|
Post by Zenjesi on Jun 11, 2024 9:35:37 GMT -6
This Wiurn was impeccably trained. Elvye stopped the beast in his tracks completely nonverbally, using no more than a simple hand gesture. The satyr blinked, watching while the Wiurn stood calmly idle. The only time this occurred with Zenjesi's creatures was when they were compelled by their amulet's magics. Far more than the beast, Zenjesi was intimidated by the young woman. "There are many things I have not seen," they responded to the first question. It was almost an apology. But as Elvye continued, Zenjesi let out a huff of a laugh. "There is nothing to trample," they assured her, turning to look over the tangle again.
It was a testament to how overgrown their 'garden' was. To think that an entire fully grown Seeker could effectively disappear into it was concerning; it was going to require an overwhelming amount of work to create something intentional from this. But who knew what else could be lurking amongst the leaves? "It is new to me. It requires... much."
Zenjesi: 0.85 Lunacy: 2.4, 9.4
Spring: 17
|
|
|
Post by Elvye on Jun 11, 2024 10:12:55 GMT -6
✦ So far, pretending to know what she was doing seemed to be leading her into far more pitfalls than victories. It was bold, perhaps even rude of her to assume that citizens of the city would know each of the creatures the labs had created. She should have been more cautious, and more forgiving. Had the two beasts begun to fight, both of them, as well as their trainers, could have been put in danger. It was careless, and inconsiderate—she could not continue to let decisions be made on improper whims.
At least Zenjesi was in good spirits about the garden. It didn't come as a surprise to Elvye that the garden was a new undertaking. While she wouldn't have considered herself an experienced gardener, she knew bits and pieces about cultivation—things she had perhaps not appreciated of her parents' teachings, though it seemed some of it stuck. "It's a fertile plot, at least," she managed to joke back, releasing tension in a guarded breath. "Would you like to meet him?" she offered, beckoning her wiurn with the sight of her satchet. Perhaps the nervousness in her smile could go unnoticed.
Embernacht's eyes found their target, and he began to creep forward. It wasn't until this motion began that she considered she'd last told him to stay. "Come," she called to him, reinforcing the behavior he'd started on his own. That would at least feign some intention, but was she really convincing him that it was her choice to approach, not his? Somehow, she doubted it.
Elvye (6/20)
Embernacht Level 6 (1/5) | Loyalty 1 (1/5)
Spring 18
✦
|
|
|
Post by Zenjesi on Jun 11, 2024 10:44:29 GMT -6
Elvye's response was so casual and simple and kind and light-hearted. It was... normal. Zenjesi had had many social encounters that could be described as relatively standard since arriving at the City - certainly more than they ever had before. But this... This was what was referred to as... banter? Was that the term? The satyr did not know how to proceed. A sharp exhalation was all they could manage for a laugh, but they did so once more... then again, and then a third time. What else were they meant to do? Zenjesi was half of a second from following Lunacy into the garden to excuse themself when Elvye rescued them with another question.
"May I?" the satyr asked hopefully. Now, their attention was entirely fixed on Embernacht and any subtleties in Elvye's behavior went entirely unnoticed. They raised a hand of their own to the Wiurn as he began his approach (which he did, of course, at Elvye's command). But it seemed perhaps they were not the only one who wished to meet him. A rustle, then two unblinking yellow eyes emerged from the plants. Lunacy watched. "He is a friend," they whispered to her reassuringly.
Zenjesi: 0.9 Lunacy: 2.6, 9.6
Spring: 19
|
|
|
Post by Elvye on Jun 11, 2024 11:34:24 GMT -6
✦
Against her efforts, the strangeness in Zenjesi's laughter indicated some discomfort with their garden's state. Perhaps best not to address it again, even if Elvye's intention was genuine. A fertile garden held potential, certainly more than a rocky, desolate plot. Letting the focus shift to Embernacht was a welcome distraction.
"This is Embernacht," she formally introduced her companion, holding her palm flat and still with her offering. Embernacht approached slowly, though more of indifference than caution. He was in no hurry; the treat wasn't going anywhere. This was, however, the first instance on which the treat wasn't tossed. It remained, motionless, on her hand. His approach became an appraisal, and he began to move in a short radius around, not toward her. This did bring him marginally closer to Zenjesi as the shrubbery began to rustle once more.
No longer entranced by the fish, Embernacht swiveled to face the face of Zenjesi's creature. His wings rippled once, not quite flaring, as his eyes fixed on the beast. Elvye, too, turned with a more restrained start. Zenjesi had continued to whisper while it was away, and the last thing she wanted was to startle the creature.
Zenjesi's whispers continued, and to the best of her knowledge, settled the beast. "It's okay," Elvye encouraged her own companion. "Embernacht," she called for his attention, and when his eyes met hers, she tossed the fish. He snapped it from the air, settling back on his haunches, seemingly ignoring the obscured onlooker. Still, Elvye had a feeling his attention was more split than his posture implied.
Elvye (7/20)
Embernacht Level 6 (2/5) | Loyalty 1 (2/5)
Spring 20
✦
|
|
|
Post by Zenjesi on Jun 14, 2024 20:44:04 GMT -6
"Embernacht," Zenjesi repeated the name, this time aloud as they were formally introduced. It was a name worthy of its bearer to be certain. But what did the 'ember' prefix imply...? They did not have more than a moment to muse on this, as Lunacy's interruption diverted the Wiurn's attention. Still, it was immediately obvious that they need not concern themself. It was quite natural for a beast to react to a sudden movement, but he did so calmly and collectedly. Elyve clearly had full command of the situation.
As the Wiurn pivoted towards her, Lunacy hissed again, but did not back down nor make any aggressive move. Her mane of feathers had become one of leaves instead. Zenjesi liked to think that she understood that they had deemed the Wiurn no threat, but it was more likely he was too large for her to believe she could challenge him without injury.
And how magnificent it was to observe a creature like him at such close proximity. "He is a wonder. She is Lunacy," Zenjesi offered, gesturing vaguely at the bushy Seeker. In response, she let out a soft, muffled sounding bark of acknowledgment. Zenjesi smiled. Lunacy retreated into cover once more.
Zenjesi: 0.95 Lunacy: 2.8, 9.8
Spring: 21
|
|
|
Post by Elvye on Jun 15, 2024 10:29:17 GMT -6
✦ As Zenjesi spoke his name, Embernacht's nose turned toward them. It seemed no more than a passing glance before his attention returned to his keeper. She, after all, was the source of treats. But his tail quivered slightly. There was still an unknown: a creature he could not predict. While he remained relaxed in general posture, he eyed the creature carefully as it hissed and ruffled again. No, he didn't desire a fight, but that didn't mean he was unwilling to defend himself.
Elvye smiled at his gaze, and as she lost it to the creature, tried again to offer a fish from her hand. With his current behavior, she suspected it would be impossible to allow Zenjesi to try, save for tossing a snack. She even doubted he would take it from her own palm. And, indeed, it seemed her suspicions were correct. He watched the fish intently, but refused to move forward to take it. Should she try to approach?
Before the decision was made, Zenjesi spoke again. "Oh, that's a lovely name." Now seemed like the perfect time to bring up the question she'd had all along. "What species is she?" she asked, trying to catch a glimpse through the leaves into which she had, once again, entirely vanished.
Elvye (8/20)
Embernacht Level 6 (3/5) | Loyalty 1 (3/5)
Spring 22
✦
|
|
|
Post by Elvye on Jun 15, 2024 10:39:14 GMT -6
✦ An echoing birdsong from elsewhere in the garden caught her ear. As her gaze reached off to find its source, something hit her hand. Gasping, she pulled back and as her hand, which had absently closed around the dried fish, sprang open, Embernacht's maw darted in to catch it. For an instant, she felt the heat of his breath and the soft, leathery muzzle, but quite blessedly, no teeth. The fish was gone in an instant, and he pulled back again, quite satisfied with his snatch. She hadn't been looking—was that it? It felt, she perceived, like a toddler snatching a swipe of frosting from a cake while his mother's back was turned. Perhaps she'd underestimated his boldness, so often hidden with that distant, indifferent gaze.
She laughed lightly, wiping her hand against her side, though it was only wet from the rapid condensation of his breath. "Goodness. I suppose I haven't done much to help with the state of your garden, have I?" she turned to Zenjesi. "If it's alright, I could help. I don't know what all you intend to keep, but I imagine pulling weeds goes faster with two?"
Her eyes shifted back to her wiurn, momentarily. He was something of an enigma, wasn't he? But perhaps a little socialization, not only with her, but Zenjesi and Lunacy as well, would be precisely what he needed. Her lips turned to a gentle smile.
Elvye (9/20)
Embernacht Level 6 (4/5) | Loyalty 1 (4/5)
Spring 23
✦
|
|
|
Post by Zenjesi on Jun 15, 2024 15:27:41 GMT -6
She thought it was a lovely name. This fact found its way into the same category as the earlier banter - it unnerved Zenjesi. It made them feel quite Observed. Not to mention, to receive a positive reaction was altogether foreign. For all of their desire to forge friendships, the acts required to do so were still so unnatural. "She is a Seeker." The satyr glanced over to where branches rustled deeper in the plot. "She is no standard breed. She is the only one of her kind." Due to this fact, it made sense that Elvye may not recognize her species immediately.
As the young woman continued, Zenjesi's brow furrowed in confusion. Why would she assist with their garden? Had someone sent her here? Had they said or done something to imply they required it? But as she offered her aid, a sudden image leaped into their mind: themself, several years younger, and their mother alongside, humming something to herself while they worked together in their own garden. It felt as if their heart was being wrung like an old rag. "... faster with two..." they repeated vaguely, then nodded several times. "Yes. I will share the fruits. Please." And so, they set to work, renewed.
Meanwhile, Lunacy largely entertained herself. At times, she lurked near Zenjesi and assisted with digging up worms, and at others, she cautiously began to test Embernacht's boundaries, prancing into the shelter of the garden with her strange little barks whenever she pushed a little too far.
Zenjesi: 1.0 - logged! Lunacy: 3.0, 10.0
Spring: 24
|
|
|
Post by Elvye on Jun 15, 2024 17:02:36 GMT -6
✦ Something about discussing the details of Lunacy seemed to be making Zenjesi uncomfortable. Admittedly, the name "seeker" meant nothing to Elvye. Being she was an unusual case, and that Zenjesi had so little interest in the topic, she decided some research of her own would be best. Pressing for more would be pushing too hard.
They were an odd one, weren't they? With the ever-growing threat of a territorial spat, Elvye had spent so much of her energy focused on the creatures. She hadn't allotted much attention to the satyr. It had probably been the safest choice then, but now, as Lunacy and Embernacht settled, accepting one another's presence, she allowed herself to take in the odd habits, mannerisms, and slightly unsettling charm of her newfound companion. Perhaps not yet a friend, but there was a sort of something—she couldn't quite place what—that told her this stranger wasn't the one to fear. They had their quirks, but Elvye felt secure in their presence. There was a certain pleasantry in it: a couple of outsiders, in their own ways, tugging up spreading weeds to uncover the garden below.
Embernacht remained observant, though not entirely alert. Lunacy's approaches were often met with empty displays, flashes of teeth or wings, and the wiurn appeared rather pleased to see her scatter. But there were times she did indeed sneak up on him, in his distraction, and the more startled snaps were haphazard, though not nearly quick enough to have caught her even so.
Dirt caked on reddened fingers, hair toussled with a light sheen of sweat, Elvye dusted herself off and thanked Zenjesi for the afternoon. "Perhaps we'll meet again," she smiled, offering a hand for a parting shake. Embernacht loitered, directing one last breathy huff in Lunacy's direction, before sauntering after the promise of another dried fish.| Elvye and Embernacht depart |
Elvye (10/20)
Embernacht Level 7 (0/5) | Loyalty 2 (0/5)
Spring 25
✦
|
|
|
Post by Silver on Jun 27, 2024 17:48:28 GMT -6
|
|
|
Post by Zenjesi on Jul 22, 2024 17:59:05 GMT -6
Their previous journeys to the garden with the houluh had been unfortunately brief, even by their own standards; they expected any visit shorter than the amount of time it took him to play himself into complete exhaustion would be too brief for his liking. However, it was Zenjesi's hope that this outing would allow them a bit more time to bond. He was growing more gangly by the day. Soon, he would be fully grown, and they believed it best that they ensure proper training before that day came. Not to mention, they had continued to lurk around Curious Collections and their own curious collection of crystals was slowly growing. It had been some time since the stock had turned over. Surely it would be due again soon, and their stores were pitifully sparse. Thus far, the trader had requested gardened goods as payment, and so Zenjesi thought it wise to return. Zenjesi: 0.05 Spectral: 11.2, 22.4
Summer: 1
|
|
|
Post by Zenjesi on Jul 23, 2024 18:05:46 GMT -6
The plot was accessed without issue or incident. It was unfortunate that such a thing needed to be acknowledged, but after the incident with the koguma, it seemed prudent to be ever watchful and wary when bringing a smaller creature as their companion. As soon as they were reasonably certain no other beasts had taken up residence in their garden in their absence, they released Spectral from his leash. Promptly, he leaped ahead into the brush, tail wagging in delight. It would be a relief to them when he was no longer too small to defend himself from such threats.
Now, they paused by the edge of the garden as they donned their gloves. On their last visit here, they had met Elvye. Together, the two of them had made notable progress. This corner of the garden had been picked through. Weeds and grasses and other encroaching and undesirable plants had been removed.
Zenjesi: 0.1 Spectral: 11.4, 22.8
Summer: 2
|
|
|
Post by Zenjesi on Jul 23, 2024 22:44:38 GMT -6
Fruiting plants and other more valuable growth had been uncovered beneath it all. Now, Zenjesi hesitated only another moment or two before plunging in to resume work once more. A wheelbarrow was set to the side. It would be full in short order, they were certain. And as they began to work, their mind began to wander. It had been strange to complete the work with Elvye. While it was clear she did not have prior gardening experience (or, not to the degree that the satyr did), she was quite considerate and willing to follow Zenjesi's direction.
Together, they had been an efficient and effective force. Zenjesi had forgotten what a difference a second pair of hands made in the process. It seemed every trail of thought eventually led them back to home, but... in their defense, their sphere of experiences was quite limited. What else could an experience remind them of?
Zenjesi: 0.15 Spectral: 11.6, 23.2
Summer: 3
|
|
|
Post by Zenjesi on Jul 24, 2024 20:37:26 GMT -6
It was so much like it had been. The garden at home, their mother beside them. Their hands working in unison, single but similarly minded, connected through the roots and the earth... Though, sometimes she would sing to herself, or hum, or mumble things Zenjesi could not understand. Was it preferable when they could understand? Well, everything had gone quite smoothly with Elvye. Even Lunacy and Embernacht had tolerated one another's company.
And now, Zenjesi was quite painfully ware of how alone they were. Spectral was no longer in sight, sniffing his way through the trails the various visitors had torn through the plants. They could hear him, snuffing around. He was not far. But progress was slow. They wished they had more hands. It would be even more ideal if there was a friend attached to those hands. They wondered briefly if Vossa would like to garden, then dismissed the thought.
Zenjesi: 0.2 Spectral: 11.8, 23.6
Summer: 4
|
|
|
Post by Zenjesi on Jul 25, 2024 11:13:08 GMT -6
She had many things in common with Zenjesi. One of those traits was that she was not keen on being observed. Though it was rare, encountering another humanoid was a potential occurrence in the garden. Besides, her natural dwelling place was underground in the mines. To be amongst the plants and leafing things was Zenjesi's domain. They did not believe she would find it comforting or relaxing as they did. And besides all of that, they were not even sure that she actually enjoyed their company at all. Sentient creatures were complicated, and difficult to understand.
They shook their head. It was no matter. They had been alone for years, so they could manage being relatively alone now. And was a companion like Spectral not something they had longed for back then? Perhaps they were being ungrateful. The satyr bundled the handful of weeds they had uprooted into one hand and placed it into the wheelbarrow.
Zenjesi: 0.25 Spectral: 12.0, 24.0
Summer: 5
|
|