A Companion Gifted by the Stars pet solo

It was the end of her school shopping trip, and coming to the Magical Menagerie had been a wonderful surprise. While her governess, Astrid, ensured that all the purchases made today were brought home, her uncle Orion had taken her to get some ice cream and spend some quality time together before school started. What Solène did not expect was to end up at the pet shop with the instructions to find a companion for school. While she was expected to make friends of the humanoid nature, an animal companion would help ease the transition.

Solène was, of course, educated about how some animal companions are lifelong commitments and that she should carefully consider what she could care for when making her decision. So, with all of that in mind, she opened the door to the shop, her uncle close behind her. The cacophony of animal noises greeted her, along with the warm welcome from the shopkeeper. “Good afternoon. How may we help you today?”

“My uncle wanted to gift me a pet, so I’m here to find the one just right for me.” Solène let her eyes wander over the different varieties of animals in the store as the shopkeeper began asking questions to help narrow the selection. They easily ruled out owls, bunnies, ferrets, and half-crups, because they seemed like too much upkeep. Frogs, Rats, Pigmy Puffs, Lizards, Spiders, Snakes, and goldfish were ruled out because she wanted something easier to interact with without the fear of maybe rolling over in bed and crushing it.

This would lead them toward cats. A reasonable first pet because they were decently low maintenance while still being able to offer a deeper level of companionship. As they approached the area where all of the felines were kept, it would be made very clear that Solène didn’t have a choice in which cat would be hers. A sleek black cat with piercing coppery eyes lunged to the front in an early bid for her attention. This drew laughter from everyone as Solène reached down to pick him up. “Well, now, I think he likes you. He is a Bewitched Midnight Stalker and relatively new to our store. He was born last December on the Winter Solstice.”

The cat purred deeply and shoved the top of his head under her chin while she held him. Solène couldn’t say what it was exactly, but she couldn’t see herself choosing any other creature in this shop. “I like him. I would like him, please.” When asked if she was sure, she frowned slightly at being asked and nodded firmly because there was no doubt that she was taking this car home. “Alright, just making sure. Do you have a name in mind?”

“No, can I think on it a moment?” The shopkeeper nodded and began showing them items she would need to care for her new companion. In the end, they would have a pet bed, a self-walking leash for when she was at school, and plenty of treats and food. As her uncle paid the shop, she would be asked one more time if she had thought of anything yet. This time she would nod. “Yes, I do think so. I think I’ll name him Rigel for the brightest star in the Orion constellation.”

Word Count| 550