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.)

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[ Knees soggy, a smudge of dirt on his chin, Sholmes takes the other offered hand with a muttered thanks. After cleaning up his own coat front, he plucks at some debris clinging to Mikotoba's back, gives it a sniff and wrinkles his nose. Hopefully that's not guano.

As if this situation wasn't strange enough, Sholmes cocks his head at those respectful words. The languages overlap, like two tones playing in harmony, or maybe the two sides of a stereoscopic print stitching into one--as pleasant as it is odd. Perhaps the magic is straddling his passing knowledge of Japanese?

He shakes his head and turns his attention back to the ents, cautiously mirroring the wave. ]

Does your companion mean for us to follow? [ Sholmes looks askance at the large ent. He certainly hopes so; whatever lies ahead looks promising. ]

Think the slipping may've been some good fortune- even if it's not going to feel like that once bruises make themselves known.

[At least they were all back on their feet, right? Right.

The large one, the one who was staying in this 'entrance' to what had to be a larger cavern down that tunnel, stepped in closer with a lean, as if to get a better look at Sholmes and Yujin after the bow. A tilt that had every bead on their being clack with the movement, and a closer look would be able to point that those Glowing Dawns on their antlers grew on them much he same as the deer outside- a few smaller blooms were even on their head and neck; growing from this one that seemed very much like a leader. Not just from imposing size either.

There was a soft glow from those sockets, a mix of green and blue, and then a nod, straightening back up with another deep rumble and other low sounds.

A hand moved, gesturing towards the tunnel that the ram-skulled Ent was now gone from, having made their exit in to whatever was beyond the end of that path.]

Think we're being welcomed in. [Still some caution there, but after so many times of going in to the cavern above? This was new, hard not to still keep some of a guard up.

Did watch as this Leader turned to walk ahead, walking slow and easy to follow -to keep pace with- despite how long their stride no doubt was. They wanted the men to follow.] Might also be meeting who caused the damage to the entrance out there.

[Following? Well, once they reached the end of the tunnel it certainly did open up. There was more of those plants and glowing fungi abound, even large tree-like structures that looked like twisting vines that even now bore fruit that glowed in shades of pinks and purples from their 'branches'. Insects could be heard, a few that looked like a mix of moth and butterfly fluttering through, odd dragonflies- and of course, grazing ahead in larger fields of Glowing Dawn flowers and other flora were those deer that had the same flowers growing from them.

From some vines hanging from an unseen cavern ceiling, and even some of those tree-like structures, grew glowing berries in the shape of a crescent moon and a soft pastel yellow in color. Some grew in clusters, smaller, and larger ones were alone.

There was a free flowing stream that led to a pond, fed from a bit of a waterfall coming from a wall, that glowed a warm and welcoming golden yellow with hints of translucent pastel color easier to see from that constant shine. It was very much like stepping in to another world.

Cool yet humid air, comfortable in a way.

Of course there were more Ents to be seen, roving and even sitting under 'trees' like they were watching the world go by. A few had sleeping fawn curled near them, a low humming like song from those. Wasn't just deer around, of course- a few Kirin were passing through, likely on their way towards the outer cliffs of the Wildlands.

Rushing around and playing in the streams there could be a few odd creatures at play, even taking to the air. Even a few green and mushroom foxes were bounding around through the 'fields' at play.

So much life had returned and thrived, hidden there deeper below ground in a larger and like further carved out cavern.

Hard not to let out a breath, some soft whistle, at a breathtaking sight filled with so much-]

Hell of a sight.

[Quietly spoken, once the top of some carved out steps were reached. Putting it lightly, even.

The soil here would be mossy, damp. There was so, so very much to see that they had enough dumb luck to fall right in to it.]

[Though a bit leery about following the Ents, Yujin isn't scared of them. If anything, he's humbled, as if a mere human like him and his companions don't belong in the presence of such beings. He doesn't want to accidentally disrespect them, nor taint land that they might consider hallowed. Even so, to reject an invitation would be rude in its own way. There's nothing for it to continue through the tunnel, heart hammering in his chest with apprehension.

The moment they enter the cave, he slows to a halt near the entrance, his energy leaving him rather like a flock of birds taking flight. 'Hell of a sight' isn't quite the right term for it, Yujin thinks. Heaven of a sight feels more apt, even if it's nonsensical. Up until now, Songerein had always looked so very civilized and put together that it's almost like any other place. It's this one cave, though, that truly feels like they're in a world of dreams.]

Good lord...

[He doesn't know where to start with taking samples, if they're even allowed to do such a thing. Shaken, he looks to Sholmes for guidance.]

[ As any sense of threat evaporates, Sholmes proceeds without hesitation, only stopping briefly at the entrance to appreciate the view before declaring: ]

Gentlemen, if that was the rabbit hole we tumbled down, it seems we've well and truly entered Wonderland. [ Sholmes gives the large ent a cheeky wink. ] Though I must say, our White Rabbit is rather taller and less harried than I would expect.

[ Once invited in, there's no stopping the detective: he doesn't waste any time descending the steps into the thriving, subterranean ecosystem. A passing length of vine catches his attention first; he plucks off one of the glowing berries and punctures its flesh with a nail to give its juice a taste. Reckless as ever when it comes to eating mysterious substances!

As he considers the flavor, some of the strange fauna frolic past, eliciting a frustrated tch sound. ]

Blast! Would that I could take some photographic prints, but I haven't the film for it.

Think there's been some major work put in here. [76 didn't doubt it was the Ents' doing either, given his thought that they likely created the Glowing Dawn flowers- why would they stop there?

He lightly patted Yujin's back before he was making his way down the carved steps, the largest Ent content to linger at the top of them for the moment. The Large Ent even gave a nod, as if giving the okay to go ahead. There was only peaceful intent, no reason for it not to be allowed.]

More here than there was up top.

[The juice of the berry tasted like a mix of mango and strawberry- or perhaps that was mango and raspberry? They were refreshing, not too sweet or too tart.

There was so much variety- even the trees with their glowing fruits and blooms. Some as if their trunks were made of twisting vines, others as if they were carved- all in all, they were thriving as well as the Glowing Dawn and other flora even if in various stages of bloom and having fruit all at the same time.]

You might be able to focus on your journal, in the private section, to imprint images if you want to get close to that.

[He'd seen others do it when he skimmed through from time to time. Never made use of it himself, didn't much often feel a need to.

76 was taking a slow walk, not much sure he wanted to touch anything, but he did take a knee near one of those glowing streams, could spot little translucent fish swimming through. There were multi-colored pebbles on the bed of it-]

Huh. [The glow from the water seemed to be algae that the fish were feeding on, and in turn those weird mammal-esque insects were feeding on those. Like brightly colored otter bugs.]

[Much like 76, Yujin really isn't certain how much he wants to touch. He's even less certain about taking anything. Even so, he descends the steps with a cautious tread, taking in as much of the sights as possible. This proves to be difficult, as he also wants to keep something of an eye on Sholmes. His partner is very good at taking things, insulting people- or in this case Ents- and even eating things he ought not be eating.

Inevitably, he catches up to Sholmes to stand by his side.]

Even in a world of dreams, I never imagined I would ever come across a sight like this one. It feels rather surreal, doesn't it?

A capital idea, Mr. Seventy-Six! I had entirely forgotten about that remarkable feature. [ Sholmes pops the rest of the berry into his mouth and chews. If it is poisonous, surely Susato's charm will come to his rescue (again). ]

Indeed! I never imagined such life could flourish underground. Much less life that looks like this. [ He pulls his bag around and extracts his journal, quill, and a few more jars in various sizes. The last are passed to Mikotoba. ]

Here, my friend, if you would be so kind as to help gather more samples. [ As he says this, he helps himself to more berries. In true entitled British fashion, he will avail himself of every resource. Easier to ask forgiveness than permission, right? ]

What do you suppose our friends can tell us about this place? [ He calls this down to the older man before casting around for the leader ent. ] Have they any language besides pantomime?

Comes in pretty handy. [He supposed, at least.

Wasn't as if he used his often, but he paid attention to what others were doing when he did.

He pushed himself back up to his feet after watching the translucent fish for a moment, them nibbling at the glowing algae, to get a better stock of their surroundings. The trees were- well, they were something, weren't they? One of the closest trees looked almost like a weeping willow, the blossoms on it glowing and a few of the strange glowing pink and purple fruits had fallen. Picked one up slowly, turning it over in his hands-

Looking back up, keeping the fruit in one hand as he was reaching back for his knife.]

No idea. Never tried to communicate before, this is the first time any ever interacted as far as I know.

[The large one was walking down, attention seemingly gone elsewhere- as if just starting on taking a walk through the place.]

They were making a sort of low pitched sound to each other and at me when I tumbled down and they helped me back up. Likely their own language.

[When the jars are passed Yujin's way, he takes them rather clumsily, even fumbling with one of them. How many of these had Sholmes brought along? More importantly, he throws another anxious glance towards their hosts once his partner begins picking more berries. The Ents genuinely don't seem to care, though, and even 76 is holding fruit in his hand now.

Can they really just take whatever they want?

Still somewhat on edge, he steps closer to the river to get some water samples from there. Even as he does so, he looks over his shoulder towards his companions.]

If they have their own language, it means they understand the concept of communication, both vocal and otherwise. We may be able to get some more information out of them, then.

[ Sholmes has flipped to the private section of his journal and sets quill to paper, concentrating on rendering a panoramic view of the cavern. The image spreads like watercolor pigment blooming across a wet page. Once it's set, he scribbles a note underneath. ]

If we focus dreamotion energy, surely we can tease out a rough translation? It seemed to work well enough on Mikotoba's Japanese.

[ He descends further down and approaches a flock of the flitting dragonfly creatures. Another image is added to his journal. This time the process takes less effort. ]

[Took his knife and cut the dragon fruit-esque fruit in half slowly and- well, it was bright pink-lavender flesh that he exposed, and the scent was mildly sweet and almost floral. Knife was tucked under an arm against his side after getting a chunk sliced out-]

They did seem like they were checking if I was alright after my fall down here. [Got the gist of it at least, even if he couldn't quite get what was being said exactly.

Did slip the chunk of fruit in to his mouth, humming as the flavor reminding him a lot of ube- a hint of something similar to a chocolatey taste, too. Huh. That was actually pretty nice, and refreshing with the sort of floral hints to it.]

Could try to work something out.

[The large Ent stepped off the path then, walking up behind 76 to reach up and pluck one of the blooms from the weeping willow-esque tree, the center glowing brighter in their hand.]

[Meanwhile, Yujin dips one of the jars into the stream to fill it up. Somehow, the water here is even more beautiful than the river above ground. Could the spring be nearby? His gaze moves to the waterfall feeding the stream, and he wonders what's beyond that wall there. The Ents might know.]

Indeed, this world is already filled with people from different lands and different worlds, who all ought to be speaking different languages. And yet, we all understand each other without missing a beat. Regardless of whether it's dreamotion or something deeper at play, we may be able to understand the Ents if we simply tap into whatever it is that allows for uninhibited communication.

[He screws the cap firmly back onto the jar and attempts to dry the outside with his sleeve a bit, before putting it aside. What's next... Some soil, perhaps. Yes, let's go for that.]

[ Sholmes finishes another dreamotion print, claps his journal shut, and tucks it under an arm as he makes his way over to 76 and the large ent. He pauses to look up at the being's intimidating skull face. How to go about this, exactly? Maybe an introduction is a good start?

Sholmes takes a moment to gather up the same kind of focus he used on his journal, and to recall that same tingle he felt at the translated ojama shimasu. Whether or not he's aware of it, that mental effort intermingles with his own intense feelings of awe and curiosity.

He clears his throat and addresses the ent: ]

My name is Herlock Sholmes. [ He says this in his most crisp Queen's English, with a hand splayed on his chest. Another slight bow, and that same hand waves--palm open invitingly--to the ent. ] May I have your name, sir ... or madam?

[The Ent leaned over, a large hand resting on 76's shoulder simply because he was there -a small indicator the man needn't move, to be more on the level with him and Sholmes both.

Those lights within the skull's eye sockets glowed brighter for a moment, shaping a little as one's eyes might when amused. Another low and thrumming sort of rumble, that other hand reaching out with a pat to the top of Sholme's head- very carefully, as if despite the size and danger those clawed wood-like hands could hold they were very used to being gentle with things.

'Moonlight's Bloom' was something that could be picked up within the noise, and then that glowing bloom that the large Ent had plucked from the tree was offered. A pointed look towards Yujin as he collected samples and then back towards Sholmes after nudging 76 gently.

Take, be careful. Apparently they had been listening in.

76 was alright under the weight of the hand on his shoulder, slowly slicing another piece of the fruit's flesh as he- well.]

Going to take it that they definitely understand us clearly.

[The moment the Ent raises a clawed hand towards Sholmes's head, Yujin is on edge and rises to his feet, ready to abandon his sample jars and step in. He relaxes once more, though, once he realizes that the Ent has no intention to cause harm. It's a friendly gesture. Good.

The words embedded within the noise are a pleasant surprise. So they can communicate! He's a bit confused on whether 'Moonlight's Bloom' is the name of the Ent itself, or the bloom that it's holding out in its palm. Either way, it's progress.]

Oh...

[ 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?

This Flame That Burns Inside of Me | OTA

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