<b><span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua'"><u>Leila</u></span></b><br/><i><span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua'">The Crossroads</span></i><br/><br/><span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua'">In a tiny building along one of the streets in The Crossroads resides one of Leila's smaller offices. It took some years to earn this building, but well worth in the end. The main office she worked for was closer to the heart of Eden. Many researchers of the Wasteland flora worked in the main office, while Leila was fortunate enough to earn the position to travel as needed. Of course, it didn't help that she would've travelled to wherever her heart desired weather they told her to stay put or not. A little rebellious on her part for someone who's so devoted. But Leila knows if it weren't for her inserting that they couldn't stop her, the company she worked for wouldn't have made small offices in other areas. Besides, Leila was one of the VERY few that would actively travel and map out where in the Wastelands these plants reside. For the first few years Leila used guides before she had the means to map out where she's been and what flora grows where... etc. She was skilled enough in her fencing combat that she could handle some of the Wasteland animals... but she wasn't fool enough to not hire someone to help slay in more dangerous areas.<br/>
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What a late morning it was for Leila, once she woke up with her head on her desk. Another night spent researching instead of getting decent sleep. The only upside to this is, there's no one in this office to give her hell for it. Though she had a spare room to sleep in (albeit very cramped). Her eyes roam over towards her most recent specimen, one called </span><i><span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua'"><a class="link link--external" data-proxy-href="/proxy.php?link=https%3A%2F%2Fpawneebuttesseed.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2017%2F10%2Frubber_rabbitbrush-93-1.jpg&amp;hash=52bdde0731e4ce348b56b17e9be3e7ac" href="https://pawneebuttesseed.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/rubber_rabbitbrush-93-1.jpg" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" target="_blank">Ericameria nauseousa</a>. </span></i><span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua'">The stems can be used in teas to treat colds, coughs, chest pains, and even toothaches. But there was something else she was trying to experiment with this little brush, the latex sap that she has found in the stems and roots. Not too much flora in the Wastelands can hold onto sap that is used for latex and rubber. What an interesting discovery indeed, although the extraction of the sap and the processing of the latex is a whole process in itself. Either way, if Leila can map out multiple area's with this brush, it can be life-changing. Although she was a bit hesitant to state her findings as of yet, since the poor plants get exploited. <br/>
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It was a long process for Leila as well, but that journey to getting this particular flora was well worth it. Leila took the time to get up, brush her hair and teeth. Once she was ready for the day, she made her way outside. The roads were as busy as ever, and it wouldn't be long until the train arrived at The Crossroads. Although you expect that to bring more people in, the train also takes many people out and back to Eden. In a way, it more or less cycles the people in The Crossroads. It was time for Leila to head into the marketplace to see what the shop keeps had available. Many knew her by name, as this was definitely not her first time in the market. But those who know her by name were the shop keeps who have permeant stalls. If you wanted anything of value, prices would skyrocket. As is the rules of supply and demand. Leila only got a few things, but the most important thing to get for her: water. <br/>
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On her way back, the train had finally arrived. There was one person in particular who caught her eye. A smile came across Leila's face as she looked over to find Alicia leaving the train, and a young man following suit. Interesting to find Alicia here at The Crossroads, but Leila assumed it was to test out something Alicia was making. Wasteland fauna were the best test subjects... and the only legal test subjects. Perhaps Leila and Alicia will get some time to catch up with one another, but for now, Leila let the two get settled in at the hotel. There was some sort of stir in her stomach, which only meant that she was to be meeting others from her past quite soon. Her gut feeling was never wrong. </span>