#treat them like the semi feral animals they are

[islanddboyy]

a hermit (scar) should start doing like safari tours of etho’s base. they’ll be like on your left you can see the wild etho eating redstone and to your right a chest monster or something. it could even extend to other hermits

[puppetmaster13u]

Idk I just had the intrusive idea of the JL or some hero investigating the GIW or some other group with suspicions of them keeping merfolk or similar what with the giant tanks and what's shown in their paper trails over the years.

Only for Big Ass realms naga to swim by the observation window in the water.

From top to bottom, left to right: Valerie, Sam, Tucker, Jazz, Danny, Ellie & Dan

Like I am saying 30ft (9.1m) at the least from head to tail, probably bigger in giant rooms. And like, visibly has been there for a while. Like the GIW have been studying them as the only available specimens after they hypothetically destroyed the portals.

The GIW is the ghost investigation ward after all, not extermination. Though that doesn't mean they're exactly treated the best either- more akin to something like a snake or crow, like semi-intelligent animals like dolphins, chained to make taking samples & dragging them from the ecto-infused waters easier.

And maybe they're a little feral, muzzles on save for feedings preventing them from talking, if they even remember how to make noises that aren't in the words of the Zone anymore.

Maybe they've convinced themselves that it could be worse, they could've been killed like Vlad, like an animal that had bit too much, over and over. Maybe they've convinced themselves that this isn't so bad, even if they're treated less than human, even if they've not seen the sun for who knows how long now.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Design Thoughts?

-Metal Core Valerie, her scales are literally made from it, in blacks and reds like molten gemstones. Her scales are sharp too, designed for easily cutting through stone. Lots of spikes that glow when channeling energy.

-Plant Core Sam, scales designed for plant seeds to catch hold and take root not unlike a sloth's fur, hiding the sharp thorn-like ones lining her backside. Also, acid. Blacks, greens, and flashes of bright purples & greens that hint at the poisonous nature

-Storm Core Tucker, very thick scales designed for going through the sand with side spikes that help channel electricity. Has both a rattle and a pair of stingers that could hypothetically 'plug in' to things as well. Some of the most bioluminescence of the group.

-Ocean Core Jazz, she is the most aquatically designed out of all of them, with lures all across her body that mimics the lights reflecting off water, tricking the mind from noticing her. Large carp-like scales and several rows of teeth. Lots of blues in coloration with hints of oranges & yellows like a sunrise at the sea

-Space Core Danny, with large amounts of spikes and 'vents' that cover him in an aurora if he were free. Spikes with their own miniature gravity forces, twisting the area around him as he moves. Black iridescence & swirling white-blue patterns like galaxies are painted across his body

-Moon Core Ellie, covered in fine needle-esque scales not unlike how actual moondust is. Very rough like sandpaper and a fin that mimics the tail of a comet tinted ecto-green. Mostly monotone colors otherwise.

-Sun Core Jordan, with similar vents to Danny but with flames and plasma. Thick fur at the end of his tail not unlike how Vlad's was, with thick scales that allow for swimming through molten material that could melt anything and anyone else. Blacks, whites, blues, almost like white-hot coals

[poepoe-thebunny]

Random Scogan Headcanons because I'm away from my laptop and can't write fics part 1:

Warning: this is all nonsense don't take it to seriously XD

1) Logan will never get over the first time Scott hustled him at pool. He will grumble about it, mostly good naturedly, every time it gets brought up while Scott smirks at him over his morning coffee.

The hustle becomes a semi regular drinking story at some point with whoever Logan happens to be drinking with, which varies by mileage and mission.

This eventually leads to someone proposing a game of pool between the two angle masters, and Logan gets to sit back and watch Scott and Captain America treat pool like a game of chess. It is the longest game of his life.

2) Scott doesn't mind eating the same thing several times in a row, especially if he's busy and something else is a priority. Which is all the time really.

After much arguing and quite a bit of forcing Scott out of his office for food, Logan managed to figure this out. They eventually reach an agreement.

On days when Scott is up late planning, he will eat whatever simplistic things Logan puts in front of him. Logan has found out that when Scott is overwhelmed, simplistic familiar food is what he has the best chance at eating. This ranges from little plates of veggies and fruits to sandwiches or bowls of oatmeal. Eating those requires the least amount of energy from Scott but at least he will eat.

The first time Logan did this he stared Scott down until Scott realized he was there. It took 15 minutes.

3) Logan is understandably weary of his feral side, and he never wants to willingly unleash it on his team mates.

That being said, Scott has discovered a feral wolverine is surprisingly cute when he doesn't think he's in danger.

Once on a joint mission with the avengers, a stone faced Cyclops had to stare down both an amused Captain America and Nick Fury on a hellicarrier, with a feral wolverine with his head on Scott's lap.

Turns out that even when Feral, Logan still doesn't like flying. Scott insists it's the easiest way to keep Logan calm.

4) This leads to an entire mini adventure in which the students, lead by rogue and Jubilee, begin getting blackmail pictures of a surprisingly docile feral wolverine. Such adventures include but are not limited to

-Feral Logan and Nightcrawler playing a game of chase, with Kurt bamfing away while laughing the entire time just to annoy him.

-Feral Logan falling asleep on the living room couch and the kids covering him in cute fluffy blankets and stuffed animals.

-Scott trying to force feral Logan to wear pants.

-Feral Logan stealing Scott's sweaters for naps

Rogue's favorite is actually a video, but she gives a picture of it to Scott and Logan.

It's the two of them, Scott and feral Logan, up late at night in the school. Wolverine with his head in Scott's lap, as Scott runs his fingers through his hair and sings to him quietly after a nightmare.

[ravenmoodle]

what is KEEPING CROWS ?

a fantasy, comedy story about a group of magic mercenaries tasked with ‘Keeping’ the peace between the human world of the mundane, and the Cursed World of monsters nd magic. The story follows the Keeper group known as the ‘Crows’ and their struggles with monster hunters, feral curses, and the mysteries that hide in the shadows of their own stories.

This is a full story and original world that I intent to animate, but sadly i'm not able to work on it as much as I'd like. If you want to see progress that isn't shared elsewhere, and help me make more of their story- find me on Ratreon.

Other Important ppl:

The 'Boss'- current leader of the Crows, giving them their missions. Bea- the team's main inventor and tech head. a menace. John- serves as the 'tank'. a stoic, blind zombie man. Frost- a soft spoken, romantic, ice elemental. heavy hitter. Kit- Lm's scout and 'assistant'- travels the world. a flirt. LM- Scientist in the Cursed King's court. lack of ANY morals. Lab boys- hiding away.. and with them. valuable secrets. Cursed King- He is always plotting.

(non cannon- doesn't happen in the story/ just doodling for fun) (Semi cannon- cannon concepts but doesn't apply to story in the way presented) (outdated- design has changed)

Info- lore/QnA- (animation) The Main Five- Line up - (refs/ inspo) Cursed Soul types- Safe Cities- Girls line up - (full trilogy) The Web (tm)- Designing Death- Her- Death Blankness- Cursed world Design -

Main Team- Broken Past- Ft. friend art Meeting. Ing.- semi cannon designs over time - Boss' axe- boss - outdated Animation practice- old art redraw- outdated Librarian lookin' ass- Late game concepts- old extras - semi cannon Rooms- Grey's saber form- Mean- Disappointed - outdated oh ghost boy- ego - (outdated /OLD art something sharky- part 2 cat boy hours- extra- again- outdated do you think?- (outdated)

"Villains"- introductions- The Lab Master- LM doods- mouth.- LM's Fall and Fate- extra semi cannon Lab causing problems- non cannon Drinks- Neptune's staff- plus Malik - Can't touch me- outdated Picking Fights- Semi cannon Cursed Pawn- non cannon The Attendant - Extras - Alek Alakazam- semi cannon? The Bramble- More - again - Super Villain- Royal Hunt-

Other Art- Full cast - outdated Creator of Heaven- Chaos twins- '7'/Aurel - extra semicannon? - 5s- extra- Silver Creature- Saber Form- old - Kids, right? - Silver Makes Friends- more friend non cannon More friends for Silver - semi cannon Jackdaws- Anura- 3 to 1- Ultimate Crows cast-

memes (mostly not cannon)- doing something stupid- The Oldest- crows Meet Concrete Garden- Extra The Meme dress- Hey Lab!- semi cannon? Trick r Treat (1) (2) (3) - redemption arcs- meme charts- extra - outdated Gasp! a thing!- Hand em over- outdated

[unforgivenn]

SHACKLED BY ROYALTY

#4: Fractured hope

Previous/ Masterlist/ Next

CW: Mention of abuse, captivity, panic attacks, extreme distress, noah being a sad boi, pet whump, slavery

Noah's senses swam in the murky depths of semi-consciousness, his body hanging limply in the chains that held him suspended. He drifted in and out of awareness, the relentless pain a constant anchor dragging him back to the nightmarish reality. The chamber was silent now, Andrey having left him to marinate in his agony and humiliation.

Somewhere in the haze of his thoughts, Noah registered the sound of a door creaking open, followed by the muffled shuffle of footsteps. He tried to open his eyes, but they felt like they were weighted down with lead.

Every movement sent waves of agony rippling through his battered frame, a constant reminder of the horrors he had endured at the hands of his merciless captor.

"He's in bad shape," a soft voice murmured, tinged with professional detachment. "We need to get him down and treat those wounds."

Rough hands grabbed Noah's arms, releasing the shackles that had held him captive. He slumped forward, unable to support his own weight. Two figures caught him before he could collapse to the ground, their grips firm.

Noah slowly blinked through dried eyes as if registering his surroundings. A hazy man came in sight with a needle in hand. The glint of the needle in hand sent a jolt of fear through Noah's mudded mind.

"No, no, no..." he muttered, his voice barely a whisper, raw from screaming. Panic surged, adrenaline cutting through the fog of his thoughts. He thrashed weakly, trying to free himself from the hands that held him, but his strength was all but gone.

The man came in sight. He was an average sized man with dark brown hair and kind eyes that were filled with.. pity?

The man shushed Noah gently, but Noah wouldn't, couldn't, hear the reassurance, couldn't see anything beyond the needle's sharp point.

Noah's vision blurred as tears filled his eyes, mixing with the grime and blood on his face. Memories of Andrey's cruel smile, the gleaming instruments of pain, the endless hours of torment—everything merged into a single, overwhelming fear.

"He's having a panic attack," another voice said urgently. "We need to calm him down before we can do anything."

"G-Get that away from me!!" Noah stuttered, his voice rising in desperation and panic. "Please ngh! G-Get away!"

The hands on him tightened to prevent him from thrashing around more. Noah felt like a feral animal on a leash living only for the purpose of serving that jackass.

"Shh Shh" The first voice soothed, closer now. A gentle hand touched his face, brushing away the tears. "We're here to help you alright?"

The words struggled to penetrate the thick veil of his terror. Noah choked on a sob forcing his eyes to focus on the figure. Not Andrey. Not right now.

"W-Why...?" He croaked, his voice a raw whisper.

The figures exchanged a glance, then lowered Noah onto the floor. One of them produced a small vial and carefully uncorked it, releasing a pungent aroma that made Noah's stomach churn.

"We're under orders.. slave." The other explained, their tone a matter of fact. Adding the last word only made Noah's chest ache more. "His highness wants you alive. For now."

H-Huh? Noah's heart skipped a beat at the mention of Andrey, a fresh wave of fear washing over him like a tidal wave. But he pushed the fear aside, focusing instead on the fleeting sense of relief that washed over him at the thought of being out of Andrey's clutches, even if only temporarily.

"We're going to help you, okay? You'll feel better once we treat you." The kind voice spoke again, and now that Noah's vision had cleared, he saw that it belonged to a stout man, probably in his mid-twenties, with neatly brushed hair and a physician's cloak over him.

Another man approached the first, murmuring under his breath. "You’re asking for trouble if you get attached to this one. You do remember what happened last time?" The physician sighed. He knew the other was right.

The man took the sigh as a sign to start. They worked efficiently, cleaning the blood from his back and applying a salve that stung fiercely at first before a cooling numbness spread through his wounds. Noah's breath hitched as the pain receded to a dull throb, his mind slowly clawing its way back from the brink of unconsciousness.

"Rest now," The kind physician mumbled so that the others wouldn't hear nevertheless, his voice soothing. "You're safe for the moment."

Safe. The word seemed almost foreign in the context of his current reality, but Noah clung to it like a lifeline. As he drifted into a fitful sleep, his mind continued to wrestle with the fear and uncertainty that had become his constant companions.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

When he awoke, the room was still dim, the only light coming from a small lamp on a nearby table. His body ached, but the pain was more manageable now, dulled by the salve and the rest he had been afforded.

Noah tried to sitting up, but the effort made his head swim. He lay back down, staring at the ceiling trying to block out his memories of the chamber. Never, Never had he in his life ever experienced such pain. His breath quickened, the beginnings of a panic attack clawing at his chest. He closed his eyes, trying to steady his breathing, focusing on the rhythm of his inhales and exhales.

He had no idea how much time had passed when the door creaked open again. Footsteps approached, and Noah braced himself for another round of torment. But instead, a familiar voice reached his ears, cold and commanding.

"Awake already, pet?"

Noah's heart lurched as Andrey stepped into view, his piercing green eyes gleaming with a predatory light. The prince's presence filled the room, suffocating in its intensity.

"Y-yes, sir," Noah managed to croak out, remembering the rules that had been beaten into him. His body tensed, anticipating another wave of pain.

To his surprise, Andrey simply smirked and knelt beside the cot, his gaze sweeping over Noah's bandaged form. "Good. You've learned your place."

Noah's breath came in shallow gasps, his pulse quickening as he struggled to maintain his composure. Andrey reached out, tracing a finger along the edge of one of the bandages, his touch both gentle and menacing. Noah gathered up the courage to speak, his effort at sounding confident gone in vain.

"Y-You wanted me alive..?"

"Damian did a good job at bandaging you up.," Andrey said, his voice a low purr. "You see, breaking you is no fun if you're already broken beyond repair."

Noah swallowed hard, the weight of Andrey's words pressing down on him like a vise. Damian. The physician's name was Dmain. He fought to keep his expression neutral, knowing that any sign of defiance would only invite more punishment which he had learnt the hard way.

Andrey's hand moved to Noah's chin, tilting his head up to meet his gaze. "You will serve me and my family. You should understand that you have no other choice but to leave your old life behind. Wether its the hard or the easy way."

Tears prickled at the corners of Noah's eyes, but he blinked them back and bit his lip slightly, refusing to give Andrey the satisfaction of seeing him break down. "Yes, sir," he whispered, his voice barely audible.

Andrey's smile widened, a chilling expression that sent shivers down Noah's spine. "Good. Remember that, and perhaps your time here won't be as unbearable as it could be."

Before Andrey could leave, he turned back looking at Noah, his presence itself dominating. "Oh and I have yet to make you meet my parents huh? Rest up. I'll be back in a few. And don't you even dare show any defiance or bullshit in front of my parents or I swear I will make you see lord jesus."

With that, Andrey stood and turned to leave, his presence a lingering shadow that seemed to drain the light from the room. As the door closed behind him, Noah's resolve wavered, his body trembling with the effort of holding himself together.

For now, he could only bide his time, gathering his strength for the battles that lay ahead wishing Andrey's family wasn't as cruel as him though it only seemed like a childish goal just out of hand now.

Taglist: @miireux134 @nuriiz134 @ash-reh @noeul-whumpsss @morning-star-whump

@parasitebunny @anutz1234 @whatwasmyprevioususername @whumped-by-glitter (let me know if you want to be added or removed :D)

[yanderu-deredere]

THE SLASHER COUPLE IS SO GOOD 😍

Pretty please, if you feel like writing some for them, would love to read more about Emm tying Casimir to the autopsy table… or maybe them tying their darling to it 🤭

a/n: thank you so so much for the awesome ask! heehee, i've been wanting to write about this since i offhandedly mentioned it and im so glad there's someone else that wants to hear abt it too!

i decided to write for darling instead of cas becos i felt like there wasn't enough major yandere vibes on this blog so have this alternate ending to. will i ever write the canon ending? mayhaps

you can read this as a stand alone but it will refer to some stuff from the original series here! but! this is an alternate ending to that original series. i still have plans for how i want that to end heehee

warning: gender neutral reader but mentions of cock going into an entrance, major yandere vibes, non-con to dub-con, mentions of semi-descriptive gore, bondage? definitely bondage LOL, emm wears strap-on and it's referred to as her cock

word count: ill add this later cus im on mobile

emm fiala ★ casimir fiala

You should've known something was wrong the moment the couple had treated you with such kindness, such sweetness.

It had been too good to be true and you were the fool that fell for it.

"Now, darl', you need'ta understand--"

"I don't need to understand anything." You snapped at her, body tense and ready to run as she faced you like one would face a feral animal "Where are my friends?"

"Your friends? You mean those people that demeaned you and talked behind your back?" Casimir scoffed from beside Emm, his face both mocking and angry.

You had no clever retort to that but, still, you answered, your eyes darting from them to the door "I at least know that they wouldn't leave me here."

"You are definitely right about that, my love." Casimir sneered and it made you both flushed and nervous

You tried to put the puzzle pieces together. You couldn't find your friends or their things but the tire hadn't been fixed yet and you knew that they'd never leave you behind.

If they wouldn't leave you behind, what did that mean?

"You did something to them." The words left your mouth the exact moment the thought entered your brain.

From the way Emm's expressions shifted, you knew you were right.

You needed to get out of here.

Without hesitating, you ran for the door, legs fast and anxious thoughts even faster. It almost felt like you could hear your heart beating in your ears.

You managed to grab the door knob and open the door but, before you could slip out, someone slammed the door in front of you.

You cursed just as someone's arms wrapped around your torso.

You heard Casimir click his tongue and you looked up to see him shaking his head at you, his palm pressed against the door "Naughty, naughty. We can't have you doing that, now can we?"

Emm, on the other hand, sounded less haughty and more desperate "Please, please, darl', you gotta understand--"

"Oh, I understand alright!" You started struggling earnestly, kicking your feet and trying your best to pry Emm's arms away from you "I understand that this was a mistake!"

Emm's arms only seemed to tighten around you even more "Don' say that."

You wanted to spite her so you said it louder "This was a mistake!"

Casimir grabbed your face before you could say anything further, his fingers digging into your cheeks as he turned you to face him "You have a mouth on you, don't you, my love?"

Then, he glanced at Emm, knowing expression on his face "Perhaps we should teach our darling a little lesson, hmm?"

"You so do love teaching lessons, don't you, my wife?"

Emm didn't even answer; she just flipped you over, carrying you over her shoulder like a sack of potatoes, like you didn't even weigh a single ounce.

It had been sexy last night and you'd be lying to yourself if you said it wasn't sexy now but, instead of your heart fluttering, you felt like your stomach was tying itself in knots.

"Let me go!" You beat on Emm's back, kicking your legs in an attempt to maybe hit the side of her face. She held on fast, her grip on you not even faltering for a second.

"You'll like this, my love, I'm sure of it." Casimir followed the two of you, a certain skip in his step "I certainly do."

Just as he said that, Emm walked into a doorway and you frantically looked around, confused where the three of you were headed.

You tried to think. You were able to see out the door just as Casimir closed it and you guessed that this was the door under the stairs. Wasn't that a closet? Apparently not.

Your nose suddenly stung with the smell of chemical cleaner--bleach?--and the lights seemed dimmer than outside. Casimir saw your frantic glancing and simply threw you a smirk.

Before you could open your mouth to ask where you were, you were slammed onto something cold and hard. You could feel the icy surface even through your clothes.

You sat up in an attempt to get away. Just as you did, you managed to catch a glimpse of what was right next to you.

Your brain fizzled and your throat seized. You were caught between a gag and a dry heave. Immediately, you stopped struggling. Hell, not just you. It felt like the entire world stopped.

Your mind seemed to only swim with thought after thought, none of them lingering long enough for you to really dwell on it.

"Cas, I tol' ya' to clean up after y'rself." Emm grabbed your wrists and you couldn't find it in yourself to snatch them back.

Casimir simply shrugged and went somewhere else. Emm was so close to you, locking your wrists into something soft and furry, that you couldn't track where he went.

"Lay down, darl'." She placed her hand on your chest and pushed you down. You followed, eyes still glued on the still figure next to you.

It was Bran. You knew it was him but you weren't sure.

His face was gored beyond recognition. Blood caked around his mouth and his eyes had been carved out. Very clumsily, you mentally noted. As if that mattered. There was so much viscera and splatters everywhere.

Was this what they had planned for you?

You started to struggle again as Emm started buckling your legs down. The straps didn't hurt your wrists at all, unlike how they formed red bleeding welts on Bran's wrists.

"Please, I don't-- I uhm-- oh god--" Tears sprang to your eyes as you tried to kick your legs "I'm sorry-- I'm sorry-- please, don't--"

Despite your fussing, Emm finished buckling you in. "Shhh, don' worry, we won't do nothin' to you that you won't like, hmmm?"

You heard the sound of a cloth or something being waved and then spread out next to you.

You glanced over and Bran had been covered with some medical blanket of some sort. You couldn't help but recognize it from the various medical dramas you've watched. It was what they put over dead bodies.

The gravity of the situation seemed to weigh more and more heavily over you.

The two people you'd fucked only last night, the two people you'd thought you could've had a future with, were going to murder you.

As soon as Casimir finished laying out the cloth over Bran's dead body, he came over to you, scissors in hand. They were odd scissors that looked bent but on purpose. Without saying much else, he started scissoring through your clothes.

"Cas." You whimpered, fear still wracking your body as you tugged and pulled at your restraints.

Casimir didn't even try to look sympathetic. In fact, he looked like he was enjoying the situation a bit too much.

He pressed a kiss against your temple as he pulled the scraps of your clothes off of your now naked body "Why don't you listen to Emm, huh? We won't do anything that'll hurt our little darling."

Just as Casimir mentioned Emm, your eyes darted to her, frantic to find some sort of sympathy or even some weakness you could take advantage of.

Instead, you were met with the image of Emm, her shirt suddenly gone but that lacy bra you'd seen before still on. She was tightening something around her waist, rather sober expression on her face.

You glanced lower down and your entire face flushed searing hot.

She was tightening a harness on and hanging from it was the most intimidating plastic cock you'd ever seen.

Casimir followed your gaze and snickered, breath brushing against your ear "You know, I only get that when I've been especially bad."

The unprompted insight into the couple's sex life only made you even more flustered. Casimir laughed rather meanly at that too before straightening, his job of getting rid of your clothes completely done.

"When did we get these anyway?" Casimir's fingers ghosted over the inside of your arm before nudging against the cuffs that wrapped around your wrists.

"I made 'em myself." Emm got on top of the medical table in one smooth motion, "Didn' wanna hurt our darling's wrists."

Casimir snuck a finger underneath, wiggling it around "Huh, fur-lined and everything. She already loves you more than me."

"Can't say I feel any differently but it still stings." He added jokingly, pressing another kiss against your temple, hand wrapping around your wrist while the other cupped your chin and made you look at him "See? We'll take perfect care if you here."

You honestly didn't know what to say to that. Though it did make your heart flutter, you knew how fucked up your situation was. These two killed your friends.

And you were especially aware of how fucked up it was that you were really turned on.

Emm took your silence for acceptance. At least, that's how it seemed from how the corners of her lips tilted up into a small smile. Though your legs were cuffed, she pulled your thighs up and wrapped them around her waist.

As she did, her plastic cock thumped against your torso, the tip practically reaching your belly button. And it was thick too, heavy against your skin.

Before you could protest or at least beg for mercy, Casimir pressed his lips against yours, bringing your attention back to him.

The kiss was messy, searing, with his tongue slipping in and pressing against yours, his teeth clashing against your lips.

It made your eyes flutter close as you returned the kiss. You fell into it easily, like it was natural to kiss him like that, like there was nothing else that would feel good.

Then, just as suddenly as the kiss started, you felt something wet and cold dribble against your entrance. Your legs jerked, trying to get away from the sensation.

You couldn't get away, though. You were trapped; not just between the couple but also in the cuffs they'd put you in. All you could do was lay there and take whatever they gave you.

Just like last night but even worse.

And give it to you they did. Emm slicked her fingers up and pushed two of them in at once. Her fingers were already pretty thick so having two of them, scissoring inside of you, pressing against your walls, felt like too much.

Your hips jerked and your brain swam. You didn't know whether you were pulling away from her or pushing your hips down to take more of her fingers.

Casimir, on the other hand, kept kissing you, his breath ragged and his grip on your wrist tightening more and more. His free hand traveled to your neck, wrapping around but not choking you.

You didn't know what it was but the gentle caress of it, firm but not too firm, his fingers pressing against the skin above your beating veins, made your heart flutter even more.

"Gonna prep you up to take me, baby." Emm muttered as she pushed in another finger, her hips rutting and the rubber of her cock rubbing against your skin.

"Gonna show you exactly how we'll be taking care of ya' fr'm now on."

[topazadine]

Is there a reason that horses are so important in your stories other than just that you like them? I haven't really seen a fantasy book that has such a focus on them

Thanks for the question!

There are plenty of other fantasy novels that also have a strong focus on horses, like The Green Rider by Kristen Britain and The Eternal Sky series by Elizabeth Bear. In fact, there are dozens of great fantasy books with plenty of horses in them! Goodreads has a whole list of Fantasy Books with Horses if you're interested in that.

Anyway, about The Eirenic Verses and its horses. Firstly, yes, I included horses because I like them. I ride once a week and would go every day if I could afford it!

But there are also worldbuilding reasons for all the horses. Breme's geography is based on Mongolia, which is, of course, known for its horses.

The history between the Mongols and their horses is long and victorious, completely changing the relationship with these animals and spawning inventions that slowly spread to other countries. Mongolian saddlery is one of the oldest examples of tack, and it was this invention of light, rigid-framed saddles and stirrups that allowed them to stay upright on a horse, even turning completely backward to shoot behind them.

Traditional Chinese, Korean, and Japanese saddles have many similarities with Mongolian tack, demonstrating the cultural diffusion from the steppes to the islands.

Mongols were only able to conquer such vast territory because of the incredible maneuvers of their light and heavy cavalry. Their mounted archers would work in a tight formation, retreating and advancing until they fatigued the enemy. This disoriented their opponents and allowed for crushing defeats. I highly recommend you take a look at Namnaa Academy Archers to see these incredible displays in action!

Unlike Bremish soldiers, though, Mongolian warriors had large herds of support horses; each warrior would have multiple mounts they could switch out as one grew fatigued, meaning they could fight for hours or even days without stopping. Absolutely amazing horsemanship.

I chose not to do this because I wanted to focus on the special relationship between horse and rider.

As an aside, Mongolians still keep large herds of up to 200 horses, but many will have their favorites anyway. Most Mongolian nomads have one or two individual horses that they ride regularly, and the others are semi-feral and need to be retrained once they are caught again.

As another aside, I don't use Mongolian horses in my books either. Mine are more like Quarter Horses, as evidenced by the different colorations present. For example, Uileac's horse, Erix, is a palomino. This isn't a common coloration in traditional Mongolian horses.

Back to the main point, though.

Because of this artistic choice in having just one horse per person, it's made clear that battles between Breme and Sina are not protracted affairs across long swathes of territory, but short skirmishes always at the border between the two countries. This way, cavalry can still play a role in rounding up and routing out the Sinan soldiers, but it's not necessary to have constant switches between mounts.

When one's entire culture is built on horsemanship, it wouldn't make sense not to go whole-hog on the horses. They are not just beasts of burden, but trained warriors in their own right.

It takes a long time to teach a horse not to spook when an arrow comes soaring past them or to stay calm during a loud, chaotic battle. Each horse represents a significant investment, especially for a sparsely populated nation with a much smaller army than the enemy.

There is also the fact that treating horses well is one of the best ways to train them, just as with any animal. Old, coercive horse training methods, including hitting and yelling at the animal, would simply not work if you wanted to make a fearless, well-adjusted, loyal mount.

We see this cultural sea change in the incredible backlash against Charlotte Dujardin recently, and I am also personally uncomfortable with the use of aversives like crops and spurs. While it might not necessarily be realistic in an medievalesque setting, it's important to me that I show horses being treated with care and affection, as they deserve.

I wanted to make these training principles clear by infusing a culturewide love and respect for the horses throughout the entire series. That includes one of the major plot points in the upcoming Pride Before a Fall, the Feast of the Horse.

Like Breme, Mongolia has a horse festival; it's called Naadam and has many of the same components, including mounted archery competitions. Going to a Naadam festival is on my bucket list, actually!

Mongolian horses have even been called "celestial horses" because of their incredible hardiness, and they play a special role in the cultural consciousness even today.

So to sum up, I adore horses and absolutely wanted to center them, but there is precedent and purpose behind their utility. Too many fantasy writers simply plop some horses in and don't consider their role in the overall worldbuilding, how they shape the story, or the beautiful relationship between horse and rider, built on trust and love.

While horses play a more significant role in the upcoming second book, Pride Before a Fall, Uileac meets his beloved mare Erix in the first book, 9 Years Yearning, which is available now.

[kentocidal]

congrats congrats congrats on your milestone!!! ive been loving your writing and i hope u have an amazing day! if its alright could i request "what would people say if they knew you were such a slut for me?" for gorou? ❤️

uploading file gorou48.txt . . . upload complete !

warning! this file has been corrupted with the following malware: semi public, pwp, piv, gorou calls reader ‘pup’, vague breeding kink, dog hybrid during late spring antics, i wouldn’t call this dubcon but like dubcon if you squint at it hard enough, afab reader

internal message: hey guys did i ever mention that i love gorou and when i say that i’m actually frothing at the mouth like a rabid animal because i’m deeply infatuated with him actually

new notification ! @kaedescara @yaekiss (want your own notification? send me an ask off anon!)

your nails dug into the wood of the desk, your bottom lip threatening to burst from how hard you were biting down on it. you breathed out harshly through your nose as one of those familiar clawed hands grabbed your hip and shifted your posture, making you arch your back and present yourself further to him.

you heard general gorou bark a laugh into the otherwise empty room. “what a treat this turned out to be!”

you had been sent to the general maybe, oh, fifteen minutes ago, just to drop off some papers. that had been your primary objective, your only objective. and in your defense you had even asked to be sent to drop papers off to literally anyone else, but your commanding officer insisted that you needed to go.

so you had been sent across camp to your secret love affair in the most perfect scenario anyone could think of. how lucky for you.

except you had been due back ten minutes ago, and instead the general had sniffed out the wetness between your thighs and had you bent over within the first five.

it was late spring. sue the both of you for falling prey to instincts and hormones.

you whimpered into the wood of the desk when you felt his leaky cock tip smack against your sopping hole. whenever this time of the year rolled around, your otherwise calm and rational secret lover turned into a feral dog, drooling and getting mean for his own pleasure.

“did they know you needed me so bad that they sent you to me to take care of you? hm?” gorou snarled softly, rolling his hips and letting his length drag through your wet folds. you hissed, shaking your head and rocking your hips back against him.

“gorou, gorou, please, ‘m already late-”

“you know i can excuse you. tell them i sent you on another errand. they can’t deny you.” he leaned down against you, his clothed chest coming into contact with your bare back, and you whined from the weight of him, especially now that he was pressing the tip of his cock to your dripping hole and just barely fucking into you with the tip.

“do you think they figured it out yet?” he nibbled his way along your exposed shoulder the claws on your hip digging into your skin and threatening to draw blood, “do you think they know how much i’m devoted to you? how devoted you are to me when we’re alone?”

you gasped out when he finally, finally sunk his cock into your drenched pussy, clenching down around him and feeling every curve and vein. he let out a low growl as his sharp canines dragged along the crook of your neck.

“pretty pup, you had to have known i wasn’t gonna let you leave without cumming in this hole of yours.”

“yes, yes, gorou, please…” you whined, and gorou of course obliged you, biting your shoulder as he started a rough, brutal pace, his balls smacking against your achy clit. you moaned, and his hand left your hip to cover your mouth.

“what do you think they would say?” he started to murmur against your skin, his voice mixed with snarls bubbling from his chest as he fucked you, "what would people say if they knew you were such a slut for me?"

you whined behind his hand as you felt his drool drip from his lips onto your shoulder, and he bit down into your skin as his other hand slapped onto the wooden desk under you to brace himself.

you didn’t get back to your post until an hour later with a bandage on your neck and your cunt dripping his cum into your panties.

[etsap123]

TMNT NEXT GEN-Chapter 7

At the base, Rockwell, Karai, Vine, and Slash were all being treated as Mondo and Leatherhead rested themselves against the wall.

Donnie and angel were dealing with the injuries as the others stood together for a group huddle, but no one really knew what to say. Everyone was still freaked out and trying to maintain their composure.

“So any plan on how to find them?” Casey asked, with Mikey trying to comfort mona and April next to him.

The group turned to Leo, whose face was paler than usual before he sighed, eyes clearly trying to hide his worry.

“Anyone pick up clues as to where they ran off. Footprints, a trail of some kind?” He asked, knowing there was likely nothing.

“There's nothing.” Aprils breathing began to shift. “There is literally nothing!” April yelled as tears flowed down her cheeks.

The room went silent before Raph released a growl.

“If only they had left something behind! Something that could lead us to them!” He raged, kicking a chunk of concrete into a semi-collapsed tunnel.

Donnie took out the dart from Rockwell's shoulder.

“Agh!” A voice cried out.

Donnie looked at Rockwell, confused, given he was still unconscious. Donnie lifted his head before standing up and walking towards the semi-collapsed tunnel. He peeked inside through the opening of the wreckage.

“What you looking at, Donnie?” Mikey said as Raph took over in comforting Mona.

“I thought I heard something.” Donnie scratched at the top of his head.

A groan seeped through the cracks gaining more of the group's attention. Mikey and Donnie urgently glanced at each other before tossing pieces of the tunnel over their shoulders.

“Do you think that's the kids or one of those "humanists"? Ralph scoffed, turning to Leo.

“I'm not sure. Let's check it out.” Leo added, walking towards the tunnel that was almost opened up.

Mikey and Donnie stepped out of the way as Leo entered before following behind him.

They looked around the scenery with Donnie pulling out his Tphone. Mikey ran his hands along the side of the wall before stepping on something with a crack.

“Aghh!!” Someone yelled, jerking their hand away from under the turtle's foot.

They hissed, pushing themselves to their knees before locking their eyes on the mutants. The three turtles unsheathed their weapons as the intruder gaped at them.

“Stay away from me. You freaks of nature!” The man snapped, backing away from them and pulling out a knife.

Leo growled and kicked the knife out of his hand. Mikey and Donnie yanked him from the ground and pushed him against the wall.

The man continued to struggle against their grip as he twisted his face in fear. Leo held the tip of his sword to the soldier's neck, immediately halting his actions.

“It's time for some answers.”

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Alone in the humanist lab held, the eight children. All in separate cages stacked against the wall.

Kiba gripped at the bars that confined her to nothing but metal and the piece of cardboard she had for a bed. Tears went down her tiny face, now covered in cuts and bruises.

Underneath her, Irrilia, now with a split lip, foamed at the mouth as she teethed on the railings. She was growling like a feral animal her instincts taking a hold of her.

Next door to the snake, Iris was curled up in the corner of her prison. She had a black eye making it painful to cry but she couldn’t stop.

Slowly a small shaky hand tapped at the bottom of the cage gate, making her shift to her hands and knees and begin to crawl over. She fell to her chest as her body went limp and looked down at the hand below her before leaning her arm out to hold it.

Dakota leaned into the cage, reaching his hand to hers as the water in his eyes trickled down his face. The bars pressing hard into his ribs.

Across the room and still on the lab desk, the little boy held a foam sword with a smile. He giggled, turning to the opposing wall where the caged mutants were held. The child watched in wonder before hopping onto the chair and floor. He waddled his way through the lab and over to Cody with his foam sword in hand.

Cody looked at him with fear pushing himself back. Reaching the cage the boy knocked at the metal making Cody back away even more.

“Play swords?” He offered the foam sword with a smile, as Cody shifted his head to the side. He was about to reach for it when the child was yanked up from the floor.

“Hunter, there is no need to associate with these freaks and traitors.” Vital said holding him at his waist. “They’re better off dead if they live their life a monster.” He finished before turning away. Hunter stared at the array of cages with fear as Cody cowered back into the corner.

“Chaplin, has the new batch of mutagen arrived yet?” He asked as Irrilia slammed her fists on the gate. Vital glared at her and kicked the metal bars before her, making her jump and quiver away.

“Yes, a large amount of mutagen was stashed at the mutant base.” Chaplin said, pulling on some gloves.

“Good, then let's get to work.”

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The attacker fought and kicked at his captures before they shoved him to the floor. Casey and Mona holding him down as he continued to squirm.

“Where are they?” Donnie snarled, releasing the blade from his staff.

The man scoffed. “And why would I tell you pests? You're not getting me to talk!” He yelled, causing Mona to harshly grip his sprained wrist.

He cried, the pain surging through his body.

“Tell us now!” Leo held his blade at the man's throat.

He didn't budge, but Raph slammed his foot into the crevice of his ankle, making him scream.

Leatherhead watched with a smile towering over everyone as April's hands began to twitch.

Angel's expression shallowed, turning away from Vine.

The man's breathing began to vary as the sharp pressure on his neck began to sting.

“Tell us now, and we might just let you live.” Mikey said, coming face to face with him.

Donnie and Leo quickly glanced at each other at the alien tone of their light-hearted brother.

The soldier spit in Mikey's face causing him to yelp and jump back in disgust.

Raph growled. “Ok, that's it!” Raph grabbed the stubborn soldier by the neck and slammed him headfirst into the wall.

He clawed at the hot head of the group's hand, desperate for relief.

“If you don't tell us now! We will break every bone in your body before Leatherhead drags you to the bottom of the sewer tanks for a snack.” Raph yelled, tightening his grip.

Donnie pulled up a picture of the human anatomy as Leatherhead grinned. The man paled as his eyes watered.

“So what are you gonna pick?” April focused and raised her hand, causing his arm to twist.

“Aghh!” His face strained as he hissed. “There at the remains of the TCRI lab!” Raph let him drop to the concrete floor as Leo stepped toward him.

“Leatherhead. Drop him off by the police station. He has enough illegally obtained weapons to earn himself a decade or two in prison.”

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

At the lab Chaplin reached into A cage a smirk growing on his face. “Aghh!!” Kohanna screamed as she was gripped at the neck and taken from the group.

Chaplin lowered a pair of chains from the ceiling as more cries radiated in the background. Kiba jerked at the cage, hissing and crying as Chaplin suspended the wailing redhead over the lab table.

Irrilia yelled, kicking and punching at the latch that her acidic teething had worn away. She slammed her fists into the metal bars and with a crack the cage door swung open, causing her to fall on the floor.

She pushed herself to her feet and looked up at Kiba, who was reaching out through the bars. Irrillia quickly began to crawl up the rails turning Chaplin's attention away from Kohanna.

Irillia groaned pulling on Kiba's gate before Chaplin gripped and yanked her by the arm, leaving her to dangle there as she squirmed.

Kiba growled as Irrilia wailed and grabbed at her arm.

Kiba hissed, spraying venom in Chaplin's face making him cry out and drop the salamander mutant on her back.

“Agh!”

Kiba released her arms, shifting them into snakes before gripping the sides of his face with their fangs. She pulled her arms back, slamming his face into the cage, effectively opening it and leaving him groaning on his knees.

Kiba climbed her way down, rushing to Irrilia, who was still lying on the floor. Kiba nudged at her cousin, still teary-eyed, before helping her sit up.

The lab door slammed open, making Kiba and Irrilia turn to the sudden light in the room.

Vital walked in, baton in hand, before a visible green spark was released on the end of it.

“This should be fun.”

[crittercrossing]

Introducing... Tree!

Tree is a good guy, a big ol' fluff, the most unproblematic man of our generation.

This lad showed up out of the blue one day in June 2022. I went outside to feed and check on the two semi-feral outdoor cats I had at the time, Violet (who is still here) and Artemis (who is not), and found this random dude just hanging out with them. Artemis was yowling at Tree and wanting to fight him, and Violet just looked like she was really sick of both of them.

Tree was very sickly when we first met, but he was so sweet. He was just feral enough that I couldn't pick him up, and he wouldn't go into a trap, so I was unable to get him to the vet. But he would let me pet him, and he even rolled over to show me his fluffy belly when we met. He was underweight, had respiratory infection symptoms, and some kind of cyst thing under his eye.

I was worried sick about him for days. But, thankfully, he started getting better on his own really quickly. He came around daily for food, and continued to evade my attempts to catch him so I could take him to the vet. Within a few weeks, he looked like a totally different cat. I named him Tree after a character of the same name, also a dilute ginger cat, from the Warriors book series. Book character Tree is a super unserious guy who named himself Tree and is really proud of his name, even though other cats think it's silly. I thought that suited this guy perfectly.

About two months after he first appeared, Tree went missing for three days. I was crushed, assuming the worst. I had already grown really attached to him. Imagine my surprise when he came home a few days later, neutered and with a tipped ear!

I can't imagine who could possibly be out there doing TNR in the extremely tiny, very unaware of animal welfare town this happened in, but I'm super glad they were able to get him in when I wasn't able to.

Since then, Tree has lived a very comfortable, stable life. He hangs out mostly at my grandmother's house. She lives next door to my parents, which is where Violet and almost all the rest of the pets are, so Tree is still around for me to see him all the time, but he has his space and quality time by himself. He tolerates Violet pretty well, but really likes to be on his own. He and Leonard hated each other and got into a lot of fights until Leonard was neutered, and now they just ignore each other as long as they can have some distance. He is spoiled rotten with tons of food and treats from my grandmother, and he spends his days on her covered deck, taking all the naps he wants. He has also gotten even fluffier than before.

I fully plan to make a housecat out of Tree someday. He has met my indoor cats, Dorothea and Ivy, through a screen door several times, and he particularly loves Dorothea. I'm not in a position to have a third indoor cat where I live right now, but whenever I move out and can possibly take him, I want to take him with me and keep him indoors. I believe he'd probably be okay with that by now, as he's tamed up some more since I first met him. He's one of the sweetest cats with people that I've ever met, and I am just really hoping that he will be safe until the day comes that I can take him with me. (He can't currently live indoors with my parents because of Leonard, who still acts like he might fight with Tree if they were too close, and my grandmother won't have cats indoors.) For now, I'm enjoying seeing him when I can and hanging out in the shade with him.

[briarworthandoleander]

As I am aware many a researcher and ecologist are interested to know how it has been raising Tobi Kadachi from infancy.

For the most part I treat them as semi feral palamutes, I feed them and make sure they have shelter - but do not push my luck by directly interracting with them physically unless they initiate said interaction. A majority of the time spent with them is actually watching them scurry away from me when I do as much as stand up or pick up a broom, they really dislike brooms. They do however - like being groomed with small brushes and combs, and I have reason to believe that in the wild their parent and siblings would be the ones to do said grooming, from this I conclude that Kadachi not only raise their young until maturity but also use grooming as a way of deepening social bonds. As a result of my endeavours to make sure the juvinille kadachi are well kept and free of mites, both are becoming accostumed to my handling and will cuddle up to sleep amongst my coats and jackets and even sometimes try to fit themselves into my spare boots. Would I say that Tobi Kadachi are possibly tameable? No. Not in the slightest. Their behavior and actions towards myself, small prey animals and palicoes at such a young age imply that I will soon have to be wary of where my smaller rescues are in my home and that my Palico Elsie is stationed in a secure room that they cannot fit themselves into. As for myself - the Kadachi seem to have no interest in anything my size, but I feel like it would be a different matter were I shorter or if there was a child in the viscinity. These are creatures that require a lot of paitence and cannot follow instruction without demonstration, they will never make the first move unless they are sure they can win.

And for those curious as to whether I have named the two Kadachi in my care, I find it highly unprofessional to name monsters that are soon to be released into the wild; I call them “Twinkle Toes” and “Nibbler”.

-

Leo Briarworth

[never-forget-viva-la-pluto]

A note on the Barn cat programs/Working cat programs; they are designed for feral cats only or cat that are aggressive toward humans.

Barn cats are not something people go to a pet store and adopt a cat for(people do do this obv but its not what barn cats programs entail), they are usually feral colonies that would be killed otherwise, or sometimes they move the cats to a Barn location so that they can hunt things that are less at risk of ruining the ecosystems of the area where they originally were found.

They are at risk of some wild animals and to some wild animals, of course, but those cats are just ferals that need a steady source of food and a vet and these are NOT PET CATS. They aren't meant to be treated like pets, and it is sometimes the only chance a cat has, because otherwise they get euthanized bc no one wants a cat that is completely feral and a city's response to growing cat colonies is poison. But these are not meant to be pets, they are meant to keep the cat population in an area contained and not infested!

Any other cat need to be kept inside at all times, because that is a pet.

Barn cats are not pets, they are ferals that need to be monitored in a location where their exposure to endangered species is reduced and it goes without saying that these programs will get them all fixed before letting them take to the barns. ALL OTHER CATS SHOULD BE KEPT INDOORS! Saying your cat is a barn cat/Working cat is outright false if it is treated like a pet you let outside sometimes. A Barn cat is a feral cat that lives in a Barn. They are not pets.

Keep your pets inside.

If you say you have a semi-indoor barn cat, not you don't, you have a pet. If you say you have a barn cat who is cuddly and lives in the barn, no you dont, you have a pet that you let suffer in a barn when it should be inside the home.

Barn cats are cats that cannot be pets and have no where else to go.

KEEP YOUR PETS INSIDE!

you tell a bitch to keep their cat indoors and suddenly their town is the first in the world to have eradicated every viral, bacterial and parasitic disease, they invented completely harmless cars, dogs and predators dont exist either but somehow the native songbird population is fine since the cats in this place have lost the hunting instinct, there's no pollutants or toxic plants and human cruelty has ceased to exist. and mr mittens has a chip in his brain that will explode if he doesnt go outside 10 hours of the day

[zooophagous]

Yo, I need a second opinion. I am of the opinion that cats do not belong outdoors, unless they are barn cats on farms, because they have a purpose to be outside. Like, they're on farms hunting pest populations and shouldn't be harming endangered species?

They shouldn't be but largely they are. I am of the opinion a barn cat or shop cat is ok as a working animal if a few criteria are met:

1. The cat actually is confined to said barn or shop and doesn't free roam, this is for the safety of the cat and the safety of non target animals such as birds.

2. The cat receives care and isn't expected to live as a wild animal. This includes spaying and neutering the cats so they don't breed freely, vaccinating and treating for parasites (essential if the cat is eating wild rodents) and access to food, water and shelter from the elements.

Unfortunately a lot of barns just sort of have semi feral populations that do whatever and humans can't even touch them and those I don't really like, its just another feral cat colony. Where I do know of a horse barn locally that has barn cats that actually live inside the climate controlled stables and are fed and watered and vaccinated and basically are treated nicely and just happen to kill the mice that come in looking for horse feed. They seem to have a good system.

I will also say though I disagree with the notion that cats aren't good for pest control. Cats are excellent at curtailing mouse activity (rats are harder because rats are big and MEAN) and while ratting dogs are great fun for an afternoon they aren't a long term solution you just have around full time, and thing about rodents is, they WILL come back if you have a barn.

Life as a working cat is unfortunately best case scenario for a lot of feral cats but their management isn't always ideal.

[weaver-z]

I agree w you about indoor cats but the issue is that in Britain it’s completely the norm to let cats out and people will treat you like you’re cruel for keeping them indoors. it’s a forgone conclusion that cats need to be let out. like if you want to adopt a cat from the RSPCA (biggest animal rescue charity) they will tell you that the cat needs to be let outside and you would basically have to lie that you’ll let them out in order to adopt them. I know that people need to educate themselves but it’s difficult to blame people for not knowing when the indoor cat movement is just not as well known here and people trust organisations like the RSPCA to tell them the right thing to do.

I do understand that, so I'll add a quick apology to anyone who feels they have no choice but to let your cat roam--I understand that you're in a difficult position!

If you cannot bring your cat inside because it is feral or you have other animals inside that might harm it, PLEASE consider getting a shed or another shelter structure! My dad has a semi-feral cat on his property (she has come to allow us to pet her over time :)) and he provides her with cat food, water, a bed, and a small heater in the winter in the large shed he owns. He keeps a latch bar on the door that keeps it just open enough for her to slip in, and fortunately, other animals like opossums and raccoons have thus far not been a huge issue due to the shed's proximity to the house.

[bejinyoung]

it's a kitty-incidence.

@bejoomi

jinyoung doesn’t quite know why, but he’s always liked cats. he can’t remember when it started, but he’s pretty sure it has something to do with the fact that he never had a pet of his own growing up. they couldn’t afford it. even if they could, with the way the children were bounced from household to household, jinyoung’s pretty sure a cat wouldn’t have survived. but there were always cats around. on his grandparents’ farm, on street corners walking home from school. some of them were even friendly. but anyway, it’s a lifelong passion of his, right up there with dance and music. it’s just a shame he still can’t afford to keep one of his own.

he does what he can to interact with animals anyway. he feeds strays, which makes him feel good about himself and like he’s helping them, but it’s almost as expensive of a hobby as owning a cat himself. the only thing he doesn’t pay for is vet bills for the many semi-feral animals he’s befriended. believe it or not, visiting a cat cafe is the cheaper option. sometimes jinyoung can get away with sitting here for at least ten minutes before an employee reminds him of the ‘must make a purchase’ rule that they have. he can’t blame them, but he also can’t justify the price of a cup of coffee he could make for pennies at home. it’s just instant powder and hot water, after all. he can’t taste a difference otherwise.

jinyoung sighs as his ‘favorite’ server approaches him, the same grumpy look on his face that contrasts so starkly with the happy pastels of his work environment. "yeah, yeah, i know,” jinyoung sighs, already grabbing his backpack and getting ready to get kicked out again. “put the claws away, catboy. i’ll go.”

he’d be lying if he didn’t get some sort of enjoyment out of watching the other bristle at the nickname. jinyoung doesn’t know what his problem is, but maybe he could try to be a little nicer about it. it’s the reactions that make him want to tease, the flushed face, narrowed eyes, like he wants to do something but knows that he can’t. at least not here, not now. jinyoung wonders if the passion comes from a place of lust or lividity. regardless, the way the guy scowls at him and snaps to get lost still just makes him laugh.

a sigh does escape him, though. he really doesn’t want to go, not when the longhair gray thing finally let him scratch her ears. she’s been so standoffish every time jinyoung’s come around before, keeping to herself for the most part. but he’s always liked a challenge, and he kept sneaking her treats, and she doesn’t understand why he’s suddenly packing up to go when just a moment ago she was purring under his fingertips. “sorry,” he murmurs to the cat, “but i’ll be back. don’t hate me next time, okay?”

[goat-yells-at-everything]

Agree with everything here except the cow bit.

Cows WILL squish you given the chance. Beef cattle are typically raised in a very hands off way and have little interactions with people so they tend to be semi feral, flighty, and prone to choosing violence when they even think they are cornered. Dairy cattle are raised the exact opposite BUT this can be even worse cuse they have no fear of humans at all, often see them as part of their herd, and will treat humans like another cow despite humans being MUCH more squishy than cows.

Beef cattle will likely intentionally hurt you due to fear response. Dairy cattle will likely accidentally hurt you while trying to play.

But ya. 100% agree that urban dwelling westerners tend to be so detached from animals outside of dogs and cats. Anything bigger than a rabbit can likely cause significant damage depending on its hardware. Even a chicken can do some serious damage given half a chance (I've almost had my Achilles tendon severed by a rooster before. no, i'm not exaggerating. boi was built like a Swiss army knife).

If there was one animal literacy thing I could change with a wave of a wand, it would be increasing people's understanding of how dangerous megafauna are. I think that in the US (and probably other Western countries too), we're so removed from wildlife and even large domesticated animals that people really have no perspective on how much a big animal can fuck you up. Even if they're "gentle."

This is a discussion going on on Twitter, too, the last few days: there was a thing where an Iditarod musher shot a moose to protect their team, and a lot of people are confused as to why that needed to happen. Apparently this moose had been hanging around the course for quite a while and was becoming quite dangerous to the sled dog teams. Moose are territorial and not to be fucked with. Everyone from Alaska or areas with moose are like "yup, that's just reality."

Same thing with the bison birth I watched last year. Folk really thought the staff should be in the habitat on the ground with the bison herd, helping with the birth. Sure, that's what we do with cows if we have to, but... bison are definitely not cows and, again, will squish you.

People tend to get it more with the predators. Few people will argue that a cougar or an alligator or a bear isn't dangerous. I think people kinda go both ways on wild pigs / boars depending on their experience. But herbivores or things that don't look traditionally pointy... it just kinda doesn't click.

Any large animal is probably stronger than you think and more likely to hurt you than you realize. Be it a dolphin, an elk, a sea lion, or even an emperor penguin... just don't go near them, buds.