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 Posted: Fri Sep 11, 2015 6:13 pm
WHO: Revontulet and Xiu
WHEN: Mid-afternoon
WHERE: The Pet Store
WEATHER: Exceptionally warm for late summer
Since returning from her most recent trip with Doucette to the aurora, Ren had been feeling anxious over something that she couldn't quite put her finger on. She felt a greater sense of peace than she had felt in at least a year, if not since the day she'd been born.
And yet, she drifted from room to room lately, lost in thought.
Doucette had Dolce and Gabbana, and the Troxel's had more dogs than they knew what to do with. Although Revontulet did not dislike dogs, she didn't love them either. Dogs could be and unpredictable or loyal and sweet. When they were calm she could sit with them and pet them for an hour, but when they barked and jumped Ren found herself withdrawing from them.
The moonstone longed for her own companion, but she wasn't sure what she would want, or what Doe would even let her get with their already cramped home. Despite that, she still found herself standing outside the pet store, staring longingly through the window.
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Posted: Sat Sep 12, 2015 12:28 am
He was out of bird seeds again. Despite Lazarus claiming to share responsibilities with the blue jay they had rescued, it was Xiu who ended up looking after the creature. Not that he had anything against the blue jay. As far as birds went, the blue jay was pleasant to the eyes and was not too hard to look after. As he approached the pet shop, Xiu was surprised to find another raevan there. One that he did not recognize. Nevertheless, Xiu was happy to come across another raevan. Quickly approaching the floating figure, Xiu gave a friendly wave. The Raevan in question seemed slender and graceful and Xiu found himself mesmerized by her cascading locks. Gossamer-like wings complemented her well and made the frei look like something out of a fairy tale. “Good day, my name is Xiu and you are?” the Sigel inquired politely. And not wanting to come off as a stalker, the Sigel quickly added “I’m here to buy some bird seeds for my pet,” by way of an explanation.
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Posted: Sat Sep 12, 2015 9:20 am
Lost in thought, Revontulet had not quite noticed the approach of the other raevan and was thus slightly startled when its reflection waved to her and began speaking.
Quickly recovering herself, Ren straightened and pushed her hair back over her shoulders. The frei's unique locks had dimmed over the past year with her struggles, but after her recent feeding the colors were bright and seemed to glow in the warmth of the sun. New hues of purples and pinks shifted with the familiar blues and green.
"Is your pet a bird?" she asked with a small smile forming on her lips. Surely it must be if he was buying bird seed for it, but it seemed the right moment to ask.
Not wanting to be rude, Ren extended a cool hand towards the sigel, her pale skin picking up peach tones in the daylight. "I'm Revontulet, but you can call me Ren. If you like," she corrected, not wanting him to feel he had to use a nickname. The aurora quite liked her full name, but couldn't blame people not wanting to speak such a mouthful.
"I'm...just here, looking." Revontulet's words were wistful, and she turned her gaze back towards the pet store as she spoke.
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Posted: Sat Sep 12, 2015 5:52 pm
He had caught the frei by surprise and he could see that in her initial startled expression. “I apologise, I did not mean to startle you,” said Xiu sheepishly. “I guess I was just glad to see another raevan,” At Ren’s question, the Sigel nodded. “Yes, a blue jay. My friend, Lazarus, found it as a hatchling by the sidewalk one day and well, we have decided to keep it,” “Revontulet is a beautiful name,” continued the Sigel with a smile as he shook the offered hand. For a moment the Sigel was tempted to bring it to his lips as old gentlemen used to do in movies but thought better of it. It was archaic and besides, Lazarus would not be pleased to hear about it. So despite the regal nature in which the frei had extended her hand, the Sigel merely returned a modest shake. “Revontulet…Ren,” said Xiu as he followed the other’s gaze into the pet shop. “Do you like animals or …perhaps something here has caught your fancy?” Then a thought struck. “Why don’t we go in? You can look around while I purchase the seeds,” offered the Sigel.
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Posted: Mon Sep 14, 2015 6:01 am
Ren smiled as she shook her head. "I was just lost in thought. It wasn't your fault in the least." She should have been paying more attention to her surroundings, but it was so easy to become distracted with the way the kittens rolled into each other or the bunnies wiggled their noses."Come to think of it though...I haven't met a new raeven in quite a while...I always wonder just how many of us there are!"
The frei had just been about to ask a question about the blue jay when the other sigel posed his own question about her interest in animals, giving her a moment of pause for thought.
"I like some animals," Revontulet replied with some hesitation, having not met all the animals in the world and not wishing to commit her affection to all of them needlessly. Perhaps she should specify she likes calm, sweet animals?
But before she could do even that Xiu had invited her inside to look around, and she would have felt rude to decline, so she nodded and trailed in after the male with wings lofted high in curiosity.
Instantly Ren was amazed at the assortment of creatures inside. The windows had only given her a peak at the 'marketable' animals that would have drawn people in, but there were so many other types of pets in here that she immediately broke off from the sigel towards the glowing aquariums.
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Posted: Mon Sep 14, 2015 6:24 am
Xiu took a moment to observe the younger frei as transfixed, she drifted towards the rows of aquariums that lined the shop’s left wall. There were all sorts of fishes to be had there, from the common freshwater guppy to the more flamboyant lionfish in its saline adjusted tanks. The Sigel wondered which of those fishes would Ren like. She was a beautiful raevan and reflected in the electric glow of the aquariums’ bulbs, the frei looked almost iridescent. The Sigel turned, only to find the shopkeeper staring mesmerized by the pretty raevan. Jaws slightly agape with wonder, the poor shopkeeper had to be addressed several times by the white Sigel before he could turn his gaze away. “I have come for the bird seeds,” said Xiu politely but firmly. It was best to address the human before any mischief could be had. “Would you be so kind as to get them?” “Oh, yes…right,” stammered the shopkeeper as he left the counter. “They are in the back storeroom, I’ll just get them…,” While he waited, the Sigel turned to observe the frei once more. Where she had initially glanced about, the Frei now seemed fixated on a single tank. “Something interesting?” called out Xiu from where he floated by the counter.
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Posted: Mon Sep 14, 2015 6:58 am
The frei's fingers touched lightly upon the cool glass and her eyes widened as her gaze darted from species to species. Each was more beautiful and unique than the next, though the aquariums themselves held their own mystic that she could have enjoyed even without the fish within them.
Each filter bubbled soothingly, and the tip of Ren's ribbon twitched with the noise. It reminded her of her lava lamp and brought her such a sense of calm, echoed by the sway of the plants and the lethargic drifting of the inhabitants.
Some came to greet her as she passed along their homes, little noses coming to the glass as pale fingertips brushed against the glass.
Revontulet had not even noticed the shop keeper appear and speak with Xiu, or disappear to the back for the seeds. She had found some fish with long, flowing fins and tails with colors that ombre'd much like her hair. Although she didn't know what they were called, she could not stop watching them.
Xiu's voice cut into her reverie and she picked up her head with a bright smile, wings fluttering with pleasure, "These look like me!" A slender finger tapped gently on one of the many betta fish tanks.
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Posted: Mon Sep 14, 2015 7:20 am
Xiu floated over to take a look at the fish indicated by Ren. “They do indeed,” agreed the sigel as he placed a fingertip against the jar of an individually bottled fish. Despite its tiny size, the fish flared its gills at the Sigel and wriggled fiercely against the jar’s surface. “He’s a fiery one,” chuckle Xiu. “Those are veiltail bettas,” said the shopkeeper who had by this time re-emerged from the back storeroom with the packet of seeds. “Pretty common breed but good enough for first timers and cheaper too. Of course, we have half-moons, crowntail, double tails, butterflies…but those are a bit pricier,” added the shopkeeper. “Bettas are also known as fighting fishes in some parts of the world. The males are territorial against their own kind,” While the shopkeeper had been explaining the different breeds of betta offered and their background, the Sigel was thoughtful. Turning to Ren with a smile, Xiu nodded in the direction of the colourful fishes. “Would you like one? “
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Posted: Mon Sep 14, 2015 2:43 pm
Revontulet's smile grew wider at the sight of the little fish battling Xiu's impending finger. She liked that they were beautiful in a natural state, but had a bit of fire in them when they needed it too.
"Veiltail, half-moon, crowntail...they all have such beautiful names," she mused, looking between the collection and wondering what the differences were. They all looked stunning in their own right, different fins or not. It was the colors that most enchanted her, though, and not specifically the design of their tails.
When the moved, they looked like solid aurora suspended in water. Ren could have watched them for hours.
Xiu's question made her cheeks turn a delicate peach tone, and she shook her head after a moment, pulling her hand reluctantly from the glass. "I didn't bring any money with me, and I don't know if Doucette would let me have one..." The aurora kept her eyes on the fish as she spoke, reluctant to turn away from them.
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Posted: Mon Sep 14, 2015 5:04 pm
Xiu was silent for a moment as he weighed the dilemma before him. The Sigel was not too concerned about the price of the fish as he himself had brought along some cash and could afford to get the young frei the betta of her choice. But the important thing was that Ren was unsure if her guardian would let her keep a fish. The white Sigel was not about to go against the wishes of another guardian but on the other hand, the guardian may not mind. It was clear that the encounter with these beautiful fishes was not preplanned. Usually, what guardians seem to worry about the most would be about the care and upkeep of the pets involved. So… “How hard is it to keep a betta?” asked Xiu, turning to the shopkeeper once more. “Care, maintenance, feeding…that sort of thing?” “Pretty straightforward as fishes go,” replied the shopkeeper. “They are hardy fishes. The wild types originate from muddy paddy waters. So you do not have to worry about aquarium pumps and the like. Just keep them in a large bottle with enough clean dechlorinated water;- clean water is essential on account of their long fins. Usually those are the first to get infected when the water quality drops. About the food, they are fine eating commercial pellets although you can get them brine shrimps and worms as a treat and since they are from warmer climates, keeping them out of the cold is important too,” Xiu nodded. The fish seemed easy enough to care for. The only pet that could need less attention and care was probably of those pet-rocks gimmicks he had seen. Turning to Ren, Xiu gave the frei a serious look. “Do you think you can handle that responsibility by yourself? Feeding, cleaning and caring for your fish?” “If you are able to, let me buy the fish for you,” said Xiu nodding in the direction of the tiny fish. Now that the Sigel had removed his finger, the betta had returned to swimming idly in its jar. “And if that does not work out with your guardian, I can take the fish off your hands instead. How does that sound?”
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Posted: Tue Sep 15, 2015 5:12 pm
As the pet shop owner detailed all the tasks for taking care of the small fish, Ren listened with rapt attention. It sounded like there was enough that she'd had to do to be involved enough in its life, but not so much that she'd be run ragged with the stress of it. Indeed, the betta seemed so simple and easy, she wondered if Doucette would even notice the introduction of the little thing into their home. Certainly the redhead couldn't take offense to a small tank of water in the background of her room.
"Xiu...I..." Revontulet looked between the sigel and the fish, her cheeks flushing the pale rose once more as she debated between her desire and what she had had many conversations with about modesty. Xiu seemed very insistent though, and would she not be more rude to decline his kind offer?
Reaching a hand out, the moonstone touched Xiu's arm gently before resting her palm there. "This is the kindest thing anyone has offered me. How can I say no when you put it that way?" Ren leaned in and touched a very chaste kiss to the other's cheek in thanks.
Turning back to the tanks, Revontulet pointed immediately to the one she'd gotten distracted in front of. A white betta with fins that truly looked like veils and had a beautiful ombre from blue to pink. "Can I pick him? Is he ok?"
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Posted: Tue Sep 15, 2015 6:26 pm
The Frei’s touch was gentle and Xiu could not help but blush at the chaste kiss. “Yes, you can,” said Xiu, slightly flustered. Beckoning to the shopkeeper, the Sigel pointed to the fish that had caught Ren’s attention. “We would like to get that little one please. And umm…food, anti-chlorine drops and well…a small tank if you have one,” “Right away, sir!” said the shopkeeper as he snapped to attention and began amassing the required items for the Raevans. “Thank you for your patronage!” --------------------------- “I guess I will be taking my leave now,” said Xiu once the two raevans were out of the shop with their respective purchases. “It was good to meet you, Ren. I had fun learning about bettas,”
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Posted: Wed Sep 16, 2015 12:06 pm
Revontulet clutched at the small tank and the bag of goodies for her new fish. Mostly she kept her gaze firmly downward, towards her new charge, to ensure there would be no unsteady bumping about as they traveled to their new home together. Thankfully, without the use of feet, the flight would be smooth enough!
Tearing her gaze away at Xiu's words, there was an unhappiness that lingered at the corners of the girl's eyes. Ren had enjoyed meeting the white sigel and, although she realized that their encounter necessitated brevity, felt somewhat surprised that they were already parting ways.
"I will see you again, Xiu?" she asked. The moonstone made to move closer, as if she would shake his hand in parting or even give him a friendly hug, but she quickly remembered herself and her new charge. "After all, you will want to find out what I name him?"
The slight sadness melted away as she smiled at Xiu, her wings lifting upon her back easily, as if the weight of thought and anxiety had been lifted from them. "And I must find a way to thank you for this...some day."
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Posted: Sat Sep 19, 2015 5:38 pm
It felt good to make another happy and Xiu found himself pleased with Ren’s delight. “Yes, I am sure there will be plenty of opportunities to meet again,” chuckled the Sigel. “We are both Raevans. Sooner or later we would be bound to come across each other in the Lab. Oh… I almost forgot…,” said Xiu as he took out a small business card from his wallet. On it was printed the name, address and telephone number of the bookstore where the Sigel lived. “I can also be contacted here,” At the mention of naming the fish, Xiu nodded solemnly. “I would like to know the name you have chosen for the little fellow very much. I am certain it will be a good one,” The Sigel was silent when Ren talked about repaying his kindness. It was a noble gesture but the Sigel had bought the fish because it felt good to make Ren happy. There was only one way to settle this then. “Pass it around, make others happy too,” said the Sigel with a quiet nod. “That would be the best way,” It was then that the phone the Sigel had been carrying beeped. “Ah…My guardian needs me back home,” said Xiu, giving Ren an apologetic look. “Goodbye, Ren,”
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