The Giant Butterflys of All Elfin are semi-intelligent and are "sorta pets". They fly free half the year, but when the Spring comes they congregate in Kalainah Aurae to seek their mates and there is a big festival where Elfin who have pet pairs go and call their pets to them, then take them home and protect them while they lay their eggs.
The babies are fat, fuzzy gorgeously-colored caterpillars and every home that has Giant Butterfly pets has a garden room for them to be raised in. The adults work their wings off bringing yummy green stuff and the caterpillars munch like little gluttons. It can be quite noisy, especially with a large clutch. Eventually in the fall, the caterpillars coccoon and all gets quiet. The parents leave and in the next spring, the new Giant Butterflys break out of their chrysalids and when their wings dry, they too leave.
The adults are the size of a raven from earth, though much lighter in weight. The caterpillars start out at about 1" weighing a few grams and grow to be about a foot and a half in length and weigh about 2 pounds. They are soft, cuddly and love to be petted. It helps their digestion to have their tummies gently rubbed. And Elfin love the warm, silky feel of their fur. The caterpillars' digestive process causes their little bodies to vibrate, very like a cat's purr. We find it soothing.
Their names are a quiet little joke, being the opposite of their observed personalities. The Butterflys are not intelligent enough to understand this, so their feelings are not hurt.
Fierce is Nemani's male. he is as timid as they come. And Strong, her female and Fierce's mate, depends on him for everything.
Giant Butterflys are native to All Elfin. They are one reason we allow no predators here. Every creature on All Elfin is, by Earth's standards, as tame as a baby rabbit, as gentle as a lamb.
Giant Butterflys are NOT characters. Nor will they be permitted as pets for any but Elfin and half-Elfin. |
