I Demand You Buy One! (Cubs & Pets Stall)

[Ember]

It was like some sort of weird mental battle as little girl and bronwrider stared at each other. At least that's what T'san thought. It seemed weird, to be pretty much fighting over a cub like this. The brownrider watched as she put the little grey one done and stretched out her hands. He had won, if not the girl's trust, a chance to show her he could raise the cubs her feline had sired. He refused to let him think of it as an honour. Absolutely refused. The brownrider did dig into his pouch for the necessary Marks. He pulled out four and handed them to the girl.

Despite all her ferocity why was T'san tempted to give her a comforting hug? Kids! Faranth forbid he ever have them! His not was meant to assure the girl that the cub would be well looked after. Eight seven days? Yes, they would be off the mother's milk by then. He was slightly amused at the request to keep in contact. She would ask for that, wouldn't she? He had almost expected it. Hmm, if that were the case...Its also not like he disliked it...Dsoleth heartily approved of what he was about to do when the girl began looking for the sire.

Then he heard the broadcasting of what could only be a salamandyr. Indeed, on the head of probably the most regal looking man sat a blue 'mandyr frilling for all the world to see. The man had a curt word for the girl - Kale - that the brownrider could tell did not sit well with her. The pose she struck reminded him of a time when he'd been lectured by the rider of a green Dsoleth flew once. It was both amusing and a little scary at the same time. The title she gave him left T'san even more amused, if anything. Papa. So this was the Junior Weyrleader. The brownrider gave the cub another pet at the mention of him purchasing Spice.

He had to admit Ka'rys got the job done. It seemed he wanted these cubs on their way as quick as possible. That certainly seemed like a smart idea rather than having them linger around. While he had the opportunity T'san addressed Kale again. "If you'd like to see him again feel free anytime," he said, realizing at the same time that she didn't know his name. "Just tell someone to point you in the direction of T'san." He considered his next words before throwing them out there. The decision about the name had been spur of the moment but it felt right. "I'll also be keeping his name Spice."

[Sheari]

Anusha and R'men heard the announcement and moved closer while other people left. She had heard about the twins that the Junior Weyrwoman had delivered. She'd yet to see them but was sure in turns to come she'd eventually see a pair of look-a-likes running amok in the weyr. To the girl's comment she said, "I'm actually buying with my brother here," motioning to R'men. The man lit up at the comment. Another girl then walked up and asked for one. Anusha counted in her mind who many people had come, so far she'd reached six. It was an intimidating feeling, to be sure. However, if she went overlooked and they left empty handed, she guessed that R'men would have to wait until next gather.

Weith was about to take a step forward until he was told to sit back from His and got a glare from Minth. It's not fair, Mine. It just want to look at them! I won't hurt them![/i] he pleaded. The injustice! We are crowing them, Weith. Unless you have those things called marks and the ability to speak to the girl and her sire we must remain here.[/i] The words were said in an authoritative tone. If Minth and Weith were people he could have mocked her with the old "yes, mother." But Akos gets to be up there![/i] Akos is /tiny/, even for one of whatever he is, Mine said so.[/i] But...[/i] another glare from the green ended the argument.

The white 'mandyr was smug. The big shineys had been told to stay back but His had said he was okay. His had said he was small enough. Akos bounced on Anusha's shoulder and then stood on his hind feet, clutching the girl's ear for balance as he leaned forward to see better into the box. His said they were cute fuzzy not-like-hims.

[glamourie]

Kalerary continued to glare at Ka’rys, the look pointed and furious. However, some of her agitation softened as the people came in closer, and she turned her attention first to the pair of girls, and then to the newest arrival. The one girl said she wanted the white one - the other asked if she could just have one and - and there were a pair of siblings too. Flustered, Kalerary backed up and bit the end of her finger contemplatively. There were three groups/people asking after the cubs, but only two remained. That was incredibly awkward. Her gaze dropped down to the box. Someone was going to have to go away empty-handed, and she didn’t know who it would be. How was she supposed to decide? They all looked unworthy of her babies to her, but Kale was pretty sure that no one on Pern would be viewed as good enough for the cubs that she had half-raised on her own. Why, oh why, couldn’t Fish have four? Sniffing, Kalerary shoved the marks into her small bag and then turned away. Her gaze finally settled on the group and she knelt down to pick the little white cub up in her arms. She wrapped her arms around the little cub, adoring, and then turned back to T’san -- he already had his baby. So he wouldn’t want any of the others, hopefully. Maybe. That made him safe -- the others… not so much.

“Thank you, T’san,” she said, and meant it. “Spice, you be good, okay?” She looked up at the cub before leaning one finger over to poke his nose. The feline was so cute. “Or I’ll let your papa sit on you. He’s a fatty, so you’ll be a pancake cub.”

Almost as if he understood the insult, Reggie mrrowed at Kalerary. He continued to wind around Ka’rys’s legs, possessive and adoring. The bronze rider tuned him out, instead turning to the group - and he stopped to nod at Nitsa. “Nothing personal, girl - but these individuals got here first, and there is only one cub left. I’m afraid you’re out of luck today. You might try asking Wingsecond Sk’ler if his canine has had pups. If I recall correctly, he’s got a breeding pair. Brownrider F’rah also has a pair of felines who might have cubs close to old enough if you’re interested.” He had no idea whether or not he was right -- Ka’rys didn’t pay attention to the personal lives of others. He turned toward the others and beckoned the two riders forward. “Your dragons should avoid coming too close to pets. Many are frightened by dragons - that would be why most of them are still on their ledges.” Ciceroth himself was down by the river, lounging amidst his rocks, but that was irrelevant. “That girl wanted the white one. You’re interested in the gray? Do you have permission from the Weyrlingmaster to keep felines?”

Ka’rys doing the talking made her relax some, and Kalerary rubbed her nose. Merce flung himself off of Ka’rys’s head and onto Kalerary’s, settling in the girl’s brown locks before chanting, No upset little, little. No upset little. Not right. Little mine thing’s upset, upset. Permission, has you, has you? Permission needed. Skiiiinksister’s must ask. Ask Skinksister’s and flyer lover. ‘Flyerlover’ being I’fael, obviously. The blue salamandyr flared at the group, then scampered down to Kalerary’s shoulder, his eyes showing his affection. Love little, I do. Kalerary allowed herself a smile, stroking the salamandyr with her free hand, before holding the cub out toward Kiana for her to take. If she wanted the white one, she needed to hold her, she did.

“Her name is Winter, and she’s the only girl. Well, I call her Winter. Papa calls her Frost… If you buy her, I guess you can call her whatever you want. She looks like winter. She doesn’t look like her mama or papa at all, it’s really very odd…”

[kat]

Ari watched as Kiana listened to the girl who was now holding the white cub. She had to admit, it was pretty cute. But as it was, having a canine pup meant she didn't really need a cub herself. She might have liked a 'mandyr or a flitt, but another fuzzy animal? Wasn't on the agenda any time in the near future. She only figured she needed one of those at a time. Kiana had nothing, so caring for the feline cub would be all she was doing besides caring for herself and candidate chores. She listened, too, curious as to how the interchange would go.

"Winter is a pretty name," Kiana told Kalerary, and then, "Frost is nice, too, but if it's all the same I think I'll call her Winter?" She smiled at the girl, and then, "the only girl, is she? Well, I think she's lovely, and while her father is a handsome boy, I like her just the way she is." She really did think that the sire was a lovely feline. She could tell that when Winter grew up, she'd be absolutely lovely, too. Then, she asked, "is there anything I should know about her, so that I'm not ignorant of something particular she's used to or might especially like?" She figured since the girl had spent the past eight sevendays with the cub, she would know best as to what it did or didn't like. Kiana knew how to care for a feline, but all the same, they all had their individual quirks.

She was openly admiring the pretty white cub. It was true that females came into heat and were often quite quite loud, and how did one keep them from getting into contact with male cats every few times a year? Then she remembered: she could close her off in one of the rooms that allowed such a thing. Being in a barracks, no one would appreciate the yowling. Still, she had known it might be female, and that didn't change the fact that she wanted it in the least. Perhaps that was another thing she might ask the girl about, and then, on an afterthought, "I'm Kiana, by the way. What's your name?" She realized that she didn't know this girl at all. Chances were she'd want to update her on how the cub was doing, or maybe she could visit her, or vice versa? Better to introduce herself, therefore, so that Kalerary knew who she was, and where she was staying.

[Ember]

T'san waited patiently as the girl said goodbye to Spice. He'd look after the kitten, no doubt about that. Though only trained as a beastcrafter until apprentice level - and unofficially at that - the brownrider could tell that all the feline cubs were healthy little creatures. Also, both the parents were in the weyr so it wasn't like Spice was from an unknown origin. Possibly the cub's biggest bonus was that his weyr wouldn't feel so empty with just him and Dsoleth. It was still an all male weyr so far though.

The brownrider glanced around at the others and frowned slightly. Two kittens left and too many people to make everyone happy. Well at least I can walk away happy, even if I hadn't intended to buy this cub, he thought a bit selfishly. The last part was also directed mostly to Dsoleth. You are happy enough now that you bought him. You should be grateful to me for suggesting you get one. Suggestion! Hah! You were demanding. And, much as I hate to, I must thank you. He could feel the smug satisfaction through their bond and he rolled his eyes. Anyways, Ka'rys' costume had piqued his interest. Time to see if there was anything that struck his fancy.

"Thank you," T'san told the girl in farewell. He gave a nod to Ka'rys before walking away from the stall, Spice craddled in his arms. The cub was purring quietly and the brownrider could feel it. Spice had discovered his bandage and batted it gently. It was too far to taste test. The brownrider chuckled quietly to himself on his way to the masquerade stall. "Cutie."

[Sheari]

Anusha nodded while R'men was more interested in watching the grey feline. He was cute, he was. He'd heard a name said earlier but right now he could not recall what it might have been. He wasn't so transfixed, however, to have missed Ka'ry's question. Permission? He hadn't heard anything about permission until now, and surely the Weyrleader could grant it to them, since he outranked a Weyrlingmaster. Or maybe he was wrong in thinking that? R'men looked at Anusha, then to Ka'rys, his hopes falling as he wondered if they would really have to get permission before they got a cub.

"Uh, no, we haven't received permission, we haven't asked yet because we weren't aware we had to," Anusha said. She was feeling rather awkward right now but refused to let it bleed into what she was putting out as far as appearance went. She strongly doubted that the girl or her father would wait for them to search out I'fael and then return with his reply. If they did she'd be surprised, but it would feel even more awkward, running through the Gather, not knowing if the Weyrlingmaster was there or not. If he wasn't she'd be in a flurry to find him outside the grounds.

[sorry it's short]

[zoie]

Out of luck? That was sad… but there were others with cubs. That’s what the dragonrider said. He listed a few others with females that may or may not have babies, and she intended to go see them about it later. They were probably cheaper, too. It made sense to go see them instead of buying one. She would have really liked one today, but another time would be okay too.

She looked at the remaining cub. It was very cute, but she nodded anyway. It was fair. She had gotten there last, and now she would not get one. Oh, well. “Thank you for being so plite about it,” she said to the rider. “I think I’ll just stick around a little longer. I like cute fuzzy things, and these ones seem to be the only ones at the Gather.”

((Short post is short))

[glamourie]

Kiana’s question made Kalerary squirm slightly, and then the little girl held the cub out more insistently. “Take her,” she said, and her words held a hint of demand. She didn’t want to give the cub up at all but if the girl wanted her, Kale wanted to see how she reacted. Little Winter deserved a chance to decide whether or not she wanted this person, she did. The little cub in her hands gave a slight squirm, kicking her back legs as she fixed Kiana with a blue-eyed stare. Kalerary’s gray eyes remained on the girl tempestuously, as though trying to decide what to make of her. Candidate, from her knots. Was she Searched for Hepaticath’s clutch then? And hadn’t Impressed? Hmm. Her eyes narrowed, stubbornly. She was determined to dislike all of the people taking away her cubs, even if they were nice to her. No amount of niceness could change that they were taking the babies away. Even if they let her visit, it wasn’t the same… it just wasn’t. While Winter was the one she liked the least (she wasn’t as nice as her brothers), it didn’t mean that she loved her any less; she loved all of the cubs, and they were her family… As if she realized right at that moment though that Kiana was speaking, her eyes opened and closed rapidly before she cocked her head to the side. Anything she needed to know…? Hmm…

“Winter doesn’t like the boys. She likes to strut around them, as if she thinks she’s better. She mostly hangs around with Fish, because Vira annoys her,” Kale explained, eying the cub in her hands. “She’s clumsy too, she ran into Ciceroth’s leg yesterday and he’s a pretty hard obstacle to overlook, since he’s so big. She doesn’t much mind it though. I think that’s what you need to know - that and that her fur has to be brushed a lot ‘cause sometimes it’ll mat up.” Long-haired felines often ran into that problem. They required a good deal of maintenance to keep them healthy and happy. Except Reggie. He always groomed himself perfectly, but he was the only one that did. As for her name? Kale cocked her head again, her expression bemused, before she said softly, “I’m Kalerary…”

Oblivious to his daughter’s discussions, Ka’rys was focusing entirely on the two weyrlings, though he did offer T’san a passing nod of acknowledgment. His nose crinkled in disdain before he sighed. “You live in rooms with baby dragons and room mates. A pet is another creature you have to care for, and therefore, you should always check with your weyrlingmaster before making that commitment. More importantly, you need to remember that when you move something into the weyrling barracks, you’re using space other people will be using later on. It’s not your weyr to decide,” he explained, then gestured toward the dragons. “Have one of them contact Morendoth and make sure I’fael is okay with it. I don’t want the weyrlingmaster hunting me down for giving you a pet without permission.”

His head turned toward the candidate and he gestured to the box absently. “If you want to pet the remaining one, or Reggie, be my guest. He’s not liable to bite or scratch, he’s affectionate.” As if on cue, the feline circling him took to purring, his head turning toward Nitsa. Merce, the salamandyr, settled for a hiss and dove down the back of Kalerary’s shirt. He didn’t like strangers all that much. Ignoring his pet, Ka’rys rubbed his eye and nodded. “Really need to talk to our teachers about establishing rules regarding this. It’s pretty inconvenient if they forget to mention to their students these things…”

[kat]

Kiana listened carefully, paying close attention to the younger girl's words. These were important things to remember. Things about a feline who would be kept for many years. She took responsibility for it very seriously. She was grateful that the girl was willing to impart this knowledge on her, so she knew better what to expect. The girl held out the kitten, and Kia was careful to take it so that its rear end and top half were supported.

"She's a little princess then, is she?" she asked, smiling softly at the fluffy white kitten. She loved felines, and most of them loved to have their chins scratched. So, she gently scratched underneath the kitten's chin. In regards to what she'd been told, she replied, "I'll remember that, then. I love grooming animals, and I'll get her a brush right away, so she can get used to it." She continued to pet the kitten, aiming for all the spots she knew that felines particularly loved. Behind the ears, by the base of the tail, along the back and on top of her head. She was so precious! She was already falling head over heels for the little darling.

"Kalerary. It's a really pretty name," she commented thoughtfully. It had a really nice sound to it. She felt bad for the scars the girl had. She was a pretty girl, and perhaps they would fade with time. Still, she wasn't really one given to pitying people. No one appreciated pity, it was best to treat them based on their personalities. Looks really didn't make a difference to her. They weren't what was important.

She hoped that the cub would like her. She was already getting attached and she'd only been holding her for all of a half a minute, probably. She was so cute! She seemed like she would be the type of cub who liked being a one and only. Therefor she would never need more than one, Winter could be the one and only insofar as Kiana was concerned. Excluding those 'mandyrs or flitts, mind you. She would have loved one of those, but with Winter it wasn't a pressing matter any longer.

[Sheari]

There was a brief pause as Anusha heard Minth relayed what needed to be asked. She was unsure if Weith had done something similar at the same time, and she wished he'd remain silent.

Mine? He says that it's okay.[/i]

Anusha had the feeling that there was more she wanted to say but would say it later. She opened her mouth to speak up but R'men spoke first. "He says that it's fine, but next time we should ask first." Anusha glared at him as he reiterated what the Weyrleader had just said. Someone should had told him that repeating the words of the higher-ups did not give you brownie points and that brownie points were useless anyway. She sighed, that was R'men's way and being spontaneous was what made him who he was.

"Is the gray one still available?" she asked. Ha! Who got it out first this time? Smugness aside, she watched the last little kitten in the box as the girl next to them held the white one. It was cute and the short fur wouldn't need much maintenance. As far as care went, she figured it wouldn't be too hard. Akos flashed her an image of the gray kitten only the feline was glowing, sort of. Huh.

R'men peered at the cub and smiled at the girl, ignoring the stone-faced Senior Weyrleader. He was suddenly overcome by a feeling of being awkward and wished desperately to be able to leave, preferably a couple marks short and with a kitten in hand. Don't be such a pansy, R'menmine. What's the worst that Ciceroth's can do to you, have Ciceroth sit on you?...Neeeeevermind.[/i] R'men had never before seen a dragon look sheepish, and he might not have seen it if he hadn't stopped glaring in time to find the look funny.

[glamourie]

(if zoie hasn't posted by Monday, I will -- but in the meantime here's Winter)

Name: ? ? ?
Age: 8 sevendays
Gender: Female
Species: Feline
Belongs To: Kiana

Appearance: Absolutely tiny is this feline. As a baby, she’ll easily fit into the palms of people’s hands, or on her favored perch of shoulders. In adulthood, she’ll still be very small, dwarfed by other adults with one or two rare exceptions. She’s distinct in appearance, too – none would ever mistake her for another of her species. She has a very round face that can appear ‘cute’ and ‘dainty’, bringing prominence to her large, clear eyes. She has a slender body with legs that are slightly too short for her length – she looks almost as though she’s crouching at all times, or sneaking about. Her tail is also quite short for her body, comically noticeable even as a kitten; in adulthood, there’s no doubt that watching her strut about will be hysterically funny. Overall the impression of this female’s body is that she’s a predator though, from the little razor-sharp claws to her manner of prowling about at all times. Of course, it’d be more serious if her ears weren’t quite so large – as it is, they’re definitely pronounced, and can make her head seem somewhat oddly shaped. When sitting still, she almost looks like she’ll fall on her face at all times – poor thing!

This feline cub possesses long, silky fur, covering her entire body. The effect of this long hair is to make her round face seem to have larger cheeks, complete with fluffy fur spreading out almost to the effect of appearing triangular, while her large ears possess long hairs at the very tips; she distinctly resembles a terran Lynx. Her tail, despite being short, is exceedingly fluffy, and looks to be as wide around as her entire body when she gets fired up. She is pure, unadulterated white, from the tip of her nose to the end of her tail, like the color of fresh snow. A pale pink nose graces the front of her face, noticeably standing out against the otherwise pale color of her fur. Her eyes, though, are her most defining feature: brilliant crystal blue, they stand out and seem to glow even in the dark. The shade is like that of the sky at high noon, clear and dazzling. No doubt she’s a stunner!

Personality: “Bratty” would be the best word to describe the initial impression that this little cub gives off. She’s gorgeous – and she knows it, make no mistake. Her behavior is nearly snobbish. She has quite a fondness for strutting about, her tail in the air, head held high, showing off in a classical “Look at me! Look at me!” style. Everyone should admire how wonderful she is, compliment her constantly, because she most assuredly is one of the most beautiful felines to ever grace Pern. Right? – Except ‘grace’ in reference to her is comical. No matter how snobby she may behave (and she does), she lacks in the subtle feline agility that most of her species has, and this completely undermines her attempts at being regal most of the time, much to her misfortune. In fact, it makes all of her efforts in vain – she looks positively ridiculous more often than not.

Translation: This feline is a klutz. No matter how hard she tries, no matter how many times she prances about gracefully, she’s always stumbling and falling. If she climbs onto a table, counter, or even the furs, she’s falling. Fragile objects have no hope in her presence, and she has a bad habit of falling off of everything she gets into: tables, beds, counters, people – you name it, she’s slipping and hitting the ground. Fortunately, she’s resilient, as is her ego, and the constant battering doesn’t usually result in her sulking for more than a few moments. This is especially easy to fix if her humanslave is kind enough to pet her and compliment her beauty. No one’s opinion matters as much to her as her foodbringer, and as long as she believes this little cub is the most beautiful, wonderful thing on Pern, then nothing else matters. Spoiled? Oh yes. But doesn’t she deserve it?