flower power

“If it’s shit, I’m blaming you, MacDougal.”

“Me? Have I ever steered you wrong?” 

“Wife.” As much as Lucius would like to dismiss the opinion of the other witch, he realized she was most likely right. “I’ll… consider your recommendation. May I see the flowers?” 

“They should be... Yep, there you go. There’s the nice lilac color, or you could go deeper if you’d rather the darker purple. Is it her favorite color, or just a color that makes you think of her?” 

“Really?  That’s…a lot of potted plants, then.  Maybe just some nice fall-themed flowers, then?”

“Well, they’re from work, mostly. Or at least that’s my excuse, even though I probably don’t need to bring home nearly as many as I do for observation. Fall flowers I could probably sneak in though” 

“Am I supposed to find this entertaining?”

“I suppose it isn’t everyone’s thing. But why come if that’s the case?” 

“I’m not really a beer drinker, but this…this wine is incredible.”

“I’m not much of one either, but there are a few beers that aren’t quite as beer-y as usual. That’s the best part of the pub crawl. Which wine are you drinking?”

“Alright, alright, I’ll try it.”

“Don’t let the color scare you away. Although I heard someone complaining that it’s got a bit of an interesting aftertaste. But don’t let that stop you.” 

Carolyn thought about Kathleen’s suggestion, nodding slowly after a few moments. “Probably, yes.” Her smile grew a little wider. “Maybe one of those that can ensnare your boss or co-workers when they start to bother you,” she joked, although, that wasn’t entirely a bad idea.

“Devil’s snare might be a bit dangerous to keep on your desk. Believe me, I know from experience. One minute it’s peacefully in its pot, then you come back from lunch an hour later, and it’s managed to smash your ink well all over your notes and knock everything off your desk.” 

“If you just need something bright, then I’m sure those would work just fine.  But – I’m not sure you can really have too many potted plants.”

“You only say that because you haven’t seen how many plotted plants I’ve brought home. It’s one thing if they cover every surface in my room, but my roommate would complain if they took over the kitchen.” 

“A deep purple. But if you don’t have that particular colour black will do.”

“We definitely have purple. That’s a fairly common orchid color. Are you getting it for your wife or girlfriend? I don’t know if anyone would be satisfied with black if they were hoping for purple.” 

“Seasonally festive?” Vera repeated, her judgmental nature showing it’s true colors in her tone.

“No, you don’t seem like a fall sort of person to me either. Definitely winter for you.” 

“Yes, I understand.” Kingsley nodded. “It isn’t a proper fall without pumpkins. Delicious pumpkins.” He smiled. “I think I wouldn’t mind a bit of both. Even if I don’t spend much time at home.”

“I think I like muffins myself, but pie is a close second. Well, at least you’ll have something cheerful to welcome you home. And make it more inviting. It feels better to come home to something cheerful.” 

Vera looked at what the other witch was referring to, but her nose continued to stay wrinkled in distaste. “They still look horridly tacky to me.”

“It’s a matter of preference and personal taste, I suppose. And how seasonally festive you feel.” 

Kingsley thought about it for a moment, then smiled and nodded. “Yes, why not? I don’t have a porch, but I’d love to have some. They are so cheerful. And I think they’ll be a lovely gift, too.”

“Well, they can be good inside too. They just feel appropriately seasonal. My fall isn’t complete without some mums and a few pumpkins.” Kat bit her lip, trying not to examine her own manic cheerfulness as she tried to foist colorful flowers on people who didn’t even need them. “Just pumpkins will probably have the same effect, if that’s more your style.”

“I see.” Carolyn shrugged. “Interesting,” she said, smiling at Kathleen. “But maybe they are too bright. I was thinking about something colorful but not too distracting. I was looking for something for the office.”

“Oh. Hm. I think more leafy green plants are better for the office. Like a vine or fern of some kind.”

“How am I supposed to be able to answer either of those questions before I’m in the moment?”

“I don’t know what concerns me more, that you haven’t been around flowers enough to know if you’re allergic or that you might suddenly be struck by the urge to stick your face in them. No, definitely the first one.” 

“Hm. Have you any fanged orchids? I’m looking for a particular colour.”

“Hm. I’m not sure. I do arrangements when I’m here, but orchids don’t usually make it into those. I think I did see some fanged orchids though. What color were you looking for?”

“They do look nice, yeah,”  Claudette agreed.  “But I think I’d rather have a potted plant that might last a little while longer than some flowers.”

“I think I might be get cut off if I bring too many more potted plants home. But I just needed something a bit bright today.”