Breathe the Pressure [ Shii ]

[absinthe]

Amelie’s laughter went from quiet and somewhat contained to… well, not so contained. Upon hearing Quintrell’s description of the candidate, she couldn’t help but burst into merry laughter. “Oh, I wish I had been there!” She giggled before leaning against the table and offering Junaes a brilliant smile. “You won’t hold it against me will you? Admit it, it’s funny!” She gave another laugh; it wasn’t loud enough to be disturbing to anyone else fortunately but it was obvious that she thought she was in good company. In the face of such laughter Junaes couldn’t resist a smile of his own, along with a vaguely sheepish shrug.

“Yeah. I guess it was kind of funny.” But the girl’s attention was already focused back on the blond, smiling as he gave one of her curls a tug while speaking to her. Amelie then nodded, curls bouncing around her face as she did.

“I am new here! I just transferred. I’m an apprentice healer.” Before she could say anything else though, he was… offering her a… what was it again? Salamandyr. Blinking, Amelie looked from the thief down to the bronze in his hand before she smiled again. “Guru! He’s wonderful. I didn’t even know what a salamandyr was until I saw somebody with one a few days ago.” After a moment of hesitation she held her hand out experimentally. “Will he come to me?” She had no idea that Junaes (who was watching the whole exchange while looking bored) had expressed a curiosity in the creature a short while ago and had been rebuffed. As the girl was expressing her delight at the creature, the candidate rose from his seat and took his bowl… presumably to get it refilled.

Amelie hardly noticed. She nodded again in confirmation to Quintrell’s question, beaming. “Yes. I got him at the firelizard hatching. He’s so cute! I wish I could think of a name for him. You have ideas?” The expression on her face was nothing short of hopeful as she looked up at the wherling. She’d been wanting some ideas for names, but didn’t really know anyone well enough to ask. It was so nice of him to offer!

[rii]

That had been easy.

Quintrell's dark eyes casted over to Junaes's retreating form. The grin that he showed for Amelie the entire time doubled as his highly pleased reaction to Junaes quiet withdrawal from the table. The theif didn't linger long on the situation, returning his full attention to Amelie. Such a exuberant girl – naive, clearly.

"Of course," The thief replied while setting the disgruntled Guru down in the girl's palm. The bronze may not like the arrangement, but really, what could he do besides complain at length. Guru gave a long scolding look at His before turning his head to regard the young female. Well, the bronze frilled while stretching out broadside to display his true bronze coloring and powerful shape. She best not drop him, but if she wanted to admire him, who was he to stop her?

Quintrell smirked at the touch of smugness coming from the salamandyr, paying little mind to the faint doubt Guru had about his own self-pride. Not that the bronze would ever let on to his lack of confidence, instead he over compensated for it. The thief nodded to her questions while he wondered mildly over the age the apprentice healer. "I'd be more than happy ta help name yer kit. Although, it would be easier if I could see 'im.. ya'know, see how well the names fit."

Hopping up to his feet, Quintrell snagged Amelie and gently urged her to rise – and of course lead him to where ever this feline cub resided. Likely her room, this he knew, knew a bit too well. "Let's go see him, shall we?"

[absinthe]

Easy indeed. Had Amelie realized what the wherling’s intentions had been, she might have said something or asked Junaes to stay. So mean! But she was quite thoroughly distracted by the salamandyr being placed in her palm; she all but squealed with joy, a bright smile spreading across her face as Guru displayed for her. “You are such a handsome little thing. Look at you!” The praises came easily and readily enough and as far as Amelie was concerned the little bronze had earned them. Just because he was wonderful. Yes, she would really say that if asked.

Lifting her head to look at Quintrell, Amelie’s bright smile was all for him at that moment. “Oh, that sounds like a good idea.” She rose to her feet his gentle urging and if she hadn’t been so well distracted she might have inquired about the candidate. But as it were, she simply led the way out of the dining hall still holding Guru. The bronze was welcome to leave her hand anytime he liked, she wouldn’t stop him. But the apprentice did so enjoy holding him that she hoped he didn’t take the notion to go back to Quintrell anytime soon.

The candidate in question returned to the table just in time to see the pair depart. His only reaction was to wave at their backs and state a simple “’bye” before digging into his stew bowl. He knew he probably wasn’t very interesting to a young girl like Amelie and he preferred to eat alone anyway… kind of a lucky break for him.

Even distracted by Guru’s glory, Amelie had no problem finding her room from the dining hall. It had only been a few days since she’d transferred to the Weyr, but she’d committed herself to learning her way around. “This is my room. Obviously.” She cast a grin at Quintrell before walking over to the furs and gently setting Guru down. She wanted her hands free. “Now where is that cub…” She didn’t have to look long, for as soon as he heard her voice, the kitten in question came strolling out from under a desk against one wall, mewing as he scampered toward Amelie’s feet. “Aw, who’s a good boy!” Bending down, the girl scooped up the feline and placed a kiss between his ears before turning to Quintrell and beaming.

“Here he is! Isnt he precious?” Much as the lad had done with his salamandyr moments before, the girl offered her cub to him to look at. He was a soft cream color, with dusky gray face, ears, paws, and tail. His eyes were still blue and would likely remain so even into adulthood. The kitten sniffed the air in front of Quintrell’s face before reaching out with a paw and batting the thiefs nose. Amelie giggle as said paw rested on the end of said nose even as the kitten looked over his shoulder at her almost questioningly… as if demanding to know what was so funny.

[rii]

Of course he was handsome. Guru casually curled and uncurled his tail while regarding Amelie and her gushing. He didn't need to be told all of this, but if she wanted to lavish the attention on him, who would he be to stop her. Clearly so. A touch of suspicion mixed with the sarcasm. Guru licked one of his foreclaws and moved his attention to the changing scenery.

Quintrell cast one last glance over his shoulder, grin peaking at the sight of Junaes returning to the empty table. Might as well keep her distracted from noticing that sad little sight. Quintrell gave Amelie's hand a light squeeze as he followed her out the door – refusing to let her go; even if her attention was intent on the bronze. With a shrug of shoulder Quintrell just went with the flow of present events.

Eyebrows went to his hairline as Amelie set his salamandyr down on.. her bed. Well, not one to turn down an offer – in pure innocence as it may have been – Quintrell hopped over to the furs and plopped down while picking up Guru in the same motion. He sat, feet tapping against the floor as Amelie sought out the cub.

"Adorable," Quintrell agreed as the paw touched his nose. He smirked and ease the kitten out of her hands and leaned back against the wall. One hand reached down to pat the furs next to him. She would serve as his accomplice in naming the furry beast. "Let's see now.. " He held the playful cub up high to give it a thorough examination. "How about.. Caster.. " Dark brown eyes glanced over to his company.

[absinthe]

Amelie didn’t hesitate, flopping down on the furs next to the wherling and peering at the kitten in question. The girl wasn’t thinking about anything right now except finding a name for her ball of fluff. She couldn’t help but giggle at the first suggested name. “Caster. Why Caster?” She reached over with one small hand to stroke the kitten’s fur, earning an enthusiastic purr in return. He was getting attention from two people at once; how was this not a good thing? Despite this however, he was getting tired of being held and squirmed in Quintrell’s grasp before licking the hand that held him. Maybe he would let go? Pawing at the blond’s fingers, the kitten paused for a moment when he noticed Guru. What was that? Did it want to play?

Shifting into a more comfortable position, Amelie stretched out and rested on her stomach as she watched with a smile as the cub wrestled and played with Quintrell’s hand. “He’s such a rascal, isn’t he? Hm… what about that? Rascal?” It fit his personality well, but she wasn’t sure… there might be another name that fit him better. Squirming into a more comfortable spot in the furs (there was a lump under her stomach; she hadn’t bothered to make her bed that morning), the apprentice looked ever thoughtful. After a minute or so more, she actually got up and went to the desk to open a drawer and pull out a long bright red ribbon. Smiling, she returned and flopped back down on the furs, closer to Quintrell so she could dangle the ribbon in front of the kitten’s nose.

“He loves to play with this.” The feline’s intense stare was proof enough of Amelie’s words as he followed the movement of the ribbon with blue eyes. He made several grabs with eager paws but it was just too far away to reach. Dark tail lashing, the cub made his displeasure known with a loud squall that had Amelie laughing. “Aw. Poor baby.” Feeling sorry for him, she dangled the ribbon right over his head and let him grab it with his paws. Triumphant, the kitten wriggled from Quintrell’s grasp and hauled the ribbon away to savor his victory. The girl looked after her pet for a moment before looking back at the wherling. “So. Any other ideas?” They’d each contributed one; maybe they could come up with more.

[rii]

Young.
I can tell.
Too young.
Echo my conscious much?
Boring.

Quintrell eyebrow quirked upward. Well yes, he was starting to feel rather bored with the situation. He didn't do well in situations that didn't produce entertainment. And Amelie was too young for him to enjoy his usual tricks. There also was the matter of his young wher – such a ball in chain, that brown. So Guru had a point: what were they doing there? They both could be doing more interesting things than allowing the feline cub to eye the bronze salamandyr (who had taken to the thief's head). Oh the wise Guru, ever full of wisdom.

"I happ'n ta think Caster is a fine name." He spoke in mock defense, lifting his chin to the dismissal to his suggestion. He squinted at the kitten while considering Rascal. "Iunno, seems rather typical for a mischievous creature. You should give him a name others are unlikely to guess. I say Kirby."

As Amelie went to rummage, Quintrell let his eyes wander around the small living quarters to try and spot anything worth snitching. Not that he had anywhere to hide objects, if they were something more than a ring or necklace – those he could hide in plain sight. Otherwise, being garbed in only shorts and Junaes belt, that left his options limited. Although, the thief wasn't in the profession of theft without having a creative and highly spontaneous nature.

Seizing the ribbon, Quintrell dragged it across the bed to bring the nameless kit back within reach. He scooped the male back up and stood from the bed – all the while wiggling the ribbon to keep it entertained. "This ribbon reminds me.. I have this quirky roommate.. makes clothes n'all that. He's got this.. well I don't know how to describe it. But I want to get it for you – and the little fuzzball here."

Quintrell took a step toward the door. "Roomie is sleeping at the moment, there are whers in there.. so you just sit tight. I'll be back in a jiffy." And, before she could protest his departure (with the kitten still in his hands) the thief stepped out through the door.

[absinthe]

"Yes, it is a lovely name." Amelie was quick to agree with Quintrell as if afraid of offending him, although the little smile on her face seemed to give away the fact that she could tell he wasn't really being serious. "I just don't know if it's right for him is all. Maybe I should just think about it for a while longer." And she was prepared to do so when the wherling leaned forward and snagged the ribbon that the feline was busily dragging off. The apprentice watched as the young man seemed to play with her new pet for a moment before he scooped him up and stood. What was he doing? There was what? "Oh, okay." Although it didn't seem as if she minded him leaving all that much, Amelie hadn't been expecting him to carry off her little ball of fluff. She was still for a moment (shock, perhaps, or a simple case of wtf) before she scrambled after the thief. The girl had no idea he was a thief in fact, but still she didn't like the idea of him leaving with her kitten! She didn't like that idea at all.

Luckily she'd reacted quickly enough to spot him down the hallway and trotted after him, literally latching onto one of Quintrell's arms with a sweet smile for him. "I think I should come along, you know, just in case. Because if something happened, I'd hate for you to be responsible and all." She didn't seem to want to let go of his arm, and if the wherling had a problem with being touchy-feely, he was going to suffer until he gave the girl her kitty back. "He hasn't been out much, you see, and I'm simply worried about him getting scared and running away and getting lost and all that fun stuff." The cub in question had all but lost interest in the ribbon and was looking around them with big, wide eyes, ears twitching at various sounds. Obviously he was interested in the world around them, but it wasn't quite as clear as to whether he'd decided it was something to be scared of or something to be played with.

The decision was made in the blink of an eye when the kitten apparently saw something that he didn't like very well. Jumping, he turned toward Quintrell and mewed pitifully before flailing about in an attempt to get loose, back legs kicking and claws digging into whatever he could find. He definitely didn't like being outside his nice, comfortable room where everything was familiar! He wanted to go back there. It seemed that an actual living creature was a bit harder to actually steal than an inanimate object. Amelie was quick to try and calm the little feline and while he did stop struggling (at least for a moment), he answered her with another frantic mew. "Aw, poor thing. Maybe I should take him back." Cue pointed look at Quintrell and a slight emphasis on /I/.

[rii]

"What shall we do, Caster?"

Yes, Quintrell had stuck with his original suggestion. Perhaps if he called it enough by that name the cub would start responding to it – then Amelie would just have to settle for it. He soothed the young feline as he began to squirm in fright. Tucked into the crook of his arm, Quintrell set his other hand loosely around it to make shift a hiding spot. "No need ta be afraid. They're all a bunch of louts any way ya look at it. I betcha could scam 'em all with yer looks. Just meow n' swish yer tail, could get whatever ye want. Granted, if they like felines. Some don't, mind ya. You'll need ta learn ta duck under those thrown boots n'all."

Footsteps, quick ones at that. Quintrell arched a brow and cast a look over his shoulder. He smiled friendly enough at the approaching Amelie. "What ye talkin' bout? Nothin' is goin' ta happen to little caster here." The theif held the kit up a bit, purposely trying to move the cub out of Amelie's immediate reach. He cooed down at the furball. "Just takin' a little trip so he doesn't become a lazy bed warmer the size of a wherry, am I right? Mommy probably coddles ya. Gotta show you sum fresh air n' adventure."

A sly glance went to apprentice healer at her suggestion. "Now now beautiful, ye gotta let yer baby walk on his own someday. Can't shelter him all his life." And the thief really wasn't taking any of her hints to turn back to her room. He marched on, towing Amelie with his arm if that happened to be the case. She was a small thing and, although not much bigger himself, Quintrell had the advantage of being well practiced in his game of keep away.

And if she makes a right fuss, well, he'd have Quintresk deal with the healer. The brown wher was reaching an impressive size for his color. Granted, that was if the thief could make it all the way down to the cliff side rooms that housed the wherlings.

Fur-brain make nice snack. Guru chirped down at the dark curls of Amelie's head. What? He didn't care about the feline. The thing had been eyeing him like a tasty treat, much like the feather-brain had, and Guru didn't care much for that. He was sure the big brown thing would eat the cub if it caused too much trouble. Maybe eat the girl too. The bronze eyed the female with that thought, then casually flicked his tail as if dismissing the idea. Too small. All bone, you.