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Post by Xentus on Jul 10, 2020 17:31:10 GMT -6
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Post by Xentus on Jul 10, 2020 17:48:27 GMT -6
Mining Trip #1 > Xentus, accompanied by...
  Mira and Gid
Was visiting a crack in the earth with a young, fidgety feline the best of ideas?
No.
Most definitely not.
The mosca was leashed and collared for its safety. Xentus was taking no chances with the winged cat. It could dash off in an instant if he loosed the leash for even a second. And that just wouldn't do. So, why the venture out here with such a liability? Bonding was the goal. Finding glamorous gems would be an added bonus. What better way to familiarize a young mosca with him than to force it to spend time with him as he did some miscellaneous activity! The leopard's blue eyes looked the juvenile mosca over. It was rather uninterested in him in return, pulling away from the tether that bound them.
This.. Would take some time. Thankfully, patience was something he had plenty of, even if he had already used a good portion of it slowly walking the creature the distance from the kennels to the outskirts of the city. The mining spot of choice for today was a rocky cave mouth littered with boulders and thatch. The area wasn't very trafficked as far as he could tell. Seclusion would be good in getting the mosca to get to know him. Too many moving bodies would be distracting. Gid was tagging along, but he was more of a playmate. Or so was the hope.
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Post by Xentus on Jul 10, 2020 18:04:31 GMT -6
Xentus perched himself atop a grey rock for the time being, mulling over what to do now that he'd arrived. Gid was fond enough of him that it followed along happily enough. The mosca on the other hand was untrained; uncertain of him, the gem dragon, and the strange location it was forced to be in. Even if the walk tired it out, it had to be quite stressed at the moment. Not only that, but the creature was fully grown until not too long ago. How does it feel to be reverted into something akin to a teenager? That potion he had the droid fetch was a curious marvel. If such a thing would work for himself, he'd probably fancy himself a sip. Oh what he would give to have a few more years of youth.
Now then, as far as he knew, this species needed to bond well enough to its caretaker before it grew too old or else it would essentially be an untamable wild animal. Adopting one wasn't a choice he would normally make, but word of a battling tournament was enough to sway him. This was a chance to test his rearing skills.. Even if it wasn't exactly the most savory method of doing so.
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Post by Xentus on Jul 10, 2020 18:14:51 GMT -6
Really, he was torn on the prospect of sending a creature under his care into a fight on purpose. The idea seemed abusive, cruel. There was only glory to fight for. The pain was only felt by the animals fighting for the twisted cause of their masters. But there was the promise of healing. Promise of enrichment. And promise of glory. The capabilities of the creatures that dominated this city were astounding. In the collection of creatures he called his own, there was a single one that could fly, speak to the mind, and perform arcane feats. There was one that was literally on fire, yet never singed its own flesh. The potential waiting there was astounding when he really though of it.
And so this was a test. A test of his skill to unleash the potential of his personal menagerie. It still wasn't an idea that he fully sold himself on yet, but perhaps if he tried, he could finally decide if it was an activity to pursue. His young sarane drake would eventually crave battle to establish itself worthy of the right to mate. And one day, he might need to call on the prowess of his beasts to protect both him and themselves. Battle wasn't always bad.. Right? The leopard's blue eyes glanced between the two creatures with him today.
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Post by Xentus on Jul 10, 2020 18:31:26 GMT -6
Not all of the creatures he kept were to become beasts to throw into the pit against other beasts. Most were simply pets, to cuddle and cherish for how cute they were. Others were in his collection for the sake of collecting. Perhaps it wasn't a good thing he 'collected' living beings, but it was one of those things he couldn't control about himself. What purpose was an aquarium if not to serve as eye candy made of living animals? He didn't feel guilty over it. Then, there were others that served as beasts of burden. Mounts and wagon drivers, for whatever purpose he might eventually have for them. To one day travel out of this land, perhaps. Even if they had fighting potential, it didn't mean they had to.
For now, this would be a test. A test to see if he could train an animal to fight. A test to see if he found enough cause in fighting. A test to see how cruel he could manage to be. A frown curled his lips downward at the latter part of that thought train. This would probably weigh on his mind for a while. Xentus sighed and tried to move his attention to something else.
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Post by Xentus on Jul 10, 2020 18:49:51 GMT -6
The mosca was laying in a patch of earth as far away as it could be from the mammalian man. The leash that tethered it was about six feet long, and every inch of it was taut. It panted in the summer heat, wings fluttering lightly to stir up a small breeze for itself. Xentus stared at the random arrangement of spots dotting its pelt, debating on how to get the thing to feel more at ease. He knew it would be a slow process, but food always seemed to motivate creatures, big and small. This thing hadn't really gotten the chance to come to know him as the 'food giver', and so that's where he'd begin.
With his backpack slung over one shoulder, he was easily able to find where he had stashed the treats - meaty capsule treats for the mosca and low quality snack-gems for Gid. He clicked his tongue to get the attention of both creatures. The young feline flicked an ear in his direction, but didn't look his way. Gid on the other hand, came happily trotting over for its snack.
"There you are, Gid. Xentus hopes you've not went and eaten anything valuable while he has been deep in thought", he murmured as he tossed the dragon a pebble.
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Post by Jack on Jul 10, 2020 19:01:37 GMT -6
  A couple of stones are already found! |
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Post by Xentus on Jul 11, 2020 10:13:05 GMT -6
The blue snack-pebble clinked off the gem dragon's nose and tumbled to the ground. The leopard did his best to not outright laugh, stifling the chuckle in his throat. That was probably what he should've expected to happen there. Gid didn't really seem to have keen reaction times. Or maybe he just wasn't hungry? These things didn't need to eat too much too often, he had learned. He turned his attention back to the uncomfortable mosca, clicking his tongue yet again to try to get it to glance at him at least.
A round spotted ear flicked toward him yet again, but it seemed the feline was much more intent on keeping watch over the mouth of the cave. It was looming, dark, and scary. Most certainly worth keeping a watch over instead of the leopard. Time for a distraction.
"Mira", the leopard called gently, clicking his tongue, "Mira, look here."
He popped the top of the capsule containing little spherical treats. A strong meaty smell wafted up out of the container. It was rather nondescript in scent, with hints of fish, beef, chicken, and pork notes.. Mystery meat! It was stinky enough to spread easily through the air and garner the attention of the mosca.
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Post by Xentus on Jul 11, 2020 10:42:25 GMT -6
Even while he called the name out, he wasn't sure why he'd settled on 'Mira' as the name for the cat. He liked it because it was short and sweet mainly, rolling off the tongue with ease. It was a recent trend in the creatures he'd added to his collection to have shorter names. Easier to come up with, he supposed.
The mosca lifted its nose to the air, taking in a few short sniffs before standing and turning to find the source of such a tantalizing scent. It circled once, twice, then settled its eyes on the treat capsule the leopard held. Its head bobbed, trying to ascertain exactly what the device was. It smelled awfully delicious..
"Mira", the leopard called again, clicking his tongue.
Wary yellow eyes peeked up briefly at his own, then back down to the treat container. Good enough for him! Xentus took a little meaty sphere out and offered it to the mosca from his hand. It flinched backward at the extended limb, much too cautious at this point to go for the food. That was fine. The leopard tossed the treat over instead, which was much more well received. Nearby, Gid seemed extremely intent on digging a small hole into the earth. He'd have to check that out before the thing ate a precious gem.
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Mira: Name - 2
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Post by Xentus on Jul 11, 2020 10:58:40 GMT -6
While he would've likes to focus his attention solely on getting the mosca better aquainted with him, he also wanted to prevent the gem dragon from costing him a pretty stone or two. He could probably manage juggling his attention between the two creatures.. He had a six foot lead to work with a scaredy cat on the other end. It would be enough.
Xentus left his pack atop the rock and stood up slowly, keeping an eye on the mosca. It was sniffing about the earth to find the small brown treat that was nearby somewhere. A good enough distraction, the leopard figured, and took the opportunity to make his way over to the small hole Gid was digging. The living gem creature paid him no mind and continued its work. It had already pulled an assortment small grey rocks from the ground which were scattered in the loose dirt pile behind it. Xentus could tell it was tracking something down over there.. But it would still take some time digging.
"Mira", the mammalian man called again, turning his attention back over to the small feline. It was chewing on the treat and sniffing around for any other bits it might've missed. Its nose led it back over to the leopard's hand.
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Mira: Name - 3
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Post by Xentus on Jul 11, 2020 11:06:24 GMT -6
After getting a taste of what the man had to offer, the mosca seemed a little more intent on having another bite. For once, the lead went slack as it padded cautiously towards the source of food. The sight was exactly what Xentus was hoping to see. There was little better motivator in the world than the promise of a tasty snack.
"That's it, Mira, very good", the mammalian cooed gently in his best effort to coax the feline closer. He took another treat from the container and held it out in his hand. The action was still not very well received by the mosca as it flinched backwards yet again, still much too wary.. But the reaction was short lived as it edged itself a little closer after a quick glance between the leopard's blue eyes and the round yellow meat sphere.
"Good Mira, good Mira"
The feline was still rather unwilling to take food from his hand it seemed. No matter. The treat was tossed over towards the cat, accompanied with praise. As to not stare the mosca down the entire time, Xentus took a moment to catch a glance over at Gid, who was now pecking at something in the small hold it had created.
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Mira: Name - 4
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Post by Xentus on Jul 11, 2020 11:33:19 GMT -6
With the mosca distracted by the little treat, Xentus took the chance to see what Gid had found. He scooted over to the hole, crouching down and taking a look inside. The gem dragon obscured the area with his body, wings flared to the sides to cover as much space as possible. Greedy little thing didn't want its prize taken. The leopard felt very little guilt in reaping the rewards of the gem creature's hard work, reaching into the hole using the small gap between Gid's horns.
"Alright then, Gid, what is it here that you've found, hm?"
The leopard's fingers traced over the dragon's smooth head and towards its mouth. Reaching in a little further, he felt a cool dirty stone. With hope, it would be something pretty. He used his claws to dig it out a bit further, then grabbed on to pull it out. In his grasp was a dirt covered deep blue stone. It was pretty indeed, but appraising it would have to wait for later. He turned his attention back to the mosca who undoubtly had finished sniffing out and eating its treat.
"Mira, Mira", the leopard hummed, happy at the find more than anything at the moment. And to his surprise, the mosca had stalked its way within arm's reach, large yellow eyes affixed on the treat capsule.
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Mira: Name - 5
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Post by Xentus on Jul 11, 2020 16:08:14 GMT -6
The young cat was still wary.. The humanoid feline before it was large and imposing. But the tasty little snacks he had lured its body against its will. The mosca bobbed its bead in an effort to get a better idea of where the next treat might be coming from. The sound of its name being called made its eyes flick up to the source of the sound - the leopard's mouth. Then it's eyes cautiously continued on to meet Xentus's soft stare. The young, pliable mind was able to easily put an image together. This was food giver.. As scary as he was. A choked mew escaped the mosca's throat, pleading for another bite to eat.
The sight and sound was almost enough to melt his heart, and a gentle smile curled his lips. Xentus uttered a word of praise and offered the young cat another meaty marble from his hand. This time, it didn't flinch. Its nose wrinkled as it took quick sniffs towards the leopard's extended palm. All the while, its eyes remained locked on the man's face. In a quick motion, its teeth nipped the treat and it backed away a step with its prize. Xentus could only chuckle at the shy nature of the creature.
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Mira: Name - 6
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Post by Nadia on Jul 11, 2020 16:13:33 GMT -6
 Look, another stone! |
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Post by Xentus on Jul 11, 2020 16:17:08 GMT -6
With the cat occupied, the mammalian turned his attention back onto Gid. Taking its stone didn't seem to deter it from continuing to burrow. At this point, half its body was hidden in the earth, with a fairly sized dirt mound growing behind it. Clawfuls of dirt shot into the air as excavation continued. Xentus took a look at the blue rock he confiscated moments earlier, wiping off the dirt. It was a deep blue color and mostly opaque. After his last visit to the mines, he had taken the time to do some research on the various minerals and their names. This one was... Turquoise maybe? No, that was was a little more cyan in color. Apatite..? Probably.. He wasn't really certain. His mulling thoughts were disturbed by the sound of rock clinking on rock. Gid had found another thing sooner than he expected!
Again, the gem dragon was not so willing to have its burrow forcefully searched. But the leopard pushed his hand through anyway, trusting the dragon would refrain from biting at his prying fingers. Soon, his claws felt a hard rock blocking the beast's progress. He leaned in, clawing at the earth until he got a good grip on whatever it was, and pulled it free.
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(collected)
(collected)
(collected)
(collected at 219)
