isleofavalon | [Catch-All] Reunions, Memories, & the Colour White

🧙 WHO: Aerith Gainsborough, You
⚔️️ WHAT: Catch-All for June / July
🕒 WHEN: June / July
🗺️ WHERE: Aerith's flower shop, Brocéliande, Camelot city proper, the Bay of Avalon
⚠️ WARNINGS: TBD

[01. Come for the Flowers]

[Little by little, Aerith's flower shop is getting put together. The walls are still a little barren, but contain some paintings done by local artists. Finally, it seems a little more put together.

There's no shortage of flowers on display in intricate arrangements. Planters hang from the ceiling. The scent lingering in the air is some combination of cinnamon and sweet floral notes. There's almost always a cup of tea (or something like it) at the front desk.

Aerith tries her best to keep herself busy, wandering from one end to the other, up the steps to the small loft up the stairs, back down again, making sure that everything seems to be perfect. She hums during the day to herself, overjoyed at being surrounded by some of the things that she likes most, even if she can't glean from them what she would back home.

Perhaps you've stopped in by mistake, maybe you're running errands, or you're here with the intention of finding something in particular. Either way, you're here now, and the little bell sound that chimes once you've come in signifies your entry. It's too late for you to leave now. (Aerith won't be chasing you down if you turn tail and flee.)

Whatever Aerith's in the middle of doing, she looks up from her task and eyes the door with a welcoming smile.]

Hi there! If you give me just a moment, I'll be right with you.

[02. How to Business 101]

Hm...

[Aerith holds a notebook protectively against herself as she wanders the streets of Camelot's business district. She stops every so often in the front of a store window, occasionally pokes her head in to get a good look at the wares and the design. She's doing business research to see what she can do to better her flower shop.

It's also a good excuse to get to speak with owners and others along the way and having never been one to shy away from conversation, Aerith is quite happy to exchange words in idle conversation.]

I wonder how they decided on prices. Did they just compare it to something local?

[A frown briefly crosses her features because she knows her own pricing has been pretty negotiable. But maybe flowers just don't work the same as drinks at a cafe or some of the other wares that Camelot provides.

Her feet start carrying her off to another store, her face is fixed on her notebook, where she's writing in small script her observations. She brushes up against a shoulder, or perhaps she walks headfirst into you, or maybe you simply found her in your way whilst you were trying to pass by. Either way, you are precisely one Aerith richer.]

Oops—Am I in your way? Sorry about that.

[03. Gone Fishing (Not Really)]

[She hasn't been here to visit since her original arrival. Aerith has lost track of time easily, and she knows why. She drowns in keeping herself busy and occupied. It gives her less time to think. The Bay of Avalon is a vivid recollection of how confusing it was to arrive in this new world, with the discovery that the world back home was frozen in time. It's still a little hard to wrap her mind around, but she's continued to adopt the idea that there's no sense in causing an uproar over it.

This is a thing she cannot affect, despite the otherworldly abilities that she may play host to.

It's a pleasant day, one that has her lifting an arm as she takes in what feels like a bay of water that stretches beyond what she can see.]

It's beautiful when you're not swimming out of it in the cold. Or being escorted out by turtles.

[There's a basket over one forearm, not even half full. Aerith has come all this way to see if there's any flowers that might be worth adding to the collection. Down in the water, there's occasional splashes of the fish and the welcoming organic ebb and flow of the water. Maybe one of these days she should consider going for a swim.]

Although it looks a little more serene when people aren't arriving, doesn't it?

[...She wonders if the Lady of the Lake sleeps when she's not bringing newly arrived.]

[04. Communing with Nature]

[Her fingertips splay against the rough bark and for several moments, Aerith remains still, listening to everything around her—the rustle of branches, the far off lilt of birds, and other things she cannot readily identify. For once, she's not out scouting for flowers. Rather, her visit to the forest sitting just outside of Camelot's town is for something more profound.

Aside from the occasional dreams she's had of home, of different times, of times that perhaps have not yet occurred, she hasn't felt the same since her arrival. Aerith hasn't had a way of discovering just how in touch she is with her Cetra abilities. It's not an easy thing to test either, considering the details of her 'abilities' have been complex.

Her touch moves over a subtle gash in the wood and after a moment's pause above it, it takes a gentle push of healing, an encouragement for it to heal. Whether it works or not, she hardly would know. Nature is more hardy than many give it credit for.]

There you are. [She says aloud, though she seems to be addressing the tree. After a beat, she turns to press her back against it before she finds her voice again.] I can't seem to hear anything, though. Even being surrounded by it all, it isn't the same. I'm not connected to you in the same way.

[She sighs, shutting her eyes as she thinks about where to go next. What to do. She's not seen anyone else hunting or searching for any of the ingredients that grow in the veil of trees just yet. But it doesn't mean they aren't there.]

So... what do you think we should do now, hmm?

[05. Wild Card]

[For everything else. If you'd like a closed starter, please let me know. You can PM Aerith's journal or PP me at ofthesky.]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[She lights right up as he makes note of the orchids. She's very glad to gently push a few pots over. They're about the same types, perhaps a little different in sizes.]

Oh, you like these?

[Aerith poises a hand at her chin thoughtfully, humming for just a moment before she continues.]

I'm no expert, but they're a little more delicate than most other flowers. They can be a little high maintenance. I've heard some people have trouble keeping them alive because they're a little difficult. If you like a challenge, though, this is probably right up your alley.

[ Ah... Of course he would select a difficult sort of flower. Of course. Yet it appeals to him all the same. Surely it can't be all that hard. ]

Do you have instructions on the proper care?

[ though he doesn't really know why he is considering this. There's... No reason for him to. Xiao is not the type to nurture anything.

And yet... ]

I think a companion of mine would like to see me... I think the term is "branch out."

[ Haha. Plant humor. ]

[She pokes around the different vases until she comes up with a hand-written card and she offers it right over to him. It makes mention of watering habits, and a firmly-worded reminder not to put them in direct sunlight. It also recommends plant food.

He continues and she can't help grinning. 'Branch out.' Aerith loves a good pun, though she suspects that's not his intention.]

Hopefully this will help you. Of course if you have more questions you can either come visit me, or you can just use your phone to reach out to me. Lots of easy ways for me to help.

[Her head tips before she continues.] And maybe this will meet your friend's expectations, too.

[ Or, alternatively, it is neither. Perhaps it is intentional, but only because Xiao has taken it to mean in a more literal sense. Regardless, Xiao takes the offered card. He reads it over and he thinks that he can follow such instructions. It doesn't seem that difficult?

Despite his demeanor and the look about him, Xiao is actually holding onto the card rather delicately. ]

How much... Do you require?

[ He doesn't deal with money often. Never had a need for it before. ]

It's your first time here, right?

[Aerith shakes her head, once again that poor businesswoman practise coming in. Really, it was a mistake letting her open the shop because at this point Aerith is practically just giving everything away.]

You don't owe anything for this one. But if you find you like it and you want more, then you can pay next time. Otherwise, don't worry about it.

It is... Though I only know of this place through a mutual acquaintance.

[ It is because of his dealings with Zidane that Xiao would have come here. It isn't a thought that he would normally have, to seek out a flower shop.

Though he looks surprised all the same. Nothing for this one? Is that any way to actual run a business. ]

I...

[ He gives a bow. Out of respect! ]

Thank you.

A mutual acquaintance?

[How curious. Aerith doesn't pry, but it's transparent that she very much wants to know who it might be. Has she become so well-known? She couldn't believe that. She tends to keep to herself and it's highly unlikely that her name really gets around...

But then again, she's had people contact her from the network directly, too.

When he bows, he draws her attention almost immediately and she smiles softly.]

It's nothing, really. If you have any problems with your orchids, come back at any time or contact me personally. I'm sure I can find a way to help. And of course, I hope you'll come back here to visit too. The shop is still kind of new, so I'm trying to make improvements as often as I can.

[ She doesn't have to pry. Xiao sees little reason in keeping that sort of information to himself. ]

Zidane.

[ He is still looking at the orchid, of course. And the care card. Xiao... Doesn't really know how to exit a conversation or anything of the like. He's just a very awkward sort. ]

I think... I may come back, yes. It is not unpleasant here.

[Oh...!

Aerith perks right up at that. Zidane always puts a smile on her face whether it's a conversation or just hearing about him. He seems a little awkward, though Aerith didn't address it. Instead, she simply smiles patiently, folding her hands together.]

You're welcome back anytime. I'm trying to keep things fresh and new, so who knows, maybe the next time you come in, I'll have some new plants or new things I have on offer. You can always contact me personally, too, if you have any questions or if your orchid has any problems.

[Catch-All] Reunions, Memories, & the Colour White

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