Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Since I am no longer on breakfast duty after bonding with Tairn and Andarna, I have to find time to make Keir’s meals. Luckily, by some miracle, thanks to the gods, we got most of the afternoon off. My friends offered to study and hang out, but I declined, telling them that I wanted to take the opportunity to meal-prep as many of Keir’s meals as I could.

“I could always taste for you.” Ridoc jokes. And Rhi slaps him upside his head.
“Ouch, what was that for?”
“You really want to try to take food from our baby?” Rhi exclaimed.
“What’s he going to do? Bite me? Withhold cuddles?”
Keir barks at the latter suggestion.
“I think he just might revoke your cuddle time, Ridoc.” Aurelie laughs
“Wait! No, Keir just bit me; that will be less painful.” Ridoc pleas. Sawyer, Rhiannon, Aurelie, and Liam laugh as Ridoc begs my dog not to withhold his snuggles.
“No worries, Vi, we’ll hang out after you're done.”
“You sure? I most likely won’t be done till late.”
“What are you making kibble?” Sawyer asks.

“Yes. Among other things.”
They all give me bewildered looks. “What? I like making everything from scratch; kibble can take up to five to six hours. So I make his treats, mints, raw food, and other stuff while it bakes.”
“Man, Keir is the most spoiled dog in the quadrant.” Ridoc jokes.
“He’s the only dog in the quadrant, Ridoc,” Liam states. “You sure you don’t want me to come with you?”
“I don’t need another guard dog while cooking for the original,” I tell him. Go, enjoy an afternoon and night off.” He gives me a questionable look. “But—“ he starts, and I cut him off.
“I will deal with Xaden. Now go.”
He is a little hesitant, but leaves with the others.

“Ok, Keir, let’s stop by our room to get changed and put our stuff away.” When we get to our room, I change into the sweatshirt dress I got on my second day in the quadrant with a pair of tight black lounge pants and my hard-bottom slippers. I wear my armor vest under my clothes and strap a dagger to each of my thighs. The sweatshirt covers them. I take my hair from its regular braid and throw it in a messy bun. Keir goes and grabs his matching bandana from his drawer in the armoire. I pack a bag with his blanket, a few chew toys, a water dish, one of his pillows, recipe books for him, oven mitts, and conditioners with runes that keep whatever is in them fresh for longer.

“Why not just have the furry one hunt for his meals?” Tairn butts in my head.
“Because I enjoy cooking for Keir, Tairn.” I retort.
“He is a warhound. He should earn his meals.”
“He does earn them.”
“Oh, Violet, can you cook for me too?” Andarna asks.
“No, golden one. You will hunt like a proper dragon.” Tairn answers.
“Meanie! Keir gets Violet to make all his meals and treats. You never let me have treats,” she argues
“Wait, are you jealous?” I ask before I can think better of it. I feel him huff and close our bond.
“Yes, he is.” Andarna chimes in.
“No, why would I be jealous of the furry one. Come, Andarna, time to hunt and earn your meal.” Tairn butts back in.
“Awwwwwww, fine. But I want sheep.” Her end of the bond also goes quiet.

I can’t help but laugh. “Come on, Keir, I can’t cook without my trusty taste tester.” Keir barks and dances around and runs to grab his weighted stuffed dragon. Thank the gods that there is a smaller kitchen off the main one used for meal times. This is a test kitchen, so I have plenty of ovens and stovetops. The head of the kitchen staff moved all of the ingredients I use for Keir in here. So it's more like my kitchen now. At least they keep it well stocked.

I finished the first part of the kibble, so now it is slow baking in one of the ovens, two of his dog foods are cooking on the stovetop, and Keir’s blueberry carob Cupcakes are cooling. “Since we were given so much free time today, sweetie, I figured I might as well bake you a bunch of extra treats,” I tell Keir from where he is lying in the corner of the kitchen on his blanket with a toy.

I am done making the blueberry frosting for the Pupcakes. “Who wants to lick the spoon?”
“I do! I do!” A voice sounds behind me, making me jump and grab the closest kitchen knife. I turn around and see both Garrick and Bodhi standing in the doorway. Garrick is holding up his hands in surrender. “Whoa, didn’t mean to scare you, Sorrengail,” Garrick says.
After my heart rate returns normal, I ask, “What are you two doing here? “

“Smelled something good cooking, and with dinner over, we'd try and grab some extra food,” Bodhi explains. “You missed dinner, by the way.”
“I ate something here.”
I don’t notice as Garrick makes his way over to the Pupcakes.
“Did Xaden send you two to check on me cause I left Liam behind?”
“What? No! He asked Liam where you were and told Xaden that you were with Keir, meal prepping.” Bodhi defends.

I hear Keir let out a whinny bark like someone stepped on him.
“Man, these chocolate cupcakes are good, if not a bit dry.” Garrick remarks with a mouth full, holding one of Keir’s half-eaten treats. Keir is trying to shove him away from his treats, whinnying the whole time.
“GARRICK! Those are not for you! They belong to Keir!” I scolded him.
“But he can’t have chocolate,” he reaches for another, and Keir tackles him.
“They are not chocolate, they are carob. And I only made twelve.”

“Oops,” Garrick says.
“Out! Both of you!” I tell them to use the knife to point to the door.
“Aww, but can we please have something you’re cooking? It smells better and looks like you use better ingredients than what they serve us in the mess hall,” Bodhi begs.
“Out! Now!” I throw the knife I am holding at them, and it embeds in the wall behind them.
“Message received,” Garrick says he has retreated.
“Sorry,” Bodhi says simultaneously as they rush out of the kitchen.
“Fucking mooches!” I turn back to my work.

The kibble is cooling along with three other dog foods I made.
“This should last you for the rest of the month, my sweet boy,” I tell Keir as he stands guard at the counter where all the treats I made for him are cooling. He has not left that spot since Garrick and Bodhi left. I made at least six different treats, not counting his Pupcakes. Also I finished up his gravy for the kibble. And even prep waffles for Keir, along with smoothies for his breakfast for the following week.

“You know what, boy? We have enough time to make your favorite bacon and cheddar scones.” His ears perk up. But he doesn’t leave his post.
“What’s this I hear about you throwing knives at my friends, Violence?” Xaden is now standing in the doorway, his buddies were a few hours ago, with his arms crossed over his chest.

“Garrick had it coming,” I said as I worked on getting what I needed to make the scones.
“Oh, I don’t doubt that.” He says as he strides into the kitchen, coming to my side. Keir is alert, but I feel it’s more to protect his treats than me.
“If you insist,” I start
“I do.”
“Garrick and Bodhi came in here trying to mooch some of Keir’s food I was making.”
“Doesn’t explain the knife throwing.” He deadpans.
“Garrick also ate one of Keir’s blueberry carob Pupcakes.”
“That explains the knife throwing.”

Xaden looks at what I am wearing and at what Keir has on and laughs. “I should be shocked you have something like that. But after finding you two in matching pajamas after the attack, I’m not.”
“Fuck you!”
“If you ask nicely, Violence.”
“Uhggg”

Xaden looks around the kitchen; it’s not as messy as it would have been if I hadn’t cleaned it as I went. I want to go to bed at a reasonable time. Don't stay up all night cleaning a huge mess. I am about halfway through the dough when I glance over to Xaden, who has a very amused look on his face.

“If you’re here to mooch some food off me, then you can just leave, cause the answer is hell no,” I tell him. He raises his hands in the air, his smirk growing.
He fucking laughs. “Just find it funny you threw a knife at my best friend over a single cupcake.”
“Pupcakes.” I shoot back

Xaden snorts. “Whatever you call it.”
“Garrick really shouldn’t eat things without asking or checking them first. It’s a great way to get poisoned.” I cut the scones into their shapes and put them in the oven.
“Do you want any help cleaning and putting the food away?” I shoot him a glare, and Keir lets out a whinny growl. Xaden’s hands are up in surrender. “I promise not to take any of your food or snacks, Keir,” Xaden tells him. I let out a long sigh. “Fine, you can. Only if you don’t take anything.”
“I swear.”

“Fuck, Garrick and Bodhi were right! This does look better than what they serve their elite riders.” Xaden exclaims as he puts the Pupcakes away into their container. Keir growls at him as I glare. “I’m not taking any.”
“Did those two tell you where I was, or was it Liam?”
“No. And why isn’t my brother with you like he is supposed to be?”
“Because Liam can be the worst mooch of all.”

Chapter Text

Mama and her squad have flight lessons today, and Grouchy won’t let me ride him, and Shinny is busy in the vale. So that leaves me to find my own entertainment till Mama gets back. I am wearing my golden yellow sweater because there is a chill in the air. Might as well go back to my room to take a quick little nap.

As I am on my way, I pass by Stinky Barlowe’s room and notice something. I walk over to his door and paw at it. And it opens just a crack. Hahaha, the dumbass forgot to close and lock his door. Oh, happy days. This is almost as good as when Trash left his door open and I ate some of his reports and peed on his rug.

I remembered how Jacky boy seems to really, and I mean really, hate oranges. Funny considering his dragon’s color and all. I wonder how long it will be before Mama notices and uses it against him. If all else fails, I’ll tip Mama off about that fact. Wasting time; I have to hurry if I want to finish my masterpiece before class is over.

I make sure I have my bag as I go down to the kitchens.
“What do we have here?” one of the cooks called out.
“Hi, Beatriz, where do you keep the oranges?”
“Did you come to hang out with us till Violet gets done with flight lessons?” Gabe asks.
“No. Where are the oranges?”
They go back to talking to me, not answering my question, by the way.
“Let me get you a snack, Keir,” Gabe tells me. Guess I have to find the oranges on my own. Have to do everything.

I find a crate of big, juicy oranges.
“Perfect!”
“Keir, those are not balls,” Beatriz says. “Can dogs even have oranges?”
I sigh as I slip off my bag and run relays from the crate to the bag, filling as much as I can with the orange spheres.
Once I feel I have enough, I make my escape from the kitchen.
“Wait, Keir, don’t you want your snack?” Gabe yells.
I do! I do want my snack, but this is so much more important.

As I make my way back to Jack Boy’s room, I hear someone call out to me.
“Keir, where on earth are you going?” Crap, I thought everyone was in class. Shit! Shit! Fluff it all shit! I break into a full run. Whoever called me is giving chase.
“Keir, what the fuck?”
I’m right by my goal when they grab me by my scruff. “Keir, what the fuck, man?” I turn, and it’s Broody look-alike.
I whine and turn my head to Barlowe’s door. “I want to torment Barlowe; let me go. I have such fantastic ideas.”
He looks at what I’m looking at. “Did someone leave their door open?” He asks.
“Yes.”
“Keir, you can’t trash someone’s room.”
“But it’s stinky Barlowe. Of course I can.”
“Keir-“
“I thought you were one of the fun ones? Moving Tree or Ri-Ri would let me.”

“Durran! What’s the hold up?” A voice calls, that I am happy, ( for once this year to hear), Dain.
“Shit.” Broody look-a-like says. “Coming! Keir, don’t you do anything?”
“Like that will ever happen,” but to get him off my tail, I nod my head. Once the Broody look-alike is gone, it’s time to start my master piece.

This is perfect. I take off my bag. Stinky Barlowe left all his homework and essays here. I think they make better confetti; he's not going to get a good grade anyway. Next, I head to his bed. Normally, I would pee on it, but I have something much better. I pull his blanket down a bit and run and grab an orange. I stand over his bed and crush the orange in my mouth, getting the juices all over his bed. I repeat this for a bit. I also destroyed his pillow. Feathers fly everywhere. I make sure to knock over furniture, open his armoire, and fling his stuff everywhere. I don’t want his taste in my mouth.

Now for the crowning glory. I take one of the juiciest crushed oranges and walk it over to his weapon rack and get it all over his weapons. Hey, I have to use something to get that Barlowe taste out. I pull his blanket back over the orange massacre.

As I leave, I put my bag back on, not taking out that stupid fluffing leash GG makes Mama put in my bag. It’s good for something as I loop it around the door handle and pull his door shut. I'm so glad Mama taught me how to close open doors with a pull. I hear the bells, which means class is over, and I rush to get my Mama.

All through Battle Brief, I stare at Stinky Barlowe. I can’t wait for him to find his surprise. It’s lunch time, and I’m trying to get the squad to give me stuff. Not Pinky Meanie, still made her mad for what she did, Mama, when Barlowe comes storming in—lunch and show.

“Your fucking mutt is dead, Sorrengail!” He bellows. I sit panting with a smile.
“Come on, Barlowe, you have to give death treats again.” Mama is unbothered by him.
“He fucking trashed my room and destroyed my homework!” Jacky Boy causes such a scene that his wingleader and Broody come over.
“Cadet Barlowe, what is going on?” She demands.
“Sorrengail’s fucking mutt happen!” He yells. I yawn.

“He said my sweet little angel trashed his room.” Mama defends me.
“How would a dog get into your room, Cadet!” She asks him.
“Bodhi did say a door was left open on the first-year floor.” Broody adds in.
“Wait, so you are to tell me that you left your room unguarded, unlocked, and open?” His wingleader raises a brow to him. “Cadet Barlowe, anyone could have done it. How do you know it was the dog?”

“Everyone was in class, and my work has bits of marks all over it. And there were crushed oranges in my bed. I am allergic to them.” Jacky cries.
“Was your door open when you got back?” His wingleader asks.
“No, it was closed!”
“Besides the bit marks, the oranges sound more like a human than a K9.” Broody chimes in.
“Not to mention how a dog would shut a door?” She adds
“But-“ he is cut off by his wingleader
“Cadet Barlowe, was anything stolen?” He shakes his head.
“Then take this as a lesson to lock your fucking door. Now people are trying to eat. Dismiss.” She tells him
“But-“ he tries to argue
“If you keep pushing, you will have dragon poop clean-up duty for a month.”
Jacky shoots me a dirty look, and I give him a smug smile.

The two wingleaders leave.
“Well, that was something,” Rory says
“You don’t think Keir really did that?” Stick asks.
“Knowing him, he definitely did it.” Rhi-Rhi states.
“Keir, you pulled a prank without me?!” Ri-Ri is being dramatic.
“Someone earned an extra special dessert tonight,” Mama tells me with a pat to my head. She knows me so well.
Sunshine just laughs. “ I’ll make you a new toy, Keir,”
I make eye contact with Broody look-alike. I smile and raise my paw to him. His eyes go wide, and he quickly whispers something to Broody.
Moving Tree overhears what is said and tries not to laugh out loud, and Broody hides a smirk and tips an imaginary hat to me.

Chapter Text

Violet’s POV
“I can’t believe I agreed to this,” I tell myself as I pack Keir's day bag. “Ok, my sweet boy, since we are going to be stuck with Xaden for the rest of our lives. You two should at least somewhat get along.” I tell Keir, who is lying on my bed, still in his PJs. “So you will be spending today with him, at least until 8:00 pm.” My baby tilts his head to me.
“Don’t worry, I will still make you all three of your meals. You will be eating at the leadership table, not with the squad.”

“It will be good for the furry one to spend time with the wingleader,” Tairn tells me.
“Good morning to you, Tairn. You’ll just be hoping that Keir will annoy Xaden while he watches him.” I retort.
“Two things can be true, Silver One.”
There’s a knock at the door. I grab a dagger as I open the door. Xaden is standing on the other side. “Come on in.” I open the door for him and step aside.
“Just hand over the dog, Violence.”
“No, I have to tell you what to do. Plus, he is still in his PJs and needs to get dressed.”
“I have a leadership meeting to get to.”

Xaden grumbles as he comes into my room.
“Then grab a bandanna for him, while I take off his shirt.”
“He’s a dog, not a human.” Xaden goes to the armoire, grabs a random one, and hands it to me.
I look at what it says and smirk.
“How fitting!” Andarna chimes in.
“I agree, little one.”
“What’s so funny, Violence?”
“Oh, you just picked the perfect one for today.” I hold up the bandanna that says
‘Professional Patience Tester’ that I embroidered onto it.
“Why did I let myself be talked into this?”

Xaden’s POV
“Because you wish to win over the violent one’s hatchling,” Sgaeyl says
“Not true, if I am stuck with Violence for the rest of my life, I need to make nice with the dog.” I retort.
“Keep telling yourself that, wingleader.”
As Violence fuses over the dog. Double-checking the dog’s bag.
“I did pack some treats for him in his bag, but please don’t give him any till after breakfast. And I packed a hat and jacket for him in case it gets chilly. He has a few chew toys and a ball, and makes sure his water bottle is always filled.”

“He’s a dog, not a child,” I say out loud before I can stop myself.
She glares at me as she puts the bag on the dog. “You can use his name; he responds better to that than just the dog. It’s Keir if you forgot.”
I sigh, “Does he really need all this?”
“Yes, and I will bring his meals to him at your table. And before you start, I keep track of what he eats in a day in Keir’s meal time journal. It’s for the healers. Please let me know how many treats he gets so I can record them. The leash my baby hates is also in the bag in case you need it. Fair warning, he might be more of a menace with it on. I also gave you a list of his commands.

The do-Keir walks over to my side once Violence is done fussing over him.
“Behave.” She tells him or me, I don’t know. Finally out of her room, “Let’s go, at this rate, I’m going to be late for the stupid leadership meeting.” Thankfully, it’s not in my room this time, but in Nyra’s room. It’s a meeting between all the wing leaders, our EOs, and all of our section leaders. I arrived a few minutes late, thanks to my tag-along.

“Riorson, so nice of you to join us.” Mavis sneers as I walk through the door. So glad Nyra took her wards down for the meeting. “Well, good morning to you, too, Mavis,” I say sarcastically. “Had to do a child pick up.” I indicated to Keir, who prances in behind me.
“Why the fuck is that flea bag here!?” Mavis screeches. Keir huffs at her. Hmm, he does have good taste. The others in the room give Keir a questionable look.

“Not that it's any of your fucking business, Mavis, but since Cadet Sorrengail and I are tried together because of our dragons, and gods know how long Keir will live. We figured I'd better get along with him. What better way to do that than spending the whole day together?” Mavis goes to open her mouth, but is cut off by Nyra.
“Amber, you are the only one who seems to have an issue with the dog being here. One, he can't tell anyone what goes on in this meeting. And two, since it’s my room, the dog can stay.”

“Geez, Amber, how many times do we have to go over this?” Septon draws out. “There is nothing, I mean nothing in the codex about keeping a dog. He crossed the parapet and got up the gauntlet. Get over it.”
I go and take my spot between my EO and Garrick. Going to take the bag off Keir, but the little shit does it himself and pulls out his own toy. I make sure to grab any treats before he can. I don’t need Violence yelling at me that he spoiled his breakfast; I place them on the table.

Garrick leans over and whispers in my ear, “So today is your day with the kid.”
“Shut up and pay attention,” I tell him.
As the meeting drags on, Keir decides he's bored with his chew toy and grabs a fucking tennis ball. He walks over to me and fucking paws at my arm. “No,” I tell him. Keir takes his nose and forcibly moves my arm up.
“Looks like someone wants to play,” Septon says with a smirk.
“He is disturbing the meeting!” Mavis complains. You know what, to piss her the hell off, “Nyra, is Keir allowed to have the ball thrown?”
“Underhand only, Riorson.” She says, barely looking up for her notes. Amber goes again, but is cut off by Septon. “Her room, remember.”

I toss the fucking ball, and he chases it. Keir brings it back, and I repeat the process. Eventually, Keir starts being the ball to everyone at the table, except Mavis. Everyone obliges Keir and plays fetch. At one point, when her EO tosses the ball, Keir rams into her chair, nearly knocking her out of it. ‘Good boy.”
“You all saw what that beast did!” She cries.
“I’m sure he didn’t mean, Mavis,” I say in a sickening sweet voice. “He doesn’t know his own size.” Keir walks up to stand right next to her and shakes his head. Sending drool flying all over Mavis as she screams.

We are getting ready to wrap this fucking meeting up so we can go to breakfast. Keir is sitting right next to Mavis, panting right into her ear. “What the fuck do you want, you stupid flea bag?” She turns her head to face Keir, and he lets out a huge burp right into Mavis’s face. I try hard to hold in my laughter, but Garrick and the others do not.
“Good boy,” Septon says as he scratches Keir’s neck.
“Hey, it could have been the other end, then we all would have suffered.”Garrick laughs out.
Nyra tries and fails to smother her smile. “I guess Keir is living up to what his bandanna says. Meeting dismissed.”

As we file out of Nyra’s room, Mavis bitching up a storm as always. Garrick is at my side when Nyra comes up to me. “You know, Xaden, if you and Cadet Sorrengail ever need a babysitter.”
“That is a Sorrengail question, not mine. I am only doing this so Keir doesn’t make my life a living hell after graduation.” She laughs and scratches Keir’s neck under his face, and he leans into it. “This little puppy is welcome anytime he wants.” What the fuck.

As Garrick and I sit at the leadership table, Garrick is getting ready to tell Bodhi about how Keir annoyed the fuck out of Mavis. Violence walks up to our table with a covered tray and a placemat over her arm.
“Violet,” Aetos starts standing up.
“Relax, Dain, I’m just here to give Keir his breakfast. Then I am going back to my table.” She explains to her childhood best friend.
“Why is Keir even here and not with you?” Aetos asks.

“Cause someone, not naming who,” I glance at Garrick. “Thought I would bond with Keir. You know, mated dragons and all. Who knows how long Keir will live? Might as well get along.” I enjoy the bit of rage that comes to Aetos’s face when I remind him that I and his precious Violet are stuck together for life.

“Anyways,” Violence puts the tray down and sets down the placemat on the fucking table. She sets the tray on the placemat and uncovers the dog food. “Today, Keir, you get veggie egg scrambled, bacon, cheddar waffles, with creamy chicken and carrot oatmeal. And on the side are two chicken feet, chicken heart, and beef lungs mashed up. Here is your smoothie with your morning supplements and vitamins.” The fucker sits right between Garrick and me, panting as she explains his meal like he is at a five-star restaurant.

“Why is he eating off the table?” I ask.
“It’s easier for him than eating off the floor. Besides, he is not a dog; he is a respected member of the wing and should be allowed to eat at the table like everyone else. She hands me a ball and a puzzle. “Here is Keir’s morning kibble. I put it into a chase ball and one of his feeder puzzles so he can snack in class.” Before I could respond, she walked over to the dog and took his head into her deadly hands.
“Enjoy your meal, my sweet little boy.” She then kissed his forehead and nose.
Violence walks back to her table, and Keir starts to dig in.

“She spoils you, Keir,” Aetos says from his spot.
“Is that what he gets to eat for the day?” Bodhi asks.
“No, that’s just his breakfast. Keir eats at least seven cups of food a day. And Violet has to make everything from scratch, kibble included.” Aetos sighs and goes back to his meal, ignoring us.
Keir is chowing down on his food as Bodhi, Garrick, and I stare at what they serve the elite of the school.

“Is it sad that a dog’s meal looks better than what we get?” Bodhi asks.
“I mean, come on, he gets chicken and waffles. And what do we get, bland ass eggs with overcooked meat. And our oatmeal can be used as mortar.” Garrick complains. He takes a bit of his food, “In my next life, I want to be born as a white girl’s dog.” Keir is chewing on a chicken foot.
“Are you sure, Garrick?” Bodhi teases him. “'Cause it appears that the dog has better table manners than you do.”
“Fuck you!” Garrick tells him and flips him the finger.

The day goes on, and Keir mostly behaves in class. The professors rave about him and shower him with praise. The puzzle and ball keep Keir busy while I am on the flight field. At lunch, he is served by Violence again. This time with salmon and a sweet potato rice dish, a duck neck, kibble and gravy, and kisses from my Violence. During challenges, Liam approaches her and appears to be either begging or asking for something. Takes some time, but she gives in.

“What the fuck is happening?”
“Should've used your signets wingleader.” I feel the smirk and amusement in Sgaeyl’s voice.
“You know don’t you?”
“Yes.”
“Well what is it?”
“It will be more fun for me when you find out on your own.”

Dinner comes, and Keir is treated to meatloaf, applesauce, and green bean crunchies. The rest of his kibble, sardines, and a fucking mini raspberry cheese cake for dogs. All served with cucumber water. This fucking dog eats better than most humans. All this would amuse me if we didn't get served crap most days. And again with the kisses on the forehead and nose.

“Keir won’t eat unless Violet gives him a kiss on his forehead and nose.” Aetos finally decides to share.
I am back in my room with Garrick, going over the meeting notes, when there is a knock at my door. Keir is lying on the floor in front of the fireplace. He tried for my bed, but I shut that down.
“I’m not going to like this, am I?”
“Nope.” Sgaeyl pops the p.

I sent out my shadows to see who is there; it’s too early for Violence to pick up her dog. I sigh as I find out who it is. I get up to open the door and see Liam and Bodhi standing there with towels, a Keir-sized robe, a weird nozzle thing, a brush, and dog shampoo. Fuck my life!
“Hi, brother.” Liam started. “I asked Violet when Keir’s next bath was. She said it was today, but she was going to skip it cause you had him. But I convinced her that what better bonding could you do than bath Keir.” I glare at him as I let them into my room.

“Plus, he mentioned that you have your own private bathtub and not just a shower.” Bodhi grins. Keir takes one look at what they have and fucking bolts. I slam the door shut before he can escape.
“Well, this will be fucking fun.” Garrick sighs.
“There are four of us and one of him. How hard can it be?” Bodhi chimes.

Apparently, really fucking hard. It takes three of us and my shadows to drag Keir’s ass into the bathroom while the other gets the tub ready. He keeps trying to jump out while he is covered in soap, biting at the water coming out of the nozzle brush. And Keir thinks it is just the best thing ever to dig in the water, soaking all four of us to the bone with dirty, soapy water.

Once that part of the nightmare is over, we now have to dry the monster. We each have a towel, trying to catch him as he zooms around my room, knocking things over. The bastard jumps onto my bed, soaking wet. Garrick goes to tackle him, and Keir dodges him, and Garrick goes flying. We have him surrounded, each with a fucking towel, and he fucking shakes, getting water all over us. We call it quits.

“Fuck, you win, Keir,” Bodhi says, completely exhausted.
“You knew this would happen.” I open my bond to Sgaeyl.
“Yes, I did, and it was pretty amusing. Both my mate and I found it highly entertaining.” I hold my tongue so she doesn’t drop me in a lake for mouthing off to her.
A knock sounds at my door, and I check to see who it is. Finally fuckling!
I open the door to see Violence.
“Evening Xaden, how was my baby?” She asks. Before I can say he was a fucking nightmare to bathe. Keir prances over to her with all his stuff and in the robe that isn’t tied.

“Who put the robe on him?” I ask the three behind me.
“I didn’t.” All of them say at once.
Violence laughs as she kneels to Keir, “My smart boy figured out how to put his robe on all by himself. Just needs help tying it.” She ties the fucking robe and stands up.
“Needed the backup, I see.” She teases me.
“Not one fucking word.”
“Thank you for giving him his bath.” She smiles at me, and I trip over my fucking words trying to respond. Violence stands on her tippy toes and gives me a peck on the cheek. I feel my brain short-circuited. “Thanks again, come on, my sweet boy, let’s get your fur and teeth brushed and add some doggie clone. Maybe we can fit in a paw massage for you.” She walks away, carrying all of Keir’s stuff and baby-talking to him.

As I close the door and turn to face my friends in my room. Who all have shit eating grins on their faces.
“Hey, where are our kisses. We help bathe Keir too.” Garrick says. I turn to Liam. “Ok, brother, since it was your idea to bathe that fucking dog, you can clean up my room to my standards.” Liam groans, and the others laugh.
“And Garrick, for that last comment, you can help him.” Bodhi doubles over.

Chapter Text

“Ok, Keir, are you ready to pawrty with Nolon and Winifred?” I tell him as we walk the halls of Basgiath to the barn. He is wagging his tail.
“Oh, a party, can I come?” Ridoc comes from fucking nowhere.
I jump. “What? Ridoc? No!” I stumble over my words.
“But why does Keir get to go to a party and not me?” He gives me a sad look.
“I don’t think you would like it.”
“You don’t know that.” His cheeky ass grin.

“It’s just where Keir can ‘check up’ on his friends in the barn. And Nolon and Winifred are meeting us there. You know, Keir will have some ‘shots’ of fun.” I try to hint to Ridoc what is really going on.
“I don’t think it’s working, Silver One.” Tairn chimes in with his wisdom. Geez thanks.
I pull Ridoc away from Keir. “Ok, my sweet boy, wait right here. I need to have a word with Ridoc in private.” I yank him away.

“Hey, what gives? What about the party?” He complains as I drag his ass.
“Listen, Ridoc, there is no party.”
His face falls, “But you said-“
“I know, Keir is a real pain to catch when he is trying not to be caught. Keir is fine when I go to the healers for myself, but when it’s for “ I stop. Hoping he will understand what I’m trying not to say.
“It sounds like you're taking Keir to the healers for shots. You know the kind with needles and not alcohol.”

There’s a whine, and I snap my head to Keir. “No, sweet boy,” he moves his front paws in place. “Ridoc is just being silly. Everything is going to be ok.”
“I mean, I hate shots too, never liked needles all that much.” And Keir lets out a yelp and fucking bolts, knocking anyone and everyone out of his way as he runs away at full speed.

“And he’s gone,” Andarna says
“Remember, Silver one, we don’t kill our squad mates.”
“That’s why you make it look like an accident.” Andarna chimes in cheerfully.
“Andarna!” Tairn chides her.
“What?” She defends herself.
I close the bond, I need to focus on getting Keir back.
Ridoc whistles, “Man, he sure can run. Well, I will hit the gym, good luck-“
I shot Ridoc a glare. If looks could kill, he would be dead.
“I could help catch him, Vi. I've always wanted to try being a dog catcher.”
“Thank you, Ridoc,” I say with a tight-lipped smile. We take off after the little runaway.

Ridoc and I find Keir in the gym.
“Don’t worry, Vi, I got this. Just leave it to your good old buddy Ridoc.”
He goes over to Keir. “Hey, the world’s most lovable mascot. I was only kidding about the shots and needles, bud. So, what don’t you come over here nice and easy?”
Keir charges right into Ridoc, making him do a flip in the air before he lands on his back with a loud thud. Keir takes off, almost knocking over Professor Emetterio.
“I don’t even want to know.” He states as he watches Keir make a break for it.

Keir - 1. Us - 0

As we are chasing him around the whole of fucking Basgiath. We get backup in the form of Liam, Sawyer, Rhiannon, and Aurelie. We meet in the commons.
“Ok, we need a game plan if we are going to catch Keir, who Ridoc spooked.”
Imogen and Quinn approach us.
“What are you first-years doing?” Imogen asks
“Where’s Keir?” Quinn adds
“Ridoc here, said the word shots out loud, and Keir took off. We've been chasing his ass, but he keeps dodging us.” Sawyer explains. They give me a questioning look.
“Keir hates getting shots, so I don’t say it aloud. And before you ask, I don’t put a leash on him cause then he gets suspicious and refuses to move.”

“I bet it’s a pain in the ass to move 200 pounds of stubborn.” Imogen muses.
“Not funny.” We all say to her.
“Imogen and I can help catch him.” Quinn volunteers their help much to Imogen’s chagrin.
We spot Keir sniffing around the courtyard. “Ok, if we all rush him and pile on top of him. Sorrengail can leash him and drag his ass to the barn for his fucking shots.” Imogen tells.
“I doubt that’s going to work,” I tell them.
“Come, he can’t get away from eight of us. There are eight of us and one of him. How hard can it be?” Quinn adds cheerfully.
Liam gets a flash of terror across his face at that last part of what Quinn said.

This is not going to end well.

Rhi and Aurelie approach Keir from the front, Sawyer and Ridoc from his left, Imogen and Quinn from the right, and Liam from behind. They try to rush him, and Keir leaps into the air, jumping over Rhiannon and Aurelie. Dodging Liam, tackling Quinn, and Imogen to the ground. Shoving Ridoc out of the way, he ends up dragging poor Sawyer a few meters till he lets go of Keir.

Keir - 2 Us - 0

“This is quite amusing.” Andarna chimes with her sweet voice.
We hear laughing from the right of the courtyard, and we glare at Garrick and Bodhi, who seem to be enjoying the show.
“So glad to be your entertainment, Tavis, Durran.” Imogen seethes.
“Are you guys doing some kind of new squad training or something?” Garrick teases.
“You could say that.” Quinn huffs.
I explain how it’s time for Keir’s shots, and Ridoc opened his big mouth about them, and now he is on the lam.

“Please help,” I beg. “If you manage to help us catch him, I will bake you something.” I pleaded with the two senior riders.
“Wait, what about the whole no more than three marked ones in a group?” Aurelie asks.
“Then we split up,” Sawyer says, “Keir can’t avoid two tries at the same time.

Sawyer plans to set out bait for Keir and have someone rope him. If that fails, then the next group tries to corral him into a corner.
I go and grab Keir’s favorite bacon and cheddar scones and leave them out. Everyone is in place if he manages to get away from Garrick and the rope. We plan to lead Keir to a corner where we can close ranks and hook him on his lead. Then we will all try to drag his butt to his appointment.

Keir smells his scones and prances right up to them, but not before checking his surroundings. He starts to dig in, and Garrick lassoes Keir. Keir yelps and ends up pulling Garrick around the corridor, looping back so he can get the rest of the scones. As Keir runs away, someone else appears to block that path. We have him cornered and almost have him when-

“Why, for fucks sake, am I getting complaints about Keir running wild and destroying stuff all over the quadrant?”
Dain comes marching over, fuming and giving Keir the opening he needed to escape.
“FUCK!” All of us curse.

Keir - 3. Us - 0

“Thanks a lot, Aetos, almost had him,” Imogen snaps.
“It’s time for his pawrty in the barn,” I tell Dain. His eyes go wide, recognizing the code for ‘it’s time to give Keir his shots’.
Dain drags his hand down his face, cursing under his breath. “Who the fuck said shots and needles to Keir in the same gods damned sentence!”

“Ridoc.” Everyone but him answers.
“Hey, how was I supposed to know?” He defends.
“I told you.”
“I said I was sorry.”
Dain sighs, “You know what, I am going to ignore the fact that there are more than three marked ones in the group for the sake of stopping more property damage. I will inform the vet healer about what happened and to expect Keir to be in a more jumpy mood than usual.” He turns to leave, but throws over his shoulder. “And Cadet Gamlyn, you will be on clean-up duty till further notice.” Ridoc hangs his head in defeat.

Back in the commons, we try to brainstorm other ideas to catch Keir.
Aurelie suggested a small group approach him and lead him to the barn. That ended with her getting trampled.

Keir - 4. Us - 0

Garrick wanted to try to wrestle Keir into submission. That went as well as expected.

Keir - 5. Us - 0

Rhi thought that if we chased and led him to the barn, that might work.

We ended up in the academic wing chasing Keir, nearly taking out both Professor Kaori and Professor Devera as Keir barrels through them. Professor Kaori gives an amused, questionable look, and Professor Devera laughs at Keir’s antics.

Keir - 6. Us - 0

“Why won’t he listen to you, Sorrengail?” Bodhi asks, exhausted.
“This is one of the rare times he refuses to listen. That’s why I tricked him. Keir likes playing in the barn, that’s why I lead him there.” I explain.
Quinn groans into her hands, “I would be easier if we had to give him a bath.”

“No, it is not!” Garrick, Bodhi, and Liam all say at the same time. I look over at them, and they appear to be having flashbacks of war. I hear Tairn laugh through the bond. Nope, don’t want to ask. Liam and I share a glance, and I know what he is thinking.
“Going to have to ask Xaden for help.” He finally tells me.
Fuck!

It’s decided that I will be the one to ask our wingleader for help. I think it’s because it’s my dog, but the smirks of the others, mainly Garrick, Bodhi, and Liam, tell me otherwise. My hair has been falling out of its crown since the third failed attempt at catching Keir, so it’s now in a loose braid. I knock on the door, and Xaden opens up with a smug ass grin.

“Well, well, look at who we have here.” He taunts.
“I'm sure you heard about the Keir situation.”
“Yes.”
“Can you help me catch him?” I go to take out my braid and smooth out my hair so I can put it into a bun.
“Now, why would I-“ he cuts himself off. I look up at him through my eyelashes, running my fingers through my hair.
“On second thought, I’ll help you.” He coughs into his hand, looking away from me. I swear I see a faint tint to his cheeks.
“Thank you so much!” I beam at him.
The tint gets darker, I think.
“Seriously, don’t mention it.” We find the others after another two failed attempts they made while I went to find Xaden.

Keir - 8. Us - 0

“I'm telling you guys, we dig a giant hole and trick Keir into it.” Ridoc is in the middle of another horrible idea.
“Then how do we get him out?” Rhiannon points out.
“Not to mention that could really hurt Keir,” Aurelie adds.
“And we are more likely to end up in the hole than Keir is.” Imogen deadpans.
I sigh, “It’s been like this all day. Keir can be a real escape artist when he wants to be.”
“I am not even shocked at what he does anymore. I mean, a dog that can make it across the Parapet and up the Gauntlet should not be underestimated.” Bodhi says in complete and utter defeat.

“All right, everyone is dismissed. I will take care of the Keiricane that Cadet Gamlyn unleashed onto the Quadrant.” Xaden orders. They all file out, leaving Xaden and me.
“Eight of us, one of him, how hard can it be?” Imogen mocks Quinn on their way out.
“I said I was sorry.” She defends herself.

“We really need to stop saying how many of us and one of him. How hard can it be? The furry fucker takes it as a challenge.” Xaden mutters under his breath.
“Don’t I know it.” I agree
“So what’s the new plan?”
“Use your shadows to hold Keir and drag his furry ass to the barn,” I tell him.

Xaden and I track the little escapee down and finally find him outside. I march right up to my chaos incarnate of fur baby. “KEIR BREN SORRENGAIL! Enough is enough. You are getting your shots today.” Keir looks at me, yelping and whining, trying to say that he doesn’t want to. “No, Keir. I’m sorry that it had to come to this.” Shadows whip out and grab Keir, wrapping all around him. He barks, yelps, whines, and tries to bite at the shadows holding him.

“Why didn’t you ask for my help sooner, Violence?” Xaden asks as he emerges from hiding.
“Because I didn’t want Keir to have a negative association with you and your signet. We will be stuck together for the rest of our lives, and it will be easier if Keir didn’t despise your powers.”
“How sweet.” He mocks as we make our way to the barn so Keir can finally get his shots. Keir is digging his paws into the ground, leaving claw marks as we go.

Chapter Text

I am about done in my kitchen, making apology desserts for my friends and those who tried to help me catch Keir with the shot incident. Keir is taking a nap in the corner of the kitchen. He knows I am making treats that aren't for him. “You know, Keir, I could’ve been spending this time making you stuff to eat and not the people you tormented a few days ago with your tantrum.” He lifts his head and yawns at me, and goes back to sleep.

“I don’t think he is sorry one bit, Silver one,” Tairn says.
“Ohhh, those look good, can I have one?” Andarna asks.
“No, Golden one, we do not eat human food,” Tairn tells her.
I hear my sweet dragon humph, and I shake my head at her. I didn’t know what everybody would like, so I made a few things to cover my bases. So I made for everyone:
Mini Violet Lemon Curd Tarts
Soft Butter Cookies
Mini Honey Cakes
Macarons of Various Flavors
I am finishing up the Black Velvet Raspberry Filled Cupcakes, which I have decorated to resemble hydrangeas.

And lastly, for Xaden, who managed to get Keir to his appointment, a mini chocolate overload crepe cake that looks like a rose.
Once everything is done, I load the containers that I managed to obtain. Thank the gods they have runes so the desserts stay fresh for longer. I don’t think anyone should eat this many sweets in one sitting. Xaden’s cake is in its own container. I divide the treats equally among the ten containers, leaving the leftovers for myself. Hey, if I put in all this work to make everything from scratch, I will enjoy the fruit of my labors. Making sure to tie up each container so Keir can hand them out. I load up a basket with the treats and call Keir over.

“Ok, my sweet mischievous boy, you are going to apologize to everyone for all the trouble you caused the other day.” He whines a bit. “Don’t give me that, you ended up bruising most of the squad with your little stunt.” Keir huffs as he follows me out to start his apology tour.
Keir follows behind, being a complete grumble butt, as we go to Rhiannon and Aurelie first. They are in Aurelie’s room, going over some notes for class.

“Hey, guys, Keir, here's something for each of you.” I hand him one of the containers to give to one of them and hold the other for him to take once that one is delivered.
“What do you have to say for yourself, Keir?” I prompt him. He goes up to the two and, bowing his head, barks and yelps an apology.
“Awwww, apology accepted, Keir.” Aurelie coos.
“It was one form of training that I won’t be forgetting soon.” Rhi smirks. “What’s in here anyway?”
“Just some light baking I did as a thank you for your help,” I say nonchalantly
Rhi lets out a low whistle, “Geez, Vi, are you opening up a bakery or something?”
“What, baking is one of my stress relievers.” I shrug.
“This place gives you plenty of that, hey, could we possibly give you ideas to help relieve your stress?” Aurelie asks.
“I was going to tell her to get laid, but this works out much better for the rest of us.” Rhi jokes.

I head to the gym to find the guys, Aurelie said they were most likely there, sparring with each other. I see Sawyer, Ridoc, and Liam first on a corner mat.
“Hey, boys,” I call out. “I have something for you.”
“A kiss?” Ridoc jokes, and Liam slaps him upside the head.
“Ouch, kidding, geez.” Ridoc rubs his head.
“What’s up, Vi?” Sawyer asks, wiping himself with a towel.
“Well, as a thank you from me and an apology from Keir, I baked you guys some treats.”
Ridoc lights up like a kid on solstice, “I get Violet Sorrengail’s baking and not get threatened with a knife?” I roll my eyes at him as I hand one at a time a container to give to each of them, as he grumbles his apologies for being a menace.

“You really didn’t need to do all this, Vi,” Liam tells me.
“Ya, we were happy to help,” Sawyer adds.
“I know, I know, but most of us almost had to go to the healers ourselves because of what happened.”
As I am explaining what is in the containers. I get to the chocolate cupcakes-

“Did someone say chocolate cake?” Garrick is looking over Liam’s shoulder into his container to see what he got. Liam slaps Garrick’s hand away from his treats. And Bodhi is laughing at the two.
“I’m so glad I didn’t have to hunt you two down,” I grin at them.
“Not for another Keir hunt, I hope.” Bodhi jokes.
“No, in fact, I remember saying I will make you baked goods if you help me catch Keir. So I am here to make good on my word. Keir,” Keir takes another container and walks over to Garrick, who is making grabby hands for it.
“There’s chocolate cake in here?” He asks.

“Yes, chocolate cupcakes with raspberry filling.”
He wasted no time in opening his treats and shoving a whole ass cupcake into his mouth. I thought he would choke.
“Is he eating that cupcake like a snake?” I ask, bewildered.
Bodhi sighs as he takes his from Keir, “Yes, yes, he is.” I explain once again what I made them and ask them to tell me what they think of the new honey cake recipe I tried.
“Will do,” Garrick muffles out with a full mouth.

“Do you know where I can find Imogen, Quinn, and Xaden?”
“Imogen and Quinn are hanging out at Quinn’s room, and Xaden is in a wingleader meeting but should be in his room later,” Bodhi explains.
I thank them and make my way to the second-year floor.
I knock at the door.

“Who is it?” I hear a voice call.
“Violet,”
“I swear to the gods, Sorrengail, if this is about helping you catch your monster of a dog again,” Imogen yells from the other side.
I sigh, “No, Keir is right next to me. We came bearing apology gifts.”
The door opens, and Quinn is standing there with Imogen, reclining on her bed.
“What did ya get us?” She asks.
I hand a container to Keir to give to Quinn. “Did some baking, didn’t know what everyone liked, so I made a few things.”
“Thanks,” Quinn gives a cheeky grin as she takes the container from Keir.

I hand Keir the container to give to Imogen, “Give it to her nicely, I worked hard on the decorations and don’t want you messing them up cause you still have beef with Imogen about what happened with my arm.” Keir chuffs as he gives Imogen her gift. Once she takes it, Keir sits and licks his chops.
“Wait a fucking minute! That fucking tackle was on purpose, was it!?” She accuses Keir. He gives her a smirk as he walks back to me. I tell them what’s inside in case of allergies and take our leave before Imogen starts throwing sharp objects.

I return to my room to put the basket away since I only have two containers left. We run into Dain on our way.
“Hey Vi, what’s with the basket?”
“Keir's apology Tour.”
“Ahhhh, what did you make this time?”
“Nothing much, mini Violet lemon curd tarts, soft butter cookies, mini honey cakes, macarons of various flavors, and black velvet raspberry-filled cupcakes decorated like hydrangeas.”
“Think you made enough? Sounds like you were baking for the whole quadrant.”

“Hey, I didn’t know what everyone liked. I wanted to cover my bases.”
“Do I get some?”
“No, you didn’t help at all; in fact, you let Keir get away. And don’t start with I went to tell the healer what to expect, they could tell by all the screaming someone spooked Keir.” He gives me a sad look with his brown eyes.
Sighing, “Fine, I will bring you one of each of the mini items and a few cookies and macarons.”
“Thanks, Vi,” he brushes a lock of hair that fell loose behind my ear. “I’ve always loved your baking and cooking. That is when you let me have some.”

It’s later in the night as Keir and I make our way up to his room, after Tairn told me Xaden was out of his meeting. I am carrying the container with the mini chocolate overload, crepe rose-shaped cake. And Keir is carrying his apology container. “Last one, boy, then we can relax in our room and I can finish up your new sweater.” We made it to Xaden's room, and he opened the door before I could knock.

“Sgaeyl said you had a surprise for me.”
He lets us into his room past his wards.
“Garrick was going on and on about how he doesn’t get any baked goods cause he couldn’t catch Keir,” Xaden says as he leans against the wall, arms crossed over his broad chest.
I laugh, “I did bribe him into helping.”
“And since he couldn’t catch Keir, that means he doesn’t get anything. I, on the other hand.”

“I still made him something, as an apology from Keir for causing bodily harm. But I made something just for you along with the other treats.” Keir walks and places the container he is holding on the desk, and goes to lie by the fireplace. I walk over to Xaden and hand him what I have. He opens it, “What is it?”
“It’s a mini chocolate overload crepe rose rose-shaped cake.”

His eyes go extra wide at the words " chocolate and cake” being in the same sentence.
“Ummm, do you want to stay for some tea or something?”
“I would, but I promise Keir I would work on his sweater.”
“Wait, What?”
“Sawyer made me some new knitting needles, and I figured I would try them out on a new sweater for Keir.”
“You..could always work on it here… we can talk and stuff… You don’t have to if you don’t want to… I mean, I couldn’t possibly-“
I cut him off from his rambling, “As long as you have tea, and Keir can bring some of his stuff to keep him busy.”
“Deal!”

Chapter Text

“Time to do some sketchy shit doo dah doo dah. Hope I get away with it ooo the do dah day.” I sing to myself as I walk around the quadrant. Mama and her friends were busy studying or something and weren’t paying attention to me. She said I could go back to the room if I wanted to. Thank you, Mama, for putting a rope on the door so I can open it by myself. But that was a lie, I heard Sunshine say something about Bluey Sweetie and Pinky Meanie about hanging out in the pink lair, so he was going to help Mama train today.

I makes my way up to the lair of Pinky Meanie and paw at her door, whining and crying to open up. Bluey Sweetie is somewhat manipulable, so getting in should be no trouble if she is in there.
“Don’t open the door.” I hear Pinky Meanie say from the other side.
“Come on, I, you know, the first years are busy studying. He must feel lonely and neglected. Plus, neither of us is on the puppy cuddle time list. I just know the first years have a schedule for who gets to snuggle him throughout the day. Let me get some cuddles, please.” I hear Bluey Sweetie plead my case. I smirk and wag my tail as she opens the door.

“Well, hello to you, too, our little mascot.” Bluey Sweetie coos at me.
“There’s nothing little about him!” Pinky Meanie calls, living up to her name.
“Come on, let him into the room. I mean, look at him.”
I lay down, tilting my head, and letting out a long, drawn-out whimper, and looking up at them through my doggy lashes.
“Awwwww, how can you say no to that cute little face?” Bluey Sweetie coos even more at her best friend; she needs better taste.

“You are not going to let it go till I let that margle in, aren’t you?”
“Yep!”
“Ugggg fine, he can come in.”
Pinky Meanie pulls me through something, and I shake whatever the fluffing it was off, making it rain drool all over her.
“Gross!” She shrieks. I make a beeline for the bed and start rolling and rubbing my drool-covered face all over it.

“Look, Imogen, I think he is starting to warm up to you.”
“The fuck he is.”
I silently fart on her pillow.
“What the hell!” Pinky Meanie is not amused by it when she smells it.
They return to what they were doing before I arrived. I am cuddling Bluey Sweetie, and she is scratching. I kick Pinky Meanie while Bluey Sweetie hits the right spot.
“He is fucking kicking me, Quinn.”
“Aww, it’s just a reflex from scratching his belly.”

I stretch, making sure to hit Pinky Meanie with both of my back paws when I roll over to walk around her lair to find something to destroy.
“See, he is just exploring, Imogen.”
They turn their backs on me, and I seize my chance to go through Pinky Meanie’s bag. Finding her homework, I quietly as possible destroyed her work and other stuff in the bag, careful of the books. Mama instilled in me a respect for books.

“You fucking furball, stop that!” Pinky Meanie screams, 'I have a book, I was going to move out of my way.'
“He has my fucking personal journal!” The pink-haired menace declares. She starts chasing me around, trying to retrieve her diary. Bluey Sweetie joins in, as they try to get me, I take the chance to trash as much of the room as I possibly can. A knock on the door, before it opens, revealing a broody lookalike. “What in Amari’s name is going on?!”

I bolt from the room with the diary in my mouth, taking off down the halls. Might as well find Moving Tree; this book might have something juicy for him to read in it.
“GET BACK HERE NOW!” I hear Pinky Meanie yell at the top of her lungs. Bluey Sweetie and Broody look-alikes join the chase.

“I did not get away with it, fluff fluff fluff!”

Chapter Text

Okay, what do you think if Queen Maraya of Poromiel had a few of the breed Keir is Mabari? And what's to say that maybe a few of the other nobles in Poromiel and on some of the islands have them as well? Especially on the Isle of Dunne, Mabaris are renowned as the most excellent warhound breed in the Dragon Age games.

However, they have more females than males and want to expand their gene pool, which is where Keir comes into play. They are willing to give some aid to the rebellion in exchange for the use of Keir as a stud. Mabaris are very rare on the continent and in the isles. Hard to find a strong purebred without to much inbreeding in him. And they are very valuable.

I feel that the Poromielish council and Queen Maraya could persuade Tecarus to relinquish the luminary to the rebellion if they threatened to disinherit him. Like when Violet and gang show up at the end of the fourth wing and a Poromielish is there, sees Keir, goes over Tecarus' head and straight to the queen, “like hey, there is a young male dog here, the same breed as yours. They say we can use him to breed if we give them the luminary.”

Or, we all know they have spies at Basgiath, they tell of Keir, gets back to the Queen. She sends out spies to make sure it is indeed a Mabari.
She would most likely be aware of the failed contract that Tecarus tries to set up. Plus the old alliance between Poromiel and Tyrrendor. Throw in the mated bonded dragons of Xaden and Violet. Queen Maraya seizes the opportunity to get more well bred war hounds.

The Assembly gets a letter with the Queen’s seal:Telling them they will get the luminary in exchange for the use of a hound that Riorson has
access to.
They see this as a win cause no marriage contract with their heir and can try and ‘use’ his hand for another alliance. Xaden not going to let that happen. But are highly confused by this.
They end up getting the luminary early than they do in canon. All they have to do it lend out a dog they don’t own.
Vi doesn’t have to show her lighting
Xaden free of cat.
Xaden and Vi might be able to negotiate that Cat has to stay away from them as an add clause to the new contract for Keir.

Tecarus is forced to give it up or lose the throne. Cat hears that there is another marriage contract between Tyrrendor and Poromiel, which Xaden has agreed to wholeheartedly and in force immediately. They will not be making another marriage contract between the two, as there is no need for one. She gets all excited about her crown and getting Xaden back, only to find out the contract is for dogs. She lost to a dog. And if she tries to interfere, she could also be disinherited.

I can see Xaden being like, “It’s not my dog or Brennan’s. To gain access to Keir for breeding, he must marry Violet to enter into the doggie contract with the queen and her allies. Cause it’s now also his son.”

It reads a member of the direct line in the Tyrrish noble line as agreed to a marriage contract with a member of the royal Poromiel line. Not saying that the said members are dogs.

Never hurts to get fresh blood in a good line of dogs, gotta keep the bloodline diverse

Keir doesn’t bite Cat, but she sure as hell acts like the evil incarnate just to scare her so he can chase her up a tree. This would become Keir’s new favorite thing in the whole world next to mama.
Treeing Cat for hours at a time.
She is scream for help the whole time trying to sho him away.

Keir is happily laying or standing looking up. Waiting for her to come down so he can chase her up a different tree.

Marked ones and riders love it.
Her friends, sister, and Drake do nothing to help. Just make fun of her.
The assembly doesn’t want to piss off the giant dog.
Brennan believes his fur nephew can do no wrong. Along with Mira and Violet.

Keir gets ton of rewards from almost everyone when he does it. Not helping the issue at all

Xaden sees it happening while he is having his morning coffee: love, come see our son I couldn’t be prouder.
Violet: so nice of Cat to offer giving our sweet boy a morning work out.
Cat over hearing them and yelling: I DID NOT AGREE TO ANY OF THIS! CALL HIM OFF!
Xaden: Did you hear something!
Violet: no, I’m going to go start breakfast

Sorry if this hard to follow, it’s just my random thoughts, and Keir gets to have kids. Iron squad and Xaden’s circle each want one of Keir’s puppies. A new contract for that lol. Brennan and Mira also each want one of Keir’s pups.
Who wouldn’t want more Keirs in the world 🤣