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

I think we can manage that as well. I'm certainly not opposed.

We'll get these vegetables squared away first.

Okay...! I'll look forward to it, then.

[ As for the vegetables - with the carts properly connected now, Naminé steps back to consider their work a moment before nodding. ]

I think that's worth a try, isn't it? Can you help me lift one of these?

[ The bigger vegetables are a bit much for Naminé to pick up by herself. ]

Of course. Leave the large vegetables to me.

Not all by yourself, I hope...!

[ That might not be the worst idea, actually, but! It's hard not to want to assist. ]

At least, not if I can be of any use.

[ Teamwork, and all that. ]

The vegetables are not actually all that heavy, but if you wish to assist, I won't say no.

Even just helping to create space in the cart will be enough.

Maybe not, but...

[ They. Might still be heavy to her, actually, tiny thing that she is--

That's beside the point, anyway. ]

Some of them look hard to lift alone. [ Due to their sheer size and general awkwardness of handling, that is. Regardless, ] I'll follow your lead.

I don't think you're wrong about that. But I'll give a shout if I need another pair of hands, if you're up for it.

[He's quiet for a moment, finding the right words.]

Have you done a lot of strength training?

Mm. [ Nodding her understanding, ] I'll do what I can.

[ And in the meantime, she'll look over the vegetables to see if there's anything she's confident she can lift by herself... until that question, anyway. Looking up at him a little as if startled, ]

I... no, not much. [ With a touch of guilt, ] But I know that I should.

We can start working that in, along with the magic lessons.

It can be easy to miss.

[He is, probably guilty of skipping it to read more.]

[ Finally acquiring a vegetable she can lift, she hefts it with a small effort. Not quite as difficult as she'd thought, but-- ]

Yes, that-- would help, I think. Thank you, Master Ira. I'm, um... sorry in advance, if it's hard to make me stronger.

[ She's not really built for high strength stats, skinny twig that she is. ]

It is quite alright.

[Hopefully he comes off as encouraging, and reassuring.]

If nothing else, we can hopefully get you to a point where vegetables aren't an issue.

[ Naminé looks suitably bashful despite her gratitude as she carefully maneuvers the vegetable into one side of the cart. Still, she can find it in herself to expel a little giggle at her own expense. ]

That would come in handy...! Especially if we're going to keep doing farm work now and again.

It does seem to be a common task for us. It will be worthwhile, I assure you. And it does allow for a visit to the hot springs afterwards.

I believe you.

[ She has faith that her skills will improve under his tutelage!! Inasmuch as they can, anyhow. With kind amusement, ]

By the sound of things, I'm going to be seeing a lot more of the hot springs than I ever have before.

I would hope that that is a good thing. They are rather pleasant to visit.

[ With a hint of a laugh, ]

It is...! It's just that I've never really done it my own very much, that is. I... guess I'm still used to staying close to home.

[ Out of necessity in the past, and habit now. Not that most of the places that applied to in the past were 'home'. ]

There is nothing wrong with that. It's not often I find myself in the area, but I've learned it's also important to venture further afield.

You're right about that, I think.

[ Commented as she's continuing to load some of the smaller vegetables, turning up a smile at him sidelong. ]

But I do get a little nervous when I travel too far out all alone. [ Even Sora always had company. She's ventured places alone before, but there are always risks, even in a world as relatively peaceful as this one. ] Maybe it's just that I need to keep getting stronger.

I'm sure it will help, as confidence will also come as you grow your abilities.

But if you ever need company, I am usually available. And can certainly make time.

[He doesn't exactly have a strict schedule to contend with.]

Confidence... By now I should be working on that too, shouldn't I?

[ That's one of those other things she's never had much talent for, like physical strength. She has the boldness to do what needs doing, but when it comes to believing in herself... she shakes her head, then glances up in surprise at his further words. ]

Really? You wouldn't mind? [ A beat; she hadn't thought of that option before, yet when she does-- ] I suppose I assumed you'd always be busy, like adults usually seem to be.

[ A funny notion, really, considering she's on the cusp of adulthood herself at this point. ]

I suppose, but one step at a time. And I've found that working on one will usually help improve the other.

[He's seen it before in many students. Getting better in one area usually leads to improvement in all.

Though he has to laugh at the next assumption.]

But no, I wouldn't mind at all. I'm really not all that busy and it's rare that I have a task that cannot be put off.

Were we under different circumstances and I was still beholden to my Union, perhaps, but in this place, not so much.

[ He's surely right on that first point - though Naminé's more distracted by the laughter. She looks momentarily bashful before a smile flickers over her own face as well, late but genuine. ]

That's true. Around here, things move much more slowly for most of us than they did before.

[ A cushy lifestyle for all, to be sure, both in terms of survival and of general comfort. ]

In that case... I'll try not to become too much of a nuisance.

[ But still avail herself of his assistance a normal, unobtrusive amount! It might be good for both of them, honestly. ]

Very much so.

But I don't think you could ever be a nuisance.

[He's that teacher that probably shouldn't play favourites, but also kind of does.]

[ Well and truly sheepish - yet fondly so - Naminé tilts her head with her tiny, ]

No?

[ Playing favorites, indeed. ]

Maybe - that just means you're too kind to think of me as one...!

Perhaps. But you also rarely give me a reason to worry about you.

[Well, maybe she does, but in a different way than he worries about someone like Sora.]

{ a bit leafy }

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