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Viola Odorata. Violet is the very first to rise in the fields of frostbitten Faerghus. Dusting over verdant grass, a new beginning after another long winter. Children run in pairs, hand in hand, crowns of golden and grey hair decorated with the season’s first blooms. Woven, crafted, learned. Traditional.
Every facet of life felt like it had been turned on its head for the new Lord Gaspard, ever since his ascension to a seat he still fails to find himself quite worthy of. The chair left by Lonato is imposing, a looming shadow in a stone walled room. Optimism keeps him steady through it all, shaky a foundation as it may be seen as.
Rosmarinus officinalis. Rosemary rises in the rolls of bread, resting over the warm oven pre-prepared with love and laughter. Just the way his mother made him make, the way his siblings begged him to bake.
Not all steps are heard, some soft, some cautious. The weather outside is bright and beautiful, carves dimples on freckled cheeks that have seen too little warmth. A warm tray in warm hands, an apron tied around the waist, a cordial wave to the children outside.
Olea europaea. Olive branch brought by divine dove, the floods are over. They grow in the gardens, brought back from Leicester, victorious. Loaves left with little ones, except for two.
Rest, if only for a second. Brief relaxation and respite, a deep breath and the scent of fresh wildflowers. Thoughts that wander before feet, tray left unchecked, bread in the apron pocket. The new head of Gaspard has a greater duty to attend to.
Erysimum cheiri. Wallflower from a book from brighter times, first gift from lover to another, fidelity. Stablehand thanked with bread roll and bow, smiles exchanged, horse boarded and brushed. Beowulf, named after a different legend.
Xeric flora from beyond Gautier doesn't adapt. Men like him, men before him, didn't adapt. A lump in his throat, swallowed before it becomes a problem. Hooves on grass become hooves on cobblestone, hooves near market. Bustling, efflorescing.
Iris versicolor. Blue blooms catch the attention of green eyes, only once, before purple. Before lavender. Before violet. Name leaves lips laced in pink, exclaimed without thought, only joy. Last loaf, delivered. Heart, delivered. Kiss, delivered.
"Ah, friend." Friend, always. First and foremost. "Glad to see you're doing well, heh. What brings you here, all of a sudden?"