polylogs | Eternal Summer

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Eternal Summer

✖ 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.

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( 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. )

'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.

( 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?

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.

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?

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.

( 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.

You might regret that. [ Though it's said with a laugh (also mildly self-deprecating). ] Most of my adventures tend to end messily. Especially lately.

[ Although - can those most recent ones really be called his fault? He'd think their fearless Commander at least a tad more culpable than he, merely an innocent follower. ...Which is all beside the point, probably. It is nice to know there's someone around here he could rely on to accompany him on future, potentially bad ideas. ]

Well, that depends on what sort of 'effects' those are. And what else I can get my hands on. I can't exactly mix a potion with just a few flowers and my hands, after all.

Now that's just intriguing. What sort of messy adventures would these be? ( She doesn't expect to be told much but tries to keep it light and airy so it doesn't feel like she's searching for a confessional. ) Though, for the record, I don't mind the mess. ( The last part has that more gentle note to it.

Looking a tad embarrassed, she gives a small shrug. ) I think I've made it sound bigger than it really is. I'm looking to make a tonic, of sorts, for hair and I was just wondering if the effects of the rose and hibiscus could be amplified, just a bit, to make it something special...

( The more she babbles to make it all sound reasonable, the more she becomes aware of how stupid it sounds. And possibly an insult to his talents to be asking such a thing. )

Oh, nothing exciting. [ This time, conversely, there's a cheeky, leading edge in his tone - not trying to avoid the point, but making further light of it. ] Just thwarting darkspawn and chasing down dragons and occasionally rescuing fair damsels from dangerous bandits. I'm sure you can't imagine anything more utterly dull.

[ And though that sort of messy adventure might make experimenting with hair tonics seem even sillier a request - Anders is immediately interested. ]

Well, I won't say it's my usual fare, but I could give it a shot. Perhaps a touch of healing magic would be an improvement, all on its own?

( With a sigh, Chloe waves a dismissive hand. ) Oh, it sounds dreadfully dull. I certainly wouldn’t want to hear all about your exploits in great detail. ( She’s joking. It’s blatantly obvious she’s joking. But she still studies him for a second to double check he can tell she’s joking. Just in case. )

I’m sorry if it sounds like I don’t respect your talents. Or like I’m trying to take advantage of them. ( There’s a lot of head shaking. )

[ Anders chuckles, clearly on the same sarcastic page. No worries, there. Maybe he will tell her a few (probably overblown, most certainly exaggerated) stories of his Warden-y exploits, sometime. He's got no reason to be cagey about that, at least. ]

Oh, please. Take advantage all you like. [ Shameless, eyebrow-waggling flirt out of the way, though: ] I'm flattered that you'd ask.

( Any and all stories will be readily received, no matter how overblown or exaggerated. Whatever Anders is happy to tell, Chloe is there to hang on every word.

She shakes her head a little at his remark but at least there's a small smile to go with it. ) And I'm flattered you'd even entertain the idea. It's very sweet of you. May I ask how the healing magic might work in a tonic like that? ( It feels like she's saying yet another silly thing but the only stupid question is supposedly an unasked one. )

Ah, well, the same as it does in any other, I imagine. It's all in the brewing.

[ He begins to make an illustrative gesture, and only then appears to remember he's still holding that crown. He plunks it on his head without a thought, digging for that for that coin purse in his robes' pockets. ]

I can show you, if you want. It's far easier than explaining.

( Quick off the mark, Chloe finds her own money stash and pays for his crown. It's for her to treat him, especially given she was the one who insisted on it in the first place. ) The green does suit you. Even if I do say so myself.

( With that business out of the way, it's back to the other. ) That would be wonderful. I'd love to see you showing off. ( Plus it could be a valuable learning opportunity. Though mostly she's just interested in seeing Anders do what it is that he does. )

Perhaps we could see if we can find the supplies I'm looking for? And is there any shopping you'd like to do?

Oh. Well, I'm glad we agree. [ That sounds more like thank you than if he actually just said the words, as allergic to sincerity as he tends to be. He tips his cheery floral crown and offers her his arm. ]

Well, I'll need to find a few things, if I'm going to be putting on a demonstration... But that all ought to be easy enough. What's left on your list?

( Taking his arm, she gives it a pat and smiles warmly at him to acknowledge the sentiment. )

All I'm really looking for now are dried rose petals and dried hibiscus flowers. What do we need to find for you? And what about any little treats, hmm? Are you going to look for anything nice for yourself?

A few vessels, perhaps a new mortar and pestle, nothing fancy. I'll need something to use for a reagent, as well, but that should be easy enough, too.

[ As far as shopping for more frivolous things goes, though - well. He's a bit embarrassed to admit he's never actually bought himself anything just because. On the rare occasions he's actually had a bit of coin, before now, it's been a terribly precious commodity. A resource not to be squandered, while on the run.

At most, he's paid for a drink (or ten), but that doesn't exactly seem the same. So he shrugs, playing it off again. ]

I didn't have anything else in mind. I doubt they have any decent robes for sale, anyway.

[ This drab set is becoming a bit of a drag. ]

Please do point out the supplies you need as you see them. I'll get them, of course. ( As with the flower crown, she doesn't expect Anders to use his own funds to indulge her pursuits. Access to money and pretty things is one thing Chloe's never had to worry about and so it doesn't really occur to her that he wouldn't spend the coin that's been doled out. )

Oh, if you're looking to spruce up your robes I'd be happy to try and help with that. I did a little bit of customisation for someone and I would be honoured to do something for you. ( Said previous effort was not... entirely appreciated by the recipient but never mind. )

Well, if you're going to insist. [ Although there's a touch of hesitance in his would-be careless reply. If she were a stranger, still, he wouldn't feel even the tiniest tug of guilt at letting her pay for anything she pleased - taking advantage of the kindness of strangers is also a skill one hones, while on the run.

But since it's Chloe, someone he knows for a fact is kind and decent and not just playing an angle to get something from him (or liable to throw him to the wolves at the slightest provocation), well. He's a tad conflicted. ]

I'd prefer to do away with them entirely, really. [ He hasn't worn anything this stuffy for this long since the Circle. He shrugs. ] But if you think they're salvageable. It can't make them any worse.

I very much insist. Keep your money for when you find something special for yourself. ( Her smile suggests that she's utterly convinced he will find some wonderful gift for himself purely because he deserves to have a wonderful gift for himself. There's reassurance in the smile, too. Guilt and hesitance isn't necessary when she's freely making the offer.

A little frown falls on her features as she gives the robes a once-over. ) We could have a look for some other options, if you like? There is clothing for sale... Not that I wouldn't still adorn your robes so they're more suited to how dashing you are.

Much as I enjoy being selfish, perhaps we can compromise, instead? Let me buy you a meal? Or perhaps another drink? [ He does still owe her one, on that count, anyway. It wouldn't be even, but it would be something.

Besides, it'll take him an age to settle on something for himself - the clothing on display isn't entirely unappealing, in its riot of colorful patterns and flowing cuts, and the jewelry is bound to fascinate him long after her polite interest fades.

He laughs, maybe a little self-deprecating again, under his breath. ]

It would take a lot to fix these, let alone bring them up to such a lofty standard. We might as well look around.

( Her first instinct is to argue that it isn't necessary at all to do anything in return; the company is more than enough. Yet that runs the risk of causing offense and if he genuinely wants to do something, she should perhaps let him. Though she goes for the option that will cost the least. ) Alright, a drink it is. Though I will limit myself to just one, after last time. ( She even finishes with a wink. As she could drink on Carcosa, she assumes it will be the same here. )

Oh, I do have a couple of ideas for making them more personal... But it would be good if you'd tell me some of the things you like so I don't go completely from my own imagination.

( Shopping for some new threads in mind, she steers him towards the clothing stalls. Her interest isn't polite - it's genuine. She could merrily spend hours finding just the right items for him. It's easy and fun and something she knows. A small way she can spread some joy into the world, shallow as it might appear. )

Oh, you're no fun.

[ Though his tone seems to imply otherwise, and he does sound rather pleased with that answer, besides. It's not the exact amount of coin that counts, it's the thought. ...At least when it comes to harmless little arguments like this.

Anders follows along, already eyeing the bright, colorful patterns and long, flowing garments on display, as they wander into an alley of clothing stalls off the main thoroughfare. ]

Well... [ What does he like? It's not like many have ever stopped to ask. Or like he's had many opportunities to choose, in his life. (One, exactly, leading up to now - he's owned exactly one outfit he actually chose for himself, and not out of desperation or simply for a momentary disguise.) ]

I'm still pinning that down. My last set of robes were green and gold, though - with lots of feathers on the shoulders. And I found them quite flattering.

A little jewelery to complement the look might be nice, too. I could use a new earring.

Ah, you've discovered my terrible secret! ( It's said with a hint of drama, obviously intended as a joke, but there's a truth to it. She knows she's not exactly fun company. Something she is trying to change, amongst the many other things.

Her gaze flits between Anders and the clothing he seems interested in or drawn to, nodding along with his words. It isn't so unusual for someone to not be entirely aware of their style preferences - there are more important things in life, after all - but the penchant for self-deprecation that seems to keep creeping through has her wonder if there's more to it. Already her mind whirs with thoughts for how to tailor something to him, overeager as her ideas might be. )

I'm sure we can find some green and gold batik... Or if we find something in a plainer green, I could perhaps look at creating some gold feathers for the shoulders, if you'd like? And we shall definitely look at the jewellery. Just lead the way, good sir.

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