Squirmy Critter-Gifts

Writers: AL, Miriah, Suzee
Date Posted: 13th October 2013

Characters: Zathris, Karhal, Loella, Benani
Description: Benani and Loella receive their pups
Location: Amber Hills Hold
Date: month 3, day 12 of Turn 7

Zathris

Karhal

Loella

Benani

Loella was more than a little excited about today. She was on her way
to meet Karhal and her very own little canine. It didn't matter to her
that the pup was the runt of the litter. She was growing up beautiful
and Loella visited her any time Karhal would allow.

"Karhal," she queried as she came through the door.

"Come in." He lifted his head, trying to hold three squirming puppies
all at once. One yipped at the other while the smallest gave little
growls and attempted to chew on the buttons of Karhal's shirt.

Loella laughed as she saw the puppies in his large hands. "You're
overflowing with puppies," she came to take the little destroyer away
from his shirt and puppy tongue promptly tried to bathe her face with
squirmy love. "Hey hey," she laughed.

A warmth lit in Karhal's eyes as she divested him of one of his
burdens. "I noticed." He eyed the puppy. "Hey, squirt. Remember that
the lady gives kisses to me first."

She laughed and leaned up to give him a warm kiss as she held the
wiggling bundle to the side.

He had to bent to receive his kiss and the squirming puppies made it a
little more difficult. "You got here just in time." He straightened.
"I'm supposed to meet the Lord and Lady shortly after the noon meal
and I think it would be good for you to meet Benani; you'll be working
with her pretty closely."

"Today?" she tried to think what she looked like and only hoped
everything was arranged correctly.

Karhal nodded, finally tucking each puppy under his arms firmly. It was
almost ridiculous seeing the large man struggling with the squirming
pups, and any notion of him being foreboding would have been quickly
lost at the image. "Aye." He looked up quickly. "You don't mind, do you?"

"I hope not." Zathris chuckled as he stepped closer to the couple.
He'd arrived just in time to hear Loella's remarks followed by Karhal.
"Other wise, I'll be hurt."

Karhal's head turned and his lips lifted slightly. "Lord Zathris, this
is my intended, Loella."

Loella whipped around at the voice. "No, I'm..." she looked helplessly
at Karhal and then blushed in mortification as she dropped into a deep
curtsy. "Sir," she murmured.

"Hello Loella, it's a pleasure." Zathris' soft laughter returned and
he waved his hand. "I'm just teasing, don't get flustered. Now, has
my wife...ah, there she is!"

He had arrived not long before her and as Benani came into view,
Zathris held out his hand. "Benani, good. Have you met Loella?
Evidently this lovely lady is Karhal's betrothed."

"Ma'am," Loella murmured and dropped another curtsy completely unable
to think of anything else to say. While she loved her rugged Karhal to
distraction, their Lord Holder was disconcertingly handsome so she
focused on the Lady instead with a shaky smile.

"Hello Loella, I don't believe we've met," Benani smiled.
"Congratulations," she said including Karhal with a nod. "We'd quite
despaired of him finding a proper wife and I'd even thought about
bringing my own skills to bear on the subject. But I see Karhal,
you're getting quite the better end of the deal on this one." She took
Zathris' hand with a grin and a kiss.

Karhal looked at Benani with a hint of surprise; he'd no idea that she
had been thinking any such thing. But he had to agree that he was
getting the better end of the deal. He inclined his head to both in a
bow before moving to stand beside his betrothed. He knew both Lord and
Lady better than Loella, so was not as discomforted, but sensed that
Loella might be more comfortable with him near by. Seeing her so
suddenly shy instead of tart and vivacious was a change. "Indeed,
Lady. She was most insistent on the matter." A glint of humor shone in
his eyes before he glanced at the squirming pups in his hands. "Lord
Zathris, they pups are ready for your Lady. Though..." He sighed as
one began chewing on his finger. "She may not be ready for them..."

"You forget, Karhal." Zathris held up a finger and winked. "She's
given birth to twins. I think she can handle anything."

Loella was grateful and the look she threw Karhal told him she
noticed. "I'm afraid I was my Lady," she smiled. "I practically had to
hit him over the head."

Benani bestowed a kind smile on Karhal's young betrothed. "Good,"
Benani said firmly. "Sometimes men need a firm hand." Then she
chuckled at Zathris. "Indeed," she agreed. To Karhal she added. "I've
been looking forward to this," and reached out her hands for him to
give her one of the little bundles. She'd noted the way Loella held
her pup and intended to emulate her.

Karhal's brow twitched higher at the two women and then glanced at
Zathris. The silent male communication was clear; if both of the women
became close, they might well be in danger. "We do think for ourselves
on occasion." His voice was dry. "And furthermore, neither of you
could reach my head." His eyes glinted in humor for a moment before
handing one pup to Zathris and the other given carefully to Benani.
"Lord Zathris insisted upon two, Lady. One for you and one for the
children."

"If you open your eyes," Loella replied tartly.

Benani accepted the one and looked interestedly at the other. "Two?"
That would actually make three total with the one that had already
attached himself to Zathris. Her brow rose slightly.

"Pfft," Loella chuckled. "You didn't see what was in front of you for
turns and you know it!"

"Well, you know how we men are. Blind to the obvious." Zathris
chuckled. "So, these are the pups?"

Karhal just looked at Loella and arched a brow before turning to
Zathris and nodding. "Loella will be learning to train ladies' canines
and will help your Lady, if she is willing." He inclined his head
towards Benani. "They'll not be as obvious as Livie or Lord Zathris'
canine. They'll appear more to be companions, but will have the same
capabilities."

Loella could't help the smirk back at Karhal at Zathris' words. She
had no doubt she'd pay for it later, in a fun way of course. Behind
the gruff exterior he was loving and tender which she'd never ever
tell anyone, at least not for the moment.

"Alik seems to take to the companion part of his post like a wherry does
to the table." Zathris chuckled softly. "All right, let's have a look
at them."

Pulling the other pup away from the wooden buttons on his shirt with a
sigh, Karhal handed the other over to Zathris. "I think they'll be
smaller than Livie, but not by much. They'll need much more
socialization than your Alik and Livie have had. This one is a bit
more...active than the other. The other is much more laid back and
will most likely be better to be raised amongst your children. This
one is more dominant and will need more discipline, Lady Benani."

Benani nodded and accepted the instruction with interest as he began
to teach her how to handle the little canine.

Last updated on the November 2nd 2013

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