Chapter Text
[Carnations]
It is referred to as the "flower of God" in some languages. Some attribute its nickname to its beauty, others to legends that it was born from the blood of Christ's stigmata or the Virgin Mary's tears. It has thus become a symbol of love, passion, and commitment. Its petals seemingly amplify sweating when used to treat fevers, and vinegar was produced from it to clean buboes, contributing to its reputation.
Amicia and Hugo were running after the monk, trying to catch up before they lost him. They entered the courtyard and were heading for the door they had seen him at.
That is until Hugo exclaimed “flowers, they’re so pretty!” Hugo ran towards them and kneeled to see what kind they were. “They’re carnations, we had some in my herbarium. But those ones are prettier” Hugo told Amicia as she leaned down to see the flowers.
“Hugo, we have to keep moving” Amicia said with a stern voice. “Wait, wait, come here” Hugo couldn’t help but let out. “What?” Amicia let out with exasperation. “It will protect you, and it’s pretty too.” Hugo said as he put the carnation flower into his sister’s hair. There, that should make you happy Hugo thought as he let go of the flower.
Amicia, with and accepting voice said “oh, alright.” If being able to put flowers in her hair made her brother easier to handle, then she had no problem with it, not that she was against the idea by itself in the first place now that she thought about it.
“Now we can go,” said Hugo.
“Thank you, Hugo.”
“You’re welcome” Hugo replied.
[Aquilegia]
Named for "aquila", the Latin word for eagle. in reference to the shape of its talon-like petals. Ancolia is a symbol of sadness and troubled souls—even of madness. while its flowers are sweet and edible, its roots and stems are highly toxic. When digested, they cause the entire digestive System to become inflamed and can lead to dangerous palpitations.
Seeing that the door they were trying wouldn’t open, Amicia and Hugo went around the side Laurentius’ house to find another way in. They passed a window Hugo could fit into and turned the corner just to see what other options they had.
“Amicia, a flower.” Hugo said softly and went down to examine it.
“Hugo!” Amicia exclaimed quietly, but went to see what flower her brother was looking at. “This is not really the time you know.”
“Please” Hugo let out with a pleading tone after picking the flower.
Relenting, Amicia said “alright, go ahead” before leaning down so Hugo could reach her.
“It’s called granny’s bonnet. It’s as if she’s hanging her head because she’s sad” Hugo told Amicia as he put the flower in her hair.
“Perhaps she would be less lonely with us?” Amicia replied before letting out the slightest smile.
Agreeing, Hugo returned with “yes, it’s not good to be alone.” Seeing his sister’s smile, as small as it was, was enough to make him feel like he was back home.
Amicia let a quiet laugh come through her nose before saying “alright, lets go.”
Now seeing there was no other way, they went back to the window they had passed earlier to get into Laurentius’ house.
[Gladiolus]
Found in both tended gardens and wild fields, many of its variants are poisonous, but one of them was consumed in dishes and used in remedies. The shape of its leaves, reminiscent of a Gladius sword, made it the flower of heroes and gladiators in the Roman era: a symbol of strength and vigor.
Amicia, Hugo, and Lucas got off the boat after beaching it upon the river’s shore. The day was coming to an end, and they needed to get a place that would be safe from the rats, and Château d’Ombrage was the nearest place where safety from the rats and the inquisition could be guaranteed. Now all they had to do was follow the aqueduct.
As they walked towards the aqueduct, Amicia spotted some flowers up on the ridge to their right. She debated internally whether they had the time but decided that it would take a minute from them at most. After all, she could justify the slight excursion with the fact that they need to search for more materials to maintain and upgrade their equipment.
After Hugo dropped the stick and English shield, she veered left and back around. She saw some leather and sulfur, putting them into her pouch, she continued onto where she saw the flowers with Lucas following her and Hugo quickly catching up.
Once Hugo saw the flowers, he ran ahead and kneeled down to see what kind they were.
“They’re so pretty, what are they again?” Amicia asked Hugo.
“Gladiolus” Hugo answered.
“Ah yes, of course” Lucas commented.
Noticing a frown on her brother’s face, Amica asked “don’t you like them?” It was odd to see Hugo not smile when he was examining flowers, given their previous interactions.
“That’s not a good sign” Hugo answered, keeping the frown.
“Hugo, they’re flowers.” Amicia retorted, deciding to try and break her brothers seemingly melancholy mood.
Unfortunately, Hugo only replied with a “mhm,” Keeping himself in his mood. So, Amicia made a half-smile at him. If he wasn’t going to smile, then she would smile for both of them, and Lucas too. The sooner they reached the castle, the better. Not just for their safety, but to also brighten their eyes as well.
[Hawthorn]
A thorny bush used to mark out the borders of gardens and properties, hawthorn has become a symbol of cautious hope. It is the subject of many legends. the most prestigious of which depicts it as Christ's crown of thorns. When ingested as an infusion, it regulates the heartbeat and combats shortness of breath.
Amicia and Hugo followed Mélie into the abandoned and ruined village after getting past the water wheel.
Not understanding why there weren’t any people, Hugo asked “do people live here then?”
Amicia answered “yes, but they left.”
“Where did they go” Hugo asked, questions streaming form the endless curiosity only a 5-year-old boy could possess. “Somewhere else.” Amicia answered, able to keep up with his energy.
Hugo was about to ask another question when he spotted, another bushel of flowers. Seeing him again heavily interested, Amicia asked with an underlying tone of excitement “you know what that is?”
“Hawthorn, I think, nobody likes it because of the thorns, but it’s good for the heart.”
“Well onto your fount of knowledge” Amicia said with a snicker.
“Mommy taught me.”
“You can teach me then,” Amicia said with a soft smile.
“And will you teach me how to use the sling?” Hugo asked with a hope that Amicia immediately detected. “It’s a deal.” Wanting to break out with a chuckle, but reserving herself, Amicia could see that despite the loss and pain they had suffered, Hugo was getting to be happier. If only in sparse moments, but she would gladly claim what progress she could make concerning her brother’s spirit.
Hugo too noticed the way Amicia wanted to laugh, that made him very happy. With her protecting them all the time, it was nice to see her be uplifted. Maybe if they found more flowers, then she would be happier? Deciding that this was true, Hugo from now on would keep an eye out for pretty flowers. His sister was so pretty all by herself, but the flowers added something he couldn’t name. But he knew in his heart that it was a good thing, whatever that nameless thing may be.
[St. John’s Wort]
Also called "Saint John's herb", it is a symbol of animosity, but also one of protection and light, St. John's wort is considered remedy to melancholy and other mental afflictions. Despite its nickname, "devil hunter," ingesting it can still significantly disrupt the heart rate. causing arrhythmia and tachycardia.
After Amicia helped Hugo hang his necklace on the tree branch, she then hung her own on the same one. This way, they would always be together, in one way or another. As Amicia was looking at the necklaces, Hugo spotted some flowers to side and went over to see what they were.
Amicia, noticing her brother’s actions, followed him to the flowers. “What have you found?”
“Here, its St. John’s Wort.” Hugo informed her.
“Oh”
“It will protect you when go into the town.” Hugo said earnestly.
“Must be powerful stuff.”
“Yes, it’s a very good flower. It looks good on you.” Hugo said with a brightness that pleased Amicia immensely.
“Thank you” she said with a sweet tone that Hugo knew was of happiness. Seeing Amicia happy made him feel good, it felt similar to when he would give tiny little gifts like flowers and pretty rocks to mother. Funnily enough, mother and Amicia reacted pretty much the same way. It took a while before they were ready smiled or seem happy, but once they were it couldn’t be denied. Even though mummy was gone, having Amicia felt like she was still with him in spirit. It’s almost as if she never left.
[Lavender]
Lavender is widely known for its perfume, and for its color among weavers. The well-educated also use it in many cataplasms for its purifying values. It was rubbed on viper bites to weaken the venom, or on children's scalps to fight lice. Over time. it has become a symbol of dedication and loyalty.
Amicia and Mélie followed the path to the city, with their individual goals in mind respectively. Amicia would infiltrate the university and take the Sanguinis Itinera, while Mélie would locate and free her brother Arthur from captivity.
Just as they walked out of the woods with the city walls in sight, Amicia spotted a bushel of flowers that were different than the others nearby.
Walking towards the flowers and kneeling down, Amicia exclaimed “lavender!”
“Are going to a ball or something?” Mélie said with the teasing tone that Amicia knew very well.
Hugo would love to see this Amicia thought with a gently smile. Responding to Mélie, “oh, it’s my brother. He likes putting them in my hair.” And Amicia put the lavender in her hair.
“Aristocrats.” Mélie let out. Amicia rolled her eyes; the world would sooner end than not allow Mélie to have the last word.
She would have to tell Hugo that she found lavender. As soon as she got back, she would give it to him, even if he wasn’t awake. Who knows, maybe she’ll put a flower in his hair this time Amicia thought with a quiet and content laugh.
[Daisy]
The daisy is a symbol of innocence and purity, and probably owes its fame to the whiteness of its petals. It was used in infusions with calming and digestive properties, known to also promote scar healing. Daisy petals were also used in salads and popular among both nobles and commoners, due to their slight pepper flavor.
Amicia was sneaking around the university, doing her utmost to ensure that she was unseen and undetected. Getting caught here; the odds were not in her favor. Not that they were ever since the inquisition murdered mother and father and destroyed her home, but being in a place where she had no clue about the layout wasn’t helping either. Need to follow the roses, just like Lucas said.
She entered a rather large section of library, looked around and spotted the roses to her left. She noticed a darkened doorway and heard the pattering and squeaks of rats. After dealing with the guards, she took the torch right by the doorway she used to enter. She entered and walked to the end of the short almost alcove-like room. Pushing the rats back until they retreated into the walls, she discovered a bunch of flowers.
As long as you’re a plant, you’re safe Amicia thought. Kneeling down to see what kind of flowers they were, she correctly identified them as daisies (hopefully).
“You’re far from home too, aren’t you?” Amicia asked them, but mostly just talking to herself.
“Bring me luck, we’re doing this for Hugo.” Amicia said, reassuring herself that this was the right thing to do for her brother. Not that they had that many options to begin with. She just hopes that Lucas will have an idea of what to do.
She then put the daisy into her hair, right where Hugo would have put it. It truly saddens her that he was unable to see the daisies, but she would bring the one she picked back to him. She read one of her mother’s books when she was younger, specifically about flowers and their medicinal purposes if she remembered correctly. She couldn’t remember anything too detailed except that daisies are a symbol of innocence and purity. That instantly reminded Amicia of Hugo, for one so young he has handled their situation remarkably well.
Though he won’t stay innocent and pure forever, she would do her best to prolong it. These traits he possesses are the only things keeping her from wallowing in despair, besides the friends they’ve made along the way of course.
[Rhododendron]
While the rhododendron is harmless, honey made from its flowers is said to carry toxins with hallucinogenic and laxative properties. This is what seemingly thwarted the Greek army resulting in the Retreat of the Ten Thousand—the soldiers gorged themselves on this honey after looting and suffered its effects. Its apparent harmfulness is probably what made it a symbol of risk and danger.
After Amicia and Rodric discovered the shortcut to the rat trap and braziers, they continued onwards to see what other secrets the castle may be hiding.
“Oh, hey. I almost forgot. I found something while I was doing some clearing earlier.” Rodrick said. “Come take a look.”
“Another story about stones?” Amicia said with a slight tease, it seems Mélie was rubbing off on her.
“Actually, you’re not far off.” Rodric replied with a matter-of-fact tone his voice.
Amicia climbed down the ladder and began to follow Rodric when she turned right, curious to see if there was anything that was hidden before.
“I didn’t see you there,” Amicia said as she approached the pinkish-purple flowers.
“It must have been hiding under the weeds.” Rodric commented.
“It would make Hugo smile, perhaps?” Amicia suggested.
“Hey, don’t worry. He’s a resourceful kid.” Rodric said in an attempt to comfort her.
“I know, but … you’re right.” Amicia replied, grateful for his attempt. Hugo had found a book about flowers when he was looking around Lucas’ space for alchemy, his words, not hers. Hugo immediately ran to find Amicia as fast as he could, she did promise to show him how use the sling after all. After lighting the braziers that evening, she and Hugo sat down together and began to read through the book.
If she remembered correctly, then this flower was a rhododendron. The reason for her memory being clear is that Hugo absolutely loved how it was illustrated in the book, especially with how many individual flowers there were. She’ll make sure to take him and see this, he would absolutely love it.
[Cinquefoils]
It owes its name to its number of petals—five. like the fingers on a hand. From a medicinal point of view, it was used from Antiquity in the form of pastes or decoctions to fight illnesses of the digestive tract, calm fever, and stop bleeding. It is also an important symbol in heraldry, decorating the coats of arms of the great families of north-west France.
Amicia looked on in horror as to how the rats have corrupted and ruin her home. What was once a bright place full of wonderful memories was now stained with evil and plague. She and Lucas crawled down the collapsed boardwalk into the kitchen and exited through the door to the garden.
“Good Lord, it’s even worse than I thought. Everything is dead.” Amicia let out with shock and sadness.
“Where are the baths?” Lucas asked.
“Over there, at the other end.” Amicia answered.
“We have to get through that! But how-?” Lucas said unbelieving of the circumstances they had now found themselves in.
“I know, we’ll, we’ll get there.” Amicia reassured Lucas, and herself.
As they were going to the stairs, Amica spotted a bright spot on the ground to their left. Going over to it, she discovered it be another flower.
“A flower, intact?” Amicia let out with an unbelieving tone in her voice. How could it have survived being surrounded by all this darkness and decay.
“A cinquefoil, I think.” Lucas said.
“Hugo wouldn’t have wanted us to leave it here.” Amicia commented as she bent down plucked the flower and put it into her hair.
Perhaps this was another way to picture her brother, the one bright flame in a sea of all consuming black. Keeping her afloat, giving her the hope and strength she needed. And maybe this was how her brother saw her too, the lighthouse on a rocky, treacherous shore. Guiding him with her light, providing him safe passage so he doesn’t crash. She’ll make sure to show and tell Hugo about the cinquefoil, his happiness and well-being was her rock in this hell.
[Daffodil]
It is said that it grew from the remains of Narcissus. a mythological figure Who died while at his own reflection. It symbolizes egoism and selfishness. Despite a marked toxic potential recognized by humanity since Antiquity. Many European countries have used it to treat tumors, epilepsy, and hair loss—to varying degrees of success.
Amicia woke up and slowly stood as she heard Hugo’s voice in the distance. She ran towards him until she realized that he had been captured by two inquisition soldiers. They were laughing and jeering at him, something that ignited a blazing fury within her. With her sling, she killed those rabid dogs and delivered judgement unto them as they deserved.
“Amicia!” Hugo cried out.
“I’m here. Everything’s alright Hugo, it’s over.” Amicia said as she ran towards the cage. “Hey, are you alright, they didn’t hurt you, did they?” Amicia asked worriedly as she opened the cage door and embraced Hugo.
“No.” Thank God. Thank God, they didn’t hurt him.
“But why did you go off like that!?” Amicia demanded.
“I heard mummy. She was calling me.” Huge answered.
“It must have been a nightmare, that’s all” Amicia concluded.
“I really thought it was her. She was in pain, and-”
“She can’t feel pain where she is now, we talked about this.” Amicia interrupted, trying to get Hugo to understand.
“But-” Hugo tried again.
“She’s gone Hugo, you have to accept it. Let’s go back.”
“Alright” Hugo said dejectedly.
“We must go back to the castle.” Amicia said, leaving no room for arguments or disagreements.
She noticed some yellow flowers, as they were going, and so went to them with Hugo. Hugo of course identified them very quickly.
“It’s a daffodil, do you want it?”
“Of course.” Amicia said. Letting Hugo put flowers into her hair was not an exchange as it was the first time, now it was an opportunity that she should always take advantage of. Hugo being happy made her happy as well. He was the last piece of home she still had left in this world and would fight tooth and nail to ensure he was safe.
“You’re not too cross, are you?"
“I was scared, Hugo.”
“Me too.”
“Well, it’s over now. Lady Daffodil will protect us.” Or at the very least she will protect Hugo, even it costed Amicia, to which she decided that there was no price to high concerning her brother’s well-being.
[Black Nightshade]
A symbol of truth. associated by some with demonic witchcraft, the black nightshade has many worrisome nicknames: "devil's herb", "death cherries", and "beautiful death". The toxicity of its berries is certainly a factor: consuming them can lead to death.
Hugo followed the scary-looking man to a courtyard with bushes to hide around. He wishes Amicia was here, she would be able to help see mummy too. And if the scary-looking man was going to hurt mummy, then Amicia would have been able to make him go to sleep forever.
Hugo also noticed that there were guards and alchemists in the courtyard. Good thing there were bushes, otherwise he wouldn’t be able to follow.
Sneaking through and around the bushes, he noticed a lone bunch of flowers and went towards it.
“Nightshade” Hugo said to himself in a quiet whisper. “I mustn’t touch the berries, they’re dangerous.” Despite the plant being dangerous, Hugo still wished he could put into Amicia’s hair. Not only were the flowers pretty, but it also reminded him of Amicia too. Amicia was dangerous, like the nightshade, especially when it came to protecting him.
Maybe once he saw mummy and left with her to go back to the castle, he could make Amicia something with all the flowers they had found. Even the ones they found when they weren’t together. Like when she told him about the lavender, daisy, rhododendron, and cinquefoil she found. But he didn’t know what he could make once he had all the flowers. He’d ask mummy what a good idea would be when he found her.
[Rockfoils]
Saxifrage. also known as "stone-breaker". is often found in cold, mountainous environments, seeping into rock crevices to avoid the frost. It symbolizes inevitability and a form of despair. This nickname comes from the fact that it was considered a means of dissolving kidney stones.
It had been a month since Hugo went missing, Amicia wanted to go out and search for him every day. But was convinced by the others that they needed to take care of things at the castle.
Letting out an exasperated sigh, she saw that the sun was setting and went to go light the braziers. Entering through a doorway she noticed some flowers to her right. Looking at flowers didn’t make her smile anymore, not like when Hugo was with her or when she knew where he was. But for Hugo’s memory, she went down to examine them.
“Hugo should have found you,” Amicia let out with a despairing voice. Based on what Hugo taught her previously, this was rockfoils. How ironic that she would find a flower symbolizing despair when she is in despair. Regardless, Hugo would have wanted to put it into her hair, but he can’t. So, she does it for him.
But with the sun lowering itself still, she gets herself out of her self-pity and continues to the braziers. Hopefully Hugo would come back soon, wherever he might be.
[Christmas Rose]
Used since Antiquity to treat dementia and some forms of paralysis, the plant quickly became a symbol of anxiety and disquiet—this is likely due to its toxicity, as handling it with one's bare hands causes violent irritations and even more severe reactions if ingested. Strangely enough, it is found in nativity scenes around Christmas. It was supposedly born from the tears of Madelon, a young shepherdess who was desperate to Offer a gift to the newborn Christ.
Amicia, Hugo, and Rodric had just finished off the last of the inquisition soldiers coming after them for now. It seems that they would have go through the burning house to reach Mélie and Lucas. Seriously disliking the idea herself, Amicia with Hugo in hand, ran to where the soldiers had come from to see if there was a safer way to cross. They soon ran into a dead end that guaranteed the burning house was the only way.
“Amicia, look” Hugo said as he ran towards some flowers.
“It survived all this?” Amicia asked with amazement. How could simple flowers thrive even when surrounded by so much decay?
“Yes. It’s a warrior, it defends itself.” Hugo stated.
“It’s like us then” Amicia replied.
“That’s right. It’s your flower.”
“Thank you, Hugo, let’s go.” Amicia said with a full smile.
Seeing Amicia’s smile brought Hugo as much joy as possible at the moment. When he had reached mummy in the cells, he had asked what he could make for Amicia with all the flowers they had picked. Mummy told him that he could make a crown of flowers that would go on her head. She told him that when daddy was courting her, he had asked around what kind of flowers she really liked and went out to find enough to make a crown. Hugo instantly loved the idea, and still had not forgotten the flowers that they had picked, whether he and Amicia were together or not.
If each flower made her smile, then a bunch of them at once should make her really happy. He would have to ask the others for help finding them, but he wasn’t too bothered by it. It could be a gift from him that they helped with, or a gift from all of them to Amicia. Either one would satisfy him.