to everyone

[cointosser]

Greetings to Summoned friends and strangers alike;

I come to you with an inquiry -- rare for me, I know. As much as I like discovering things on my full own efforts, I can admit I'm a little perplexed with the current predicament. On a recent bout of monster huntering in the desert (not on my part, of course), my companion and I came across a most peculiar specimen. These great beasts appear to be quite domesticated, and are not suited for a desert environment, what with their thick plumage and docile nature. One was caught in the midst of an absorber's hunt (which I do insist all stay away from; the monster hunter in question was very aware of how to deal with one) and injured, while the others appeared to be a mother with a chick.

Now, I have studied the Free Cities' bestiaries to the best of my ability, and have not seen mention of such birds before.

I thought saving the beasts would be all to speak of the story, but I'm afraid one has followed me back to Cadens and taken a liking to me. However, I do not have the heart to turn her away, and thus have taken to stabling her alongside a family horse. She did not appear to mind being tied or bridled. She is in fact a terribly sweet creature, and though she seems happy enough to eat the hay provided, I would be remiss if I did not attempt to find out her proper diet.

And so I ask, friends, thus: have you any knowledge of a similar creature? She is large in stature, towering over myself, and with bright golden plumage. She does not appear to be capable of flight.

[And because he's a little medieval man, there's a portrait following the letter:]

Comments

[cointosser]

Tomas! Fascinating. I do love those moments where you find such similar beasts exist across spheres.

Ah! That must be it! I haven't seen one yet myself, but we did have a very odd encounter with an octopus, and one does not expect to see octopi in the desert for, as you can guess, obvious reasons. The poor dears.

The birds, not the octopus.

How strange that it is all the way in Solvunn, too. Well, as delighted as I would be to meet your tomas, I do hope they aren't also unceremoniously dumped into the Badlands.

[cointosser]

I cannot imagine a bird growing to that size over a few weeks, Himeka! I adore you, but I must question your ability to handraise a -- a chocobo.

[Yes, he's only had a chocobo for a day and JUST learned when they're called and he's judging. He will not be feeding her any donuts. (Maybe one.)]

Wait, so you've ridden one of these creatures? Even a severely fat one?

[cointosser]

First of all, I've never met a chicken in my life that does not cluck. This is more of a... a "kweh!" I don't know how else to explain it. Without being an expert, I am still one hundred percent sure.

[cointosser]

[While that is surprising, it is also not. Plenty of people from other spheres know about beasts from his own -- like wolves and horses. Perhaps, on those spheres, chocobos are just as prevalent.]

Green! I cannot imagine! It must have been quite beautiful.

Oh, yes! Quite golden. The downy feathers have a lovely ashy color to them, but every other feather has a sheen as if the bird was waxed. Why? Does that mean something?

[cointosser]

Oh, please. You're very fine, on a scale of all people to myself, but one must remember to stay humble.

That is you, not me.

[cointosser]

I can happily report she is utterly precious. But -- er, I'm not sure what you mean by the first comment. Have you never seen a bird before...?

[cointosser]

You assume correctly.

[You're forgiven your ignorance, white-haired man.]

Ah, brilliant! I'd shake your hand if we weren't half a continent away. Brilliant. I was afraid my taking her in could be to her detriment, despite her appearing rather sated, but you've helped allay my fears. Please, if anything else comes to mind, do let me know! I fully intend to have all my companions enjoy their life with me to the fullest.

[cointosser]

I was going to poke fun at you about this, but that genuinely does sound a bit horrific. Why would you include a vampire among frogs? Unless it was a cautionary tale, of course. I did once watch a puppetry show about the dangers of procreating with swamp hags. To be fair, I do not think it was an officially sanctioned artistic production.

[lightkeeping]

Not that size. We do have something that looks like it, where I'm from, but it's not an animal. It's a machine.

[cointosser]

They were... I don't understand. Like clockwork pigeons?

[Sorry, Aloy. Aleksander's weird mechanical pigeons are the only comparison he has for this. Which means he assumes they're like, cute kitschy things, not actual animals.]

[lightkeeping]

Sure, something like that. But bigger. Like the bird you're describing.

[wiedzminka]

I can't believe this.

This is how I find out?

I thought I was your favorite niece!

You'd best show me your chocobo right now, or I may never forgive you.

[supersoldier]

[Exactly. Surprising, but not. It's how Sephiroth feels about the revelation; the same way that many would not be surprised to know that there are horses in other worlds, why should he be surprised upon learning that chocobos exist elsewhere?]

If they're the same as the one from my Planet, then yes, it does mean something. They're a rare type. It'll carry you across all sorts of difficult-to-traverse terrain.

If you're an outdoor explorer, there's no better bird to own.

1/2

[funbreaker]

I think she'll be more than happy with you if given enough attention and taken out on rides with some regularity.

Their favorite foods are greens. Gysahl greens in particular, though I don't believe that exact plant exists here. Think "leafy vegetable."

[funbreaker]

Don't feed her donuts.

[aquaveiled]

It wasn't a few weeks. I had him for several months...

Yes, of course! My Grand Company gave me Donut so I could ride him around. It helps a lot when you don't have to walk everywhere or pay for airships.

[boltaction]

Honestly, they'd prefer Cadens to the Settlements... but no, you're right. They're probably being snatched up just like us and are twice as disoriented.

[cointosser]

I suppose the desert can be agreeable if one is used to it, but I'm afraid it's also full of all sorts of monsters. One of them almost swallowed the chocobo! I will be sure to keep an eye out for any. I don't think any beast deserves to be kidnapped as we were... and without much to show for it.

[cointosser]

[For fuck's sake, Himeka.]

So you made your pet bird obese, and then forced him to carry you around?

I'll sing a song for you tonight, Donut... you brave little soldier.

[cointosser]

A rare type? Bloody shit, I didn't think I was that lucky. If that's the case, she's certainly found the right artist to follow home. I may have a home in Cadens, but adventure will always call.

[cointosser]

I AM NOT FEEDING HER DONUTS.

[cointosser]

Ahem. You've been very helpful among a sea of those who have left me absolutely wanting, so I sincerely thank you. I've never heard of these greens, but -- I think, if I see one in the Horizon, I can recreate it relatively well with my magic. Would you mind terribly dropping one off at my domain when you've the time? It's the giant tree -- you can't miss it. And Moglad will surely help you find the way if you get lost.

[cointosser]

That actually sounds terrifying.

[cointosser]

Ciri? Look, this is a very new development... in that I got her in the stable and realized exactly what I've done.

You are my favorite niece! It iwas -- it was going to be a surprise! Now, come outside and see her.

[wiedzminka]

I'm still cross with you!

[ But she is also, of course, immediately on her way. ]