planning the ent

[23:02] A confluence of a purpose brings forth a passage of like-minded discussion held deeper within Waystone's recesses. Here the suites grow lavish and the silence paves the way for creative minds to churn information.

Sat upon one edge of a poised discussion table exhibits the countenance of one Jude Cirque. Eyes piqued before the Proprietor and long time friend across him as the aging mind exposes a newfound wisdom before the collected menagerie of items within the Cirque's care.

"I've always had a dream," he opens, hands clutching betwixt fingers as they interlock; elbows nestling before the wooden tabletop with ennui remaining riddled before his façade. "Call it a far cry, yet the miracle of alchemy had never been under the proper spotlight within Esshar, don't you think?"

"Master Artificers, Forgemasters, Anvil Lords. So many titles for those who wield the hammer, and yet 'tyr' acts as the primary title held by those that care to grace the cauldron."

"Isn't that quite disappointing?" A prefaced disposition. An utter lack of attainments befalling his own realm of expertise; cast aside for more lasting accomplishments of arms and armor.

He nestles upon his seat, inching deeper as his spine leans backwards. "I hope to change this facet. Most especially considering the epiphany I've obtained."
(Jude Cirque)
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[23:09] The alchemical. Such was realm of tinkering and experimentation that the Proprietor himself had not delved into in any proper or in-depth capacity, beyond the surface level extent which had enabled him to grow a substantial fortune off of the back of.

Such was ever a bustling market within Esshar. The need for potions was quite fantastic in terms of profits and bustling business--

And yet, just as the Cirque before him had spoken, never had it truly been an area which took up a spotlight within Esshar. Much such space was lent unto forgemasters such as the Okabe himself, or his cousin Leonidas -- One of, if not, the greatest mind of their generation.

"I get what ya mean. It's always there, y'got dozens upon dozens of alchemists... And yet none of 'em really seem t'do anythin' special with it, eh?"

"So many uses for common potions, and yet there's not been much of an attempt to create anythin' really profaned or more exuberant."

The tales of alchemy, even in the far distant past of Agartha and Valmasia yet remained quite limited.

But...

An epiphany?

"Color me intrigued. It's rare I get t'hear out your own genius, so go on, I'd like t'hear it."
(Majin mir Okabe)
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[23:15] "Simply put, I foresee a chance to plant a tree of life."

Topical, most definitely considering the aspect imposed by Moxtli's recent endeavors. A likeminded attempt, yet more focused to the wishes of one than many.

"One capable of the acts of transmutation far beyond what human hands are capable of, yet something nature itself finds to be adept and unimpeded by." The miracle of creation and life. Where budding life-signs flicker into baptism as the very aspect of temperance exhale from mother nature's own figure. "Now imagine such with the aid of a careful hand imposed by an alchemist like I."

"A self-grown being to contrive in the aid of one who wishes to unlock nature's true potential." Eyes shave off toward Majin's flank; a study of his reaction plaguing cerulean hues, expectantly gauging the man's response.

"Simply put. A collaboration betwixt man and nature to unlock the secrets of alchemy. Not a mere potion, yet surely something that far surpasses the mere corner alchemist's measly dreams."
(Jude Cirque)
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[23:23] "Hmm... A tree of life, eh?"

Naturally, the tree of life, in reference to Yggdrasil itself, was nigh anathema to the Okabe, something which if exposed unto his profaned flesh, would likely be liable to destroy him completely as a blight upon Eternia.

But, he understood that there was something much more meant by the Cirque's statement, intrigue clearly expressed upon his face.

"Transmutation and all that kinda stuff was never a subject I managed t'really grip my head around. I was much more fitted to the forge if y'couldn't tell."

"But... If there's any way I can lend a hand to this -- You've done plenty t'help me in the past. Consider it just me returnin' the favor."

Remembering debts was something the Okabe, in spite of his rather fel-inclined ways, found himself surprisingly honorbound to.

Never would to skip upon such, be it for protecting one's reputation, or simply out of his goodwill.

"D'ya think this is somethin' that would help us feasibly at all? Even if it isn't, I don't mind helpin' out if it's a dream of yours."
(Majin mir Okabe)
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[23:34] "My good friend Majin, we've been in this business for far too long," he hums. The length in which the Network had unveiled their own brand of passing barters and ways to grow wealthy had been immeasurable. Henceforth, "Why in the world would I invest in something that would not provide any form of gain?"

Perhaps not unheard of, what with philanthropy and the esoteric nature of merely acquiring useless goods, there was a clear division between such and the Cirque's intention.

There had been a definitive goal set in his mind.

"The outcome will remain shrouded in mystery, yet I do hope to attain something with this. Perhaps something that would benefit the both of us for a long fragment of time." Such was the paved passage of research. The outcome merely foreseen by studied hypothesis. And yet, the educated guess imposed had riled enough assurance for the pursuance of such an idea.

"Allow me to elaborate," he foretells. "Within my laboratory, I had been harboring something for years. Something obtained within one of our travels. Small, at the time, yet now bustling with potential that had been pent up for years."

"The essence of an Ent. Of course."

"Its current holdings are far too small now. The lab might be spacious, yet it cannot contain such a towering creature like such." To allow growth, a plant requires space. Any lack thereof leaves one to shrink or, worse, wilt.

A cant upon his head shifts. Only then does it become clear where aid becomes apparent. "I've plans to expand the underground of my laboratory. After countless observations of the soil and location, I've come to the conclusion that a tunnel can be built from such across to an open and secluded grotto. And, even further, a tunnel potentially right below Waystone Inn if we've the resources."

A connection passage. One of the plans heldpreviously by the Executives years prior, unearthed only now. "Once this Ent is of age, I believe we've much notable amount of room for its... usage."
(Jude Cirque)
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[23:43] An investment which was sure to benefit them in an assured amount of gain...

Yet no specifics given as to how it would do such.

Perhaps fortunately it was that the Okabe required no such solid answer on the subject to be content with lending his aid, and thus he fell silent, listening to what Jude could provide in way of an explanation.

"Essence, y'say? If you need any of... My particular tricks in regard t'gettin' that stuff down, don't be afraid to ask."

Naturally, as a Supreme Warlock, his talents for such a thing were quite honed. Essence manipulation was amongst one of the first skills any growing disciple of Hel came to learn and master, and thus within his hands, such a material was but clay.

Though similar things could be said for the spiritmancer who stood across from him.

In fact his talents were practically on the opposite side of the spectrum, in the middle ground betwixt where Majin stood anda fledged blessing of Avalon.

"If y'need t'make any expansions, then go ahead. We've got the resources, and the time for that kinda stuff."

"Just a matter of gettin' it done."

A grotto beneath the Waystone was a strangely appealing idea to him. Perhaps just the different kinds of varied scenery which could be put on display within the true menagerie that was the Waystone itself was something that properly enticed his visions.

"You've definitely got me interested in helpin' though... I might even have a few materials I can lend that might be relevant."

"The heart of a dryad, for one. I think it could be helpful given the subject matter."
(Majin mir Okabe)
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[00:12] "Grand."

The foray into a new project. To uncover new secrets amidst the formalities of what they had bore now. A marching onslaught of newfound vigor.

It was exhilarating. "Once I have everything in-order, I'll see which of those within our pay would be capable for aiding in the project." A varied notion of people, all to build upon an outcome portrayed with success.

And whence the mention of a Dryad's heart allows the Cirque to fluctuate with mild surprise. "This heart will be of great use, I believe. Many plans to unveil..."

"Until then, I believe I will endorse a more proper description of goals once we grow closer to such an event." Plans held back, left to fester and build before their confluence shines anew.
(Jude Cirque)