It’s high time for the people in the Simverse to show their concern for the environment. One Sim, in fact, has taken the initiative of supporting a young individual’s environmental cause.
One night, Vlad ran his idea by his spouses Morgyn and Caleb. He wanted to sponsor an environmental pet project that will benefit the waterfront city of Evergreen Harbour.
“The project is a ‘clean-up-and-environmental-education’ project,” said Vlad, seemingly happy to share the information to them. “Converting unused spaces into community space for gardeners to setup urban gardens, and craftmakers to sell upcycled or homemade products. These spaces will also be classrooms to foster environmental education.”
The two responded positively to his idea. “Wow, Vladdy!” reacted Caleb, holding Morgyn’s tattooed arm tight in joy. “That’s a huge undertaking.”
“Yes, it is,” agreed Vlad. “In fact, what made me sign this up is the long-term vision. Getting it to the goal is relatively easy, but sustaining it isn’t. I believe the individual who proposed the idea saw the potential – and I see it too.”
Morgyn even wanted to offer his legal expertise to the project, while Caleb proposed to organise a fundraiser to help boost additional funds. Vlad was overjoyed that his spouses were encouraging enough to push through with the project that he accepted their offers.
As the conversation ended, Caleb and Morgyn were wondering who’s behind the project Vlad was sponsoring. “Who is your contact person, honey? And how did you find out about this project?” asked Morgyn, prompting Caleb to smile eagerly, showing how proud he is of their husband.
With a wink Vlad replied, “Oh, you’ll meet him. His name is Knox Greenburg. Found about the project in the papers.”
Days after the discussion, a charity event was held in the Ember-Straud-Vatore Mansion. Fortunately, the event was a success — a handful of Windenburg’s most influential donated to Vlad’s chosen cause, while wining, dining, and mingling with each other. Finally Vlad can now jumpstart on his mission to support this project.
The proceeds have been received by the project organiser the next day. At this point Vlad is hoping that the ball will start rolling.
***
Two months after the charity event, a young man arrived into the mansion. He was standing in the dining-and-bar area, marvelling at the huge portraits of the owners of the house. Patchy, the butler, led him here and offered a drink. The young man declined. Patchy acknowledged and advised the visitor to call for him if he needs anything.
While Knox was waiting for his benefactor to receive him, Caleb appears in front him.
He seems to be inspecting the newcomer sitting in the dining-and-bar area. Knox sees him and looks back at him.
And before Knox could greet, Caleb sits next to him, waved his hand at him in greeting, and smiles.
“Hi!” Caleb chirped, beaming while waving his hand at the visitor. “You must be Knox Greenburg from Port Promise, right?”
Knox cleared his throat, casting his nervousness aside. “Yes, I am Knox. I am here because I will present a report to Lord Straud.”
Caleb smiled even more, his face registering wonder and excitement. “Oh, yes! And I am Caleb Vatore, his spouse. I have heard good things about your project.”
Knox was starstruck but embarrassed. “Why, thank you,” he squeaked, trying his hardest to hide his blushing. “I try my hardest to make sure the project runs smoothly and satisfactorily.”
“I’m pretty sure Vlad is very proud to support you, especially that you have a long-term goal,” Caleb said, beaming. Then he stood up, adding, “I’ll go get Vlad for you. Feel at home.”
Knox thanked Caleb as he climbed the stairs to call Vlad.
While waiting, a Golden Retriever appeared. The large creature barked at Knox in greeting. He stood up to make friends with the dog, who seemed friendly and nice. A moment later Vlad came in and noticed the dog mingling with the visitor. “Oh, Charlemagne wants you to feel comfortable,” he said admiringly of the dog. “And he apologises on my behalf for the long wait.”
“Oh, Mister Straud — erm, your Lordship, you’ve arrived!” said Knox, surprised that the Lord of the mansion is right there in front of him. Knox patted the dog’s head gently and walked over to Vlad to shake hands.
“Please take a seat, Mr Greenburg,” Vlad offered, showing the seat in front of him.
“I hope the travel from Port Promise to Windenburg was not rough,” Vlad began, smiling.
“Oh, it was not difficult, your Lordship,” Knox answered, chuckling. “To be honest, the travel has been interesting so far because of the changing scenery. I come from an industrial area so seeing trees and old buildings are a welcome sight to behold!”
“Glad that you made it here, Mr Greenburg,” Vlad smiled, looking at the young man with interest. “So you’re here to report about the development of the project?”
“Ah, yes,” responded Knox, seemingly jolted at Vlad’s reminder. Knox was still starstruck about the house and Caleb. “Your Lordship, the project is underway, and the good news is that the Caboose has been converted to a community garden, while The Waterfront is on its way to become both a garden and crafters space. I have spoken with teachers and volunteers in my city to donate their time to set up workshops on recycling, upcycling, and urban gardening, amongst other things.”
“Were there any roadblocks along the way?” asked Vlad. The young man cleared his throat. “Well,” Knox responded hesitantly at first, then regained his composure. “There were people who were reluctant about my program. They first asked for compensation when I was trying to explain what they can do to help. Good thing I was able to convince them not by telling them, but showing them first what will happen if they contributed.” Then Knox sighed, “That took me two weeks before I was able to gather enough people to pitch in. Some of them teach recycling and upcycling to young residents, some teach gardening to pensioners, and some help clean up and decorate the spaces.”
The older man nodded in understanding, his face deep in thought. Meanwhile Knox still could not believe that a benefactor in the person of Count Vladislaus Straud IV has considered to support his program. Knox felt like he was over the moon, but then he realised that he should not be too excited.
“Very well, Mr Greenburg, thank you,” Vlad said at length, stroking his chin in thought. “I’m happy that the ball has officially rolled. I have so much faith in your project, which is why I considered supporting it. There is a dire need for long-term development.”
Knox is at last convinced that his sponsor is the right one. “Thank you for choosing my initiative, your Lordship,” he replies, a little enthusiastically. “And when Port Promise’s eco-footprint turns to Neutral, I will bring my program over here in Windenburg!”
“And when you are ready to bring it here, let’s talk again and I shall help you expand it,” added Vlad, this time his enthusiasm more palpable than Knox’s.
“Certainly, your Lordship,” the young man replied.
“Excellent!” exclaimed Vlad. “Please expect the next tranche of contributions this week in your initiative’s bank account. Also, my spouse Morgyn would like to be your legal consultant. He will be in contact with you in the following days.”
Knox could not believe what he was hearing. He was certainly beside himself with glee. The atmosphere in the dining-and-bar area is light and wonderful, just like how he was exactly feeling.
“Also,” Vlad piped up. “I would like to see your project up close. When can I visit?”
Knox became even more excited. “Please come soon! Next weekend?”
Vlad beamed, his bright smile rivalling the paleness of his skin. “Consider it set! I would love to see Port Promise up close!”
Waiting In Windenburg 