Lola Garrido

lola x arturo { @floatinginthcwind } / té de la tarde, afternoon tea

The summer winds begun to roll in off the wine dark sea to the east, and Arturo’s face began to throb with sinus swelling. Every year–like clockwork–the start of the summer season means that Arturo’s body would be allergic to whatever what blowing in the wind. Thankfully, he had a good friend that could brew a good healing tistane to make this season more manageable for those with allergies.

Arturo opened the door to Lola’s shop in the Fairwinds main city. The brass cow bell that hung delicately by the door rang as Arturo stepped inside. “Lola?” Arturo called out into the sun-warmed shoppe. 

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As a woman of Fairwinds, Lola took great comfort in certain reliable things. the turning of the seasons, the way her seeds would sprout after so many days, the shifting fragrance of her blooms as flowers went in and out of season. Summer brought forth vibrant petals and heavy fragrance. Her jasmine was blooming, perfuming the evenings on her roof-top garden and the days she spent in her shop. Another reliable telling of time’s passage was in the form of Arturo. She rushed in from the back room, a grin on her face.

“Arturo,” she welcomed with a smile. “It’s getting to be that time again, yes?” Lola continued as she stepped forward to press a kiss on each of his cheeks in greeting. Being alone in her little shop made it a lot easier to be relaxed, rather than in front of all the eyes that had been present at the exhibition. “Tell me, should I make you some tea now? I have some Almond cake, would you like a slice?”

“Anytime,” Hana admitted and, in a rare moment of honesty with a dash of vulnerability, she meant it. “It is,” The pirate lord nodded in confirmation. Her dark eyes taking a moment to scan the crowd over once more before she met Lola’s gaze once more. “But, it’s more than that. I hope you know. It’s an opportunity to be around your own people. The winds may change and those flowers you sow, however beautiful they may seem, will always have their thorns. And yet, birds of a feather will always flock together,” Her words were no more than that of a light hum under her breath and, yet, the meaning was all too clear. No matter how different the two woman may appear on paper, they were free spirits cut from the same cloth and, as unwise as it may be, Hana would always be there for that of her own.

“No,” Hana shook her head, letting out a low whistle at the thought. “As charming and persuasive as your grace may be, and lord knows he can be, your beauty is all your own. Overpriced clothes or not, you’ll always be breathtaking. And I suppose. If we must, then I would have to pick both. I’d prefer not to compromise if I don’t have to,” She teased, although her words were far too honest for the sentiment to be solely construed as a joke.

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Your own people.

It was a bittersweet though. In her heart, Lola knew that she was no longer the girl who cross pollinated flowers by hand, feet bare in the earth as if she might sprout roots of her own. If the truth of her was known, she wouldn’t be accepted by her people. Sure, she’d cultivated a network of clients, but would they really be there if she needed help? Belonging to the Pirate Lord’s community of thieves was off-putting only because she didn’t know how to be a part of a community anymore, but still the florist nodded. Lola tilted her head, a wry smile lifting her lips. “You are too good to me,” she murmured quietly.

&

“Señorita,” Arturo nodded taking a tighter grip on her hand. People in various states of drunkenness were failing around trying to push their way out. Arturo could see that some were getting trampled under foot as panicked commoners, merchants, and thieves tried to save their own asses before the Queen’s Guard and tossed into the dungeon, never to be seen or heard from again.

Arturo gracefully led them both out, nearly getting caught by a set of dragoons. But both were able to evade and escape with the quick thinking of from each other. “Someone must have tipped of the Queen’s Guard,” Arturo thought out loud once they made it out into a back alleyway. He spoke in a slang vernacular of their native tongue for amenity. “I know the Pirate Queen, she’s very careful about her get togethers…”

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Lola was grateful for the tight grip Arturo kept on her hands. She’d had to evade lawkeepers before, but this was nothing like running through alleyways in the dead of night. before stepping out of the alleyway and into the street, Lola made sure to remove her mask and dispose of it in a pile of trash. They would look out of place, but at least might look like a pair out for an evening stroll. She nodded and responded in the same vernacular. “That’s good to know. There’s a good chance that they won’t know everyone who was supposed to be there.”

It seemed more prudent not to admit she knew Hana as well.

“Do you think they’ll take to the streets to find attendants?” she asked instead, worry beginning to sink her stomach. “The inn I’m staying at isn’t too far, if you’d like to stay the night.” It wouldn’t be as luxurious as the accommodations Lola imagined he had with Javier, but it was comfortable enough, and could be a faster shelter.

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HE softens at the other’s mild deprecation of her craft; he does not wish to be impolite, and he wonders, briefly, whether his words had offended the words, no matter how inadvertent. “No, I didn’t mean to offend—” And he pauses, raising his hand, pausing to gather his thoughts. “Titillating or not to my senses, I’ve always envied the appreciation of beauty.” He takes a breath, mind wandering to the last time he’d slowed for the world — it’d certainly been before he’d been swept away with the ever-increasing list of duties serving the naval army.

“I’ll take a bundle of whatever you think would be divine,” he answers. If this was her trick, to act coy in exchange for a purchase, Kai paid no mind to it. His interactions with the population of Fairwinds are limited, and he sees it as a chance to understand their people. “Is owning a floral shop what you’ve always wanted to do?”

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“It’s alright, you didn’t offend,” Lola promises gently. His comment strikes her as odd - surely anyone can appreciate something beautiful. “I hope you don’t think me egotistic, but this has to be as good a place as any to do so. It’s as grand as any meadow Fairwinds can offer.” The exhibition was, perhaps, grander than a natural meadow, but Lola couldn’t bring herself to admit it. Not when Javier had entrusted such a thing to her.

His directive makes her glow, and the florist nods. “It will be my pleasure,” she assures, easily plucking a few other bunches to turn into a lovely bouquet for him. “If you wish, I have a station set up for making arrangements. I’d be honored for you to join me while I make yours,” Lola offers. While possibly frowned on, it would allow them to continue conversing. The man seemed rather mysterious, and she couldn’t help but want to be able to  keep talking with him. “Not quite. I’ve always loved growing things, and wanted to keep my own garden. My parents farmhands, so I suppose I always thought I’d do the same. I do rather prefer this, though. i’ve always loved growing flowers. May I ask the same of you? Did you always see yourself where you are now?”

If there was something Bineta appreciated more then anything it was nature. And anyone else who appreciated it, or worked to better it. She was from the Sacred Woods after all, and was forever trying her best to help the many botanists and healers who experimented with the various herbs and plants that grew in their Dukedom. So, when she had spied the flower exhibition from Fairwinds, she had been more then a little intrigued.

Requesting her guard to stay a few feet away while she inspected the blooms by herself, Bineta closed her eyes and could almost imagine herself back home. Despite being away for only a few days, a pang of homesickness shot through her and she sighed longingly, while delicately fingering the soft petal of a nearby flower. Perhaps she could take a few seeds and samples back home.

At being addressed she turned to look at the person and after glancing at what she held in her arms, gave a gentle smile. “Middle note scents?” She questioned, allowing some of the curiosity she felt to slip into her words as she turned her full attention to the other woman.

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Lola offered a nervous smile to the other woman, taking note of the guard that seemed to hove a small ways away. “Yes. I know it’s usually more desirable to have a range of scents, top, middle, and base, for a more rounded perfume, but sometimes I find scents that work well together despite being the same note. It doesn’t have the same depth, but it can be enjoyable all the same,” the florist explained.

“If you would prefer something with top, middle, and base notes, may I recommend citrus and cedarwood to pair with the Lilies?” Lola continued, guessing at what might make the most enjoyable experience for the other.  Of course, it could very well be that she didn’t really care about all that, but Lola was hopeful from the peace that the plants seemed to bring her. Perhaps this was a kindred spirit, one that could share in the solace of growing things. One that could help cement her place as the Fairwinds Florist.

“Please, call me Yasmin,” She told the florist with a formal nod. A sweet gesture she would have given any florist she had interacted with over a handful of times, followed by that of a warm smile to help put them at ease. Only Lola wasn’t just any florist and Yasmin and her had been on a first named bases for quite some time now. “And thank you once again for all the help. I may be decently familiar with flowers, but there are only so many that grow within Kum Diyari,” The duchess kept up the polite façade as she headed behind the counter to join the other.

Her lips curving up into that of a soft smile at Lola’s question. “Don’t worry. It’s not a large order. I was actually hoping to see if you might have something new in to maybe add to my collection?” Keeping a collection of poisons was hardly a hobby fit for Duchess, but the spy in her was still all too engrained in her bones and the small vials brought her, oddly enough, a far bit of comfort where her chambers here in the Capital did not. “And don’t worry,” She whispered softly into Lola’s ear. “I, too, advocate caution at most times, but I think we both know I have received more than enough orders of flowers from your shop for us to reasonably be on a first name basis.” 

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Lola’s smile mirrored Yasmin’s. “Thank you, Yasmin. It’s my pleasure,” she assured the other.  The florsit couldn’t help the soft chuckle that escaped her lips at Yasmin’s reassurance. “I imagine those that grow in your lands are quite stunning,” Lola continued, knowing full well that the duchess had tried to tempt her into visiting more than once. Perhaps one day she’d take the risk and go. “I am quite looking forward to your land’s exhibition.”

The mention of caution made her lips tip into a dry smile. Caution for them both was a balance act along a trip wire. Lola spread out the flowers on the tabletop and started to arrange them to give them some cover. She looked, ensuring they had some privacy,  before drawing some small vials out of her apron pocket. “This is some of my newest product, a blend of Bittersweet and Sacred Datura,” she murmured. “For the ones that need to take a small trip before leaving.”

One of the perks of Rowan’s position that they no longer had to fight so hard for intel. People just brought it to them. All night, their lackeys parsed conversations for trouble or interesting tidbits and fed that information back to their fearless leader, lord of thieves. (When you got so powerful and controlled so much it wasn’t just the physical objects you dealt in anymore. Secrets had a high price too, Rowan was something of a collector, they were a fantastic motivator.) 

So here was the latest bit of knowledge to pique their interest; someone at this party was selling poisons. The kind you might normally find out in the fairwinds, pedalled by one particular seller. Rowan had been trying to figure out exactly who that was for a few years now for no avail. Not for nefarious reasons really, it was just goo dbusiness to know who else was working in the same sphere as you, hell, they might’ve been able to strike up something of a trade deal. 

Though as tends to happen at parties, Rowan was distracted from their plan to track the seller down by some joking around and jostling, finding themselves laughing at the edge of an informal audience to a little friendly arm wrestling match. As there was a victory the crowd cheered together, and someone stumbled into their side. Rowan turned, quietly bemused by the gentle kindness of the stranger. To be so worried about just a little jostle spoke of a softness not usually found at a party like this. “Nah.” They shook their head, “I’m tougher than I look. No blood no foul.” Behind her, one of Rowan’s goons made a short series of hand gestures- they had a shorthand, a few symbals that communicated basic sentiments quickly- this could be that poison seller. “You trying to get to the bar? Could do with a drink myself.” 

They headed towards the bar with ease, the crowd aprting for them until they were leaned up against the bartop with the woman. Without much waiting a bottle of scotch and a couple of glasses were set down. Rowan poured themselves a glass, and gave the bottle a small shake, “you a scotch drinker? We’ve got other stuff too, but this is my favorite.”

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A relieved smile tipped Lola’s lips as the other person assured her they weren’t hurt. “I’m glad,” she murmured. They seemed almost amused at her apology, something the florist found a relief. there was no telling how offending someone at the party might end. She answered with a nod and was a little stunned as they started to lead the way. “Thank you. I don’t think I’ve ever attended a party quite like this,” Lola continued with a wry smile. While she might be more reserved, there was something charming about the near raucous environment. Her surprise continued to grow as the crowd seemed to part for them. Clearly the person she’d stumbled into was important. The thought made Lola uneasy.

One misstep, and she could ruin her carefully crafted reputation.

Like magic, a bottle of liquor and two glasses appeared. It was almost reminiscent of being around Javier, if Lola was honest with herself. People orbited around the two of them, and things simply seemed to appear. Given the party at hand, the florist was willing to bet that this person had fought tooth and nail for the privilege.

“I am,” the woman admitted with another smile. It was tempting to repeat the rumours she’d heard about the scotch being stolen from the palace, but Lola was willing to bet that someone as important as this would know the truth of the matter. “Though it’s not something I get to indulge in often. I think it’s so interesting how it’s made, the different things that can influence its flavor,” she continued, almost unable to help herself. “Is there something about this particular scotch that speaks to you?” Lola asked, head tilting to the side out of curiosity.

“Depends on the company you keep. I’m told that our orchards can’t compare to a desert sunset.” Javier tacks on conversationally, though the slight grimace on his features proves that he disagrees. He’s see the valleys of Kum Diyari, the mountainous hills of Ravenpeak, and the endless oceans of the Lost Coasts. But without fail, his heart remains in a land where only beauty and prosperity grows. A land where it was only rose, and no thorns.

He’s half-prepared to utter his agreement, when a faint squeal pulls him out of focus. Brows furrowed in suspicion, half-guessing it to be a child that’s gotten lost in the festivities. Only for disbelief to color his eyes, as a scoff follows thereafter. In Lola’s nimble fingers, was a furry bunny emerging from the pocket of her ethereal dress. He instinctively draws backwards, half-expecting it to be an unwelcome sight. Only for the florist to turn to him in her nonchalant way, holding out her precarious rabbit. “Oh,” he says, almost dumbly. But his hands are already reaching for the creature in question. His natural affection for animals, winning over any turn of surprise. He holds it in his palms, a thumb moving along its gentle fur.

“No wonder you haven’t left your post.” Javier thinks out loud, following Lola through the course of movements. “If you had taken Lunita here off to Stone Garden’s exhibition, you might be short a furry friend.” It’s a friendly joke as any, as he dips the friendly bunny down to the ground. He gently coaxes Lunita towards the saucer of water, smirking up at the florist promptly. “Or is that not politically correct for a Lord to say?” He challenges out loud. It’s not as if he was so rigid, that the basis of formality would render him without an opinion. “She seems rather energetic.” He comments, continuously stroking her fur.

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Lola isn’t quite sure what she expected of Javier, but she is glad he goes along with it, holding her precious bunny with gentle hands. In that respect, she isn’t surprised - Javier never seemed like a cruel soul. Lola  smiles up at the duke, and shakes her head. “I would think anyone from Stone Garden would be quite disappointed after picking my pocket. I think she’s irreplaceable, but something tells me they also think our orchards can’t compare,” she speculates, keeping her eyes on Lunita. The way he continues to pet the rabbit’s fur is endearing.

“I would say practical..there is a reason people think that way. Everyone needs to make their way in this world. Most may not agree with how some survive but I’d imagine we’d all do what we must to make our way,” Lola answers mildly. Contradicting the duke seems like a risky step to take, but really the florist has no room to judge. “Though I’d imagine that anyone trying to pick my pocket would be quite disappointed to come away with Lunita,” she adds with a grin.

“She can be,” Lola murmurs. “She likes to explore, but she’ll never turn down a sunbeam for a nap,” the woman explains with a fond smile on her face. “When I was little, I lived in a small village, and we kept a few rabbits. They weren’t quite as companionable as the dogs were but they did better indoors,” the florist muses quietly.

lola x arturo { @floatinginthcwind } / sunday, 13 june: the crossfire

A good party was always on Arturo’s docket. If there was a lively event, with good wine and good food, Arturo was there. His ability to ease between the posh world of the Duchy and the scrappy atmosphere of the working class was an art form. He could attended a garden party among with every Ashbourne noble in attendance, then turn his back and gamble with the sailors until the crack of dawn; this party was no different. The Fairwinds lord left his fancy duds in his apartment; wore simple wool clothes with a light overcoat and pinned to his jacket was a brass pin of a seagull crossing a crescent moon: his family symbol.

The merriment and revelry didn’t last long. The underlings and underground began to scattered in all directions to the exit: being spooked by notable party crashers. Among the sea of panic, a familiar voice rang clear: Lola Garrido. Arturo quickly came to her aid. “Mistress Lola,” Arturo purred–always calm under pressure. “Didn’t expect to see you here,” he pushed off a frantic (and rather drunk) partier that what shoved into them. “If you follow me, I might be able to get us out of this–”

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Lola couldn’t pinpoint the moment when things in the party shifted. The florist was moving between potential clients as the crowd seemed to shift. A nervous air  rippled through the party goers,  and it seemed to radiate around newcomers. Nervousness turned to chaos, and she was swept away with the tide of criminals. It became clear that some semblance of law keepers decided to attend as well. Lola tried to make her way out of the crowd to no avail. The petite woman was simply pushed around the crowd until someone approached her.

“Señor Luna,” she gasped, shock making her eyes go wide under her mask. Of all the people from La Tierra Ventosa, Arturo Luna was perhaps the last person she expected to see. Of course, with Javier’s presence, it shouldn’t be too surprising. Without hesitation, Lola reached for Arturo’s hand. “Please, lead the way,” she asked before glancing around them.

A festival celebrating the glory and prosperity of Ashbourne was hardly the kind of event one would expect to find a mercenary from Stone Garden, unless it was to perhaps fulfill an assassination order, but Kieran was indeed in attendance. Arriving amidst a swarm of petty thieves that accompanied Rowan Scott, he’d spent the morning weaving between guests from all over the kingdom. He hoped that over the following days he might strike up a few deals with clients, new or old. And if he didn’t? Well then the festival would be just a nice excuse to drink and slip his hand into the heavy pockets of some wealthy merchants or nobles. 

Financed with stolen gold, Kieran perused the festival vendors along Main Street in the hopes that something worthwhile might catch his eye. He had just moved on from a jewelry stand, empty handed yet again, when he heard his name ring out through the air. The voice belonged to none other than Lola Garrido—the Fairwinds’ prized florist. Though Kieran knew her better as Laurel. She was her Dukedom’s secret poisoner that he guessed could give even the Chief Botanist a run for their money when it came to the cultivation of poisonous flora. It was a dark occupation well hidden behind the delicate blooms she sold and the charming smile that graced her fair face. 

Kieran met her with a half smile of his own and a quirked brow when she suggested the flowers. In the past the only floral product he’d ever purchased from her were of the nightshade variety. He actually couldn’t remember if they’d ever met under non-business related circumstances. Poison wasn’t his usual method as a mercenary, but there were some targets where a deadly drink was a more effective strategy than a concealed dagger. “I’m not sure, it might ruin the whole ‘dark and brooding’ thing I’ve got going,” Kieran jested, looking over the small clusters of white blossoms. He certainly wouldn’t be using them to pay his respects to any fallen heroes of the Great War, but he wasn’t sure what else he’d do with them.

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Lola chuckled and nodded. “Of course. Can’t have that, can we?” she mused gently. She had two very different paths that she balanced, though it was nice to see a client in somewhat less dire circumstances. At least, that’s what she’d hoped had drawn him to the Fairwinds exhibit rather than necessity. “Have you been enjoying the exhibits today?” she asked, a hopeful light in her dark eyes. Everyone needed a break, the florist reasoned. While this was probably a lucrative time for anyone who dealt in..less than legal circumstances, she still hoped that Kieran was able to enjoy himself.

“I’ve never been to anything like this before, have you?” Lola asked, somewhat shyly. It was almost odd to be discussing normal things with someone she’d consider a client. In truth, it was impossible to say if they’d ever really talked about things unrelated to business, but bringing that up felt crass.   

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MATTERS of the heart are ones best left to the quixotic romantics of the kingdom — affairs of the heart were ill-suited for a man like Kai Ichinose, who’d desired anything but. But love could be beautiful — and yet, what use did he have for beauty?

He is scornful, he knows. In the end, even the most exquisite would fade, and that is what he thinks of when he happens upon the Fairwinds’ Exhibition, the vibrant shades of the flowers turning mute as he slows next to a bundle of lilies. But still, he lingers. Still, he is drawn to beauty. Still, he is human.

Lifting his head, he offers a tight smile, unsure of how to react when secretly, he’d been so harsh against her wares. He bends down, taking a whiff — indeed, the subtly sweet scent of the lilies mixed well with whatever had been in her hand, and he nods once. “I admit, I have very poor taste in flowers,” he says. “What is it that you have in your arms?”

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The florist offers a gentle smile. “There’s no such thing,” she contests. “’m sure anything you chose would be charming, though I can see where they aren’t the most..titillating subject for many.” It’s certainly not something she would hold against anyone. Being from Fairwinds meant she had a stronger connection to floriculture than most would care to admit to. “This is lemon verbena, most prized for its scent, but I tend to think it looks quite lovely in arrangements,” Lola explains in earnest, pleased that he didn’t seem too bored.

Used to the pervasive machismo she often encountered in Fairwinds, it was almost surprising that he even spared a moment to ask. “If you like the smell of it, I could prepare a bundle for you?” she offers in an attempt to be helpful. “We have other aromatic stems on hand, and herbs as well.” A light blush spreads across her cheeks as the woman realizes that she’s rambling on about something the man might not even care about.

The afterparty was a much more raucous affair than the grand ball had been. While she didn’t feel as though she truly belonged at either affair, Lola was much more at ease at the party. Slipping into the part of Laurel was much easier than being herself for anyone to see. At least here, her identity was at least partially hidden. And who would suspect the rabbit-toting Lola Garrido of peddling poisons? As interesting (and lucrative) as the party was, the florist sighed at the thought of her little companion. At least by the end of it, she’d have plenty of secrets to whisper into Lunita’s fluffy ears.

Fortunately, the rabbit could be trusted with such things. Present company..seemed less so, and the florist couldn’t help but check that her mask was securely in place. Having her identity (identities?) leaked over the festival would be ruinous given how word seemed  to get around about her wares. Evidently, she wasn’t the only one willing to take advantage of the party for a business opportunity. It was admirable, if she were being honest though few of her countrymen would agree. It brought another sigh as she started weaving through the crowd in the hopes of finding some of the famed scotch that had been stolen the night before, if rumor could be believed. The crowd seemed to grow more raucous, and the florist found herself jostled around and into someone else. “Perdon” she exclaimed softly, stepping away as she looked up at the other person. “Are you alright? I didn’t hurt you, did I?” Lola continued, sincerity shining in her dark eyes. The last thing she wanted was to risk insulting a guest of Hana’s.

It’s not a perspective he shares, as wanderlust is built into his bones. An endless desire to see more of Ashbourne, beyond the enchanted carriage of a Duke. Yet there’s something to Lola’s protectiveness of her own enterprise, that’s reminiscent to his mother’s. He smiles, warm and duly respectful. “I can understand that. If you want something done right, you do it yourself. And being far from where you do it, is hardly conducive to that.” A passing thought to his own distance from his seat the La Tierra Ventosa comes, but he swallows it down with the necessity of the event. “If it helps,” he lowers his head, almost conspiratorial. “They don’t hold a candle to our home.” It was not just the opinion of a proud Fairwinder. But his travels proved that while the Ravenpeak snowfall was beautiful and Sandspell’s sunsets were remarkable - none could rival the eternal beauty of their meadows. “But you should take a walk around. Have one of Arturo’s staff take watch.” He encourages, as they fall into the endless flora surrounding them.

“There you go,” he comments wryly. “After your benevolent concern, simply… Tell him.” Javier doubts the nobleman would mind. “Say it’s the Duke’s orders.” Though even that was unnecessary. Arturo’s practices could be seedy, but he was not difficult for difficulties sake… Most of the time, anyhow. He leans forward, hanging onto ever one of Lola’s words and nodding amicably. One would think that a Lord with a machismo as strong as Javier’s, could care little for the thought behind arrangements. But he was a son of the Fairwinds, first and foremost, and he nods in genuine interest. “Let’s try for red hyacinths as well.” Javier decides, after a moment’s thought. “Something to add boldness.” He licks his lips, before adding as an after thought. “And it’s the lady’s favorite.” Unfortunately, desert roses weren’t common in the Fairwinds - or else, it would be his next recommendation. “But yes, it pleases me, Lola.” A pointed use of her name, in hopes that she would inevitably fall into his own. “Could you have it prepared and sent to the palace for tonight?”

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“I’m glad to hear that,” she murmurs, pleased that he found their home the most beautiful. “Few things compare to growing things,” Lola adds, matching the conspiratorial nature of his words. “I think there can’t be many pleasures that compare to walking in the dappled shade of an orchard, or sitting on the green banks of a river,” the florist confesses, delight setting off her jade-colored eyes. Perhaps she is too simple a woman for the capital, but her heart’s longing is impossible to hide.

“Of course. I can compliment the red hyacinth with some amber glow tulips,” she suggests, motioning over to the blooms in question. The use of her first name doesn’t escape her notice, and warning bells sound in the back of her mind. Was it really wise to be getting on a first name basis with the duke? A soft squeak draws her attention, and Lola shakes her head as she plucks what seems to be a small ball of fur from her pocket. Ears mark it clearly as a rabbit, and it continues to chatter at the dark-haired woman. Holding it at eye level, she inspects the creature, offering it a soft and sweet “¿Que pasó?,” before offering it to Javier. “Would you please?” she asks, already looking around for one of the watering containers. A light blush colors her cheeks as she presses on.

“Lunita must be a little thirsty but I’ll need both hands to get a bowl of water for her,” the florist explains, fishing out a small saucer out of another pocket as though the development is the most natural in the world. “My apologies..I have a small bed of hay for her but she was insistent on not being left behind.”

Unlike other Duchy’s, he does not cringe at the term ‘your grace’ or make quick move to dismiss Lola’s formality. The Fairwinds’ monarchistic structure heralded the hierarchy - it’s what made the five-year-old boy a Duke, after all. Even after holding the title for over twenty-five years, it still feels misplaced. Like a young many playing dress up, while the ghost of his father’s rule lingers at every step. So he takes to it, smiles politely, and basks in the knowledge that the Fairwinds’ citizens were ever loyal to their Duke. It was a sentiment that gave him confidence, as they swirled throughout the intimidating Heartland.

“Very much so, yes.” There’s a raised brow that follows, as his fingers graze over the gentle petals of red roses. Far too common for what he has in mind, but even he can admire the beauty of it. He barely stifles a good-natured laugh, the pointed jab at the De Leon’s penchant for flora and fresh fruit taken in stride. “Sadly, it isn’t home. But it makes the illusion of it, wouldn’t you say?” Javier turns his cheek, glancing out onto the lush abyss of The Heartland. Modern and overly-luxurious; it did not carry one ounce of their home’s warmth and natural beauty. “Have you ever been to the Capital before?” Javier wonders conversationally, as he begins to walk the exhibition, making notes of the medley of colors and scents that fill his nostrils.

“As long as Senor Luna has a cask of wine and is positioned away from the pollen - he’ll be more than pleased.” A conspiratorial wink, passing in Lola’s direction. At her thanks, he merely waves a hand. “You deserve it. You have made a name for yourself as being the best. Every citizen I speak to speaks highly of you and your business.” It was not an easy thing, to be sure. Competition in Lola’s trade was relentlessly. “Say,” he thinks out loud, brushing his fingers along a number of sunflowers. “What would you suggest for a friend of mine? Seems I’ve done something to offend. An arrangement might just get me out of trouble.”

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Lola merely smiled as she fell in step with the duke. “No, your grace. I haven’t really had the opportunity to travel much, though I have friends from other duchies that have been trying to convince me to,” she confessed. “I’m too much a mother hen over my shop. I don’t like the thought of leaving it.” The florist kept to herself that she also had a little rabbit that would need to be smuggled along. “I suppose it’s the nice thing about being here during the festival. I could go to the different exhibits..not as good as seeing the other duchies in person, but it will do,” the florist decided. Of course, that would necessitate leaving her post.

The mention of Arturo’s allergy made her laugh. “I imagine you’re quite right, your grace,” she agreed, a grin tugging at her lips. “I should find him, and make sure that he isn’t bothered by the exhibition,” Lola mused. It wouldn’t be a bad idea to try and check in on him. It would probably be a difficult task to fulfill, given all the people and the exhibits that were present. the duke’s praise brings her back into the moment. A light blush colors her cheeks as she ducked her head. “Our people are kind,” she murmured. It felt wrong to accept, but she couldn’t very well tell Javier de Leon that he was wrong. His question is a welcome distraction, and Lola nods as she casts a glance around the flora that surrounds them. “I would suggest hyacinth and tulips with lily of the valley and chamomile as filler. The two main flowers will give contrast of texture and color, and the lily of the valley will add interest while chamomile will take up open space to make the arrangement look more full,” the florist decided with a nod. They weren’t the most exotic flowers, but they were associated with making peace, rebirth, and healing. “Would that please you, your grace?”

Hana’s signature grin twisted across her lips as she spun around to take in her favorite poison seller. “Well, doesn’t that mask look stunning on you,” She cooed, not bothering to hide her delight in the fact that the Fairwinds Florist had decided to take her up on her invitation. Her crew often liked to make wisecracks on how their Lord had a tendency to pick up strays where ever she went. But, what her fellow pirates viewed as a handout, Hana saw as fostering potential and, if there was one person in Ashbourne who was brimming with potential, it was that of Lola or should she say ‘Laurel’. The woman was already making a name for herself amongst the city streets and Hana would be damned if someone as that talented was caught by the authorities, before she could fully thrive amongst likeminded rebels such as herself.

“You know I invited you as a friend, don’t you? That and, what can I say? You’re easy on the eyes, but I’m not the type to turn down an offer like that either,” She admitted with an eased shrug despite her slightly warning tone as if to advise her to be a bit more careful as to who she offers deals like that to. Despite being known as one of the more seedy criminals in Ashbourne’s shadier underbelly, Hana wasn’t one to take advantage of a fellow woman’s kindness, though she knew far too many, some amongst their present company, whom wouldn’t be as courteous. Ever still, Hana couldn’t help, but flash Lola a bright smile as she motioned with a tilt of her head for the florist to come join her from where she was seated, draped across one of the pub’s lounge chairs overlooking the festivities below. “We both know the words ‘anything you want’ is music to my ears.”

.

Lola laughed as she slid into a seat beside Hana. “Thank you,’ she murmured. It was kind of her to extend the invitation. “This is too good of an opportunity to pass up,” she admitted quietly. “You of all people know how quickly the winds can change. Best to sow seeds while the air is still so they take root where I lay them.” Hana’s warning wasn’t unnoticed, but the florist trusted the pirate lord to not take more than she was willing to give. “You’d have to thank his grace for that,” she added with a wry grin. “I don’t think I’ve spent as much on clothes in my life, and I doubt I will again.” Lola let out a soft hum as she considered Hana’s potential desires.

“Well..I suppose we ought to narrow that down a spell. Do you think you want something useful or something fun? Or both?” The mask she wore hid the quirked brow but Lola couldn’t help but be interested. Hana was someone that developing new product felt less like a chore and more like an interesting puzzle to solve. Unless, of course, Hana wanted something else in return.