Cat girls, dog boys, my oh my

[mirrormirrormeme]

PET PERSON MEME

>> premise

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!

>> how to play

Needless to say, The Care and Keeping of Your Pet is a bit biased and full of propaganda, but it gives a good idea of the world your character is now AU's into. They are either a pet person or a human master, and what that means for them varies. So are they a devoted pet or a rebellious animal person looking to buck the system? A generous master or a cruel sexual sadist? Just a normal pet owner? Most likely they're something in between, but when you're raised in this world, it's difficult to see anything different on the horizon. Rules Comment with your character and say whether they'd be a master or a pet. Ideally, they could be played as both. Mention what kind of each they'd be and what they'd be like, (ie: "Xx-chan is a bunny girl who is happy to please her master" or "Asterothia is a cat boy who is aloof but loyal to his true master"). For pets, be sure to include features ("wolf ears, tail, teeth). REMEMBER, pet does not automatically equal submissive and master automatically equal dominant. This is not a BDSM setting though BDSM can be included. How far you want to go with the actual "pet" aspect is up to you, as well. Your pet could just be your slightly-furry roommate or soulmate! Comment to others. Play out the scene.

>> prompts

This by now means an all-inclusive list, but it should get you going in the right direction. First Time Pet/Owner: Usually, pets are gotten at a young age; you're an old dog. Can you learn new tricks? True Bond: What all masters and pets yearn for...the pet's loyalty and adoration for life. Love: It's expected for masters to love their pets, but to love them? Romance is strictly forbidden. Old "Couple": Master and pet have grown together and know each other. You know, know each other. Loss of Master: The pet has lost their master, perhaps even their True Bond. Is it possible to move on? Young Master/Older Pet: Pets age quicker than masters, so it's possible to end up with a bit of an "age" difference. Family Pet: This pet's been raised as part of the family. What happens when their feelings for a family member get more than platonic. For Your Protection: You don't want to be a master, but you have to take in a pet for their protection lest they be in danger from the general public. Stray: You're a stray or a "Free." Can you live like this with your biology screaming for you to make a match? Servant: You're more servant than pet. All Sex, All the Time: The only purpose for this pet is to service the master, and not in a way that means cleaning their house. Guard: You're a loyal bodyguard, a service pet. You'll do anything for your master. Anything. Pet Play: This is for those who prefer to keep their animals on leashes, have them eat from bowls, and keep away from clothing. Breaking In: Training is important with any pet. In Love with Another Master...or Pet: To lust after another's master is no better than treason, and to wish to be with another pet just cruel! Punishment: Bad dog, no nookie! Heat: All pets go into heat, and it's the responsibility of the owner to take care of this problem. After all, unchecked dry humping kills thousands every year. Breeding: Breeders know the best qualities in each type and mate the cream of the crop together to continue lines. It's a hobby for some, a calling for others. Pregnancy: So, about that whole "hybrid" thing. It maaaay be more true than you think, even if pet/human pregnancies are the stuff of salacious tabloids. Territorial: Hey, hey, other dog person! This is your apartment. Stay the fuck out! Kennel: Kennels are where unadopted pets are kept. They're generally agreed to be depressing places. Why not volunteer at one, keeping the pets healthy and happy with the kind of affection only humans can show? Rebelling Against the System: Damn the Man! Pet people are people, too! Just be careful not to get talk. You know what happens to bad pets. Instant Attraction: You ever just look at someone and know they're the one? That they're...your master? But what if you've been trying to fight it? Well, don't try! Dominant Pet: You might be the pet, but you call the shots, at least in the bedroom. Pet Show: Everyone wants to show off how perfect their animal is. Look at that ass! And you'll never believe their special skills... Therapeutic: Pets, especially those bred for their kindliness, are perfect therapy for those who've been through trauma and heartache. Jealousy: Who's that around your master? Oh, hell no. They better not be touching them! Petting: Pet people are absolutely gaga for being touched. Even the most steely ones turn to mush for rubs. Games: Playing with your pet and giving them exercise is a key to happiness. Of course, with a pet person, you might want to use other toys instead of a ball.

Comments

Noctis Lucis Caelum | Final Fantasy XV | M/M

[princeofnight]

(He is a simple black cat.)

aether; genshin impact

[ironwind]

( as a master, very flexible. as a pet, probably a cat. m/m for shipping or smut. castmates preferred. )

Arthur Morgan - Red Dead Redemption II - OTA20+

[unshakencowboah]

[Most likely stray pet, either in modern or canon era, but open to discussing him as an owner. As a pet he'd be either a stag or a bear.]

seto kaiba | yugioh

[neutronblast]

[either a "tough love" master or a surly dragon -- complete with horns/wings/fangs/tail. no breeding or pregnancy pls.]

akemi morishita | original | m/m

[cupidite]

( clingy lop rabbit. probably used to be a stray. )

Catra | She-Ra | F/F

[cattera]

[Guess.]

fushigoro megumi | jujutsu kaisen

[divinedogs]

[ doggy :3 ]

Blair | Soul Eater | m/f

[pumpumpumpkin]

[Magical cat girl at your service! Very affectionate. Loves baths. Has no concept of personal space.]

Xiao || Genshin Impact

[alatusyaksha]

(He is the pet. Cat ears look good on him.)

Diluc | Genshin Impact

[dawnphoenix]

[He's either an angry fire cat, bird, or the master.]

Aymeric de Borel | Final Fantasy XIV | M/M

[seraymeric]

[Fox boy/Kitsune.]

Closed to dragonshadowdive

[seraymeric]

[A few weeks have passed since Aymeric finally awakened from his deep, years-long slumber at his shrine in the forests of Doma, and needless to say he’s feeling a bit famished. The local populace had been full of devout believers before travelers and businessmen from bigger cities had come around preaching about the wonders of modern society and technology, but unfortunately as a result those days are long gone, and the people’s faith in the Guardian of the forest had waned for many years. Aymeric wasn’t the only deity affected, of course, but he’s the only one in charge of guarding his forest, and it’s certainly suffered in his absence. There’s still plenty of trees and things of course, but evidence of logging and poaching are all around him, and it displeases him greatly. Even his shrine isn’t what it once was, only partially restored since the people began to revisit old traditions and bring him offerings again, but at least it still stands, unlike the shrines of some other lesser deities.

But even if the people’s renewed prayers and offerings had been enough to wake him from his slumber he’s not exactly at full power, weakened from years of neglect and inactivity. In fact he’s so weak that he can’t even transform into his magnificent nine-tailed form, instead confined to the tiny form of a jet-black fox, much to his chagrin. He can’t do magic like this, nor can he fish or pick fruit to feed himself and help restore more of his spiritual energy, and so he’s forced to set out in search of prey to hunt, as much as it rankles him to behave like some kind of animal. But until more offerings are made he’ll simply have to work on getting back to full strength himself, and so he leaves the safety of his shrine to go hunting, confident that he can bring down a rabbit or two and be good for the evening.

Except it seems that he’d greatly overestimated his hunting skills, because every rabbit and quail he tries to catch easily escape him, and he’s left panting and exhausted and worst of all, hungry. Ugh, if only he’d rationed out that offering of onigiri from earlier in the week...but it’s too late for that now, and he’s forced to search for food elsewhere, namely the nearest house he comes across, right on the edge of his forest. Humans generate a ton of garbage, after all, and even if he hates the idea of digging through the trash for food it’s certainly better than starving...

But oh? What’s this? Perhaps it’s his lucky day after all, because it seems that he’s stumbled upon a farm of some sort, and farms always have easy prey wandering around them. Chickens, ducks, sheep, all of them make for quick and easy meals, and Aymeric’s mouth is already watering when he spots a flock of sheep out grazing in a field. There’s so many of them, all fenced in with very little space to run, and it wouldn’t be too difficult to corner at least one and sink his teeth into its neck. Much easier than taking down a rabbit or quail, that’s for sure, and soon Aymeric is quietly slipping under the fence and stalking over to where a large group of sheep are gathered, blissfully unaware of his presence. As long as he remains downwind this should be easy...so long as whoever owns this farm doesn’t catch him in the act, anyway. But he’s far too hungry not to try it, and he eventually sets his sights on a lamb and its mother, mouth watering in anticipation.

He crouches down and prepares to pounce, tail swishing excitedly behind him, and he can hardly wait to tear into a meal of fresh, bloody mutton...]

[dragonshadowdive]

[Running a farm alone had been challenging at first, but Estinien likes to think he's gotten the hang of it. He doesn't own a huge amount of land but it's enough for his sheep to frolic and graze in, and he has enough space to grow crops for himself. Ever since his family succumbed to the plague several years ago it's been on him to keep the place going and despite his rocky start, he's finally fallen into the proper rhythm of it all. He no longer worries excessively about being able to keep food on the table for himself and his livestock are all thriving, so he can't really complain.

When the Garleans were driven out of Doma a few years ago, things around here had picked up. People stopped walking on eggshells in the village and old traditions were practiced more freely. The complete ban on all things spiritual gone now meant that people were revisiting old shrines and temples, paying respect to the spirits that had looked over them for generations. Estinien is, of course, no different in this respect. He can remember the visits to temples and shrines with his mother and father to pray and leave offerings for good harvests, healthy sheep, and general happiness. Now that it's permitted again Estinien has resumed such visits, even if the poor shrines in his area look like they need more tending to.

But while magic is not an unknown thing to Estinien, he certainly doesn't expect to be visited by any forest spirits at his home. He'd paid his dues, in his mind, and he hasn't heard anything from any of the elders in the village about upset spirits. So when he spots a black little creature darting through his field, he doesn't think there's anything mystical about it. Just a hungry, opportunistic creature looking for an easy snack if the way it's eyeing his recently birthed lamb is any indication.

Estinien scowls sharply, quietly sneaking up on the critter-- and maybe that's a warning that this creature isn't all there, that he can manage to sneak up on it at all-- before he's lunging. His hand finds the back of it's neck quickly and he's scruffing the animal, scooping it from the ground to hold it up and away from him. It's... a fox? A pure black one, and Estinien can't say he's ever seen foxes around here. They were more common deeper in the woods, certainly, but out on the edges they haven't been a problem.

Still, he frowns sternly at the fuzzy beast, crook resting against his other shoulder as he sizes it up. He sighs, already walking it back toward the tree line, scolding the fox as if it can possibly understand him.]

You'll not be making an easy meal of my sheep. There's plenty of rabbits in the woods, go fetch yourself one instead of harassing my flock, fox.

[seraymeric]

[He’d been living the good life back when he’d been receiving offerings from the local villagers every single day, the people’s faith in him powering him up and providing him with plenty of spiritual energy, but now? Now he’s a shadow of his former self, all scrawny and scruffy and unable to use magic, and it’s served to humble him just a little bit. No longer can he rely on offerings of food to sustain him, and that’s what’s driven him to hunting his own prey like an animal, though unfortunately he’s failing hard at it. So much that he’s resorted to stalking farm animals who are all but helpless, but hey, beggars can’t be choosers. Plus mutton is delicious, and he can hardly wait to tear into one of those delicious-looking sheep...

Unfortunately for him his little hunting trip is about to come to an abrupt end. He’s too focused on his prey and his empty, growling stomach to notice the farmer sneaking up on him, and he lets out a surprised yelp when he’s suddenly grabbed by the scruff and hoisted off the ground, his fight or flight instincts kicking into overdrive. He growls and squirms and makes all manner of upset fox noises, though not having eaten for days on end has him tiring out quickly, and soon he hangs limp like a kit in its mother’s mouth, panting heavily. How embarrassing. If he had his magic he’d show this human what’s what...!!!

Lucky for him the human doesn’t try to kill him or hurl him off a cliff or anything awful like that, much to his surprise. Instead he seems to be walking him back to the forest, and Aymeric eyes him for a moment, sizing him up in turn. He’s incredibly handsome for farmer, even with that angry scowl on his face, though that hardly makes being scolded by him any better. Well...maybe a little, but still, he gives the human an annoyed look, because wow, this is no way to treat a forest guardian, even if the human likely has no idea what he truly is. If only he could speak...

But right now all he can do is let himself be carried off, because he’s far too tired and weak to keep fighting it. Hopefully the human will at least drop him in the woods and not just at the tree line, because it’s a long way back to his shrine. Ugh. If only he’d been more careful...all of that fresh mutton, now out of his sights...just what is he going to eat now...?

...actually, he swears that he can smell something tasty on the human (in his pockets maybe?), but he can’t really investigate like this. Maybe once he’s set down he’ll give the human a whiff, so long as he doesn’t try whacking him with that crook of his.]

[dragonshadowdive]

[The fox in his grasp seems to not enjoy that it's been caught, growling and thrashing about. Estinien keeps his grip firm on his scruff though, keeping the critter held out away from him so he can't manage to injure him at all. But eventually the fox stops, panting and looking quite worn out from his fit. Estinien frowns thoughtfully as he looks over the fox, noting how skinny it is, how worn out it's acting even from that little bit of activity. Perhaps this fox is sick...? He isn't sure how to check for such a thing, but it seems much less energetic than he would assume.

But he keeps carrying the fox to the tree line, letting out a soft sigh.]

Cease squirming. I won't hurt you, fox. I just want you away from my animals.

[He's still scolding but his tone has lost some of it's edge on seeing how worn the creature is. He just can't stay angry at such a pathetic little creature, truly, and he hopes it doesn't try to come after his sheep again. It would be a shame to have to do something more drastic...

But, here they are, at the tree line, and Estinien sets the fox down carefully. He makes sure to give it ample space in case it decides it wants to take a bite of him, pulling his arm back quickly. If the animal is sick it wouldn't do to let himself get rabies or something from a rabid bite. Not that the fox shows any signs of such disease, but still...]

Be off, then. There's plenty of game in the woods with the Garleans gone now. Surely you can find a bite to eat that isn't from my sheep.

[seraymeric]

[He’s not thrilled in the slightest that he’s been caught, mostly because he assumes that he’s going to be killed by this human, defenseless as he is at the moment. If he had even his weakest magic he could put the human to sleep and slip away into the forest, but unfortunately he’s been drained of every ounce of his spiritual energy, leaving him a husk of a forest guardian. Thankfully the human isn’t tossing him or shaking him, instead keeping him at arm’s length so he can’t bite, which Aymeric can’t really blame him for. Skinny and weak he may be, but he’s still got some razor-sharp teeth, and he could inflict some real damage if he wanted to. Unfortunate that he’d have to resort to biting someone like an animal, but if he had to in order to survive he absolutely would.

But the farmer is saying that he won’t hurt him, that he just wants him to leave his animals alone, and while Aymeric doesn’t completely trust him yet he’s far too tired to continue squirming, so he’ll simply take the human’s word for it, going limp in his hold much like a kit would in a mother fox’s mouth. The farmer sounds much less angry with him now, which is good, though Aymeric bristles when he thinks that it might be because he feels sorry for him. As if he’s some pathetic, helpless creature!! Hmph!!! He’s going to make it a point to get back to full power and show this human his complete, magnificent form someday!!! Someday...

He’s far too weak right now to go after the farmer’s sheep again anyway, so he needn’t worry about that. He’s also not stupid enough to think that he’ll be able to get away with sneaking onto the same farm twice, so hopefully he’ll never have to face the full extent of the farmer’s wrath. While he’s in fox form, at least. He could totally take him if he had all his magic!!!

But soon they’re arriving at the treeline, and when Aymeric’s paws hit the ground he considers bolting...right up until he catches a whiff of something tasty coming from the direction of the farmer. He turns to eye him then, nose wiggling as he sniffs the air, and while the farmer seems to be putting some distance between them out of caution Aymeric slowly steps into his space anyway, sniffing the air again to try and find the source of the smell. It smells like some kind of fish, and it makes his mouth water and his stomach rumble loudly. Gods he’s so hungry, enough that he takes a few more cautious steps forward as he zeroes in on the farmer’s pocket. Ah, yes, there it is! And while he doubts that the farmer is keen on sharing his food with the local wildlife he looks up at him all the same, using the “sad eyes” trick he’d learned as a kit and whining pitifully. Humans are weak to that, right?

Pathetic, he knows, but he’s also too damn hungry to care.]

[dragonshadowdive]

[Estinien isn't so heartless as to kill a wild animal unless there's no other option. He hasn't had any real issues with the local wildlife encroaching on his fields other than some deer trying to eat his crops, so he's reluctant to hurt the fox. He'd rather scare the thing away and hope that's enough to dissuade it from returning. It does look skinny though and Estinien wonders if there's been an a shortage of prey somehow. The Garleans were pretty lax on enforcing laws against poaching and there was a lot of logging in the area when they were here, but the past few years since they've been expelled has seen the forest regrowing. But perhaps the prey hasn't been good...? Estinien has killed a few rabbits in the past few weeks, so he hadn't been worried...

The fox doesn't fight further as he approaches the tree line, and once he puts the fox on the ground he imagines it will bolt off. And yet, it doesn't, sitting there and sniffing at him. Estinien cocks his head to the side curiously, wondering if perhaps the fox truly is sick and considering attacking him. He does have a dagger on him just in case (and for general usage around the farm) but he really doesn't want to have to use it.

But it's sniffing at his pocket, looking at it hungrily and looking up at him with sad puppy eyes. A fox, begging him for food. Estinien scowls a bit at this, shaking his head.]

Seriously? You're begging for food?

[That pocket has some dried squid strips in it, a treat he bought himself last time he'd gone into the village to sell his wares. He isn't keen to share it, no, since it's his favorite little snack-- but this animal looks so pathetic and malnourished that Estinien actually feels bad for it. How annoying.

He crouches down to get eye-level with the fox, looking at it warily before he's reaching into his pocket to tug out the pouch with the strips of squid in it. After he unties the top of it he's holding it out to the fox carefully, giving a small sigh.]

Fine. Have some, but you ever come for my sheep again I'll turn you into jerky.

[seraymeric]

[His distrust of humans was born from hundreds of years of watching them deceive and kill each other senselessly, though he won’t deny that kind ones exist, this farmer apparently being among them. There’s also the villagers who give him offerings and believe in him, of course. The strange men in their steel contraptions that came crashing through his forest on more than one occasion though, they’re ruthless, evil murderers, leaving nothing but destruction and suffering in their wake, and Aymeric would never trust one. Thankfully they didn’t linger in his forest, though the land is still scarred from their presence, and the local wildlife has certainly suffered because of it. Prey exists, but it’s not nearly as abundant as it once was, and honestly? Even if the forest were overrun with rabbits Aymeric probably wouldn’t be able to catch one unless it were as weak and tired as he is...

But the human looks curious about what he’s doing, probably wondering why he didn’t just run away immediately, and Aymeric imagines that he must think him to be the strangest fox alive. Which is fine, honestly. So long as he shares his food Aymeric couldn’t care less about what the farmer thinks of him, because it’s not like he’s out to be friends with the human or anything. Foxes are notorious opportunists, and kitsune are honestly no different. This human has food and Aymeric wants it, and he’s willing to do just about anything to get it and stop the awful hunger pangs that plague him.

Cue the sad puppy eyes, which don’t seem to have much of an effect at first judging by the farmer’s scowl, but Aymeric keeps it up, looking up at the human with another pitiful whine when he asks that question. He truly doesn’t like begging for food, in fact it’s rather humiliating, but he’ll do whatever he has to in order to survive.

Surprisingly enough the human actually gives in and pulls a little pouch of goodies out of his pocket to share, and Aymeric's bushy tail wags and thumps against the ground excitedly as he eyes it, his mouth watering in anticipation already. How embarrassing. But oh well, he’s too hungry to dwell on how pathetic he’s acting right now, and once the food is presented to him he devours it shamelessly, the taste of the salty dried squid heavenly on his tongue. Unfortunately for the farmer he ends up eating every last piece, letting out an unrefined little burp afterwards. Classy.

...he could just run off now that he’s gotten what he wanted, but...well. He’s not entirely heartless or cruel, and despite the farmer threatening to turn him into jerky if he should ever come after his sheep again Aymeric gives him a happy little whine and licks at the farmer’s hand in thanks. But as grateful as he is it’s also getting late, and after giving the human a cute little spin he turns and heads off back into the forest, feeling drowsy now that he has a somewhat full tummy. Luckily his shrine is free from pests for the night, and he’s able to get a good night’s sleep, a small sliver of his spiritual energy returning to him now that he’s received another “offering” of sorts. It totally counts, okay?

Come the next day he’s up with the sun, and of course he’s hungry again, much to his annoyance. He supposes it’s time to try his luck at hunting again, and he actually does go out in search of prey, but after scaring off two rabbits and a quail he gives up once again, already worn out from his efforts. It’s unfortunate how terrible of a hunter he is, but it’s not like he’s used to living as a fox, so...

But hmm. As prideful of a creature as he is he’s also not above taking advantage of the kindness of others, and Aymeric figures that if the farmer from the day before was generous enough to share his food with him once he might just do so again, and with that in mind he heads off back towards the farm, bypassing the sheep this time and heading straight to the human’s front door. Hopefully he’ll see that Aymeric is innocent of harassing or harming his sheep and not immediately try chasing him off, though if he does then well, it was worth a shot.

Just gonna sit and scratch and whine pitifully at the farmer’s door until he comes to investigate, no big deal.]

[dragonshadowdive]

[Estinien doesn't really blame the fox for being cautious around humans, in fact it's why he's confused when it doesn't simply run away from him when he's placed down. Foxes are, indeed, known for being sly and resourceful and this one seems to think that looking pathetic and begging will help. While he isn't swayed much by the big eyes and the whines, he is swayed by the ribs sticking out obviously under the creature's fur. The exhausted way it holds itself. It's clear this fox hasn't had any luck feeding itself lately, and Estinien can't ignore that.

There's wagging aplenty when he crouches down to share his food, and he had no idea foxes shared that trait with their canine cousins but it's kind of cute. Nothing is cute about how the fox simply devours all of the food on offer but he hadn't expected him to hold back. He's an animal, after all, and there's no point in leaving food on the table when you're so hungry. That little burp has him letting out a small snort, and once the pouch is empty he's tucking it back in his pocket.]

Alright then. Get going.

[--oh? There's a quick little lick to his hand, accompanied by a little whine and Estinien lets out a soft snort at that. The edge of his mouth curls up when the fox does a spin and then bounds off, amused. Well, at least the fox is leaving now, and that's all he can ask for. Hopefully that will be the last he sees of it and it has better luck on the hunt. He stands up and heads back to his flock, a bit bemused by everything. At least that hadn't ended in any bloodshed, for his sheep or the fox, and when he comes back to see the little lamb resting peacefully at it's mothers side, he can't help but smile.

The rest of the day isn't anything exciting for a farmer. He tends to the sheep, checks on the crops, puts out fertilizer, cleans the small barn out that his animals make their home in. It's all standard fare for him and by the end of it he's tucking into bed, glad he managed another day without any real problems.

He usually wakes with the sun and today is no different, going through his morning routine of making himself breakfast and starting something that can cook slowly over the day to eat later. He's chewing on a piece of bread when he hears the scratching at the door, frowning at the little whines that come from it. He's grabbing a broom from where it's propped in the kitchen, heading toward the door and ready to sweep away any critter that might be trying to get in. The door swings open and he quickly looks down to see what it is that's scratching at his door, only to be met by the same black fur he saw yesterday.

Letting out a sharp, annoyed sigh he squints down at the fox. No sign of blood, and he would have heard his sheep or chickens react to an attack. So it didn't bother his animals, which is good, because he still didn't want to hurt the thing. Even if it continues to be a nuisance.]

And why in the seven hells are you back? Didn't I make it clear you're unwelcome here?

[seraymeric]

[As much as Aymeric hates to admit it he’s definitely a terrible hunter, and that’s why he looks so skinny and weak at the moment. Years of slumber due to a lack of offerings and prayers had done a real number on him, and it’s going to take a long time for him to regain enough strength to transform into his magnificent kitsune form. A month or two, at the very least, though perhaps if this human continues to feed him he’ll build his spiritual energy back up faster...

Either way he’s going to whine and beg with big ol puppy eyes until the human finally gives in and offers him the squid, tail wagging a mile a minute as he devours every single piece. Greedy. But yes, he’s literally starving and isn’t about to waste even a sliver of the squid, even if the human had meant to eat it himself. It feels so nice to have something in his belly again, and he doesn’t feel all that ashamed about showing his gratitude by licking the human’s hand and spinning in a little circle for him, whining happily. The display seems to amuse the human, and Aymeric can’t help but find that hint of a smile quite endearing. This farmer really is quite handsome, and it’s honestly a shame that Aymeric can’t transform to thank him with words.

Unfortunately he has no luck hunting the next day either, and that’s what leads to him showing up at the farmer’s door, hoping to con another meal out of him by acting cute. Or, if all else fails, he can try to earn some food by helping around the farm somehow, though obviously what he can do without hands is limited. That’s a last resort for him though, because he’s never enjoyed back-breaking work, and he’d rather take his chances hunting rabbits than have to bust his ass from dawn till dusk just to earn a meal. Hopefully the cute eyes and will work on the farmer twice...

Once the door opens Aymeric immediately looks up at the farmer with big, sad eyes, ears folding back a little when he hears that annoyed sigh. It seems that the farmer is none too pleased to see him again, and Aymeric huffs and whines when he says that he’s unwelcome here, feeling just a tiny bit offended. He’d kept his word not to hurt the sheep or any of the other animals, so why the irritable greeting? At this rate he might just get the door shut in his face, and that’s what prompts him to dart between the farmers legs and slip inside his house, ears perking up when he catches a whiff of something tasty cooking in the kitchen. It smells divine whatever it is, and Aymeric ends up sniffing around the stove excitedly, tail wagging as his tummy growls loudly. He realizes that he’s being a rude little thing right now, but he’s just so hungry that he doesn’t care, plopping his butt down in front of the stove and looking back at the farmer expectantly for a serving of whatever he’s got cooking.

Of course should it not be ready yet he’s willing to eat whatever else he’s offered, because beggars can’t be choosers, and there’s very little food that he’d outright refuse to eat at the moment.]

[dragonshadowdive]

[Hopefully with continued offerings made to his shrine, the fox will be able to regain his strength. Estinien is unaware of this particular fox's spiritual nature but he knows the people of the village are trying to make an effort to re-vitalize the shrines and temples in the area, and hopefully the fox will see that effort come to his own soon. Unfortunately they are a small village and the damage done by the Garleans is vast, so it's taking quite a bit of time.

As cute as the fox was with his little thank you twirl, Estinien does genuinely hope he doesn't see him again. Wild animals have no business on a farm and he doesn't enjoy seeing the signs that the poor thing is having trouble securing food. It doesn't mean anything good, and he makes a note to ask the next time he's in the village if other people have seen similar signs of nature struggling. Perhaps they'll need to do something to help the forest get back on its feet now that the people ruining it are gone. Estinien doesn't know much about such things, but surely some of the elders will have ideas...

So when he opens the door and the fox is there, he's not only annoyed, he's worried. That the fox is so desperate for food that it's returned despite the danger is a major concern, and the way it's looking at him sadly, whining at him, isn't good. Estinien frowns, wondering what to do-- and it's just enough of a pause that the fox darts into his home past his broom defenses, making him swear softly under his breath.

Nothing for it. He closes the door and sets the broom back, both surprised and totally not surprised to see the fox sitting in front of the stove, looking excitedly at the pot of stew slowly cooking on top of it. The stew isn't ready, of course, but seeing the rude little animal wait expectantly for his share has him letting out a small huff.]

Fed you once and now I'm doomed, is that it?

[Still, the fox looks just as pathetic as yesterday, and Estinien hardly finds himself hurting for food. It isn't tearing up his home, it didn't attack his animals, and it's acting much like a dog at the moment. He hums to himself, looking around the table where he was eating his own breakfast, and plucks two eggs from the basket. He places them in a bowl with a strip or two of boar bacon, before he's coming over to set the bowl in front of the fox.]

There. Eat. Game must be lacking if you're begging for scraps here. Hm... I'll have to ask others about this...

[He trails off, realizing he's just speaking to himself, shaking his head as he gets another bowl to fill with fresh water. That gets placed down by the fox too as he considers all that could be wrong with the forest to drive a fox out here. And a lone one... did foxes typically stay in groups? Estinien honestly doesn't have any idea.

He's back to sitting at the table, still keeping a wary eye on the fox, wondering if he's making a huge mistake. For all this is a wild animal he's certainly not acting like one, and Estinien is a bit curious to see how it'll react. Either way, he gets back to his own eggs and bacon on his plate, working on finishing his meal before he needs to get to work.]

[seraymeric]

[As much as he hates being stuck in this tiny body, unable to speak, Aymeric knows that the local villagers have suffered great hardship because of the Garleans, and that it will take time for them to revisit every shrine and spruce it up, let alone leave offerings when they’re already struggling to feed themselves. That’s why he’ll try to make an effort to regain some of his strength on his own as well, even if it’s slow going at the moment. The sooner he can transform and stop living like an animal the better.

The amount of prey to be had in the forest has definitely dwindled, but Aymeric’s troubles are hardly because of that. He’s just a terrible hunter, and so when the human offers him a free meal he automatically assumes that he might just do so again, which leads to him heading back to the farm and bypassing all the livestock to instead beg shamelessly at the farmer’s door. Which doesn’t really work wonders, and so obviously Aymeric needs to take matters into his own hands (paws?) and barge in uninvited into the farmer’s home. Obviously.

He expects the farmer to scruff him again or chase him around with that broom of his for being so bold, honestly, but much to his surprise the human, though exasperated, doesn’t kick him out, and Aymeric can’t help but wag a little as he looks up at the farmer with big, pleading eyes once more. That question gets a little chitter out of him, because yes, it’s absolutely true. You’ve doomed yourself, human.

His ears perk up when he sees the farmer placing some fresh eggs and bacon into a bowl, and by the time the meal is set down in front of him he’s drooling and whining like some pathetic creature, ready to devour his share. And he does, gulping down the delicious, rich eggs and fatty bacon with gusto, until nothing remains but a thin coating of goo on the bottom and edges of the bowl. Which he licks up shamelessly, because he’s not wasting even a drop of such a delicious meal. The human seems to be talking to him while he makes a pig of himself, but he’s far too hungry to listen, sorry! Once he’s finished eating he’ll happily lap up the fresh water that’s been offered to him before licking his lips and looking up at the farmer with a happy whine. If only he could thank him properly...

But now that he’s been fed he’s feeling a bit sleepy, and he gives the farmer’s leg a thank-you nuzzle before he’s heading off towards wherever his bed might be, the rude little thing. Once he finds it he hops up onto it and does a few little circles before making a little “nest” out of the blankets and laying down with a happy sigh. Surely the human won’t mind sharing his bed with a wild animal who might be shedding and in need of a bath, right? Right. Either way he’s feeling incredibly drowsy now, eyelids growing heavy as he watches to see what the farmer will do next.]

[dragonshadowdive]

[The pleading eyes and sad whines are honestly unneeded, Estinien is already apparently going to help this damn fox. He was fool enough to feed it once and now he's gone and made him a viable food source. He supposes he doesn't mind as long as the fox isn't destructive, but he's still wary that this fox's strange behavior will be a problem for him. Sigh.

Watching the fox dig into the eggs and bacon so eagerly, he finishes up his own meal. The fox is sure making quick work of it, the food vanishing in quick bites and licks. Estinien gets up and sets his own plate in the sink before he's leaning over to scoop up the empty bowl, setting it in with the rest of the dishes. The fox seems pleased to finally have a full tummy, giving him a happy little whine, and Estinien just shrugs a shoulder-- as if the fox could possibly understand the gesture.

--Ah? But the fox is on the move, nuzzling at his leg before it heads into one of the other rooms. Estinien frowns, following the critter and wondering what it's looking for. Perhaps it smells something...? But no, it was simply looking for a place to lie down it seems, and it's starting to make a nest out of his bed. With its dirty little paws. Estinien frowns, stepping over to give a tug to the sheets.]

Nope. Come on, you can take a nap in the field, but I'm not leaving you in here alone. Up.

[He tugs on the sheets again, trying to make sure to get his point across to the fox, but if not he'll have to get physical and pick the fox up.]

On your own power or I'll take you out myself, fox.

[seraymeric]

[It’s been a long time since a human has been this generous to him, honestly, and it’s surprising that he’s willing to put up with having a hungry wild animal in his house. At least Aymeric isn’t being destructive or dangerous or anything, and that seems to be enough to land him another free meal. The eggs and bacon are the best-tasting food he’s had in ages, and it feels so very good to have a full belly again.

He understands more than the farmer could even begin to guess honestly, and it seems like the human doesn’t really think it’s that big of a deal that he’s helping a random fox. Be it modesty or whatever else he isn’t acting like helping a fox is a hardship for him or anything, and Aymeric appreciates it greatly. But apparently he’s not done taking advantage of the human’s kindness, because then he’s hopping up onto his bed and making himself comfortable, the brat.

Which seems to be the last straw, because the human seems none too pleased to see him making a nest on his bed, and Aymeric whines pitifully when he tugs on the sheets and scolds him, hoping that his signature sad look will be enough to persuade the human to let him sleep here in peace.

...apparently not, because the farmer’s tone of voice tells him that he’s not messing around, and rather than be scruffed again Aymeric relents and hops off the bed with a grumble. He’s so tired and the bed was so cozy and warm, but if the human doesn’t want him in here while he’s gone there’s little he can do about it. A nap in the sun sounds kind of nice anyway, and so Aymeric will follow the farmer outside, unsure where exactly he’s going but wanting to follow along anyway. You know, to nap and maybe mooch another egg or something from the farmer if he’s lucky. And get even more dirty and stinky, probably. At least the weather is nice, and there’s a gentle breeze blowing that should keep them both cool and comfortable until nightfall, or at least it’ll keep Aymeric comfortable, because he won’t be busting his ass out in the fields.]

[dragonshadowdive]

[Estinien has enough food that he doesn't feel put out sharing with the fox, and the fox looks like it could really use it. It isn't destroying his home, it didn't attack his animals like he asked, and he knows the forest is still in a recovery phase. All in all, he can't say no to helping out a poor animal. He isn't exactly sure he's doing this whole 'animal rehabilitation' thing right but, oh well. He'll ask questions in the village if the fox stays here, maybe someone knows if there's something he needs to do.

But that doesn't mean he's letting a smelly little fox sleep in his bed while he goes off and works in the field. The fox doesn't look thrilled with him, whining as he scolds it, but it leaves the bed as told. He's glad he doesn't need to fight with the animal, nodding as he goes to grab his crook and open the door to let them both out. Surprisingly the fox sticks around and follows him, Estinien mentally shrugging. He'll keep an eye on the fox for now in case it decides to do anything strange.

They'll start off with the sheep for the day, Estinien opening the barn to let them out into the field. All of them are heading out, one or two lingering to headbutt Estinien's leg or side to get a pat from the man. He lets out a soft chuckle at this, obliging them before they waddle out into the grassy fields to feed. They seem to eye the fox warily but since Estinien is calm, so are they, and they pay him no mind after a moment to go graze. The mother who the fox had harassed yesterday is still giving him the stinkeye, but the lamb seems unconcerned, frolicking in the field.

Estinien heads into the barn to clean it out, making sure he can see where the fox is while he changes the straw and puts fresh water in the troughs for the sheep.]