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

[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.

[whichwayyoulean]

[That brings a soft smile to his face, even if she can't see it. People still cared about him, even when he still wholly believes they shouldn't. It was comforting as much as it was surprising]

That's really good of you, you know. Probably more than I'd deserve anyway.

[ensorceler]

What you build within the city's borders will forever change the lives of those who may have otherwise known nothing but loss and death from starvation or cold. And you will go onto create more, not because I will see to it, but because it is what you truly desire and I see this.

[whichwayyoulean]

Well, yeah. I know what it's like to go without, never that bad, but I still want people to be comfortable and happy. [That's why he made the Thneed at all, to change the world for the better, even if that dream twisted into the opposite of his intentions]

[ensorceler]

That is why you do deserve it, and much more, as I say so. I think they would welcome you as their neighbor.

[whichwayyoulean]

And we all know I never win my arguments with you on that subject.

I sure hope so, Ted too.

[ensorceler]

[ A chuckle. ]

Best if we never argue at all, then. Will you be certain to message me when you are to find proper board? We must not be lax in our work, or our friendship.

[whichwayyoulean]

I'll let you know, and don't worry, I'll make sure neither of those things are lax at all.

[ensorceler]

You must promise.

[whichwayyoulean]

Cross my heart, your highness.

[ensorceler]

I do not forgive liars. It is good you are not one.

[whichwayyoulean]

Not any more, anyway. [That much]

[ensorceler]

This was to be a second chance, remember?

[whichwayyoulean]

Right. Sure. Second chances. [Deep breath. He can do this second chance thing. He can]

[ensorceler]

[ It's okay she's all bluster. She's given up on any chance for herself. ]

For the children.

[whichwayyoulean]

[That, at least, manages a weak smile]

Yeah. For the kids.