Tales and Entitlements

[Seraphina]

A brief shake of her head, “Nope. And yeah, restrictive parents. Riding a boke meant there was a risk of me getting hurt and not being able to win on the stage.” A roll of her eyes, “Stupid if you ask me.” The need to always be perfect carried from her childhood top her Durance. Funny how that worked. Then a wide, happy smile, “Thanks! I like to think I’m a quick learner and I promise not to disappoint and make you look bad.” She sounded serious.

Laughing as the tail swayed. “A very nice tail too.” Imagine how much more she could get done with a tail?! “Ohh! I have! So adorable! Whatever happened to it? I hope they’re ok and happy.” It was important that animals be ok.

“Oh yes.” Then a laugh, “Uh oh, for evil? Then you did not get that information from me!” she jokes. “She’s still an unknown to me. I’ve tried to get to know her better, but I’m always left with more questions.” A shrug, maybe that’s just how her fellow Spring was.

A soft smile, “Aw, thank you. But I don’t blame them. Our society, both here in Funderland and in the world, is filled with fake people seeking to only get something for themselves. So I can see why it’s be easy to assume someone was a fake about it.” It was how life was. A knowing smile, “You do play a cute ditz, but I always figured there was more to you then you let on. And with enough time, you’d feel comfortable showing a different side.” They all needed that time to be themselves. “But don’t worry, I’d never tell that you’re smarter than you let on.” A wink. Secret safe with her.

The Nix will happily let him climb onto her lap, resting her head against his and scratching his head. “Wait, really?” looking to the Beast, “You can talk to him?!” both awe and disbelief on her face, “That’s amazing Sonnie!”

[Sonnie Wu]

"My parents insisted I learn how to do a lot of stuff. Riding a bike was simple enough, but once that was learned, I didn't get time to enjoy it. I had to go take piano lessons, or dance lessons, or go to my tai chi class. Had to study, study, study. Had to be prepared to impress the private schools and colleges." She sighed wistfully, "There was a whole plan for my life, all laid out. No time for fun. I was never an overachiever at heart. I love my parents, but they never really understood me." The Beast shrugged her shoulders then, "I swear, if it wasn't for the constant fear of being eaten alive, my time in Arcadia would have been a vacation."

Sonnie smiled to the blue-eyed Unicorn, "Great! It's always more fun to train with friends!"

"Oh, IKEA monkey is fine, I believe. His name was Darwin, and he's living in a primate sanctuary up in Canada somewhere. His owner sued to try and get him back, but I think they lost the case. Probably because monkeys as pets are illegal there." Naturally, she would knew the details of that particular story.

A slurp of hot cocoa is heard before she spoke again, "Yeah, that's our Titty. Just when you think you've gotten a handle on her, she surprises you. I think people underestimate her more than they do me."

The Courser smiled weakly, "It's not entirely an act. More like an exaggeration." Her smile improved in strength, "But thanks, I appreciate that you'll keep my cover." She winked back.

The ugly mutt happily flopped across Sera's lap, exposing his belly for more potential rubs, his little tail thumping against her thigh. Sonnie laughed at the Nix's response to the news. "Yeah! I can already talk to monkeys and chimps and so on. Dogs took some extra work, but I can do it now. I decided to gain the contract because of Fugly, and the whole caper with the dog shelter." Contracts dealing with fauna were old hat for Beasts. "I should be able to talk with wolves and coyotes, too. Not that I've tested it on them. Maybe also foxes? Do they count as canines?"

[Seraphina]

A solemn nod, “I completely understand that. My life was panned as well, no friends were allowed, no activities that could cause injury. But it was all to impress the judges, earn the crowns and then be married off to be a trophy wife.” An eye roll, “No thanks.” So when she rebelled, it was hard. Smiling softly, “Seems we have a bit more in common.” Over baring parents.

“Oh. Well, I’m glad he’s in a sanctuary. It seems like in the wild, or a sanctuary is the best and most healthy place for a primate.” Notice she didn’t say zoo. Nope.

“I tend to try and not underestimate anyone, cause that’s dangerous. But it’s just when I’ve tried to reach out and form a friendship, nothing comes of it. She seems more distant than before. To be honest, it makes it hard to want to keep trying. Not that it’ll stop me.” Cause they shared a Season.

Fugly of course gets all the belly rubs.

“Wow! That’s really amazing! How’s it been? Talking with him?” the belly rubs continued. “Uh,” she looked thoughtful, “I’m not really sure. Is there, like, a criteria for what makes an animal a canine?” she wasn’t sure. “I’m sure that is going to be super useful in the future though! Wow, being able to talk with animals!”

[Sonnie Wu]

"Well," Sonnie stated, saluting the Nix with her cocoa mug, "it seems we do, indeed. At least we're free to be who we want to be now, right? No more expectations." It was a pretty thought, anyway. "We can just go to a park and I'll let you ride my bike! Unrelated question, do you have a helmet and pads?" Sonnie smirked.

"You'd be surprised how many primate sanctuaries there are. Too many people think monkeys and chimps make good pets. Then there's the cheap-ass 'zoos' who neglect their animals and then somebody has to raid the place." She huffed, severely annoyed at the thought, "But the sanctuaries are wonderful places. The apes get to live in comfort and protection, and they give conservationists a chance to study primates up close." The Beast smiled, knowing this was a good thing, "I donate to them when I can, and I'd totally volunteer at one if there was any in the area."

Sonnie nodded to Sera as she thought on Titania's recent behavior, "She got pretty cranky during the dog shelter thing. I'm not sure what's up with her, lately. But you're right, we should keep trying to reach out to her."

She grinned, recalling the conversations she's had with her dog in the past, "It's fun! He calls me mom, and he loves you! I don't think he understand the concept of an aunt, or he'd probably call you Auntie Sera." There was a laugh, "But you know what? I'm gonna call you his Auntie Sera, anyway!"

The Grim shrugged, "Canines are dog-like, I guess. I'm not sure about foxes because I hear them called vulpines, sometimes. Not sure about hyenas, either."

The monkey girl gestured with her mug as she spoke, somehow not spilling a drop, "Chatting with apes is fun. I go do that at the zoo, sometimes. Not terribly useful, though. Dogs, on the other hand, they're all over the city. Pets and strays. They see and hear a lot of stuff. It's like this untapped information network across Sacramento!" She mused on the idea of animal informants, "Rats and birds are probably even better. They're everywhere."

[Seraphina]

A single nod, “Exactly! Free to explore things that interest us, and free to become who we want to be. Well, to a certain extent.” Cause, yeah, things were different now. She blinks a few times, “Uh,” a frown, “no, but I can get some. I suppose they would be important things to have when learning.” Head injuries could be a thing. A serious thing. “As for driving, we can just use an empty parking lot one evening. I’ve actually been looking into buying a car, or an SUV, so that will make it easy.” It was on her never-ending list of things to do.

A frown as she shook her head, “No, primates belong in the wild, in the jungles. And I didn’t realize the zoos neglected them, that’s depressing to think about. I can’t even begin to imagine what it must be like for them.” Really sad. But when Sonnie mentions donating, “How about if we do the Casino night, we each pick a charity to donate to? The sanctuaries seem to be so important to you, lets raise some money for them.” No reason there couldn’t be multiple charities to donate to.

“I was worried it was just me, that I had offended her somehow.” Clearly that thought upset the Nix. “We should see if she’d like to do a girls day out or something. Hit the mall, maybe have lunch or something. Something low key and relaxing.”

Her eyes widen, “Awww! He does?” she looks down at the dog on her lap, “He’s such a sweet puppy.” A kiss placed on top of his head. “But that’s amazing! And even more neat that he calls you mom! You saved him after all.” The idea of being auntie Sera brought another smile to her face. She could handle that.

Shrugging, “Could always stop by the zoo and test it out.” Best to know if something works? Try it.

“Never really thought of that. But that’s an excellent point! Wow, that will be very useful!” imagine being able to track someone by asking stray dogs?! “Can you talk to rats and birds too?”

[Sonnie Wu]

Another cookie was taken, this time by her tail, which snaked out to snag the treat. More dipping into the hot cocoa commenced. "It's why I was drawn to the Spring Court right away. I saw an outlet for myself. A way to explore who I am without any judgements. I know a lot of Lost, fresh from the Hedge, join Spring because it looks like a fun refuge, but then they move one to other Courts once they get a sense of themselves and what they want from their new life. I, however, am happy to remain Emerald forever."

"Oh, somehow I thought you already had a car. Do you take an Uber home every day?" The cookie was bitten into, and happily crunched between monkey fangs.

She nodded repeatedly, "Of course they belong in the wild, but not all of them can survive there. Just like you can't let your dog loose in the woods and except it to live long. Some of these apes don't have what it takes. Sanctuaries try to get them rehabilitated so they can go back to the jungle, but many will never be ready for that. Especially the ones from pet homes and circuses." Sonnie smiled and nodded once more, "That'd be great! Yeah, they are. I mean, obviously I feel a certain connection to the monkeys." She chuckled.

"Sure, we can take her out, go at her own speed. Make it her day!" She took a moment to imagine what Titania's ideal day out would be like. "I foresee tea and crumpets, polite conversation, and maybe a visit to a male strip club." She... may have gone off track towards the end.

The Beast giggled, watching as Fugly wiggled under Seraphina's ministrations. "He doesn't use a lot of words. The communication is sort of empathic, and sort of understanding animal noises. His feelings are clear, though. Animals don't hide their emotions."

She nodded to the idea of a test run at the zoo, "No, the Contracts of Fang and Talon only work with a particular type of animal. You got to pick one kind and run with it, though you can make the deal multiple times for multiple animals. Canines, felines, birds, reptiles, rodents, and so on." She grinned and gestured at herself. "Primates. Which might scientifically include humans but the contract doesn't. That'd be kind of pointless. I can already talk to humans!" She shrugged, "Anyway, I've only struck deals for primates and canines."

[Seraphina]

As Sonnie snags the cookie, Sera grabs one of the twigs and spears a marshmallow with it. Then proceeds to hold it over the fire. Glancing at Fugly, “Not sure if you’re allowed to have marshmallows or not, gonna have to ask mom.” Just in case.

Nodding, “Totally. For me, it was about taking back my life. Not letting my past or my Durance define me. I was going to set my rules, decide who I was and tell my Keeper fuck you. They took one version of me, but I left and perused a whole new version, a better one, one that would not be beaten. Then I found this desire within me to help others, and Spring just fit. But I can see why Spring would seem like a fun refuge. We are a fun Court. Plus, we throw the best parties!” Have you been to their parties?!

Shaking her head, “Nope. I usually take the bus or an Uber. I wasn’t sure what kind of car I wanted, so I just kept putting it off. And I don’t mind the bus, it saves on parking.” Though a bitch when donating stuff.

“Oh. So like ones that have been rescued? Maybe injured and cannot survive on their own anymore?” she asks, seeking to understand. “Which is just heartbreaking in its own way. But I’m glad there are people out there providing them with a place to stay.” It was nice. “Even if you didn’t, it’s a wonderful cause. After all, I’ve heard humans are playing a part with why primates need to be rescued.” Destruction of habitat and all that.

“Hmmm, I don’t know much about crumpets, but I can figure something out. Oh! I think there is a tea house around, and they give you the whole experience. So maybe I can look into that. And a male strip club?” she asks with a smirk, then laughs, “Well, that would be...memorable.” Though the Nix never found them to be all that exciting. More boring than anything.

A confused look, “Empathic?” she wasn’t sure what Sonnie meant. “So, you can tell when he’s happy and when he’s sad?” weird.

There was obvious interest on her face as she listened, “Sounds like a very useful Contract, especially if you can build on it. Fascinating!” the marshmallow was slightly cooked; a nice light brown color and she continues to smoosh it between graham crackers and chocolate. “I’m always amazed by what some Contracts allow us to do.” The s’more was held out to the Beast. “There are times I’m a bit jealous by some of the badass things others are allowed to do.” If the s’more was taken, she’ll being making another one.

[Sonnie Wu]

She looked critically at the marshmallow, then appraisingly at the dog. "He'd probably get it stuck in his fur, and then I'd have to give him another bath. Chocolate is out, too. That's poisonous to dogs. But he can have a graham cracker!" Sonnie was a responsible dog mom!

She had totally been to their parties! "Everybody knows our soirees are the best! They're very in demand!" A firm nod, as she finished her cookie. "I found helping other people realize their desires brings a sense of..." the 'Scrambler paused a beat as she searched for the right descriptor. "Fulfillment? Hope? Something like that. So, I like spreading that kind of thing. I guess I find fulfillment bringing fulfillment to others?" She shrugged, not certain how accurate her self-awareness was.

"You do meet a lot of interesting people on the bus. And by interesting, I mean weird." She nodded.

"Yeah," the Beast sighed, "Some are injured, or too old. Those the sanctuaries just try to keep comfortable and healthy."

She smiled at the happier subject, "Did I say strip club? I meant, um, art... museum?" She frowned, as art museums sounded boring to her. Maybe Titania liked them?

British people loved that crap, right?

How the hell should I know? All my knowledge of the U.K. comes from Monty Python and Harry Potter.

The monkey girl blinked her eyes and looked at Seraphina as she snapped herself out of her random thoughts, "Hm? Oh, yeah, empathic! Like, they try to talk through their feelings? But I can also understand the barks and growls and stuff, too. The Contract sort of translates for me, though it helps if the animals are friendly. I have a better connection to primates, because of my nature, but dogs aren't hard to get on your side." She chuckled, knowing how easily Fugly could be bribed.

"Talking to animals is just the start. I've worked my way to better clauses. I can gain the sharper senses of an ape, and even make primates do my bidding. Though I've never actually used that last one. I wouldn't force them to do anything, unless it was an emergency." Sonnie shrugged again, and took another long pull from her cocoa mug.

[Seraphina]

Sapphires look down at Fugly, “Sorry buddy, but mom has spoken!” there was an extra belly rub thrown in. “Oh, does he hate baths?” she asks with a laugh. Hearing he could have a graham cracker; she picks one out of the container and offers it to him.

“That they are! We all know the other Seasons are totally jealous of our parties.” It was a thing. “Ah. Yeah, I get that! It just feels right to help others realize their desires and go after them. And you got it right, you can get fulfillment bringing fulfillment to others. It’s why I loved being Joyex. So good use of words!” sometimes words could be difficult, especially when figuring out how to describe something.

There was actually a snort as the Nix laughed, “That is so true! But I kinda enjoy it. Being weird isn’t a bad thing, well, not all the time. Some of them are quite nice if you talk with them and offer them something warm to drink. But maybe I just try and see the best in people.” A shrug.

“It’s great, allowing them to live as comfortable as they can. Getting all the best food and care.” It was good there were people like that in the world.

Smirking, “Well, I suppose it could be considered art depending on how you look at it?” she says, “Oh! You mean a real art museum! We could ask. Can’t say I’ve been to any in the city, could be fun?” maybe. She’d try it.

“Fascinating! That is really neat.” She sounded truly impressed. “Does Fugly like you being able to understand him? Cause you guys already seem to have a strong bond.”

A nod, “But it’s all so cool. And here I’ve just been working on Fairest things.” A chuckle, “Nothing as useful as talking to animals and getting sharper senses.” She sips her cocoa as well, “Though I am able to do some cool things with bringing flowers back to life.” A shrug. Still not as cool as talking to animals.

[Sonnie Wu]

Fugly sniffed curiously at the offered graham cracker, his head tilting from one side to the other, before he gave it a test lick. Finding that the cracker was, in fact, food, he took it and started to chow down, all while comfortably seated on Seraphina's lap. Crumbs quickly went everywhere.

Sonnie, meanwhile, sat triumphantly over her premium choice of words. She smiled and nodded, mug of cocoa held jauntily in her hands. "Thank you, thank you! I am a wordsmith! I smith... with, um, words. Yeah!" More nodding followed.

"Weird people are the best people to meet," she replied. "They've got great stories, and just meeting them is a great story!"

"Um, yeah, a real art museum. What did you think I meant?" She looked wryly at the Treasured. Taking out her phone again, the Beast started scrolling for information on Sacramento art museums. This, in spite of still not being certain they would be something of interest to Titania. "Not that a strip club would be a bad choice. She may want to keep up appearances, but I can tell our dear Starlight is curious about the sex stuff. She's out of the 1920s now. Or was that the '30s?" She thought about it a moment before shrugging.

Then, suddenly, a related thought struck her monkey brain. Grinning a naughty grin, her eyes slid to Sera. "Hey, wanna hear some gossip?"

She looked at the dog, who was still munching on his cracker, "Honestly? I don't think he even noticed that my understanding him is unusual. He just takes it in stride."

"No, no, don't poo-poo yourself!" She wagged a finger at the Nix, "I wanna hear about these Fairest things! You're un-wilting flowers? How does that work?"