Kattia Is Nice

The Dawn's Promise Animal Rescue.
This location is flooded with shallow, crystal clear water. A polished counter of dragonbone set
near the entrance of this converted warehouse provides a place to welcome visitors and examine the
rescuees. Beyond the counter stretch numerous kennels, interspersed with smaller cages, the scents
and sounds of their occupants wafting throughout the cavernous space. A fine layer of golden hair
rests upon every surface, including the counter. Chew toys of every variety imaginable lie scattered
throughout the open space between the kennels, and line the shelves, along with leashes and food
bowls. A low gate seals off what appears to be a back hallway at the rear of the large chamber,
presumably where offices or smaller playrooms might be. The occasional happy bark from that
direction suggests that an outdoor play yard might also be found in that direction. There are 11
golden retrievers here. A statue of Kattia Martel stands here, memorialising her noble spirit.
Sweeping dog hair from the floors, Kattia Martel minds the rescue while humming absently to herself.
You see a single exit leading northeast.

((Going through her dialogue options because neat NPCs!))

Kattia Martel looks away at one of the nearby kennels, staring for a moment at the retriever
sleeping within, scrunched up in a tiny ball of fur. Her smile thins, softens rather. "That, and I
really like dogs."

Kattia Martel sneezes sharply, sending a swirl of golden retriever hair into the air before it
alights upon all the nearby surfaces.

You think to yourself: "What a fine lady."

Sporting a worn cloak embroidered with the Paladin's seal, Kattia Martel is otherwise dressed in
plain civilian clothing: a humble uniform of blue cotton trousers and a crisp white shirt. However,
clinging to her garments haphazardly are the golden threads of shed retriever fur that seem to never
brush away and hang around like a whirling cloud. Crow's feet pull at the edges of her single,
chestnut brown eye that is constantly attending her new charges, assessing their plaintive growls,
snores, and whimpers with gentle love and care. Kattia's silver-white hair has been pulled into a
messy bun, her wavy curls trying to break free from the leather thong that binds them.
Kattia Martel is quite powerful.

Kattia Martel tilts her head curiously.

Kattia Martel says, "Are you looking for something in particular?"

Voice resonating with choral harmonics, you say, "Ah, I suppose yes, and no. I am still exploring,
but I have been told the children here sometimes sing of the Saints."

With the calm composure inherent in a Paladin veteran such as herself, Kattia Martel takes a moment
to consider the query, nodding. "You speak of Hirin and Talsi? Aye. They can be seen in the streets
of Dragon's Grave, or in the schoolhouse."

Avaris lifts a hand to wrap a tuft of the dense fur of his mane about the gleaming
chitin of his index finger, faintly embarrassed, "Ah, I admit that I do not know their names. I
should have thought to ask. You are most kind to provide them, thank you."

Avaris dips his head towards the golden retrievers, asking with open curiosity,
"Does this take up much of your time?"

"Young Hirin, I believe, is the singer between them," Kattia Martel finishes with a nod, decisively.
"You may have to gently greet the trill a bit, however. The children can be shy, sometimes." With
regard to the golden retrievers, the krokani's eye sparkles with amusement. "We all spend retirement
differently. I spend mine with the good retrievers. It is... a pleasant vocation."

"Hirin," Avaris repeats to himself in a murmur, the blade of his chin dipping in a
series of minute bobs as he nods. With a sidewards twitch of his antennae, he breathes a faint
laugh, replying, "Ah, yes. I am not good with them at the best of times, unfortunately. I shall do
my best to coax it from them, but will not press." Observing the retrievers intently, the blue
spheres of his alien eyes glittering with faint motes of pleasant light, he remarks, "I have seen
many dogs in the city. They seem to be a very popular form of companion. Why is that, do you think?
I do not know much of them."

Kattia Martel smiles with a trace of amusement, saying, "Because so many of our Paladins choose to
take these fine creatures as our companions, specializing in tracking. The golden retrievers have
been a fine breed, serving New Celest in this way for many years."

A golden retriever pants heavily, his tail wagging enthusiastically.

This retriever is the picture of regal composure, complete with a rich gold-hued coat. Their eyes
are slanted and narrow, a look of friendliness and intelligence playing across their expression.
Muscular and sturdy shoulders give way to a slightly sloping back. They appear well balanced, and
would make an excellent addition for a hunting campaign. He is called 'Vang.'
A golden retriever is not one to be trifled with.

Avaris emits a soft "Ah" of understanding, nodding in a pleased fashion. "I see,
yes, that does make sense. They have good noses, I have been told. They seem much different from the
Nyalian mastiffs, in ways. Not suited for combat, quite so much."

Dipping her head in assent, Kattia Martel agrees, "I would expect no less of a mount so beloved by
the Lady Terentia."

The benign demeanour drains from Avaris subtly at the mention of the Lady, a shift
in the hue of his eyes, a backward tilt of his antennae - Though his voice remains polite as he
says, "Indeed. I apologise for taking up your time - You have been most helpful. If I can return the
aid in some fashion, now, or at a later date, I would be glad to. I am Avaris."

If Kattia Martel notices the shift in attitude, she does not acknowledge it. "I would expect no less
courtesy from a fellow Paladin," she says with a half-bow. "Let me know if you ever have need of my
services."

A golden retriever pants heavily, his tail wagging enthusiastically.

"Of course. Good evening to you." Avaris says, and, noting a golden retriever's
wagging, amends, "And to you as well, naturally." Snapping his bladed heels together, he executes a
crisp, precise salute, then nods.