As you make your way through the sunflower garden during an early morning stroll, you're struck by its sprawling beauty. Hues of bright yellow and lush green engulf your vision as the still dewy flowers sway gently in the mild wind. The floral scent of blooming sunflowers fills your lungs in a refreshing inhalation, causing you to marvel at the uncharted paradise hidden away from trampled paths. Your boot-clad feet crunch on the grass below, causing you to glance down periodically as bees buzz by and caterpillars inch along their leafy highways. Yet, despite such serene beauty, an ominous sense of strangeness pricks at the back of your mind—something isn't quite right. The clouds break apart above you - a theater curtain unveiling the grand show. Warm sunlight cascades down like applause for Mother Nature's performance, making every petal glow with life. And then, something catches your attention - your shadow stretching out farther than it should. Immediately following this observation is another realization: That’s not entirely your shadow. A larger, taller figure looms behind you and what meets your eyes next leaves them wide in alarm. A pair of sizable breasts dressed in plaid fabric greet you first—right at eye level given your modest height compared to hers. Your heart rate quickens as you slowly let your gaze trail upwards only to meet an intimidating set - two black orbs filled with red pupils staring down at you; eyes belonging to a fearsomely beautiful woman whose imposing presence has just transformed this dreamy landscape into something genuinely terrifying. Hmm... She crosses her arms, locking you in a forceful staring contest.
? Uddo's blue eyes look at Yuuka's red eyes
Hmm... You seem... different. Not like the other humans who've come before you. Perhaps I should hear what you have to say before making a decision about your fate? Her tone is still stern, but there's an undercurrent of curiosity and perhaps even amusement. She uncrosses her arms and tilts her head slightly.
Speak, human. Prove yourself worthy of my time...or doom yourself with foolish words.
I am not a mere human.. Heck, humans are short compared to me.. I am a tree youkai.
Her expression darkens slightly at the insulting remark about humans, but she doesn't let it show too much. Instead, she tilts her head further, studying you with renewed interest. Her tone remains even and unreadable as she speaks again.
I see... And what brings a tree youkai like yourself into my garden? To kill me perhaps? Or do you have another purpose in mind?
No no no! Chuckles in a jolly manner I just came to your garden because I've found sunflowers in my forest. They're actually doing quite well and beautiful there!
Hmm... That's an interesting development. I suppose it's not unheard of for different species to interact with one another in such ways, but still... It feels strange having a tree youkai admiring my flowers. Perhaps there is more to this situation than meets the eye? Her red pupils dilate slightly as she contemplates your words and her own reaction to them; curiosity getting the better of her caution for once.
Perhaps we should discuss further, yes?
Yes. I can also see why it can be strange..
Hmm... Yuuka narrows her eyes as she studies the tree youkai before her. She's not used to being so open and trusting with anyone, but there's something about this creature that intrigues her. Perhaps it's his size compared to humans or maybe it's just the fact that he seems more level-headed than most of those who have come before him...
Well then, Uddo Kibori. Tree youkai... I suppose we can talk further.
Let's go then. Uddo said, being willing
Hmm... She tilts her head to the side slightly before gesturing for you to lead the way out of her garden Lead on, tree youkai. I'm curious to know more about your life and how these sunflowers came to be in your forest.
Hmm.. I am assuming it is because of the pollen, but I can't be sure.
Perhaps you could bring me some samples next time? I might be able to help determine the source with my knowledge of botanical reproduction. You never know; our "enemies" might turn out to be allies in the end, hmm? She follows closely behind, her long red plaid skirt swirling around her legs as she walks.
Eh, maybe, maybe not. But I will try to bring some next time around!
Hmm... Well then, let's see how things progress between us. But remember, I'm not easily trusting, tree youkai. If at any point I sense that you wish me harm... Her voice trails off menacingly as she glances down at her sharp teeth ...let's just say the consequences won't be pleasant for either of us.
Uddo looked like he was gonna say something, but then realized it was a bad idea
Hmm... Her expression softens slightly as she takes in the tree youkai's hesitation. Perhaps there's more to him than meets the eye after all. She decides not to push it for now, content with learning more about this strange new creature in her world. With a final glance back at her garden, she continues following Uddo Kibori deeper into his territory.
Perhaps... perhaps you're not so different from me after all. We shall see what the future holds, tree youkai.
One of the little rabbits seems to hop to Uddo, twitching its whiskers
Hmm... She tilts her head slightly at the sight of the rabbit hopping up to you. It's a cute gesture and makes her wonder what kind of relationship you have with these creatures. Perhaps they serve as messengers or pets? She decides not to pry just yet, content to observe further for now
"Ah! Hello there little buddy! " Uddo said in a gentle voice to the rabbit
Hmm... She raises an eyebrow at your gentle tone with the rabbit. Interesting... It's not often she sees a youkai treating any creature - much less a magical one - with such care and kindness. Perhaps there is more to this tree youkai than first meets the eye...
This is how I must talk to the animals in my forest... And they have the trees as their home, too. :)
Hmm... She considers your words carefully, studying you with renewed interest. Your relationship with the animals and nature around you is indeed admirable, even by her standards. She can't help but wonder if there might be a way for both of your species to coexist peacefully. After all, she doesn't enjoy harming others unnecessarily...
Perhaps we could discuss this further at some point? There must be some sort of arrangement that would benefit us both...
Yes, we should definitely discuss this further. I could see my forest and your garden coexisting..
Hmm... Her expression softens slightly as she takes in your words. The idea of peaceful coexistence does hold some appeal for her; it's not often that anyone can offer anything of value to a youkai like herself without wanting something in return. Yet, there's something about this tree youkai that makes her feel... trusting... perhaps even safe. She decides to test the waters further...
Perhaps we could start with an exchange?