Closed Getting a Puppy

[Samuel Longwell]

10th Summer 517

Samuel had been warned that the Sea of Grass was dangerous before he'd arrived and nothing he had seen from the Drykas so far had done anything to contradict that. Nearly everyone he met carried a weapon, something that would have been out of place in the relatively peaceful Syliras. What's more, Samuel got the impression that they were not just for show. Each and every one of the Drykas seemed ready to fight if they needed to. But despite their hard life, or more likely because of it, the Drykas just seemed so alive. Samuel had rarely seen such vibrancy in his own home city.

The Syliran could see the joy that those around him took in life. It was in the way they laughed. The way they loved. A faint pang of jealousy stirred from within him. He wanted to be a part of this community, be accepted among these people who wore their emotions clear for all to see. He hadn't truly connected with anyone since Danny's death, walling himself off from those around him. That sense of isolation had increased since he'd arrived, which was part of the reason he'd made the decision to visit Predators' Post.

Samuel stood outside a well-maintained tent, which he had been told would sell him what he needed. He was inexperienced with the wilds that the tent city moved through, which made venturing outside the city limits even more dangerous for him. He had seen a wide range of dogs since he'd arrived, including in several hunting groups. A canine would be of great use to the warrior, as well as being a better companion than his Tiaden. The warhorse was powerful and aggressive, traits encouraged among the knights' war-mounts. But this meant, although he was well trained, he returned his owner's care with mere indifference.

Samuel took a deep breath, then stepped inside the tent. A woman a few years younger than him stood inside, an intricate tattoo on her left arm denoting her status as Drykas. As he entered the tent, he glanced around the room, instinctively checking for any threats. Seeing none, he smiled cautiously at the blonde woman, signing greeting to her.

“Hello, I am looking for one dog to buy.” Samuel said, “Can you help? I am not much trained with looking after them, but I will learn.” Determination. “Hoping for dog that can hunt. This right place?”

Many thanks to Prophet for the box code.

[Jasmine Stormblood]

Jasmine walked out of her pavilion with a smile. Azmere had already rode off to help patrol or whatever the watch needed him to do. A soft blush appeared on the woman's face when the thought of the man entered her mind. The girl had not planned to fall in love with him and later wed. Though they had not been married for long; the pair had become one after a very eventful and fun wedding. The memory brought back thoughts to the night that followed. With a blush the blonde walked to where her stallion was grazing on some grass. A soft touch and kind words introduced her presence without upsetting him in the least. Leaning against the gentle creature, the woman wondered just how so many were living without them. There was never a time that she wanted to be without the stubborn creature. Many times the rider had referred to her mount as a mule.

“You aren't nearly as hard headed huh buddy?” Jasmine said with a soft laugh.

Rubbing his side the stallion walked back over to the camp with her ready to start their day. Smiling the young Drykas grabbed the yvas starting the long arduous of getting the horse tacked up. The woman stopped long enough to make sure the straps were in place and tight; before getting the little bit of equipment needed loaded up. Once ready the blonde mounted up and groaned gently feeling a churning in her stomach. Making a face she pushed it out of her mind and wove her way to work. Of course being that she now resided in the same clan as the business to which she was worked. Popping her neck the woman worked on getting the tension in her neck to relax. Sighing gently she yawned trying to fully wake up. Pulling Chaser to a stop, she dismounted taking the yvas off as well. Patting his side, the rider allowed him to walk off and graze nearby.

“Morning Tomma,” The woman stated.

The two exchanged pleasantries before the girl was given her tasks for the day. Walking over to the dogs, the woman began checking over them for any injuries. Pushing gently on paws, Jasmine watched for any kind of aggression towards her. A couple of barks caused the blond to look up and spotted a rather large built man enter the tent. Standing up, she put the dog back in with the others and walked over. Smiling the girl walked over and listened to his request.

“Absolutely. We have plenty of hunters come right over here,” Jasmine said and motioned for him to follow.

The first batch they stopped in front of was the Luvanor Grassland Hunter. Giving a little bit of background on the beautiful pet she patted her leg and stepped over picking up a male and female. The two pups wiggled in the girl's arm wanting to go see who the new comer was.

[Samuel Longwell]

The warrior smiled, watching the two puppies wriggling in the woman's arms. He reached out for one, his grin widening as the dog barked in excitement. Samuel scratched the little bundle of fur behind the ears as it looked up at him. He had been planning to ask for a dog who had already been trained, but seeing the puppies made him hesitate. After a moment's pause he shook his head, a puppy was no use to him. He wanted a dog that would make his life easier outside the tent city. A puppy would be more of a liability than anything else, he didn't need that.

“I was hoping for older dog, trained to hunt. You have these?” Samuel asked, “Small dogs are cute, but not so good for helping hunt.” With these words, the large man started to hand back the puppy. But the sight of the joyful little creature looking up at him stole any resolve he had. He couldn't bring himself to do it, he didn't want to part with the cute animal that had been so happy to see him. He sighed, looking up at the Drykas with a wry grin. “I buy this one too, I will train to hunt. I can afford two dogs.” He didn't really know how to train a dog, but surely it wouldn't be so hard. He had experience with horses and he hoped that some of his knowledge would be transferable.

Samuel followed the blonde woman to where the older dogs were being kept. He didn't let go of the puppy he was holding, absent-mindedly tickling their tummy as they rolled onto their back. The warrior took the opportunity to check the sex of the puppy he was holding. There was a distinct lack of the machinery that he would expect a male dog to be in possession of so he correctly assumed that he had picked a female.

“So you're a girl huh,” Samuel mused quietly in Common, “What shall we call you then? How about Alice? Yeah, I think that'll be perfect.” Looking up at the Drykas woman who was helping him he switched back to Pavi. “What should I feed dogs? They eat meat yes?” He managed to stop stroking Alice with his left hand to sign his curiosity to the woman. “Sorry, I did not introduce me. I am Samuel.”

Many thanks to Prophet for the box code.

[Jasmine Stormblood]

Jasmine smiled watching the man. She returned the male puppy and reached back for the female when he spoke of getting an adult instead. A smirk graced her face when the man pulled the pup back saying that he had enough money to buy two dogs. Picking the leg in the dog pen up, she motioned for him to follow her to the back. The girl whistled loudly causing three large beautifully bushy animals to run up and sit at attention waiting on her next command. Turning to the man she motioned him forward to meet them.

“These three are all female and have had their puppies already. Their pups are off and getting prepared to be trained. If you would prefer males, I can bring them up instead,” Jasmine explained and listened to the man ask his question, “yes, most owners will give the dog whatever is left over from the meal or they will give them the grisle and fat that is cut off the meat. I am Jasmine Stormblood.”

The blonde stated with a smile allowing him time to step in and examine the animals. Once he seemed content the woman whistled and snapped her fingers getting their attention. Pointing down at the ground with her first and second finger all three eased down into a laying position still watching her every move. The blonde did not say what each signal was showing him that once he had learned the dogs would already know. It was crucial for the hounds to know the signs without a verbal command while hunting. Snapping her fingers again, she made the sign for stalk. Each growled low and got into a crouched low position with their ears pricked up twitching, listening to the world around them.

“All hunters are taught the commands verbally first, then commands with the signals. From there they are trained with signals only, this increases the stealth that can be used during your hunting trips. The dogs a trained to stalk, wait, attack, track, and catch,” Jasmine explained, “we can teach you all the signals before you go. While teaching all animals are given some kind of little treat so that they know what is appropriate behavior and what is not.”

The woman explained as much as she could to help when he would start training the female puppy in the future. She would love to tell him just to bring her in and they would train her, but the woman was not sure if that was true or not. Tomma had never told her anything about training any that were sold and brought back specifically for training, and there had never been an owner that needed their help from what she could see. The woman focused back on the task at hand and called one name, while watching the female jump over and stand before them. She motioned for Samuel to follow them, motioning for him to sit and watch. The woman grabbed a stick and made sure she was watching the girl not the toy. Motioning for her to stay seated, the woman threw the branch letting it land. After a tick or two the girl motioned for her to track, and the dog instantly started sniffing and looking all over.

[Samuel Longwell]

Samuel followed Jasmine into the pen, nodding as she explained how many owners kept their animals fed. The name Stormblood seemed familiar, but the Syliran couldn't place where from. Perhpas one of the Drykas he'd already met were from the same pavilion. No matter, if it was important then he would remember. The large man stooped down and looked at each of them. These were far more in line with what he'd come to buy. He stood back up, smiling to himself.

“I would be happy to take any of these three. They look strong. They run fast yes?” Samuel watched intently as Jasmine showed him a pair of non verbal commands. He blinked, it astounded him that the animals could understand the signs Jasmine was making. He supposed it wasn't so different from a horse interpreting his motions in the saddle, but on the rare occasions he had seen dogs in action in Syliras there had always been a spoken element too. He looked at Jasmine, and signed enthusiasm, gratitude. “Many thanks for the instructions on training, I am loving to learn all the signals.”

The large man did as he was instructed, carrying Alice with him and sitting on the floor. He tickled her tummy as she squirmed in his arms, barking excitedly. Samuel chuckled, continuing to stroke the puppy as he watched the Drykas and dog do an exercise. He wasn't sure quite what was going on, but at Jasmine's command the hunter started sniffing the ground and searching. Samuel was impressed with the level of training the animal had, only acting when the young woman gave the order. Such dependability was important, even more so in a dangerous area like the Sea of Grass.

“Does the trained dog have a name?” Samuel asked. “If this one is available then I would like to buy her as well as the puppy.” He was already thinking about taking the older dog out hunting, it would be a good experience for the two of them to get used to each other and would hopefully yield some food for all three of them. Then a thought occurred to him. He knew that human children drank milk, but wasn't sure if the same could be said for puppies. “Erm, is there a special food for young dogs? Or they eat same as old dogs?”

Many thanks to Prophet for the box code.

[Jasmine Stormblood]

Jasmine walked around a half circle before returning while watching and answering his questions. Grabbing her bow the girl tied a piece of meat on it. Taking aim, the blonde pulled back tight while lifting the tip of the arrow into the air and releasing. Whistling, she motioned for the dog to sit by her feet facing her. Listening for a moment the girl heard the thunk of the arrow hitting something. Snapping her fingers twice the dog got into position sniffing already, but she never moved from the Drykas’ side. Smirking the girl gave three clicks off the back of her teeth. The hunter darted off into the grass occasionally raising its nose to the air before disappearing once again. Jasmine took the demonstration time to answer the man’s questions.

“No, neither animal has a name. We create nicknames, but never a true name until an owner arrives. That is a bond between animal and human,” Jasmine explained, “Yes, they run fast enough to keep up with a strider at a slow canter and almost fast enough at full gallop.”

The woman suspected the man would like to see. Looking around, she spotted her own stallion not standing far away grazing watching her lazily. The blonde was happy to see the man was eager to learn the signals to command his new dogs. She had learned them after coming to work at the Predator’s Post, but Lara and Haven were not much in the way of hunters. Haven had learned to stay close and fetch any small birds or watch for danger, but Lara preferred to stay around the pavilion. The vixen was a good watch dog. The fox alerted the Drykas to any kind of strange movement even before Haven would awaken. Whistling one long sharp time, she watched as the strider slowly walked over to the group.

“She is smaller than most dogs, so a little mix of milk and meat until she puts on more weight. As she grows lessen the milk till she is on strictly meat,” Jasmine explained looking at the puppy in his arms.

The little female had been the runt of the litter. Shortly after the hunter returned with the arrow gripped gently in its jaw. Kneeling, the woman praised the animal before allowing it to eat the piece of meat it had retrieved. Mounting the horse, she motioned for the dog to stay close by patting her side and pressing against the strider’s side twice. The female sniffed Chaser before staying right beside him when the blonde started to walk him into the grass. Patting the opposite side so that Samuel could watch the dog properly. She waited to the female was in position and waiting on the command to follow. Motioning once, the group started off at a fast walk. Soon enough the horse was galloping and the dog easily keeping up with the much larger beast. Whistling the canine slowed with the equine as the group stopped in front of Samuel.

SorryIm so sorry it took me so long. I have been dealing with family and surgery and work

[Samuel Longwell]

Samuel watched the dog flash into the grass, seeking out the arrow bound meat that had been fired from Jasmine's bow. He signed approval when Jasmine spoke of the dog's speed. He had never been hunting while mounted, but perhaps it would be a good idea to try it out once he had gotten used to having a dog companion along. Supporting yourself in the wilds was not taught in any great detail to the majority of knights, but while he was in Endrykas Samuel vowed it would be something he would improve on.

“I can do milk and meat.” Samuel replied. “You grow up to be a strong dog I'm sure Alice.” He smiled and nuzzled the puppy, who licked him back and squirmed in his arms. He set her down beside him and watched as the hunter stalked back out with the prize between her teeth. Alice snuck up and grabbed a small piece of the meat that had fallen off the main part, bouncing back to Samuel and lying down next to him to eat it. The warrior burst out laughing, the puppy had looked so pleased with herself for claiming the scrap.

Jasmine mounted her strider, and set off at a blistering speed. Samuel watched as horse, rider, and canine flew through the grass. He was glad for the demonstration, it was always good to see what exactly you were purchasing before you did. He pulled himself to his feet as they approached and produced his bag of mizas. This would be a worthy purchase, he hoped that both dogs would pay for themselves many times over while he lived in Endrykas. He looked over to the small furry animal who was still chewing on the lump of meat she had stolen. Alice had already done wonders to improve his mood.

“How much for both?” Samuel asked, “and where is best place for me to buy milk? I have no goats.” He had noticed that far more of the Drykas owned livestock than he would have imagined. Another stark contrast to the walled city Syliras; everyone in the tent city seemed close to nature, whereas nearly everyone Samuel knew grew up depending on the farms and the hunters of Syliras to provide for their meals.

Many thanks to Prophet for the box code.

[Jasmine Stormblood]

Jasmine dismounted with a smile and walked over to the man. She was glad to hear him laughing at the pups antics. The girl knelt down and picked up the little one giving her some love. The pup growled a little holding the meat in her mouth tightly while looking up at her. Making a correction sound, the woman reached up and just held some of the meat that was hanging out.

After a few minutes the little one stopped growling and just starting chewing realizing the woman was not going to take it from her.
She looked up and listened to the man as he asked what the prices for the two dogs together would be. The woman stopped for a moment and tried to remember off the top of her head still holding the meat and dog. The elder animal walked over to the meat from before and laid down continuing to eat while having a break.

“The puppy is 12 gm and the trained adult is 45 gold mizas. Since you are a new owner, we do encourage buying a leash and collar for them. Tomma has had dogs and cats come back out of instinct because this is what they knew for so long. So until they are both used to following you and staying wherever you are he does strongly encourage the items. Now what I am doing is getting her used to people touching her food. Otherwise if a child were around and just decided to grab whatever she is eating, the little one could get bitten. Should that happen, the animal would be killed immediately for being seen as a threat,” Jasmine explained while sitting across from him.

Putting the little one down that he had decided to call Alice, the blond stood up and popped her back with a groan. Looking over, she popped her neck afterwards. Motioning for the man to stand, the girl suggested trying out some of the commands while at the tent so that she could help correct any form issues. The male seemed to have a fairly good understanding of Drykas culture, so she did not think there would be much that needed work. The woman heard a growl and turned to find the little female trying to get another piece of meat.

Shaking her head, the girl bent down and put her hand in the fray easily tearing a piece off and handing it to her. Standing up, Jasmine grabbed a rag and cleaned it of blood. Whistling sharply, the older female got up and moved in front of the two people that looked at her. The drykas moved and motioned for the man to take his position before her.

[Samuel Longwell]

Samuel thought he could work out the meaning of the words from the context, but he wanted to make sure. “Collars goes round the neck yes? That seems good, don't want her running around and getting hurt. I will buy them too. You sell them here?” He pulled out the 57 mizas she had requested for the dogs and handed them to her. It was a fairly significant amount of money, but he had brought plenty with him from Syliras, so he didn't mind digging into his savings for something that would help with his new life among the Drykas.

Jasmine explained what she was doing with the meat, holding it while Alice ate it. Samuel nodded, he supposed what she said made sense. Looking at the little bundle now, he didn't think she would be able to hurt anyone. But he knew that children came into the world innocent and yet evil people still appeared, so he did not disagree with the Drykas woman. He didn't worry though, he was sure he would be able to give Alice the guidance she needed.

He stood as she suggested and stepped over to where Jasmine was standing with the older dog. He smiled cautiously and nodded. “I will practice the commands now. I have seen you make some already.” He took a deep breath, raising his left hand in preparation. He tried to emulate the signs he had seen, beginning with the sign for sit. The hunter obeyed, but when Samuel clumsily motioned for her to track she took no notice. “The first means to sit yes? What about the second? Go? Find? Not sure if I do it right. Would you show me?”He slowly moved through the sign for track as best he could remember, wincing as he realised that he really couldn't recall it very well. He immediately signed sorry to his teacher, self-conscious due to his inexperience.

Many thanks to Prophet for the box code.

[Jasmine Stormblood]

Jasmine watched the man as he signed for the female to sit. She followed the instruction without a second thought. The blond was happy to see her not bothered by the change in leadership. Cocking her head to the side, the canine did not seem to know what to do when he made a mistake while trying to sign track. Moving over when he asked for help, the girl made the sign slowly as to not set the dog off it. Most of their hunters were trained to know when a sign was being learned versus when it was being given as a command. The woman then stepped behind him so that he could give the command again. Slipping around them, she released a single chicken as it disappeared into the grass.

“Tell her to track the chicken and yes we do have collars and leashes here,” Jasmine said and showed him the sign for chicken.

Alice tried to run after the bird only to be caught by the drykas. With a laugh, she loved on the pup before moving to a couple of chests and sat down. The blond watched the man and corrected him when he made a mistake. Looking over, she smiled and explained everything when Tomma walked up and watched the man. He used an owl call to get the dog's attention and signed 'alive' so that the bird would not be killed in the excitement of the chase. The girl had not thought about the possibility of her accidentally ending the bird's life. She was not used to having the animals track living prey and not have its life ended.

“Tomma this is Samuel Longsword. He has purchased little Alice here and the female that is tracking,” Jasmine stated.

“I see. Tell me a little more about yourself Sam. I like to know where my animals are going,” Tomma said looking the man over.

Jasmine put the pup down and disappeared inside going to go get the items he would need. She would show him how to get the big dog to stay beside him. It was a trick they used with the cats as well, the leash was more for the puppy than the adult. Coming back outside, she slipped the collar on the little one which earned her some growling and a few bites to her hand. The blonde told him how much the two collars and leashs would be as the female bounded back up with the neck of the bird in her mouth. It was clear from the flailing that the fowl was still very much alive. Shaking her head with a smile, the girl put the collar on her as well and took the bird. Holding it securely, the girl put it in the cage closing the door.

“One more trick to help keep the adult by you. Call her to your side by patting your leg with you hand flat. Once beside you, press her nose to your side gently and sign the word stay. That tells her to stay by your side no matter where you go. You may have to repeat the sign several times,” Jasmine stated.