#growing pumpkins

Inspired by @circuscountdowns's bishop death comic.

cw: grief, slow mental deterioration by way of immortality

Mortal minds were not meant to live forever. Not alone. 

It’s the middle of the night and they kneel before the grave. In one of their hands they grip a shovel that had been gifted to them a long time ago. At the base of the handle is an engraving that matches the stone crown on the gravestone.

There is a pendant on their chest, and it gleams gold in the moonlight.

They close their eyes, and breathe. Out slow, in slow.  

Camellias smell like sugar and dirt, like three thousand years of longing. The flowers on this grave are always fresh. always redder than blood, even in the winter, when every other plant on cult grounds wilts and turns bare and hibernates. The camellias on his grave are always there, always beautiful. One might call them blessed.

They are not afraid of dying—they are devoted to Death. They simply cannot die yet. Their Gods and leaders need them. The rest of the flock needs their wisdom. Someone who can speak to them as an equal, but who knows more and has seen more than the rest. 

Mortal minds were not meant to live forever, but they’re still doing pretty well. They lose days or weeks sometimes, but it’s not a problem yet. They suspect it’ll take another five thousand or so before their mind becomes a problem, assuming something else doesn’t kill them first.

So, they cannot leave. Not of their own accord. They have no need to.

They want to stay, to be content with the impossible life they live, but something is missing. They’ve been missing the sandpaper edges of his voice for the last few centuries. They’ve been yearning for the feel of his fur on their own—green and yellow, a sunbeam shining over a bed of moss.

He left them. They agreed to it. He was tired. They understood, or thought they did. They were with him for the rest of his life, and they loved him, and he died, in the end, like a mortal, but his heart was full, and when he was gone for good, they realized that their heart had gone with him. Stolen in a final prank.

At first they figured the pain would lie in the loss itself, but true moments of pain were every time they would forget that he was gone. It was every time they would look beside them, to whisper to him something that he would yell aloud to embarrass them both, only to find no one was there. It was every odd hole in the ground that they would feel the urge to crouch down beside, to talk to him, coax him out, before someone would ask what they were doing and they would remember that he wasn't there. It was every time they remembered that holes in the ground were for plants, and not Gods.

He would be severely annoyed to see them do anything but smile, but it was getting hard to smile without him.

And, and he would want this, wouldn’t he? Even if getting woken back up annoyed him at first.

His After was probably boring without them.

He'd think it was funny.

He’d grin impossibly wide and say, “ABOUT TIME YOU DID SOMETHING SELFISH.”

They stare at the old stone. The crown of the God of Chaos stares back. It's only another life. He won't even have to put on a necklace this time around.

Mortal minds were not meant to live forever. Not alone.

So, they stand and lurch forward. They take the shovel into both their hands, and they drive it like a spear into the dirt, into Leshy's grave. 

Are you intrigued by the prospect of growing your own pumpkins, whether for tasty autumn soups or jolly Halloween jack-o’-lanterns? Our comprehensive guide titled “How Do You Plant Pumpkins?” will walk you through each step of this rewarding gardening journey. With engaging tips and straightforward advice, it's never been easier to successfully cultivate pumpkins in your own backyard. Your pumpkin gardening adventure starts now as you discover essential factors like the best planting time, choosing the ideal variety of pumpkin seeds, and learning efficient pumpkin care routines. Whether you're a newbie gardener or an experienced green thumb, our article promises to enrich your pumpkin planting knowledge, making your gardening endeavors fruitful and enjoyable.

How Do You Plant Pumpkins?

Everything You Need to Know About Growing Pumpkins

So, you've decided to take a stab at gardening, and pumpkins are your chosen muse. Let me tell you, it's a splendid choice indeed. There's something truly magical about watching those vibrant orange orbs emerge from the ground, as if by their own free will. But fear not, my fellow aspiring pumpkin farmer, for I shall guide you through the wondrous journey of planting these glorious gourds.

First things first, find a sunny spot in your garden that will shower your pumpkins with warmth and light. These babies love the sun, just like we love a good beach day. And hey, who doesn't want a little vitamin D in their lives?

Once you've secured the perfect spot, it's time to prepare the soil. Dig deep, my friend, and break up any clumps of dirt that may hinder your pumpkin's growth. Imagine yourself preparing a sumptuous feast, meticulously selecting the finest ingredients to create a masterpiece. That's the level of dedication we're talking about here.

Now, here comes the fun part. It's time to sow those pumpkin seeds and watch them sprout like eager children on the first day of school. Dig small holes, about one inch deep, and place two or three seeds into each one. Like a loving parent, give them some space to grow and flourish. Remember, even pumpkins need their personal bubble.

But wait, what about watering, you ask? Ah, the elixir of life. Water your pumpkin patch regularly, but not excessively. Like a thirsty traveler, they need a drink, but drowning them won't endear you to their hearts. Keep the soil moist, and you'll be rewarded with plump pumpkins begging to be turned into pie.

Remember, gardening is a dance between science and intuition. Listen to the whispers of nature, but also arm yourself with knowledge.

As your pumpkins start to grow, they might become a little crowded. It's like a bustling city out there, and these plants need their breathing room. Be brave, and thin out the weaker seedlings, allowing only the strongest to thrive. It's a tough decision, but sometimes we must make sacrifices for the greater pumpkin good.

Don't forget to lend a helping hand to your pumpkin friends. As they grow, gently guide their vines away from potential obstacles, like a concerned parent redirecting their child's path. Be their guardian angel, protecting them from the perils of life. After all, you want your pumpkins to grow up big and strong.

Finally, the moment arrives when your beloved pumpkins are ripe and ready for picking. Like a proud farmer, harvest them with care, savoring the sweet victory of your hard work. And remember, my friend, that gardening is not only about the end result but also the journey itself. Embrace the magic, the victories, and even the challenges, for they are what make the pumpkin-growing experience truly extraordinary.

Now, if you're craving more pumpkin-growing wisdom, here's an article that dives deeper into the secrets of nurturing these marvelous gourds. Happy gardening, my fellow pumpkin enthusiasts!

Pollination is simply getting pollen from the male flower into the female flower. If successful, a baby pumpkin starts to grow - this is called “fruit set”.  It’s easy, here’s how.

First of all, for pollination to occur - whether done by bees or by you - at least one male and at least one female have to bloom on the same morning.

Favorite time of year.

Drawing References:

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