thehometree | +1 Amber (and action later)

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+1 Amber (and action later)

[The stone flickers to life and in its’ amber haze is young man in fine clothing.]

Residents of the Tree, may I have your attention for a moment? [A pause and a smile in greeting.] My name is Orcelito. I introduced myself at the assembly a few days ago.

As some of you already know, I've been crafting writing materials from the natural resources of the forest. I believe we'll need a reliable writing system if we are to organize our efforts to solve the mystery of this place. I’ve made excellent progress so far in creating brushes, quills, and dyes. Now I’m requesting your help to complete the project.

First, I need something that will darken and thicken ink. I’d like to use charcoal if possible. We’ll also need inkwells. If you can provide these or have any ideas, let me know.

Second, I have collected the materials necessary to make paper, but physical strength will be needed to grind them into a workable pulp. If you would like to volunteer, please contact or meet me in person.

If we combine our efforts and knowledge, I know we can create a steady supply of paper and ink for all those here. [A courteous nod towards the screen.] Thank you.

[The message flickers out. But he will have the amber close at hand as he lurks around the roots of the Tree. (Those previously helping in the project as well as those who want to join in are welcome!)]

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[ being an only child and surrounded by adults all her childhood, she doesn't understand, but she may come to in time. what's important here is that orcelito clearly thinks well of this kit, and she won't push that observation aside. in fact, it makes it easier to accept. orcelito's no fool, he knows what he's doing, and if he says he trust kit, then kit can be trusted.

she lowers his gaze to the experimental paper in her hands. 'children shouldn't be alone', huh. ] That makes sense. Wanting to keep her safe, I mean. You're a nice person, of course you would think that. [ she respects that and her tone suggests as much. now she looks up. ] As long as you trust her. But I think I will look for the sap on my own. I'll bring back any I find.

[It’s been a long time since anyone called him a nice person – at least, in a positive tone of voice. And the fact that he doesn’t immediately consider it a compliment says something about what the past seven months have done to his opinion of himself. But he accepts it with a modest smile.]

[He understands her reluctance well enough. It is hard to allow room in his life for others; he can respect the time it takes.] You can bring the tree sap to my house or leave it here. I’ll show you where the final papers are.

[A ways to the left is another setup to dry. These papers look different – better, anyone can tell. They’re smoother, thinner, and not as dark with a light, speckled appearance.] I mixed a few flower petals into this batch to lighten it. You may take one tonight, but I can’t spare more than that. [After all, he has to reward the other workers for their efforts, too.]

[ grateful that he's taking it so well, she nods and then follows him to where the more impressive-looking papers are waiting. that look of wonder quickly returns to her face as she observes the products of orcelito's hard work (and of all those that helped him). ] These have petals in them? [ somehow that makes them more appealing, and she smiles. ] One is enough. It's all I want.

[ finding sap will be her way of repaying him. she turns her smile to orcelito. ] You're amazing. I can't wait to learn how all of this works.

I look forward to sharing it with you. I’m sure you’ll learn quickly. [He’s probably even more eager to train her than she is to learn it; he worked hard today. The others helped, but every pair of hands was always busy.]

[In any case, the sunlight is retreating. Orcelito raises a hand to cover a yawn. Normally, he wouldn’t take up anymore of her time, but she appears to have energy to spare.] Would you mind helping me finish cleaning up?

[ she feels a little proud to hear that and readily expects to catch on to the process quickly. or at least she wants to catch on as quickly as possible, so she can help make more paper at a faster rate. it sounds like a dream, to actually be capable of such a thing.

the yawn gets a slightly amused smile out of her, which is quite the feat itself, before she answers him. ] No, I'll help. You just sit there and rest. [ she means it, don't trip over yourself and fall into a giant rock or something. without even waiting for an answer, she turns and gets started on the cleanup. don't worry, she'll be careful at it. ]

[Sit down and rest? Whoever heard of such nonsense?] Ah, no, that’s fine! I can help… [Too late, she’s already at it.

Watching his young friend take over his responsibilities makes him restless. He bites his bottom lip to avoid calling out instructions that would satisfy his own meticulousness: line the pestles up by size, stack the papers neatly, oh and don’t forget to refill the mortars! It’s exciting to have control and it’s hard to let go. But… she’s not doing a bad job, and he is awfully tired…

He drops down onto a root and the longer he sits there the more the exhaustion sets in. Physical labor was… harder than he thought it’d be.]

[ on the other hand, riona's always been the active type before and after being on the run, and that hasn't changed since coming here. so she goes about the work like it's no trouble, though orcelito can rest a little easier because she does occasionally ask what to do with this or that. but for the most past, she lets him be.

once the work is finished, she stands straight with her hands on her hips and exhales. she then turns to orcelito with another smile. ] There, all done. [ now her head tilts curiously. he looks tired than before. ]

[The stir rouses the lone firefly who was keeping the papers warm. It lifts off with a rustle and flies to Orcelito to keep him company. He pats it absently. The motion keeps him awake.

He tries to look alert for Riona’s sake, throwing in a ‘I’m fine’ smile.] Thank you. See? You’ll be a great paper-maker yet. [Exhaustion does not affect his charm, it seems. He suppresses another yawn and hops off the tree root. Now he’ll have to muster up enough energy to get supper. May as well invite some company.] Have you had dinner yet?

[ she straightens and smiles again. she can't wait to prove his words right and get started. it'll do some good to involve herself in something to distract from the more grim matters at hand.

boy, he really is tired, huh. she steps forward to meet him and then looks curious again. that's an odd thing to ask. ] No. But I suppose it's about time for it. [ the skies are darkening, after all. ]

Would you like to join me, then? [He doesn’t usually dine with others here; he takes his allotted food from the altar and retreats to his house to eat alone. But then Kit started joining him, and he remembered how much he enjoys being with friends in the evening. It’ll be a good opportunity to continue talking with Riona, if she’ll accept.]

[ her brow raises in confusion. ] What? Why...?

[ her tone isn't suspicious, but curious. that's another strange thing for him to ask. ] But I don't live with you.

[Orcelito is puzzled; what does not living in the same house have to do with it? At home, he dined all the time with people he barely saw otherwise! (Oh, right, different culture...)]

Where I'm from, it's not unusual to share a meal with someone outside of your home. We have dinners with friends, family, associates... it's a way to relax and enjoy each other's company at the end of the day.

Oh... [ huh. she's only ever had dinner with whoever she was living with at the moment, which was usually one or two guardians. even if riona had anyone to invite, she surely wouldn't be allowed to see them, let alone share a meal with them. she wonders what it's like to have a bigger dinner, like orcelito's describing. it must be loud. ]

Then, uh... [ she wants to say yes, but then remembers that he lives with someone, that kit person. there will be opportunities to meet her, but tonight's not one. ] ... It's fine. But, um. [ she pauses and looks at the ground for a second before continuing. ] Another time. I'd like to come by. If you ask again.

[Orcelito hoped he was clear enough, but her stumbling response seems to suggest otherwise. He raises his eyebrows, watching her and thinking quickly. Does she think he’s inviting her to his house? Why? Isn’t it clear that asking someone to dinner means going to a communal location? Or… no, wait, maybe that’s just his experience. (Again with the social differences!)]

Oh, not at my house. I was going to sit outside on one of the branches and watch the fireflies come out. Sort of like a… picnic. A casual outdoor meal. [He smiles and shrugs a little. It’s okay if she doesn’t want to join but… he wants his invitation to be clear at least.]

[ it's certainly differences in their lives that makes this difficult to understand, and now riona tilts her head in confusion. he's...going to camp? but why, when he has a house of his own? she's never heard the word 'picnic' before either, but apparently it's something you do when you eat outside. ]

Oh... [ she thinks on this some more before ultimately shaking her head. it sounds like a time better spent with people you're close with. but the mere fact that orcelito offered it to her makes her happy. so even as she turns it down, she smiles genuinely. ] Another time.

[ not the mention the lights of fireflies at night always get ninna overly excited. she'll just get in the way. ]

[Orcelito nods, accepting gracefully.] Another time, then.

[He collects his things and, in the process, transfers the wooden pens she carved into his own pack. He returns her sack to her before he leaves.] Thank you again for carving the pens. I’m sure everyone will appreciate it.

[ she's glad that he doesn't press it. enough time passes and she'll feel better about meeting his friend. or perhaps she'll happen upon kit herself, just like how she met orcelito. that might be better.

she takes her sack and ties it on her belt. ] I just hope they don't break. Tell everyone to use them carefully.

Of course. Quills are naturally delicate. I’m sure everyone will understand.

[Backpack in hand and coat over arm, he frees his wings and flicks them in the evening air.] So long as the weather permits, I will be here tomorrow morning to begin the next paper batch. I look forward to showing you around.

[ she knows he understands, it's the others she's worried about. but what happens, happens. she watches his wings unfold before her smile returns to her features. easily, she's back to being super excited again and it shows. ] As so I! I'm certain the weather will be fine. We have paper to make, it won't even think about getting in the way.

[ as if the weather actually cares about what they're doing on the surface, but ssh don't dull her happiness. ]

[He smiles at her words. If only one could always assume the best so innocently.]

Heh… I’m sure the weather will agree with you. [He sweeps his tremendous wings into flight position.] Good evening, Riona. Take care.

Ah—yes, you as well. [ a hurried greeting that suggests she isn't used to giving it. she hopes she did it correctly, but she's at least smiling as she sees him off. she lingers to take another look around the area, filling with excitement once again to see the product of orcelito and the others' hard work. she leaves once she's had her fill. ]

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+1 Amber (and action later)

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