first shot ⊗ open: fairy dogs

[flamekthunder]

Who: Anyone who wants to meet the fairy doggos
Which: Open Log
Where: Around the Residential Section
What: Eustace and Nanako had found a little fairy dog family and have taken them back to the Residential section in hopes to better take care them either through individuals taking them in or a community effort. Starts with a journal message and then the log.
Warnings: Extremely adorable things???


Sender: Eustace
To: All
Subject: ATTN: Dogs in the area

Attention everyone. A family of stray...fairy flower dogs were found by the Riverbank and have been brought back to the Residential area to be taken care of. A mother and four pups.

[There is a small image imprinted of how the dogs look like.]

This is not a message seeking for adoption—we do not know as of yet if we are permanent "residents" of this world or if we'll "wake up" and leave it one day without warning. Knowing that, it would be irresponsible to take in a pet without any plans as to what will happen should it find itself ownerless. It's also unknown if these are truly domesticated or if they will return to the forests once they are older. They are docile, but for all intents and purposes they are wild, independent creatures.

That said it would be in their best interest if anyone with any knowledge in animals to take a look into their health as they are currently malnourished. I plan on sharing responsibility in caring for them, but if anyone else wishes to do so and can be responsible for them, then they can be taken in. Ultimately it will be up to the dogs, however it may be better to consider them as "communal" dogs rather than anyone's specifically. Those who are interested in helping may do so and sign a notebook to help keep a log. Those who don't can just ignore them.

I have set up a temporary place of living for them near one of the unclaimed treehouses in an unoccupied area and will be tending to them with Nanako Dojima. If you are interested in seeing them or have any questions, either meet me there or send a message here.

Should any harm come to the dogs, be prepared to face repercussions tenfold.

-- Eustace

[Insert a rather straightforward drawing of a map indicating the dogs' location.]

[This is an open log that anyone can start their own threads and mingle around with the pups! No real official prompts, but here are a few things that can be done:]

1. Personalities. The mother is very docile, sweet, and will gladly let anyone take care of her pups because momma needs a break. However, she will go savage on anyone who harms them so. Don't make her appear more like a demon dog with rose thorn whips or something. As for the pups, there are two females and two males. One female is the "alpha" of the group, taking names and taking charge as she just gets into everything. She fears nothing. The next oldest is a male and while a bit more mild mannered, he is very protective and will nip anyone who hurts those they like. Kind of has a hero complex and for some reason favors females. The third is a male who is very, very timid and scared of everything. Music and anyone with calm dispositions will help calm and soothe him. The fourth is a female who is the sweetest, most adorable little girl who just likes to have attention and will respond to commands and wishes very well. Loves to give kisses and will happily play with anyone.

2. Flowers. The flowers on the dogs are a bit random and seem to change by the day, so players are free to have them be whatever they want for their threads. The flowers can also be safely removed, but don't tug too hard as it is part of their coat. But if they are ever threatened or in danger, sharp thorns will start to appear, and the flowers may become more like snapping fly traps that will hurt. Only the mother is capable of creating vine whips.

3. Bathing. Those pups need a bath. Lots of baths. They may have been washed off once, but then their off romping around mud, dirt, glitter—who put the glitter there!? Not to mention only one of the pups is nice enough to be cleaned without fuss, the others just want to play around or try to escape. Good luck.

4. Feeding. It's currently unknown what exactly the dogs like to eat, but so far they seem to favor fruits, flowers, and honey. Candies and anything sweet are their favorite treats, though is it really healthy for them?? As the puppies will tend to explore outside of their "zone," don't be surprised if they appear near other houses or even right in front of someone's face if they're eating something outside.

5. Playtime. Of course these pups will want to play! And after a few days of getting used to the newcomers, they will bond over and try to get anyone to join them to play. They also have toys in their little home for those who choose to visit instead. Maybe there are other ways they can be entertained, like playing with the new bug friends. Just watch out that they don't stray too far or get into trouble!

[That should cover the basics, the rest can be left up to the players, so have fun with it! Technically someone could adopt the dogs, but it would be preferred if they're just able to roam around and stay wherever to allow everyone an opportunity to "keep" or "foster" the dogs if they want. There will be plenty of chances for more doggos. And let's not hurt them, but should anyone try—Eustace will make good on his threat and unleash lightning on their ass. Questions can be asked here.]

Comments

[perfectenn]

[ As his hand is poked at with a wet nose, Tenn finally smiles a little and regards the dog’s face closely; her eyes are clear and her breath doesn’t smell bad, all good signs. But the frown returns; pain in the abdomen can mean many things, and that would be on a normal animal, not one that’s… flowering. Tenn can’t even begin to guess at her anatomy. At least maybe they can narrow down a bit? ]

Has she been eating well? And walking and running?

[flamekthunder]

Her movements have been a little slow and she prefers to lie down most of the time. Otherwise she eats and drinks what I've given her.

[As the dog wags her tail while trying to sneak a lick at Tenn, Eustace regards him for a moment.]

Have you worked with animals before?

[Might be late to ask, but it's not like he can be picky right now and rather than checking credentials, he's a bit curious.]

[perfectenn]

[ Considering this is presumably a wild creature, he's surprised when the nose poking is accompanied by licking. Tenn can't help his smile returning, and he gently ventures a hand into her fur to massage around her ears. The affection makes it a little harder, but Tenn delivers his answer in a firm tone. ]

I've never owned one. But my job occasionally has me working with them.

[ Because idols with cute animals is a thing that sells well. And Tenn uses that as an excuse to have a animals video playlist a mile long and lots of books. ]

However, I am not trained in veterinary medicine. Ideally, someone who is will need to take a look at her. From the symptoms you've described, she could've eaten something toxic, or she may have a parasite.

[ And here, Tenn is at a loss. What are faerie pathogens? Who would be qualified to identify or treat that? ]

We don't know what is in the woods that she may have come across. However, the fact that she is eating and blooming right now is a good sign.

[flamekthunder]

[A small sigh.]

So far no one has spoken up... But I'm not sure if anyone would know due to the differing worlds. [He glances towards the directions of the woods leading into Wildlands.] I'm starting to wonder if I should seek out the fae, starting with the ones in town such as the tapirs or in that café.

[At least the ones in town he can...mostly trust to not lead him on some weird wild goose chase.]

But I appreciate your insight, regardless. It's been...a while since I've last taken care of an animal so even it's slight, it's still more than me.

[perfectenn]

[ Tenn scratches under her chin and checks her ears, then holds one of her paws and rubs his fingers over the pads to check for lesions. If he had veterinary experience, there's a lot more he could accomplish... but even then, the risk of making a mistake would be high, given as he'd have no way of understanding her physiology. From that perspective, he nods; Eustace's suggestion makes the most logical sense. ]

The cattle being raised nearby are similar, right? You may be able to consult with their caretakers.

[ He notes the man doesn't sound thrilled to pursue that course of action, so perhaps is already aware of the dangers. Tenn adds, ]

Be careful. Where I'm from, the fae were known to make deals that ultimately ended only in their favor. You’ll want to speak only to those who have a vested interest in your wellbeing.

[flamekthunder]

I've heard similar, so I'll keep it in mind. It would be easier if there was more information about this world... But from what I gather it's about as unknown to them as it is to us.

[Hum.]

Another possible alternative is healing magic. Although not always as effective as medicine against illnesses, in my world it could be used as a restorative for some cases.

[perfectenn]

[ Her fur is soft after the bath, and Tenn enjoys the feel through his fingers. The flowers look healthy as well. Having slightly more experience in that field from his stint as a flower arranger, Tenn checks those too for discoloration or wilting. ]

There are things here that are familiar to me from stories I grew up with. [Waffling a moment; it’s hard to categorize what is 'magic', exactly.] But magic is not common there. If such restorative magic as you describe exists here, it could be the easier route, even if all it did was strengthen her physically. Provided there were no secondary effects.

[ If they could find someone who would be willing to cast it without a bargain involved, it could be the ideal solution. Despite all the tail wagging and affectionate nuzzling his petting is inspiring, Tenn’s expression settles into something regretful. It’s frustrating in these times not to know what’s wrong, not being able to fix it. ]

[flamekthunder]

I'll ask around the others first and then test on a small scale. [Maybe even on himself, though that doesn't really solve the issue of creatures native to this one and not. But it also seems wrong to test on another animal as well...

However, something perhaps a little strange—or hopeful?—occurs. As the two are doting on treating and petting the mother, the flowers on her coat start to bloom even larger, the petals seeming to glisten as beads of nectar appear. Looking quite content, the mother dog lies down, her head resting against Tenn while her body leans against Eustace as her tail continues to wag. It's then that a few of the glistening flowers fall off, fluttering to the ground as new buds already appear in their place. When the flowers land, they instantly harden and look more like candies.]

...?

[Curious, Eustace picks up one to investigate.]

[perfectenn]

[ Tenn cups his fingers around a violet flower, lifting the petals gently to check under them. Still no signs of spotting or discoloration, and the stems look healthy and strong. It finally dawns on him that the plants may not be fed only by what she consumes, but also by sunlight. He’ll have to mention this to—

The petals swell against his palm, tickling his skin with little sweet-smelling droplets of nectar, and Tenn gasps in surprise and pulls his hand back. His heart pounds in confusion; did he do something wrong? Too much stimulus? Were his own emotions too strong? The mother relaxing with her head on his lap and the fresh buds are not enough to reassure him. He swallows hard, staring at the curiously frozen and shining flowers. ]

I’m sorry.

[ Said hastily, more on impulse than anything. But the fact that Eustace does not seem angry settles him enough to notice he’s also puzzled. ]

... This hasn’t happened before?

[flamekthunder]

...No, this is the first.

[He sees Tenn's reaction and he can understand his concern. However... Given how relaxed the mother and how she's now wagging her tail, he's a little wary but still calm. Bringing the flower to his nose, he can smell the candied sweetness, and for a moment he wonders if he should try to taste it.

Instead, the little pups seemed to have picked up on the scent and are bounding over with happy barks, their tails wagging in delight at the sight of the candied flowers on the ground. Quickly the lick at it, and instantly their own little flowers start to shimmer and bloom more fully.

At this point, the mother looks at Tenn and then looks over at the flower nearest him. She gives a little "wuff" and looks at Eustace in a similar fashion. Seeing this and seeing how the pups are happily eating the flowers, there's only one conclusion he can make.]

...I think she wants us to eat it.

Apologies for the delay; I’ve been sick

[perfectenn]

[ Tenn isn’t keen on jumping to that conclusion as fast as Eustace, but he does react by reaching forward to cup a hand over the indicated candy before one of the puppies gets it. ...Except now he has a puppy licking his hand, and a giggle escapes him as he rescues the flower. ]

Oh? So is this your dessert? [ He tickles the puppy under its’ chin until it bounds away after a sibling who’s running off with a piece. Holding it out of their reach, Tenn regards the form. It resembles decorative glass or hard candy, but more fine and vibrant than even the artists he’s seen in Japan can produce. Remarkably, the smell is also a balance of sweet and floral, without the notes being too heavy or clashing. ]

... This is too beautiful to eat.

[ The mother pokes him with her nose, but Tenn just returns the deeply impressed expression of one artist to another. Regardless of other hesitations, he can’t break it without appreciating first. ]

no worries, hope you're feeling better! D:

[flamekthunder]

It is more intricately designed than I would have imagined. ...The bigger question is whether it's safe for us.

[Perhaps it's fine for the dogs and other fae creatures, but would it be all right for them?]

Maybe we should have them examined first.

[As if sensing or even understanding Eustace's hesitation in his words, the mother huffs and lightly thwaps him with her tail, as if offended that he would think her beautiful creations were dangerous!]

Getting there steadily!

[perfectenn]

Yes... They do appear to be formed by her magic. This might even be a form of nursing.

[ There are a lot of possibilities, enough that he’s not willing to test on himself either. For now, Tenn pockets the little flower, wrapping it gently in a handkerchief first. That he is at least taking the candy if not eating it seems to reassure her, and he strokes her head in thanks. ]

If she’s using magic to renew her flowers, that is a good sign. Until you can get an informed second opinion, continuing as you’ve been in her care is probably best.

[flamekthunder]

At the very least I've figured out something that will sustain them decent enough.

[He fingers the candied flower before pocketing his as well.

The mother just huffs as if disappointed, but not overly so. She'll feed them yet...! Or something if that really is her intent. For now she's going to take advantage of the pampering and continue to rest against them. She's had to be a single mother all this time, it's only right that she relaxes in the company of some handsome men while the pups go off to play.]

But thank you for your own opinions. You're welcome to visit them anytime—it's clear the mother is fond of you at least. [A small, wry grin.]

[perfectenn]

[ He doesn’t mind; he is an idol, after all - spoiling his fans is his job! Not that he’s thinking of it as such while he massages her ruff and the sides of her face, his own expression relaxing. ]

I will. This is a good opportunity to learn more about the local animals.

[ He’s had a few spice dragons pass through his home, and a cow friend or two, but this is the first time he’s been welcomed to working closely with one of the animals. The mix of flora and mammalian continues to boggle his mind, but through this, hopefully they will come to more understanding. ]