He's Picked You

Writers: AL, Miriah
Date Posted: 23rd June 2013

Characters: Karhal, Zathris
Description: Zathris gets unexpectedly adopted
Location: Amber Hills Hold
Date: month 1, day 24 of Turn 7
Notes: Mentioned: Benani

Karhal

Zathris

The kennels were finished as Karhal walked between them, a smile of
satisfaction was on his face. They were perfect. There was a run for the
animals behind it as well as a carefully marked out training area. But
even more important, two kennels were occupied by young dogs who had shown
promise.

Waiting for Zathris', Karhal moved to another small area, a dim room with
a box in the corner where Livie lay curled protectively around a small,
squirming litter. She had given birth the night before and
while one pup was stillborn, the other six were healthy.

"Karhal?" Zathris tried not to be too loud, but he couldn't see the
guard from the entrance to the kennels - at least, not til he moved
further inside. Once the Lord spotted the other man, he moved forward
to join him. "Ah, are these the pups then?"

There was a low, nearly silent growl before Karhal hushed the
protective mother. "In here." Karhal turned and held up a hand to
stall the Lord Holder. "They are, but you may want to speak in a
whisper. Livie is extremely protective right now." He crouched near
the canine, gesturing for Zathris to do the same near him. "Four male, two
female. All healthy and strong, apparently." His lips lifted. "And two are
yours. Perhaps after their eyes open and we see more of their
personality, your Lady and yourself can pick out the ones you'd like."

"They'll change quite a bit in that time." It would only be a couple of
sevendays, but while Zathris didn't currently own any dogs, he'd grown up
with them. "It will be interesting to see their personalities come out.
I doubt I'll make a decision til they're a little older."

Karhal nodded in agreement. "I'll keep Livie here; she's seems more
comfortable in the birthing box than in my office. Too many people going
in and out and it's quieter. " He rose, giving Livie a light pat on the
head. "I thought you might like to see where the rest of your marks went
as far as the kennel and the training area. We've already got two
potentials in the kennels. I'll train both while teaching Daimhin and
possibly Veyter to handle the pair."

"Is it all right if I come and look at them from time to time? I won't
touch them without you around, of course." Mothers were always
protective of their children and animals could get quite ferocious.
Zathris didn't want to get bitten.

"Of course." Karhal nodded. "I wouldn't expect anything else. I'm hoping
most of them are going to have Livie's potential. They may not, but the
chances are at least half of them will."

"I don't expect this to be an overnight success. I understand the nature
of breeding canines to some extent at the very least." Zathris wanted to
pick one up but doubted the female would allow it so kept his hands to
himself. "Perhaps we can find another use for those that won't do well as
guards. Good work Karhal. And you too, Livie."

He nodded again and slowly rose away from the pups. "Would you like to
tour the training grounds? Daimhin will be starting to train the newest
canine we have in the kennels within a couple of weeks, after we finish
with the basic obedience and behavior skills."

"I have some time. Yes, I would like that." Zathris agreed as he clapped
his hands against his thighs. "I wouldn't mind taking a look at that new
canine as well."

It was evident that Karhal was proud of the work that had been done in the
kennels and surrounding practice yards. The kennels were clearly meant to
be comfortable for the canines and as Karhal led Zathris out of the small
birthing area, he gestured him to follow to a clean well-kept kennel at
the end of the row. A rather large canine, obviously still not full grown,
alerted to their presence immediately. Ears pricked up, a long busy tail
wagged and large intelligent eyes stared with interest as they approached.
"I've yet to name him. But I've spent some time with him. He's got a drive
about him that is amazing. He wants to do things."

"He's beautiful. Here boy." Zathris extended his hand to allow the
canine to sniff it if the creature desired. "He's larger than I
expected."

The canine immediately snuffled the hand and lifted a paw to push
lightly against the gate of the kennel. The canine did not have soft brown
eyes, but large and intense amber-yellow. Sharply pointed ears oriented on
Zathris and his tail wagged faster.

Karhal gave a light smile. "He likes you. He's about six months, I
believe." He crouched. "Look at the size of his paws. He'll be large and
the size alone will be a deterrent."

"Indeed. You are going to be a big fellow aren't you?" Zathris
reached through the gate to offer a scritch. "What do you think?
Going to be as big as a mountain?"

The canine nudged his nose firmly under Zathris' hand, the yellow eyes
half-closing in pleasure at the attention. Karhal paused, his gaze moving
from Zathris, to the canine and back to Zathris. That
particular canine had been aloof with most of the guard staff, though
good natured, and he'd not really found a match for the large canine. An
idea hatched in his mind. "He is indeed." There was a pause. "You
know...he's not acted this friendly towards anyone. And he may be one of
those who will only bond with one person." Karhal tilted his head and
spoke softly. "He's picked you."

"Me?" Zathris used both hands to exuberantly rub either side of the
canine's chest. "What do you mean picked me?"

Karhal nodded as the canine pushed against the gate to encourage
Zathris to continue. "It was much the same with Livie. " His lips
lifted at the memory of Livie as a pup following him insistently. He spoke
carefully "Lord Zathris, I know you are busy with your family and your
duties, but would you be adverse to training with this canine and learning
the commands much as I use with Livie? This canine..." He gestured towards
the animal who was staring intently at Zathris, would be a capable guard
for your family once he was trained and completely loyal." He smiled
ruefully. "Because it looks like he's yours."

"I suppose I could find some time." Most likely in the evenings, but
Zathris had to admit, the canine was likeable. "Hey fellow. Now what
should we call you?"

The canine tilted his head at Zathris, amber eyes intent on the man's
face. The expression on the animal's face was one of interest and his jaws
parted to give a canine grin, his tongue lolling out to the side.
Karhal chuckled but then spoke seriously. "It will take a lot of
time. I can train him myself, but you will need to be there at times so
you can know the commands and his needs. After he is trained
completely, you'll need to keep up with it with me so he doesn't get lax."
He paused and then considered the matter for a moment. "Plus, having a
guard canine with you will also help this endeavour should another holder
see him and desire similar."

Zathris didn't answer right away. He mulled over what Karhal said, the
way the canine looked at him. He reached to give the creature another
enthusiastic rub. It would be advantages. He liked canines and hadn't
had one in turns, not since his last one died, though that was before he
had wed Benani. Finally he motioned to the silvered creature. "Karhal,
let him out. If you have time, I'd like to start now."

Karhal nodded and stood to unwrap a training lead from the hook beside
the kennel's gate. The canine immediately noticed, his tail moving
faster as his eyes followed the strap with intense excitement. Moving
to open the gate, Karhal stepped in and attached the lead to the
collar of the animal. With puppy enthusiam, the canine pushed towards
the gate, made still only by a firm word and a light tug on the lead
from the Captain. They exited out of the kennel and the canine
immediately went to Zathris, plopping down at his feet. Karhal
chuckled and handed Zathris the lead. "Lets get started then."

Last updated on the June 27th 2013

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He's Picked You