Training Class

If Phaedra's first two days in Ynnis had been a whirlwind she didn't even have words to express what the next three had been like. She'd completed her citizen registration, and then headed back to the inn, hoping to learn a little more about where she might seek out permanent employment in the city. She'd hardly been five steps through the door before she noticed an eccentric looking woman seating in a booth.

Her clothing was all shades of purple, and awfully shiny. Silk, or satin, or something like that. Not what most folks wore in their day to day lives. Her eyes had locked on Phaedra and she'd gestured for her to come over. Phaedra had obliged. As she approached the booth she noticed a pair of Hound lazing on the opposite bench. "You look new here, girl. Have a Hound?"

Phaedra shook her head, and the woman beamed. "Well, it's your lucky day then. Luminance." She clicked her tongue, and a the chocolate sable lifted her head. "Luminance is a good girl, but the wrong fit for my program. She'd be ideal for a new handler though. Just one thing you have to promise, you'll come to my handling class tomorrow night. Couldn't have you not treating Luminance right."

Phaedra hardly had the words to reply as the woman bounded out of her booth, and pressed a lead into her hand. "Four blocks up for here, third right. Class is in the basement. Starts around 7. Be there." She gestured to the other Hound, a sleek looking black creature and it followed closely at her heels.

Phaedra stared down at what seemed to be her Hound. The canine stared back, and then pushed her snout into Phaedra's palm. "I guess we'd better get you some treats ..."

---

The rest of the evening and the next day were busy. She set up her room for the Hound, found a place for her to romp, and arranged with the innkeeper for proper food to be brought up to her room. Before she knew it, it was time to attend the class. She headed out, and carefully kept track of the number of blocks. Luminance walked by her side in quite a stately manner. Her former owner seemed to have put at least some time into training her.

Phaedra arrived at the classes location, and spotted it easily. Six other folks were inside, with Hounds. The woman she'd met at the inn yesterday stood at the very back of the room. Phaedra ducked into the door, and Luminance followed closely behind her. The woman gave her a wave. "Now, lets get started! It's important that you all learn how to treat a Hound well. They can be excellent companions, and they deserve your respect!"

She launched into a lecture about proper training methods. Phaedra held tight to Luminance's lead, soaking in the information. She idly stroked the Hound's head as she listened. Eventually, it came time to work on some basic manner. Each of them took turns carefully luring their Hound into a sitting position with treats. Luminance didn't seem to struggle with the command at all. "You know, I think we're really getting the hang of all this ..."