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This time, Lif is welcomed to Dover Air Force Base, into an office not far from where she remembers the door to the Freehold being.
Already inside is Jacob Fireheart. He's a man with dark and fire features--skin made of blackened, smoldering coal, ember eyes, and short cropped hair in the form of tiny flickering flames that cover his head. Many scars dot him here and there, looking like shards of shiny obsidian embedded into his skin. On his head is a crown of burning, near-blinding Summer sunlight. He's a little less formal today--button up shirt with khakis, that mostly hide the prosthetic leg. You hardly even notice it at all, other than when he walks, with only a slight limp.
He offers Lif a small smile when she comes inside, before giving Rieko an appraising look. "Good afternoon. Thank you for coming." Assuming Lif has the tree with her, he also gives it a long, intrigued look.
Lif does have the tree with her. She's hugging the (terra cotta) pot, which has arcane sigils scrawled around it, looking like a new pet owner with a high-strung chihuahua. She's dressed casually today, a black backpack on her back, hair in a tidy french braid. "Good afternoon. Jacob, I'd like to introduce Rieko, of our court. Rieko, Jacob Fireheart, the Summer King of Patriarch Tree."
Even though she's still dressed like Rieko, the demon is carrying herself like she's ready to walk into court. Her posture is on point. Her eyes are at attention. Her expression is one of focus.
Which... makes her look a little odd considering her ensemble: overall shorts, a novelty t-shirt that reads "Hire a Samurai" in a wobbly, vaporwave-ish font, along with brown workbooks, and a battered cowboy hat. Though she's carrying a brilliant odachi on her back, her hand rests lazily on the hilt of a hunting knife at her belt, but she tips her hat up before offering Jacob a handshake in greeting - alongside a brilliant, fanged smile.
The carried weapons get a disapproving, cautious look, but he accepts Rieko's hand to give a solid handshake. "Nice to meet you, Rieko." He looks back to Lif. "Is that it, then? You were successful?" Gesturing to the tree.
"This is it. I slept curled up around it like a stuffed animal, and I dreamed of Meriday when I did that. She told me she's not a Queen anymore, told me not to call her Queen Cypress. If you'd like, I will tell you about my dream, and I will not tell any deliberate lie about it to you." Yes, that is offered to Seal, quite intentionally.
"... and you, Jacob." If Rieko notices the disapproving look, she doesn't say anything sbout it - like perhaps it's something she's dealt with before, and knows it can't be helped so it's better not to argue with.
She steps back after the greeting. Hovering behind Lif as she waits for the other Summer to speak.
He does in fact Seal that.
"Please, I'd like to hear it."
They set the sapling down, gently kissing one of the branches, and take off their backpack to pull out a sketchbook. "From...experimentation, with my samples, I knew I had to provide the sapling peaceful dreams to help purify the roots and ensure that what grew was infused with glamour that didn't hold the malice of the sick tree. I was dreaming water, an endless ocean, when I felt someone brush against my dream, as if asking permission to enter. And foolhardy as it may be, I welcomed the company."
Flipping a few pages in the sketchbook, they set it down on Jacob's desk, open to a picture of a woman. She stands on a floating island of plants, lily pads, her dark skin made of bark, hair untamed but beautiful for it, filled with flowers and leaves and vines. Her eyes are pained, her posture uncertain. She has her arms wrapped loosely around herself.
"Meriday Cypress came to me, to talk. She asked if I was trying to help, and I said I was."
Jacob stares down at the drawing after it's laid out, frowning thoughtfully. His smoldering fingers touch the page lightly, but it doesn't cause it to catch on fire, thankfully.
"What else did she say?"
"She told me you've lost a team of oneiromancers inside the tree. That she convinced them they're part of the tree, that they don't know they're sleeping anymore, and that they will need to be rescued. Beside them, she will need to be saved. She said she's 'in the grove'. And she said this is going to be a one chance only sort of mission--the tree will attack everything outside Patriarch Tree, once it realizes what we're doing."
Lif glances up at Jacob quietly.
"She said the tree isn't her anymore. If your Oaths are to protect Meriday Cypress, then protecting the Tree that currently stands at the crossroads is not going to aid in accomplishing that. She told me to plant this tree at the Crossroads, where she belongs. And then her dream form exploded into a tangle of roots and branches, and I woke up to find my sprout now a sapling."
Rieko is silent through the explanation, and her brow furrows as she tries to follow the complex series of logical hoops - and then she looks to Jacob for his reaction to the story.
Jacob is calm and quiet as he listens, but his frown lingers. His brows knit a Lif mentions the tree attacking others--the flicker of grim guilt is clear.
His burning-coal eyes turn to the little tree, his mind clearly churning. "Our Oath is to protect Cypress' tree." He pushes up to his feet, looking back to Rieko. "If you are joining us to plant it, I will need to ask you swear the same oath Lif did, when she first visited us."
"And Rieko is definitely joining us, because I need a big strong friend to dig the hole for me." Lif offers a bit of a nod at the oni, seeming at peace now.
"That's me," Rieko offers a dumb grin in an attempt to break the tension. "Big, strong friend. Really good at digging holes." There's a pause and she looks between Jacob and Lif. "... and I guess I'll take your oath. Lemme hear it?"
Jacob lays out the promise, much the same as Lif had sworn:
"I swear to do no harm to the Tree. I promise not to disclose any information I see, hear, or learn from this visit that may be used to do harm to the Tree to the enemies of Patriarch Tree."
"We've been good with it so far." Lif nods. "We have spoken to History's Cradle and Old Iron about holding their fire and bracing for heavy blows from the roots when we 'try a thing'; what Meriday told me wasn't learned from a visit with you."
Rieko hesitates for a moment, but eventually her hat comes off over her eight inch tall horns, and she says the words.
"I swear to do no harm to the Tree. I promise not to disclose any information I see, hear, or learn from this visit that may be used to do harm to the Tree to the enemies of Patriarch Tree."
"Thank you." He nods appreciatively to Rieko once the Sealing is done, then looks to Lif, brows raised. "They have both agreed to peace?"
"They've both agreed to wait and see if we can resolve the problem, for now. Which isn't the same as agreeing to peace, and we're going to be in a really tight position if things go bad." They shake their head. "Even if our one shot is successful, would your freehold be willing to consider...reparations, to the other Freeholds? In the abstract, for now; we can dither over details if and when we all can breathe easy. But you've got a lush Hedge, and we've all been starving for fruit and struggling with hedgebeasts and the Freeholds holding their fire are...feeling like the injured party."
His lips purse for a moment, but then the expression smoothes out to a thoughtful one. "Yes, I'm willing to consider that, if it will avoid further fighting, and show we are not wishing harm on anyone. The details would need to be negotiated, of course. But... We have resources to share."
"I was just asked to float the idea." They nod. "Now, shall we go plant our little friend?"
Fofo (They/Them)Yesterday at 8:06 PM
"Yes. Though I ask you tell no one else in Patriarch Tree about the Tree lashing out when Shackmaxon makes it's attempt."
Their head tilts to one side slightly. "Why?"
Rieko's lips purse in anticipation, but she says nothing.
He sighs. "While I hope the Wyrd will accept this sapling as Her tree for us to protect, we don't know exactly how the Wyrd will choose. I do not want to make anyone an Oathbreaker by not stepping in to protect the Tree when the other Freeholds rightfully defend themselves." A beat pause. "Nor do I want any of our more zealous, cautious members to step in to intervene."
"That makes sense. I was also expecting you were trying to protect the Fairest of your Freehold from the hit to Clarity it might be, for allies to be at risk while they're safe." A pause. "It's my hope we can be allies, beyond this crisis, at least. I suppose we haven't actually made that explicit yet. But I'm coming to enjoy my visits here despite the obvious tension."
Rieko -- seemingly satisfied by Jacob's answer -- offers a slow nod, and thrn breaks into a smile at Lif's words. Her hands fall to her hips, and she adopts her usual Lazy Cowboy stance rather than the Very Official, Stick-Up-Butt-lookin' one she's been wearing since walking in.
"That's also something to consider." He nods. "After the danger Shackamaxon is taking upon themselves to help us, and the other Freeholds, I think becoming allies is likely. Assuming this does not go terribly wrong, and I am not torn down from the Crown after becoming an Oathbreaker," he replies--a little too lightly, trying to joke off the uncertainty of the situation.
He makes his way out the door and down the hall, to a lesser used part of the building, where he opens a door into the Hedge.
It looks much the same as when Lif was here last. The Hedge is alive. It's thriving--no sign of the blight. The Hollow is a clearing filled with covered pavilions made naturally grown wood and vine, grown in beautiful designs. Wooden bridges and walkways weave around and over trickling streams, and it only takes them a moment to realize that these aren't just pathways--they're enormous roots. Which grow outwards from the largest tree either of them have ever seen. It seems to grow up and up into the sky, it's branches fanning outwards to block out the Hedge's sky, creating a huge domed ceiling. But lanterns are hung everywhere, casting the area in an ethereal glow. It's beautiful, and feels safe.
Resting inside one of the pavilions closest to the tree are three Lost--laid out on cots, covered with light blankets. They appear to be asleep. A Spring is sitting beside them, apparently keeping watch over them.
Lif gives the Spring watching the dreamers an upnod, and begins looking for the perfect spot to plant the sapling, where the soil's right (Cypresses like nice wet roots) and it'll get enough sun. "Eko, we could skip digging-digging and make a hole by hedgespinning. We do sing well together, after all. Mm?"
Rieko fixes the dreamers a sympathetic look as she follows Lif into the room. Her companion's voice calls her attention back, and the momentary lapse is forgotten as a slow smile spreads on her lips.
"I'm up for that. You take lead, and I'll pick up the harmony again. Do you have a tune in mind?"
Lif does spot the perfect place. It's nestles between two of the large roots, enough room to grow fairly big--and a stream trickles near and around, making the soil nice and damp.
The Spring nurse looks up to nod back to Lif, giving the two a curious look before focusing back on tending to the Sleepers. Jacob gives the trio of comatose Lost a frown, but follows along after the two.
"I'm still feeling Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young. 'Teach Your Children' feels appropriate for planting a baby, hm?"
Lif taps her foot and begins to sing, her voice carrying a bit of a rasp and a burble; she looks Rieko right in the eyes as she sings, and makes small hand and eyebrow gestures to help coordinate.
Taking the perfect setup Lif gave her, Rieko launches into familiar song. Her voice is a light, airy tenor that takes perfectly to Graham Nash's part - and as she moves through the first verse and chorus, the hedge is shaped around her. The earth churns, and a hole opens up in the spot her companion suggested. The soil is magically treated, fertilized, and the harmful pests are removed as she weaves her way through the familiar lyrics.
"You who are on the road
must have a code that you can live by,
and so become yourself
because the past is just a good-bye.
Teach your children well,
their father's hell did slowly go by,
and feed them on your dreams,
the one they picked, the one you'll know by.
Don't you ever ask them why, if they told you, you will cry,
so just look at them and sigh,
and know they love you."
Jacob, once he realizes what they're doing, also joins in--just a soft, deep hum that adds another subtle layer to the harmony, but it's Lif and Rieko's voices that truly bring power to the Hedge.
The ground moves to their whim, parting to create the perfect sized hole for the tree to be placed within.
It's only once the song is close to it's end that they realize there's another voice that has joined in. It's soft at first, but it grows stronger and louder as the song ends--the humming shifting to something new. An eerie hymn that echoes out all around them, coming from... the sapling? The melody is haunting but... sad, longing. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pxYpal9H9j4
The Tree that looms above rustles ominously.
And Lif carefully lifts the sapling up out of the pot, setting it into the hole they’ve created. “My darling tree, so much is left up to you now. Grow strong. Grow well. Carry the love and duty that Meriday sacrificed herself with. Young sprout, what comes next will not be simple. But it will be amazing.”
This is said as a benediction before they kiss the sapling’s branches one more time.
"Thanks for the backup," Rieko offers to Jacob with a little wink as she finishes the song. "Baritones are extremely underrated, in my opinion." The oni's posture sinks back into that lazy stance, and her hand falls to the hilt of her knife as she watches Lif lovingly plant the sapling. "You got that right," she adds to the Elemental's words. "Good luck, kiddo."
Her expression turns pensive again, and her eyes follow the tree's trunk to the her rustling above.
Jacob offers Rieko a soft smile in return, and a nod, then focuses intently on Lif as she plants the sapling.
As soon as the sapling is put into the ground, it's branches shudder--then start to swiftly grow. They spread outwards, taller and wider, while roots burrow deep into the ground. Within several seconds the tree is much taller than than either of them--even Rieko. It keeps growing, taller... and taller...
All the while the eerie singing continues.
"What are you doing?" the Spring from the pavilion calls as she rushes up, looking panicked. A couple others that had apparently been loitering in the Hedge nearby come running as well, but Jacob gives them a gentle, pleading look, hands lifted. "Please, give this a chance," he says. They pause, but are looking increasingly distressed.
Soon the tree is tall enough that there's no way that it will fit in the space between the larger, giant tree's roots--but it appears to just be growing around it, it's own roots and branches weaving around the first tree's.
Lif turns to the newcomers, offers a bit of a smile. "We're here to help you, to help your Freehold and Meriday Cypress."
Rieko hovers behind Lif, thankful that they know what to say. Her hand hovers at her hip, though - and her eyes are peeled for any sign of trouble.
There is a crowd swiftly gathering as the new tree grows larger, the change in the Hedge seeming to draw Lost from far along the Trods that spread out from the crossroads. They watch with confusion and horror--but Jacob and Lif work together to calm the crowds enough that they don't immediately spring into action. And, lets be honest, Rieko standing guard probably helps keep people from making any sudden moves, too, just in an opposite way...
"This new tree is Cypress," Jacob says, hands still lifted. He radiates a warm heat that comforts and soothes. "This person, sworn to not harm the tree, grew a new one from her roots. This is still her--but a purer, better version." He glances towards Lif, nodding encouragingly to her.
"I come as an emissary from Shackamaxon, and brought this tree, made pure through arcane working and my own dreams, as a gift to your Freehold. We will be bringing Oneiromancers here in a couple weeks, in an attempt to rescue your oneiromancers lost in the dreams, and to try to seek Meriday within the heart of the Tree itself. We don't want to step on toes, but we want to be helpful as possible to your Freehold. I'll be coming back myself; I intend to seek Meriday Cypress." She remains calm, looking over the faces of those gathering. "It's risky, but it must be done."
The crowd murmur amongst each other--some doubtful, some curious, others hopeful and excited. But they all linger back and watch...
The tree doesn't grow as tall as the first--but it's still... quite huge, a massive tower that stands beside it--though it's branches and roots coil in and around the first tree's. Locking them both in place together. By the time the singing fades away, the tree is large enough that removing it would be near impossible.
Jacob stares up at it for a long moment, then exhales a long smokey breath of relief. He looks towards Lif and Rieko. "I imagine the other Crowns will be along soon wanting an explanation. It's probably for the best if you two head back while I speak to them about this."
"Of course. A pleasure seeing you as always, Jacob. You always seem so startled to have someone bring you hope." Their smile is bright and warm, and they grab Rieko's hand--the one not on the hilt of her knife. "C'mon, it's a long drive home."
M
Jacob offers them both a small smile. "I'm always happy to be given hope. You both take care... And thank you. I'll see you when you return."
Rieko is all too happy to take Lif's hand, and get the hell out of Dodge City Dover. For a performer, she sure doesn't do well in crowds, huh.
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