|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 Posted: Sun Jul 12, 2026 8:11 pm
 Zelenka played by Irish Aurora played by Melomar [Lobelia and Poppy Blue played by Irish] [Higanbana and Ajisai played by Melomar] - - -
A trail of seed puffs danced across their path as Aurora Starbinder looked on in wonder. She was a creature of the winter months and mountains, not of the summer in the grassy plains. This was all new to her, almost magical. It was because of Zelenka that she was even here. She had shown Aurora many new things that left her feeling this way and she was ever grateful. But Zelenka probably thought she had done nothing worthy of her thanks. So Aurora smiled at the green kalona mare, happy in her own little spin on the situation.
There was a spring in her step as she asked, "What do you want to do first? I want to do everything!"WC: 238
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed Jul 15, 2026 8:02 pm
Zelenka was watching in silent amusement at Aurora. She was acting like a foal over the sights all around them. A smile curved at the corners of her mouth and her eyes twinkled.
Taking a quick glance around to familiarize herself with what was in the immediate area, she noticed a stall which behind stood two brightly colored mares. On the long, roughhewn wood lay flowers. In different colors, lengths and species. The air was filled with differing scents ranging from sweet, floral, perfumy to spicy and even sour. Inhaling deeply Zel felt a tickle inside her nostrils and without thinking sneezed herself into a blinding headache.
"Of course I sneeze! The audacity! she sneered, shaking her head as if trying to clear the scent from her nose she again noticed the look of sheer innocence and wonderment on Aurora's face. Her anger instantly melted away, she sighed in contentment. No matter what Aurora had a calming effect on her, and it was something Zelenka treasured.
Her eyes drifted back towards the stall with the flowers and curiosity won. "Aurora, my sweet, care to check out the stall just over here with the flowers?" she said in a soft rush.
W/C: 201
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Jul 27, 2026 10:28 pm
Aurora had no idea how naive and childish she might seem right now. If she knew, she would have drawn inward, just a little. She did not mean to lose her grace, but the foal in her was often brought out during her adventures with her mate. But Zelenka did not make her feel as if she needed to change. Her affectionate smile was all Aurora needed to feel securely that all was right in the world-- or could be, without too much trouble. That said, the huge sneeze attack did worry the cerynei mare. "If that is what you want to do, but you might sneeze again," she sighed. Then she nodded her gently-antlered head, accepting of the terms. "All right, let's go."
The flower stall was not just a flower and bouquet establishment. These mares and their tiny familiars were well-versed in the language and soothsaying potential of flowers. Aurora and Zelenka were in for a treat.
Bouquet was a mare of pinks and lavender. Her complicated mane was decorated with a rainbow of flowers and she glittered in silver from head to clawed toe. Her over-long feline tail twitched subtly behind. Her floral-rodent familiar, Ajisai (meaning, "hydrangea" in Japanese), knew what it meant. She, similarly to Zelenka, was allergic to pollen. More specifically, she was allergic to roses, from which she had been nicknamed "Rose," by certain peers. The pet name was a pet peeve. Anyone who used it was on Bouquet's Permanent s**t List.
"Bouquet," the gerberil murmured near her ear. A mix of gerbil and gerbera, the small floral rodent had a very sensitive nose. In a way, he was her service animal, able to detect rose pollen from but a small population on the wind. He tried to keep her upwind of the smell. It was difficult, when the wind wanted to swirl around in the heat. "Bou--"
The feline-equine mare cut him short with a soft snort."I smell it." Up the road was a stall that sold roses exclusively; some were very rare, and that was their selling point: their exquisite and exotic roses. The soquili that ran the stand seemed nice enough, so she could bear no ill will toward them. It was just difficult for her, very difficult. There was almost no warning at all except for the tremor in her tail when suddenly a huge sneeze wracked her petite frame, shaking her to the bone. If that was not bad enough, as she lead a string of half-breath sneezes, a pair of soquili approached from the dusty road. "Lobelia, can you handle this?" she asked of her stall partner, twisting herself away from the flowers in between sneezes.
Aurora was wowed by the great array of flower species and colors. Distracted by their colorful presentation, she had a dim idea that someone nearby was sneezing, and that it was not Zelenka. Her large smile froze on her face as a pink feline... no, soquili... no, both, rushed upright from somewhere near the ground. The mare's nose was notably swollen and red, her mismatched eyes puffy and pink. It made her pale eyes seem wild and twitchy. Other than that though, her smile was gentle and friendly. And she had a partner of similar feline-equine features, just not in the middle of an allergy attack. Oh, but they looked like siblings, perhaps. Or clan mates. Orrr, close friends doing the matchy-matchy twinsies thing?
"Hello..." She said, upbeat and very curious, inclining her head and neck. "So..."
WC: 586
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Jul 28, 2026 9:48 pm
Zel was looking around to see what other stalls was near where they were when she noticed Aurora nod her lovely head in acceptance to her question. That made Zel's heart melt, Aurora was so sweet natured and kind it was almost heart breaking. Not that it was a bad thing, Zel was worried her sweet disposition would lead to her being taken advantage of. One reason Zel was so stubborn, strong willed and mean minded sometimes. Aurora was her mate, one she needed to protect and would do so.
Sighing she knew she needed to relax, Aurora was fine. She was enjoying herself immensely. The look on her beautiful face was breath taking to Zel. Aurora was lost in the sheer enjoyment of what was around her. It was a beautiful sight.
Zel noticed the pink mare behind the stall. Her nose seemed to wrinkle as if in disgust or maybe she was going to sneeze? Zel was curious but didn't want to be rude. Then she saw a small flash of "Blue"? move and a "snort" possibly? She shook her head for a second and then when she opened her eyes, she saw a small something moving, it was very close to the pink mare. Amazed she stared for a few moments before realizing it. Embarrassed she turned her attention back to the long table before her.
There were flowers laid out but it seemed almost strategic. There were some in vases of varying sizes, shapes and colors. It was a very beautiful presentation that was pleasing to the eye.
Movement off to her side caused her to turn, there was a blue mare and a Blue small familiar sitting on the blue mare's neck as if it belonged there. The expression on the blue mare's face was one of curiosity as she stared at Zel.
Zel stepped forward of her own violation and walked over to where the blue mare was standing. The familiar seemed to be sizing her up to. "This is a very weird interaction" she thought to herself. Stopping across from the beautiful blue mare she nodded in greeting before saying "Hello I am interested in some of your lovely flowers, but I am curious if they mean something since some are specifically with different ones and the other bundles are different" she said in a neutral tone.
Lobelia watched the green winged mare for a few moments to get a read on her. She seemed a bit uptight, nervous and on guard but each time she looked at the bluish green cerynei female with her she seemed to relax. Her expression would soften, her gaze seemed tender almost reverent. That alone told Lobelia all she needed to know. Smiling, she looked down and one bouquet in particular was calling to her for this mare.
Poppy Blue was silent as she watched the green winged mare, her expression was neutral. Poppy was very particular in who she spoke to or interacted with. Some of those who approached the sisters were disdainful of their abilities. Some out right laughed, others ridiculed, others just shook their heads in amusement and walked off chuckling.
This mare and her companion seemed different. A feeling of relaxation settled over Poppy and she hopped from Lobelia's back down to the table and waddled over towards the vase Lobelia was eyeing and sat down next to it nodding towards the one called Zelenka.
Lobelia chuckled in a soft way subtle way. It drew Zel's attention to her. Lobelia's eyes glistened with tears from the chuckle or maybe something else.
"Forgive me and my companion. "I am Lobelia and my familiar is Poppy Blue. She seems to like you which is very rare for her." "She and I picked out a lovely bouquet just for you if you wish to purchase it, no pressure if you don't but each flower means something and it is calling your name so to speak" she said.
Poppy looked up at her and nodded her head in agreement before nudging the vase a bit towards Zel.
Surprise flickered across Zel's face and she was eyeing that specific bouquet of flowers for herself. All of the others would have been perfect for Aurora. Usually Zel didn't care for flowers but this specific bouquet seemed to be drawing her to it.
Stepping forward right up against the table she nodded and said "I would love to purchase this bouquet but before I do can you tell me about each flower please?" "I know you are called the Flower Oracles and have the ability to match a flower or flowers to whomever approaches your stall" she said in a rush. Looking down at the flowers she breathed in their scent and sighed happily.
Lobelia grinned, nodded and then spoke in a very clear, concise voice. "The flowers that seem to call to you when arranged together are called The Loyal Companion." "The reason it is called that is you view those around you your greatest treasure" "I see the way you look at the lovely companion that is with you, the look in your eyes shows your true feelings" "To me that is rare and something to be valued" she reached out for the vase.
Placing it before Zelenka, she continued. "I will now tell you about the individual flowers that make up the Loyal Companion." "First we have Sunflower which represents, Loyalty and adoration, plus joy. This flower fits you perfectly your feeling reflect in your gaze and eyes when you look at her."
"The second flower is Yellow Rose which represents love, passion and beauty which for you again in your companion" the way she said Rose was almost in disgust. "Lastly the third flower in your arrangement is Chrysanthemum which represents friendship and loyalty" "Quite frankly you wear your emotions on your sleeve so to speak when it comes to that lovely mare who I can safely say is your mate" she said approvingly. "It is evident how much she truly means to you, there is no shame in hiding it nor should you" "You two are a beautiful couple, one who together can weather any issues that arise" "Remember your prophecy in regards to the flowers" "I will also say, together you are united, apart you are not" with that she looked at Poppy who nodded and pushed the lovely vase forward.
W/C 1069
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu Jul 30, 2026 2:46 pm
Aurora heard a sigh beside her and caught Zelenka looking her way. Her soft expression made Aurora's heart flip-flop, and Aurora smiled. Then she heard a miserably wet sniffle before her and turned to watch the poor pink mare watch Zelenka study their table of flowers in vases. Aurora did not immediately turn with pink and burgundy Bouquet, or she would have seen a strange tableau of shopkeepers staring down the patron. Instead she watched the pink mare attempt to gather her composure and the strange, tiny flower-mouse whisper near her ear. They both had a blue familiar, Aurora realized as she finally looked at the blue "twin" Lobelia. Something matching her fur and mane moved on its own and it was the weirdest thing.
Perhaps everyone was caught rudely staring, which strangely made it okay with everyone else.
Lobelia did not need a sales pitch to "save" Bouquet in her moment of sneeze, as Zelenka moved smoothly into her question mode. She asked about the flowers and their meaning. How curious, Aurora thought. She would have been happy to pick out a pretty bouquet and be done with it. But Zelenka was sharp as always. Flowers did have a secret hidden meaning.
Despite that, and yes she was right, Lobelia started the unneeded pitch to sell the most expensive bouquet they had on hand. It was not about the rarity of the flowers that they priced their wares, but their meaning. So Bouquet turned to the cerynei mare and smiled. "My name is Bouquet, and this is my familiar Ajisai."
The cerynei mare then smiled genuinely and nodded to each of them. "I'm Aurora. I would enjoy some flowers as well."
"Would you care to pick out one of our premade bouquets or would you like to choose one of your own?"
"I can do that?"
Bouquet laughed with delight. Her voice was a little deep from congestion, but it melted its way through the ears, a smooth and pleasantly organic thing. "Of course you can."
"Do my choices affect my fortune?" Aurora was really into this. It would be fabulous if she could still get a fortune.
"Yes, my friend. Each choice you make in life will weave together with others to create your own unique destiny. The flowers know the way."
Oh. Friend. Aurora liked that very much. Very pleased, she nodded and looked around. Her eyes were drawn to a white iris that had speckles of yellow. A pink peony, complicated like a rose yet gentle and elusive, was next. And finally, she chose the often overlooked marigold, red petals with fiery tips of orange. She had made her decisions quickly and decisively. What have I done?
Bouquet began to arrange the flowers. "Ah, the white iris. It tells us a story of wisdom wrapped snugly with purity and innocence. You rightly put great faith in your partner and treat her with pure sincerity, as you do in life itself. If you retain that innocence you will always see the world with fresh eyes and new possibilities perceived everywhere you look. The pink peony tells us that you will enjoy great prosperity and fortune, and you will have the grace and kindness that will not be corrupted by money and power. Stay true to yourself and your partner, and to other aspects of your life, and you will enjoy that good fortune. Like the red marigold says, you have great passion and creativity. You love your craft; do not lose that love. I do not need the flowers to tell me that your love for your partner is strong and true. Always celebrate your good fortune and learn from your trials and tribulations."
Wow, the fortune really was actually about all aspects in her life, like the tea shop, not just her love life. But the message was the same, that she be true to herself and those around her to have the best life possible. "Thank you, Flower Oracle."
When it was time to go, Aurora turned to the pink and blue mares and their familiars and said, "You know... I have a tea shop in town. We sometimes do tea leaf readings with our tea. But if you're ever nearby please do stop by. I would love to have you."
WC: 720
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
