songerein | { a bit leafy }

Entry tags:

{ 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

[You're welcome! Now please keep helping with those vegetables!!!]

I cannot imagine why. Unless you haven't had much opportunity to showcase such skill?

[He's helping, he's helping! Kind of. With another strong tornado-like gust, Revali takes to the air again, sending more vegetables tumbling away from any high value targets. Trees, however, may end up with a sweet potato impaled in their branches, but that's all due to the wind.

He looks off at the field that all these vegetables seem to be rolling from, and yep--there are still more coming. Is it his place to give the person responsible a dressing down for sheer stupidity? Not at all. Will he do it anyway if he finds the person? Most likely.]

I've yet to meet anyone here with a true understanding or appreciation for flight. Most are incapable of it under normal circumstances.

[Plus, being a giant bird tends to be a bit of a distraction...]

We should move closer to the field. Stop them before they even leave.

I agree!

[With both of Revali's statements, even if the insinuation is towards the latter. Joshua realizes that's the case--but he doesn't say anything to correct any potential misunderstandings. It's probably for the best that he doesn't.]

[Instead he glances up towards the field and begins making his way--alas, on foot--towards it. He throws up the occasional barrier along the way, but they're far less potent than before. If they're going to try to head things at the pass, then he'll need to conserve his energy for that.]

You've a sharper eye and a better vantage point than I. Please direct me where you see fit, and I will follow.

[When Joshua is right, he's right! Revali very much agrees; he has a sharper eye and a better vantage point. Humans that are agreeable and not as weirdly quiet and stubborn as a certain hero of the wild are, while not quite as great as being around other Rito, perhaps the best company in this world. In his totally unbiased opinion, of course.

Agreeing with Joshua's very reasonable suggestion, Revali swoops ahead to get a better view of the field producing all these monster veggies. He can't find any person responsible up there (unless they already got smashed by a potato, rest in piece), but what he does see isn't promising. As the veggies roll through the field, they keep setting off chain reactions, knocking off other veggies in their path and pushing them along. A cascading chain reaction of salad.]

Head up from the right. You'll have a clearer path to the field that way. It won't do us any good if you're flattened by produce.

[He’ll happily take second best to Rito randos if it means that Revali’s having a good time (and not being insufferable)!]

[Joshua obediently follows Revali’s direction, running along the path with longer strides now that he’s out of the main stream of vegetables. Part of him still can’t get over how he’s able to actually push his body like this without inciting a coughing fit, and he takes a moment to enjoy it.]

[Said moment is brief, though, as he returns his focus to his job.]

[Soon enough, Joshua makes it to the pinnacle of this upside-down salad bowl and quickly surveys the situation. It’s not ideal.]

To burn or contain… that is the question.

Contain, I'd say. Unless you've worked up an appetite after such a short trip.

[There's more than just carrots here, if you were hungry, Joshua. Just saying.]

Burning without containing could easily make things worse.

[And even with Dreamotion, Revali's preference is for wind, not for anything that could put out a giant blazing vegetable. Wind would only make that worse.]

[Counterpoint: all vegetables are gross and should disappear.]

[But also containing them is without a doubt the best call.]

You’re right.

[He needs a moment to catch his breath, wholly unused to this level of exercise, but Joshua uses that time to formulate a plan.]

I can start at the southeast corner. Would you be able to work from the opposing side?

[Taking orders is usually not something Revali is happy to do, but in this case, he doesn't mind much. Perhaps because it's more of a suggestion than a demand that would cause him to be contrary. Either way, he gives Joshua's plan a very slight nod of his head in agreement, but not before scrutinizing his humanoid companion for just a moment. It doesn't take a bird-eyed observation to notice Joshua is a bit winded.]

Are you going to be able to handle that?

[His attitude is, as always, snarky at best, but he's asking out of actual concern at the moment.]

[Joshua meets Revali's gaze with a determined nod, his weariness momentarily masked by a steely resolve.]

I can do it.

[He does his best to suppress any signs of his fatigue. As he moves towards the southeast corner, he begins to channel his dreamotion, a soft glow enveloping his hands.]

[Positioned at the designated spot, Joshua extends his arms, palms facing the ground. A surge of energy courses through him, manifesting in ethereal fire that weaves itself into a wall. Focused on his task, he orchestrates the magical barrier to gently encase the unruly magical vegetables, containing their unpredictable growth.]

[The strain of the exertion is evident on Joshua's face, beads of perspiration forming on his forehead. Yet, he remains steadfast, determined to see the task through. The magical energy responds to his command, forming a protective barricade that slowly but steadily brings the situation under control.]

[Well, if Joshua wants to do it, who is Revali to tell him otherwise? Everyone knows their own personal limits better than any stranger might, and really, a little pushing past limits never hurt him, so he thinks it's fine. That won't stop him from sparing a glance or two back at Joshua just to make sure he hasn't passed out or anything, of course. It would only make things worse for everyone if his partner here was unable to do his task and ended up in even more carrot conundrums or potato peril than they started with.

While Joshua forms his barrier, Revali focuses on blowing back any escaping veggies, keeping them from leaving the fields in the other directions. But soon enough, the veggies seem to stop altogether, and connecting the dots, he can only assume Joshua had something to do with it. When he's satisfied that the other crops aren't about to bound away to freedom, Revali hops over, standing next to Joshua to get a closer look at what he's doing.]

Not bad.

[He doesn't answer right away. Joshua feels the weight of Revali's gaze as he channels the last remnants of conviction-fueled dreamotion into maintaining the barrier. His breaths come a bit more labored, but he steels himself against the encroaching fatigue.]

[The magical barrier solidifies, holding the unruly vegetables within its confines. Joshua lowers his arms, the soft glow fading from his hands. He turns to Revali, managing a weary yet satisfied smile.]

Thank you.

[His shoulders slump as the immediate pressure subsides, the aftermath of exertion settling in. The color (what little of it he had) has drained from his face, and Joshua takes a moment to catch his breath. He wipes his forehead with the back of his shaking hand. Then, he meets Revali's gaze once again, gratitude peeking through the lethargy in his eyes.]

Your help was crucial. I admit this would have been a nigh impossible task without it.

[As little as he knows of humans, he knows looking like that doesn't mean anything good. While he looks over Joshua a bit skeptically, he's not about to call him out just yet. But, he figures they may as well loiter here for a bit, not to catch their breath, but to make sure the vegetables don't break free. Yep, that's the real reason.]

What sort of power is that, anyway? Some kind of sealing power?

[He nods in response to Revali's skeptical scrutiny, acknowledging the toll the magical exertion has taken on him. However, the lingering gratitude in Joshua's eyes remains.]

Back home, my magicks focused on fire and healing. Creating barriers fell under that domain as well, tangentially.

It has taken some coaxing, but that power translated well to dreamotion.

[As he speaks, Joshua straightens, though the weariness is still evident in his posture. He glances at the magical barrier, ensuring it remains stable.]

[Despite the fatigue, there's a flicker of enthusiasm in Joshua's voice as he discusses his unique ability. The magical prowess seems to be second nature to him; an integral part of who he is.]

And, well, it seems to have worked for our vegetable situation.

[He actually looks interested as Joshua explains his powers. It's not something that feels totally alien to him; powers like this weren't unheard of in Hyrule, at least not among the people he flocked around. But it still feels a bit different, a bit more heavy on exertion than anything like Urbosa's lightning or Mipha's healing.

But then again, he has no idea how hard either of those skills were for the two other Champions to actually use.]

Does it vanish if you lose focus?

That... is a very good question, my friend.

[It isn't as though he's had to corral a herd before, let alone one made up of plants. The closest he's gotten was boxing up a sort-of god, and even that was less difficult than this mess.]

[Still, it stands to reason that the barrier would stand, provided he bolsters it with enough energy.]

[But he has an idea.]

How much experience do you have in providing supportive dreamotion?

[How much experience does he have? a grand total of none whatsoever. Revali generally, even here, tends to prefer solo work. Support isn't really his style, receiving or giving; he's more about taking action directly.

But on the other wing, he's never been one to turn down a challenge of any sort. Dreamotion, and use of it that he never bothers to use at that, is a great way to adapt and strengthen his existing talents, even he can see that. And supportive though it may be, he's still being asked to try it, which is different, in his bird brain.]

I'm sure I can try. What do you want me to do?

[Joshua considers the offer for a moment, recognizing that this could be a lot to ask, and Revali's willingness to help is a sign of trust (to some degree, at least). Silent gratitude towards the gesture lingers in his tone as he explains the task at hand.]

Pray lend me some of your dreamotion. I can guide you through the process.

With it, I can bolster the barrier's stability. That should keep it intact even after I stop actively feeding it.

[As he awaits Revali's response, Joshua silently muses about the fact that the Rito didn't balk at being called his friend. Perhaps it's an oversight, but it's one that Joshua is happy to accept.]

[Acknowledging friendship isn't the cool thing to do, Joshua. Would he ever say it aloud? Likely not. Does he even really know what "friends" are? Also questionable. But he doesn't mind Joshua, and if the human wants to call people "friend," it's not as if he can stop it.

Revali considers Joshua's response for all of a second or two before nodding in agreement. In any other case, he might bristle at the implication that he can't do it without guidance, but this seems like something Joshua has actually practiced.]

Guide away.

[Joshua, noting Revali's agreement, offers a warm yet focused demeanor as he guides the Rito through the process. He starts with a gentle prompt, encouraging Revali to focus on positive emotions.]

Close your eyes, Revali, and let your mind drift to a moment of genuine joy or tranquility. It could be a memory, a place, or even a sensation. Whatever brings forth a sense of calm and contentment.

Now, imagine those emotions flowing, a gentle stream of warmth and light. Feel it coursing through you, gathering in your core.

[He pauses, allowing Revali a moment to immerse himself in the envisioned positive energy.]

When you're ready, visualize directing that flow toward me. Picture it merging with my dreamotion, becoming a complement to the barrier I'm maintaining.

[For once in his life, Revali decides to cooperate without much arguing. He's skeptical, sure, but he shuts his beak and closes his eyes, his thoughts dwelling back to Rito village and his flight range. The winds may be rough and the weather may be chilly, but there's nowhere--either here or in Hyrule--that Revali would rather be.

It's not warmth and light that Revali manifests his dreamotion as, exactly; instead, it's wind, as strong and blustery as the wind that blows at the very flight range he's imagining. Instead of the biting chill of the Hebra peaks, however, the dreamotion is warm. A more pleasant summery breeze than a wintry chill. Mentally, he pushes that energy toward the barrier Joshua is maintaining, as if it's adding a second layer on top of what was already there.]

[As Revali visualizes and directs his dreamotion towards the barrier, Joshua senses a change in the atmosphere. The addition of Revali's dreamotion intertwines with and buoys Joshua's fiery energies, like oxygen fueling a flame. Together, the two different flows of dreamotion create a robust and harmonious barrier that shimmers with strength.]

[Joshua hadn't anticipated the unique nature of Revali's dreamotion, but the result is undeniable. The combined forces solidifies into a formidable defense that no vegetable, no matter how giant, is likely to break. That earns a sigh of a relief.]

[Slowly, Joshua's magic ebbs away. He's clearly spent, but that doesn't stop him from addressing Revali with a respectful nod.]

I believe we have been successful.

[Huh. That's unexpected, for sure. Though he's been here for months at this point, the nature of Dreamotion and how it manifests and interacts with itself and other parts of this world is still strange to Revali. It probably always will be, part of him thinks.

But understanding or not doesn't change that seemingly, the vegetable rampage has been thwarted. He doesn't quite let his guard down, but he does take a moment to peer curiously at the vegetable prison he and Joshua seem to have constructed.]

And what of you?

[you look tired, bro. need help?]

Hmm?

Just as successful, I imagine.

[He’s kidding!]

[Definitely not deflecting from how tired he feels.]

[However, Joshua is aware that he’s not exactly able to hide his weariness, so he’ll answer Revali honestly. He deserves that much, at least, for the help he’s provided.]

I will recover anon.

Thank you.

You're a better judge of your own limits than I could ever be.

[Sure, he's concerned to some extent--just don't tell anyone--but since Joshua doesn't seem on the verge of falling over and dying, things aren't as bad as they could be. That's the most important part, really. That, and--]

Without any tumbling vegetables damaging the path, it should be a peaceful walk back to town.

[Joshua smiles. A genuine, happy smile full of gratitude for Revali’s understanding. He’s used to being fussed over, so to have someone respect when he says he’s fine (even if he’s fibbing) is a welcome change.]

Indeed, it will be.

Pray accompany me along the way?

(no subject)

updrafting - 2024-02-06 03:39 (UTC) - Expand

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only