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

David Alleyne | Marvel-616 | OTA

[helpdesk_hero]

1. Shopping Time
Sometimes the best thing a person can do is just prepare themselves for what comes next. The month of rest concept is one he is actually happy to have, even if it's strange. So each day, with the money given to them at the temple, he sets out to try and acquire some items that could be useful. Which meant it was easy to find him there, looking at paper and ink, or at soaps. But mostly (after he'd acquired a larger bag of course), David was among the spices.

"I can't even imagine what they do with all of these spices with so little to cook. Seriously, how is there not even fruit?"

All these flowers were getting to him.

2. Musical Offerings
There are those that suggest that one of the better methods of therapy is through some form of art. David didn't really know where he stood on that most of the time, even with the knowledge of many studies and papers floating around somewhere in his head. But sometimes you need to do your best just to find an option to keep your mind apart from the situation around you, and in this case, David had managed to do that by talking one performer into sharing an instrument with him.

It was a small, stringed instrument not unlike a lute, and David sat with it in his lap on the ground, just plucking skillfully at the strings. Noticing someone approaching he looks up and offers a smile.

"Got a song I can try and play for you? And if you say Wonderwall, I'm going to make very unhappy noises unless you're paying me in drinks."

3. Walks and Picnics
"This place makes literally no sense," David found himself musing as he, with a half full basket of flowers, strolled to a stop along a trail. He was currently watching a giant hummingbird and a tiny bat racing each other around to get to different flowers. One that David recognized from back home as very much suitable to springs in New York State, and something that was wholly Krakoan. Two things that shouldn't get together. That, honestly, couldn't live together at all.

"You can't grow together," he complained loudly at the flowers. How can they do this. "I swear you are giving me a heada-"

And there, several meters away, another plant that he knew if you chewed on the stems would help with a headache.

"Okay, now you're actively fucking with me."

( a )

[dothelokimotion]

[ loki is stocking up on oils, creams, soaps. going to go all out on his beauty regime. he tucks them neatly in his basket before glancing at david. ]

Perhaps they're meant for the drinks. It is not an uncommon practice.

[helpdesk_hero]

[Of course he's all about his beauty routine. Looking good for yourself is a goal everyone should have. Not everyone has to be the most stunning, but looking your best can make you feel your best.]

I've never been moved to try putting ground sage in a drink. Even with teas the most you want is dried and sorta more minced.

[dothelokimotion]

[ loki shrugs. ]

It depends on the tea. There are more variations than what you would find on a single planet.

[helpdesk_hero]

[He had to roll his eyes at that statement.]

Yes, I'm very aware. But plants vary from planet to planet unless you've brought in old species, and that doesn't tend to happen from Earth seeing as most species tend to look down on us. But this is absolutely sage. Thus my confusion. I suppose some people might use it for magic though.

[dothelokimotion]

[ his nose wrinkles at that. ]

If you're nothing but a hedgewitch, perhaps. Magic doesn't require . . . frippery.

3

[mewnifestos]

Although he's studied his fair share of medicinal plants - flowers of course included - Anders has little interest in stopping to examine each specific bloom. Even the familiar ones, like those delicate red and white lilies— He's picked a couple, but his basket is practically overflowing with others.

Mostly one that looks like little clusters of yellow puffballs, and another that resembles a broad, round bundle of white petals. They seem to be all he can find, as he plucks his way along, rather more invested in enjoying the fresh air and seeing the sights than paying attention.

This is exactly what he needs, after spending a small age unwillingly cooped up in that temple. For entirely no reason, he might add. He never broke any important laws in that bizarre city, he's fairly certain. So what gives? At any rate, he's in a better mood now than he was, before.

Enough to laugh at a stranger's overheard exasperation, as he rounds the top of another gently rolling hill.

"Not yet, but give me a moment - I'll think of something."

[helpdesk_hero]

He was so focused on the offense offered to him from the flowers that David didn't know he was being approached. Not until someone was laughing. David turned his attention to the source of the noise and was shocked to see the man there. Which was silly, he had heard laughter, he shouldn't be shocked by a person. But really, he'd just assumed that the laughter was the natural call of one of the weird ass animals here.

"Ha ha, very funny. I'm talking to the plants," he answered, before gesturing specifically to the one that relieved headaches. "That brews into a headache tea. Not as good as old fashioned willowbark, but it would work. It's mocking me by being right here right now."

[mewnifestos]

"My mistake," Anders replies, in a good-natured tone of voice that does nothing to hide the fact he's still quietly laughing at him.

"Sounds like you won't mind if I pick some, then?" Not that he's waiting for permission, happy to add something actually useful to his basket. "A good cure for a headache's always handy."

Or a hangover. But that might be putting too fine a point on it.

"Consider it fair punishment for the mocking, if you will."

[helpdesk_hero]

"You're welcome to," David answered, gesturing to the nearest blooming plant he knows is good for the treatment. "Perhaps that is what it wants. BUt..."

His attention goes back to the plants he knows and he frowns.

"I'm probably crazy but the things on this island seem very weird."

Luckily the present company wasn't absolutely included. Yet. David doesn't know that.

[mewnifestos]

Anders barks a laugh, pausing in his gleeful flower-picking to look back at him. Not because he's wrong, but, well— What isn't weird about all this? Everything? Constantly?

"Really? What tipped you off? The giant bees? The unseasonable growth? Or just the charming gentleman who ferried us here?"

1. Shopping Time

[quire]

"I know, right? It's definitely supposed to be some kind of statement but I'm straight up not getting it." He looks unimpressed with a drink he's sipping at.

"Like ok sure, everything is at peak sexual maturity here. But there's no reproduction going on. There's no new growth. So what— what the fuck is that supposed be saying to us in the middle of this whole 'island hopping self-improvement journey' they've got going on? Because it just comes across like they're trying to set the mood or something."

[helpdesk_hero]

"The best answer I can come up with is the story of the Lotus Eaters from the Odyssey, wherein those who consumed of the flowers forgot all of their troubles."

He can't help it, he has to go right to the discussion of the place in terms of literary references. No, he can't stop being himself. It's only then that he looks over at Quentin and realized who he was talking to again. Interesting. And the observation, even more so.

"I can't think of many people who would describe it like that. Peak sexual maturity. Not that you're wrong. That's what I haven't put my finger on, but it's been itching at me."

So, what does it mean? He has to think.

"Are you suggesting people are supposed to bang for the purposes of spiritual growth?"

[quire]

"Hmmm they are partial to obscure literary references," he admits rubbing his chin thoughtfully over this idea. It certainly fits into the ambience of this place. Hell, it even chilled Wolverine out a bit. But again, he keeps coming back to why.

"I'm suggesting that it sure as hell seems like they're going for something sexual here. And since we're all kind of their little guinea pigs right it's not so far flung that whoever's running this place might need to know a thing or two or two about humanoid sexual proclivities. Hey. That's the other thing. I've not run into anyone who isn't a humanoid. More selection criteria."

[helpdesk_hero]

"And now I'm very pleased that no one at the temple has chosen to get down and dirty around me. And if they had, I might have to ask you for brain bleach," David answered.

At least there hasn't seemed to be anything compelling toward 'humanoid bang island'.

Of course now he has to wonder if all of this really is about bettering themselves. Or is it an experiment. He hoped not.

[quire]

"I dunno, depends who it is. Don't act like you're not curious about anyone," he smirks shamelessly.

Quentin of course is convinced this whole thing is far less selfless than it's branded itself. Always a skeptic.

2

[unkindled_madness]

Sephiroth may not care for the bustle of the daytime market, but he actually does like music. He just wasn't expecting to speak with any of the performers, Traveller or no.

"...I doubt we have any songs in common. I've certainly never heard of Wonderwall."

At least that seems to be a positive.

[helpdesk_hero]

David looks up from the instrument and sees Sephiroth. It takes a moment before he gets who the man is. Tall, long silver hair, beautiful. Yes, that made sense. This, then, had to be Sephiroth, the one that Wade called a heartthrob.

"It's a stupid song people ask for at parties back home for me. Or don't ask for and someone uses as if it's interesting. It's mediocre at best."

[unkindled_madness]

Yes, that would be him. Although possibly less murderous than described.

"Well, I'm content to live in ignorance as to its melody. I prefer music at least marginally above 'mediocre.'"

[helpdesk_hero]

Oh probably. Very probably. David offered a smile to him.

"That's very true. But perhaps there is something from your world I can play? Who knows, there may be overlap."

Which he doesn't expect, but he can sure try. In fact, he could probably ask to just borrow the knowledge.

[unkindled_madness]

Sephiroth looks decidedly skeptical. He doesn't even listen to popular music in the first place; what are the chances something from his collection exists identically in another universe?

"I doubt it. I've yet to find any such overlap in literature-- nothing but a few names." He thinks for a moment. "Perhaps if you know any Nordic tunes...?"

2

[aviate]

"If you manage to pull off Danger Zone on that I'll be impressed."

While Hal agrees on no more Wonderwall, his replacement suggestion isn't much better considering the instrument.

"You know everyone probably would be genuinely happy to hear Wonderwall here."

Hal scrunches up his face as he takes in what he just said.

[helpdesk_hero]

Oh no, you challenge him? David smirks, his gaze clearly amused. He shifted the way he was sitting and closed his eye as he considered the song itself. He thought he could arrange it.

"It's going to be a more mellow styling, but if I manage to make it truly recognizable, how about you get me a drink?"

[aviate]

Hal is immediately interested when David accepts the challenge.

"Hey, if you can pull it off I'll buy you all the drinks you want."

And then he's immediately checking his pockets to make sure he can actually back that up. There's enough for a few drinks, but not enough for a free for all. There's a depressing though that this is probably the same amount of money he has on Earth too.

"Okay, as many as I can afford."

[helpdesk_hero]

At least David was a man for temperance. He smiles, closes his eyes, and starts into the music. It takes pulling the stored knowledge and skill of no less than four people he'd known in high school to translate the music over, and he has to tap his feet to generate the beat, but soon enough there was absolutely something that resembled the classic piece. His fingers are quick, they have to be, but if someone had the skill, they could probably sing along.