13 Jul 2022, 15:08
Meowment of Truth
4th July 2022, Partly Sunny
Monday, 1500hrs
Sage awoke with nervous anticipation earlier that afternoon, grey-green eyes puffy from staying up late the night before - and not without reason!
Her savings had grown steadily over the last few months, and Sage could feel the hefty weight of her leather pouch; such was the result of diligently scrimping and saving her monthly allowance, after all. Her weekends had been devoted to research, thumbing through encyclopedias, zoology texts and petcare mags.
Needless to say, choosing an animal companion was no walk in the park; the endeavor required commitment and the maturity of a responsible individual. Sage couldn’t be half-hearted about this at all - she can’t just decide to stop caring for a pet just because she got tired of it, Mum liked to remind her through owls.
Sage leaned towards the more practical side of things. The girl knew she wanted a cat from the get-go, not only because they were cute, of course. They were resourceful and intelligent, and Sage resonated with their solitary nature. Now that she was equipped with funds and relevant knowledge, all that’s left was choosing her little feline friend.
Which brings us to the present:
The girl picked at her russet cardigan as she walked past displays and kennels and cages. There weren’t many people at this hour which gave her some badly-needed calm and resolve. The Menagerie was a stimuli overload on the senses: The smell of wet fur, pet food and droppings coalesced with the chirping and purring and croaking.
The feline section took up a corner of the shop; there was a tree-like structure to one side, housing older, nap-loving cats in its boughs, on the other was a fenced-in area wriggling with furry kittens tumbling over each other. A kitten would be too chaotic for a 12-year old to handle, Sage thought. Not too young or old would be just right; amenable to adjustment and forming bonds, yet independent enough to fend for itself when she was off to class.
An elderly lady directed her to a couple of cages just below the cat-tree. Sage gathered her skirts and crouched down, observing the little kitties as she ran a cautious hand over the enclosure. Sensing that she didn’t come bearing treats, most cats ignored her entirely. A little disheartened, the girl cooed softly to get their attention. The only cat that responded was a black, juvenile cat.
The girl’s eyes lit up as she watched it playfully bite her finger before licking it.
A voice from behind harrumphed approvingly.
“I see you’ve chosen our little Blackie.”
Sage nodded as the shopkeeper unlatched the pen and handed the little creature to her.
The cat was a young male with solid coal-black fur, though upon inspection Sage noticed a misty sheen rippling through its coat as she gave it a friendly pet. Its irises were green and translucent, its nose and paw-pads were as dark as the rest of him. He was about 7 months old, according to the shopkeeper.
“He’s a bit expensive, dearie. 18 galleons, but I’ll be sure to throw in some extra treats for you.”
Not a problem, Sage thought, her new companion was more than worth its weight in gold. She chuckled as the cat scampered over her and curled itself about her neck.
“Thank you, missus!”
Sage fished out her pouch, carefully stacking the exact amount on the counter. She felt triumphant having saved up so much!
The shopkeeper returned with a crate of goodies; some squeaky toys, a brush and other things a young cat might need. Sage added a dark-green velvet collar to her purchase. She managed to coax the cat inside his carrier, and placed everything else into a trolley.
His colouring reminded her of the times she was tasked with tidying up their fireplace at home. Sage almost always finished up with dark smudges on her cheeks and arms. She jangled past the Menagerie’s entryway, a bit lost in thought.
“I’ll call you Soot, kitty.” Sage cheered. “Can’t wait for everyone to meet you!”
A bright chirp resounded from within the carrier, as if in agreement.
WC: 687
Monday, 1500hrs
Sage awoke with nervous anticipation earlier that afternoon, grey-green eyes puffy from staying up late the night before - and not without reason!
Her savings had grown steadily over the last few months, and Sage could feel the hefty weight of her leather pouch; such was the result of diligently scrimping and saving her monthly allowance, after all. Her weekends had been devoted to research, thumbing through encyclopedias, zoology texts and petcare mags.
Needless to say, choosing an animal companion was no walk in the park; the endeavor required commitment and the maturity of a responsible individual. Sage couldn’t be half-hearted about this at all - she can’t just decide to stop caring for a pet just because she got tired of it, Mum liked to remind her through owls.
Sage leaned towards the more practical side of things. The girl knew she wanted a cat from the get-go, not only because they were cute, of course. They were resourceful and intelligent, and Sage resonated with their solitary nature. Now that she was equipped with funds and relevant knowledge, all that’s left was choosing her little feline friend.
Which brings us to the present:
The girl picked at her russet cardigan as she walked past displays and kennels and cages. There weren’t many people at this hour which gave her some badly-needed calm and resolve. The Menagerie was a stimuli overload on the senses: The smell of wet fur, pet food and droppings coalesced with the chirping and purring and croaking.
The feline section took up a corner of the shop; there was a tree-like structure to one side, housing older, nap-loving cats in its boughs, on the other was a fenced-in area wriggling with furry kittens tumbling over each other. A kitten would be too chaotic for a 12-year old to handle, Sage thought. Not too young or old would be just right; amenable to adjustment and forming bonds, yet independent enough to fend for itself when she was off to class.
An elderly lady directed her to a couple of cages just below the cat-tree. Sage gathered her skirts and crouched down, observing the little kitties as she ran a cautious hand over the enclosure. Sensing that she didn’t come bearing treats, most cats ignored her entirely. A little disheartened, the girl cooed softly to get their attention. The only cat that responded was a black, juvenile cat.
The girl’s eyes lit up as she watched it playfully bite her finger before licking it.
A voice from behind harrumphed approvingly.
“I see you’ve chosen our little Blackie.”
Sage nodded as the shopkeeper unlatched the pen and handed the little creature to her.
The cat was a young male with solid coal-black fur, though upon inspection Sage noticed a misty sheen rippling through its coat as she gave it a friendly pet. Its irises were green and translucent, its nose and paw-pads were as dark as the rest of him. He was about 7 months old, according to the shopkeeper.
“He’s a bit expensive, dearie. 18 galleons, but I’ll be sure to throw in some extra treats for you.”
Not a problem, Sage thought, her new companion was more than worth its weight in gold. She chuckled as the cat scampered over her and curled itself about her neck.
“Thank you, missus!”
Sage fished out her pouch, carefully stacking the exact amount on the counter. She felt triumphant having saved up so much!
The shopkeeper returned with a crate of goodies; some squeaky toys, a brush and other things a young cat might need. Sage added a dark-green velvet collar to her purchase. She managed to coax the cat inside his carrier, and placed everything else into a trolley.
His colouring reminded her of the times she was tasked with tidying up their fireplace at home. Sage almost always finished up with dark smudges on her cheeks and arms. She jangled past the Menagerie’s entryway, a bit lost in thought.
“I’ll call you Soot, kitty.” Sage cheered. “Can’t wait for everyone to meet you!”
A bright chirp resounded from within the carrier, as if in agreement.
WC: 687
What animal do you wish to purchase? Bewitched Night Stalker
What do you want to name it? Soot
Is this a boy or a girl? Boy
What is your pet's date of birth? December 21, 2021
i want a storm i can dance in. i want an excuse to change my life.
⸙ | replies will be slow-going #698B69
STA 6 | EVA 5 | STR 6 | WIS 8 | ARC 9 | ACC 6
16 Jul 2022, 13:43
Meowment of Truth
Congratulations on your new pet companion, Soot! Please take good care of him.
Cu ochii deschiși.