Private Pormont [Homecoming] A Field of Flower

[Siondhe]

Lush golds, streaked with greens, blues and various other colours streamed across the sky. Kyra couldn't help but stop and stare at the edge of the fields. She'd rarely seen such wonderful sights, and although she'd passed around the lands of Pormont itself, she'd avoided the fields themselves in favour of roadways that led directly to destinations.

As she stood, staring out into the wondrous fields that littered the horizon, she couldn't help but wonder if she'd made a mistake staying away from this area for so long. Truthfully, she'd only returned due to necessity, but now that she was here, she had to admit that it was absolutely gorgeous.

Sometimes beauty is in the things we originally missed...and if this isn't beauty...

Her eyes lingered on a collection of blues, purples and silvers that stood out against the larger golds of the wheat fields themselves. The groupings of flowers were the reason that Kyra had ventured to this area to begin with, but now that she was here she almost felt like it would be criminal to try and take any of the pieces for herself - or rather, for the coming festival.

So much effort put into growing these pieces, it's almost shameful to pluck a single one. She knew the thought was folly; the flowers were needed for bouquets for the festival, and they would surely grow back in time. Although, there was always a chance they wouldn't - something that Kyra was beginning to learn was possible in this wondrous and oddly realistic world. No matter how much time seemed to pass, she was always amazed at the world itself - the way in which it felt so real. Sometimes I forget that this really is just a game. It certainly doesn't always feel like one.

She turned at the sound of some passing farmhands, headed back from whatever work they'd done in the fields in time for the lunch hour. Kyra recognised a few of them - they'd been at the farmhouse when she'd asked permission to obtain a collection of the flowers. The permission had cost her more than she would have liked, but she was determined not to show up to her first celebration without something to show for it.

The rumours were real though...this place was definitely worth the travel time.

She'd been told back in Astorea that the farms here were still welcoming to Starcalled, so long as they didn't cause any trouble. Thankfully, the ones that she'd been dealing with had been extra kind - so much so that they'd given her a small discount on the costs for picking the flowers, allowing her to gather as many as she needed for the task she had at hand.

Still...it's such a shame. Not that they'd last forever, anyways...I'll need to make sure that I preserve them as best as possible - maybe some sort of weaving that can lengthen their lifespan once they're cut?

She mumbled to herself as she stepped into the wheatfield, making her way down the column that made an pseudo-pathway to the flowers, a smile spreading across her face as she went.

---

@eden​

 

[eden]

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This place was absolutely breathtaking. That was all Eden could think about as she observed the fields of wheat and beyond that the gorgeous flowers that littered the ground. It was clear that there was so much time, love, and care that went into crafting these impeccable specimens of beauty.

Eden twired a strand of her long gray hair around her finger as she walked down the rows of flowers. Her lean figure was surrounded by beautiful deep purples and lilac colored hyacinth. A few rows down were delicate variations of roses in many colors ranging from pink to a golden yellow. The mixture of flowers were what made this space so lovely and honestly...it might just be her new favorite spot.

Slowly she picked a few clusters of the purple flowers surrounding her. Collecting flowers to arrange a bouquet was part of the challenge she had taken on for the current Homecoming event. Honestly, she wasn't in a rush to complete the event. She wanted to enjoy this. The thick scent of various flowers int he air gave the space a sweetness that she honestly relished.

Though as she emerged from the row of hyacinths, she noticed a beastfolk girl. How strange, she had been alone here not that long ago, well minus the npc people. This girl was clearly a player character considering she was so far from where most beastfolk character tended to wander.

"Can I help you with something?"

Eden spoke calmly to the strange girl as the flowers she was carrying were quickly transferred to her UI Inventory. She would play with how to arrange the selection of flowers into the arrangement later.

@Kyra Varyth

 

[Siondhe]

Kyra's gazed moved from the flowers around her, to the individual who had stepped into sight. She hadn't expected to actual run into anyone else here, although she'd heard the sounds of others nearby. Most had kept to themselves, at least for the time being.

Oh...do you work here? I received permission from the farmer to collect some flowers, it's in preparation for an upcoming celebration.

Her ears twitched atop her head as she fought back the feeling of guilt growing. She'd obtained permission to be here, which meant she shouldn't be in trouble. That was, assuming that the word had been passed on - but she had no idea how stringent some of the workers in the area could be.

Deciding instead to try and push the worry aside, she figured it would be more natural if she did ask for help. At least then it would appear like she was somewhat in the know of what she was doing - leading towards a more believable fact that she was meant to be here.

Although...maybe you can help? I'm...not a florist, by any means, but I'm looking for something that will balance out a combination of colours. I want to provide a bouquet...or a few if possible, with a scheme of dark purple, violet, light blue and maybe a golden pop?

She folded her hands in front of herself, trying to present a more pleasant and appropriate image to the individual - hoping that it would make her appear more...well, approachable, perhaps. Or just someone in need of assistance.

Behind her, the fluffy tail of her fox-kin swished back and forth, a calming motion that showed her current mode more than any facial expression ever could.

---

@eden​

 

[eden]

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Eden observed the other girl silently. Her initially friendly comment seeming to catch her attention. She looked the girl up and down to assess her....well to be honest it was to simply judge her appearance. It seemed that this girl was new to the game just like she was, but...the girl also didn't really strike her as someone to stand out in a crowd. She was cute, but far from her type.

Though when the comment of do you work here came out of the fox's mouth Eden had half a mind to burn her ass. How dare she assume she was the help. Granted, in this game she wanted to simply be treated like a normal person...but she was certainly not some NPC meant to stand around and help for shits and giggles.

The annoyed expression on her features probably reflected that as much as she flipped her curly gray strands over one shoulder. She'd asked the farmer to let her take these flowers for the same event though it seemed. Still, the help? Was she fucking serious? Eden had shoes worth more than a month of this girl's salary out of game.

"Violets, peonies, cabbage roses, and hyacinth flowers come in those varieties of colors. You want something small to fill in the gaps, use greenery or baby's breath. Something tall to draw the eye, orchid might work. Something with bulk to cover the lip of the vase any of the flowers listed would do. That's basic information taught in any etiquette class, not that you would understand."

She crossed her arms and moved to the next row of flowers. Her eyes were drawn to the roses and that was where she planned to work on collecting flowers next. She went to the first bush mixed with golden yellows and soft creams. Carefully inspecting each flower's petals to look for any bruising or other damage. Eden had no desire to select anything except the highest quality plants for her collection

@Kyra Varyth

 

[Siondhe]

The look of indignation that came across the other's face told Kyra that she had misjudged the individual's position in this world entirely. She waited, cautiously and calmly, for the berating she knew would come. There'd been a glint in the eyes of the other - a sign that they had been insulted by the words and assumptions that Kyra had made about who they were.

Must be some sort of high born then...someone who thinks themselves more important than everyone else. One of those. She had to resist the urge to roll her eyes as she realised exactly what type of person she was dealing with - she'd dealt with many in her roles in the real world, let alone in TerraSphere. She'd also come to know that berating them, pandering them, or otherwise engaging with them in any way would only lead to a response of pure fury.

She did, however, listen aptly as the other woman explained the best flowers to find an use. Kyra recognised a few of them - but some were entirely foreign to her.

You're quite right, my understanding and awareness of horticulture is quite inferior to yours. It would be a blessing, for myself and for the coming celebration, if you would provide me your guidance and wisdom in arranging a bouquet that displays the elegance that you hold yourself with, and the way in which you present such wisdom in the manners of such topics.

She kept her voice level, void of emotion and calm. She'd learnt, over the years, that the best way to deal with individuals who scorned those of a lower status, was to appease their self-worth. Twist and turn your own words so that they, in turn, felt like they were doing you a service no other could provide. Which isn't to say she can't...just that she could do it a bit politer. She shrugged the thought aside. There was no point in criticising the other's behaviours. It wouldn't change their attitude or actions, and it wouldn't get Kyra any closer to her goal.

I, and the celebration itself, would be greatly in your debt if you could guide someone with as little knowledge as I have...

---

@eden​

 

[eden]

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Eden let out a huff before she picked the first Rose that caught her eye. The large petals were soft and nearly perfect, exactly what she had hoped for in quality. Though she looked up at the fox girl with a bit of a glare in her expression. It seemed that even though she was being quite snippy, the girl wouldn't relent in asking her for help on this subject. Honestly, she didn't really feel she needed to help her for an event challenge but given the fact that she was willing to bow her head this low? ....fucking customer service skills.

"Fine, whatever, you win."

The rose disappeared into her UI before she turned to look at the girl. She placed a hand on her hip and cocked it. The annoyance in her expression was still present. Honestly, it was an eternal rbf that she favored considering it usually made annoying people stay away. She'd sized up the girl and now she made her determination on the situation.

"First off, if we're gonna work together you've gotta talk normal. You're being way too formal for me and I deal with that enough on the daily. I'm a Starcalled just like you Chica. Two, I don't have the energy to play nice. I'm in this event too and I intend to win. While I totally support making friends, I'm not a roleplayer or a lander and I don't expect you to grovel at my feet."

She didn't like beating around the bush on certain topics. Sure, she liked having her ego stroked, but not in the game where she wanted to just be a normal person. Eden came from money....she could do what she pleased and pay a person to talk sweet to her. This girl, didn't need to do that here.

"Let's start fresh. I'm Eden, an elf specializing in....idk yet since I'm still new. I like flowers, sex, and a good glass of mead. You are?"

She offered the fox girl her hand to see what she would do next.

@Kyra Varyth

 

[Siondhe]

Kyra smiled at the girl's sudden outburst. As she'd expected, her formality had broken through and struck a nerve. This one is used to being treated a certain way, and whether they like it or not...they react. Good. Now we play it their way, and see how it goes. The introduction was lengthy and to the point, but as the hand was offered to Kyra the fox-girl couldn't help but glance down at it and consider it.

Shaking her head slightly, she took the offered hand and squeezed it just hard enough to show the girl the strength behind her grip - nothing to cause harm, but pressure enough to be noticeable - before answering in kind.

In here, I'm Kyra...fox-girl focused on nature-based spellweaving and mind manipulation, as well as stabbing the living shit out of whomever so chooses to be on my bad side.

Her tone was calm, controlled, but also carried a hint of humour to it - a hopeful sign to the other that she was being playful in contrast to her previous behaviour. They'd told her to talk normal, and Kyra had no intention of holding back now.

As to this...competition, as you called it. You're welcome to win it - my only purpose is to provide something that people can look at and be impressed by. Winning? That's for those who want fame and glory and attention. I don't like attention, it makes one...a target, you could say.

She gave a half-shrug at the end of her sentence, before glancing the woman over once more. There was no doubt that whomever the player was, she'd come from somewhere in which she was used to not only getting her way, but also being treated as the top of the pack. She wants normal...

If you do want to 'win', though...well, you're going to have to come with something absolutely spectacular. And while your knowledge far outpaces mine...I've heard that a few of the local florists are getting in on the competition. And they're good. Real good. The one told me that I should considered bringing a pale of pansies, because that's all I was worth.

She gave a half-laugh at the comment, her eyes watching the other to see how they'd react to the joke. There was no lie in the story she'd told - she had been turned away by the florists.

I have to ask though...if you're not a roleplayer, why TerraSphere?

---

@eden​

 

[eden]

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Finally they were getting somewhere.

Eden grinned at the way Kyra spoke about herself. Nature magic, manipulation, and stabbing people. Yup, this girl was definitely someone she might enjoy. Perhaps staying away from her bad side would work best in her favor since she was so new to the game, but still...a stabby girl.

"Well well, foxy has canines. I like it."

She chuckled as she shook her hand. Honestly, this would be fun. The more that Kyra spoke about the competition and her own lack of desire to win it? Well, it just made her more driven to wipe the smug grin off their faces when they didn't get the prize. Though, she usually found so many things in life boring, this little challenge was something in her wheelhouse.

"Perhaps it's arrogance, but I think we can wipe the floor with those bitches. Come one, how often do you actually get to stick it to the people that are torturing you in the real world? This is like a once in a lifetime chance. Even if you're not feeling competitive. I think your bucket of peonies would be better than any magically enhanced mosterocity those girls come up with."

Quickly the silver haired woman flipped her braid over her shoulder before kneeling down and looking at the roses more closely. They would need to be high quality to help them with this challenge. Now, based on what she had heard from Kyra...she really had an itch to scratch.

"Have you seen this place? Compared to this, a shithole like LA can't compare. Plus, I wanna be myself here. Sure the face isn't mine, but the personality can be. I can't do this in the real world. So, I don't roleplay, but I do take this place seriously. What about you, Kyra?"

@Kyra Varyth

 

[Siondhe]

Escapism. Is that why they were all here? Is that the only reason anyone ever entered virtual reality now? Isn't that why anyone, anywhere, ever entered roleplaying to begin with? At least she had an idea, a handle, on the person before her now. Something more concrete than her initial estimations.

Myself? I'm here to roleplay. But...not in the ways you're thinking. This world, this opportunity. It allows me to be someone I can't be in the real world. Someone...well, else.

In the real world, she was a problem solver. For others, usually. Sure, she loved what she was doing - as much as anyone loved their jobs - but here, she could do so much more. She eyed the other for a few seconds, before realising that a bit more detail couldn't hurt.

I'm a vet tech in the real world...nothing spectacular. You won't find my name attached to...well, anything, really. I do what I can, but it's...usually never enough. Death is common, and sometimes there's nothing you can do.

There was no sorrow in her voice. Her words were spoken as if it was just another day; usually that was the case. No matter what occurred, she was required to go from one appointment to the next, no time to grieve or celebrate.

Here...well, here I can focus more. Do something more. I guess...to me, TerraSphere is a place to become someone who can make an impact.

She had no interest in being the hero, but helping the hero to succeed, maybe that was it. She gave a shrug, whether the other was looking or not, before adding a comment to her final thoughts.

That said...I've no aim for glory or recognition. It's better to be the shadow in the dark.

She glanced over the roses, noticing one that was slightly bent at the tips of it's petals in a way that seemed to curve inwards and around. She wasn't familiar with how horticulture prizes were handed out, but she thought maybe the uniqueness would be appealing.

What about that one? It has a...uniqueness to it's shape. Stands out to the eyes at least...or is it better to not stand out?

---

@eden​

 

[eden]

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Eden listened silently to the fox as she spoke to her. The fact that she joined this reality to become someone else. Escapism was a common thing, a necessity actually. The delusion that they could control something beyond their world helped people to maintain a grasp of what they could and could not handle in the reality that they couldn't fully escape. It wasn't a bad desire to have, but in a world where there was so much to yearn for....

Well leaving that behind wasn't such a bad thing. Even if you had everything you ever wanted handed to you.

"I see."

Her tone was soft as she studied the other roses. None of them catching her attention as she moved down the mixtures of gold and cream. Some of them had beautiful petals but unequal color distribution. Others had a lovely scent but the petals were withered. Though she did find one that met the mark she was aiming towards and quickly snipped it with her small dagger.

Still she nodded her head as Kyra explained herself, her life, and her experience. Although, she hadn't exactly asked for such details. That didn't mean there was no effort in giving her words the time and respect they deserved. Eden understood how difficult it could be to expose herself.

She looked up at the girl though as she explained her perhaps most internal dialogue. She simply wanted to be a champion in the background? Well, that wasn't something bad.

"That's fine you know. You don't have to be Hercules and save everyone from the lion, but you should at least give yourself the credit due. Perhaps it's just a me thing, but if I'm going to give my all for something, I want the reward that comes with it. Isn't that the reason for the hard work?"

Eden fiddled with her hair before twisting it up into a top knot and securing it in place with a small pin she pulled from her pocket. Having so much hair on her neck was really a bother when she was trying to focus. Her icy gaze turned to the flower that Kyra pointed out to her. It had a charm to it. Though the petals weren't exactly falling in the manner she was hoping for there was a gorgeous color to them.

"Yes. That one is nice. Flower competitions are just like beauty pagents. You want good color, good smell, and great shape to the flowers and their petals. I'm happy to explain it if you want..."

She wouldn't force Kyra to listen to what she had to say. Although Eden was opinionated, it wasn't necessarily her style to force her opinions on others...at least not when it wasn't something that directly affected her.

@Kyra Varyth

 

[Siondhe]

For me...it's rewarding to see others succeed, if that makes sense? A spotlight is...well, a spotlight. But someone has to hold that spotlight. Back within the shadow, focusing it on whomever stands beneath it, and the spot-light holder goes unnoticed. Which isn't to say they aren't critical, helpful, or important, they're just not...in the spotlight.

She'd been talking a lot, and she'd realised it. Not that Eden had seemed to mind - either through polite silence and suffering, or through genuine care for the fox-girl's behaviours and openness. It didn't matter to Kyra in the end, truly, but she did want to give the other the chance to open up themselves, to show something they had an interest and care for, to be able to explain.

Colour, smell and shape...it makes sense. Although, that one-

She pointed towards one of the flowers laying at Eden's feet, which she had recently clipped. It's golden petals had an almost beautiful shimmer to Kyra's eyes, but it wasn't what had drawn her attention to begin with.

...is beginning to rot. It's only a faint hint, but it's there. Give it a day and it'll spread to the under-leaves, then throughout the central bulb. Once it gets there...

She closed her eyes and sniffed slightly, allowing the scent of the flower to flow into her nostrils more fully. If there was a benefit to her beastfolk appearance, aside from being adorable, it was the enhanced senses that came with it. Those have drawbacks, sure, but so long as no one flashbangs me...

...three days, tops, before it's entirely rotted through. It's natural rotting, thankfully, but definitely a spore of some sort. I wouldn't let it touch any of the others - it hasn't transferred yet, but better to be safe.

She lifted a hand and whispered a few words, the incantation of her spellweave taking off as the flower seemed to glow purple for a second, before the shimmering barrier enclosed around the flower's top, sealing it off from the world beyond.

That should hold it...for a moment or two. It's not a long-lasting weave, but it should keep the spores inside while it's moved away.

---

@eden​

 

[eden]

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Eden listened as the foxy girl spoke. Her gaze was lazily drifting from one flower to the next as she sought out her next target for plucking. She knelt down to get a closer look at a small cluster of the roses. The smelled quite fragrant, but it was the petals that caught her eye. The color variations within them were something you would never see in real life. So subtle and yet they seemed to shimmer like a pearl.

She tuned in more closely when her companion mentioned that she didn't want the spotlight. It was...an odd idea to her. Though she honestly didn't know what being out of the spotlight truly felt like. Perhaps it was a nice thing to be a background person? She paused then shook her head....no it sounded extremely boring. Though Eden kept her mouth shut. This girl was clearly a goodie two shoes or something...perhaps a bit naive? Now, that would be something to play along with.

Or to play pranks on.

"Fair. Though I guess I just don't have much of a background kind of personality. You stand in one spotlight and they all look the same. On stage, in a crowd, or with flashing cameras....it rarely changes the fact that it blinds you and everyone around you just looks like black figures."

She grinned to herself at the idea. Though stopped as she looked up at the girl and her flower. The way she explained that some of the flowers were sick made her pause. So, did that mean that they couldn't use them? Probably not a smart move if they wanted their flowers to make it to the competition. Though she watched as Kyra used her magic. The residual sparkle of the barrier that kept the flower in its current state made her think for a moment.

What if they used that kind of spell on their creation?

Eden weighed her options before asking.

"You have a pretty good nose. Do you have a limit to how much you can use that spell?"

@Kyra Varyth

 

[Siondhe]

She shifted at the question, fidgeting with her jacket while she seemed to think about how to answer it. She should've known whether there were limits or not, but if Kyra was being entirely honest, she was still trying to get the basics down about her magical capabilities.

Ah...I've actually no idea. To be entirely honest...I'm not even sure how I did it in the first place. Weaving is...still something I'm learning, so to speak. Lots of practice, but I'm still getting the foundations of spellweaving down.

She waved a hand as if to try and distract away from her admission. She doubted it would buy her any points with the other individual, who clearly saw everyone as nothing more than a figure to their own attainment, but it made Kyra uncomfortable to admit that she essentially didn't know what she was doing.

You...want to attempt using it for something specific? If you're thinking of shrouding all the flowers in order to contain them until the celebration, either to elongate their lives, or otherwise stop them from...dying...I can't promise that will work. We could try it, but I don't promise results.

Even though her words were reserved, and contained no excitement to their tone, Kyra couldn't help but wonder if the idea would work. Perhaps not in the way that she'd first considered, but she found herself thinking about how to adjust, and morph, the spell, so that it could be used to a more long-term solution.

Although...I would need time and practice, but...maybe something could work...It likely wouldn't be anything I could do now - in fact, I'm not even sure I could have it ready for the coming festival, but...perhaps for a future endeavour...

Kyra glanced between each of the flowers, considering the spell and it's possibilities. She definitely needed more practice with her weaving before she could found anything that could do what she wanted, but the idea was giving her a bit of temptation.

You've got a great eye for these, by the way...

---

@eden​

 

[eden]

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Eden had a selfish nature. It was something she had no desire to hide, but that didn't mean she was completely heartless. She would've understood if the answer had been 'no'. though the way that the girl with her seemed to respond wasn't a simple no. It was an honest 'I don't know" mixed with a tone that said Eden had left the impression her skills had no value beyond what her own personal gain was.

A sigh left her lips as she put the flower in her inventory, but made sure to stash it away from the others for safety reasons. Kyra certainly didn't seem to have much faith in her. Though it was their first meeting and the two of them were certainly not on the most friendly of terms, Eden was at least trying and that deserved some credit.

"You know....I wasn't asking because I expect something unrealistic from you. The spell left a sparkling sheen on the petals kinda like a soft glitter....it would've made the flowers stand out."

She dusted off the skirt of her kimono. In truth her own skills wouldn't be worth much. Darkness and fire certainly don't do well with something that requires sunlight or was very clearly flammable. She didn't want to hurt the flowers more than picking them required...

"I just thought it was something pretty...I'm trying to be more friendly....y'know. It was a cool spell you did, but I get that you're new to this. I haven't even really tried using my abilities. If I wasn't trying to help I would've already left...."

@Kyra Varyth

 

[Siondhe]

Kyra gave a small tilt of her head after the other's compliment - or at least, she was almost certain that it was a compliment. The woman had an air to her, almost unfriendly, and yet her words and her demeaner otherwise bespoke of someone trying to be friendly, like she'd stated.

I didn't mean to sound...un grateful, in any way. It's simply...well, I can't promise that I can do it again, but I'm more than happy to give it a try. Weaving has proven to be...a challenge, in some cases. It's like some things come easy, and others stand at the edge of my fingertips, and vision, just out of reach and grasp.

Even if it would prove futile, Kyra had already decided that if requested, she would be more than happy to give the weaving another attempt. It was the least she could do to help out eden as much as they were helping out Kyra.

Thank you, by the way. For saying it looked pretty.

Kyra let the silence stretch for a few seconds before waving a hand towards the other flowers in the area. She wasn't sure exactly what eden had planned for her bouquet - or the one she was helping Kyra make - but somehow the fox-girl felt like they weren't quite done yet.

If you wanted to grab anymore, I can look at trying the same trick on a few of them...perhaps some lesser ones, so that we don't accidentally ruin the ones we want to display if this doesn't work at first?

She threw in the suggestion at the last second as she glanced over a collection of, what appeared to her eye, finer looking rose-like flowers on a nearby brush; gold and black trimmed leaves glittering in the sunlight. She wasn't sure if they'd be appealing or not, and nodded towards them before glancing back at eden to see the woman's reaction.

---

@eden​

 

[eden]

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Eden listened to the fox's words nodding her head periodically as she contemplated the exchange. Really, the pair seemed like they were getting along like oil and water, but the potential was there to make a pretty good cake if they kept working at it. She smiled at her companion then and placed her hands on her hips. Yes, this would be the way to do it, by working together.

"I totally get what you're saying. It's hard to always have a spell turn out the exact same every time."

She tucked a few lose strands of hair behind her ear before taking a peek at the flowers surrounding them. With the large warm toned selection, pulling something dark would probably make the magic's sheen stand out even more. Maybe picking flowers with small blooms that could be used in batches rather than large ones? It would certainly give it a bit more of an ethereal vibe...though she certainly couldn't decide that on her own.

"What about a mix of small flowers in large groups? Maybe Hydrangea or like Violets. Those tend to pare really nicely with oranges and blues, but if you're wanting something more classic like reds and pinks we could also go for a more vibrant mix."

The elf had to admit that even with the fact they'd started off on the wrong foot that this was kind of fun. She didn't really get to enjoy girly and creative events like this very often. Though, she mainly enjoyed causing chaos and exploring TS. It was the more typical option of living it up within the game though.

"We could totally build it off your favorite colors if you want."

@Siondhe