Placeholder [Job Thread] A whole lot of shit

[Octarus]

4th of Fall Elwaul set down a bucket down beside him as he finished brushing off the backside of the Okomo he was currently learning how to groom. “I need you to fill this with water, and bring it back over here if you don’t mind” The man said as he emptied the bucket, setting down a few combs and a clay jar on the ground beside the Okomo. “I’ll brush the rest of him off” “Of course,” Octarus said with a nod, picking up the bucket and orienting himself towards the well. So far, his time at the Villa had been better than he expected. Aside from a few jokes at his expense when he tried interacting with the creatures, the people who worked here seemed to be a passionate people and were a joy to work with. Those few he’d gotten to get to know over this past season so far were open and helpful with him which was a pleasant change of pace from the distant natures of his traveling companions. That, and the fact that people didn’t let his nature get in the way of simple conversation. Apparently Ethaefal were well known in this city. Drawing from the well, he heaved on the rope. Panting for effort, he pulled the two gallon bucket up to the edge before grabbing its handle. Taking in another deep breath, he lifted on exhale, resting the bucket against the stone lip of the well while he caught his breath. A few seasons of this, and he should be able to handle this no problem. Half a year of traveling light had not quite prepared him for this kind of labor, but this skin took to it heartily. He liked to imagine that in a past life he might have been doing something like this almost daily too, but his memories of that time were hazy and furtive right now. They would grow stronger in Leth’s light but for now, it was all a haze, with little peaks of the extreme violence his past self-had endured. With a sigh, he brought the bucket off the well, and started lugging it back towards the Okomo Elwaul was brushing down. His lower back ached something fierce by the time he set down the bucket, and he rubbed at his raw palms as he watched his friend work. Elwaul was a lot quicker than him at brushing down the Okomo, swiping off the accumulated dust in broad, horizontal strokes that left a faint cloud behind the animal whom was placidly grazing. Thinking to be useful, he knelt and opened the clay jar, smelling the pungent aroma of the solution they were going to use to wash the Okomo. It smelled crisp, and flowery which was a vast improvement on the animal’s current odor. He set down the jar, and grabbed the ladle, pouring scoops of water over the animal when Elwaul had finished. While he did that, Elwaul grabbed the paste, and started working in the mixture where the animal was wet, scrubbing it in good. “Alright, now you do the same” Elwaul said, taking the ladle from him and handing over the paste. Taking it in his left hand, he scooped of few fingers worth and started massaging it in between the animal’s shoulders. He curved the tips of his fingers like Elwaul so he could really work it into the dense fur, working it into a quick lather. Then Elwaul poured some water over to rinse, and Octarus started scrubbing further down its back before working on its side. With both of them working together, the washing went quick and soon they had an empty bucket and a very wet Okomo.

[Octarus]

“How bout I dry him off this time, and you get his paddock ready. Get him some alfalfa. He’s been good today, he deserves it.” Octarus just nodded, and departed for the grooming station, leaving the bucket and tools. Elwaul would need the combs and it was easier to bring back all at once in the bucket. Back inside, he swept the floor of loose straw, and set out some sprigs of alfalfa in the trough. Then he went to his table and made sure he had his scissors, and files ready. They were used, but in good condition, on loan from Elwaul till he got a set of his own. As such, Octarus made sure to take very good care of them, washing them every night. Elwaul walked in, followed by the Okomo whom went immediately to the trough. Octarus handed the man a pair of scissors and took his place beside him. Elwaul started clipping, talking the Octarus as he went. “There are fast clippers, and there are good clippers. There are also fast and good clippers. I want you to be one of those, okay. So, watch carefully. Normally we wouldn’t cut this much, but seasons being what they are now, we do so they are doing get too hot out there. Petching Morwen.” His heart skipped a beat, but he kept those memories aside for now. He focused instead on how, and where the man was starting his cut. He focused on that like it was all the world to him now, because if it wasn’t, he might just break down here and now. As he watched, Elwaul would do quick measurements with his fingers before he started clipping away, and he did this in rows as he worked his way down the animal’s body. Not too much, just the side of two fingers worth, and the measurements were quick and efficient. Needing desperately to do something with his hands, Octarus got on the other side of the Okomo and tried imitating Elwaul. He ran his fingers through the scruff of its neck, and measured two fingers off, wondering for a moment how much different his hand differed from Elwauls. He checked and rechecked his cut against the row had already left down the center of the Okomo’s back before he made his first few cuts. After that it was easier, but he still double checked very cut, and progress was slow. Elwaul was already done with his side and had moved over to help him with his cuts. After they had finished, and added more Alfalfa to the trough, Elwaul picked up a couple of files, and turned towards him. “Grab a couple of stools, and show me what you know about filing”