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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.

Network · Logs · OOC · Memes · Plurk

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( 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.

[ Anders makes a disappointed tsking sound that really couldn't be any less disappointed, in reality, as he shoots her a sidelong glance. ] I doubt I'll ever be able to look at you the same way again.

[ Honestly, maybe she's not fun by other people's standards, but Anders certainly wouldn't accuse her of being boring - or in any way unpleasant to be around. (And perhaps some of that credit goes to how odd she is, at times, but that's more of an interesting footnote, all told.)

Chloe's more a breath of fresh air, rather. Not drunk or brutish or trying to steal his things or set the ends of his robes on fire when he's not looking. (And those are the people he likes.) ]

Could you do something like that, really? It seems you've all sorts of interesting talents I have yet to unearth.

[ Leading her by their interlocked arms, he veers toward a display of shiny gold and silver things, though he's a tad underwhelmed, upon closer inspection. ]

Something without a flower on it might be a good place to start, actually... [ Nothing against them. It just isn't his taste. Which might make this difficult. ]

( Chloe is quite aware of her own oddness. There's an irony in how the model who whetted the public's appetite for androids by passing the Turing test can be pretty weird. Then, years of social isolation don't do much for social programming. She's sure she used to be far better with people, once upon a time. )

I could do my best at creating some gold feathers out of fabric. It might take a little while, and I can't promise how good the final result might be, but I would be very happy to try for you.

( Carefully surveying the stall, she tries to find something that isn't distinctly floral. Her processing can quickly work by process of recognition and elimination, narrowing her search a tad too fast. )

There's this one that looks like a vine... And one there that's a leaf that resembles a feather. If you wanted to have a motif of sorts, that is... Ooh, there's a twisted hoop just here. More understated but still with some character...

Well, if you're looking for something to do. Don't put yourself out on my account.

[ Without any Templars to run from or darkspawn to fight, he's had scores of free time, though, personally. Perhaps she's the same? But he doesn't want to impose, either. Those sorts of exchanges were just a given thing, in the Circle - things are far different, outside it.

Her eye is certainly sharper than his - impressively so, if he's honest. He marks that feathery leaf, but reaches right for the hoop, when she points it out. Anders holds it up to his right ear, taking a half step back to pose. ]

Oh, I like this one! What do you think? It reminds me a little of my staff.

It wouldn't be putting myself out at all. It would be my pleasure to create something for you.

( True, there's often plenty of time for idle hands but even if there wasn't, she would find the time for Anders. Taking it as a sign that her plan has met with approval, she adds gold fabric to the list of items to be on the lookout for. It makes her brighten that bit more rather than make her seem put upon.

She nods her approval, smile coming out in fuller force. )

I think you look splendid. Please tell me that you'll treat yourself to it because it really does suit you.

It'll be my pleasure to wear it, then. Even if we don't find something better for them to go with.

[ Feathers are feathers, really. He's not picky. And may have designs on following some of those enormous hummingbirds around to collect any feathers they shed, anyway. He'll have a proper set of pauldrons in no time, at this rate.

He chuckles, finding his purse on the first try, as he delves into his pockets this time. ]

I suppose I must. I would so hate to disappoint the beautiful lady.

I could do something more akin to a shoulder cape... Then you'd be able to use it for any outfit you want.

( She might be getting a tad carried away with her ideas but Anders seems receptive enough, so far. The hummingbird feathers would be an excellent touch, albeit one she hasn't thought of herself. In Chloe's mind, meticulously crafting it all is the way to show that someone wants to show him thought and care. She's been taught that any sort of easy or simplified route is one ultimately meaning nothing.

His compliment brings a blush to her cheeks. Only in Chloe, that flush is blue. )

No need for such flattery. If you like it and it makes you happy, I'm delighted. So yes, you absolutely must.

Oh, I'll bet I'd look dashing in a cape.

[ You know, more so than he already does, that is.

Once he's paid for his prize, he tucks his purse away again and pulls the back off the earring to try it on properly - almost missing the odd blue flush that blooms in her cheeks. He misses the hole in his earlobe, instead, jabbing himself incidentally as he fumbles. For some reason, that shade of blue reminds him of the beach (hadn't the chemical she used to set the sand aflame looked the same color, in the firelight? and that potion, too...).

His continued insistence lacks a little of its usual flare, in his distraction, as he figures out the earring the right way, on his second try. ]

It's hardly flattery if it's the truth. They do have mirrors where you're from, don't they? If not, we really must find you one.

Well, it's more of a capelet...

( She stops herself there. The more she tries to explain it, the sillier it sounds. Best to craft it and then hope he likes it.

Her eyes widen as the earring misses its mark. Her first thought is to wonder if he's alright, if he's hurt himself. The second is why it happened. Her unusual colouring would be enough to throw anyone for a loop, let alone someone who experienced what Anders did during their first meeting.

Do robotic lifeforms exist where he's from? From what he's said about his home world, his ability to use magic, it seems far removed from her own - or comparable versions of it. But she doesn't want to keep lying to him. )

...Is it still the truth even though I'm not human?

( Obvious nerves underlie the attempt at a casual tone. )

[ There's a flicker of surprise in his expression, but one that doesn't go much further. Maybe he had reason to be suspicious - though not for such ridiculous reasons as judging her for not being human. That would be a tad silly, all things considered. ]

Well, you're no qunari. So I doubt if you could be anything all that bad, with the obvious ruled out.

( He manages to get a small smile out of her. ) I don't know what a qunari is so no, I don't think I'm one.

( One day it might cease to surprise her how no one has seemed all that bothered by what she is. Admittedly, there's an element of waiting for the other shoe to drop. )

I am an android, though. I'm sorry I didn't tell you earlier. It's just... We've gotten along so nicely, I think, and I didn't want to spoil it.

Eternal Summer

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