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Post by Runa Deadear on Aug 31, 2024 17:51:09 GMT -6
Runa had not anticipated bringing Belladonna with her to the park that morning. To her surprise, the little thing had flown behind her as she left the kennel with the Felusine that she had dubbed Luna. Of course, perhaps it shouldn't be that surprising since she had found Belladonna in Luna's pen when she went to leash the Felusine. To her surprise, the Felusine did not tug on the leash (although neither did she walk well on it, rather, she seemed to be actively protesting the use of the leash by moving as slowly as possible). It was while she was waiting for Luna to get to her feet that Belladonna landed on her head, digging her claws into her head and making Runa wince.
Belladonna still did not seem overly interested in Runa although she did attempt to befriend the creature and made a point of interacting with her daily. She wasn't opposed to Belladonna tagging along, she supposed, it would give her more opportunity to see if she couldn't teach Belladonna sign language (surely it wouldn't be too difficult, the creature was obviously intelligent). To her surprise, Luna seemed less reluctant to head to the training area now that Belladonna was with them.
She had finally gotten the opportunity to go learn about Belladonna and what she had learned had left her rather heartbroken. As she suspected, the small creature was sentient - likely even capable of speech although she seemed uninterested in speaking to Runa (not that she would know what she was saying anyway) but so angry about her conception that she refused to speak. It was, Runa thought, unbelievably sad.
Runa: 7.4 Luna: 0.2 // 3.2 Belladonna: 12.2 // 1.2 Luna Loyalty to Belladonna: 0.2
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Post by Runa Deadear on Aug 31, 2024 19:21:32 GMT -6
Runa sat under the tree, careful not to let go of the leash that held the Felusine. The creature eyed her with curious and intelligent eyes and darted over toward her and then away, seemingly changing her mind midway. The Felusine looked like nothing she had ever seen before - similar to a snow, she thought, but not similar enough for her to confidently assume the creature was one. Belladonna had flitted down from her perch on Runa's head and was now standing, her eyes on the Felusine as well. The fae creature was much smaller than the Felusine who ran up to Belladonna and licked her.
Belladonna did not enjoy that, Runa noted as she watched the creature's body language demonstrate discontent. She turned to look at Runa and annoyance crossed her face as she noted that Runa was smiling. Runa quickly tamped down the smile, hoping that Belladonna would not take too much offense.
Luna likes you she signed and the creature narrowed her eyes again, seeming to have perhaps understood some of what Runa had said. She was cautiously optimistic that one day she would be able to communicate easily with Belladonna although, honestly, she could usually get the gist of what the little thing wanted or felt based on body language alone. Not dissimilar from how she had been able to interpret the needs of the young humanoid children she had encountered when she was still a slave.
Luna had darted closer to Runa again, perhaps drawn by the scent of the food that Runa had brought? She had been unsure if there was anything she could bring for Belladonna but she had brought food for Luna and she gave her a treat when Luna got close enough for her to touch. She didn't dare risk a pat yet - no need to get bitten for nothing.
Runa: 7.5 Luna: 0.4 // 3.4 Belladonna: 12.4 // 1.4 Luna Loyalty to Belladonna: 0.4
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Post by Runa Deadear on Sept 1, 2024 4:59:31 GMT -6
Runa wondered, not for the first time, if Belladonna and Luna had known each other in the past. The Felusine had darted up to Belladonna and accepted scratches under the chin from the little Harabat. She had not found them together but the way they interacted suggested that it was possible. Or perhaps Belladonna simply had a fondness for other creatures that she did not have for humanoids.
Runa couldn't blame her there.
The Felusine was snuffling around at the end of the leash, clearly searching for something. Runa would like to teach her how to track things, perhaps even to hunt? It may be a useful skill one day - perhaps for a contest of some type? She wasn't certain if there was ever that kind of contest at the contest hall although she was keeping an eye out for contest announcements. She had not made the deadline for the riding contest last month but she would hopefully be able to participate in the future.
She would certainly have enough mounts for it, she thought with a smile. And if she taught Gallant fancy flying, well, he might just take home the first prize. Wouldn't that be something.
While she was lost in her thoughts, Luna had edged closer, sniffing at her hands with interest. She did not doubt that they smelled like the food she had brought with her. Belladonna had approached as well and Runa noted that it was about midday, time for their lunches. She served up the food she had brought for Luna and turned to Belladonna once the Felusine had begun to eat, extending her wrist in her direction. Belladonna canted her head, eyeing Runa speculatively and then, faster than Runa had thought possible, she buried her sharp little fangs into Runa's wrist causing Runa to wince.
Runa: 7.6 Luna: 0.6 // 3.6 Belladonna: 12.6 // 1.6 Luna Loyalty to Belladonna: 0.6
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Post by Runa Deadear on Sept 1, 2024 5:42:41 GMT -6
After a few moments, the little creature released her, sitting up and licking her lips with obvious contentment. She eyed Runa speculatively again. Runa had noted, when she had read about the Harabat, that they held some resentment toward their creation and indeed toward the person who had commissioned the creation. She had briefly wondered if that resentment extended to all humanoids.
Done? she signed to Belladonna who tentatively nodded and opened her mouth before a puzzled look crossed her face and she closed it again. Runa suspected that if she were able to hear, she and Belladonna would be able to speak to each other in common. Unfortunately, Runa's inability to do so meant that they could not. However, that didn't mean that she wouldn't try to teach Belladonna sign language. Of course, being that she was able to somewhat understand the creature anyway...she wasn't sure it was 100% necessary. Although, admittedly, she still was not at a very high level of understanding.
Luna had finished her food and she had bounced at Runa as though trying to engage her in play. Runa smiled at her and held her hands out and the Felusine approached and rubbed her muzzle against Runa's palms, nipping lightly at her fingers. Runa rubbed behind one ear and the creature canted her head against Runa's hand, clearly enjoying the feeling. A sense of contentment settled over Runa as she enjoyed the company of Luna. Belladonna was watching them with an inscrutable emotion in her eyes. Runa wondered if she was jealous.
Runa: 7.9 Luna: 0.8 // 3.8 Belladonna: 12.8 // 1.8 Luna Loyalty to Belladonna: 0.8
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Post by Runa Deadear on Sept 1, 2024 6:17:19 GMT -6
Runa was glad for the leash when Luna opted to start climbing up the tree, her tail flicking behind her as she made her way up. On the leash, she could only make it about halfway up the tree. Belladonna had flown after her and perched on a small branch just above Luna and Runa had noted that her mouth opened and closed as she looked at Luna, perhaps Belladonna was speaking to the other creature? Whatever she was saying, Runa was glad that the two of them got along.
She imagined it was partially to do with the fact that Luna was much more cunning than the average animal creature that was in her stables. Goewihg was similarly cunning but she and Belladonna seemed to want little to do with each other - Goewihg preferred the company of Gallant when given the choice of animals to spend time with although she would also spend time with Vixen who did not seem to annoy her overmuch, to Runa's relief. The three of them were her preferred companions and them getting along was absolutely critical to the safety of all three of them.
Luna had climbed down to sit in front of Runa, her tongue lolling out, clearly having enjoyed her climb. Runa smiled and knelt down in front of her, brushing a hand down her back. Belladonna remained on her perch, giving Runa the impression that they were being watched.
You could come down too she signed to Belladonna I wont hurt you.
Runa: 8.2 Luna: 1.0 // 4.0 Belladonna: 13.0 // 2.0 Luna Loyalty to Belladonna: 1.0
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Post by Runa Deadear on Sept 1, 2024 7:20:28 GMT -6
Belladonna had not flown down despite Runa's assurances that she would not hurt the little thing. Distrust was still obvious in her body language - it would take a lot of bonding before Belladonna trusted Runa, she suspected. Much more time than it would take most other creatures. It made her sad to think about but she wasn't going to push the issue. Runa was not willing to enslave anything the way she had been enslaved.
Luna had no such reservations about Runa, clearly much more overjoyed to be in Runa's presence than Belladonna was. She was trying to entice Runa into a game of chase, from what Runa could tell, darting toward her and then bounding backward. If she was not on a leash, Runa thought it would likely work a great deal better than it was currently. Luna took that opportunity to tackle Runa's legs, knocking her off balance. Runa managed to catch herself but she did drop the leash.
Luna darted off and Runa sighed. She was going to have to catch the little thing now, hopefully before she disturbed anyone else. Belladonna had taken flight when she had seen Luna take off. Runa followed Belladonna, suspecting that the Harabat was following the Felusine although she knew that Belladonna wouldn't be able to restrain Luna - the discrepancy in their strength was too significant for that. Belladonna swooped low and disappeared, Runa sighed and headed that way, hoping that the two of them had decided to stop running and wait for her to catch up.
Runa: 8.5 Luna: 1.2 // 4.2 Belladonna: 13.2 // 2.2 Luna Loyalty to Belladonna: 1.2
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Post by Runa Deadear on Sept 1, 2024 8:03:54 GMT -6
To Runa's relief, the two of them were sitting, waiting for her. Belladonna was holding onto the collar of Luna. When Runa approached, she flew into the air and landed on Runa's head and Runa picked up the fallen leash. She would have to remember, for the future, that if she let go of Luna's leash, she would run.
Thank you she signed to Belladonna. She couldn't see the small creature but she imagined she was rolling her eyes at her. That would be what she would expect anyway - the small creature did not seem overly fond of Runa, yet.
She turned to head back to the tree to continue working with the two of them. Luna followed along behind, darting sometimes ahead and then darting behind, her nose pressed to the ground as she did so, perhaps in pursuit of an interesting scent? Tracking, Runa reminded herself, would likely be fairly easy for Luna to learn.
The journey back to the tree was not particularly long but Runa felt exhaustion setting in as they approached the tree anyway. Perhaps it was time to head home? The sun was starting to drop and while Luna was not entirely defenseless, she was not particularly intimidating either and she didn't have much training on board that would deter any attackers. She looked at Belladonna who had flown off her head and perched back on the tree.
Tired? she asked and Belladonna nodded. Me too Runa signed Go home. So the three of them set off, heading back home to the kennel where they could sleep for the night. They'd be back tomorrow.
Runa: 8.8 Luna: 1.4 // 4.4 Belladonna: 13.4 // 2.4 Luna Loyalty to Belladonna: 1.4
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Post by Runa Deadear on Sept 2, 2024 7:18:58 GMT -6
The sun came up much later now that summer was reaching its conclusion. The weak rays had barely broached the horizon when she struck out with Luna, Belladonna tagging along whether Runa wanted her there or not (although she had to admit that she enjoyed the company of the small creature even if the feeling was not mutual. Which it almost certainly wasn't, she thought with amusement as she eyed the small creature flying next to them.
She had considered bringing along another pet (Forrest perhaps, she had to admit that she needed to spend some time with him sooner rather than later!) but she had decided it against it, wanting to work specifically with Luna and Belladonna today. She had concluded that, most likely, the two of them were going to be pretty inseparable for the duration of their lives and she was loathe to come between them.
Luna was still doing rather poorly on the leash, slow at some time and more rapid at others and now and then she would make an ambitious leap at Belladonna as though she thought she could capture her (something that Belladonna didn't seem particularly fond of as she flitted out of reach of the over active Felusine. Runa was careful to make sure that Belladonna didn't see the smile that played across her lips every time Luna made a leap.
They arrived shortly and Runa eyed the two of them contemplatively. She was not naive enough to think she could clicker train Belladonna but perhaps it was time to start working wtih Luna?
Runa: 9.1 Luna: 1.6 // 4.6 Belladonna: 13.6 // 2.6 Luna Loyalty to Belladonna: 1.6
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Post by Runa Deadear on Sept 2, 2024 9:31:32 GMT -6
She had gotten the clicker and treats out with both Belladonna and Luna watching her curiously. She wasn't sure how she would ever train Belladonna - she couldn't give her blood as a treat very easily and she wasn't clear on whether the animal ate anything else or if it was just blood. The scant information she had found about the creature had not been particularly forthcoming on information.
Keeping a firm hand on Luna's leash, she knelt down, pinning the end of the leash under her knee firmly. She did not want to chase Luna down again - that had not been fun the first time. She pulled the treats out and showed them to Luna who immediately eyed her with a keen interest. Good. That was good. She pulled the clicker out and once again showed it to Luna who sniffed it, perhaps wondering if the item was food as well. Belladonna flew down to land next to Luna in the grass, tilting her head in curiosity as well so Runa showed her the clicker.
Runa grabbed some treats and then clicked the clicker. The Felusine's ears pricked forward at the sound and then Runa was handing her a treat, which she gobbled down quickly. Runa felt relief wash over her. Treat motivated animals were so much easier to train than non treat motivated and if Luna had fallen in the latter camp, Runa was unsure how she would have ever trained the creature. Belladonna had, at the sound of the clicker, bared her teeth, clearly unimpressed.
Runa: 9.7 Luna: 1.8 // 4.8 Belladonna: 13.8 // 2.8 Luna Loyalty to Belladonna: 1.8
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Post by Runa Deadear on Sept 2, 2024 17:29:48 GMT -6
Training was always a matter of incremental progress made over time and clicker training was no different. Belladonna looked at both of the creatures, one clearly keenly interested in additional treats and the other either genuinely disinterested or feigning it. Belladonna could be difficult to read at the best of times. She pulled a few more treats out of her bag, wondering yet again about how she would bribe Belladonna in the event that she ever wanted to train her. Opening a vein seemed like maybe going a little too far to teach something.
Of course, she suspected that Belladonna could probably be taught rather than trained given her intelligence level.
Runa clicked the clicker and fed Luna the treat that she had gotten out. Luna grabbed it quickly and ate it, looking at Runa as soon as she finished with anticipation. Belladonna did not seem impressed and rolled her eyes, flying to the branch that she preferred to perch on and sat watching the two of them with an air of superiority.
Pouting does not become you Runa signed at her. She held the theory that passive teaching of sign language would effectively work to teach the Harabat sign language. She had never tried to teach anyone a language but that was how she had learned sign language. There had certainly not been a dedicated effort to teach Runa how to use sign language by her owners. She turned her eyes back on Luna and clicked the clicker and fed Luna her treat.
Runa: 9.8 Luna: 2.0 // 5.0 Belladonna: 14.0 // 3.0 Luna Loyalty to Belladonna: 2.0
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Post by Runa Deadear on Sept 2, 2024 18:49:10 GMT -6
They had stopped midday for a break, Runa sitting in the shade of the tree while she watched Luna try to entice Belladonna into playing with her. She noted that Luna was always careful not to play gently with Belladonna. The Harabat seemed to break eventually, giving chase as the Felusine flicked her tail and disappeared into the grass. Panic gripped Runa, remembering the last time that Luna had disappeared but she panicked for nothing, with Luna reappearing moments later and darting over to her.
The clicker was on her wrist and Luna nudged it and then stared at Runa pleadingly. She had read that Felusines were quite intelligent and able to solve puzzles with little issue. Had she solved the puzzle of the clicker yielding food? When Runa did not make a move, Luna grabbed the clicker, holding it in her hands that, from what Runa could see, had no thumbs. How interesting. She hadn't been able to look closely before.
Runa took the clicker back with a smile and Belladonna flitted back over to the two of them, landing on Runa's head once again and digging her claws into Runa's head (irritatingly). Runa clicked the clicker and handed Luna a treat, the Felusine taking it and eating it quickly. Belladonna flew down and landed next to Luna, staring at Runa. Runa stared back, trying to decipher whatever it was the little thing was trying to tell her. With a stomp of frustration, Belladonna walked closer with a huff and pointed, to Runa's wrist.
Oh. Lunch? Runa signed to Belladonna.
Runa: 9.9 Luna: 2.2 // 5.2 Belladonna: 14.2 // 3.2 Luna Loyalty to Belladonna: 2.2
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Post by Runa Deadear on Sept 2, 2024 19:00:00 GMT -6
Belladonna had crawled onto Runa's arm in response, sinking her small fangs into Runa's wrist. One handed, not wanting to disturb the feeding creature, Runa had gotten the food she had packed for Luna out and placed it on the ground in front of the creature who had immediately begun eating with enthusiasm. She sat back down on the ground and got herself the food she had brought with her, finding it difficult to get the food out. She sighed and tapped Belladonna who released her with a disgruntled expression.
Wait she told her, finally getting the food back and settling with her back against the tree. Ok, go ahead she said as she tucked into her own meal - one that she could thankfully eat with only one hand. With a diminutive eye roll, Belladonna returned to eating. Runa wondered if she would ever get used to the tiny pinpricks - they weren't overly painful, no worse than sticking herself with a very small needle would be. That thought did briefly amuse her. So many of the creatures in her kennels were strong and potential fighters - the Thundergug that she had brought home recently, for example But that was not the path for Belladonna.
She wasn't sure what was.
her train of thought was disrupted by the pounce of Luna onto her lap, her tail flicking in amusement as Runa regarded her. Luna rubbed her head against Runa's occupied hand, causing Belladonna to slightly lose her balance before she fluttered her wings to right herself. She lifted her head again and opened her mouth. Was she yelling at the Felusine, Runa wondered.
Runa: 10.0 Luna: 2.4 // 5.4 Belladonna: 14.4 // 3.4 Luna Loyalty to Belladonna: 2.4
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Post by Runa Deadear on Sept 2, 2024 19:10:00 GMT -6
Belladonna finally finished her meal and gracefully fluttered down to the ground where she sat next to the Felusine that was staring at Runa impatiently, clearly interested in continuing the training that they had been working on. It was the treats, Runa knew, that made her interested in doing additional training and that motivated her but it was still nice to have someone interested in training.
Unlike Belladonna who had wandered a bit further off, on foot this time, scanning the ground for something, perhaps? Runa couldn't be sure. Still, Runa was pretty sure she could outrun Belladonna if warranted so she wasn't overly worried about her doing some exploration.
And too, as a sentient creature, Runa did want to offer her the option of leaving if she so desired. If she expressed such a desire, Runa would not stop her (and she could always fly away). Her main priority was to ensure that Belladonna did not wander into someone else's training session and disrupt it and/or otherwise cause problems. She did not wholly trust Belladonna not to cause some sort of mischief.
Luna nudged at her hands and Runa refocused on the task at hand. She clicked the clicker and fed Luna a treat. Luna ate it quickly, the treat disappearing as Runa watched. Belladonna had gotten a bit further while Runa was focusing on Luna but she did not seem to be in any danger of causing issues so Runa let her be, clicking the clicker again and offering Luna the reward.
Runa: 10.1 Luna: 2.6 // 5.5 // 2.6 Belladonna: 14.6 // 3.6
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Post by Runa Deadear on Sept 2, 2024 19:23:04 GMT -6
Daylight was starting to fade but Runa wanted to get a few more repetitions in before they started home. Belladonna had curled up under the tree and Runa regretted not having brought a blanket for her.
Cold? she signed at the creature who responded by pulling her wings tighter around her body and tucking her tail around herself. Harabats, from Runa's understanding, were partially constructed of a creature that was commonly found in the fall - she had thought that would have made her a little more immune to fall's chill but that did not appear to be the case. Or perhaps she was just very small and therefore it was normal for her to get cold.
Luna, Runa noted, appeared to be having no such issue. The cold did not seem to bother her whatsoever. She suspected that the little unusual creature was descended from the particular type of Felusines that enjoyed colder climates. Perhaps she and Belladonna would be able to snuggle for warmth when they got home. In fact, Runa would be that was the plan for when they returned home.
She clicked the button on the clicker and fed Luna the treat. She was running low, she noted so she used a second treat to bribe the Felusine closer so she could slip the collar and leash over her neck. While she did not fight it, she didn't seem altogether thrilled and Runa suspected she would still pull quite hard on their walk home. Belladonna, noticing the leash, had gotten up. When Runa didn't stand to leave, she threw her a dirty look and sat back down under the tree, shivering.
Runa: 10.2 Luna: 2.8 // 5.8 // 2.8 Belladonna: 14.8 // 3.8
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Post by Runa Deadear on Sept 2, 2024 19:31:40 GMT -6
The shivering got to Runa eventually and she stood up with a sigh.
Fine, let's head home she signed at Belladonna who got to her feet eagerly and took to the air. Runa grabbed the end of the Felusines leash and Luna immediately bounded to the end of the leash, putting all of her weight behind pulling. Fortunately, she wasn't large enough to really pull her along (for now) but that might change when she grew yet again. Well, hopefully Luna would be well in hand by the time that happened.
Belladonna, apparently still cold, burrowed into Runa's hair, near one of her ears which Runa hoped was providing her with a decent amount of warmth. Her understanding of her ears was that they helped the heat disseminate into the environment (which was why they were so large) although her information primarily came from the daughter of one of her owners who had been chastised quite firmly for spending time as friends with young Runa. Her heart hurt at that memory and she forced it away abruptly. No good could come of dwelling on things best left forgotten.
The Felusine had pounced at something and the subsequent pull on the leash caught Runa off balance. The sudden jerk pulled her out of thoughts of things best left forgotten and she took a deep breath to remind herself when (and where she was). Nightmares would come, she knew, but no need to give attention to such negative energies when she was wide awake.
The kennel loomed in the distance and Runa smiled at the thought of her animals waiting for her.
Runa: 10.3 Luna: 3.0 // 6.0 // 3.0 Belladonna: 15.0 // 4.0
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