Rose Thorn had not necessarily been grateful per se for Ambergris, Splash and Depths' help with their house. But they had grudgingly let it be known that their copse of trees was good for gathering Mirehan apples. And so Nova, Glow, and Blueberry with Zulli in tow had arrived to see how truthful this was.

Or if Rose Thorn needed more people to complain at. It seemed to be one of their favorite pastimes, according to Splash.

Nova and Glow lead Blueberry and Zulli off the flyer, and then Zulli took the lead to show them where Rose Thorn's house was in the copse of trees. The greenery seemed to be recovering from the storm - the shattered wood was starting to look worn and weathered, and green shoots were growing where the leaves had fallen. The copse was full of the sounds of life, rustlings and calls that made it clear the animals were there even if they were staying out of sight.

As the house came into view and Zulli shot ahead to yell for Rose Thorn, Nova and Glow winced. The tree certainly had done some damage to the roof - the almost ornamental metal and glass of it had been roughly patched over with boards from the tree. Blueberry wandered over to start batting curiously at the branches were it lay across the clearing like a dying beast, leaves browning.

"Oh! Hello!"

A pink head stuck out from the house and soon the rest of the aerobic emerged. "What are you doing here?"

Nova blinked slowly and Glow tilted her head. "...you said you knew where we could get some apples?"

"OH! Oh yes, why didn't you say?"

Nova opened his mouth, but Glow nudged him before he could speak, staying quiet as Rose Thorn continued to speak, unperturbed.

"Yes, yes, there's quite a nice little tree over yonder. It means crossing a stretch of the plains - are any of you allergic? No? Good. But hmmm that little creature of yours might get lost in the grass…"

Nova and Glow looked around, then realized they were talking about Blueberry, who was still poking at the downed tree. Zulli had joined them in examining it, and both seemed to be content ignoring the conversation.

"...That's Blueberry," Nova said eventually.

"Oh? Oh well, make sure they don't get lost."

Nova and Glow blinked at each other again then shrugged. It seemed Rose Thorn was as eccentric as the others had told. Zulli took off after Rose Thorn - not before snagging a few berries, though - and Nova, Glow, and Blueberry made the slow land route out of the copse. Once again, Nova wished he had wings. It seemed to make everything simpler.

Out on the other side, they followed the shapes of Rose Thorn and Zulli above, Blueberry riding on Glow's shoulders as they waded through the tall grass of the plains. It grew much taller here than it did in Rekes, taller than what Nova could see over. He was grateful for the guides above, and soon they were in the copse of apple trees.

Zulli was already munching on one, while Rose Thorn lounged in a patch of sun, yawned, and went to sleep. Nova and Glow shrugged, then got down to the business of gathering apples. As it was still early in the season, there weren't many ripe ones, but they did their best to choose well. Zulli, after eating her fill, helped them fill their baskets, while Blueberry wandered over to stare intently at Rose Thorn.

Nova noticed and decided not to comment - it kept them occupied - and continued gathering the apples. Just as their baskets began to fill up, there was a startled yelp from behind them, and they all turned to see Rose Thorn puffed up like a giant cat, staring at Blueberry. Blueberry just looked back, wide-eyed in wonder.

"It's watching me SLEEP!"

Glow sighed and wandered over to scoop up Blueberry. "Yes, we're working on that. Xe thinks you're pretty."

On cue, Blueberry held out a flower, and Rose Thorn stared at it, fur smoothing out.

"Oh? Is that so? Well. Well then I guess that's alright."

Zulli tried to snatch the flower to look at it, but Rose Thorn got to them first, scoping them out of Blueberry's hands triumphantly.

"That is MINE you little goblin!" they yelled up at Zulli as she disappeared into the branches above, giggling.

Seeing things start to head sideways, Glow and Nova began to gather their things to head back while Blueberry hummed happily at xir gift being accepted. Strange dramatics and all, it had been a good day - their baskets were full with apples, and nobody had gotten into a fight.

Or covered in mud. But there was still time for that, the way Blueberry was eyeing some of the muddy patches…