therookery | The nuggalope herd arrives

FORM: Sending crystal
SENDER: Korrin Ataash
RECIPIENT: OTA
WHAT: NUGGALOPES
WHEN: Slightly backdated but not by much.
WHERE: Near Skyhold
NOTES: Referencing this log. That last thread is open to anyone.

[The sending crystal may not be able to actually show the big grin on Korrin's face when she speaks up, but it carries across in her tone, nonetheless. She has every reason to be smug, as she quickly reveals.]

So, remember how I've been going on about nuggalopes forever? Well, we found the nuggalope herd and brought them back with us. They aren't especially touchy but if you don't want to be trampled or gored by their horns, I'd still suggest treating them kindly. Those who haven't checked out the stables lately might want to do so now, if you've an interest in a different kind of mount. Horsemaster Dennet still doesn't know what to make of these, poor guy.

They're also--hey, stop that!

[She laughs as one grunts right in her ear, into the crystal's range. Evidently it wanted to say hello.]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

The hands are kind of creepy even in big form. Maybe even more.

[He looks a little nervous, holding out his hand to the beast.]

Did you... paint it? Is that vitaar?

[The nuggalope presses his muzzle into that hand, after sniffing at it thoroughly first. That makes Korrin smile anew, as she's wanted them to get along.]

No, it's Avvar War paint, but the effect is pretty similar. It'll help protect him when we're out there on missions. Not that we're going anywhere right now, but we did this at the hold and I haven't wanted to wash it off yet.

...I think I'll call him Asher.

[Kas pets the nuggalope gently, his smile growing. It was so cool! He even has to touch the paint slightly, curious about the Avvar war paint. He had never really worn vitaar, so it was always awesome to see this kind of art mixed with protection.

When Korrin mentions the name, the teen glaces back at her.]

...that's pretty great, Korrin. Asher is a good name.

[And a nuggalope was a good tribute to a friend, in his opinion.]

[The paint is hardened, much like vitaar, though the texture is different and obviously made of different materials. Flashing a smile at Kas, she tosses him some jerky to feed Asher with.]

Thanks. Want to take a ride with me, get a feel for what they're like as mounts?

[Kas catches the jerky and holds a strip out to the nuggalope before he turns to beam at Korrin.]

Fuck yes!

[As Asher gobbles it down, Korrin picks up a saddle to get him ready.]

Excellent. It'll just take a few moments to get him ready. If you want to ride with us, you're welcome, or there are still nuggalopes who haven't been claimed. They ought to be used to people enough to be alright with someone new riding them.

I'll help!

[The teen goes to help her with the bridle, shaking his head at the suggestion of borrowing another nuggalope.]

I'm still a shit rider and I don't want to fall off something this large. Can I sit in front of you rather than behind, though? [Save his little pride.]

[Nodding, Korrin places the saddle while Asher is still chewing, then sets about to fastening what needs fastened.]

Sure, go for it. Just be careful about leaning back, though, I don't want those horns smacking into me.

[Granted, they aren't very sizable yet, but it'd still hurt.]

[He laughs at that, handing her the bridle and patting Asher's side gently.]

Don't worry, I wouldn't want to risk breaking them on your sternum.

[Kas sticks his tongue out, amused. So different from the angry boy he used to be.]

[Asher seems to like the attention, grunting happily and turning towards that patting. Korrin glances over and grins at Kas' good-natured joking, definitely noting the difference though not wanting to make him self-conscious about it.]

Yeah, yeah, smartass. Just keep his own in mind. Alright, he looks good. Give me a boost up?

[Such assistance isn't direly needed, but she doesn't want to give Asher an excuse for acting up again. He didn't like it the first time she'd just lept upon him, after all.]

[Kas rolls his eyes a bit at the first part, but he's still smiling. The teen never really thought he'd like banter like this, but it all felt so right. Comforting, even.

He's quick to help her when asked, moving over to offer a boost.]

If every qunari gets one of these then Dennet can retire the draft horses to just pull carts again. He's huge.

[Weirdness aside, Kas was definitely impressed by the nuggalopes.]

[Slipping onto the saddle, Korrin reaches down to offer him a hand in turn. Asher fidgets, but some strokes from his Vashoth mistress soothe him again.]

Right? They'd be perfect. I'm sure there are more herds out there, we just have to find them. I already know Shokrakar will be dying to have one. Maybe that will finally get her ass over here.

[At least the teen gets on easily, having fallen off and gotten on so many times that it was almost second nature. The nuggalope was just a little taller and less pointy than Ataashi.

He settles down in front of Korrin and grins.]

I'm still gonna join once this is over, right?

[So he can meet Shokrakar.]

[At least Asher is wider than Ataashi, more solid. That's something Korrin definitely prefers in a mount; as interesting as dracolisks are, she knows they aren't for her.

She grins back, nodding.]

Hell, yes. I told you we'd be happy to have you and I meant it. Lena and Taaranda would vouch for you, too.

Alright, Asher, let's get going.

[She nudges the great beast gently with her feet, which prompts a grunt and initially reluctant ambling out of the stables. It's a stable gait, not fast at the moment but Korrin would rather them be clear of people before showing Kas how fast they can go.]

The nuggalope herd arrives

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