[#047] Murai

Though they were raised to be more 'proper' in hopes of them finding a job in the city, it was hard to deny the comfort and confidence that came with being at the farm. Being able to say what was on their mind instead of having to filter it was nice, and being met with the same energy was even better. Ahnka could always get him to loosen up, no matter the case. And that was something he always appreciated.

While they had fun throwing mud and stinks at Ahnkahari, there was more to their farm visits that Murai quickly grew to love. Due to their smaller stature, larger animals and even ichgors had always frightened them. However, upon meeting Mainaaka and the herd he tended to, that all changed rather quickly.

Mainaaka showed them from day one that there was nothing to be afraid of in either aspect, so long as you respect the animal's space as you're able, they'll respect you just the same. The behemoth taught Murai about the cattle and their tells, how to see what they were communicating and how they did it. Upon learning that, they really weren't frightening anymore. And neither was the large ichgor, teaching Murai another valuable lesson to never judge a book by its cover.

As the days turned into weeks, months, and then years, Murai grew ever more fond of the animals on the farm of her friends. This interest was eventually noticed by her father, and although he had a desire for Murai to stick within the family business, he also wanted her to explore her own wants and desires. It was during this time that the household went through quite a tense period.

Murai's mother, despite wanting Murai to become her own person, was also terrified of the young ichgor being hurt. They'd lost another child to the wilderness before hatching Murai, a son that was excited to be a big brother. As such, she wanted to keep Murai close, and make sure she knew of the dangers that could lurk outside of the village.

Greatly conflicted by the two outlooks of her parents, Murai packed her bags for a trip and simply- left. In the middle of the night, she crept out of her home and made her way to the farm. While she knew that they'd likely come looking for her there, she also knew there was enough land to stay hidden, at least for a while. Upon arriving, however, she was met with news that only caused her more turmoil. Mainaaka had gone missing.

Though she grieved with Ahnka over the loss of his brother, she knew there was still plenty of work to be done. Taking to caring for the cattle almost immediately, Murai did their best to take what Mainaaka had taught them and apply it to the herd they were now in charge of. Though not as efficient as the behemoth, they found their own way around the animals, and quickly discovered they had a knack for spotting the ill or injured.

This would be what helped Murai make the decision to fully pursue veterinary medicine. Not only because they enjoyed it, but because they wanted to remember their dear friend in a way that he might be proud of. Ensuring the health and safety of the herd became Murai's number one priority.

Soon, this passion spread to more than just the herd that had been left behind. It became common for the ichgor to take "house calls" to other farms, and in doing so discovered they quite enjoyed the journey that came with it. Knowing Ahnka's occupation required travel as well, they pitched the idea of grabbing a caravan, and the rest is history. Murai now spends their days happily traversing the Azvirahn territory with one of their best friends, hoping that the other may rejoin them someday.