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]

[Just know that the confused frowning he is doing at Himeka's messages are going to cause permanent wrinkles. "Her" donut? Like... like a name?]

I have no idea what you're talking about but -- wait, now that you mention it, she does make a "kweh" sound! Himeka, you know what this is? Are they from Solvunn?

[aquaveiled]

[ He should really be used to this by now. ]

You should try saying "kweh" back. Just make sure your intonation is right or you may be insulting her clutch or plumage.

[ Maybe. ]

I do! Moglad would too, if you asked him.

No, not from Solvunn but they've appeared here too. They're native to Eorzea on my star.

[cointosser]

[Another pause.]

I can't even tell if you're fucking with me or not, but that seems awfully mean-spirited of you if so.

[So probably not...]

Wait. From your sphere? How -- how could it have gotten here from your sphere? [Perhaps that's a silly question considering they're here, but all of the people from different spheres have been... well. People. There wouldn't be a use in pulling some large bird from it.

The idea of asking Moglad simply never occurred to him.] And they're called... well, I assume you have named one Donut, but that is not what it is. And what the fuck do they eat? She seems to eat everything I put in front of her. Are they pack animals? Carnivores? She's not going to suddenly decide I'm next on the menu, is she?

[aquaveiled]

That's incredibly mean-spirited of you to think I'm being mean-spirited.

[ When has she ever lied to him? :( ]

Not a clue! Mayhaps the same way we showed up?

Yes, mine is called "Donut". I named him that because donuts are his favorite food. But you probably shouldn't feed yours donuts or else she'll end up like him.

[ She doodles out a little portrait for reference. ]



They're called Chocobos. You're supposed to feed them mostly vegetables and grains, I've found. They do like having companions, whether it be bird or man.

[cointosser]

[At last, Himeka gives him the information he'd been waiting for. However, there is a long moment where he has to deal with the dawning revelation of, exactly, why her portrait is so far from the one he made himself (artistic styles and levels of talent excluded.)]

Himeka. Please tell me you did not overfeed your chocobo to the point it became... made of circles.

[cointosser]

I emphasize -- truly emphasize -- the point that doughnuts are not a grain, nor a vegetable.

[aquaveiled]

Donut didn't exactly come with a guide, Jaskier! They just gave him to me and said he was to be my new mount. And much like you're saying, he was happy to eat whatever I was having.

[ She's helping him learn from HER mistakes. ]

Mayhaps to a dangerous degree...but he was happy, so who was I to refuse him? Donuts also made me happy. It made perfect sense!

[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?

[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.

[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.

[aquaveiled]

I didn't make him obese! He could have not eaten everything!

[ No, she definitely did. ]

For the record he's very happy living on my island sanctuary with several other chocobos now.

[cointosser]

He's an animal, Himeka, do you expect him to watch his weight? Please!

Well... I suppose an island sanctuary does sound rather good. And if you're not around to indulge him, he can get some exercise.

[aquaveiled]

He's fully capable of making his own choices! Like, he doesn't like mushrooms!

He mostly prefers to stick to the pasture but I have seen him down by the beach from time to time. I think he enjoys the sea breeze.