songerein | This Flame That Burns Inside of Me

Entry tags:

This Flame That Burns Inside of Me | OTA

Who: Soldier: 76 & Anyone
Which: Open Log | March Catch-All
Where: Farmlands, Wildlands, room attached to The Wild Harvest
What: Helping clean up the farm lands for the farmers, falling back in to old habits of spending a lot of time out in the wildlands and visiting bees, and a flower surprise that 76 has brought back to his room that's attached to The Wild Harvest pub.
Warnings: N/A, will add as any come up

Days in the Sun
A.
[76 was no stranger to farm work, far from it; he was born and raised helping out on the arm his family owned on the outskirts of Bloomington. Wasn't a big one, but enough so that he always had farm chores to do every day growing up before and after school. Weekends, too. Always had free time with that, too.

Reason that he was more than eager to get out there, burn some of the anxious energy out of himself in cleaning up the planting fields and mend broken fences to make sure none of the cows or other grazing animals kept could get in to them that easily. Also mean shoring and patching up fencing for the fields those animals would be let out in to as well.

There was a yetox close by where he was currently working on clearing a field. Grazing on a pile of weeds he'd gathered and gave to it. Still wearing a harness, but the topless wagon it was hitched to was closer to 76, filled with other debris he'd been collecting already.]

Hope you've got multiple empty stomachs, big guy. You're goin to be eating well and burning it off today.

B.
[The yetox that was out with him was currently resting in the sun, while 76 himself had spread out some fabric to sit in the shade of the wagon itself, checking over the amount of nails he had and the condition of the hammer. Just beside him was a covered basket.]

Hey.

[Passing by? There was that gruff voice-]

If you feel like it, should sit down and relax a bit. Even if not working it's quite the walk to get out here. Got a bit of food and drink. Rest up for a minute, won't kill ya.

Shade of a Forest
[Was keeping himself far more bus than usual, more so after- well, felt like a good two months or more where he just couldn't get out here like he wanted. Given the work he was doing out by the farms? He was taking it a little more easy. Not camping out in the Wildlands as he had been, but it wasn't stopping him from re-visiting some places.

Been a while since he'd gotten a good eye on the dreamhoney bees after all.

Still would be a bit of a walk, stopping by other areas in the Wildlands between each hive he knew of.]

Should probably see what I can hunt-up to bring back to the Harvest with me.

[On occasion? A rather large dreamotion made wolf would be walking either alongside or a little ahead of 76. Blue eyes scanning the area and ears on the swivel. Sometimes there'd be two more to make it three total. Moving together as a unit and sometimes one scouting ahead if something caught attention.

Rather peaceful looking should they approach someone, at least.]

Thorns & All For A Blazing Dawn
[Once the second half of the month hits, and when not working in and around the Wild Harvest itself, 76 could be found in a room connected to the pub itself and the garden as well. The walls of windows that could be easily looked in to from either passing by or from the garden itself was blocked off by various plants in pots and some rows of very colorful jaws that acted almost like stained glass by how they were arranged; a rainbow of colors and patterns. Both the plants and filled jars gave him enough privacy, so he felt.

But he was sitting on one of the cushioned benched with a pot on the table, what almost looked like a golden rose bush with glass-like blooms and buds sat before him. A gloved hand cradling one of the blooms carefully, blue eyes narrowing as he'd taken off the tactical visor part of his mask once he'd gotten it in and sat down.]

How the hell did these come from me?

[He'd gone back out, looking for the area he'd finally been pulled free and, well. 76 had found a single rose bush, just a bit below his knee in height. Looked like it had actually grown on the trip back.]

What does this even mean.

(OOC: Feel free to hit me up/PM me if nothing here catches interest. I'll also be putting some planned threads in here throughout the month.)

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[ When the hand reaches out, Sholmes can't help but tense up, but he takes a cue from 76's calm and allows the pat. It feels very much like the ent is treating him like a precocious little animal. But with hands like that ... better pet than prey, he supposes.

As he takes the ent's offering, he asks for clarification: ] Moonlight's Bloom. Is that your name? The name of this flower? ... Both?

Ah! And please allow me to introduce my companions: Mr. Soldier Seventy-Six and Dr. Mikotoba. [ He gestures to each in turn. ] Both are perfectly upstanding gentlemen, I assure you. We would very much like to learn more about this fascinating place.

[The large Ent placed a hand against their chest, fabric moving with the touch.

My designation.

Their name. A sweeping gesture back towards the trees as Moonlight tilted their head, beads clacking and glowing dawns glowing on those antlers.

This? Dragon Berry, good for refreshing and cooling down. Dragon Berry blooms sweet, nectar attract pollinators well. The words were as deep as the rumbles, and almost slow but very clear. Of course there was a not of their head at the other introductions, patting 76's shoulder before moving their hand away -a brief pat of the head as claws ruffled hair in passing.

Learning is welcome, place of ease. Rest. Garden.

There were a few theories 76 had been keeping to himself pulling together at least, smoothing some of his hair back down.]

A lot of hard work went in to getting to this point of growth, seems like.

[Moonlight nodded, turning to step a little closer to Yujin then, a hand plucking one of the Glowing Dawn flowers from an antler, and offering it towards him.

Welcome here.]

[Moonlight's words stir a bit of concern deep within Yujin. A place of ease and rest? He'd already considered it something of a sanctuary upon first sight, but this confirms it. And it leaves him wondering what they ought to do with that knowledge. The three of them have no ill intent; they're only here to learn. He would assume most other residents would be the same.

But then there are people like Reaper, whose reaction can't be predicted. This place may be disrespected if word spreads.

He accepts the flower with a hasty, flustered nod of the head.]

Oh, thank you. Thank you very much. I- We appreciate it very much.

Yes, this secret garden of yours is most impressive, Mr. Moonlight. [ Unfortunately, Sholmes is still compelled to employ a certain mode of address, even if his polite intent is undercut by anachronistic ignorance. ]

Perhaps you can provide some clarification ... [ He approaches the edge of the stream and turns to face the ent. ] The nightmare-repellent properties observed in the flora and fauna around this cave--from where do they originate? The spring water, perhaps?

[Yujin got himself a careful and light patting on the head as well, a gesture that was honestly simply part of them; a touch meant to ensure a known of good things.

Moonlights attention turned, and there was at least no offence taken as they stepped closer to Sholmes once more, head tilting for a moment before a hand pressed against their chest;

'Us', head shaking so the beads attached to antlers clacked and the blooms swayed a little. 'We create. Noticed corruption, lost some to it. Created these to ward away. Protect. Took a long time, failed attempts. Had to nurture within, and once success was found we all made sure they grew in number in soil, in this darkness, so we can gather as needed.'

A gesture towards antlers, then back to it's own chest, a tap to indicate— 'We implant it within. Nurture it along with our own forms, and it chases that energy out so it may not further take root.'

... Ah, that. 76 rested a hand just at his chest, caught for just a moment as- well. Those words really did more or less confirm that what happened was likely an attempt to help him than an attack meant to kill him. The difference was that he was not a plant.

Looking back up then, 76 moved around so that Moonlight would not have to turn so much back towards him.]

So you all not only created these flowers, but use them to help prevent nightmare energy from- from corrupting you? [The implanting them within was loud and clear, of course.

Moonlight nodded, 'An intent made physical, given a simple form. We continue to grow them like this for those who wander and want safety. To leave with some.']

[He tries not to flinch when the Ent pats his head. Really, he does. He can't quite suppress a wince, though, simply because the being is so big and regal-looking. Hopefully, Moonlight didn't take offense to that either.

But the origin of the flowers... This is a lot. Not only that, it's concerning. He thinks of his greenhouse and how far away from this place it is. Far away from the Ents. Is their nurturing necessary for the flowers' survival and effectiveness, or can they continue to exist as they are for many more years to come without the Ents? He'd hate for the batch he currently has to slowly die out after a generation or two has come to pass.]

Ah... Is it possible for mere humans like us to continue growing more in our own domain?

[ Sholmes glances at Yujin, taken by the same thought. What was the alternative? Regular treks to harvest the cave? If there were those who meant to sabotage the ents and their work, what dangers might that introduce? ]

Yes! Perhaps you can teach us to replicate your process? If it can be reliably done outside of these ... very unique conditions.

[ He looks down at the gifted willow bloom pinched in his fingers, then plucks the deer-grown Glowing Dawn from behind his ear to compare the two flowers. ]

['Yes, it is possible. The right conditions can be met outside of here.' Moonlight lifted their head, and there was a low thrumming hum made. It echoed through the cavern, everything glowing a little brighter around them for a moment.

76 couldn't help the way he turned, as for that moment the highlights peppered through the hair on his head and facial hair did the same. That? That felt a little weird, hand smoothing down over his beard, eyes following the glowing trail—

The glittering group of strange hummingbirds was very hard to miss, their feathers glittering like iridescent stones in the glow of the place. Small enough that the entire group could perch on Moonlight's hand and fingers. 'You do not need anything special, but I can gift you this charm. They are best suited to pollinate, give a stronger chance to keep growing well.' To continue to reproduce, albeit with help meant to do so.

Moonlight's hand lowered so that the small 'birds' could be better seen, while plucking a crystal from amongst similar ones hanging from their antlers, offering it to Yujin, 'Hang this above where you grow them, and the charm will come. They can sense the energy it contains within.' That pinkish purple glow within the otherwise transparent blue crystal moved, like contained lightning. It still hung from the thin yet strong cord that it had been tied by.

The two flowers Sholmes compared- while did both glow, but it was clear that one was a flower that reproduced, and the other was a blossom meant to turn in to a fruit. The blossom smelled sweet, and there was liquid held in the center that held a soft purple glow. The Glowing Dawn was larger, smelled of mint, and there was a fine dusting of pollen within its center.]

Sounds like it's very hands off, outside of gathering them as needed.

[Letting out a bit of a breath, glad when the brighter glowing to his hair finally died down. Okay, so apparently it wasn't just a strange color after the entire Glowing Dawn growing Noctaere incident.]

[When the glow increases, Yujin instinctively tosses his gaze up all around, watching the various little things as they react to the Ent's thrum. It's beautiful- breathtaking, even. The sort of sight that will stick with him forever. And then there's the hummingbirds. They're truly marvelous creatures.

For the Ent to refer to them as a 'charm' is a bit odd, but he supposes it's a cultural thing. Beings who pollinate would be seen as a good luck charm for those who cultivate flora, wouldn't they? He accepts the crystal with a careful hand, admiring the fluid glow contained within.]

Oh... Thank you very much. I'll be certain to make good use of it.

[He'll have to open some windows in the greenhouse, he thinks, to allow the hummingbirds a way inside. Build some nest boxes, perhaps, so they can rest in peace if they need to. Such creatures must be treated with all the respect they deserve.]

[ Just when Sholmes thinks the wonders have ceased, Moonlight treats them yet again. The vibration reminds him of a massive, happy cat—a distinctly warm frequency that relaxes his racing thoughts.

Soldier 76's physical reaction to the hum doesn't escape the detective's notice and, after the gift has been given to his partner, Sholmes turns back to Moonlight. ]

You mention "cultivating" these within your own forms. [ A pointed glance at 76, as he recalls the man's earlier explanation about the flowers planted on his body. ] Humans can undergo the process as well, I assume?

[Moonlight dipped their head briefly, hand turning slowly so those "hummingbirds" would lift from their hand and the charm would flit around Yujin before finding perch on head and shoulders. Investigating as if to familiarize as only any sort of animal could. Attune, almost, as it would be this exact group that would follow the crystal and the man himself.

At least they could survive without having to constantly be in some motion without worry.

It was at Sholmes' question that the Ent turned, placing hands once more on 76's shoulders after moving behind him. A thumb moved, set against the side of 76's head easily as he kept still. Moonlight made that thrumming hum once more, but far softer as they watched the glow and took it in. A hand moving as 76 let his arm lift up again; a few veins even where skin was still black glowed as well.

Moonlight let the noise die off- 'Not as well. Not a good idea for the one that would host.' Lowering down so they did not tower so much, the tips of claw-like fingers moving through the man's hair, ruffling it up a bit.

He took in a slow but deep breath, gaze catching Sholmes' gaze for a moment before he was letting it out, keeping to his feet despite the bit of extra weight on him from the large Ent-]

Never did it before the incident with me, I'm guessing? With something that wasn't full or half plant-being, I mean. [At least for his part 76 was keeping still, allowing the bit of touch without issue. If he was going to be hurt it would have happened long before any of them left the bottom of that 'ramp' they slid down.

Moonlight nodded, hand tipping- 'Left deep marks, scarring. An ending was going to be met- something prevented it.'] I'd be dead if I was your average person, or if I hadn't turned Noctaere due to it coming so close to killing me?

['A balance met. Not as once was.' Reasons 76 hadn't been attacked? Something had changed, but at a very great risk.]

[The hummingbirds getting so close to him was already a bit surprising, but to have them perch on his head and shoulders caused him to stiffen, nervous that any small movement might upset them. They seemed quite comfortable, though. Once he was certain of that much, he eased himself into a tender smile.

As for the conversation regarding the flowers 'cultivated' within 76's body, he listened with rapt attention. Fascinating. So it all had been done with good intentions. Ents must not have known much about human anatomy then, since their procedure had almost killed him. 'Left deep marks', indeed. So he turns his attention to the Ent.]

With all due respect, I would advise you not to attempt such a process with anyone else in the future. Most of us would indeed meet our end.

Yes—although I imagine partnering with a human doctor could increase the odds of success. That said, let us hope that none of our growing number will find themselves in the same dire straits as Mr. Seventy-Six.

[ As Sholmes listens, he idly offers up his pair of flower samples for the hummingbirds to enjoy. They're a far cry from the dainty things that would busy themselves at his flat's windowboxes. ]

Maintaining a healthy crop of flowers should help us avoid that. Thank you for this boon, Mr. Moonlight, and granting it so freely after what transpired in your cave.

[At the very least? Holes that 76 knew had been in his theory -once he'd been able to sit down and actually think about what the hell had happened to him- were being filled in the more Moonlight spoke. There really hadn't been an attempt at his life, given he still felt that if they had meant to kill him? He wouldn't have been clinging to life at all that dark and moonless night Reaper had found him.]

We're not really built to have foreign objects like that grow in us- and it be healthy. Usually life threatening. [To put it lightly, and as nicely as possible.

Moonlight nodded- then moved their hands underneath 76's arms to lift the man up, 'Pardon,' Briefly spoken when 76 had huffed but otherwise braced himself with the lift, hands rested on forefingers. They addressed Yujin and Sholmes then, even as they carried 76 with a long step over the glowing stream, as if expecting either or both men to follow if they so wished.

'No plans for another attempt. Rest easy. Too many differences, risk of safety learned.' A few passing Ents' heads turned to watch, briefly, before going on about their tasks and walks. Moonlight walked slowly, looking down as they stepped, 76 still held up almost like a doll. 'Much anger above. Those lost have returned to the soil, enriching it.

'We remain here, no matter. The gift of knowledge nurtured- No ill will carried, and so are welcomed. Free to come and go.' Otherwise there was a feeling they may not have discovered -let alone fallen in to- this place.

Moonlight finally set 76 down on his feet, and carefully fished two fingers in to the bag settled against his back to pluck out an empty jar. The lid was taken off as Moonlight kneeled down by a glowing gold spring a few animals were sleeping near, using the jar to scoop up clear pastel shaded water. 'We all learn, to prevent and to help. Work together and all will thrive, discover.'

76 did step closer when gestured for, taking the jar of water. Hell of a sight, that spring-]

This is...? [Moonlight stood slowly. 'You are not the same as before. This will help, but not fix.' What. 'Pure and safe to drink. This much will do.' What. Moonlight brushed the tips of a few clawed fingers through 76's hair, the blue glowing streaks brightening briefly- 'Not sick. Do not have to keep coming to drink, will just help. What does remain will do no harm, part of you.'

Oh, right. The whole glowing leftovers that were more or less now confirmed to be from the flowers than anything else. 76 was putting the lid on the jar, just a little warily.]

Ah, thanks.

Edited 2022-04-11 02:35 (UTC)

[When Sholmes mentions partnering with a human doctor, Yujin reflexively starts shaking his head at a slow, steady pace. The hummingbird perched atop there stirs a bit at the movement, but doesn't fly off. Even hypothetically, there's no point to entertaining the notion of trying that procedure on anyone else.

When 76 is lifted up, Yujin isn't really sure what to think. He can't quite react too physically, either, what with the perched creatures. The most he can do is throw a confused Look over to Sholmes. With the way to the stream being led, he follows with a very cautious, slow trot. One of the hummingbirds takes flight off his shoulder and begins to circle him instead.]

[ The ease with which the ent pics up a very sturdy 6-foot-something man renews Sholmes' relief that these beings aren't hostile. What if they'd slid into the den of furious, strong tree people? Maybe Soldier 76 could hold his own, but Sholmes doesn't pretend he or Mikotoba would have very good odds of walking away from that particular adventure.

But it's quite safe, he assures himself, and rather than be horrified at seeing the very capable older man held aloft like an angry cat, he can properly enjoy the undignified sight. Sholmes doesn't hesitate, negotiating the stream crossing with a running leap, and feeling a bit like a child following a very strange, wise adult.

Once the offering at the spring is made, he moves closer—both to examine the glowing waters and cup some of it up for a drink. Not just for investigation's sake; they've been at this a while, and he could use some refreshment.

He rises, shakes the extra water from his hands and reaffixes his fingerless gloves. ]

I appreciate the standing invitation, but we would be wise to exercise some caution. The three of us are upstanding gentlemen, but the same cannot be said of all the denizens of Reverein.

[The water? Was so very refreshingly cool, crisp in a pleasant way. Even 76 noted it when he took a sip from the jar just before he placed the lid firmly after the bit of a- daze? Shock? Something that he shook his head out of. Felt a little energized as well, putting the jar of water in to his bag carefully after making sure the lid was sealed firmly as he might one of his moonshine jars.

Moonlight nodded, a hand gestured towards Sholmes as they spoke- 'This invitation is open, to the three of you.' Clarifying, almost. The three of them had come with no ill intent, wanting to learn, and perhaps this was far more than they thought could or would be found; given what happened above. 'To those you may bring, must accompany. Safe passage will be given those there after.

'Others who may stumble will be judged, if ill intended or not.' Caution would be taken then, in other words. Any that came with any of the three men would be allowed with less scrutiny upon them.

Seemed fair enough.]

Need a hand, Doc? [76 had noticed Yujin's caution with the feathered passengers, of course, once pulled out of that brief stupor at- well, being carried and what he was told.

Easier to help the man cross the stream than leave him to try and handle that alone with the caution Mikotoba was taking.]

Edited 2022-04-15 07:44 (UTC)

[Moonlight's words certainly alleviated some of Yujin's earlier concerns regarding the safety of this cavern. He supposes he could accompany Dr. Mathis down here some time; as his fellow doctor at the clinic, Jude might benefit from seeing the place and perhaps even give birth to some refreshing ideas to use in their research. Apart from him, though... If it isn't necessary to show someone this place, why show it at all? It's hardly a landmark for tourists.

Though he'd paused before the stream, peering down at it with an apprehensive gaze, he looks up once more when 76 addresses him.]

Ah, no, thank you. I just don't wish to startle them, that's all. I'm fine staying on this side, if need be. [Sholmes is already dipping his hands in the spring anyway. He can get samples. It's fine.]

Prudent. [ Sholmes gives an approving nod. ] We shall only bring those required, by your leave.

[ He looks around again with a fresh wave of awe. What if this same place was found by a farmer in the hills of Hampshire? In a week's time, a flood of vacationing Londoners would be sliding down the chute to torment poor Moonlight and their brethren. Tourism: a different kind of nightmare.

He can't help but laugh to himself as he pops open his bag again. With one of his last empty vials, he bows to take a sample of golden spring water. ]

Another question, if you would indulge me: is there anything else you can tell us about the Noctaere?

If you're sure, little fellas might not mind- there's some broader stones that look like they can be used like stepping stones a bit to the left there, if you change your mind. [No surprise if not taken just in worry of another slip- all of them had taken more than enough falls for this trip- even if that last one was kind of fortunate for them.

Hell of a day already.

Moonlight watched for a moment, as if something caught their attention somewhere, before moving a hand over the bare spot they stood. 'A fair enough way.' There rose a tangle of vines and rock at their will, all forming a seat that they sat on comfortably.

'Those creatures the flowers were made to repel, to help balance,' their head tilted, the array of beads once again clacking with the movement, Glowing Dawn blooms glowing on their antlers. 'In this world they are able to twist what they latch on to, all to breed more of what they are made of. To feed. Natural, part of a balance that needs to be kept. Not bad, but not good. They simply are.' They gestured to themselves, the three men, and the area they all occupied slowly- 'It is easy to tip, they are a hunger unable to be satiated, created by those who dream, fears that eat away and consume. The other side of the same, both shall always exist, but they can become stronger. Unstable, chaotic.

'Fighting is good, grow stronger from it. A better balance. One will always follow the other.' Nightmares and blissful dreams, two sides of dreams and the energy created here. This? Is our understanding.' Be it right or wrong, it has been what Moonlight and the other Ents of their kind had observed.

76 was listening as well- or at least doing his best. It was better to try and understand, wasn't it?]

[He just shakes his head once more at 76's indication. Really, he's fine on this side of the stream. Upset bird creatures aside, falling into the stream is not appealing either. It's a long way to go before they're home and the temperature is not entirely ideal when it comes to soaked clothing.

But Sholmes had raised a good question, and so, he listens the best he can from where he's standing. A balance, is it? Like yin and yang... If that's how it is, it's something they'll need to learn to tolerate, just as they must tolerate the darkness of nightfall or the cold of winter. But perhaps they can still protect themselves from the heavier impact. That's what the flowers were grown for, after all.]

So eliminating nightmares entirely is a fool's errand. [ He supposes that does sound absurd, now that he's said it aloud. The sentient mind will always be swayed by the currents of emotion. ]

It's quite like acidity and alkalinity in drinking water. [ Or the ill-fated fish tank in his attic, later revitalized by his Japanese boarders. A tricky thing, maintaining life, especially when it's contained in an easily-forgettable glass box. ] A healthy balance must be preserved.

[ He stoppers the vial and gives it one last appreciative examination before tucking it carefully away. ] I appreciate the nuanced perspective, Mr. Moonlight.

['Where there are dreams, so too shall there always be nightmares,' even if definitions of each differed. Did they dream? In ways different to humans, and there were reasons they took it upon themselves to create these flowers. Implanted them within their own forms. 'Here nightmares go beyond that, and so we must arm ourselves for when they force themselves to step outside of those places- take a life outside of simply being fears of thought.'

The Noctaere, and the energy created that twisted and altered to give them 'life' in a way.

Their head inclined towards Sholmes then in a show of welcoming for the appreciation. It wasn't as if any of them, of their kind here, spoke much to those outside of the cavern systems. This was warranted, and these men had come to learn- and one of them was owed some apology, but he seemed to be doing well despite that.

76 nodded, but still kept Yujin in his vision- he was fine, but this was still a lot of open area. Old habits.]

Less for bad dreams and more for Noctaere, how they can corrupt things- I'm guessing some of yours have come across the bad end of one in the past, and started to corrupt? [Sort of like what they were dealing with when it came to Kazuma and himself. Of course he meant whenever they arrived in this world.

Moonlight folded hands upon themselves, claw-like fingers interlacing, held in front of their 'chest' as they answered, 'Correct. To remain of their own will, prevent that being over taken.'

Answered why the animals that had the flowers on them couldn't be corrupted and turned in to nightmare energy when Kazuma fed on them, too.] Better to have some solid answer than only working on what we've guessed.

Really thankful for this chance to talk.

Edited 2022-04-24 12:57 (UTC)

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This Flame That Burns Inside of Me | OTA

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