Rufus Catch-All

[misstrust]

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[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.

[soulus]

[He nods.]

I will be at the first aid station.

[misstrust]

All right, then. We have an agreement!

[ ... Yet again. But she offers her hand for a shake as she balances on her crutches. ]

[soulus]

[The wolf stays in place while Rufus reaches out with his bandaged hand for that shake. They'll meet in the evening, then.]