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

[ 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?

[ Expression clouded by recollection, Zelda smiles wider. Her hand rises to pluck the fork from the table, claiming one of the cakes for herself, before she says, with a laugh, ]

Other islands had it, and exporting it could be quite a journey. Skyloft had a lot, but there was still need for trade, you see. But more importantly, Father always told me I never needed it.

[ Hmm, but... ]

Most of his colleague had a taste for it. They were all scholars. That's enough to guess you're one. Would I be right?

[ Ah, that's reasonable. Just because a place happens to have something does not always mean it's readily available.

Trahearne does the same and reaches for a cake. Though his eyes briefly flit to her with a little chuckle when she says that. Maybe he's just making himself obvious with the way he got them coffee, instead of tea. ]

I would be. Very astute of you. [ He carves off a piece of his cake and studies it. ] I suppose the need to pursue knowledge over rest is a trait of scholars across all worlds.

Not very, [ Zelda quickly says, brushing off the comment. ] Skyloft was home to farmers, scholars, knights and merchants, so I know them well. Scholars always wanted to share what they knew... all of my teachers were eager to pass on their knowledge. After all, wisdom's worth may not be measured in how many who know it, but it certainly benefits from being shared.

[ The cake is good. She has not had cake in a long while, she realizes, pausing. Her body, purified for the purposes of housing divinity, had sloughed off a need for mortal wants, but Goddess, cake has a way of making her crave more of it. She pauses, and then shovels a larger spoonful into her mouth. Impa might have laughed at her for the display, she likes to think. ]

Is it nice? Being a plant.

[ She's more than a little jealous. ]

Sylvari.

[ The correction comes quick, but amicably, and with a little smile. Trahearne knows the girl means no ill, and so he believes it best she know the proper term for him and his people. No amount of "tree" and "shrub" said in a friendly tone will make up for the fact that Tyrians don't often use those words affectionately. ]

To be honest, I don't know a life different than this one. [ Well, that's not entirely true. He's experienced, briefly, being other things in dreams, and he never liked any of it. ] But not once have I ever wished to be anything but.

[ He bites into his cake, and he is pleased. It's tasty. ]

So I would say it's nice.

[ His terse correction does not sit unnoticed by her. She puts this information away for her own reference, nodding as she sips her coffee. When she lowers her cup, hold in both hands, she watches her reflection in the brown liquid, cut by little frothy cloud of milk. Always reminded of where she's from, and what she is, her elfin ears droop a little despite the hopeful smile that crosses her features. ]

Syvlari, [ she tries it out on her tongue, lips forming the word easily. ] I would have liked to be one, I think. [ Not looking at him, she leans forward for her cake again. ]

I'm sorry for rudely speaking. The sky doesn't really have anyone but Hylians in it, you see. Well— us, and our Loftwings.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

{ a bit leafy }

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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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