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Post by Zenjesi on Oct 12, 2023 20:46:09 GMT -6
Creature Encounters: On
Character:
Relevant Skills: Agriculture II Plant Lore Berry Picking Toxin-wise
Tools:
Creature(s): Spectral 11.0 / 22.0 *
Stamina: 2 Strength: 1 Resistance: 1 Dexterity: 3 Mentality: 3 Special Abilities: None Moves: Nip Loot: Fall 2023
| Winter 2023
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Toad's Foot Root Amethyst Pomme Bloodberries Bunana x1 Autumn Koguma
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Bunana x3 BumbleWeed
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Post by Zenjesi on Oct 13, 2023 9:53:00 GMT -6
In some ways, arriving here was a comfort. The familiar smell of flora and earth, the expanse of greenery, the soft ground underhoof. In others... well. Zenjesi surveyed the scene from the walking path. Each Lab-designated plot was carved out of the area by careful fencing, prominent signs and labels. Others' creatures and plant growth was all on display to any passersby. Calling this 'natural' seemed a bit generous. The satyr let out a soft sigh, turning back to their assigned portion. It was nothing like home. But... they had left home for a reason. "We must make do," they mumbled to themselves, sparing a look over at their companion for the day. She was a fearsome beast. At present, she had a collar fitted around her neck, a simple cloth leash attached to that, trailing over to Zenjesi's hand. Though most of the leaves were beginning to turn, her green coloration blended with the scene.
Zenjesi: 0.05 Lywren: 0.2 / 0.2
Fall: 1
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Post by Zenjesi on Oct 13, 2023 12:01:07 GMT -6
The satyr had done some reading on the breed, and found it had some affinity for toxins and venom. Though that was not traditionally related to gardening, Zenjesi had been fostering an interest in potion-making, so they supposed the Rakai would be a suitable companion for the day. In addition, though they did not suspect a canine creature like this one would be foraging for snacks in a place such as this, their reading suggested the Rakai's constitution would be able to withstand any unsavory objects she did find. And so here Zenjesi was, standing with a beast whose face met the height of their own shoulder, restrained only by a woven piece of fabric. It was entirely insufficient. With Spectral, the worst danger was the possibility of him tangling Zenjesi's legs with the leash. With Florian, Zenjesi merely had to worry about his lack of movement. But with Lywren... Zenjesi suspected being dragged off into the hills was more likely.
Zenjesi: 0.1 Lywren: 0.4 / 0.4
Fall: 2
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Post by Zenjesi on Oct 13, 2023 13:49:02 GMT -6
Thus, Zenjesi was treating the Rakai, and the situation on the whole, with a soft touch and a healthy degree of respect. Lywren had accompanied them today baited by treats and possibly pity. She had a way of surveying Zenjesi such that they felt as if they were doing something wrong at all times. But with any good fortune, they would have an opportunity to bond a bit this morning. Zenjesi spared her a glance. She was doing it again. Well, that was reasonable this time; they had been standing here contemplating for a long moment. To work! Zenjesi took in the entirety of the plot visually once again. Well, what they could see of it. They wondered if this land had not been allocated to them because it was the only piece left unclaimed by others. Clearly, the gardens were well-populated and had seen much love and care from other hands.
Zenjesi: 0.15 Lywren: 0.6 / 0.6
Fall: 3
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Post by Zenjesi on Oct 13, 2023 14:02:45 GMT -6
But this plot had been overgrown and overrun by wild things. It was almost as if every other gardener had tossed any spare seeds or clippings into this space, and let nature take its course from there. Zenjesi would not say that was exactly off-putting, however. That left all the potential in the world. Besides, if that really was what had occurred... well then who knew what could have grown in here in that time? An aged, somewhat gnarly tree (presently throttled by vines) stood near the walkway side. It would be perfect for tethering Lywren until they trusted her more (and vice versa). Securing the long leash to a low, thick branch, Zenjesi stepped back to allow her some space. They had discovered the flame-like flickering down her back was thankfully not actually fire, nor did it put off heat. It seemed to be an expression of pure arcane energy.
Zenjesi: 0.2 Lywren: 0.8 / 0.8
Fall: 4
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Post by Zenjesi on Oct 13, 2023 16:10:06 GMT -6
This was good news for the garden life. Also good for the leash, the structural integrity of the kennel, and it meant extra intrigue for Zenjesi, who had a certain fondness for the magically inclined. Lywren had observed Zenjesi binding her to the tree, and had not protested beyond a mild tug of annoyance on the leash just to make it marginally more difficult for the satyr to tie it. Now, she lowered her nose to the ground, beginning to root around the unfamiliar space. The satyr's eyes followed the loose curve of the leash, and the abundant brambles, sticks, rocks... They suspected they were going to be spending half of their time here de-tangling the Rakai. Well. All the more reason to bond more quickly. Pulling on a pair of rustic gardening gloves, Zenjesi turned back to the wild space ahead. Their eyes began to scan over the growth, attempting to pinpoint any particularly curious goodies to begin with.
Zenjesi: 0.25 Lywren: 1.0 / 1.0
Fall: 5
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Post by Zenjesi on Oct 13, 2023 18:34:53 GMT -6
The tall, knotty tree stood near the entrance to their plot, overhanging half of the space. It had the essence of the ideal Vai Min Mur tree, especially now that the leaves were coloring warm shades of orange and yellow. Some of the branches hung so low they were grazing some of the taller weeds. Zenjesi glanced up towards the sun. It was now looking down from an autumn angle. That meant that come summer... they stepped back, shielding their eyes as they assessed the height and distribution of the branches. They estimated that about half of the space would have decent shade during the hottest months. It was almost the perfect arrangement to support plant growth under the full spectrum of sunlight. They wondered again why it had not been claimed earlier. Not far away, Lywren paused in her sniffing to cast Zenjesi a sidelong look. "It is good to have you," the satyr politely whispered.
Zenjesi: 0.3 Lywren: 1.2 / 1.2
Fall: 6
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Post by Zenjesi on Oct 13, 2023 18:45:30 GMT -6
The Rakai bowed her head, assessing Zenjesi. Her ears lay a bit flatter before she turned her attention away once more. It would take time, Zenjesi knew. The hissing sound of their voice was not an inherently soothing sound for humanoids, certainly. They had been relieved to find that that effect seemed to be most obvious upon those who were sentient. Thus far, the few beasts of the Labs Zenjesi had attempted to befriend had all proven themselves more receptive than expected. Lywren pressed her face into a patch of long grasses, and they parted around her horns before swallowing up her entire head. Zenjesi supposed there would always be a first. She seemed a more clever beast. Perhaps she would never warm. You are being hasty. The satyr shook their head. They ought to take advice from their counterpart: more attention on the garden, less on their companion. Zenjesi: 0.35 Lywren: 1.4 / 1.4
Fall: 7
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Post by Zenjesi on Oct 14, 2023 11:10:17 GMT -6
It was hard to discern any other features of the garden with how dense it was. Certainly, there was some brighter color scattered amidst the tangle, likely some late blooming flowers that had not yet been killed by frost. Or perhaps they were fallen fruit had not yet completely rotted. Either way, there would be no accessing them without risking trampling something else in the meantime. First order of business, Zenjesi supposed, would be to redirect these vines. They had a soft spot for them, as invasive and destructive as they could be. Perhaps they felt some association. Yet they also were partial to trees, particularly those that had lived full lives. They spared a glance at Lywren. "I will be back soon," they whispered to her, eyeing the tether for one more moment. The Rakai's tail swished once, the pseudo flames flickering along it. They supposed that was the best acknowledgement they would receive.
Zenjesi: 0.4 Lywren: 1.6 / 1.6
Fall: 8
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Post by Zenjesi on Oct 14, 2023 11:32:39 GMT -6
They felt a bit of an anxious twinge leaving her here. What were the odds that they would return and find the leash torn? Worse yet, what were the odds that they would return to find the leash torn and that she had stalked into another's garden and hunted down a creature living there? ... Best to hurry. They tugged the leash tie tighter once more, whispered the likely unheard command to 'stay', and trotted off down the path, hooves tapping rhythmically. There had been a building full of supplies near the entrance... It was only a few minutes before the satyr was making the return trip. It was just as well they had not attempted to bring the Rakai with them, as they were bent double now, balancing several tall trellises on their back. They forced themselves to draw a deep breath as they rounded the corner and... the leash was pulled taut, disappearing into the plants. Zenjesi: 0.45 Lywren: 1.8 / 1.8
Fall: 9
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Post by Zenjesi on Oct 14, 2023 12:09:39 GMT -6
Zenjesi slowed to a stop, stooping to carefully slide the cumbersome pile of metal onto the ground. It snagged in their braid, banged off of their elbow, scraped their heel, all before coming to a clattering crash onto the grass after all. They allowed themselves a moment to wince at both the ear-splitting noise and the physical pain. Excellent. But the bushes were thrashing now. They could only imagine... "Lywren," they hissed, doubtful it could even be heard over the rustling and crashing noises. Abandoning the heap of trellises, they stepped over to where the leash disappeared into the brush. They dropped to their knees and parted the grasses, tugging gently on the leash. "Lywren," they tried again, but the leash had no give. She must have been quite thoroughly tangled. Zenjesi licked their lips, braced themselves... and crawled ahead, on hands and knees, into the thicket.
Zenjesi: 0.5 Lywren: 2.0 / 2.0
Fall: 10
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Post by Zenjesi on Oct 14, 2023 12:38:47 GMT -6
The leash was like a lifeline. It rubbed against their shoulder as they picked their way through the garden. It was a tight space. Their keen eyes, trained in tracking, could pick out easily where and how Lywren had moved. A broken branch there, claws pulling in the dirt there... Frankly it was a bit of a wonder a beast of her size had made it so far. Something particularly compelling must have caught her nose. The leash suddenly pulled tighter, whipping Zenjesi on the cheek. "Lywren!" Then a tearing sound reached their ears. A branch caught on their shoulder. A thorn stabbed into their knee. The tearing sound came again... and then the leash went slack. Zenjesi stopped short, closing their eyes and sighing. They had not been at the Labs long, but it seemed every adventure they had only served to prove they were not prepared to care for another living thing.
Zenjesi: 0.55 Lywren: 2.2 / 2.2
Fall: 11
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Post by Zenjesi on Oct 14, 2023 17:50:07 GMT -6
The crashing and rustling fell silent for a breath or two. Zenjesi, eyes still closed, sought out an answer for how to address this situation. Should they attempt to pursue the Rakai? They still had some treats in their bag. But if she noticed them coming for her, she could flee. Or should they raise their voice (as much as they were able, anyway) and attempt to recall her? They were not sure she had much motivation to listen. The satyr sighed, preparing themselves for a chase. And then the rustling of bushes snapped them out of the plotting. The Rakai was so large, it was difficult to pinpoint which way she was moving... and then her face emerged from the grasses in front of Zenjesi. They exhaled a quick huff of a laugh, instinctively reaching up towards her out of relief, but she, also instinctively, pulled back as a response.
Zenjesi: 0.6 Lywren: 2.4 / 2.4
Fall: 12
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Post by Zenjesi on Oct 14, 2023 19:17:15 GMT -6
Quickly withdrawing their hands, Zenjesi whispered, "It is good to see you." Lywren sneezed, shaking her head, but did not turn and disappear back into the shrubbery. In fact, she... was looking expectantly towards Zenjesi, evidently desiring for them to stop blocking her exit route. "Ah, my apologies." The satyr began to retreat to the side to allow the Rakai space, and then wondered why they were caving to the whims of one who was meant to be under their control. They hesitated for just a moment, their eyes tracing from the collar around her neck down to the shredded tail of the leash... Well, like they had noted previously, this was a relationship being built upon respect. Perhaps demonstrating some trust in her would assist with the bond. But... at the same time, backing off may signal submission instead. There was a fine line. Those horns were quite large, and quite sharp.
Zenjesi: 0.65 Lywren: 2.6 / 2.6
Fall: 13
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Post by Zenjesi on Oct 15, 2023 12:06:25 GMT -6
Zenjesi had little desire in seeing their limbs in the current state of the leash. They attempted to scrape together a guise of quiet confidence, which was promptly scrapped by the awkward process of turning around in a tight space full of grasping branches. They could hear a snort from the Rakai behind them as she advanced on Zenjesi. "Wait for your turn," they tried to soothe her while they began their crawling escape. To be honest, they did not blame her at all for destroying the leash to free herself. They had stepped away and left her in it, and she had no reason to believe they would be returning, or, if they did, that they would take any pity on her. Respect. Zenjesi had not done an excellent job of supporting their end thus far. She was a large, semi-feral, clearly self-sufficient, and mostly mature beast. It would be a challenge. Zenjesi: 0.7 Lywren: 2.8 / 2.8
Fall: 14
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