Southern Plains: Lumina Stewards III

A Chapter by HaleyB

Week 3 – The Gathering Strain

Day 15 - Pest Emergence
Location: Outer grain terraces
Weather: Midday heat, windless

Observations:
First major signs of insect swarms breaking from root pockets. Skinks discharged in bursts, driving some back underground. Lumina Stewards deployed glass chimes and resonance wards.

Brief Notes:
“The hum underfoot has become a buzz above.”

Day 16 - Riverwhisk Dance
Location: Midstream ford
Weather: Clear skies, high twin suns

Observations:
Riverwhisks moved upstream earlier than predicted, whiskers vibrating with unstable resonance. Stewards interpreted as both warning and blessing, calling for increased vigilance in water channels.

Brief Notes:
“When the river dances out of step, the plains soon follow.”

Day 17 - Council of Reeds
Location: Glasswind basin council ring
Weather: Rising gusts, thin clouds

Observations:
Emergency council convened among reed fields. Young Stewards proposed temporary floodgate opening to flush pests; elders cautioned against soil erosion. No decision reached.

Brief Notes:
“Solutions here are measured in seasons, not hours.”

Day 18 - Starback Descent
Location: High terrace pools
Weather: Cool morning mist

Observations:
Starback Cranes descended early, feeding at moss-lined pools. Their dance altered migration notes, a sign read as intervention. Villagers left crystal offerings to “guide their path.”

Brief Notes:
“Birdsong rewrote the terraces today.”

Day 19 - Mossveil Hollowing
Location: Southern plains stretch
Weather: Overcast, faint drizzle

Observations:
Mossveil Hare hollows found widened, collecting excess dew and spore deposits. Some served as natural pest traps; Stewards marked them for later use.

Brief Notes:
“Even the smallest diggers contribute to the war unseen.”

Day 20 - Duskveil Hunt
Location: Twilight border near crystal terrace edge
Weather: Dimming twin suns, chill wind

Observations:
Duskveil Stalkers seen dragging pest-heavy carcasses into low grass. Predation surge reduced surface activity but drove insects deeper into grain spirals.

Brief Notes:
“The night hunts for what the day cannot reach.”

Day 21 - Pre-Equinox Chanting
Location: Central amphitheater
Weather: Calm, warm dusk

Observations:
Communal chanting began ahead of dual-sun equinox. Resonant lines intended to harmonize soil vibrations, slow pest growth, and prepare for ritual flood rites if necessary.

Brief Notes:
“Preparation hums louder than fear.”