Domestication in creatures

Whatever the lore and mythography may suggest of creatures, we can all agree on one thing now; they are pets. They are pets to us, and likely have been to the Shee also. Genetic meddling had uplifted them to a point where they can talk and be true companion animals. 

In real life, genes of labmice have recently been changed to include some talking genes¹, changing their communication patterns and taking the first step towards having talking pets.

So what domestic role has set Norns for example on the road to becoming full fledged pets to the Shee? Dogs and cats were predators, and filled domestic roles that worked well with their abilities. Chickens and rabbits were husbandry animals before they were pets. 

Considering the predatory inclination of Norns is not noteworthy, it is safe to assume either practical use or cuteness was the thing that saw their ancestors domesticated. In c3 the catalogue for the hoppity claims it is likely to be an ancestor to them. Both egg laying and fleece production might have been their use, abilities which are not diminished by uplifting, simply becoming somewhat like a natural job.

I would assume their fleece production would come in the manner of angora rabbits², with their fur simply shedding and being plucked for fiber. Mkx’s meadow norn is by no means a far fetched breed concept.

As for further domestication in the series, bees are a very obvious example. Especially in creatures 1 the bee skeps are an important part in norn food. Zander fish in c2 are unnaturally seeded from a dispenser, and pit the dog and rabbits live down in the gardens of c2. The grazers of c3 appear a likely source of the cheese throughout the series.

Could any of them be considered domesticated by Creatures? Not really. Though Creatures enjoy their benefits, they are merely passive users. They don’t house any critters, feed them leaves or seed nor actively harvest the goods. 

In theory, creatures could be programmed to bring food sources to critters, to bring critters to their respective races’ homes and actively hunt beasts and pests to protect their “livestock”. 

What do you think? Would this be a fruitful experiment, a genetic breed with the aforementioned qualities and adapted critters to go with it? I love to hear thoughts!

Sources; ¹https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/scientists-identify-a-gene-linked-to-spoken-language-and-it-makes-lab-mice-squeak-differently-180986083/

²https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Angora_wool