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Post by dodd4 on Jul 9, 2013 2:16:25 GMT 1
((Coricopat))
as the dark calico led the way into the garden, past carefully cultivaed plants both in pots and native earth and to a large oak with the pungent smelliing vine winding around it.
he set the tools to one side, and began to speak softly,
"na síogaí agus bandia go iompaigh ó masla muid iarr ar do dea-mhéin."
a soft breeze whispered an answer. Coricopat bowed low.
hhe glanced at Quaxo and gave a small smile "never..never insult the Good Folk
if you can avoid it! now you said that you've had past experiance, I am curios to here4 what the folk from your land have to say aboutthe removal."
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Post by Graymane on Jul 10, 2013 10:27:02 GMT 1
Quaxo came out after Coricopat. Looking over the old Oak tree and then easily seeing the Stranglewood vine growing and tangling it. At the mere look of the tree Quaxo could tell the vine was killing it. But when he got closer he put a paw, gentle and massive to the Oak trees' trunk as he set the garden tool on the ground. "This tree is old." he said softly.
He knew something of proper meditative things, and one of them was how to properly commune with nature. "The vine is killing it. But it is new. No more then a year or slightly longer."
He turned to Cori "How long had it been since that one member of your tribe took his leave for 'greater things' ? What was his name, The Ginger one ? This vine is no more then a year old, maybe slightly older. The tree is ancient. Possibly many generations. But the vine is new, no more then one or two years of age."
He was thoughtful "Did anything important, emotionally important happen here within the last two years ? Unless we can properly purge this vine from the roots of this tree, even properly removing the vine it will simply regrow and strangle the Old Oak further. Something emotionally important caused it to take root. And then from there, slowly kill the Ancient Oak."
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Post by dodd4 on Jul 10, 2013 17:06:58 GMT 1
((Coricopat))
the dark calico tom regarded the massive black and white tuxedo, "quite longer than a year, however this may be an indicator of some new twist of mind or plan.
sadly that seed is planted far to deep." he replied.
then he softly intoned,
"na síogaí agus bandia muid iarr ar an fear seo buntáiste,
cúnaigh agus imoibrigh in éineacht le bheith ag eascainí planda...."
the sky remained bright with the late spring sun and an a strong friged winter wind blew over the two toms.
Coricopat shook himself "brrrr, ahem, loosely translated that was 'if you want something done do it yourself but we are not turning our faces from you' "
he said wryly. then he stepped up to the Oak, "well if you will work at the roots I willunwrap the vines. or we can do it the other way if you wish."
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Post by Graymane on Jul 10, 2013 23:46:43 GMT 1
"I do not think we will need to worry of the vine holding onto the tree" Quaxo said softly, with respect for the Ancient Oak tree he carefully pulled on the fine, which easily let go from the tree as if it were dead. "It is the roots we are to worry about. If what occurred here caused this vine to grow, then it is the roots that are the problem. Even if we were to merely cut the vine from the tree, the roots of the vine will remain and allow it to regrow. Come, let us both focus on the roots. What this Old Oak requires is being stifled from it through the roots of the vine." With that Qauxo let go of the vine, patted gently on the tree trunk, and then went towards the roots of the tree and vine.
Carefully, and rather respectfully he began digging at the roots of the tree. Growing up in Japan he had been taught many things, and one of them was respecting nature, and in return Nature could both help and respect him. It gave him fresh air, shade, fresh water, everything he needed, and all he had to do, was respect nature in return. Maybe removing the stranglewood vine from the Old Oak could be part of that respect for nature. He too felt the cold breeze. And the translation Coricopat provided made Quaxomore then slightly elated. It made him overjoyed. He respected nature. And he was going to help this old Oak, he and Coricopat both.
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Post by dodd4 on Jul 11, 2013 15:12:45 GMT 1
((Coricopat))
gently and with great care, Coricopat joined Quaxo in his toil. slowly and paitently the vines roots were revealed and removed.
as they worked Coricopat softly sang.....
"Up the airy mountain, through the rushy glen
We daren't go a-hunting for fear of little men.
Wee folk, good folk, trooping all together
Green jacket, red cap and white owl's feather.
By the craggy hillside, through the mosses bare
They've planted thorn trees for pleasure here and there.
Is any man so daring as to dig them up in spite
He'll find the sharpest thorns in his bed at night.
High up on the hill top the old king sits
He's now so old and grey he's nearly lost his wits
He's rising with the music on the cold starry night
To sup with the queen of the gay north light."
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Post by shizoo on Jul 12, 2013 1:14:36 GMT 1
JELLYLORUM
Jelly watched the two males approach her tree with the tangled vine around it. She really hoped they would be careful. That tree was special somehow. Jelly didn't pretend to know anything about magic, but that tree always made her feel good & calm.
She considered Quaxo's words, did this have anything to do with Macavity? She hadn't a clue. While they worked she tended more of the medicinal plants keeping half an ear on what the toms were saying & a surreptitious feminine eye on what they were doing. My they were well-formed weren't they.
She smirked a little, keeping careful control of her thoughts so Cori wouldn't be likely to overhear. She may have a bit of a crush on Tugger, but she was female & last she checked, still alive. Too bad Bomba wasn't here. She would love to watch all the flexing & posturing going on here. She also considered Cori's singing, She'd have to remember to tell old Gus about this, he'd probably love to pull him into the troupe-Quaxo too for that matter. Strong leading cats were always in demand. She could just picture Quaxo playing Growltiger & Cori playing Ghengis. mmm Now that would be a show to enjoy!
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Post by Graymane on Jul 15, 2013 0:15:57 GMT 1
Working in tandem with Coricopat the two toms soon had most of the roots uncovered from the dirt. Withdrawing a knife that was easily concealed on his person thanks to the unique swords he carried at all times, Quaxo carefully and in some cases loveingly towards the respect of the tree, he began seperating the vine roots from that of the Old Oak. With each cut he gently pulled the vine further from the tree. It felt odly warm, and not beause of the dirt that covered the roots. But something of dark energy fueled the vines growth.
It was not natural for it to be there in the first place. which was why he asked, what had occurred there to cause the vine to grow. Since the vine was no more then a year, maybe a year and a half old at best. It was as if the vine was planeted there out of dark magics in some way. The good thing was that the Old Oak seemed to welcome the freed soil and as they freed the tree of the vine, the roots seemed to move and dig ever deeper into the rich soil. Even though he said nothing, he nodded, the song seemed to help the tree to relax and allow them both to remove the vine from its roots
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Post by dodd4 on Jul 15, 2013 7:48:51 GMT 1
((Coricopat))
as the calico and tuxedo toms went about their task, Coricopat became aware of faint images that superimposed themselves over the present.
he saw the old Oak witness Tom's and Queens in the first akward steps of courtship and thenthe images began to refine....
he saw a much younger Gus looking sad and very lonely after Grizabella had refused to return with the troupe, choosing instead to continue on and see more of the world...
then he saw more and more a certtin ginger tom sitting there in thoughtful refelection. first lonely like old Gus and then his handsome contenacne seemed to fill with the certinty of some darkling destiny that only he could see.
Coricopat was quite sure that the symbolisim of a pagan site being the chosen meaditative spot of Macavity as oppsed to his fathers Vickerage had not been lost on the ginger tom.
as the two toms finished removing the vines roots Coricopat began to sing again...
"Over hill, over dale,
Thorough bush, thorough brier,
Over park, over pale,
Thorough flood, thorough fire!
I do wander everywhere,
Swifter than the moon's sphere;
And I serve the Fairy Queen,
To dew her orbs upon the green;
The cowslips tall her pensioners be;
In their gold coats spots you see;
Those be rubies, fairy favours;
In those freckles live their savours;
I must go seek some dewdrops here,
And hang a pearl in every cowslip's ear."
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Post by Graymane on Jul 16, 2013 20:34:11 GMT 1
"Got it, its free!" Finally the root came free as Quaxo spoke cutting the last tangled root that was intertined around the roots of the old Oak, it was hot in his hands, out of respect of the Old Oak, Quaxo had done his best to not harm the aged tree in removing the roots of the vine tangled around the massive trees roots with his knife, but that last cut took a bit of the roots with it.
The vine, roots and all, was going to soon die quickly, and there was only one way to get rid of it. But how could he get the thing back to his teacher in Japan ? As far as Quaxo knew, his teacher was the only human that knew how to make training swords of vinewood. Burning the now uprooted vine was a definte no-no. Quaxo knew that for sure. He turned to Coricopat "Now, there is only one person I know of who can properly use this so it wont harm another tree, or worse, a person. we can't burn it, the fumes could do more harm then the vine itself."
It was then he saw Coricopats expression and somewhat unfocused eyes, as a small thought Quaxo raised a large white furred paw and waved it in Coricopats face, "Anyone awake in there ?" He shook the vine to get it free of dirt. "You look lost, what is it ?"
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Post by dodd4 on Jul 16, 2013 21:02:13 GMT 1
((Coricopat))
the dark calico tom nodded, "yes I am awake in here, and just the past become restless. and while it can't be burned there are other uses that it can be put to.
I belive Jelly may be able to milk its sap for salves, roperly ground it can be used
as a binder in inks or pigments, and like the nettle it can be woven into cords or baskets. but I belive that Jellylorum should be the one to decide as it is her garden!" he said with a small smile.
"your calmness is very pleasent to work alongside. and if this has not been said before, welcome to The Tribe." |
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Post by Graymane on Jul 16, 2013 23:55:37 GMT 1
Quaxo smiled, "It is one of the first things a Samurai is to learn, how to remain calm when under pressure, its a means of controlling oneself to keep from, how is it said here ? 'Flying off the handle' I believe is the saying." Quaxo replied, He coiled the vine into a whip of some form, his large hands made fast work of the vine, cleaning off the dirt from the roots, and then coiling it tightly into a roll. he held it out to Coricopat. "What ever you do, make sure it is not burned."
He nodded again, "As of this moment it is not yet offical, your leader, one my cousin spoke of, I have yet to meet him, but you are third so far to welcome me. Thank you." He bowed slightly towards Coricopat. A soft smile on his face
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Post by shizoo on Jul 17, 2013 3:22:03 GMT 1
JELLYLORUM
Jelly quietly listened to the males, fascinated with the discussion. She loved a lot of the oriental philosophies & had studied them extensively through her travels. She raised an eyebrow when listening to Cori's magic talk. Interesting
She sighed to herself, why did she have to have a crush on Tugger of all toms? Why couldn't she like one of these two instead? It wasn't like he'd ever given her any encouragement after all. Oh well. hearts couldn't be ordered around she supposed.
The slender butter calico went & fetched two tall glasses of a sweet mint tea she'd concocted.
"Well, now that that's handled, have some refreshment my dears. I know Jenny will appreciate what you've done for our tree as well."
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Post by Graymane on Jul 17, 2013 5:13:16 GMT 1
Quaxo smiled and turned when he heard Jellylorums voice, seeing the drinks she carried he made sure his knew was clean before it disappeared somewhere on his person. Where it went only Quaxo knew. That task done he reached out, and gently took the offered drink that Jellylorum carried and held out for him and Corciopat. "I am humbled by this. Never expected a gift in return. You are indeed honorable Miss Jellylorum. You humble me." He lifted the glass in a toast. Speaking as he did so, "Aside from my cousin, you both are honoring me quite well, and welcoming as well indeed. I do not recall the last time I was so comforted by welcoming friends. And honorable ones at that."
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Post by dodd4 on Jul 17, 2013 16:49:13 GMT 1
((Coricopat))
the dark calico gave a small smile, "there is no reason to be humbeled Mo Cara
the hospitality that you are offered is well deserved. it is only proper, and our Jellylorum is certinly proper!" he said as he took the glass from Jellylorum and said "and I thank you aswell!" Coricopat took a sip and smiled, "you have out done yourself, it as sweet as you are Jellylorum!"
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Post by Graymane on Jul 18, 2013 4:57:47 GMT 1
"You humble me with hospitality, something that even with what little I have I am unable to do." He raised his glass in a toast "That it is, it is proper, and it is good. Cheers" With that he took a sip of the tea, it was indeed very good. Not something he was used to back home in Japan, but it was very good.
He looked to Coricopat slightly confused, "You thank me ? For the removal of the Stranglewood ? It is Miss Jellylorum that you should be thanking. As it was her that informed us of its presence." Of course Quaxo most likely had misunderstood what Coricopat meant
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Post by dodd4 on Jul 18, 2013 16:33:29 GMT 1
((Coricopat))
the dark calico inclined his head tothe massive tuxedo tom, " I thank YOU, because with your help the task took less time and was made easier.
and you toiled on our behalf when as a guest you did not need to.
however you are corect," Cori said and turned to Jellylorum with a bow, "thank you for bringing this to our attention and giving us the opertunity to be of use!"
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Post by shizoo on Jul 21, 2013 1:19:36 GMT 1
JELLYLORUM
Jelly's ears dipped in amusement. The males' antics reminded her of her old friend Miyagi, he loved the old joke of 'manners' when each would bow over & over in an exaggerated display of humility. She supposed any customs that one didn't grow up with, could look confusing to an outsider. Miyagi had enjoyed poking gentle fun at anyone who caught his interest. She did think of him & wonder how he was doing from time to time.
Quietly, she put some of the tools away, & tended to her plants. "Well, it is very late, surely you need some rest?" Struck by a thought, she turned to Quaxo, "Have you a den to stay in tonight? If not, the guest den is just there on the other side of the garden, you are welcome to use it for as long as you'd like. Jenny & I keep it tidy just in case we get a patient who has family that wishes to stay nearby or for the occasions when we get visitors. It's very peaceful & quiet in this corner of the yard. Would you like me to show you? Then tomorrow you can present yourself to Deuteronomy. I'm sure he'll be delighted to meet you!"
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Post by Graymane on Jul 21, 2013 7:20:27 GMT 1
Quaxo drained his glass as the tea was quite good, he then helped with putting away the tools before speaking "My cousin, Mistofelees, has offered for me to stay at his den as long as needed. However, if you not mind it, I like this area, I'd like to practice here if I may." A hand rested on the hilts of the two swords at his side. Cherry blossoms were normally the best place to practice, and yet here. There were sunflowers, daises, daffodils, among other flowers roses and liliacs as well.
"Keep one in good fighting condition I must admit. My human friend, you'd like him, Ito is his name. A good man, a good teacher. A good friend." He smiled "Again I must thank you however, your offer is a good one. I think I shall take you up on it until I can find my own proper den. So, Thank you. Miss jellylorum. You are too kind. I am glad to have aided you, both of you. In removing the Stranglewood from the Old Oak."
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Post by dodd4 on Jul 23, 2013 21:02:09 GMT 1
((Coricopat))
the dark calicotom nodded in agreement with Quaxo's choice.
"if there is trouble on the way I would feel better having a stalwart like youstaying close to the Healers Den," he said quietly.
"I would be grateful if you kept her safe."
he paused to listen to his link with Tantomile.
sleeping, wellat least she wasn't blocking him!
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Post by Graymane on Jul 24, 2013 6:50:53 GMT 1
Quaxo felt something, or rather could sense something in the tone that Coricopat used. His tea done he passed back the glass to Jellylorum. Turning to Coricopat he said quietly, yet thoughtfully. "You are concerned for someone, or several someones." He said, he turned briefly back to the Old Oak before continuing. "Whatever it is, has to do with the Stranglewood and its roots. Its placement. As a result of its removeal. You're concerned for another, or several. My taking the small den a ways off as a tempoary abode until I find a proper den says it all," he said.
He was thoughtful as he spoke, "I have the training, the skills over the years that I've learned from Ito, it was not until before my arrival here did I and my sister show ourselves to him properly. Before hand he thought us just mere cats, adopted by him from our parents at a Cattery in our homeland. It was when a man broke in, intending to harm Ito did we reveal ourselves for what we really were. Ito trusts us with his life, and we trust him with ours. He taught my sister and I, even though he never knew it. My sister now protects him and still lives with him. But I am but one lone Samurai away from his home. What can I do against mystics and powers beyond my ken ?"
He smiled then "If I take this den, and make it my own permanently. I can only do so much to protect others, anything magical, I do not think I can protect against. If at all. Most magical things, or even mystical things, I cannot even see. But I can feel its affects to an extent." It felt good to him somehow, to explain his ablities, how far he could go in order to protect others as best he could. To him, being truthful and honrable meant quite a bit. Honor was a Samurai's lifeline. Trust, was part of that. Truth was what drove a Samurai in many cases to leave their homes and families to find true peace. At least as far as Quaxo was concerned. Being with his cousins made him feel more at home thten at peace.
After a long moment he finally spoke again "I can't make any promises, if I am allowed to remain, I will do my best to protect those I care about, my cousins, you and your sister, Miss Jellylorum, But the minute magic comes into play, I will leave that to you and your sister." He had a smile on his face as he spoke to Coricopat, Somehow he felt more at ease around the feline.
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