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sharpcompassionFǫnn has been checking up on Loki's cottage while he is away periodically, tidying up here and there, making sure the weeds and vines aren't overtaking it too much. There is no need or desire for a mowed lawn or a manicured flower bed; berry brambles are allowed to climb the wooden fences beside the meadow and mice and snakes are welcome in the woodpile, but the children's play equipment is kept cobweb-free, and anything living in the chimney gets promptly, if gently, evicted.
So it's a surprise to her when she enters one afternoon to check that the electricity and water are running properly, and finds the sofa a mess, cushions askew, stuffing on the floor, with tiny sounds coming from within the framework. An investigation turns up a little of kittens, eyes-open but not quite weaned, in an array of colors, each with a pair of bitty feathered wings.
She's seen the winged cats around this place before, but they seem to keep to themselves. She never imagined they'd sneak inside for any purpose. Unwilling to just snatch the babies away, she sets out a little food and water and waits. No sign of a mother appears before she leaves for the evening, and the next day when she returns to check, the food and drink are untouched.
A lot of things can happen to a small animal in the Nexus, this close to the Wilds. Maybe the mother's uncharacteristic behavior in hiding the babies indoors is a sign she was in danger? Or maybe winged cats lay eggs and they just never realized? She doubts that, but stranger things have happened.
She carefully removes the outer layer from the sofa and extracts all the kittens, checking them for injuries or illness. The rest of the day, and the next, are taken up with treating eye infections and fleas, feeding them with eyedroppers and preening their wings. Not until they're reasonably healthy does she wander to the edge of the plaza with a box of mewing and purring and flapping wings. On the edge of the box, she puts a sign that reads: CATWINGS: UNFLEDGED, NEED RESPONSIBLE HOMES.
She has no intention of charging anyoneto adopt, of course, but she's not eager to give them away to someone untrustworthy, either.
So it's a surprise to her when she enters one afternoon to check that the electricity and water are running properly, and finds the sofa a mess, cushions askew, stuffing on the floor, with tiny sounds coming from within the framework. An investigation turns up a little of kittens, eyes-open but not quite weaned, in an array of colors, each with a pair of bitty feathered wings.
She's seen the winged cats around this place before, but they seem to keep to themselves. She never imagined they'd sneak inside for any purpose. Unwilling to just snatch the babies away, she sets out a little food and water and waits. No sign of a mother appears before she leaves for the evening, and the next day when she returns to check, the food and drink are untouched.
A lot of things can happen to a small animal in the Nexus, this close to the Wilds. Maybe the mother's uncharacteristic behavior in hiding the babies indoors is a sign she was in danger? Or maybe winged cats lay eggs and they just never realized? She doubts that, but stranger things have happened.
She carefully removes the outer layer from the sofa and extracts all the kittens, checking them for injuries or illness. The rest of the day, and the next, are taken up with treating eye infections and fleas, feeding them with eyedroppers and preening their wings. Not until they're reasonably healthy does she wander to the edge of the plaza with a box of mewing and purring and flapping wings. On the edge of the box, she puts a sign that reads: CATWINGS: UNFLEDGED, NEED RESPONSIBLE HOMES.
She has no intention of charging anyoneto adopt, of course, but she's not eager to give them away to someone untrustworthy, either.
no subject
Date: 2020-07-03 03:18 am (UTC)The rock that is his heart crumbles a bit just thinking of what these little babies could grow into. He nods quietly and turns his gaze briefly to the young woman. "I'm sure he'll forgive you if you explain that the sofa was used as a nest. No one worth calling a friend can get upset over a mother needing a safe place for her brood."
He tries, ever so slowly, to pick up the calico and hold it in his hands. "They'll still need to be fed the right kind of milk until they're old enough to handle meat." He might not put down this calico if it's good about being held.
no subject
Date: 2020-07-04 12:31 am (UTC)She watches how he reaches for the kitten, not sure if he's ever handled an animal before. He seems to be gentle, though, and she sees no reason to stop him.
"I tried bottle-feeding them, but one of the tabbies bit through the rubber nipple," she says with a little smirk. "I think it was frustrated the milk wasn't coming fast enough."
The calico's wings flutter slightly as it's scooped up, and it stretches and gives a long yawn, curling a tiny pink tongue.
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Date: 2020-07-04 12:55 am (UTC)He's very rarely had to handle an animal, yes, but those wings give him even more pause. He's much more confident with the kitten in his hand and he holds the little thing against his chest with both hands. One thumb starts rubbing behind the ears.
"Something sturdier, maybe even a kind of syringe if their teeth are already that sharp." He's made up his mind to take home the kitten, but now that begs the notion of supplies. "Litter box, food and water dishes, toys and a bed, something to climb on..." He mutters the words half to himself. "Given they're half bird, trying out cat and bird toys would be a good idea."
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Date: 2020-07-04 01:15 am (UTC)The kitten seems pretty sanguine about being handled. These may not be precisely domesticated animals, but they're not truly feral either. After a moment, there's another yawn and the start of a purr.
"I think that one likes you," Fonn observes. "I have extra canned food and toys I can give you to take with you. There are pet shops around the plaza. You know, I hadn't tried it yet, but I wonder if that big supply store for Pokemon might have a suitable perch or climbing tree. Some of them have both wings and paws...I think."
She is not a Pokemon expert.
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Date: 2020-07-07 03:24 am (UTC)He huffs with laughter as the purring starts up. What a good cat. Bird. Catbird. He continues petting the small creature, admiring the softness of his fur. Even his limited experience taught him that baby animals of any species tend to be rather soft.
"I think he does." He looks up at Fonn and nods. "Whatever you can spare, I will take." And that word. Pokemon. It rings with familiarity, but he can't really remember why it would be something he'd know. "There's got to be a cat tower fit for someone like this. If he's more cat than bird, then he'll like having a way to look down on everyone."