caughtinanetwork

[The change in Gale's clothes for this event is.. odd, to say the least. It looks like he's wearing a lamb hood, curly horns at all. He hasn't even tried to change it, except to add orange paint to it. Next to him, there's a bird peering over his shoulder at the SFC.]

It appears I am to be accompanied by this animal, this week. This curse has objectives accompanying it. I intend to accomplish them. If others do as well, perhaps we can work together.

More importantly, I have an announcement. You may be familiar with a building at the edge of the Forest quadrant, with orange markings on it. That is the Embryon's base. Members of the Embryon, for those who are unaware, are found wearing orange on their clothing or armor. Formerly, we requested that non-tribe members stay away unless accompanied by one of us. That request has been rescinded, with the Tribe's consensus. Rather, we invite you to join us. Simply alert one of us of your presence, once you are here. I am able to answer any questions you have.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[Meanwhile, at the base...

Serph steps into the same room as Gale, wearing a different set of clothing, greeting him with a nod. Trotting by his feet is a tiny baby fox.

But when the fox catches sight of the bird, the fox stops and arches his back, flattening his ears.]

[Gale nods back, then returns his attention to the SFC, intending to continue doing things on the network.

He can't, really, when the bird standing by his shoulders turns its full attention to the little fox, and starts stepping slowly toward the tiny animal.]

[The tiny fox, not wanting to submit, starts barking at the bird.

Serph hasn't exactly had much dealings with animals, and doesn't really know what's going on between them, so for a moment he just glances from one animal to the next.]

[It's becoming increasingly obvious as the bird gets even closer, considering the way it's puffing up and its wings are spreading, and how it stops with its long legs just outside of the fox's reach.]

Ah. Leader, I believe they are... not compatible.

[Before Serph can respond, the fox darts forward to nip at the ankles of the bird before darting back behind Serph's legs.]

[The bird leaps backward with a squawk and darts in a second later to peck at Serph's fox, wings spread threateningly. It almost manages, too, and is stopped only when Gale pushes it to the side.]

[Okay, this is really quite a problem. As Gale pushes his animal aside, Serph quickly ducks to scoop the tiny fox into his arms; he's far less likely to step on the thing and it would be easier to protect his own animal without needing to harm Gale's.

Serph keeps his eyes on the bird as he speaks.]

Do you believe this is an issue of territory?

[Or protectiveness? The animals had only started showing mutually aggressive behaviour when he had stepped into the room, after all.

The fox keeps his eyes on the bird as he makes squeaking sounds, the fox equivalent of hiding behind someone and poking out his tongue.]

It seems to be so.

[With the fox now in Serph's arms, the shoebill doesn't make any more attempts to attack, but it still glares and ruffles, clearly waiting for an opening.]

They are obviously not fighting for our sakes.

[At the bird's glare, the fox flattens his ears and makes a low sound in the back of his throat, obviously aggravated. Serph glances between the two, before he steps back so he's out of the room, but still near the doorway.

He carefully observes the animals' reactions to this action.]

[Gale keeps himself in front of the bird, giving it a look but doing nothing to soothe it- how do you soothe an animal, anyway? This one doesn't even look pettable.]

Should we keep them separated?

[The fox seems to relax a little once the bird is further away, but looks up plaintively at Serph as if he doesn't approve of them withdrawing from the 'battle'.

Serph, on the the other hand, glances between the two animals before turning his attention back to Gale and nods. Separation seems prudent. However...]

It would be best if they could tolerate each other's presence.

[At the very least.]

We cannot force them to agree to a truce, as such. How would we accomplish that?

[Serph's gaze returns to the two animals, who seem to be calmer now that there is distance between them.]

There are limits to their territory.

[He eyes what he can see of the room Gale is standing in.]

If we skirt the edges and do not provoke them, perhaps they will come to allow the other within it.

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