A New Leaf

Bright, sunny rays filtered through the dazzling canopy of the forest.  Birds chirped and flew from tree to tree; squirrels chased each other while woodpeckers drilled for food.  Though it was a bright day, it was a day with room to be filled with productivity.  The pleasures of growing and living in the protection of the forest didn't come for free.  It was a matter of respect to make sure the place be clean, kempt, and altogether in an orderly fashion.  Folus, the taller-than-average Deku was commonly seen walking the grounds of the Sacred Grove, taking note of many matter a thing: first, who was doing what chore; second, what chores were neglected; third, anything out of the ordinary; and finally, things that needed to be done the next day.  It was truly best if the upkeep was kept to the schedule he had created.  What with everyone's talents, their strengths, and his capabilities for organization, there was really no reason that his schedules shouldn't be honored.  He sighed, for though he loved his new home in the Sacred Grove, he took on the responsibilities of being the overseer, as it were, of the denizens there.  The playful Kokiri had no cares in the world, so long as they could play.  The Korok were just as aimless, though with more intent to play tricks on people.  The Deku, however, knew what it was like to live in a structured environment.  Or at least, Folus knew they remembered what living in the Southern Swamp was like.  But, with no King or Queen to rule them, not many people gave the butler the same respect as they once did.  Which was natural, Folus supposed - traditions do change over time.  

It's just important to embrace the traditions people have.  And as he wandered the grounds of the Grove, taking notes on any erroneous details or happenings there, he pondered what the newer traditions of the Grove were.  Obviously, it wasn't his native land, and he dare not bother the Deku Tree with frivolities such as tradition.  But in the Swamp, they had yearly feasts, monthly dances, seasonal festivals dedicated to their ancestors - he was hoping that some of those same values would be present here, but they... weren't.  Nobody took it seriously.  But he dare not let his insecurity show, for the people would endlessly shame him.  Were these people even grateful for what they had?  For the mission that Folus carried out as the King and Queen's last wish?  Surely they were.  He just wanted to see people take it seriously.  But they had a tendency to avoid him.  And he knew quite well why - the only things that were to come out of his mouth were instructions, scolds, or praises for acceptable behavior.  He was a monitor.

While his musings occupied his mind, he was quick to notice Koroks waddling out of the hollow of a tree, only to catch a ride with their Korok leaves and drift in the breeze, spinning and laughing.  And then he saw Sip, Sap, and Sop moaning as they hauled garbage to their respective locations.  Finally, he saw Saphe dusting the cobwebs atop her home.  He came to discuss business with her, as he did every day, but he was genuinely interested in her wellbeing.  He knew she held similar values to his own, and in his time at the Grove he came to respect her greatly.  "Hail, Saphe" his formal salutation carried on a crisp, deep voice.  "How are you this morning?"

Saphe's ears perked at a familiar voice then rose from her crouch to notice a rather notable figure within the Sacred Grove - Folus. Truth be told, she had very little dealings with the Deku but she seldom shied away like most of the folks that lived here. She was the boss and from time to time, Saphe had to face responsibilities whether she enjoyed them or not. So she stood straight up, quite disheveled by her sudden urge to cleanliness that left one of Gertrude's webbing caught on the left side of her pigtails. The Kokiri also appeared rather stern herself, which wasn't surprising at all. Saphe had a reputation for her scowl, which in turn left her the most intimidating person in all of Faron Woods. But, that came from the Great Deku Tree's children alone and they often exaggerate the details.

"Oh, hey Folus." The Kokiri boss replied, "Taking your daily strolls?"

She had an inkling on the Deku butler's itinerary and from time to time, she picked on his habits out of boredom. For one, he took his position rather seriously with a high degree of grace and respect. Saphe wasn't one for duty or leadership, but she tried her best in most circumstances. Folus also done the same but to a different level of pedigree she was unfamiliar with. However, this was to be expected especially from a group of settlers out of Hyrule. Saphe couldn't why they would leave their homeland in the first place but she never voiced her thoughts on it.

He couldn't help but glance at the dangling cobweb in her pigtail; her spider must have made another intricate design. Such things were beautifully crafted, but they belonged further up in the trees. He maintained a smile as he spoke with Saphe. "Yes, I am. I wanted to know if you've come across anything remiss. There's been much ruckus beyond the Grove, and I wanted to consult with you about everything in our home maintaining its utmost safety. However, beyond that, how do you do?"

Folus was a strong, proud Deku whose sense of honor and duty rose above everything else. Most people knew about this, or at least, most of the people that had interacted with him did. He was a stern person whose reputation as a stalwart, rigid person was well-earned and thus, he was a well-avoided person. He rarely found that the common person would have the patience to deal with his stirrings and reinforcements, but then again, the common person did not like to be reminded of their shortcomings. But here in the forest, especially with Saphe, he was finally beginning to feel like his roots were placed in a healthy place. Every day on his strolls the words of his Royal Family and the Great Deku Tree stirred in his mind, reminding him of his purpose. Let the Deku thrive, and to help protect this Sacred Grove.

His job was easier with Saphe being the boss of the Kokiri. He sometimes wondered how she dealt with her reputation of being a 'bossypants,' but then again, the Kokiri were notorious for not taking things seriously. And while reputations meant a great deal to Folus, he tried to think of the reasoning behind them. He liked it when people were considered 'bossy,' or figures who were in a seat of responsibility and had the drive to ensure others took their fair share of it. So, he admired Saphe for her actions and morals. It was just difficult for him to speak without sounding so formal.

Folus concerns beyond their home was well-placed and even Saphe had thought about it from time to time. In fact, the temple deep within the forest had stirred the local populace into disarray, with monstrous foes hidden in the crooks and shadows of that place accompanied with a strange blight to the green foliage. Thankfully, the grove was far from there yet some of the Koroks had become getting sick, as though their energies had been sapped by the malevolent spell casted upon the ruins. It had been like that for some time and while it was in their best interest to seek out more information on the miasma, forces had taken up shelter near the ruins - soldiers from Hyrule.

A scowl crossed Saphe's face but it wasn't directed to anyone in particular. "Some of the Koroks have been getting sick. Also the other kids have been hit with a wave of fatigue, namely the foragers like Bello and Hemma. They should be fine with some bedrest but its a problem. A strange mist had settled on most of the forest grounds and its making it harder for travel. The grove should be fine thanks to the Great Deku Tree but we might be cut off soon if nothing is done." Saphe sighed, brushing the web away from her hair. "Although, Mipo saw lots of soldiers in the forest near the ruins. Maybe their investigating it too." Of course, she wasn't definite on whether that was the reason for the encampment but she wouldn't go outta her way to find out. The grove had been fairly secured and it had been thousand of years since someone other than the Deku had set foot into the boundaries of their home. She aimed to keep it that way.

"Not too happy about those Hylians near our home."

The young Kokiri leader gave it a thought. It wasn't a bad idea to begin with but they had to tread carefully if they were to begin an investigation. Hylians are not very forthcoming when it came to situations such as this and with how they handled most of the land, it wasn't difficult to say they were reliable as a whole. Saphe had much to think about in a short amount of time and she knew Folus would begin in a most timely manner that's more suited to his liking. So she had no qualms about it - instead taking the opportunity to seek out info as a field day away from her chores. Of course, her people as well as the others in the Grove required action on their end and Saphe didn't think lightly of them. As much as they annoyed her, they were family - all of them as Grandfather often reminded her.

"I agree." The Kokiri groaned, taking the last bundle of webbing in-between two sticks. Gertrude wasn't going to be happy with that. "We'll let the others know that on the way out." Naturally, Saphe would prefer to keep the others in the dark in fear of a panic within the Grove but she knew well enough that word will get out sooner or later. Thankfully, Folus was more gifted in speech than herself and often relied on his skill to communicate with others.

"Let's go." With that being said, she hopped down from the roof of her home, sticks in hand then looked back to Folus. "The sooner, the better, right?"

Saphe stopped in her trek, having heard Folus with his question. Naturally, the girl would avoid it entirely if it were up to her alone, but no. There was good reason for it and Folus wasn't one to make bad suggestions. Still, she wasn't happy with either choice since this was mere speculation at best. There was a lot they didn't know other than a sickness was here and all around the Scared Grove. Then, it was the possible reaction from the forest folks - whether it be fear, depression or straight up shock - Saphe didn't know how to remedy that other than to figure out what the heck was going on in the forest.

"I feel like it's stupid." The Kokiri Boss spat out. "But our peoples have to know from us, if they haven't realized what's happening right now." Another sigh of exasperation came forth, feeling the weigh of the leadership already this early in the day. "We should have a meeting at my house. It is the largest space for all of us and probably the cleanest."

With that being said, Saphe continued to follow Folus, somewhat begrudgingly while her thoughts occupied the forest beyond their grove. Just how much has our forest been poisoned?

Saphe nodded in agreement since there wasn't much protest from her at all. In fact, the Kokiri boss rarely argued with Folus on anything, seeing on how much their governance were all in all of the same pod. Still, she was still a rather grump and from times, doesn't communicate without sabotage from her own image. Alas, that was the price of Saphe being herself and thankfully, Folus doesn't seem to mind that at all... or at least when he's around her.

"Alright. Swing by soon. We gotta talk business." With that being said, she dashed off to the opposite direction, practically disappearing from sight. Some of the Koroks that stood nearby twirled in their places, completely dazed by the sheer speed before stumbling over themselves. It also wasn't a surprise that Saphe was the fastest Kokiri in the Sacred Grove.



Laughter bellowed from the massive hollowed stump, along with the usual chitter-chatter from the mischievous Koroks as they took a gentle hover over the children and Deku. Of course, the latter where just as nosy, mainly coming from their shrubbery limbs as they took comfort in what could only be described as a great big bushel at the far-western side of Saphe's home. It seemed as though everyone was there, sans the very few who were too sickly and tired to join them. To the north head of the home, stood another stump that towered over all much like any podium would. It didn't find much use in the Sacred Grove, yet its bark was pristine, crisp and fragrant from the wild flowers that grew at the base. In fact, Saphe's home was rather homely and just as clean as its exterior thanks to the Know-It-All Sisters volunteer work.

Yet, despite the harmonious and maybe chaotic joy from the crowds, there was still pressing matters to attend. Saphe watched quietly from behind the podium, a little off to the side of her grand platform as she chewed the long grass of buckwheat, something she had gathered from her recent foray in the fields of Hyrule. A few eyes had wandered to her, but when Saphe had taken notice, all had quickly averted her gaze. That told the Kokiri Boss that there were a few that had some inkling on the meeting, one that she wasn't looking forward to.

Alas, she waited for Folus to speak first, soften up the crowd before the serious talk came to head.