“Only an old, mighty willow at the bare wood’s edge could perform for Love such a glorious epitaph.
“For at the crossroads of those who’ve lived, and those who’ve lost, there is nothing more gracious than its blessed songs.”
But was there any sin greater than filling our legacies with dreams of an ashen swan?
You must understand, now, where its tender lullabies have gone.
Formal Classification: L/II/381
Teratism Type: Living
Overview: [Expunged]
Suppression: Employees are not to be permitted entry into L381’s containment cell while it is conducting any of its standard Rites. Those who do enter during this process must take special measures to avoid seeing or hearing it in any capacity: blindfolds and noise-cancelling headphones are heavily recommended for this very purpose.
Furthermore, agents who describe a faint yet lingering song emanating from their surroundings after an interaction with L381 should undergo psychological screening immediately. Excessive mentions of a deceased friend or of a construct known as the Bare Wood’s Edge must receive similar treatment.
L381 is rarely passive, but the aforementioned steps are unnecessary when it is in a dormant state. Regardless, ensure that it receives donations of water and soil every day, and avoid prolonged contact. There is always a risk that its hymn may swell once more.
Description: [Expunged]
Addendum: Item Collections
Provided below is a comprehensive list of items that have been produced by L381 over a series of Rites, taken from Holding Site B. Please note that following redistribution efforts, the identification index given for each case may not be fully accurate.
I always wondered what had happened to the Old Willow.
a) Case #762514
- Colorful red scarf; slightly torn at the edges
- Kitchen timer; stopped at the 4:50 mark
- Collection of fantasy books; annotations all throughout
- Cozy blanket covered in yellow and blue stripes
- Potted plant; still alive and blossoming
- A small seed; ungerminated.
It had once been so mighty, standing with its tendrils high in the air- as though nothing could ever bring it down.
b) Case #681192
- Dark green skirt; kept in pristine condition
- Old necklace holding a sapphire pendant
- Watercolour self-portrait; halfway complete
- Box of chocolates; not yet eaten
- Yellow ceramic mug; interior stained brown
- A small seed; ungerminated.
It commanded respect, with such majestic boughs and vibrant branches. Yet, it never looked upon us with greed or arrogance. Simply kindness and a forlorn appreciation of the past.
c) Case #620307
- Grey pair of shorts; recently purchased
- Handwritten letter addressed to family member
- Set of coffee filters; only two remain
- New cookbook; plastic cover unopened
- Personal photograph collection; black and white
- A small seed; ungerminated.
Nevertheless, I could see how it hurt every single day. Its expression shifted. It never embraced the malice of the world around it, but it was clear that something had changed, and it suffered greatly from it.
d) Case #587222
- Vibrant red sports shoes; not worn in years
- Lightweight headphones; cord ripped from overuse
- Leather dog collar; name on the tag indecipherable
- Classical sheet music; torn to shreds
- Affirmations journal: pages are blank
- A small seed; ungerminated.
Its leaves are shed with each passing season. We thought it was to prepare for Winter, but no such occasion ever arrived. It grew paler, and paler, until it had lost much of its beauty and life, having surrendered itself to an impending sickness. Even burials could not last for days, any longer. Instead, it was forced to lead a vicious fight against the ferocious jaws of time, one that it would never win.
e) Case #393398
- Creased, white dress shirt: top button missing
- Rusted tea kettle; inside is burnt
- Wrist watch; both hands broken
- Medical check-up report; warns of an ulcer
- Framed photograph; left figure absent
- A small seed; ungerminated.
When it sang, I no longer felt the glory of Love and the power with which it could triumph over any pain. I could not feel the sweet humming of those we had lost, looking upon us with great pride. And I certainly could not sense the might with which it had once ruled the dead.
f) Case #288888
- Soft bathroom towel; soaked in crimson
- Bouquet of flowers; shrivelled
- Last letter; dedicated to a deceased friend
- Glass bottle; contents completely finished
- Box of meat knives; middle one missing
- A small seed; ungerminated.
In its place, there was the ticking of clockwork, the clanking of metal, and the whispering of a breeze that carried its treasured ashes away. A perfect melody, fit for this age.
Embarrassment.
Disgust.
And above all…
g) Case #111111
- A single, black tie; clean and respectful
- Canisters of medication; merry and colourful
- Specks of stardust; crushed and remoulded
- Something human; a single photograph
- And something else; looking back at it
- A miserable nothingness.
- Rage.