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Post by Aura on Jun 5, 2019 18:55:48 GMT -6
 Their violet eyes scanned the streets of the labs, tail giving a flicker of amusement. People watching was something they quite enjoyed, and today was no different. They clutched an iced coffee in their claws, their companion perched on their shoulder with her own tiny cup- a pet-safe tea, they'd said. Liberty had been the first 'friend' they'd made since coming to this strange place, and when they were out running errands, they never were seen without her. Neither of them had figured out how to communicate in a way beyond basic gestures; Aura had every intention of teaching her sign language, at some point. She had the hands for it, after all.
Liberty tapped their shoulder and pointed at some of the small cakes on the table, and Aura passed one back, not needing to look at her. They were too focused on watching the life around them. What had they learned, in two weeks of living here and getting their life in order? The first was that people were friendly- almost too friendly. Everyone was practically falling over themselves to make friends. People were always traveling with one pet or another, sometimes many. Companionship was a huge part of the culture here. The second was that emotions were visible on everyone at all times; no one had been taught to conceal. In fact, it seemed that it was considered impolite not to react in noticeable ways. Watching people walk by was a feast of emotion. One was stressed, massaging their coin purse in a way that indicated financial distress. Another was half smiling looking at someone talking, oblivious to their obvious infatuation. It was so much to take in, and they absorbed it in hopes they could learn how to better blend in.
That was hard to do; they stuck out. They were taller than almost everyone else by a head, at least, and their preference for boots didn't help. They also tended to wear a lot of the wandering gear from their homeland- a leather top that tied around the neck and waist, backless, and knee-length leather shorts laced up the sides, revealing the scales beneath. It passed for modest around here, as far as they could tell. That was another thing they'd had to learn; it was apparently "impolite" for bipedal creatures to be in their natural state. Yet, somehow, people had no objections to Liberty. It was baffling, but they took it in stride. It was one of the many things they'd adjusted to.
They took another sip of their iced coffee, still surprised by the rich taste and sweetness. They'd never experienced more than the natural state of fruit, and coffee had never been allowed to them. They felt...indulged. A smirk rested on their snout, and they leaned back in their chair. "We should probably start figuring out what to do with moving into the house, mmm?" Aura muttered to Liberty, finally gracing her with a look, the first time they'd looked away from the street in nearly half an hour. |
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Post by Jewel on Jun 7, 2019 18:54:08 GMT -6
Jewel had been at the counter for no less than five whole minutes, deliberating over what kind of baked goods he intended to have with his espresso. That was what his life had become. Sleeping in his kennel, squishing bugs in a garden in hopes of a meagre reward, and obsessing over pastries. If he had the capacity to feel much other than stress, it would bother him - as it stood, it went over his head, and conveniently flew straight into Eilonwi’s face. The Felusine stared at him with incredulity. Even she couldn’t believe that the extent of his brain power was coffee. She didn’t understand much about his behaviour, but she knew that it was depressing for everyone involved, and that was beginning to grate on her nerves. Something, anything to break away from the monotony of their routine would be heavenly. Her head turned as she observed the other patrons; she shuffled along dutifully when Jewel at last settled on his treat, but didn’t stop browsing herself. Ah. There was a person who looked different. Aura’s dark complexion and height stood out to her, and became a beacon. Eilonwi stood and meandered through passing customers and table legs on her way to them, caring little for whether Jewel noticed or followed - she wanted to get away from whatever he was going through for a moment. The chair opposite them was unoccupied... she considered, then hopped up, turning to face Aura as if she’d known them for years. She made no sound. Her gaze roamed from Aura to Liberty and then back again, content to watch. It was lucky she was pretty, because a Weaver making the same approach would be construed differently. Jewel didn’t notice her absence until he had paid and retrieved his tray. With cup and croissant in hand, he intended to settle on one of the softer looking sofas, only to discover that Eilonwi had picked an already occupied space. His utter exasperation as he went with the intention of collecting her was undeniable. “Hey. Lady. That’s not our seat.” Eilonwi sniffed. |
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Post by Aura on Jun 7, 2019 23:03:42 GMT -6
One moment, they were watching the crowd, sharing coffee with their companion- and the next, there was a felusine staring at them. What was it about this place, that people did not keep track of their animals? Liberty was not allowed on her own, and she was quite smart enough to handle herself. They met the gaze of the felu for a few moments, before sliding one of the creature-safe treats across the table to her. Perhaps that was all she wanted was a bite? Aura was normally immune to begging, but this was such strange behavior. Plus, they'd heard the rumors about felusine- troublemakers with opposable thumbs. If she was going to rob them, they might as well beat her to the punch.
Thankfully, it was a short mystery as the guy walked up with his cup and pastry, clearly addressing the felusine. Aura tried not to snicker; clearly, the felusine did not respect him. "It appears your companion wishes it to be," they teased, amusement lacing their words. "I am not bothered by their company, if that is what you are afraid of."
They looked over him, taking in his appearance. He was quite short for what they had noticed was the norm here, though they were often well above it even then. Aura would tower above him if they were to stand. He also appeared quite...flashy, in comparison to the others. Though he had the same flesh style as humans, he did not appear to be so. They hadn't seen anything like him before. Was he trying to attract a suitable partner, like one of those birds that decorated itself to appear beautiful and desirable? Perhaps he would start dancing or singing any moment now.
They leaned back in their chair, one leg crossed over the other. Their boots ended at the knee, shiny, clearly well cared for. The heels on them added even more to their already impressive height, were they to stand. Somehow, they felt like he'd find that intimidating.
Liberty looked between Aura and Jewel, trying to figure them out- but settled on taking another sip of her coffee and focusing on Eilonwi. Though she was intelligent enough to learn a common tongue in its entirety, her vocal chords were only suited to communicating with other creatures. "Is he yours?" She asked the felusine, flicking her eyes towards Jewel and back again.
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Post by Jewel on Jun 8, 2019 2:49:11 GMT -6
Jewel was unsure of what to make of the stranger before him. They were different from anyone he'd seen at the labs before - granted, he hadn't been around for long enough to know much, but they broke the mould. It would be impossible for him not to feel intimidated, even the smallest bit, by someone that much taller than him, boots and all. Speaking of, those boots were glorious. If he could've gotten his Chelsea boots with a dramatic platform, he'd have been a happy man.
They had the appearance of gracefulness that he rarely associated with height. The elegance of their long snout and dark scales was intriguing; he knew it was rude to stare, so he tried to be subtle about it.
Eilonwi blinked, looking at the treat that had been offered across the table to her. A snack? Her expression was sceptical at first, but the knowledge that it would be a botheration to Jewel to refuse to move from her spot changed her mind. She reached out to pick it up, sniffed at it, and at last indulged herself with a nibble. Not bad at all! When the stranger's companion addressed her, the tip of her tail twitched. How nice to hear conversation from a being who wasn't one of Jewel's crazy brigade.
"Unfortunately," was her response. "Believe me, he wasn't my first choice."
Oblivious to his Felusine's distaste, Jewel set his purchases on Eilonwi's side of the table. If he couldn't beat her, he'd have to join her.
"I don't want her to get into the habit of thinking she can have whatever she wants," He responded, but it was marked with good-natured exasperation rather than annoyance. "I'm sorry. Can I sit down? I'm desperate for this coffee."
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Post by Aura on Jun 11, 2019 2:15:53 GMT -6
They noticed the initial reaction, and Aura grinned. So, he was impressed. "Please," they answered, gesturing to the empty seat. They noticed Liberty's chittering, and the response from the felusine, their tail giving a flicker. "Besides, it appears our companions are having a conversation. I am called Aura, and you?" They didn't mind the sudden company so much; they hadn't made many friends- okay, any- since coming here. Perhaps they'd been lucky to have someone fall into their nap. Not literally, thankfully.
They sipped on their own coffee, lightly letting their boot tap in the air. Their pastry looked good; they wished they had thought to get something to eat themself. It was warm; perhaps they should have looked for cooler shoes than the leather.
The sun warmed their scales, even with the umbrella opened and casting shadow over their dark colors. Even the iced coffee did nothing to temper the growing heat of the day. They'd likely have to find somewhere cool for lunch... Or take a crack at the whole mining thing they kept hearing about. It was probably good down there, and they'd feel more at home. "Say, do you know much about the mines I keep hearing of? Or, perhaps, a good place to find some lunch? I'm new to the area, so I'm very unfamiliar."
"No? Why, what's wrong with him?" Liberty glanced towards Jewel as if expecting to see some obvious sign, but no, he looked like an average person. She looked back at Eilonwi. "I could probably come sneak you out of wherever he keeps you, if you need it."
She hopped down off of Aura's shoulder, perching on the table in front of the felu with her tea and another snack, offering some of it forward. She was polite about sharing, after all. Perhaps Jewel didn't feed her or something.
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Post by Jewel on Jun 12, 2019 8:25:43 GMT -6
Jewel sighed with relief and murmured his thanks. How lucky that Eilonwi had chosen to take up with someone amicable.
"Budge up, miss," He said - when the Felusine didn't move, he took her around the waist and hauled her up, much to her chagrin. The look she fixed him with was scalding enough to make him laugh with shock. "You wouldn't move! If you don't want to be humiliated in public, you ought to take some notice of me."
Eilonwi wanted nothing more to do with his antics. She climbed up to join Liberty on the table, gratefully accepting the second snack.
"Oh, he's quite normal. He doesn't mistreat me or anything like that," She explained. "He's just an idiot. I'm not sure if he's permanently an idiot or going through a phase."
Before getting into the conversation, Jewel had to start his coffee. He curled his hands around the cup and brought it to his lips to take a gulp; an expression of delight and relaxation settled on his face as he swallowed. Beautiful. Gods, he had to find a way to live without caffeine.
"Nice to meet you, Aura. I'm Jewel," He replied. The mention of the mines did make him wince slightly, though. He'd been brave enough to venture in on behalf of a job, but wanted to stay as far away as possible in future if he could get away with it. "Not really, I'm a newcomer too. You see lots of people going into the mines, though. It's like a free-for-all. Don't think you need a permit or anything to dig, you sorta just do it."
It was madness, if you asked him. Who knew what you could run into under the surface? In such close quarters, too... he shuddered, forcing the thought to the back of his mind.
"When did you get here?"
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Post by Aura on Jun 18, 2019 9:25:17 GMT -6
Aura watched the antics with amusement, though it had been their experience with their pets that they tended to listen if bribed. They took another sip of their coffee, adjusting their chair just enough to move back into the shade from how the sun had shifted. It also moved them slightly closer to Jewel, though that was quite unintentional. His diving into his coffee implied he was just as addicted to its energizing nature; they felt less alone from that. It had been one of the first vices they'd indulged in upon moving to this place.
"Well met, Jewel." They replied, smiling. Many tended to find their smile intimidating, since it was all sharp, but they tried to keep as little of their teeth showing to counteract it. "I got here a few weeks ago, just been getting everything set in. What about you?" From his reaction to the mines, they guessed he wasn't a huge fan of the place, and they tactfully dropped it.
Liberty glanced at Jewel, twitching her ears while she half-listened to the conversation. "He seems as dumb as any other human around here. How'd you end up with him?"
She saw Aura wandering by the first day that they'd arrived; they'd been caring for the entire kennel for so long that they wondered when anyone would return. Something seemed...right about the ssashirk, and so she'd dragged the reptilian creature into the kennel. They took possession of everyone, all the supplies, and no one seemed to question it. Even after such a short time, it felt so normal.
"I kind of adopted Aura when they first got here. They didn't need my help, though. If you ever need an escape to someone reasonable, you're welcome to come find me."
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Post by Jewel on Jul 21, 2019 11:26:05 GMT -6
Eilonwi took a bite from her snack. Liberty's question was a good one - even she herself wasn't sure how they'd come to be a duo.
"I suppose it was coincidence," She settled on her words at last, glancing over to Jewel. "I'd been roaming alone for quite some time. My home of choice was a garden, some way out of the city centre... he took a shining to it. Found me in my nest. I didn't intend to stick with him at first, but..."
What could she say? That she had been starving? Missing the company of humans after being abandoned? Afraid that she would be stolen away by rogues who would peddle her to the highest bidder? Her pride would not allow it.
"We came to a mutually beneficial agreement."
Jewel set his cup aside for long enough to tear into his croissant. The pastry flakes were flicked from his lap with nary a second thought; it took him a second to be concerned about them having landed on Aura's boots, and he tried to take a subtle look just in case.
"Likewise! I'm... in over my head, I think, but there's not much I can do about it now," He said before wolfing down a sliver of his treat. Despite his statement, he didn't appear to be anxious at all, and kept the charming smile on his face. Though, with an appearance as pretty as his, even a frown would look appealing. "I'll find my way somehow. Do you live nearby?"
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Post by Aura on Jul 21, 2019 11:51:06 GMT -6
Liberty had heard a similar story before- her own. "I was born down south of the labs. Belonged to some dash claw, used like those weird machines you see wandering around. I was brought here by...someone, I don't remember. I wasn't with them for long. I found a kennel that had been mostly abandoned and worked with the trod that lived there to get everyone trapped there taken care of. When Aura found me, I'd mostly done everything myself." The part she left out was how she'd been ill-equipped to buy anything, and the trod had no money. They'd all been starving. She stole the only food that they shared, and there was only so much she could carry in a day.
"They took over and did...pretty well. The carnivores are all getting top quality, fresh meat now, and I think they're trying to grow vegetables specifically only to feed us." Liberty admitted. "Humans are dumb, and don't make sense, but. They do better than we could, unfortunately."
Aura nodded their head in response to what Jewel said. Their eyes trailed down to the pastry flakes that had, indeed, landed on the carefully tended leather. It didn't bother them much; they trekked through worse in the streets. They gave a subtle bounce of their foot, trying to dislodge the pieces. Whatever they couldn't, they'd just clean off when they got home.
"I do, actually." They pointed over in the direction of Avant Vall. "I got a prime piece of property over there that I'm having renovated a bit. It's small, but it'll be mine. What about you?" It was impressive, how easy it was for a new person to achieve wealth in this place. They never would have dreamed of owning their own place back in the desert, but here? They owned quite a bit more, including a fertile garden that would have made them a very rich person back home.
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Post by Jewel on Jul 21, 2019 13:11:14 GMT -6
Eilonwi's heart was touched. She already felt that she had met a kindred spirit in Liberty; not only did the creature offer intelligent conversation, but truly understood what it was to struggle. What was unsaid could comfortably remain so. The Felusine would not press. Instead, she reached out to place one paw-hand over one of Liberty's, in a small gesture of understanding.
"Then perhaps our people are blessings in disguise," She said. "Even if... hmm. Even if they are lacking in the intelligence department."
Jewel was jealous. He hadn't yet found his feet on the job ladder, and having left his last home in a hurry, had not arrived with much in the way of money. Aura must have found an efficient way to earn cash if they could already own a property!
"I wish," He laughed. "I'm... living in my kennel at the moment. That sounds bad, doesn't it? It's not terrible, but I hope I can move in somewhere nicer soon. How'd you come across that place? Was it expensive?"
So many questions, and not a hint of embarrassment on his face! He was a straightforward kind of fae, and didn't feel any qualms about trying to distinguish information that may be beneficial to him. At least he was being polite about it this time - Aura was pleasant, and he was enjoying their company.
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Post by Aura on Jul 21, 2019 14:11:15 GMT -6
The affectionate gesture of the felusine's hand on her's made her smile. She hadn't met an equal in intelligence and disposition in some time. Most of the other creatures in the kennel did not understand her in the same sort of way. "That's the way I try to see it." She agreed. She'd finished her tea and the little treats that Aura had given her; she'd been happy to share some of them with the other under the circumstances. Perhaps it was right that they'd met in this manner. Equal in status and situation.
Liberty gave a gentle squeeze in response, before releasing her hand. "So did you know what his plans were for the day? I believe Aura was going to start trying to figure out moving into our non-kennel home."
Aura raised one brow in surprise, but immediately relaxed. They'd been exceptionally lucky, they had to remember. "I found the deed to it, actually, in the kennel of pets I took over, and a...good amount of money." They admitted. They didn't want to explain they'd found credits in the thousands, especially knowing how little income they'd actually made after that. "I looked into permits for my own business eventually and it's relatively inexpensive; I'd imagine the houses are, too."
They just wanted to go up a caste, actually. If they became a merchant and had money, goods they could provide, then they'd never have to worry about their status in the world.
"I have a spare bedroom in my house. If you want somewhere comfortable to sleep sometime, you could drop by. I imagine the noise of the kennels can't be easy to sleep in."
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Post by Jewel on Jul 21, 2019 16:43:51 GMT -6
Jewel couldn't believe his luck. He had to pinch the webbing between his fingers to make sure he wasn't dreaming, and once it was verified that he was in the waking world, his face split into a delighted grin. What were the odds of stumbling across someone willing to accommodate a stranger? Perhaps it had something to do with the fortunate circumstances in which Aura had found the deeds and the money, but theorising wasn't important.
"Are you sure?" He had to be polite and double check, of course. "That would be a huge help. Until I get a place of my own sorted out? I could offer you some rent once I'm fully set up."
Eilonwi had done him a massive favour by being ignorant. The fae stroked his fingers along her spine, tickling at her fur; she didn't respond with any enthusiasm, but flickered her tail to let him know she could feel him.
The Felusine didn't know what to say to Liberty's question. She never knew what Jewel was planning or where they would be heading to next. Things had been confusing at best and frustrating at worst, watching the boy run in circles trying to keep himself afloat, and the thought of more of the same was stressful.
"Honestly, I don't know. I never quite know what's going on in his head. I don't know if it's a permanent affliction, either... I hope it isn't."
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Post by Aura on Jul 21, 2019 16:55:55 GMT -6
"No need, one newcomer to another." They reassured him. "I got lucky to end up with this place at all, basically for free. I'm not going to charge you for it." Yeah, it was unorthodox to offer that kind of thing to a complete stranger, but honestly? Everyone in this damn place, including themself, came strapped with dangerous and volatile creatures. If he caused any issues, they could just sic Dae on him. They didn't see a reason not to share the luck that they'd stumbled into. Jewel seemed nice enough, and besides- with a glance at Liberty, they realized that the little fuzzy creature had made a friend. It would make her a little happier having that friend around more often.
Maybe they could also teach Jewel how to control a felusine from running away.
Aura stood up, collecting Liberty into their arms before she could reply. With a little bit of a shove, the creature moved onto their shoulder. "If you're going to be moving in, I need to get a move on with making sure it's ready for habitation. Here's the address; give me the rest of the day to finish getting it set up, and you can bring your things by. I'll probably move my pachee in later, but they'll just be on the back porch and in the back yard, so they won't bother you." They wrote down where to find the house on a napkin, leaving it for him.
Sensing that they were about to leave, Liberty frowned. "I guess we're going. I'll see you around; if you ever need a break, just come find me sometime. I'm usually around the kennels with a giant silver and black PHIL."
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