[011].

[weepiperlad]

[There's a young boy hunting in the forest, cautiously creeping along from tree to tree while he tracks his prey. He's dressed in clothes which are far too large for him, and happen to look suspiciously like Jamie's kilt and a mock-neck pullover. The lad has taken the time to re-belt the kilt and adjust the pullover so things aren't in the way or falling off altogether, but he still looks a wee bit ridiculous.

The creature he's stalking may also be suspiciously familiar looking - at least to a few people. It's a cinnamon-colored ferret, who is bounding through the forest with a complete lack of concern over the lad following him. It, or, well, he, is wearing a collar with a name tag that reads 'Trouble'. He actually seems quite pleased with himself, since he's getting to roam around and play unsupervised.

The lad, though, appears to be very serious about this hunting. So much so that he seems remarkably blase about the place he finds himself in. Of course, it could just be possible he hasn't really noticed it yet...]

[In true wibbly wobbly timey-wimey fashion, Jamie's experiment has started. Feel free to assume the ferret wanders off somewhere if you don't want to deal with it.]

Comments

[weepiperlad]

He is? [His eyes widen a bit before he peers at the ferret a little more closely. After a few seconds, a skeptical look appears on his face.]

Och, you're having me on. He's just climbing up your arm, that's all.

[lamb_of_gold]

Ah, but do you hear the sounds he makes? It is his way of saying hello.

[weepiperlad]

Aye? [He's still skeptical, but the man seems very certain about this.]

And how do ye know that, then?

[lamb_of_gold]

Well, among other things, this is not the first time I've met this particular beast. I believe his name is, aptly, "Trouble."

[weepiperlad]

Oh, aye, I see. [Okay, that actually makes sense, and Jamie looks thoughtful for a moment before looking back up at Mu questioningly.]

Ye said 'among other things'. What other things?

[lamb_of_gold]

Well, I know his owner, as well - I've learned something of Trouble's behavior from watching them. He cannot speak, but that does not mean he cannot communicate his moods and needs. One simply has to be receptive and observant.

[weepiperlad]

[Trouble has decided to be a shoulder ferret, at least for the immediate moment, but is having a little problem with balancing. Jamie turns his attention to the pet he doesn't remember, peering at him with new interest.]

Like when you're hunting? Aye, that would make sense. Where's his owner, anyway?

[lamb_of_gold]

[Don't worry, Trouble! Mu won't let you fall.]

Exactly.

Oh, I don't think he's too far.

[Yes, little boy. Mu has figured out exactly who you are.]

[weepiperlad]

[After a few seconds, Trouble manages to find a spot that he can settle down in, and all is well with the ferret again. Jamie, on the other hand, is trying to think through what Mu's just said, and he frowns. Soon enough, though, he thinks he's got it.]

Ohhhhhh, I see. He's your pet.

[Something sheepish crosses his face as he realizes something else, too.] I probably shouldn't have been hunting him then. I'm sorry, mister...miss...aye, well, I'm sorry anyway.

[lamb_of_gold]

No, I'm afraid I have a pet of my own, and he is certainly not this fellow. But you're right - you shouldn't have been. Your apology is accepted.

[weepiperlad]

But if he's not yours, then... [He frowns, thinking.]

Well, ye said they were not too far. So they must be around here somewhere. Should we go look for them and give the beastie back?

[lamb_of_gold]

He'll come back when the time is right, I think.

[weepiperlad]

Oh. What do we do with the beastie until then?

[lamb_of_gold]

He'll be fine, left to his own devices awhile. [Presently, those devices are a nap in Mu's scarf but that's okay.]

And so what is a young man such as yourself doing here, hm?

[weepiperlad]

Aye, well. I was supposed to be gathering some wood, but...er, well. There was that beastie, ye see and I thought maybe I could catch it if I tried.