Thirty Five Truffula Trees

[whichwayyoulean]

[The Once-ler has been surviving the loss of the people he loves by burying himself into his work. By hiding away and ignoring everyone. Remaining in his nice, safe tower, away from the residents, away from everything.

But now he's standing in the hallway of floor five, staring at his new room. He knows it's his room, not only because he woke up in it, but because of that horrible, dreadful phrase in place of his name. He remembers that conversation only too well. It haunts him even now, after over a year of living in this place. Which way does a tree fall? The way it leans. Be careful which way you lean. The Once-ler hadn't been careful. And he'd fallen completely the wrong way, and taken everything else with him in the process.

He's already tried the tower, of course. It's empty, gutted, his safe haven completely wrenched away from him. He exhales, staring at that phrase again, his little UNLESSES already carving their way into the wood beside it, making matters worse. He knows one thing is clear, he can't stay here. Not like this. So, he picks up his journal, moving to sit just inside the doorway, his long legs curled up in front of him as he rests the book on his knees]

Anyone know if the town has any empty rooms right now?

Comments

[findatree]

Did you move, too?

[whichwayyoulean]

[Ted. This one, wonderful constant in his life. He smiles a touch at the pages, just glad to hear the kid's voice]

Yeah. Did the name on your door change, too?

[findatree]

It says "find a tree".

[Dictated]

[cant_breathe_no_heir]

I believe there's empty rooms on the higher floors.

[He's been thinking about using one for storage.]

forever!

[whichwayyoulean]

Wow really? That's...that's actually really useful, thank you.

And ever!

[cant_breathe_no_heir]

You are welcome.

...It is because of the name plates, is it not?

[bezazzled]

[Mabel, on the other hand, doesn't quite understand the weight of his situation when she pipes up.]

Aw come on. It can't be that bad.

[whichwayyoulean]

[His lips quirk for a moment, more out of fondness than her actual comment]

You know me, Mabel. I'm not big on being around people.

[bezazzled]

I know, I know. It does kind of stink that they moved everyone's rooms around. It took me forever to figure out where mine was! I had totally passed by "Bezazzled" the first time around.

[lucre]

In domo Patris mei mansiones multae.

[ But not everyone reads Latin. ]

In my Father's house are many rooms.

[whichwayyoulean]

Are there really now?

[lucre]

[ She has never been one to doubt; more to doubt herself and that's something she wouldn't speak of. ]

In mine too, if you would have it.

[the_effect_she_has]

Well, not sure how you feel about the woods ... but you can come and stay with me at the cabin.

[Because what the heck is going on at the Castle?]

[whichwayyoulean]

[Oh god trees]

Yeaaaaah I'm not good with woods. But hey, thanks anyway, it's good of you.

[the_effect_she_has]

[A faint shrug.]

Well, I understand how it is to get fed up with the castle's nonsense, even if I don't know what that nonsense is.

[ensorceler]

I believe there is an inn, but I cannot vouch for the quality. I myself have been remaining with Mistress Cain and her gentle and giving friends, God bless them.

[whichwayyoulean]

Cass is good for that kind of thing. She's good people.

I guess an inn is better than nothing.

[ensorceler]

Had I the power I once did, I would give a grand house [ aka castle ] all to you and yours. Had I anything to offer.

[fantasies]

[Henry looks at this page for a while.]

... Will you tell us your address, when you go?

[whichwayyoulean]

[Oh kiddo :(]

Of course I will, and you can visit whenever you want to.

[fantasies]

Okay. That-- That'll be good, I like it in town. I wanted to go more, anyway.

[shortishandbossy]

[He's really not up for face-to-face conversation right now, and he's sure the Once-ler isn't either. He speaks quietly over the journal]

You planning on moving?

[whichwayyoulean]

[That would be a very accurate assessment. The Once-ler even winces at his voice a little, making the words on the door all the more prominent]

I sure can't stay here.

[whistles_the_blues]

Can't say I know of any off the top of my head.

...Let me guess, you don't like the view your new room has?

[whichwayyoulean]

I don't like anything my new room has.