#edgar the hootle

[vex-bittys]

Hi, miss Vex. I took your matchup machine quiz(?) and got a Chain bitty.

May I adopt a miniature Chain that's good with babies and toddlers?

(Sorry this took so long!)

*Edgar the Hootle, nursery caretaker and shop third-in-command, has had his fair share of nursery helpers. Most of them have been Papythons who later became Nurse Papythons in the Infirmary. His most recent nursery assistant is a Chain. The Chain has a knack for communicating with the little ones, and not even Edgar can soothe a grumpy hatchling as quickly.

*Today, the Chain is finally old enough to leave the nursery and be adopted, and Edgar is sad to see him go. He can't ask the Chain to stay though; Chains are always happiest when they find that special someone to SOUL bond with. Edgar just hopes that his helper finds a good home.

*The Chain is busy setting up a nest in the shop, and Edgar is gathering some little momentos for him when you come into the shop. He overhears your request to Miss Vex, and he knows you will be a perfect match for the young Chain. Without bothering to explain, he picks the Chain up by the armpits and carries him over to you.

* "i think this might be the Chain you're looking for," he tries to tell you, wiggling the former hatchling enticingly in front of you. Neither you nor the Chain are listening though because you're too busy staring eye to eyelight with each other while your SOULs pulse in perfect time. With a knowing smile, Vex pulls out an adoption form for you to sign once your bond has settled.

[vex-bittys]

A ghost walks into the store, a plastic bag in hand and a glowing skeleton bitty on their shoulder.

"Hi Vex! Me and Feldspar came over to bring some chocolate :)"

Feldspar gives a happy nod, savoring a small piece of dark chocolate.

*At the mere mention of chocolate, Chain skulls begin popping up from nests around the shop. They sniff, detecting the irresistible scent of their favorite treat. Suddenly, they are all slithering forward. It's a Chain stampede!

*The Chains are already thanking you, patting your shoulder, and nibbling their chocolate by the time other lamias arrive to see what all the fuss is about. As it turns out, most lamias enjoy chocolate! Even the health conscious Kings and Papythons can't argue with some nice dark chocolate.

*As a rare treat, Edgar brings the hatchlings from the nursery to meet you, allowing each tiny lamia to indulge in a small piece of chocolate. You're honestly shocked at how much of a sticky mess they still manage to make on themselves. Looks like Edgar will be giving them an extra bathtime tonight!

[vex-bittys]

Howdy Vex! Just dropping by to say hello and give the bitties some sweets.

Hope you’re doing good!

*Food is always a welcome gift at the shop, and no lamia can resist sweets, not even Kings and Papythons who prefer healthier foods. Soon you're surrounded by a crowd of lamias eager for sweet treats.

*Edgar watches from the nursery before turning back to the task at hand. He's tucking the hatchlings into their nests for an afternoon nap. While Edgar regrets being too busy to satisfy his sweet tooth, he is also glad that the hatchlings didn't notice sweets being handed out. The last thing tired hatchlings need is sugar.

*Edgar leans forward to tuck in the last hatchling only to discover that the nursery nests are empty! He dashes to the nursery entrance to herd the naughty little lamias back to bed, but instead he sees tiny hatchling tails disappearing through the doorway, led by none other than Baby Butter, who is old enough and big enough to open the door himself. Unfortunately, he has chosen to use this power for mischief.

*Standing in the doorway between the nursery and the main shop, Edgar watches his hatchlings shovel down sweets. If he can't stop them, he might as well join them, right? After all, he's going to need the extra energy to corral the sugar-rushing hatchlings back into the nursery!

[vex-bittys]

Gives a grilled cheese to the corals. Doesn’t explain any further. Leaves

*The Corals smell it before they see it. One of their favorite foods of all time- grilled cheese! The striped lamias descend on the still-warm offering like ravenous wolves. Some of them are, in fact, howling with joy.

*Golden fangs sink into crispy, golden, buttered, toasted bread, tearing into the delicious crunch to free the ooey, gooey cheese trapped inside. The cheese pulls apart in perfect melty strings that stick to greedy little faces and hands.

*Even the Coral hatchlings are in on the grilled cheese action as Edgar supervises their snack attack, eye socket twitching as he sees them getting more cheese on them than in them. Ah well, that's what bath time is for!

*When the Corals have finished their grilled cheese goodness, not a single crumb remains. If you hadn't seen the event with your own eyes, you'd never believe a sandwich had existed at all!

[vex-bittys]

*Casually breaks in with the intention to give the lamias treats in THE MOST disrespectful way possible >:) + flowers for Vex <3* - gold

*Vex sniffs at the flowers, nibbling the pretty petals because... I mean... flower petals... They go in the mouth! Within a matter of moments, Vex is covered in itchy hives because for some reason, despite her love of flowers, she is allergic to many of them! Waffle, the King lamia, and Edgar, the nursery caretaker, slowly escort her away. She's still smiling because flowers are great, hives or no hives!

*While Vex is indisposed and her assistants distracted, you put your nefarious plot into action. Flipping the mini fridge, you stuff McNuggets into snoring Corny mouths. You lasso Papythons with fancy scarves with flames embroidered on them. Honey Bos blink as a new disco light illuminates their nests, and a few new MP3 players pre-loaded with music slide across the floor to bonk into them.

*A cascade of rubber duckies invade the Krait play pools, and curious Pygmies are buried in avalanche of crinkly foil balls and prey-type toys to chase. Kings blush bright red and flare their hoods as they each receive a new book and a "HERO" sticker on their cheeks. The Corals slither over grumpily to complain the noise and have pretty shiny objects tucked into their pockets, leaving them speechless and grateful but still pretending they're just grouchy from the noise.

*The Chains get a special gift, books with photographs of exotic places, and colorful sticky notes so each Chain can mark the places he's seen. Many of the sticky notes end up on the Chains, just so they know which color is theirs of course. The Mambas are hissing and lashing their tails once you get to them. They refuse to be disrespected!!! Once you show them the colorful glitter lotion you've brought though, they become more cooperative and join in making a huge sparkly lotion mess.

*You scurry away before Edgar and Waffle return to make you clean up the chaotic mess.

[vex-bittys]

Fire, Bon, and Ora all show up to the shop, nail tools in hand. Fire let out a friendly bellow. “Hey y’all! Free manicures happening in the meet n greet area! We can do some basic nail art too!”

Fire’s king, Tyr, came in after, carting a huge box of nail polishes, tools, and equipment. “Yesss. Nail art.” He didn’t seem thrilled, more resigned, but he would always support his squish.

Fire found a place to plug in her gel nail light and sat next to it, making sure there was somewhere corals could sit and not watch at all. After all, corals couldn’t enjoy things like this, it wasn’t in their nature. As soon as her cousin was sitting, she snagged Ora’s hand and started painting her nails with the colors of a coral’s tail, then started adding a subtle scale pattern with a piece of a produce bag that looked like miniature fishnets. There were plenty of bitty sized fake nails for anyone who wanted to try their hand at either having them painted or doing it themselves. They were more than happy to do the same thing again on the felid level if the felids didn’t want to join the lamia.

~ In response to this ask

*Usually, the Felids stay in their upstairs area, preferring the customized environment to the lamia adoption area downstairs, but today is an exception. Even Edgar has seen fit to lead a neat down row of hatchlings from the nursery to observe the nail art station. Some of the older hatchlings are even waiting their turn to try some nail art.

*Glitter and rhinestones abound as Papythons, Mambas, and Abyssines design their signature looks. A few Cornies have rolled over to model different style for those who aren't sure what will look best and end up wearing a rather eclectic collection of nails, polishes and gels, and decorations. Corals are totally not crowded around watching and sneaking rhinestones into their pockets and gel onto their nails. No sir. They were just slithering by!

*The scale pattern using the fishnet bag is a big hit, and if fishnet bags dipped in golds, silvers, and iridescent polishes happen to dab along Coral fingertips? Well, that's purely by accident! The Mambas dabbing gold scale patterns onto their bodies is extremely on purpose though. Soon enough, Edgar has to escort the hatchlings back to the nursery, borrowing a very gentle polish remover from Fire for some overzealous little ones who proudly wear large nail paint handprints on their faces.

[vex-bittys]

I headcanon baby Kings being the angriest little dudes CX like, just constantly indignant and done with everything. They grow into regality, but as babies they are just like “I AM MIGHTY DEATH! BOW DOWN! ACK, NO, NO BATH!” (Except without words, but just that general vibe). The sheer indignancy of being a deadly hunter and protector reduced to a literal baby, they are just little balls of adorable angy.

*Baby Kings aren’t necessarily angry so much as they are perpetually indignant. How can they be epic heroes when they are so small and gangly? Expect lots of flared hoods (because babies are startled by all kinds of things since everything is new to them) and huffing with round baby cheeks puffed out. Try not to laugh, or they will pout!

*Now baby Mambas are a different story. Yes, they believe themselves to be mighty death. No, they will not tolerate the indignity of bath time! Thankfully, Edgar the nursery caretaker adores his tiny anger noodles no matter how loudly they screech when he hugs them (very loudly).

[vex-bittys]

A swarm of skiders and corvirbs bursts through the door, Egnus and a shrunken Nawat taking over the nursery as other skiders kidnap Edgar, while a group of Corvirbs kidnap Vex! Both are being taken away for a day of pampering, good food, and relaxation.

*Vex slouches at the front desk, blinking tired eyes after a long night of insomnia. Edgar corrals little ones in the nursery. There are lots of hatchlings now that so many adoptions are taking place again, and he looks a bit harried as the wee lamias scatter in every direction. Thankfully, help has arrived!

*The hatchlings celebrate, sure that Edgar’s departure means more fun and less rules. Unfortunately they still have to put on clean clothes and eat breakfast, but they agree to a bath later in exchange for skider rides, a deal which is accepted!

*Edgar returns to the nursery later, full of food and feeling pretty darn rejuvenated. When he peers into the nursery, he sees kind corvirbs tucking the little lamias into bed while Egnus and Nawat read them a story to help them sleep, taking turns with the voices. Edgar settles in with his beloved hatchlings and they drowsily lean against him, greeting him with beeps, peeps... and gentle snores.

*Vex does not return to the shop that night. She’s actually catching up on some much needed sleep and allowing her friends from the @wild-things-bitty-shop to handle things for her.

[vex-bittys]

a winged anon enters the shop with what looks like a box of fluffy dusting tools that help reach higher areas and hands them to the papythons. ¨Here for when the Cornies get too high up and you cant reach or find them¨ Hands one to vex and Edgar as well.

*Vex realizes that this, in fact, an excellent idea. Cornies are known for finding strange places to take their naps, and it’s about time for a Corny inventory to be taken. She joins Waffle the full-sized King (because he’s super tall anyway) and Edgar, using the long-handled dusters to sweep Cornies (and non-monster dust) from the high shelves.

*It is raining Cornies! The lazy lamias don’t even wake up as the tumble from their high perches. Thankfully, the Papythons of the shop are there to catch them. Vex speculates that these Cornies must have been up on those shelves for quite awhile, based on their outdated meme shirts: “Ask me about Updog,” “Got Milk?,” and “Where’s the Beef?”

*Vex picks up one of the Corny, blows the non-monster dust off of him and sets him in an empty McNugget box for you to take home. This Corny is wearing a Garfield the cat shirt that proclaims his hatred of Mondays.

(Icon by IwuvCofi on Twitter)

[vex-bittys]

I bring in boxes of all the lamias favourite snacks and fluffy blankets and little treats and blankets for all the baby lamias hope you have a good day / night 🙂

*The usual culprits make their appearances. Cornies, Honey Bos, Corals, and Chains grab some fluffy blankets to add some extra softness and comfort to their nests. All of the lamias approach you to peruse the treat selection, with each lamia picking an item he enjoys eating (or maybe two because the Corals like to stuff a few extra treats inside of their jackets for later).

*Papython and Kraits give snuggly hugs while Kings and FireRings thank you with grace and dignity. Mambas and Pygmies perform acrobatic feats to show their thanks, and Honey, Poff, and Butter shout their thank you as they munch snacks and plan their latest blanket fort.

*Edgar leads the hatchlings out of the nursery to receive their treats and extra blankets. The ones who are old enough and able to speak say adorable little thank yous. The youngest hatchlings beep and peep. You’re sure it means thank you as well. Edgar gives you a hug and grabs a snack for himself before leading the hatchlings back to the nursery for naptime with their new blankets.

[vex-bittys]

A tall, 6'7" mess of a human (of whom Vex, Edgar and Honey know as Myst) comes in with a Chain and Firering, both perched on a shoulder and looking around for friends they haven't seen in a while or changes in their old home. Once dismissed to explore, Myst pulls out lots of jerky! Beef jerky, turkey jerky, all sorts of jerky for any and all adoptables, along with a large sum of G. "Get yourselves something nice, the money is for the staff!" (Courtesy of Skelebitty Store and Shelter)

*Vex, Honey, and Poff accept the G with many thanks. They know exactly what they want to spend the money on: fluffy socks in horrendous patterns and jarring colors! Waffle and Syrup put some of the money into savings for toys and clothing for Butter because they are Responsible Adults, and Edgar spends his G on hoodies with funny phrases on them.

*The lamias begin sorting through the jerky, choosing their favorite types and flavors. Papythons and Kings prefer the healthier turkey jerky. Mambas find some spicy jerky to chew on. Chains, Honey Bos, Corals, and Kraits try some fish jerky (because they are water-loving snake types). Pygmies slow their zooming to chew on pieces of jerky, but Cornies seem to be chewing jerky (placed in their mouths by helpful Papythons) in their sleep!

*FireRings are fascinated by the concept of jerky. A super low heat source and smoky wood can produce a dried meat product with a delicious flavor? They are interested in trying out some techniques for themselves.

[vex-bittys]

A little cockatiel flutters in, a little parchment in his mouth that he gives to the nearest responsible person. It says, "My name is Bip. I'm not lost! I just want to play. I know my way back home!" He flies over to see all the Lamias.

*Vex can barely suppress a squee of joy when a little cockatiel enters the shop and lands on her head, dropping a note into her waiting hands. She reads it with satisfaction, knowing that the little cockatiel will be able to return home (with an escort obviously to make sure he’s safe). The lamias in the shop are equally enamored and have slithered over to have a peek at the visitor. 

*The Pygmies and Mambas are reminded that a cockatiel is not a feather toy, so they make sure to hold back on their chasing instincts when they watch Bip flying about. His movements fascinate them. The Honey Bos help the Corals to make a request: they’d like to touch Bip please and will be very careful. The shop is lit by the brightness of the Coral blushes.

*Helpful Kings and Chains rolls balls with bells in them for Bip to chase and play with. Kraits hold up some of their largest diving rings for Bip to fly through. Papythons and FireRings prepare some little treats for Bip: gently toasted seeds and few small bits of fresh fruit. The Cornies actually wake up and come out of their nest to watch Bip fly and play, though that’s waaaay too much energy and activity for them.

*Finally, Bip is spotted by a bright yellow lamia bitty- Butter! Butter points at Bip and declares loudly: “Birb!” followed by: “Baby.” It seems that he thinks Bip is a baby Edgar! Smiling at the thought, Edgar brings the hatchlings out to meet Bip. They beep and peep at him in excitement, agreeing with Butter’s assessment. This is clearly a baby Edgar! The little ones are delighted by Bip’s antics, and cheer his every action until they become sleepy from all of the excitement. After Edgar tucks the little ones into bed, the shop lamias bid a fond farewell to Bip, and Edgar escorts him home with an open welcome to visit the shop anytime.

[vex-bittys]

*the anon seemingly teleported into the shop, booping all the employees/workers on the nose(?) before giggling and going to boop all the bitties too.* (scenario)

*Edgar hoots out a laugh when he is booped. Vex squeals, and Honey and Poff, the skelepuppers, giggle and wag their little tails. Little Butter boops you back, and Waffle has to hold an indignant Syrup back from scolding you for his boop. The anon runs through the shop, on a booping rampage!

*Honey Bos and FireRings take shelter as the booping commences. Kraits and Papythons giggle and blush whenever they are booped. Mambas shriek in outrage but don’t do much else. They are actually trying to hide the little kitten sneezes that they make when booped. Corals are pretending to dislike the boops, but they are just sitting there with their little arms crossed over their chests, allowing the boops to happen.

*With sighs of resignation and as much dignity as they can muster, the Kings accept the booping. Pygmies zoom around the shop, encouraging the anon to chase and catch them in order to boop them, Chains are theatrically collapsing whenever they are booped, hilariously over-acting as they feign grave injury. Cornies are teleporting around, adding to the chaos with their own boops. Each time a Corny is booped, he makes a squeaky dog toy sound. The punsters will be exhausted tonight.

*Meanwhile, Butter sneaks into the nursery to teach a new generation of hatchlings about snoot boops while Edgar is distracted.

[vex-bittys]

Ilichtda is back again!!!Since its getting cold,he bears gifts of blankets,sweaters and warm cocoa (he refused to let it be hot for anyone to burn their months!) Ini decided to stay home,but sends a basket of fruit for the laimas to snack on,mostly being of grapes of both red seedless and green seedless

(How far behind am I? It’s July and not at all cold anymore...)

*Ah, Ilichtda, the much beloved Gaster lamia, has paid another visit to the shop. He’s a favorite of all of the lamias and shop assistants, and this time he has gifts? Yes please! The lamias always love the gifts he brings: the softest blankets and the most comfy sweaters. They gather around to pick out their favorite items, and sit companionably next to Ilichtda, sipping cocoa and chitchatting.

*The fruits are a popular snack too, and Butter assigns himself the job of distributing them. Each lamia who comes up to him for a fruit is thoroughly scrutinized before a fruit (or fruits for larger lamias) is selected and delivered. The hatchlings love the grapes (it’s like a ball and a food!), and Edgar is grateful that they are seedless for safe hatchling consumption.

[vex-bittys]

I've come back again!But oh?Who's this in the infirmary,resting in a bed in the darkest corner of the room?A blind Krait? Ilichtda accompanies me,to help me give the boi a new home with us,if he'd like it ❤ we'd love to care for him ❤

*Edgar speaks with the Nurse Papythons in low tones. A young lamia is curled up in a nest in a dark corner, avoiding the bright lights of the exam table and looking dejected. Ever since he hatched, this Krait has had low magic levels and poor eyesight. Despite magic infusion treatments, the vision loss has worsened, and the Krait is now blind. Instead of the usual white eyelights, his sockets are dark with a misty whiteness swirling in them. After examining him, the Nurse Papythons confirm that he is blind. 

*Vex escorts you into the Infirmary along with Ilichtda, waiting in the doorway to see what happens. When Ilichtda approaches the young Krait, the banded lamia recognizes his voice and perks up. The Krait reaches out, touching the familiar planes of the other Gaster lamia’s face. While the Krait is reassured by Ilichtda, Edgar thanks you for offering this Krait a good home. He knew your Krait sanctuary would be the best place for this youngster.

*You spend some time with the Krait, petting him and letting him get used to your voice and scent. Once he feels comfortable with you, you explain the Krait sanctuary to him. He listens attentively. He likes the idea of the safe haven for Kraits with special needs. He won’t feel out of place with others like him, and he will be able to visit with Ilichtda more often. The decision is made. Vex, Edgar, and the Nurse papythons hug and smooch the little Krait goodbye, and Ilichtda slithers alongside you as you carry the youngster away to his new home.

(Artwork by redkammy)

[vex-bittys]

Ilichtda is back at it again,coming to love up on all the baby bitties and grown ones!!!!His mate didn't come,as he decided to stay at their home,safe and sound with Skele watching over his beloved. He wanted to check in,even though he only hasn't visited in a week,since he wanted to make sure everyone is safe and happy,especially those within the infirmary ❤❤

*Ilichtda is pleased to discover that the Infirmary only has one patient, a lamia with some scrapes from a tree branch that fell in a storm. The lamia, a sweet Papython, is doing well and recovering quickly. He is considering joining the Nurse Papythons to pursue a life of healing and blanket knitting (when there aren’t any patients).

*Edgar welcomes Ilichtda into the nursery to see the newest arrivals: a clutch of Kraits and a clutch of FireRings that are just three days old! Ilichtda marvels over the tiny new hatchlings as the rest of the little ones, hatchlings, toddlers, and teenagers alike, clamber for his attention and climb all over him.

*The rest of the lamia bittybones in the shop stop by to chat and inquire about Ilichtda and his mate. Even a Whispuffs drift over to orbit Ilichtda on his visit. The big Gaster lamia is always warmly welcomed on his visits.