A Magical Menagerie Masquerade (Part 1)

     Choosing a magical companion animal wasn't something one undertook lightly, especially when choosing the wrong pet could absolutely ruin your chances at getting an invitation to the ball. In Heartdale, the Masquerade of the Blessed was the most important event of each year. It was an enormous affair involving elaborate costumes, immense spreads of food, grand dances, and the most elite members of society.
     You couldn't simply pick any animal you liked. You needed to know what was in fashion at the moment and what was not. This was why Pluckywhistle's Menagerie existed. It was a complex taking up an entire street, filled with gilded cages and enclosures housing a variety of beasts. It also had everything one needed for whatever animal they chose as catching their fancy. The most in season were always kept at the front, often rotating as tastes changed.
     However, there was one particular Blessed who had just been selected to choose his animal, and he didn't care about such things. He only wanted a loyal companion, one who would kill and die for him and evoke the same sentiment in him. He had always been a peculiar Blessed. Originally an orphan turned street urchin, the township had been beside itself when discovering he was a Blessed. He was given a name, and a high society family adopted him as their own. Henry Wyless received an education at the magnificent Academy Lesurge, the most prestigious of schools for the Blessed. An entirely new wardrobe was provided for him, and school supplies were acquired. What had surprised everyone though, was that Henry worked tirelessly to pay them all back, and somehow managed to make straight-A's at the Academy. He was a prodigy, and refused to take anything for free. Now, he finally had the chance to pick a companion animal.
     Upon entering Pluckywhistle's, he had been immediately targeted by salesman Bonacarte. The small man was decked out in fine livery, and had an unfortunately high-pitched voice. As Henry began to move to the back, he felt Bonacarte following behind him.
     "The more updated creatures are at the front, sir. You do want an invitation to the ball, don't you?"
     Knowing the gentleman behind him couldn't see, Henry rolled his eyes. "No. I'm looking for a true companion animal, not a prop to get invited to a social event." After all, he would be invited regardless. The Wyless' were a prominent family, and had no other children of their own. He was, in essence, their only son and a bachelor. Not inviting him would be a massive mistake in the eyes of the ladies.
     Silence fell as Henry's sharp eyes took everything in. He quickly noticed the cage that was set far in the back, nearly obscured by the shadows. He weaved past a variety of different creatures to the forgotten number, much to Bonacarte's audible dismay. As he neared, a large mass with glowing red eyes rushed the bars, slamming into them. The whole cage rattled. Henry didn't flinch, but moved closer, cocking his head in curiosity. The beast in question wasn't growling or snarling, but panting. In front of him was a dog about the size of a cow's calf, and the most brilliant emerald shade. The bright eyes were violet in color, not red, and the beast seemed rather friendly.
     "Who is this incredible creature?" Henry asked.
     "This is our cu sith, he's a fairy dog. We've been looking to get him placed elsewhere, he takes up too much space and no one is interested in adopting him. Are you interested in him, sir?"
     "Yes. Yes I believe I am. Can I meet him?" Henry turned toward Bonacarte with an eager expression.
     "You...you want him out of the cage?" Bonacarte squeaked.
     "Well... Yes."
     "Okay..." Bonacarte inched his way around Henry and slid forward. He tentatively touched a hand to one of the cage bars, and muttered the spell before leaping backwards, expecting an attack. The cu sith sat back on its haunches, not even making a move to leave the cage, still panting in a friendly way. Henry smiled an moved close, boldly coming up to the beast and placing one hand atop its head. His eyes closed. After a moment, they snapped open with a new clarity, and he turned to the small salesman.
     "I want this animal and all of the required items for such a creature's keep. I'm taking him."
      "Very good, sir." Bonacarte replied, thoroughly baffled but happy to be rid of the monstrosity. The cu sith had never acted with such calm as it had today, it was almost unbelievable. Watching Henry, the most peculiar feeling slid down Bonacarte's spine, but he shrugged it off. It was lucky Henry had chosen the beast, the items to keep such a monster were many, but the fee for him had been slashed and slashed until he was mere pennies. It wouldn't hurt the young man's pockets much.
     After Bonacarte had scurried off, Henry smiled and looked over his new companion. "We've got to think you up a brilliant name. Maybe Forfax? It's an honorable name, you see." The dog merely smiled wider, continuing to pant. Henry nodded at his furry behemoth of a friend. "Forfax it is."