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Community Garden Opening
| It had been a challenge to find the space given the overcrowding that came as a consequence of Aefenglom's populace being shuffled about for the sake of the Mirrorbound, the community garden is settled in a semi-spacious lot. The building that once stood there had fallen into such disrepair that the costs to restore it would be far more drastic in price than simply replacing it altogether. But few have that sort of money on the western end of the residential district, and so it was agreed upon by those in the neighborhood with the Council members that had collaborated to bring this motion to life that the land and the adjoining empty lot would be of better use as a green space. One where residents and others in the district or city could grow what their small greenhouses likely could not support or simply have a place to relax in or send their children to play. But that is the hope for the space and not yet its reality. Because as most within the city are quite aware through fliers, mailed invitations, posting to the Watches, and advertisements within the local paper, the garden is not yet planted. But it's finally, finally ready and there is to be a celebration. Today, the space is a bit fuller than it otherwise might be. This is not because of the Council members who gathered a bit early on the first day before the first arrivals, the Parliament members who filter in and out throughout the weekend, or the various members of the western residential district. There is simply a lot to do here this weekend in both hard work and fun alike. |
| I. Good Seed for the Day A wider path winds its way through the space, leading either to the garden or to an open space in which nothing is necessarily meant to be planted. Following the path towards the garden proper, there is a modest stall set up, occupied with various volunteers throughout the weekend to sell seeds and saplings at a low price for those who have come empty-handed. The sign on the stall itself notes that all proceeds will be utilized to continue supporting the garden itself. They also have all the necessary gardening tools available, although you may need to occasionally share during the peak hours. Then again, those with a bit more of a green thumb might come prepared as everyone is more than welcome to bring their own supplies, whether that be in the form of seeds and saplings or gardening tools. As for where to plant, following the branching and more narrow paths throughout the garden space, there is a clear divide between food and ornamental gardening but plenty of space exists within each division. Various planters of various sizes and shapes are made available either on the ground or shelving as much as the earth itself has been transformed into something suitable for planting. A small greenhouse has also been constructed, although the majority of the space has been reserved for growing food rather than beautiful flowers. Those a little uncertain or more curious will be relieved to know they are not on their own. Monsters from the residential district with more experience are available to teach more about how to properly care for the plants and Witches make themselves available to explain more about the alchemical properties or provide magic lessons to encourage growth. For the more advanced, there's even a few who are willing to point out examples of helpful and harmful insects in the garden, and the best ways to handle them. |
| II. Never a Dill Moment Those with black thumbs or a dislike of digging around in the dirt needn't fret or feel left out, however! There are other ways to beautify the garden, namely painting pots and plant holders or signs. Tables are set up with the necessary supplies where people can either paint individually or work together in small groups. There is also the option to build birdhouses and feeders that will hopefully be of interest to avians not of the harpy persuasion. Of course, if there is a special someone that might appreciate these painted and built products or maybe you just feel your lawn could do with a bit of sprucing up, everyone is equally welcome to take their creations home and do as they please, too. And for those who are maybe a little less artistically-inclined or wary of hammers and thumbs mixing, there is always the option to do a little bit of cooking in the outdoor kitchen. Stations with various kitchen tools and portable gas stovetops have been set up with plenty of ingredients and one instructor to teach dishes that can be made with few ingredients and with fairly limited kitchen time as well. Different meals are taught throughout each day, so breakfast, lunch, and/or dinner plans can be made. Completed meals can be shared on the grass or at the provided tables and chairs spread throughout. Just be mindful when spreading out a blanket that you could potentially be in the crosshairs of some form of sportsball being played between the local children. |
| III. Thyme to Leaf Already by the end of the first day, there has already been a great deal of progress. Some sections of the garden are already thick with lush green foliage thanks to magical interventions. But as the sun sets and the twin moons rise in the evening sky, the garden begins to empty out. Even the local vampires begin filtering out to go about their nights. But there is still work to be done. Gardening equipment needs to be moved to the shed on-site while chairs need to be carefully stacked onto tables. Leftover ingredients and food need to be packed up and either properly stored for the next day or delivered to the neighborhood and Outer City. Any trash not properly disposed of also needs to be cleaned up. Those who choose to help in this effort will be thanked and asked to come again in the morning to set everything up for those that tolerate the sunlight. As the number of visitors in the evening of the final day begins to dwindle, the process of cleaning up begins earlier than the first. People are first instructed to take down the tables, stack chairs, and carefully disassemble stalls before anything else. For now, they are to be placed against the shed as they will be collected in the morning. Once those tasks are taken care of, it's more or less a repeat of the night before. However, those who opt to help both nights are given their choice of two leftover packets of seeds or saplings at no charge as a thank you. They are free to do as they please with them whether they choose to plant them at the garden or at home. |
Hello, friends! Welcome to the community garden opening. First, I would like to give a big thanks to Skai for helping write this log! Second, please direct any questions you have here. Otherwise, please enjoy digging around in the dirt and picnicking! I'm real sorry about the puns. I can promise you that as much as they might hurt to read, they probably hurt me double to write.
no subject
[he has spent much more time consoling Xichen here than he ever had in the past. It was usually the other way around. Then again, a lot had happened around both of them... and Jin Guangyao was well aware of the effect his exit had on his sworn brother.
Though he's not entirely settled, himself, He can only appreciate Lan Xichen's attempt to regain his composure and attempts to do the same in his own mind.
Even if many things have changed... there are some things he really still cannot bring up around Lan Xichen.]
Your company has been welcome, and even much is still being planted, the new garden is quite nice to see, isn't it?
no subject
That's a troubling thought. To want to be seen. He hadn't really worried about that before either, always happy to give over his wishes for the greater good.]
The garden is beautiful, but I'm afraid I have only caused you trouble by being here. If I cannot provide support or protection, then I suppose I have only been causing you trouble.
no subject
[The crying would have been awkward, it's true, but hopefully that's over for now -- and Jin Guangyao has no intention of bringing up any topics that might cause problems between them again. Instead, with a mind to what has been most effective before, looks up into his eyes before saying:]
I appreciate having you here, regardless.
[and embracing his Bonded -- if it's a little more platonic in nature than it might be in a more private setting, hopefully Xichen understands at least that much and can offer him a little leeway.]
no subject
[He echoes that back, because it is true. Xichen did try to spare Jin Guangyao in every way he knew, but in all those times it really wasn't enough. If it had been, Jin Guangyao wouldn't have died with all of that hate still in his heart. He might not be asking these terrifying deeds of Lan Xichen now, still lusting after revenge.
Good intentions don't do enough. Xichen smiles a little, his feelings settling into calm distance.]
Is this what you would prefer? I must have imposed on you many times already. I do miss walks through the gardens, and it must be even more fond for you. I'm sorry, I ruined your time out by saying too much.
no subject
Would you like to keep walking? Or would you rather we went home for the evening? I think I've put in enough of an appearance here if that's what you would prefer.
no subject
[So he says, with the disappointment and concern still weighing on his mind. What will Jin Guangyao do now? After outright refusing him, Xichen can't help but feel both guilty and apprehensive of where this might lead. He doesn't so much fear for himself as others, but even aside from that, he's gained a new personal doubt that leaves him wavering. Will Jin Guangyao see him as an inconvenient obstacle now?]
I don't mind. If you have more things to discuss with others, you should see to them. Although... I don't want you to think you were mistaken by telling me your worries. If you are still concerned, I will do what I can to reassure you. Perhaps we should talk more somewhere else.
no subject
Perhaps. [Jin Guangyao agrees, even if he's not sure that Lan Xichen can possibly see the troubles he himself worries about, no matter how it's explained. If nothing else, at least he can properly distract him from their mutual worries and concerns in private.] Let's take the long way back around the garden so I can bid farewell to a few people before heading home, then.
no subject
All right. If it isn't too much trouble, I still wish to discuss matters with you further once we are alone.
[It's important to be direct, right? That must be the main problem. He's not able to talk to his Bonded as clearly as he needs to.]