[Story Event]

[kree_soldieress]

Who; Lauri-Ell and Flerkins and People!
What; Network Story and Flerkin Theivings
Where; All Around Aterat
When; Mid to Late August
Warnings; Flerkins if you're not big on tentacles or teeth

[Network Audio]
I like how everyone is telling stories recently. This is fun. I have heard so many interesting things! I am sorry to say that the Kree do not have many cultural tales, or at least not many of which I had a chance to hear.

I have, though, heard many things about interesting alien species of which I have not had a chance to encounter. Perhaps you would enjoy hearing about one of those. But which one...

[A moment of thought before she makes a humming noise to herself and then continuing,]

Ah! The Flerkins. Yes. There are stories about them, once even in association with the Kree. They are said to be small, fluffy little beasts. They go about upon four feet, and bear a tail. Their bodies are furred and their faces are small with strong, needle like teeth. And they have triangular ears that it is said can reflect their emotions as much as their tails might.

They are said to be a very intelligent species and when they see things they desire, they open their great maws with something like a yawn, with the tentacles they store in extra-dimensional space, and snatch it to store away.

But I hear they are very beautiful too, and they like petting if they do not hate you. In wonder how soft they are. Maybe they are soft like my sister's fur-beast, Chewie.

Well, I suppose it doesn't matter. This place does not have many non-human species after all.

Flerkins Taking Your Stuff!
Is it just you or are there more orange tabby cats around the town? They seem to be in so many places. Strolling through the halls of the dormitories, napping on the tops of market stalls, and watching with big, bright green eyes from alleys.

Mostly they stay out of the way (even if they prove to be very good at getting into places they don't belong). Unless, of course, they see something they very much like the look of. Then, whether watched or not, the true nature of the Flerkin comes to the fore. The cat owns its mouth far wider than seems physically possible, fleshy tentacles flashing from its mouth and wrapping around the object. Which then disappears into its mouth. The feline-like creature then proceeds to clean a paw with something that absolutely looks like nothing but a normal cats' tongue.

"Mew?" it asks when attention turns on them.


[Additional OOC Note: Don't feel bound to only run into Flerkin here. Enjoy them in your own logs too! Everyone deserves the hilarity of losing their stuff!]

Comments

[moonlitrequiem]

[Perhaps the friend beast understands, as it does - leisurely - remove itself from Yin's lap, then delicately licks a paw while waiting for Yin to rise.]

[Yin gets up, her movements ever deliberate and cautious as she feels for the wall behind her when she does. The Flerkin walks out in front of her, brushes her leg, then moves forward, slowly. Yin follows to Lauri-Ell's voice.]

Thank you. [She means it for both of them, and even tries to look up, as she recalls Lauri-Ell saying she was tall. She still doesn't quite reach Lauri-Ell's eyes, but the attempt is there.]

[kree_soldieress]

[It is a good attempt.]

I have brought my market basket. Would you like my arm so I can walk with you?

[She has no intention to ask twice. What Yin wants she can choose to ask for after this.]

[moonlitrequiem]

[There's a pause while Yin tries to understand, what does she want? But she takes Lauri-Ell's arm and gives a nod.]

Yes.

Are market baskets necessary? [Yin has never had one, before.]

[kree_soldieress]

They are useful for if you want to buy multiple items. I have other things I need to purchase. This way I can carry them. I will also carry the fish if you need.

[moonlitrequiem]

Thank you.

[At least, it would help, for now, until Yin can get her own basket.]

Do they have baskets at the market?

[kree_soldieress]

There is a woman in the markets who sells them. We can buy you one if you wish.

[She heads for the door with Yin. It is up to the Flerkin as to whether it wishes to follow.]

[moonlitrequiem]

Yes.

[It's the thing to do, right? But maybe Yin sort of wants to do it. The Flerkin follows.]

[kree_soldieress]

That is good to do. It will make it easier to keep things together. I need it in the markets and I have very large hands and arms, so it really says how useful it is.

[moonlitrequiem]

Very useful.

[Yin actually comes up with a conclusion on her own. And it will definitely be useful to Yin, then.]

[kree_soldieress]

Yes. I have different sorts of bags for different tasks. I have a big leather one for taking things to and from the forge.

[moonlitrequiem]

Forge?

[Yin sort of knows what that is, but who uses forges anymore? If it's what she thinks it is.]

[kree_soldieress]

I'm a blacksmith. I work at a forge.

[moonlitrequiem]

[Well, seems this place has a forge. And it is that kind of forge. Yin is quiet a moment.]

What do you make? [Yin doesn't think blacksmithing is a job for her. She can sell stuff. Quietly, when other people know what they want, at least. But it does seem if she's here much longer she, too, will need to get a job or craft.]

[kree_soldieress]

Tools. Farming implements. Lots of nails. Weapons. Armor pieces for the guard. I'm very happy about it all. I am a journeyman now, I have trained for a long time.

[moonlitrequiem]

Useful.

[Yin tilts her head at that, realizing all of those things are very helpful. She's never given much thought to what she can do for anyone beyond her own team. Or what she is capable of. She's never been allowed to think about those things.]

[This might be where someone with her capabilities would offer they can sell things, where would this service be needed, but Yin doesn't offer up that information, she turns her face forward. She doesn't even ask how much further the market is but she hears a din up ahead.]

[kree_soldieress]

Oh yes, very useful. We've introduced a new sort of tilling implement. I have been allowed to lead on the project. It has been a delight, to help improve lives rather than make war.

[And Lauri-Ell had taken to the metal working with delight. All of her friends got gifts. Yin better be prepared for a keychain down the way.]

[moonlitrequiem]

[Yin takes in all of her words. Lauri-Ell sounds like type to provide. Create. Not be in war.]

[She will accept any gift, especially from a friend. Maybe, by then, she might even be able to like it.]

Were you in war, before?

[kree_soldieress]

Yes. I was engineered to be a perfect soldier. I know a good weapon, and it makes it easier to forge one that is good and that is beautiful.

[She moves them into the press of the markets, now slowing down to make this easier on Yin.]

[moonlitrequiem]

[They had spoken about her being a soldier before, and Yin finds it hard to imagine. She thought, at first, it was because she really doesn't have anything to imagine with, but maybe, just maybe, it is more because of Lauri-Ell, and not herself?]

Are you also programmed? [If she was engineered? It's too much of a stretch. Is it?]

[kree_soldieress]

A very good question, and a sad one.

[Because if the young woman knows to ask that, then there is a chacne that people like her exist back where Yin was as well. And that's frustratingly sad. So she doesn't want to answer. But it is best to do so anyway.]

I was trained during the time I was being... grown. Important things were sort of... imprinted upon my mind. Fed into me, so that I could experience accelerated training. I do not recommend it. It leaves out so much of the world. Like the wonders of markets, and flowers, and cooking.

[moonlitrequiem]

Yes. It does. [Leaves out how to care for other people, how to feel, how to smile. Yin knows that all very well. The fact she is opening up about it might testify to how her programming is compromised with her current growth outside of her own world.]

[And Lauri-Ell's answer reminds Yin very much of the Contractors from her world. Gently, she puts her hand higher on Lauri-Ell's arm, to show kinship and support. Her voice remains solid, soft, but monotone.]

I am also programmed.

[kree_soldieress]

[Yes, that was what she feared. She knew even at the word Yes. But Lauri-Ell comes to a stop to look down at the girl.]

We do not need to be what they made us to be. We are our own people.

[moonlitrequiem]

[She's her own person? It's still hard for Yin, it still feels weird. She has no one here telling her what to do or giving her implicit direction as she is accustomed to. What she's learning is she can, and will, make her own choices.]

[She gives Lauri-Ell a firm nod. Her own person.]

Yes. I'm learning.

[kree_soldieress]

It was not easy for me either at first. And it was harder after I left all of Kree space.

[moonlitrequiem]

It is easier now?