Daphodyl floated back in surprise at the sudden bush between the two of them, placing a dainty hand over her mouth. “Oh, my! What in the earth...”
Interesting. Very, very interesting. An ecomancer... Just like Daphodyl herself. Whoever they were, they didn’t seem too in control of their powers. Perhaps she could help... “Hey, hey, it’s alright, little one. I am not here to hurt you.” Could... could this be the source of the earlier rumble? ...No, no, of course not. Such a small body couldn’t have possibly caused something like that. Could they?
Who knows. It may have been a complete coincidence. Most likely it wasn’t, but it could have been. What was more important was that there was a child in front of her, and they clearly needed some comfort. “Tell me about your troubles, darling," Daphodyl said gently, slowly and cautiously approaching the puffling.
Daphodyl grumbled softly when the peace and quiet of her work was intruded upon, but put on a smile. Of course it can never be so simple... She thought to herself, swallowing her bitterness.
“How did it happen?” The figure rang out with a melodious voice, her eyes shut. “You wouldn’t believe me if I told you. But you know Petal! How wonderful that we have that in common.”
She lowered her hands to her side and opened her eyes. The cool summer breeze tousled her hair (if it could be called hair, it was more like vines) and she smiled gently. “Oh, how rude of me to interrupt your train of thought!” She placed a hand on her chest. “Allow me to introduce myself. I am Empress Daphodyl. And you, darling, would be...?” She put a hand on her chin.
It had been a bit of a slow night for Hana, but an unhealthy dose of introspection might do that to you every now and then. Since accepting this job, she had only thought highly of Empress Daphodyl and the whole empire she was running. But that disrespect towards Miss Lillian earlier had shattered her whole frame of mind, and piecing together the fragments only helped to form a new picture entirely. And hoo boy, this one was far from a work of art.
"Oh, Daphodyl, your aura smug and wise...
facades so fragile never truly last.
Though valiant your work to keep it clean
thus far has been, it shattered all the same,
well-being disregarded for our guests.
I may be slow of mind and fast of heart,
but even I cannot ignore missteps
so blatant and so villainous that none
with Kirby pardoned would ignore them all.
Right hands are often meant to keep the peace,
but peace cannot be found, no luxury
amidst the endless toil in this fort.
In duties here I've sworn to treat you well,
but my best interest now... is to rebel."
Gripping the handle of her sword tightly, the young Leafan hopped off out of her chambers, desperate to seek out Lillian once more. Despite her high rank, Hana truly had no way of commanding the Daphodee army, seeing as their sprouts left them loyal to one being alone. One being Hana didn't exactly want to cross paths with right now, considering the nature of her mission. However, as she dashed through the fortress, she could have sworn that there was a faint smell of smoke lodged in the back of her mind.
As Hana looked for Lillian, she ran into... well, probably the last person she could have wanted to meet. Daphodyl, on her way to her own bedroom, raised an eyebrow at seeing her right hand leafan walking through the halls. "I thought I told you to get some rest, Hana. What are you doing still up and about so late?"
"Just making my last rounds for the night, doing one last security check! Thought I smelled something awry, so I went to go check if it was anything serious," Hana lied, spitting out the first excuse that came to mind. That smoky smell was probably just her imagination, but it very well could've been something real. Now she just had to hope Daph didn't take offense to the way she had jumped back in surprise.
"Smelled something?" Daphodyl sniffed the air. "I don't smell anything, darling. Now, why are you acting so... skittish? It's only me, after all." She paced around Hana. "...Something on your mind, dear?"
"I-It's just... late, is all. I probably do need to rest in a bit, honestly," Hana admitted, though she knew that it wasn't a good time for resting right now. If she went to bed, Lillian would surely be gone by the time she woke, and Hana couldn't just leave the fortress without appearing incredibly suspicious.
"You probably should. That's why I ordered you to. Don't forget that tomorrow is a new day. You need to be prepared to face it with a bright, morning smile, after all!" She put her fingers on her cheeks, smiling for emphasis.
"I know, just... Lemme finish my rounds first, okay? I'll get to bed in a bit." There was that smell again, as if something had been left at the bottom of the oven as someone went to go make dinner. Hana had made that mistake far too often at home, and being plant-based and all, the smell of smoke was a big red flag for her. "You... seriously don't smell that?"
Daphodyl sniffed the air again. Her eyes grew wide in horror and recognition. "...Hana. Sound the alarm."
“Daniel, Your Majesty.” In all honesty, Juniper wouldn’t have remembered unless he spoke up the other day.
“Hm.” Daphodyl folded her hands with a sigh. “And you say he left? Of his own choice? On his own?” In all honesty, she was more baffled than angry. No one has ever wanted to leave after they arrive at the Evergreen Fortress. Granted, it was mostly because of her particular brand of persuasion, but still. This was unprecedented.
“Yes, madam. He was the only one there when I saw him break through the barrier. Seemed to be in quite the hurry, too.” Juniper leaned on her viney staff, bouncing on her feet idly. “Very determined. I’m as baffled as you are, Your Majesty.”
“...How did his sprout look? Did you notice?”
“You know, I hadn’t thought of that until now! You think of everything, Your Majesty.” Juniper beamed.
“And?”
“Right. It was... rather underkept, now that I think of it.” Juniper looked up, tapping her chin in thought. “Definitely nowhere near as grown as everyone else’s. Well, aside from Lillian’s. I don’t know how hers hasn’t managed to take root yet. I think he might have tampered with it.”
“Tampered with it?” Now this was intriguing. Daphodyl leaned forward in her throne. “How?”
“I could have sworn I saw a few... cut marks on it? And like I said, it was underkept. Kind of wilted. Like it was dying, almost.”
“Hm.” Daphodyl leaned back in her seat. “What a shame. I should have a look at it when he comes back. If he comes back, that is.”
Juniper tilted her head. “You think he doesn’t want to come back? What if he’s bringing new friends?”
“If he wanted to bring new friends, he would join the recruitment teams.” With a shake of her head, Daphodyl sighed. “Something has gone terribly wrong with him, I’m afraid. I think we might not have been welcoming enough. He certainly didn’t feel at home.” She looked up at the ceiling. “Still, I hope he comes back. I’d love to see him again. You know how I care so about everyone who I take under my wing.”
“You spare no expense, Your Majesty! Really, you spoil us.” Juniper chirped.
Daphodyl rested her hand on her chin. “Indeed. Now, return to your duties, Juniper. And be prepared if our dear Daniel returns.”
With a nod, Juniper started to head back to her usual routine.
“And don’t forget--” Daphodyl called after her as she left-- “Today is a new day!”
It was a very successful night of recruitment. Waddle Dees are especially easy to collect, and easy to persuade, especially while sleeping. Not to mention how loyal they could be! Yes, that was the main reason Daphodyl chose Waddle Dees-- turning them to Daphodees (a name she came up with herself) to ensure their loyalty. And the more recruits, the easier it is to recruit! Indeed, their numbers were growing exponentially by the day. At the moment, she had about... hm.
“Berry, could you tell me our current population?” Daphodyl chimed, a hand on her cheek as she grinned.
Berry flipped through their papers. “According to our reports from last night, we haaaave... 13,840 people living in the Fortress and the Roots, Your Majesty!”
“Excellent!” Daphodyl clapped. Ah yes, the Roots. A system of her own design, a vast connection of underground tunnels colored with plants that need no sunlight at all, dotted with bioluminescent mushrooms. And the focal point of the Roots: giant flowers that provide shelter and rest to any tired servant or soldier! Not to mention these flowers help to promote the growth of the flower on each Daphodee’s head-- and that made everyone happier!
Getting up from her throne, Daphodyl adjusted her hat. “I ought to give our new residents a warm welcome, shouldn’t I?”
“Well said, Your Majesty!” Berry chimed as the pair headed down...
Followed by the other Elite Daphodees, Daphodyl and Berry marched triumphantly into the Roots.The vast array of new recruits brought a prideful grin to Daphodyl’s bright face. Most of them were finally awake, and they all were muddling about, speaking in confused whispers to each other.
“Ahem~!” Daph said, her words amplified by her connection to their sprouts, and they all fell quiet. “I know you all must be so puzzled. But allow me to explain. My name is Daphodyl. You have entered Evergreen Empire. This place is... Well, for lack of a better word, paradise! Anything you could ever need, this empire can provide. It is self sustaining, with its foundation being in the respect of nature. Now. You will answer to me first and foremost, but in the case I am not here, direct any and all problems you may have to your supervisors, which you see before you.” The Daphodees stepped forward in a line for Daphodyl to list off. “Razz, Juniper, Huckle, Persim, Bloub, and--”
“Barry?” A voice rang out from the crowd. “Barry, is that you? It-- It is! Barry! It’s me, Daniel!” A waddle dee, a pinkish purple similar to Berry, hopped around, waving their nubs.”Mom and Pop are so worried about you! Is this where you’ve been this whole time--?”
Berry looked at Daphodyl, concern plastered on their face. The names... They were so familiar... And yet...
Daphodyl shook her head and the flower on Berry’s head glowed. “I don’t know you! Sorry!” They called out to the interrupting dee. “You must have me mistaken for someone else! Good luck in finding your sibling, though!”
And with that settled, Daphodyl continued. “You all will begin self defense training shortly. In the meantime, why not get to know each other better? After all, you’re going to be living here for quite some time. Today is a new day! So, together, we must seize it!” She lifted a fist into the air, and there were some cheers, but most were silent, still confused. No matter. They would grow to love her and her speeches eventually.
