magisteriaexe | Mingle Log: Agrarian Enclave -- Telepin Plant Nursery & Apiary

Mingle Log: Agrarian Enclave -- Telepin Plant Nursery & Apiary

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Mingle Log #2

note: log is sfw but contains vague references to nsfw things!

With all the hustle and bustle occurring in High Rise Village, some of the locals will be persuading Otherworlders to spend some time in the Agrarian Enclave. The southern region of the island city-state boasts all manner of attractions.

Any trip to the Enclave tends to begin with a visit to the plant nursery and its adjacent apiary.

Telepin Apiary

The pollinators of the Enclave -- and they come in all forms -- produce the finest honey.

The Ambrosial Honey Collection of Magisteria contains varieties ranging from those with delicate floral notes to rich earthy drinks. Honey is added to teas and dishes at various small establishments all around the apiary. A favorite drink is called Ambrosial Bold-Gold. A person who consumes this drink will feel a sense of warmth and, likely, a desire to be more open and social, more likely to share their thoughts, feelings, and findings with fellow Otherworlders.

Those who drink large amounts may feel some inhibition loss and they may become more gregarious. They may also really vibe deeply with sunlight and nature. Otherworlders will be given to understand that natives consume this special tea almost like one would booze.

Drinking at the Telepin Apiary is the equivalent of day-drinking in the Enclave. It can prepare a person for the best leisurely stroll in the Community Gardens and the wonder of the Sky Orchards, or it can prime people for the various more adult-centric allures of the district...

After all, this was a land absolutely full of beings from fantasy races who were all kinds of beautiful and not exactly shy about the spring and summer thirst cycles.

Telepin Plant Nursery

It's a popular place to get a baby plant, and the plants here have a lot of personality.

They're about as sentient as the art installations. They don't require food like a pet would; they are, in fact, plants, but they also move about. Some have faces.

Many are kind of like... grass Tribbles: little tufty balls that run or roll about.

There are tomatoes and strawberries with faces, or those shaped like animals, such as strawberry mice.

MINGLE LOG

Otherworlders are encouraged to take a little break from the world: drink some honey tea, watch/adopt some grass Tribbles*, and engage with each other about all the weird shit y'all have seen.

[*could probably use proper names. would go gr8 with Musashi's or Libra's gardens, tho!]

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☉ TELEPIN APIARY

[ After finding out the truth of their future from Emet-Selch, Azem needed some time alone. So they did the one thing they do best (aside from fucking and fighting); wander. They saw some of the sights, met new people, and found a gift for their dear friend (yes, is still a dear friend even after all of that). But before they find him and hand over the gift, one more stop is in order as the Apiary and Plant Nursery have caught their attention.

Never one to say no to whatever the locals are up to, Azem happily orders one of the drinks and sips it as they relax in the warm atmosphere of the Aipary. ]

This is divine. [ They say to no one in particular as they look down at their drink with a measure of surprise. It's not that they doubted it would taste good, but to taste it is another matter.

Once they've had a drink or two (however, let's be real, they don't need a drink to talk to others) they're happy to regale others with tales of their exploits from both here and back home. ]

☉ TELEPIN PLANT NURSERY

[ The Plant Nursery is quite fascinating. The creatures within remind them of some creations back home, however much more adorable. Azem finds themself wanting to adopt one but, oh, which one? They can be found hemming and hawing over which of the adorable vegetative critters they should take home. ]

Or maybe I should get one for Hades? [ They can be over heard musing to themself. ] Would he appreciate a small friend?

☉ WILDCARD

[ I'm down for whatever, throw it my way or hit me up on plurk @ rubberspaceducky or in PMs to plan something. ]

[ Hades has been in a subdued mood ever since Azem left. Ask anyone who knows him even the slightest bit and they would have probably mentioned it to Azem. He doesn't even really want to be here but a muted curiosity about their honey drink has drawn him out. It's by sheer coincidence that they don't cross paths until he happens to wander into the nursery for a quick glance and overhears Azem's idle question.

He hangs back, frowning at the vegetables crowding Azem. They remind him of Halmarut's creations...many of which still roam Etheirys in the modern day. So tenacious... ]

...

[ He's just going to wait and see what Azem picks. Yes. Then he'll leave. ~~Or more likely, find himself stepping in before Azem makes a terrible choice on his behalf.~~ ]

[ If Azem is aware of Hades' presence they show no indication of such. They're much too busy wigglings a finger at one of the critters, grinning at how it makes little chirring noises. ]

Goodness, you're all so adorable. How is one to choose?

[ And then, as they place that one down, another catches their eye. A little purple onion with long, floppy green leaves growing from the top of its head. Azem's eyes widen just as their grin does. ]

Oh goodness! You remind me of a dear friend, you'd be perfect. [ As if understanding Azem's words the little onion climbs into their lap with happy little noises. ] Aren't you just so friendly?

Edited 2024-08-16 11:18 (UTC)

[ A friend? Emet-Selch frowns at the little onion, trying to think who it could possibly resemble. It doesn't look like anyone he knows - knew - at all. It certainly isn't himself. He thinks.

As he continues to spy on Azem, unbeknonst to him, a little radish waddles over and halts by his feet, staring up at him. ]

[ Azem remains oblivious as they carefully fashion the onion's "hair" into a braid, topping it off with a little yellow ribbon. The little onion looks rather pleased with itself after they're done. ]

We'll have to find a different color for you later.

[ It's only after they're done that they look up and take stock of their surroundings, following the path of a few other of the flora critters as they make their way over Hades. ]

Oh! And just how long have you been there?

[ He startles, taking an instinctive step back amd nearly stepping on another vegetable that had snuck up behind him. In a rare display of clumsiness, he trips over his own feet and lands heavily on his arse. ]

By the godsdamned Twelve--!

[ He cuts his curse off and grits his teeth, buttocks smarting from the fall. ]

...I just arrived. I thought you were still travelling.

Oh!

[ Azem doesn't even have time to question him about what this Twelve is. Instead, they're on their feet, onion in one hand, as they make their way carefully over to Hades. ]

I only just returned. [ They kneel next to him, careful of the little vegetables as they too toddle over to check on Hades. ] I was going to find you when I was done here but seems that won't be necessary. Are you injured?

...No injury save for my pride.

[ He mutters that before glancing down at the swarm of ambulant vegetables surrounding them. His rear does smart something fierce of course but he would rather die again than admit that in front of Azem.

The radish which had initially approached him stares solemnly back at him. He looks away. Focuses on the purple onion which Azem had fawned over instead. ]

And just who is that supposed to resemble?

Well, I have nothing to soothe one's pride.

[ Azem responds with a bit of a grin before their attention goes to the onion lounging in the crook of their arm. ]

What? Oh, this little guy? [ They look down and smile fondly. ] I thought the coloration reminded me a bit of Hythlodaeus' hair.

And look, [ they shift so they can hold the critter out to Hades, in response it wiggles its arms at him as if wanting to be held by him. ] I braided its hair, or rather what passes for hair.

Hythlodaeus... Really?

[ He feels a twinge in his chest as he stares at the thing. It looks so pitiful, the way it wriggles its arms at him. He ends up reaching out and taking it from Azem. ]

...Nothing could possibly replace him. You know that.

[ All the same, seeing some small resemblance in the creature leads him to waver. When he last saw their friend, they were walking together into the aetherial sea to finally have their well-earned rest. His eyes start to feel hot. ]

Of course not.

[ Azem hands the onion over and then settles in next to Hades as it seems they'll now be here for a little bit. ]

Still, it's rather cute and I thought maybe you could use a little friend.

[ Azem takes off their hat and sets it aside, running fingers through short, messy hair. Afterward, they reach out to the radish that initially approached Hades and let it climb into their arms. ]

I... I imagine you didn't spend much time with anyone while I was gone.

[ He resists the urge to lean against them. (What in the seven hells did they do to their hair?) The purple onion babbles its strange vegetable nonsense and curls up happily within his cupped palms.

...Hades supposes it IS cute in its own way. ]

Is this supposed to be a reconciliatory gift then?

[ Pointedly not answering whether he had spent the last few weeks alone. ]

[ Azem will take his response of a question to their own to mean that yes, he did spend his time alone. ]

It was not, no. I had another gift planned but then I saw these cute little critters and thought to find one for you. Mayhap not the most suitable gift, now that I think on it, but they do seem quite taken with you.

[ Perhaps, its because he's so standoffish that animals seem drawn to him. ]

I see.

[ He has no use for a 'pet', but he remembers hearing these things don't require food. Perhaps he could allow it to roam his living space... ]

I'll consider it.

[ A lack of hard 'no' is basically a 'yes' from him. ]

Are you...back, then? Or are you leaving again?

[ Azem smiles at that and scritches under the radish's chin, eliciting chirring from it. ]

Aye, I'm back for the time being.

...Good.

[ He idly rubs the side of the purple onion and it nuzzles back. He watches it for a little while before speaking again. ]

I...missed you.

[ Azem shifts so they can lean against him whether he wants it or not. ]

I missed you too. After I sorted out everything in my head, I found myself wishing I could summon you to my side.

[ Azem's gaze travels to their pack. ] The gift I picked out had that in mind.

[ He doesn't move away. After a moment's hesitation, he lets his head lean against Azem's. ]

If you really wanted to summon me, you could. You have that spell of yours, do you not?

[ Azem hums softly, closing their eyes for a moment. ]

Nay, I have yet to regain that particular spell.

Oh.

[ Well, that's...unfortunate. He sighs quietly. ]

Then what is the gift you picked out for me?

Weeeeell... You would need to have your hands free and eyes closed for me to give it to you.

[ Azem can't help but grin that mischievous grin of their's. ]

[ His brow furrows at that. But he sits back straight again and carefully balances the purple onion on his thigh. Then he closes his eyes and holds out his hands. ]

This had better not be a prank, [ he warns. ]

[ Azem sets the radish in their lap and grabs their bag. Hades will be able to hear them dig around before finally feeling the sensation of metal and soft fabric around his wrist. Once the clasp is fashion, Azem takes his hand and gives it a little squeeze. ]

Okay! You can open your eyes.

[ When he opens his eyes and looks down at his wrist, he'll find a circular bit of metal that doesn't look dissimilar to a watch held on by a black wristband. However, upon closer inspection, he'll find there's no watch face or digital display, just the white etching of a sun against a dark background.

The hand holding his has a similar bracelet around Azem's wrist, however, instead of a sun there is a moon. ]

I was told close friends and lovers often buy these bracelets so they can let the other know they're thinking of them. It can take a little bit to sync up but once it does it lights up and vibrates, isn't that neat?

[ He opens his eyes, blinks to clear his vision and then glances down. The strange watch-like wristband glitters innocuously. ]

What do you mean by that? It can read my thoughts? [ he asks suspiciously. ]

[ Azem shrugs while still holding his hand. ]

From what I understand it has something to do with Bios.

[ Well... Well! The longer Azem continues to hold his hand, the more likely Hades is to think about them. But as they have said, it takes a little while for his to synchronise with his person. It isn't giving away his thoughts. Yet. ]

Hmph. Of course it would... But I still fail to see how it knows--

[ Azem's wristband flashes suddenly. A weak flutter of light, like it's uncertain. ]

Ah! [ Azem releases his hand to get a better look at their bracelet. He'll find his own lighting up, less weak fluttering but more of a quick flash. ]

Good to know they work, however, it seems they need more time to sync.

[ His cheeks flush a light pink as he jerks his own hand back, staring down at the bracelet. ]

...Don't you think this would be a little embarrassing in public?

Why would it be embarrassing? [ Leave it to Azem to not see any problem with it. ]

I suppose you don't have to wear it all the time. I just thought it'd be nice for the times when I'm off traveling on my own.

[ As much as they'd like to take Hades with them every time they wander off, they figure that's not always feasible. ]

[ He stares at the bracelet a little longer, debating whether his pride could survive the teasing Azem would shower him with when they realise exactly how often he thinks or has thought of them. ]

...I'll keep it on for your sake, [ he grumbles. Azem's bracelet lights up again a little more steadily than before. ]

[ And tease they will once such a fact is made known to them. However, it is always out of love for him that they tease. ]

I'm glad. [ They smile brightly though their expression quickly turns to one of surprise as their bracelet gives a soft vibration and lights up a bit more steadily. He'll find his own does the same in response. ]

So... What do you think of your new little friend?

...If I do not need to worry about how to feed the thing, I suppose I can look after it.

[ He rubs his wrist absently. Their disagreement had left him fearing that their relationship would end before they had a chance to make up for lost time. Now he feels a glimmer of hope. ]

Are you going to keep that one? [ He points to the sombre radish in Azem's arms. ]

[ If Azem understood all that he had been through, they might have better understood his worry. But they are nothing if not forgiving, especially of their dear friend. Although, it could take them a bit of time to sort out their feelings and come back to make amends. ]

I'm glad. [ Azem grin at him.

They look down at the critter in their lap. ]

Do you want to stay with me? [ Their question is met with babble to which they chuckle. ] I'll take that as a yes.

[ The "Hyth" onion in his lap makes burbling noises at him. He glances down to see it waving its tiny arms at him so he picks it up to cradle in his arms again. It seems content with this and nestles in as if to nap. ]

If only Hythlodaeus were truly here...

Perhaps he'll show up.

[ Azem is hopeful, it'd be wonderful to have the last of their little trio here. But the mention of him brings a question to mind. ]

Speaking of... You never mentioned what happened to him.

[ He falls silent for a while. His thumb idly strokes the onion as it dozes. From his stony expression and profound silence, Azem can probably guess what he's about to say. ]

Hythlodaeus...decided to offer himself as a sacrifice to Zodiark. He reasoned that, unlike me, he had little to offer the star in its post-apocalyptic recovery.

[ The words are delivered flatly. Even after so many centuries, Hades hasn't quite managed to move on from the loss of his two closest friends. ]

[ Azem remains quiet for a long moment. They are sad to hear of Hythlodaeus' fate but it does not surprise them. He always looked to the two of them as being much more capable than himself but he always wanted to help when he could. It's no surprise that he would give his life's energy to summon what they saw as their savior. ]

I sorry. [ They respond softly as they lean into Hades. They would go for a one-armed hug but their hands are busy holding their own little vegetable friend. ]

You must have been so lonely.

[ He is silent for a while. Yes, it was terribly lonely indeed. But if he gives voice to that, he feels his anger and bitterness might spill over again. How could both of them leave him the way they did? Hadn't they promised to return to the star together...? ]

I could have restored him, if we had been successful with the Rejoinings, [ he mutters. ] But I suppose his soul has finally been released now. He will be waiting for me in the aetherial sea when I return.

[ The silence doesn't surprise them. If anything, it makes Azem realize that was a silly thing to say. Of course, he was lonely without the two of them. Azem isn't sure he'd ever truly been alone before that. They know that Hythlodaeus had been there for a long time before they came along and the duo became a trio.

They were so close they'd even made a pact to return to the star together... ]

I am glad for that at least. [ They reply softly, fighting against the tightness they feel in their chest as they fall into silence for a few moments longer. ]

Have you tried the drinks they offer? [ They finally ask. ]

No. Not yet. Do you...want to?

[ He asks, as if he doesn't already know what the answer will be. ]

Aye, let us have a few drinks.

[ They've already had a few but sharing them with Hades would make the activity all the better.

They stand first, carefully cradling their new friend as they do so. ]

[ The onion in Hades' arms burbles quietly as he stands as well. There is a gaping hole filled with Hythlodaeus' lack of presence but he forces himself to ignore it. Azem is back and, well, he may not necessarily be forgiven but at least they're on speaking terms. ]

If you have any other questions... I will answer them.

I will let you know if any questions come to mind.

[ They certainly have many questions but they don't want to sour their sweet drinks. So they may wait until later to ask them.

For now, they simply want to enjoy his company with a few drinks. ]

1. Vegetable(?) Raising

William spends time around the outskirts of the agricultural sector to take advantage of the vast space to train. When the place actually opens its doors to visitors, naturally he comes to take a look. While the vegetables initially give him pause, he's quickly charmed by their faces and their general manner.

He can be found sat cross-legged in the soil surrounded by a small group of them. One of the tomatoes has managed to get on to his shoulder and is now making a determined tilt for the top of his head.

William tries not to shake too much as he giggles. "Careful, you don't want to bruise yourself," he cautions with a smile.

2. Wildcard

Open to any other ideas/openings etc.!

Sakura looks a little more unsure of what to do around the plants. She's never had a pet of her own or really had a chance to care for some sort of small and tender life like a plant... but given her nature, the opportunity for either is not entirely without its appeals.

Of course, she always saw caring for pets and caring for plants as entirely discrete... but these plants are more like little pets. They may be a bit underdeveloped in sentience compared to a lot of pets, but certainly they are more sentient than any plant she has encountered.

She has taken a seat not too far from where William is. One of the tufty, faceless chunks of grass runs up to her lap and presses its forefront against her. On its back, a few particularly long clusters of grass wiggle like a sort of tail. Nearby, a couple of strawberry mice seem to be peering at her curiously. For creatures which don't need to be fed, they are certainly behaving like they want treats. Bios, perhaps? That always seemed like a good bet in this world, if any animal or entity wanted for anything...

"I kind of hope there are regular vegetables and fruits here, too," she mentions quietly. After all, it'd be a sort of a shame to eat these very cute things. But then, this seems like it might be a specialty nursery of some sort. "I guess I shouldn't be surprised the plants are... like this."

If the Sea Bears and other wildlife they had encountered were anything to go by, hybrid beings seemed pretty big in this world. Although these were more flora than fauna, one assumed.

The tomato attempting to ascend his head wobbles and then topples off. He quickly catches it in his arms, patting it gently for the attempt.

"It's a little unnerving, yes. But I guess it's not too different from remembering that the meat we consume also came from a living creature once. I just hope that the food we eat has been taken care of humanely."

He lifts the tomato on to the top of his head. It poses there victoriously - not that William can see.

This boy does have a point.

Sakura actually finds herself smiling a little. Though they have just met, his friendly demeanor puts her at ease. Definitely giving off Plucky Protagonist Good Boy Hero vibes, and Sakura is known to have an especial fondness for That Type.

"Are you planning to adopt one?"

She herself has not been planning to... but now that she says it aloud. Well. They just might end up tempting her. Though is she really equipped to care for something like this? Even if they do not require food... she's a little uncertain. Caring for anything in this world seems like a certain weight of responsibility, even if it's small.

"Hmm..."

He gives it some thought. Having a...well, what is essentially a pet, could be nice. He has none of his companions to take his mind off things currently. He's confident he can care for a plant after Mary's tutelage.

"That might be a good idea actually," he says slowly. "Even though there are so many people in this city, I do feel alone sometimes. Having something to come home to would be nice."

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Mingle Log: Agrarian Enclave -- Telepin Plant Nursery & Apiary

Telepin Apiary

Telepin Plant Nursery

MINGLE LOG

Azem | Final Fantasy XIV | OTA

Telepin plant nursery

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William G. Maryblood | The Faraway Paladin | open

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