And the wind smells slow and sour when it blows

[whichwayyoulean]

Who: The Once-ler and YOU!
What: Nightmares
When: Friday
Where: HIS MIND
Rating: Uh PG/PG13.


[You'd be forgiven for thinking you've entered a pleasant dream, rather than a horrific nightmare here. You've arrived in Truffula Valley, a peaceful, wonderful place that almost puts Paradisa's created beauty to shame. Forest creatures are scurrying about, singing and playing and generally going about their business.

The sky is bright blue, the sun is shining and the waters of the nearby river and pond are crystal clear. And most importantly there are miles upon miles upon miles of Truffula trees. For anyone the Once-ler described these trees to, he wasn't kidding. The touch of their tufts really is softer than silk and that comforting, wonderful smell? Fresh butterfly milk baby.

Nothing good lasts forever, and there's a general unease about the place. A disjointed sort of feel, like someone's putting on a play and you've already been told everyone dies at the end]

[[ooc: Sections: Pretty Valley | Dying Valley | Dead Valley ]]

Comments

[whichwayyoulean]

It's really like this. If it's mimicking it, it's doing a really good job.

[whichwayyoulean]

My home is fine. [He waves towards the factory] And the animals still have a place to live, jeez. Don't get your furry panties in a bunch.

[whichwayyoulean]

Oh gee. Thanks, Zelos. You're a real pal.

[At least his tone doesn't hold any real malice of any sort in it]

[courageous_wit]

Something still doesn't feel right. I haven't heard from anyone on the journals. Usually when there's a world change, there's quite the explosion of surprise and irritation from everyone.

Why the silence now?

[ino]

See. [she pauses, discreetly covering her mouth to clear her throat] I have some good suggestions.

[amiable]

I don't understand what's going on. Where am I?

[mom_to_us_all]

[Perks her ears at the bag--marshmallows!? Of course! Luna had shared some with her so many moons ago. She stares at the bag intently until he speaks again.]

I don't think I've ever been in this Valley before. It's beautiful though. Do you live here?

[whichwayyoulean]

You're in Truffula Valley. [He says this as if it's obvious]

...Did you just arrive or something?

[whichwayyoulean]

I don't know about you, but I can't find my journal anywhere. It's gone, and I'm pretty sure they're supposed to follow us everywhere.

[whichwayyoulean]

[Too bad he catches that, missy. A pained look crosses his face for a moment, before he levels it out into something a little more blank]

Oh? You do?

[cyan_maid]

[She glances at the name plate, but she's not going to say anything about it.]

Have you been by yourself this whole time, or have you seen anyone else?

[amiable]

Is that what this place is? [ It sounds like a type of food...

Her eyes wander, taking in the sight of the trees, the sky, the grass, the animals... did she just walk into some drug-induced fantasy? Or is this Once-ler's world? ]

Um... yeah!

[wilder]

[he grins]

Hey anytime!

[ino]

[fff. she totally catches that :( but she plays it off like she didn't, smiling]

I just gave you one, duh. But all the other suggestions I've given you have been pretty good, too.

[whichwayyoulean]

It's the most beautiful place in the world, right? And yeah, I live here.

[He'll dig into the bag and offer her one]

Want one? They're pretty delicious. Pipsqueak here loves them, dontch'a Pip?

[The Bar-ba-loot is eyeing Ammy carefully. You are not native to this valley wolfy thing]

[whichwayyoulean]

Other people from the castle showed up, but eventually they vanished. [He'll open the door to let her in]

[whichwayyoulean]

Yeah, it's named after the trees. [He'll point at one of the many, many trees dotting the landscape, their tufts blowing gently in the breeze]

Well, if you want town, it's about a mile thataway. [He jerks a thumb southwards]

[whichwayyoulean]

Now comes the question of how long we have to stay here before...something happens.

[Which is kind of funny given how Zelos might notice he's beginning to fade]

[whichwayyoulean]

...I have to admit, you are pretty good at that.

[Yeah he's still eyeing you worriedly. Ino please don't die from smogulous smoke]

[wilder]

[oh, he definitely notices. His eyes widen a little bit as he looks at his hand- What the hell? Maybe he should mention something---]

[Nah. Let's not freak him out]

Heh, good question...

[amiable]

[ She's captivated by the colours alone. They're so vibrant and they look... so soft. Like they were made of pastel crayons or something. Instead of taking Once-ler's directions on where the town is, she strides forward, gazing up at the trees curiously. ]

They're... so pretty! Are they real?

[courageous_wit]

Hm, maybe I can figure out something in my bag. [she searches around but comes up with nothing] My bag is gone, too! I always keep it on me. There is something very strange going on.

[cyan_maid]

[Still a gentleman, even when you're so sad? She smiles a little at this and walks inside.]

Vanished? Without any warning at all?

[ino]

That's because I know what I'm talking about! You should just appoint me your official Suggestion-Giver.

[whichwayyoulean]

You can get a little badge and a sash and everything. [He kicks at the blanket with his foot, trying to make it hold back the smog, at least for a little longer]

Maybe even a crown.