seek refuge in my harbor;

[calmseverystorm]

Comments

[everyslaindog]

I always like it whenever I get a new name. It's what carries me on, all the way to the end. [ Ducks his head low, chin almost to his chest. ]

I remember all of them, and all of them are fond.

[everyslaindog]

[ A small hopeful look, so easily cheered and charmed by the smallest of gestures. ]

Can I come anyway? I don't need a name. Or a master. I mean, look at Blackie, he does okay. And he's all on his own.

[n0kken]

[Mila can't help a little smile. What a good boy.]

Of course you can come, whenever you like.

[everyslaindog]

[ His hand searches for hers and gives it a little squeeze before he lifts it carefully again to this side of his face. A silent, sheepish request to be pet again. ]

You'll always be safe. I promise.

[n0kken]

[Along his hairline, the curve of his ear, across cheek, down the bridge of his nose. Mila is an excellent giver of pets.]

Thank you, Sadiki. Nessy will be happy to hear it, though the pups might miss the chances for adventure.

[everyslaindog]

[ Mila has one delighted puppy on her hands. He grins at her and leans into her hand -- back and around -- before tipping himself forward to rock on the balls of his feet, giving her hair a soft nosing. ]

They've still got some time. Tell them to enjoy it while they can. Sanura is still a new master and I don't plan on falling just yet.

[n0kken]

[She gives a faint little giggle, startled but pleased, cheeks pinking.]

Ricky will take advantage, even if none of the others do.

[everyslaindog]

[ Even though his body is very much human, everything about Sadiki is puppyish and earnest. The bow of his posture, the tiny gestures, the small noises -- snuffling and careful in his throat. He is, by nature, affectionate; that he knows her and thinks her to be kind and as dutiful as he is makes him even more so. It is almost as if all of the kindness not afforded either Blackie or Blondie were given to him instead. The tip of his nose presses against her cheek. It's cold, but thankfully not wet. ]

Troublemakers, I swear. There's one in every pack.

[n0kken]

[Luckily there are no mundanes watching the display, a young girl and a man who acts like a dog. Mila, for her part, is quite tickled with it, finding herself relaxed when there is not talk of duty and worry.]

There is, but he will be a good boy when he grows up.

[everyslaindog]

[ Pulling back he offers her a smile, before resting his face against the side of hers and giving a small sigh. He can smell Nessie and the pups in her hair and on his skin, can practically trace the paths each paw and nose and eager snout pressed against her chin in greeting. It's too bad, he thinks, that she can't be his master. He knows, for certain, she would be a good one. ]

Makes you wonder which one of us is the troublemaker. Definitely not Blondie. Maaaayybe Blackie if you stretch it. Guess that just leaves me, huh?

[n0kken]

[Her fingers curve along jaw and ear, she leans into him quietly.]

What trouble have you made? You're a very good dog.

[everyslaindog]

[ He gives a boneless shrug, curls around her a little bit since he doesn't have a lap to do it in instead. Another soft snort of a laugh. ]

Blondie wouldn't say so.

[n0kken]

[She nudges him. Drat that Blondie.]

But I do.

[everyslaindog]

[ Another snuffle, tiny laugh. ]

I guess you'd know better than her, huh, Mila?

[n0kken]

[That is too presumptuous and her voice softens.]

I don't think brothers and sister can judge each other fairly...

[everyslaindog]

[ He shrugs, squinting at her. ]

Yeah, and she'd say they're the only one's that have the right to judge. [ Absently, he rubs the back of his neck and says to himself: ] As if she'd know any better.