Hello, and welcome to The Care and Keeping of Your Pet! As you surely know, a pet is a big responsibility, and we're so glad you've decided to be a concientious master. A safe pet is a happy pet, and this handbook is certain to keep your precious lifelong friend as content as can be.
The history of the animal person is a long and difficult one, with their origins not being known even to this day. However, scientists believe that despite our common appearance - most animal people have humanoid forms except for the ears, tails, and sometimes teeth - we share no common ancestry, even if the ascent of this species corresponds with that of the homo sapien. We gained dominance over each breed thousands of years ago, beginning with the dog type, who have long been considered "man's best friend." Most breeds these days are docile and perfect for owners of any speed.
Of course, it is our duty as the superior species to take care of these animal creatures, and this is inherent in their genetic makeup. Everyone knows that an animal person, when matched with their correct human master, is loyal for life - a true "soulmate," if you will. Far be it for us to turn this away! Ever since the Great Domestication, these intelligent and loving animals have served us as friends, workmates, guardians, servants, and sexual companions and will for years to come. Despite recent hubbub from so-called "Pet People's Rights Activists," this way of life is wholesome and good. Scientific research shows that the natural desire of the pet person is to be owned and cared for by a human.
So, it's your first pet. What do you need to know?
 As previously stated, pet people come in as many breeds as you can possibly think of. By far and away the most popular are the dog and cat types, but exotic birds and lizards have been gaining popularity among trendsetters from L.A. to Tokyo!
All pet types are best suited for certain jobs, and when hunting for one, it is best to search for a type that suits your needs best.
However, a "True Match" - when a pet person bonds with you and only you for the rest of their natural lives - comes naturally, and sometimes takes time before you can find the pet you will be able to give a forever home to.
According to all current research, pet people are completely sentient and like us in many ways. However, it is important to remember that they have many animalistic and feral characteristics. Do not be foolish and think that your pet is a person, despite the facts that many are clothed and may be allowed to read, write, and have "hobbies." Some traditional pet owners may eschew these frivolities, and that is within their right.
Pet people age more quickly than humans, at least physically, and many types have long lifespans. It is not uncommon for pets to be passed through the family. When getting your child their first pet, it's important to keep in mind that just because the pup is tiny now, a grown pet can be jumpy around a small child.
It is important to train a pet. Discipline will be necessary. This does not make you a bad owner. Failure to train early will result in a rebellious pet. Training is especially important if you want your pet to serve as a household servant.
Remember, your pet will be extremely protective of you, especially if you are Truly Bonded. It is best to socialize them early. A socialized pet is a perfect family pet.
These days, unowned and unbonded pet people are allowed to live as strays or "Frees" in certain designated areas. Some even hold "jobs." This is against their best interest, and owners who adopt these strays are to be rewarded. Still, the best place to get pets are from liscenced kennels or breeders.
Some masters find it beneficial to participate in activities with their pets, such as shows and other competitions.
Finally, much has been made about the sexual relationship between pet and master. This is a normal facet of the bond, and humans are sure to find pet people sexually alluring. But beyond that, it is only responsible and prudent for owners to care for their pet's needs. It is a well-known fact that the libidos of pet people are remarkably strong, and when they go into heat, it is usually more convenient for a master to relieve them. There is no risk of pregnancy. All rumors of hybrids are urban legends.
Despite this, masters must remember to not view their pets as romantic partners. Humans should stay with humans.
With that said, thank you and welcome to your first day as a pet's master! |
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totherelentless2023-05-18 05:04 am
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It was hard not to think of Haurchefant as overly helpful when she first came across him. She had expected at least some suspicion from him, given the less-than-warm reception she'd received from others in that frozen place. Being draconic in appearance didn't exactly help her case, as some more opinionated locals had, to put it kindly, made their thoughts known to her.
So when this one Elezen was kind enough to shelter her, provide her with food, encouragement, information, anything she could have possibly needed, it was hard for Adela to not feel suspicious of him. He was clear about what he wanted from her at first, but after that was anyone's guess. Still, it was nice to have company that seemingly had no ulteriour motive, and after long enough... She was starting to trust that maybe there wasn't one.
That she had a place with him was clear, and before she knew it she began to relax and even smile more often as they fell into a routine. She felt off when he would spoil her with no recompense, so the dragon girl began to do things that she thought would help. Hunting game, cooking it, keeping things neat and orderly, and other things that suited the petite red head's talents. Unfortunately, she scarcely ever realized how exhausting such pursuits were on top of everything else she did, and it would be a common sight for her to sleep somewhere that wasn't a bed while doing those.
It was one of those times, during which Haurchefant was managing the camp that day, that he would come across her asleep on a lounge chair in their shared abode. It was clear that she tried to take a short break to read a book as their evening stew bubbled away. It tended to be difficult to stay awake in the cold for her, after all.
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Lord Haurchefant always wanted to help. He is bound by his honor to help those who seek his aid and succor, and he happily provides it without any expectation of a reward or anything in return. And he always does so with a smile and words of warm comfort, even if it's mild teasing and obvious flirting, but his motive is a friendly jab and his curiosity of where she's from or what she needs from him.
A honest man of his word, he works hard to earn her trust but also give her the comfort and space she needed. While he knows little of Au Ra and their tribes, he only heard they had settlements as far as the Azim Steppe.
It wasn't much, but he does have privileges as the commander of Camp Dragonhead. He can deal much with the complaints of the tiresome food and drinks and delayed deliveries. He told her to think of it as a headquarters and a temporary sanctuary, a place to hide, and she could stay for as long she wishes.
"Don't wear yourself out Adela." The merciless cold and neverending winters in the snow-covered highlands of coerthas is a difficult place to survive and live, even for the most trained soldiers. Not only it's easy to get sick, but there's monsters and wolves living in the surrounded forests.
When he sees she's about to wear herself out to exhaustion, her eyes closing even as she works and demands sleep, he just need to gently guide her to a chair near the fireplace to warm her body up. "How about you sit down and rest? I'll go make some cocoa?"
By the time he came back from the kitchens with two cups of cocoa and marshmallows. The stew was near cold as the fire in the logs is slowly vanishing, and her book fell over on the floor.
Which he fixes it by picking up the book, pick at the logs with a poker to rekindle the first, and gently stir her awake, "If you're cold, I got you some hot cocoa to help warm you up." Which there's a mug of steaming hot cocoa on the table.
"I forgot. I have to get you a blanket if you need one."
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"What? Haurchefant?"
The touch almost had her tense, but she knew by then where she was, and who was waking her. She has to mask a yawn, and while it's slight there is a head ache from the grogginess courtesy of her impromptu nap. The process is slow, but she managed to reach for the mug at least, and in spite of herself she sighed.
"The cocoa is enough... It seems that I do nothing but cause you trouble as of late. You're too kind to me."
It really was meant to be a comment about much more mundane things, but there was still something in the back of her mind. Something that she'd be better off not thinking about, not even to entertain the idea of what could have happened. Instead she made to blow over the mug of cocoa before taking it in. It did wonders to warm her up even in the bitter cold, and it helped that he was there with her.
"Just give me a moment, and I can work on the fire. You've been working hard, and... Well, you should have a hot meal, at least."
The words were odd, almost strained. Even after all that time, she had trouble saying what she meant, what she wanted to say. It was difficult to express admiration, care, and worry, at least with words. She tried to make herself get up then, setting the mug aside so that she could try to take the poker and tend to the fire. It was always easier to act, and it helped to distract her from the things she'd rather not acknowledge.
Though, it was hard to ignore just how dry her scales were getting. But that was something she could deal with on her own time.
"I just hope things get easier for you soon. I... It'd be troublesome if they didn't."
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"Nay allow me. Sit there and I'll do the rest. Besides cocoa, I'll finish up this stew for you. It need some seasonings and I get it ready for the both of us." He already got it, the fire kindled, and stew was boiling once more. But once she's up, he hands her the poker to allow her to try to kindle the fire and get it to rekindle again.
"It will." He's optimistic despite the harsh environment. "It tends to quiet around here without incident. Once in a while we have heretics trying to screw up deliveries or a lost traveler who couldn't find their chocolo and a swarm of monsters coming to the gate. But nothing I couldn't handle. And you're not troublesome. If I have work for you," he offered. "You can have it. Nothing wrong earning a few gil and saving up for the future."
With the strew ready, he gets a ladle to scoop up the soup into a bowl. "That looks good even with a little meat." As meat tends to be scarced. Deliveries of meat can be slow and delayed by the week because of the climate and weather. "We should enjoy it while it's hot." He lightly blows as he helps himself to the lunch she made.
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Ah... She apparently hadn't spiced it well if he already knew that there needed to be more. Damn, it was always so hard for her to find that right balance that wasn't too much for people, and she didn't exactly want to use too much of their stock either... Still, just once she'd like to make something and not have to have him alter it just so that it'd be good.
But the topic changes before she can dwell on it, and at first she's quietly nodding along -- he's right, after all. While Ishgard was still recovering from the turmoil the revealed truth and resulting fallout from it, Camp Dragonhead seems to have basically proceeded almost as normal. A little better now that heretics (hopefully) wouldn't be as much of a factor.
At the mention of meat she lifted her head a little, pausing and looking back to her bowl before she spoke once more, "I can try to hunt something for next time. Game isn't that scarce around here, and if I have to go a little farther then it'd be something new to try."
She began to eat properly then, humming thoughtfully before continuing. It was still a little weak-flavoured for her liking but... Knowing Haurchefant had a hand in it made it feel that much warmer. Honestly, just sharing a meal with him felt domestic, and it was... Well, nice. A sense of stability she hadn't really had before. And she had a feeling that it wouldn't be nearly as nice if it wasn't Haurchefant with her.
... She was thinking too hard about this. He was just being nice, like always. He was just kind in general. It was a good thing about him, but it also made things a little frustrating for those reasons she didn't want to think too hard about.
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With admiration, "As long it's not too difficult for you. The soldiers and myself do appreciate really good meat that goes into our meals. Honestly, that's a common complaint I received in the reports."
He eats quietly being good-natured while sitting close to her. He truly meant it that he offered a temporary refuge and sanctuary to allow her time to heal. He placed a log into the fireplace to keep the fire burning, "But if you were thinking about it, let me join you next time and I'll hunt with you. I too have a duty to make sure everyone is well-fed."
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"Y-Yes."
It was a flash, a memory that never was, so real that it was almost like the Echo. It brought her to pause. Even if things had turned out all right this time...
Her appetite was gone. She sighed, and she only barely managed to make herself finish before picking up her bowl and setting it aside. They could take their dishes to be cleaned later, but for now...
"Just... We'll pull out if we need to. Meat's nice, but it's not worth too much risk, right? You're still needed here."
Was that what she wanted to say? She didn't know. It partly was, but it partly wasn't. She wanted to say more, to emphasize just how much she didn't want to go through such a terrifying thing again. That he mattered, that she almost lost him, that she...
Damn it. It was something she hadn't wanted to face, but the near miss was enough for her to realize just what she was feeling. But she couldn't bring herself to say it, either. It was hard enough to try and voice exactly what she did want in that moment of respite.
"Will... Will you sit with me by the fire? If you're not busy."
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But if he knew how much she cared to the point that she fears losing him. He paused, hearing her request, he figured she must be cold. "Yeah, sure. If we sit closer to the fire, it's warmer." He scoots and sits right next to her, his body touching on her right side. He wears an armor of metal links, so it doesn't help that his armor tunic is cold also. "It might take me a little longer to warm up."
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Nhaama, this was hard. Adela could feel her face burning as she was next to him, and while it was cold iron she felt next to her she knew it belonged to Haurchefant. That just made it all the more difficult. And it wasn't like she didn't have her own armor, so maybe this whim of hers was... Ill-conceived.
In a show of her agitation her tail lashed, and despite her best efforts she couldn't simply relax. It was getting to be too much for the little au ra, and her mind raced because of the closeness then and there. It was new, but there was the question of if it meant anything to Haurchefant. Or, if like everything else, it was just him being genuinely kind. It probably had nothing to do with her at all.
"I'm not keeping you from anything, am I? Be honest."
Adela, in hindsight, would realize that it wasn't the most tactful thing to say. Unfortunately, her fear and doubt were enough to keep her from voicing what she really wanted to ask -- whether he was indulging her because of a sense of duty, because she was the warrior of light, or if it was something else entirely.
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By default, Haurchefant is being kind. For any signs of interests, he kept it in check. "No. If you meant my duties, you haven't. Do not worry. Time I could spare. I usually keep check of those who is serving with me and checking for deliveries and shipment and keep watch for monsters that tries to invade the camp."
If there is any hint, he was indulging her, even the slightest, "Let me know if you're colder still. I realize it might be harder for you to warm up. This weather can be hellish, even with for those with good circulation. At the end of the week, I usually go back home to Ishgard where it's much warmer within my father's manor."
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"I've never felt such cold before coming here -- not even on the highest peaks of the Steppe. It is harsh, but... I know there will come a time I miss it, despite all of that."
It wasn't a pleasant topic, but Adela's agitation did lessen as her mind drifted from the situation to more serious thoughts. Thoughts of the future, of what still had to be done. Yet, in her selfishness, she didn't want to leave. At least for a few moments longer, she wanted this.
"I don't think I'm going to miss how it dries out my scales, though. But I'm glad that you get regular breaks from it, even if it's only for a short while."
I just wish I could do the same.
She felt so tired, suddenly. The weight of everything was almost a physical thing, and before Adela could think of it she was leaning on him. Grateful that she still could -- that she hadn't lost him, on top of everyone else.
"... Haurchefant, how's your shoulder doing? I mean... You're not stiff or anything like that, right?"
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Not once Haurchefant asked when she will take her leave. He assumed she's taking her time to think things through and figure it out.
A few moments of sharing the warmth together. "You can come to Ishgard if you like. By the end of this week in a few days, I will travel to come home. Why don't you come with me and meet my family? My father has influence so he might find some work for you to do." He said.
"Come to Ishgard with me?"
Sigh. I'm sorry for her.
"If we do well with the upcoming peace talks, hopefully those memories of dragons bringing destruction will become stories of the distant past."
Adela sighed softly after that statement -- she wasn't naive enough to think that such peace could happen overnight, especially with Estinien being who knew where by then. With people like Aymeric and House Fortemps at the helm however, she felt like the hope for it was still alive.
But then Haurchefant asked that -- maybe it was because of his asking twice so quickly, but it seemed like, just maybe... She could feel her face heating up again, and she could only pray that she wasn't too visibly red. She had to avert her gaze, forging herself to speak even as her throat wanted to close up out of nerves.
"I-I'd love to. I mean, it'd be nice to see how everyone is doing, too."
... Wait did that make it sound like she didn't want to go there with Haurchefant? Oh Nhaama she hoped it didn't. Why was it suddenly so much harder to just relax and be natural around him?!
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With an enthused nod, "I'm sure my father wouldn't mind seeing you again. It just a small break of me coming back home. I have a room all to myself but there's a guest room in the big manor of his. Besides, I couldn't bear the thought of leaving you here for the entire weekend unless you wanted to stay, then the guest room is all yours."
With a grin, he's happy to hear she's agreed with a skip of a beat. "Just you wait. The food is much better and warmer I assure you. Just come with me for a short break from all of this snow and break from duty."
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"I'd... I'd like that. A lot."
Her heart was fluttering so much, and it was hard to think straight anymore. Another minute of quiet and she took a breath, bracing herself as she moved her hand over his, hoping to hold on just enough for him to feel it. It wasn't much, but maybe it would say everything she failed to give a voice. If nothing else, it might answer some of the doubts and questions she had.
If the answer wasn't what she wanted... Well, at least there were monsters out there to take out her feelings on.
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"You had come so far. You deserve a good rest, even for a few days. You earned it." He said. He held her hand back, a gentle squeeze within her comfort. It's warm against the chill within the room, but the fire started to heat up the room significantly as he enjoys her company.
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To be fair, regicide was a fairly serious crime to be accused of, and the circumstances surrounding the Sultana's poisoning were suspicious at best. But, by that point, she had been at least proven innocent, and it was merely another nightmare left behind.
There was a moment of quiet as she took in that he was holding her hand, a warm comfort even through their gloves. But what touched her more than that was what he said next. Rest. She had earned rest...
"Thank you."
Her friends were valuable to her, surely. The scions were invaluable allies, and of course she cared for them deeply. But to them, she was always something unusual, the hero of light, their saviour. To Haurchefant, it was something else. It felt like she was just... She was just "Adela" to him, and that was enough. She honestly felt a little spoilt by that. Selfishly she wanted more of it, too.
"A few days, then. I think... I think we can afford that much."
A smile tugged at her lips as she made herself comfortable, and while she felt the slight sting of hot tears at the corners of her eyes, she kept her gaze towards the fire as she leaned her weight onto him. It would be so easy to fall asleep again, but she also wanted to enjoy the time there with him as long as possible. In her state it was too easy to mumble thoughtlessly however, perhaps revealing her heart almost too casually.
"You're... You're really too kind to me. You've saved my life, took me in when I had no where else to go, trusted me when you had nothing but my word, and... You're amazing, you know?"
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potatoeslalafells. Even if Hydaelyn had gone quiet perhaps from loosing her strength, there isn't much he could do other than to offer her aid and what little he has."Think nothing of it. In fact, don't try to overthink."
With a small yawn and a stretch by the warm hearth of the fire, he relaxes. A small break from duty. "It's going to get dark soon. The daylight tends to be short here. I have to think of what to make for dinner."
Despite how she's feeling, breaking up inside, and very slow to heal to pull herself together, he kept his warm body close to her. Perhaps by instinct, he wanted to curl up with her as she seeks comfort from him, but instead he supports her by curling his arms around her waist and back for a hug.
Even if she falls asleep, he could talk her ear off until she does.
"Are you partial to eft steak? The soldiers said it can be tough and gamey, but with the right sauce and seasonings, it can be delicious. I can go and make tea as well."
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She felt the loss of his hand keenly when he pulled it away, and disappointment was there for a split second before his arms were around her. This was kind-of... Intimate. She could feel her heart start to race. Nhaama, was she blushing? Hopefully not, but it was more of her feeling confused, wondering if he was just comforting her as a friend or as... Well, something else.
Needlessly said she was far from tired then and there, and in spite of herself she felt quite flushed as she tried to respond to him, "Ah, uh... I'm not sure I've tried it. T-Tough and gamey usually isn't a problem, though. I-is there any on hand?"
It'd give her a chance to... Well, cool off if she had to go out and procure some. Maybe. She shouldn't have been this nervous though, should she? He was just... He was just being nice...
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When he realized what he's doing, he's starting to worry immediately and quickly withdraws, fearing that he's overstepping a boundary. Inwardly perhaps...dissapointed that the brief warmth of heat between them faded so quickly because of the cold climate.
"A-anyway, I hope that wasn't too much." He was worried he is stepping out of line and felt guilty for expressing his intent. Despite his troubled past of his birth, he is a noble of the reputable House Fortemps of Ishgard and commander of Camp Dragonhead so he knows manners and grace is important. He clearly intended to comfort her.
"The delivery of supplies tends to run slow around here because of the erratic weather. That's why we have stations along the path to the camp and to Ishgard because of the snowstorm and the monsters, to keep watch for travelers and couriers. We do have meat but if we're running short by a day or two, I usually prepare by going hunting the old fashion way."
He takes a look outside the window. "It's best to go now when the sun is out. Lest the wolves and the dragons tend to attack in packs as they usually do. We won't go alone. I'll have a few soldiers to accompany us on the way."
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She definitely needed something to help cool her head. Her heart was beating so fast, and while a fight wasn't likely to help it go slower it was going to at least re-direct her energy away from whatever just happened. Now, she wasn't sure she was so ready to face what she was feeling then and there.
"I can be ready in a few minutes."
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Lunched passed and he gathered his hunting tools and two close friends within his platoon to accompany them both as a party. They ventured out to the snow-covered highlands to find a herd of efts, type of Coerthans local salamander, by the riverbank. It's a matter of shooting one of the creatures down with arrows and ending it with a slice from the sword. "We got it. We just need one. Let's return back to the camp promptly."
It's a matter of taking the poor carcass of the creature back to the camp and let the camp culinarians cooked it and grill it just in time for the evening meal.
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And with their part done and the culinarians hard at work, there was time to get cleaned up, at least what little they could cleaned up. All too soon the food was ready, it was dark out, and the evening meal was finished.
Adela wanted to address what had happened earlier, truly. The fact that he was acting like nothing happened was concerning. Did he just want to... Forget? It would be best to simply not bring it up if that was the case, but still... She wasn't sure anymore. It was confusing, like she was getting mixed messages.
It didn't help that at least a few soldiers had comments she had to ignore in order to keep the peace. There went Haurchefant's pet dragon, how life was better before she came along, it was too complicated now, and that she didn't deserve special treatment just because of her exploits. There were even some particularly racist ones who insisted that she was leading a Dravanian plot to kill them all and she had Haurchefant under a spell. Between her feelings being difficult to address and the rumors about the little au ra running rampant, it was exhausting.
She was restless by the time it was late enough to turn in. Unable to sleep, she couldn't help being drawn to where Haurchefant's chamber was. She wanted to see him, even if it was selfish, but... She didn't want to cause him trouble, either. It led to her pacing about, feeling more and more stressed as she was left alone longer and longer with her thoughts. Hopefully, the noise of steel greaves against stone wouldn't be too disturbing of a noise for him.
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Night in coerthas can get dark. Very dark and there's little light. The only lamp is the candles and oil lamps provided, and warmth from a furnace fueled by what little ceruleum fuel has been provided.
For the most part, Haurchefant kept himself busy into his shift until well into the night for the night watch to come over for their night shift.
Haurchefant was aware of the remarks. Or rather suspicious that gossip was whispered behind his back but he never heard it spoken verbally to his ears. Whenever he shows up with his presence, his soldiers tend to change the subject. But there was a fear of hersey ever present.
In the late of the night, he was struggling to keep the fire going to keep the camp warm. But he is preparing to go sleep. Already he removed his armor and was wearing night garments. He did take noticed that she is there, and he felt there was a tension between hours ago.
"Adela, what's wrong? If this is about the meal, tomorrow it will be better, and I already sent a letter for an order for your favorite foods. It will be delivered by tomorrow noon."
But intuitively he knew it's not about the food as his soldiers tend to desire and grieve much. "Or is there something else the matter? You can't sleep?"
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So much for pet person AU, sob
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