Firefly Glen [PHE] Abydos

She smiled faintly at the lovely woman’s reply, but found the smile ceased its growing when the man replied. He flaunted his wealth, offering to shower it over two pretty strangers. If money was no obstacle, then they could have whatever they wanted; Chacal’s ears flicked back, a mark of her light skepticism.

Everything cost something. Wealth was never permanent. Pearls pulled from the ocean could easily be swept back in; things more precious than gemstones, bones, perfumes and pelts were what Chacal desired. The man’s money could not buy her what she truly wanted.

Her mothers. Her siblings. Her voice.

All the precious goods of the market paled in complexion; these physical things…They would provide only so much for her, as she lived on the cusp of suffering at all times. But perhaps, for someone else…

She thought of her daughter, and her newborn children.

A gift for them, perhaps- something Etienne could take back with him.

A pelt, she thought. She began to examine the ones on display- thinking she might find something fitting for a new mother and her children. Something large enough for them to share. She hovered over the pelt of deer and caribou, but found them common. Moose- durable and large, but musky.

Sea lion, however…

Its fur was dappled, shiny, short but soft. She rubbed her muzzle against it, and considered it longingly.

The man’s voice called her attention back- she’d forgotten all about him, her gracious benefactor, for a moment. And while he spoke of his wife, she found it hard to believe she might love a man so willing to shower his wealth over women that he didn’t know. She glanced to Callyope, so she might not show her thoughts to the rich man.

She looked back to him when he asked another question, and laughter danced in her eyes. If only he knew…

Still. It was a rich man’s money she was spending, not her own. She nodded, and brushed her shoulder against Callyope’s, hoping that together they might find the perfect gift for the rich man’s wife.

And then spoil themselves, as well.