Eternal Summer

[polymods]

✖ The Isle That Blooms

Ⅰ. ALWAYS BLOOMING, NEVER HARVEST
July flowers bring, well, August flowers.

Another month has come and gone, and you may have noticed things haven’t changed much. Everything is still beautiful. There are still no signs of babies or prepubescent children or young animals.

In fact, if you’re paying close enough attention, you may have noticed there are no fruits or grains or vegetables that have come from the constant riot of color and pollen. Only flowers, always flowers.

You still have access to the city’s temple and the baths. The High Temple’s doors are open to everyone.

Some of you may still be dealing with the unpleasant side effects of the Ancient’s now dead and gone Flower Oracle, but it should wind down before the end of the month. Or maybe you already faced your demons.

Hiding out in the Temples for the rest of the month is always an option, but be careful not to get too stagnant. It would be a shame if your ScryWatch stays stuck on the same color forever because you, too, decided to stop growing.

---

Ⅱ. FLOWER MARKET FESTIVAL
CW: Optional Alcohol/Drug Consumption.
You didn’t think the celebrations would be over just because the Flower Oracle came and went, did you? There’s always a new event, a new thing to do, a new way to make some benefit off the Travelers who pass in and out of the Isle looking to take something away from this place.

This month it’s the Flower Market!

During the days, stalls bloom beneath the elevated buildings and in the empty center where the Flower Oracle once stood. There are flowers, of course, in buckets, arrangements, wreaths, crowns, growing in tiny little pots, made into cakes, salsas, and snacks! Artists will find pigments, paints, inks, dyes, and papers. There are perfumes, lotions, oils, soaps, and more. Spices and herbs are abundant; you’ve certainly never seen saffron this cheap. If you haven’t gotten enough tie-dye from the temple, you’ll find beautiful batik clothing, purses, and even jewelry. Everything is bright, everything is for sale.

At night, the stalls are all folded away and instruments come out. Little stalls sell flowery alcoholic drinks and did you know or remember that cannabis is a flowering plant? The locals certainly remembered to make the edibles. Careful, though, drink or imbibe and you’ll find yourself talking about the things you need that you cannot buy. The things you are aching for.

And you won’t stop until someone acknowledges it.

Notes:
1. If you want it and it’s made of flowers, it’s here. No drugs or alcohol during daylight hours.

2. The Temple gives a small amount of spending money daily. Save up and get fancy, or buy a little bit of everything.

3. There is a tiny group of unknown Travelers that show up for the market. They don’t seem to have access to the same network as PCs, but their watches flash green, blue, or purple. They seem to be avoiding PC Travelers and disappear into parts of the Temples that don’t seem to be open to our group yet whenever they get too close.

---

Ⅲ. POISON GARDEN
CW: Poisons, narcotics, ect.
As you wander the now familiar village, you will notice a new pathway has opened at the edge of the village. It leads to an area with a high stone fence and a heavy gate. A skull and crossbones are painted on the gate in bright white paint, but there’s nothing actually stopping you from opening the gate and walking in.

The garden is beautiful, but surprisingly formal after the chaotic abundance of the rest of the Isle. The paths are wide and there’s space between the plants. Each one is meticulously labeled with a stake in the ground.

Do you read the labels? How long does it take you to realize everything in the garden is toxic or poisonous? There are so many options from hemlock and oleander to aconitum and angel’s trumpet and beyond.

Welcome to a study on how not everything that's natural is good for you as you continue to wander the fractal paths. Of course, not everything that's poisonous has no purpose. By the opium poppies there’s a sign that tells you that you can choose to wander the deadly garden until it kills you or you can own up to a toxic habit or behavior that you need to deal with.

Notes:
1. In theory, a character could wander forever without touching or consuming any of the poisons. For plot/fun reasons, feel free to make it a little more difficult. And remember, some of your characters can be poisoned to death.

2. Acknowledging bad habits or a need for change in an honest way is very likely to result in a shift in a ScryWatch color. Remember, the Ancient is looking for growth and improvement, not moral perfection.

3. Characters can collect poisonous or medicinal plants but will be at risk while doing so.

---

Ⅳ. FLOWERY FIELDS FOREVER
Maybe you need to get away from the fuss at the market or just want to stretch your legs, but it’s time to explore the flowering landscape around the village. The villagers have baskets waiting at each of the outbound trails with the request that you come back with the basket full in trade for the picnic lunch they provide.

Wander the rolling hills and you’ll find a surprising amount of wildlife for an island without offspring. There are hummingbirds the size of chihuahuas, tiny pollinating bats, nectar eating possums, giant stingless bees, and more butterflies than you can shake a stick at. All of them seem entirely unafraid of humans despite being wild animals. If you get bitten or pecked, it’s your own fault.

As you fill your basket, you’ll notice patterns in what blooms. All kinds of plants bloom outside of reason and season and traditional need because the land is trying to talk to you through flowers. What did you need to hear? The villagers can help you translate when you come back from your adventure.

Notes:
1. The giant orchid mantises are still there! Thank Gideon and Harrow for negotiating a truce, so they probably won’t eat you. A mantis might even have a conversation with you if you ask nicely, (Quentin managed somehow,) and they have their own knowledge and worship of the Ancient.

2. Feel free to use any reference for plant/flower meaning. Here’s one to get started!

3. Don’t get too attached to any of the critters, they will stay here at the end of the month.

Bonus: music to watch the flowers bloom to.

Network · Logs · OOC · Memes · Plurk

Comments

Chloe | Detroit: Become Human

[neverwither]

⭕ FLOWER MARKET FESTIVAL

( Chloe appears to be in her element at the market. Ambling along, she inspects the wares each stall has to offer. Quite a bit of time is spent trying to barter with some of the stall holders in attempts to learn some of their recipes, with varying degrees of success.

A luxury she does treat herself to is a few art supplies that will be easy enough to transport. And then she also has to acquire a decent sampling of the herbs and spices because who knows if the next island will hold such treasures? And then there’s getting a few soaps in a variety of heavenly, uplifting scents in case anyone might need a little pampering gift during their travels.

Something else catches her eye. Something she can’t quite resist. A flower crown. It’s not exactly the most demure design that’s on offer but she tentatively reaches for it anyway. It’s not as though she’s going to be the only one sporting such headwear anyway. Before she can overthink it so much that the flowers start to droop, Chloe hands over her money. Placing the crown on her head, she smiles a little to herself. )

Well… You might be a bit much, but you are very pretty.



⭕ FLOWERY FIELDS FOREVER

( Gathering flowers is a winner with Chloe. True, plucking the blooms out of the ground is always little sad but the islanders make such beautiful things with them. Basket tucked under her arm, she’s content to wander and enjoy the nature surrounding her. For once, she hasn’t considered the why of being asked to collect the flowers much. Given the market, replenishing stock for the islanders seems logical. Or perhaps she just has other matters on her mind.

She’s distracted soon enough by the wildlife. A cautious distance is kept but that doesn’t stop her staring with clear wonder. One of the hummingbirds flits around her. Being sure to remain in place, only her head moves to track it, the expression on her face one of delight at the creature venturing so close.

There is, however, a task to be done. As she goes to start gathering, a possum pokes its head out. Taking a step back, she shakes her head. )

Don’t worry, I can see that this is your patch. I won’t be taking anything.



⭕ WILDCARD

[ Feel like something different with Chloe? Catch me at another_thoughts_hat or via PM and we can do a thing! ]

Flower Market

[prodigalmess]

[ Malcolm has been watching Chloe for a little while. Not in a creepy way. Analyzing human behavior is what he does for a living, and thus, he's a people watcher. Little does he know that the person that he's watching isn't human.

Chloe seems to be stocking up on a lot of practical items, which seems like a good plan. Spices and soap? Probably a good idea. Malcolm has picked up a notebook and some colored pens. He's contemplating an orchid, debating if he'll actually be able to keep it alive, when Chloe speaks. ]

It looks nice. Treating yourself sometimes is alright.

[neverwither]

( She probably should have picked up on the fact he's been observing her but such is the appeal of the market. She turns towards the voice with a bashful sort of smile. )

Thank you. Have you been doing the same? Treating yourself, that is.

[prodigalmess]

Sort of? [ He shrugs, then pulls out the notebook and pens. ] Depends on if this counts as treating myself or not. They don't have the sort of things that I usually buy myself for fun here.

[neverwither]

I think that might depend on what you'll use them for. ( She would think some form of creative endeavour but who knows? There could be all manner of things one might wish to record or measure during their time on the islands. )

What would you usually buy, if you don't mind me asking? Perhaps we could find something similar or to substitute?

[prodigalmess]

Taking notes, mostly. [ He plans to make notes on this place and the people here - anything that might help him down the line later as he tries to work out if it's possible at all to leave and go home. ]

Back home I collect antique weapons, but I don't think I've seen any weapons here. [ Malcolm glances around at the nearby tables. ] Uh, maybe some soap would be nice?

[neverwither]

Ah, I see. Would these be notes about this journey we find ourselves on? ( Maybe it's too bold of an assumption. If so, she's accepting of being put in her place. Yet if he's someone else prone to theorising, that's intriguing. )

How unique. What draws you to them, if you don't mind me asking? No terrible pun intended. ( Her smile is a bit self-conscious, and she follows his gaze to the wares on offer. ) That sounds like a fine choice. A little self-care never goes amiss.

[prodigalmess]

Hmm, yes. [ His tone is a little bit unsure. ] Mostly my observations... not so much a journal or anything like that.

[ Malcolm hopes she's not indulging his weapons interest. ] I mostly collect bladed weapons like swords and axes. The craftsmanship that goes into these pieces is incredible. Some of them are truly works of art, and yet they're also used to kill people. [ He shrugs. ] It's an interesting dichotomy.

[ The two of them start walking, Malcolm eying the booths to see if any are selling any soap that he might like. ]

[neverwither]

Have you tried looking on the ScryWatch network yet? Sometimes people share their observations and ideas. It can be a very interesting read. ( As she is always interested in people herself, both individually and collectively. )

What a fascinating way to look at it. It reminds me a little of how some of the most beautiful things in nature can be the most deadly.

( Her attention flits between the displays and him, trying to get a sense of which soaps he may favour. Before it’s left too long, she offers a friendly smile. ) I’m Chloe, by the way. And you?

[prodigalmess]

[ He nods. ] I've read a few things other people have posted. It seems like the people here are all from very different places. [ That means they have different perspectives, which Malcolm appreciates. That way he can consider all ideas and look at all evidence presented. ]

Malcolm. [ He smiles back. ] Nice to meet you. And you're right, it is kind of like that. There is some beauty in deadly things.

[ Malcolm has, unfortunately, seen it first hand. ]

Where are you from?

[neverwither]

It's fascinating, really. The reach of the power that brought us here doesn't appear to be limited to a time, planet or even dimension. ( Worlds of possibilities beyond what Chloe has ever thought to be real. The opportunity to meet such a variety of people has been an upside, whether that's in shared attempts to understand their circumstances or simply on a personal level. )

Delighted to meet you, Malcolm. I wonder if the art and craftsmanship of the weapons is to honour the act they're intended for or to lessen it, in a way?

( She shakes her head a little at herself - no one asked for her musings on swords and axes. Just Chloe rattling on the way she does. ) I'm from Detroit. What about you?

[prodigalmess]

Yeah. [ His brow is furrowed in thought. Malcolm's not sure how he feels about such a powerful entity, but he guesses that it doesn't matter how he feels. He's here, whether he likes it or not. ] The scope of that is a lot to think about.

There's some of that, particularly with Japanese swordsmiths. [ Honestly, if she wanted to talk about swords and axes for the next few hours, he'd be here for it. It's one of his favorite topics. ] New York. 2020. [ He's learned that here he has to add which year he's from as well. ]

[neverwither]

It is. I'm sorry, I didn't mean to draw attention to one of the... possibly overwhelming aspects of it all. ( But isn't that a lot of it, really? Isn't most of it overwhelming and downright bizarre, be it for the negative or positive? )

Oh really? ( There's a clear invitation for him to talk about the topic as much as he likes. What people are passionate about is always of great interest, as is the chance to learn something new. ) Ah. For me, it's 2038.

flower market

[mewnifestos]

[ Anders is not on such an ambitious shopping trip, even if he is enjoying the more familiar bustle of the flower-laden marketplace. He's still a tad suspicious of just being handed coin for this sort of thing, though— Enough so that he's been watching out for others actually spending it to spy on, just to be sure that it's safe.

But when it comes to an actually familiar face, he can't help but step out of the crowd. He's actually happy to see her, though, and not just in a happy-to-see-anyone, after an entire month under the thumbs of those overbearing guards, kind of way.

Sidling up to the charming display of ostentatious floral crowns she's just made her purchase at, he grins as he overhears her speaking aloud. ]

Well, that is how I've always described myself, but it's nice to hear someone else say it for once.

[neverwither]

( She's just as pleased to see Anders, as evidenced by her smile. ) You are very pretty, but never too much.

( Not as far as she's concerned anyway. She studies him keenly for a couple of moments then glances back to the myriad of flower crowns. ) Shall we get one for you too?

( From the way she continues to eye up the headpieces, she's clearly debating what colour story could suit him best. )

[mewnifestos]

[ As always, Anders expects far more pushback for his terrible humor than he receives, of late - and is maybe a little too genuine in his cheerfully amused response. ]

As usual, you're far too kind to a poor mage like me.

[ He follows her gaze back to the riotously colorful display, maybe a touch of surprise in his arched brow. ]

Me? Oh, I don't think I could pull it off nearly as well as you do.

[neverwither]

( Kind is not the word Chloe would currently use to describe herself. But, as ever, she smiles at Anders' good spirits. There's a quiet sincerity to it that acknowledges that flicker of authenticity from him. )

You're a delight. As usual.

( He may have essentially told her no, Chloe, I'd rather not be subjected to a flower crown but she selects one out anyway. It's more greenery than blooms, constructed from ferns, arborvitae and a few yellow flowers woven in. She isn't bold enough to pop it straight on his head, turning it around slowly in her hands as she presents it for inspection. )

You see... Ferns represent magic, confidence. The arborvitae is friendship and the flowers - the celandine - are joys to come.

[mewnifestos]

[ Anders could count on one hand the number of people who have ever considered his company delightful, and he wouldn't even need all the fingers. It's no small thing to him, although he still makes an effort to play his cards close.

He is going to accept her offering despite whatever momentary misgivings he may still have about the market, however. ]

Well, I have always looked good in green.

[ Again, he misses his own robes - all the feathers and the gold, so much more appealing than these drab things. But perhaps this is a nice little compromise. He gives her a considering look as he turns the crown over in his hands. ]

You know a lot about this sort of thing, don't you?

[neverwither]

( His kind indulging of her has made Chloe's day, judging by how her face lights up. These little things matter, and more so right now. Ignoring the thought that he's probably only humouring her so she won't prattle on about crowning him, she allows the simple pleasure of having made a good decision. )

Well, that was the other reason for the choice. I thought the colours of it could suit you, as well as the meanings of it.

( At the question, she gives a nod. ) It's an interest of mine. I like flowers and plants in general and so it seemed only natural to find out more of their lore.

( Because having a database of floriography uploaded is so very natural. )

[mewnifestos]

'Their lore'? I wasn't aware plants had backstories.

[ He's teasing a little, plainly amused, but as usual, with her it doesn't feel pointed or unkind. ]

Most of what I know about them involves which make the best salves or cure-alls. But herbalism isn't quite such a flowery pastime, I suppose.

[neverwither]

( She isn't completely unaware that he's teasing but she answers him seriously regardless. ) Oh yes, there's all sorts of myths and stories. If you ever find yourself having trouble sleeping, I could bore you for quite some time with it all.

( What isn't boring in the slightest is what Anders has to share. ) Now that sounds very useful, not to mention very interesting. Have you been making anything out of all the plant life we find ourselves surrounded by here?

[mewnifestos]

I'll keep it in mind.

[ Although boredom's never done the trick, before. It's less of an if that he'll find himself having trouble sleeping - that's sort of an all the time thing, in Anders' life. But he prefers to keep things like that to himself. At least outside of easily deniable, self-deprecating jokes. ]

Here? No. But I've been a little - busy. No time for collecting and cataloguing. [ Not that he'd have been apt to do that even if he had been allowed to explore with everyone else, for the past month. There are more important things to be looking for than elfroot, right about now. ] Besides, I've still got plenty of magic left. No need for potions when you've got me around.

[neverwither]

What have you been up to, if you don't mind me asking? ( It's entirely possible that they just haven't crossed paths as of late but the fact she hasn't seen Anders around grabs her curiosity. She studies him a touch more closely, trying to determine if there are any obvious signs of him not being alright.

Though, of course, he could have simply been busy, as stated. )

May I ask you a question about magic that may sound strange or silly? ( She pauses for a second, in case there is any objection. ) Could it be used to enhance the natural properties of a potion, or something akin to one?

[mewnifestos]

Oh, this and that. Nothing interesting.

[ He fidgets a little as he tells this lie, though she's already handed him a convenient prop to do it with - so maybe that isn't quite as obvious a tell as it would be, were he not still holding a flower crown in his hands.

He shrugs a shoulder, shaking his head. ]

If I manage to find anything fun to do around here, I'll be sure to let you know.

[ Other than picking flowers and frolicking through meadows filled with adorable, bumbling giant bees, anyway. But that probably goes without saying, here.

He scoffs at her question, though it's not to deride the question. Rather, it's more of that careless confidence he so likes to pretend at. ]

Of course it can. Everyone knows mages make the best potions.

[neverwither]

( It may be a case of her reading too much into his behaviours but these are tactics she recognises. If there's something bothering him, it causes her concern. With some she might try to coax a little more from them. With Anders, it doesn't feel quite right. Perhaps like seeing like and deciding to leave it alone. )

I'd love to. Consider me a willing participant in any and all adventures. ( What she can offer is some quiet reassurance that regardless of whatever could be going on with him, he has a friend in Chloe, should he want it.

She smiles and nods, impressed as ever. And maybe going along with that confidence just a little. ) If it isn't too much to ask, and if it would work, do you think you might be able to help me with something? I'd like to boost the effects of some flowers, if possible.