✓ Memoir 2 // action

[hawkethat]

Hawke's been plenty busy these past weeks helping refugees and running errands for people; he's finally getting used to the city, and becoming familiar with it, as well.

It's not unusual to see him walking to and fro trailed by a pack of puppy Pokémon. The Houndour sticks to his side like a second shadow, but the Lillipup, Vulpix, and Growlithe all have a tendency to trail behind from time to time when an interesting person or Pokémon catches their attention.

Lillipup will busily investigate anyone sitting on a bench or at an outdoor cafe table, sniffing efficiently to determine if there might be any forthcoming treats.

Vulpix is mostly attracted to people or Pokémon that appear to be alone. She herself doesn't like to be alone, so when she notices that condition in others, she makes an effort to change it.

Growlithe likes to join groups, especially if it looks like a game is going on. If you're training with your pokemon, don't be too surprised if you suddenly find yourself with an addition!

Hawke is pretty good about noticing the straggler and doubling back to collect, but sometimes it takes a few minutes. Plenty of time to make a new friend!

[ooc: If you'd rather talk to Hawke directly instead of engaging one of his puppies, feel free to start a new thread!]

Comments

[hawkethat]

Vulpix!

[She knows, but she's not really concerned. Garrett isn't too far off, and he's really good at finding her.

Meanwhile, why aren't you scratching her ears, Anders? Does she have to nose at your hand to remind you of your obligations?]

[onetrackminds]

[Another sigh, though it's slightly fond, too. He'll let Garrett take care of chastising her. Here, have those earscratches, since he's clearly not going to be able to read any more anyway.]

You're more demanding than my queen, too.

[hawkethat]

Vuuuuul!

[Yes, good, that's the spot...right...there! Scout closes her eyes blissfully in order to better enjoy the ear scratches.

...Speaking of beards, Anders might notice Hawke a ways off now, walking as if he is looking for something and shadowed closely by his other three dogs...two of whom spot Anders before Hawke does, and make a beeline for him. Sergeant remains at Hawke's side, and will more sedately approach when Hawke does.]

[onetrackminds]

[Scout, if only you weren't so adorable, you wouldn't be able to get away with so much. Anders shakes his head and keeps petting her, although when he spots Garrett in the distance he raises his other arm to wave.]

I found your missing pack member.

[...Oh, hello there, puppy horde.]

[hawkethat]

[Puppy horde says hello, Anders, and, is there room in your lap for us?

Paladin might fit. Captain definitely will not. Luckily, Hawke is approaching, and will put a stop to any lap-grab plans his two troublemakers might have.]

Thank goodness. She's never wandered off so far before.

[He's frowning down at Scout, who opens her eyes to look up at him. I was just here with Anders. I didn't go THAT far.]

Maybe not. But let me know next time you want to take a detour, okay?

[onetrackminds]

I tried telling her she was worrying you.

[He says, while scratching her ears. Is he expected to actually resist her little face?]

I figured it'd be easier for you to find us if we stayed put.

[Paladin, no, don't ju-- Aaaand he dropped his book on the ground. Hawke, help, your pack is too big for one man to handle! He doesn't have that many hands!]]

[hawkethat]

Doesn't look like she listened.

[He gives Scout a look as he says that, and her ears flatten slightly when she sees. Message received...she'll try not to wander off again in the future.]

Oh, jeez, sorry.

[Apologizing for Paladin has become second nature, whoops. It's always the tiny ones, isn't it? Hawke bends over to retrieve Anders' book before it can get stepped on by the still enthusiastic Captain. Sighing, since it looks like Paladin is now making a nest out of Scout's tails and is also settling in, he plunks his own butt down on the bench next to Anders to provide a lap for Captain and Sergeant to share.

Which they do. Enthusiastically.]

[onetrackminds]

[It's okay, Anders is used to Paladin by now, too. At least his book is safe. His bag is on the ground next to him, and he holds it open for Hawke to drop the book in, before resuming his petting of both puppies.]

Trying to let them work out their energy?

[Because that might just be impossible to achieve, Hawke.]

Or just out for a walk?

[hawkethat]

We're just in from a run out in the forest, actually.

[Hawke places Anders' book in the indicated bag, which now means both his hands are free and available for ear scratches. One hand for Captain, the other for Sergeant.]

That's probably why Scout was looking for somewhere to nap.

[It is possible to work off some of the pack's energy, actually! It helps that Hawke can join them on four legs and run with them...though that does mean he gets tired, too.]

[onetrackminds]

You didn't just return to your camp?

[Because though Anders' apartment is available whenever Hawke wants to stay, he does seem to prefer it out in the woods. And it would allow them all to rest.]

[hawkethat]

We had some errands to run in town.

[For burning off the rest of the puppy energy! Once it gets to be evening time is time to return to camp. If one or two of them are too tired to walk back (and usually it's Paladin...she's a bundle of energy, but she's also tiny, and has to work twice as hard to keep up with her bigger friends) he can always carry them.]

[onetrackminds]

Do you want company?

[Since he obviously won't get to read anyway.]

[hawkethat]

[That gets a smile from Hawke.]

Are you offering?

[onetrackminds]

You're already keeping me from my book, so I have no reason left not to join you.

[hawkethat]

Oh? What's stopping you from kicking us off your bench and going back to your book?

[onetrackminds]

I wouldn't be that mean to Scout and Paladin.

[To Hawke, though? That's another matter entirely, clearly.]

[hawkethat]

[Hawke just laughs.]

Well, I'm glad at least some of us have managed to win you over.

[onetrackminds]

[Anders smiles back. He enjoys teasing Hawke, but really, he appreciates the fact Hawke lets him stick around even more.]

Where were you headed? Or were you just picking up errands from strangers again?

[hawkethat]

I was thinking we'd wander into the Business district. There's been a lot of call for extra hands down there, so we've been helping out.

[At severely reduced pay in a lot of cases. But even though some monetary compensation is nice, he's not the kind of guy to just turn away someone in need of aid because all they can offer in return is a heartfelt thank you.]

[onetrackminds]

How you manage to find all these odd jobs still escapes me. Could be the puppy charm, though.

[Your puppy charm, Hawke. Even if you're not one currently, you still act like one sometimes.]

[hawkethat]

They are pretty good at breaking the ice.

[Whoops, he thinks you're talking about the actual puppies, Anders.

Also LOL, see what he did there, since most of his pokefriends are Fire-types?]

[onetrackminds]

Yes, that might be it. It isn't you at all, it's them.

[Because... he wasn't talking about them. Also, he's not acknowledging that wit, it's too obvious. You'll have to try harder than that, Hawke.]

[hawkethat]

[Spoilsport! Why would you ignore that perfectly awful wordplay?

...Wait, what?]

...Did you just imply I have puppy charm?

[Wow, he's not sure how he feels about that. He is 24 years old and an adult!!]

[onetrackminds]

[To see what Hawke will do when his jokes go ignored, of course.]

I thought you wanted people to think you're charming. Was I wrong?

[...an adult, huh?]

[hawkethat]

Paladin has puppy charm.

[Where are you going with this, Anders? Are you getting ready to make fun of him?

...Are you already making fun of him???

Suspicious side-eye goes here]

People are free to think what they want, though, I guess.

[Trying to play it cool...]