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One of the secrets to knowing the wellbeing of Avidya Forest was the vibrancy of its colors.
As the Chief Forest Ranger, this was something Tighnari knew like the back of his hand.
He was supposed to be conducting a field survey on the well-being of the areas previously afflicted by the Withering. Every bit of data he'd take would have to be collected into a report for the Akademiya, so he should've been closely examining the bit of foliage he was crouching by.
Instead, he was zoned out while looking at the leaf. He was occupied with the hue of the shrub, and thinking about the colors of the forest he was in.
Green was the color of the grass beneath his feet and the leaves high above the tips of his ears. It was the shrubbery and foliage that lined the forest paths, the lichens on tree trunks, and the lily pads upon which frogs sunned themselves.
Brown was the earth below. The dirt that nurtured the life around him and allowed it to flourish. The sturdy trunks of the teaks and towering kapoks, and the roots he had to step over to prevent himself from tripping off the path.
Blue was the petals of a Kalpalata lotus and the guard leaves of a Nilotpala lotus. It was shimmering wings of the butterflies that flocked to these flora for their sweet nectar. It was the waterfalls that flowed into the rivers and ponds that fauna flocked to for quenching their thirst.
Yellow was the head of a sweet flower and the head of a matured starshroom. It was the ripened flesh of starfruit that hung low on the tree, tempting him to pick one of them and bite into it. It was the sun beating down on his hair and ears, and the color of the light streaming through the canopy.
White was the wisps of fog blanketing the treetops that would not last long after the sun rose above the horizon. It was the fluffy clouds up above, bringing the promise of an hours-long rain shower. It was the petals of frangipani flowers, luring him with their decadently sweet fragrance.
These were the things he’d show to Collei and other mentees, as it was a significant thing to know.
He’d taught all of this to her, too. The Traveler was excited and eager to learn, and it was refreshing. He couldn't help the small smile creeping up his face at the thought of her infectious grin. The one that would show whenever he told her something new, or pointed out a bush bursting with color from newly-bloomed flowers.
Yet, as of late, with Lumine's absence, everything in the rainforest somehow reminded him of her.
White was a combination of all the hues he could see. It was the color of her traveling outfit. Her dress that was longer in the back than in the front, the scarf she wore that billowed behind her in the southerly breezes, and the long gloves that hid the strength in her arms.
Yellow was the color of sunshine. It was her golden eyes, and how expressive they were. It was her hair, and its sheen in the sun as it framed her round face.
Blue was the color of a clear sky. It was the foreign flowers in her hair, and the wispy feathers that hung from the cuff in her ear.
Brown was the primary colors mixed into one. It was the detailing in her outfit, and her eyelashes she batted at him whenever they flirted with each other.
Green was the color of Dendro. It was in the chest of her dress, and in the carpels and stamens of her signature flowers, whenever she resonated with the element of the forest.
Those were her colors. Those were the colors of the forest too, for the most part.
Tighnari sighed. He missed Lumine dearly.
Perhaps he would write a letter to her once he got back. For now though, he had to continue on with his survey of the surroundings.
After today, he would certainly appreciate the beauty and vibrance of Avidya Forest a smidge more than he already did.