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Post by Zenjesi on May 15, 2024 20:12:01 GMT -6
The City closed behind Zenjesi. In their paranoid opinion, it seemed a little too eager to do so. They took a moment to spare it a backward glance, though none of the structures or the people were visible from their low vantage point on the ground outside the gate. Could the City decide not to permit them re-entry? That was a paranoid and useless thought. If that was to happen, it would be the same today and tomorrow and the next day. If that was to happen, there was all the more reason for them to complete the task they were given. Then, perhaps, they would have a scrap of leverage, or at least a temporary ally.
Their eyes turned over to their present companion. He was a new creature, both to them and with regards to existence at all. A cross between a Mosca and a Vespa, both flighty and difficult species.
Zenjesi: 0.05 Ruevel: 0.2, 2.2
1
(Zenjesi's first attempt, has Cartography)
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Post by Zenjesi on May 15, 2024 20:12:36 GMT -6
To their knowledge, no such crossing of these species’ genetics had occurred before, and they had not owned him long enough to have made many observations about his demeanor or abilities. The lab from which they had received him had indicated, however, that he would likely require a fair amount of exercise and mental stimulation, so it seemed logical to Zenjesi to provide that via their current expedition. And what a curious situation it was. The brief encounter at the quest board had occurred more to Zenjesi, rather than with them and had left them with many questions, virtually none of which the mammalian there had answered. Whether it was a matter of him not hearing their whispering voice over the chatter of the townsfolk or him being unwilling to answer them, they could not say. The conversation (and calling it such was bold) was over in a matter of moments. They had been left holding a scroll with his odd request turning over and over in their mind. Zenjesi: 0.1 Ruevel: 0.4, 2.4
2
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Post by Zenjesi on May 15, 2024 20:13:08 GMT -6
Zenjesi would not say that the concept of journeying into the wilds by itself concerned them deeply; they had come from a remote and wild place once. They were not an expert survivalist, but they were at least somewhat confident in their abilities, and they were bringing a companion as reinforcement. More than that aspect, it was the destination that had them puzzled. A feral Chiryma… and he wanted one of her eggs?
From the sounds of it, Zenjesi would not be the only one with an interest in this nest. This brief mention of the egg being eaten also had their mind working. How did the mammalian know of this site? Why was it, in particular, special? What did he plan to do with the egg they retrieved? What predator would be lying in wait nearby? And why would he not make the journey himself? But it seemed Zenjesi would need to seek out those answers themselves.
Zenjesi: 0.15 Ruevel: 0.6, 2.6
3
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Post by Zenjesi on May 15, 2024 20:13:30 GMT -6
They had studied this map several times before deciding to embark on this quest, but they pulled it from their bag once again. The waypoints and landmarks seemed to be plainly marked. The scale indicators suggested that, to the best of their reasoning, this would be a two day journey each way. The map itself was illustrated with a level of detail that suggested reliability. But of course, they did not know this mammalian, and they did not know from where he had acquired this map. No matter how sure they were of their own ability to translate it, they could not be certain of its accuracy.
The satyr sighed, looking to Ruevel. The crossbreed was harnessed and leashed to their person. He was standing in an awkward hunched posture, not entirely unlike Zenjesi. His antennae were twitching wildly, and his short whiskers quivering. It was not difficult to deduce that he was both anxious and restless.
Zenjesi: 0.2 Ruevel: 0.8, 2.8
4
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Post by Zenjesi on May 15, 2024 20:13:57 GMT -6
Best they not linger any longer. And, perhaps, best to begin their study of Ruevel as well. The trek began. Quite quickly and easily, to their pleasant surprise, he fell into a loping step with them. It seemed he was most comfortable remaining to the side of them, and lagging a little behind. They reached out a comforting hand in his direction. His head had been turned their way when they began the gesture, but by the time they actually reached his shoulder (a mere second later), his attention had pivoted away. As their fingers brushed him, he leaped in the air in surprise, wings flaring out. A clicking, hiss-like noise accompanied this. Zenjesi drew back immediately. “I am sorry. I am a friend,” they whispered as reassurance.
He was not convinced. His antennae yet lay flat against his back, though at least his mouth closed after a moment. Zenjesi let out a breath, watching as his hook-like claws easily and intentionally disrupted the earth beneath them.
Zenjesi: 0.25 Ruevel: 1.0, 3.0
5
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Post by Zenjesi on May 15, 2024 20:14:22 GMT -6
With a creature of this size and ability, it seemed prudent not to attempt to expedite the bonding process. They ducked their head respectfully, and continued the walk. Presently, the tall and thick trees completely obscured their view of the City. It was strange, Zenjesi mused, how quickly they had forgotten what life outside was like. The only background noise was that of insects and birds, and wind rustling in leaves overhead. Their hooves and Ruevel’s claws crunched on the footpath.
There was no more chatter of conversation, no more wayward glances from strangers. It was calm, and it was peaceful. They had experienced breaths of this as they had ventured out on The Watch time and again, but on those instances, their attention was preoccupied by other matters. Now, though those thoughts always lingered, they could provide the wildlife with more focus. In fact, that was required of this particular journey.
Zenjesi: 0.3 Ruevel: 1.2, 3.2
6
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Post by Zenjesi on May 15, 2024 20:28:32 GMT -6
Their mind was prone to wandering, and in a situation like this, becoming lost in thought could easily result in becoming lost in the wilderness as well. The paths they had traveled to arrive at the City in the first place had been better established and even somewhat populated at times, but the route this map suggested would very soon diverge from the paved roads and even the hiking trails.
But they could not proceed for long without a distraction. What had begun as an easy walk with the Windshriek by their side was quickly devolving. He would pause almost every minute to sniff or stare at an unidentified object, or would reject even a gentle tug at the leash and bolt in a momentary panic that would nearly pull Zenjesi's arm from the socket, or would dart in front of the satyr at a speed which they could not possibly predict.
Zenjesi: 0.35 Ruevel: 1.4, 3.4
7
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Post by Zenjesi on May 18, 2024 13:56:44 GMT -6
At this rate, it was going to become more than a two day journey, and Zenjesi was not even sure either of them would arrive at their destination entirely unharmed. They had hoped the walk and the novelty of the surroundings would be enriching, but if anything, Ruevel's internal spring seemed to be winding tighter and tighter with each passing mile. Upon reflection, perhaps this could be perceived a bit like a kidnapping, as some unknown entity was dragging him by leash deep into the wilderness.
Fortunately, the sun was by this point near enough the zenith to justify a break. Zenjesi heaved a sigh, easing their pack onto the ground. The rustling noise it made Ruevel whirl around again, and his wings poised for take-off. The satyr sighed a second time, resigning themselves to the fact that this may be one of their last moments with their hooves planted on the ground.
Zenjesi: 0.4 Ruevel: 1.6, 3.6
8
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Post by Zenjesi on May 18, 2024 18:14:57 GMT -6
There was nothing they could say or do, as their presence was not a reassurance for the Windshriek yet. But they were fortunate; he did not deem their bag enough of a threat. Still, they would both need sustenance, and thankfully it seemed the scent of food was enough to entice Ruevel and distract him from his anxiety. He devoured his meal as quickly as he did anything else, and they were back on the hike promptly.
Around mid-afternoon, the map indicated they would need to leave the relative ease and safety of the trail. Zenjesi hesitated, pulling the map closer to their face and narrowing their eyes. This marked path was viable, if the map was to be trusted, but... was there not another route? The satyr's eyes traced a bit further up the path, where a turn could be made that would at least a few hours of hiking.
Zenjesi: 0.45 Ruevel: 1.8, 3.8
9
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Post by Zenjesi on May 18, 2024 18:38:29 GMT -6
No indicators were present that would suggest that was not also a valid option. There were no obvious obstacles or notable elevation changes. Part of the revised route would even cover more of the well-traveled road. Yet the mammalian man had specifically noted that they ought not to stray. Was that warning simply given in case the map had been handed to a less experienced traveler? No, instinct told Zenjesi otherwise. They were no longer at home.
At home, they could predict a certain beast may lurk in certain conditions, or expect a river to rise at certain times of the year. But here, in the presence of the Labs, they were caught unaware more often than not. Deviating would not be wise. Zenjesi folded the map and placed it back into their bag with finality. Ruevel's head snapped around to them at the sudden movement. They offered him a hand, and to their delight, he took the opportunity to sniff at them.
Zenjesi: 0.5 Ruevel: 2.0, 4.0
10
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Post by Zenjesi on May 18, 2024 20:10:37 GMT -6
It was a small gesture, but it was the calmest they had witnessed him, barring the moments he was resting. One such moment that very morning, when he had still been groggy and a bit more docile, had been the only time they had the opportunity to ease him into the harness. They smiled. "This is good," they whispered. Over time, he would need to become accustomed to their odd manner of speaking as well.
For now, they would walk. Within moments of leaving the road, Ruevel relaxed. They looked on with incredulity as his antennae perked, this time not with anxiety, but curiosity. His wings fluttered, not with fear, but evidently excitement, as some kind of small bird took flight overhead. He no longer tailed Zenjesi, but had trotted ahead, tail swishing while they navigated the trees. Was it really that simple? Well, the satyr could somewhat relate to the sentiment.
Zenjesi: 0.55 Ruevel: 2.2, 4.2
11
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Post by Zenjesi on May 18, 2024 21:03:40 GMT -6
Dusk arrived, and as the shadows lengthened, it seemed Ruevel became even a bit calmer yet. That was not to say he was moving any more slowly. They had believed Vivial to be the best example of a creature in constant motion, but they had been wrong. Before darkness swallowed them, they settled down to create a small but functional camp for the night.
As they lay down near the Windshriek, they watched as his ever-moving eyes drooped, then quite suddenly closed. His breathing regulated. In the wild lands, it was a comfort to have such a reactive and attentive creature at hand.
Zenjesi awoke with a start to the sound of footsteps near their head. They leaped to attention, equally startling Ruevel, who had evidently been restlessly pacing. However, this time he did not hiss at them in his panic. Instead, he let out a surprisingly high-pitched little "mew!"
Zenjesi: 0.6 Ruevel: 2.4, 4.4
12
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Post by Zenjesi on May 19, 2024 23:18:20 GMT -6
"Good morning," they whispered up to him. He shook himself from the fright, then seemed to forgive. The satyr set about preparing breakfast for the two of them; there would be no time to waste if they wanted to arrive at the hill before night fell once more. Before long, their belongings had been re-packed, and they were on their way. Resting beside Zenjesi had warmed his perception of them slightly, and they observed he was marginally less skittish around their movements and noises than he had been the day prior. This was a good omen.
While they hiked, the trees began to thin, and the grade of the earth became less regular. Here and there they needed to clamber up a ditch or a small rock face; Ruevel, of course, did so effortlessly with quick flutterings of his wings. By the time they stopped for their noon meal, they had reached the prairie.
Zenjesi: 0.65 Ruevel: 2.6, 4.6
13
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Post by Zenjesi on May 20, 2024 9:51:15 GMT -6
Hills and valleys limited visibility, but tall, brown and green grasses waved and rippled in a breeze that never seemed to cease. As they arrived, Zenjesi immediately noticed a change in Ruevel's behavior once more, and felt a touch of concern. Walking in the forest had calmed the Windshriek, but he was suddenly invigorated by this new location. For a moment, they believed it to be anxiety again, but no, this was different. The way his whiskers and antennae quivered in the wind... he was excited.
With some effort, they managed to persuade him to eat his meal, though they had to keep calling his attention back to it; every rustle of grass or creature flying overhead was enough to distract him. At last, they were prepared to proceed. Zenjesi expected the pace may be quicker now, which was good, as they would be recouping time lost early in the journey.
Zenjesi: 0.7 Ruevel: 2.8, 4.8
14
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Post by Zenjesi on May 20, 2024 10:27:15 GMT -6
As they hiked, the leash was gripped a bit tighter, as Ruevel darted to and fro, at times completely circling Zenjesi. Was this truly a faster pace, in the end? But the satyr kept their other eye on the hilltops, watching for signs of the Chiryma of which the man had spoken. Nothing, only waving grasses, and then... there! They confirmed quickly with the map. This was the correct location.
Zenjesi set down their pack, limiting themselves to the tools they suspected they would need most, including protective gloves, and the pungent, fresh fruits they had purchased before leaving. Their research had told them that Chiryma were omnivorous, fast, and possessed a sharp and cutting beak. They could prepare for some of those aspects, and Ruevel would be here as well, in case things proceeded... poorly. Now, they would just need to attempt to lure the avian away from her nest.
Zenjesi: 0.75 Ruevel: 3.0, 5.0
15
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