who: Helena and others! what: March catchall log when: All month where: Across campus warnings: Potential gore, body horror, psychological horror in dreamscapes.
[ ♫♫♫ --- the forest changes under his feet - scent first, from the damp underbrush into something more hazy. brighter, while the air grows warmer, closer to actual spring - unseasonably warm, but the transition is slow and easy. curls around the hands, the legs, until it reaches him fully. the crunch of twigs and leaves under his feet - is it louder? did his body always feel like this? are things more intense, that he just didn't pay mind to? boggling the mind, distractions upon distractions until...
he breaks the tree line, and the sky above him is blue, vast. the sun shines down gently, and the woods he walked through are not the same - they've altered into types he hasn't seen before, and the field that stretches before him is vast, dotted with wildflowers, tall grass. it feels alive - it feels open, free. the breeze blows, and in the distance, past the fence, there's a figure dressed in what could be white, or light blue. far off, but reachable, hair blowing in the breeze, still for now.
thoughts that aren't his own, impressions instead of feelings. calm, to explore, to run as far as his legs can take him. to exist and fill his lungs with the air, as if one could fill themselves so much they became part of the earth.
[ He feels lighter, breathing easier, as if something knotted tight in his chest is finally loosening. Around him, the world comes into sharper focus — not visually, but the sensations and sounds and scents that his body perceives are somehow more distinct than anything he recalls, tugging at his attention all at once. What could have been overwhelming, sensory overload, is pleasant instead. The breeze brushes against his cheeks and flutters through his hair in a caress, soothing away the thoughts that led him through the forest, any qualms about his new surroundings. The air is fresh and invigorating; it's a warm, welcoming place.
It feels good and right to be here. Invited to drink in the picturesque view, Alice lets his steps slow, moving onward through the grass whispering against his legs. He's spotted the figure in the distance, gradually not so far away as he draws closer.
Anything can happen, but for now, they're both here to appreciate nature, to savor freedom given form, and he won't disturb the peace. ]
[it's Helena, he'll notice as he draws near. one hand raised up in the sky, and the twittering of birdsong will reach his ears. something small is moving on her hand, palm sized - it's a bird, fluttering its wings but not yet departing. the two stand there as a breeze comes, rustles the grass and clothes, hair, the distant, distant sound of water.
spring is here, everything says. spring, full of life and wonder, where things become. the impression of something untouched, left to form of its own accord. happiness, calm, smooth marble under the fingertips. easy morning, without forgetting something. a day off? or just a day one looked forward to.
the fence he will reach is wooden, but the gate can be pushed open, for the lock hasn't been set, and her voice might reach him.]
...Papa said you have to go. You have to fly now.
[but it's warm enough that she's not objecting to her friend's reluctance to depart. just waiting, patiently, for it to make up its mind.]
[ Recognition is a reminder, the coalescing realization that Helena Adams was there, in the forest, and now they're both here. It seems a shame to spoil the tranquility by overthinking any of it — the clear blue sky overhead and the meadow all around them promise some needed respite, away from the waking world. A light nudge opens the gate quietly.
On Helena's side of the fence, Alice hesitates. He would hate to startle her or her friend! The little chirping bird will spread its wings when it's ready to accept their parting. It must be attached to its human companion, secure in trusting her, to perch in her palm like that.
No doubt Helena Adams can hear his footfalls anyway, no matter how carefully he attempts to walk through the grass. ]
[she can, but she's not startled - she turns with a smile on her face, bringing her hand down where the bird still perches. it twitters, but not in a way that seems scared - just curious as to who this may be coming to see them. its eyes are bright, and she smiles in a way that belies no cares at all.]
Have you come to see them off? Maybe they were waiting for you this entire time.
[ For him? He doubts it, and he should say something to reveal his identity, but it's uplifting to see Helena's smile, a sight to match the scenery. His own lips curve upwards at the corners of his mouth, too, shaping something soft and pleased; he can feel it. Though it's invisible to Helena, it comes with a chuckle to make it audible.
Yes, he's decided. He's here to meet this inquisitive bird, to wish it a safe journey. ]
Indeed... I shall thank you both for waiting so patiently, then.
[and lifting the bird back up, Alice can see it better - an ordinary sparrow, with dark eyes and a dark beak, mottled wings.]
This is my friend - I found them in the grass some weeks ago, but they were hurt. We had to stay together until they healed and were strong enough to go out on their own, to return to the skies. But...we came outside, and now they don't wish to fly away.
[a look of confusion creases her forehead.]
So I brought them back here, to where I found them, but that hasn't worked yet either. They belong in the sky...not my house.
[ How endearing... The sparrow isn't the slightest bit frightened to experience another encounter with a human, and the tale of its friendship with Helena has the same charm as the landscape.
Whether or not Helena measures the distance between them by means of her hearing, Alice bends his knees to get himself somewhat closer to eye level for the bird, uttering a contemplative sound on the heels of Helena's explanation. ]
Why, they've plainly grown fond of you, so farewells are saddening. Perhaps they merely need more time to make certain that they can return whenever they please to see you again? The world is large, after all, and they were already injured... This location must remind them of what happened, but also of meeting their rescuer that day. Naturally, the good memories are more appealing.
But surely there are also good memories of flight, of being able to go wherever one wants at a moment's notice. If I had wings, I'd fly all over the earth, to experience everything I could.
[but Alice does speak a kind of logic, and she makes a thoughtful sound as the bird cocks its head at Alice, observing him from its contented perch.]
It can always come back, so long as it knows the way.
[ Helena's feathered friend seems not just inquisitive, but intelligent! Its observant gaze certainly gives Alice the impression that it's listening to every word of the conversation, and it understands — yet it hasn't moved to embrace boundless freedom.
He hums in turn, thinking aloud. ]
Could that be the problem? Long-distance travel must be challenging... There are so many landmarks to memorize. This field alone is quite the space to cover for such a small bird!
[ As he straightens up, Alice casts a look around them. The world is so wide, filled with so much to discover. The warm breeze whispers it. ]
No...this is the first time we've been together this far. I had them with me near the house, but they never seemed inclined to fly too far then. And to explore everything...we'd need days.
[that part, she says happily. this land is more than big enough for her to enjoy, to wander as she pleases so long as she remembers the way home. but there's also so much to see and do, small wonders to find, and the weather is fine enough for now.]
Wait - do you think they don't have a home of their own? That maybe they're lost because they have no place to roost?
[ It's a rather sad thought, the notion that a clever bird like this knows the meaning of loneliness, bereft of any home. For some moments, Alice lapses into silence, shifting his weight with a rustle of grass as his gaze comes to rest on Helena and her avian company again. No wonder the sparrow has grown so reluctant to leave her side! ]
Well, it's possible...
[ He doesn't know much about sparrow families, but a storm could blow a nest from a tree with ease, and birds face the threat of hungry predators to avoid... This bird might have endured all kinds of upsetting events. ]
And now that they've found a place that feels safe, they have a home, and of course they aren't in a hurry to leave. I suppose they could even be waiting to experience everything with you, their new featherless sister, and show you around!
[the word sister makes her brighten, gasp a little - the very concept is exciting! considering something for a moment, she then reaches up to Alice's shoulder - she has to go on tiptoe - and gently, gently deposits the bird to sit there. he's taller, it'll give the bird more height.]
I've got it, then! Let's spend a while exploring with them, and then when we go back, we'll build them a house for outdoors! They'll get the best of both worlds - they don't have to permanently leave, and they have space for their own, but today we can experience it all from a new perspective!
[because why not? because what could weigh on them and call to duty and interfere? this dream invites them to breathe, to do things that are simple - there's no harm in following.]
[ As soon as Alice catches on to Helena's idea, he holds very still, waiting for the bird to make itself comfortable on his shoulder. What an honor, to be entrusted with providing a higher vantage point while Helena's friend isn't in the mood to fly just yet! As for Helena herself, her visible delight assures him that they've arrived at the correct conclusion.
The sparrow's chirps seem to convey its agreement. ]
The perfect plan! Well then, where shall we begin?
[ They're all in position, so Alice moves to follow Helena. ]
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alice.
---
the forest changes under his feet - scent first, from the damp underbrush into something more hazy. brighter, while the air grows warmer, closer to actual spring - unseasonably warm, but the transition is slow and easy. curls around the hands, the legs, until it reaches him fully. the crunch of twigs and leaves under his feet - is it louder? did his body always feel like this? are things more intense, that he just didn't pay mind to? boggling the mind, distractions upon distractions until...
he breaks the tree line, and the sky above him is blue, vast. the sun shines down gently, and the woods he walked through are not the same - they've altered into types he hasn't seen before, and the field that stretches before him is vast, dotted with wildflowers, tall grass. it feels alive - it feels open, free. the breeze blows, and in the distance, past the fence, there's a figure dressed in what could be white, or light blue. far off, but reachable, hair blowing in the breeze, still for now.
thoughts that aren't his own, impressions instead of feelings. calm, to explore, to run as far as his legs can take him. to exist and fill his lungs with the air, as if one could fill themselves so much they became part of the earth.
the world is so, so wide. anything can happen.]
no subject
It feels good and right to be here. Invited to drink in the picturesque view, Alice lets his steps slow, moving onward through the grass whispering against his legs. He's spotted the figure in the distance, gradually not so far away as he draws closer.
Anything can happen, but for now, they're both here to appreciate nature, to savor freedom given form, and he won't disturb the peace. ]
no subject
spring is here, everything says. spring, full of life and wonder, where things become. the impression of something untouched, left to form of its own accord. happiness, calm, smooth marble under the fingertips. easy morning, without forgetting something. a day off? or just a day one looked forward to.
the fence he will reach is wooden, but the gate can be pushed open, for the lock hasn't been set, and her voice might reach him.]
...Papa said you have to go. You have to fly now.
[but it's warm enough that she's not objecting to her friend's reluctance to depart. just waiting, patiently, for it to make up its mind.]
no subject
On Helena's side of the fence, Alice hesitates. He would hate to startle her or her friend! The little chirping bird will spread its wings when it's ready to accept their parting. It must be attached to its human companion, secure in trusting her, to perch in her palm like that.
No doubt Helena Adams can hear his footfalls anyway, no matter how carefully he attempts to walk through the grass. ]
no subject
Have you come to see them off? Maybe they were waiting for you this entire time.
no subject
Yes, he's decided. He's here to meet this inquisitive bird, to wish it a safe journey. ]
Indeed... I shall thank you both for waiting so patiently, then.
no subject
[and lifting the bird back up, Alice can see it better - an ordinary sparrow, with dark eyes and a dark beak, mottled wings.]
This is my friend - I found them in the grass some weeks ago, but they were hurt. We had to stay together until they healed and were strong enough to go out on their own, to return to the skies. But...we came outside, and now they don't wish to fly away.
[a look of confusion creases her forehead.]
So I brought them back here, to where I found them, but that hasn't worked yet either. They belong in the sky...not my house.
no subject
Whether or not Helena measures the distance between them by means of her hearing, Alice bends his knees to get himself somewhat closer to eye level for the bird, uttering a contemplative sound on the heels of Helena's explanation. ]
Why, they've plainly grown fond of you, so farewells are saddening. Perhaps they merely need more time to make certain that they can return whenever they please to see you again? The world is large, after all, and they were already injured... This location must remind them of what happened, but also of meeting their rescuer that day. Naturally, the good memories are more appealing.
no subject
[but Alice does speak a kind of logic, and she makes a thoughtful sound as the bird cocks its head at Alice, observing him from its contented perch.]
It can always come back, so long as it knows the way.
no subject
He hums in turn, thinking aloud. ]
Could that be the problem? Long-distance travel must be challenging... There are so many landmarks to memorize. This field alone is quite the space to cover for such a small bird!
[ As he straightens up, Alice casts a look around them. The world is so wide, filled with so much to discover. The warm breeze whispers it. ]
Have you explored every corner together?
no subject
[that part, she says happily. this land is more than big enough for her to enjoy, to wander as she pleases so long as she remembers the way home. but there's also so much to see and do, small wonders to find, and the weather is fine enough for now.]
Wait - do you think they don't have a home of their own? That maybe they're lost because they have no place to roost?
no subject
Well, it's possible...
[ He doesn't know much about sparrow families, but a storm could blow a nest from a tree with ease, and birds face the threat of hungry predators to avoid... This bird might have endured all kinds of upsetting events. ]
And now that they've found a place that feels safe, they have a home, and of course they aren't in a hurry to leave. I suppose they could even be waiting to experience everything with you, their new featherless sister, and show you around!
no subject
I've got it, then! Let's spend a while exploring with them, and then when we go back, we'll build them a house for outdoors! They'll get the best of both worlds - they don't have to permanently leave, and they have space for their own, but today we can experience it all from a new perspective!
[because why not? because what could weigh on them and call to duty and interfere? this dream invites them to breathe, to do things that are simple - there's no harm in following.]
no subject
The sparrow's chirps seem to convey its agreement. ]
The perfect plan! Well then, where shall we begin?
[ They're all in position, so Alice moves to follow Helena. ]