* FLORA BELTANE.

Q U E S T I O N asked. Q U E S T I O N (answered)? QUESTIONQUESTIONQUESTION.

SHE SHOULD’VE BEEN FEARFUL. The first time the voice had spoken to Flora, all she felt was despair as she was reminded of an event that she tried so hard to move away from. It ate away at her for days, resulting in a visit with the intention to ask — no, BEG — for it to stop. Until one visit turned into several, her own voice quieting as a sense of compassion soon replaced the worry. She was curious now, wanting to discover what the true intentions behind this mysterious voice were. Something told her they were just lonely. Company was something she could offer.

The teddy bear is retrieved and held with care. What ever could this mean?

AS STUBBORN AS NICA WAS TO MOST, for Flora, she'd oblige to just about any request without much question if any at all. She's a bit hesitant at first, naturally. There seemed to be an underlining statement hidden beneath something masked behind a face of innocence and yet, the huntress knows deep down that it's only her repetitive mind trying to force it's way out into her thought process.

Flora wasn't dark or malicious, nor manipulating in such a way; merely only wanting her to taste a new recipe she'd been working on for quite some time now. The blood coursing through her veins constantly screams at her to remain cautious, but she doesn't have to do that around Flora and so, she willingly opens her mouth to take in the spoon that's lifted up to her. Though she had to admit, the subtext of it all was rather palpable.

Tasting the batter that's presented, she can't help but feel as if there was a warm light surrounding her. A strange sense of arousal that wasn't unfamiliar to her. Tongue peeking out between closed lips as she hums and leans back just a bit, nearly closing her eyes at how good that was. ❝ Mmm…. even if you somehow laced that with poison, I think I'd die happy. What is that—? ❞

A FACE SCRUNCHED WITH FOCUS remains even as Veronica inches closer and accepts the offer, her features only beginning to soften once a positive reaction is received. Then, her shoulders are relaxing, lips turning up into a bright, prideful smile as she reaches her free hand out to gently cup a soft cheek. An appreciative and thankful peck is placed upon her girlfriend’s lips for her willingness to assist by playing the role of taste-tester, even with the worries she holds when it comes to trusting another. This was a special recipe for her, however, and Flora had made it a top priority to always give Veronica her best.

❝ If I had wanted to poison you, I would’ve done it already. It’s much too late now. I’ve grown fond of your company, ❞ She teases as she pulls away, returning her attention to the food cooking away on the stovetop. ❝ It’s nothing too crazy. I’m making cauliflower puttanesca, but getting the sauce just right has been a challenge. Something always seems off. ❞

Maybe you could meet her. Maybe you will like her. Odessa is sure, actually, that she will not. She has not once in her life particularly liked the mother of one of her sisters, and has also not once in her life desired to meet one. This time, however, she accepts her father's idea, and does ask Flora for a date, and a time, and a place. On one side, she's trying as hard as possible to make her father see her, like her, be proud of her, and on the other side, she's trying her best to make him hate, and despise her. Today, Odessa has settled for actually trying, and ignoring the fact that her youngest half-sister's mother is also younger than she is.

Well. Odessa rings the doorbell, hard, wrinkles her nose, and takes a step back. She hates children, so, so much. And this one won't be any different.

BEING A SINGLE MOTHER FOR THE LAST NINE YEARS with no expectation of co-parenting had been a role that Flora had become well-adjusted to. It had been almost an entire decade without the father in the picture and the worry of him ever discovering was one that lessened as time went on. Just when she thought it would never happen, her daughter and the man that helped create her were suddenly face to face, and he insisted on being apart of her life.

So, now here they were. When she had met him initially, she wasn’t fully aware of his history. She didn’t know the intricate details of his life or family dynamic. It was a situation that impacted a lot of people and she hated how much it did, but she was more than willing to do her best to ensure everyone involved was as comfortable as they could be. The idea of meeting Odessa was one Flora had easily been on board with. It filled her with an intense amount of worry, mainly regarding how the other would feel and if the siblings would even get along in the first place, but it was a change she was okay with and open to making.

❝ Hello, Odessa. ❞ The door is answered with a soft smile, a step to the side being taken as the woman welcomes her in. It’s fine. Everything would be fine.

HEARING THE KNOCK AT THE DOOR, Kora's attention immediately shifts from book in hand and she rises from her position upon the couch. There was only so much time throughout each day that she was allowed such simple luxuries, but this visit was no real interruption. Knowing already who was on the other side, she opens the door and immediately offers a welcoming smile to the Earth Fae.

Eyes glancing towards the basket of goodies with a pleasant sigh while silently gesturing the woman to enter their home. ❝ Oh, Flora… you're too good to us. Come in, come in! ❞ Single hand whisking her inside and taking a step back to give her some room to enter. ❝ It's so good to see you, what is all of this? ❞ She asks, looking to the basket again with some excitement.

THE BRIGHT SMILE THAT APPEARS on Flora’s face is almost instantaneous once the door is answered and Kora comes into view. She is a breathtaking sight, even with a day filled with simple relaxation. The invitation to enter is accepted graciously as the older of the two steps inside, respectfully removing her hat before holding out the basket.

❝ I come bearing gifts! It’s a few of your and Valina’s favorites, but I also brought a couple of new items I thought you’d be interested in trying. They haven’t been put out yet, so consider yourself my taste-tester. ❞ It was a scenario they had been in plenty of times now, where Flora kept their home filled with sweet treats and one of the two, or sometimes both at the same time, would assist with making the final decision on whether or not her fresh ideas were good enough to share. ❝ The flavor combos this week are pumpkin cinnamon and maple butterscotch. ❞