petcromancer | IC Inbox

[She deposits the doll in front of Hector as she sits—so she can devote both hands to properly spoiling Cezar with rubs and scratches as he made a happy, slobbery mess over her wrists and fingers.

Her expression is the dictionary definition of melting, but she pulls it together enough to properly answer Hector, too.]

I've been well—got my Bond taken care of as soon as I found my partner, got to see the Wilde, I've taken up a new hobby and some music lessons... there's a million and one things I've never gotten to do that I can, now. Speaking of friends, though, Lissy—that is, Leslie—mentioned in one of her letters she was looking after your boy here for a little while. I'm a little jealous, honestly.

[Hector wordlessly lifts Cezar up and deposits him in Hakuno's lap so she can get some proper cuddles in. That gives him a free hand to examine the doll more closely.]

It sounds like you're doing great here.

[Hector smiles, but he can't help but feel he is way behind her in accomplishments. He doesn't even have prospects for a bond yet.]

Everyone I'd met by that time was going along on the expedition, so she was kind enough to volunteer to watch him for me. You're welcome to visit him any time.

[Really, Hakuno essentially walked in with a Bond partner already; whether either of them ended up Witch or Monster, Gilgamesh would have insisted. Everything else she's accomplished is merely the dividends of spending her entire, brief life constantly scrambling to keep up in a race against time.

But she's not thinking about that. Right now, there's a puppy in her arms she's far more set on.]

She's a sweetheart, so you definitely picked well. And I may end up taking you up on that offer a bit more than you think, so let me know if I get to be annoying.

[She rubs Cezar under his chin, totally ignorant of the way her wings speed up behind her in excitement.]

I tend to throw myself into things whole-heartedly. And this boy seems like a real heart-stealer, aren't you?

Edited 2020-03-07 05:14 (UTC)

Have you thought about getting a dog of your own, now that you've settled in? There are strays in every city that could use someone to care for them.

[Hector may or may not be starting to collect a horde of them in his apartment, whoops.]

Cezar loves company, so you don't have to worry about wearing out your welcome.

[And if Hector minded, he wouldn't offer.]

I have, more and more by the day.

[It's an easy thing to admit, when she's so obviously putty in Cezar's little paws.]

The past month or so, I've been budgeting out the money I earn—for food, clothes, hobby things, and I've got a small stash of savings for pet care I've been putting away. I want to make sure I've got more than enough before I go looking because... well...

[Because she knows herself.]

Somehow, I don't think I'll be stopping at one, you know?

[That gets a chuckle from Hector.]

I understand completely. My lab never feels complete without at least a handful of animals running underfoot.

[He's a hermit and an animal hoarder, someone is going to be so blessed to be bonded with him someday.]

Hmmm, you'll need at least one dog for sure. I could see you with something small like Cezar to fit in your lap. How do you feel about cats? Or birds? I think a songbird could suit you nicely.

[This is a dangerous slope, because Hector thinks the right number of pets to keep is ALL OF THEM...or at least, as many as you have the means to care for.]

I have two housemates I should talk to about it first, but I was definitely thinking about starting with a dog or a cat, if I found one that liked me.

[That sentence alone says depths about who she is as a person.]

As for birds... I'd have to find a nice cage that wasn't made of iron, first.

The roommates might be a problem, but... [He nods toward Cezar, who is panting happily as Hakuno strokes him.]... I doubt you'll have any trouble finding a pet who will accept you.

[She may not have confidence now, but the steadfast love and loyalty of a dog might help her find it.]

It is not too hard to make one out of wood and reeds. If you decide you want one, I can help you find a suitable cage.

Well, they both like nature and animals well enough. It's just a matter of finding one we all can get along with. It'll be like having a fourth roommate, after all.

[This sentiment will last until fae-impulse begins driving her to bring home abandoned baby animals without a second thought.]

I might just take you up on that later. Thank you, Hector.

What kind of people are they?

[If the pet will be shared by all of them, rather than cared for by Hakuno and merely sharing space with the others, they'll need to be taken into consideration.]

An ancient king and a being born from divinity and wilderness.

[Hakuno will do most of the caring, certainly, but Enkidu is just as likely to tend to whatever she brings in, as well. Gilgamesh... well, that depends entirely on his mood at any given moment, really. He's not one to jump to drudgery of his own free will, usually.]

Hmm. So maybe a cat, then.

[He's joking. Really, he has no clue what would suit them best. Different cultures have different royal pets-- he's met one pharaoh with sphinxes--, and for the other... who even knows?]

Well, if you speak with them about it, I am sure you can find something you can agree upon.

It's likely that they'll tell me to do whatever I want. They're... in a strange way, they're pretty lackadaisical. But, a pet is more than just a whim, so I want to do this right.

I've been running a sort of animal clinic out of my home. I have strays that come and go. If you wanted to test the waters, you could try 'fostering' one for a day and see how they react to it. Tell them you're watching it as a favor for a friend.

[The fact that this plan includes deceiving her roommates doesn't seem to bother Hector. He has a very loose grasp on morality, and lying doesn't harm anyone.]

Would they be okay in my care, if they needed a clinic? I'd hate to end up making them worse because I didn't have enough experience.

[Hakuno doesn't think twice about it because... well, it wouldn't be a lie, in her mind, except for the favor part.]

I won't send you with any that are still injured. They'll be at the tail end of their recovery. Exercise and affection is all they would need.

That much I can handle, for sure.

[She tugs out a notebook and a pen, unfortunately demoting Cezar to just one spoiling hand.]

I don't know if they sell ready-made pet food, here; is there a recipe you usually use?

Oh, there's a store just for pets and supplies! They make food for the most common types of pets. There's a merrow there named Connor that can help you find what you need.

[He pauses, though, remembering that some people actually enjoy cooking. Maybe his friend would prefer to make her own.]

Before I came here, I didn't make anything special for my pets. They ate scraps from my table. Meat and grains, so long as I kept the pieces small and remove bones. Most vegetables are fine, as are larger fruits. I am sure you could manage if you wanted to feed them that way.

I'll go there, and ask what sort of things certain animals can't eat. I know dogs can't have chocolate, for instance, but there are probably other things and cat's have their own diet issues...

[She notes it all down, including Connor and the table scraps.]

Better safe than sorry, right?

[You know, for someone worried that a pet won't like her, Hakuno is showing signs of being a very conscientious pet owner. Hector smiles.]

Of course. You should learn as much as you can about the pets you'll eventually adopt...but I can supply you with what you'll need for the fostering. I don't want it to be a burden on you, and I'll have their food on hand anyways.

[His pets are the only thing Hector is really inclined to spend his money on, so as long as he is diligent about doing quests each month, he can afford it.]

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