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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.
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"Yes, they did," he says, his agreement almost absentminded in its delivery. "I'm sure this will be of great benefit to the people living within this district."
And the city at large to some extent, but it seemed more important to support the residential district quite frankly. Parliament may not allow for much development for the Outer City, but if there can be some work done within its walls... Well, it's a starting point. Ozymandias takes a sip of his wine and refocuses his attention back on Near.
"Have you put any thought into other projects beyond this one?"
no subject
But if he's going to have a place on the council, he'll need to start putting some work into the city itself. He just hasn't decided how to do that yet.
"It's been on my mind. I'm hesitant to submit any ideas unless I'm certain about them, as I'd have to rely on the resources of others to pull them off." Seeing as all he has to offer are toys and the supplies required to make them - and very little of that.
no subject
As much as it would pain Ozymandias to admit -- hence why he gives no voice to it -- not even he is capable of doing all that he would envision for this city or its people without the assistance of others. What he hopes to accomplish could never be possible if it were not for the Council, the other Mirrorbound, or even certain members of Parliament.
no subject
Near can play the shy type - though he doesn't exactly fit the mold. He doesn't like making excuses, but he's also been at a loss to how he'll properly contribute since he joined.
He'll have to make plans to at least appear more active soon.
no subject
As one might expect through the tacking on of a "if you do not mind" after the question has already been asked, it really does not particularly matter to Ozymandias if he minds being asked. But the question is not accusatory. There's no bite, no attempt to shove him out of the group. All there is is simple curiosity. No two Council members seem to have arrived at the decision to join for the same reason, but he assumes this one's reasoning to be particularly unique.
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"...I just wanted to be part of something important," he answers finally. While this isn't the most truthful response, it isn't entirely a lie either. It's certainly not an exciting answer, but Near isn't an exciting person most of the time, snake scales or no.
He's the next L. He can't sit around and sell toys all day without having an ear to the local going-ons. Even if he isn't needed.
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"Is that so?" Ozymandias says slowly. "Do you feel as though you are so far?"
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Someone else might have attempted a little cheer in their voice when answering this, some positivity, but Near is just stating things as they are. Needing to improve on his chosen task isn't a feeling he's used to, but this place has changed all the rules for him. He's only failed if he can't learn to adjust.
no subject
"Well then, I hope you shall consider putting forth more of your ideas in the future as they arise. This Council is only able to function with as much as individuals are willing to put forth, but I imagine it may also remedy that feeling of yours."