songerein | Owl Rescue

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Owl Rescue

✵ MINI EVENT: OWL RESCUE ✵

Late in the month, the blizzard has reached its peak and the skies seem strangely dark and ominous, a soft jingling of bells followed by deep, baritone voice echoes through the skies.

Gone away are the reindeer
Out to play are the dreamers
To lead their return, we gather in snow
All to bring the lost presents home

In the shadows we can build a snowman
To protect the sleigh that's full and bright.
Mimics will attack, and we'll say, "No, man!"
Only the real presents here will do!

We'll raise our mugs to the fire
Raise our voices higher and higher
Then we'll slash through our foes
From head down to their toes
All to save this Christmas Wonderland

In the city we can make some string lights
Beautiful and bright just like the stars
With a little magic, we'll be alright
And top everything off with just a Star

A star so big and bright
with magic all around
shining with all its might
making the world go 'round!

So come join us, all ye citizens
of this little festive town.
Guard your hearts with love and laughter,
and we'll bring this foul Grinch down!

With a mighty bellow the gusting winds clear and for a moment the morning skies seem beautiful and bright, as if the strange blizzard storm had never appeared at all. And then, in perhaps questionably late fashion, a large man dressed in red and astride a giant reindeer descends down to the central plaza.

"Ho ho ho! So this is where that bastard's been trying to hide, eh? I'll give it some credit—it chose a powerful world for its mischief…even if it could still use some work. And it's still just a baby—miracle it's lasted this long." The man, many of which will recognize as the fabled Santa Claus turns to look at the still run down buildings. For a man who is known to being "jolly" and full of holiday spirit, he looks as if he's about to head into war with the large axe at its his side and hardened expression. Just as he's about to say more, he clicks his tongue as a loud SCREEEEEECH is heard in the distance.

"But it won't be around much longer if you kids don't do anything about what's coming."

In the next moment, a large fiery owl large enough to overshadow half the town hovers in the air, the flames dangerously drifting from her feathers.

WHERE ARE THEY…

WHERE ARE MY CHILDREN!!

Her voice shakes the ground, the fire expanding outward as she gives one last heartrending cry filled with anger and agony.

PROMPTS

It's a confusing mess as two large figures have appeared at once, but it's clear that the owl's needs take precedence. With Santa's help, the owl will shrink small enough so that she can wait in the Plaza alongside and wait for those willing to find her eggs and owlets. But she watches over it with an anxious eye, the flames occasionally rising whenever there is a sound of one nearby. Everyone better work fast!

A. Talk with Santa. With Santa remaining with the owl, some may wish to speak to him while the others are working to find the baby owls. Although he plans to speak again once this is over, he will go ahead and answer any questions people may have. All questions may be asked in this thread, and as mentioned in the Game Notes, this will not be an IC thread. It is encouraged for questions to be asked now as it will help speed up dispensing information later.

B. Owl Egg Hunt. The eggs are scattered throughout the town Reverein, the nearby forests, and the lake. As if sensing their danger, the eggs have hidden themselves in various nooks and crannies, which can make it quite difficult to find. Hopefully no one accidentally tries to cook one. However, there are some clues. They will sparkle and will sometimes wiggle and roll out of their hiding place. They can also be "lured" out by friendly, positive emotions, or towards anyone that might exude a feeling of safety, security, and protection. However, if they're frightened the eggs will start to hatch. They sprout wings, legs, or even the beak to try and either escape or protect themselves. The eggs may also take on elemental characteristics, such as turning into a fireball, a block of ice, a giant rock, or a mini cyclone. Another threat will be the snoyotes as the sly buggers will follow would be rescuers to find the egg and try to snatch them and run off.

C. Owlet Panic. For the eggs that have already hatched, the owlets will be panicking and very emotional, causing a great environmental disruption around them. From fire storms to massive blizzards, the babies are out of control. Fortunately they're easy to spot—as well as hear. Their high pitched screeches can be heard from long distances. Calming emotions will be key in trying to soothe them, though dremoation abilities may be needed to get to them first.

D. Owlsitter. Whether already hatched or bursting out after returning to mother owl, the little owlets can be quite the handful. They're born already large enough to fly and while they aren't skilled, they will flutter about here and there. Essentially toddlers, they will get into anything that might interest them and cause mischief. With the owlets capable of casting elemental magic, that can pose a problem as sometimes it can go awry.

E. Snoyotes. The snoyotes are a cross between snake and coyote and they rely on their stealth skills rather than offensive power. They will stick to the shadows and can camouflage themselves well. When they do need to fight, they are tenacious and will try to sink their venomous fangs into their assailant. The venom is paralytic and is potent and fast acting. Although not always enough to kill, if enough venom makes its way to the heart then there might be trouble. As mentioned they will follow those looking for eggs to try and snatch them first, but some may be hunting other eggs. It's not necessary to kill them, driving them off to the Wild Canyons will do.

» BONUS: FANG COLLECTION. Although highly potent, the venom stored within the fangs of the snoyotes can be used in anti-venom remedies (and poisons). Collecting them will need some care. In addition, defanging a snoyote is one way to keep it away for those unwilling to kill. Their fangs will grow back so would be an effective way to farm fangs later.

[Mod Note: Details on this mini event can be found here and we request all thread submissions to be made here. Reminder that this mini event is opt-in.]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[What could be so hard about watching over some baby animals, she thought. As if she had completely forgotten that this place doesn't breed normal animals, or even normal sized baby animals. Apparently. But even if she had been more prepared to undertake this task, she still wouldn't have turned it down. They're absolutely adorable.

And absolutely a lot of work.

Between their size, their somewhat (unintentional) destructive abilities, and their personalities, her and Marui certainly have their hands full.]

Seriously. I never thought I'd get so winded taking care of baby owls.

[Literally, as she's fixing the mess that has become her hair now that the one 'tornado machine' has been subdued by Marui.

Once she's satisfied that her hair is out of her face, she kneels back down, distracting another owl with pets. For however long that'll last.

They really are cute...]

Though it's too bad we can't take one of these little guys home.

[Okay, technically not little, but they're babies so... they're little-ish.]

[ The saving grace of the owlsitting is having Leia around to help. Kids he can handle no problem. Disaster birds? That's an adventure best shared. ]

You think? Well, not that we couldn't handle it, but after all we've done to settle in, it'd be a pain to have to start over.

[ Yes, he is very much suggesting their home might not survive one of these owlets as a permanent resident. ]

[They already have a potential disaster residing in their home, two would bring it to the ground and leave nothing remaining.]

It wouldn't be that bad! I've trained animals before. [gently, she pulls the one she's watching over closer, facing him towards Marui.] Just look at him, how could anyone say no to this face?

[~~Okay, she isn't seriously suggesting that they adopt one. But then she also kind of is.~~

As if on cue, the owl makes a loud screech and breathes out a wisp of fire. While it is, at the moment, behaving, it should be clear that fire and wood would be a terrible combination.]

[ Wow. That sure was just a literal fire-breathing bird. ]

[ Anyway, Marui gives Leia a relaxed grin, playing along with this serious-only-not hypothetical. ]

Then it's lucky his face isn't asking.

"Hoot!" [ Comes a cry from the owlet Marui's holding. ]

And what if this face is asking?

[She smiles sweetly, indicating her face. And conveniently ignoring the fact that this baby owlet just breathed fire.

Hypothetical. Of course. Though she wouldn't mind a pet of some sort...]

You'd be asking the wrong person, wouldn't you? You'll have to check with Mother Owl about how willing she is to part with one of her babies. Good luck.

[ Because Marui's bets are on Not Very. ]

[Marui, please. She's seen the angry mama bird. Just humour her. ~~Sometimes a girl just wants to hear her boyfriend call her cute too.~~

She sighs.]

While you do have a point, I meant hypothetically. Taking care of these guys kinda makes me miss having my own pet. And there's all sorts of strange, cute animals here that might need a home. So, how about it?

[Would you allow more potential chaos into the home?]

[ Somehow, this pest has managed to attract and secure a relationship with an incredibly cute girl who probably does not hear just how cute she is as often as she deserves because he's too preoccupied with showing his affection through teasing instead.

He hears the more serious question in there, though, and shrugs with a warm smile. ]

I don't mind a pet. Wasn't there something about corgis a while ago? Maybe you can get one of them.

[ "Hoot!" says the owlet he's holding in his lap again. ]

[One day Marui might learn that he'd earn way more of her affection being sweet and not always teasing her.]

Yeah, I think so. Not gonna lie though, if I could take one of these owlets home, I totally would! They're not so bad, and it looks like the one on your lap has finally settled down.

[...And the one that breathes fire? Seems completely fascinated by its ability and keeps trying it out, going so far as to attempt to burn a small branch it finds on the ground.]

H-hey, don't do that!

[Leia hastily grabs the small(ish), feathered menace. Spoke too soon, it seems.]

[ One day, maybe. After he's grown up a little and decided he enjoys receiving affection more than he does ruffling feathers.

Speaking of feathers, that owlet Marui is holding in his lap seems increasingly restless and excited. Something is happening! It's not sure what, and it's twice now tried to get the humans' attention, but they don't seem concerned about it. It must be something good!

No sooner, then, does Leia have to go rope in the dragon wannabe than Marui feels something hit his lap and has a dreadful epiphany before looking down to confirm. ]

Ugh, gross...!

[ "Hoot!" The owlet chirps proudly. ]

[Her head snaps around to where Marui is to see what might have happened.]

What's wro-- [oh. given how big the owlets are it's quickly obvious.] Pfffft!

[She laughs. Hard. Serves him right for not telling her how cute she is earlier.

It take her a moment, but she manages to speak after taking in a breath.]

Good thing there are clothing stores around now.

[ Yes. Those owlets are quite large and with big birds comes big... everything else. So Marui is not nearly as amused as Leia is. It'd be a lot funnier if it were happening to someone else! Unfortunately, he's the butt of the joke this time. ]

Tell me about it...

[ Right. Marui is gonna have to let go of Windy here and get himself a new pair of pants (thank goodness they were pants). He sets the owlet on the ground and stands up with an expression of unmasked disgust that is none helped by gravity helpfully alleviating his lap of the bulk of it-- only for it to fall on his shoes instead.

This is truly Not His Day. ]

I'll be back as soon as I can. Good luck with them.

[They're currently caring for four owlets, all with the mindset of rambunctious toddlers, and he wants to leave her alone? Sure, she has experience caring for animals, but this is a whole other level, and she's already got one trying to set things on fire.]

Huh? W-Wait! I can't take care of all of them by myself!

[Human babies make all sorts of messes that are equally as gross, and parents just learn to shrug it off and go with the flow, especially when in the midst of caring for them. But she stops herself short of voicing that thought process because it's a fairly embarrassing comparison to make.]

[ If Marui's tone is any indication, he definitely wasn't expecting Leia to protest. ]

What's this about? You're the one that mentioned clothing stores. I can't just wear bird shit the rest of the day...!

[ Sure, Leia probably didn't mean to go make a quick change of clothes right that second, but he wouldn't be gone long, and this isn't exactly just a little spot... ]

[Just suck it up, Marui. There's four owlets here. FOUR.]

I did, but I didn't mean to change right now! Isn't there something-- [SUDDENLY A BRILLIANT IDEA?] Wait, maybe we can dreamotion the crap away!

[ Yeah, Marui has a distinct memory about how that went last time with the exploding cake. The thought of having that happen to him right now is not a happy one. His unease translates to a slight rise in his pitch. ]

Are you joking? It's snowing out here! It's too cold to get soaking wet.

[ Not that the cold had stopped Leia back then, but learning opportunities!

Of course, he can't truly fault Leia for throwing it out as an idea. She's just doing her best to find an alternative solution they can agree on. He'll do the same. ]

Look, I'll trade you if you're that worried. You go get the clean pair of pants, and I'll watch the owls until you're back. I'll manage.

[Marui offering to babysit alone doesn't change the fact that there's four owlets. Plus she'd feel kind of bad leaving it to him.

Also they're in a place ruled by this dreamotion stuff. What's the point if you're not going to try using it??

... And why does he think he's going to get soaking wet, it's just his stupid pants. Hmph.]

Oh, c'mon! It doesn't have to be cold water! There's hot water. Or... Like why not try making it vanish completely? We could even use a combination of steam and water!

[At least the owlets seem excited, a couple of them are hopping around in response to Leia's enthusiastic suggestions.]

[ Marui is far from an anxious sort. In fact he is, more often than not, painfully lackadaisical. The thing is? He knows Leia. He knows her well by now. He knows that look in her eyes, that lilt in her voice, and the harbingers of impending disaster that they tend to be.

Leia is an adorable, kind, and energetic girl who means well and who Marui is proud to call his girlfriend. He would not trade her for someone less chaotic. But there are times where the adventure of her company triggers certain instincts of self-preservation. This is one of those special moments. ]

I don't want any dreamotion happening to my pants. It's an important piece of clothing covering important parts!

[Her mind is currently residing in What Could Possibly Go Wrong territory. Whether the mess vanishes or hot water is involved, what's the issue? Besides, he could always offer to help.]

It's not like they're going to vanish, just the mess on them. And that's if we even go that route- we could use hot water.

[Who knows, she could leave to grab his pants and come back to him wearing more crap in the time it takes her to return.]

[ Leia's attempt at persuasion has the opposite effect as intended, instead filling Marui's head with specific examples for just how wrong this could go. It's not pretty. ]

And, how many times have you used dreamotion to do either of these before?

[ Something moves out of the corner of his eye. It's an instant's diversion that leads to his leaning quickly out of the way of another spray of flames from the owlet.

That leads to his balance faltering as a second owlet causes another tremor in the ground.

That leads to his foot moving to resteady himself-- unfortunately on a patch of ice from the blizzard owlet. ]

Whoa!

[ CRASH. ]

[ Ow. ]

[Zero. The answer is zero, but you know what she did make? An ice cannon. Remember that? And she's about to remind him of that when he suddenly falls to the ground in a rather spectacular display of unfortunate events. Even the owlets seem amused by the mild destruction they've caused.

... He really isn't having a good day, is he? Rather than laugh, she quickly approaches, careful of the ice patches, and looks down at him, extending her hand to help him up.]

Are you okay? [but she doesn't waste the opportunity to make a valid point.] Still think you're capable of handling these four alone?

[ Marui gingerly rubs the back of his hip where he hit the ground and takes Leia's offered hand with a quick 'thanks.'

Really, though, what an odd question. ]

Of course I do. Why wouldn't I?

[And that earns him a confused look.]

Because you just landed on your butt and you're covered in crap.

[ That counter makes him smile. ]

If my confidence was fragile enough to be shaken over a little thing like that, I'd have bigger problems than these four owlets.

In any case, if you don't want us to split off for a while and I don't want dreamotion magic used on my pants, that leaves all 6 of us walking to the clothing store together. Right?

Owl Rescue

owl sitting~

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