#familiar: astraeus the blind owl

[hriobzagelthewanderer]

[A bit of art as commissioned from @heavensxstray the other week, of Hriob's three familiars: Gord the Piebald Moose, Astraeus the Blind Owl, and Gurrel the Swedish Vallhund. I didn't post this until now mainly because I'm only now better focused and relaxed now that a certain family crisis has passed and turned out far better than expected.]

[hriobzagelthewanderer]

Introducing herself to the Court of Xandora had been a.. diificult decision. Rokshana knew that there were risks, that some people might have opinions about the future queen being a vampire- let alone a Tepes.

But it was a necessity. So, the doors of Castle Dracul had been opened to allies of Xandora- and those whose loyalties fell with Alexander were made welcome in the House of the Dragon.

//hey hi we're finally doing this OwO

And lo, behold, for the doors of Castle Dracul would not be standing wide and auspiciously open long, 'fore there came forth a valiant, noble scion of peace and honor to visit-

...No, wait, that's not right... sorry, there were not one, but three visitors, all bearing the same aura of magic and natural wonder about them despite their wildly differing sizes and temperaments: a small dog leading a massive moose with a tiny owl serving as lookout.

The dog, bearing a scroll in his mouth, the moose a large keg upon his back, and the owl clutching a small pin of some sort in his beak, all looking for a place to drop their respective gifts and messages.

[hriobzagelthewanderer]

[Don't have much time today and I want to write but still have trouble with my focus concerning threads, so have this little update on 'Side Characters' for the blog: The Familiars!]

[Astraeus, a Western Screech Owl, was Hriob's first Familiar, and effectively acts as a small courier and messenger for the Fae. Originally found lost and completely blind, the little owl was given the ability to see spirits, souls, and magical energies as Hriob does, and eventually learned to make small portals for himself to travel further and easier, and in return became the shaman's most eager spy and assistant. If someone gets a random gift or parcel from the Fae and no sign of entry or departure is seen, it was most likely Astraeus's work... though the little bird tends to be playful about his duties at times and can leave behind feathers if he gets sloppy. He also has a penchant to 'nest' in people's hair without warning if they look particularly soft and warm.]

[Gurrel, the Swedish Vallhund, is Hriob's second Familiar, and was originally gifted by his adoptive Mutti Lyth to keep him company over the Holiday Season. In the end, the little guy was attached to Hriob to the point where his magic seeped into the dog, granting far greater longevity, intelligence, and endurance than most dogs his size could contend with. In day-to-day, Gurrel is less likely to be seen outside the Halls or away from Hriob's side, serving as a de-facto steward and emotional support of sorts - barking softly to get his attention when he gets too focused and loses track of time, resting his head on Hriob and licking his face whenever he has a panic attack, letting Hriob talk to him to work out his thoughts easier whenever he gets stuck on something, and the like. Cute as he may be, he doesn't act very much like a dog at times: more like a attentive, caring, if long-suffering butler for a troubled young Lord - one who has the same instinct to try and help those he senses have serious issues as his Master.]

[The two work together often, doing what they can to help Hriob keep sane and happy enough, but they have the most fun when they're called on to help play with kids - especially ones Hriob has found and wants to care for in some way. They make a pretty decent team, with Gurrel acting as the brains and the surprisingly athletic ground control to Astreus' eye-in-the-sky agile flight.]