Izu Leaf
The Izu is a rather unspectacular weed that is commonly found in the fertile regions near the Zugzaspo sea. However, to the Reborn Ran-E-Zu it does carry a special meaning.
Appearance
The leaves are drop-shaped with two pairs of pointed protrusions sticking out from the narrow lower half. They are of a dull green color and have yellowish veins. Izu plants grow close to the ground where they form small bunches of six to eight leaves.Usage
Official
It is a feeding plant for wild herbivores and some pets, but has no practical use otherwise.Secret Symbol
Midug-Tu Ran-E-Zu signal their cultural identity with the Izu leaf when they cannot afford to express it publicly. For example, they include them as filler greens in a small flower arrangement on their desk or inspect them a bit too closely when feeding a pet in the presence of other people. Those familiar with the deeper meaning usually place an Izu leaf of their own where the former can see it, letting them know that they got the message.Significance
They may step on us all they like, but we will continue to grow all over their well-groomed little gardens.Not only does the plant's name share the meaningful syllable with that of the original Ran-E-Zu, it is also found primarily in the region which they controlled before the Final War. Furthermore, Midug-Tu Ran-E-Zu identify with the weed's alleged invincibility. It fits well with their self-image as rebels surviving despite the Rilsu's efforts to suppress their culture. Children of Midug-Tu Ran-E-Zu are informed about the Izu leaf in privacy after they have been initiated into the community. Nobody is allowed to write it down, neither physically or digitally, and discussing the leaf's meaning over public communication channels or in the presence of surveillance technology is strictly forbidden. So far, Danokon has not caught on to the significance of the Izu plant, and the Midug-Tu Ran-E-Zu intend to keep it that way.
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