starhuevalley | [Video] - Day At The Races?

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[Video] - Day At The Races?

[While H'zez was still getting to grips with everything there was to do here, there was one thing that he couldn't help wondering about that he hadn't discovered yet. Though he still needed to work out all the functions of the jPad, at the very least he knew how to record a video now.

So, starting a recording, the Miqo'te gives a friendly wave before posing his question.]

Tell me, are there any here that keep chocobos? You know, the strong-legged horsebirds that are so common in Eorzean lands... I was always rather fond of chocobo racing and had to wonder if such a thing existed here.

Failing that... what other creatures would suit a day at the races? Surely there must be some kind of games to enjoy here!

[All right, maybe not Gold Saucer levels of gaming, but if he's going to start earning some good coin he knows he won't be able resist the thrill of betting on a good race. He knows he's taking a risk broadcasting this where Scarlet can see it, but the cat wants some entertainment, damn it! Besides, he kind of misses his old racing chocobos back home; maybe he'd have an opportunity to breed some other fleet-footed animal instead while he's visiting.]

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Horse... birds?

[ The video function is off-center and only shows half of his face plus one of his wings. ]

What sort of games would you like to see? I cannot say I've seen these 'chocobos' of yours, but surely there must be horses around to race.

Aye! A bird as large as a horse, fit for riding... and racing!

[Judging by his tone and the look of excitement on his face, H'zez was definitely a fan! But now that this... winged being mentions it, a plain old horse might be a worthy alternative.]

You're right... Charging across the Azim Steppe on one of their prized steeds did offer a thrill close to that of chocobo racing...

[...those wings. H'zez pauses a moment and seems to be inspecting the image before him, his head canting slowly to one side. Those were attached to him, right?]

What would be so different between them? [ His wings flutter when he purses his lips and presses his fingers together in a thoughtful pose. ]

If a bird is as large as a horse, I would imagine it's similar enough to this 'chocobo'.

The only difference would be four legs versus two, and in that case... double the thrill! Right?

[But before he starts looking for some horses to start training up, he can't help but ask the question... hesitantly at first, he doesn't want to come across as rude.]

I... hope you don't mind me asking but are you, maybe... part bird yourself?

Yes, clearly! [ Aspen chuckles, smiling. ] No reason why not to try racing horses. I'll bet on them if it becomes popular~

[ His cheerful attitude diminishes just slightly, and his own eyes flicker back to the ears on H'zez's head. Well... it should be fine, right? ]

You would be correct.

Horses, chocobos... I'm sure we can think of something. We just need the land to make a course.

[Huh, so those wings really were real. It's then that H'zez realises the potential discomfort of someone like him taking such an interest, and he gives a light-hearted chuckle himself, looking slightly sheepish.]

Ah, think nothing of my appearance... I ask purely out of curiosity, not a desire to hunt you down... In fact, one of my favourite companions is a bird!

[Thinking about it, would it look nonsensical to him if he witnessed a cat-like man riding a giant feathered friend?]

[ There's a long moment of silence where Aspen just looks... confused, before it finally clicks: ]

Oh...

[ His hand lifts to his mouth again. ] Ah, I see. Nature does dictate that cats eat birds... I hadn't even thought of it.

You needn't apologize. [ He waves his hand, showing his comforting smile. ] I'm not afraid. You're one of the few nonhumans I've met in my life, I would imagine you wouldn't hurt me! But not all humans seem to be accepting of those who are like them in my experience.

We have so much land here, surely it can't be so hard to make a course?

[H'zez visibly relaxes somewhat when he realises he hasn't caused too much offense by his... perhaps unusual appearance? The smile is enough to tease a laugh from him too.]

It's strange when you put it that way... despite our differences, many of the beast tribes in my world would think me a 'human' as much as any other Hyur. And the only ones with wings would be... well, Primals... or monsters... or at the very least they would be pure decoration.

Scarlet and I are still clearing our land, but perhaps I could persuade her to allow me some for a course... would you be interested?

[ His laugh is suddenly uneasy... ]

Ahaha, well, I am essentially just decoration...

I think a racing course would make for an interesting time here, despite what is being raced there.

[A small hum as Irhya considers this question.]

You like to gamble, do you? In lieu of money, would you perhaps be willing to bet with a different currency...?

[But that look on her face right now? It can only be described as... dangerously speculative, and that's being generous.]

[Oh-ho, another Miqo'te? It's surprising to him just how many Eorzeans seem to be popping up lately ~~and how many of them are kitties~~.

...that look on her face can't help but unnerve H'zez a little though. Just what was it she was suggesting exactly? Pondering the question for a moment, he gives a shrug.]

Gladly, but I'm not sure what else I'd have to offer other than maybe fish or the odd herb or vegetable.

[He's barely got going here just yet, after all.]

What about... your very life?

[She's... serious? Is she serious? If not, she's doing a damn good job of not breaking the illusion.]

[Was that a little ripple of shock between the transmissions because he was not expecting her to say that!!

But she... can't be serious about that right? Nah. He scoffs, shaking his head. There miiiight be some semblance of a smirk about his face too though.]

Some might call me a gambler, but I know when it's time to quit... Sorry, but you'll have to find someone else's soul to steal if that's what you're wanting.

Chocobos? I've never heard of them, though a horsebird reminds me of qianlima, the thousand mile horse with wings from Chinese mythology. But I haven't heard of any horsebird-like creatures here.

[ She makes a humming sound in thought. ]

I think the best kind for races would be some kind of robotic construct.

A... 'thousand mile horse'?

[Having not heard of such a myth, H'zez isn't quite sure whether to envision that as a horse literally one thousand miles long or a horse that could traverse such a distance. Should it be the first option... by the Twelve!]

I've had the privilege of being carried by many an awe-inspiring beast, but never a horse described like that! Though winged horses do exist, I know that much.

You believe... robots would be better than riding on the back of something living? A machine?

[He's assuming we're not talking about Magitek here. Something more clinical... lifeless... but perhaps he's wrong.]

Yes. It was how fast he could travel in a day.

[ Though she's not going to get into the specifics of Chinese miles and how it wasn't really a thousand miles by the modern standard measurement system. ]

Well... it's better, isn't it? If you're forcing an animal to race, it's not a very nice thing. But something you build -- as long as it isn't self-aware -- wouldn't be cruel.

[Well, at least that cleared his misconception up. A WINGED horse that could travel that far in a day?! He could only imagine what it would be like to ride such a steed!

Her next comment leads him to look slightly more worried however, ears pricking in particular at the use of the word 'cruel'.]

Cruel? Oh, no... I would never force an animal to race if it wasn't willing. All of the chocobos I've raised have loved their careers... you would only have to see that glint in their eye at the start of the race to know it.

Oh! Well, okay, I guess that's different. If they really do enjoy the race part, then I can't see a problem. These chocobos must be smarter than the average animal then?

You wouldn't think so to look at them, but when you've travelled with one for as long as I have, you get to know their likes and dislikes. Racing chocobos are just the same - you get to know when you're pushing them too much, what kind of terrain and climate they favour. Every one is different, so you just have to take the time to get to know them.

It's like... people, right?

It sounds like it, yeah! Now I wish I could see one. They sound really cool! Are they easy to ride?

I guess it would depend on what else you're use to riding... They can be feisty and easily distracted, but if you spend enough time with them they're as easy as any horse. You can even teach them to fly if they still carry the instinct to do so.

[Although it honestly still baffled him how such a long-legged creature with such stubby wings could get and stay airborne.]

Oh, I don't really ride animals. We have mechanical transportation. I guess I can't compare it to anything I know.

[ At some point during his broadcast, H'zez gets a little message notification. ]

[ Attached is one (1) photo of his very exasperated wife. ]

[.......oh. He'll just glance at that and deal with that once he's got a free moment.

Let him just send a simple message back.]

I'll be sensible, promise. /ᐠ. ᴗ.ᐟ\ ❤

You had better. ( ' -') I don't fancy the idea of living in the wilderness.

Hey, the wilderness isn't so bad! When you're not being attacked by beasts anyway.

(；￣Д￣) When have we ever been in the wilderness and NOT attacked by beasts?

...

...

Fishing? :^3

~~Stealth mode engage~~

(￣￣|||)

You must not remember the time I was beset by hyenas in Thanalan, then...

What's wrong with horse-horses? Even the little tiny ones are pretty speedy. I borrowed someone's the other day.

I'm not as familiar with 'horse-horses', but you're right, there's nothing particularly... wrong with them. It's preference, I suppose. I've always had a chocobo by my side.

...someone has tiny horses?

[He's imagining something akin to the minions from home - miniature creatures and automatons that followed them about.]

Alas there are not. Which is truly a shame for chocobos are quite the majestic animal.

But... have you seen the horse? The horse, with its supple body, its stout, muscular frame, and the form it takes when it kicks its hooves against the earth… It's simply splendid!

Edited 2018-07-30 08:58 (UTC)

[H'zez is listening. And he's watching. But the words aren't quite sinking in because he can't quite believe what he's watching. Or rather who. Was this some kind of bizarre pre-recording? No, don't be stupid H'zez, that would be impossible.

But then... this was impossible!

The Miqo'te is rather at a loss for words and all Haurchefant will get in return for his ever poetic words and perfectly reasonable question is a man with wide eyes and a look of pure and utter disbelief on his features.]

H...H-Haurchefant...?

[There are so many things he wants to say right now but none of them are ready to escape his lips.]

[Haurchefant's happy musing about horses and chocobos and adventures that he would take care of like horses is cut short.

There's the wavering uncertain calling of his name that he's learned to dread already. Everyone... everyone is so sad. But he is the cause of this sorrow. A sorrow and grief that he bestowed on his dearest friends and while he does not know any of these Warriors of Light he will do all in his power to ease each and every one of their hearts.

His sacrifice hurt them. Hurt them more than he could have every compromised or understood.

So he smiles. He smiles as brightly as he can. For them! Because a smile suits both hero and knight better.]

Yes, my dear friend? Should I... stop talking about horses in such a way? You were asking about chocobos. I can also talk about them in such a way... if it pleases you...

[This whole experience was so surreal to H'zez that he finds himself feeling conflicted. On the one hand, here was Haurchefant, his own dear friend, living and breathing and smiling just as he had always done. On the other, he was killed right in front of him; he was supposed to be dead! There was... no way he could have recovered from such a grievous wound.

Closing his eyes, he could still see the event play out in his mind, the heavy, almost palpable atmosphere of grief and anger that followed, and his heart still aches at the loss. Not long had passed since he had taken the pilgrimage with Scarlet before their Eternal Bonding, and they had paused to rest by his monument, hoping for his blessing. His shield still lay there, the terrible gash clear for all to see.

Had he met the man in person he might even have taken up his spear, fearing he was some kind of spectre, or a possessed corpse, but behind the wall of this jpad, he has time to think.

Yes he was suspicious, but... what if...]

I... I don't know. No, don't worry about the chocobos. Not now. What about you? How can you still be here? What are you?

[Hauchefant brings his hands up to his chest not yet having faced such an anger at his presence. Sorrow and grief... Yes he's received it in spades but this is new. He doesn't have soft fluffy ears like H'zez does but if he did they'd be pressed flat against his head in alarm.

The "what is he" stings far more than he can truly express and he's not even quite sure how to answer. He just wanted to talk about horses and chocobos...]

Ah... I am Haurchefant Greystone of House Fortemps and commander of Camp Dragonhead. [Former commander but he can't get that out.] I... I made an attempt to block a lance for the Warrior of Light and it is most unfortunate that my shield that did not hold. Yet through some grace of the Twelve I am here. But I can assure you that I am still who I am. Still Haurchefant. Not a what. Just me..."

[Seeing how taken aback he was by the question, H'zez starts to feel a pang of guilt rise up within him. The more he talks, the more he divulges, the more H'zez starts to believe that maybe, just maybe, this really was Haurchefant. And if it was, and he had the knowledge of that fateful day, the poor man must be just as confused by the fact he was suddenly alive and well...

Allow H'zez to do just as the other would, furry ears lowered, his face still a picture of concern.]

By the Twelve... it really is you...

[The Miqo'te looks visibly tense at the news, not quite sure what emotion to express first. Yes, he was angry, but towards who exactly? He was stunned... amazed... simply ecstatic to see his old friend again! He has to turn away to try and hide what might be the glint of a tear in his eyes.]

I was there. I was that Warrior of Light. Or at least one of them... for it seems that my Eorzea is one of many. [Meeting Y'shtola here had shown him that much.] So you might not be the same Haurchefant that left us that day, but you are every bit like him.

[And perhaps for his sake he can force a smile. Yes, he'll do it! Even though he might be fighting back tears, H'zez will look squarely at the camera on the pad, and he'll smile. Because that's what his friend would have wanted... would still want.]

I'm so happy to see you again, dear friend.

[The anger fades and is replaced with something he is much more familiar with. Sorrow... though well hidden. And no, he doesn't recognize this Warrior of Light. He hasn't recognized any of them. But they all know him and it wouldn't do to ignore their pain. He couldn't possibly. For if all these reactions are so similar he can only imagine what his own Warrior must feel... He will take this burden upon himself and attempt to correct and ease all the pain that has been caused due to his sacrifice.

It's the least he can do for the Warrior of Light that has done so much for so many. For wounding the heart of one he will try and heal the rest as best he can.]

And you... for the first time and yet again. I would be most overjoyed if I could meet the Warrior of Light I knew all over again. But now I get to meet all different ones and start a friendship anew. It's quite splendid. And... I am truly glad to see a smile on your face. It suits you much better.

[Hopefully that is not too sad a thing to say. It is the truth at the very least. H'zez's face lights up quite nicely when he's smiling.]

I enjoy meeting new Warriors. Your tales are similar enough that I know the endings but you're all unique enough that I don't know the details. Plus... all the adventures in the East that I know nothing of. All the things you did after... I couldn't be prouder of all of you. How wonderfully brilliant you've all grown to be. Stronger and more radiant than ever...

And the light... it's always familiar enough that none of you feel all that different to me. Still light incarnate to this day, not that I ever doubted that would change. And truthfully, I simply can't wait to get to know you.

[Please no, hearing him say that again, to smile, makes his heart ache. Yet this time he really could smile, and be happy for it. Did the hows and whys really matter at this point? He had a chance to spend time with him again and that was all that mattered!

His ears and tail twitch a little in happiness at his friend's words. It was true, he had so much to tell him about - both tragic and triumphant - and he honestly couldn't wait to see him again and share those stories! Naturally he would be more than willing to discuss the majesty of chocobos and horses alike in due course, but now the subject seemed so trivial after... everything else.]

I should like to speak with these other Warriors myself, if only to see how similar our paths might be... At the very least it seems we've shared the same loss. Or should I say, the same relief. And that we've all travelled to the Far East - have we all fought against the same common enemy? Have we liberated the same lands? You'll have to introduce me to them!

[Speaking of introductions, and other Warriors of Light, surely Scarlet would wish to see Haurchefant again? H'zez certainly wants to meet him in the flesh right now, if only as confirmation that he does exist nearby, so what better way than introduce him to his new partner?]

Ah... would you be willing to visit my farm? I haven't been here long so it's nothing much to look at... but I'm certain my wife would love to see you again. That is, if you can stomach yet another strong reaction from a grieving Warrior...

I would be happy too! [He eagerly clasps his hands together, eager at the prospect of bringing so much radiance into one happy gathering.] There are so many and all so delightful and splendid. I haven't met one I didn't simply adore at first sight. Mayhaps the Warrior of Light that I know will one day join us as well. I think that would be most perfect.

[And the invitation Haurchefant perks up even more. This conversation has been a bit rough with its emotional ups and downs but it seems to be in the right place now.]

A wife! I would love to meet the both of you! A married Warrior of Light... that's splendid. Are you both Warriors then? Or is it a beautiful love story about a hero and their beloved. Oh... I must hear all about it. Once you send me the address I can be there post haste. Then you can see me hale and whole and I can look at what can only be a most radiant couple.

I have not seen any Chocobo here save for my own companion, and he is not made for racing.

A companion bird? I had one of my own before coming here, but I have yet to see him transported.

How has yours taken to the place?

I arrived during a festival and had an urge to make a wish. Suddenly Peki was there with me.

[ he appeared on her lap and they fell off the roof it was fab ]

You made a wish and it... came true?

[He had to wonder what other wishes others might have made given the people he's seen so far.]

A shame I missed it then... I'm sure Icarus would enjoy the space. If only there were any wishes left, I might be able to wish an entire facility here for racing!

Oh hey, you got chocobos where you come from too? All right!

Ain't seen any around here, though.

[Ugh, it seems like there definitely aren't any racing caliber chocobos around at the moment. H'zez looks a little disappointed.]

Save for the odd companion, they don't seem very common here. It seems I'll have to turn to racing and betting on horses instead...

Yeah, pretty wild, huh? Instead of riding birds they got riding...

[Uh. Jecht pauses, scratching at his stubble with one finger.]

...whatever horses are?

[H'zez blinks at that, dawning realisation that the man doesn't actually know what horses even are.]

Oh! You... have chocobos but not horses?

[Hmm... how to describe them...}

All right, you must have some kind of animal with hooves where you come from. Aldgoat? Antelope?

Uh. Ixion. Aeon, not animal, though, so I dunno.

[Not really Braska's favorite, but he'd seen the guy crack out all of 'em over the course of their journey.]

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[Video] - Day At The Races?

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brb brain breaking

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