Court of the Fallen was created in October of 2018 by Odd, Honey, and Crooked.
Skinning and hosting by the epically talented Kaons, and functionality fanciness by the coding magic of Neowulf. If you ever see either of them around, make sure to show them some love!
It was harder work than Sohalia was used to, but that didn't make it bad. In fact, she felt a certain pride as the rocks gave way beneath her hands, baring the fertile soil beneath. She wiped sweat from her brow, leaving a smear of dirt on her forehead, and turned to pick up her sapling, settling it gently in the hole before shoveling dirt in behind it. She hammered a few stakes into the ground and tied the sapling in place, anchoring it against any winds that might blow through the area. Satisfied, she glanced around to see her companions spreading seeds and planting trees, and she smiled at the positive impact they were having upon the Symphony.
With her first sapling planted, Sohalia grabbed a second and began the arduous process of digging, removing rocks, and placing the next tree into the ground a short distance from the first. She tried to pick a spot that was far enough away that both trees would be able to grow well, but not so far that their roots would fail to hold the soil between them in place.
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Soh plants her first sapling and gets to work on the next!
With just a few more saplings to go, Farrow dunked her cupped hand into the water, sipping from her palm while she gave her shoulders and arms a rest. The work was happy and fruitful but it had been an age since so many things needed planting at once and the deep but familiar ache had settled fully into her muscles.
The last few holes Farrow dug came a bit slower than her first, but she gave each one the equal care and attention necessary to keep the mangrove saplings alive and healthy, though she did have to remove a few large rocks in her way. Though ti wasn't long before the last of her saplings were planted.
Farrow smiled at her work, barely noticing the wet earth the clung to her arms and skirts or the pressure of mud beneath her nails.
Progress was so satisfying Phoebe thought, and the little group was making a lot of progress in a short amount of time. Now they just needed to wrap up!
"Okay, Farrow and Sohalia, we need to spread some of this straw over the seeds Hadama had spread out." she said, knowing it necessary to protect the small seeds from being eaten by birds and to keep the ground moist. Hadama, could you spray water over the area?" she said. This would give the seeds and saplings a head start on growth.
The end was in sight. Just these last few tasks needed doing.
Farrow - time to spread straw over the seeds! Sohalia - time to spread straw over the seeds! Hadama - spray water over the area of planting!
It didn't take long for their group to make good progress, and after a while, Soh paused to survey the landscape. A few trees had been planted and seeds had been scattered, and the young woman looked it all over with pride. She swept the back of one hand across her forehead, wiping away the sweat that had gathered there.
When Phoebe gave further instruction, Soh nodded, practically skipping over to the straw and gathering a few handfuls, which she took over to the seeds and began to spread carefully over them. She repeated this process a few times, going back and forth between the straw and the seeds, working in tandem with Farrow, until they were all covered.
Indeed he could water the young plants, and he did so gladly. Drawing water up from the river he used his magic to let it fall in a gentle sprinkle over the young saplings and newly-sown seeds, moving slowly up one bank and spending extra time with each of the trees that the others had worked so hard to give a new home.
Once he was sure that they had the best start he could provide he dove and swam his way across the powerful river to the other bank to refresh the seeds he had worked with the wind to plant over there. He worked in and around Farrow and Sohalia as they spread the straw, soaking the soil thoroughly first, and then coming back to dampen the straw afterwards so it would be heavy enough to remain in place and not get blown away.
With some direction from Phoebe, Farrow and Sohalia finished planting the last of the saplings. Then, with armful for straw, they proceeded to spread the insulation around the upturned dirt around the roots. This would ensure the roots stayed nice and cozy as they developed and took hold in their new home.
Farrow wiped her brow, a bit of dirt smearing over her skin, though a wide smile was stretched on her face. It had been a while since she had worked so throughly outside and despite the ache in her back and shoulders she was feeling refreshed and energized for the time spent outdoors.
With the seeds covered by straw, and watered through Hadama's magic, their task was complete. Phoebe beamed, clapping her hands together in delight. Together they had gotten so much work done in such a short amount of time. It just went to show what the power of a collective group could do!
"Thank you so much everyone for all your hard work. The Greatwood is grateful I am sure of it." she said with a bright smile. As if on cue the trees swayed, and there was something pleasant about the display. Even the little saplings bounced, already part of the Greatwood's network of trees.
Congratulations you have completed this PQ! I will close it soon in case you want to post a leaving post.
Hadama rejoined the ladies as they all completed their tasks, swimming to the edge of the shore where the others had gathered. He inclined his head in acceptance of Phoebe's gratitude, relaxed and serene as he contemplated the rich life around them and the intricate web of interconnected land and water that ran through the region.
"If you need help again, I will answer," he offered to Phoebe. Then he nodded to Sohalia and Farrow. "It was good to work with you today." His second time with Farrow, and his first with Sohalia, but both humans had worked diligently and well and made his own tasks easier with their enthusiasm.
With that he gave a final wave of farewell and then turned to dive back into the river, enjoying a leisurely swim in the cool, fresh waters for a little while before he gathered his magic and aquaported home to Torchline.
Hadama out!
