The Astralaceaes

Chapter 21: A Walk in the Desert

Haledon froze as he stared at the towering figure standing isolated from the world around him. Up close, the teal flowers that concealed Mesa's chest revealed a lower layer of thick bark armour marked with ridges and scouring holes off its wadi walls. Inky tattoos of thorny vines crawled up his leafy neck and emerged beyond the foliage.

"I, uhh—" Haledon panicked and looked to Gazeas. "I was saying..."

"Haledon was mentioning the coolness of the water." Spark interrupted. She stepped forward and presented a Sequoia Squad salute to Mesa. "Good day, Primeval Druid Mesa."

Mesa smirked at Spark and gave an acknowledging nod before directing his attention back to Haledon.

"Now, why would water temperature be something to be bothered with?"

Haledon thought momentarily as he looked into Mesa's eyes as Sparrow would. But instead of finding timidness, he was met with a hardened stare. He immediately returned to his comfort zone and took a calming breath.

"Well," Haledon followed up after a brief pause. "If the water temperature is too cold, it could be a sign that the bramble insulation layer may be withering. We are growing this Astra quite fast. All it would take is a single inadequately diversified biome, and our ecosystem would shift from temperate forest to boreal in minutes."

"Hmmph," Mesa remarked. "Sounds quite severe indeed and something that should be carefully monitored by only the most qualified among us."

Mesa nodded his head towards Haledon. His lips curled, revealing a slight smile that wilted back into the weathered face.

"Yes, we should be on our way." Haledon turned to look at the guild.

In the distance, Witch-Hazel leaned against the wall of the lowest terrace. With crossed arms, they cautiously eyed the situation but never approached close enough to become involved. Closer to Haledon, Gazeas inspected the Earth Druid with an innocent curiosity.

Haledon saw her staring at a small masse that pulsed behind Mesa's ear. The walnut-shaped object swelled and deflated slightly with a constant, rhythmic pulse. Haledon found it odd that the pulse's speed synced with what he knew to be the Megacolides nutrient flow.

"Great chatting," Spark said quickly as she gripped a hand to Haledon's shoulder. "But we should—"

"Spark," Mesa's voice subtly commanded. "I was hoping to have a word with you."

"With me? Umm, yeah, I can do that."

Spark's grip squeezed and released from Haledon, causing him to look at her and Gazeas.

"Spark?" Gazeas asked as she looked between her and Mesa.

"I'll catch up in no time!" She said with her usual smile.

Haledon inspected the reply, knowing a Spark smile could hide a hundred words. He felt the knot forming at the spot where the wolf stabbed in his dreams.

"May I walk with you?" Haledon asked without thinking. His face immediately flushed, having realized what words slipped between his lips.

"Haledon?" Gazeas questioned nervously.

"I have a few questions about Earth—about the desert," He continued and looked to Mesa. "If you wouldn't mind indulging me."

Mesa's face softened as he flashed a smile. "Of course."

"Tell Sparrow that I will be there shortly." Haledon turned to look back at Gazeas. She shot him a worried look, to which he replied with a subtle wink.

"Okay..." She muttered anxiously before looking between Spark and Haledon. "I will see you both soon?"

"Yes." He responded.