firstroar | VXI. FOLKMORE IC CONTACT

[ No memories... There's always something fucky with memories going on, isn't there? He sure hates that. ]

I don't know. [ A beat, and Yzak lets out a little scoff when Blue brings up potential. ] Unless this Fox thinks part of yours could be nurturement. Some say that pets aren't too different from children when it comes to caring for them.

[that remark gives Blue cause to smile, amused.]

Is...that what you think? [tell me, Yzak. do you interact with little kids like they're little animals. huh. HUH.]

[ Blue is getting a LOOK back. ] What's with that face?

When they're small they rely entirely on you. You've got to feed them, give them attention, teach them things. Some people put leashes on their kids. Of course, the kids grow and learn to speak while you've got to keep most of that up with a pet.

Not that I've had either.

[with a soft, incredulous tone:] Leashes? For children, Yzak?

N-now that look is even worse! [ He says quickly. ]

It's a thing! When kids are in that stage where they can move around but aren't entirely keen on listening to warning or completely aware of danger. I've seen plenty of people resort to that so a kid doesn't manage to dart off a staircase or straight into a lake or some shit!

My... [he can't help the smile, sorry Yzak. this is so weird to hear.] Taking care of children when you don't have psionics... It seems quite troublesome.

Because they're unpredictable in an entirely different way than an adult can be.

Is it really that much easier for someone like you? I know you can pick up thoughts and intent, obviously. But a kid's can change so quickly, sometimes.

Of course, but... I can't recall a time we've been compelled to restrain them in such a way. Understanding the source of their distress from inside, without words...it helps us solve problems without such...dramatic methods.

I guess curiosity can be curbed as much as distress if you pick up on it before they can move.

That being said, no toddler would be able to outsmart or outrun me! So I wouldn't need one of those things!

[Blue's smile pulls.]

I'd be wary of making such absolute statements, Yzak; there will be many forces at play to undermine you for such hubris.

I'd like to see them try! [ His fingers curl into a cranky little fist, directed at ... nothing, really. But he dares you, Folkmore, HE DARES YOU!!

(something will absolutely come up down the line to make him eat those words)

The fist eases, though, and Yzak shakes his head. ]

Anyway, we're not even talking about children here! This is about pets!

[sir, you were the one who brought up children in the first place. Blue's mouth twitches, but his expression sobers to just soft contentment easily enough.]

Then...if it's a question of whether or not you will need a leash, I would say no; I can sense the creature's thoughts well enough to help guide it out of trouble when I detect it. [though he can't speak to those times when his psionics blip.]

[ Because they're just like pets! Clearly! And need leashes sometimes! And Blue made the face at him first when he absolutely accurately compared the two!! ]

Well, if it's going to stay then it's going to need things. What do people get for pets aside from food... Toys? A bed? A litter box? —this thing better know how to use one of those unless it goes outside, too!

What do they even eat?

[Blue brings a hand to his chin.] So far, it's been content to nibble on some of the mixed nuts we have here, though I do remember Jomy feeding his mouse some of the berries we could synthesize on Shangri-La... If the creature here operates based on what I remember, that must be how it works.

Nuts and berries...

Those should be easy enough to get from the markets here.

And you, [ Yzak gives him a curious look. ] you want to keep it around, right? You didn't exactly get to pick and choose your own prize from completing those weird ass trials.

It would feel wrong to abandon it right now; it seems keen to be near me, as well. [even now, he can hear the creature's uncertain thoughts calling, wondering where he is.] It may very well have been made specifically for me, so there might be a risk of retaliation for...snubbing a gift, so to speak.

I think it is wiser to keep it near.

Hmmh, at least it has good taste, in that regard. [ Because it isn't the only thing keen to be near Blue! ~~Just don't get in his way, fluffy little rodent.~~ ]

Are you going to give it a name?

Perhaps. [he tilts his head thoughtfully.] Though...I may ask if it already has one, once it has calmed down.

... would it already have one?

[ Do animals name themselves...? ]

Perhaps. Perhaps not. There's...a lot we don't understand about this place. [he turns his head to look toward the office.]

And a lot I don't understand about the minds of animals as it is. It shouldn't be hard to discern one way or another, but...

[he looks back to Yzak.]

...What would you call such a creature, yourself? [he's open to suggestions.]

Me?

[ Yzak lifts his eyebrows. ]

I - I don't know! I told you, I've never had a pet before! So I never thought about it. And people I know who have them name them after any and everything. Simplistic names like words for colors in other languages that match their fur, names they would give a child, names based on something the owner likes or something that stands out in the creature's personality. They could name them after a friend or a loved one they lost to honor them, or after one of their favorite characters in a book.

And then sometimes I've heard of people who have a cat or something and call it some stupid shit like "Bean Burrito" for no discernable reason.

[ He brings his hand up to his chin in thought, now that he's rambling on about it. ]

I suppose chess terms are something I'd consider. And there's an endless list to choose from based on subjects of folklore...

[so many different naming conventions...is there really a convention, then? for naming pets. from Yzak's perspective, it seems it's just up to an individual. how peculiar... Blue, from a world with so much more rigorous structure of even simple things like naming things (hell, it's likely selected parents don't even choose the names of their foster children), finds it both fascinating and peculiar. he was asleep when the first Mu children were born and named, asleep when even Rain received his name...so what would he know about it?

still, it's charming. how nice to be able to have a companion you can name through whatever suits you best. and chess does suit Yzak best!

with a thoughtful smile, pleased with the response:] I see. Then... I will have to spend some time with the creature and really think about it.

I don't think animals are the type to be fussed over the wait. So a "hey, you" should be fine until you land on something that fits.

And you, you can get some kind of read on its feelings you said, right? So you'll be able to tell if it's pleased with whatever you choose?

[with a nod:] It can tell me outright; that particular breed is telepathic by nature. Once it calms down, I can have that dialogue... [beat.] As well as assure it you mean no harm.

!!! Hey! I can assure it myself!

(no subject)

firstroar - 2022-12-08 17:56 (UTC) - Expand

(no subject)

coordination - 2022-12-08 19:05 (UTC) - Expand