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Snowbunnies (1) : Winter seems to bring out the cutest of all rodents; this isn’t the first time that small, white rabbits have infested Destiny City. They’re small, rarely larger than a guinea pig, and have large eyes and wiggling noses. They are always pure white and seem to show up whenever there’s snow. They aren't menacing or evil, they're just everywhere. They seem strangely domesticated; they are sweet, curious, and friendly creatures that will eat anything you give them. They always seem cold to the touch, and when they shake, little snowflakes sprinkle off of them.
While they seem to be social creatures who seem to appreciate anything warm and will cuddle up to steal body heat, they are too skittish and fast to be kept for pets. They can show up just about anywhere, either alone or--often--in pairs. They tend to wander off on their own without any trouble, but if you surprise them or try to catch or hurt them, they may bite. Their little teeth are enough to break skin, but after one bite they run away. The bite itself isn’t bad, but the effects are a bit unpleasant: for roughly two days after the bite, the injury is cold and the victim will feel random, cold, shooting pains. Their core body temperature will drop and they will often be sent into random fits of shivering. No medicine seems to help, and no amount of blankets or hot baths can soothe the chill. You're just going to have to deal with it and hope it gets better…
Most experiences with the bunnies are perfectly pleasant, you just have to worry about them burrowing. There are holes peppering Destiny City, and with the fresh fallen snow it can be impossible to tell where they are hiding. The holes range from small holes to several feet deep, so can be a minor inconvenience to a potential hazard. On the bright side, sometimes you wind up covered in bunnies looking for warmth from their sudden guest. On the other hand, there are a rising number of trips to the hospital for twists and sprains. The bunnies always leave with the snow, so best to enjoy them--or avoid them--for as long as you can.
While they seem to be social creatures who seem to appreciate anything warm and will cuddle up to steal body heat, they are too skittish and fast to be kept for pets. They can show up just about anywhere, either alone or--often--in pairs. They tend to wander off on their own without any trouble, but if you surprise them or try to catch or hurt them, they may bite. Their little teeth are enough to break skin, but after one bite they run away. The bite itself isn’t bad, but the effects are a bit unpleasant: for roughly two days after the bite, the injury is cold and the victim will feel random, cold, shooting pains. Their core body temperature will drop and they will often be sent into random fits of shivering. No medicine seems to help, and no amount of blankets or hot baths can soothe the chill. You're just going to have to deal with it and hope it gets better…
Most experiences with the bunnies are perfectly pleasant, you just have to worry about them burrowing. There are holes peppering Destiny City, and with the fresh fallen snow it can be impossible to tell where they are hiding. The holes range from small holes to several feet deep, so can be a minor inconvenience to a potential hazard. On the bright side, sometimes you wind up covered in bunnies looking for warmth from their sudden guest. On the other hand, there are a rising number of trips to the hospital for twists and sprains. The bunnies always leave with the snow, so best to enjoy them--or avoid them--for as long as you can.
Staring out at the snowy expanse of the park, Orcus wondered if she was a complete idiot for this. She’d lived in Destiny City for practically her entire life and never bothered to seek out the snow rabbits. So many winters of hearing rumors and doing nothing. Well. Not this year. Maybe she was late to the party, but she’d paid attention to the stories that floated around. Watch for burrows, come armed with treats and don’t startle or try to catch the things. All easy enough ‘rules’ to follow. Thus, she’d waited for nightfall and armed herself with a thick blanket to sit on, a basket of those weird little apples and one of her heavy cloaks. Oh, and a walking stick to test the ground. She had little desire to break an ankle in this endeavor.
She made her way carefully to a fairly clear spot, using the stick to poke and prod at the snow. She’d managed to locate a few holes that would have sent her tumbling otherwise. Finally, she made it to an intact patch of land that had a few trees to provide shelter from the cold wind. Moving snow aside with her hands, she cleared a patch to put her blanket on and then sat down to wait. Just to keep her hands busy, she took a little paring knife and began to slice up the apples, tossing them out as a lure. She knew better than to eat them herself after the last time. Soon enough, she saw a pair of teensy tiny bunnies moving through the snow. Holding still, she watched as they nibbled at the apple slices and continued to move closer to her. She reminded herself firmly to stay still and stay put. Though, now that she’d seen those enormous eyes and little wriggly noses, she had a hard time remembering the rules. Just relax, she scolded herself. Let them come to you. It was hard to resist the urge to reach out to snatch a bunnie and cuddle it close, though. Somehow though, she managed. And was rewarded for her forbearance when one of the pair delicately sniffed at her before hopping into her lap and settling down. The other was more cautious and stood up on its hind legs to sniff the air and study her. Then, seemingly content, it went back to all fours and shook itself, sending a small flurry or snowflakes flying from its body.
Huh. No one had mentioned that part, Orcus thought, blinking a little in surprise. Very carefully, she held an apple slice out to the bunnie beside her, watching as it carefully took it from her fingers and began munching. The bunnie in her lap was not forgotten as it, too, received some apple. Both were sweet enough and apparently fine with snuggling up to her. The one in her lap even allowed her to gently stroke the velvety ears with a finger.
“All right,” she murmured. “You’re ******** adorable. I can see why people keep trying to snatch you guys.”
She sat a little longer, feeding the bunnies apples until she ran out. For their part, the little creatures seemed happy enough to cuddle and be petted. Just so long as she remembered to only stroke their ears and backs. It was peaceful really. And she was warm enough. She could hang around until the bunnies decided to toddle back off to their warrens.
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