Boarding School for the Mythical

She nodded rapidly, her hair bouncing wildly. She paused and looked over Tabitha again, "A wood nymph right? Or something close to that. I'm a pixie!"

Tabitha

I could have guessed as much, but I smiled and nodded. “We’re kinda related then” I said.

She smiled and nodded, seeming to just float to her feet. She then brightened and fell forward, though she paused inches above the ground, laying across the air much as one might lay face down on a bed. She crossed her arms, resting her chin on them as she smiled at Shade. "And who might the fierce protector be?"

Tabitha:

Shade took several quick steps back and regarded her disdainfully. “He’s not very friendly to strangers. He only really likes Sphinx actually.” I said apologetically.

Sphinx:

I brushed myself off before shaking my head at Tabitha in amusement. In answer to Tabitha's remarks, Plex gave off a short series of barks and growls to Shade. In short, she was speaking to Shade in his language.

Shade was deeply offended that this creature would dare try to speak to him. He turned his nose up at her and slinked around his girl’s leg trying to block his view of the disgraceful creature.

Plex giggled and moved to stand before settling on her feet. "He really is a darling. Now come on! The zoo is yours to explore, and you can spend time with any of the animals!" She paused for a second as she dug into her pockets. From them she pulled out two silver coins on thin chains. She put them around our necks before going over to Shade and kissing the top of his head. "And now the animals will accept your presence."

Tabitha:

I took hold of Sphinx’s hand again. “She’s quite a character.” I commented softly. “How do you know her?”

I grimaced, "About...what was it....a thousand or so years ago I went through a rough patch. Spent a long time out in the woods. Was a bit more beast than man. She has a way with animals like no one I have ever met. I have watched her pick up a bear cub right in front of its mamma, and nothing happened. The bear cub played with her, and the mom just let them as if Plex had always been there."

Tabitha:

I looked ahead. “So you two have a lot of history together.” I said softly. She had said she was like a sister to him, I wondered why. She was pretty enough.

Sphinx:

I caught her tone and shook my head, "We do because she spent nearly a century getting me to act human again. She was alone with me for around forty years before Vel found me. She has always loved animals. So for a time we might have dated, I don't much of the time I spent living in the wilds, but I became too human eventually."

Tabitha:

“Hm.” Was all I said. I felt very young compared to him and the company he kept. “Is this a human zoo?” I asked to change the subject. “I mean, are there any creatures of our sort in here?”

I shook my head, "No, though I would gladly take you to a magic zoo sometime. Remind me and it will be done."

Tabitha:

“Okay.” I said with a smile. “Though I’m probably more familiar with those animals than I am with these.” I said as we came up to the lion exhibit.

I wound an arm around her waist as I stood next to her, letting go of her hand in the process. "Well, I have seen animals come and go. So I always enjoy zoo's, they protect animals."

Tabitha:

“Don’t you think they’d rather be free though?” I asked looking up at him then back to the sleeping lions. “Though I guess they don’t do much...”

Sphinx:

I raised an eyebrow and pulled her to a different exhibit. "Take these for example, to answer your question. In the wild they would be hunter and poached. Nearly extinct, and only through being here at a zoo can they be saved."

Tabitha:

“But do you think they are happy? What good is it being saved if you aren’t happy?” I asked, leaning over the rail slightly to watch the animals. I heard and echo of a bitter laugh in my mind and froze, taking in a sharp breath.

Sphinx:

I watched her, my eyes careful and expressionless. What could I say to that?

Tabitha:

I felt a wet, cool nose press against my leg. I looked down to see Shade looking up at me. I scooped him into my arms. “I suppose if it’s the only life they know, why wouldn’t they be happy, right?” I looked up at Sphinx, trying to ignore the laugh I heard.

Sphinx:

I turned to observe the animals, nodding slowly. The thought had come into my mind that technically...I was an endangered animal.

Tabitha:

I watched his face for a moment before reaching up and turning his face to look at me. I kissed him softly. I felt like my musings bothered him somehow, even if he didn’t show it.

Sphinx:

My eyes went wide before closing as I kissed her back, relaxation and happiness being translated through the kiss.

Tabitha:

I touched his cheek lightly with the hand that wasn’t holding Shade up.

Shade huffed at being squished between the couple in a way that he thoroughly did not approve.

Sphinx:

Shade's huff was what brought me out of my happy little world that the kiss brought. I pulled back slowly, giving him room once more.