∞ 92: Warming weather [action]

[chikaidestroyer]

[He didn't send out an announcement of any kind when they returned home. Others had already announced their dead and offered any words of encouragement or frustration.

Instead, Albert spent the days following the draft ... working on his flower beds. March had brought with it a warm spell, meaning that his seeds would be germinating and eventually sprouting. This is also the time for pulling down the dried vines from his trellises.

It's a lot of work (and a lot of garden), so he'll be out and around the house until late in the day. It's as dusk approaches that he can be found sitting on the porch, watching three tiny owls perched on the porch fencing.]

...Welcome back.

Comments

[chikaidestroyer]

It's something to pass the time. [He seems amused by the prince's fascination.] Are there not gardens in Sol-Falena, Prince?

[falenandawn]

Of course there are. [Blushing a little in embarrassment. He's not about to admit his inexperience with these things. ] I'm just.. surprised they've lived so long here.

[chikaidestroyer]

It can be difficult towards the later months. I'm sure you recall the earthquake last year.

[falenandawn]

Of course. But.... you mean the later months are always that chaotic....?

[chikaidestroyer]

Indeed. Shortly after I arrived, the rivers flooded over, drowning some residents and damaging the buildings. The next autumn was when the barrier was damaged and the town well collapsed. The autumn after that was when the Third Party invaded Luceti. And last year was the earthquake, with everything else you recall being attached to that event.

[Of course, he's paraphrasing and leaving out other events that occurred, but there definitely was a pattern of terrible things happening in autumn.]

[falenandawn]

That's terrible. [A worried look.]

So we can expect something like that this year, to?

[chikaidestroyer]

It's possible; the pattern speaks for itself. I'm sure the Organization will be vigilant this autumn if they consider this a pattern as well.

[falenandawn]

I hope so...... [It won't stop him from worrying, though. After a moment of peering at the vines, he'll pause, a thoughtful look on his face.] Might I ask.... how do you care for seedlings around this time of year? Potted ones, already sprouted.

[An odd question, to be sure. But he has his reasons.]

[chikaidestroyer]

[The change of topic is worth raising a brow, but it's a nice enough topic that Albert does not mind.]

I suppose it matters what you wish to do with them. It is somewhat early to transplant a potted plant, if that is your intention.

[falenandawn]

[That's good, because Frey isn't keen on explaining.] I'm not sure yet. It's a single flower seedling. Do those need to be transplanted?

[chikaidestroyer]

They usually do not, no. But you will want to be sure the pot you are using is large enough for the growing roots. [He pauses.] A gifted plant?

[falenandawn]

How do you know how big the roots are, though? [A pause, his cheeks warming just slightly.] Yes. A friend gave it to me. She said it was important.

[chikaidestroyer]

You will need to check the roots visually. If you can see the roots from the drainage holes in the pot, you will need a large pot. [Which is reminding him that he will probably need to have a talk with Caesar soon enough.] ...If it is important, then that's even more reason to check the roots. A small pot will stifle the plant's growth.

[falenandawn]

I'll be sure to do that, then. [Probably almost weekly, even.] She said it was precious, so I want to take good care of it.

Thank you for your advice.

[chikaidestroyer]

You are quite welcome. It's a pleasant change of pace. [Doling out gardening advice instead of tactical advice, that is.]

[falenandawn]

It is. [Just talking was nice, really. Preferable, even, in this place.]