songerein | { a bit leafy }

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{ a bit leafy }

A BIT LEAFY

More details on everything can be found here.

I. LEAF STORM

II. INFESTATIONS

COMMENTS

I. LEAF STORM

During the first week of November, a storm of leaves will pass through town. It starts innocuous enough, with just a bluster of leaves carried in the wind that looks normal for the changing of the season. But as the days progress, there are large bursts even downpours of leaves that just fall all over town. And with this storm come strange things…

A. Leaf Monsters. As the leaves pile up and people attempt to rake and blow them away, there will be some strange movement...until it's revealed that oddly shifting pile of leaves suddenly rises up to try and attack, blasting sharp leaves and even trying to "engulf" the unexpecting, trapping them in piles of leaves. Time to deal with this sudden leaf invasion! (Note: the leaf monsters will be most active during the first week of the month and then taper off by the end of the second week. By mid-month, only a few will pop up here and there.)

🔥 Burn Burn Burn! Using any kind of wind will only disperse the leaf monster and make them split into more. They need to be destroyed completely, and the best way is through fire. Dreamotion fire especially.
🪤 Trapped. But be careful with that fire! There may be those trapped within the leaf monster itself, and burning it may hurt those inside. This is the one time using wind to disperse the leaves may be warranted, but maybe a "controlled blast" will help to keep the monster from spreading.
🐌 Animal Aid. While fire is the most effective, there are other methods—mainly through certain critters. The chickens around that statue from the Dream Board could probably help scratch and break them apart. Finding some special rainbow snails from the lake just south of town will also help as their glittery slime will not only trap the leaves, but also break them down quickly.

B. Leafever. The strange leaf storm and the leaf monsters are also bringing a strange cold-like disease, likely spread through the pollen or spores attached to the leaves. Those who get caught by the leaf monsters are most likely to catch it. Fortunately the effects are mild and only last a few days, week at most, but can be caught multiple times. There is also a cure, but it requires the same leaves that brought it.

🤧 Achoo! While having the leafever overall feels no different than a bad cold, some of the symptoms and side effects are a lot more…unusual with little consistency between individuals. Some may find themselves sneezing bubbles, others secreting slime as they sweat, and all dreamotion effects going haywire.
♨ Incense Burner. One way to help ease and lessen the effects of the leafever is to burn the leaves in a special incense burner infused with special dreamotion focused on healing and soothing emotions. A special stone must also be used, and it can only be found in the hot spring caves in Dragefjell, Dragon Island.
🍂 Leaf Sap. For the actual remedy, sap must be collected from the leaf monsters. How? Well—that's for everyone else to figure out, good luck. Maybe try squeezing the leaves? Or cook them?

C. Dryad. The most severe side effect of the leafever is the individual slowly turning more tree-like, some becoming similar to dryads. There are no serious side effects and will only last for about a day or two. In fact, those who "turn dryad" will feel healthier and livelier than usual. But it may be an interesting experience regardless.

🌲 A bit stiff. As the skin turns more bark-like and limbs become a bit more "wooden," those affected may find their movements a bit more limited at first. A bit of exercise and a gallon of water dumped on them will help loosen them up.
🌷 In tune to nature. While in this state, there will be an increased sense of awareness regarding all things plant. This includes the leaf monsters, allowing them to sense and pinpoint any that may be hiding or lurking around. There will also be a brief time where they can even control and call upon plants to do their bidding.
🍃 Big shed. When the symptom finally ends, all the leaves, branches, and bark will just fall completely off the individual and they will return completely normal without a single blemish. …And clothes. Hope this isn't happening out in public, ahem.

II. INFESTATIONS

With the changing of the seasons, all kinds of critters are either passing through on their migratory route…or burrowing in to start hibernation. Usually it's not a problem, but perhaps due to all the strange dreamotion energy flux over the past year, the creatures are behaving a little differently and getting in the way more than usual. The storm of leaves isn't helping matters, aiding in some of them to travel through. While some will appear during it, the majority will cause problems from around the second week onward.

A. Bugged Trees. Those living in treehouses are going to have a bit of a time as a number of insects will be looking to find a new place to chill during winter. Specifically, their home. Those who are under the dryad effect may want to be careful of any bugs that may be attracted to them.

🪲 Giant Beetles. Some may remember these fellows from previous years. The beetles are quite friendly, but they are quite large, large enough to ride on. They can also cause some rough damage on gardens and yards, their massive size creating large holes as they burrow into the ground. However, some are really useful with their pincers, capable of pruning unwanted branches. If not chasing them away, perhaps one could use them instead? (Especially against leaf monsters.)
🐞 Ladybugs. These ladybugs are average sized (thank goodness), but they have quite the attitude. Preferring colorful and well tended flowers, they will speak their mind should they find any that are wilting. They will also drop critiques on anyone with poor etiquette and living poorly. Those who have well kept homes will have an easier time with them…and also suffer large groups coming in hosting parties in the branches.
🦗 Crickets. The crickets are of the musical sort, ready to put on a performance to try and endear themselves to receive temporary lodging. Just for a few days! Their range of music is wide, from classical to punk rock to country to jazz to even rap. And while they try to be polite, well… Sometimes music jams happen whether they should or not. Like late at night. Crickets are nocturnal after all.

B. Migration Migraines. As if dealing with bugs wasn't enough, other critters are either migrating or looking to hibernate around town. One would think the Wildlands would have plenty to offer, but some may find the easy access to food in town a bit more enjoyable.

🦡 Honeycomb Badgers. These interesting looking badgers have a honeycomb for a back. While they will dig up gardens in search of tasty flowers, they need to "shed" their honeycomb and are deliberately going to people to offer it. They are not harmed and will just reveal normal fur beneath before a new honeycomb forms.
🦒 Flying Giraffes. A flock of large winged giraffes will be flying in and roosting on various tall buildings. They act a lot like Canadian geese, so…beware.
🐻 Cotton Bears. These cute little bears look like they could be living teddy bears with how small and plush they appear. And for winter, they are looking to sleep somewhere nice, soft, and warm. Like a bed. Now they don't really care if they are occupied or not, so maybe it would be better if some dens and beds could be made for them instead.

C. Field Foes. The farms situated around the outskirts of town are preparing to harvest their fields, but there's trouble. Unless it gets sorted quick, food might be harder to come by for the winter!

🌾 Scarecrow Rebellion. Something is wrong with the scarecrows, but no one is sure what. They're either sitting in the fields not trying to shoo away the numerous wildlife that have decided to come through, or actively waving their pitchforks at the very gardeners and farmers they're supposed to help. Perhaps they feel a bit underappreciated so some word of thanks could help them get back to work. In the meantime, some help clearing out the fields of unwanted visitors, especially the crows, will be needed.
🍄 Hopped Up Hares. Among the unwanted "vermin" are some hares that have somehow gotten into some…strange green mushrooms that have made them behave a bit erratic. They're digging up tunnels, wearing carrots on their heads, and stare blankly out into the distance. Catch them and drive them away! And maybe feed them some special pellets that will help cure them of their, uh, "ailment." It's not recommended to eat the mushrooms should they be found, but if one does…well, enjoy the same dizzying, heightened experience the hares did.
🍆 Oversized Veggies. Some young "genius" thought creating a special formula mixed with dreamotion would help the crops grow larger and faster. However, it only caused the vegetables to overgrow to as large as an adult person and are now rolling dangerously through the fields. Some even get into town! Pumpkins, carrots, lettuce, corn, potatoes, cabbages—all manner of vegetables are rolling around, so stop them before they cause too much destruction.

I. LEAF STORM

II. INFESTATIONS

COMMENTS

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[ If there's one thing that works in Trahearne's favor, it's that this illness—he wouldn't call it that—gives those afflicted a faint emotional connection to plants. And since it works both ways, he can sense the monsters as well, yes, but he can also tell who has changed.

So the presence of an unusual "statue" tips off to him immediately that this is a person afflicted by the transformation.

Trahearne approaches, confident he cannot scare her, since she will sense him just as he senses her. He leans down to lay a comforting hand to her shoulder, and greets her with a concerned gaze should she look at him. ]

Oh, dear. [ His voice is low, smooth, caring. ] Not even my siblings with the strongest roots ever remained physically bound to one place. This, I would readily call an affliction.

[ He kneels before her, slowly. ]

Do you need help?

[ It is by the grace of someone else's memories that she isn't shocked by the connection that establishes itself. It feels like standing the sunlight after a long day inside, feels like Spring breeze come home after a long Winter. Right, in it's own existence, something she has known for decades and millennia and a lifetime ago. So no, really, he has no reason to worry of frightening her.

He has the voice of an older sibling. Perhaps in another life, she might not have cared to note this detail. There is a flicker of familiarity upon her: She has met Aglovan, after all, thought him impossibly patient and kind. It must be something they are all gifted with, his family.

A silence greets Trahearne before Zelda finally manages to whet her whistle enough to speak. ]

Moving... is difficult. [ Inhale, exhale, something like a sickly human's breathing. Shaky. But not afraid— no, not really. ] I could sleep here for a long time, until it goes away, if that's your idea. [ Her resignation is disguised as a tease; easier to joke than show the vulnerability of being wholly what you hate, after all. ]

[ Trahearne, in all his patience, would have waited a little while before deciding she can't speak anyway, and so that she actually does reply to him is a great relief.

He studies her for a moment as she speaks, sympathizing with the difficulty she goes through to do so. Flesh-creatures not used to being plants must find this difficult, don't they? ]

No, of course not. [ The corner of his mouth tugs into a small smile. ] You are in pain. I want to help you.

[ He brushes a finger over the bark, contemplating the quality of it. ]

Have you had any water?

Edited 2023-11-22 20:22 (UTC)

[ Perhaps she just isn't that far gone enough, or just plain stubborn. He'll have to decide before long. She hesitates in her response, voice caught in her husk-coated vocal chords. It could probably be shaken away with a great deal of force, or peeled simply— but a dousing of cold water might get the film to crack and loosen on it's own. ]

It is difficult. [ The admission feels shockingly human to her. She wants to thank him for the opportunity. ]

To drink? [ She laughs; it is more akin to a gentle rustling of leaves than a giggle. ] No, in fact.

[ ... Unless... Oh, does she stink?! How mortifying! ]

All right.

[ No, she doesn't stink. But Trahearne has noticed a strange symptom of the affliction that does not quite line up with his own people. Where his body is equipped to get moisture from food, it seems the bark does not connect to the flesh in the same way. Unfortunate, really.

He pats her head. ] It may help. I'll be right back.

[ And so, the sylvari leaves...

...But he returns several minutes later, likely a very short amount of time in comparison to how long Zelda may have been sitting there, with a pail of water in hand. And without warning, he unceremoniously dumps it over her head, a cascade washing over her and pooling on the ground at their feet. ]

[ It really is only a blink of an eye to her, for many reasons. That stretch of time might as well have been nothing— but the water that he douses her with, grateful as she is for it, ]

Oh!

[ It really isn't the season to be cold and wet outside. Not that it is his fault, of course, so Zelda bites her lip to swallow down the yelp of shock, and lets the water wash away the sickness. The bark peels back, little cracked brown ribbons curling away from skin the color of peach flesh. As it strips away, it leaves in it's wake the image of a girl with long, golden hair, elfin ears that reach for the sky with it's tips, and glowing hair ornaments. They look like they're shaped glass, wrapped around the hair that frames her face, which is... perhaps more than a bit familiar. But the chin is longer, cheeks only slightly more angular. Less of an exact reflection, and more like a recreation from memory, you might say.

When she opens her eyes, they're blue, a bit tired, and slow to rise towards him. Despite the chill, there's warmth in her stare, a smile that appears as easily and quickly as raindrops, and a little giggle that tumbles past her lips. He carried no hesitancy in his work! ]

Thank you, but you must be really used to this by now, right? You knew so quickly what to do. I'll have to keep it in mind.

[ ...the giggle stops only when a crinkled leaf puffs out of her mouth, floating to the ground pathetically. Well. ]

[ Oh. As he drops the pail beside him once again, he watches in awe as the water does something he does not quite expect. His brows shoot up, and amber eyes widen as a flesh girl emerges from the old bark like a butterfly from its chrysalis. The bark must have been old, the affliction run its course, and needed one final push to free the girl form her trappings.

It takes a moment for Trahearne to get his bearings in his surprise, and he's met with yet another one when he looks at the face and finds it...vaguely familiar. He tilts his head to study her, not being able to place it immediately. ]

Much the opposite, my friend. It seems we were lucky the bark only needed a bit of force to free you; I thought a bit of moisture might allow you to move better.

[ He watches the leaf leave her mouth, blinks, then goes back to studying her. ]

How do you feel?

[ Surprise overtakes her expression, and Zelda looks away from his face to the ground. Of course— nothing is ever as it's planned with her. She's always at the whims of something bigger than the rest of them all, even if those whims are still her own. She doesn't say anything, even as a whispering inch of sadness creeps int her gaze. ]

What a shame... I liked being a tree. [ How lovely it is to not be yourself for a moment. To not be a Zelda! She peels away another strip that clings to her, tender flesh revealed quickly there after. With a hum, she nods, still not looking at him. "Ashamed" and "disappointed" seems a bit heavy for a first meting, yes. ]

I'm very thankful for your interference, though. I owe ya' one. [ Raising her head, finally, she beams brightly and quips, ] This kindness is something I'm familiar with. It must run in your family.

[ Aglovan did put up with all her questions— and then a demand to go carve pumpkins together. ]

[ Ah, there's a technical term—sylvari. Trahearne considers himself lucky that he hasn't been called a tree or a shrub too many times in Songerein. But the thought causes a little smile to cross his face.

And when she looks up at him, he nods. His thought process goes one way but then quickly veers the other when she brings up family. It takes a moment, but he eventually gets it, his leafy brows raising slightly in surprise. ]

Oh, you've met my brother?

[ That kindness is the first thing she associates with his little brother has him beaming with pride! He's a good sapling (he's not a sapling anymore). ]

[ He understands! Fantastic, because she's fairly sure Aglovan told her the actual terminology, and she'd be a little embarrassed to explain that being overcome with an illness made her turn into one of his own. That seems a little bit rude, no? So, instead, she smiles, noting the proud in his expression; it reminds her of her father when one of her teachers praised her performance in class. He must be a terribly sweet man, then. ]

He accompanied me in the labyrinth for the harvest festival where we all dressed up. I missed you, but he was happy to let me demand we carve pumpkins together. [ With a laugh, she shyly continues... ] And he let me have some of his candy, too. I really owe the both of you.

[ It's hard for Trahearne to not be proud of everything Aglovan does, because if he is the standard of what the sylvari of the future are like, then Tyria is truly in good hands.

That's neither here nor there, however—this terribly familiar young lady is here instead. There's a little tilt to Trahearne's head as he tries to think about what she could possibly be talking about, because he doesn't remember any labyrinths or pumpkin carvings or—

Oh. ]

Ah. [ Understanding crosses his expression with a hint of sheepishness, and he gives a very quiet chuckle. ] I...believe I may have been asleep during the previous festivities, unfortunately.

[ The note of embarrassment coloring his body language certainly is not lost to her, but she only laughs at him. ] It's not a problem. I'm sure he could tell you about it better than me, but it was my first time taking place in that kind of holiday.

[ Hm, but. ]

Are you... the older sibling, then?

[ Laughing at him? bro...

Though he knows Halloween, and always finds himself partial to it (not because he's secretly goth, or anything). One time a year the people of Tyria come together from all over to celebrate the spookiest... Though his thoughts on the festivities are quickly wiped from his mind when she asks her question. ]

The oldest sibling, actually. [ He seems quite proud of himself when he beams at her. For a moment, he opens his mouth to say more, but decides this is a conversation better had not in the middle of the street. ]

Why don't we sit somewhere for a bit? If you don't mind, of course—I'd like to talk with you a little longer, and you must be exhausted from your affliction.

[ Rule number one is that Zelda has not learned to laugh with you yet!!

Looking up at him should make him harder to read, but a lifetime of being the ever-curious daughter of the school's headmaster has taught her to never look away from what she wants to know. It helps, perhaps, that she's more than fine with being rude and staring. At least he knows that it's unlikely she means to be cruel or confused in her attention.

Although his correction of her use of oldest sibling is noted with a near unhealthy amount of curiosity, she also notices he's just as attentive as she. He must notice the way she looks a little weak in the eyes, the lack of sleep tucked into her blue gaze, or maybe it's the way her back isn't perfectly straight: yes, she's tired, a bit worn down. The only pause she offers him in her response is the beat of time it takes for Zelda to giggle. She sees where his sibling got it all from, certainly. ]

That's true, and kind of you... So you know a nice place to be seated for a bit? [ She's already looking around the world enveloping them, speaking with a smile. ] Although this isn't the Surface I know, I feel like I've been learning about it from people... Your sibling's tales of your home were interesting. Hallows' Ween must be a lot more fun with a family by your side.

[ And Trahearne, luckily, is used to a lifetime of staring, to the point that he doesn't really notice her looking him at the way she does. But he does, notice, of course, the human signs of tiredness on her face. And while he's happy to talk of his people at length, it's not at the expense of another's well being.

He's already turning to walk to one cafe in particular as she begins to talk; it's not far, and he knows their refreshments are good. Hopefully it'll be enough to tide her over before she gets back to her real home for a real rest. ]

I suppose it would be. [ His mind wanders briefly before he decides to elaborate. ] I'd never had much of a chance to celebrate with my siblings, as it were. I was often traveling on my own during that time of the year.

[ Questions he has for her, what the Surface might refer to, why does she call Halloween that, are tucked away for later. ]

[ Her face becomes awash with sympathy as she cranes her neck up to look at him, overwhelmed with pity and regret. She had not expected that he had routinely missed out on a ghoulish night of revelry like that, as if it were his own ritual to enact yearly, but the thought strikes her as remarkably sad. ] What? "Often"? Is that true?

[ But her traveling companion had seemed so familiar with it! How sad... ]

We'll make up for it with the next one, then. [ "We," yes. She won't tolerate this sad turn of events. ] Let's pull you from that work pile for a festive night when the time comes. You can only work hard when you live hard, as well.

[ Trahearne chuckles, and at once finds himself a bit embarrassed by the sudden aggressive display of care. It really isn't a big deal, in his mind. At home, he always had more important matters to attend to. This time, he simply wasn't awake for it. These things happen, and there will be more Halloweens.

Regardless— ]

I appreciate that.

[ They come to a little cafe, one nestled between two bigger buildings, with a little patio table and two chairs sitting outside the front window. Trahearne places his hand on the table as a sign for her to sit, but then tilts his head. Before they continue this conversation, there is one important matter that needs attention. ]

I realise I never asked your name. Forgive my manners. [ Whoops! ] My name is Trahearne. Who might you be?

Trahearne, [ she tries his name on, trying to figure out the way it works in his mouth. It isn't hard, of course, but she's a perfectionist. She looks away from him as she does this, one brow furrowing with the test-run of his name. Then, when she nods and turns back to him, a smile is back on her face, and she sits next to him, hands settling politely on her lap. ]

It isn't just you who forgot their manners. It's easy to fall into conversation. [ Simply, easily, like she isn't about say something ridiculous. ] My name is Zelda. This is the first time I've been on the surface alone, so I'd love to hear everything you know about it.

[ Oh. Hm. Another Zelda? Is this why he finds her company so favorable, even though they've just scarcely met?

Trahearne visibly brightens at the mention of wanting to know what he knows, and his lips part for a second, ready to speak. But, not yet. ]

Then you've found the right person.

[ They should sit and enjoy their refreshments first. Especially for this new other Zelda. He gestures to one of the café seats. ]

Please, sit. I'll be right back with some drinks for us.

[ And he dips inside without waiting for her to speak. Brb... ]

[ He calls himself the right person, and Zelda's smile blooms with relief. She'll have to ask him about any libraries around, then; he must be the sort to tend to one, or spend much of his day in it. With a nod, she seats herself, pulling out a seat next to another.

But before he goes: ]

I'll pay you back as soon as I can.

No need.

[ There's no money here!

But anyway, the door swings open again upon his return. In his hands is a tray of two steaming mugs and two cakes. One for each. There's a sweet, spiced aroma that wafts on the steam from the mugs, and the cakes are earthy in tone, topped by a little chestnut each.

He sets the tray down as he sits, and removes his drink and cake from it. ]

Chestnut sponge cake and pumpkin spice lattes. [ He lets her know what they are first, of course. What he doesn't tell her is that they're memories of someone else, one who is gone a year now. ] I hope it gives you enough energy for the rest of the day.

[ He's gone before she can puff out her cheeks and prattle off a list of her skills in some attempt to convince him she can pay him back, can do something for him. When he returns, she's sitting with her hands in her lap, looking around in interest, as if she's seeing this all for the first time. In fact, his voice gets her to snap her head back 'round in surprise, and she stands quickly to try and help him place what he's come back with. ]

They look scrumptious. [ There's a little giggle trapped in her throat, but she cuts it off to look at him quite pointedly: ]

What is a latte? [ She was not kidding, apparently, about having questions about the Surface. ]

[ While he doesn't need to, Trahearne cups his hands around the mug of his coffee anyway, letting the warmth seep into his skin. It's a nice sensation, one slightly reminiscent of the summer sun. But the rest of him isn't cold (it rarely ever is), so it serves no further purpose. ]

Coffee cut with milk. [ He brings it to his lips, but doesn't drink yet. ] It softens the bitter flavours of the coffee, and perhaps makes it a bit easier to drink for those perhaps not used to it.

[ And he flashes another smile before taking a sip. ]

Not used to it... Oh! How did you know my next question was, "What is coffee?" [ Laughing, she mimics Trahearne, cupping her hands around the mug and settling in to try it. It is... sweeter than she expected, but more importantly: ]

When you said pumpkin, I thought it'd be most similar to pumpkin soup...

[ Trahearne makes a guttural sound that would have turned out to be an oh— if his mouth weren't otherwise already occupied. He quickly sets his drink down and gulps. ]

Unfortunately, no. I believe the pumpkin is just a flavoring added to it. [ Does it even taste like pumpkin...? His taste buds are so busted, he doesn't really know. ] Coffee is a bitter drink made from the beans of the cacao tree. It's often used as a stimulant to keep one awake.

[ Curious, though. He, and many others, have taken this drink for granted. ]

Do you not have coffee in your world?

{ a bit leafy }

iii jumps into your arms

trahearne my beloved

he blows a kissy

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I DETEST YOU SO DEEPLY AAAA

POINTS AND LAUGHS!!!

loudly crying face emoji loudly crying face emoji loudly crying face emoji

you walked right into my trap

😭

i win :)

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