bakerstreet | Garden

Garden

— garden meme

Sometimes, all you need is a brief retreat from the rest of the world. A place filled with the soothing scent of flowers and the gentle touch of the passing breeze. Might be real nice to just lie down in the grass and relax for a bit...

— scenario prompts

1) RELAXING.
A garden's a good a place as any to read a book in peace or get an impromptu nap, right? The sun is out, it's nice and warm, and—well, now you can just close your eyes for a spell and bask in the warmth as you drift off to sleep.

2) OUTING.
You've come here to look at the flowers with friends, or you thought it might be a nice place to bring a date. Settle down for a picnic, or have a nice, scenic stroll.

3) EVENT.
You've been trapped mingling with other guests or foreign dignitaries or greasy bigwigs or just about anyone else you might find in a stuffy banquet, so it's time to escape into the garden of the venue for some air. There could be others trying to catch a break just like you are. Just be careful not to overhear anything you shouldn't be listening to.

4) ASSIGNMENT.
You've come here for a reason. There's a target you've been assigned to tail or neutralize, or something valuable you have to pilfer from an estate. Infiltrating through the garden seems like your best bet for remaining undetected. If you're lucky, everything will go as planned. And if not, have fun getting away unscathed.

5) GARDEN WORK.
You've been tasked with fixing up the garden in some way, whether it means planting new things or tending to what's already there. Are you slacking off on your duties or hard at work?

6) TRAGEDY.
The garden is merely the stage for a disaster. The birds and insects have gone silent; another threat lies hidden amidst the foliage. Someone is hunting you—or you, them. Is that the smell of smoke and the beginnings of a fire? Perhaps this will be the setting of a cataclysmic battle.

7) SOMETHING DIFFERENT.
What started as an ordinary stroll through the garden has turned into something else entirely. There's something unearthly about this place, like you've stepped into a different world. Perhaps it's a gateway to another realm, or you've otherwise stumbled across some mythical secret. Or, alternatively, you aren't really in a garden—you're just here in a dream.

8) OTHER.
Anything else you can think of!

— setting prompts

A) PARK / BOTANICAL GARDEN.
The garden is part of a well-maintained park with a large variety of plants. There's a pond somewhere lined with a series of willows. Sometimes, geese, ducks, and other waterfowl pass through.

B) PALACE GARDEN.
If there's a magnificent palace, it stands to reason that the garden is just as beautiful, right? Think countless species of flowers, beautifully maintained trees, fish ponds with gorgeous water lilies, butterflies fluttering in the distance.

C) FIELD OF FLOWERS.
It's not quite an actual garden, but if you go to a field of flowers, you could make a wreath. Or flower crowns, if that's more of your thing. There could be four-leaf clovers hidden among the wildflowers.

D) MAZE.
Hedge mazes can be fun sometimes, right? Maybe there's a legend to go alongside it: if you and your beloved start at opposite ends of the maze and meet again in the center, your love will be eternal.

E) SHADED GARDEN.
There's a walkway lined with flowering trees. A shaded area with a gazebo, a table, a set of chairs. Today could be a fine day for some tea or coffee. You could host a little garden party.

F) GREENHOUSE.
It's warm in the greenhouse and long rows of plants line every available surface inside. Are you tending to the plants or looking to make a purchase?

G) HOUSE GARDEN.
It's nothing spectacular, but you have your own little garden that you've been taking care of, growing flowers and vegetables and anything else that strikes your whimsy.

H) WINTER GARDEN.
With the cold weather, the flowers have withered and the trees lie dormant, their barren branches coated in frost. Snow covers the grass and lines the benches; a hush has fallen over this place. Are those footprints in the snow? Have you come here for a purpose?

I) OTHER.
Anything else you can think of!

meme by

sockupo.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only | Expand All

[ooc: Jamjar sounds good to me! I'm still fairly new to the series so I'm not super familiar with all of the characters and events just yet.]

[ooc: Great! Aesc herself is a spoiler for LB6 (Part 2). I'm not sure if you still want to interact.]

[ooc: I don't mind spoilers!]

[ It's been exactly two days since her mysterious abduction. It's truly something to snatch the emissary from Paradise before her mission even begins! Maybe she should punish those evildoers! Ahem. If she knew how to conjure destructive spells.

(She knew once, but she doesn't remember).

The first day, she shut herself indoors, trying to learn what she could from the available books in the library. The ones she is allowed to access. There is little there of this location's history, and the servants in the palace are polite but tight-lipped with answers. The building that welcomes "guests" like Aesc is dream-like and as big as her foster mother's castle. The air smells of mint and lavender, dryer than the moist and crispier scent of the rain in Orkney.

On the second day, curiosity wins over sense and her bookworm sensibilities, and she ventures out, stepping into the palace ground, and brightly smiling as she sees peach trees blossoming with a lovely shade of magenta and a row of rosebushes, each of a different color planted just before them. ]

Wow... It's beautiful!

[ She exclaims, clasping her hands together. Her willow staff and grimoire float around her while she trots closer to the trees. As she nears them and senses their fragrance, she feels... nostalgic. She may not remember Avalon in this manifestation, but she can recognize a seed from her cradle.

This could be a good spot to read, she muses when she notices a pair of horns peeking from the other side of the tree. Oh, there's someone else. ]

Greetings from Paradise. [ The fairy curtsies as the Queen of Rain had taught her to. ] Hello. Are you a guest like me?

[It didn't take much to entertain the minotaur but due to what he dealt with back in his "home," he'd much rather spend his time outside regardless of the weather than be cooped up inside.

And so he spent the majority of the days exploring outside. The castle grounds, the hedge maze (which he could conveniently look over and was quite thankful for that), lying in the grass fields, and basking in the sun.

Today, he was lounging near the peach trees, happily grazing on the fruits and planting the seeds afterwards. By the time Aesc discovers the bull-man, he's chewing slowly on a peach, bits of fruit on his cheeks. He peeks around the tree, one cheek puffed out from the mouthful of peach pulp in it.

Chew chew chew.]

Hello....

[Munch munch.]

Yes... I am... a guest.

You're the first one I talk to! The maids are very nice, but—

[ Her smile broadens in relief. She feels the castle servants are keeping secrets. She knows they aren't lying at least. Maybe because they already know she can see through lies with her glam eyes? That doesn't mean she's ungrateful for their kind welcome. They must have their reasons for being so tight-lipped. ]

My name is Aesc. [ With another curtsy, she introduces herself using the name the leader of the Rain Clan bestowed her. Fairies are their names. If their name changes, their purpose and existence also shift with them. Although only a powerful fairy as she is (work in progress with her immature markings) can truly change names and roles attached to them. ] Pleased to make your acquaintance.

[Straightening, she finally looks up again, noticing the peach traces on his puffy cheek.]

Oh, you have— [ She gestures at her face and then his. Then she immediately searches in her robe's pocket for a tissue to assist him. ] Here. Please use this.

[ She offers him a silk handkerchief with delicate bellflowers embroidery to clean his face. He's very tall! She can't reach to help him unless she floats or jumps. That would be awkward, too. ]

[He continues to chew his food as she introduces herself, almost speaking with his mouth full again but he remembers Euryale scolding him for doing that.

Chew chew munch swallow.]

Asterios. It is... good to meet you...

[He bows his head slightly.

When Aesc produces the handkerchief, he recognizes it as what the Gorgon sister uses to clean off his face when he gets messy, so the minotaur crouches down and leans over so Aesc can reach his face.

... He should probably learn to do it himself.]

Asterios? [ Oohhh. Aesc may recognize the name, although she says nothing about that. She's read too many books from Proper Human History in her mother's library. That's not important right now.

She's waiting for him to accept (or decline) the handkerchief when he unexpectedly...bends over, presenting his cheek. Aesc blinks twice, staring owlishly at him. ]

Oh, um— [ She gets it. Clearing her throat, she amends her manners, proceeding to clean off the sticky remnants of the peaches from his face. Slowly and more awkwardly than his friend's bossier actions. ] Allow me.

[ She lowers her hand when she's finished, taking one step back. ]

What if we cut the peach into smaller slices? It would be easier for you to eat it then.

Yes.

[Sorry, Aesc. The minotaur is still learning things.]

Thank you...

[He's still sticky but it's an improvement. He'll just clean up in the nearby creek afterwards like a civilized(?) person.

There's a headtilt at the suggestion, the bull having not considered that option before.]

Ah... yes... that would... be nice.

Mmm. You're welcome!

[ Aesc hums cheerfully, shaking her head. She has tried her best. If he finds that unpleasant, she can rinse him by manifesting a small and localized downpour. She is the lady of the lake. Most spells are still off-limits to the maturing starseed, but water is a natural part of what she is. ]

Right? Let me see.

[ She turns to her right, searching for fruit hanging in the lower branches of the tree. Target located and sighted, she swipes the chosen peach with her willow staff. As the fruit falls into her left hand, it's sliced into eight even pieces by crystal clear liquid with a frozen edge.

She holds up one slice as an offering. ]

Try it now, Asterios.

[Honestly, if she hadn't of cleaned him off, he would have remained messy until bumping into someone who told him to clean up.

The minotaur watches curiously as Aesc works her magic, his eyes widening in surprise at how easily and perfectly the fruit is cut.

Whether the pit is intact doesn't matter. He's planted tons already.

So he takes the slice for her hand and pops it into his mouth
No mess, no fuss. Chew chew.

And a big ol'smile.]

... It is fun... to eat like that...

[ Eventually, she'll help him to learn some grooming habits! But right now, as strangers, it would be presumptuous of her to scold him.

Looking at the slices, Aesc wonders if she should try to cut them with animal shapes next time. She has seen something like that in passing in those cookbooks (something useless to the fae who do not need substance).

But would that affect the taste? ]

I'm glad. [ Aesc beams, glad he has had an easier time eating his fruit. ] Have the rest of them, please.

[ She waits, palms up, until he grabs the next slice. ]

By the way, Asterios. [ She will ask once he makes his choice. ] Do you know anyone else in this place? [ She hasn't met anyone from the Rain Clan. No, no fairies at all without counting Aesc herself. ]

[That might make him sad. It's hard to tell with the minotaur. He seems to be enjoying the thin slices. They're poppable but still delicious and don't get him messy!

Asterios grabs the remaining slices from Aesc, slowly munching on one piece at a time.]

Thank you...

[Munch munch.]

Ah... I know Euryale...

[Another slice. His cheek puffed out again as he chews on one side of his mouth.]

And... I see Master sometimes...

[ Aesc is satisfied with how comfortable he looks eating the fruit this way. An idea crosses her mind. ]

If you want, I can teach you how to cut them into slices. [ She volunteers, puffing her chest. It'll be the first time she's a teacher! Even in her immaturity, it should be something she'll be naturally good at. As long as she remains "Vivian," she should be. That future generation of hers in Proper Human History helped with many knights's training.

So this is no problem! She can do it. ]

Mm— We'll have to borrow a knife from the castle's kitchens.

[ Creating the Knife of Promised Slices might be too much. ]

Oh, are they in this castle?

[ Sometimes, he says. She squints, pondering if their stay is as transient as he implies. A part of her wishes to bring her adopted family and the rain clan to this peaceful place. They could relax without dealing with the hostilities of the other fairies. ]

I'm glad to hear you're not alone.

[His eyes light up curiously.]

You could...?

[She might need to teach him a couple of times before he catches on but once Asterios has it, he'll hold on to the technique.

The bull nods his head.]

Yes.

[He only says sometimes because he doesn't actively look for Ritsuka. They just stumble across each other or the summoner finds him intentionally. Otherwise he mostly remains by himself outside of spending time with Euryale.]

I am... glad too. It is nice... to not be alone... all the time.

I could, but only if you want to, Asterios.

[ Aesc says, nodding encouragely. She doesn't know if he's not busy with his friends. Not everyone is a bookworm locked in libraries without a social life as the young witch. Hahah...That's slightly embarrassing to admit, but there was no one of her 'age' in the land of the rain. Unlike Aesc, all other fairies manifested at the height of their maturity. She is a rare starseed among them that was blessed and cursed with change. ]

Oh. I suppose. [ She scratches her reddened cheek. She tries to be composed at the awkward admission. Clearing her throat, she still smiles as she admits. ] I was happy with my mother's books before coming here. I was mostly by myself in her castle.

[ Her foster parents visit her when they could. But the other clans increased their hostilities as she aged, and it makes it harder for them to stay in the castle. ]

Yes. I am... curious. It is... a useful skill.

[He isn't busy. Not in the slightest. Asterios keeps to himself unless Euryale is around -- but she isn't, so he's got quite a bit of free time.

The minotaur tilts his head curiously.]

How... do you learn... to read?

Then I'll teach you. When do you want us to do this?

[ Aesc asks, smiling lightly. She'll have to ask permission in the kitchen to borrow their knives. If the staff declines her petition, she could craft one.

Her eyes widen as he asks that question. Could it be...? ]

Oh, it was my mother. The leader of the Rain Clan. She taught me when I was old enough to understand words. [ Her smile becomes warmer. ] Honestly, she honestly didn't know how to do it. It was like trial and error. All fairies but me, well— they are already adults when they come to the world. [ Some have a youthful appearance, but they are not children. ] They don't need to "learn" anything. But I could do it thanks to flotsam picture books with big, bold words printed next to a picture of what stood for. I had to memorize what the letters sounded like first.

Asterios, maybe you... [ She pauses, peering at him from under the wide brim of her hat. ]

Do you want to learn how to read too?

[ She'll apologize later if she jumped to hasty conclusions. ]

[The bull tilts his head.]

Whenever... is fine.

[Hm. So fairy know how to do all of these things already. That's interesting...

Asterios blinks at Aesc's question though, relieved she picked up on what he was thinking, and he nods in earnest.]

Yes... I would like... to know... how to read... It is difficult... in this modern world... to get by... without it.

I'll ask the kitchen staff, then.

[ She promises, giving a quick glance at the peaches. Is it fine to collect a handful to give to them as thanks for all the trouble? Come to think about it, I don't know if we were supposed to pick up fruit at all. She'll worry about it later.

Now she has something else to teach him. ]

How about we schedule both things on the same day? We can go to the library first, and then to the kitchen.

[ There must be a section that would permit them to talk without disturbing the other people. ]

Hmm. I see. Is it complicated? I don't think we have any of that in Orkney.

[ Things from different worlds and times wash ashore but electronics are incompatible with the fae land. ]

[Given Asterios has been munching on them for half the day, they don't seem to have a problem with people picking the peaches.

He nods in response to her idea, easy-going as ever.]

Yes... That sounds good...

[The minotaur scratches his cheek.]

It is... complicated. I do not... understand much... It is like magic but... different.

[ There would be a sign if it was forbidden, right? Or a bounded field. Aesc still worries about overstepping and wearing down their welcome. But she'll never let Asterios worry about this. No, she'll handle it. So puffing her chest proudly, she happily nods. ]

If it can't be tomorrow, maybe the day after.

[ She glances back at the castle. Tomorrow might be a little hasty if they will be busy in the kitchen. Oh, it occurs to her she can also ask to watch them cook. She had never seen that before! ]

Ah, mm, I only read about it, but isn't that a way to replicate natural phenomena? [ Her eyes widen in curiosity. ] Human mages so that with their magecraft.

[ No fairy but her know or need of magecraft. They are, herself included, those natural phenomena. Having a tangible manifestation, a body that permits communication does make things awkward but also so interesting. She understands why the six "sinners" got overwhelmed and neglected their purpose! ]

[If she hasn't spotted a sign, there likely isn't one. Asterios didn't know to look for one anyways. He just assumed it was okay to eat the peaches. At least he planted a bunch of new trees though!]

Whenever... is good.. for you.

[Seeing live examples would help him out immensely. He's a visual learner, after all.

Alas, Aesc's question doesn't click with him and he tilts his head.]

Natural... phenomena...?

[ That's so nice of him! She'll help by watering them later. She's good at that without learning spells. ]

Oh, I'm free every day here. Heheh. So any day is okay with me!

[ She scratches her cheek, looking sheepish. She's also free in the land of the rain, but she can't admit that. She barely left the library or her assigned quarters without her mother's permission. ]

For example, umm— I've read this gardening book about humans creating an irrigation system that sprays their crops and plants in a wide-ranged area. Mages must have had a spell to do that. After that invention appeared, it surely got discarded.

[ She says, bringing up the hoses and automatic watering system in everything but name. ]

Either way, both are trying to mimic something in nature. That's rain!

[More trees mean more fruit. That's a win in his book.]

I do not... have anything planned either.

[Asterios listens intently, understanding what she means and nodding. While he can't fully envision said invention, he has a general idea of how that might work.]

Weather spells... would work... but it would... be handy to have... something physical to use... Humans are... very clever.

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b - let me know if I should change anything (I'll be slow, busy weekend!)

Looks perfect to me!

I may be slow, just heads up

Same here. Con crunch time. orz But I'm always up for backtagging!

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Sorry for the delay! Post con tired and work has been busy

it's ok!

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