Whose Dog Is This

Barghest chuckled, the sound a low, rumbling purr in her throat as she sauntered closer to Nimue and her dog. She kept her distance though, so she didn't peeve off her father’s ward. “Oh, Nim, don’t be so hard on the poor creature! He’s just doing what he’s told, loyal to a fault.” She settled herself on the ground, reclining against a rock with a relaxed grace, her eyes twinkling with amusement at the use of the sudden nickname. It was all so silly, but she understood just how stubborn and headstrong Nimue was. Maybe she’d like to poke at her, push buttons, see what made her tick? Estie wasn’t sure yet. Time to find out?

“Come on down, join me. Let’s have a chat, just you and me.” The mottled fae coaxed, patting the space beside her invitingly with a mischievous smirk. But she doubted it would take only that much. “Leave the dog be for a bit. He’s harmless and, honestly, quite funny in his own way.” Between the drool and the desperation, she meant. Barghest’s sharp gaze softened as Nimue mentioned the ‘he’, which was obviously her father. Sick, bed ridden, and- well. Barghest didn’t dwell on that. So she continued speaking, a hum in her rather masculine voice as she avoided that troublesome line of thought, “And as for my father’s choice,” She began with a wry grin, her tone light. “I suppose he sees some value in a dog’s loyalty that a bird might lack. Ravens and hawks are clever, sure, but they’re not quite as devoted. Not to mention, they don’t have those endearing floppy jowls.” The young woman added with a wink, erupting into laughter as she pointed at Nimue’s dog with one of her metal taloned claws.

After a few moments Barghest let out a soft sigh, her expression turning thoughtful. “You know, Nimue. I grew up without too many worries. Dealing with things I didn’t want to have been few and far between. So, come on down, sit with me. We can figure this out together. Besides, I want to know why my father took a liking to you. Though I think I already know.” She extended her hand, a gesture of friendship and solidarity despite Nimue’s distance from her, Estie’s eyes holding a glint of sincerity and a hint of mischief. Why not? Her and Nimue had been in a few tough situations as of late, and… Barghest wasn’t particularly close to any of her siblings anyways. Everything fell apart after Ashen fell.


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