RP:Bringing Him Home

Summary: Talyara and Krice head to Happy Tails to adopt a puppy a few days after the Snowflake Soiree. Lanara is thrilled to find a loving home for the pup, and delighted that her sister will have a canine companion.

(Post 1 of 2) Lanara :: It’s about an hour before they close for the day and Happy Tails is bustling with excited children, potential adopters, and volunteers that clearly have their hands full. The staff has been overworked all month, since Lanara was on her honeymoon and then planned a festive soiree, so they are thrilled that she’s returned to her duties. She had recently employed another half dozen part time workers, and the local orphanage sent over quite a few volunteers to learn about responsibility. It’s a good thing that she has more helping hands, as it’s kitten season, and there are over forty that are currently being bottle fed in the nursery! The witch is currently in the stock room taking inventory, but she periodically sticks her head out the door to check on the time and to see if anyone needs her help. A large box with ample cushioning sits on a desk, with five calico kittens inside that are currently sleeping. It seems that even the witch is manning a few of the many felines that need extra care! Lana’s eager for everyone, except the employees, to filter out within the hour so that she can have some alone time with Talyara and Krice. They are coming to pick up their new bundle of joy! She’s going to be ‘aunt’ to another fur baby and she’s very excited!

(Post 2 of 2) Venin, the sanctuary’s disgruntled caretaker, stands on top of the entrance desk and screams at the top of her lungs, “We are closing soon and ask those of you that aren’t taking home an animal today, to please exit the building! Volunteers, please finish up your duties within the next thirty minutes and go home! We will be open again tomorrow morning for any potential adopters or donors, and should you require a meeting with our founder, you must make an appointment.” A few people shoot dirty looks to the dark-skinned woman, but she merely glares right on back and purses her lips in a thin line. Venin has little patience for people, but she’s wonderful with the animals, which is likely how she’s kept her job this long. Climbing down from the desk, the wretched woman locks the front doors so that no one can enter or exit without her assistance. She clearly means business, and turns away any stragglers that wish to show up minutes before closing, with an unapologetic shake of her head as she points to the hours listed on a sign at the entrance. The woman’s dark eyes widen as Talyara and Krice make their way down the well-manicured path, because she happens to find the silver haired enigma to be rather handsome. It’s extremely rare to see Venin smile, but her resting bitch face shifts into a pleased, welcoming grin, as she unlocks the door and ushers them inside. “Lana is in the back ordering supplies for the coming week, but she told me that you’d be coming in...Why don’t you two head into her office and I’ll have her meet you there with the puppy?”

Krice arrived with Talyara by Gylworliath, his green-scaled wyvern. She landed several meters to the south and remained there out of view, partly because there were a lot of people up ahead and not all of them were familiar with mini-dragons. Krice dismounted first, turning as the wyvern crouched to lower herself. He reached out to take hold of the little witch atop his mount and help her to the ground, his expression warm during the interaction- though shifting more guarded when he pivoted for the sanctuary. "That's... a lot of people," observed the warrior, meandering with his companion along the path as the crowds began to disperse. When they reached the sanctuary and were greeted by Venin, he gave her acknowledgement in the same disappointing way that he greeted other fangirls- a simple nod that didn't acknowledge their preening at all. He didn't mean it with the intent to dismiss them; his mind only had space for one woman, and she was beside him. He would follow Venin's lead to the back, guarded and relatively reserved though Talyara would be able to tell that he was charmed and happy for her excitement.

Talyara slid from Gylworliath’s back with Krice’s assistance and immediately interlaced her fingers with his. When he commented on the amount of people ahead, the witch smiled brightly, proud of her big sister’s success! She gave the warrior’s hand a squeeze. “It’s nearly closing time so they won’t be there much longer. C’mon.” As they made their way down the path, Taly excitedly bounced beside Krice, practically skipping with each step she took. She had always wanted a dog but was never allowed one growing up and then even as she got older, the time was never right for one. However, the adorable puppies at the Soiree had won her heart over and she was bursting with excitement to meet their new family member. Taylor and Ella were her pets first, and despite their affection towards the warrior, this would be the first animal they got -together-. When Venin, who always seemed to tolerate Taly a bit more than Lana, smiles brightly at the couple, the little witch arched her brow curiously at the stellar customer service, when realization broke over her. Taly’s pace quickened as she weaved her way to the back towards Lana’s office and without preamble, spoke in a hushed whisper. “Sister! Did you know Venin has a -thing- for Krice?” She looked at the warrior apologetically, she wasn’t trying to make him uncomfortable, but this was important gossip.

Lanara steps into her office with a wide smile on her fair face, as she impulsively pulls her little sister into a tight hug, “You’re picking up your baby boy! TODAY! Yayyyy! And honestly, it doesn’t surprise me! She hates literally everyone but if seeing him puts her in a good mood, we should convince him to volunteer here!” Little do the sisters know, but the wretched caretaker is lurking in the doorway! Lana’s excited for both the puppy and the couple, because she’s sure that they are a perfect match! “Heya, Krice!” She pauses before him, always unsure how to greet the warrior. He loathes hugs, handshakes are too formal, and she doubts he would understand a hip fistpump. Lana settles on something else entirely today, as she turns to Venin, who is standing there ogling the male with her lips parted and a lost look in her eyes. The box of calico kittens is grabbed and promptly delivered into Krice’s grasp, “Hold these, please! I will go grab the puppy, but I can’t leave them unattended for too long. If they wake up and start meowing, Taly can show you how to bottle feed them.” A knowing smirk is on her face as she turns to exit the room, dragging Venin along with her, since the woman is practically drooling over Krice. “He’s engaged to my sister, so don’t even think about it, Venom!” They can hear the women chatting as they take off down the hall, and Lana’s singsong voice says something about how she’s hoping for a ‘double adoption’ as she saw the man eyeing similar kittens at the soiree.

Krice wasn't uncomfortable. Though he only had eyes for Talyara, he wasn't oblivious to the fact that some women seemed warmer toward him at times. Rebecca was a fine example, though she was more obvious about it than Venin. Dressed in his usual black attire with his black and white katanas strapped to his back, he afforded his companion a softened expression before glancing at their surroundings more pointedly. There must have been a thousand scents there, given the amount of animals and people who'd come to see them, so he looked a little distracted as he mentally tried to sift through them all. It was during this scrutiny that he saw Venin at the threshold of the room, but Lanara was soon in his space bringing her bubbles to his natural introversion and he could almost picture them literally floating around her, all with little happy faces and angel wings. What a weird thing to imagine. "Hey." When the woman turned away, he glanced at Talyara to offer a silent apology for being so… NOT bubbly, and found himself the recipient of a box of kittens. "Sure." He looked down at the sleeping felines as he held their bed in both arms, his expression softening slightly. "Cute."

Talyara chuckled and returned Lana’s hug, giving her sister an extra squeeze. She couldn’t think of a better place to adopt a puppy from! She giggled when Lana suggested Krice volunteer at the sanctuary to keep Venin in a perpetual good mood and she teasingly bumped her hip against her lover’s. She blinked in surprise when Lana shoved the kittens in the warrior’s arms before fleeing the room with Venin, and peered down at the slumbering felines. “Aww they are really cute too! Especially that one!” she pointed to the smallest of the litter who had a little heart shaped spot atop her head between her ears. While she was momentarily distracted by the adorableness of the kittens, she did catch Krice’s look and leaned her head sideways to rest against his bicep. “I know, it’s okay.” Krice wasn’t the bubbly sort and she knew that Lana’s extroversion sometimes took him back. “She’s just very excited for us! Plus, she loves her job and working here with the animals. She’s in her element.”

Lanara returns to the office with a golden puppy in her arms, trying to carefully close the door behind her so that she can settle him down on the floor. He wiggles in the embrace and keeps licking her face, before he stops fidgeting and snuggling her and notices the others in the room. One ear stands erect, while the other flops down, and although he’s little now it’s obvious that he will be a large dog once he hits adulthood. His paws are rather large and he hasn’t grown into them just yet, but that doesn’t stop him from bounding over to Taly and jumping onto her lap. His tail sways from side to side about a hundred times a minute and he whines excitedly and nuzzles her neck, before leaning over to give Krice some puppy kisses. “So! This is the little guy that you picked out a couple of days ago, and he’s already gained a pound and his fur has grown a bit! He’s about eleven weeks old now, and he’s been at Happy Tails for almost a month, just waiting for the right family. I think he’s a mixture of a golden retriever, and either husky or shepherd, but it’s just my best guess.” Lana steps behind the desk to snag the intake file on the puppy, “He was found as a stray, all by himself, in one of the dark alleys over in Cenril. He was dehydrated and starving, but aside from that he was pretty healthy! We call him ‘Scooby’ here, but you can change his name to whatever you like, as he’s still so young. Today he was cleared by the vet, so he doesn’t have any illnesses or injuries, and he’s ready to go home! But please, don’t feel obligated to adopt him! You both can take some time with him if you’re not sure, or you can pick out a different puppy.” Lana glances at the box that Krice is holding as two of the kittens stir and a soft meow reaches her tapered ears, “I will give you both a few minutes with Scooby and you can let me know what you want to do when I return!” She waits for Krice to hand the kittens back, unless he wishes to feed them, but either way the witch will exit the room so they can have their privacy with the puppy.

Krice huffed in quiet amusement following Talyara's reply relating to Lanara's bubbliness, shaking his head to try to dismiss any concern his companion had about his mood. He was pleased to be here, to see Talyara so happy to welcome the pup into their bubble--a tolerable bubble. With Talyara’s head resting on his bicep, he felt a little more relaxed here in this completely foreign place, but his guardedness remained. With Lanara returning, he diverted his attention to her and then to the puppy in her arms, observing Talyara's resultant glee once the canine was placed in her arms. It warmed him at his very core to see her so happy, her delight boosting his contentment. He glanced down at the kittens when they woke, but he didn't hesitate to give the box to Lanara when she asked for it. Once the sister was gone, Krice would move toward the desk where he'd place a neatly stacked pile of gold coins, procured from the pouch in his left pants pocket. A donation to the shelter to hopefully help with caretaking and other expenses. He said to his companion, "Up to you, Little Lady." She had chosen this puppy on the day of the adoption drive, and they seemed just as compatible.

Talyara sat down on the floor, unable to contain her excited energy. Her leg was bouncing uncontrollably as she looked from the door to Krice to the kittens. She was wearing a simple pair of black leggings with an oversized forest green blouse cinched at the waist with a leather belt. As soon as Lana entered with the wiggling puppy, Taly’s back straightened and she waited to see if the puppy would be interested in her. She needn’t worry because he scurried over to her on his oversized paws and jumped into her lap, licking her face and nuzzling into her neck. The little witch squealed in delight and was quick to hug the pup back, burying her face in his soft fur as he struggled to give Krice’s hand a few licks. Taly began to scratch him all over, causing in the roll over on his back, tongue lolling out of his mouth, as she bestowed copious amounts of belly rubs on him. “Poor baby left starving and thirsty on the streets,” the thought was enough to bring tears to Taly’s eyes. “He looks so good now! He’s really filled out and clearly his rough start to life hasn’t affected his personality at all.” She smiled appreciatively at her sister when she offered to give them space and watched curiously as Krice pulled out a stack of coins to leave on the desk as a donation. “I love him,” Talyara proclaimed and she scooped the puppy up in her arms once more. “But what about you? Do you like him?”

Lanara left the couple to their own devices as she leaves the room with the box of kittens in her arms. She hopes to give them an ample amount of time to make their decision, because it’s not one that should be taken lightly. Adopting a fur baby is a big deal! Lana bottle feeds the kittens and once they return to their slumber with full bellies, she drops them off in the nursery so the volunteers can keep a watchful eye. By now, the sanctuary is empty, save for the workers, some volunteers, and of course Talyara and Krice. The witch enjoys the quiet that comes after all the visitors leave and she checks in on a few of the animals that are in the recovery room, tending to any of their post-surgery needs. It’s been at least thirty minutes, so she feels it’s safe to assume that her sister and Krice have made their decision regarding the puppy. Lana makes her way back to her office and on the way grabs one of the younger cats from its cage. This particular feline is a female calico, with bright green eyes, and she’s about six months old. Of course, Lana wouldn’t have any qualms should Taly and Krice wish to adopt more than one pet, but her reasons for bringing this cat into the room are purely innocent. As she steps in, she smiles at them both, “Have you decided?” Chocolate hues pass from the warrior to the witch, and she motions to the cat in her arms, “I know you have cats at home, so I figured we should make sure that Scooby gets along well with them, to avoid any accidents. We call this little girl Layla! And although she looks the same as the kittens from earlier, they aren’t related.” Lana sees something shiny out of the corner of her eye and her lips part when she takes in the mound of gold atop her desk. “The adoption fee is waived, Sister! You -built- this place. I’m not going to charge you a copper!”

Krice made sure the pile of twenty gold coins was neat, for no reason in particular, and passed Talyara a charmed smile when she spoke of her love for him to the puppy. He turned his back to the desk and picketed his hands, observing his companion and relishing her happiness. When Lanara returned with a kitten, the warrior glanced her way and then looked down at the kitten. Cute. Without intending to ignore her question, he asked, "How many animals do you have here?" He could smell a whole variety of species before he even passed the threshold of the entrance, some scents current, some older and faded.

Talyara blinked up at Krice when he didn’t comment on the puppy and whether or not he approved of him. The little witch frowned slightly and the puppy, seemingly picking up on the witch’s emotions, whimpered and put his head down between his paws. “I…don’t want to make this decision alone,” she murmured quietly, scratching the pup’s head between his ears. Taly nibbles on her bottom lip and looks up at the door when Lana enters carrying another adorable kitten! It looked much like the kittens the elder witch swept away in the box. Taly looked over her shoulder at the gold and then back to Lana. “That’s from Krice,” she explained with a smile. The puppy perked up when he saw the kitten and his tail began to thump against the floor.

Lanara glances up at the ceiling as she tries to get the exact number of animals that are currently at the sanctuary, “It’s a bit tricky with all the kittens we have coming in and going out each day this week… But… I know for sure that we currently have fifty-four exotic animals, and give or take a few kittens? Close to two hundred domesticated animals that need homes. Six of which are in the infirmary or post-op area. There’s also our parrot near the entrance, but this is his forever home. And we keep a few horses in the stables in case we need to travel a great distance for an animal rescue.” Lana realizes that she’s giving Krice far more information than he asked and she smiles bashfully, a little color entering her cheeks. “Sorry. I’m pretty passionate about this place.” Her sister is frowning and Lana quirks a brow, wondering if they are having second thoughts about the puppy. “If you’re undecided we have other puppies! I think we have about six? No-no, seven! We have seven others that you can look at, but they range in age from eight weeks to five months.” The pup’s tail is wagging, so Lana deposits the cat on the floor and keeps a close watch on them. She only looks up once to thank Krice for the donation, “You didn’t need to do that, but thank you very much. It’s for a good cause!” Layla meows and approaches the puppy, and being the rather friendly kitten that she is, she rubs the side of her face against his back paw. The puppy seems to want to play and the kitten isn’t afraid in the least! “I think it’s safe to say that he will get along great with Ella and Taylor!” Lana looks at her sister and then the door, silently asking if she should step out and giving them privacy.

Krice instantly could tell that Talyara was saddened, but he wasn't completely sure why. As Lanara spoke, his attention was thus divided but he did listen. He shook his head once the other sister mentioned choosing another puppy. Talyara's comment about not wanting to choose on her own clarified the issue. "Didn't we choose this one at the adoption drive?" He didn't want to change the pup for another. Regarding his companion, he gently said, "I thought we chose him then."

Talyara looked up at Krice and shrugged sheepishly. He wasn’t interacting with the dog at all, so even though they had fallen in love (or at least she had) with the puppy at the soiree, she didn’t know whether he had changed his mind or not. She knew he was reserved but still…”I like this one,” she agreed with a nod, finally pushing herself to a stand and watched as the puppy and kitten play-bowed to each other and yipped and swatted playfully. Taly leaned against Lana’s desk and sneakily dropped another pouch of coins she slipped out of her back pocket. It was quite heavy and with her sister’s more advanced hearing she might hear the soft thud. “I didn’t realize you had so many in house, Lana! Have you thought about expanding to other areas in the land so you don’t need to travel all over?”

Lanara keeps quiet, for once, and allows the couple to make this decision together and without her input. Kneeling on the floor she watches as the puppy and kitten play together and she hopes that Taylor and Ella will be just as warm with their new dog brother. At last, the couple decide on the puppy and she rises to her feet and gives them both a brilliant smile, “Yay! Congrats on your new fur baby!” The elder sister shakes her head when she hears the sound of coins dropping onto her desk, because Taly is the ‘good’ witch and clearly doesn’t have a deceptive bone in her body. Lanara isn’t fooled by the distraction or the posture, let alone the fact that her hearing is far better than that of a human. “Sister! You don’t have to give me anything, please, let this be my gift to you both…” She moves to stand behind her desk and rummages through some files, before she finds an adoption application, “Okay. Before you can take this little guy home, I need to know if I should register him under both of your names? Or just one of you? I can always change the last name once you guys are married.” She doubts they will break up, but in the event that the puppy goes missing, a contact is needed. “Also. I will just put -my- name as the next of kin, in case you both pass away.” Lana marks off several boxes and she pauses at one, “What will you name him? I can leave it blank if you haven’t decided.” As she’s filling out the forms and conversing with the couple, Layla has plopped herself on Krice’s shoe and is looking up at him with that intelligent gaze that most felines possess. She swats playfully at his ankle and begins to purr. Lana smiles, “She really likes you… Oh! So when we finish up here, I will show you our little shopping area and you can pick out any supplies you will need. I recommend a crate for potty training, treats, a new collar and leash, and of course he will need a bag of kibble and bowls.”

Krice extended a hand toward Talyara as Lanara moved behind her desk, inviting his companion to his side. He turned to face Lanara thereafter, his attention briefly distracted by the kitten on his foot. He smirked with a quiet 'hn', charmed by the little animal. As soon as Lanara started talking about the official side of things, the warrior listened attentively, presumably with his left arm around Talyara's shoulders if she didn't deny his request for the closeness. When Lanara mentioned changing the pup's details once they were married, he glanced at his companion thoughtfully. "Krice and Talyara Isilme?" His brow furrowed; he didn't quite know how she wanted to do it.

Talyara waved her sister off and tried to shove the pouch of gold coins behind an oversized ledger. “Well, it’s not for -you- technically, it’s for the sanctuary! Especially now that I know you have so many animals! Plus I know you rely on donations to help offset the cost of everything.” Taly lived a simple life and didn’t live extravagantly, so it made sense for her to share her meager wealth. When Krice invited her to his side she didn’t hesitate, leaning against him as he wrapped his arm around her shoulders. When he gave their combined names and instead chose -her- surname, she looked up at him curiously. “You want my name?” Traditionally, the woman would take her spouse’s last name but Taly wasn’t against going against the normal. “That’s fine,” she said, agreeing with the warrior. When Lana volunteered to be the pup’s next of kin should anything happen, the little witch rolled her eyes good naturedly. Of course she would have chosen anything but still. “I think we need to think about a name, to really get a sense of his personality.” Talyara’s emerald eyes dropped to the kitten on Krice’s shoe and she inclined her chin towards her. “We can take her, too? She seems to have taken a liking to you.” The couple would definitely need to take a look at the shop because they had nothing at home for the new pup.

Lanara realizes that she didn’t answer Taly’s question a few minutes ago, and so she lifts a dismissive hand, “Don’t mind me, I’m so scatterbrained! We have expanded! I purchased twenty acres to the west and we built a few barns as we keep taking in a lot of farm animals and horses. There’s also a section for training, physical therapy, and a domed area for animals that fly or are ridiculously tall. We have more construction in the works, just as soon as we get more funding. I’m hosting an event at the end of June, with Penelope, in Enchantment to attract more donors. We’d love it if you both stopped by, and feel free to bring this little guy, too! It’s family and pet friendly.” The woman purses her lips when Krice mentions that he will take Talyara’s name, because she hadn’t seen this coming, and she finds it to be so romantic! “Okay… Krice and Talyara Isilme. Perfect!” Lana signs her name at the bottom beside ‘adoption counselor’ and she lifts her gaze and laughs when Taly suggests that they adopt the kitten, too. “Actually, she was adopted last week but then the adoption fell through! The woman that wanted to take her ended up having to leave the lands on short notice. She -is- available if you are interested.” Lana doesn’t force the issue but she waits for Krice to answer, as she will have to fill out another form.

Krice shrugged his head at Talyara's question, looking a little boyish. He mumbled, "I don't know how it all works, or if you want to keep your name. I don't know." He was so oblivious to the traditions of normal life that he couldn't even figure out how some things were supposed to be. When the kitten was brought up, he glanced down at it again but remained close to Talyara with an arm around her shoulders, but nudged the little feline with the tip of his other boot. Very gently and affectionately. "One animal at a time, I think," he mused, glancing apologetically at his companion. " Do you want to fill out this form or shop, or do both together, or?"

Talyara leaned her head against Krice’s shoulder when he smiled boyishly and explained how he wasn’t familiar with how it all works. She looked back at Lana, slightly embarrassed as well at their little display. “Krice and Talyara Isilme is good for now. We will have to wait on the pup’s name itself.” She looked down at the kitten when Krice gently nudged it away and pouted a little. Clearly, loving animals and wanting to adopt them all was a genetic trait! “Do you need anything else for the form?” If not she would give a little bounce of excitement and talk about going to the store.

Lanara bites the inside of her cheek to keep from chuckling, because at least Taly is polite enough to ask Krice if he wants another pet. Lana just brings random animals home and tells Tiber that he has no choice in the matter! “Understood. There’s no pressure!” She bends to lift Layla into her arms and strokes the cat under the chin, “We are all finished up here, but please let me know when you decide on a name!” She waits for Krice or Taly to collect their new bundle of fur from the floor before she escorts them out of the office, “The pet store is this way… Feel free to take whatever you like, and if we don’t have a certain color bed or collar or whatever, I can have Venin special order it!” Once they arrive at the store, they will see an assortment of pet goods ranging from basic to beyond spoiled variations! “If you need my help, just call my name! I’m going to return this cutie to her enclosure.” Lana smiles at Taly and Krice and gives them their privacy.

Krice visibly softened when Talyara's head rested on his shoulder. With the kitty picked up by Lanara, Krice reached across his free hand to scratch the kitten's head gently. Thereafter, he'd turn with Talyara to follow her sister to the pet store. If the puppy lagged behind, he'd stop to scoop him up and hold him on one arm against his chest - or pass him to Talyara if she wanted to hold him. "Thanks, Lanara."

Talyara was sure that she’d be able to convince Krice to get a calico kitten another time, maybe once the puppy was slightly older. While Ella and Taylor were a responsibility, they were very independent girls and didn’t require the same level of care as normal kittens. When Lana assured the couple there was nothing more to be done paperwork wise, the little witch crouched down and encouraged the pup to walk with them. When he didn’t move, the warrior scooped him up and the loveable dog’s tongue lolled out of the side of his mouth as the couple were led to the store. Talyara’s eyes went wide as she took it all in and -of course- she wanted to spoil their new baby. She meandered over to the selection of beds and eyed the most plush one made with a slate gray fabric. The little witch looked towards her lover and lifted a brow in silent question. She had given all the gold she had on her person to Lana as a donation so the warrior would have to agree to foot this portion of the bill. Of course he’s not going to tell her no so he gave her a subtle nod and went over to grab the bed she chose. The couple would continue to methodically walk through the store, Talyara carefully selecting each and every item after detailed examination, sticking with a black and gray theme with subtle hints of blue. Finally, the pup is fitted with a stunning dark blue leather collar and everything looks all official. Talyara wrapped her sister tightly in her arms, thanking her for setting up the adoption in the first place. Krice discretely shuffled some coins onto the counter near the cash register and after the sisters plan a get together in the near future, the couple bid goodbye to the elder witch, and head back to Gylworliath to bring their new fur baby home.