Paws In Work Mingle

[feralhumanity]

Who: Anyone doing the Paws In Work MANTA Quest
Status: Open
Where: Cosmo Conservatory
What: Pet and cuddle soft creatures!!
Warnings: Be mindful of any creatures that might try to bite your fingers off—

As the Cosmo Conservatory has grown over the years it’s been operational, it’s seen its fair share of creatures come and go. Some have stayed only long enough to tend to their wounds or rest their weary bodies before returning home, or have been fostered here until they could find a new home of their own. But other beasts have opted to remain in the Conservatory as permanent residents, and have grown accustomed to the grounds and those volunteering here.

As a means of spreading awareness and appreciation for the efforts of the Conservatory, as well as to extend a place to unwind and relax from their daily stresses, the Cosmo Conservatory is holding a special event to allow visitors to come and interact with the more amicable creatures and help them to socialize with humans. Come by and pet, feed, hold, and learn about these unique creatures who have come to call this place home!

Feel free to refer to the Conservatory main page, main conservatory grounds, and ocean enclosure maps for more details!

While the main page has an ongoing list of creatures living in the Conservatory, here is a list of which creatures may be considered the best or most wiling to interact with people, and which may best be viewed at a distance:

• The Koalalas, Basker, Xolos Pack, Dragon Muskox, Dratini Trio, Angel, Matcha The Goat, Sea Bear Slugs, and Homeless Cerberi are all considered safe to approach and play with! So long as the person interacting with them does so in a friendly and respectful manner, they do not require specific guidelines or caution when approaching.
• Smokeweed, the Golden Bunny Spirits, Cloud Hopper Flock, Buttbirds, Moonburst Bats, and Baby Whales can be viewed safely from a distance! They are not deemed dangerous to visitors, but may spook easily if one gets too close, so it’s encouraged observe them from a small distance.
• The Mini Jewellery Box Mimic, Snowball, and Jeweltones are considered not suitable to approach without a volunteer! The Mimic likes to bite those who get close, and Snowball tends to be safest to approach with her handler, Soldier: 76. While the Jeweltones may be tempted with treats, their timid nature makes them unpredictable. Those who wish to interact with them should do so cautiously, preferably with the help of a volunteer.

Feel free to use this post as a general mingle, create your own toplevel, and have fun interacting with exotic, cuddly creatures!

Comments

Basker! (Sherlock optional)

[astudyinviolet]

[ Baskerville, more commonly known as Basker, has grown to the size of a horse by now, and despite warnings (and Sherlock's fears) of returning to more wild instincts, he remains playful, curious, and immensely loyal. He considers guarding the gates his duty and wants to protect the residents and workers of the Cosmo Conservatory. It's a task he takes very seriously. (Especially when it comes to protecting Sherlock. If he senses a hint of unease from Sherlock, Basker goes on high alert.)

Basker likes to get familiar with everyone's scents, so expect a set of three noses to sniffing at characters at some point. He also enjoys collecting sticks and running around with them in his mouths or burying them. Sometimes the stick is actually a bean pole of a detective who still hasn't managed to stop Basker from picking him up in his mouths and going for a run. Please help teach Basker a better way to bring Sherlock along.

Or maybe Basker is taking a break with Sherlock, laying down and listening to Sherlock play the violin. Even gigantic hounds deserve a break. ]

[feralhumanity]

[Nanaki is plenty familiar with Basker, as well as Sherlock. The man is peculiar, but friendly, and seems to take solace in the peace of the Conservatory. So when he sees Sherlock sitting down with Basker, Nanaki is ready to come over and say hi... until he hears the violin playing. Not wanting to disrupt the performance, Nanaki pads over quietly, sitting down in the grass to listen.]

[Only when the song comes to an end does Nanaki speak up, wagging his tail.]

That was really beautiful.

[astudyinviolet]

[ Sherlock gives a smile and a small bow. Basker gets up, tail wagging happily in greeting. ]

Thank you. I am trying to get more used to having an audience who are interested in listening. Did you hear the whole piece, or did you come in the middle?

[ Though, Sherlock had been playing various pieces for a while now, so who is really to say? ]

Kaveh! (Alhaitham Optional)

[empyrean_mirror]

[A. Disney Princess Hours
It's not too hard to stumble onto Kaveh, who is technically one of the volunteers here. All one would have to do is follow the sounds of a dutar being played, and come across the man sitting cross-legged, either in the underwater observation area in the enclosure or the grasslands, closer to the edge of the forest. This is a good opportunity to see the creatures here, as several of the local animals have come to listen to Kaveh play! ...Including the Jewel Mimic so please watch your fingers.]

[B. With Spicy Cat (Alhaitham)
If you're very lucky (or unlucky, depending on how you feel about this), you can come across this exact same scene...with Alhaitham dozing off in Kaveh's lap while the man plays. He might wake up if approached...it might be better to take your chances with the Jewel Mimic, actually.]

[ooc: option B is for threads with both Alhaitham and Kaveh! Pick freely.]

B

[astudyinviolet]

[ Kaveh's music playing does attract various animals, and one of them is a very big three-headed hound named Basker. He seems to be a fan of music because he comes sprinting Kaveh and Alhaitham's way as soon as the notes of the dutar reach his six ears. The love for music might also explain why he's carrying Sherlock in his mouths as the latter clutches his violin case.

Basker skids to a stop before them and drops Sherlock from his mouths. Sherlock lands in a heap, fine thanks to his Trustfaller Bangle, but looking quite out of sorts by this trip. With a light woof, Basker noses Sherlock, sits down, and looks pleased with himself. He did good! Sherlock likes these two a lot and feels safe around them. ]

... Hullo. Pardon the interruption.

[indispensable]

[Naps are always nice, but what is even nicer is being able to nap on his husband's lap. Even better is the fact that the weather has allowed itself to be agreeable for once for this sort of thing—a nice, pleasant day with just the right amount of sun to offset the ever present chill of the sea breeze, but not so much that it becomes uncomfortable. There's also the rustling of leaves above them and the pleasant melody of his husband's dutar as Kaveh plays one of their usual tunes. All in all, it is very picturesque, but Alhaitham can't find himself to mind it. He has never needed perfect, but this is still very good.

Like this, its easy enough to let himself slip into a light doze, his mind at rest it drifts along with what Kaveh is currently playing. It's been a while since they got to relax like this and he really should encourage this more—

A sudden THUMP breaks the moment rather thoroughly, and the accompanying jerk that comes from Kaveh makes it clear that his peaceful napping time isn't going to come back anytime soon.

Alhaitham grumbles as he sits up, annoyed, and the only reason why he doesn't immediately get snippy is because he quickly recognizes who it is that'd interrupted them. And while he doesn't say anything just yet, he does give a small (and maybe somewhat disgruntled) grunt of acknowledgment as he picks off the grit that'd started to form in his eyes.]

B, aka Let Cat Meet Cat!

[feralhumanity]

[Nanaki knows Kaveh, and knows the man sometimes comes around to help volunteer here. But who's less familiar is the silver-haired man dozing in Kaveh's lap. That, paired with the dutar playing a melodious melody, is what makes Nanaki approach quietly, sitting down nearby. When Kaveh is done playing, Nanaki speaks up quietly.]

You know, the other animals here really like your music. They always comment on it when you come to play.

Man shaped cat meets Dog shaped cat

[indispensable]

[Given how quiet the approach has been, Alhaitham barely stirs at all, but that changes when a new voice speaks—and talking about the animals in a way that implies that they are able to communicate with them, apparently.

...given the fact that Kaveh is sort of able to do that as well Alhaitham doesn't think too much about it, so he just stays where he is, eyes still closed while he continues to let himself drift in the comfort of his husband's lap. Kaveh does have some very nice thighs.]

A

[sunsetking]

[There is a certain lion sleeping nearby and--

Well, most of the animals seems to be avoiding said lion. Not that Leona minds. This place, so far, has one of the best napping spots he's found and he's not willing to give up. Even as he lets out a displeased little grumble upon hearing an instrument being played.]

Nanaki/Red XIII || OTA

[feralhumanity]

[While he is sometimes mistaken for a resident of the Conservatory himself, Nanaki can be found all over the Conservatory. The Conservatory has been his pet project for quite some time now, and he's taken pride in being able to offer a safe space for creatures and beings who can't speak for themselves. What's more, the Conservatory has also drawn people to its grounds as well, and on more than one occasion Nanaki has found a wayward soul seeking refuge among the creatures. Truly, the Conservatory has become a place of peace and security, so why not offer that sense of peace to others?]

[He can be found all over the Conservatory doing a variety of tasks; checking in on the visitors interacting with the animals, talking to newcomers about the story of each creature who arrived here, checking in with the volunteers, or even making his rounds to patrol the grounds. When he's not doing any tasks he can be found resting at various places in the Conservatory, and if one plays their cards right they may also be given the opportunity to pet Nanaki himself. But only if he allows it, of course!]

[forladyrhea]

[Cyril's wondering around, obviously a little a litter overwhelmed by how exotic everything is. Then he finds a red, large cat? or a dog? Whatever it is, Cyril can tell it's been through the wringer.]

You look like you've seen your share of battles.

[He looks around, trying to find one of the volunteers, thinking the beast just got out of its enclosure.]

Let's get you back to your pack so you can rest up.

[seasaltkeys]

[Roxas is staring at a large bag of food with a serious expression on his face. He can see the scoops and the bowls and it's not difficult to figure out the task at hand but he still has questions.]

How much am I supposed to use? Or give out?

There's gotta be a guide somewhere.

Sidestep | OTA

[telepathicignorance]

Fridge Raid

(Oh, look who's back. Miss them?

...Probably not, unless you're one of like, 5 whole people. Still, despite news to the contrary, Chris is alive and well and raiding the Conservatory fridge. They'll leave people's personal snacks alone, of course, but the communal snack supply is fair game, as far as they're concerned.

They've taken a nice, heaping helping of fudge for themself, nearly a third of what was available, and any attempts to tell them that they shouldn't be taking so much are likely to be met with a middlefinger unless you're one of the bosses.)

Mimic Feeding

(The Jewelry Box Mimic--possibly their favorite resident in the entire Conservatory--needs feeding and Chris is on the job. With a set of tongs and a bunch of meat chunks cut into the shape of human fingers, they've... managed to get into a protracted game of tug-of-war, as the mimic seems to have latched onto the end of the tongs.)

Come on, I can't feed your fat ass if you take these... (Chris does not actually appear to be putting much effort into getting the tongs back. In fact, they mostly just seem to be standing there and gently pulling occasionally as the mimic tries to tear them out of their hands with increasingly vicious fervor.)

Soldier: 76 & Snowball

[steadypulse]

[Of course he'd heard about what was going on at the sanctuary, meant he'd had plenty of warning to clear out if he wanted to with the fluffy feathered critter that had more or less imprinted on him. Instead he was using it as a sort of further test; see just how well Snowball could do around people that wasn't just him or the others they'd seen once he took to camping out in the wooded areas.

Snowball was walking beside him, wings folded in such a way that just made it look like her front paws were huge and those feathers along her tail folded to blend a little more into fur. Ears perked, a sort of energy about her that was like she knew more people were around. Still young, some growing ahead of her, but big enough the caution he had asked be warned for still warranted.

Jack still himself right there, a hand on the back of her neck ruffling idly through fur; easy to catch a hold just in case.]

C'mon you, got to see if there's been more fallen wood to collect around the edges here.

[ohwowzers]

[Kieran has been allowed by Turo to come to the Conservatory when he wants, letting his Pokemon roam free and get some exercise in the park. While they do, Kieran walks around a bit, taking in the sights of the other animals here and noting how similar (or different) they were to Pokemon.]

[He rounds one bend, and is surprised to see the old man walking with... honestly he doesn't know what it is. It looks like a bird mixed with a giant cat, and it looks more like a Pokemon than anything Kieran's seen.]

Oh wowzers..!

[withermarked]

[ It's Angel who suddenly sniffs and runs over to try to pester Snowball first, Faulkner tilting his head to the side a little before trailing after.

And then he's surprised. He knows there's someone around and taking care of the leopard-thing that he's rarely gotten near, but he's never really caught them together or gotten a chance to say hello to the man.

...Which is a little odd, but he'll give a cheerful wave, all the same. ]

[empyrean_mirror]

Oh!

[Kaveh was just moving between areas when he caught sight of Snowball, and stops. Not out of fear, but to crouch down a bit and offer her a hand to Sniff from a respectable distance away. Helloooo big kitty.]

Goodness, she's certainly gotten big, hasn't she?

Kieran || OTA

[ohwowzers]

[Kieran often comes to the Conservatory to check in on the Dratini Trio living here, as he and Drayton had been the ones to donate the young Pokemon here. But while he spends the most time interacting with the Dratini Trio, he is also eager to see the other strange creatures here, whether that be petting them, feeding them, or simply observing them. They're very different from the Pokemon he is used to, but they're still very intriguing!]

[Also, Turo had given Kieran permission to let his Pokemon roam free while he's visiting, so it's very possible for others to pet or interact with Kieran's Pokemon as well! Options include Hydrapple, Furret, Politoed, Dragonite, and Incineroar.]

Faulkner and/or Angel

[withermarked]

Anyone who isn't a Conservatory regular, especially if they look lost, may find themselves latched onto by a cheerful, freckle-faced young man with messy blonde curls and big blue eyes and a very thick rural accent.

He'll ask if you'd like to be shown around, or maybe you'd like him to find you somethin' nice 'n soft to pet?

Or, if he has his dog with him, he'll assure you that Angel is friendly; despite the Cerberus now being the size of an (extremely height challenged) horse.

Or maybe you'll run into Angel on his own. He's a lot more stand-offish when his human isn't around, but you might be able to win some or all of his heads over with treats, or sticks.

Conservatory regulars on the other hand will get sniffs and licks, sticks to throw, or—for those who can understand animals—local gossip. He's certainly opened up more over these past few months than before his adoption.

[feralhumanity]

[Nanaki doesn't need Faulkner to tell him that Angel's friendly, because he's seen him plenty of times! So when Nanaki sees Faulkner with Angel, Nanaki walks over, tail wagging happily as he does.]

Hey you two! Enjoying all the people?

Nimona | OTA

[pinksidekicking]

🫀 Cuddle Nimona!

[ There is a pink creature that wanders around and is here for cuddling. Sometimes Nimona is a cat, a dog, a bird, a reptile, a land-shark - or even a chocobo! Yes, she's finally accomplished becoming a very large fluffy and pink bird. Nimona is even offering rides to people around the Conservatory - either a slow or a fast one depending on what the other person wants.

Feel free to find her in any kind of animal form whether it be cute and cuddly, or unique and potentially dangerous. ]

🫀 Volunteer Escort

[ Or she's lending a hand if people want to get up close with some of the more... risky creatures that call the Sanctuary home for now. While Nimona is often silly or plays around, she takes the safety of the creatures and the guests pretty seriously - so she is watching things very closely as the people interact with the animals. ]

Careful now, just take things slowly.

Chocobooooo

[feralhumanity]

[Nanaki recognizes that big bird! Both in shape and colour, as he's familiar with Nimona's transformation abilities. So when the big pink bird walks by, Nanaki chuckles at her.]

Where did you learn to turn into a chocobo??

Nico di Angelo | OTA

[refantasma]

[Nico stares at the Cerberi pups with awe in his eyes, looking very much like a kid for the first time in a good long while.]

I'm getting one of them.

[Yeah no one can stop him, they are going to add a Cerberus to the crew. He's going to train him or her just like Mrs. O'Leary was. He steps closer, reaching out to them to let them sniff his hand. Since they are one of his Father's symbols, and Basker wasn't put off by his death aura, he hopes they won't mind him.]

Hi, I'm Nico

[fractales]

[Mariposa had tagged along, keeping just by Turo's side as her tail wagged a bit and was parting just for a moment to greet the Cerebi pups; the pack had been helping them accommodate since these had once had owners. Help soothe a little.]

You're more than welcome to, and of course see which may feel to be a better fit through play.

[There was that little wave of hand.]

Professor Turo, a pleasure Nico.

[feralhumanity]

[The Cerberi dogs have gotten fairly big now, about the same size as horses, but they're still young. And all of them have been circling around Nico curiously to sniff at his hand and get a feel for him. Nanaki happens to see this display and pads over, his tail swishing behind him.]

They all look really happy to see you.