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[goodboyplaydead]

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[winscenario]

"Sometimes, yes," he says. "When they were nervous or bothered by something, I guess. Or maybe I just pulled on their hair by accident while combing them? I wasn't very good at reading them. A few of them did like me, though, so there was that."

[goodboyplaydead]

"Did they... remain with you. The ones who... liked you?" Loyal steeds and such like them could be invaluable in times when speed was especially necessary.

[winscenario]

"Oh. No, they were farm horses. A couple of them were from our farm, but most of them belonged to neighboring farms. I just liked sneaking into other people's lands."

He imagines that for Wen Ning, man's relationship with horses must be different from what Jim's used to, so he further explains. "We don't really use horses for travel or anything of the kind, where I'm from. Most people keep them for recreational purposes, or to be able to move around within farm grounds or to herd other animals, if you have them. But that's about it."

[goodboyplaydead]

It is a confusing explanation. Both that Jim went through the trouble of spending time with another person's horses. Which might explain the biting. And that the horses from Jim's land sounded closer to the way people would treat a cat or a dog. Rather than an essential means of transport, if one didn't have the spiritual energy to travel by sword.

"I see. That must be... why people keep them... here." As there are many more efficient means of travel in Lunatia, and yet the horses at the Groves remain ever popular. "Would you... want one... again?"

[winscenario]

He can easily imagine that horses hold a different meaning and have a different purpose in Wen Ning's world than in Jim's own, or even here. Most people keep them for recreational purposes where he's from; horse riding as a sport, a fun activity, just a way to pass the time. And horses are definitely more seen as pets than they are a means of transportation.

"Must be, yeah," he nods, eyebrows raising and a little shrug at Wen Ning's question. "I'm not sure. Horses are a lot of work, they're frail and need a lot of care and attention, and I'm not very knowledgeable about them, admittedly. And right now I don't even have the space to keep one, since I live in a loft. Plus, I've got a bike, which lets me just travel back and forth at will."

[goodboyplaydead]

"Ah, I could... help. If you... wanted one." He wouldn't mind spending time around the animals again. Provided they found a horse that wasn't easily spooked by him. On second thought, maybe he shouldn't have offered.

Though, bikes, he's seen them around. Odd cart-less inventions that seemed more designed for speed than transport. That would suit someone like Jim.

"I have never... ridden one. A bike."

[winscenario]

"Mm, that's alright. We could go horse riding sometime, though. Just for fun. What do you think?" He imagines Wen Ning is more used to them as a means of transport, not something so recreational, but every day is a chance for new experiences.

And speaking of new experiences.

"Oh. Oh, you have to, it's super exciting. You'll come with me next time I go out for a ride, yeah? We can go anywhere you want."

[goodboyplaydead]

"I... would like that. Both things. Horses... and bikes." Wen Ning's tail gives a cheerful wag. Another invitation to spend time with Jim, doing something Jim truly enjoyed, the thought makes his heart sing.

[winscenario]

"Let's put it on the list, then. Once we've dealt with these little guys," he tips his head to the dragonlets following happily after them, one of them trying to reach for Wen Ning's happily wagging tail.

[goodboyplaydead]

Wen Ning notices the curious dragonling and makes a quick motion to cover his tail with his hand before the creature's tiny fangs should find it.

"Maybe a ride... would distract them. As well."

[winscenario]

Jim laughs softly as Wen Ning catches his own tail, reaching over to try and get the attention of the little dragon chasing after him. His eyes go up at those words, though, a little surprised.

"Oh. You wanna do it now?" Quickly, before Wen Ning thinks he's complaining, "I mean, great! Yeah, let's do it. Why not?"

[goodboyplaydead]

Wen Ning had simply been musing so he's surprised how readily Jim agrees. "Ah, what about... your bike?" Since it's not exactly here right now. Would they have to go far to retrieve it? He doesn't want to put Jim any more out of his way since they're already trekking for treats.

[winscenario]

He shrugs. "It's nearby. Maybe fifteen minutes by foot. We can get the treats and then head out there." Really, it's no imposition, and Jim has hardly a thing to do right now. Besides, he likes hanging out with Wen Ning, and on the bike he'd be able to take them out further, maybe visit someplace nice like the beach.

[goodboyplaydead]

"All right... If you would... like." He does want to try out this biking for himself. And it would help them transport the dragonling back with less fear of nipping. "We should be... close. To the market."

[winscenario]

"I'd like it very much, yes," he nods, actually excited about their new plan for today. For now, he turns the corner and spots the market, pointing towards it. "There it is. Let's go find something for our little friends little quick."

He'll also look for something to eat for himself, since these little demons have drained at least part of his energy.

[goodboyplaydead]

Wen Ning shuffles around the carts, pondering over which meat would most entice their hungry companions. Something they could sink their teeth into? Or would they maybe prefer tearing it into strips? What about something they could just gulp down in pieces? It's surprisingly hard to decide.

"Ah..." He does his best to get an attendant's attention to see if they have any suggestions.

The dragonlings for their part are just scurrying about in excited circles. Thankfully, none have tried to ascend any of the carts. But such luck may not hold out much longer, as their demanding cries increase in volume. Wen Ning quickly scoops up two that look like they might be getting concerningly curious.

[winscenario]

Jim's not going to waste a lot of time, here. The smell of the meat is enough to get the little dragons excited, so he can easily guess they'll like just about any kind.

"Hi. We'd like this large piece here, please," he points to the biggest chunk of meat he can find with no bone in it. "Can you cut it up into cubes real quick? Sorry to rush you, but," he gestures to all the dragonlings around them, and the butcher just chuckles, nodding. It's not long before the meat's being chopped up into pieces as quickly as possible, hopefully before their dragon children cause any real damage.

[goodboyplaydead]

Wen Ning is extremely grateful for Jim taking charge here and nods thankfully at the man, as the dragonlings he's holding sense the meat and start squawking in Jim's direction.

"You are... quick with decisions."

[winscenario]

"Comes with the job, I guess," he shrugs, smiling at Wen Ning. "I often have to make quick calls in the heat of the moment. No time to dawdle or hesitate. With our buddies here, I'd say dawdling's probably not the best idea."

Lest they brought down the poor guy's stand.

[goodboyplaydead]

"I would... like to learn." Though maybe not when they're in the middle of purchasing snacks for spoiled dragonlings.

He accepts some of the meat to coax over one of the more curious beasts.

[winscenario]

"Well... guess it's only a matter of practice. But I can try to help you in smaller ways, if you want," he shrugs, grateful for the bits of meat they're offered to appease their little friends while they wait for the butcher to be done.

Once ready, Jim pays for it and takes the bag with a thanks. The dragonlings immediately start squeaking eagerly and stretching up to try and reach the bad, but Jim just holds his hand up. "Ah-ha! No, I don't think so. You want this?" He holds a piece of meat up high, and the dragon closest to him stops and sits back, making more of a subdued, cooing noise. Jim smiles.

"Good boy," he praises, tossing him the piece of meat. It's not long before the others see it and learn the same trick, sitting down and awaiting their treat.

[goodboyplaydead]

Wen Ning watches carefully and then slowly holds a hand out for some meat bits. "Ah, I should like... to try."

Getting the dragons to respect their commands seems important if they want to manage the rest of this task. And it seems to have a good chance of preventing further nips.

[winscenario]

"Oh. Sure," Jim promptly hands some meat bits over to Wen Ning, waiting to see how he'll fare with their new friends. Some are still looking at Jim, but since Wen Ning does have a bunch of meat in his hands now, it's not long before all those tiny heads are turning towards him, mouths snapping eagerly with little yapping noises as though they're all begging for a treat.

[goodboyplaydead]

Wen Ning tries to mimic Jim's action of presenting the meat to the dragonlings to ensure he has their attention. They start scrambling toward him.

"Ah..." He lifts the meat up. "Gentle..." Some of the dragonlings start to cry louder but one at least does fall back to its haunches and utter lighter chirps.

Wen Ning's tail wags with delight. "Good boy." He lobs the piece to the quiet dragonling, hoping the others will not intercept.

[winscenario]

The quietest of them seems to be just as fierce in defending his right to a treat, and it doesn't let any of the others take the piece of meat away, leaping up just slightly to catch it mid-air.

"Good! Looks like you're getting the hang of it," he smiles encouragingly, helping Wen Ning distribute a few more pieces of meat through the other dragonlings.