Private Tales This-one and Another

[Banshi]

The emptiness of the wilderness is always an illusion. Every creature capable of hiding then hid behind anything they could, including behind those of who could not, as a mass of rolling roots and twisting tendrils lumbers through the underbrush of the forest. Moving upon four of the larger tentacles, the large broad leaves catch the scatter light in vibrant green with a ruddy red tinge. The faceless creature, a tree of grayish-tan bark, propelled itself along a winding route avoiding obstacles. As if roiling forward, the mass shifted around in order to avoid catching its branches against the other plant-life, preventing their damage with the care befitting a sympathetic sibling.


This-one was leaving the natural borders of their homeland and though not the first time there was an auspicious purpose for travelling so far. A message had reached this-one on the wind. An invitation of sorts, though perhaps it was an announcement or instead a declaration, but the scent was intriguing to this-one. When first they entered the forest, it climbed the trees and rooted awhile, taking in its senses and releasing a message when the wind became favorable.


“Seeking understanding... Approaching.”


The scent of this-tree carried its intentions, but there was no way to know for sure if that-which-was-sought could understand such signals. What was known was the smell of it, but that was enough. This-one was closer now, sensing the claim. Continuing there careful pace, the animate tree form began to track the source, tasting the ground and asking the other trees for assistance.

(Hi Caelia)

 

[Caelia]

The home of the Mycolyp was a thriving one, with the sweet scent of life mixed in with the natural touch of decay that was custom to all fungi. Mushrooms coated every tree, delicately cascading off like a glowing waterfall as spores drifted idly in the breeze along with the insects and birds that called the Ixchel Wilds their home. The branches of nearby trees would flex and stretch as though they were possessed by some other being, while the undergrowth would wave as though it were taking a breath.

Occasionally, a creature would come along, skin covered in floral and fungal growths, to deposit something in the grass beside a random mushroom before scurrying off or taking flight. One such creature stayed much more often in the Mycolyp's home, a humanoid woman flush with life and now resembling the forest that surrounded her more than any of her previous brethren. Bark had overtaken her left arm, as leaves and roots claimed dominion over her skin. However, she looked at peace with her changed appearance. Caelia caressed a nearby tree, allowing the fungus that resided upon its bark absent-mindedly growing to expand onto her overgrown arm, before moving on to tend to other matters.

However, her movement faltered, as did the rest of the Mycolyp's domain. The trees stopped their movement along with the undergrowth, and the other Overgrown creatures suddenly stopped in their movement as they all listened. A message had been sent. This hasn't happened before. Of course, there had been the occasional creature that stumbled upon their home, with mixed responses, but there had never been a message beforehand. It was plant-like, meaning it must be responding to one of their messages. They had sent one before, just as a precaution to any of the Ixchel Wilds to be aware of the Mycolyp and where they live so that no Ents or sentient plantsfind it to be a surprise when they come across their home. Quickly, everything began to move again as normal once the message was received and the prompt for it was understood.

Caelia glanced through the large trees of the Wilds, silent and still as she surveyed the land for their visitor. She let a hand drift up a tree, allowing her fingertips to graze one of the Mycolyp's mushrooms. A moment passed, before a new message entered the winds: "Hello, newcomer. The Mycolyp welcomes you."

Hopefully, this new message will help hone their visitor's search towards them. Letting her hand return to her side, Caelia looked outward once more to try and spot this newcomer. Eventually, she caught sight of a tree, slowly traversing the territories of the Ixchel Wilds with broad tentacle-like roots grasping the ground and pushing the tree forward. Patiently, Caelia waited for the tree to come closer and respond, as another creature, a bird with leaves coating their feathers, perched on the branch of another, unintelligent tree, simply watching the exchange.

 

[Banshi]

The smell was first, the rot of wood a warning to the deepest instinct. Closer and closer to their destination, the terrain closed in and extended the shadows of the day. The moisture was nestled in the top layer, many beating hearts, many soft voices. These wood seemed a strong place, alive and unspoiled. It was peaceful. This-one had come to enjoy exploring new places, finding this area quite pleasing in general. There was hope, then, that this-other would be willing to speak.

A sudden twitch brought the tree to change directions, moving now directly towards Caelia without changing the facing their body. Receiving signals from others as it passed them, the treefolk’s approach slowed as it reach the outer boundary of the mushroom below-ground mass. The plant-thing was hesitant to step its roots directly into the mass of its filaments, scanning the scene; smelling voices and death and danger lurking from the size of the vibrations. It starred with each of its sense upon the area before, above and below the surface.

Fungi seemed to be the most intelligible of the strange creatures to inhabit this world. This complexity was advanced, their abilities admirable, their purpose clear. The was a threat pulsating in front of this-one’s roots. By its smell, it was the predator known. Yet there was a difference in it, making this meeting even possible. This-one would be sure not to waste opportunity, but knowing why their heartwood aches.

“... Mycolyp?” It echoes back the unfamiliar meaning. “This-one seeks to know this-other.”

The snake-like wood lurches forward planting a large root structure into the fertile soil between its body and the mass of fungi. Carefully, but curiously the smallest tendrils of its roots snake outward in discovery.

 

[Caelia]

The Overgrown bird tilted its head slightly as the tree entered their boundaries, remaining stationary. The Mycolyp was intrigued by this visitor, its fungal growths and mushrooms all stretching and turning, leaning inward as if to eavesdrop behind a closed door. Caelia was as well, giving a slight nod towards the floral creature. A few other Overgrown enter the area, forest creatures and even a few humans similar to Caelia, each covered in mushrooms and plantlife. Some threw glances between the tree and Caelia, remaining silent as they observed the newcomer as well. All were interested, eyes of dull grays and greens and browns watching the interaction, keeping their distance as well with a few stepping back to give the tree space.

As the bark-covered root bored into the earth and continued to slither in between the networks of fungus that overlapped and weaved through each other within the dirt to connect all the plantlife in the area, the Mycolyp and its Overgrown all feel an odd vibration run down their backs and structures. It wasn't a painful or uncomfortable sensation, but it was an unusual and previously unexperienced one. The Mycolyp itself allowed the interaction to occur, and while a few of the Overgrown began to make a move, Caelia held up a hand, signaling a cease to their attempts to stop the tree.

Another message came forth, spoken both through the spores of the network that the tree was connected to and through the lips of Caelia herself. Her voice had an almost ethereal quality to it, a soft human tone mixed with the rustling of leaves. "The Mycolyp is us, have no fear. I am Caelia, specifically. We seek to understand you as well. What is your name?" Caelia extended her hand upwards, waving, although the movement was static and clearly unused in some time, a remnant of her more human interactions.

 

[Banshi]

The rest of its body settling into an eerie stillness, the roots moved gentle. They did not attempt to touch the other, instead weaving carefully into a position around a section. The tree-creature did not respond back immediately, taking in the words used as well as the information from its roots with a confused shudder of its upper branches. Its lack of features made it exceedingly difficult to know if it was focused upon on anything in particular, but seeming to have not been able to answer its own question but would use its senses to gather distinction.

“... Caelia? … Name? This-one does not understand.” It’s speak remaining simplistic and probing. This-one was young in many ways, growing up isolated, it had not learned many concepts others might take for granted. It had no name, just as it knew no names. It could identify and explain a grouping simply, but it was finding confusion in the purpose this-other was meaning.

Slowly the perceived vague color blobs and shadows focused into contrasting shapes, using what little this poor light allow. Making them out visually as separate, animals covered in fungi and small plants, it was even more bewildering to this-one and for this-one brought a conflicting mix of emotions.

“... Why are you?” Not ‘what’ or ‘who’, the tree was not misspeaking it was trying to identify this collection, to know how it came to be and through it decipher what its purpose was. Origin would show purpose to this-one. In its stillness, all senses were clearer. This would help to understand this-other, this-one was convinced. As long as this-other would begin to speak sense.

 

[Caelia]

The Overgrown searched the tree for any features betraying any emotion or sign of where they were focusing, however they quickly realized there were no such features, only the blank expression brought by the plain bark that made up the exterior of the tree, a feature shared by all of those around it. A silence hung in the air as the tree processed the question and deliberated an answer, as the Overgrown remained quiet and still, considering the strange visitor and how to best respond. Caelia could sense the emotions of the Overgrown around her, the simpler animalistic ones feeling a general emotion of uneasiness while the more intelligent ones with more than simply a fragment of consciousness gifted by the Mycolyp felt more curiosity than fear or uncomfortableness.

Caelia nodded slowly as the tree's speech broke the temporary silence, considering the question. "A name is what you refer to somebody as. When you talk to me or about to me, you may call me 'Caelia.' The fungus you see around us has a name as well, the Mycolyp. Together, that is our collective name." She nodded slowly, a hand gesturing to herself first before pointing out the mushrooms that covered the nearby ground, which stretched upwards as her hand drifted near it like a cub requesting food. A moment of silence came afterwards, as Caelia deliberated. "We can gift you a name, if you have none."

As the tree asked its question, Caelia seemed to momentarily become perplexed at the meaning and furthermore, the answer. Finally, like a root through soft soil, her voice pierced the quiet that was created. "When we came to be, we," she gestured to the Overgrown creatures, the ones with leave and fungus gracing their bark-covered skin, "were not like we were. We were different, not the Mycolyp as we now are." She moved towards a spot of shade beneath a towering tree, extending a hand towards the shadows. Exiting the darkness was a mushroom, who's stalk was being delicately caressed by Caelia's claw-like hand. As she caressed it, it grew with her, following her movements as she stood and once more looked towards the tree. "All the Mycolyp was in the beginning was a single mushroom, much like this one. All alone, in a forest where there were billions of voices yet no ears to hear its own." As she spoke, a branch nearby to the tree leaned closer, allowing a mushroom to extend. However, instead of growing onto the tree's bark, the mushroom simply began to emit a blue glow, in an attempt to allow for better light so that the tree could see as best as it could.

Continuing her explanation, Caelia said, "This mushroom, the Mycolyp, in its loneliness, sought out others. Others to hear its voice and speak back. A girl found it, a girl known as Caelia. She planted it, and soon the Mycolyp found others to speak to and listen to." The other Overgrown looked intently towards Caelia as she recalled the tale, nodding faintly, as Caelia herself found herself with a faint smile. Perhaps it was an unorthodox path her life took, but it didn't matter, for she was pleased with it. "Our purpose is to survive, and if possible, find others to hear our voice and listen to theirs as well." Finishing with her story, the mushroom she had called to besides her hand returned to the ground, the one providing light besides the tree remaining. "Why are you?"

 

[Banshi]

What the treefolk felt was a consuming quality about the entirety of the being, but in contrast to that there was independent thing which was at least appearing to be the speaker for a group. In spite of what this conclusions brought them, the young-creature’s sense only detected one of them as a large spread of mass of amorphous proportions. Dwarfing the tree by its biomass, this-one was quite aware of their own edibility. The spores were not so heavy in against light yet to the red-tinged ficus the cloud was simply part of the whole. It was beginning to worry prolong contact along might be hazardous. It adjusted the flow of its vascular, preparing.

Listening carefully as the-speaker established syntax, this-one did not responded to the offer, choosing to wait, and after a shudder along its top branches as the blue light opened upon them, the tree settled into stillness and silence. Each twitch or shift, the motion of the ’Mycolyp’ was as detected now as best this-one could.. It was worrisome and troublesome. This-other being, was moving in strange ways, not appearing to be one thing but several, but was certainly ridden within the fullness of the fungal being that was sensed above and below.

It was quite a tale which the-speaker had woven, the choice of perspective very clear. Mycolyp... Smelling the patterns most closely, the Mycolyp was intelligent, and obviously so, but what this-one was experiencing was different from the voice it was used to. The multiple forms making it uneasy, somehow even more so than the single mass. The scanning tendrils withdraw, shedding several layers behind, as the main structure pulls itself from the soil and back under the bulk of the tree’s hefty yet squat form. Now was its turn to speak, its turn to be heard…

“This-one awakened as one. A parent in the world above, towering and spanning the waterways, but not like this-one, who thinks and moves.... unlike others which sit still… but like them, feels and wants and needs. This-one speaks with the forests and the tiny seed. Home is sacred to this-one. Nature is sacred...” The simplistic speech continued in awareness of itself, internally pondering the meaning of importances between them.

Slowly the tree was attempting emphasis in their words. “... THIS-one is… unused to speaking… with Another. Other voices have no ‘names’, they just speak. This-one has not used ‘names’.” It was obviously struggling with their words, more on the conceptual level than the use of scent-signifiers, yet its personal curiosity was driving it to try this new way. “Caelia is you, but not ‘they’? … Mycolyp is ‘they’, and yet Caelia is part of Mycolyp. Why is Caelia not they?”

The tree was quite literally questioning the sentience of the one-who-speaks, a genuine in their confusion as their innocence in wondering, and seemed to have no reason that they would purposefully attempt to be rude. Their speech was at least becoming more complex, seeing reason to stay and think this situation through.

“Are You not one creature?”

 

[Caelia]

In trickles, some of the Overgrown creatures and specimens began to leave the area, returning to whatever their prior duties were. Birds, mold covering their beaks and feathers, swooped down from high-up branches and flew further into the Ixchel Wilds, as a menagerie of others, content that nothing would go awry and that the situation would remain civil, left the area as well. The Overgrown who were, prior to their assimilation into the Mycolyp, a part of the more conversational and verbal species that populated the world outside the borders of the Ixchel Wilds, remained nearby. The tree was seemingly innocent, only wishing to satiate their curiosity for the world outside of their immediate reach, and considering the nature of the interaction, multiple of the simpler Overgrown were better off completing their duties elsewhere than serving as surveillance or protection.

As the tree began to form its words and tell a tale of its own, the Mycolyp, through both the ears of Caelia and other Overgrown as well as the mushrooms that littered the land around them, listened intently. This is what they had wanted, what they had yearned for. To listen and speak amongst themselves was fine, but to do the same with an outsider filled them with a sort of indescribable glee and pleasure. For the Mycolyp, to have words that cannot be spoken was agony. Caelia waited patiently, looking up to the great tree in curiosity and patience as they divulged their story and the words it contained, no matter how simple they were. "Home is sacred to us all, even if the meaning of home has shifted for us," Caelia gestured to the few Overgrown located nearby and to herself. "As for nature, without it, neither the Mycolyp or you would exist. Everything is connected to nature in some way, and if nature were to disappear, everyone would disappear along with it."

"Names," Caelia began, "are simply a means to better identify who you are referring to. It is so that when you speak to someone else about our conversation you may say, 'I spoke to Caelia and the Mycolyp,' rather than be vague." She nodded, hoping her explanation was understandable and didn't serve to confuse the tree further.

As the tree spoke once more, a moment of silence began as Caelia processed the question, deliberating for some time with the breeze the only sound occupying the air. Finally, she managed to grasp the words she felt most accurately explained her and the Mycolyp. "Alone, I am Caelia. I think, I feel, and I speak for myself, as you do. The others you see here, the ones who move, are much the same." She took a step back, once more directing the tree's gaze to the mold and fungus that covered the nearby surface of a tree and the rocks littered beneath it. "Alone, the Mycolyp can think and feel. The Mycolyp has become a part of us, a fragment of our minds. Caelia is me, but the Mycolyp is also a part of me. Together, as one collective, we are the Mycolyp, loyal to it and it a part of us, but remaining individual. The Mycolyp can be considered many of the one, a collection of fungus and individuals." It was an alien concept to many before their Overgrowth, likened to kingdoms and governments yet similar to neither. To have individuals be apart of a collective whole without the rebelliousness or fractures that often occur, that was considered odd to others. To the Mycolyp, it was how they lived.

 

[Banshi]

Each creature was still a creature. Separation, mobility, flight, and if to believe this-other thought. This-other had many tricks, and has already enhanced the understanding of this-one. Though nothing about the tree outwardly expressed their mood, the change in tone of their conversion was felt. This-one too felt speaking with this-another to be pleasant, and no that they were beginning to understanding the position from which Caelia spoke. This-other has been polite and even it… they… She seem to attempt kindness upon the young tree.

“Caelia then...” As if finally coming to around to her words, twisting one of their smaller branches idly and for no discernible purpose. Having changed perception, it seemed willing to accept this-other as its own self. “... if you speak for the Mycolyp, this-one would seek alliance. To exchange words in continued peace… friendship.” In slight concern that this offer was sudden, the tree decided to explain, continuing. “You see, This-one is travelling to for knowledge. Too many things not seen. ...I... am curious. I would like to learn from this travel and return. To have someone who would speak and reason with me, I would be thankful.” A slight hesitation struck. “Do you travel?”

It has taken a little time, but becoming used to her chemicals and adjusting its own patterns, the tree was finding an ease to their communication. This was less frustrating, being able to articulate. It would be advantageous in many senses to have this flexibility, finding many parts of this-other's oneness pleasing.

 

[Caelia]

The tree, this-one as it seemed to refer to itself as, appeared to grasp her explanation of the individuality and simultaneous collectivism of the Mycolyp. The conversation was quickly turning favorable and cordial, a welcome interaction with the exchange of words being polite and friendly. It was difficult to tell how the tree was feeling, the ordinary connection she typically has to the Overgrown being absent and the stagnant expression of the tree her only visual indicator of emotion, but considering the tone of the conversation at hand, the tree seemed to feel similar.

This was confirmed by the tree's speech, a proposal for alliance and friendship. Drawing from her prior human formalities which had fallen into relative disuse since her overgrowth, a smile took shape upon her lips at the offer. "Indeed, I serve as the speaker for the Mycolyp. An alliance between the Mycolyp and you would be more than welcome. I, and the Mycolyp as a whole, see no reason to put an end to our communion and halt a potential friendship or alliance between us." An alliance between fungus and tree seemed fitting, in a way. Both parties would gain something from prolonged interaction and communication. The effects on the tree had already become clear, with their words taking more meaning while their understanding grew beyond vague concepts such as names to full-fledged knowledge. To the Mycolyp, to simply hear and speak to another was a boon, and to do so to a friend is an even greater boon.

A small hint of surprise crossed the moss and bark covered face of Caelia at the growing articulation of the tree's words, noticing the shift in dialect to include a more personal tone akin to how she spoke. "Knowledge is best gained from experience, after all," she said in agreement. "A task the Mycolyp is willing to aid in. Not all you see before you of the Mycolyp travels, but a few do, me included. Beyond the borders of this great forest, the Ixchel Wilds as it's named, lie a world ripe with knowledge to be plucked, and people to speak to. If you wish for knowledge in your travels, venturing out of the Wilds would do you best, and we can travel with."

For a second, her speech faltered as a moment of hesitation struck, new thoughts being bestowed upon her which she considered. "The Mycolyp wishes to send a word of caution to you. Those who live beyond the shade of the Wilds' canopy, though not all, may react less favorably than either of us would like. They might experience fear or even apprehensive, emotions that might drive them to react irrationally. Keep this in mind." The Mycolyp has experienced some adversity in the past when contacting outsiders, namely from those who considered them another horde wishing to assimilate them and add their mindless bodies to the ranks. Luckily, the tree may not experience reactions as drastic, but with the outside world, one cannot be sure.

 

[Banshi]

There was another shudder across its branches as the tree listened to the warning. With the large tentacles straightening, the tree lifted to a rooted-height of almost six feet, but then growing still again. Something magical was at work here, belying the presentation of what would otherwise seem to be the very representative of the natural world. Within the tree was some sort of power central to its conscious and mobility, though the purpose was as equally unknown to this-one.

“Those of the shape you use… are jumpy… their natures are strange. Their stench… it feels of iron ripped from the ground and burn in the flesh of my kind.” Its animosity was a short spicy tang, punctuating the statement. Allowing a pause for the scent to fall away, its brightness returning as if realizing its reaction too late. “... I prefer to stay away from them… no offense to your former type, your scent is different.”

This-one could still feel the memory, beneath its bark and down through its roots. Intruders, irreverent and noxious. Their terrible sounds and casual violence would be an echo with each thought towards them. But none of that was this-other’s fault. Caelia smelled... nice. Of strength and soil.

“Where do those-things come from?” Perhaps not all of the connections had been made, but the tree’s view of Caelia was that she was not one of them. In choosing to become a guardian of Nature would judge all who walking in the woods and touches the streams, in isolation becoming reactionary to perceived threats. Indeed it was quite possible that this-one has already decided they are the Enemy.

 

[Caelia]

Caelia watched the movement with a keen glean in her dull eyes, noticing the odd expedited growth that the tree's branches were experiencing, betraying the tree's seemingly ordinary nature for one hiding a more magical and arcane-infused one. It wasn't a shocking revelation or entirely unexpected, while it was likely that a sentient plant could exist through natural means, ones whose existence is owed to the arcane seem more common and populous. It raised an intriguing question of why someone with magical talents would enchant a tree to be sentient only to leave it unattended, if a mage was the source of it at all. An interesting source of theorization, most definitely. However, not one that would be solved quickly.

Caelia tilted her head, listening to the words with consideration. Her bark-covered skin hardly moved, her limbs not even flinching, at the sudden outburst. "You have experience with them?" Their stench was admittable, and since becoming overgrown, the smell became suddenly much more noticeable and strong than originally. Meanwhile, the smell of the forest, the sound of the leaves rustling in the wind, and the sight of an almost impenetrable wall of foliage and fungus became more pleasing than one could even hope to imagine. "Those of the shape I use are not all that are out there. There are ones who are taller, there are ones who are shorter, ones who are predictable. Unlike those you see before you, not all who live outside the Wilds bear the same nature. The smell....Whether it gets better is...debatable, at least from what we have experienced." Following the tree's usage of the term 'shape you use' signified her silent notification that those who lived outside, while once belonging to them, were no longer considered similar to her. Perhaps in the shape she walked in they were alike, but to her and the Mycolyp, becoming Overgrown changed her enough that to consider her human was a stretch.

"Just as you can find a type of plant no matter which corner you look in, they are much the same. You can find them in quite a few areas, although some types are more common in certain places than others. Those who I once was, the humans, were rather adaptable. Some lived in the mountains, although many lived far beyond them. The dwarves, short little things like humans, live in the mountains as well. If you still would prefer to maintain little contact, however, I can serve as the main speaker." She nodded, finishing her main point. She added on, "Also, what shall we call you? Do you have a name you want?"

 

[Banshi]

She was throwing a lot of new designations upon the young creature, affixing them to is memories, though wholey without the context to make order of them. The only true reference was experience, which was the same conclusion this-one returned to time and again. The was much more to think upon as Caelia, through few words, was expanding the boundaries of its small world. To be told that there were many more, and indeed a variety, of these ‘Unnatural-beasts’ was disconcerting. To learn the world was full of monsters...

There was something particular that was said that was not understood, This-one was trying its best to deduce the meaning. It would fail but would hold it upon itself for now, because it did not wish to seem too green. As Caelia continued, the tree began to more actively scan the surrounding forest, using a subtle but sweet undertone to commune with the trees outside the Mycolyp’s influence. It was searching for signs of of tiny versions of the Unnatural-beasts, worried they might be anywhere, even perhaps crawling upon its own bark. At very least this-one was convinced it would need to become much more diligent in its awareness, perhaps focus upon learning how to tracks them more effectively. Learning it’s language would be helpful too, as the series of grotesque grunts and gasps were as unintelligible as they were disgusting. Like wet slapping… a crude noise.

The tree did not want interrupt the direction of their conversation. It was not ignoring her, though, hearing Caelia ask for the third time about a name, the sapling could tell this-other would prefer its use. While the mechanical use of a name had be given, this-one did not see much advantage at this point, and for itself had not yet thought of something it would know itself by. But Caelia was waiting, and for some reason it was getting the impression diverting for the topic would be rude.

“I have only referred in thought as ‘this-one’... is that an acceptable name?” Its timidness might not make it through in tone, but the tree was somewhere between unconcerned and open to the idea of keeping one for Caelia’s use. No that it understood the use of I, it could at least refer to itself quickly and with a personalization which common plants did not use. This was another big step, somehow. It was as intriguing to this-one, as the internally mused these thoughts and others.

“We have ‘encountered’ each other before If they are truly more than beasts, then perhaps there might be some benefit in learning of their ways.” Maintaining its serenity, the tree seemed to vaguely dislike the idea while remaining open to it, yet Caelia has learned enough by previous tone to know that it was making an effort to be evenhanded in its response.

Even This-one must admit they had ingenuity, and abilities It did not possess, and yet it had not even considered communication with them. Having no natural means, might have been more of an excuse than a truth of Nature. Curiosity abounded, overcoming a natural hostility and aversion to such a foul threat.

 

[Caelia]

As Caelia watched the tree, a flash of disappointment marred her mind as she realized her words were doing little to alleviate their fear and hatred towards the races of flesh of speech, however justified it may be. It seemed the direction of the conversation was putting the differences in opinion towards those races on display, and to be honest, the Mycolyp was unsure of which side was more correct. Perhaps the Mycolyp, in its many minds taken from the world, still held some personal biases towards their prior flesh-covered brethren. Perhaps this tree, in their singular and possibly even untainted mind, can see the true nature of the ones who were born of flesh and kept that way. Or, perhaps, the opposite is true, or neither. The discovery of their true nature is inevitable, however, in whatever form that answer comes in. A few of the Overgrown were sending their emotions at the thought, silent to the tree but a comforting cacophony to the Mycolyp as a whole. Some gave a feeling of satisfaction, while others of distrust. The Mycolyp simply stated, "In time..."

Caelia pulled herself from the internal discussion, which still occurred, quieted and in the background as she now drew her breath to listen once more to the tree. "A name can be drawn from many things. A name can be drawn from nature, the color of the sky, or whatever else you feel connected to. If This-One is the name you choose, than the Mycolyp shall call you This-One." She bowed her head, a normally formal movement that was now accompanied by the sound of roots and bark shifting. Other Overgrown did the same before returning their heads back to their original position.

"Words are valuable and bring with them knowledge, regardless of the source. Some may even wish to join us, and that stench of iron torn from the ground, as you describe it, will be replaced with the smell of root and vine, of dirt and grass." As she spoke, she slightly raised a hand, wrapped and covered in thick formations of wood. As she extended it, a fungal growth was revealed, a thick mushroom curving around the bark, faintly pulsating a calming blue light. It was what had happened to her, and the favor can always be extended to others who wish to follow.

 

[Banshi]

Instinctively, the tree shifted away slightly at the movement towards it. The blue glow was entrancing, but Its poor sight was aided by the mushroom’s light heightening its readiness. Wondering if the Mycolyp’s essence was connected physically to the bioluminescent flesh. A symbiotic takeover, the creature was a bit more than one creature. An amalgamation? Aberration? Abomination? A friend? I suppose it is all interpretation. It is what It does, and that was yet to be seen. Caelia’s suggestion was not offensive at its base, though This-one might wonder what goals and future intentions of an enlarging entity would mean for the forest.

“I refuse to join the Mycolyps, for now.” The tree speaks clearly, to the assumption of Caelia’s offer. This-one’s individuality was strong. It nonetheless continued, unfazed. “... You can speak ‘Words’ with Them and maybe others... so if you believe you can trust their words, we can ask them to stop harming Nature, and stop using blades against or stomping upon the plants...”

It seemed all to easy now. Caelia would tell them to stay away and be better creatures, and This-one could go home. Easing its height to step away, This-one moved out to the next clear tree and waited there, able to understand her just as well from there. “I would consider it a great favor, between us.”

 

[Caelia]

"Noted. The Mycolyp does not often spread that offer to beings of nature such as yourself due to the ease of communication we already possess between us, so your aversion is understood," Caelia stated in a matter-of-fact tone, unfazed by the rejection. Their relationship had so far proven to be beneficial enough to both parties that enhancing it would do little at this point in time. Perhaps another day, if This-One is willing, overgrowth might occur, but that day is far and not the present.

"The Mycolyp agrees to that. We will be sure to attempt to come to a conclusion in our interactions leading to the cease of their harmful actions towards Nature. All that is in my power, I shall do." In a perfect rendition, this will be accomplished through a simple and curt exchange of words. However, if words should be mixed with blood or vine, than that will have to do. To be prepared is to be ready for even the less favorable outcomes as well as the preferred ones.

Caelia watched as This-One moved to another site, the tree's speech still as audible as it was a few moments ago. "And I aim to complete that favor, This-One. What we ask, in turn, is where these creatures were located and where you last saw them, if you are aware. We can survey the Wilds to find their precise location," the overgrown woman said, gesturing to the moss covered birds that were perched atop likewise covered trees as well as a variety of other small creatures renowned for their quick pace and keen eyes.

 

[Banshi]

There were so different and yet seemed to be plainly similar of mind. It was nice to be understood as much as this, bringing hope to communicating with others. This was a far flung dream from This-one’s morning reality. Caelia’s capability for complexe thought changed a lot about the world at once, but they both seemed to have adjusted. There would be much more to discuss, but they seem to agree for now. The tree had wondered if Caelia would think it possible, knowing the creatures habits and abilities better than This-one. In truth, the tree had been rather convinced that they would willing to acquiesce to this demand.

“If you think your birds can find them… however, it was some time ago. They came through the swamplands were I spend most of my time. In the husk of a tree they moved across the water. They were looking for something, slicing vines… last I saw them they were running soaked from the Deltas… towards your Forest. Be they smelled of the High-rock.” One tentacle lifting out to point toward the Spine. “There have been others… who came from the north.” The first tentacle remaining still, another lifts to point to the north without hesitation.

 

[Caelia]

Almost instantly, upon the near exact moment that This-One rose their roots in the directions of where they had seen the creatures, a flurry of overgrown creatures leapt off their perches and resting places, scurrying and flying off to investigate. A menagerie of forest creatures, both exotic and common, spread themselves out into both the undergrowth and the canopy, clouded eyes darting between every moving shape. As they moved, polyps rapidly extended and latched onto their fur, not managing to disturb the rapid movement. "The north, I am familiar. It is known as the Spine, a place as cold as it is tall. However, it is a wall that must be crossed to enter the rest of the world." It's rare for those of flesh and words to come so far within the Ixchel or the Delta, usually the conditions of the area dissuade them enough. It seems these ones, if This-One was correct in that this particular group was looking for something, desired their goal greatly.

As they waited, the populated area of the Mycolyp's home became less bloated with the Overgrown as the scouts had left the premises. "This-One," Caelia stated suddenly, "as we wait, tell me, are there others like you? Or are you the only one you know of, that moves and speaks?" As she spoke, it was clear her attention was split, not out of disrespect but out of necessity. Within her mind, she was communing regularly with the Mycolyp to keep track of the progress of the investigation.

 

[Banshi]

Beyond the canopy, the tree quickly lost track of the Overgrown scouts. Their shadows were the last to disappear, the trees nearby telling when the light returned completely. As Caelia brought his attention back, the tree lowered his pointing branches, moving a step toward his friend again. More terms, the Spine seemed a less hospitable place, but if these beasts were from there, then the young tree was prepared to travel. This-one was becoming excited in a strange way wondering what Caelia could discover from the view of the sky. The toothy-pig-people would be noticeable if any of them. They were particularly foul.


“... their smell...” It began to recall more details of his memory. “They creatures smelled of oily musk. They were bulky… muscular. Tusky-toothy-mouths… grunting vocalization.”


He had to consider what she was asking. “The other-ones of my kind, nor of the other plants I have met, have been able to move around like me. They are much, much… much slower, but they are pretty much that same, I think...” Though it seemed to be considering this more closely now that it had a reference of comparison.

 

[Caelia]

"Ah, orcs. Raiders, commonly. They often travel in parties to raid other settlements, groupings of others of flesh." Caelia, prior to her overgrowth, had experienced the displeasure of witnessing an orc raiding party as they made their attack against a village. The violence was... shocking, inducing fear upon the sight. Since her overgrowth and assimilation into the Mycolyp, however, she had seen very few. She informed the Mycolyp of the new targets for their scouting, allowing the Overgrown scouts to adjust their perception accordingly.

"It's a shame, then. We have found no others like us either, even with the Mycolyp's searching. It seems we are similar in that regard." Caelia retreated into her mind as she tried to commune with the other Overgrown as they scouted out the area towards the Spine, where orcs would most likely be found. "If orcs are who we seek, then we should begin our journey towards the Spine to save time. The Mycolyp's efforts to scout will be directed to that location, so we will know their specific location before they know ours." Caelia looked over to This-One as the words left her stoic lipd, silently asking if he agrees with the course of action. As allies, it seems maintaining a relationship of equal values of say would be the most beneficial to the longevity of the friendship.

 

[Banshi]

Orcs... another ugly designation, but in that way, seemed to be most apt. Caelia was again proving herself knowledgeable and helpful in ways This-one had not expected. Over-all feeling pleased to know her, it found the thoughts strange to wonder of her. Feeling separately for this-other than the Mycolyp, was still confusing, but was beginning to feel normal. This-one would continue to pay close attention to Caelia’s talents and forms, because it know it was young in this world and had much more to learn.

“If you think that is best, Caelia… I would not rush you, but please, lead the way.” There was nothing for a tree to prepare for a trip, not that This-one would knew if it needed anything. Whether nievity, arrogance or something else entirely, the creature was quick to make decision without foresight or planning and was still under the impression that this would be a simple journey to deliver a message to people to stupid to know what they were doing. What could go wrong? “It would be of great benefit to be completed so quickly. I do not like the look of a mountain… I prefer wetter soil.”

 

[Caelia]

Caelia simply nodded, a static motion accompanied by a sudden movement in the trees, an odd shifting occurring around them as new figures entered from out of the brush. The Overgrown that came were a few deers, whose antlers had gained a more tree-like appearance with various mushrooms of the Mycolyp covering their backs. In addition, there was one panther-like Overgrown creature, feline in its subtle movements as bark covered its skin, moss providing an extra layer of camouflage with a sprinkling of mushrooms.

"These Overgrown aid in our growth and spreading our influence further. In case we must carry something as well, they can do so." The deer trotted towards them along with the panther, waiting patiently. A low pur emanated from the throat of the Overgrown panther, a rumbling sound mixed with the creaking of branches in the wind. Absent-mindedly, Caelia's hand drifted down to the fur of moss and bark that now coated the panther, the pur quieting down as the repetitive motions began. "Hopefully, that will be the case. There are some forested areas within the Spine, but there is less rain unfortunately. Luckily, the journey is often tougher for those of flesh than those of bark. Come, they will not wait for us." She closed her eyes, communing with the Mycolyp about the direction to go. Shortly after, they opened again, and she began to walk forward, further into the Ixchel Wilds so that they may come closer to the Spine.

 

[Banshi]

By her lead, This-one pulled up their taproots and followed. It was as interested in the smaller bodies, but there was only so much about that in which it could perceive. They appeared to be animals, that should have known better than to wander so close to such a creature as the Mycolyp. Perhaps there were other means to spreading than his friend had explained. A series of contiguous thoughts lead it back around, and so bothered by the furthering of endless questions, it decided to simply ask and conversation would help pass the time walking.

This-one had no judgements of the Mycolyp and their place in the world. That the Myolyp existed at all was only possible through the radiant will of nature. He was only able to gain life by crushing the tree that was unfortunate enough to be in the sunlight. Murder was as a part of nature as breathing or eating, and often the lines between them blurred. To be a defender of Nature against a world such as this, the tree had spent many years in contemplation.

This-one spoke out, hoping his perspective of a curious-stranger would come across. “This beasts… you explain the sapling-humanoid invited Mycolyp… what of the bird? Or the panther here, Caelia… These animals seemed so instinctual. How did they come into Mycolyp?”

 

[Caelia]

"Back when the Mycolyp was only fungus, it was easier for it to overgrow the simpler ones. The bird, as it pecked the dirt for worms, didn't see the spores nor the rest of the fungus coming in. It appeared similar to every other piece of foliage and fungi that inhabit these Wilds. When I and others like me were Overgrown, we were able to aid in the Mycolyp's growth of influence. The panther or these deer, for example. Although they may have no words, they are still advantageous to the Mycolyp." The Overgrown woman continued to walk, ahead of the tree by a few feet so as to lead. As she walked, her hand, flesh completely hidden by a thick and twisting layer of wood, caressed the neck of the feline Overgrown as it prowled the forest ground beside her. "Those of us with words would go out further into these wilds, tracking these beasts. Once we found them in our hunts, we would typically trap it using the Wilds." As if to demonstrate, Caelia lifted her other hand. A nearby tree suddenly had a branch contort and turn to them, remaining in the new position. "Once the creature is held, Overgrowth begins. They still hold their instincts, such as to survive. Now, they are more likely to succeed, as well as join the Mycolyp."

Caelia stopped petting the panther for a moment, her pace somewhat slowing intermittently as her mind reconnected to the Mycolyp in case there was any new information from their scouts. Once she was finished, the motion would resume as she was brought back to reality. "It's been a long time since I have last come to the Spine. Perhaps we'll find the old village I once resided in, if it still stands." Her tone was static as she spoke those words, seemingly not pleased or disappointed in the possibility, merely noting its existence.

 

[Banshi]

In response to her telling of the animals, This-one replied, ”I understand.” Trying to make no reaction directly, his own steps slowed as he passed the now warped tree. There was much about his new friend that was yet to be discovered, but one thing was clear to the enchanted tree-form, that he was making the right choices. The Spine would be nearly a different world, and it was best in such cases to have a knowledgable guide.

((A pleasure!! Let's change scenes now?))