Private The Sickness

[Siondhe]

Vina's supportive hand led Kyra to the edge of the clearing, words of comfort, success, and concern reaching her ears even as she was moved. She felt her vision sway slightly, a sign that she was exhausted from the experience, but she could also feel her elation at hearing that they had succeeded - at least, for the moment. She let herself lower to the ground once they had reached a spot on the edge of everything, leaning back with a sigh as she closed her eyes for a few seconds.

I'm okay...exhausted, but okay otherwise. That...was definitely one of the most draining things I've done...at least, in this world. I didn't realise spells could be so...physically draining.

She smiled suddenly, a feeling of euphoric enjoyment passing through her as she realised what she'd accomplished. It was, by far, the greatest form of weaving she'd done to date - and she'd done it successfully. Even if the reason for the success was Vina's own magical connection, it had worked - and Kyra had helped.

I guess...I don't need any sort of item to make my spells better...Not when I have other people to help guide me, and my own capabilities. I just need to get better, with time.

She opened her eyes and looked over towards Vina, a sincere look upon her face as she spoke again.

Thank you...for helping me with this. Or, for letting me help you. This...this was something I needed, I think. I'm happy that we were successful.

She leaned back, letting herself relax. There was still work to do, she knew that, but for the moment she wanted to relax and enjoy the success that they'd had so far - the success that she'd helped to bring around. As time slowly passed, mere minutes in reality but a feeling of eternity as Kyra sat there, she considered their next steps. She'd noticed, in her wait, that some of the plants had begun to resist the effects of the infection, begun to return to their natural state - but there was still a lot of disease, a lot of death, remaining.

So...what's the next step here? Normally we'd look at either cutting out the infection, or treating it with antibiotics, or something...but I'm not sure what the magical form of those steps would look like. Whatever it does look like, I'd like to help...if I can.

---

@Vina Skysong​

 

[Vina Skysong]

Vina made herself comfortable against the tree's sturdy trunk next to Kyra, keeping an eye on the other vixen even as she also listened to the world around them. The forest did seem to be happier now, knowing that the disease had been halted if not cured completely. From the looks of it her friend wasn't going to faint either, so when she explained that she was just tired Vina nodded in understanding.

Sorry about that Kyra. Yeah, spellcasting can be very intense~ But like many things it becomes easier with practice~

It looked like even Kyra's exhaustion couldn't keep her from realising that the two together had managed something big. As she mentioned the item she'd sought Vina nodded again, patting her friend on the shoulder while her tail wagged against the tree.

That's the spirit! Well, tools which can help you out aren't bad either, but it's much better to trust yourself and your friends. It's much more fun that way as well~ (She chuckled.) You're welcome~ That said, we were in this together for the sake of the forest, remember?

Her friend clearly was overjoyed at the fruit of their efforts, but she might need a little bit more time before she'd stop thinking of Vina as the leader. The vixen hummed softly, filling the silence with an upbeat but relaxed melody as she closed her eyes and rested against the tree, her legs stretched out and her lips curled into a smile. After what they'd done a couple of minutes of rest were right up her alley as well, and she didn't break the silence until Kyra did to ask about their next move.

Hmmm~ That's a good question. (She opened her eyes.) We've contained the source of the disease, but there's still a connection to the blighted spots outside of the ward. If we want to cure it for good we'll have to deal with those first. It should be a lot easier than when you tried before~

According to Kyra her first attempt had been blocked by something, and Vina herself had felt that there was a dark power protecting the black tree as well. The ward they'd put up should be strong enough to keep the black tree from expanding its blight once more. The infected areas outside the ward should be more vulnerable to their druidic magics.

The way I see it those infected areas we crossed before are powering the black tree here, so if we get rid of them first we'll be able to cure the source~

@Kyra Varyth

 

[Siondhe]

Kyra nodded every so often as Vina spoke, taking notes of the information and correlating it against her own understanding of what needed to be done, and what could be done. Vina kept the directions going forward brief and broad - a sign that there was a plan, albeit not necessarily one that was ironed out. Still, it gave Kyra some ideas to work with, which was all she needed in the moment. She forced herself to sit upright, opening her eyes and glancing at the tree that they had contained already, resting her chin on the back of her hand as she considered the options available to them.

Going from section to section could be time consuming...and just the movement itself could cause a further disturbance of the particles that...do you think there's a way to reach out from a distance? Effect the very ground beneath the plants itself, or something? Maybe focus on strengthening the roots...? I'm not the best herbologist in the world...

She was throwing out ideas as they came to her in an attempt to spark some sort of plan or concept between the two of them. Her understanding of how plants worked was basic - she'd done alright in science, enough so that she was able to become a vet tech, but her understanding of the growth and foundations of plants was definitely far more limited than her understanding of animals.

I doubt that providing a containment field in all the areas will do much...we need to find a way to overcome the infection, rather than simply sealing it off...maybe with the main source now contained, we could instead focus on boosting the immune sys-err...the...whatever plants have in comparison to an immune system?

Her left ear twitched as she stated her idea, realising how underwhelming her knowledge must sound to the other. Still, she forced herself to put ideas out, knowing that the only way they were going to make any progress was by starting somewhere.

I'm open to any suggestions you may have...I'm just kinda saying whatever comes to mind at this point. Hoping that I come across some brilliant articulation that drives us to a solution...

She smiled broadly at her words, hoping that the joke would be understood by the other. Her mind continued to push for some sort of answer to the question that lay before them, but for the moment at least, she was drawing more blanks than she was anything useful, and she found herself coming back to the same ideas over and over again.

---

@Vina Skysong​

 

[Vina Skysong]

Now that they had some time to think about their options it looked like Kyra had some ideas as well, and Vina eagerly listened as her friend threw out some suggestions. The other vixen clearly had a good understanding of the situation, Vina nodding along thoughtfully even as some of Kyra's suggestions made her ears twitch.

Waiting until Kyra had finished talking Vina smiled back at her companion, patting the tree the two of them were leaning against at the edge of the clearing.

I think you succeeded then Kyra~ You've given me a good idea already. (She moved her hand to the tree's roots.) You see, nature magic can do more than just make plants grow and cure illnesses. With some practice you can talk to the plants as well, which might help us pull off what you're suggesting~

Her contact with the tree already let her know its form, even the roots that burrowed far underground. Giving the tree another pat Vina then pointed up at the skies.

Usually I'm more about what's above than what's below, but you're right that it'd be a lot better if we could take care of all the spots at once without moving around too much. But here in the Tangleweaves... do you know the story of this place~?

@Kyra Varyth

 

[Siondhe]

Kyra's ears had risen again as Vina had answered her commentary and questions, the other girl seemingly agreeing with - at least a part of - what Kyra had been suggesting. Somehow, it made her feel more welcomed by the other, as if that acceptance of her ideas had been what she needed to break into a connection with them in a more truthful manner.

She nodded as Vina explained how she would, normally, rather care more about what was below - those things that were easily visible, where things could be watched and monitored without intrusiveness. It made sense to Kyra, that there would be a preference on that, seeing as it meant less destruction towards the environment - accidental or not. A lot of damage could be done through needless digging and prodding, something that was true for the environment as much as it was for a body.

The story of this place...? No, I don't think I've heard of any...well, at least, nothing comes to mind. I'm sure I've heard of a few different stories - but those are usually just the typical 'be wary the woods' sort of stories. Nothing that would...explain this place, so to speak.

She cocked her head as she waited for the other to explain further. She was interested to hear something that could, perhaps, give off a bit of history about the location they were in. Especially if it helped with curing, or protecting the jungle in a more immediate nature. Something told Kyra that Vina wouldn't have brought it up if it weren't, in some way or form, directly related to their problem at hand.

---

@Vina Skysong​

 

[Vina Skysong]

Vina's eyes lit up as Kyra admitted that she didn't know the history of the Tangleweaves. She wasn't an authority on the topic either, but she knew enough about it that she could tell Kyra a little story, and the vixen liked the story as well.

I'll tell you then~ It's a good story, even if I don't know all the parts. (She gestured at their surroundings.) This place looks like it's been growing for ages, doesn't it? A jungle as old as the world itself. But the truth is that the Tangleweaves are pretty young~

Lowering her hand she rubbed the ground, peeling off some of the dirt so she could hold it up. Like the rest of the clearing the ground practically hummed with the power of the ward the two of them had created, but in the end it was still just dirt, brown-black, grainy, and staining her fingers.

You've probably met some elves before. Their old home is north of here, but they moved here after disaster struck their land. But the disaster tried to follow them, so their guardian deity, Gwyndolainn the Allfather, gave them a seed. When planted this seed quickly expanded into a tree bigger than a city, and kept growing after that, until it spread farther than the eye could see~

The Allfather Tree became a barrier, protecting us and the elves from the dangers up north. This guardian tree grew so big that it became the land itself, a bottomless font of life and nature~ (She placed her fingers against the ground again.) Underneath this soil lie the roots of the Allfather Tree. What we call the Tangleweaves is the jungle that sprouted from Gwyndolainn's blessing, and all of it is connected through the roots of the biggest tree in the world~!

Which is why I think your idea of using the roots to channel our magic would be a fantastic idea. Don't you think so as well Kyra~?

@Kyra Varyth

 

[Siondhe]

The story had begun as Kyra had expected - a telling-tale about the age of the jungle itself, and how it had come to be in fruition. Which wasn't to say that Kyra in any way found it less appealing, in fact, the tale itself was interesting and engaging. What she found surprising, however, was the way in which her own suggestion had been extremely similar to how the inception of the forest had come about - a coincidence to be sure, but one that brought a smile to her face.

Huh...you know, that's...that's actually...yeah, yeah it's fantastic. If the forest around us was originally created from a seed...the roots would still be strong if they're young, but not so strong as to push things out and reject them. Still growing...which means we could maybe manipulate them? Not to harm them, but to encourage them to...push out the disease...

She'd begun tracing with her fingers, a habit she had while she was thinking aloud, as if drawing something in the air before her. She'd already closed off her senses slightly, falling into herself as she considered all the possibilities laying before her. She wasn't an expert on floral anatomy by any means, but she figured that it couldn't be that different from anything else - at least, she hoped.

Ohkay...so if we can figure out some way to bolster the natural immune system - the way in which it overcomes natural diseases and inflictions - then we can maybe incorporate something that would allow it to ignore this one...but we'd need a sample of the makeup of the disease, some way to tell it this thing is bad...maybe we could extract it from a sample? That would mean touching it though...if it consumes all organic life that would be dangerous...

She fell silent for a few moments as she considered the ways in which they could collect a sample. Suddenly she seemed to jump slightly, turning to glance at Vina with a look of surprise, as if just remembering the other girl was still there.

You...wouldn't happen to have any ideas on how to pull out the general genetic code of the disease, would you? Some way to codify it and then process it in a way that the roots would be able to understand...a copy and paste sort of thing, basically?

---

@Vina Skysong​

 

[Vina Skysong]

The story of the birth of the Tangleweaves was one Vina enjoyed telling, and she could tell Kyra enjoyed listening to it as well. In the Tangleweaves the idea that the natural world was one whole was even more literal than in other places, which was part of the reason Vina enjoyed spending her time here so much.

It also seemed to serve as an inspiration for her friend, who quickly went into depth about how they could use the nature of the Tangleweaves to help fight off this disease they'd stumbled upon. Vina listened with a smile as the other pale-haired vixen went on a surprisingly scientific tangent, watching the figures Kyra drew in the air even as she talked. It was clear the other druidess was momentarily lost in her own world, so Vina chose not to interrupt.

Once Kyra remembered she had an audience to her verbalised pondering Vina's smile widened a little, her eyes shining with a benign and affectionate amusement as she tilted her head a little.

You really take this kind of thing seriously, don't you? I can't think of many people who'd be as dedicated and thoughtful~ (She placed a hand on Kyra's shoulder.) And you've got some great ideas as well Kyra~

I don't really know how to get the genetic code though: my magic is much more about feeling than thinking. It's like... (She lifted her hand and slowly waggled the fingers.) When I use my hands I don't really think about which muscles to pull, you know? I just move them. Magic's a bit more difficult, like juggling or balancing on one hand, but it's the same idea~

She imagined there were ways to use magic which were much more scientific: the magia of Vintergard certainly had taken a more calculating approach.

But~! That doesn't mean it's a bad idea. As druids we can guide nature, so we just need to help the forest realise what's going on and help it fight off the disease.

We druids borrow most of our power from the natural world, so we're at our best when we're working together with it. Often our main purpose is to guide nature, because powerful as our green friends are they don't see the world the way we do~

@Kyra Varyth

 

[Siondhe]

Kyra had opened her mouth to argue that fact that one did have to think in order to move one's hand, before realising that it would defeat the point that Vina was trying to make. Instead, she snapped her jaw shut and nodded, realising that it would be better to simply accept the concept and move on - the fox wasn't entirely wrong, anyways. Conscious versus subconscious. She continued to listen as Vina explained how the druids connected with the world, considering how that could be used to their benefit - and the jungle's.

Alright...so then we just need to make the flora understand that it needs to repel this sickness...but also that it needs to understand it in order to repel it. So we need to give the forest a basic lesson on 'this thing here is bad, don't let it in'? That should be easy enough, right?

She gave a slight laugh at the end of her question, as if to confirm that she'd been making a joke as much as laughing at her own line of thought. It was one thing to suggest to convince plant life to do something, more so absolute insanity to suggest that they teach the plant life to overpower and destroy an infestation that was designed to kill it.

Although...you wouldn't happen to know a way to communicate with the plants and other vegetation in such a way that we could...teach it? Or at least make it aware that it can resist the disease if it...repels certain things...I would need to figure out what those certain things are...and then maybe find a way to correlate that into a simple enough terminology for the plants to understand - I doubt they'll be able to recognise that they need to avoid Enzyme-Alpha-Nine for example?

It was as much question as it was statement, and yet Kyra seemed to wait to see what the other would say, as if valuing their input. She'd come to realise just how much she was leaning on Vina during this entire exchange; even the moments where it seemed like she was taking charge, she always double checked with the other before making any decisions.

---

@Vina Skysong​

 

[Vina Skysong]

Pretty much! We'll have to guide nature through the steps needed to fight the disease, but once we've done that removing the afflicted spots should be an easy task. And once all the areas outside of this ward have been cured we can tackle the source~

Vina laughed as well, although moreso because she was happy that the two of them were of one mind about how to approach the issue. In contrast to Kyra's scientific approach, where she tried to figure out how exactly everything worked and fit together, the druidess herself just went with the flow. Talking to plants was as natural to her as talking to her new friend, so when Kyra asked whether Vina knew of a way to work together with the forest the silver-white-maned vixen nodded.

We can do that with our magic~ If you don't know how I can lead the way like I did with the ward, so don't worry Kyra~ As for how to explain it... (She furrowed her brow.) It'd be difficult to explain in human words... But you're right that a tree isn't going to know what you mean by enzymes. (She stroked the tree behind them.) They're a bit closer to other animals than us in mind? They know to grow towards the sun and burrow their roots into the earth for food, but they don't spend ages thinking about the meaning of life or planning an adventure. It's like if you're meditating and you're aware of everything around you but you're not really thinking about it, just being. (She shrugged.) It might be easier to understand once you experience it. Shall we give it a try~?

@Kyra Varyth

 

[Siondhe]

Kyra thought about the druid's words for a few moments, considering how the trees could have the mentality of other animals - or more importantly, how they could use that to focus the resistance against the infection that was spreading across the jungle. She knew there was a way to communicate it, something simple in the terms that a plant would know.

Grow towards...that might be an idea. I think, at least. Vina, what if we told the plants to grow away from the sickness itself? Ostracise it so that it cannot spread. It should, if my thoughts are right, die off naturally then. We'd need to find a way to minimize the wind...

She sat up suddenly, glancing around the area. The thought had come to her suddenly as she'd realised she'd been looking at the entire thing wrong. They didn't need to teach the plants to fight the infection; they just needed to direct the plants. Like an animal.

What if we told the plants...through our connection with the jungle, that is, to stop trying to grow here. At least for a time being, so that everything here can die naturally. Then, we have the plants grow in such a way as to...create a sort of shell. One that doesn't allow wind through - if there's no breeze, no air, the infection cannot blow around. It can't move. It should become dormant after a time...it may destroy the domed areas, and those may need revitalisation in the future, but this way...this way it'll stop any more damage from occurring beyond these areas.

It was the best idea she had in the moment, and she felt like it might work. Still, she wanted to get Vina's opinion on it, to see if it would have the effect she thought it might. Although she'd just met the other fox-girl, somehow she felt that they were better suited for confirming, or denying, the plan - their druidic actions, behaviours and mannerisms making Kyra assume that they were more aware of the natural environment.

---

@Vina Skysong​

 

[Vina Skysong]

Vina blinked as her vulpine friend came up with another idea: starving the disease by depriving it of the opportunity to spread. If the disease couldn't spread it'd die after consuming those plants already affected by it, so it was a pretty good idea when dealing with a disease you didn't know a cure for.

That's... An option, yes. I could stick around and keep the winds away for as long as it takes for the disease to disappear. (She frowned.) But it'd be difficult to completely isolate parts of the jungle... Closing off the source took a full ritual, after all~

If this was somewhere on the plains or in the mountains it would have been easy, but here in the midst of the Tangleweaves it'd mean creating a lifeless spot inside a massive jungle which was born from a nearly limitless source of life.

That said, the plan did have merit, and Kyra was getting a better understanding of how nature magic worked from the sounds of it. Taking a moment to consider the plan more thoroughly Vina hummed idly, closing her eyes and listening to her friend's breathing, the gentle thrumming of power their ward produced, and a more ever-present background noise which she could only describe as nature's rhythm. Here in the Tangleweaves it was strong, which made being a druid very easy... but now they wanted to create zones where that rhythm didn't reach.

The other infected areas don't spread the way this one does, so a weaker ward could be enough to contain them. (She opened her eyes.) But I'm not sure if it'll be easier or harder than figuring out how to cure the disease outright. Even if we take this approach we might still have to find out so we can handle future outbreaks.

As it was the origin of the disease was still a mystery. The black tree served as the source, but that didn't explain the how. Vina looked a bit conflicted, then shook her head and replaced her frown with an invigorated smile.

We can give it a shot~ I'd like to first try curing it, but if that doesn't work we can follow up with your idea, okay Kyra~?

@Kyra Varyth

 

[Siondhe]

Kyra gave a nod in response. Vina's dissection of her plan hadn't been discouraging - in fact, it had been sound and logical, enough so that Kyra knew the other wasn't entirely dismissing it. She's right. Even if it worked to a degree, should this disease ever occur again...need to consider the future. She tilted her head to the side as she thought, realising that she'd been entirely focused on the moment - something that she couldn't do in this world.

Absolutely...if nothing else, it gives us a backup plan should we fail to find a cure. Which, I'll be honest, a cure is always better. You're right on that, and I would much rather find a cure than attempt to simply contain...I wasn't thinking of future events, though. I guess it's not a habit I'm into yet...

She gave a half-shrug as she smiled at the end of her sentence. It wasn't that she felt embarrassed by the oversight, more so as she felt like it was obvious and she'd missed it. She still, clearly, wasn't used to thinking of this world as a living organism that continued to expand and grow even when she wasn't here - and likely long after she was gone.

So long as you have no complaints...I'd rather be the secondary on the cure. Although I'm strong in medical procedures with animals...well, a druid would be more inclined and accustomed to the wills and weaves of plants. This is your area of expertise, is what I'm saying...and I'd like to respect that by assisting - on your lead.

She gave a wave of her hand towards the area around them as she spoke, acknowledging the jungle for what it was. Something that was living, and which clearly had more connection to Vina than to Kyra herself. She knew it was best, in those instances, to allow the familiar presence to take control, to lead the situation. Not only would it allow a better connection, but if the jungle was anything like an animalistic nature, it could respond better to something familiar directing it.

---

@Vina Skysong​

 

[Vina Skysong]

It was good to see that Kyra didn't take Vina's cautions too close to heart. The two of them were working together to help the forest, so there was no need for them to take the other's input personally. At the end of the day they both just wanted to figure out the best approach. Vina nodded as Kyra admitted she hadn't been thinking long-term, the silver-white-haired vixen patting her friend on the shoulder.

No worries, we're working on this together aren't we~? I'll take the lead in trying to cure the disease, but don't hesitate to act if you've got another good idea.

As a druidess Vina was more suited to address this flora-oriented affliction, but Kyra had already shown herself to be smart and attentive enough that Vina trusted her judgement.

She slowly got up from her comfortable seat, leaving the giant trunk they'd been resting against. The power of the ward they'd put up against the source of the disease still filled the air with a latent, primal power, but the druidess ignored it as she stretched her whole body before turning back towards her friend.

We'll have to leave this warded area if we want to get to work. Shall we~?

The ward kept the magical aspect of the disease inside, and while it didn't completely isolate the area from the rest of the forest it'd be better not to tempt fate. Worst case scenario the disease could use whatever connection they created with the forest outside of the ward to bypass it.

@Kyra Varyth

 

[Siondhe]

Kyra was slow to rise, her body almost as exhausted as her mind was. She wanted nothing more than to remain seated for the rest of the day, even if she knew that wasn't possible. There was still a lot of work to do, and each moment that they lingered and relaxed, the disease could be spreading further into the jungle, reeking more havoc upon the natural world around them.

Yeah...yeah I think I'm ready. As nice as it would be to just...stay here. Let's get this done with, and save this jungle.

She pulled herself to her feet, stretching towards the sky in order to loosen up the muscles that had begun to tighten as they'd rested. She was careful, even in this world, not to let her body become lazed or weakened, having learnt long ago that it could be required in a moment's notice.

Alright...should we head back to where we met, or look at clearing up this area first? It might be easier to work from the inside out, but there's more risk of it continuing to spread beyond, and us starting a cat and mouse chase against a disease...but if we head back out we may cause an accidental disruption, and...I'm overthinking this again, aren't I?

She gave a sigh and smile towards Vina as she shrugged slightly, turning to face the druid and shaking her head. Waving a hand towards the area around them, she decided to truly adhere to her words and follow Vina's lead in the events that would transpire.

Alright...what's your suggestion here? Where do you think we should start? I'm all ears.

---

@Vina Skysong​

 

[Vina Skysong]

Vina had hoped that their short respite had helped her friend collect herself a little after exerting herself putting up the ward, but from the looks of it Kyra could have used some more time catching her breath. The playful vixen offered a hand to help her friend get up, her gaze sympathetic as Kyra openly admitted that she would've liked it if they could have stayed there a bit longer.

Don't worry, this should be less intense than what we already did. I'll take the lead, so just try not to fall asleep~ (She tilted her head.) You might even end up enjoying this~

The sleeping comment was said half-jokingly, but Vina realised afterwards that it wasn't a completely unfounded concern. Communicating with the forest through the roots could end up being so calming that it might be difficult for Kyra to remain concentrated. Once both of them had gotten up Vina would lead the way outside of the warded area.

We can leave the warded area alone for the moment, and heading for each spot outside of the ward one by one would take some time. It'd be easier to locate the oldest tree in the area and use it as our guide to connect with the rest of the jungle~

Given that the ward had been designed to keep in the disease it wouldn't stop them from leaving, as Vina demonstrated by simply walking past the trees which served as the ward's keepers. Outside of the ward the subtle thrumming of primal power quickly faded, the rest of the forest the same as before. The stillness spell Vina had cast to keep the winds from spreading the disease through airborne particles was also still holding, so at least they didn't have to worry about every single second costing them valuable time.

The oldest tree would also be the biggest. Do you remember any tree standing out while you passed through here Kyra~? Other than the black one I mean.

@Siondhe

 

[Siondhe]

Vina offered her a hand up, a reminder to Kyra that the druid was far more accustomed to this work than she was. She willingly took it, laughing slightly at the joke of not falling asleep, before following the other out of the area and back into the stillness that covered the area they had originally met within. There was an eeriness to the area that caused a tingling to run up Kyra's tail and spine, and she felt herself shake in response.

Tallest tree...actually, something does stand out. It's back...

She took a moment to orient herself, glancing around in an attempt to remember exactly where she had seen it. She moved to her left slightly, glancing through a few trees in order to spot the area that she was thinking of, before waving Vina over and pointing into the distance.

It's about a kilometre back that way...give or take. The th-err...tree...was remarkable, in a way. I would swear it was as tall as any tower I've ever seen, and about as wide around as three car-uh, carts?...carts are wide. It left an impression, that's for sure.

She could already picture the tree, it's large redwood bark standing out against the otherwise darker browns and dull tones around it. She hadn't been able to see the top, not from the vantage point she'd had, but the tree left an impression of being immense. Somehow, she felt like it fit the description that Vina was looking for.

I didn't see any of the disease back that way, though...it was well before the reaches of whatever this was. Maybe it's still safe? Do you think it's safe to make our way back there?

She considered the situation. The last thing she wanted to do was accidentally track any of the disease back through the jungle area, especially after all the work they had done to contain it here. She had a feeling, based off her own medical experience and awareness, that it should be okay - they had none of the toxins upon themselves - but she also knew that the druid was more suited to determine the likelihood in this situation. When in foreign lands...

---

@Vina Skysong​

 

[Vina Skysong]

Given that Kyra had only said she was passing through there was no guarantee she'd know of the oldest tree in the area, but to Vina's pleasant surprise her friend did recount at least one tree which was memorable enough that it was worth looking for. It also meant that they could leave the devastated area behind, which Vina didn't mind one bit: it wasn't the first time she had to deal with such a disease, but that didn't make it less sad to watch.

That should do! Let's go check it out then~

She'd already started walking when Kyra voiced her concerns. The druidess halted her step, looking back at her friend before nodding in understanding.

We're not carrying the disease, so it shouldn't be an issue. And the tree itself doesn't need to be near the infected areas, it just needs to be old enough to help us connect to the forest~ Come on~!

Inviting Kyra to follow her Vina would head in the direction her friend had pointed towards, where the big tree should be. Even in this landscape it shouldn't take too long for their target to get into view, the area around them becoming more vibrant as they passed beyond where the disease had managed to travel so far. Vina could tell that neither of them was carrying the disease or anything which would cause the infection to spread, and the sooner they dealt with the situation the better.

That's the one you're thinking of Kyra?

Vina pointed towards a large reddish-brown tree, towering far above even the other trees which helped form this massive jungle. It certainly looked like what they needed to Vina's eyes, with thick roots burrowing deep into the ground, anchoring the wooden giant.

@Siondhe

 

[Siondhe]

Kyra was slow to follow, but eventually resigned herself to the acknowledgement that Vina was as much, if not more, of an expert in the matter. Stepping after Vina, she followed the druidess through the jungle's weaving pathways - if they could be called as much - in a manner that was no more familiar than when she had first made her way through the area. She was able to notice small pieces here and there that were familiar, but for the most part she felt herself lost in the foliage, following the fox ahead of her in the hopes that they'd find what they were looking for.

It was with complete surprise, a small time later, that Kyra came to a halt and looked upwards at the tree that Vina had been pointing out. She felt herself staring at it for a few seconds, before shrugging slightly and giving a half-grin in response.

It...seems familiar, although I'll be honest I didn't really take time to study and memorise the one I saw before. Still...this one...

It felt right to Kyra, somehow, as if there was a presence around it that made it stand out from the other trees around it. It was huge in comparison, a towering giant among towering giants, but Kyra felt like there was more to the tree somehow, as if it was the centre of the area, and everything around it was simply it's offshoot.

Yeah...yeah I think this is it. So, what do we do now?

She'd assumed that Vina would have some sort of plan, just like last time. As much as Kyra wanted to give advice, or solutions, or even insight into the situation and what they should do, she was also smart enough to realise that she was outside of her own depth of expertise, and that Vina would be the best to lead their actions going forwards. Waiting patiently, she folded her hands behind her back and glanced up at the towering tree, wondering how old it was, and how long it had stood watch over the jungle around it.

---

@Vina Skysong​

 

[Vina Skysong]

Deep in the Tangleweaves there weren't such convenient things as roads or paths: the green claimed everything, with only the shadows cast by the towering trees preventing the undergrowth from covering every square millimetre of soil. As it was they had to make their way past numerous ferns and bushes and smaller trees, vines weaving loops between the thick branches of the trees that dominated the landscape while thick moss adorned the occasional large rock. The landscape wasn't nice and level either, ridges and cliffs requiring them to either get their hands dirty or walk around.

However, Vina was quite familiar with such terrain, and as she passed through she hummed an idle tune, persuading the plants to make life a little easier for the two vixens by giving way so they didn't have to worry about the occasional poisonous plants or sharp thorns that would otherwise have threatened their passage.

Kyra's uncertainty regarding the big tree didn't deter her either. The druidess smiled cheerfully, stepping closer and placing one hand against the reddish-brown trunk.

No worries, we'll be fine with this one~ They take a long time to grow this big, even here in the Tangleweaves. (She motioned towards Kyra.) Come, make yourself comfortable Kyra~

She demonstrated by nestling herself between the tree's large roots, her already slender frame looking positively frail compared to the thick wooden limbs that surrounded her now. Grabbing her staff with both hands Vina planted it in the ground in front of her, waiting for Kyra to sit down before continuing.

It'll be the same as before, but not as intense. I'll use a song to connect us to the tree, which in turn will let us connect with the rest of the forest. We can then seek out the infected areas and either guide the forest in fighting off the disease or isolate them if the first plan doesn't work. (She closed her eyes.) Connecting with the forest through the roots might feel a bit strange at first, but just relax and trust me, okay Kyra~?

@Siondhe