#hubert lhant

The top of the hill was quite a sight. A large tree stood at the edge of tla cliff, and a field of purple flowers flooded the area, their petals flowing gently in the breeze. Yet, Asbel stopped his approach as his eyes caught something grey out of place in the middle of the field.

"There's something over there!" Asbel shouted, running over immediately.

"W-wait up!" Hubert called after him, hesitantly following his older brother.

When Asbel got closer, he could finally see what exactly the grey lump was. A small, grey furred labrador puppy was unconscious on the ground, breathing slowly. A orante purple collar was around her neck.

"A dog…?" Asbel wondered out loud, reaching his hand out to the animal.

"C-careful!" Hubert cautioned. "I-it could be–"

Before Hubert could finish the puppy slowly opened her eyes, and turned her head towards Asbel. In a single moment, her tail started to wag and she stood up and walked closer to Asbe. She leaned her head over to Asbel and….

Licked him before leaping into his lap.

"Haha!" Asbel laughed, hands instinctively moving around the animal in a hug. "Easy there!" 

The dog make a huffing noise before lying down in his lap, tail wagging lazily. Asbel slowly pet her fur

"Cmon, Hubert! She's fine!"

Hubert cautiously walked over and shakily put a hand to the puppies back, stroking her softly. "Is she just… alone up here?"

"She must be. She doesn't look hurt or anything though. And her collar doesn't have anything on it either."

"D-did someone leave her here?"

Asbel grew angry at the thought. "Who would do that, she's so cute!" A brilliant idea crossed his mind. "We should take her back!"

"Wh-what?!" Hubert exclaimed. "N-no! We can't! Dad wouldn't–!"

"We can convince Mom! She loves cute animals! Remember when she saw that rabbit near the garden last week?"

"Y-eah. I mean. I guess…" Hubert stuttered. "I don't… want to leave her here either."

"Great!" Asbel scooped up the puppy in his arms. She licked  his cheek again in response. "Oh! We need a name for her too!"

Hubert looked around the area. "These are Sopheria flowers.. s-so how about Sopheria?"

"Nah, too long." Asbell dismissed. "But… How about Sophie?"

"S-Sophie's nice."

"Then it's settled! Cmon, Hubert! Let's go!" Asbel darted out of the hill, dog in arms.

Hubert chased after him. "S-stop running ahead!"

It did take a bit of convincing once they got back, but their parents eventually relented and let them keep her, as long as the boys both promised to take care and look after her, to which they enthusiastically agreed. Of course, by proxy, this ruined Aston's future plans as a result. Good.

The next day, their special guest arrived. A boy their age by the name of Richard. The three of them played with Sophie all day long inside the manor before Richard had to leave.