Rufus Catch-All

[misstrust]

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[misstrust]

[ Look... Dorothy can't speak Wolf. She can speak Stare, but only sometimes, and so she merely hums curiously and tilts her head. ]

Well, I'm not here to stop you. You can stay as long as you'd like.

[soulus]

[Dorothy isn't putting her hands all over him, so Rupe decides to stay. He folds his paws in front of him and sits down, basking in the sun amid the flowers. When he does get up to pad around the garden on occasion, he eventually finds his way back to a similar spot and sits again.

A considerable amount of time passes before Rufus shows. A small wolfish creature accompanies him. Rupe looks their way and, not at all miffed by the sight, jumps onto his feet to join them.]

[misstrust]

[ Rupe is a good boy, not being jealous.

Dorothy, looking a great deal more peaceful in this environment, raises a hand in acknowledgment. Once again, the horse lifts her head, alert-- but, upon seeing who it is, lowers it to go back to grazing contentedly. ]

Your wolves have increased in number, I see.

[soulus]

[The wolves greet one another—Rupe, with curiosity; the creature, a knowing look. The latter then fixes her gaze on the horse, and there it stays.]

The timing is poor. I won't be able to keep both for the week.

[misstrust]

[ The horse maintains a watchful stare, though makes no move-- either to engage or to bolt. ]

Did something happen? They don't look like they'd be difficult to take care of.

[soulus]

Their care is not the concern. It's their presence that is troubling.

[misstrust]

Their--

[ Rufus himself isn't bothered by them, that much is obvious. Then it has to be someone else, so either he has a client who can't stand wolves or-- ]

Your roommate doesn't like wolves? But one won't leave your side, so that's why Rupe was wandering alone.

[soulus]

I didn't realize this one was there until I sent him out.

If necessary, I will send them both away.

[Everyone will just have to deal with the new wolf's needy whimpering and scratching out in the hall.]

[misstrust]

I hope it doesn't come to that.

[ Let her rest. ]

Do you want me to take Rupe for the week, then? He's free to wander, but he can at least stay in my room at night.

[soulus]

[The creature's ears perk up at the offer, and her lupine gaze fixates on Dorothy.]

If you do, what should I do for you?

[misstrust]

Nothing. [ And she smiles at the creature. ]

I'm not offering because I want you to owe me anything. I just happen to be fond of him.

[soulus]

[The wolf lies down and rests her head on her paws, settling comfortably in place.]

I would prefer to exchange favors. What can I do for your time and lodging?

[misstrust]

... Do you really want me to come up with something or do you want to suggest something you'd consider equivalent?

[ He probably doesn't like the idea of owing anyone, whether it's true or not. ]

[soulus]

Would you like me to change your dressing for the week?

[misstrust]

...

[ Dorothy lifts an eyebrow and the horse suddenly shifts and stamps a foot, as though she's taken offense to something.

But then the horse resettles as Dorothy huffs out a sigh. He's probably not saying she's not competent enough to handle it on her own, as she has been. ]

Fine. I'll take care of Rupe and you can help me with the bandages.

[soulus]

[The wolf continues to lie on the ground as she blinks slowly, not startled in the slightest by the stomp.]

Thank you for your cooperation.

[misstrust]

You really didn't have to do anything... did you think I'd take advantage of it?

[ Well. It's probably a rhetorical question. ]

[soulus]

I just hate being in debt.

[The wolf's tail thumps once, then twice.]

[misstrust]

[ Is that a wag or an unhappy thump, she still doesn't speak Wolf-- ]

... Well, that's fair enough. [ It's not like she can blame him. ]

I suppose our relationship has been a series of exchanges, for the most part. But I do feel as though I'm getting the better part of the deal here.

[ She likes this standoffish little punk.

And Rupe, too. ]

[soulus]

[That's for him to know and for her to find out.]

Changing the dressing every day will hone my ability to do so one-handed.

[misstrust]

[ Rude. ]

Ah, I see. Training.

[ For some reason, Dorothy just sounds amused-- but then she shifts to her feet. ]

Would you like to start now, then?

[soulus]

Is that all right?

[This is the part of the bargain where she's on the receiving end. He'll start when she wants to start.]

[misstrust]

It's fine. We can work out a time of day that works for both of us this week, going forward.

[ Listen, Rufus still gets a say in this. ]

[soulus]

Do you have a preference? I can fit you in any time.

[misstrust]

In the evening, then? It should also give us a chance to discuss anything that might have happened during the day.