[Tretesta]

Early day tends to be quite noisy around Bentbranch Meadows. Between feeding time and cockerel chocobos greeting the day, it's hard to hear one's self think around Moogle's Gift Mounts. Demand has been rising steadily between ever expanding Grand Company ranks, jockeys at the Gold Saucer, and the recent liberation of Gyr Abania.

Garbed in coveralls, top undone and tied around his waist to keep cool, Tretesta worked alongside others to feed the beasts and keep all ten fingers out of the beaks of the ravenous horde. The hyur would get “rough” with some of the more aggressive birds as needed: smacking their beaks with a handful of greens and chastising them. Breakfast was always a controlled chaos, but not impossible. By mid morning everyone would be fed and the less feathery population of the stables could start to breathe easy and set about their day. Clad in a full faced chocobo racing mask and wielding a pitchfork, Tret was on stable duty for the morning, cleaning out nests and chatting with their occupants idly.

[Sesera]

Dressed in more loose-fitting armour than what she normally would wear when hunting monsters, Sesera had made her way to Bentbranch Meadows, she could see the Aetheryte just a few several yalms away. She stopped, placed her hammer in the ground handle pointing upwards and put a hand onit for a moment and look upwards, the canopy above obstructing copious amounts of sunlight, but enough seeping down through the tree line to shine on all the greenery around her. The Shroud was Sesera's favourite place and often prioritised its wellbeing over other places, she enjoyed its naturally beauty and the colours, sometimes being lost in thought long enough to forget what she was there for in the first place.

She swung the hammer back over her shoulder and continued to her destination, she hadn't been the to the stables in awhile and never needed the reason to, she wondered if she could trust the Hyur having only met him on a single occasion, but he was only dabbling in Chocobo's, so it was hardly worth looking into.

She reached the fence of Moogle's Gift Mounts and peered over, seeing if she could spot the man with blue hair, but with no luck. She hesitated to call out to anyone as she didnt want to make a scene, but caught the attention of a nearby elezen,

“ 'Scuse me, do you know anyone here with blue hair, goes by the name of Tretesta?”

[Pipino]

It had not been long since Pipino had appeared at the side of the aetheryte, her body re-materializing gracefully and her two feet being lowered gently to the ground in the mysterious way that aetherial travel worked. She would not complain though. She could recall several other ways she had been transported that were much rougher and more frightening. Nevertheless, her senses returned to her, fading back into focus as her eyes opened upon the beautiful, lush, and verdant Shroud, Bentbranch Meadows more specifically. She breathed deeply and revelled in the fresh, earthy smells that greeted her, always finding a little miracle in being able to escape the dry and dusty deserts of Thanalan.

Her ears picked up an unfamiliar voice saying soemthing about “…anyone here with blue hair,” so she, of course used to being referred to exclusively by such an epithet, turned her head and searched for the voice, landing upon a strange Lalafell. It did not take long for her to realize who the true target of her inquiry was, however. Seeing as how their goals were one in the same, however, Pipino decided to walk toward her, hoping to hear the answer for herself, eavesdropping rather than make strange friends in strange lands.

[Tretesta]

Hailed by the lalafel, Leodair would gaze briefly down at Sesera, then hook a thumb towards the stables “Ain't seen him since breakfast. Try in there, and ask someone else if you don't see him. Can't remember if he's on 'long haul' or cleaning today.” He'd turn and head off to go find a nice spot to sit without waiting for further inquiry, leaving Sesera to her own devices and luck.

Coming out into the sunlight, the helmeted hyur jammed a shite covered fork into the ground and breathed deeply, shaking his feathered head and gazing about the ranch. The sound of someone popping in near the aetheryte never failed to catch his attention, and he'd watch as Pipino, suddenly there when she wasn't earlier, approached Sesera. Tretesta leaned on his tool, not ready to out himself yet just in case trouble was afoot. That was a mean looking hammer, after all.

[Sesera]

Sesera nodded at the man “Thanks for the assistance.” She gazed at the ranch as she leapt over the fence instead of using the gate like a normal person, her eyes scanned about, looking again for blue hair but her eyesight alone proving of no use. Sesera closed her eyes and began a sort of meditating, the smells of Chocobo dung on a fork not to far from where she stood, the smell of sweat on a hyur… and sand? She opened her eyes and peered over her shoulder to see a Blue haired Lalafell not far from where she was stood, but returning her focus to the task at hand she noticed a fellow in a Chocobo Racing Mask and looked at him from a distance before approaching him “ I daresay the piles of dung would no doubt be good for the growth of Gysahl Greens, hm?” She drops the hammer and lets it fall to the ground “ Wouldn't happen to know where I can find a chap by the name of Tretesta, would you?” She asks the man, knowing who it is but playing along with his desire to remain a mystery chocobro

[Tretesta]

Tret's grip on his fork tightens as Sesera decides she is too good for gates, but he relaxes as she visibly disarms herself. “Great for compost, but smells like death.” He reached up and pulled the mask up and off his head, reaching it back to hook onto his belt “Remarkable ammunition for the push to the east too, if you'd believe it. These beautiful beasts supply all the droppings one could want to stop oppressive Garlean forces, and they don't ask for anything but a mouthful of greens and a place to roost.” Grabbing the fork again with his free hand and leaning his weight on it, Tret would look briefly towards Pipino, then back to Sesera, lowering his tone a bit “Your 'exotic' needs, right? I've got a hand full of ideas and leads, but I'd like to know if you had anything more specific in mind this last week. And a timeline, of course..”

[Pipino]

Once she saw Tretesta remove his helm, her face lit up with an expression of recognition and she began to make her way toward him. Not being able to hear the private business, the more naive girl had no reason to suspect she should make a show of waiting for him to be available. She simply walked confidently toward him with a smile and a bit of pep in her step, clearly excited about this new horizon in her life.

[Sesera]

Sesera pulled out a book and skimmed over it quick due to the approaching Lalafell before she hastily stashed it away again. “ I say exotic in a sense, but what does one get for a Miqo'te with an attitude problem? She needs a companion, but she's not meant for a Chocobo, as you know. I need details on what can be domesticated and such, Hopefully by the end of the Second Umbral Moon, If time permits.” She gives him a smile and continues “ On more personal business, I've actually been looking for a bird of my own, I've been travelling alot recently and find myself in need of speed and I am aware, since finding you here, that you would no doubt be able to set me up with a feathered friend of my own. Gil isn't an issue, I can assure you.”

[Tretesta]

Tret would nod solemnly, then close his eyes in thought “second umbral… thats… got it. Sure!” His voice came back up and he'd grin “Well miss, you've visited a fine home for friends. Speed is something we like to brag on. I suppose I could be pulled away for a bit to get you seated.” He'd nod to Pipino as she drew into conversation distance “Seems I'm just going to see all my passing acquaintances today. Mistress…. Pipino, yes? Brant's friend!” Knowing he was about to have his hands full, he freed the pitchfork from the Earth and walked it backwards to drop it leaning against the stalls, keeping an eye on both lalafellin women “what brings you out all the way out here from….?” Not possessing Sesera's keen sense of smell, he could only raise a brow quizzicaly as he fished for some background.

[Pipino]

“Ul'dah,” she stated abruptly, happy to inform him. “I do not mean to interrupt anything,” she says as she gives Sesera a curious but apologetic look, “but, well, as bizarre as it feels for me to say such a thing, I am in need of Chocobo of all things. And… well, instruction too. Riding lessons, and perhaps some pointers on how to take care of such a creature. I really did not know which course of action should be first, so I thought I would just come and and see, and accept whatever recommendation you have.”

[Sesera]

“Just so happens we happen to be here with the same agenda.” Sesera gives Pipino an affirmative nod “…Although I require no training or instruction when it comes to riding or the care of one. Had plenty of practice back in the day… Although I have need of this fellow's services in seperate matter, but that is for another time. ”

Sesera wiped her hand on her leg, and offered the hand out to Pipino, “ Name's Sesera, Monster Hunter, Hells of a good tracker to if I do say so myself, pleasure to finally meet you.”

[Tretesta]

“Hrm, just shopping and a brand new rider. Work's cut out for me.” Tret grabbed his helmet and raised it into the air, waving it frwhrers up while giving a sharp, three note whistle with two fingers in him mouth. In the distance, a hyur female (as well as multiple chocobos) would turn to look at him raise his whistling hand to show two fingers up and then two other signs. With a nod from the boss, blue hair was once again covered by the racing helmet, and Tretesta advanced back on the pair. “I can accommodate both requests, it seems. I'm going to deal with the faster request first. Pipino: stick with us, pay attention, ask questions as you have them. And try not to look delicious. They've been fed but some of these feather-faces act like they've just escaped a year's famine” the feathered crown turned to Sesera then, and Tret gaceba grand sweeping gesture towards the stables “If you'll join me in my office? And did we want to prioritize speed, distance, or propensity to kick the daylights out of whatever looks at you crossways?” The hyur led them both into the shaded stables, soft sounds of idle calls and rustling hay and plumage filling the air.

[Pipino]

She eyed Sesera's hand a bit warily, having notes that she needed to wipe it off first but … well, what were gloves for if not to protect you from hands you had not known the habits of? She took Sesera's hand and shook it lightly, her grip a bit dainty and weak. She was more of her curtsy type and less of the firm handshake type. “A pleasure to meet you, Ms. Sesera. And… I see my reputation precedes me. May I ask how you have come to know of me?”

Pipino nodded her consent to Tretesta's plan, her gloved hands clasped behind her as she followed, taking in the stress with great curiosity. Some were so large that it was unfathomable, and she could see what he meant about making sure she did not get eaten. Occasionally, she would stop to take a closer look at the behaviors of each one, listening carefully to the others' conversation in case they would answer questions she might have.

[Sesera]

Sesera gripped Pipino's hand and gave it a shake before releasing her from her grasp, noticing Pipino's wariness to the shake she indulges her and pulls out a familiar book. “ No doubt you know who this belongs to. So, as it were, I'm a friend of a friend. Don't worry, nothing in here is bad, I assure you.” She smiles at Pipino “ Atleast we have been fortunate to meet under these circumstances as opposed to my usual work.”

“I need a bird with endurance, speed isn't priority but I need a Chocobo that can accompany me to places like Coerthas, able to withstand the cold, but also with Thanalan, able to cope with the heat… A final request, if I may, I need one that can.. Hmm.. Engage in a tussle or two, if that's not too much to ask.” In following she notices a few of the Chocobo's but without the training none of them really stand out to her as she relies solely on Tretesta's skills on the matter.

[Tretesta]

Navigating down the walkways, Tret would push open a swinging door to where they would find creatures that didn't tower greatly over the girls “Wide ranger, solid, not too timid.” He stopped, hands on his hips as he looked about at the pens around him. He'd slowly approach a few birds, shaking or tilting his head at them before moving to the next “their plumage is a wonderful insulator against heat and cold. Though their feet might not be too happy with being on the ice too long. Easy fix, however.” He leaned over a stall door, whistling at a sleeping chocobo. It perked up immediately and called back, knocking its beak against Tret's helmet “Let's try '23 L' today. If you've got some experience with a Choco, we can maybe take this one out for a walk, see if hes kicky enough, and figure out if you'll be leaving with him.” He pulled himself back and turned Sesera's way, giving her a thumbs up “This one made me chase him halfway to Camp Drybone, so I don't think he'll tire on you easy. Neh?”

[Pipino]

Pipino wanted to continue talking about the book and A'erina, her expression betraying her honest confusion at having come to know a friend of hers in such a way. The world truly was quite small, and only seemed to get smaller the more comfortable she felt using the aetherytes to transport herself independently. However, Tretesta was explaining all the intricacies of his birds, and she found it fascinating and thought it rude to carry on a side conversation, so she put a pin it for now as she followed them. She had never thought much about the many different strengths and weaknesses and temperaments, and was feeling a bit naive about it all, suddenly wondering if she had any right to be there.

[Sesera]

“ Twenty Three L? Would I be correct in thinking that the L is a code for Lalafell? A Chocobo that can give you the run around around is sure to be a handful for me, perhaps that may be just what I'm looking for. ” Sesera moves up close to the pen and extends her hand out to the Chocobo and smiles as it thrust its beak into her open hand. She looks at Tretesta, “ Got any greens? I'd like to feed 'im, see if we get along at the sight of treats.”

[Tretesta]

“Local, actually. This one was hatched here…” Tret nodded as Sesera jumped right in to the petting zoo portion of the tour, then turned to grab a saddle and bridle off a peg and post, still calling back “…but everyone over on this end is on the smaller end. ” He paused for a few moments in thought, then fished inside a satchel at his back, pulling out what looked like half an artichoke. bringing the vegetable and the saddle back, He gave the treat to Sesera and set the saddle on the dirt next to her, letting her have some fun. Now to Pipino, Tret tilted his head at her, “We'll give her a minute, make sure 23 ain't gonna chomp her along with that sylkis. You've been a quiet one. So tell me then, just what are you after with a chocobo? You mentioned it was 'bizarre' to want one? I'm not sure I follow. What are you planning on using it for?”

[Pipino]

“Well, it is only bizarre because, up until now, I have had little reason to be traveling on my own, or to anywhere remote enough to need such a thing. But I am engaging in a bit of a change in career. I am an artist and mean to become an adventuring one, seeking out remote vistas and landscapes to preserve on canvas. To reach these places, it would be best to have a chocobo to make business productive with speed as well as simply to handle the supplies I would need to carry with me. Canvasses, an easel, various paints and brushes. That sort of thing.”

[Tretesta]

23 perked up at the sight of the greens. The chocobo watched Tret carefully, standing up and shaking himself out and fluffing up some. As the food was passed off, he turned a mournful gaze to Sesera, as if to say “oh please don't tease me. I only want a small nibble of the treasure you have.”

With a slow nod, Tret looked up and around them, making mental notes of various pens “hm… So more light duty. Perhaps….” The feathers on his head rustled as he tipped his head back and forth, jogging his thinking process “…Ok. worry about that later. So, you've *never* ridden a chocobo? Nothing wrong with it if yes, just need to get the right bird of my own when we head out for a test dr- er, ride.”

[Sesera]

Sesera proceeded to offer a steady hand towards the seemingly eager Chocobo as it lunged beak first for the goodies, She extended her other hand and placed it ontop of the bird's head and petted it a few times, “ How'd you like to raise a little a hell with me, Twenty Three? I'll look after you aslong as you look after me. ” Her face beaming with adoration for the bird almost forgetting completely about why she was there. She gave the Chocobo a final ruffle of head feather before returning to Tretesta and Pipino's business, listening in on anything she might need to know.

[Pipino]

“I have ridden with Gair on his chocobo as a passenger, but never on my own.”

[Tretesta]

Tret pumped his fist and nodded his helmet down at Pip “Perfect! You're going to ride with me about the same way then! Ah Gust. Was glad to see him go. Seems the Sargeant is working with him well though… He'll eat Gysahls all day every day. But get your hands on sylkis buds and you'll have a happy bird…” He turned to nod over at Sesera and the Choco with that last bit, then returned to actual work. Grabbing the saddle and bit, he vaulted the pen with both in hand. The occupant would ruffle up at Tret, flapping his wings indignantly at the home intruder, but settled as he was quickly outfitted for a ride. “Step back and we're coming out!” The pen gate was opened one Sesera stepped back and the bird led out to the walkway. Tret motioned for both ladies to follow him out, still holding 23's lead.

Once back in the sunlight, Tret would put two fingers back to his lips under the mask and give an entirely different whistle, a two note call three times. Then, looking about the open area, he held the reigns down and out towards the hunter “…ok then, Sesera all yours. Hop on and get a feel for him. if you could, just a simple mount up, help the young student. Maybe twice, and I'll fetch your hammer. Pipino, watch her carefully, as she's going to have a much better form to imitate than I can offer, given our differences.” Pulling off his helmet and returning it to the back of his belt, would go and fetch a simple bow and quiver of arrows laying against a fence, then grab and heft the hammer over his shoulder while he kept watch around the forest “aaaaaany minute now….”

[Sesera]

Sesera nodded and effortlessly mounted the big bird. Strangely enough, it was of an adequate size and she had little to no trouble straddling the creature, a foot in the stirrup and a little push off the ground with her other, swinging it over the back and round to the other side she sat atop it's back looking like a Coeurl who just got the cream. She beamed and looked at Tretesta and Pipino. “ None too fond of the plumage, any ways we can perhaps get a colour more suited for something else? Perhaps a Green? or a Grey? Or even something in between. ” Regardless of its colour, she petted it on the head several times to reassure it that its feathers were fine no matter what her opinion was. Sesera grabbed a hold of the reins and motioned for the bird to walk a little around, refusing to shout or even tap it hard enough to get it to move, she smiled with delight as it walked a few steps forward before stopping. She gave an affirmative nod to Tretesta, “ Seems like love at first sight.” she chuckled.

[Pipino]

Pipino followed Tretesta out of the stable area, her heart already feeling a little bit anxious at the prospect of riding a chocobo with this stranger. It was already quite an intimate closeness with Aardvael when they had ridden, but they had a much closer bond and she could more easily excuse any awkwardness. Nevertheless, she put the thoughts from her mind as she was asked to pay close attention to Sesera's form.

Sesera made it look easy, but Pipino did note how high she had to lift her leg and the amount of strength it required to push herself up on to it. She wondered if she would possess such strength herself. Pipino bit at her lip as she made all of these considerations, eyes lingering on her hands, how she was holding reins.

[Tretesta]

Tret turned his attention from the trees towards Sesera, brows raised “Hm wha-? Oh! Yes, yes, yes, color isn't a problem. More of a racing thing, but we can certainly…” He grinned suddenly and pounded a fist into the opposite hand “I know just what to do, but i may need a few days with him. Or another, if he doesn't work out.” He nodded approval, watching the two trot about.

Somehow, while everyone was distracted with watching Sesera and/or the chocobo, they had been crept up on by a larger, inky blue bird.

One that currently stood directly behind the hyur.

One with a bright blue plume of feathers on its helmet.

One that decided to break the calm of the shroud and announce itself with a loud “KWEH” and display of flapping its wings. Tret staggered forward, let the hammer slip off his shoulder to the ground behind him, and yelped in surprise. he caught his balance and whipped around to stare sternly at the Choco. The dark bird looked almost like it was laughing at him, then lowered its head expectantly for petting. With a sigh and a shake of his head, Tretesta relented and stroked its neck. “Pipino, our ride is here. This is *'Ahthool'*. She's a very naughty bird.” This elicited several happy nods from his chocobo.

[Sesera]

Sesera took a few more steps here and there, circling around the two and the recent arrival Chocobo. 23 L was considerably smaller than Ahthool, she presumed that 23 L was caught with a Lalafell in mind, she looked at Pipino for a second to reassure her as she had noticed her fellow Dunesfolk was absorbing the details.

“ Hopefully this Gentleman will be getting you an adequate sized bird. If you have trouble mounting it, you need'nt worry about how you go about it, I'm sure someone who has appeared in the Grindstone once or twice and even got the better of the likes of Gair, Luna and A'erina in simple training exercises, you must possess the ability to leap up onto a bird. ”

She taps her chest and continues “ normally I'd be wearing much heavier armour, softens the blow when something big n' nasty chomps down on me or swings a pronged tail my way. You seem to wear light armour or clothing so I'm positive you can be incredibly agile, enough so that you could mount a Chocobo better than myself or Tretesta here.”

After sitting still for a short while, 23L let's out a kweh, getting Sesera's attention as she gives the bird some head scritches.

[Pipino]

Pipino stared up at the large bird and found herself a bit intimidated being so close to it. Sure, she had been near Gust, but she tended to keep her distance more often than not, and that chocobo was just so obedient that she had no concerns around it. This one though…this one seemed a bit rambunctious. Even so, she managed a polite smile and stared up at it, tilting her head as if to see it in a different light.

“Hopefully she will cease being naughty for a short time in consideration of me,” she said with a little nervous laugh. Turning to listen to Sesera's encouragement, she blushed a bit. “Y-yes, I am certain I shall manage somehow and at some point in time. I am quite nimble on my feet and, well, years of inconsiderate furniture design have helped hone my legs into quite the little springs,” she joked back. “I am not overly concerned with the mounting so much as everything else. I can be a bit on the meek side at times, and I am afraid I would not be firm enough.”

[Tretesta]

Shaking his head softly, Tret retrieved the hammer and brought it to Sesera, offering it handle first to her “We're not going too far. Up to Sorrel Haven, and just push the spriggan boundry back a little bit. If you think you're good, set off and I'll bring up the rear.” Once he was relieved, he'd turn back to his bird and click his tongue at her as he approached again “come on then, down, down. Not gonna make the lalafel take a running leap up onto you, dear.” The chocobo slowly lowered herself to a rested position, and Tretesta would step over her and sit far back in the saddle, then nod to Pipino. “ You're riding in front. Hate for you to miss anything because you're staring at my back. Come on up here and grab the horn at the front, the little knobby piece.” He patted the little bit of empty space in front of him and grinned at the small one. Once both were mounted up, the Blue steed would rise up and shake herself out a bit, turning her head to look at them inquisitively

[Sesera]

Sesera petted the bird a few more times before grabbing her hammer and slinging it over her back, the force jolting the Chocobo a little bit, she began ushering it to move in the stated direction. At first, it was a normal pace that you could keep up with just by walking, but then soon turned into light running, still slow by some faster Chocobo standards but a healthy speed for the time being. Looking behind her to make sure the giant blue bird wasnt too far behind, not that she'd get lost, and return to the stables if they had become out of viewing distance. She pulled back on the reins gently to have L23 slow down to a halt and waved at them from afar, shouting loudly, but probably too far ahead “ HOW WAS THAT? ”

[Pipino]

Pipino glanced at Tretty a bit shyly as she approached large bird, reaching up for the horn and hoisting herself up. While her arms were a bit on the weak side, her legs comenpensated for the discrepancy well enough as she found a foothold on the saddle and pushed herself up. She held onto the horn and scooted herself as close as possible to the front of the saddle as if somehow there were enough room on the saddle to avoid Tretesta, the near stranger, touching her in any way shape or form. But alas, it was the nature of the beast, a trial she must endure. And surely she had endured worse in the name of freedom.

As the chocobo rose, she clung to the horn more tightly, the slightly uneven movement of the bird catching her off guard a bit. It felt strange not to have a good place to place her feet, and the width of the bird itself made for a less than secure place to sit, so she ended up feeling quite grateful that there was someone behind her.

“W-well then…I suppose that…um…we are ready to go then, yes?”

[Tretesta]

Tret threw decorum out the window once his bird was up on her feet. He wrapped an arm about Pipino's midsection, pulling her back against his body snugly and holding there. After a quick adjustment of his belt, bow, and quiver, he would then grab the reins with his free hand, wrapping them about his wrist. Fully in his element, excitement rang in his voice “*Now* you're ready! Don't you worry, your own saddle will have some nice stirrups for balance and grip. But for now you get me! LET'S GO!” he gave an odd whistle and tugged the lead slighty, prompting his ride to turn and take off after Sesera. As the distance was closed between the three, he called out ahead, then slowed some as they drew close “OUTSTANDING! Now, up that bastard of a log and try not to fall off! We're not responsible for injuries, but you will be if that bird so much as loses a feather before you buy! CLIMB, LOVELY!” A resounding KWEH rang out as Tret, Pip, and bird ascended the staircases and then dashed up the great vine towards the upper reaches of the central shroud. At the summit they would turn northward towards where the trees thinned out some, making a beeline for the spriggan dig.

[Pipino]

She wanted to die. She let out a small yelp as the chocobo leapt into action suddenly. This whole experience was a lot. Being pressed against a strange man as she shut her eyes tightly and fought off the urge to cry as her fear of heights was triggered so suddenly was not the day she had bargained for. But she tried her best to hide her panic, her whole body extremely tense the whole time and gloved fingers gripping the saddle horn for dear life. She chanced a peek when she felt the chocobo level out and found themselves rushing by all of the strange flora and fauna that would have once terrified her. Amongst all the fear and the adrenaline, she could not help but crack a little smile at the overabundant freedom she felt as well.

“How long shall we be out?” She called over her shoulder, her voice raised a bit to sound over the footfalls of the steed.

[Sesera]

Sesera ascended the giant root-branch of the tree, having used it a fair few times on foot, she started to realise that L 23 was perhaps getting carried away and was zig-zagging around the branch, seemingly both excited and testing Sesera's resilience for his mischieviousness, she grip on a little tighter to save herself should she end up falling off the eccentric bird, but he took her to the top as she had wanted, she motioned for him to stop as she waited for the other's to catch up.

[Tretesta]

He would release his charge once they slowed a bit, approaching Seaera, and pulled up beside the smaller bird. “I figure we'll be up here a short bit of time. Katering is worried about the dust bunnies' “outreach program.” They're reaching a bit too far. So we pay a visit, smack a few around, remind them where their turf ends, and make the boss happy. You know: the kind of thing you send some bright eyed, clean shaven, '*Look, mom! My first pointy stick!*' idiot to deal with. Speaking of… have anything sharp and pointy on you? Might be using it.”

He led the train out on a light trot towards the Spriggan Dig, turning to look back to the hammer lass “What do we think so far? Looks like he was having fun out here, but think you can put up with him longer than a few bells stroll? Though that can be trained to suit…. Here's where the real questioned get answered.” As they crested a ridge, Tret pulled his bird to a stop and clicked his tongue to coax her down for dismounting. Hyur off chocobo, bow off shoulder, he offered a hand to his Lalafellin passenger for assistance, watching a group of black bushy bodies digging about in the mid distance.

[Pipino]

Pipino was happy to lean intentionally forward, glad to be rid of the arm around her waist, her countenance fairly flushed from the extended contact. She let the battle types decide what was going to happen, taking Tret's hand when they had at last arrived at the Spriggan dig and hopping a little clumsily down from the chocobo. The wider torso of the chocobo made for a less than natural riding state for a Lalafell, and her muscles felt a bit of a strain when they moved from the outstretched position they had been in.*

“N-not that I am very experienced at fighting but….I do have a small firearm with me if you feel it would….would help. I am more than happy to let the two of you sort things though. I cannot say I came mentally prepared for any fighting.”

[Sesera]

Sesera dismounted the chocobo and looks at Tretesta. “ I have to say, I had no intention of fighting today, myself. I'm rather ill-equipped, even if it just happens to be some Spriggans.” Her face looking quite serious, although knowing the chocobo caretaker means well. “ I would hope the services you are enlisting me for will no doubt lower the price of the bird I'll be taking with me. As much as I would like to help, I can't do it for free, I'm afraid. ” she says with a hint of sounding like a money obsessed scoundrel.

She walks on over to Pipino “ You can use Aether to travel around all you like, but you're inexperienced at fighting? You go to that Grindstone a bit and you're experienced? Are you pulling my leg here, Pipino? You're more experienced than you think, my friend, hell, even I haven't managed to attune to aether travel, that's why I'm here 'cause I don't have that luxury.” She looks at Pipino and gives a little smirk “ No worries though! I'll look after you, s'what I do. Might even convince this guy to give us a discount on a bird if we help him out, eh? ”

[Tretesta]

Could only grin and shake his head as he was admonished by the thrifty lalafel, letting Sesera reassure and encourage Pipino while he moved between both chocobos, pointing out the beasts in the distance to them and muttering quietly to each. His own bird seemed quite eager, stiring up a little dust as she got back on her feet and scraped at the ground in anticipation. Satisfied, Tret turned back to the ladies and give a sweeping bow. “Oh my, I do apologise profusely. I didn't mean to imply that we, as in the three of us, would be required to put paid to the rascals…” He would then gesture towards their rides and himself, then begin riffling through his quiver, selecting what appeared to be a a shaft with cloth wrapped around the head “of course, only those in the employ of Moogle's Gift Mounts would be required to partake in such a menial and discount earning task. But… Would be a right shame if one of the sprigs' broke off and decided to come say “hi” up close, neh? It's a great thing we all have something to defend ourselves with while we watch these beasts of burden get to work!”

He would turn, knock his arrow, and fire towards the pack of gem clutching creatures. When the arrow struck a nearby boulder, there was be a small flash and a cloud of green smoke burst out. This served to suprise and disorient the spriggans as well as signal the chocobos to attack. Both birds would take off, crying out as they decended upon the small furry bodies. Tret called out to the pair, giving some guidance and direction “*Ahthool!* Easy now! Let him get some hits in! *Neenyo*! Turn! Smash! Bridge!” The two chocobo would work in tandem, bludgeoning with beak, wing, and solid kicks, as they fought towards the bridge to drive back the beasts.

[Pipino]

Pipino waves a dismissive hand at Sesera, blushing a bit as she goes on about all her accomplishments. “Well…I…I daresay A'erina must have certainly wrote a very detailed account in that book of hers. I must say, your account of things leaves a little to hyperbole. For one, I cannot travel around all I like. I must rest before trips lest I get aether poisoning, so I typically will only take one trip a day if I can help it, and I do not go very far. As for the fighting? I have only fought a few beasts and shot rubber bullets at competitors that barely take Lalafells seriously, and the ones that have taken me seriously have injured me more greviously than I should like to admit, especially lately. I…I am also just…not fond of battle. Serious fights cause some previous memories of mine to resurface, and I would rather they stay in the back of my mind.”

She watches Tretesta command the chocobos and her eyes widen as she watches the beasts take off and go after the spriggans. “O-oh…I…w-well. They are quite…well…aggressive. Are they like this naturally? Or…or have you trained them to be this…fervent?”

[Tretesta]

The two birds fought valiantly, as if to push far enough to claim the Dig as their own nest. Tret knocked another arrow as backup to the chocobos, speaking down to Pipino as he watched the melee “Honestly? Just mine. She's never really liked spriggans all that much. They're pack beasts though, so they tend to follow one another. the smoke bit is just a fun distraction signal. These birds are intelligent enough though. They dont so much understand *exactly* what we say, but they understand…” he trailed off, watching a bushy beast try to escape. Bow up, Tret took quick aim and fired. He hit square and sent both Sprig and Gem tumbling into the deep ravine “….Understand intent. So simple commands work quite well.” He raised his bow, waving it back and forth in the air and giving three sharp whistled notes “BACK! BACK!” the smaller bird stopped and turned back, trotting to join the group. The inky bird, however, was not so quick to return, but had to stop and give a war cry and flap her wings at the well battered foe.

Shouldering his bow, Tret crouched down and turned slightly towards Sesera “He's got energy, so he'll do well if you're on a long run. Like I said before, he's a local hatch so he's tamer by a lot. He's whistle trained, and we'll make sure you get one with his note. You came looking for me specifically, so we can certainly find a little discount somewhere for you, seeing as you're getting the options package. give me a week on the paint job, just enough to make sure the new plumage is coming in right. But what do we think? is he kicky enough then?”

[Sesera]

Sesera nodded at Tretesta, “ I'll take your word for it, you're the Chocobo expert.” She pets the returned L23, “ I think he'd look lovely with a new shade for his feathers, Perhaps some form of green? I spend alot of time amongst grass and foliage, it'd help me immensely.” She looks over the bird again, inspecting to see if ruffled too many feathers or got hit by a stray rock.

“ A week sounds fine, he seems like just the Chocobo I was looking for, I think me and him are going to get along just swell!”

[Tretesta]

He reached out and bopped the lala-sized bird in the beak a few times “you may well just. And bring a little extra for that other thing. I might have an idea but may need Some… seed funding, neh?” Standing again, Tret clicks his tongue and waves over to his Choco “Come now, dear. Boss lady owes us for a hard hour's work. Sesera, feel free to mount up and start back down the bridge. We'll bring up the rear again and I'll make sure Katering takes care of you… And then we find out just what you need, Pipino!” He claps his hands together and grinned down at the blue topped lady “I'm sure we've got something even bigger than my *Ahthool* that will certainly keep you safe and carry you cross the world for your landscapes!”

[Pipino]

“Bigger….bigger than Ahthool? Um…I… Pardon me for perhaps suggesting… Well I am obviously not the expert between us, so of course I might not know but… Bigger seems like it… It might be a bit of a… A *challenge* for me to handle,” she says diplomatically, looking up at the large, powerful bird with suspicion and trepidation.

[Sesera]

Sesera doesn't have to be told twice, she mounts the big bird, gives it a head pat and gives Tretesta and Pipino a thumbs up before making the Chocobo speed off back to the stables, choosing to let the two catch up instead, giving Pipino the opportunity to ask as much as she wanted without getting in the way since she had already made up her own decision with the Chocobo.

[Tretesta]

Azul craned her neck down, then jerked her head to the side, staring one dark eye down that the nervous lalafel. Silence for a beat, then she would let out a happy KWEH and nod vigorously. “Challenge? No no no! Thats the wrong attitude! Undertaking an *adventure*! You know: exploring new lands, viscously beating up strange people, occasionally being tricked into collecting hard to reach plants by lazy…” He trailed off a bit there, muttering something unintelligible, but certainly rude sounding. Tret shook his head and gently grabbed under his bird's beak, lifting it up from 'Eating Pipino' range and patting it as Sesera took off “…Down, dear. Its near time to head back…. We'll get you squared away properly of course, Pipino. If you're not terribly bothered about color, we can get you saddled up and on your way right after you're comfortable in your saddle. How long do you have to spend on lessons?”

[Pipino]

“Oh, my, that seems so… so sudden! Perhaps I might buy myself a little more time to properly care for such a creature before I simply run off with one… I just… I want to do this responsibly and all. And if it would be alright, I think I might like to look into a color as well. Perhaps I could engage in lessons in the meantime until it is ready?” She wrung her hands in front of her as she spoke, a little unsure, clearly out of her element. “As for today, I have as much time as you have available. My schedule is of my own making these days, so I can be fairly flexible in accommodating yours.”

[Tretesta]

Tret cocked a brow, then beckoned for his Choco to settle down so he could get ready to head back “You stress for such a simple thing. There's plenty in life to fret about, Pipino, this is certainly not worthy of it. You're going to leave out of the Shroud with a bird of your own and you're going to know how to ride it. There's not another option here. So why be worried about what won't happen?” He straddles Azul and sets himsel down on the saddle, further back to allow space in front of him again. “Just lean into it, tread water for a bit. Now hop up here and let's get back to the others. There's plenty of daylight to burn yet. And I'm curious about how you know Sargeant Brandt. I won't man handle you this time.”

[Pipino]

Pipino, in a rather annoyed way, strides over to the chocobo and settles herself carefully on it, wishing she didn't have to be so close to this man's attitude. “You do not need to tell me what I am *going* to do, for it is my life and *not* yours, last I checked, and it is also *my* gil that is at stake. It is not a simple manner of lack of confidence, Tretesta. It is a manner of making the best out of my investment, ensuring I learn about this creature to keep it in the best shape I can so I can keep it in healthy, working condition from the get-go. I understand they are hearty creatures, but I am shocked that you would encourage a complete novice such as I to go home with one of your birds without the capability of providing for it's most basic needs, needs that might take time to learn about! So, no, I will *not* be going home with a bird today unless you are capable of teaching me enough to feel comfortable in a single day, and I will *not* be bullied into venturing into such a large commitment without any preparation or education.”

[Tretesta]

Tret would click his tongue twice, a signal that caused the blue bird to rise, and then start off back to civilization with a gentle pull of her reigns. Eyes on the path ahead, he couldn't help but keep the smile out of his voice “Now there's the fire we want, though a touch misplaced. You misunderstand me. I never said a word about throwing you out with a chobobo and a “good luck” today, or even tomorrow. I'm encouraging the true goal. We get you comfortable with a bird and ready to seize the world. You need lessons? We get you crawling, walking, then running. If it's days or weeks? There's good accommodation a little while away, or you may be able to return home and come back as needed…Woah now…” At the precipice of the long sloping vine bridge, he pulled their ride to a stop, looking down at the top of Pipino's head “I'm glad you know the gravity of this undertaking. I don't mean to tell you what to do, I mean to affirm what you have already chosen. A trip to the Shroud from the desert is not a lightly taken trip, so I don't plan to waste your time spent here.” He gently spurred the choco to a slow pace down the bridge, looking over the edge occasionally.

[Pipino]

Pipino sighs and closes her eyes, grabbing on to the saddle a little tighter as they approach the tree, finding the openness of the view coming down even worse than that going up. “And you misunderstood me. I do not need to be told what I will and will not be doing. Obviously I came here with intent to follow through on a commitment. I am reacting negatively to the fear you seem to think I have. I will admit there is a certain degree of trepidation I feel, seeing all that lays before me, all that I have yet to learn, but I already came here with conviction. What I came here without are skills and knowledge, which I should think you have in ample amounts.” She takes a bit to drop her guard just a tad. “Now…I am open to arranging a schedule for these tasks at your earliest convenience.”

[Tretesta]

Tretesta's voice returned to jovial after his reprimand, Shaking the lead to signal their ride to take the last few dozen feet at speed down and off the vine bridge “Hah, That's a hundred gil word! Not sure how a hole in the skull relates to chocobo riding, but you've no need to think twice about it! I'm sure you have some type of skills and knowledge that we can build off of.” keeping to the path, Moogles Gift would soon come into sight in the distance “Schedules…..aaaaah I don't have anything on the books as a hard appointment anytime soon. Well, short of getting Sesera's bird ready for shipping. Ah, and figuring out a good name. And her other thing….. Yeah, I can fit into your day however I'm needed!”

[Pipino]

“Very well then. I would not receiving some type of training while I am still out here but…well depending how quickly you would like to get this done, I could make time to visit daily, or perhaps a few times a week if that is too often… My schedule is mine to make and it would probaby be best to proceed forth with momentum in this process.. After all, I figure the chocobo will require a daily commitment from me. Might as well get used to such a thing now.”

[Tretesta]

“Treat it as you would yourself: Feed it when you eat, tend to its illness, and ensure it has a nice place to rest. If you can do all that? You'll be just fine and doing better than some I've met.” As they strolled into the ranch, Tret would pull back lightly on the reins and click his tongue twice. Azul would slow and stop, dropping down to allow both passengers off. Pushing himself off the saddle and towards the back of the bird, Tretesta would get to his feet, fish out his mask, and pull it back onto his head. He would then come around, offering a hand to help Pipino off the blue choco is she needed it “Take a breather now. Need to have a word with the bosslady about Sesera's bird, and then we can see everything we have available in your size, and maybe see if you connect with any of the stock today! Always good to get the bond going early.” He'd turn about, scanning the field for either the other Lalafel or his employer.

[Pipino]

Pipino accepted Tretesta's help, some of her iciness having melted with the ride and the gesture of chivalry, which would never go underappreciated. Placing her small hand in his, she alights from the bird and adjusts her clothing appropriately, stretching a bit to get her land legs back. “Alright then, if you need me I will be…,” she looks around to see if there was anywhere particularly inviting to sit and wait. Finding nothing in particular, she simply shrugs and smiles. “I will be around.” She gives him a polite little grin before turning to walk along the stables, not getting too particularly close, but trying to see if there was a particular chocobo she might be enamored with.

[Tretesta]

Tret would turn to nod at Pipino and watch her wander off. Taking his Chocobo's beak in his hands, he'd lift to get her to raise up properly and tap his mask to her beak “Good job today, dear. Head on back so I can get back to work. You know you're a distraction.” Azul would flap and cry out happily, pecking the yellow mask solidly before dashing off, leaving the Hyur to go and deal with paperwork and trainings.

Pipino's training would begin and progress over the few next weeks. Riding and general care for the Chocobo was taught, as well as the commands for field combat the bird knew. A week into this, Sesera's chocobo would be signed over after growing into a new mossy green plumage per her request. A small black coeurl was seemingly included in the transaction. Glory to Gridania.

Home –> Roleplay Scene Index –> Discord Roleplays

Home –> Character Index –> Tretesta — Pipino — Sesera