A Crisp Fall Day [OPEN]

[Nuriko]

A breeze rattled the remaining leaves, bringing a chill reminder of the winter to come. Although the sun shone brightly, its warmth was quickly overwhelmed by the chill in the air. Nuriko hurring along the road towards her shop, bundled in a cloak and scarf. Over her shoulder was her broom, after playing a pick-up game of Quidditch she'd decided she'd rather walk home and enjoy the scenery.

Coming up to her porch, she left the broom by the door and hitched her scarf a little closer to her neck as the breeze picked up again. She wanted to muck out the stable before she came in. Nuri poked her head in, ears (but not eyes) swiftly locating Rupert. It sounded like he was stocking the feed section, he was swearing about beetles running everywhere.

"I'm back!" She called. "I'll be mucking out the stable, might get a freeze tonight!"

"Alrighty!" Rupert's roar was unmistakable, the rattling stopped with a clang as he closed the lid on the beetle container. "Say hi to Houdini for me!"

Nuri laughed, assuring him he would and closing the shop's door, headed around the bright yellow house and into the backyard.

[Eden Fletcher]

It was time that Eden got a pet. It was a right of passage right? She was adult enough now to keep another creature alive. Besides, wasn't it a hallmark of being able to eventually have kids if you have proven yourself capable of keeping a pet alive? Not that Eden was having kids any time soon. She had plenty of time for that momentous occasion. It was just that she was needled by what her sister had said. Eden was determined to prove to herself (her sister really) that she could actually keep a pet alive. She wasn't seven any more. She wasn't going to drop the pygmy puff off the roof.

Now what kind of pet should she get? Nothing too crazy but not boring either. Everyone and their mother had an owl. She didn't really need one when she could use Max's. She also needed a pet that could live with a cat. So, nothing that ate fat ancient cats.

The only place to find such pet was of course Nuriko's place. Eden had met the witch countless times at Kameren events. Eden was about to run up the stairs to the shop when she spotted Nuri heading out back. Eden changed directions and ran after her friend.

"Nuri!!" She called after her waiving as she headed around the side of the cheerful house and into the backyard.

[Nuriko]

Nuri had barely stepped off the wrap-around porch before she was called back.

"Nuri!!"

She turned at the voice, knowing it was familiar & yet not quite placing it before she saw the familiar face. "Eden!" She came back up the steps, holding her hands out in greeting. "How are you today? Here to get more cat food?" Technically the cat was Max's, but half the time it was Eden who came into the shop for supplies. The wind blew a swift reminder of the cold night to come, and neighing and flapping came from one of the paddocks as the horses lifted their wings to the breeze with enjoyment. A little roughhousing, and they settled back down to enjoy the hay she had forked out earlier.

[Eden Fletcher]

Eden shook Nuri's offered hand, squeezing it gently. Eden wondered if Nuri would allow her to sketch her. Maybe mid change? Half of Nuri's hair her natural brown and the other half turning into a rainbow? Maybe riding a horse. That would be cool. Eden was day dreaming when Nuri's words reached her brain.

Cat food. Did they have any? Eden's face clouded over in thought. "Err, yes. We need cat food but that wasn't actually why I came. I need a pet. Like all mine," She said with a shrug, putting her hands in her pockets. Merlin it was getting cold. She missed the summer weather. Eden like fall and all, pretty cloaks and stuff but winter was too cold. Snow was evil. It looked all nice and innocent. Oh look at me I'm soft and pretty, play with me. It lured you in only to find it was hard and crunchy and full of false promises.

"Can you help me? I need to prove to my sister that I am a responsible adult capable of supporting a life that is entirely in my keeping. Cat doesn't count because it really isn't mine and he can pretty much care for himself."

[Nuriko]

"Can you help me? I need to prove to my sister that I am a responsible adult capable of supporting a life that is entirely in my keeping. Cat doesn't count because it really isn't mine and he can pretty much care for himself."

Nuri's eyebrows rose in surprise when Eden announced her reason for visiting. She frowned, shaking her head. "Hun, I know you're responsible because you care for Max's cat almost more than he does..." The old boards creaked as she led them across the porch to the door. Nuriko hung her cloak on the rack but retained her scarf as she stepped into the warmth of her shop.

"But that's a terrible reason to get a pet. They should be loved, not used to prove something." A loud screeching set up as she stepped further into the shop, and a large, colorful parrot accompanied it, landing on the fist Nuri thrust at it. She let it step up her arm to her shoulder, scratching the bird gently on his breast, his favorite spot. Gateway's loud welcome died to low murmurings of pleasure.

[Eden Fletcher]

Okay, so maybe Eden should have approached an animal lover in a more tactful way. Nothing said sell me a pet like telling them the reason is not love but point making. Good job there Fletcher.

"Okay, that came out way wrong," Eden said with a sheepish grin as she followed her friend inside. It was cozy in the little shop. Eden kept her cloak on though, just pushing it back off her shoulders.

"It all started because I told Eliana that I was thinking about getting a pet of my own. Then she started lecturing me on how I am not responsible enough. So I want a pet to give my undying attention to when I'm not painting and also show the snooty know it all that she's wrong," Eden glanced up at the screeching. Kind of sounded like her sister. Would it be rude if she bought a bird a screeching creature and named it after her sister?

The bird was lovely. Every color of the rainbow glistened on it's feathers. It was a proud creature and loving. Eden wanted to sketch the bird, as it gazed adoringly at Nuri. Eden dug into her satchel, that had been under her cloak, rummaging inside she pulled out a pad of parchment. Pen she needed a pen. Eden began patting her hair and found one stuck in the curls that had pulled loose from her messy braid.

"So lovely," Eden muttered as she did a rough sketch of the bird and Nuri's hand.

[Nuriko]

"Shoo! Shoo!!" Nuri flapped her hand at the bird perched on her shoulder, but it was said with a smile. She knew he could frighten some of the more timid residents, he was a bundle of attitude and feathers. He'd sat pretty still as Eden had pulled out a sketchbook, though he'd preened and trained one bright black eye on the paper, as if he knew exactly what it was.

"Go on!" the parrot flapped his wings, clacking his beak. "sheeww! Sheew!!" Gateway said, imitating Nuriko as best he could. He tugged one short blue strand before gaining lift and flying with intent towards the broad shoulders of Rupert just around the corner. "Shew! Go on!"

"Well... " 'Riko turned a gimlet eye on the young artist. "I'll be watching!" she pointed over-dramatically. "C'mon!" she lead the way to one corner, where a variety of tanks with both glass and screen sides lay ranked. Inside tumbled a whole host of different furry creatures, most very small. Nuri nudged aside the screen lid to one tank, reaching in among inexpertly wielded claws and teeth and pulling out the tiniest bundle of fur, a coat so orange it was almost gold, darker orange spots  (which might become stripes as the owner grew into it) streaking the fur. The nose was a dark pink, the teeth tiny, sharp and white, and the ears were large.

"I have a good feeling about this one!" 'Riko smiled knowlingly, reaching out to deposit the fluff-ball in Eden's arms. As she stepped away from the tank, the name tag came into view.

KNEAZLES

[Eden Fletcher]

Eden tried to capture the knowing intelligence in the bird's eye. Eden was fascinated by the bird and how it seemed to know that Eden was drawing it. She wasn't afraid of the sharp screeching voice or sudden movements. For a second she contemplated having such a bird. Images of Max shooting stunning spells at the beast flashed through her head, second only to a angry mob of muggle neighbors. Eden needed a quiet pet for her muggle life.

Eden finished her quick sketch as the bird flew. Eden rolled her eyes as Rikoquipped. Eden tore the drawing off the pad and handed it to Riko.

"an E. Fletcher original just for you. Net value, 3 kunts," Eden said with a laugh as she followed her friend through the store. Her eyes roamed quickly over the different cages and tanks. There was so much here. How did Riko handle it all?

Eden gazed skeptically at the little ball of fur in Riko's hand. It was so tiny, a gust of wind would send it flying. What was it? It looked like a cotton ball that had been dabbed in orange sherbet eye shadow. Eden took the little creature and cupped it in the palm of one hand. The ears of the thing were huge. The little thing stood up, swatted lightly at Eden's fingers and then launched it self at her chest. Eden caught the little flying ball, cradling it to her chest, as the thing started to lick her chin. Eden laughed. The creature kind of reminded Eden of Elle. Tiny but feisty.

"You are so cute," Eden cooed, scratching the keazle behind the ears."You're a flyer, aren't you a real snitch," The purring got louder and Eden looked up at Riko. "Snitch wants to come home with me. How much do I owe you?"

[Nuriko]

"You are so cute," Eden cooed, scratching the keazle behind the ears."You're a flyer, aren't you a real snitch," The purring got louder and Eden looked up at Riko. "Snitch wants to come home with me. How much do I owe you?"

Riko was pleased to see the young kneazle take so well to Eden. With kneazles it was really about what they wanted, and not the witch or wizard. Really any person who thought they could make that choice for the creature was in for a rude awakening. Not to mention any reputable dealer would refuse the sale. The little cat stood on her hind paws and rested the front on Eden's chin, determinedly licking whatever she could reach.

"They're a real handful." 'Riko warned, tucking away the lovely sketch of Gateway and drawing her wand. Rustling sounded as a stack of papers flew towards them. "Kneazles are rated XXX Eden, you know this. You'd also need to fill out this form, you'll have to get a license for her." She handed the other witch a quill. "10 galleons for the fuzzball and 1 for th' paperwork." Plus of course all the supplies... pets were expensive!

[Eden Fletcher]

"They only have that rating because they are super smart and eat bad people." Eden said with a wicked grin. She liked the idea of a Kneazle investigating stuff and defending their values. Smart creatures. Interesting. A partner in adventure. life wouldn't be boring with Snitch. Eden didn't mind that the creature was linking her face. Giggles escaped the young woman and for a moment she looked like a little girl, carefree and happy. The child she could have been.

Eden shifted Snitch away from her face. The kneazle climbed up on Eden's shoulder and draped herself over it, her head resting on Eden's neck. Eden grabbed the quill and began to fill out the paperwork.

"What else does Snitch need?" Eden said with a sigh. She'd have to dip into her inheritance to make sure she had everything. Eden always felt a bit guilty when she used the Ashcroft money. It was silly not to though. Her grandmother had passed away and left her a fortune. Just because Eden hadn't liked her grandmother didn't mean she shouldn't spend the money.

[Nuriko]

"They only have that rating because they are super smart and eat bad people."

"Nevertheless," 'Riko wagged the quill at the other witch. She was struck by how young the other looked. In reality they weren't that far apart, but Nuriko remembered back during the war, when Eden's seer abilities were at their peak. There was something unnerving about such a small child knowing so much, looking at you with eyes so old. She looked much happier now and Nuriko was glad for that.

"What else does Snitch need?"

"Litter box, food, toys...Scratching post if you like your furniture.." she listed them off quickly. "There's more but those are the essentials."

[Eden Fletcher]

Eden thought about how much it would all cost. She might as well get everything now. Essentials and fun stuff. All in one go would be better. She might get distracted.

"Let's just get it all. Can I write a draft? I have more than enough gold in the vault. What will she really like? Max will kill me if she destroys the carpet. The muggle landlord will go nuts. If she goes all scratchy cat on the place," Eden said looking down at the adorable fluff ball. "No offense Snitch but you might be a bit savage," She said with a laugh.

"How should I get her home? Can she floo? Or do I need to fly? I mean I live kind of far in muggle London. How does one travel with a cat?" She asked pondering the question as she looked at the little beast. Could the creature apperate with her?

[Nuriko]

"How should I get her home? Can she floo? Or do I need to fly? I mean I live kind of far in muggle London. How does one travel with a cat?" She asked pondering the question as she looked at the little beast. Could the creature apparate with her?

"Oh!" Nuri snapped her fingers. "Carrier. You'll need one of those. Perhaps when she's older you can train her on leash. She's a kneazle but you still want to be careful." She started leading the way towards the appropriate sections. Flicks of her fingers and a disassembled carrier floated off the shelf, then several small toys, zooming feathered balls that strained against the netting around them, animated mice. "You'll learn her preferences. Her personality will also likely change as she ages, just like yours." A scratching post came off the shelf, then bowls. Litter, and a box and scoop. "We got kitten kibble, but we also have the fancier freeze-dried meat and kibble. And if you wanna feed her raw food I can teach you that, but wait 'til she's older."

The witch paused by the food, waiting on Eden's choice before summoning the right package. She pointed at the paperwork and quill, gently taking Snitch. "Gotta fill that out too, of course."

[Eden Fletcher]

It was a lot to take in. The cat had more accessories than Eden did. Where was she going to put all of this? Ho was she going to get it all home. How did the average harry afford a pet? Eden stop keeping track of the cost and just kept following Nuri around like a lost puppy. Snitch was snoring and was so cute.

"What's better kibble or freeze dried?" She asked looking down at the fluff ball. She was so small. Was Eden making a mistake in getting a pet? Was her sister right? Was she going to fail at this. Nope. She would be fine.


Eden rolled her eyes but went to the counter to fill out the forms. She skimmed the language and signed it with a floruish. Cooing to snitch when she accidentally moved her shoulder so the creature woke up. Eden wanted to sketch her, eyes half open dreams still in her eyes.

"All done. Anything else?" Eden said a bit impatient to be home. She wanted everything settled before Max came home and she ambushed him with their newest housemate.

"What if she doesn't like Max? Is there someway to overcome it? Or do I have to get my own place?" She said worried. She liked living with Max. The thought of not living with him was just weird. She didn't want to give up Snitch though, because she didn't like Max. But why would she not like him? Max was a better person than she was and if the creature liked her, then wouldn't she like Max?

[Nuriko]

"What's better kibble or freeze dried?"

"Freeze dried but she'll still get her nutrition with kibble. Mostly its a matter of price point, for you."

Nuriko busied herself, packing everything together and tying them neatly with rope that snaked around the package on its own. "Probably best to apparate, with all this stuff!" She said, floating it over to Eden and hitting it with a levitation charm.

"She'll probably like Max. I'm pretty good at this." Nuri winked. "She won't kill him, even if I turn out wrong."