[Event] Return of Fall (Lily Ambrosia)

Event Details:

"This place is the same as always, isn't it?"

Amidst all the folk celebrating another successful harvest festival (or just the season) a large figure trundled into the capital city of Crocus, each step making the ground shake and causing bystanders to hastily make way. The figure, formed of stone and covered in moss, was surprisingly careful despite its size and heavy walk, coming to a halt when several costumed children ran in front of it and only resuming its march once the sproutlings had passed by. On top of the figure sat a much smaller individual, wearing some new clothes and smiling as she looked around at all the people enjoying the festivities.

After wandering the wilds for some time Lily and Basin had decided to return to civilization, as they had several friends there that they hadn't seen in a while. By the time they returned to Fiore, however, various things had changed: war had broken out, and fall had arrived (not at the same time). The conflict between the civilized nations of Ishgar was something alien to both of them, although they'd already taken part in the skirmishes that preceded the full-blown conflict.

Fall, however, was something they were very familiar with, even if this was only the second time that they experienced it from the perspective of the stonedwellers.

"In the past they'd be happy that they gathered enough food to survive the winter, but these days it really is just an opportunity to dress up and have fun, isn't it?"

Basin didn't audibly respond, but Lily could feel the earth guardian's assent. While ze was mute ze was a lot more expressive than most would think, and paid more attention to the affairs of the fleshlings as well. Originally dedicated to protecting a certain font of life, ever since Lily had found zir and convinced zir to travel the world with her ze had become much more interested in the world, including the parts which weren't governed by root and rock.

"Now that we're back we might as well join in!" Lily chimed, clapping her hands together even as Basin continued to walk unhindered. "We don't have time to make any costumes, but I'm sure there are some games around here that we can take part in!"

Looking around from her perch she looked at all the stands where merchants were either selling food and various products or letting children and adults alike try their hand at various games, with rewards for those who managed to succeed despite the subtle tricks the stall owners used to increase the difficulty. Even weighted balls couldn't match up to the skill and precision of some of the people present, although Lily wasn't aware of all the trickery underneath the surface.

However, it was Basin who came to a halt in front of one of the stalls, surprising not only the humans but Lily as well. The dryad peered down as the animated stone figure slowly raised one hand and pointed at the contents of the stall, where the stall owner had three small plastic coffins laid out on the table. The stall owner blinked, but after he saw Lily waving at him from Basin's back he smiled.

"Welcome! Welcome to the yearly return of Coffin Up Candy! Do you know the rules?"

"Let's see... it's one of those games where we have to guess the right one, isn't it?"

"Right you are! Simple as that! And with my swift hands I can assure you that this isn't a question of skill, but luck! Which means anyone can join in on the fun."

"Sounds like fun yes. You're always lucky aren't you Basin?"

The earth guardian didn't respond but motioned again with zirs hand. The stall owner looked a bit confused at the independent actions of the massive figure, but nodded and placed some candies inside one of the coffins.

"All righty then! Anyone can play, so there we go!"

With truly astounding swiftness the stall owner began to move the coffins about, switching their positions with such dexterity that the plastic toys blurred and Lily quickly gave up on trying to track them. Basin didn't move, waiting patiently for the shuffling to come to an end. After several seconds of impressive sleight of hand the coffins were once again lined up, but which one was which was anyone's guess.

Basin remained motionless for several seconds, then pointed at the coffin in the middle.

Current Appearance:

WC: 745
TWC: 745/2,000

The member 'Lily Ambrosia' has done the following action : Dice Rolls

---

'Normal Dice' :

After Basin pointed at the middle coffin there was a moment of pause before the stall owner opened the little plastic container, revealing... an even smaller skeleton, neatly folded up with its pale white colour standing out amidst the dark plastic of the coffin. While the level of detail and precision was undoubtedly proof of true craftsmanship (or at least more than one might expect for a little stall game) what it wasn't was the candies that they'd been trying to locate.

Leaning forward from her position on top of Basin's back Lily peered at the outcome of her partner's choice, patting zirs head as it became clear that ze hadn't chosen the correct coffin.

"Huh, I was sure it was the middle one..."

With her affinity to nature the fact that the game made use of plastic instead meant she had no way of knowing which coffin was the real one, and the same went for Basin. Which was only fair, since most people would have the same problem. The stall owner smiled good-naturedly as he closed the coffin again and opened the one on the right to show the candies inside.

"It was a good try, but you can't be lucky every time! Don't worry, I'm sure you'll have more luck with the other stalls!"

Basin slowly returned zirs arm to zirs side, zirs stony appearance meaning that there was little to read in terms of emotions. Lily could feel what her partner was feeling, but for anyone else it was difficult or impossible to read the earth guardian, especially since, aside from the lack of a normal face, ze didn't emote much either. Patting her partner on the head once more the dryad smiled brightly at the stall owner.

"We'll keep looking around then! Thanks for having us!"

The earth elemental nodded, then turned around and trudged away from the stall, the owner nodding back before turning towards the next group of hopefuls, a group of children who paused to stare at the massive stone figure walking away before being drawn in by the promise of candy.

Once again trudging down the middle of the road Basin ignored most of the stalls, the dryad on top of zirs head looking around but remaining silent for now as the two of them enjoyed the ambience. The people made sure to remain out of the earth guardian's path, each footstep clear enough that even a deaf person could have tracked the two children of nature through the trembling.

It was only when they found a path leading away from the most populous parts of the festival that Basin came to a halt, turning to face the new path and where it led to. A large wooden arrow, embedded with glowing baubels, pointed towards the road with some kind of message written on it. Basin and Lily both read it together, with the dryad slowly reading it out loud.

"...Death Tour? What does that mean?"

It sounded rather ominous, but given how the stonedwellers used skulls and the like to decorate these harvest festivals she imagined it was part of the charm. After several seconds she looked down at her partner.

"Want to check it out?"

The earth guardian nodded, and with the two of them in agreement left the brightest and loudest parts of the festival behind to instead see what the Death Tour was all about.

It didn't take long to find out.

The road would lead straight towards large gates wrought from bars of black iron, with a fence made from the same materials extending in both directions, embedded into big blocks of carved stone at regular intervals to help keep it in place. The gates were attached to thicker iron pillars, and for the occasion grinning pumpkins had been attached to the tips and enchanted fake bats flew circles above, producing a leathery flapping sound together with the occasional soft chirping.

The gates, and the fence, cordoned off a large chunk of land which seemed almost supernaturally lifeless. Instead of large buildings, new and old, instead there were withered trees, pale mausoleums, and weathered gravestones, forming one big monument to the deceased inhabitants of this capital and the heroes they revered. With clear skies the moonlight illuminated most of the capital quite well, but within the confines of the graveyard the light seemed paler, more nebulous, with each gravestone casting a strangely dark shadow.

In front of the gates stood a man who looked as if he himself also belonged in the graveyard: a tattered grey robe covered most of his features, only showing glimpses of equally ragged clothes underneath. The arms that stuck out from the frayed sleeves were dusty and sleek, the fingers long and bony. threads of a necklace escaped the robe through the parting of fabric at the throat, a small amulet glowing a ghostly blue dangling above the man's chest. While the robe's hood obscured most of his face a long, bent stick stuck out of the robe from behind his shoulder, with a traditional lantern dangling from it to cast both a warm light and dancing shadows every time he moved.

The dryad and the elemental weren't the first ones to visit this strange figure: a small group of other festival goers, some clothed for the occasion and others dressed warmly to ward off the season's first winds, turned around to watch as Lily and Basin arrived. The dryad waved cheerfully, but before either she or the others could say anything the man spoke up, his hoarse voice carrying surprisingly well.

"A strange couple have joined us. I might have waited for more, but... I think we are enough now."

He chuckled, then turned towards the gates.

"A festival such as this one is not complete without a visit to those who will never leave, I'd say. Be warned though: they may not welcome our intrusion." Another chuckle. "Thankfully my lantern will keep them at bay, so fear not and stay close. As for those who wander off... well, if you wish to linger among the dead I won't stop you."

Placing one hand against the gate the black iron screeched as it moved on its own, both gates opening wide to allow the tour guide and his guests entrance. After beckoning with one hand the guide began to walk, the others quickly following after and staying close.

Basin waited for all the others to have entered before walking forward as well, barely fitting between the two pillars that guarded the gates. Closing off the tour group the dryad and the elemental tried their best to remain silent, not wishing to disturb the atmosphere that the tour guide had managed to create with his theatrics. Thankfully the unpaved roads between the graves made it easier for Basin to walk carefully enough to not cause any trembling, instead slowly and softly advancing into a realm usually reserved for the deceased.

As they walked they noticed that there was more amiss with the graveyard than just the strange lighting. The trees didn't seem to move at all, but as Lily turned her head to look behind them she could swear that they were close to the path than before, naked branches reaching out. Her senses told her that there was... something... strange going on with the trees, although she couldn't immediately say what.

From her perch she could also take her time reading the gravestones, but some of the things written on them were strange as well. Names, dates, epitaphs...

"...Ehm..."

She whispered one word before shaking her head. It wasn't like she kept rack of time that well, and this wasn't the time to ask someone else. She'd just keep it to herself that some of these dates seemed to refer to the future rather than the past, as she probably had just misremembered.

The rest of the group remained largely silent as well, following their guide as he lead them past the gravestones, pausing at the various mausoleums that were spread out across the graveyard. Many of them housed either notable families or well-remembered heroes, granted the honour of a prestigious resting place either through fame or fortune. The guide's lantern seemed to be the only light that was undeterred by the graveyard's deathly calm, pushing back against the unseen but ever-present stillness that made it feel like this place was completely disconnected from the bustling city around it.

"Orlian was certainly an impressive man, standing up against both armies and lords to defend the people. But as you can see, even he couldn't fight death..." The guide stopped his speech as a faint groaning was heard, turning his head. "...Who goes there?" His voice sounded more alert, more direct, dropping at least some of the dramatics at an unforeseen development.

No answer was given other than another groan, louder and closer. A figure shuffled forwards amidst the gravestones, but once it got close enough to be bathed in the guide's lantern light it became apparent this wasn't a visitor but a permanent resident of the graveyard. If the guide's clothes were ragged and frayed then this person's clothes were practically falling apart, and the flesh underneath was in a similar state. A familiar stench slowly filled the air as the trudging corpse slowly approached the group, letting out mindless groans.

The other visitors yelled, the guide shaking his head. "No, no, this isn't part of the tour! Get back!" Stepping forward he held up his amulet and waved it at the zombie, which did come to a halt... but then a groan came from another direction.

Looking around it quickly became apparent that more than one resident had taken objection to the outsiders trudging through their resting place on this special night. Dirt was pushed aside as decaying fingers sought handholds so their owners could pull themselves out of their own graves, and from further away others who had already freed themselves were slowly but surely surrounding the tour. The visitors bunched together closely, Basin raising both hands before Lily stopped zir.

"Careful! We might wake up more if we harm their resting places!"

Lily wasn't entirely sure how these zombies worked, but she assumed that if they'd awakened because of their interruption having Basin crush them like ze would usually do would wake up the entire graveyard. While the earth elemental could probably deal with that, Lily didn't think the other people would be happy. Or the city, for that matter.

Basin stopped zirs response to the walking undead, Lily quickly taking over as she pressed her hands together. Water seeped from between her fingers, and within moments a large aquatic sphere had formed, the dryad spreading her hands and calling out another friend of hers.

"Nepo!"

A chirping sound resounded from the sphere before a small figure burst out, sending droplets everywhere which either fed the moss on Basin's back or were absorbed by the dry soil of the graveyard. Dismissing the sphere Lily held the small hippocamp, nuzzling him before pointing back towards the exit.

"Can you guide them to the exit? We can't leave them like this."

Another chirping sound and the hippocamp nuzzled Lily back before jumping down, a trail of water following the small figure as it moved towards the other visitors. As one of the zombies got close enough to reach out for one of the living a ball of water suddenly hit it in the face, knocking it backwards into several other zombies and sending them all tumbling.

"They said this wouldn't happen... Ugh, never mind. All right, everyone, stick close and we'll get out of here. Clearly the dead don't want us here." The guide didn't seem quite as bothered as the others, although that might also have something to do with the fact that the zombies refused to get close to him. Giving Nepo an odd look he shook his head, then pointed towards where they'd come from. "Come along now, get a move on. I'll never hear the end of it if one of you got hurt."

Nepo chirped once more, and another zombie was blasted with a ball of water that send it flying until it smacked into one of the dead trees. With the hippocamp guarding them the visitors quickly followed after the guide, wasting no time in leaving a graveyard which had quickly become a lot less hospitable. Seeing that neither Lily nor Basin were moving the guide opened his mouth to tell them to follow, but after several seconds he shook his head and left them be. "None of my business." He muttered under his breath.

It didn't take long before the dryad and the guardian were left by themselves, with only the zombies to accompany them. Given zirs stony form the guardian barely reacted even when the zombies got close enough to touch zir, their half-rotten hands unable to leave even a scratch on Basin's mighty frame. When one of them tried to climb zirs back to reach Lily, however, the guardian quickly grabbed it and threw it into the distance.

"We've got to somehow return them to their rest... They don't look like they want to return."

With Basin keeping her safe Lily took her time to consider their situation, trusting her partner to prevent any of the zombies from reaching her. The dryad looked at the zombies, what little was visible of their expressions twisted into clear anger and aggression. She didn't understand the process which had reanimated them, but even if they'd been alive she didn't think they'd have been up for negotiations.

"I'm sorry that we disturbed your rest, but you have to go back to sleep now, so..." This time her hair grew, more and more leafs descending down her back until it was almost like a cape. "Saku!"

From amidst the leafs a small dragon came forth, its scales like the leafs that formed Lily's hair. Quickly climbing on top of Lily's head the little dragon looked around, taking in the situation before looking down at his summoner, who smiled and reached up to pet him.

"Can you help us return them to the earth? We're trying not to make too much of a mess."

The easiest answer would have been for Basin to just smash them all, now that the others were no longer in danger, but even so Lily wanted to try and resolve this fairly peacefully.

Saku rolled his eyes before nodding, then raised his head and released his magic. The graveyard, already carrying a deathly calm, was suddenly enveloped in a different stillness, a sense of tranquility rather than lifelessness. The zombies all came to a halt as if frozen in place. For a moment it was as if this were a warm spring evening rather than a chilly autumn night as Saku's magic overwhelmed whatever curse had befallen these unfortunate deceased.

While the stillness only lasted for a moment the effects lingered. From within the dying flesh of each zombie countless little flowers sprouted, their roots digging into their hosts. The zombies, lacking the intelligence to figure out what was going on, kept approaching Basin, but their movements were much weaker than before, and now even if Basin didn't stop them their attempts at climbing the guardian ended in failure, their rotting arms unable to hold their weight as Saku's tranquility stole their strength.

While Saku did his thing in restraining the zombies Lily had been reaching out to the trees that had rooted themselves in the graveyard. While certainly looking dead there was still some life to be found in them, life that she nurtured and bolstered until she could feel their roots clearly underneath everything else. "Let's see... Where did each one come from Basin?"

Not wanting to return the bodies to the wrong graves Lily would wait for Basin's gestures before calling forth the roots from underground, the botanic tendrils extending from the graves to wrap around their respective owners. With their strength sapped the zombies were unable to resist, groaning and clawing at the roots but inevitably getting pulled back to their graves. As unhappy as the dead were with the intruders their graves seemed to welcome them back quite easily, the earth wrapping back around them together with the roots from Lily's magic which bound their limbs so they couldn't climb back up. Once enough space had been made Basin lifted zirs hands and planted them on the ground, helping return the graves to their original state.

One by one each zombie was entombed once more, Lily and Basin together ensuring that this time they would stay down. Saku watched as the other two worked, releasing his magic in waves to ensure that the zombies would remain weak and easily handled for as long as it took for the dryad and the guardian to do their part. The zombies, on their end, didn't seem to have the ability to understand what was happening: even the very last one, completely covered in flowers and easily grappled back into its resting place, had not reacted even once to any of the other zombies getting caught, as if they didn't even exist.

Only once every grave had its occupant returned to it did Saku cancel his magic, the spring dragon letting out a small huff before looking down at Lily, who smiled apologetically. "I know. Thanks for helping out!" With another small eyeroll the dragon disappeared into the dryad's hair.

"I don't think the humans will want to return, but let's go tell them that it's safe now." Basin nodded, then lifted zirs hands and trudged back towards the entrance, where only the guide remained. All the visitors had, quite wisely, decided that they could better spend the rest of the evening elsewhere, in a place without any zombies or other undead to threaten them.

The guide, upon seeing their return, stepped forward and cast his hood back, revealing a face which looked quite a bit fresher than what the rest of his outfit would suggest. Fairly old, but gaunt rather than fully skeletal, and piercing blue eyes. "I'm guessing you've taken care of it?"

"We did, yes. Where's Nepo?"

Once his name was called the hippocamp quickly dashed forth from behind the guide, sliding up Basin's side to join the dryad and cuddle up against her. The leaf-haired girl patted her little watery companion while the guide shook his head. "I don't know why they got so worked up, but I won't be holding any more tours tonight. Maybe have a priest take a look and see if any of the graves have been disturbed lately." He scratched his chin, then shrugged. "Thanks for doing that though. They can't leave this place, but the rumours are going to be bad enough without them stumbling around all night groaning."

"Do they... do that often?"

"No, not at all. Well..." He held up his amulet. "Often enough that this is worth holding onto, but only in case. They only get riled up by graverobbers and desecrators usually. Hence the priest." He shook his head. "Usually it's deadly quiet. I thought a tour wouldn't hurt as long as everyone stuck close. Lesson learned for next time. As for you, I'd say you go back to the rest of the festival and enjoy it. You've certainly earned it."

"We'll do so. Basin worked very hard." Lily smiled as she praised her partner, the guardian remaining motionless as the dryad conversed with the human. "They've all been wrapped up so they won't get out any more, so maybe you can go and enjoy the festival as well?"

"It's a nice suggestion, but no, I need to take care of this. Not that I don't trust your work, but... No, can't just leave after the entire bunch of them acted out like that."

Lily tilted her head, but this time Basin was the one who nodded and strode past the guide. Turning around Lily waved at the man even as her partner kept walking back towards where the streets were bright and cheerful. "Good luck!"

Current Appearance:

WC: 3,360
TWC: 4,105/2,000 (Completed)

After the adventure in the graveyard, the bright festivities were certainly a welcome change of pace, a return to life and vibrancy rather than the wrath of the disturbed death. While neither Lily nor Basin were as bothered by the moving corpses as their fellow stonedwellers might be that chilly place was still the antithesis of the wilds that they were native to, and Lily had to suppress a shudder before shaking her head and dismissing the memories. While it was sad that the dead couldn't tolerate any visitors it wasn't really a big deal in the grand scheme of things: the warden would take care of it.

The rest of the festivities had continued without anyone noticing that anything had gone amiss with the graveyard tour, although the dryad noticed that the amount of children was slowly dwindling as the evening became darker and the night encroached upon the land. Even if the parents were okay with letting their offspring stay up late they'd eventually get tired. She giggled as she watched one dressed as a mummy get carried on his father's back as the two of them left the festivities behind to return home.

"They really know how to enjoy themselves, don't they? The young ones even more so: they just keep going until they can't stand any more, knowing that their parents will look after them." It was a heartwarming thought: in the wilds life was often a lot less peaceful, with predators and prey locked in a perpetual dance of the chase.

She stroked Nepo, the hippocamp curled up next to her on top of Basin's large back. The small water creature let out a pleased chirping as if agreeing with the dryad's words, although most likely he was just enjoying her pampering. Nepo was a friendly one, but he wasn't usually very interested in what the humans were up to.

Basin didn't say anything, the earth guardian focusing on walking carefully so as to not startle or bother anyone as they looked for another activity to take part in. Most activities weren't something that a giant stone elemental could do: zirs hands were way too big for most games, and there wasn't enough space for the more physical activities to include someone who could take up almost an entire street all by zirself. It was fortunate that ze wasn't one to have much need for entertainment: ze could wait patiently for centuries if needed, barely even moving. Just being able to travel the land together with Lily and share experiences with her was already more than ze could have imagined doing before meeting the dryad.

For several minutes none of the three nature spirits said much as Basin lumbered onwards, until Lily sniffed the air and caught a peculiar scent. Patting Basin on the shoulder she pointed towards a large open area where over a dozen cauldrons had been spread out, with costumed pairs standing at each cauldron and some magically gifted individuals moving in between.

"Let's take a look over there."

Basin wordlessly agreed, walking towards the entrance to the clearing where ze came to a halt. Lifting zirs hand ze waited for Lily and Nepo to climb on top, then lowered it so the dryad and the hippocamp could safely jump down, the water spirit making himself comfortable on the dryad's shoulder while she approached the organiser of this event.

"Excuse me, but what're you all doing here?"

The organiser, wearing a traditional warlock's robe with many fake jewels inlaid upon the fabric, blinked at the dryad's exotic appearance before grinning and indicating the cauldrons.

"A strange one I see. Well lass, this is where we let people experience the wonder of alchemy. We only have safe ingredients, so anyone can step up and try their hand at creating a potion." His grin widened, showing teeth. "Of course, safe ingredients mean that the effects are limited as well, and they might not be what you expect... Want to see what you can come up with?"

"So... we can just mix stuff together and see what happens? Sure, I'm up for it!" Lily smiled back at the man, then stepped into the clearing and looked around. One of the cauldrons had just been emptied and filled with fresh water, the previous users walking away with one of them constantly hiccuping, each hiccup causing a glowing butterfly to escape from her mouth. Lily giggled, then walked up to the cauldron and peered inside. "So... what do you think Nepo?"

"Oh-ho, what have we here!" A very witchy-looking person approached, her black pointy head making the dark sky above look pale in comparison. "That's a very good costume you've got there miss! So, want to try your hand at alchemy?"

Lily nodded, surprising a chuckle. It seemed that amongst all these other customed people it was also possible for them to mistake her for one of them, especially with Basin remaining outside the clearing. The witch continued, indicating the table next to the cauldron. "You can throw anything you want from there into the cauldron. Remember to keep stirring, and within minutes you'll have your very own potion."

Nodding again Lily got to work, picking up what looked like a sea urchin but bright yellow and with the spikes as bouncy as rubber. After letting Nepo check it out she threw it into the cauldron, the water quickly becoming bright yellow as well with bubbles rising to the surface. The next ingredient was a bowl of grey powder which smelled like moths, but as it drifted down into the cauldron each grain swelled up to the size of a small bean before disappearing underneath the surface.

Grabbing the stirring rod Lily left it up to Nepo to keep adding ingredients, the hippocamp carefully walking between the many ingredients to pick some up and chuck them into the cauldron while the dryad stirred clockwise, then counterclockwise, then clockwise again. The water went from yellow and bubble to green and rippling, then a brownish-red with fumes of mesmerising green-purple. After several more ingredients were added Nepo finally stopped, the hippocamp sitting on the edge of the cauldron and watching as Lily kept stirring. The concoction had become bright pink like bubblegum, but after another minute of stirring, it turned a rich red.

"Those are some strange bubbles." Rather than bubbles forming on the surface it was almost like the bubbles were pushing into the liquid, forming spherical cavities in the surface which then collapsed and caused droplets to jump into the air as the surrounding liquid rushed in. "It should be fine though: only safe ingredients they said."

The witch approached again, peering into the cauldron. "Looks like you put a lot of stuff in there. Ready to see what it does?" Lily smiled. "Of course. Do you want any Nepo?" The hippocamp looked at the concoction for several seconds, then shook his head. The dryad giggled, then grabbed her ladle and filled it with their potion. "Here we go!"

The potion had a strange smooth texture as it entered her mouth and flowed down her throat as if she was somehow drinking liquid velvet. Its taste was very elegant as well, the dryad unable to figure out what it reminded her of. What was even stranger, however, was the sensation of the liquid forming inwards bubbles even as it went down her gullet, which made her wonder what exactly it was doing...

"..." Opening her mouth Lily tried to ask the witch what she thought the potion would do, only for no sound to escape. Blinking several times Lily tried again, then looked at Nepo and tried to talk to him instead. Opening her mouth a bit wider she tried to make some simple sounds, but not even a single hum arose from her throat.

"Well, I think it's pretty obvious what kind of potion you made." The witch laughed. "Most of the time people just make their hair change colour, so I don't often get to see someone silence themselves. Don't worry, it'll wear off by the end of the night: these ingredients aren't potent enough to have lasting effects."

Lily tilted her head, a confused expression on her face. She was used to being the talkative one while all her friends were more quiet. But now apparently she'd rendered herself the quiet one. Pointing at her throat she opened and closed her mouth several times, but the witch shook her head with a smile. "Sorry, but part of the fun is that you get to experience the results until they wear off by themselves. Besides, silence is golden as they say."

Nodding slowly the dryad rubbed her throat, then shrugged and smiled. Giving the witch a wave she picked Nepo up, the hippocamp quickly returning to his spot on her shoulder while the dryad left the alchemy testing grounds behind. Basin turned zirs head to look at her, the dryad rubbing the back of her head before laughing silently. "...!"

The stone elemental didn't react for several seconds, then lowered zirs hand to help the dryad get back on zirs back. Making herself comfortable once more the dryad patted her friend and companion, the earth guardian beginning to walk once more.

It was truly fortunate that the two knew each other well enough that even without voice they could practically read each other's minds, allowing them to act as one even if nobody else could understand what they were thinking. It was, however, a new sensation for none of them to say anything at all: usually Lily had something to say, even if it was just comments about the things they came across. If it weren't for all the people around them they'd have been swallowed by true silence for once, with the only talkative one among them having been chemically silenced for several hours.

While Lily would've preferred it if she could still talk she made the most of the opportunity, watching the people around them as Basin lumbered on as always. Nepo had closed his eyes, the hippocamp apparently taking the opportunity to nap. Lily was idly patting the water spirit's head when she spotted a large, round, wooden tub, with several people standing around it. Patting her companion on the back several times signalled for zir to come to a halt, the dryad this time smoothly sliding down zirs back to approach the tub.

"...?" Remembering that she'd been silenced Lily tabbed the edge of the tub, the others turning towards her. Most of them were kids, but one of them looked old enough that she didn't need an adult supervisor. "Yes? What is it?" Lily pointed at her throat and shook her head, then pointed at the tub which was filled with water and which had a bunch of round red objects floating in it. The human adolescent female looked at her oddly, then shrugged. "Can't speak? Weird." She looked Lily up and down. "What are you anyway? Actually, no matter." She turned back towards the tub. "You have to try and fish out an apple with your mouth. Only there's also apples with worms and apples that bite so everyone's trying to figure out which apples are safe to grab."

Lily nodded and smiled, then frowned and looked at the apples as well. On the surface, they all looked the same, red and shiny and waiting for someone to sink their teeth into them. From the troubled looks on everyone's faces it was clear that they couldn't think of a way to identify the safe apples, but none of them wanted to be the one to bite into a bad one. Thus, not a lot was happening as everyone was, more or less, waiting for someone else to try first.

Given that as a dryad her entire biology was different Lily wasn't quite as bothered by the prospect of a worm in her food as they were. Grabbing the edge of the tub the dryad leaned forward, then lowered her head and sank her teeth into one of the apples.

Current Appearance:

WC: 2,020
TWC: 6,125/2,000 (Completed)

The member 'Lily Ambrosia' has done the following action : Dice Rolls

---

'Normal Dice' :

Perhaps it was mere luck, or perhaps her affinity with plants allowed her to identify the safe ones, but even as Lily cleanly bit off a piece of the apple once she'd lifted her head the apple didn't bite back nor did worms come out to see who was destroying their home. Holding the partly eaten apple in her hand Lily held it out for the others to inspect, the children closest to her leaning forward to see that this apple was, in fact, safe.

"Hey, how'd you do that?"

More than one asked that question, the adolescent female looking like she also had that question on her mind but waited for Lily to answer the others. The dryad finished chewing the piece of apple in her mouth, swallowed it, and smiled while shrugging. If it was luck she couldn't exactly help them with it, and if it was her talents as a dryad she couldn't teach them either.

Some of the children looked disappointed, but given that Lily had already made it clear that she couldn't talk they didn't bother asking any further. Especially since her gesture made it clear that she didn't exactly have a solid strategy and had most likely just been lucky. Still, for one person to have successfully retrieved a safe apple meant that the chance did exist, and some of the children were now squaring their shoulders before leaning forward and taking their chances as well.

Lily watched as some of them got lucky like her, and some... didn't. The adolescent female let out a shriek and dropped her apple back into the water as a worm showed itself, while two others yelped and lifted their head before even biting an apple, apparently having been on the receiving end of a bite instead. The rest was a mixed bag of safe apples and wormy apples, with the unfortunate children making their disgust loudly known as some of them tossed the apples back in or just threw them away.

Handing her apple to one of the children unfortunate enough to get bitten Lily patted the young boy on the head before returning to Basin, who'd been watching with some curiosity even if it didn't show on zirs face. The dryad climbed back on zirs back, patting the sleeping Nepo and then leaning down to lay across Basin's back rather than her usual seated position.

Standing up Basin would reach up to carefully pat the dryad on her head, then turned around and began to trudge back the way they came from, past all the stalls and the stands. By this point there were very few children left, the group around the apple bobbing tub also breaking up. Things were beginning to slow down...

Well, festivities couldn't last forever. Eventually, people got tired, and as Lily watched the stars Basin thought that it had been quite a good evening all around.

Even with the zombies.

Current Appearance:

WC: 489
TWC: 6,614/2,000 (Completed)