Source: Permafreeze on dA | Date: 3.29.25
Cali’s plan to coax out the Nyxthorn was going very well, well mostly, as she was fast asleep she didn’t yet know if it was working, She was roused from her nap by the gentle squeals and squeaks of the spiny companions, a very quiet but consistent scrapping of their quills along the rocks of the cave walls. She laid there for quite sometime, not wanting to frighten away the shy creatures, her eyes stayed closed she just laid there and let the Nyx explore her scent and eat some of the food she had left for them.
She started by gently raising her head and observing the small critters, the moment she started moving they squealed a high pitch squeak and retreated back into their hole. They had been absolutely panicked by the project to free their beloved Matriarch and a few delicious apples and donuts weren’t going to change that instantly.
She sat by the entrance to their temporary home, not so close to spook them but close enough she could softly talk to them. They eyed her cautiously from inside their burrow, she started by just introducing herself, she had no clue if they could actually understand her words but they seemed to enjoy the sound of her voice. She talked to them in soft tones and explained to the best of her abilities what was going on with their beloved Matriarch.
“So you see,” She went on in the kindest tone she could manage, “We almost have her free but she is struggling, she has been through so much these past moons, she could really use your company and comfort.”
She hadn’t realized that in her small speech to them she had turn slightly away and closed her eyes, she felt her heart grow heavy and her eyes begin to water, Cali couldn’t imagine what she had gone through these many years and now when everyone was here to assist she was in constant pain, she lifted a paw to her eyes and felt something brush by her legs. She opened her eyes and saw close to a dozen Nyxthorns looking at her with wide eyes, They still seemed cautious and slightly suspicious of her but now a hint of curiosity and interest had entered their eyes. They softly peeped and squeaked at one another, seemingly asking each other “Is this one ok?”
She spent the next several minutes just sitting with them, “the caretakers were saying how much you all truly help her calm down and make her feel at ease,” she went on, “I know its scary with all the commotion and chaos right now but I promise you, when we are done your lady will be free for the first time in years.” The Nyxthorn tilted their heads slightly and looked at her expectantly.
“So,” she continued, and thought to herself, ‘I have no idea if these adorable little things even know what I am saying… I could be doing all this and as soon as I stand up they all may scatter again.’
“I could escort you all back to her if you like, the night shift is starting soon and the excavation slows down immensely. I may still be a little rumbly but most of the large bangs and booms would be gone for the night.” she went on “maybe we can find you all like a an insulated area we could set up as a daytime home for you.” They looked at her expectantly, a few nuzzled up next to her, they were very careful not to poke her with their quills, the Nyxthorn seemed to have a very good sense of where their quills were and how to not hurt people with them.
“Ok then, its settled!” She stood up slowly. A few Nyx shied away slightly but they seemed to understand now that she was there to help. She emptied the rest of the food she had brought with her on the stone floor infront of them.
“Eat up everyone, we have quite the walk back to the main chamber.” She smiled and gently put her nose on the head of the nearest Nyx, The creature pushed its head up into her like a cat rubbing on its owner.
She started off down the path, the Nyx seemed a little reluctant at first but the bravest among them soon started off after her. The squealed and squeaked at one another, seemingly communicating with one another, most seemed like happy and excited noises while Cali was pretty sure the few towards the back were more grumbling then happy squeaking . The whole line of squeaky spines and Cali headed back towards the main chamber. Cali lead the precession back to the Matriarch, a smaller and brightly colored Nyx had join next to her, looking up at Cali with hopeful eyes.
CP Counter
Group Event + 3 (Event Proof) 811 words + 8 Total = 11