversation. Thankfully the drama with Venin buys Meri some time to figure out how to navigate through the more somber parts of this conversation. When Lanara asks Meri to send Callum her regards, and expresses that she hopes to see them both at the wedding, Meri frowns and hesitates. "Ah. I am certainly planning to be in attendance of your wedding, but if Callum is there it will not be as my date. We are not together anymore." Dwelling on the somber topic in such a public setting really is not something that Meri is keen on doing, plus this was supposed to be a happy affair. Animals are being adopted, which is where Meri shifts the subject to next. "I can see how it would be bittersweet. Just because you are not their forever home does not mean that you don't form attachment to the cuties. Which honestly not a bad thing, at least every animal here will end up in a home where they will be well taken care of." Even though both dogs have gotten plenty of attention from Lanara, everything around them is just so exciting and both dogs end up seeking out attention again. Mountain goes for Lanara, while Mr. Weanie starts pawing at Meri's leg, like she's supposed to somehow be over to bend down to pick him up. Meri gives pause in the conversation long enough to heave a sigh so that she can crouch down to pick the little dog up. "It sounds like plans for your wedding are coming along. I've never had to plan one, so I can't say that I have any brilliant advise on anything....But I am sure that everything will come together beautifully and given enough time the words will come to you." The topics of conversation have shifted from somber, to happy, to....well the kiddo that Meri is carrying is more complicated. Part of the woman is happy, she did want a child with Callum, and yet she is also scared, anxious, and sad. "I don't know when I am due. It's really complicated. I was bitten by a werewolf a few months ago. And I guess that development is faster than the norm? Talking to Alvina," Meri tries to keep the disdain out of her tone of voice when she speaks Alvina's name. Drama in werewolfville. This happens when you bite someone and try and keep it a secret! They've got some things to work out. "...who...you know...is married to a werewolf....all of her pregnancies were faster than the norm. Which...I guess is a perk?" But if Meri is being honest, she could stand to have a little bit more time trying to figure out her life before this child comes. "It's all happening so fast that I have not really put much thought into...who is going to help me through this. And figuring out who is probably going to be a complication in itself if I can't tell them when...." By the looks of it, she's definitely in the later stages. That belly. "But I would not be opposed to you and your sister helping, if you guys are available at this mystery time. I have not spoken with Emilia in ages, not that she would not be more than capable, but I don't know that I would go to the Healer's Guild. There is also the doctor on the Tranquility. It'd probably be wise to have a few options, since I don't know when I am due really."

Lanara scratches Mountain behind his velvety ears, relieved that the excitement with Venin and the man seemed to have come to an end. Security stepped in during their conversation and asked the man to leave, while Venin was asked to remain indoors for the rest of the affair. No one is guarding the punch bowl it seems, though it’s doubtful that anyone would come to a charity event at an animal shelter and try and spike the punch, especially when there were children present! And who would even want to drink at this hour?! The tavern in Kelay is only a good mile to the south, and they likely house better booze than a sanctuary nestled in the forest, with only a few volunteers! Lana’s eyes widen in shock as it dawns on her that Meri and Callum had truly parted. The fact that the blonde doesn’t see them making up before the wedding, which is several weeks away, makes it a certainty that there wasn’t a possibility for reconciliation. Had Callum cheated on Meri? Was it the pregnancy that had caused them to part? Thoughts run rampant through Lana’s mind, and although it’s –none- of her business, the busy body witch blurts out, “What happened? I’m so sorry to hear that… Are you alright?” She’s concerned for her friend, and that concern deepens, as Meri informs her that she’s heavily pregnant and unsure of a due date… As she’s recently become a werewolf?! Lana’s eyes grow even wider, mirroring saucers, and she shakes her head, “Whoa. You have a ton going on, these days! Meri! I wish you would have come to me sooner… Maybe I could have helped, in some way.” The witch had previously been engaged to Eirik, ex-witch killer, and a lycan. She used to live with Ansel, another fellow lycan. And she briefly had dwelled with Tiber, worked with Leoxander, and had a brief affair with Desparrow, all of whom were cursed with lycanthropy. The witch is familiar with the shifting, the moon cycles, and being an animal empath, her skills could be useful. “I’m familiar with wolves, of all varieties, and if there’s –anything- I can do, please don’t hesitate.” The witch knows little about Alvina’s role in Meri becoming a werewolf, and she’s heard rumors that Hudson is a wolf, so she merely nods and smiles faintly. “Taly and I would be happy to assist, when that time comes, and if we all happen to be in the same town. If not, you can always send us a message, or I’m sure that Khitti would keep us posted on such things.” As of late, Lana had been spending a great deal of time with the redhead, and was fond of her friend and guild mate. “I know you have so much going on, with Callum, the wolf bits, the baby on the way… I know it’s not much, but if you need me to pet sit these two, or if you ever just want to get away and have a day without worries, feel free to drop in anytime. You can cuddle some of the fur babies in the nursery, or we can head to the spa, or grab some lunch. Just to take your mind off of things.”

Oh where to begin. Meri's gaze begins to shift around the numerous faces, but most of them were not even paying to Meri and Lanara chatting it up. Still, that did not stop the normally private woman from being a little bit more hesitant to open were the setting different. Meri finally resolves to beginning with the first question Lanara asks, what happened with Callum. "Ah, he's a great guy and I love him to pieces but I am not going to make him live a life he doesn't really want to be living." Meri makes a vague motion to her belly. It would seem that cheating was not the issue, but that Meri has it in her head that Cal does not want to be a father. Meri gives a shrug of her shoulders. It should not really come as much of a surprise that Meri does not stick on the subject of Cal long, much longer and she won't be able to hold her composure. "Anyway, yes...I suppose I have a lot going on right now. I have never been great about opening up to people about these negative things in my life. Usually I just bottle it up and deal with it on my own." A middle-aged woman approaches Lanara and Meri, she means neither woman any harm, in fact Lanara may actually be may familiar with her. What she wants is wholesome, just to let Lanara know that the cat she adopted from the sanctuary is happy and adjust so quickly to his new home. Meri doesn't mind the brief interruption. She is all smiles for the duration of it, but she is not quick to return back to the subject at hand. She sort of eases around it, "Maybe you can offer some help, but I'd rather discuss these things in private. I've been staying with Khitti on the Tranquility, at least for the time being, I don't plan on being there for dreadful long.....But maybe we can chat about it another time."

The witch listens intently to her friend as she speaks about the recent break-up, and sympathy shines in her dark eyes, as she replies with a nod. Matters of the heart were best kept private, but she’s thankful that it wasn’t unfaithfulness, or something that was entirely beyond repair. Maybe once Callum saw his son or daughter he would feel differently about raising a child, or perhaps he’d come to his senses before that time. Meri was a catch! The blonde was easy on the eyes, intelligent, a fierce fighter, adventurous, and unlike some in the lands, she kept to her morals. How could Callum allow the whole package to just slip through his fingers? “That’s admirable of you, Meri. Most women would force their man to…” She glances at her pronounced stomach. “Follow through for the duration of the future… You are brave and selfless, and whether or not there’s a future for you two as lovers, I hope you can remain friends. I respect whatever decision you two make, as I know it’s not an easy one.” Lana wasn’t one to talk, as she had considered having an abortion when she was carrying Desparrow’s child. Karma heard her plea, and as she had changed her mind and decided to keep the baby, it was at that precise moment that she had taken a near fatal fall and terminated the life of the unborn. Her cluttered thinking changed her fate for all time, and she’d never be able to carry a baby again, and now that she was engaged, all she wanted was to create a family with Eli. The witch is about to offer some more words of support when they are interrupted by a recent adopter and Lana smiles and gives the woman a brief hug. “Toya! It’s wonderful to see you! How is Whiskers?” The two chat for a few moments, and Toya leaves with the promise of adding a kitten to the mix in the future, as little Whiskers would love a playmate. Lana gives a parting wave to the woman, and sees several others glancing their way, wanting a moment to connect with the founder and discuss their fur babies. Apologetic, she smiles at Meri, “I’m sorry about that… And I agree! Those matters are best spoken of in private. I have never visited the Tranquility, but maybe I can stop by one afternoon and visit with you and Khitti? And you are always welcome to visit my manor, Meri. Its right behind the bread shop in Cenril. It’s gated, but I will leave your description with the guards, should you let me know when you’ll be dropping in.” The witch had moved in with Eli a few months ago, and she was still adjusting to a life on the beach, when she much preferred the forest. “Also… If you’re still tattooing, I was considering getting another piece from you.”

Was it admirable of Meri? She had her doubts. He probably would have stayed in the relationship, but would he have ever been okay with being a dad? Should Meri have just stuck around until she had the child? Would he have fallen in love with their child one he met him or her? Or would he have just grown to resent their little family unit had she stayed? Can she even manage to be a single mother? These are the questions that are going through Meri's mind as Lanara chats with Toya, but it'd be hard to tell that for a smile is often the perfect disguise. Meri is patient, letting the two women have their friendly chatter about the adoption and maybe a future adoption. "Nothing to apologize for, that's what this whole shindig is about, yeah?" Cue another smile from Meri, who is careful to not let the subject shift back to Callum. Her mind was full of doubts and even though she was a tough woman, even if she was capable of tears. "Anyway, I don't really have my own space like I did before. The walls of the Rebel Room might still stand but I liquidated everything not long..." After Valrae was executed. "Not that you would want to go there anyway." Meri clears her throat awkwardly. "I guess what I am getting at, is that I would be happy to do a tattoo for you...but if I do a house call, I don't know that I want word to get out? It's a talent that I would like to offer to friends only at this stage in my life. So why don't we set up a time for me to visit your home? We can kill two birds with one stone, talk about this tattoo...maybe do the tattoo depending on how elaborate of a piece you want...and talk about other things." Wolf related things, obviously. "I guess I should probably be dragging the pups back home. I'll send word soon about a visit?"

Perhaps if they were in a less public environment, the witch may have felt the change in Meri’s energy, and suspected that the newly turned lycan was dealing with some inner turmoil. She has her doubts, of course, that her friend was truly ‘fine’ and coping well with being a werewolf, carrying an unplanned child, living in a new place, and suffering heartache. Most women would be pulling their heart out and weeping in the corner, but not this blonde! Meri was strong, in body, mind, and spirit. She would get through this with flying colors, and perhaps once the baby was born, Callum would try to woo her back into his arms! “I understand, I know that you’re going through a lot right now, and it could be our little secret. Maybe letting those creative juices flow will help take your mind off of things!” No matter how strong one is… No matter how thick their exterior… Lana knew more than most about mending a broken heart. After Largakh was found dead in an alleyway, she had nearly taken her own life. It took her –months- to even venture outdoors again! Lana isn’t the strongest of women, or as much as a badass as the psion, but she understands pain, and wants to help in any way that she can. So whether its lunch, getting her skin inked, or just chatting long into the night, she’d be there for Meri. “I’m really happy that you stopped by, and it’s so great to see these guys again!” More cuddles and kisses ensue, as both dogs happily wag their tails, before Lana stands straight and surveys the crowd. The amount of guests had somehow doubled during their brief encounter, and if she didn’t get mingling, the donors wouldn’t be as gracious with their coin. “It was great to see you, Meri, and yes! Please send me word on when would be a good day and time. I’ll be sure that Eli is out and about that day, so that we have the house to ourselves and can have some girl time. And feel free to bring the dogs if you want! The yard is fenced in, and the dogs would love to stretch their legs in the garden.” A warm smile is given to her friend, as she leans in and presses a chaste kiss to her cheek, before an elderly gentleman approaches and aims to latch onto the founder’s arm, babbling about a herd of huskies that he saw up in Frostmaw. “No-no, we don’t train the animals to mush through the snow, Sir. You’re mistaken. This is a sanctuary; we just take care of them until they find a new home or are healthy enough to be released into the wild…” An apologetic grin is given to Meri, as Lana scribbles her address on a napkin and hands it over to the woman. “Be seeing you soon!”