text; un: beatrix [1]

[fiendennor]

Do you believe in magic?
If so, what do you know about it?

Comments

[fiendennor]

[That's not the question she was expecting. It catches her a little off guard.] ...do I think I'm... nice?

[notwagging]

Yes! Do you think you're a nice human?

[ yes, even doggos can have interesting, introspective questions sometimes. ]

[fiendennor]

I... certainly try to be. Kindness, compassion, and charity are the values that my mother tried to instill in me from a very young age, and I try to live up to those expectations. [A beat.] Which isn't to say I succeed flawlessly all the time, of course.

[notwagging]

[ he hums thoughtfully as he thinks about her response. ]

... sounds good to me!

[ then, Keaton claps his hands together. ]

You can live.

[ and he snickers. ]

[fiendennor]

[A little sigh.] I would certainly hope so, yes. Though if you're making it a life-or-death case, perhaps don't go on self-reporting?

[notwagging]

I'll remember that for next time!

[ the next time he... low-key threatens someone, anyway. ]

[fiendennor]

Out of curiosity, what would you have I done had I answered differently?

[notwagging]

[ that earns her a snort. ]

Well, you're still human. You'd reveal your intentions eventually. Actions mean a lot more than words.

But I trust you. Trying to be kind is the best kind of trying.

[fiendennor]

I don't disagree that actions speak louder than words. But you can't exactly go around threatening someone just because they aren't nice.

[notwagging]

Hm...

Did you feel threatened?

[fiendennor]

Myself? No. [She has magic, sir.]

Others might have.

[notwagging]

Good! Good.

I wouldn't want to threaten you, anyway.

[fiendennor]

Even so, I would be careful about joking about that sort of thing.

Others might take it seriously.

[notwagging]

Okay. I'll be more careful next time.

[ both ears droop slightly, his tail doing the same--- though it's probably not in view. ]

[fiendennor]

[She crosses her arms, giving him a nod.] In a place like this where we're all new, consider that people might not understand your own particular brand of humor yet. It's better to err on the side of caution until you get to know people, I think.

[notwagging]

Maybe. But there's something about catching people flat-footed, too. It gives them less time to think of an excuse! Or a lie!

[fiendennor]

I suppose this entirely depends on what your objective is. What are you hoping to get out of the accusation?

[notwagging]

Knowing I can trust almost anyone I meet around here.

Maybe it's a weird way of doing so. But it works well enough.

[fiendennor]

Hm. I suppose I can see the logic in it, even if I don't agree myself.

[notwagging]

It's worked for me before.

But I guess I don't have to worry about a human poaching me for my ears or my tail around here. At least, I hope I don't have to worry.

[fiendennor]

...is that a thing where you come from? People would hunt a clearly sapient species?

[notwagging]

Yeah. It's one of the biggest dangers the Wolfskin and Kitsune both face. Poachers, bandits, mercenaries... they think we're just animals to claim as spoils.

Usually, they're not successful.

[fiendennor]

That's... revolting. [She genuinely sounds sickened.] Hunting beasts is one thing, but hunting a person who can think and talk is flatly murder.

[notwagging]

You're not wrong.

[ despite the subject, he's cheerful for one reason or another. ]

If they took a second to think, then maybe the ones that come to 'visit' would have lived.

[fiendennor]

Mm. [It's a noise that sounds... displeased, but that's it.] I can hardly blame you for defending yourself, really. [And yet....]