Chirra
Description and Characteristics
The animals stand shoulder high to a horse, but have longer necks by about two handspans, with a rabbit face. Large, rabbit-like ears, set on top of the skull and fixed forward unlike a horse's. They also have large, round, dog-like, clawed feet with thick tufts of fur between toes that aid in walking across snow.The chirra have three layers of fur to protect them from winter. The outer layer is long, coarse, and fairly waterproof. The middle layer is short and less coarse than the outer layer. The inner layer is dense, soft, fine fur that is shed annually and keeps the chirra warm during the cold months. Their thick, warm fur and gentle dispositions make them excellent stablemates for traveling in winter.
Behavior and Intelligence
Sweet-tempered and more intelligent than their mule counterparts, who will balk merely through stubbornness, a chirra will only balk if there is something wrong. A chirra will also give signs it is overburdened by laying down until the load is lightened, though it is capable of carrying half its weight.Chirras enjoy music and will singalong whenever the opportunity arises. They always hum harmonics, rather than the main melody, and in a descant will always choose the upper ranges. Though those who have heard them generally agree that chirras have lovely voices, their singing is sometimes described as eerie.
