[gge] sticks and stones and nature's own

kaimana

how beautiful the leaves grow old

Whoops, almost forgot- you signed up for a gift exchanging ritual!

It's fine. It's fine. You've got plenty of time. Thing is, you're not really entirely sure what exactly you're supposed to be doing. Making something, but the request had been a little strange.

How's a kid who sleeps in a pile of brush supposed to make a bed?!

All that said, you aren't off to the worst start, really. You've managed to collect a lovely pile of long pine sticks, and are now careful removing the bark and sanding them down to be soft and smooth. You're about three quarters of the way done at this point, the pile of naked twigs gleaming beside you in the rich, dense grass that naturally sprouts up wherever you sit. It's an almost idyllic scene, really, the curly haired demigod in his field of flowers, sitting cross-legged in dappled sunlight, barel-legged (wearing shorts, you pervert) and barefoot, so focused he does not notice anything around.

how full of light and color are their last days

Love mends even the broken parts

Loren was headed towards the shrine in the Glade to do his regular prayers to Frey. However, today—in addition to Astra, who often accompanied him—he had a whole host of critters following him. Once more, the swarm of musical bees swirled in the air above him. On top of those (or well, technically behind him), there was a magna vermis. He’d passed the giant worm rolling in a puddle, and for some reason it had weirdly decided that he was far more interesting than the water.

Steadfastly ignoring all of them except for the luxere, he marched ahead. He rested a hand on her head while she gazed at the wildlife with wide and curious and excited eyes. When he passed the shock of growth and color among the trees, he ignored it as more of the same. Then, though, his mind kicked him and he did a double take.

Kai was at the center of the flowers, which were now being pollinated by the swarm. Kneeling down, the summoner examined what the son of Rae was working on. ”Need some help?” Without waiting for a response, the Launceleyn reached out for one of the unshaven twigs. ”What’re you working on?” Shifting his fingertips to claws, he carefully scraped the bark off one twig, then another, handing them over to be sanded as he worked through the pile. Astra, for her part, trotted over to the demi-god, practically begging for attention. Loren let out a huff of laughter at the sight. The giant worm settled in a circle around them.

loren

Coding base by Sky!

kaimana

how beautiful the leaves grow old

So Loren's here.

Surrounded by bees.

Because, y'know. Bees.

You have nothing against the intrusion, though, especially because the summoner has brought along so many charming companions. "Hullo, Loren! Astra!" Your greeting is as chipper as ever, though for once you don't stop what you're doing.

Which isn't to say you won't accept help. Taking the shaven stick from Loren, you begin to rub sandpaper along it, falling easily into companionship and cooperation. "I'm makin' a present," you tell him between actions, leaning over to nuzzle Astra with your head given that your hands are currently occupied. "A bed for a griffin named Isuma. It's part'a a human gift givin' ritual. Why do you have so many friends? Are they tryin'a pollinate you?"

how full of light and color are their last days

Love mends even the broken parts

Loren smiled, more than a bit bemused by Kaimana’s enthusiastic response. Still, he reached for another stick and began shaving off the bark with his partially shifted claws. ”Hullo Kai.” Astra went practically crazy when the demi-god nuzzled her, pressing herself against the other man lovingly, and the summoner smiled at the sight.

Still, he tilted his head at Kai's words. "Oh that's nice of you." When the demi-god mentioned that the present was for Haai, the Launceleyn's smile blossomed into a full grin. "Very nice indeed. What made you decide to participate?" At the other man's question, a confused look crossed Loren's features before understanding dawned at the second question. "Oh, the bees? Honestly, I have no idea." Shrugging, he handed over the latest stick and grabbed another.

loren

Coding base by Sky!

kaimana

how beautiful the leaves grow old

"I thought hands-on participation might improve my understandin' of the ritual." You shrug good-naturedly - this had made sense to you - and try to hide the other motive: that you secretly want very much to be part of things that are being done.

Taking the smooth sticks in your hands you close your eyes, letting your magic flow out among them and coaxing them to animate. And they do: despite being dry the organic material shifts and stretches, weaving into something resembling a shallow bowl with slightly upturned edges. A basket, of sorts, Isuma-sized.

Now for the final touches.

You set the basket on the ground and look over for the patch of moss. You already brought it over here, and now you gently encourage it to creep and march across the sticks, creating a soft, insulated base.

Your work complete you lean back proudly, holding the basket up to inspect. "There! Whaddya think?" you question Loren, thrusting it forward for him to see with all the pride of an accomplished child.

how full of light and color are their last days

Love mends even the broken parts

Loren nodded in understanding. As Kaimana closed his eyes, the summoner watched the demi-god carefully. The Launceleyn couldn’t help but grin as first the sticks wove themselves together and then a bed of moss marched over to act as a cushion. "That's incredible." His voice was practically breathless with wonder.

As the son of Rae held up the bed for inspection, Loren immediately nodded in approval. "I'm sure both Haai and Sunjata will love it." Sending out a quick mental call to Astra, who trotted up to Kai for a proper goodbye, the summoner gave the other man an apologetic smile. "Unfortunately, I should probably get moving. I'll see you around." With that, the Launceleyn waved cheerfully at the demi-god before heading off for the shrine.

loren

Coding base by Sky!

kaimana

how beautiful the leaves grow old

You tilt your head in confusion - you're pretty sure this is supposed to be for Jigano and Isuma, but maybe Loren knows something that you don't. Before you can ask, though, he's readying to go, rising up off the ground.

Offering Astra one last set of skritches behind her antlers, you grin up at Loren with a bright smile and wave. "Bye! Thanks for helpin'!"

Then you make your way off in the opposite direction, toward your little home nest.

{~fin}

how full of light and color are their last days