RP:Therapy Dog

Summary - Loravelle meets with Noah for a second session and to collect her notebook that she left behind at the tavern. The two work on the woman’s fear of dogs and Buddy the golden retriever is the perfect little helper.

Location - Dr. Noah Atwood's office in Cenril.

Turning her home upside-down to locate her musical notebook proved to be useless. Backtracking where she had it and when eventually brought her to the embarrassing realization that she left it at The Broken Barrel at the table she shared with that mind doctor, Noah Atwood. Being on the western side of the waters that separated Lithrydel's mainland from Rynvale meant that the closest means of reaching the doctor would be his office in Cenril, but she wasn't about to make this trek alone. Cousin Xiao Linzi was coming along; a bald, muscular man of very few words and seemed much more keen on finding a pub to down a pint after delivering his cousin to the office than sticking around to listen in on her timidly asking first if the doctor was in, and second if he happened to have her precious notebook. In fact, that cousin looked to be acting more like a bouncer for Noah's office than anything else, given how he casually leans against the building's wall just outside near the door, narrowed brown eyes watching for trouble. Loravelle – no, Suoxin, remember? Suoxin, though maybe she'd stick to Lora still since that was how she introduced herself to the doctor, isn't quite sure where to look once she's stepped into Noah's office for help. The door she just wandered in from looked nice to just slip right back out of and onto the street, but...Deep breaths. Trembling hands fuss with non-existent dust and wrinkles on the pale pink abaya covering her, and the headscarf that matched it and hid her hair and throat, leaving only hands and face exposed to the world. Do doctor's offices have a lost and found box? Maybe a front desk for her to stammer out a question to someone and further embarrass herself. Gods, why did Xiao Linzi stay outside? One of her sisters should have come along, or maybe cousin Fujia or Fatima or Lancui or - heck, even Akeem might have taken time off of tending bar at the Grogshop to lend a hand. Or Grandmother Oma. Or her dear one, but he was off in the city or on the island working and she didn't want to pull him into this. At least then she wouldn't be standing there alone, shaking like a leaf…

(1-2) As Loravelle enters the reception area of the office she will be greeted by a dark-skinned elderly woman that sits behind the desk. She gives off grandmother vibes and has a warm smile on her wrinkled face, as her eyes squint and she studies the girl that shakes in the doorway. Angela Graham, simply ‘Gram’ to friends and family, beckons Lora closer with a wave of her hand, “Come on inside, Child. There’s no need to be frightened! This is a place of peacefulness… Now, will you tell me your name?” She is fairly certain that Dr. Atwood’s afternoon is clear, without a single appointment, but being that he’s new to the area it wouldn’t be wise to turn away a walk-in. The old woman waits for Lora to give her the information and she hobbles over to the filing cabinet to pull her folder. “Wait here, Child. I will let Dr. Atwood know that you’ve dropped in.” The sound of her cane clicking down the long hallway dissipates for a moment, until Gram makes her way back the way she had come. She favors her left leg and sighs heavily once she reclaims her seat behind the desk, “He said you can go on back. It’s the third door on the right… Would you like a lollipop?” Gram pushes forward a glass bowl of hard candies, lollipops, and chocolates, with a twinkle in her eyes.

(2-2) Upon entering Noah’s office, the first thing that draws Lora’s attention is the large cherrywood desk that he sits behind with a smile, “Come on in! Please, make yourself comfortable.” Bookshelves line the walls on both sides of the room, and a hearth is to the rear, with a golden retriever lying before it and gnawing on a large soup bone. The dog is aged, definitely a senior, and his tail thumps against the floor in greeting. He’s very friendly, but he maintains his distance, as not everyone is a lover of dogs. Noah knows that Lora has a fear of canines, but Buddy is harmless and won’t come closer unless commanded. At the center of the room is a large sofa that can comfortably sit four people, a few chairs, and a chaise lounge for those that need further relaxation. The room is dimly lit and kept cool, despite the fact that a fire crackles nearby. The doctor closes the door behind Lora, and retreats his seat behind the desk, reading a quill by dipping it into the inkwell. “I’m surprised to see you so soon, but I’m pleased that you’ve come into the office! Did you come all this way by yourself?” He hasn’t witnessed the bouncer-like uncle lingering outside the building, and it’s just as well. Noah would probably alert the guards for his suspicious behavior and end up losing a patient! “Oh! That reminds me!” Unlocking one of his desk drawers, Noah pulls out a notebook and slides it across his desk, “You left this behind at our last meeting. I held onto it and figured you would come to claim it.” He pauses, wondering if the girl wants a therapy session or if she’s merely here because he has her missing item. “Would you care to work on your fear of dogs today? Buddy is an old man, but he’s very friendly and wouldn’t hurt a flea!”

(1-2) Lora does a double take at the sight of the elderly woman behind the desk. Her personality reminded her of Grandmother Oma. Kind, welcoming, and reassuring. Disarming. Her skittish nature doesn't melt away entirely, but her trembling eventually slows to a halt. She approaches the desk slowly since shouting across the room would be impolite. “L-Lora,” is her quiet answer. “Loravelle.. Y-yubi-” Did she give her family name or hers at the doctor's first meeting? “I l-lost my n-n-noteboo-” She cuts herself short, falling silent again as she observes Angela retrieve something. That hobble...It takes everything in her to not rush to the elderly woman's aid like she might with Grandmother Oma, to gently take her by the arm and help her walk. Her hands close and open in small fists at her sides while she takes measured breaths as the receptionist walks away, mentally preparing to either be sent out because Noah didn't have it or to receive the news that the doctor did have it, and hopefully all Lora would have to do is retrieve it and be on her way. Angela's return with a distinct lack of a notebook causes her expression to crumple into a slight frown. Lollipop? Grey eyes lift from the floor at the sound of glass scratching wood, and she considers taking a piece. Not for herself, but her nephew loved sweets. She might be able to bribe the boy into behaving for a bit with...an orange lollipop, which she selects and tucks away into the pocket of her dress. “Thank you, Ma'am.”

(2-2) And then she's off, taking the treacherous walk from the reception area to down an unfamiliar hallway. Third door on the right. She enters quietly, and while her eyes settle on the large desk and the doctor seated behind it initially, her attention falls primarily to either wall lined with shelves of books. Reading was safe. Even magical books were safe to some degree. Blasphemous, but safe unless the pages and text themselves were spelled. If it weren't for the fact that she lingered in the doorway and had to step out of Noah's way to allow for him to close the door, the sound of which brought her to her senses to not act on her thoughts, Lora just might have drifted over to one of those shelves to look at what titles might be visible along their spines. What do mind doctors read about? But she resists, belatedly coming to the realization that there is a dog in the room near the hearth. As skittish and easy to frighten as Lora may be, she has never been one to scream when afraid. Instead she visibly recoils and takes a large step back, near close to flush with the door Noah closed behind her before returning to his desk. Her hand blindly feels for the doorknob to retreat, and her pale skin feels as if it might have gone a more sickly shade with how much more cold and numb she felt in that moment. But the creature's fur is gold. Gold fur...Her dear one's fur turned gold, just like the hair on his head as a man. That realization helps, but she finds herself resorting to her breathing and counting game to gather herself into some semblance of calm. With the final sense being taste, she considers reaching into her pocket to shove the lollipop she selected for her nephew into her mouth, but refrains. It's rude to eat in settings such as this. Her answer to Noah's question is likely very delayed with her frightened reaction to the sight of the golden retriever, but her head eventually shakes. “My cousin....” Her head turns a little to peek over a shoulder. “H-he's outside.” It's difficult to reciprocate Noah's friendly nature and exchange pleasantries if that was how visiting a mind doctor worked, but at the sight of her notebook on his desk, some of that anxiety begins to fade. It lures her in, enough to walk toward it and by extension, the desk and the man seated behind it, with a few wary glances toward the golden-furred dog nearby. She doesn't scramble to take the notebook into her hands for fear of looking greedy or selfish even if it did belong to her, but she carefully picks it up holding it as if it were something precious and delicate. It didn't look disturbed, and if he happened to peruse its pages, that didn't matter. It's in her hands once more where it belongs. “Thank you, Doctor Atwood.” That had to be the end of this exchange, right? This is where she waves goodbye and heads out the door... He's asking a question. Lora can't ignore that. Did she have a choice? Did he lock the door when he closed it moments ago? Brows raise with suspicion, and her head turns yet again to peer over a shoulder toward the door. Toward safety. She remains standing, clutching her notebook in her hands as if it might protect her, grey eyes swiveling over toward the dog. Buddy. That's a friendly name... And the gold fur helps. Reluctantly, she answers the question with a slow nod.

(1-2) Noah can visibly see the fear in Loravelle’s posture as her body tenses and she runs through her five stages of reducing a panic attack. It’s unsettling for him to watch, because the doctor wants nothing more than to help his patients… Not further traumatize them! Buddy is gentle and keeps his distance, though the compassion in his chestnut gaze can be felt throughout the room. The dog offers better therapy than Dr. Atwood on any given day, but they both know that this young woman isn’t the first patient to come along that has a fear of canines. Not wanting to push Lora into a session but also not wanting to send her off skittish back to her waiting uncle, Noah remains seated behind his desk and just watches her go through the emotions. The book is collected and sheepish glances are given to the golden retriever. She’s about to bolt when she does the unthinkable and gives him a slow nod, and Noah responds with a proud grin. It warms his heart when his patients are willing to work through their issues, and so he motions to the sitting area. Lora has a choice of a rocking chair, some sturdy backed chairs, the leather sofa, or the chaise lounge beside the hearth.

(2-2) “I’m glad that you’ve decided to stay, Miss Loravelle. You have my word that no harm will come to you from Buddy. He’s well-trained and he has never hurt anyone… But, I cannot promise that he won’t lick you to death once you two become friends.” Another smile is offered as Noah selects Lora’s file from the stack on his desk and breezes through it to familiarize himself with her fears before they carry on. “How did you feel after our last visit?” The generic question is offered so that he can gauge if she's the type to dwell on every last word and emotion or if life resumes as normal, after a session. Some patients tend to clam up or shy away from the world, whereas others grow angry or enter a manic state. Most reflect on their session a few times during the week but aside from that, don’t think about it until their next meeting. Noah’s eyes land on the three fears that Lora first wishes to address and he circles them; nightmares, magic, and canines. It seems that they will begin with canines and go from there, but he doesn’t want to overwhelm her all at once. The question she most wishes to answer is ‘how to trust oneself’ and he feels that the canine fear and trust go hand in hand. Today will be a fulfilling day for both patient and doctor, he feels, so he closes the file and is ready to get down to business. “Can I ask you why you are afraid of dogs…? Were you ever bitten or scratched by one? Is it their bark? Their appearance?” Understanding the fear is part of the process, and it seems that Noah is eager to get to the root of the issue.

(1-2) It's embarrassing to react this way to a dog clearly not poised to pounce, and she knows it. The rigidity and stability of a high backed chair is what she needed, lest she feel faint and collapse or something equally embarrassing due to her wound up nerves. At Noah's motion, Lora takes a seat in one of those high-backed chairs and keeps her posture near perfect, rigid, poised just as she was trained to do in case someone required something of her. Of course back then, she was hardly permitted to sit. Except for that one time...The memory floods her thoughts, elicits a small smile that quickly fades once the doctor begins to speak. His assurances are helpful, thinks Lora, casting a wary glance at Buddy near the hearth, but she isn't about to walk over and pet him. “Relieved,” is her reply about how she felt. Relieved to be out of The Broken Barrel, out of...this situation, even if she's doing it to herself. Relieved that she managed to brave it without fleeing. She wanted to see if it worked but wanted to resist it at the same time. Being at odds with oneself can be so frustrating, and perhaps that shows in her expression as brows knit and lips purse. “H-how are you...?” Is Lora supposed to ask that? Were questions, save the ones that she wrote down for him, permissible?

(2-2) His next question is one she had an answer for, one that Lora would very much prefer not to discuss with a stranger, but she talked about it to a healer once before. Thamalys, the white-winged avian. In the Grogshop, of all places, after a chance encounter with an orc. At that time she had a glass of water to busy her hands with as they trembled while she drug up memories oftentimes relived in nightmares. This time she had her notebook, and felt her thumb idly run up and down along pages at one corner like one might draw their finger across strings of an instrument. The movement is calming, familiar. Safe. “I was t-thrown to a pack of wolves when I was....sixteen. Seventeen. By my sisters...to save me.” Her shoulders rise and fall with a shrug. Somewhere in between. The sound of their growls and barking, the sensation of teeth and claws sinking into her flesh. Her own screams, drowned out by their noise. Her sisters- Grey eyes snap shut at the memory, and her head shakes a little as if to shoo it away. Noah is a doctor, but Lora isn't about to disrobe to reveal to him what they did to her. Instead she keeps her eyes glued to the floor with some clear embarrassment, but not shame. Never shame for this. She knew why it happened. She knew why it had to happen. “They disfigured me.”

(1-2) Noah isn’t used to getting questions about himself, but it’s a nice change of pace and one that’s easily answered. “I’m doing well. I went to a charity event near here this past weekend and met some new people. They had some interesting things for sale. I purchased a book on botany and I’m eager to make use of my greenhouse with some things that grow in this region.” He hadn’t meant to answer in such depth, nor did he mention that he met Leoxander. The tattoo artist introduced himself and claimed to know Noah, as his girlfriend happens to be a patient. It could have been a few different women that he sees on a regular basis, but Noah and Leo narrowed it down to Loravelle. The doctor didn’t want to abuse the confidentiality agreement so he kept his interaction with the man brief and politely excused himself. The pair seem to be opposites at extreme ends of the spectrum, at least from his first impressions of them both. If Lora is to mention their meeting, Noah will delve into that sector of therapy, but for now he’s eager to see what has the woman so afraid of dogs.

(2-2) As Loravelle speaks of a memory that haunts her and brushes her fingertips against the book, the man feels compelled to maintain direct eye contact. Whether or not the look is reciprocated, he doesn’t mind, either way. Lora deserves to be heard and taken seriously and since this is such a heavy topic and such a deep rooted fear, Noah finds it hard to look away. There isn’t pity in his gaze, but a strong understanding. “You are lucky to be alive…” His words trail off and he thinks maybe that’s why she dresses in multiple layers. To hide her scars. “Did you say that your sisters threw you to the wolves in an effort to save you? Can you explain that to me?” The tale is horrific and solidifies Lora’s fear of dogs, but he hopes that this fear can be overcome with a little understanding and some exercises. “There is a difference between wild animals and domesticated animals… Domestic means that the feral nature has been subdued through training and years of working beside humans. I can’t promise that every dog will be friendly, but -most- dogs are happy to receive our attention. Also, there are some signs that you can watch for which will indicate if the dog is in a bad mood or about to attack. I think that with some conditioning, your fear will lessen dramatically.” Buddy whines and looks at Lora. His tail swishes from side to side and he wonders why he’s not allowed to greet the woman. Noah lets him greet just about everyone that walks through the door, except those with allergies. The doctor smirks and motions to the golden retriever, “It’s literally hurting Buddy’s feelings that he isn’t getting pets and treats from you. When you are ready, I’d like to invite him over to say hello.”

(1-2) Oh, that's right! The Bazaar wasn't too long ago. She would have gone herself, but she had 'parent' duties. For a pair of maned wolf pups. Her fear of canines wouldn't make much sense at all given her fiance's lycanthropy and their puppy 'children', but...It's different. In Lora's mind, it's different. Leo was a man first, werewolf second. The pups they found in the woods were lost and starving little creatures that needed to be cared for, so they didn't frighten her. They're small children in her eyes, not beasts. That golden retriever on the other hand...Her eyes stray toward Buddy momentarily, only for the woman to tremble involuntarily as well before she comments on the charity. “My fiance was there,” she murmurs. Traditionally, in her homeland a ring wasn't necessary for an engagement, which explained the distinct lack of jewels on any of her fingers. “Said he met you... He got me a botany book too, actually.” Her typically gloomy expression shifts both at the thought of Leoxander and that beautiful botanist's tome, with its fancy cover decorated in butterflies. She's smiling. “I plan on using mine to learn to grow what I need for my medicine for when we have our home built.” Is that revealing too much? She and Leo weren't much for planning that far ahead, but they intended to create a home somewhere on his island. Hopefully somewhere she could put together a garden. “And flowers,” she adds, sheepishly. “I like flowers.”

(2-2) Back to her past and her fear of dogs, her expression deflates from that smile to the beginnings of a frown again. Spelling out exactly why her sisters did what they did to help her was a discomforting conversation, made all the more obvious by how Lora shifts in her seat and seems to cling onto that notebook resting in her lap for dear life. “Yes.” She mentioned the harem in their last meeting, and figured what all can go on in them didn't need to be said. The thought of explaining such things to a man or anybody else, really, had her stomach twist into knots. Hopefully her answer is sufficient. “...I didn't want to whelp heirs, Doctor Atwood.” Falling silent again, she considers her counting and breathing game while Noah explains the difference between feral and domestic. Initially, Lora takes offense to this. Common may not be her native tongue but she knew what those words meant. But she bites her tongue, knowing better than to be snippy or defensive, and merely listens with an occasional nod to show that despite her forced stare at some random spot on his desk to avoid eye contact, she's listening. Buddy's whine causes a shiver, accompanied by a second one at the notion that her discomfort with the dog is hurting his feelings. “That's...” She wants to say that sounds manipulative for Noah to say, but yet again, Lora stops herself. That's talking back. That's disrespectful. That's rude. Her head gradually turns toward the exit, gauging distance from her seat to the door of Noah's office, from her seat to Buddy, as if she can calculate whether or not she might be able to outrun the golden retriever. She stands then, setting her notebook down on the seat while turning partially to look the dog's way, partly to avoid looking at the doctor. Hopefully she's angled more toward the door for a means of escape than anything else. “...I suppose I'm ready.”

(1-2) Noah smiles as he recalls the tattoo artist and he nods, “He seemed like a nice fellow. Congratulations on the engagement and the future home! We will have to trade secrets on growing flowers and herbs. I’m afraid I don’t have much of a green thumb so I’m hoping that the book will help.” Lora seems smitten with Leo and it warms his heart that she’s found someone that can easily overlook her fears, because most of his patients can be rather difficult in social situations. An understanding partner makes all the difference. Noah recalls their conversation about how her sisters went to live in the harem and she stayed home, but he supposed it was because her parents wanted to keep one of their daughters. She mentioned being a servant and he didn’t connect the dots until the woman’s posture shifts and she nervously explains that she didn’t want to bear children. Did she truly desire disfigurement and possibly death over giving birth? The doctor pauses to collect his thoughts, as he can see from her distressed state that this is an uncomfortable topic. “Is there a reason why you didn’t want children, Lora? Are you afraid of the birthing process, or do you simply not desire to be a parent?” His tone is gentle as he doesn’t want it to come across as though he’s judging her decision.

(2-2) The man wonders if he overstepped when he mentioned that Buddy is upset, because he didn’t want it to look as though he’s manipulating his patient. He meant it in a friendly way, to make light of the brevity of the conversation, but he can see Lora going through the five senses to ward off a panic attack. “I’m not trying to coax you into something if you aren’t ready.” Noah glances at the door when Lora does and he wonders if she’s going to get up and leave. He hopes not, because out of all of his patients, she’s become the one that he holds in dearest regard. She’s honest and real and despite all of her fears, she wants to get better and is willing to put in the work. She’s the most complex case he’s had in years, but she’s also a young woman that needs his guidance. Noah doesn’t push the issue, but he lowers his quill and waits for Lora to make the decision to say or go. As she confidently asserts that she’s read, he smiles proudly at her and stands up. He walks around his desk so that he’s standing a few feet away from Lora, but near enough to catch her in case she faints. “The first thing to do whenever you wish to greet a dog that you don’t know, is to extend your arm and ball your hand into a fist.” He demonstrates. “Hold it before the dogs snout, so that he can learn your scent.” It’s also because if the dog bites one’s knuckles, the injury isn’t as severe as if he has bitten one's wrist or delicate fingers. “I know you probably know a lot about dogs, and many other things… I only spell them out for you as I do for all of my patients, because sometimes people are so caught up in their fears that they forget the simple things.” Noah pats his thigh and leaves Lora standing in that position with her fist outstretched, and Buddy slowly pads over. The dog is old and it takes him a bit to get there, but once he does, he obediently sits before Lora. Buddy looks up at the woman with those sad caramel eyes before he sniffs her knuckles and gives them a lick. His tail thumps against the floor and he glances at Lora and Noah, wondering which one of them will call him ‘good boy’ first and if there’s a treat waiting.

(1-2) She can practically feel her heart swell at the compliment about Leo and Noah's congratulations on their engagement. Her rarely seen smile even broadens then, and she has to cover her mouth to hide a laugh. “He's...” So much. So, so much, but Lora refrains from gushing about her fiance. It's delightful hearing someone else refer to Leoxander as nice, because in her eyes he truly was, beneath that no-nonsense attitude and intimidating look. Well, once intimidating. Now, all she felt was safety in his presence. “Heh...He's something else.” That smile gradually fades as the doctor asks more questions. Not due to annoyance, just...difficulty. These are difficult things to say openly and a thousand times easier to weave into music. Or to simply not bring up at all. But Noah insisted what she said here was safe, which has her wondering in her pause before answering him. Would her telling Leo what was discussed here be wrong? They were transparent with each other about everything. To keep secrets felt wrong...She makes a note to herself to ask Noah when it's her turn to ask questions, but oddly, Lora finds herself answering his question about pregnancy with a question of her own. “Would you want to have children with someone you didn't love? I...” This mix of regret and grief was complicated, but Lora told herself that she would try to talk about this – about her family and fears and all her other issues, since her music could only unpack and combat so much. One of her trembling, pale hands instinctively clutches at her stomach, as if grabbing for something lost or trying to keep something contained. He's a man. Perhaps he might not understand. “I wanted to be a mother one day. I can't now. I dote on my nieces and nephews instead.”

(2-2) In a rare show of some confidence and frankly, at least in her mind, rude behavior on her part again, while Lora stands and waits for instructions from Noah, her head slowly shakes to interrupt him. She has to be ready. “I...I don't think I'll ever be ready unless I d-do try n-now...” Her stammer is returning. Internally she curses, embarrassed at her behavior. Falling silent again during Noah's instructions, she balls her hand into a small fist, then takes it a step further by lowering herself into a crouch. This isn't done to look courageous or feel brave, really. It's to keep her fall to the floor at a shorter distance if she does end up feeling light-headed from fear and actually does manage to faint. While in that crouch, she extends her left fist while her right hand plants itself flat on the floor, fingers splayed to help maintain some balance. While the doctor continues speaking, her head bobs in a slow nod. She's half listening, half in some mental tailspin that has part of her internally shouting to rip the bandage off already. Where did this impatience come from? Lora tries to squash it, much like she tries to squash her fear. As Buddy pads over, her fist instinctively recoils just a fraction of an inch, but stills as he sniffs at her knuckles, and she feels him lick at them. Then she pulls her fist back while exhaling a breath as if she just sprinted an entire marathon. That hand falls limp at her side, and Lora feels herself sway a little. The sound of his tail thumping is like an assault to her senses with it being so close by...But that means he's happy, right? That isn't a growl. That's a good sound. Her hand wasn't chewed off. With her other hand free though damp with dog slobber, she presses it flat against the floor much like the other one so she doesn't topple. “...H-hello,” she murmurs to Buddy.

(1-2) Noah blinks in surprise when Loravelle counters his question as he hadn’t seen it coming. Would -he- have children with someone he didn’t love? The man can’t honestly answer because he’s never actually been in love, but he also cannot impregnate a woman. He accepted this long ago, when he took the vow to become a mercenary as part of an elite task force. Drinking that serum that both cursed him with immortality and sterilized him made sure that he would never pass on his genes to any offspring. What woman would want to marry a man that doesn’t age and cannot give her a family? Clearing his throat, the doctor answers, “I suppose I wouldn’t. I understand how arranged marriages work and I also wouldn’t want to marry someone that was chosen for me by another. So many are eager to form political alliances or settle debts and it’s a shame. I am finding these lands to be freer in that aspect.” Another long pause passes between them and Noah softly states, “You and Leo can still have a family. You could always adopt a child. I know some people adopt pets and consider them to be their children. Either way, I’m sure your nieces and nephews positively adore you.”

(2-2) Noah keeps quiet and keeps a close watch on Lora’s stance and facial expressions as she extends her hand and earns a lick from Buddy. The woman is doing incredible and Noah is so proud of her, but he doesn’t interrupt the silence because he doesn’t want to startle her during this experience. The golden retriever continues to wag his tail and he whines in frustration when Lora pulls her hand away. Buddy lays down and uses his paws to belly-crawl closer to the woman, but his posture is submissive so that he doesn’t look the least bit intimidating. Noah whispers, “He really likes you, Lora. I don’t want to pressure you, but if you feel comfortable, it’s safe to reach out and pet him. Or you can try offering him a biscuit? I’m so proud of you.” There is sincerity in Noah’s voice as he watches on. Buddy’s big brown eyes ping with excitement as he hears about the prospect of a treat, but he remains rooted in place and looks up at Lora.

(1-2) Maybe it wasn't her place to ask questions. Lora takes that clearing of Noah's throat to mean that, but she's surprised that he answers all the same instead of dismissing the question outright. “T-these lands are...I only started learning that recently.” The notion of adoption elicits a small smile. They did sort of adopt already if she thought about it. “We have pups,” she quietly explains. “We found them in the woods and I wanted to keep them.” It was an odd feeling she had that day when they found Chee and Jee, half-starved in that little den. That near instant maternal instinct that washed over her, but she's glad she and Leo decided to keep them. Her smile broadens considerably at mention of her nieces and nephews. “They're my world.” But back to the task at hand. Buddy and attempting to not be afraid of him.

(2-2) As the golden retriever belly-crawls toward her, she takes a breath and tries reaching her hand out a second time. Instead of keeping her hand balled in a small fist, her fingers uncurl so her hand can extend outward and try petting the dog's head. The doctor's praise is encouraging, though she knows one successful pat of the dog's head won't cure her fears instantaneously. “Biscuit?” she murmurs, head turning up toward Noah. He must have some stowed away somewhere for Buddy since Lora didn't have any. Her attention returns to the dog then, that outstretched hand tentatively reaching to scritch behind Buddy's ears if permissible. She adjusts her crouched position on the floor to a seated position that isn't so hard on her legs.

Noah seems a little surprised to hear that the woman who is afraid of dogs has recently taken in a couple of puppies. It doesn’t shock him that Loravelle has a kind heart and that she rescued the pups from a potentially dangerous situation, but he finds it odd that she didn't have any reservations about touching a strange animal and not knowing if they were friendly or sick with disease. He thinks that Leo is a good match for her as he’s likely the one that pulls Lora more from her shell with each passing day. Maybe if the fiance started to come to therapy it would ensure a better chance of recovery for Lora. “You rescued puppies? That’s very noble of you. I have always loved dogs and I don’t know what I will do when Buddy eventually…” He cannot finish the thought when Buddy is right there. They’d been together for a very long time and it’s Noah’s only friend in this strange world. “Leo is always welcome to join us in our sessions, you know? You seem very fond of him and comfortable speaking about him.” Her eyes light up at the mere mention of his name. “Is he a fan of dogs?” As they are conversing and Lora is reaching out to pet Buddy, the dog leans in so that she can properly scratch behind his silken ears. It’s all going so well that Noah’s equally proud of his dog and his patient. “I’ll get those treats.” The doctor rises and slowly leaves Lora’s side but he keeps a close watch on her interactions with the dog. Buddy would never growl or bite anyone but he doesn’t want Lora to freak out in case Buddy makes any sudden movements. “Here you go…” He returns with a large biscuit that he breaks into four pieces, “You can give him commands if you want. He knows sit, shake, lay down, and roll over.” Buddy also knows ‘kisses’ but if Lora asks for those, the dog will invade her personal space and try to lick her face.

“Y-yes...They're small,” Lora explains, knowing full well that her fear didn't make much sense if she had puppies. “They're children, so it's different.” At least in her mind it's different. Just like Leo being a lycan is different. As Noah talks more about Buddy, she can't help a frown when he can't finish his thought. He clearly cared about the golden retriever, and this caused her to feel a pang of guilt for being afraid of him. So far he's done nothing wrong, but she's still cautious, still wary, alternating between gentle pats on the dog's head and scritching behind his ears as she grows just a little more comfortable. The notion of Leo joining in on these sessions gives her pause, her hand freezing mid scritch behind one of Buddy's ears. “I...I don't think he would like this.” She didn't mean to sound so quick to shoot the suggestion down, but Leo is...private. And she liked to respect that privacy. “He's private, but he does like dogs.” That fact didn't seem like a betrayal of her fiance's privacy. The memory of Leo and his look when she suggested visiting a therapist for her problems flickers in her mind, and elicits a slight frown, but she remembers his words as well. He'd never keep her prisoner. She could do as she liked with him, and this was doing as she liked, oddly. Untying her frustrating mental knots and fears with some help. Noah's return with the broken dog biscuit, she extends her hand out to take one piece if he'll let her and considers what command she might like to see Buddy try. “Shake?” Clearly Lora has never tried teaching a dog tricks before, because she looks confused. “Like a handshake?

Noah nods, “Therapy isn’t for everyone but if he ever wants to come along or you want him to sit in on one of our sessions, please know that he’s welcome.” Couple counseling is a popular thing in this section of Lithrydel but oddly enough it’s usually that one spouse comes and the other cannot be bothered. Men tend to want to bottle up their issues whereas women are happy to confide in a professional that has their best interests at heart. Noah is the mediator and tries to remain unbiased to either party but he wishes that both spouses would equally want things to work out. Rarely is that the case. A few pieces of the bone are slipped to Lora and before she can truly give the command to Buddy his paw is already raised in the air and waiting to make contact with an open palm. Just hearing the word ‘shake’ has him performing and his nose twitches as he smells the biscuit. He will wait until Lora gives his paw a shake and offers the morsel, which he gently takes from her palm and chews in an almost dainty manner. “He likes you and I’m not just saying that to ease your nerves. He’s friendly, sure, but Buddy usually only comes over to greet the children.” The dog is a sucker for kids, probably because they often have candy or are willing to part with their food. Noah remains at Lora’s side and lets her continue to pet the dog and give him commands, until the biscuit is completely gone. “I’m very pleased with your progress, Loravelle. I think we can continue to work on this until you truly understand a dog's body language and maybe we can go to the park or an animal shelter in the future and see how you do in a public setting.” The doctor retreats to his chair behind his desk and looks at his notes. Buddy gives Lora’s fingers a final lick before he resumes napping in his space before the hearth. “You asked how you can learn to trust yourself… I think you answered that a bit today. You asked the right questions and approached one of your fears in hoes that you could overcome it. That little push, that inner voice, the gut feeling, all of that is your instinct kicking in. You felt that you could trust Buddy and not just because I said he’s friendly.” He raises his shoulders in a shrug, “You trusted yourself, Lora. That’s huge!”

There's a slight jolt of surprise from Lora at how Buddy so quickly reacts to the 'shake' command. The paw placed in her small palm has her feeling very nervous again, as if she just might feel the sweet dog's claws curl outward and sink into her skin. But that doesn't happen at all, so with an overabundance of caution Loravelle shakes the golden retriever's hand, and watches as he carefully takes his reward from her palm. No teeth grazing her skin. No...nothing. Nothing bad, and relief washes over her. “V-very good...” Her attention turns to Noah then, but it's split – her head may be facing the doctor, but her grey eyes look sidelong at Buddy despite it finally dawning on her that this dog will absolutely not harm her. “Do you think...” What did she want to ask? Would it be too forward? Asking to visit again just for Buddy? Repetition helps. Visiting this dog regularly just might help. That'd just be another appointment, she realizes, with relief. Her question shouldn't be unusual, then. “Next time, may I try this again please? Soon?” How dense she must sound. Noah was in essence saying the same thing, though with the addition of dog parks and public settings. Now those suggestions have her on edge again, almost immediately. She struggles to mask that fear with her eyes widening a fair bit. Turning back to Buddy as Noah returns to his desk, Lora tries one final pat to the dog's head before he steps away before getting back to her feet. From there she produces a timid smile at the praise given to her, though she believes it undeserved. “T-thank you, Doctor Noah.” It's such a rare feeling, but Lora can swear she feels the faintest bit of pride.

Noah is proud of both his patient and his canine and it shows in the smile he wears as he watches them interact. The golden retriever is eager to please and he loves both the treats and attention that he’s receiving from Loravelle. More often than night, he’s busy with a bone and has to just listen in on the appointments, but this time he gets to be an active participant and it’s a welcome change in the day. Buddy’s tail swishes from side to side as he kisses Lora’s palms and he whines when she rises from the floor and stops petting him. Noah nods, “You are always welcome to come in for a visit… Or even if you just want to drop by and say hello to Buddy. He likes the company and I like helping people.” He can tell this means a lot to Lora and he shrugs sheepishly. “I’m glad that you came by, Lora. For your notebook and for an unexpected session.” Noah parts his lips to say something else when there’s a knock at the door and the elderly receptionist pokes her head in, “There’s a suspicious man lurking outside, Doc. He keeps peeking into the windows and he looks like one of them gangsters.” Gram shudders at the thought and smiles at Lora, before she leans heavily on her cane and proceeds back to her station. Noah seems a little perplexed because his office is in the ritzy section of Cenril and during the daytime there isn’t much criminal activity, but he still feels responsible for Loravelle. He has no inkling that the ‘gangster’ happens to be her uncle, as he says, “I’d be happy to escort you out of the office and to the docks, Lora, if you’re uncomfortable walking by yourself. Shall we?” Like a perfect gentleman, he extends his bent arm and waits for a reply.

Loravelle feels...good. Better than good. Leaping over the hurdles that are her fears is going to be tricky, but she's pleasantly surprised this went well. She even manages to produce a kind smile for Buddy. She steps back to her seat to retrieve her notebook, but turns her gaze toward Noah as he speaks, momentarily uncertain of what else to say. Too many thank-yous always had the risk of coming off as excessive and disingenuous, so thankfully before she can blurt more words of gratitude they're interrupted. Her eyes widen with alarm at the kind receptionist's words. “Th-that's probably my uncle...” He could be so impatient sometimes. The doctor's offer of his arm to lead her out seems to give her more of a fright than holding a dog's paw in her hand momentarily, with how quickly her head shakes at his offer. “I...I can do it myself, thank you.” That doesn't sound too confident, but it did sound a little bit rude. She's quick to apologize. “S-sorry, just...” With a trembling hand, she makes a vague gesture at the space between Noah and herself. “Not family...” Perhaps that might make some sense with her general aversion to physical contact from unfamiliar men. “But, thank you, Doctor Noah, and Buddy. I'll see you soon.” She doubles, no – triple checks that her notebook is within her grasp and in her haste to head out, Lora timidly bids farewell to Angela. Once she's out of Noah's office and on the street, if his ears are keen he'd hear the sound of Lora and that tattooed relative of hers speaking in one of their mother tongues before they head off for home.