WHAT A NIFTY TREE
Posted on April 9, 2018
Wrote another 5,000 words of Irving today. This scene shows how Irving has a great deal of integrity, while his study buddy doesn't. Irving is about to find out that the tree does more than just help you remember facts. I am so in love with this story.
I don't know why I humored him, but I did. I pulled a large leaf over and pressed it against my forearm. When I let go, the leaf whipped away, returning to its spot.
"Raggleswamp kept his eyes closed, but turned a page for some reason. "Let me guess? You didn't put it on your forehead. Idiot! It only works if you place it there."
I didn't say anything, even though I wanted to point out he hadn't been specific. I placed the leaf on my forehead and was instantly assaulted.
The words and paragraphs on the open pages before me poured into my head. I panicked and tore the leaf from my head. It ripped free, but the veins on it went from green to yellow.
Raggleswamp opened one eye and grimaced. "Why'd you do that?" He causally turned a page.
The two pages of info swam around in my head. I could recall every sentence. "The book went into my head."
"Of course it did. That's what these trees do; they quickly commit info to your long-term memory. This is a cerebrum spruce. Pretty rare. Costs me quite a bit to have one planted in my lair. You commune through a leaf to your head and it helps you soak up whatever book you have open. Just found out about this tree a few days ago. I pay attention to all the details my author creates for me." He turned another page.
"That's cheating." I noticed the bark patterns reminded me of the intricate folds found in the brain. I really didn't want to be up in the tree anymore.
"How so? It's just exploiting an advantage. You don't really want to go over the info with me. I'd think you'd want to get our study session over and done with just as quickly as I do."
"No thank you." I stowed my book in my backpack and started down the tree.
Raggleswamp closed his book and gave me an evil look, or at least an eviler look than his usual insidious glance. "Hey, we're supposed to get this chapter down together."
"Not like this. You want to study the right way, come to Smudge Hall and we'll work on the chapter in the kitchen or something."
As I descended, I kept my head well away from the leaves, fearing one would attach itself to my forehead again. I made it to the ground in half the time.
Raggleswamp descended, dropping past three or four branches at a time. When he hit the ground, he executed a graceful bow and looked around almost as if the forest would give him a standing ovation for his graceful actions.
"You're a drag, Wishbutton. If I thought for a second that Ringle would reassign us to new study buddies, I'd jump at the chance. I'm not going to your ramshackle hall because I've got a wonderful bash to prepare for tonight. My house in Villain Way is throwing the party to end all parties. And no invite for you as I'm sure you figured out."