☼ sweet honey & warm buttered bread.

meet flora dawn! ❁ more introductions & info about the character under the cut

where : madan castle, night of the unity ball

as the lights turned back on, flora slowly blinked to readjust to the light, her paniced heartbeat racing inside her. fear rarely flooded through her in a way such as this. trying her best to regain a grasp on the situation, flora attempted to focus her vision on her surroundings, taking in the aftermath of the harrowing event. bodies huddled. crying figures. fearful stares. a sense of sinister uncertainty loitered in the air, almost threateningly. servants and knights hurried around, ensuring the safety of all, offering aid to those in need. flora managed to regain some of her awareness and felt the familiar strong urge to take action, to help, to be of use. 

she spied the monarchs in deep consultation in one corner of the room, whispering with great urgency and concern. she had great faith in their jurisdiction and direction. who did atherion need for flora to be in this moment? a humble elf with a knack for baking bread was hardly a saviour in such as this. what did the people need? a listening ear perhaps? a comforting hug? these were the gifts that flora was able to provide. they weren’t grand gifts or particularly heroic even, but they were in great demand by many of the frightened bodies that hovered uncertainly within the great hall. 

“i'm sure that everything will be ok -” flora reassured a passing figure gently, wrapping her arms around them in an embrace of comfort and empathy. “don’t forget that we are in the queens’ capable hands, they will know how to respond. for it is the atherion way, to not succumb to darkness, to remain resilient as a people, just as our kingdom has been for many years and will continue to be for many more...” 

while she still felt the fear herself, saying these words out loud soothed her and gave her temporary comfort amidst the disarray. 

flxradawn​:

where : madan unity ball

who : princess aradia // @aradialochtree​

Hearing the familiar delighted noise Aradia turned her head just slightly to meet Flora’s eyes before opening her arms to accept the hug joyously. She knew the look in her friend’s eyes well but Aradia’s own gaze was just as appreciative of Flora’s gown as her friend was her own. One day soon she would convince Floss to let her dress her up for a ball from her own closet just to see her eyes light up as they got ready. She just wanted to offer it to her friend without it looking like an act of pity because it was not that at all. It would be an act of love should she do it. Like so many of the acts they so often bonded over. 

Allowing herself to be twirled she gave an exaggerated curtsy afterwords before winking at Floss as she straightened up. “Thank you, dearest. I really do love it. And you look like an absolute angel as always,” Aradia chirped in response. Floss was glowing and her cheeks were flushed a pretty pink. “As you well know I’m always dressed for someone special. I just don’t know who until I lay eyes on them,” Aradia added as she linked her arm through her friends and began to guide them in a slow walk around the room. “Has anyone caught your eyes yet?”

“oh-” flora shrugged modestly, “i don’t know, i mean, with you looking like that ... i don’t stand a chance!” 

she laughed loudly as she strolled together with aradia, swapping stories of all the things they have missed since they have last seen each other, sharing tidbits of gossip and hearsay from around the town. working in the bazaar, flora had a special advantage and insight into the happenings of atherion and loved to keep the princess up to date. frivolous stories of rumoured love affairs and similar hearsay, matters of little importance but entertaining none the less. flora had always been fascinated by individuals - how they behaved, how they existed in the world, how they found purpose, how they loved. the elf loved to collect stories, tidbits of the inner workings of peoples hearts and minds.

“you must meet the most fascinating people and hear the most interesting stories these parties” flora commented, a little enviously at the princesses insider status of atherion royalty. 

“what’s the best part of it all? being a lochtree?” 

flxradawn​:

She’d practiced at home, listing all the topics that might be discussed among those that loitered around the dancing as they worked their way out of being a wallflower as much as Elena hoped that she would be able to do on her own. She had even practiced her smile, trying not to quell some of the fluttering nerves in her stomach at the thought of not being able to find one other to talk to the entire night — even if she was happy enough to be included. A thoughtful invitation that had been extended to all, surely there was not a soul that was left out but Elena was part of that whole. She had not been left out. 

So here she was — pushing herself out without even trying to find a way to feel like she fit in better than the dress that hung slightly loose around her shoulders as she tugged one back into place. It was a near perfect fit, but meant for someone a bit bigger than herself as she smiled gently at the other’s voice that was calmer and softer than moments before. Her lips opened to speak but instead she simply nodded and took the drink, watching the bubbles at the top that made her lips feel funny when she took a small sip. “Thank you,” she managed to get out after a moment. “I’ve seen you too. I mean, I’ve seen a lot of those that work at the bazaar.. but I’ve seen you.. too.” 

Her lips pressed together tightly in an attempt to keep from repeating herself, finding that her heart was louder in her chest in the anticipation of ruining yet another conversation even as she could think of the practiced lines that she had rehearsed at home. Lovely night, is it not? I like your gown. The dancing makes me dizzy. Elena had thought the last one would earn her a smile in response, maybe even a laugh and she could hold onto that well into the night that she had made someone feel happy for a moment. Though as she thought about her practicing, Elena realized the other had been speaking to her and looked at her expecting an answer as she wracked her brain to remember what the other might have said. 

          “The dancing makes me dizzy,” she blurted out, making a slight face at herself. “I — I love watching all the people dancing but it is a lot all at once and I think that I could use a moment of refuge, if you don’t mind showing me to one?”

—

“of course” flora’s voice was kind as she took lena’s arm and guided her carefully around the horde of lively bodies and out a doorway into the adjacent grand hallway, lanterns illuminating the corridor with a soft glow. she understood how it felt to be overwhelmed, to have thoughts so loud that they crippled you and made it hard to breathe. she felt this way when her father disappeared. she remembered how others cared for her in this time, distracting her, shifting her focus onto something else, something to give her just a moment of solace from the noise. flora vowed to herself to always be this person for others, to walk alongside others in their moments of need, to be an ally. 

out in the corridor, it was quiet, almost peaceful. the dull orchestra was muffled in a way that would hopefully help lena to clear her thoughts and center herself. the hall was lined with historical royal paintings and artworks in ornate gold frames, significant moments of atherion history captured on colour and canvas. 

“they’re beautiful, aren’t they?” flora comments, softly, knowing that lena had a vocation for the arts and would appreciate taking a moment to admire the collection of artworks. 

“I know that you’ve got a real skill for artistry, can you tell me anything about the paintings?”

flxradawn​:

Location : Madan Castle 

Who : Open !

“Oh, I’m…not,” Theodore says, uselessly. “Drinking anything, I mean.” He had been staring, just a bit. He hadn’t meant to, but it was easy to do. Tonight especially, Flora is full of life in a way that Theodore has never quite managed. She isn’t the only one; her expressions are mirrored on the faces of so many Atherions when he looks around the room.

If nothing else, jealousy comes easily to him these days, he knows that much. He’d been looking forward to tonight, but in the end, he doesn’t know if it’s even possible for him to enjoy the unity ball as much as some people seem to. Maybe no one had bothered to program him for that—what use would a household automa have for emotions? 

 Leaving his response there seems rude, verging on painfully awkward, especially when Flora’s beaming and laughing. So he clears his throat—unnecessary for someone like him, but habitual by now, something he’d picked up by copying other beings around him in an attempt to fit in—and starts again. “The boysenberry mead is good though? What does it taste like?”

eager to be hospitable, floss quickly disappeared and ladled some of the mead into an empty goblet and handed it to theodore, intently wanting to let everyone experience the same indulgent luxuries as she.

“hmm... what does it taste like” she repeated pensively, taking a deep sip and considering what the flavours emulated, swishing the liquid on her palate. “it tastes like ...  joy. you know the kind i mean? just pure, blissful joy, especially after you’ve had a few-” she added with a giggle and a hiccup. 

the mead made flora a little blind to her acquaintances diverse behaviours and nature,  she was just happy to be here, giddy with excitement if not a little unaware.

“drink!” she urged, not bossily, but eagerly, clapping her hands. 

“drink then dance!” 

flxradawn​:

jules didn’t even have time to process what flora was up to before she was back with the sweet drink. “okay,” jules said with a laugh, shaking her head. “i’ll drink.” she wouldn’t mind forgetting about her work for the night. she absolutely loves her job, adores it above all else, but for as much joy as it brings her, it is also often exhausting, grueling, and sometimes depressing. 

“not really,” she replied, “even last year’s ceremony wasn’t as beautiful as this year’s. i don’t know how.” jules got a little quiet, having not been to many elf ceremonies. she didn’t have parents to take her to them, and the few she’d been invited to she simply felt… out of place. 

“no,” jules assured, “you’re totally fine.” she gave flora a small smile. “are they fun for you?”

jules’ question opened the gate for a sea of memories to flood flora’s mind - happy memories that glowed with sentimentality and pride. she saw herself as a young elf - ancient songs sung softly in traditional language, dances where she felt wild and carefree, leaping around the open fire to instruments made of whittled wood, sacred stories of old that made goosebumps prickle her skin. 

where those parties fun for her? they were everything. the thought of her friend just so disconnected with this side of her heritage caused flora’s heart to ache, mourning their missed opportunities for connection, for knowledge, for identity. she made a silent vow to change that. she didn’t know how just yet, but she knew it was her elvish duty to reignite jules’ sense of self to her ancestry.

“they made me who i am” flora explained, standing a little taller, a sense of pride filling her - “I mean, they made me proud to be who I am, proud to be an elf, proud to be a citizen of atherion. a kingdom that doesn’t just accept ... but celebrates our own individual stories and differences”. 

“what about you?” she gestured around at the grand party, turning to face jules, “what does this party make you feel? what does it, all of it, mean to you?”

where: unity ball open to: anyone

While his appearance was practically mandated, nobody had told Alistair he had to enjoy it. It was the mingling that was the problem, it was a ball, and there was an obvious dress code but individuals had shown up with tattered hemlines and pocket squares that didn’t match the occasion. It was a disgrace, but he intended to play nice. At least for now. Perched somewhere near the kitchens so he had first access to the flow of food that made its way out to the ball, he did his part to remind himself of the purpose of all this. Camaraderie, coming together, pleasantries, safety, so on and so forth. Idly Alistair was counting down the minutes until it was appropriate for him to leave, dark eyes wandering over what those on the floor considered dance. 

“You should be enjoying yourself,” Alistair remarked, “it’s a party, remember?” He tried to keep the chiding tone out of his voice and opted instead to tip his glass towards his lips, draining the champagne before setting it on a passing tray. If anyone was going to look sour and sulky he was determined that it would be him, at the very least if he was to have competition he could say that at least he looked far better. “Smile, maybe someone will even ask you to dance.”

-

flora, deep in thought about her baking schedule for the next few days, jerked her head up in surprise at the sound of the fae prince’s voice. she hadn’t noticed that she was indeed frowning, forehead furrowed in concentration as she internally strategized, embarrased that she had let herself become distracted and absent from the party. she did tend to be a little scatter-brained, at the best of times. 

“please forgive me sir...prince!” she quickly corrected herself when she realised whom she was addressing, bobbing a little curtsey and offering a polite smile.

“It can be a little hard to switch off from reality you see -” she explained, hoping the prince had not found her rude for her preoccupied demeanour, but wanting to justify herself none the less. 

“trust me” floss assured the prince, her voice optimistic and sweet, “I have not been able to stop smiling since I got here, it’s like a dream come true. You must be so lucky to attend these events all the time, your highness...”

flxradawn​:

Location : Madan Castle 

Elena felt overwhelmed, barely clinging to what she knew to be her normal as her fingers bunched in the edges of the gown that she had donned earlier in the night. Borrowed, perhaps — a small risk that had been taken all for the sake of finding her way to the ball without too much fear of the unknown. She had gotten stars in her eyes when she took in the sights and sounds upon first entering, leaving her flustered at all the noise around her and hovering near the entrance. With a smile on her lips, Len let others in first while she simply watched them move as if gliding towards the ballroom to take in everything that she feared might vanish as soon as she stepped in there.

It was a frivolous thought, she knew that, but it still bounced around in her head in the seconds that followed as she counted to ten before taking those last few steps in after another couple. She smile blossomed as she took in more of what lay inside, leaving little to the fear as it was quieted down and replaced with the excitement bubbling up to the surface. But it was soon popped when she realized that the beautiful voice that called out someone staring at them was directed towards herself, already envisioning the same shade of pink to grace the canvas that she had laid out for a future painting. “I.. I’m sorry, I wasn’t — I didn’t mean to stare..” And she hadn’t, but since entering the ballroom — all she had done was stare at everything and apparently, her eyes had landed on one in particular. Her lips spread into an embarrassed smile as she shook her head moments after. 

         “No no, it’s nothing like that. Everything is so beautiful. You look beautiful.” Her cheeks flushed then as her words got softer and fell away as she glanced down for a moment. “I hadn’t gotten a drink yet. I barely made it inside without tripping over my own feet,” she added with a slight curve to her lips again before she glanced back at the other.

the sweet young girl’s response sent floss’s maternal instincts into over drive as she instantly knew her objective, to make lena feel as comfortable, safe and welcoming at the ball as she could. 

“oh, don’t worry about me, i’m only teasing-” floss’s voice was cheerful as she adjusted her body language to be more approachable. “my love, you are too kind! it’s elena right? i’ve definitely seen your lovely face around the bazaar.” she grabbed a goblet from a passing serving platter filled to the brim with fizzing, dark drink topped with fruits and handed it to lena. 

“drink this” she recommended gently, “it’ll help calm those pesky nerves - trust me.” 

 “big parties like this can be pretty overwhelming huh?” flora’s voice was soft to mirror that of her new friend’s, “you doing okay? I know some good spots if you need a place to take refuge and catch your breath for a minute or two. or we could take a lap of the ballroom, grab a bite?” 

flxradawn​:

Location : Madan Castle 

         letha brings with her an air of confidence, one she has always had but honed over the past few years with her training and rising station to messenger ( still not the most glamorous, but it’s fitting to her ). she has not been in the ballroom very long —enough to orient herself and pick up a glass of sweet honeyed wine, more sugar and water than anything. her expert eyes skim the crowd as she wets her throat, names placed to faces along with a few memories of each — she is not expected to know everyone here, more voyeur than participant, but she prides herself in it nonetheless.

         she recognizes flora immediately even in spite of the substitution of an ornate dress for her more plain and practical ones — it’s with the grace flora moves, something she has seen in the bakery and streets alike.     “ i was just admiring your gown, ”     letha offers when flora makes her way over, her own smile isn’t as wide or loud as flora, but it is no less genuine, flora’s enthusiasm infectious.     " it suits you very well. “     that too is a genuine compliment for her friend — people do not wholly change, and letha knows that well : who they are in different clothes, that was in there the whole time. she laughs lightly, not unkindly at flora’s antics, the mention of mead throwing things into clarity.     ” c'mon, “     she says, a gentle hand on flora’s arm as she guides them away from a table of delicate pastries and potential disaster.     ” my goblet is still full — tell me about your night. the décor is beautiful, is it not ?? “

-

flora gladly took her friend’s arm, cheeks flushed with delight from her friend’s affirming  compliments (and a little from the mead but she hoped it wasn’t too obvious).

“it is so good to see you!” flora gave letha’s arm an affectionate squeeze as the pair stroll leisurely throughout the busy flock of party guests .

“the night is magic, i am overjoyed but it’s a lot to take in…” she confessed, a little embarrassed by her child-like jitters, “I am still pinching myself that I am a guest here tonight and not working this party.”

they paused briefly to admire the handiwork of the array of pastries. floss traced the outline of one gently, considering the intricate patterns before taking a small bite. she sighed with nostalgia for her apprenticeship in the castle, where she had met her dear friend letha, however they did not consider themselves such close companions at the time, rather rivaling for her mother’s approval and attention. when flora reminisces about this time, she is ashamed by the juvenile behavior she displayed towards letha when she was younger - it was nothing malicious however, merely childish antics that the pair could soon laugh at once they gained a little more maturity and experience.

“your mother is an artist” floss told letha, nostalgia and amusement in her voice.. “i can’t believe how foolish we used to be when we were younger. i was so jealous of you… your strong demeanor and boldness…”  the mead was making flora rather honest and sincere now. “i hope my presence training under your mother never gave you too much grief.”

who : princess aradia // @aradialochtree​

pushing her way through the horde of chattering guests, floss squealed with glee at the sight of her friend. she embraced the fae princess fondly and then stood back, examining the girl's deep red dress with adoration and even a hint of envy, suddenly a little self-conscious of her more simplistic gown. floss had always been in utter admiration of the lochtree princess, their friendship spanning many years of sentimental companionship through their shared interests, their mutual appreciation for matters of the heart - softness, beauty, simplicity... matters of love and light.

“oh aradia,” floss exhaled, clapping her hands together with great admiration, “look at you! your dress! you look absolutely gorgeous.”

she twirled the princess around to gain a better look of the ruby-red ball gown.

“dressed up for anyone special tonight, hm?” floss teased in a knowing fashion, giggling as she sipped bubbles from her goblet.

flxradawn​:

Location : Madan Castle 

Who : Open !

Jules had already had an eventful night, and she was ready to just enjoy herself for the rest of the evening. She didn’t often get dressed up, or do anything with her hair, but tonight she was wearing her nicest clothes, with her hair pulled back out of her eyes. They were in awe of everyone around them, the beautiful clothing and smiling faces.

“Staring at you like what?” Jules said as her friend caught her staring. “No,” they laughed, “I really haven’t.” Floss was always covered in flour, apron on, looking happy as usual, but always concerned with her work. “Believe it or not, I actually haven’t had anything yet… Haven’t had the chance! I had a runaway horse.” 

                                                    ⋆⁺₊⋆ ☾ ⋆⁺₊⋆

before jules could finish talking, floss disappeared in a flash and returned with an additional goblet filled with the dark, sweet nectar. “drink! it’s truly divine. it’ll help you forget all about your hard days work-” she urged her friend to take a sip, drinking deeply from her own cup. flora rarely had a chance to enjoy herself such as this, so much of her former years was characterised by toil and responsibility so any opportunity for fun and luxury, it was a real treat for her. 

“have you ever seen anything so grand?” she asked her fellow elf, gesturing to the magnificent ball room with awe. “all of the elf ceremonies and dances that there was growing up seem rather inferior compared to this, don’t you agree-” her voice trailed off, suddenly thinking about her friend’s  upbringing, wondering how many traditional elven ceremonies and parties she actually had did attend, if any...

“oh dear - I haven’t put my foot in it, have I?” 

Who : Open !

Gripping her goblet of mead a little too tightly, Floss took some deep breaths to center herself, standing on the outskirts of the ballroom of Madan castle. The countless times she had stood in this same position in the castle, ensuring her catering was satisfactory at royal feasts and parties, donned in her apron, hair pulled back, flushed cheeks showing her labrous efforts as she served her monarchs with great fervor. But now, here she stood at the Madan ball - as a guest, an equal, a friend. She shifted in place excitedly, drinking in the majestic atmosphere elatedly. Oh how she longed for an event such as this, a chance to feel herself, a chance to feel beautiful. For one night she had traded in her sturdy boots for soft slippers, her usual plain linen dress swapped for baby pink lace that cinched in at her waist and complimented her petite elven features. Catching the eye of a familiar face, Floss greeted her friend excitedly, grinning wide.

“Why are you staring at me like that?” Floss laughed loudly, a little bit giddy from her drink. “You’ve never seen me without flour on my face huh? Can I refill your goblet for you…what are you drinking? The spiced boysenberry mead is particularly good…”

flxradawn​:

 closed starter for : @atherian (jules hellström)                                                              

She decided to enjoy the market, something she doesn’t do often. She’s not much of a shopper, and she typically hunts her own meat, but after all the trapping she’s controlled these last few days, she’d much rather just purchase some meat that’s already ready to cook and eat. 

Before she could purchase anything, however, she was interrupted by another, looking at her urgently. “Floss,” Jules said with furrowed brows. What could possibly have her so concerned? She followed after with quick footsteps. “What is it?” As they approached her place, Jules looked at the helpless animal with a special kind of care. “Oh, no,” she said as she scanned the animal to see the injury on its leg, “how did this happen?” She knew Floss well enough to know she didn’t often travel too far out of town, which meant it must have happened around here. “Who had a trap set up in town?”

                                                     ⋆⁺₊⋆ ☾ ⋆⁺₊⋆

“I-I don’t know! I simply found him like this” emotion welled in flora’s voice as she tried to be brave in front of jules. “but I swear, If I find out who did this-” rage began to creep into her tone then as she stroked the fawn and gazed up at her friend, desperately.

“will you be able to take him with you?” she asked “you were the only person that I could think of that would be able to help, he needs proper attention, care, healing ... I know how good you are with creatures.” 

floss had always had an admiration for the kind-hearted elf, their nuturuance and expertise had gained jules a most positive reputation in atherion. someone to trust, an ally. a friend. 

“I know your keep is far from here, i could make journey with you, if need be ..” floss gulped nervously, for she did not like to stray to far from her the bazaar, yet she was prepared to go to great lengths outside her comfort zone for the matter at hand. 

the forest outside the town bazaar was usually a place of peace and refuge for flora to take her occasional afternoon stroll; however stumbling upon a young fawn with a trap clamped on one of it’s hind legs was not her expectation of that day's expedition. the creature made it’s best attempt to hobble away from her, to much avail, collapsing in it’s efforts. the fawn’s wide, frightened eyes peered into her own, blinking timidly with distress. 

“it’s ok my little one” floss whispered, “i know someone who will be able to help you. you do not need to be afraid”. 

floss gently wrapped the little fawn in her linen apron, taking extra care of the timid creature's injury and returned to her small residency near her bakery, walking with a swift yet composed urgency that overtook her in situations such as these. setting the fawn up in an old crate with some hay for warmth and a pale of water, floss grabbed her shawl and ran out into the center of the bazaar praying to her ancestors that the one person she was looking for may just perchance be visiting the bazaar on this day. desperately scanning the busy assembly of townsfolk perusing stalls and shops, floss walked amongst the people for awhile, about to give up on her search before spotting Jules, bent over inspecting a market stall. 

“oh thank the ancestors that i’ve found you” floss exhaled as she grabbed the attention of the wildlife protector, urging them to follow in her footsteps, “i have a little someone back at my residence who needs your help. please follow me ... if you will”