video;

[usestwohands]

[The video call comes around twilight, and the phone seems to be propped against a rock or something. Drizzt is nearby, a low fire crackling in a shallow fire pit surrounded by rocks. Saddled up against the rocks is a small pot and steam can be seen rising from it.

More interesting is what Drizzt is doing as the feed starts. Perched on his gloved hand is a clearly adolescent Great Horned Owl. It's flight feathers are only just beginning to grow in, and Drizzt is feeding it strips of flesh from a rabbit carcass nearby.]

The wildlife here is not unlike my home. This one's parents were taken by predators before he was ready to feed himself, but such is the way of nature.

[There's no hint of sadness in his voice, but rather awe. Nature, is, in fact, a wondrous thing, even when seeing the darker side.]

I have a home in mind for this one, as he is approaching that age where training is necessary and while I am able to feed, I am no birder.

[He smiles fondly at the fledgling has he eagerly swallows the meat he's being given.]

Have any others here had success in rearing animals native to this place? I know of animals coming with arrivals, but I have not heard of successes with the locals.

Comments

[usestwohands]

I believe he desires more than to be a pet.

[neurotoxicity]

I'd be happy to treat him like a companion, it's how I treated my owls back home. Partners in a hunt.

[usestwohands]

You are more predator than I and will prove a more earnest tutor.

[neurotoxicity]

I'm not entirely sure if that's a compliment or not. When should I come to you to get him?

[usestwohands]

It is meant as one.

[He rolls one shoulder in a slight shrug.]

Your time table is more restricted than mine. I could meet you at the hunting lodge whenever you're free.

[neurotoxicity]

Then I'll take it as one. [ So far he'd seemed nothing short of earnest and honest. ]

Is it? I can close up my own shop whenever I want. But I'll come by in a few hours.

[usestwohands]

[Not all would take being compared to a predator as a compliment, but it was important to Drizzt, who knew the wilds better than most, and knew that those who survived were those who were strong and opportunistic.]

Then I look forward to seeing you.

action

[neurotoxicity]

[ A few hours later she shows up, a tight black sleek leather jacket wrapped tightly around her as she approaches him. ]

I try to be as punctual as I can.

action

[usestwohands]

[Drizzt awaits near the fire, along with his young owlet charge and smiles when she approaches. The fire has burned down low, but the warmth is still welcome in the chill of the night air.]

In this, there was no needed effort, but welcome all the same. It is good to see you, my friend.

[neurotoxicity]

[ She smiles slightly at the sight of the owl. For most it might not be an exceptionally noticeable smile, but for Ivy it was a pretty big deal. ]

A few hours is a few hours. [ She's very specific. ] You too. He's beautiful.

[usestwohands]

You're not one prone to wasting time, are you?

[It was an admirable trait, albeit likely uncomfortable to maintain. Every day was a new adventure to the Drow, and he approached almost all journeys, even those with a meeting at their end, with the same wonder. He wasn't one prone to being 'on time'.]

He is, an intelligent. He would benefit from a more rigid hand, I think.

[That was to say Drizzt was well aware of his lack of structure and decorum. It has, after all, gotten him in trouble many times.]

[neurotoxicity]

Not usually. I like to plan things and stick to them. [ To a fault. When things didn't go according to a plan then things got...messy to say the least. Even if she'd been trying lately to curve that some. ]

Then he'll be in good hands.

[usestwohands]

And what of the times a plan has no chance of success?

[Planning was wonderful, but in the end, flexibility was the greater strength, at least in his experience. Nothing could be perfectly planned for.]

I'm pleased to hear it.

[neurotoxicity]

That's what backup plans are for.

[ And then you have a mental breakdown when those don't work either. ]

What about a name?

[usestwohands]

Have you ever tried simply allowing things to unfold as they will?

[He's very capable of planning, of course, but at times, he'd rather just go with the flow of things.]

I have not given him one.

[neurotoxicity]

A few times, recently, mostly with Rachel a friend from home. She only operates on letting things unfold and seeing what happens.

[ It had caused her a lot of anxiety and frustration. ]

I guess I'll have to think of something then.

[usestwohands]

She sounds like a friend of mine. He plans well, but is also prone to recklessness when his anger leads.

[He was, though, a grouchy old dwarf who had trouble admitting concern for others.]

He is resilient and wise if that helps.