1st Entry

[tantailizing]

[Short and hurried scribbles, but it's a message in the journal anyway.]

I thought I saw tracks a while ago and I was right! Guys, there are chocobos here!

Be back in a bit, I'm going to get some greens!

Comments

[tantailizing]

Those could work, but their favorite food is a vegetable called Gysahl Greens. If they're here, that's gotta be around somewhere.

[piromare]

Hm. Are we able to eat those greens too, or do they solely exist to feed your chocobos?

[tantailizing]

Nah, they're edible. I know this old lady back home sells them pickled and she insists the stronger the smell, the better they taste. I haven't tried them because I know if you force someone that's been magically enraged to eat it normally, they snap out of it.

[piromare]

Stronger the smell... I don't know about that one. Sounds like a trap to me.

But that's interesting. So would you say a chocobo is naturally angry if their diet is something that would calm them down?

[tantailizing]

Maybe they are! Most I've encountered are naturally skittish, but some will at least kick before running away.

[piromare]

You know, I haven't exactly asked what a chocobo is. I imagine they must be like horses, based on what I've read so far.

[tantailizing]

It's cool. Surprise! It's a bird!

[piromare]

A bird...? But it's big enough to leave tracks?

How big IS this bird?!

[tantailizing]

Meet me in town center and you'll see.

[piromare]

Hm. Okay, I guess I have to see it to believe it, huh.

[tantailizing]

Yup! Be there in a bit!

[piromare]

( and so he does leave his treehouse, heading to the square with some pretty tempered expectations... his head on a swivel and eyes darting toward anything that might get his attention. )

[tantailizing]

[Oh, something would get his attention soon alright. If anything, it's gotta be the sound of something just pounding on the ground - kinda like the dreaded steps before a stampede yet its a lone creature. Upon massive talons, with fluffy yellow feathers paired with long tail feathers and crown, and one heavy orange beak, the bird is charging straight towards the main plaza without rein or saddle.]

[But, there is a head that peaks around the bird's long neck. Zidane gives a few pats to get them to slow down, and it does... almost running into Lio in the process. It looks down at him, cocking its head, and soon squawking 'Kweh!'.]

Good job!

[piromare]

( those heavy steps won't escape his ears, and lio is quick to turn toward the source of it and stare as it approaches--- it's the size of the bird that makes him gasp out loud. )

Whoa!

( it's fast and certainly appears to be like a bird. definitely not like any bird he's ever seen. thankfully zidane stops it before it makes contact. )

... this is your chocobo?

[tantailizing]

[Looking around the chocobo (who is still looking down at Lio), Zidane grins and nods.]

Yeah! I'm gonna call him Boco I think.

[piromare]

Boco?

( boco the chocobo. has a nice ring to it. lio decides to take one lap around the horsebird, to give it a good look. )

That's... fitting. I think?

( the one thing that gets his attention are how intimidating its legs are. also the fact it seems pretty heavy and that its wings probably can't... well. what would he know? )

How long did it take for you to learn how to ride one?

[tantailizing]

Haha, you can be honest. I don't know where it came from.

[Kind of. He thought of another chocobo, but didn't want to use the whole name... again.]

Not that long. Helped to have a more experienced hand nearby though. Chocobos each have their temperaments and all.

[piromare]

Well, it's short. Sharp. And it feels appropriate.

( what would lio know about naming things in the first place? very little, tbh. )

I guess they're a version of transportation for you, huh. ( a beat, then: ) But they look like... they're not food, are they?

[tantailizing]

Haha, good! That's kinda what I was going for!

[Someone else might say otherwise, but too late! Name's got approval!]

They are! Great at running, jumping, and a little fluttering, but they really can't fly like this. [Meanwhile, a blink.] Uh, you could, but let's maybe not talk about that in front of Boco.

[Because the chocobo's now a little fluffed up. It understands some things apparently.]

[piromare]

( you bet his eyes will go right to those feathers that sort of stiffen in response to his question... he knows how that sensation feels. very similar to a cat bristling, a bird can certainly make their discomfort visibly seen if they have to. and if this chocobo is smart, and it seems to be?

well. he doesn't want to rile it up. )

Yeah, yeah. ( a moment, then: ) Sorry.

( he gives the bird a few pats on its side. )

So about those greens... still looking for them?

[tantailizing]

[It appears Boco appreciates the apology and his feathers settle down with a wary chirp. But don't mind if he's going to nip slightly at Lio's hair while he's being pet - just returning the pet kind of.]

[Zidane shakes his head.]

No, I managed to find them. That means I should be able to grow some near my treehouse.

[piromare]

Oh... huh. Okay.

( the gentle pecking at his hair does distract him for a moment, making him flinch, but not in a defensive or retaliatory way. )

Seems like you'd have to grow a lot just to feed Boco. If you want, I could maybe plant some around my own home.

[tantailizing]

[He shakes his head.]

Gysahl greens are a chocobo's favorite food, but he can eat other vegetables. Besides, if you grow some around your house, you might find a few chocobo rooting around your planter.

[piromare]

Is that a bad thing?

( boco seems pretty nice, for a bird that could probably stomp him flat if he wanted to. )

I wouldn't mind being able to ride one around here if I have to.

[tantailizing]

Ah haha! No, it's not!

[Hah, he knew people would like chocobos.]

It'll take some befriending, but I'm sure you will!