Spoils of the Night - Printable Version

Comet walked triumphantly home with a bloody snake pelt in her mouth. Her own fur was tinged red with blood from the deep cut on her bottom jaw. But she didn't care, she had killed a snake! And a huge one at that. It would've been a greater achievement if she had known it was extremely poisonous with stonerot venom, but she didn't.
She couldn't wait to show her dads and brother what she had killed. When she finally arrived at the house, she burst in proudly. Look what I killed everyone! she announced, dropping the snake pelt on the floor. Comet was not aware of the shock that she would cause, not because of the snake, but because her snowy white fur was literally soaked in blood.

@James
@Aristotle

Broad paws carried the large feline across the well worn dirt pathway. He was on his way home from the little hidden cave in the tunnel between Orion and Eridanus. He had stowed a rather important object there that he had received from the Collector. It was a strange creature, but he had come to enjoy its company however strange it was. He had yet to actually use it instead opting to sit and talk for time with it before he decided to bring it home. It wasn’t that he worried that it would harm the children, the creature was shy and very slow to take to other gembound. He had even yet to completely earn the creature's trust.

Aristotle glanced over his shoulder to make sure that his new friend didn’t fall behind or get lost. Though he wasn’t sure why he was looking, he could hear the soft pitter patter of the dozens of little feet hitting the ground behind him. ”I think you’ll like the children. Comet and Sun are very curious little ones.” The lion offered kindly to his companion made of a flat wooden structure attached to dozens of different sized and colored legs. The lion turned down the final road toward his home in Orion, suddenly the sound of the feet began to slow and so he slowed as well. ”It’s alright, I promise no ones going to hurt you.” Aristotle assured Last Legs as he came to walk beside the creature giving a reassuring nudge.

The lion walked into the house to find Comet in the middle of the room, her fur heavy and drenched in crimson blood, a tattered snakeskin at her paws. Aristotle’s jaw dropped as he took in the sight of his daughter. She had gash on her jaw and her forepaw seemed immobile. Suddenly Last Legs was forgotten as the lion rushed in to inspect his daughter. ”Comet, you’re hurt! Let me get some herbs you sit here.” Aristotle said rushing out the back door of the house and into the garden. He began picking several plants and taking bits of them.

The lion tore bits of bark from one Cordoncillo tree, he stuffed that in the bag around his neck. He grabbed the bark off of the Iceberry bush that Sun liked to eat and placed it as well in the bag then moved to a rosemary plant taking a sprig of it. Then his last bit he took a sprig from a tall green stemmed plant with bunches of small yellow flowers. The lion came back inside and sat down in front of a stone, with a bowl of water next to it. The lion dumped the ingredients into the stone and used another stone to grind the ingredients down into a paste. ”Come here Comet let me put some medicine on that jaw.” The lion spoke sternly though his voice was still warm, he wasn’t mad or scolding simply worried.

@James
@Comet
@Sun-Wukong

The little Gibbon was lounging in the twisted trees that rose through the middle of the mainroom of their home. The little gibbon held an apple in his hand happily munching away as he watched the house and kept his still gembound siblings company while everyone was away. He wasn’t sure where long faced daddy was, as he still hadn’t come home. Comet had gone off hunting on her own, and fluffy daddy had gone to bring something. Or at least that was what he had said.

Sun sat eating and humming to himself, one leg dangling off the tree limb he was lounging one. He was getting bigger and more confident in everything he did. Not to mention he could talk now rather well.

Suddenly his lounging and eating was interrupted as Comet came bounding in through the door, her white fur covered in blood. Then not soon after before he had a chance to get out of the tree, fluffy daddy appeared and was all over her and then he was out the back door collecting herbs. The little gibbon quickly and nimbly swung his way down to the ground. ”Comet! What happened? You’re hurt!” The little gibbon reached out to touch Comets paw. ”Don’t worry fluffy daddy can make you better. He can’t heal it completely right away, but his medicine will help. But we need to clean you off first.” Sun noted with a sigh. He adored his sister’s beautiful white fur, but now it was tarnished with blood.

@Comet

James had ended up coming and going when Sun had been asleep, leaving a kiss on his brow before insisting that he find gifts for all of them, since he'd been away so long. So he'd headed to Eridanus to find fruit (and to reluctantly hunt something for Ari and Comet).

He finally arrived with his net-bag full of fruit, a rabbit dangling from his mouth. He looked about ready to cry, honestly.

Dropping it at the door, he inhaled, "I'M HOME!!"

Then, spotting Comet, he squawked, darting forward to search her fur for other wounds hidden under blood and fur, "Comet!! Oh my goodness- You're hurt!!"

He paced back and forth, poking Comet and panicking as he saw the blood and the snake-skin, only beginning to guess what had happened. She'd picked a fight!! She'd picked a fight with the damn thing-

His magic welled up and he felt calm, heart slowing as his panic slowly subsided, allowing himself to assess the situation properly.

"... Could have used that when I broke my leg," he grumbled to himself, glaring up at his gem before shaking his head, "... I'll let you deal with this, Ari."

Backing away so Ari could dote on her, he nudged the rabbit towards them and gently set down his net-bag in front of Sun.

"Hey Sunny..", he said softly, tearing up, "I'm so sorry I was gone. I was hurt, very very badly, and I needed to go into my egg- you remember yours? And I needed to heal up. While I did, I grew these wings, and it took a while to do so. I'm so sorry I was gone so long, baby."

Kneeling down, he wrapping his wings around the gibbon, finally able to give him a hug. It was warm, and big, and amazing. Everything he'd ever imagined it would be like.

Comet had not expected her blood splattered arrival to cause such a big reaction. Well, she had expected everyone to talk about the snake she killed, not about how she looked. But when she gave herself a lick on the paw, she noticed it was actually covered in blood. Her tongue recoiled in disgust. That cut on her jaw must've been worst than she thought it was. Now that the adrenaline of the fight was gone, Comet teetered of her legs. The pain in her jaw grew much worse.
She sat down on the ground and listened to Aristotle's stern but warm voice. She said nothing as she felt the medicine get applied to the cut, the whole situation dawning on her. She could've been killed! What was she thinking! Comet nodded at Sun's encouragement, and felt his comforting hand on her paw. Yes, she was going to be fine, she believed that Aristotle's medicine would work, it always did. She heard James rush over and inspect the rest of her fur for wounds, but luckily there were only a few scratches and bruises. "I'm-- I'm okay everyone. It's just a-- a snake." she stuttered. Even though it wasn't really just a snake. Even if it didn't have the stonerot venom it was still a deadly opponent. Comet felt really selfish risking her life like that. What grief would that cause her family? "Sorry I won't do that again." The medicine started to take affect, dulling the pain.
Comet wondered if she had enough energy now to cast a spell. She agreed with Sun that she should probably wash her fur out so she didn't look so scary, and so it would be easier to check for wounds and wash away infections. Luckily she had enough, and the water washed out the blood, leaving a pool of water and blood at her feet. Her fur was clean again though.

@James
@Aristotle
@Sun-Wukong

Aristotle worked on making the medicinal paste by crushing the plants together with a rock. All the while he listened idly to James fretting over Comet. A single rounded audit shifted back to listen to what he was saying. Poor James was frantic with worry. ”It’s alright James, I’ll fix her right up I promise.” Aristotle assured his partner gently that everything was going to be alright. ”She may be left with a scar, but she will be alright.” The wound wasn’t as bad as it could have been from his own inspection.

The lion looked to Sun as he swung down from the trees and sat down beside Comet to look her over himself. As Aristotle worked on making the paste he looked to Sun. ”Sun sweetling, can you wash her face with this bowl of water?” The lion asked the little gibon for his help, as it would be easier for him with his hands to scoop up the water and wash off her face.

Once her face was clean Aristotle scooted his stone work pad over the floor and next to Comet, whose face had been washed by the little gibbon. ”Alright this might sting a bit, but it will stop the bleeding, disinfect it, and finally numb it for a time. If it starts hurting again I’ll change the poultice.” Aristotle explained to Comet in a calm gentle voice. He wanted her to be aware of what he was doing and what exactly the stuff he was putting on her did so she wouldn’t try and get it off later.

With Comet cared for Aristotle, sighed and picked up the snakeskin and laid it out flat on the floor. It was large with gold on the back and a majority black body. He inspected the cuts the girl had made and scrutinized her work. ”This is a very nice prize.” Aristotle noted how large the snake had once been as he walked around it looking at it. ”I can tell you didn’t get your claws sharp enough, and your cuts were far too shallow. You didn’t get enough of the skin itself that’s why it tore like it did.” Aristotle explained not being too critical of her first time. Though he offered criticism as any good teacher should on their pupils work.

A light smile spread over the lion’s muzzle as he leaned down and gently nuzzled the girl purring softly. ”I’m glad you’re safe sweetling.” The lion purred as he sat down and wrapped a foreleg gently around the girl pulling her to his chest as he hugged her to him. Her damp fur pressing against his belly. He didn’t mind the wetness, instead he simply enjoyed holding his daughter where he knew she was safe.

@James
@Comet

Sun helped wash his sister's face so that fluffy daddy could put some medicine on her face. He gently used one hand to wipe away the blood while gently running water from his other hand over the gash to free it of dirt and loose fur. After he finished he picked up the bowl and hobbled over and sat it back down next to the wall. Then he wandered back over by the trees so he was out of the way for fluffy daddy to do his work.

Sitting where he was Long faced daddy came over dropping his net bag in front of Sun. ”Hello Long Face Daddy. I missed you!” The little gibbon happily greeted the horse sitting up on his feet Sun smiled up at long faced daddy. Sun hotted softly seeing Long faced daddy tearing up. The little gibbon reached up with a hand and wiped away the tears. His backward swept ears listened as long faced daddy spoke. He explained why he had been gone and what had happened. ”It’s okay daddy.” The little gibbon assured the horse in that same warm tone he always had.

Of course he remembered his egg, the day he left it was the day he had met both daddys. It had only been two cycles since the day he had hatched. ”I remember daddy.” Sun agreed nodding his head lightly. ”I’m glad you’re home.” Sun affirmed happily as he wrapped his arms around long faced daddy’s muzzle and hugged him close. ”Next time, take me with you. I’ll keep you safe.” Sun spoke sternly, if anyone tried to hurt either of his daddy’s again he would make them pay.

James laughed softly and lay down, wings still embracing the golden gibbon. He puffed warm air against the child's fur, nothing but love and affection in his eyes.

"Hm... we ought to have a name that isn't 'Fluffy daddy' and 'Long-face daddy'. As much as I love them, it's a mouthful. Why not call me... ren? Like parent but only the good part. If you want it to be like 'daddy' then you can call me 'renny'," he said softly, nuzzling Sun's tiny face.

He turned to glance at Ari and Comet, "How does that sound?"

James turned back to Sun and remained still as he brushed away his tears, his heart growing three sizes. He sniffled and purred softly, much like Ari did.

"Of course you can come," he said with a huff of laughter, "My beautiful, brave boy. I'm so proud of you. I'll be you helped Ari out so much while I was gone."

He let his wings fold up and rest on the ground, his tail feathers spreading out to fan across the ground. Four longer feathers trailed out behind him, so long that they reached past the hair beneath. They were colorful with white circles on the ends, definitely for decoration.

"You can touch my wings, if you want," he said softly, "I'll bet they're soft."

Comet was dazed, but she heard Aristotle say that there was going to be a scar. A blemish. At first she though it was going to be bad, but she thought it over again. The scar would be a mark all right, but she would wear it proudly, showing that she had defeated a giant snake! Scars did look pretty cool after all.
She smiled as Sun walked over with a bowl of water and washed her face with his hands. She could tell he was focused, the dirt and blood was washed away, leaving behind only the wound for Aristotle to apply medicine on. Comet listened intently as he explained what the medicine would do, that made her feel more relaxed about what was going to happen. Instinctively, she flinched away as she felt the sting of the poultice, but the numbing effect kicked in and soon she didn't feel it at all. She gave herself a firm reminder not to touch it or scratch it off, and forced her back leg to stop trying to scratch it.
She nodded as she listened to the lion's constructive criticism at her skinning of the snake. Praise was helpful, but words on how to do better were even more so. She kept the words in her mind to remember how to do better next time.
A happy growl rumbled through Comet's body as she felt Aristotle press her close to him. The warmth of his belly helped her relax, and and was very comforting. "Thank you." she said, to everyone. Just two simple words, but they held a lot of emotion. Comet felt incredibly grateful to have such a nice family that cared for her when she got hurt. She couldn't imagine what it would be like to live without them, on her own.
She nodded as she listened to James say that they should call him ren. But she thought that renny did sound better. "Okay!" It really was 'parent' with the good part.
She could have stayed like this forever, warm, and safe. But she remembered something. "I'll be right back!" Comet dashed off into the room and brought back a feather. "I want a feather on my ear just like you, daddy." she said to Aristotle. It was a sooty grey with lighter fluff at the base. The feather was two feet long, half her height when she was on all four legs. Of course, it was much too big for her right now, but she hoped to grow into her feather when she grew up.

@Aristotle
@Sun-Wukong
@James

Aristotle smiled listening to James talk to Sun as they both settled down for a few moments together, the two just enjoying each other for the time. He listened to James tell Sun what he wanted to be called rather than the way that Sun referred to them. Though it did make sense, it was a mouthful for the little guy, or anyone really.

The lion couldn’t help but feel happy with the way Comet sat so still for him, only recoiling at the initial touch. But rather than fidgeting and complaining about what he was doing, she was sitting still and taking it like a good girl. ”That’s my girl, so patient.” Aristotle crooned softly as he worked. ”I like that, I can be daddy and you can be Renny.” Aristotle commented with a soft smile.

The lion purred loudly as he held Comet to him, his ears shifting as he caught her words of thanks. ”What are you thanking us for sweetling?” Aristotle crooned softly wondering why she would be thanking them. Though he was thankful for the family he had acquired in the life he had lived so far.

Suddenly Comet was up and pulling from his embrace as she remembered something. With that she darted out of the room and into their sleeping area.The little wolf returned with a feather. Then she was saying she wanted a feather like him. ”Well sweetling, that one seems a bit long for you right now, but I’m sure Sun can help you attach it.” The lion purred warmly as he spoke, clearly happy that his daughter wanted to be more like him.

@James
@Comet