Illowy had never been in a menagerie before, much less owed a pet. The only pet she could recall ever having was her mother's owl years ago. However, when the poor creature passed from age, it was never replaced; but that was her mother. This time, the pet was her her, and it was uncharted territory. As the young snake wandered through the shop, it must've been clear in her face how nervous she was as a kindly old woman approached her whilst examining the owls, "Have you creature in mind, dear?" she asked sweetly.

Illowy pressed her lips in a tight line, thinking for a moment before she shook her head, "No, m'am. I think... I might just look around for a little bit and meet everyone first. If that's alright." her tone came out as more of a question then a suggestion, but all the same the sweet woman seemed to understand.

"Alright, dear. If you need anything or have questions, just ask. I'm Miss Anita." with one more gentle smile, the grandmother-like woman floated away, leaving Illowy on her own once more to figure out exactly what she might be wanting. She turned a small circle to take in the full view of the shop, all bright and decorated for the holiday season. Her mind wandered to how many other students would be returning to school after the break with a new pet. She could imagine Christmas would be a popular time for students to receive a new friend. Though this was more or less a gift to herself. She'd been saving since her first year to get herself an animal... though now that she was here, she wished she had taken into more consideration as to what kind of animal she wanted.

Truthfully, she felt slightly overwhelmed by everyone.
'Everyone' meaning the animals.

Already she certainly knew that she didn't want a toad or a rat. No offence to them, but they simply didn't leave her with the feeling a pet ought to for her... also they were gross. Respectfully, along she went towards the birds; gazing over every owl, praising each one for its beauty or grace in hopes to feel some type of connection with one. Owls had always been a favorite animal of hers, finding their majesty and poise and intelligence something one could strive to reflect in themselves. Again, her mind wandered to her mother's beloved owl and his regal, rich brown look.

Yet, in spite of her hopes, she felt no kinship with any of them. They all seemed uninterested by her very presence. Perhaps something different? Her mother always said when she met the right animal friend, she would know it. It would simply click, and she would feel no need to question it. Illowy looked around herself, passing the rats... then the toads... then the cats. She gave the cats barely half a glance; certainly not a cat. They seemed so stereotypical for a witch and she'd always been sure she wasn't a cat person after a bad interaction with one when she was small.

In that short glace, one curious creature lifted it's head at her, emerald eyes following the child as she wandered around. A silver and charcoal tail whipped back and forth as he tilted its head, purring a bit. After a good stretch, the animal stood, making his way to the door of his crate and giving a pretty, patience sit, as though waiting.

All the while, Illowy obliviously made her way to where several other young girls were crowded, squealing in delight a the cotton candy-esque creatures bobbing about their pen. No question, there's nothing else quite like the pygmy puffs, that much she could say for certain. Though while adorable, they seemed so silly and frivolous to even look at; just as well they also weren't quite what she was wanting in a companion and the girl stepped away. Pale blue eyes swept around her once more with a look of defeat. How could it be that she might be the only witch that couldn't find an animal companion. This shouldn't be so difficult.

As though reading her mind, the old woman stepped out from behind the garland tripped counter and appeared at her side, "Have you not found anyone yet, dear?" she spoke gently.

She rested a thin hand on her own shoulder, the other arm wrapping around her waist as she gave the woman a defeated glance and shook her head, "Not a single one. My mother said that when you find your animal, you know. I don't know. There's so many, and don't get me wrong, they're all wonderful and all... but no one is standing out to me."

Miss Anita smiled at the child, patting her back,"You're telling me you've met everyone? You've not forgotten anyone?" she questioned, a knowing gleam in her eye. For a moment, the woman's warm gaze flickered off towards the cats, "Come, child."

Illowy followed the woman's gaze as she rested a well worked hand on the girl's shoulder, leading her towards the felines, "I'm not sure, Ms Anita... I'm not exactly a cat person..." she awkwardly tried to explain.

"There's no harm in looking, though. You've nothing to lose by looking." there was no arguing that by this point. Arms still wrapped tight around herself, Illowy slowly made her way. Pausing at each animal to take a good look at them, each looking more bored and unamused with her then the last. She only stopped when she found one who was already looking at her. Sitting patiently for her arrival to his crate.

Silver and charcoal fur... more like fluff truly, with striking green eyes that nearly looked right through her. His tail was already swaying back and forth, a calm purr warming the air as he gaze at her, a noble look about him, "Can... can I meet him?" she asked the shop keeper, not taking her eyes away from the cat for a moment as the woman unlocked his cage.

Nimbly, the animal hopped out, sitting before her as Illowy crouched down to his level. She gave a tilt her of head, as did he in the same direction. She tilted her head the other way, and he followed suit, pulling a small giggle from the child, "Aren't you something?" she chuckled. The cat gave out a warm mew, rising to his feet before pawing at her knee, "What?"

Miss Anita bent to pick up the young feline, and as Illowy rose to her own feet, the woman handed him over to her,"Sometimes, our friends find us, not the other way around."she grinned.

Purring loudly, the cat rubbed his head against the girl's cheek, happy to make himself at home in her arms, "I suppose, for him, I can be a cat person." she decided, giving him a gentle scratch behind the ears before running her fingers through his long, silky fur.

Word Count: 1162

What animal do you wish to purchase? Silver Siberian
What do you want to name it? Killian
Is this a boy or a girl? Boy
What is your pet's date of birth? July 26, 2019