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[Big as the tracks are, the teen doesn't seem perturbed as he scrutinizes everything in their path and tries guessing what sort of animal they may belong to, judging by the clues in what they've left behind. The Giganto monsters back home were far larger, and he's come across plenty other kinds who could easily crush a human as well. He may not have been aware of just how things really are farther out in the Wildlands, but Jude certainly wouldn't have volunteered to come out here personally if he thought himself lacking in experience. Knowing your limits is important, and it's reassuring too, to have a clearly seasoned veteran willing to have him along?

--Ah, so these are unexplored territories for 76 too. The older man taught him so much about Songerein's dangers, it almost felt like he'd know anything as illogical as Jude knows the impression to be. As Leia had already told him, this world "isn't very developed", there's still tons of things unknown and just waiting to be discovered for outsiders like them and the local fae population alike. These flowers being a prime example, and if he really landed himself a spot as a 'pioneer', so to speak, then it's all the more incentive to pull his weight, do his best, and shoot for the best results possible.]

Understood. Should we also rely on gestures to communicate? Like maybe agreeing upon a set of hand signals and what they mean, if visibility won't be a problem even deeper in.

[Ents... Like Treants? He's encountered those before, so it gives him a decent mental image. The species back home aren't known for having particularly good hearing, but it wouldn't be good to assume here in Songerein. He's following a few steps behind 76 as instructed, paying close attention to their surroundings while fiddling with either instruments from inside his bag or jotting more lines down in his notebook. Nothing that can't be put away at a moment's notice, his steps are light and he's quite alert despite multitasking over the reason he's here. Still, definitely doesn't feel like this environment will be any easy to replicate back in Reverein, at least not until they can find a way to emulate somewhere dark, damp, and cool like this closer to town...]

Making too much noise isn't what you've got to worry about, be easy if it was that. Not a bad idea if it was. [A lot easier if t was just about getting in and out quietly.

The soil within the cave was soft, muffled the sound of steps, and there was the sound of dripping water echoing from deeper within the cave. The air was cool, and airflow seemed to not change even as they pressed further on.

It was at a turn around a corner that 76 stopped, even if he kept his voice soft-]

You just need to move slow. Unaggressive- or so I'm guessing, given I didn't take my chances in spending too long to collect the few samples I got. [There was a herd of those same deer that Kazuma had been chasing earlier, grazing on what basically looked like a wall-to-wall carpet of those same exact flowers. They definitely thrived within this cave chamber. Further in there were some twisting tree-like structures that grew to the cave's ceiling, glowing fungus like growths from those and the flowers themselves lit up some of the chamber where it opened up wide and tall. A good few yards in.

A few of the deer might have started moving away, but they weren't what 76 was trying to avoid being spotted by.

The issue were the much taller beings, large and ent-like creatures roaming on two legs, and for the moment even they looked peaceful, a glow of their own at least making them easier to spot while moving.]

Those would be what we don't want to agitate, or get too close to.

Do they feel the vibration in the earth? That would make sense, too.

[He's following along obediently nevertheless, also keeping his voice quieter just in case. It may be unnecessary with how the soil muffles their steps and how the sound of water droplets splashing does create a faint echo in the cave, but better be safe than sorry.

There's a lot of those flowers here at least, so the natural supply isn't likely to run out for the picking anytime soon. What's been encountered on the way here constituted of large wild animals, possible smaller monsters, and the Ents, so while getting here is no afternoon stroll, it didn't seem too dangerous either. Growing some closer to the village would be ideal, but can they find some place comparable to this environment? They may have to create one, he thinks. Maybe inside the basement of one of the buildings closer to the river? Botany isn't his forte though, he should ask around... Another line of consideration into the notebook it is.

As 76 stops, so does Jude. How perceptive are these Ents, really...? Seems like they're on the verge of finding out.]

Slow and steady, okay. I can match your pace.

[That should be easy enough, being light on his feet is something he's good at. Memo pad and equipment put away, he's fully alert and waiting to follow 76's lead. The Ents aren't acting up against the deer, so they're likely not fiercely territorial. ...Probably. Wonder what it would take to fool the Ents into thinking they're also just deer? Hmm...]

[A thick carpet of flowers, and more than a few of those very large deer -and some more normal sized ones that looked about the same- milling around and grazing. The same flowers growing on their antlers, the vines on the walls hanging from them as well along with amongst their fur. Hell of a sight really, and there were a few other herbivores here and there.

There were also cave dwelling insects, a few lizards skittering about. Couldn't tell how much further, deeper, the cave went from where they were. A river probably ran further back as well, the water matching the waterfall and stream. It's own little ecosystem.

Fingers flexed a little, a hand kept on a wall-]

They grew agitated at Kazuma's presence, so I think they sense energy at the very least. [Tolerated him at best, given he wasn't as far along, and he hadn't been willing to push his own luck given his own bit of corruption.

Not that he was speaking up about it either as he pushed onwards, careful where he stepped to try not and crush flowers underfoot. Keeping to the wall simply because the Ents ere more towards the middle, but he tried to keep their movements in mind.]

Might want to get whatever samples you can. Don't know how much time we'll have in here before they decide we're intruding.

[He's already jotted down some numerical data from instruments, and as for what to sample... There's plenty of other life growing around here too, like the glowing moss and vines on the walls, maybe even some insect husks if they look closer? But he'll make a memo of them at most, the focus today is purely these flowers.]

That may be expected, if nightmare energy negatively affects most living beings here. [Though that begs the question, what other sort of 'energy' would the Ents react to? Better shelve that line of curiosity though, at least for now; it doesn't contribute to what and why he's here for, at least not in any way he can think of at the moment.]

I'd like to do so from different spots, to test for variance just in case. One next to a body of water, and the other, the deepest you think it's okay to go here without pushing our luck. Would that be alright?

[He can be quick about it, but 76's opinion comes first. A sampling outside the cave where the flowers first start showing signs of presence would round it up, but he can get that on their way back. The data should help with trying to emulate conditions that would help their growth most closer to Reverin, ideally yield other helpful info too with further study. Hopefully his logi can remain applicable for that much, in a world of dreams that has a tendency to ignore common sense and rationale entirely.]

Reason I think they're sort of guarding in here, they seem especially sensitive to it. [Something that could be further examined another time- it could be necessary, more so if there ever came some greater need of the flowers, or anything else that could be in this cave.

Another time.

76 nodded as he listened, still keeping more on an eye on the Ents as they moved. So far they were still just milling about, keeping some eye on things, perhaps. Couldn't really tell much given how wooden they all seemed in multiple ways including appearance. Still humanoid in shape, but little else.]

Be fine, as long as you're ready to bail out if that call has to be made.

[76 could keep watch an let Jude do what collecting he felt was best, happy to defer to him when it came to getting whatever samples he needed. Anything else would have to be judgement calls. He wanted to avoid a fight, especially in here if it could be their only source of the flowers for now.]

[That IS interesting, but another time, indeed. While that would also explain a very specific component of 76's caution, Jude himself is oblivious, so their potential ability to detect nightmare energy shouldn't be an issue. --Unless there's some sort of latent and lingering quality to it from mere exposure? That'd be worrying... Straying too far and becoming separated isn't very tempting for practical reasons either, so... After mulling over it a bit, he figures as deep as they can be without losing sight of each other should be good enough for today. He can always come back here, if preliminary results prove unsatisfactory.]

Okay, I'll go ahead and gather quickly, but I'll stay in this area and won't leave your line of sight.

[Things are quiet (so far), 76 also advised to move slowly. With the confirmation given, he'll be cautiously making his way towards the sound of water first, locating a stream to unearth a sample of the soil and flower there. Next would be doing the same to a patch deeper within the cave while staying in this area and keeping distance from the Ents, he's mindful to take advantage of cover provided by the cave's rocky formations and other plant life when possible on top of keeping his steps light and muffled. Unless the Ents and deer would notably react to something else they haven't already speculated, Jude should manage without alerting either, it shouldn't take him more than five to ten minutes at most. Maintaining his calm the entire way isn't difficult either, he's amply motivated by his goal and the hopes of finally putting his theories to practice with this breakthrough discovery.

...If nothing goes wrong, that is?]

I'll push further in slowly. [Slowly enough to not push too hard on their luck, but also allow Jude to move in a bit deeper while still remaining in 76's line of sight. Keeping to the wall all the same.

Looked like it wasn't the first time he'd moved in territory that could possibly turn hostile on a dime if not careful, but of course then those were humans. Still, better to try and better the odds at letting him find something useful than not.

Did stop dead in his own tracks a few times, moved down low and made himself small and still, and at least so far other than the deer moving away from them there didn't seem to be... that much attention given to them? He really, really wanted to keep it this way, rather than risk a fight destroying something even by accident. Wary as he still was as an Ent moved, foot steps falling heavy enough to echo and shake the ground a bit when it did skirt the edge of a proximity that 76 still deemed safe enough.

All the more reason to try and avoid a fight with them, their sheer size and weight.]

[Jude's relatively confident about his agility, it's frankly his best ~~stat~~ asset in combat, but as far as he's concerned, the best fights are the ones that don't need to be fought to begin with. This whole endeavor began half because of that, after all: to find a non-combative way of treating Noctaere possession, even if supposedly beating the afflicted up a bit can get the job done.

Seems like either their caution is paying off, they've caught a lucky break, or maybe both: he manages to get everything he wanted without having a single deer glance his way, and is back at 76's side without further ado once he's got what he came for. There may be some dirt prints on his pants and coat, but he's not paying that much mind, looking no worse for wear with a hand resting over his bag.]

I'm done. That leaves sampling the fields outside, preferably the patch furthest away from here but also closest to Reverein. I can get that on our way back, right?

[It may be a redundant question, but can't hurt to make sure.]

[Was just hoping the luck would hold through, nodding as 76 was already turning carefully so that they could backtrack out of this place-]

Right, you can.

[There was going to be some green mixed in the samples with soil, partly because the moss hanging from the walls certainly intermingled with the soil, enriching it in ways and likely just one of many pieces that had the flowers growing so well and in abundance.

Kept low and near the wall as he moved, never really letting any of the Ents too much out of sight. The deer, at least, were likely avoiding them as well.]

I can let you know the other person who knows about these flowers- don't think I mentioned his name. Wouldn't hurt for you to reach out to him once we're clear of all of this and you're settled. [Mentioned it so briefly before, but he honestly couldn't remember if he'd mentioned Yujin or not.]

[No reason it wouldn't, at this point; the visitors don't want complications any more than the cave's natural residents seem interested in looking for any, and that's not a whole lot, with how the deer and Ents seem to be milling on without paying attention to the retreating 'outsiders'. Seems like they're safe, at least for today...

The confirmation has him nod in satisfaction, falling quiet and in line behind 76 once more while he takes another good look of the caves' inside and makes mental memo of stuff he'd like to observe closer next time. The moss will be a significant discovery, and there will definitely be attempts in preserving and growing more of it once he's back in town. Darkness and coolness won't be too difficult to replicate, especially considering the cooling weather, but as for the humidity... Seems like there will be exploring to do inside Reverein itself after this, too. For buildings with basements or cellars and such, ideally nearing bodies of water too for naturally high humidity?

76's voice pulls him out of his contemplation. --Right, the other person.]

You haven't mentioned any names, only that it's a doctor M. Asogi trusts. I'd like that too, it'd be great to have more minds working on this and trade ideas about what we find. [Wonder if they've already gotten samples and started researching on their end? There should be plenty of time to ask though, once they're back in town.]

Yujin Mikotoba. [Actually giving the name before had slipped his mind, mostly because 76 had focused on the task ahead and creating a plan on the go to try and not provoke some fight. Was coming now as they walked, breathing a little sigh once he could see their exit, hear the waterfall a lot more clearly without too much of it being echoes bouncing along the cave walls.

Almost there.] He's a good man from what I can tell, met and spoke with him before.

small>[Because the man was worried for his health after helping pull Kazuma out the first time, having heard there was a bit of a tussle before it. Heart in the right place. Likely a reason Kazuma had wanted him to get in touch with the doctor over this as well, given the trust already there.

He did pause at a noise behind them, some deep rumbling sound, but that just had him motion for Jude to push up ahead of him. Time to not just step lightly, but a little quicker. Nothing was comin after them, but he didn't want to end up hearing what might've disturbed them back there.] You should still be able to grab some samples out front.

Dr. Mikotoba, okay. [He echoes back in confirmation, briefly noting to himself that the unfamiliar structuring of the name does resemble that of 'Kazuma Asogi'. 76 did mention they were from the same world.] Has he already gotten some samples of these flowers, too? [He wouldn't mind helping with the delivery, or parting with some of the soil he's collected if that could be of help to the other doctor.

The pause from the taller man has him increase his guard in turn, though it doesn't feel like they're in any imminent danger. There isn't that tension in the air that makes the hair at the back of his neck stand up despite the noise, but he's also not a fan of unnecessary risks. So he hastens his pace as instructed, leaving enough space between them to maneuver as they please if they suddenly need to act fast, but without straying too far so that they're still in range of covering for each other just in case. It's more instinct than calculation, the attentive movements of someone clearly used to acting with a partner (watching others' back including his own) rather than by himself.

The assurance is answered with a hum of acknowledgement, and he doesn't say more; let's get out of here first, there will be plenty of time to debrief later.]

He's gotten a few flowers, along with soil that kept them rooted. [A small start, but a start nonetheless.] Could likely benefit from getting in contact with him to help with what else he might need for samples.

I'm a soldier, not a scientist or doctor. [Even with field medic training his knowledge was limited and he wasn't afraid to admit to that. Meant he couldn't only guess a few basic needs and otherwise he'd be a bit out of his depth; 76 knew war, strategy, and even battle tactics that he used with his work as a vigilante these days.

Even if then it was a lot of running in and thinking after.

He was glad to see the back of the waterfall, moving to the side and out of the cave once there. Blue sitting nearby, wings flared out idly and preening, which at least meant all outside was- mostly peaceful.]

I'll do that, thank you for telling me. [Whether it's to help a fellow doctor run errands or compare research notes, it should be helpful either way.

A soldier, huh... Well, it was hard to imagine "76" being anything else other than a codename of sorts, and if he had to guess the other man's profession, Jude would've went with 'mercenary' first. Suppose the only difference is the employer, so he got pretty close?]

Your insight and experience out in the field are still invaluable, living out here in the Wildlands and keeping an eye on M. Asogi in his state can't be easy. [He thought the older man looked a little... worn? Ragged? When they first met by the clearing; his clothes aren't that of someone who sleeps in a bed at night, and witnessing how much supplies Blue carried and meeting Noctaere Kazuma further contextualized the very high probability that 76 has been camping out here for some time. All the more reason to follow along and listen to any of his directives, but since chatting is still fine:] The drink you gave me was made with these flowers, right? How did you do it exactly, if you don't mind me asking?

[He had spent a lot of time around doctors and scientists, and not just under their hands at the end of an experiment. He'd taken what was handed to him and like did what wasn't expected of him with all of the funding and power stacked on his shoulders.

Once upon a time? 76 had worked to make sure a variety of people in medical and scientific fields had the money to fun their research, expand hose bounds and knowledge. Gave them a place and the power to... further save lives, and protect people that wasn't just fighting. Believed that the research was important, that gaining more knowledge to heal and counteract was necessary for a better world.

Could only hope everything he sacrificed was worth it these days. That those people who no doubt felt abandoned could still push on and didn't lose everything as well.]

Been getting by, but it's also why he and I were able to discover that cave, these flowers, in the first place. [It all started with him knowing of those deer, leading Kazuma out here to hunt the ones in a clearing and discovering they didn't corrupt.] Yeah. Literally just boiled the flowers as if making tea- and that could likely be refined to make it a bit more potent, if nothing else.

[76 really is a mysterious figure, his candid doling of information and experience feels at odds with his appearance, name, and demeanor. ...It's probably the mask, admittedly, and the teen lets the passing observation go as idly as it came to him. Jude's not the prying type, plus he's quite aware that the best way to thank 76 he can do is come up with some results, hopefully soon.]

The medicinal value of plants are often stronger in the leaves and roots, there's the fruit to consider too. Have you tried anything with other parts of the plant? The fruit could turn out interesting too, but we'd have to watch and wait until the right season comes.

Couldn't tell you if it grows fruits, wouldn't hurt to watch for it. [His head tipped a little, indicating what was gathered and even back towards the cave. Some other time, and the cave was likely something he'd check in on occasionally alone.

Whatever it might take to get this going well, if some use of it could be made to help anyone else who finds themselves- well.]

Only boiled the petals and leaves, and ate meat of the deer and boar that seem to grow and graze on these flowers. [He gestured a little towards the stream, the slight pastel sheen the otherwise crystal clear waters had.] Used this water source as well, far down stream as it seems to go. Ingesting even just the plants make the animals that do resistant to corruption.

[Makes sense, these logical inferences spell a pretty clear picture on top of how recent the entire discovery had been. There's honestly a lot of leads to pursue, he muses. The biggest challenge is probably going to be coining more effective ways of making use of these while working off a nonexistent knowledge database. Lots of trials and errors ahead, for sure...]

Yeah. Maybe there are plant experts in town who can weight in, but given the likelihood that these flowers may only exist in Songerein, it's a tough call. Have you and M. Asogi given them a name yet, by the way?

[Unless the tapirs or some other local creature know what they're called? But this world is supposedly still "new" and expanding, so it's entirely possible that they are and will remain nameless until someone changes that. And as the ones who made the discovery...]

If you find anyone with even some knowledge it could help, even if these don't exist anywhere else. [A basic knowledge could help trace it to something, right? That was just some guessing at least.

Shoulders rolled, as if chasing away some old deep ache-]

We, uh, we've been calling them Glowing Dawn's Flower, or just Glowing Dawn for short.

[They glowed, and things usually woke up with dawn's light- sort of like waking up from a nightmare, being pulled out of it by these things, even if slowly. Made sense to them, simple and sounded fitting.]

That's true, we wouldn't know until we try.

[He should reorganize his notes, make a to-do list too while he's at it. Then... Take some time for himself and see how much he can get done on his own, probably? It's likely not necessary in the big picture, but he feels he would be more credible if he has at least some results to bring to the table before opening up public discussion. There's a lot they could do and organize as a community.]

Glowing Dawn... [He repeats after the taller man, mild surprise easily shifting into a smile. That sounds quite poetic! But there's probably no need to let that out loud, hm.] That's a really nice name. I'll refer to it as such in my notes and writings, thank you.

How it is.

[Glowing Dawn's Flower- partly because it certainly glowed, and... well. Calmed the mind like one might eventually waking from a nightmare with the dawn's light. Not terribly deep and simple, two people just figuring out what to call the flower that was easy enough to remember.

A nod of his head.] Alright, and you're welcome.

Just remember, can get a hold of me if you need more samples and a hand.

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Sorry for the late/spottiness ;; could handwave the rest of this outing, if you'd like?

It's fine, life happens and be like that. We can if wanted! Free up for stuff for the new year?

Might be easier, maybe after the naming topic? Thanks for being patient orz

Sounds good to me!

o7

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