Puppers

The crisp autumn air feels refreshing. The array of the leaves’ colors compliment the rather monotone buildings. A dog barks near by, out my vision.

“Huh?” I mutter looking around. Is there a dog around here?

A small little hairless black puppy runs into my vision. They are simply happily exploring the courtyard.

“A pupper!?” I exclaim running over to the hairless dog. The little pup sees me and instead of running away they run up to me as well and begin to sniff my boots. “You’re so adorable!” I cheer putting my hand out for the little pupper to sniff.

The dog sniffs my hand before happily licking it. Their tongue is surprisingly rough and dry. I move my hand to pet the pup’s head.

“Such a happy little fella!” I say to the dog petting behind his ears. The pupper barks happily at my petting.

“There you are.” A stoic voice says. I look up to see a human woman. She is very beautiful, curves in all the right places… But her eyes are oddly empty. Before I think too much about the woman’s emotionless gaze I notice a larger hairless black dog next to her. A second pupper!? “Her little pup ran off to explore while we weren’t looking it appears.” The woman says still emotionless.

The bigger dog walks over to me. I put my other hand for her to sniff to make sure I am not dangerous. The pupper bops her nose against my hand, it is oddly dry and coarse.

“Who’s a good pupper?” I coo to the adult dog while beginning to scratch her neck. “Yes, you are!” I continue.

“I’ve never seen a pit hound be so friendly with someone.” The woman says after a moment still void of emotion. “Especially so quickly.” She adds.

“A pit hound?” I inquire switching back to petting and playing with the puppy.

“A dog like creature from Pandemonium that has affinities with fire and shadow.” The woman explains before kneeling down near by.

“Interesting.” I respond. “I wouldn’t expect something from the pit to be so cute!” I exclaim nuzzling the little pup’s nose against mine.

The puppy excitedly barks before my hands suddenly feel an intense heat.

“Owwwwwww!” I yell nearly dropping the little hound. “What was that!?” I ask setting the heated dog down on the ground once more. A few small puffs of flames quickly burst around the puppy’s body.

“Pit hounds’ bodies run naturally hot.” The woman explains while petting the adult hound. “While adults run much hotter, as the little one just showed, pups tend to heat up much more easily. Especially when excited.” She finishes.

“What are you doing here Jezel?” Goodswell’s voice asks.

“Oh sir!” The woman says standing up. Jezel bows to the boy before continuing “I came here to speak with you about-” She glances at me before returning her gaze to Goodswell. “Something.” She finishes. Still no emotion in her tone, odd.

“And why did you bring the pit hounds?” The teen inquires walking over to the mother hound.

“I needed to take them for a walk as well. So I decided to bring them with to get both things done in the least amount of time.” The servant explains. “However I seem to have underestimated the inquisitiveness of the puppy.” She adds bowing once more despite Goodswell not being able to see her. Can this woman even express emotions?

“I see.” Godswell replies rather indifferent while petting the mother dog’s head. “So what did you have to tell me?” He asks lowering himself to eye level with the hound.

The only sounds for a moment are the happy yips from the dogs. Jezel glances at me before looking back at her master.

“I think we should speak in private, sir.” Jezel answers.

“Why?” He inquires before the mother hound licks his cheek. “It is not as though my mother passed away.” He adds.

A heavy silence fills the courtyard, even the dogs pick up on it and do not make a sound.

“No sir. Your father has.” The servant answers. Maybe I should not be here for this…

-- -- --

The crowd of second year applicants is gathered in a courtyard once again. Due to the cool breeze and much smaller group size, it felt almost cold. My small hunting group is standing close together near the outdoor hall.

“Shouldn’t you be back home?” I inquire to Goodswell. The teen turns his head to me giving a rather empty gaze.

“I’m fine. My father can handle the house and our businesses until I am done.” He says rather flippantly. “I am still a little too young to run the house myself regardless, best to keep myself actually busy.” He explains stoically. He is definitely just trying to act tough, teen boys are like that. Tuta looks back at the two of us.

“What happened?” The orc girl asks.

“Nothing.” Goodswell sternly says. I struck a nerve so decide to not say anything. Instead I simply give Tuta a look hoping she understands I may tell her later away from Goodswell.

“You all listening?” Conall inquires to us annoyed. It is the same as last year basically, right? Just that it will be in new groups and at night.

“It’s the same as last year but with-,” Goodswell responds before looking at me. “Supposedly new squad mates.” He adds with annoyance and giving me a glare. His gaze turns back to the ogre. “And I suppose starting at night is also different.” He finishes.

This boy is very angry. And just so sad...

“May the hunt commence!” Xentel yells from the dais.