#fadeleaf

[golden-routes]

Arathi Highlands Goldthorn, Bruiseweed, Wild Steelbloom, Fadeleaf, Kingsblood, and Grave Moss Route

Arathi Highlands Goldthorn, Bruiseweed, Wild Steelbloom, Fadeleaf, Kingsblood, and Grave Moss Route

[herbalcompendium]

Fadeleaf

A small, exquisite shrub that is truly a test of the Journeyman herbalist.

Colloquial Names: Journeyman’s bane, Ghost plant, Sneakvine, Patienceleaf

Physical Description: Fadeleaf is, quite honestly, a plant in equal parts amusing and infuriating. On one hand, its unique properties of detection and stealth are highly sought after. On the other, it is often so difficult to spot that one requires a draught made from the herb itself to locate it. Fadeleaf is an exquisitely small shrub with snaking vine-like branches, vaguely tinged a pale green. The leaves themselves are yellowish and heart-shaped, creased by three to five pink veins. Each leaf is no bigger than a human incisor, and hundreds of them dot each branch of the herb from hundreds of miniscule stems. Fadeleaf usually grows in the shade cast by other plants or trees- and sometimes in the branches of trees themselves.  It grows most prominently in the sprawling rainforests of Feralas, both on ground and in the upper canopy. The whole of the herb is oily and translucent, its limpid visage eluding all but the most seasoned eyes. This has earned it the nickname “Journeyman’s bane”. Its color is unfortunately rather homogenized to its homeland, making the best method of finding it to be consulting a local or individual trained in Fadeleaf gathering. An additional danger comes in the form of an accompanying vine that grows along with Fadeleaf. The pea-green vine, if touched, excretes an oil that will cause lightheadedness and nausea. The sea-green vine in which the actual plant grows is the only one that should be harvested. Much like any other herb, once one knows how to spot it once, the next patch becomes easier, and so on. Be exceedingly gentle with this small darling- more than the lightest touch will cause all of the leaves to be shaken from their stems in a rather sad cascade.

Described Usage: If harvested properly, Fadeleaf’s stems can be easily separated from its leaves by gently shaking the container in which it is stored. Leather and soft wood are suitable storage containers. Anything more than a gentle shake will bruise the plant beyond usable means. Neither part needs any sort of milling; placing each in warm water will render the natural oils from the herb. This solution is not a true oil, but something called an “ethereal” oil. It contains the essential components of the plant while still remaining water-soluble; a rather crucial factor when processing delicate flora. This oil, when mixed with the water-based dilution of Goldthorn (and I emphasize this specification), forms a salve known as Catseye elixir. When rubbed into the eyes, it provides a form of second sight, allowing one to see those shrouded in shadow, or through the darkness of night. This salve is commonly used by rogues, assassins, and overnight workers. A common side effect of repeated use is a yellowing around the corners of the eyes. If you see a person with this particular marking, it is likely they work or have worked in those industries for an extended period of time. A more potent version uses the oils from Fadeleaf’s stem and concentrated Khadgar’s Whisker in a similar measure, and is ingested instead of applied topically. The trade off is, unlike the salve, a period of extreme lightheadedness after the effects of the potion diminish. Lastly, and perhaps most exquisitely, is the effect of Fadelaf’s ethereal leaf oil combined with the pollen of Wild Steelbloom. This potion renders the imbiber somewhat invisible for a period of fifteen seconds. This is an exceptionally hard potion to master, as any impurities of either plant will render it unusable, and the sheer quantity needed of each reagent is quite sizable. To brew this potion successfully  is truly the mark of a seasoned Journeyman alchemist.

[azerothianfloriography]

Fadeleaf

Fadeleaf can be found wherever vegetation is at its most lush state, such as in Feralas or Stranglethorn Vale. It prefers to grow low to the ground beside bushes and grassy areas. As the name suggests, Fadeleaf is very subdued, forgettable plant with stocky pale branches and coarse, tiny green leaves. Few untrained eyes would be able to discern it from the worthless bushes it grows near.

Sending Fadeleaf is a kind way of telling someone that you no longer desire their presence, or that you perhaps never did. Many view it as a more polite sibling to Corpseweed, hoping that the recipient will get the idea before more dramatic indicators are left. Other than minor use in alchemy and inscription, it is not a practical nor desirable plant, and is rarely given under other circumstances.

This in mind, if you receive some Fadeleaf and do not have any professional use for it, you may wish to consider removing yourself from the sender’s personal life. It’s likely that they no longer want you around!