wewillwewill: (Elidibus-faintsmile)
wewillwewill ([personal profile] wewillwewill) wrote in [community profile] voidtreckerexpress2022-03-26 09:54 pm

Spring Garden Preparations

Who: Elidibus, OTA
Where: Various, Rock Garden for landscape setup.
When: Evening, Quicksand 13 to Quicksand 15
What: Events leading to the Spring Garden Days Quicksand 16 (Platform Day) to Quicksand 18
Warnings: There's no particular warnings other than the possibility of individual character spoilers.


[An announcement over the intercoms goes throughout the train on the evening of Quicksand 13, after everyone's settled post-mission.]

Good day, this is Elidibus. Some of you may recall the brief transformation of the rock garden into a winter day several platforms ago. This coming platform I'm looking to arrange for a spring season change to the same carriage. Last time was a little spontaneous and short notice. This time I would like to ask for help.

One of the major changes is this will last for three days, including the Platform Day. During that time, those willing to help maintain the spring garden will be welcome. Whether by manual labor, organization, a special talent or other contributions. [After all the carriage is only so large and traffic may be regular.] Like last time, the climate, weather and soil will be present, but I'd like to ask some of those talented with the fast growth of plants and trees to lend assistance. Anyone familiar with planning the layout of a seasonal garden in a relatively small space would also be appreciated.

Those who might be interested in preparing food fit for picnic meals, I would like to ask for your help. Though I have a general concept for this seasonal garden event, I would ask you to bring any ideas you have to me. What I've observed on my star may differ from others and anyone should feel welcome to add their ideas. I may also approach some of you but there is no obligation to agree to my requests.


[This is announced over the intercoms. But there will also be signs posted near the public ICPs in each carriage or in a proper obvious place with this message printed on it.

Questions and the OOC prep links!]
adregem: (the age of aquarius)

Roland 🥚 Easter Egg Hunt Prep Center! 🌷 OTA

[personal profile] adregem 2022-03-27 07:43 am (UTC)(link)
(A) kitchen: candy
[ Earth celebrations that aren't some alternate version of what he knows come far and few in between. So when's given the chance to help lighten the mood some, Roland takes it. After all, this was for everyone on the train...and they were all going through something, whether or not they were willing to admit it out loud.

Plus, it brings him back to the days when he used to host kids Easter egg hunts in the White House. He'll never forget how happy it made them, all of them; kids and parents alike. ]


So that's half a cup of milk and half a cup of butter- ah. But that's just for ten servings. I'll probably need to triple it to be sure.

[ Hence his hands-on approach to making the chocolate Easter egg cookies and treats. He borrows a variety of supplies from the communal kitchen, and arranges all the ingredients in a neat and orderly manner from volume to frequency of use. A cookbook is splayed out nicely before him, dog-eared to chocolate recipes that he could replicate without fancy ingredients. ]

[ From Easter egg cookies that need decorating with frosting, to hollowing out some moulds with chocolates, it looks like Roland's all in for this festival. He definitely could use the help, busy as he is at the moment, doing quick maths to modify the recipes for batch cooking. The apron he dons is of noteworthy attention. Maybe. ]


(B) garden: spring decor
[ Higgle.

These kindly creatures that looked more like walking clouds than anything else, are hard at work with the most mundane of tasks. While some are actually doing their best to wobble around, clearing paths, benches, and stones, others are goofing off. A pair chases one another in a never-ending game of tag. Some are hanging about by the fountain, tiny legs swinging about. At the center of this circus, Roland looks mildly frustrated, a bigger higgledy atop his shoulder, wearing a long cape and a giant crown. ]


Dammit. We're missing how many? Gah. I told them to just hide the treats, not to play hide and seek...We don't have time for this.

[ OOC: Higgledies can be seen by individuals who have purity of heart, whatever that might mean to their character. Basically, if your character is someone magically-attuned and/or considers their intentions as benefits to the community or the greater good. This is up to you if you would like to see them or not. Shenanigans can still occur even if they can only sense an invisible presence moving things around :) ]


(C) wildcard!
[ Roland will need whatever help he can get, or can help you in turn! ]
Edited 2022-03-27 07:45 (UTC)
happyends: (i want to see you smile with power)

b

[personal profile] happyends 2022-03-28 12:01 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Madoka came here to put up some of the spring decorations she's made in the arts carriage.. but the moment she came here, she instead got instantly distracted by all of these tiny higgledies all over the place. After all, she has seen some of these before, thanks to Tidus letting her borrow some before on missions.

And while most of these look really different from the ones she's seen before, they're still recognizable enough as higgledies that Madoka cheerfully greets them all the same. She's squatting by the fountain, seeming to play with a few of them, when she suddenly hears the voice call out.

It makes the girl turn her head in the direction of its source, calling out: ]


Oh, sir, are you looking for the higgledies..? There are some over here!
Edited 2022-03-28 12:01 (UTC)
adregem: (i like your style!)

[personal profile] adregem 2022-03-30 03:04 pm (UTC)(link)
Huh? Oh.

[ Rannygazoo disappears from his shoulder and pops up in front of Madoka, quietly swaying to an invisible beat. It hiiigs! and piggle's as if recognizing her through the stories of its fellow sprites, and Roland recognizes here by sheer tenure of how long both of them had been on the train. He walks the short distance and nods at the girl. ]

Thanks for rounding them up. Unfortunately, they're really good at making sure they're not found unless we give them a game, so it's not quite over yet.

[ The decorations in her hands does not go unnoticed. ] Helping spruce the place up too, huh? Maybe we can help each other out. Interested in looking for more of them with me? If they can't hide the candy right, maybe they can just help you put those up.
happyends: (lies in the palm)

[personal profile] happyends 2022-03-31 11:12 am (UTC)(link)
.. were they hiding candy?

[ Sorry, Roland, apparently that draws the girl's attention away from the man and back towards the tiny creatures - especially their adorable royal leader that now appeared in front of her. She looks back and forth for a moment, but Madoka just ends up looking a little confused. ]

I can't see these ones having candy anymore, though..

[ Huh. There's another moment of her wondering, and then she does look back to the man. ]

Maybe they did leave it somewhere?
adregem: (the president says PASS)

[personal profile] adregem 2022-04-02 10:37 am (UTC)(link)
Gah. But the point was to show me where so that I knew where to point people if they couldn't find anything...[ Such is the job of a guardian 24/7, though he isn't completely distraught about it. In fact- ]

Hm. Then again, we could use this as an opportunity to test out the candy hunt for later. Gauge how difficult it would be for the two of us. [ Roland regards the pink-haired girl, and immediately the recognition connects in his head, a smile on his youthful face. ] You're Madoka, right? You up for a quick game of round 'em up?
happyends: (my feelings are all i can rely on)

[personal profile] happyends 2022-04-03 10:30 am (UTC)(link)
H-huh, me? Really?

[ Look at that. It's almost as if he asked her to pull the sword out of the stone and become the queen of England, rather than just asking her to help with something as simple as an Easter candy hunt..

Maybe Madoka is taking this a little too seriously, but then again, what else is new. ]


Would that really be alright, sir? Then they'd have to hide them all over again!
blitzcheer: (who asked you!!)

b

[personal profile] blitzcheer 2022-03-28 06:22 pm (UTC)(link)
If you think you don't have time on this train, you deserve to get pulled into a game of hide and seek.

[ Who else could be sitting on this bench with a look - and voice - of utter amusement? Tidus, who else, his arms folded and his own blue High Higgledy and pals thrown into the mix of shenanigans taking place. While they're more than keen to be play with Rannygazoo's troopers, they've also taken to being in the fountain itself, bopping along with the non-existent current, or showing a dedication to paddling!! ]

Lighten up! You can always make more chocolate.
adregem: (this is where you come in.)

[personal profile] adregem 2022-03-30 03:14 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Roland shakes his head, though it is tempting to just go with the flow on this, Tidus's point a strong one given that there really was very little pressure to begin with. Then again, Roland is Roland, and it's difficult even now to unlearn old habits. ]

And waste resources? No thanks.

[ Not a lot of bite behind that, honestly. It's more of his pragmatism that he can't ignore, even as he follows the path leading to the bench, hand on his hip as he surveys the mild chaos around them. ]

Anyway, why don't you try looking for a couple of them? You can eat whatever you find, and that's what I'll replace with new treats. Sounds like a fair day of work, yeah? Heh.
blitzcheer: (whatcha gonna do about iiitt)

[personal profile] blitzcheer 2022-03-30 03:48 pm (UTC)(link)
Why would you want me to look for them? Don't you want other people to?

[ Granted, he doesn't know the entire deal with the higgledies running off, but he does know: ] You told them to hide them, now you should go and find the higgledies since they did such a good job! Remember what we said a long time ago? You've got to have fun with your higgledies sometimes!

[ Back when Bambosh was a friend on the train. Now they had Rannygazoo and his pals, and a Roland who would rather be busy in the kitchen than mucking around. Listen to this guy!

Tidus, however, happily lays back on the bench. Thankfully, it just fits his head. ]


I'm relaxing.
adregem: (did you just use a twig?)

[personal profile] adregem 2022-03-31 04:30 am (UTC)(link)
I can't believe this. The pro's turning down a challenge? You're losing your touch.

[ He regards Tidus with heightened amusement, his quip obviously meant to rile him as a joke. Roland shakes his head, smiling, and the memory of that conversation still comes to him clear as day. Thankfully. ]

Well, while you sit there relaxing- at least keep an eye out for any higgledies that come back here with the candy. Tell them to hide it somewhere easy for people to find?

[ See, he's going, he's going! It's not a huge carriage, but they're small when they want to be small, and they know exactly how to mess with him at this point, hiding themselves and running about when caught. Ah well. Have fun with them from time to time, and whatnot. ]

Alrighty. Ready or not, here I come...

[ He says this out loud, arms crossed over his chest, surveying the rest of the car with keen eyes. Movement to the side, maybe there? ]
blitzcheer: (ummmooo)

[personal profile] blitzcheer 2022-03-31 02:35 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Tidus won't fall for that so easily!! Plus, who cares if the higgledies are having fun.

Daddy Roland needs to keep his children in check! ]


Suuuure, [ comes the very believable response to Roland's request. 'Somewhere easy' - but he hasn't budged from where he's got an arm under his head for a pillow, and won't until he's sure that Roland's started moving, going along with the hunt. He wants to watch this, while glancing over at the higgledies more inclined to play in the water; but it seems a few of them have noticed Roland is up to something, and have discarded splashing around for following the old man in his search!

Thus, Tidus ends up with his head propped up by his arm, watching the spectacle. ]


Why'd you tell them to hide up chocolate in the first place? Does it have to be chocolate?

[ He knows it has something to do with this Spring thing, but he isn't sure if it's a Roland idea, or a Roland's world tradition. He also wonders how many people are going to be keen searching around for small chocolate...

well, Inigo would. And Buttercup, maybe. ]
adregem: (that's a lot of money in the coffers)

[personal profile] adregem 2022-04-02 10:58 am (UTC)(link)
That's right. Though traditionally, they're really supposed to be chocolate eggs.

[ It's definitely an intensive search for them, and so far, in the minutes that trickle past them, there's little sign of the higgledies in charge of auditing the goods- badly put. Roland might even find this game a bit unfair since they had the advantage of appearing wherever they want to. Bending by the hip, he checks behind what sparse foliage is already in place. Benches, too; literally leaving no stone unturned.

It's not distracting enough that Roland can't multitask though. Thanks for the help, there pro!! ]


I don't know about Elidibus's world, but back home, we had a thing called Easter. It was always during spring. [ Maybe there? He walks a couple of steps forward...No luck yet. The train of higgledies that follow him, however, are giving him hints. Behind Tidus? Roland walks closer to where other sits comfortably, then. ] We'd invite a whole bunch of kids to the White House, where they could play some Easter games. Something to do with the origin of the holiday, where a bunny represents the coming of new life after a long winter. Eggs were part of that symbolism too.

[ He rounds the bench where Tidus and just as the higgledies on Roland's side have been trying to tell him, there was one candy wrapped in colorful art paper and foil did with a ribbon that was indeed, hiding in plain sight. Meanwhile, as Roland's story spins longer yarn, the fonder he seemed to become. As if recalling a warm memory. ]

And of course, it eventually evolved into a holiday full of treats and chocolates since mostly children would participate. We're talking rolling eggs down a hill to see which one reaches the bottom first, painting egg shells, and at some point, we even had a ball pit in my office. [ He laughs, dusting off the chocolate and placing it somewhere a bit more obvious for the regular person. ] The Easter egg hunt was the most popular game, though. You would go around the White House garden and look for hidden eggs. Whatever you find, you keep. Kids with the most eggs found obviously win the most prizes.

[ Roland's smiling wide now, vivid in his recollection. As if he can still hear the peals of laughter in the air. ]

Anyway. It's just a little something from home to hopefully brighten this place up for the occasion. Lacking hills and ball pits, hunting for the chocolates seemed the next best thing. Heh.
blitzcheer: (whoa woah hey heyyy)

[personal profile] blitzcheer 2022-04-02 02:02 pm (UTC)(link)
[ You're welcome, smartypants!!

Tidus stays laying on his stomach, the bench not that comfortable, but it'll make do for the time being. Arms folded under his chest as a means of support, easier to watch Roland as he rounds him, from one side to the other. There he goes!

But there is fondness in Roland's telling, a story of real events. There's been a question on Tidus's tongue that gets semi-answered, but not completely. Knowledge Tidus probably knew once, but forgot. ]


I think someone has a ballpit, somewhere. Maybe even me or Inigo, from that Aquafir place?

[ You know, he remembers something like a ballpit. But while he shares that, he has to add: ]

But I don't know who'd enjoy that, save the higgledies. Which isn't a bad idea. [ He looks down at one by his bench, bringing his folded arms together, a smile on his face. But oh, right- ]

The White House - that's the place you work in? Or what - that where the president lives?
adregem: (thanks he hates dice games now)

[personal profile] adregem 2022-04-02 03:33 pm (UTC)(link)
I'm sort of glad there's nobody around to enjoy things like ballpits and egg rolling contests. This isn't really a good place for them.

[ It's barely an implication- worrying about everyone else already then thinking of the kids that managed to pull the favor of the train, tethering them to this reality. He won't dwell on the thought, though his conviction on the matter is clear.

He finds two more candies that roundabout the fountain. Were the higgledies just messing with him, leaving behind their candy like a trail of breadcrumbs? ]


And yeah, that's sort of both. When a president is elected, they have to move to the White House. It's where we work, and it's where we live until the end of our term. [ A higgledy tugs on his coat, prompting Roland to do another turn. It seems they're finding more fun in watching him follow their every whim, whether or not the candy was hidden. He doesn't complain, however, just following their every motion. ] It's...stuffy, if you want to call it that. But from time to time, we can decorate the grounds according to the holiday. [ He meets Tidus's gaze with a sparkle of amusement behind brown eyes. ] You should see what we do for Halloween. I make sure it's as spooky as it can be, for kids and adults.
blitzcheer: (know what that means?)

[personal profile] blitzcheer 2022-04-02 04:01 pm (UTC)(link)
I've seen enough the way you can get at Halloween!

[ Hear that, Roland? The dip of a brow, trying to look glaring despite the smiling mouth? That's right- ]

Don't think I forgot about last Halloween, Della's. You taking my candy and making me share it! I swiped that fair and square!

[ Was this exactly how events went? Tidus doesn't actually remember it too clearly, but he does remember some of it, partially; and he remembers the fiasco at the candy table, and getting jumped by Inigo...

...and he's pretty sure Roland is to blame for that, more than him! But then he's thinking, apparently Roland's candy crimes not worth waiting for a response on, as he now eyes the few higgledies in his immediate sight. ]


Y'know, we should do that again sometime. If we're here long enough. Or we can do it again anyway. Who's paying attention to time?

[ Nevermind this Spring decorating going on. ]
adregem: (when they do i'll be right behind you)

[personal profile] adregem 2022-04-02 06:07 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Roland's trying to collect a whole bunch of candy trailing away from thee fountain and the bench - they really are trying him today - when the memory comes flooding back, drawing a short chuckle from the older man. It seems like it was only yesterday, they were all doing things like that together. ]

I think you were fairly compensated for that, in the end. Right? [ His laugh turns a shade lighter, standing up and gathering what candy he can keep in his arms as her walks back to the bench. Satisfied with half a dozen for now, see offers one to Tidus for his tasting. ]

I'd...really like that, though. Halloween was a favorite of mine, growing up. Maybe I'll wear a different costume this time around. Get higher quality props. I'll admit the cat ears and tail were too easy.
blitzcheer: (you've never had it like this)

[personal profile] blitzcheer 2022-04-02 06:13 pm (UTC)(link)
[ The higgledies surely did this on purpose, and Tidus isn't too sure why they need to be collected back up, but hey - at least the little things are having (or had) their fun. The concrete seating is starting to rub wrong against his skin, so he sits up, cross-legged as giving a stretch to his back; a small chuckle at being fairly compensated.

He will neither confirm nor deny. ]


Putting together one little festive thing, and preparing for the next. [ Heh. ] Sure, why not? You can get the kids to help you early with the decorations - they're already getting a start in here.

[ He nods, though he likely doesn't need to, at the paper rabbits glued to the glass-walls. Romeo and Madoka were the train's very own professional decorators. Come to them for all paper crafts. ]
crowneddragon: (Mischievous_Smile)

B / C

[personal profile] crowneddragon 2022-03-29 10:18 pm (UTC)(link)
[OOC: Any thought on what Roland might need help with? Esteban is willing to help out anyone in need. Else, we can have them tie up the netting/ mesh for decorations around the garden? If it gets to that point (fair warning, Esteban tends to get Distracted) XD]

[There's higgledies. There's higgledies everywhere and Esteban finds himself stalled, staring at the many, many little limbs and enlarged heads, barely squashing the urge to just gather them all up. Look at them. Look at them!]

"How 'bout playin' with them?" [He suggests instead at the worried man, a snicker on his lips.

He shifts the rope to his left arm so that his right can come up and run through a handful of signs, first spelling out {Ro-lan-d} more smoothly than he expected-- his practice is paying off! And then struggling harder with {Ra-ni-g-a-zou} Yikes. The SCA at his wrist nonetheless spills out the name in broken syllables, it's mechanical voice grating in the carriage slowly turning to a garden under some watchful eyes.]


"Play hard t' work hard? I'll help out when we've caught the troublemakers!" [Esteban is always down to help anyone who might need help. The bonus points from getting to play around with the higgledies beforehand has nothing at all to do with his offer to help. (But he certainly is happy to offer that help too!)]
adregem: (he thinks theres a spell for everything)

[personal profile] adregem 2022-03-30 03:23 pm (UTC)(link)
[ OOC: Setting up decor is A-OK with me :) ]

[ Roland is barely startled with the voice that greets him from nearby, though the face is not one he recognizes. It's not uncommon on the train to find new folk every now and again, so it poses no problem either to watch the red-headed man recognize the higgledies. At least, he can see them just fine. ]

And risk losing more chocolates? I don't think so, heh. [ He remarks with a smile, watching and listening at Esteban spell his name out, hearing the cold automated voice say it right back. ] But if you're willing to put in some leg work, I'm not one to turn down a higgledy ready volunteer.

[ And honestly, it'll be faster with someone more enthusiastic for the job. Roland approaches in three steps, his right hand raised to shake. ] As the watch says, I'm Roland. Though I'm afraid I don't have the pleasure of knowing your name.
crowneddragon: (Sunshine_Grin)

[personal profile] crowneddragon 2022-03-31 12:09 am (UTC)(link)
"Wait-- th' higgledies are missin', or the choc'lates are missin'?" [He'd understood that it was the former, but if the chocolates are missing, Esteban's not so sure he can really help out. It doesn't wipe the grin from his face though, and he pauses at the hand stretched between the both of them. His head shifts a bit to the side, before he catches on, and offers his own in turn.]

"Oh! Name's Esteban! It's nice to meetcha before I made th' wind scatter off yer notes." [He beams again, before nodding at the weather panel, where a happy little sign's been added since the last platform day, double sided and indicating whether the system is currently in use. It had been a close call. He's yet to get it waterproofed, but it'll work for now.]

"I c'n round them up 'f you want. They just wanna play a bit first, right?" [Esteban can get that; while he has a lot of work to get things ready before the spring event, he still thinks it's important to wind down, or he'll be too tired to enjoy the event itself.] "Betcha they're really good at hide-an'-seek."

[His nose scrunches with his amusement. Rather than looking discouraged at the prospect, he seems to look forwards to it at the very least, and if that's one worry off Roland's shoulders, he'll take it. Teamwork! Of a kind?]
adregem: (a lightheartedness that comes with age)

[personal profile] adregem 2022-03-31 07:21 am (UTC)(link)
[ The hesitation draws his lips upturned, but otherwise, Roland returns the handshake firmly. ]

Well, technically when one's missing, the other one goes with it. They're not hiding the candy. They're...hiding themselves, so I have to chase them.

[ But he's not as high strung about it as he once would have been. ] That's a real unique talent you have there, Esteban. Does that work on everyone you meet? Guess you're always good at icebreakers, heh.

[ The higgledies are happy at the energy Esteban adds to the carriage, and begin squealing louder. Some of them are already off with the candy raised high above their heads, while the rest scurry to the outer edges of the car, disappearing from sight. ]

Anyway, just tire them out some and we can probably get the job done sooner than later. There should be around a dozen candies and around the same number of higgledies. I appreciate your help.
crowneddragon: (Sunflower)

If Roland doesn't come and play with them, I'll skim over the next few minutes?

[personal profile] crowneddragon 2022-03-31 11:44 pm (UTC)(link)
[The snicker doubles again when Roland explains his problem, bottled laughter that barely just does not make it aloud. Well! Glad he's able to give a hand at least!~

He has to tuck a few questions away from his companion-- curiosity nipping at him-- but for now, he allows the flow of the conversation to keep him rooted on the spot, giving the little sprites a few seconds to find their little higgle-hideaways.]


"Tal--?" [A small furrow appears between his brows, but it doesn't last long. Another grin brightens him, laughter tucked into the curve of his eyes.] "Hah! I just prattle on an' hope people keep up. Give it a few minutes an' you'll see~"

[Because Esteban is definitely going to ask. He's curious by nature, and the people on the train have all lead such wildly different lives, with strange stories and other worlds that he almost can't conceive. Skills and ways that snag at the half-elf's open eagerness to learn, hopefully Roland will be in a sharing mood as they work together.]

"Y' sure you don't wanna participate? Take a few minutes t' have fun?" [He stretches a hand between them in an open invitation, but doesn't require his companion to take it, really. Roland should enjoy the time that he can, but Esteban won't push more than this-- he's got higgledies to go and catch!]
adregem: (now there's an idea.)

oh, that won't be necessary bwahaha >:3

[personal profile] adregem 2022-04-02 11:15 am (UTC)(link)
[ Roland watches Esteban's joy roll off in waves, and it's rare for him to see someone so glad to help out. Chalk it up to Esteban being a new face or not, Roland isn't one to question somebody accepting a job so happily, so he shrugs his shoulder and smiles. He doesn't quite take Esteban's open hand, but he does walk forward, patting his arm, as if readying himself for the task ahead alongside him. ]

Heh. I guess 'fun' is one way to look at it. Alrighty. Let's make this interesting...If you can find more higgledies with chocolate than I can, you can keep a handful for yourself. Consider it a prize for the help.

[ Roland has a considerably strong feeling he'll lose this, but really, when the true goal is to get the candy accounted for, aren't they all winners? ]

Ready?
crowneddragon: (Round_eyes)

Love the "strange/rare animal sighted" vibe XD

[personal profile] crowneddragon 2022-04-02 06:23 pm (UTC)(link)
[Oh! He hadn't actually expected it, but he's glad Roland is tagging along!]

"Yep!" [Still, he has to shake his head at the offer for chocolates, even if it doesn't remove the smile from his face.] "Thanks, but I'm good~ I like helpin' out people! And fairies too," [he adds with a small snicker.]

[So, there's a dozen higgledies with chocolates in hiding, but how many are actually about? Esteban doesn't know just yet, but he is determined to find out! The half-elf takes a deep breath as he turns to face the carriage, grinning and letting his voice carry his warning.]


"One's for the silver, two's for the sungrass~
Three's is the golden, the one that we saw last~
Fourth is the rustgrass, fifth is the bronze~
Sixth is the icegrass; the nights all get long~
Hide from the darkness, hide from the moonlight,
Hide from the floodings, but don't get a fright!~"

"Ready or not! Here we come!"

[Play hard to work hard. Esteban hardly ever does things halfway, so of course it follows that he would offer the higgledies a tiny piece of his home this way; a childhood song to tie in with the game. He's not the best of singers, but it's not what matters when all he wants is to share in a bit of joy with the little sprites.]