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Bite Me
Aug 14, 2020 15:40:18 GMT -6
Post by Nerius on Aug 14, 2020 15:40:18 GMT -6
[Helios - Hardy - 3]
The whelp's fear was understandable, in fact had been purposely prompted, but what Nerius really wanted was for the young drake to not be freaked out by big scary monsters. "It's okay little guy," he tried to soothe the whelp, shortening the length Helios had free as he walked closer to the whelp. "Quake isn't going to hurt you, he's friendly."
Even if Helios could have understood Nerius' words, he wouldn't have believed them. He tugged on the leash as Nerius approached, trying to use that movement to make a break for it, away from the massive 'gug. Having expected that course of action, Nerius was able to keep ahold of the leash, and prevent the whelp from getting even further away from the thundergug.
Quake didn't understand why the whelp wanted to be as far away as possible, the big 'gug had no idea that he often came across as intimidating to smaller critters. He didn't try to approach, at least, his lead was tied to a sturdy tree, but it was likely he could still pull it down if he had a mind to. He was easygoing enough not to try to catch the whelp, at least, which was more than could be said about Helios' leash behavior.
(Nerius: 2/10) (Helios: Lv: 15, 75/80 | Lyl: 15, 75/80) (Quake: Lv: 6, 30/35 | Lyl: 8, 30/35)
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Bite Me
Aug 14, 2020 18:02:28 GMT -6
Post by Nerius on Aug 14, 2020 18:02:28 GMT -6
[Helios - Hardy - 4]
The little drake was still trying to pull away, and to keep Nerius between himself and the 'gug. "Easy, he won't hurt you," Nerius spoke soothingly to the whelp, he didn't try to force Helios to get closer to Quake, but he didn't let the drake put any more distance between the two. That was the first step, he supposed, to get the whelp comfortable enough at least to not try to immediate bolt or hide.
Nerius continued to use that gentle tone with Helios, it seemed to help a little. Mostly, it was the drake getting at least a little used to the thundergug's presence, and after several minutes, he quit pulling against the leash, trying to get further away from Quake. He still didn't want to go any closer, but it was progress, and Nerius offered him a treat.
At first, he didn't go for it, too busy warily watching the thundergug, but after a moment he realized there was food, and took the treat from Nerius. "See? He's not so scary," Nerius pet the thundergug's nose, he was between Quake and the whelp, but was still close enough that the 'gug was within his reach, he hadn't let Helios get away that far.
(Nerius: 3/10) (Helios: Lv: 15, 76/80 | Lyl: 15, 76/80) (Quake: Lv: 6, 31/35 | Lyl: 8, 31/35)
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Bite Me
Aug 14, 2020 18:19:09 GMT -6
Post by Nerius on Aug 14, 2020 18:19:09 GMT -6
[Helios - Hardy - 5]
With his other hand, he kept a solid grip on Helios' leash, the whelp had quit pulling, but he suspected Helios would still try to make a break for it if directly given an opportunity. He was still far from comfortable with the 'gug, and after giving Quake a few pets, turned back to the drake. There wasn't much else to do but to keep trying to soothe him, and to let Helios get more used to being around big, intimidating creatures.
Slowly, he grew less twitchy, and less hyper focused on the thundergug's every move. Helios still wasn't about to go closer to the 'gug of his own desire, but looked to have relaxed enough that Nerius suspected he might be able to convince the whelp to get closer if treats were involved.
Nerius moved a little closer to Quake, and held out a bit of meat, the treat wasn't of any interest to the 'gug, who took a single curious sniff, before looking away. Helios on the other hand, was interested, though his eyes shifted between the thundergug and the food. "Come here, Helios, I have a nice snack," Nerius encouraged him, "Don't worry, Quake doesn't want it." Thundergugs were herbivores, after all.
(Nerius: 4/10) (Helios: Lv: 15, 77/80 | Lyl: 15, 77/80) (Quake: Lv: 6, 32/35 | Lyl: 8, 32/35)
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Bite Me
Aug 14, 2020 19:00:22 GMT -6
Post by Nerius on Aug 14, 2020 19:00:22 GMT -6
[Helios - Hardy - 6]
Helios though, was very much a carnivore, and he wanted that bit of food Nerius held. His gaze kept flickering between 'gug and food for a bit, before he slowly, hesitantly, took a step closer to Nerius and the treat. "You're doing good," Nerius told him, still keeping his tone calm, as to not potentially startle the whelp with a sudden loud noise. He gave Helios the treat as well, and the whelp grabbed it in his jaws, before pulling his head back away from the 'gug.
Progress! And even though he still wasn't comfortable with the thundergug, Nerius still had plenty more treats to entice him. He let the young drake finish, before taking out another treat. "Come, just a little closer," he encouraged, Helios still wasn't thrilled, but after a moment, took a careful step closer. Nerius gave him the treat, "Good job."
"See? Quake's not so bad," The 'gug was more focused on Nerius than Helios now, he'd recognized his name being said, even if no command or new training followed it. Still, Nerius gave him a treat as well, a piece of carrot, instead of meat. It was hard to overfeed a thundergug, and it wasn't very fair for Helios to be getting snacks in front of him.
(Nerius: 5/10) (Helios: Lv: 15, 78/80 | Lyl: 15, 78/80) (Quake: Lv: 6, 33/35 | Lyl: 8, 33/35)
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Bite Me
Aug 14, 2020 19:47:37 GMT -6
Post by Nerius on Aug 14, 2020 19:47:37 GMT -6
[Helios - Hardy - 7]
Helios kept his eye on the thundergug as he ate the meat treat, he was still wary, but not interested in the vegetable. Nerius was suddenly glad he'd chosen creatures with differing diets for this, it hadn't been on purpose, but it worked out. Once he saw that Helios was finished, Nerius took out another meat treat, and coaxed the young drake closer. He wasn't far from the thundergug, and didn't like being that close, but the soothing words, and more importantly, food, encouraged him to take another step closer.
He snatched up the treat, and as he did so, Nerius moved to keep him from backing away. The 'gug was close enough to touch now, if he wanted. Helios certainly did not, and Quake was more interested in seeing of Nerius had any more food. He did, and gave the thundergug another bit of carrot, while keeping an eye on Helios.
The whelp twitched at the movement, but didn't try to bolt. He still didn't like being this close, but he wasn't as skittish as he had been before, and Nerius slowly let him adjust. He gave the 'gug a bit of attention now, keeping Helios close just so the whelp could get used to the close proximity.
(Nerius: 6/10) (Helios: Lv: 15, 79/80 | Lyl: 15, 79/80) (Quake: Lv: 6, 34/35 | Lyl: 8, 34/35)
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Bite Me
Aug 14, 2020 20:06:24 GMT -6
Post by Nerius on Aug 14, 2020 20:06:24 GMT -6
[Helios - Hardy - 8]
Nerius didn't do anything exciting with the whelp for a while, just continued to give Quakes pets and the occasional treat, all the while letting Helios slowly acclimate to the 'gug's presence and movements. It took a bit of time, but slowly, Helios quit being as intently focused on the thundergug, and after a while, even seemed to be a little bored.
At least, until the 'gug swung his head down to sniff curiously at the whelp. Helios squeaked in surprise, and took a sudden step back, he'd gotten used to Quake's presence, but this sudden interest was something else! "It's okay, he's not going to hurt you," Nerius tried to soothe the whelp, "He's just curious." He was keeping an eye on the whelp, to make sure he didn't try to get away, but he hadn't tried to flee yet, which was a good sign.
There was a stare off between the two creatures for a bit, one wary, one interested, but slowly, Helios' curiosity started to outweigh his fear. He slowly stretched out his neck, getting just a little bit closer for a curious sniff. Quake flicked an ear, and that was enough to make Helios jerk his head back, though he otherwise stayed put.
(Nerius: 7/10) (Helios: Lv: 16, 80/85 | Lyl: 16, 80/85) (Quake: Lv: 7, 35/40 | Lyl: 9, 35/40)
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Bite Me
Aug 14, 2020 21:51:28 GMT -6
Post by Nerius on Aug 14, 2020 21:51:28 GMT -6
[Helios - Hardy - 9]
Helios continued to watch the thundergug warily, keeping very still, but after several moments of nothing else happening, he stretched his neck out for a closer look again. Quake stared back, but didn't otherwise react to the relatively tiny drake. They stayed this way for quite a while, but eventually Helios broke the stare off by slowly reaching out and bopping the thundergug's nose with his forelimb.
It wasn't aggressive, and reminded Nerius of a kitten booping something with its paw, and especially with his sturdy hide, it didn't harm Quake in the slightest. He did give a soft snort in surprise, but didn't react with any kind of hostility, his even temperament was one of the reasons Nerius had chosen him for this task, and not one of his other 'scary' creatures.
The sudden sound did cause Helios to draw back, but was more surprised than frightened, and after a few seconds, reached back out to the thundergug again. "See? He's harmless," Nerius encouraged the whelp, though he hardly needed it at this point. A little more encouragement couldn't hurt though, and he gave the whelp a treat as well, and Helios turned his attention away from the thundergug to eat his snack.
(Nerius: 8/10) (Helios: Lv: 16, 81/85 | Lyl: 16, 81/85) (Quake: Lv: 7, 36/40 | Lyl: 9, 36/40)
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Bite Me
Aug 14, 2020 22:02:07 GMT -6
Post by Nerius on Aug 14, 2020 22:02:07 GMT -6
[Helios - Hardy - 10]
That was a good sign, if he was unconcerned about the 'gug enough for the snack to fully take his attention. It didn't take him long to eat, it never did, and once finished focused on the thundergug again. Not so much out of wariness now, but interest, and after a few seconds, he streched up on his hind legs, putting both front limbs on the 'gug's face to keep his balance.
Quake was a good sport about this, and that only encouraged the whelp, who, after a few moments of this, attempted to scramble up the 'gug's horns and head crest. Nerius gave poor Quake a carrot as a reward for putting up with this, but otherwise let the whelp 'explore'. Helios clambered all over the 'gug, his small claws not enough to cause Quake any harm on the rest of his body either, and Nerius let him stay up there until he was fairly sure the whelp was no longer scared by the thundergug's presence in the slightest.
He did finally peel the drake off though, Helios hadn't been taught how to hitch a ride, and Nerius wasn't confident the whelp would be able to stay on while the thundergug walked. And they were heading back to the kennel now, as this was all the training Nerius had planned for the day.
-- Quake exits, day change for Nerius and Helios --
(Nerius: 9/10) (Helios: Lv: 16, 82/85 | Lyl: 16, 82/85) (Quake: Lv: 7, 37/40 | Lyl: 9, 37/40)
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Bite Me
Aug 15, 2020 15:38:09 GMT -6
Post by Nerius on Aug 15, 2020 15:38:09 GMT -6
It was a couple of weeks since Nerius had last brought Helios to the park, and he'd grown considerably in that time. He was the size of a large dog now, still manageable, but no longer the tiny hatchling he had been. Nerius had created a list of things he wanted to train the whelp before he was fully grown, and he'd completed it.
But there was the issue of Helios' pounce instinct. Nerius had hoped the whelp would grow out of it as he got older, but he hadn't. If anything, it'd gotten worse. The young drake would try to pounce on anything small enough, which was including more and more critters everyday, and it was getting to the point that Nerius didn't trust him out around any other pets. He'd gone the long way around other trainers more than once on the way here, but finally he reached his goal, an area of the park that was fenced off.
(Nerius: 10/10 +Added!) (Helios: Lv: 16, 83/85 | Lyl: 16, 83/85)
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Bite Me
Aug 15, 2020 15:47:54 GMT -6
Post by Nerius on Aug 15, 2020 15:47:54 GMT -6
[Helios - No Bites ("Leave It") - 1]
The fence wasn't anything impressive, and likely wouldn't keep in drake in place if he really wanted out, but the containment wasn't for Helios. In addition to the drake, and the usual training supplies, Nerius had brought a large crate, lined with small holes at the top, and squeaks could be heard from within. Helios had glanced at it every so often, but the noise hadn't been as enticing as all the sights and movements along the walk.
That was about to change, Nerius led Helios into the fenced area, a pen really, and set down the crate, removing the lid to reveal several dozen live grubbles. They were a little small for the drake now, Helios could eat one in a single bite, but they were sold as critter food, and hadn't wanted to use actual pets for this. Nerius scooped out a few grubbles, and set them on the ground in view of the drake.
(Nerius: 1/10) (Helios: Lv: 16, 84/85 | Lyl: 16, 84/85)
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Bite Me
Aug 15, 2020 16:09:08 GMT -6
Post by Nerius on Aug 15, 2020 16:09:08 GMT -6
[Helios - No Bites ("Leave It") - 2]
Helios, as expected, immediately tunnel visioned in on the grubbles, giving only a second of warning before eagerly baring his teeth, and lunging after one. "Helios no! Leave it!" Nerius scolded the drake, he had seen this coming, but still hadn't been fast enough to save the grubble. Unfortunate, but it only made him more convinced that this training was needed.
The drake understood the first half of the words, Nerius was glad he'd taught the whelp 'no' prior to this, but the second half was meaningless to him. He paused, lifting a bloody claw off the unfortunate grubble, and stared at Nerius for a moment. "No," he repeated, pointing at the grubble. Helios tilted his head for a moment, before looking down at the deceased grubble, eyeing it as a snack. "No Helios," again he used the older command, it wasn't helping with training here, but he needed Helios to loose interest in this grubble before they could get back to what he wanted to train.
(Nerius: 2/10) (Helios: Lv: 17, 85/90 | Lyl: 17, 85/90)
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Bite Me
Aug 15, 2020 16:40:08 GMT -6
Post by Nerius on Aug 15, 2020 16:40:08 GMT -6
[Helios - No Bites ("Leave It") - 3]
Nerius wasn't entirely sure how he'd get Helios to leave the dead grubble if he didn't want to, but the sarane's pounce instinct served to be stronger, and as another frightened grubble scampered past, his eyes snapped to the moving one. Nerius risked it by letting him take a step after the live grubble, and took the opportunity to toss the dead one over the fence.
It left him with only a second to spare, and he could see the drake muscles bunching, ready to pounce. "Helios," he called sharply, "No! Leave it!" The drake froze, in an awkward half pounce, giving the grubble enough time to scurry away. "Good," Nerius told him, in a much friendlier voice, and gave him a treat. Helios seemed confused, but he ignored the grubbles for a moment as he caught the treat Nerius tossed him. He was getting too big for it to be safe for him to eat right out of Nerius' hand.
(Nerius: 3/10) (Helios: Lv: 17, 86/90 | Lyl: 17, 86/90)
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Bite Me
Aug 15, 2020 18:26:25 GMT -6
Post by Nerius on Aug 15, 2020 18:26:25 GMT -6
[Helios - No Bites ("Leave It") - 4]
The treat was gone in a flash, Nerius was giving him slightly larger pieces now, but they were still quite small compared to the drake's jaws. Helios shifted out of his awkward position, but even the potential for more food couldn't hold his attention against the little critters scurrying around. The fence kept the grubbles contained, forcing one to make the mistake of a getting a little to close to the drake.
The gold sarane's gaze snapped to the rodent, and Nerius could see him getting ready to pounce. "No," he told the drake, "Leave it." Helios stopped, turning his head to look at Nerius for only a moment, before turning back to the grubble. "Leave it!" Nerius repeated, sharper in tone than before. Helios turned back to look at him, giving the grubble the few seconds it needed to get out of his reach. "Good," Nerius told him, and tossed a treat, once he was sure the drake wouldn't try anything.
(Nerius: 4/10) (Helios: Lv: 17, 87/90 | Lyl: 17, 87/90)
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Bite Me
Aug 15, 2020 18:36:31 GMT -6
Post by Nerius on Aug 15, 2020 18:36:31 GMT -6
[Helios - No Bites ("Leave It") - 5]
The grubbles he'd released before had all gotten out of Helios' direct reach, but there were still many more in the crate. Nerius let out another handful, and as expected Helios was interested, rustling his wings in excitement. The grubbles scattered, and one made this mistake of running in the direction of the drake. Helios' eyes tracked this one, and Nerius tried to cut him off by telling him "Leave it!"
The drake didn't listen, he hadn't been told 'no', maybe he could get away with it, and got ready to pounce. "Helios, no," Nerius' voice was sharp, "Leave. It." The young drake paused, looking at him in almost a sheepish manner. The two stared at each other for a few seconds, before Helios glanced back at the grubble. "Leave it," Nerius repeated, and the whelp turned back to look at him, giving the grubble enough time to get away from the drake.
(Nerius: 5/10) (Helios: Lv: 17, 88/90 | Lyl: 17, 88/90)
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Bite Me
Aug 15, 2020 19:02:20 GMT -6
Post by Nerius on Aug 15, 2020 19:02:20 GMT -6
[Helios - No Bites ("Leave It") - 6]
He waited a few more seconds, until he was sure the drake wouldn't go for that grubble again, before telling him, much more gently, "Good job," and tossed him a treat. Helios paid attention to him for a while, but the rest of the grubbles were still scurrying around the pen, and it wasn't long before another one wandered into his line of sight.
Nerius knew exactly when he spotted one, the drake got a certain look in his eyes whenever he was eager and ready to attack something. "Helios, leave it," he warned, knowing exactly what the drake was up to. The whelp's gaze flickered to him for just a second, before returning to the grubble. "Leave it!" Nerius repeated, more harshly, and the sarane grudgingly turned away from the grubble. "Good," Nerius told him, tone much nicer, and tossed him a bit of meat, which was eaten in a flash.
(Nerius: 6/10) (Helios: Lv: 17, 89/90 | Lyl: 17, 89/90)
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