#so he'll always say finches-esp a little frost finch - are his favorites since maple must know he loves her

[bleaksqueak]

Do any of the characters have a favorite specific animal? Or is it a criteria of traits they like? Do animals like them aswell?

Since I think most people at least have an animal that falls onto their "pretty neat" radar, I'd say the characters would fall into the same trappings! Just some more than others, sure. Maia likes dogs a *lot*, hence quickly approaching the fox in the courtyard before realizing her mistake, and her muttering statement to Gwennebat about Reasons Why Aetherial Orienteering is Neat Actually. ... Animals don't seem to gravitate towards her though. Probably sensing her overall distrust, and well, in the span of about two minutes she landed on one and tried to give it a shiner with a brownie. That one did warm up to her a little (at least, enough to sit down and Enjoy The Free Food), but she's no Disney Princess. Audric would be polite and say finches are his favorite... *if* the ears that matter are listening. If they aren't, he'd admit (it's secretly gryphons.). Between his aetherial aura and his manifest eyes, though, he tends to startle animals.

Pre-veil Lyra would list Magpies as her favorite. They remained a strong contender, but the outveil did not have Chappybaras, which are sort of these tiny six legged Capybaras that look like they got lost on the Potato Bug production line. She's pretty fond of all animals though, and was even out catching critters when she stumbled upon the veil gate. Animals tend to like her in turn, though she can come on a bit strong. Still no disney princess. Audun probably hasn't thought about it in terms of a favorite animal, but he does have a fondness for Elder Elk, not for any real reason beyond having gotten lucky enough to see some grazing when he was young. They're incredibly rare, and often only visible in a spectral form. Animals don't seem to care one way or the other if he's there, but his aetherial aura is a bit opposite Audric's, so it might have enough of a calming effect that they don't run so long as he doesn't startle them, himself. Elias.... yes. His favorite animal(s) all share the same disposition, and he keeps a stoat--an aberrant *and* a weasel, of all things--as a pet for that very reason. Any "certified trash animal" is one he likes. Tends to favor classic woodland creatures that are commonly thought of as pests/vermin, but all are good. Magic, non-magic, living, not-living. It'd be easier to ask what he doesn't like. As for whether or not they like him... I mean. Just look at the boy. He's got a whole critter practically living on him!

#solivaga #asks #enjoying the mental image of Audun just standing stark still with his whole uniform on and mask manifested #looking like the grim reaper #refusing to move a muscle #bc some critter has crossed his path out in the middle of the woods #meanwhile audric yawns and causes the stampede that killed mufasa #so he'll always say finches-esp a little frost finch - are his favorites since maple must know he loves her #soli asks