video; seelie/unseelie

[glacio]

[ when Elsa clicks the feed on, the camera isn't focused on her, but on a little itty baby fox kit that looks very much like this, but with pure ( snow ) white fur, much like this. she's just a wee little thing, standing at Elsa's feet, and just- waiting. tail wagging, ears perked. and when she yips it's just this little tiny sound, excited and pleased and-

oh god, Elsa has no idea how to take care of her, she just loves her so much already, and that's clear by her tone when she finally speaks up. ]

Hello, everyone. As you can see, I have a new friend! Which, I know, it's probably silly to address you all about this, but I've never had a pet before and I am rather happy to have her around. The only problem is that I've had her for over a day and I'm still not sure what to call her. [ she turns her locket to face her now, expression hopeful ] I was hoping I could get suggestions from all of you, if you wouldn't mind.

Comments

[glacio]

[ s q u i n t ]

She is not going to eat anyone. The fairies assured me she was safe to be around, and that she would grow to be like a companion to me. Why would they lie about something like that, if she was truly a danger to any of us?

[caditquaestio]

Because it is in the way of men to look at something frail and sweet and think it harmless?

[glacio]

I'm not sure the fairies here really fall under that generalization.

[caditquaestio]

All right, then tell me in honesty: do you think the animal a creature you can master, or are you holding it close for stubbornness' sake?

[glacio]

In all honesty, I think the fairies were being honest when they said she would grow to be like a sort of companion. A familiar of sorts. I never thought myself the type for a pet, but it doesn't feel that way with her.

[ there's really no sane way to say "it feels like we were meant to meet" or "I feel more like myself when she's around", so. she's trying not to. ]

She's different. Special.

[caditquaestio]

[ Oh so dryly - ]

'Different.' 'Special.'

[ And then he laughs. ]

I don't believe in merits unproven. But you do, and that is of matter here. Keep the animal, then. Do as you would. It's on you what becomes of it.

[glacio]

And I will gladly take that responsibility.

[ she's looking off camera at the little fox again though, trying not to smile too much when the kit promptly drops onto her side and rolls on her back, begging for a pet. oh yes! definitely a crazed wild animal, this one. she isn't worried. ]

Have you ever had pets of your own?

[caditquaestio]

[ Enough hesitation now to suggest longing - ]

I kept a horse.

[ And another pause. ]

No. I raised a horse.

[glacio]

So you'll understand why I'm already so attached to my kit. The fairies told me she needs a new family, someone to look out for her. To raise her. I trust that there is a very good reason why they believe I'm the one that should be left with that responsibility, I just need to figure out what it is.

[caditquaestio]

I understand attachment. But feeling should not triumph over reason.

Horses have a time-honoured tradition of taming. They are strong spirits and choose their master, but the cruelty has been bred free of them.

[glacio]

[ she huffs, a little tiny thing ] You've missed my point. But that's alright.

I suppose you only came here to tell me why I'm wrong to want to raise her, and not help in naming her?

[caditquaestio]

Would you want me to? Truly.

[ But, well enough - an exasperated sigh. ]

What do you suppose to be the month of her birth?

[glacio]

She can't be more than two or three months old, I would guess.

[caditquaestio]

Two months ago. Young enough for a naming - fair.

You have a female and she is of the woods. Tradition would call for Artemis-Diana.

[glacio]

Traditionally according to whom?

[caditquaestio]

The folks' tales. History. Mythology.

[glacio]

Artemis is a pretty name...

[caditquaestio]

Artemis, then. Virgin goddess to the woods and the hunt. May it bear luck.