With Earl’s ‘scouting feature,’ I wander through the forest. As I walk, I will have a sensation of heat along one side of the kiln, prompting me to move in that direction. I would describe the heat as similar to when bare skin is brought near a scolding hot pan—subtle yet also evident. The more I roam onward, the more apparent it becomes that this place is a bustling region during the daylight hours.

‘This is not the secluded woodland for which I hoped.’ I stop and cross my hazy arms. ‘From what I have observed thus far, I am not certain those types of places even exist any longer. Everywhere I go, there are only more people. Is the whole world like this? Did people spend the entire time I was asleep having children like rabbits?’

My imaginary mouth frowns as I resume following the heat. Yet it is only a hundred or so feet later that I wander upon an open grassy area near a different lake than the one before. Focusing on my body’s heat and itch, I spin around to discover what resembles… a castle? I tilt my head taking in the sight of a small and quaint stone castle perched high above the lake. The castle consists of only three parts, a courtyard, two rectangular towers, and then a single barrel-shaped tower. It is covered in various shades of gray stone with a raised courtyard at its front.

‘Is this actually a noble’s deer park, and that is the noble’s castle...?’ My gaze settles on an odd flag that waves above the barrel-shaped tower. ‘Perhaps I may recognize it.’

Moving closer, the itch and heat increase, and I can discern the details of the flag. The flag is a bit silly in appearance with alternating red and white stripes. In the flag’s upper left corner, there is a blue square inside which I believe is meant to be numerous ‘stars’ spaced evenly with the blue.

‘I suppose it could be an eccentric noble’s family crest or the flag of a minor province? Aye. It is more probable that it is the province’s flag. I cannot imagine a noble with a crest such as that.’ I examine the area encompassing the castle and the lake. ‘I have nary any intentions of making enemies or interacting with nobles ever again. God willing may a noble never again come within a hundred yards of me.’

Shaking my head, I turn away, pick a direction that takes me far away from the castle, and walk, placing one foot in front of the other.

After some time passes, another sensation of heat and itching assaults me. This time it is not as potent as the castle, but despite that, I resolve to investigate it.

When I arrive, I discover a court lined with dozens of benches that lead to a circular area. The itching and heat increase as I scan the snow-covered area. Though, it is only around the same amount the castle gave me from a distance. Marching to the center of the circle, there seems to be a few flower wreaths. With the cattail, I wipe the snow away to find the word “imagine” written into the stone below.

‘Odd. This place seems better than the pavilion but worse than the castle. Besides, I do not like how exposed it is… Something tells me it would be better to plant somewhere not in the open like this.’

Thus again, I pick a direction and begin walking over the snow. Similar to water, my body seems to float just above the snow, likely avoiding any melted snowfall.

‘I should avoid the paths themselves if feasible. The less attention I garner, the better.’

Once I have made it some distance away, a new feeling of warmth and itchiness reveals itself. Figuring out the direction and moving that way, it is a while later, I come across a bizarre structure.

At first, it seems ordinary enough, well, as ordinary as anything here in this city. It has a red and white brick exterior with a green glass window out front. Two signs out front read “Entrance” and “Exit.” Seemingly closed and locked, I go around to the back of the building; this is where things get really strange. Discovering a grated window, I peer inside where I can see some sort of elevated stage with dozens of colorful sculpted horses among a few decorated carriages.

‘What could this thing possibly be? Why are there so many strange things? Oddly, it sort of reminds me of the drawing of the girl in makeup with the red ball.’

Moving around the building, the warmth and itching build to its most powerful here than anywhere so far. Finally, I discover a small tablet with writing that reads, “The Renovation of the Carousel…”

‘So it is something called a carousel? Hmm, let's see...’

I continue reading, “...In Return For Many Go-Rounds 1982.”

‘...?’

I read it once more, “Many Go-Rounds 1982.”

‘...!?’

Peering downward, I stare at my bare feet, believing I might be hallucinating. The wind blows, removing some of the haze near the hem of my gown. The world is quiet as my fingers fidget. I count to ten, shake my hands, and raise my head. My eyes descend upon the number, “1982”. I read it repeatedly to ensure there is not a mistake.

‘I… That… That number could be anything! Haha! Aye, anything! Perhaps it is just the number of these ‘Go-Rounds’ the tablet speaks of. Haha! Of… of course. That is most certainly not the year… Sleeping for so many centuries? Who could even do such a thing… certainly not a haze parasitic monster like myself!’

For a while, I stand frozen, merely staring at the tablet, ‘Before I make a judgment, let’s find another source to confirm. For… for now, let’s continue exploring. I cannot get in here even if I do somewhat like it.’

Despite declaring, I shan’t worry about it, I count steps to ease my stormy mind. ‘One. Two. Three…’

Several hundred steps later, a potent heat and itch makes itself known. This time it resembles the sensation the castle gave me and rivals the carousel.

Following the sensation, I come across a statue of a man named “Robert Burns” along with a tablet. I look from left to right, discovering additional statues in the area, but this one has already captured my attention. Yet, when I am about to read the tablet, I pause and turn away.

‘I... I should not read this yet. If this contains any shocking truths, it could impede my mission to plant the tower seed. After I plant the seed, I will have more time to deal with any perturbing knowledge.’

I check my Erysichthon values to find that it has worsened, yet despite Earl’s words, my Essence seems relatively the same. Gazing toward the sky, I can see that there are only a few more hours of night remaining.

‘Even though deep down, I have a foreboding sense that this “carousel’s” tablet may be accurate, perhaps it is a stone better left unturned at the present. Thus, for now, it would just be baggage I cannot afford, so I shall remain ignorant in this regard until I am better prepared for enlightenment... I shall return to this place one day.’

Returning to the path, the heat and itchiness increase to the point of near overwhelmingness, but I know this means it is likely an excellent area. Soon, I come across a large white structure that looks to be made of marble. It reminds me of a stage for plays and such; however, keeping with my previous thought, I ignore it and plan to return later. Something just up the snowy path is calling to me; I can feel it in the depths of my soul or, more precisely, on my kiln.

A couple of hundred steps later, I discover the place all my senses were trying to lead me. I walk to the edge of a grand staircase with two pillars to either side. On each side of the pillars, a different scene, animal, or object is carved, such as an owl, book, or hawk.

I ignore this and gaze down the grand staircase. My kiln burns with a warmth I have not known since my fireplace in my cottage in Roanoke. I rush down the first eighteen steps and come upon a platform halfway down the staircase with two doors to either side. One entry reads “Men,” and another reads “Women.” Both doors have a sign on it that read ‘Bethesda Terrace Restrooms Closed Until Weather Improves.’ I would typically investigate, but they both seem to be locked, and currently, my excitement is palpable, so I do not tarry. Thus, I move down another set of eighteen stairs reaching the bottom.

Three gorgeous arches of stone greet me as I dash forward. Upon racing through the center arch, I am greeted with a wide and open chamber.

‘Woah! This place is so lovely!’

Along the walls are gorgeous pictures and scenic depictions. The floor made of red tiles and gray brick is excellent, but the ceiling utterly transcends it. The ceiling is made of inlaid ceramic tiles of orange, red, blue, green, and white. Each square of tiles contains an intricate design that looks as if it would belong in the Palace of Beaulieu itself… I assume anyway.

‘This place reminds me of a ballroom or at least how I would imagine one! I always wanted to go to a ball, hold an overly fancy drink, and stand there looking superb. If someone asked me to dance, I would say something to the effect of, “Nay! Thee is not worthy of my company!” in a pretentious manner. Then I would proceed to drink and eat until I was ready to pop... Honestly, I do not actually know how to dance; I merely wished to sample the foods and drinks.’

Proceeding onward, the room widens further, revealing four arches on both the left and right sides of the room, leading to yet more paintings. My excitement urges me forward, and I find another entrance, except this one is seven arches wide. Hurrying outside, I notice to the left and right of this entrance are two more grand staircases that seem to lead up to a snow-covered road.

However, my attention pauses on the beautiful courtyard before me. Wiping away the snow with the cattail, I find the courtyard seems to be layered with red brick—benches made of stone line the court’s edges giving it an elegant and peaceful temper.

In the middle of the courtyard is a beautiful bronze fountain surrounded by a circular body of water nearly a hundred feet wide that holds various aquatic plants layered with a fresh sprinkling of snow. The fountain’s top is adorned with an elegant angel that looks to have just descended from heaven and is now watching over the courtyard. Advancing further, I come upon a serene lake that complements the courtyard’s melancholic mood, bestowing upon me a sentiment of delight.

‘Everything cries: Here…! Yet is this indeed the best selection? It… It most definitely seems like it would be a busy area.’

I take a moment to consider my options, ‘So, going back to the chamber pot tunnels is not an option, and having searched several places while in the chamber pot tunnels, I never found anywhere with more than a few trees. Not to mention, I am dangerous and scary, so I would ultimately be attacked by normal people without question. Then there is the shell that has lost half of its durability, and a significant hit could destroy me.’

While pondering and gazing out over the lake, the first glimmers of the sun’s light appear out over the horizon. A bit of a mixed feeling washes over me as the sight reminds me of when I left the dark place and the proceeding events. Yet, after spinning around and witnessing the beautiful spectacle of the morning light illuminating the snow-covered courtyard, my mood recovers.

‘This place is impeccable! My body is burning and itching with impatience at the thought of planting my seed… that sounded remarkably lewd. Aye. Sometimes it is not so bad that others cannot hear me.’

Focusing on the warmth, I follow it toward the area where it is hottest. The feeling leads me back to the place I was previously with the magnificent ceiling.

‘Under here? Like with the pavilion, it seems to wish for me to build someplace enclosed. Well, then…’

Knowing this is where my instincts and Earl’s scouting feature desires me to plant, I count my steps and walk the room’s length and width until I ascertain the ideal spot in the exact center of the chamber.

My right foot taps against the brick beneath me as I ogle the point all my efforts have led me to. With the kiln burning and the itch at a maddening height of intensity, I almost plant the seed without thought. Until in the distance, the harsh sound of a horn from a ‘ride’ passing nearby reverberates snapping me from my trance. This horn is something I have heard countless times in the chamber pot tunnels, customarily, it is accompanied by someone in a ride cursing at someone else in a ride. It is a constant noise in this city.

My shoulders drop. ‘I am rather enthusiastic, but perhaps I should wait until nightfall before planting?’ I turn my gaze toward the outside. The snowfall has grown so severe that I can scarcely see beyond the opening of the arches. ‘...But surely nary a soul would be out unprotected in this horrid weather. Conceivably, this might be a better time than any. Earl, does thou have an opinion?’ He does not answer, so I once more peer at the spot beneath my feet. ‘Why does this place make me feel so warm anyhow?’

Earl Interface:

The user’s current location contains the following:

Extremely High Population Nearby

Moderate Vegetation

Aesthetically Pleasing and Attractive

A Usable ‘Trellis’ Room

The contents listed above make this area’s compatibility with glass type ‘Tower’ as very high.

Would the user like to plant their Tower Seed now?

[Yes] [No]

A purple wall appears, causing me to flinch. I read it, thinking it would be the answer to my question, but I soon understand that it is not exactly what I anticipated. ‘Oh. Well, thank thou. I suppose that answers my second question, but I was actually more concerned with if I should wait until night or not before planting. Rather than that, I should be asking how safe is planting somewhere like this?’

Earl Interface:

Oort Stained Tower Glass Kiln Guide

Germination Stage

The germination stage is inconspicuous to those unskilled in detecting Mana flow, Essence streams, or other anomalous occurrences. In the germination stage, roots will be spread to surrounding vegetation to initiate low-level essence leeching and setting of the initial Tower ‘Domain.’ At the same time, inactive roots and Tower lines will spread to encompass the Trellis Room and Domain. Lines and Domain will not activate until the Sprout stage. Germination time varies depending on the environment; the user may wander freely during the majority of this time.

Another wall appears, this is a good day for Earl and his walls! Reading through Earl’s purple wall a few times, I believe I understand the principle of it. ‘Essentially, it’s not going to be extremely apparent at first?’ It does not take me long to come to a resolution. ‘Aye, let us plant here then, Earl!’