Oct 29, 2021
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A Gift as a Gift
“Oh, there she is!”
The voice rose to catch her attention as Astrias walked through the Gate with the ranger, bewildered for a moment as she focused on the elf who had spoken, “Good evening.” It only took a moment for her to recall the auctioneer from the Hospital Benefit though she could not remember her being so animated. “You were the lady I spoke to yesterday from the Hospital, right?” Astrias could sense Tyverus tense beside her and her nervousness sent a thrill of worry through her as she shot him a quick look, “Dear. Give me a moment.” She turned back to the smiling elf as she heard him respond before going further into the City, “Of course.”
Elaice looked from side to side before stepping back to clear the path in front of the gate, “Um, I’m sorry I forgot your name, to be honest.” Astrias caught the apology in her smile as she glanced down at the wiggling ball of fur in the elf’s arms. “I am Astrias Shadowstar. No worries, I have made several acquaintances these last few days.” She lifted a hand to stay any apology that might be offered as her own polite smile came to her lips, again she looked at the creature in the Elaice’s arms and saw that it was a puppy.
“Oh, right, well, I remembered you were asking about these and I told Lady Sungazer about your question and she talked to Lord Dawnraiser who is the one who bred the puppies and-” The blonde stopped to take a breath, of which she had not yet. Astrias’ ears swiveled back, the name Dawnraiser familiar. “Oh, I see.” She flashed a brighter smile as she let the news of Lord Dawnraiser fade without comment. “They wanted to give you this as a gift.” With that, she held out the little puppy who wagged his tail with excitement. “Indeed, I was looking to..” She paused as the elf offers the pup, her features showing her surprise. “I've no coin on me at the moment.” She looked between the pup and the blonde elf, feeling her brows swoop low with uncertainty. “They want to make sure they go to good homes,” Elaice nodded once, “They can't afford to keep them all. They take up resources, they said.” Again the elf nodded and the little pup barked before nibbling on her hand. “Hey, hey!”
Astrias hesitated before stepping forward, it did not set well with her to accept such a gift without a proper exchange but the auctioneer’s excitement did not seem practiced. “Oh, goodness.” She smiled brightly at the little pup. “I will have to be sure to thank them.” Slowly she lifted a hand to let the pup sniff her fingers. “Adorable, I am certain that he will be happy with us.” Elaice clapped her hands together as he's taken. “I thought so!” she says, “Lady Sungazer too!” Astrias smiled at the pup as she asked, “Do you know if he is prone to barking?” surprised at the question and realizing how it’s presence and barking would affect their home when the baby arrived. Another elf spoke, his comment obviously directed at her. “You have not much to fear with that little one. He knows you’ll soon be a mother. He knows he’ll be loved.” She looked at the elf and saw that he began to scratch the back of his neck seemingly embarrassed that he had commented and revealing that he had been eavesdropping. The elf didn’t meet her gaze and her attention shifted back to Elaice who spoke, “They are teething, but they listen well. They just need training.”
“Oh, thank you.” Astrias scratched gently at the pup's neck, giving a slight nod to them both before setting her olive gaze on the pup. “I suppose we'll have to wrap you up and deliver you as swiftly as possible.” She booped his nose gently as she nodded. “You will be perfect if you're quiet for but a few moments.” Looking up she flashed a warm smile to Elaice, “Thank you so very much. I take it Lord Dawnraiser and Lady Sungazer may be reached by courier?” The blonde nodded as she replied, "Of course! I'll let you get back to the gentleman.” Astrias looked around, startled as if Tyverus had reappeared to discover what she was up to and the plans she’d made to surprise him. She moved the pup to be hidden by her growing stomach, “Thank you again and do let me say that I think you did very well with the event.” She nodded, smiling brightly. “Enjoy your evening.”
[ @elaice sungazerdietrichwra tyverus ]