May 29th, 1889 — North Bartonburg

Midway through his first week in Great Britain, Bragi had found himself taking to it like a Grindylow to water. The air was crisp, the people courteous, and North Bartonburg a very pleasant neighbourhood. No, these lands were not like the English romances in whose pages he’d buried himself through boyhood, but Bragi was a boy no longer. He’d turned nineteen very recently, and had property in his name. As he walked the handsome cobbles of Bartonburg, unhatted red hair ruffled by the morning breeze, Bragi felt very fortunate — or would’ve done, had there not been something bothering him.

Maid Marian had gone missing. No, not that Maid Marian. His cat. She was a lovely fat ginger delight who’d travelled with his servant all the way from Denmark; but she hadn’t come home last night. And there was still no sign of her this morning. Alarm had been slowly building in the normally composed young fellow all morning, and although he kept his cool as he responded politely to neighbours who greeted him as he passed by, Bragi kept stopping to glance over walls and under benches. ”Marian”, he called in a sing-song voice that was appropriately restrained in volume. ”Here girl!”

  

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It had been her day off. Not always something she looked forward to. She liked helping others. Wasn't much for her to help with at home on most days like today. So she had been wandering the area, debating if she wanted to go to High Street at some point.

Then she heard the young man. Looking for someone? How he was speaking, it sounded as though he was looking for a pet. Well... she did want to help someone. "Excuse me, may I help you?"

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MJ Made Pretties

Bragi was evidently more worried than he realised, because when someone spoke up, he barely registered who they were. They could be a mermaid with two legs and a top hat for all he knew. All he registered was the kindly voice, and he responded at once — ”Oh. Yes please. I’m looking for my cat, Maid Marian. We’re new to Hogsmeade you see, and she must’ve gotten lost…” the anxiety was growing palpable as he peered tentatively into some long grass off the side of the pavement.

  

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A wandering cat. Something Katerina was quite familiar with. Her own cat, Misty, had begun sneaking out with her two kittens. Supposedly to teach them how to hunt. Merlin, please they did not bring anything home.

"How long has she been missing?" She asked as she began glancing around for any sign of a wandering cat. Aside from the old grumpy one that she had recognized from seeing the mean thing since her last years of Hogwarts, no such luck.

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MJ Made Pretties

Finding her question rather curious, Bragi glanced at the lady long enough to catch a pair of concerned brown eyes. She sounded almost as if she had been through this kind of thing before, such was the calm professionalism of her question. And that, despite everything, made Bragi relax. At least slightly.

”Since yesterday evening”, he replied, only to quickly add — ”I realise that doesn’t seem like long, but for Marian it’s an eternity, and in a new place as well…” He felt his panic rising again, and stood upright, fidgeting, trying not to chew his lip. ”Do you know of any local places where cats might roam?”

  

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Along with the experience, she was a healer. Keeping a level head in stressful situations helped to save lives. Though she didn't think she would be able to handle being a mediwitch.

In a new area? Quite a long time. "Cats enjoy hiding in the dark, looking for mice and such. She might have wandered into an alley in High Street." She offered, deciding that mentioning the Forbidden Forest would not ease the man's mind.

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MJ Made Pretties

Bragi listened, quietly keen for any semblance of confidence or intel. And sure enough, the young lady did have an idea — the High Street. Bragi let out a light breath of something resembling relief; for he’d been to the High Street before. He certainly didn’t know it well, but he knew it enough to recall several alleyways tucked between the tall buildings.

”Ah yes. Thank you for your advice. Thank you very much.” And with that, he turned to make his way towards the High Street. He did not presume to wait expectantly for her, for she was a stranger and had already been helpful — assuming she might never rest until his cat was found would be dreadfully cheeky. And so he politely assumed it was time to part ways, though he privately wished for a guide.

  

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The healer debates following him in order to be more helpful. It would be rude to leave him to continuously search for the lost cat on his own. In the end, she followed behind and slowed to his pace once she had reached him. "I can fetch some treats from the store, if you think that would help?" She offered.

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MJ Made Pretties

Bragi turned down Billywig Bend, a path he’d taken to the High Street once before, trying not to fidget. But then in a moment of awkwardness and distraction, he realised the helpful girl was just behind him. Of course, he stopped to regard her, brow raised. Treats! That was a good idea. Why didn’t he think of that? He had some back at the cottage…

But he knew better than to decline a polite offer, and so he said ”that’s a… that’s a very good idea”. A grateful beat, then he extended his hand. ”Perhaps we should be introduced. Bragi Holm.”

  

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As a fellow pet owner, she had treats as well. But going back and forth seemed illogical at the moment. "Thank you. I am Katerina Bass." Typically someone else would be introducing her, but she hadn't planned to have company.

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MJ Made Pretties

"Madam", he responded respectfully. He was new to this country and didn't know the Bass family, so could not address Katerina based on her status.

"Thank you for your leadership", he added, and gestured gracefully down Billywig Bend — ladies first, then they might walk together. It felt a little unnatural to be so cordial when his concern for Marian had reached fever pitch (deep within), but such was life.

"What store is this?" he asked as they walked. "If it sells treats for cats I'm ashamed to have not yet discovered it."

  

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Madam? Had she really earned his respect that quickly? She supposed that helping to find someone's pet deserves some gratitude.

She walked in front of him when gestured to do so. "Beautiful Beast Boutique. It is where I got my own cat, Misty." What a nice day that was, and to now have two of her kittens... well, more grown up now. Grew far too fast.

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MJ Made Pretties

They walked together, Bragi’s hands clasped behind his back, though he could not help look hither and thither for Marian, even as he contrived to maintain his courtesies with this albeit very likeable Katerina Bass.

They crossed into Wenlock Way, and in any normal circumstances he would’ve been memorising every inch of his new neighbourhood, but he was far too distracted for that. Even at the mention of a Beast Boutique, which would’ve brought him a great deal more glee on a usual day. ”They are delightful creatures, aren’t they”, he mused as she spoke of Misty, feeling a little desperate.

  

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While Katerina looked as well, she also paid attention to where she was going. "They are. Curious ones as well." She responded.

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MJ Made Pretties

”Quite”, he agreed. Cats were curious by nature. And you know what they say about what curiosity did to the cat…

Bragi hurried his pace.

When the taller buildings of the High Street came into view, along with a growing hum of chatter and the clopping of hooves and rolling of cabs, Bragi glanced left and right for the pets Boutique, looking out for what he imagined to be a telling wooden sign.

  

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Her statement seemed to worry him more. Oh dear. But she kept her calm and carried on. She looked down the street at the shop.

Entering the shop, she wasn't sure if he would bother to follow. What could he do in the shop while she searched for treats. Shouldn't take her too long.

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MJ Made Pretties