VOIDLIGHT.

The marriage. The home. The future, together. Once, that was how Thasa saw her life unwinding.

Fresh from her parents’ shop and out in the world, she met a magister’s apprentice during her training at the Spire. Drelavaris Goldflare was eloquent, magically gifted, but a beginner at his craft nonetheless, much like Thasa herself. The more of their free time spent in each other’s company, the more it was apparent they had much in common, their connection undeniable. Thasa expected he would ask her out, and when he did, her answer was without hesitation: yes.

They shared each other’s successes, and though Thasa’s own work took her far and wide, they always found their way back together. On one of her return trips home, Drelavaris proposed and they married six months later.

A decade’s worth of time was not extraordinarily long to a life that could span centuries, but it was enough to take its toll, to wear away at good intentions.

Thasa never suspected. Had no reason to, but the woman showed up with proof of Drelavaris’ infidelity, written correspondence and talks of marriage. Drelavaris deceived them both.

Together, they confronted him and never looked back.

muse flora as told by a flower nerd.

      “ The Farseer whose kindness I will not soon forget. I think I know the perfect fit for you.

      “ I can’t overlook Stormvine. Said to be touched by the elements, it appears to crackle with the fury of lightning. Despite that, it is entirely safe to handle and emits a tingling scent of ozone and greenery, the distinct fragrance after a thunderstorm. A bud after your own heart. I hear your talent with the elements is as impressive.

      “ Heartblossom is named for its vibrant red and its unique circumstances. If but a single clipping is taken, the whole plant will perish. That leads to many traditions surrounding Heartblossoms, such as blessing them before harvest. A sweet, floral scent and capable of growing to indefinitely if looked after. It reminds me of sacrifice, what we will give to ensure others are well.

muse flora as told by a flower nerd.

      “ My favorite scoundrel. How can I say no to that face?

      “ Starflower. Highly sought by alchemists, purported to be key in potions that heighten the senses. The plant itself is a vision, shifting in luminescent blue-silver shades that earn its name. I can compare the exact sheen only to that of the glint of light off a blade -- or your hair.

      “ Next we have Twilight Jasmine, a strain of jasmine with long-term exposure to shadow. Distilled properly, it can enhance your energy or even mend wounds. Distilled poorly, it is an insidious toxin resulting in severe illness. You are more knowledgeable than most about all that entails, always a balance.

muse flora as told by a flower nerd. –  @halforc-mercenary

      “ A warrior, through and through. You have that aura around you. I know just the thing for you.

      “ Dragon’s Teeth. Long, serrated leaves perfectly capable of slicing into skin not unlike the sharp edges of parchment. Pungent-scented, like sword oil and might even be an ingredient. Naturally I can’t help but think of the bladed petals as keen weapons, brought down to bear against a target.

      “ Wisdom is found in all places, as the name of Mountain Silversage implies. It grows in remote regions, mountains and craggy hilltops. Strong with medicinal properties. Stalwart, steady, and disciplined by experience.

muse flora as told by a flower nerd.

      “ For the Highlord? Truly an honor, then. Let’s see which leaves suit you best, shall we?

      “ Goldthorn without a doubt. An elegant, curling vine that can form a variety of shapes and patterns, protected by hardened thorns. Despite that, a very soft scent when exposing the sap within, almost sweet. Always reminds me of armor and the person that might wear it, and to that extent, someone of your very capable position.

      “ A favorite classic of mine: Green Tea. The trick is the time of the harvest, and that presents a very fresh and potent component. Popular as a drink, but paired with the right regeants, it does wonders in potions and tonics. Tart and earthy in smell and taste, soothing. I think of the warmth of the Light in many of these aspects.

muse flora as told by a flower nerd.

      “ Yes, yes. I think I see now. ”

      And what is it Thasa sees? All perspective, naturally, but there is a certain amount to be said of someone’s bearing, their presence.

      “ Netherbloom. It thrives where high concentrations of magic are found, sometimes taking on the quality of the energy. A bit on the nose, perhaps, but there is a lesson in its origin. Changes do not mean we can’t push forward just the same.

      “ As scary as this might sound at the start, Nightmare Vine. Tricky to harvest for its tendency to lash out with a burst of poison but invaluable for its magical properties. Handled poorly, it can cause a variety of ailments, from hallucinations to near fatal poisoning. Handled correctly, however, you will find no peer in potency. Not unlike the very essence that flows through you and I now, if I’m allowed to be both poignant and obnoxiously honest.

muse flora as told by a flower nerd.

      “ Well, your reputation certainly does precede you, if you don’t mind my saying so. A good one before you wonder. And with that in mind. ”

      A glaze to her silver eyes. Distant, thoughtful, but the moment it dawns upon her, sharp and bright again.

      “ Sungrass – not only for its vibrant, golden hue. A bright scent when heated and a citrus note when applied directly to flame. It does nice as incense in a pinch, a pleasant and relaxing scent. Qualities we can all value in these times.

      “ There is Firebloom as well. It is as the name implies, highly combustible. Its alchemical uses are nigh endless, but its dazzling red petals and their smoky aroma still make it prized in any household. It takes but a spark to ignite whatever it is we wish – and you seem to understand that well.

      That they settle in this loft in particular is a matter of practicality. Inexpensive, close to where they are most needed when they are not away, but the stagnant reservoir and the muted stone outside remind her of reality.

      Thasa misses home.

      What pieces they have left of it are the things they are able to reclaim. Friends far more stubborn than a line drawn in the sand and a few clever arcanist contacts allow them quick trips in and out, but even the rich red-golds of furniture and drapery, the stowed crates of her shop’s inventory ( recovered at last! ) are an unsuitable substitute on days such as these.

      At this rate, she might have to open a few of those crates and gently sear the stems for their aromatic qualities alone.

      “ The more I stare out into the water, the more I’m convinced something does live in it. What was the rumor again? The Sewer Beast? ”

      Perched at the window seat, she turns to face Thalendor just long enough to lift a questioning eyebrow.

         “ Admit it, ” he begins, placing a hand on his hip.“ You’d be disappointed if I didn’t skulk. ”

         But the package smells wonderful and his stomach growls. Carefully, he unwraps it and plucks free a morsel to pop in his mouth. The spices are exactly how he prefers them. Thalendor savors it before re-wrapping everything to its proper state. Yes, he will enjoy this.

           “ Thank you, Thasa. It tastes all the more delicious knowing you cared enough to make it. ”

      Thasa hums, long and drawn out over some mock debate within herself, feigning a look past and beyond him. “ Who can say? I’d certainly expect your long lost twin swapped places with you, though. ”

      Let the pleasant expression, the angles of her face softened and the worried lines smoothed away, speak for her.

      “ Believe me when I say I haven’t come here to attempt to test those limits. I mean no disrespect. ”

     euanthe hangs in silence with the same patience she’s worn her entire life. an idle blink without stirring from her place, hands folded against her thighs. she relaxes, though dignified she remains. how often she finds herself waiting in the same sense of quiet after so many thoughts pass her lips. soft, sincere. inside she holds her breath as if preparing for it to break. there was much left to learn, much to see. to expect anything and everything was far too little. the shaman bares no ill will. sometimes, however, even that does not peel away at one’s mistrust .

     eyes venture to movement as the other goes about her search. curiously, though not breaking her demeanor. attention pulls back up as she straightens out of habit like a child caught sneaking through their parent’s drawers. ❝ this is true, ❞ she manages, ❝ but they need not be blindsided by the lesser, lest the greater evil sneak through unscathed . ❞

     again her attention snaps forward, this time for inquiry. feelings of tension and instinct to stay proper disperse into warm informality at the sight of crushed leaves. it is as though a friend long lost surfaces from beneath a pool of uncertainty. slowly a hand rises, waving in a similar gesture to a shake of the head .

       ❝ you need not treat me to something so nice, ❞ a smile; one that threatens to pull a chuckle from her throat, ❝ but it would honor me to share in your memories of home . ❞

      “ If necessity were the reason for my offer, I’d hardly be as glad to share with you. ”

      Thasa’s grin, sudden and bright, is impish in nature, hinting at the tease lying just beneath it. Although the shaman’s friendliness inspired in her a sense of kindness in turn, there is no obligation between them, no. Rather, she is simply glad for the chance and the company after days of skirting past much less amicable greetings.

      With something of an answer given, Thasa rises to her feet, her satchel resting over a shoulder and the prized leaves still in their wrappings, clutched close.

      “ Won’t do to set a campfire up in the middle of a nicely paved sidewalk, I suppose. Come. We’ll scout for the perfect place. ”

      A tavern would be predictable, too dark and cramped for such open skies. What they need for a day such as this one, the warmth of the sun piercing rolling, fluffy clouds, is a quiet place to take it all in.