dreamcrystals | second entry 🌱 she heard someone say 'research'

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second entry 🌱 she heard someone say 'research'

Sender: Zelda
To: Jude Mathis
Subject: Anti-Noctaere Research (Quest #1204)

Good day, sir.

I hope this message finds you well.

I happened upon your notice on the Dream Board and wanted to inquire if you are still seeking information or assistance in your anti-Noctaere research. While I fear I have little to offer in the way of information or experiences of my own- [ This is actually untrue. ] -I am adept in the studies of botany and chemistry.

In reading your notice, I was given the impression that you have already identified some manner of flora or fauna in Songerein that possesses the desired anti-nightmare properties. Is that the case? Or do you otherwise have reason to believe that such a thing exists at all. In my own expeditions to the Wildlands- [ Read: in her only expedition to the Wildlands. ] -I encountered numerous plants that struck me as unusual, which may be worth closer study. As of yet, I have not collected any samples.

Thank you for your time.

Sincerely,
Zelda

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[Truthfully, Jude hesitated quite a bit before submitting his request. Should he be specific or vague? Include his name straight out or make it anonymous? In the end, there really was no other way than be open and straightforward: it's not in his nature to be underhanded, and if he does get help that leads to results, then that outcome could only benefit everyone in Songerein. You miss all the shots you don't take, after all, so it's honestly a pleasant surprise, when the entry is there during his first journal scan that morning.

The writing is neat and clean:]

Good day miss Zelda, and thank you for writing. Just Jude is OK, please let me know also if you have a preferred form of address. Don't worry about experience too, we're all quite new at dealing with this. Given how Noctaeres seem unique to Songerein, every bit of insight can help. As for that, I think it'll be easier to show you rather than describe what we know so far. I'd love to hear about your ideas too, and the sort of plants you found in the Wildlands. Would you be available to talk in person? We could meet at the café?

[As serious as the subject is, he's no expert himself, and as far as he's concerned, anyone else showing interest in the topic and is willing to help is a peer. So while his own response may be too casual, he does hope his correspondent will take it as cue that there's no need to be overly formal. ...Mmhm, this should be easier to convey in person, so--!]

[ Proper decorum is one of the cornerstone's of a princess's education, and it comes so naturally to Zelda that she hardly notices it in the way she writes. Although she knows that most dreamwalkers don't write so formally in their journals, she hasn't considered revising her own tone. It hasn't occurred to her that her rigidity might be off-putting.

Now that Jude mentions it, meeting in person to discuss this subject will be easier than than conversing through writing. It's tedious to transcribe research notes from journal to journal, as well as to imprint images of the plants she has already photographed with her Sheikah Slate. ]

Yes, that sounds like a wonderful idea. I am available today, certainly. I will be happy to meet you in the café shortly; say, within the hour?

And simply 'Zelda' will be fine, thank you.

[ Sorry, Jude. She's much easier to talk to in person. ]

That sounds great. I have dark brown hair and will be wearing a sweater with a gingerbread cookie man design at the front. I look forward to seeing you soon, Zelda.

[...The sweater courtesy of Songerein's festive fae, naturally, and he's long given up trying to put his lab coat over it after the first two failed attempts. Arranging for meetings is second nature to him at least, academic and errand boy at heart despite how much travelling and growing he's done the past couple years. He's glad that she confirmed quickly, and once that's settled, will be packing his notes and some other things into his messenger bag before making his way to the café. Better early than late, and he could review his own info if he gets there before she does.

Whether they run into each other outside or inside, Zelda will find a 5'4" brunette with ~~messy bed hair~~ spiky hair wearing a somewhat eye-catching sweater like everyone else in Songerein. If he ends up getting there first without chancing upon her on the way, he'll be grabbing a seat at a table in the back that's also facing the entrance, conscious in making himself easy to spot while also being mindful to not be too eye-catchingly close to the front. He'll be poring over a notebook with a steamy mug of coffee sitting atop the table while he waits, alert to any movement from the shop's entrance despite what surface appearance may indicate. Gotta keep track of your surroundings after all, and he doesn't plan on getting sidetracked today.]

[ It's a good thing that Jude decides not to wait outside for too long, because Zelda is running late. She wants to make sure she looks presentable, since she's never met Jude before, but Songerein's fae have other ideas. Every time she yanks off a sweater, a more hideous one takes its place.

After fifteen minutes of futile sweater-changing, Zelda finally admits defeat and rushes to Dreambucks wearing this sparkley tragedy, clutching her journal and Sheikah Slate to her chest in a failed attempt to hide it. She throws open the door in a flurry of snowflakes and tinsel, looking somewhat flushed and breathless. Blue eyes flick quickly between the many different sweaters on display until she spots the gingerbread one, worn by a young man of similar stature to herself. The princess picks her way through the café to Jude's table. ]

Jude, I presume? I am Zelda.

[He's already been glancing up at every opening of the entrance door, and at her approach, puts his notebook down to stand up from his seat and greet her with a smile. No comment on the sweater, he understands, and judging from how she's practically huddled over herself, maybe it's a fair assumption to make that she's late because of the Songerein-wide wardrobe malfunction? ...Mm, definitely the best call to simply motor on as if it's not a thing!]

Yeah, that's me. It's nice to meet you in person, Zelda, and thank you for coming! [Offering a polite nod of his head, he's also extending a somewhat larger-than-norm hand to shake.] Please, have a seat. Do you want to order a drink too, to warm up maybe? I do appreciate the more mellow sorts of tea the fairies serve, I've found them helpful for brainstorming. [They're more supposed to cause daydreams, but if you focus enough, pretty easy to turn them productive!]

[ Zelda is grateful that Jude neither remarks on her lateness nor her unfortunate wardrobe. In turn, she will suppress the urge to ask about his (although she's incredibly curious about the story behind the apparently-suicidal gingerbread cookie). ]

The pleasure is mine. [ Returning his smile, she shifts her hold on her items and places one hand in his. For a second, she does nothing, assuming that he's going to kneel and kiss the back of her hand in the courtly sort of greeting the princess is accustomed to. But Zelda quickly remembers that she didn't introduce herself as a princess and shakes his hand instead. After a polite moment, she releases his hand and takes a seat across from him. ]

Tea would be lovely, thank you! [ Zelda sets her journal and Sheikah Slate to the side. ] What do you recommend? Most of the herbal blends I've tried here tend to make me drowsy.

[It's apparently a seasonal thing? Apparently. Jude stopped fussing once he took a careful look outside and it became glaringly apparent that everyone in town had become afflicted with colorful but odd sweaters of a certain theme, not even the local tapirs were spared. You do end up looking less silly when everyone else also looks silly, and it's admittedly exclusively thanks to logical reasoning that got him out into the streets without batting an eyelash despite... whatever message his own sweater may convey.

If he noticed the pause in his hand, he doesn't remark on it either, simply settling on giving her hand a polite but firm shake and lingering for no longer than that. Maybe she's unused to the gesture? Given the mishmash of people from different worlds all over populating Songerein, it'd be only natural for there to be a mishmash of different cultures and customs too. He doesn't dwell, in any case.]

Peppermint and ginger worked for me back in my world, and they haven't failed me here. I do specify to the tea fairies I'd like to focus and stay awake, and they've been understanding. [In other words, he hasn't been pranked to doze off ~~just yet~~.] The coffee fairy seems to be a recent addition, though. I used to drink quite a bit of it back home, so I'm giving it a try here. [He glances down at his own mug, about three quarters filled with a creamy brown liquid that gave off a faint fruity aroma. Catching sight of the Sheikah slate on the table, he can't help but let his gaze linger in curiosity. Is that something from her world? It looks nothing like anything he's seem from home or in Songerein. ...Can probably ask about it later though, there's no rush hm.]

Peppermint and ginger? [ Zelda looks thoughtful. That's a combination she's never considered before. Coffee is tempting, but sometimes makes her too jittery to sit still. Not something she wants to risk today. ] That sounds lovely.

[ She reaches into the leather pouch on her belt and fishes around for something to trade to the fairies. She drops on the table a few buttons, several polished pebbles with interesting gradients, and a dried date with a bit of fuzz stuck to it. Zelda studies the clutter for a moment, then selects the cutest button and two of the lumpier pebbles. The rest, she sweeps up and returns to her pouch. ]

Give me just a minute more, if you don't mind.

[ Zelda inclines her head respectfully and heads to the counter. Her offering seems to please the tea fairies, who happily collect their treasures and give Zelda a steaming mug in return. The exchange is a quick and efficient one, and Zelda returns to the table in only a few minutes. ]

There, much better! [ She slides back into the chair and cups her hands around the hot mug to warm them. ]

[--Huh? Wait, he mentioned both and intended them as separate suggestions for more choices, not...

...But before he could say anything, she's already gone through with her order. And actually come to think of it, hasn't he pulled some (several, countless) all-nighters both during his student and researcher days where he's accidentally mixed things you normally aren't supposed to when making himself a drink? Maybe it's sheer luck, maybe it's dubious fate, but he DOES as a matter of fact remember how ginger and peppermint tasted together. And it wasn't bad, just new! He didn't do it again because his assistant that day pointed out to him what he's done while he was making a pensive face after the first sip, informing him then that he's apparently put in two entirely different types of tea into his mug. He's been too mortified of getting caught again since, the chief reason why he hasn't tried mixing different teas again.

So basically, it should be fine, especially given how the tea fairies here are expert baristas. If cheap instant ginger and peppermint tea tasted okay to him, then it SHOULD be fine, right? Should.

Coughing into his hand and willing himself into losing a potentially odd expression he may have made, he's motoring right on to what they're here for. With any luck, she may be too distracted with the warmth and pleasant scent of her tea to notice?]

As for the questions you wrote initially, yes, a plant with anti-Noctaere properties has already been discovered in Songerein. There could be other substances in this world that may be effective against them too, which is why I left my request open ended. I studied to be a doctor back in my world, so I began looking into Noctaeres once I learned that they could possess other living beings and bring with them negative effects like an illness would. My focus is on developing treatment methods, but I'm not very experienced with medicine making, so I'm sure your knowledge of chemistry and botany would be very helpful.

[He may have launched into the topic with more abruptness and gusto than intended, but he is open with his hand as having more help can only better their odds of coming up with results. It was quite a bit though, so he pauses there and draws his mug closer to himself. If she has any question, comment, or else, he's all ears.]

[ Zelda quirks a suspicious eyebrow at Jude's peculiar expression and brief coughing fit, but forces it back down without remark. Although it feels like he's reacting weirdly to her for some reason, Zelda decides to write it off as a coincidence and give Jude the benefit of the doubt.

She continues to hold the steaming mug in her hands as Jude launches into the reason for their meeting, letting its warmth seep through her and make her numb extremities tingle pleasantly as feeling returns to them. Her expression turns to a mix of surprised and impressed when he brings up his medical training. At a glance, Jude looks like he's around Zelda's age: somewhere in his late teens or early twenties. And yet he's already studying to be a doctor? He must be some sort of prodigy. ]

As I mentioned in the journal, I would be delighted to assist with your research. My own studies in the sciences and technology did not take place in a proper academic setting, but I was lucky to work with several renowned scientists in my kingdom. I like to dabble in many different disciplines, but botany is one of my favorites, particularly horticulture with attention to the medicinal, pharmaceutical, or other properties of plants.

[ She likes growing plants and seeing how plants effect people. ]

How did you discover this anti-Noctaere plant?

[He is VERY glad she is understanding, hopefully this slight and harmless misunderstanding can blow over without ever being openly breached...

Jude thinks of his education as fairly standard, and with the lack of comparison to draw against with what the curriculum and age of admission may be like for people from OTHER worlds, has no idea that his world is the odd one out. In what world does a highly prestigious medical academy situated at the country's capital lets 13-years-old enroll? His, apparently, but that's neither here or there. Besides, Zelda's admission sounds plenty impressive to him, and he knows from firsthand experience how much you can really learn outside of a classroom. Turns out a LOT of important things don't get taught in one, as a matter of fact, and her versatility only adds to her credentials.]

The pleasure's all mine, I'd love to work together! There seems to be a lot of plants unique to Songerein we have no knowledge or reference for, plus dreamotion is an incredible power that can make all sorts of theoretically impossible things as we used to know them possible. We have a lot of trial and error ahead of us, your inference and input would be invaluable.

[His enthusiasm is more than palpable, the strange tension from earlier had completely dissipated in favor of the possibilities on the horizon. He hasn't said any of what he had to be polite, if anything he may sound a bit too excited for a teen going on about research...]

As for the plant, it's a flower called Glowing Dawn. [Saying that, he's rummaging through his bag to withdraw a small glass jar before placing it to the middle of the table, which contains a preserved flower.] They were found by M. 76 and someone he knows while he was out on an expedition in the Wildlands. I was contacted because I've spoken to him before about wanting to find a non-violent treatment against Noctaere possession. [The "someone" 76 knows being Kazuma, but Jude consciously skips over the name just in case. 76 should be plenty enough anyway, if Zelda would like to inquire personally after this.] I'm hoping to make a purification device that anyone can use with this, but learning more about its properties and finding ways to make medicine with them would also be a big step forward.

[ As far as Zelda is concerned, this is the exact level of excitement any teen would have toward research. What could possibly be more exciting than practical applications of the scientific method?? Jude's enthusiasm for the subject matter is infectious and Zelda too forgets all about the earlier awkwardness.

Zelda's eyes widen slightly as Jude produces the jar with the flower in it. What a beautiful plant! She leans forward to get a better look at it while she listens to his explanation. Fortunately for Kazuma, Zelda has very little interest in the reason why 76 wanted a nonviolent treatment against Noctaere possession. She is content not to probe for more background information; her whole interest is on the plant itself. ]

It's very beautiful. I've not seen one like it where I come from.

[ She tilts her head as she studies it. ] It has stamen that resemble those from plants belonging to the Asparagaceae or Liliceae families and I have a hunch that it grows from a bulb. But the bloom does not the typical trumpet-shape I would expect.

[ She turns her gaze back to Jude. ] How does Mr. 76 know that it has anti-Noctaere properties? He must have some reason to think that about this plant over any others.

[yes good absolutely perfect, they are on the same wavelength]

Me neither, so I think it's fair to assume we'll discover both plants we knew from our world and new ones native to Songerein if we look around more once the weather gets warmer. There may be plants here that thrive in the winter though, or species that don't particularly mind the passing of the seasons if they mainly grow in caves and other underground spaces.

[He... only got about a small fraction of that, this is NOT his area of expertise and he's already said as much himself. But it's inspiring to see her analyzing the flower's shape right away, so he focuses on her question.]

He knows someone who's been affected by Noctaere and their nightmare energy, and that person reacted to the Glowing Dawn. They confirmed that it helped them calm down and recover their sense of self, consuming water boiled with its pedals also gives resistance against a Noctaere's domain. I've put up my request seeking Noctaere monster parts to further test this too, and so far my own findings match what Mr. 76 had said.

[In hindsight, Kazuma's apology wouldn't be hard to retrace over the journal network if one tries, but as long as there isn't any direct need to bring him up by name, Jude'll try avoiding that for the sake respecting the older man's privacy. Treating Noctaere possession of people is his main objective, after all, so it shouldn't be unusual to refer to an existing case.]

[ Zelda sets her mug aside and grabs her journal. She quickly flips to a blank page in the back, its pages printed with a motif of keys. This odd enchanted portion of journal pages are not broadcast to other dreamwalkers, as Luca was so kind to explain to Zelda upon their arrival last autumn. The princess has used this space for research notes and her personal diary in lieu of a supply of normal journals.

At the top of the page, she scrawls 'Glowing Dawn,' then scribbles notes while Jude speaks. She jots down a few questions as she thinks of them, but seems satisfied with the lack of details about 76's Noctaere-influenced companion. ]

So a basic brew from the petals grants some protection against the influence of a Noctaere. Other parts of the flower may also be edible in some form. [ She nods to herself. ] Finding a way to make the brew more potent would likely increase the effectiveness of its protection.

You said that the subject "reacted" to the flower. [ She glances up at Jude again. The quotation marks around the word 'reacted' are audible. ] Can you elaborate on that? Do you know what caused the reaction? The scent of the flower? Consumption? Simply being in its proximity? And where and when did Mr. 76 and his companion discover it? Knowing more about the Dawn's natural climate will provide ample insight.

[As another all too familiar with the note-taking routine, Jude doesn't bat an eyelash at Zelda's own setup. He's been resorting to a supply of normal journals on his end, separating them by size and subject matter as he keeps field notes and experiment records separate. To each their own, whatever that works!]

Yes. I've happened across a Noctaere's domain before, it was oppressive, hot, and heavily bogged down by negative feelings such as aggression, resentment, anger, and hatred. The brew grants a cooling effect. My herbal and pharmaceutical knowledge are limited, but I do know that in some cases, a plant's leaves and roots may have stronger medicinal properties than its flower, we also haven't seen what the Glowing Dawn's fruits may be like yet. They were found growing in large numbers inside a cave in the Wildlands guarded by Ents. I managed to avoid their notice the few times I've been, but it could potentially get dangerous if we're not careful. Would you still be interested to go for data recording and sampling? I've taken my own set I can send you, but I'd also be happy to accompany you.

[He should probably be more guarded with the cave's location, but Jude is not a suspicious or wary person by nature. He's admittedly also already swayed by Zelda's background in botany and studious enthusiasm, and struggles to imagine any downside in letting her also get some fresh samples in person. ...If anything, maybe he should just check in with 76 first?]

As for that, it may be all three. I don't believe the subject directly ingested any of the flower, but it likely happened indirectly. A herd of large deer believed native to Songerein also live in the vicinity, they have been found with these flowers adorning their antlers. The subject may have hunted and consumed deer that have grazed on the Glowing Dawn, which could have in turn helped them regain their sense of self.

[ As Zelda continues to take notes while Jude answers her questions, her expressions reflect her reactions. Her brows furrow in concentration at his suggestion that the Glowing Dawn might produce fruits. The sample in Jude's jar looks to Zelda like it might be growing from a small bulb, but she would have to unearth it to find out for sure. Such plants are not known to produce a seed that could be classified as a fruit. But then again, Songerein is a dream world; its plants may not consistently follow the rules of nature.

She looks thoughtful as Jude mentions the deer with the Glowing Dawn adorning their antlers. The anti-Noctaere principles of the plant must be potent if not only the deer gains that benefit from ingesting it, but also the person who consumes the deer's meat. That suggests a strong transference of this anti-Noctaere chemical, whatever it might be. ]

I wonder if consuming the Dawn also gives the deer some level of immunity to a Noctaere's influence. [ Zelda taps the nib of her quill against her notebook as she thinks. Her kingdom has never invented vaccines, so she doesn't think to suggest developing one, but she's thinking along those lines. ] We may also be able to find a way to incorporate the Dawn into our diets to the same effect. Or perhaps cross-breed it with other plants like common vegetables to proliferate the anti-Noctaere element. There are myriad directions we could go. Yes, I believe I will need a supply of my own samples, though your data would also be most welcome.

[Struggling with how to redefine the limits of possibilities when the very concept of "Impossibility" supposedly no longer exists in this dream world is... a challenge for sure. Jude's still coping with it himself, Zelda's definitely not the only one. All the more reason to put their heads together and see what they can brainstorm up, dreamotion application can also take everything they know to a whole new level.]

It's entirely possible. The soil inside the cave, the stream of water from the waterfall, maybe even the Ents' presence... There may be many factors that could explain how they've gained their anti-Noctaere properties. I'll send you over what I have later, the measurements I took are in a notebook I left back at my place. I also think it's best to have a look in person despite the risks involved, I could use another trip myself. Would you mind if I check in with M. 76 first? I don't think he'd mind, but just to make sure. [A heads-up would be the polite thing to give, anyhow.]

[ Zelda sets down her quill for a moment and grabs her mug, which by now has sufficiently cooled to be drinkable without scalding her mouth. She nods along while Jude speaks, lifting the mug to her lips. The scent of peppermint and ginger mingling together is so potent that it makes Zelda cough. Wow, that certainly clears the sinuses right up! She clears her throat, hoping to disguise the source of her cough as just a tingle in her throat, then takes her first sip of the brew.

The princess coughs again as a taste as equally strong as its scent hits her tongue. Zelda hadn't known what sort of flavor to expect from the mixture of peppermint and ginger, but the end result is unexpectedly menthol-like. There's no disguising her cough this time. Zelda carefully puts down the mug and covers her mouth with one hand. ]

Excuse me. [ She apologizes with a muffled rasp and clears her throat while she composes herself. Not wanting to offend Jude and his clearly unique taste in tea, Zelda offers no remark on the source of her coughing and instead picks up their discussion about the Glowing Dawn as if nothing happened. ]

Yes, I agree. An visit to the Dawn's natural habitat is irreplaceable. I am most keen to join you on your next expedition.

[ She quirks a suspicious brow when Jude mentions that he wants to run this trip by 76 first. That implies two possibilities to Zelda: one, that the cave where the Dawn grows is 76's property (the idea of owning part of the Wildlands rubs Zelda the wrong way); or, two, there is some sort of secret related to that location that 76 wants to guard. ]

May I ask why this would necessitate Mr. 76's permission?

[.............

Y-yeah. Well to his excuse, it WAS a pretty effective kick when he was looking for a strong refresher after an all-nighter! Which WERE sometimes necessities when you're running on a deadline, less so when you're in a dream world and everything seems to meander on at their own pace. But well. Semantics. Details. He'ssorryhe'llfindsomewaytoapologizelater--]

...No problem.

[ANYWAY--]

I know he's been out in the Wildlands relatively often and is still wary of the Ents that seem to inhabit and guard the cave, I was thinking of asking him if he's visited of late and noticed any developments with them. They didn't detect us or showed any signs of aggressiveness when we went together, but it's best to be safe than sorry, I think. I can hold my own in case anything happens, but we can all agree we'd want to avoid combat inside the cave if we can help it.

[He honestly explains without hesitation, it's really not so much asking for permission as giving the man a heads-up and asking for potential updates, since 76 is out and about more than your average Songerein resident. That hopefully clears up the potential for a trickier misunderstanding?]

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second entry 🌱 she heard someone say 'research'

Sender: Jude

we can swap to action in this thread, nbd

sounds good! text → action

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