paradisalogs | And the wind smells slow and sour when it blows

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 ]]

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[She pauses at that. Maybe he doesn't know her voice yet, but why is he being a jerk? Not in the usual, difficult way, but really just... A jerk.]

What are you doing with them, anyway?

[The Once-ler gives her an incredulous sort of look]

What do you mean? I'm using them to cut down the trees. [He gestures at the little grove of Truffulas that she is, indeed, blocking his way to] Everyone knows that's where Thneeds come from, seesh.

Actually, I didn't, but...

[She frowns and looks around, then back at Once-ler with a bit more frustration in her expression.] You're really messing this place up.

[Oh. Oh so that's why she's here. The Once-ler's expression turns even more sour]

So he's getting people to come and plead his case for him now too? Well it's not working. [He raises his voice, as if to be heard by something...or someone nearby] You hear me? It's not working!

[He turns his attention back to Rapunzel] Look, whatever he told you is a lie. I know exactly what I'm doing and I have every right to keep right on doing it.

[Blink blink staaaaaaaaare blink.]

Who are you talking about? And do you, really? I mean, I bet there are animals or people living on this land.

The Lorax. You know, pain in the backside Speaks for the Trees? Kind of short and never stops talking?

[The Once-ler shrugs, seemingly not bothered by that statement] All the people live in Thneedville and the animals have their own little pockets of land. They're fine.

[Except they're not fine. Because one of those 'little pockets' happens to be right in front of them. A couple of bar-ba-loots peer out at Rapunzel from the bushes. Save them long haired lady]

[Oh gosh animals. Rapunzel would have more words for Once-ler, but she's distracted by the poor little things, heading over to them slowly and carefully.

Then she does glare over her shoulder at Once-ler.] Fine? Really?

[The bar-ba-loots, once quite curious about humanity now have a very good reason to shy away. They scuttle a little further into the undergrowth, afraid]

They are fine. They don't stand in front of the machines like some people. They'll just head off to another safe place.

[Rapunzel sighs heavily and backs away before turning on The Once-ler.]

How do you know? I mean-- What safe place? Do you think you're the only one who's doing things like this to places that probably used to be beautiful?

Of course I'm the only one doing it, it's my valley. All the Truffula trees are owned by Thneed. Inc. I've got it in writing and everything.

[He waves his hand in some vague direction] And there's definitely a reserve or something...somewhere. And those parts still have your precious beautiful nature-y areas, ok?

I mean in other places! All those safe places you think are out there are probably just as destroyed as this -- Do you even know if there's a reserve?

Of course I know there's a reserve. I'm the president of the company. I'd make sure there was still a reserve.

[His resolve falters for a second, though. They did make that final push on the left side of the valley...]

Look, whatever. It's not like they haven't got anywhere to go to. I've heard this a thousand times from the Lorax already. So beat it.

I'm not going to "beat it"! Would you just listen? Gosh, why is this so important; cutting this all down?

Because I need the trees to make my Thneeds, are you paying even the tiniest bit of attention.

[He folds his arms, glowering at her]

Look, I can't face a lawsuit for running you over, so just get out of the way and go back to defending puppies or something.

...What is a Thneed?

[The Once-ler pauses, looking at her like she grew an extra head]

Okay, now I definitely know you're crazy. Everyone knows what a Thneed is, because everyone wants one.

I am not crazy!

The fact you're standing in front of forestry equipment and refusing to move kind of suggests otherwise.

...You know what, maybe you were right.

About what kind of person you are.

Edited 2012-10-05 21:42 (UTC)

...I have no idea what you're talking about. I haven't even met you before today. But sure, okay, I'll bite. What kind of person am I?

Yes, you have. And I'm talking about how you said I only think you're an alright person because I'm naive.

Noooo, I haven't. Unless you talked to me at a press release? I don't know, I speak to a lot of people, but I sure haven't said anything like that.

Now will you go away and let me work?

...Fine.

But this is really horrible.

You can write a letting to my P.A people. They'll deal with you.

[He gestures with his hand for her to move aside, before starting back to the axe hacker]

[...And so she does.]

(no subject)

whichwayyoulean - 2012-10-06 15:43 (UTC) - Expand