Jokull had spent some time with the lovely Nyvara. Enough to know he was smitten. Not that he would be so crass as to actually say so in as many words. After all, a true gentleman wooed but didn't pressure.
Of course, that meant he needed a way to convey his intent. After all, she was unlikely to remain single. What stallion could resist such a graceful and beautiful mare.
It had been rather some time since he had learned of 'proper courting' but he remembered some. At least enough of the language of flowers that he felt confident in his ability to relay his meaning. If he could find the right flowers!
Why was a Lily so impossible to find! Well, there was the one, but it was already wilting and was yellow, which he thought would send a mixed message. Hyacinth seemed to be in bloom everywhere. Not red, of course, he wasn't even sure it grew red flowers, if so, they didn't grow here, but white would be a nice touch. A few white orchids were a complement he'd be happy to incorporate. But the yellow and pink roses he found so easily were not at all what he needed!
It took a few days to finally track down and trade for the red roses that would be the center of his offering. More trading rewarded him with red ribbon to bind the bouquet. It was still a little underwhelming, to his eye, so he added some pink snapdragon sprays that added some depth and the concept of strength and grace couldn't hurt.
Finally a bouquet that seemed a worthy offering. Along side the bouquet he arranged a basket of comfrey and marigold leaves topped with a hazardously obtained piece of honeycomb. Another strand of the red ribbon tied about the handle.
Jokull did take a moment to be grateful for his claws, which made the whole process much easier. More than once he'd helped a hooved friend with similar bows and crafted offerings and knew just how useful his claws were. That Nyvara was similarly blessed only made her more beautiful in his eyes.
Of course, it was her easy laugh, honest amber eyes, gold touched feathers, easy grace . . . well, he could list her positive qualities all day. But that wouldn't get the gift, hard earned, to her for hopeful acceptance.
With a few deep, steadying breaths, Jokull took his offering. Of course, his beak made his smile look a bit like a smirk, but he hoped she understood. His chest puffed out, "Ah, Nyvara, you are looking lovely today. Though these flowers beauty pales in comparison to your radiance, I humbly offer them for your consideration, along with this basket that seeks only to be as sweet upon your lips as your grace is to my eyes." His breath held, heart bare before her, Jokull struggled not to preen from the stress.
Nyvara, a bit surprised, blinked happily. "Oh! how lovely. I was just looking for a snack." She leaned in and bit the heads off several of the roses, smiling as they squished beneath her teeth. She'd have to save a few to make tea later, though the basked looked like a perfect tea mixture. She sniffed a bit at the orchid, was that supposed to be edible.
"Did you have some already or did you want to share the snack?" She asked innocently, clearly thrilled with the gift, if entirely missing the point.
"I . . . ah . . . yes. I'm quite full, thank you." His brow furrowed. Jokull wasn't sure if this meant she accepted his courtship or rejected it. She was eating the red roses quite passionately. But he didn't remember that being part of the language of flowers.
With a happy grin and another crunch of roses and hyacinth Nyvara puts the rest of the bouquet into the basket, "I'll make a lovely tea for after lunch with this. It will be quite nice. Thank you Jokull." She couldn't resist tucking one of the larger roses behind her ear.
Maybe she should find some more accessories. She had her bells, which chimed happily as she walked. But Jokull was so regal and composed she knew he'd never want someone as simple as she was. But Nyvara couldn't help but want to draw the powerful stallion's eye. Even his words were flowery and important sounding. Whoever he chose would be a lucky mare. She was just happy he seemed to want to talk to her and share delicious treats sometimes.
(word count: 755)
