Ari

Hope is but a waking dream

It was the first time in nearly a month he had returned to the densely forested jungle og Eridanus. He now had a wispy mane growing that covered much of his chest and framed his face.It was a creamy latte colored mane that blended his ears well with the color. Brilliant bright blue eyes cast about as he wandered through the jungle. He was here for a reason, well two. One he was here to see Elspet again, if he could find her. Second he was kinda hunting a snack farther from home so James wouldn’t catch him munching on other creatures. He felt that as he had seen James eating grass and was shocked with the information that Aristotle didn’t eat grass. He had decided to keep that little tidbit quiet, at least for now. In his mouth Aristotle carried the pelt of four walleye rabbits. He was rather proud with his catches. The skins had dried perfectly and he was able to move them freely as they were soft and pliable.

Curiously Aristotle wandered deeper into the jungle as he looked this way and that for the ape. Setting down his prized items Aristotle looked about. Aunty Elspet!?! The young lion called out for the first creature he had met after he had hatched from his chrysalis. He wasn’t entirely sure if Elspet was arboreal or terrestrial. He lifted his head looking up to scan the canopy above him. Maybe she was up there?

He had a favor to ask of Elspet when he found her, he had an idea that required her “hands”. He had an idea that he had gotten from the net. Maybe the Rabbit skins he had collected to be turned into a pouch or bag of some kind. But the young lion was also looking for the ape because he wanted to show her something that he thought she would like. He wanted to show her the cool thing he had learned how to do. With a soft sigh Aristotle picked up his rabbit skins once more as he looked waited for any sign of his first friend.

@Elspet

Many days were marked with the label of Mango Day. It was how she kept her figure in these long, hard - ah, who is she kidding? These were prosperous cycles in Eridanus, the trees blossoming and bearing fruit in preparation to drop seeds and keep spreading the undergrowth to be denser than it already was. Elspet was respectful about the amount she took from the forest, making sure to leave enough on each tree so that other Gembound could come by and spread the seeds.

So, today, she was at least a little arboreal, looking for the high-hanging fruit that might've been missed by others. There was a sizeable leaf-pouch slung across her shoulders for the purpose of holding so many fruit, and freeing up her two hands in case this branch wasn't sturdy enough to bear her weight. Elspet was not arboreal by nature, and tried not to look down too often. She did have to swing down every once in a while to approach another tree, and on one of those ventures back on the forest floor, she heard a tiny - yet familiar voice calling out her name.

She cupped hand around her mouth and bellowed, "that you, Aristotle-kiddo?" Without even waiting for a response, the great ape started sprinting in that direction and stopped short at the half-grown (but growing!) cub and the... things in his mouth. Elspet slowed down with a few more steps and cooed, "you're getting so big already, Ari, wow. I can't believe so much time's already passed." Yellow eyes stared down at the pelts, unable to conceal her grimace. She reached into her pouch and withdrew a fairly mango-like fruit, taking an obnoxiously juicy bite out of it - rind and all - and admitting, "that's sweet'a you to bring food, but I'm a vegetarian, buddy."

@Aristotle

Ari

Hope is but a waking dream

Finally! There it was, the answer he had been listening for. He heard Elspet’s voice coming from. He turned his head slightly to listen better. To the right! He didn’t make it more than a few bounds towards the voice, when the Gorilla came loping through to meet him.

She seemed to take pause for a moment taking in his short growth spurt. He had a bit more of a mane now that he was rather proud of. His brilliant blue eyes glimmered cheerfully as he trotted up to meet the ape. A rather proud grin spread over the feline’s muzzle. Leaning down he placed the pelts on the ground. I’m glad you think so. I’ve made a friend, he’s something called a horse. He’s bigger than me by a lot, and weighs more guaranteed, but he has hooves instead of paws or hands and feet. And he has really blunt teeth and he eats grass! The young lion gushed joyously.

He watched as Elspet grimaced at the pelts he placed on the ground. I’m sorry I didn’t mean to offend you aunty, I just thought you might be able to help me with something involving these. Aristotle explained gently, hoping to quell the disgust in his fist friend. I can get rid of them if it would make you feel better. They’ve already been cleaned of the insides so it’s just skin and fur The young lion explained, he didn’t need the bag. It would be useful for carrying things since he had paws instead of hands. But he could do without, and he could always gather more for his bed later.

Aristotle watched as Elspet took a big bite out of the fruit thing. It had a sweet and pungent odor. It wasn’t dislikable. The young lion took a step forward closing his eyes, he sniffed a moment taking in the scent. The more he smelled it the better it seemed to taste in his mind. Can… Can I try a bite of that, it doesn’t smell half bad. The young lion seemed to be open to trying something that wasn’t grass, and if he liked certainly James would like it. He could bring him here for a treat sometime.

@Elspet

Really, how handsome was the lad getting? That mane would be grown-in in no time, she was sure.

"I've made a friend," and oh - Elspet was so proud of the kid. There wasn't a doubt in her mind that he'd become pals with others, but that didn't mean she couldn't give him a healthy dose of her enthusiasm, "a horse, eh? My wife sort of looks like one of those, but don't tell her I said that -" The great ape grinned, holding a hand up as if whispering. "She's got a tassel-tail like yours, though, and dainty little hooves and a single horn."

As for the pelts - "ah, no, it's fine - I'll get over it, kiddo. It's a fact of life and they don't think too much anyways. At least there isn't any waste if we... use it?" For what, she wasn't sure. "A bag?" She didn't really have the string or anything for sewing them together, but she could improvise - if that was the case.

The gorilla held out the mango regardless: "sure, kiddo!" She was careful to hold it in two fingers only, to give Aristotle the maximum amount of space to take a chomp (or a nibble) out of it without catching her callouses. "It's a mango."

@Aristotle

Ari

Hope is but a waking dream

Aristotle nodded in affirmation as the ape mused about his friend being a horse. The young lion allowed a bright smile to cross his muzzle as the gorilla held up a hand to whisper about her wife. Oh you have a… He thought for a moment of what the right word would be.A mate? The young lion spoke not quite sure that was the right word. However he decided quickly that was the word he was looking for. I’d like to meet your wife someday, if that’s alright with you. Aristotle voiced his request, he would indeed like to meet the mate of the woman who had been so kind to him his first few days out of his chrysalis. As Elspet spoke of how her wife looked he smiled gently and nodded. she sounds very elegant, a perfect match for a beautiful woman. He indeed thought that Aunty was beautiful in her own way, not sexually attractive but beautiful on the inside and wonderfully brilliant.

The young lion cringed as she spoke of the pelt. He hadn’t meant to offend her. He nodded in affirmation. The only thing I don’t eat are the bones, I bury those and wish them well in a new life. That’s at least how he felt about life. That it was a cycle of life and rebirth, at least for the animals that he preyed upon, he was unsure about his own kind, the gembound.

She guessed what he wanted rather easily. Yes, I was wondering if you could help me fashion a bag out these. I can use my claws to cute strips off of one if you need it to attach them together. My claws are rather sharp. He held up a paw showing off his light tan claws that were sharp as any blade you could find. I wasn’t sure what all you would need so I brought an extra skin that I scraped the hair off of. He had thought ahead and thought that he could cut the furless skin into strips for lacing the pieces together. He wasn’t sure how it all worked but he was sure Aunty knew what she was doing.

As she held out the mango the young lion reached forward sniffing it intently, then ever so gently he took a small bite, a little bit bigger than a nibble. He sat back on his haunches rolling the piece of fruit over his tongue, he seemed to be thinking over the flavor. It was sweet with a refreshing tang to it. The young lion let out an enthused purr as he chewed on the piece of fruit. It was nice and delicious. That’s really yummy, I think I’ll bring James here to try those sometime. I think he’d really like it. The young lion mused aloud as he swallowed the piece of fruit. So do you think you could help me make a bag? The young lion looked down at the materials on the ground. Also after that will you come to Orion with me? I have something wonderful I’d like to show you that I found! When the young man spoke of this new thing he’d found his excitement seemed nearly impossible to contain.

@Elspet

"A mate?" Elspet hummed for a moment, before nodding, "partner, significant other, spouse - whole lotta words for it!" Her mouth split in a wide grin, "you could!" The corners of her lips turned down slightly, brow furrowing. Her eyes grew a little distant as she admitted, "she's asleep right now, though; in her chrysalis 'n all that. Guess things got too quiet around here after the whole Bloodberries thing." Despite that nagging feeling of loneliness, she put on another grin, a bashful bat of her eyelashes, "aw, shucks, Aristotle."

Burying was nice, at least; lets those bones go back to the earth and feed the plants. "Just make sure you aren't luggin' around stuff that turns to that black goo - it doesn't seem all that safe." Case dismissed.

Aristotle wanted a bag, anyways, which was just alright. The great ape, of course, would prefer one made from leaves, if only because she couldn't bring herself to kill another living thing; but, these pelts would be a great deal more permanent. Sure, they might stink after a while if they weren't washed, but - "aw, I'm glad you like it! These like growin' a bit high up on the trees, but there's plenty'a good berries to nibble on closer to the ground. No shame in askin' for help, though!" Wink.

"Sure, I'll help you make that bag! I'm used t'doing it with leaves 'n vines, but I'm sure we can figure something out - and I can come with ya to Orion," she reached into her own for the bottle of ink she used for "writing" dye recipes. It didn't get opened, not yet. Elspet grabbed for the hairless hide, grimacing for a moment at the feel but then adjusting - it was rather nice. "C'mere a sec?" She held it up against Aristotle, wrapped it loosely around his neck and one leg, held a thumb over the part of it, and smeared a thin line of the black dye in that strip, "cut that for me? And a bunch of thin ones."

@Aristotle

Ari

Hope is but a waking dream

The young lion nodded as Elspet spoke of how many different words there were for what you could call the intimate relationship between two creatures. A bright smile tugged its way across his muzzle as AUnty said he could meet her lover sometime. A soft joyful giggle left the young lion. He was happy he would get to meet others, but even more so that he would be able to meet the other half of his aunty. He couldn’t help but wonder what kind of person she was. Though he drooped a bit when she mentioned her being in her chrysalis. Bloodberries? The young lion questioned curiously. He had no idea what that was.

As the gorilla seemed to grow a bit bashful at his compliment a bright dashing grin spread across his own muzzle. What? It’s true. You’re very smart and looks, you’ve definitely got them. Aristotle purred sweetly, he liked giving compliments. It not only made him feel good but it made others happy.

The young lion tilted his head curiously as she spoke about black goo. Black Goo? He had never been around a dead gembound longer than to eat them and leave. Their pelts seemed to stay good after he skinned them.

The young lion hummed as he chewed on the mango, it was sweet but had an interesting tangy aftertaste that he actually found appealing. It wasn’t like eating flesh, but it was however a different flavor and a pleasing texture. He swallowed the piece and allowed his strong pink tongue to swipe away the leftover juices and bits off his lips and muzzle. I don’t mind asking for help, so long as I can get these tasty mangos to eat. The young lion danced on his front paws a bit.

Finally she answered the reason he came here. She could make him a bag. That meant he could carry a lot more small things, herbs, trinkets, pretty small gems and rocks, even seeds for his collection of plants he was intending on starting. He watched as she took up the hairless hide and asked him to come closer. And he did just that, moving closer to Elspet. Then she did something and instructed him to cut. Flexing his paw he reached out with a single claw and held the hide down with his other paw, he easily and swiftly cut the pieces as instructed.

@Elspet

"Bloodberries?" "Ah, they were a while before you, fortunately. They were... um, a clan of Gembound that got real into killing," Elspet smiled in reassurance, "but they're either gone or redeemed, now. The Kingdom of Eridanus took a few of them in, I think." She couldn't get into details, since she completely lacked them. All she had was the knowledge that, indeed, they were gone and the Caves were a whole lot safer for innocent, kind spirits like Aristotle.

If gorillas could blush, she certainly was.

"It's... pretty foul stuff," she explained as far as, "black goo, anyways. It's all shiny in rainbow-colors 'n seeps into the dirt. That is, if the bugs 'n scavengers don't get to it first."

With the pieces cut, the great ape reached for the largest of the pelts, stretching it to see exactly how much give it had. It outlasted even her raw strength. "This'll be the bottom, then!" she proclaimed, turning it over and placing it fur-side up on her knee. With her writing stone, Elspet cut holes into the edges of the hide, then the other two. A bright pink tongue stuck out of her mouth as she set to feeding the velveteen strips through the holes - in and out.

Furs attached to one another and tied off, Elspet uncorked a bottle of leftover amber dye, pouring it onto her fingers and slathering it over the seams and fur. It'd dry with time, but at least be malleable. Given the usually delicate nature of things that went into pouches, the gorilla turned it inside out, letting the soft fur lie inside as sort of a cushion.

Finally, the shoulder strap was attached. "Phew - not nearly as hard as I thought. Want to try it on?" She held it up for the cub to put his head and one leg through.

@Aristotle

Ari

Hope is but a waking dream

Aristotle titled his head while he listened to Aunty explain about the bloodberries. Strange, who would enjoy killing? He only killed because he had to to survive. I see, they don’t sound like very good gembound. The young lion mused thoughtfully in response to Aunty. Though he had no idea who the Kingdom of Eridanus was. He gave a thoughtful flick of his slender tufted tail. I take it the Kingdom of Eridanus is a group living here in Eridanus? He had heard of one other group recently, they were called the Seven and they lived in Orion.

The young lion listened as Aunty explained about the black goo. STrange, he had never seen that happen in person. However he often buried the bones of his prey rather soon after consuming them so he didn’t really watch the decay process. He would one day have to observe that for his own knowledge. I see. That’s pretty interesting to be honest. He was indeed curious to watch the decay process of a gembound or possibly a lesser.

The young lion took a seat watching Aunty as she worked testing the hides. He was curious to know how she went through making a bag. She was a very smart gembound; he was quite sure of that. He let out a soft purr as he watched her stretching the hides and testing their strength. The young lion tilted his head to one side curiously as he watched her work. He couldn’t help but admire how nimble Aunty’s hands were compared to having paws. They could do so many things compared to paws. Aunty you’re so amazing, your hands are so nimble. The young lion mused in admiration of how well and quickly she worked.

Finally it was done and she held it up. It looked great! I’d love too! Aristotle jumped up eagerly, extending one paw and leg through the hole he slipped his head through as well. A bright smile spread over the young lion’s muzzle. It fits perfect! Aristotle beamed happily doing a little turn around in front of Aunty. Well how does it look? The young lion asked beaming happily.

@Elspet

"No good at all," she agreed, then guffawed shortly, "that's the irony of their name - I haven't seen 'em in ages, but a few of the leftover members here've said the main part split." Much like a banana does. Rumor mills did a poor job, though, of providing any substantial details. It was all news delivered through the Spinner, as made-up, lore-friendly phrases went.

Elspet would've blushed at the next compliment if she could, but instead smiled and brushed it off gently, "aw, I'm way better workin' with leaves 'n stuff." Electric eyes peered at Aristotle, "I hear, though, there's magic that works just like hands - but it's with your mind; pretty spooky, eh?" It was all eager, idle chatter. Maybe something to keep her from thinking about the creatures she was turning inside out after stitching and tying them together.

Aristotle liked it, anyways; he put it on and claimed perfection (oh, she was doubtful of that - !) and spun in a circle. The gorilla smacked a hand on her thigh, then clapped. She gave a resounding hoot for good measure. "Lookin' good, kiddo! I'm glad you like it - putting on a bigger strap shouldn't be too much trouble for yourself, right? Just get a big strip 'n feed it through the holes."

There was the problem of how to tie it without thumbs, but the ape... didn't think that far.

@Aristotle