Outside in the woods and by the lake, evening

[scots_wolf]

There is a big friendly dog rambling through the forest, followed by an equally big human (on whom the jury is still out in relation to friendliness).

Urquhart is spending much of this summer outside, walking with the dog, fishing, thinking, building fires to roast what he caught. There are nights in which he doesn't come back to the bar at all, sometimes several in a row.

Tonight is such a night.

Comments

[scots_wolf]

"Take the ear," Urquhart says. "He is already learning the rule that you must get his prey, and he gets his food from you. It is important to teach a young dog to fetch."

[forgottenmotley]

The Fool does take the ear and sets it aside. He'll do something interesting with it later on.

"He's very smart. He just needs a name."

[scots_wolf]

"You'll find something," Urquhart says.

[forgottenmotley]

"Yes. I'm sure." He frowns though, irritated that it's taking so long to find one.

Names are important.

[scots_wolf]

"Are you asking for suggestions?" Urquhart asks.

[forgottenmotley]

"Suggestions are always welcomed. If they fit, all the better."

[scots_wolf]

"Give him a simple name," Urquhart says. "Nothing too long or funny at the moment. A solid name. Like -- Max, for example."

[forgottenmotley]

He tilts his head a little. "Why would it be at the moment?"

[scots_wolf]

"I don't know," Urquhart says. "But you won't want to introduce your dog with an added apologetic 'We thought it was a good idea at the time' for years to come, would you? So, no funny names."

[forgottenmotley]

"No. A name is important," he repeats. "It is what you are."

[scots_wolf]

"And it must be easy enough for the dog to learn fast," Urquhart says. "A dog has to answer to his name at once, and that's not going to happen if it's something like 'Disreputable Canine' or so."

[forgottenmotley]

"He answers my whistles. Or is learning to." The Fool is working on several commands.

[scots_wolf]

"You're not calling him 'Disreputable Canine' then, I hope!" Urquhart says. "Other people need to be able to talk to him, too."

[forgottenmotley]

"No. I am not. He is not a Disreputable Canine." He then sighs a little. "I know. But still a name... Perhaps I should let him choose for himself."

[scots_wolf]

"And how would you do that?" Urquhart asks.

[forgottenmotley]

And the Fool laughs, bells ringing. The puppy perks his head up and yips along to the bells. "I haven't the foggiest idea. Perhaps I shall write the names down and see which one he goes for."

[scots_wolf]

"That sounds rather oracular," Urquhart says.

[forgottenmotley]

That earns Urquhart an amused look.

"I am the Fool," he says. "If people use me to divine their fortunes, why shouldn't I use such random chance to divine a name?"

[scots_wolf]

"What are your choices so far?" Urquhart asks.

[forgottenmotley]

"Patches, Farley, Barley, Puppy..."

[scots_wolf]

"And I suggested Max," Urquhart says. "And 'Puppy' should be out, as that's a typical 'funny-at-the-time' type of name."

[forgottenmotley]

"Yes. He is a puppy now, but that's not what he will always be."

[scots_wolf]

"Exactly," Urquhart says. "Unfortunately, I don't have cookies with me, just dog biscuits."

He takes two out, and gives one to Franz, and another to the yet-nameless puppy.

[forgottenmotley]

The biscuit is taken with great seriousness and then he starts digging a hole to bury it.

The Fool laughs. "Maybe I should try a biscuit."

[scots_wolf]

"Yes, perhaps he'll take it from you, silly little thing that he is," Urquhart says, looking at the puppy with almost affection."