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The sun had begun to peak above the mountains as Marco flew. Blue feathers shining like stars as the rays hit his wings, warming his skin as he pushed onward. It was hard to not lose strength during the frigid nights, but with the parcel held tightly between his beak he was able to persevere.
He allowed an eye to trail downwards, catching the sight of lovely pink petals, and rich green leaves. The way the silky petals pressed into a lovely spiral was like a painting; a perfect flower. Ace must have spent hours picking the right one, looking through each one until he knew it would convey the right message.
Pink camellias; the symbol of one that longed for the receiver. A love that was reserved for one dearly missed, and pushed through any barriers that was set ahead. Tucked underneath the pink flower was a bright red camelia. Love, passion, and deep desire showed through the crimson petals as it shone in the amber rays. It was a loving message, and Marco was determined to make sure it got to the recipient.
When the familiar stoney walls of a castle came into view Marco knew he had reached his destination. He slowly began to land, soaring gracefully as he glided towards the tallest tower of the estate. Marco had been here many times, flying past the extravagant gardens and statues in favor of landing at a particular lord’s windowsill. It was like clockwork, and per usual the curtains were drawn open in preparation for his arrival.
With a loud flap of his cerulean wings he landed, claws gripping the stone as his presence had been made. The bird didn't have to say a word, as a head with long sky blue hair quickly snapped in his direction. Green eyes sparkling with joy the moment they saw his form.
“Marco!” The young man had practically jumped from where he sat at his vanity, excitement consuming every part of his features as he ran towards the bird. Familiar silky nightclothes flowing like a graceful wave as he skipped forward. He was filled with so much joy, and it was a welcome change from his normal solemn expression.
“Did Ace send you?” He crouched in front of him, staring at him with those bright green eyes in anticipation. Marco just nodded, puffing his chest out as he swelled with pride. The flowers were still pressed in his beak, tied together with a velvety ribbon, and ready to be dropped within the awaiting palms of the saddened prince.
“They're so lovely….” The moment the camellias were in his hands Deuce had pulled them close to his chest, holding them to his heart as he allowed his fingers to brush against the petals. He then whipped them towards his nose, taking in a deep breath so he could smell the lovely scent that now permeated the tiny room. “Thank you Marco. Thank you so much.” Marco gave a coo in response, and then remained at the windowsill as the young prince ran back into his room.
This was the regular for Marco, flying to each man with a bundle of flowers, and then waiting to receive a new secret message. It was exhausting work, but it was a job that the bird was incredibly proud of.
Many months ago Ace and Deuce were inseparable. Meeting every single day so they could bask in one another’s embrace, and shower each other in love. Marco had assumed they would stay together forever, but the cruel world had other plans for the prince and commoner.
Despite their love they were fated to never be together. Two people, from two separate worlds, forced to be apart because of something as stupid as status. It was one terrible night that resulted in prince Deuce being whisked away into his high tower, and Ace banished to the outskirts of the kingdom for daring to interact with royalty. It was a tragic tale, but Marco was determined to make sure it would not end in such a way.
“He's longing for me,” Deuce spoke to himself as he flipped through the pages of a book. His face dusted with a light pink as he held the soft petals close to his cheek, and read through each meaning with love filled eyes. “I miss him too…” He looked close to tears, holding back the sadness buried deep within him as he gripped the deep green stem within his hands.
All of the sudden He stood upright, rushing around like a busy bee as he fluttered around the flowers that he had inside his room. They were still so bright, and vibrant; as if they had been picked just that morning. His happiness had returned as he began to pick a few flowers; some Chamomile, honeysuckle, and a bright red Chrysanthemum. Marco knew their meanings the moment he saw them, and he couldn't help but preen in joy the moment his eyes were laid upon them.
Most animals knew the meaning of flowers from birth; almost as if it was a second language. They were one with nature, and therefore had a deep understanding of the world around them. Each blade of grass, every baby flower, it all spoke in a way that humans could never understand.
Chamomile; the symbol of patience in adversity. The pair had refused to give up, even to the point of needing to send secret messages through flowers as the guards would just confiscate any physical letters. It seemed as if nothing could bring them down, and Marco just hoped that their determination would one day bloom with a happy ending. Chamomile with its delicate white leaves, and bright yellow center could be snuffed out easily. Yet it stood upright in the presence of darkness.
Honeysuckle could also be seen as a delicate flower. Thin yellow leaves, long stamen that could snap in a second, but held strong as they bundled together in one confident mass. They were a symbol of the bonds of love. Indestructible together, but weakened once they were forcibly torn apart. It was a sorrowful thought, but Marco did his best to not think about it.
Lastly there was a single red Chrysanthemum to tie together the bouquet. Its message loud and clear as the bird's blue eyes took in the smooth petals, and gentle red color that burned with passionate feelings.
I love you.
It was a simple, but powerful message. Its effect seemed to burn deep inside Deuce, as sadness overtook him as he carefully wrapped the stems together with a light blue ribbon. Green eyes turning back to Marco before shoving the bouquet towards him.
“Please, bring this to Ace.” The bird knew exactly what to do. And with a nod he gently took the bouquet within his beak, carefully cradling it so he wouldn't disturb a single petal. He wanted more than anything to give this message to his master, and despite the hard journey ahead he was filled with determination.
With one last second of rest he took off, soaring in the air with the sun as his guide. Feathers blowing in the wind like leaves, and shining in the rich rays. Many would assume he was just a shooting star, fluttering through the sky in order to grant the world's wishes.
He indeed was a wish granter, and the hope he brought to the lovers was something he would never trade away.