in a split second

DEIMOS

There were multiple points of interest on this particular trip – details of the current infestation of the void, maybe scouring enough to snag at a flower he hadn’t seen in years, and to cover any other details since the meeting. His eagle wings spread in light, lofty air, snagging on thermals and seemingly coasting – while his eyes studied bits and pieces below, intrigued by this section of the Greatwood he’d never snagged at before.

But his traveling companion wasn’t to be ignored, even as they roamed in contemplative thought. So the Attuned measures reached over to Remi, the same deep rumbling accord. Have you heard of anyone finding a flower yet? The Sword hadn’t, but it was early yet – incapable of wrinkling his nose, as it was currently a beak, he settled for a long sigh filtering through as the threads of vibrant purple and black seemed to scorch the waters.

"who's gonna let you?"

they asked. i said

"who's gonna stop me?"

Remi had opted to accompany Deimos in his rarely used Raróg shift. At first glance, one might be tempted to think he was merely some species of hawk that remained perpetually on fire, but on a nearer inspection, an aura of happiness would pervade the area. Given that the pair were heading into one of the lands most overrun with void nonsense, Remi thought perhaps a bit of magical Prozac might help keep their spirits light, all things considered.

No, no one at all. Ronin and I have been in the springs twice now? three times? and nothing. so often that Odd has been checking to make sure the algorithm is working properly. After what happened at the meeting I had hoped someone else who had died might reach out and offer up a flower that they kept locked in their attic or some such, but so far, nothing. It's said with a slight mental smirk that's as much to do with how aggravating the situation was as much as the magic his shift offered.

the bastion

DEIMOS

The measurements of contentment and happiness buoying through his system was certainly not his own, but it did provide lighter courses for the desolate portions they were heading into. His head tilted vaguely, listening as they presided over and through, eyes still darting over the scenery to catch signs of anything beyond void predilections.

As for the answer, he uttered a long and low sigh once more. Strange. I do not recall them being so difficult to find in the past. But then again, they’d been using them to try and heal one another, and he’d been out of his mind with sickness a majority of the time.

At the statement though, he snorted. I was surprised to hear Ray had done such a thing. Either reaching out from the dead or having a flower in the wand. Do you frequently get messages from the deceased?

"who's gonna let you?"

they asked. i said

"who's gonna stop me?"

No, I don't either. Remi wasn't sure if he'd ever stumbled on one of the flowers, but there had been plenty of reports of others having done so. Before the war he was sure about it. Wishing he had fingers with which to rub at his eyes, instead the fiery creature merely flapped its wings a good deal harder than it had any need to before settling into the lightness that immediately entered his bones.

Same, though I'm glad she did it when she did. Remi adds wryly; having to recall everyone to explain what had happened would have been more than a little frustrating for all of them, he was sure. I wouldn't say often, but...I did hear from one of Hotaru's sons just last season. Though his beak was incapable of a smile, his mental voice was contoured by one just the same.

Normally it's just Aoife babbling or Enzo giving us gift ideas for Flora. He adds with a silent laugh.

the bastion

Traversing the dense foliage of the Greatwood, you stumble upon a patch of Cursed Daisies. As you near, the ground beneath gives way, revealing a hidden pit filled with Void Vipers. The serpents strike with lightning speed, their void-touched fangs dripping with venom as they attempt to ensnare their prey. You.

As the Greatwood has been taken over by the Family, remaining in this area will be dangerous as the flora/fauna will continue to grow increasingly hostile toward you. Remaining in this thread for a prolonged period of time will likely trigger a KQ.

---

You’ve encountered Cursed Daisies and Void Vipers. This counts as a common creature encounter for the purposes of levelling, but does not count as a Random Event for levelling or MP. There will be no further admin/re intervention. If you choose to follow this creature, you do so at your own risk, however, just having it in this thread is enough to satisfy your levelling requirements.

Cursed Daisies (Common): Once the calming Sweetgrass, these void-corrupted daisies emit an unsettling aura. Instead of attracting pollinators, they draw in void insects that feed on the life force of anything nearby. Their sickly-sweet scent now conceals the stench of void decay.

Void Vipers (Common): Once inquisitive Hanging Snakes, touched by the void, transform into Void Vipers. Their slender bodies now bear patterns that seem to absorb light, making them almost imperceptible in the shadowy depths of the woods. Instead of curiously exploring, they now slither with a purpose, seeking to entwine themselves around unsuspecting wanderers and imbuing them with a void-touched presence.

DEIMOS

Ever the listener, his eyes widened substantially at the inclusion of Ru hearing from one of her sons – presuming it wasn’t Enzo, based on other statements, he had to coincide it with the other that had been here so long ago. Ru’in? He remembered the child from several iterations, worlds, and realms, and the sudden possibilities of multitudes crackled through his mind. That is nice that she had the opportunity to connect with him again. Perhaps another healing measure for the Valkyrie. And that you do as well. With Aoife, and Enzo, and likely hordes that had been lost over their time here.

But then there weren’t any glimmers of special flowers or plants below; instead, it was cursed daisies and nasty vipers. The same threatening and ominous ballads as before, and he loosened a sigh, despite everything Remi was striving for. Yet another interim where no rose to be partaken. We should head back. Nothing has changed. Perhaps someone else would be fortunate.

[FIN]

"who's gonna let you?"

they asked. i said

"who's gonna stop me?"