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Hello listeners, be advised that this show is an immersive audio experience. It may seem like sounds are coming from the sides or behind you.

Listener discretion is advised, as this content is intended for adult audiences only. For more

details, see the episode description. Kewood presents Birds of Empire Season 2, created by Jason

Lou. Music created by Jason Liu.

The great planters of the bears who grow the crops that feed their people are fond of war,

but not one that's fought with blades and bows.

They call it the Growing War,

where two types of plants will be rooted tightly together so that they're forced to fight for water, soil, life.

Their roots race to go ever deeper, to dig into the depths of the waiting ground,

pulling up that which may have stayed buried, unused, each crops stronger for the tangling,

the fruit-born, sweeter for the conflict, The movement of things green and godly can be so slow that it feels like nothing at all.

Sometimes we don't see the war happening beside us, just beneath the surface.

We don't see that the battle has already begun.

Sister.

I'm here.

How long have you been awake?

All night.

Something's wrong.

What happened last night at this?

Reza.

...