The Amell Legacy: Transgressions

[Leandra Hawke ne Amell]

"I'll be speaking with Jadan and the senior staff as well, to let me know if you step out of line. I refuse to let you ruin Carol's engagement," she continues, causing Bethany to pale even further.

[Carver Amell]

Behave as a daughter should. If you don't, Bethany will be blamed. I understand. "Of course, Mother," she whispers, softly. "Please excuse me. I'm feeling unwell. I don't believe I shall go to the park today after all."

[Bethany]

Not go to- oh Car.  "I'll... I'll have the kitchen send up some soup for dinner," Beth says weakly, eyes closing briefly. "Maybe... maybe you'll be up for the park later this week. The fresh air has been good for you and... and so has being seen out and about with your new ring." Leandra, having been about to say something, pauses with a thoughtful look at Beth's explanation. 

[Carver Amell]

"Yes," she whispers. "I am so pleased to belong-- to belong with Jadan," she adds. "I am eager to show off, but... I am feeling quite overtaxed. I am sorry."

[Carver Amell]

Carol rouses some by the late afternoon -- enough to join Marian, Beth, and Hunter for a lesson in the study. She watches, placidly, as Marian tries to teach Hunter the 'leave it' command, as the pup wars with his natural desire to eat the jerky set against his natural desire to be obedient and do as his people command.

As she sits on the sofa, watching, Jadan comes up behind her, gently rubbing her shoulders. She leans back into the touch, eyes drifting closed. 

"We shall need to have him neutered soon," murmurs Jadan, working at Carol's shoulders. "Before he gets old enough for... accidents."

[Bethany]

Bethany frowns a little, annoyed at Jadan hanging all over her twin, but quiet after this afternoon. Wait... can dogs breed this young? Hunter is barely a few months old... Frowning, she glances at Marian.

[Marian Hawke]

"Most dogs can't be bred this young," says Marian casually, fishing out another piece of jerky. "But it's never a bad idea to be safe."

[Carver Amell]

Poor guy... I wonder if he'll miss it? If he's smart enough to know what he's missing? Carol swallows, lowering her gaze to her lap. "Whatever you like," she whispers. 

[Bethany]

"Is... is that safe?" Beth asks slowly. "I mean, doing that to a mortal before they finish growing can really mess them up."

[Carver Amell]

"C-can it?" whispers Carol.

"It stands a good chance of curbing his aggression," admits Jadan. "Many dogs settle more after they're neutered."

"Oh," whispers Carol. Curbing his aggression -- like everyone in this family.

[Bethany]

"In most kinds of mortals, it would also hamper his growth and development. He wouldn't become fully an adult ever, you have to wait until after puberty to be safe," Beth explains, then shrugs. "And... actually- he's a purebred- shouldn't we leave him intact so he can show and stud?"

[GamesMaster]

"I'm certain we have no plans for such," says Jadan, dismissively. "Unless you have plans your mother doesn't know about?" 

Somehow, he manages to sound disappointed in her when he says that. 

[Bethany]

Beth stiffens a little, breath catching in her throat. That... didn't take long at all. "Perhaps a walk or two," she says in as light a tone as she can muster. "Nothing... improper of course."

[GamesMaster]

"I'm certain," he says, in a tone that makes it clear how certain he is.

[Carver Amell]

"Beth," whispers Carol. "please."