Event Start: Renzu's Flock; Predator or Pray

[greatbeasts]

There's a commotion by the ocean.

At dusk, a strange and unsteadily honored tradition begins to cause unrest within the city. It's nearing the end of a trade season, and the approach of winter brings with it a tenuous and uncomfortable truce of necessity. A small trading group of Beast Hunters dock their ships at Outer Nuren's pier, just within Dragon Bay. They have brought with them hides, trinkets, meat, fish, rare plants, magical items and caged common creatures from the wildlands beyond the city's walls. In turn, they seek fabric, clothing, lumber, weaponry, armor and food from Nuren's harvests. Most of the Beast Hunters have come to trade their goods, while others are there to relax for a week in the seedier Outer Nuren, where the citizens are less likely to bother them and they can pick their fights and conversations with little concern for the preaching of the devout or the judgement of the sheltered citizens in the city proper. Beast Hunters are fond of tavern brawls and games of chance, though their regard for a scion's dragon, or any magical creatures, is visibly and openly one of disgust and discomfort. Despite this, many of the traveling traders enjoy sharing stories and will pass on tales of the fearsome and dangerous creatures they proudly boast to have killed or survived encounters with. There is open distrust or curiosity toward the scions and their worlds, but in general the Beast Hunters are a far more survivalist group of Remnants with a scattering of Touched. They're grim, rough around the edges and quick to violence and anger, but a bit of gold, flattery, charm or gambling can soothe most tempers. For a few gold, a scion skilled at games of dice, chance, or drinking competitions might find a profit in Outer Nuren throughout the week, and curious souls could learn more about the world beyond the city walls. Including its dangers and potential treasures, stories of the Wastewalkers or wild magical creatures and lands, and boastful accounts of survival against horrible odds. The Beast Hunters have a low opinion of the city citizens, calling them soft and worthless creatures who lean too heavily on their faith and security. Likewise, the citizens of Nuren have low opinions of the Beast Hunter's, calling them dangerous cut-throats and warning that they will gladly stab you in the back or poison your drink for a single gold coin or to steal the young and vulnerable dragons from their scions. Open scorn from both sides is apparent while the Beast Hunters linger in Outer Nuren, with fights both physical and magical breaking out. While the citizens may not venture far beyond Nuren's walls, they are practiced magic users and skilled fighters, albeit a bit less prone to fighting dirty. By the end of the week, the Beast Hunters will have sold their goods, and will pack up their ships and leave, refusing passage to scions and citizens alike. Only Beast Hunters may sail aboard their vessels, and any stowaways will be thrown to the sea serpents and sharks.

Strange magical feats in the streets.

In stark contrast to the rough and rowdy Beast Hunters, another group has grown active in Upper Nuren, becoming very visible during the week. A group of Scholars of Renzu have returned to the city from a trip to Renzu's temple, and bring back with them more of the great Griffin's teachings and knowledge. Throughout the week, the scholars try to get involved with the Scions. They offer to help the Scions understand and learn what their elemental alignment is, and how to use the ability they and their dragon now share. Several of the scholars hold daily 'classes' in the squares of Upper Nuren. Displays of elemental ability occur in the squares, along with discussions on how the different elements relate to and interact with one another. In the evenings, the Lorekeepers of the group tell tales to small gatherings of young citizens and any interested Scions, teaching them about Renzu and occasionally delving into tales of Chelba, Benra, Mouros, and Lysheu. A few scholars with powerful shield and healing magic offer to help Scions practice their magic, so that they can learn how to use their new abilities, and learn what to expect if their dragon decides to use their magic as well. At the end of the week, when the Beast Hunters have sailed away, the scholars will still be present, but less visibly active away from the smaller temple of Renzu within the city.

And a fine feathered friend around every bend.

Osaaru's sparsely filled streets have begun to fill in with the sounds of life. Excited citizens, exploring scions and intrepid young dragons have to learn to live with one another in the city. The adjustment is easier for some than it is for others. None understand this better than the Great Griffin. Renzu, the Great Griffin and Guardian of Knowledge, is a prominent and active guardian, revered and respected by a large portion of Nuren's population. The wisdom of the Great Beast is spoken of by any Scholar, Mage or devout citizen who mentions either of the Great Griffin's names. Though largely viewed as a gentle guide and known to be the Observer who watches over the city, there are occasions where the Great Beast takes a more direct approach. As evening descends, a distant chime begins to fill the air. The darker the sky grows, the more the melody seems to grow, always faint but with new melodies whispering and intertwining their way through the winds that sweep as gentle breezes through the city streets and alleyways. The distant sounds create a melody of wind chimes accompanied by a faint song that seems to resemble the soft music of wind instruments. It fills the air for a week, always faint but present, and all who hear it are likely to feel a calming, peaceful emotion settle over them, that comes and goes over time. With the winds and music, a flock of Griffins and Grifflings have entered the city, taking perches on buildings and walls. They play with or assist the citizens of Nuren and any scions who do not attempt to attack them. Grifflings race across rooftops in playful games of tag and chase, or engage young dragons in tag or hide and seek to sharpen their hunting skills. Griffins, some larger than lions in size, stroll through the streets, lending their backs to the pulling of wagons, or their wings to the creation of helpful currents. With some dragons nearing an age of testing their wings, and other young hatchlings beginning to fill the city, Renzu decided to take the young creatures and their scions under wing and give them a first lesson in their new lives. Renzu's flock are there to help the young dragons with their first steps toward flight. Throughout the week they can be seen acrobatically soaring through the skies above Nuren or creating small controlled winds and gusts to lift young dragons and their scions into the air. Gently approaching a Griffin may even see the creature allowing citizens or scions to ride on their backs, provided the person in question is respectful. Their powerful wings and large forms allow them to carry scions and their young dragons, or up to two people, on their backs. While they may be unable to ferry about larger creatures, they will gladly assist others where possible. The citizens of Nuren caution against injuring or threatening Renzu's flock. Most will insist they are gentle and harmless creatures as long as no harm is done to them. Injuring or killing a Griffin or Griffling is severely frowned upon by the citizens, though a Beast Hunter or two might be willing to pay a high price for one. Any harm or threat scatters the flock, making them distrustful and even aggressive toward the attacking or threatening party. From then on, the Griffins and Grifflings will not allow the scion in question to approach them or others of the flock. At the end of the week, Renzu's flock take wing, returning to the mountains they came from and leaving only a few scattered Grifflings playing in buildings and on the streets. With them goes the music, fading away on the gentle winds.

Notes

Please direct all questions to the Q&A on the plotting post. Additionally there is a post on the OOC community for talking about upcoming wishes in the Tide of Wishes Here. You are welcome to use this post to toss out open or closed starters and tag around, or to make your own posts within the community. Another post will go up for the Tide of Wishes, soon. In the meantime, there is an OOC post for you to leave your character's wishes, if you so choose, or to discuss them with others.

Comments

Natsumi Kuzuryu | Will match format!

[tookforgranite]

A - Docks; 11/14 - 11/16

[For the first few days after the Beast Hunters' arrival, Natsumi can be found spending a lot of time down at the docks with them. This is definitely her kind of atmosphere, and it's almost comforting because of that. Reminds her of home with how loud and rowdy the guests are. Which is why it's no surprise that she's getting just as loud and rowdy. Maybe not joining in on any of those bar fights that are going on, but she'll definitely cheer them on. She spends a lot of time gambling with the Beast Hunters too, more than happy to increase her wealth at the expense of others. (Though some of that does go back into the pockets of the Beast Hunters in the end as she can't help picking out some of the wares they've brought to take back home with her.)

What she spends the most time doing, however, is actually chatting with the Beast Hunters. She enjoys hearing their stories a lot, and can be found primarily doing that, sometimes buying them drinks to convince them to talk though that's not always necessary. She has a certain charm to her, after all, that can be quite endearing to even the toughest of hearts. But listening isn't all she does.]

--and then he grabs the bat as that asshole swung it at me, rips it out of his hand and punches his lights out! Got him square in the nose, I don't think I've ever seen a guy cry as much as that fucker did!

[She's plenty happy to tell her own stories too. They aren't as amazing as fighting off wild beasts or slaying great monsters, but they're still tales of battles won, even if they're on the mundane side. A few of them are about herself, a handful about her family, but the overwhelming majority?]

My brother's amazing! Just give him time and he'll be out there slaying your sea monsters just as well as you can!

[They're of course about her older brother. Want to join in on story time? She'll be happy to share more, or listen to cool stories from fellow scions too.]

B - Griffins; 11/16

[She doesn't have a dragon for the little grifflings to play with just yet, and at first she was kind of wary of the bigger guys too. These kinds of animals were just myths where she's from, and while she's not exactly scared of them she does keep her distance. After playing a little with the babies though and watching them help out little hatchlings learn to fly, she comes to the conclusion that they must not be all that bad. So she finally decides to hang around in Upper Nuren, dodging the Scholars and hanging out with the animals some instead. Especially since she's pretty sure she saw a few scions get flights around the city from them and that's something she wants in on.]

What are you even...? You're like some overgrown, mutated chicken.

[Probably not the best way to win a griffin over, and when the one she's speaking to starts walking off with disinterested she follows.]

Oh come on, I meant that in a good way! Chickens are great! And you have like...cat paws. I love cats!

[Endearing herself to people? Easy! To intelligent animals? Not so much, apparently. Not that she isn't trying, bless her heart, but the "chicken eggs are tasty" comment probably isn't winning her any points.]

C - Hatchlings, finally. (Joint with Fuyuhiko; Afternoon of the 18th)

[After nearly two weeks of waiting, it seems stupid to keep their dragons cooped up any longer. So, even though Fuyuhiko's is barely a day old and Natsumi's, half that, the siblings decide that it's time for the hatchlings to go out and meet the world. On the afternoon of the 18th, the two pairs can be found a little ways outside of the Dangans' cavern home.

The siblings are off to the side, Fuyuhiko leaning against the cave while Natsumi sits on the ground beside him, keeping a watchful eye on their hatchlings as they gambol around playfully. They still aren't all that great at walking just yet, thanks to their awkwardly stumpy legs and long, noodle-y bodies. So there's a lot of face planting involved in their playing, especially on the part of the younger, black dragon. But at least whenever she falls, the white one is there to help nudge her back to her feet. And vice versa, on the occasions when he falls instead of her.

As time goes on, the two gradually become more adventurous. Why are they staying in just this one little area?? There's still so much more to explore! Taking the part of the leader, the white dragon starts taking confident, yet wobbly steps away from the cave. His sister follows after him, taking his tail in her mouth so that she can keep up. Naturally, their scions come along too. They let the dragons play their bizarre little game of follow the leader for a few moments before scooping them up and carrying them towards their destination (a nearby town square) instead. They are just a few too many people up here, sorry little guys.

Once they reach the square, the scions set their dragons down and move back to go sit on a bench together, falling into easy conversation. The dragons, however, rush forward immediately to start playing with a few of the grifflings that have claimed the square as their playground. They squeak happily, chasing awkwardly after the feathered creatures and not even coming remotely close to catching any of them.]

((OOC: You're free to go for both siblings for a joint thread or one or the other! Just let us know in the subject line which you want!))

C, joint

[revolutionfalcon]

[In another corner of the square, a few more of the little grifflings are conjuring up winds, and there's a more person-sized dragon amongst them all trying to get a lift from them. Ultima flaps her six feathered wings insistently as the smaller winds fail to get her more than about a metre off the ground, and Shun looks on from enough distance that he's probably not in any danger of getting hit by errant wings.

That's less certain when a couple of the grifflings manage to stir up a bigger wind, and Ultima gives a startled sound as she suddenly shoots up to about ten metres off the ground. After that moment, though, she gets her wings working, and manages to fly a few metres across...before losing her rhythm and dropping to the ground like a rock a little in front of the Kuzuryuus' bench. At least she lands on her feet, even if she drops into a sulking pile on the ground a moment later.

With an annoyed sigh, Shun crosses the distance himself, stepping around the two little dragons chasing the grifflings.]

If you treat every failure like that, it's going to be even longer until you figure it out. [Gaze moving up to the pair on the bench as he gets closer, he nods at the sight of at least one familiar face...and probably his sister, judging by that similarity in features.] Looks like you didn't have that long to wait until your egg hatched after all.

[impheired]

[The white dragon's overly-large ears perk up as Shun approaches, and he ceases his chasing for a moment to nudge his sister out of the scion's way. Please don't step on her, mister. She is very small and barely even 12 hours old and feet would most definitely kill her and that would make him very sad.]

[Fuyuhiko, by contrast, raises a hand in a lazy sort of wave as Shun approaches. Though, he very quickly realizes that the boy's attention is, understandably, on his heap of a sulking dragon instead. So he decides to wait and see if Shun notices him before saying anything else. When he does, Fuyuhiko can't help but grimace a little.]

You're fucking kidding me, right? It's been nearly two weeks, he finally hatched yesterday afternoon. [Which is probably why both dragons are barely bigger than six week old kittens, a detail that both Ki and Katar totally did not forget to mention in the top level because they're both super smart and would never do that. We did, we're failures.]

[tookforgranite]

[The little black dragon follows her brother's directions, moving out of the way (though stumbling a little and falling in the process). But out of the way and safe she is at least! Thank you brother.

Meanwhile there's a different dragon that deserves some attention. Natsumi has no idea who this guy is but if he knows Fuyuhiko - which she's guessing is the case, judging from their exchange - then he can't be bad. Not if her brother isn't trying to chase him off.]

Six wings must be hard for you to manage huh?

[She's addressing the dragon first, of course, before nudging her brother in the ribs with her elbow.]

Who's this guy oniichan?

[revolutionfalcon]

[Since the sister seems to be waiting for Fuyuhiko to introduce them before speaking to him, Shun elects to leave speaking to her for the moment that'll likely take. Ultima, however, extends her long neck towards Natsumi at being addressed, sniffing at the air around her a bit and ruffling her wings. It's a motion somewhere between curious and wary, not entirely dissimilar to her own scion's guarded air.

With a glance back at the two young dragons to get a proper look at them, Shun gives a nod of reluctant concession to Fuyuhiko's point there.]

They're active for newborns, though Ultima was never much of an example of that. And I've seen older ones not much bigger than that. I suppose the only real positive other than having them is that it didn't take longer than two weeks, then.

[His tone is rather dry at that observation - it wouldn't surprise him if someone turned out that unlucky.]

C, joint is fine!

[mithrarin]

[Gamboling and playing hatchlings catch the eye of a far larger cousin. Skyship veers away from following Dust as they pace through the square, turning to pace over to the two smaller dragons.]

[Dust, who has become QUITE used to his dragon's foibles over the past week or two, doesn't even both trying to pull Sky back into line. Sky will do what Sky wants to do when it comes to situations like this, so Dust just trails along behind him. He doesn't seem the least bit worried, which should be of comfort to anyone who might wonder what the big dragon is up to.]

[tookforgranite]

[Despite the lack of worry on Dust's part, Natsumi is still a little apprehensive with the larger dragon approaching. She doesn't think he'll purposefully hurt the little ones or anything, since from what she can tell all the dragons seem to get along well enough? But they're just barely bigger than six week old kittens and both are very young. Understandably she's a little worried!

She's friendly enough, however, as she calls out to them.]

This big guy yours?

[Her dragon, meanwhile, also took notice of the larger dragon and when she realized he was approaching them decided it was a fine time to stop chasing a feather she'd found much easier to catch. She's a little on the shy side, and takes to hiding behind her white companion instead, waiting to see what exactly Skyship has planned.]

[impheired]

[Like his sister, Fuyuhiko is also concerned by the larger dragon's approach. Where the hell was this coming from? He's not afraid of big dragons or anything. Big dragons are great. Okay well, really, all dragons are great but either way, it doesn't explain the sudden apprehension that grips his heart as Skyship draws closer to the hatchlings.]

[Maybe one day he'll realize that he's basically a worried parent, but today is not that day. For a brief moment, his gaze flicks over to Dust before returning to the dragons. If his sister is taking care of the social part, he'll take care of the watchful eye part.]

[His dragon, however, has a much different reaction. With a squeak, he puffs himself up in a protective sort of way, attempting to reassure the little black dragon that he is Big and Strong and he won't let anything hurt her. Not that he thinks Skyship will, judging by the way he takes a few steps forward, stretching his neck out to sniff at the bigger dragon.]

[mithrarin]

He's mine, yes.

[Dust puts a hand on Sky's shoulder as the large dragon lowers his head with a great deal of solemn dignity, bowing both to the other dragons and to their Scions. He is the very picture of draconic price and decency.]

He's... big on politeness to other dragons and Scions.

B

[highstandards]

[Papyrus has better luck endearing himself to the griffins, winning them over with an eager hatchling and a shower of compliments of the "oh my god I don't know what you are but you're AMAZING" variety. His dragon is playing with a few of the grifflings when an older one approaches, followed by a human. She's obviously trying to befriend it only to be given the cold (and feathery) shoulder. It's kind of sad to watch, and Papyrus wants to help.

Not that he knows what it feels like, he most DEFINITELY never had trouble making friends.

He waves the griffin, inviting it – and Natsumi – to join him.]

I'M SURE THE HUMAN MEANT TO FLATTER YOU! A DAZZLING PRESENCE SUCH AS YOURS CAN SCRAMBLE ANY COHERENT THOUGHT!

[Papyrus is 100% sincere and griffins are proud creatures, easily flattered and easily insulted. The question is, will this particular griffin believe it?]

[tookforgranite]

[Whether it believes the skeleton or not on Natsumi's half has yet to be determined, because while that wonderful compliment has it approaching Papyrus, the girl doesn't follow to try and take advantage of it.]

Wh-wha---

[Hold on. Let her pinch herself, is she dreaming? No, that hurt. She's staring at a skeleton. A big walking, talking skeleton. A living skeleton what the hell is even going on in this place.

...wait, no maybe...it's some kind of like. Animatronic? So what if this place doesn't have that kind of technology magic can apparently do anything! Who knows, maybe it can animate shit too!

When she finally takes the invitation, the first thing she does is start poking his skull and shoulders. She's looking him up and down, trying to figure out exactly how he works.]

How weird...shouldn't you be in some kind of amusement park or something?

[highstandards]

Nyeh-heh-heh!

[If he's an animatronic, he's remarkably well made – he moves so smoothly and really feels like bone!]

Human, I - pfft - I understand why you'd want to touch me, but I must ask you to contain some of your enthusiasm, for us skeletons are very ticklish –

[And that's the point where Papyrus bursts into giggles and has to take a step back. He does puff up when she keeps staring at him, striking a dashing pose.]

Perhaps I SHOULD be in an amusement park! I am, after all, extremely fun and amusing.

[tookforgranite]

Wow, you're so life-like.

[Despite still thinking he's probably not real, she does at least stop touching him everywhere. She doubts he's actually ticklish but she'll be polite to the poor robot!]

You're supposed to be fun and amusing, aren't you? That's what you're programmed for! Or...uh. Magic'd? God I really don't know how that's supposed to work in this kinda situation.

[Or at all, in most cases. Shooting fire she kind of gets. Everything else is really beyond her.]

C - Joint, if you're up for it!

[camoqueen]

[ Glory still finds so many of the dragons she's running into strange. They're familiar and yet not. Different in so many ways from her and her friends, but also feeling incredibly close. She's been trying to stick close to her friends, but she's also been venturing out - Glimmer has to experience the world. She's not about to lock her up. Especially not after Glory spent most of her early life in a cave and resenting her "guardians" for it. So touring the city is more for her benefit than Glory's.

She mostly lets the younger dragon roam free - she tends not to go to far. In this case, however, Glimmer goes straight into the grifflings and the other pair of dragons, stopping short to give them a curious look and a little squawk. Glory spots their "parents" and they're both familiar faces. ]

Well, I figured we'd meet again. Just wasn't expecting to see two of you.

of course we are!!

[tookforgranite]

[Natsumi would recognize that little dragonet anywhere, and of course could equally as easily spot Glory as well. Just look at her, how could you not pick her out of a crowd. She offers the dragon a wave, laughing a little at the "two of you" comment. Clearly that means she hasn't met her brother yet.]

Nah, not two of me. This is my older brother, Kuzuryu Fuyuhiko! I don't think I could stand there being two of me to be honest.

[She'd have to share everything she got then, and screw that. Especially if it applies to the attention she gets from others!!

The curious look and squawk has the black one stopping at least, offering an equally curious if not a little shy squeak of her own in return. Who you? That's followed by a bit of a louder squeak at the white one. Hey brother, stop playing and come look at this other dragon!!]

c:

[impheired]

[Fuyuhiko had opened his mouth to say something similar, only to have been beaten to the punch by his sister. He quirks a brow, somewhat surprised to hear that his sister had already met the dragon scion. Wait so...which one of them had Glory been addressing?]

[He gives a chuckle.]

I think everyone would agree with you there, sis. One Natsumi is more than enough. No need for introductions in this case, though. [He turns his attention back to the bigger dragon.] Good to see you again too, Glory. You doing alright?

Sorry about the delay! Had a busy weekend.

[camoqueen]

[ It had been aimed at both of them - they're rather similar looking, after all, even if she'd met them both before. A part of her had been sure that was just because they were both humans, but finding out that they're related makes that into a different thing entirely! She looks a bit pleased at the thought as she settles in next to their seat. ]

Oh, so you're related! I hadn't realized... Probably because I didn't meet you together.

[ She offers them a talon. ]

Pleased to see you both again! Even if we are still waiting around and waiting to see what happens... I'd prefer having a clearer idea of what we're up against or what we're doing.

[ Glimmer, in the meanwhile is giving both of the dragons a look. She's being a bit standoffish, but not exactly rude. Curious looking sorts, aren't they? ]

C; Joint

[hakanai]

[One tiny little dragon arrives in happy pursuit of the grifflings before her scion does; off-white, mottled red and in good control now of her four insectoid wings, Tsubaki is a very happy young 'lady' of seven whole weeks! This makes her no less a child than the two dragons already here, but hey, the time has given her some good flight control, right?]

[She recognises Natsumi, and before anything else flies up to her, hovers for a moment, chirps happily and then turns around to land where the black and white dragons are awkwardly chasing their playmates. Her too! Chirp chirp!]

[It takes a couple of minutes before her scion, one Ōtani Yoshitsugu, comes strolling in. What shows between the cloth wrapped around his mouth and the hat on his head suggests someone entirely unconcerned by the fact his little dragon has been off wandering, but when he passes Tsubaki he stops and stares down at her as she wriggles after the two other dragons. And she pauses, looks back at him.]

Your young ones have hatched, finally. [It's aimed at Natsumi and Fuyohiko, despite the fact he's still staring at his own dragon. Having met the former before, he doesn't particularly see the need to introduce himself to her companion, though he will if asked.] They shall be causing no end of trouble soon.

[Tsubaki makes a snorting sound as he says that and runs off again. One might notice at this point some of Yoshitsugu's clothing looks wet, like water has been spilled down it...]

[tookforgranite]

[Oh hello Tsubaki! It's nice to see you again. She's of course pleased to see both the dragon and her scion as they approach, watching as the former goes to play with their little ones. Her own dragon is pretty shy, but can tell that Natsumi seems to like this stranger so...maybe it's okay to pause and sniff her curiously. She's still sticking a little close to the white one, but is a big braver than she has been with previous visitors.

As for poor Otani and how soaked he is...the girl has to hide a chuckle behind her hand.]

I take it this "no end of trouble" is why you're so wet.

[Because it kind of sounds like you're giving them advice based on experience here. But the laugh is followed by a bow of greeting.]

It's nice to see you again. Have you two met yet?

[An introduction is definitely needed, whether it's from the man himself or her, because Fuyuhiko's totally going to love meeting this guy. She just knows it.]

oh my god i thought i tagged this but it was apparently a fever dream, MY BAD

[impheired]

[The white dragon is distinctly less shy than his sister, though he still sticks close to her as the other dragon approaches. Mostly to serve as a reassurance to her, since even though she only just hatched at midnight this morning, he already knows how skittish she can be around new people and creatures. And he's taken it upon himself to protect her, because that's what big brothers do! He too, approaches the new dragon, giving an inquisitive squeak as the black dragon sniffs at her. What do you think, sis? Do you want to play with this one too?]

[His scion, meanwhile, was too busy keeping his eye on their charges to notice Otani's approach at first. It's not until his sister starts speaking that he finally glances up. He gives the stranger an inquisitive once-over. His gaze lingers for a few moments on his half-covered face, as Fuyuhiko tries to suss out whether or not he HAS met this stranger before or not.]

Can't say that we have.

it's all good ;)

[hakanai]

[Tsubaki, in response, stretches her wings out and flaps them a little, before turning in a circle. Her forked tail waves happily. It's all part of a display of friendliness, a genuine one, while she gets on with the time-honoured 'teenage' tradition of ignoring her 'parent.']

[Yoshitsugu watches for a moment before looking round, and bowing his head in acknowledgement. No need to confirm what already has been, so he doesn't bother.]

Ōtani Yoshitsugu. [And then adds:] Yoshitsugu is fine. My titles and family mean nothing here, though I do still enjoy 'Ghost Strategist.'

[Fukushima Masanori had acted rather scared when Yoshitsugu made it clear he knew of that nickname, which Yoshitsugu had used to excellent effect, but really, it wasn't hard to see where it came from. It was the kind of joke Yoshitsugu made about himself, after all.]

b griffins

[lullabytes]

It's a griffin.

[ chiaki has seen So Many in video games, and she doesn't seem to mind natsumi's chicken comments at least...she's just Helping. landia, now the size of small dog instead of a small cat, hops along at chiaki's feet as she comes over, hiding behind her ankles when she spots the grifflings. she definitely wants to pounce...but has to do so from a CLEARLY GREAT HIDING SPOT.

landia sticks out on either side of chiaki's legs. this is not Stealth. ]

A lot of times, they attack people in games, but...these ones are really friendly...I think. They might not wanna get eaten, though...

[tookforgranite]

[Landia, that isn't even remotely stealthy. Good luck trying to surprise anything like that...]

A griffin?

[Natsumi turns to look at Chiaki, arms crossing over her chest.]

Hey, wait, I didn't plan on actually eating it! I mean it may be half chicken but it's also half cat. I'm not gonna eat a cat.

[Even with her brother's classmate to help, she still manages to continue insulting the creature, who looks no more impressed with her than it had before.]

I guess it's good this isn't a game then. I'm not really sure I'd want to come up against a griffin in a fight...but what do you mean you "think" they're really friendly?

[lullabytes]

...I think they're smart enough to understand what we're saying.

[ just. maybe move on from the chicken comparisons, natsumi? as to "thinking", it's just chiaki's typical vagueness, and since most people don't call her on it she's momentarily stymied. ]

Hm...well, I can't say for sure, but it seems like they're pretty friendly, right? So...it's not a definitive sort of thing, even though it seems pretty definitive? I guess that's how it is...

[tookforgranite]

You guess. [Even precious Chiaki doesn't get to escape teasing from the younger Kuzuryu sibling.]

Well as long as you guess that's how it is, I guess I'll take your word for it.

[And then, turning to the griffin:]

I'm sorry I called you a chicken. Is an eagle more of a compliment? Do you have eagles here?

[It's not answering.]