Vaelithorien's POV
As the soft rustling of vines stirred me awake, I exhaled slowly, feeling Veydris coil back into its usual place. I ran a hand through my hair, shaking off the lingering haze of sleep before moving through my morning routine. While brushing through the stray strands, my gaze landed on a small pin resting on the table—the one Lady Christene had given me yesterday.
I picked it up, turning it over between my fingers. It was beautiful, far too precious for someone like me.
And I knew exactly why she had given it. A bitter smile tugged at my lips as I fastened it into place.
As I stepped out of my room, heading toward the garden to tend to the blooms and gather fresh flowers for display, something caught my eye—a red mark on my calendar. I paused, staring at the date.
It's almost time.
Her birthday.
I stared for what felt like hours on the calendar before I fixed myself and headed to the door.
I walked to my garden and tended to them like I always do. I was about to stand up and walk out when a certain flower caught my eye. Celestrine Blossoms. Her favorite. I shook my head and picked up the basket.
"I doubt she wants to see me." I whispered, walking out of the garden. I closed the door and headed straight to my shop to open.
As I did my usual routine behind the counter, I heard the door chimed indicating a customer came in.
"Welcome to Faewild Glade! Whe–" I stopped as I saw who it was that entered the door. Emily.
"Hello, Syl." A woman in her late 30's arrived giving me the warmest smile. I stood frozen in shock from where I am as I stared at this woman. "Oh, where are my manners. It's nice to see you again, gran."
I took her to my garden... Moonveil Sanctuary. I offered her a cup of Jasmine tea and some snacks. I sat across her awkwardly and never looked her in her eyes. I didn't expect her to come see me.
"I see that you still cared for this little sanctuary of yours. It's been a while and it still never ceases to amaze me." She said as she looked around the garden. I raised my head and looked in the same direction and a memory came to mind. Little Emily was running around my garden chasing butterflies while her mother was close by watching her with a smile and I sat in the same place as I am today... with her. I feel my smile slowly fading as I remember her again.
I felt Emily look at me and chuckled. "Come on, Grandpa! Would it kill you to look at your beautiful granddaughter? It's been a while since we last saw each other, you know. How long was it? 20 years? Maybe more?" She chatted while sipping her tea.
"Yeah. Maybe longer." I replied, not meaning it to sound depressing.
She puts down her cup and changed seat in front of me. I was caught off guard when she suddenly held my hands and looked at me.
"Even so, you could have come and visited us." I looked at her in her eyes. She really does look like her. Even her mother looks like her.
"I doubt she even wants to see me. What kind of father would leave her daughter in that situation?" I asked while avoiding her gaze.
She sighed. "Boy was she spot on! She really is your daughter, huh?" She suddenly said then stood up and grabbed something in her bag. It was a small envelope.
"She's not getting any younger, gran. She may also carry your blood but she can only live a little longer at best that most humans. She misses you too." She explained as I fixed my gaze on the envelope on her hand. I grabbed and saw my name written in the back.
I placed it back on the table.
"Let me think about it." I just said and remained silent avoiding her looks.
"Fine. But I'm staying here to help. I wanna spend more time with you." She stubbornly said and sat back down in her seat. I was about to protest when she crossed her legs and sipped her coffee loudly. She even acts like her too. I just sighed and let her be. Knowing this child, she won't listen even if I say no.
"By the way, I have never seen you use a pin before. Where'd you get that?" She asked after taking a bite of a cookie."
"It's from a friend." I just said. I never told her about elven traditions before so she doesn't know what this means. She just shrugged and continued eating
Hours go by and people come and go by in the shop. People are slowly coming in as February approaches. Since the last time I experienced this 'love month rush' I came prepared and planted the flowers that are usually bought during that time of the month. Luckily they were easy to cultivate than most flowers I have.
Emily stayed and helped around the shop and garden. I'm glad she has the same green thumb as I do.
While we were busy tending the shop, the bells chimed in signaling someone came in the shop. I peeked from the counter and saw a little boy panting and nervously looked around. I was about to stand up and walk closer when Emily got to him already.
"Hey there, little guy." She greeted warmly. "Welcome to Faewild Glade. How can we help you?" The little opened his two closed hands and showed us đ20.
"Ahh! Ahh!" The boy uttered. Confused, I walked in closer and kneeled down to his level and smiled at him.
"Are you here to buy flowers?" I asked. The boy just looked at me and tears slowly ran down through his eyes. "Oh ow~ You made the boy cry, Silver." Emily teased I just glared at her and she chuckled. I looked back at the boy and he was looking around the shop frantically before pointing out the flower behind me.
"Ahh!" He shouted while pointing at the flower. We turned around and saw that he was pointing at Sunveil Amaryllis. I looked back at him and casted a spell to put him to sleep. When he was out, I placed him on my lamp and chanted a spell to look through his memories.
There I saw the little boy scavenging through the trash at a dark alley. When he successfully found a 'meal', he happily hopped out of the trash and ran to an abandoned city not far from here. There I saw an ailing woman coughing in here bed. The boy happily offered the food and the mother smiled then pushed the food to him instead; but the boy insisted that she eats.
Time passes and I am where they are both outside in what seems like a meadow. The woman looking even thinner than before is sitting on the side as she watches her son running around picking flowers. He then ran back to his mother and offered the small bouquet he made. The mother smiled happily and smelled the little bouquet. She then picked one flower out of that bouquet.
"I really love daffodils. These flowers means rebirth and new beginnings." The mother uttered. She looked at his son then placed the flower by his ear.
"Someday, I hope you too can have a new beginning. One without suffering and pain." She smiled at him and the boy just hugged his mother. He then broke the hugged and signed "I love you, mom."
I stopped the spell and looked at the boy with tears running down his face.
"Vael, are you ok?" I looked at Emily who looked at me with worry and handed me a tissue. I looked at her confused and she pointed out my face. I touched my face and noticed that tears were already streaming down. I grabbed the tissue and wiped it.
"Put this boy on the chair over there and cover him with a blanket. I'll go make his bouquet." Emily just nodded and took the boy. I then get to work.
Sunveil Amaryllis have similar appearance to daffodils, which is why the boy must've mistaken it for daffodils. However, my flowers aren't like any other. Just like any ordinary flowers out there, my flowers also have a deeper meaning to them but my flowers possess abilities.
Just like daffodils, Sunveil amaryllis have similar appearance, this flower has a slightly translucent petals with delicate golden luster veins that shimmer faintly when touched, as if sunlight is trapped within them. This flower are often found near an elf village as they lift fatigue and brings comfort; though us elves are known to store an incredible amount of mana, we are very weak in stamina and strength hence, we rely on magic to do the heavy work since that's the only strength we have. But our mana is not as great as of dragons race though.
I grabbed the basket and the Sunveil amaryllis and a few other flowers to this basket.
I placed a small tray at the bottom of the basket and placed the Sunveil in the middle. Aside from lifting fatigue, it brings comfort and energy, and eases emotional burden which would fit perfectly with the boy's mother condition.
Next I grabbed few more medicinal herbs that would look pretty on the flower. Elara's Whisper for to enhance Healing and soothes the pain; with its soft petals in lavender-blue blossoms that shimmer in the moonlight, this would look perfectly with the basket.
I then added some Lumeberry Sprigs for strength and boosts recovery. These tiny white flowers that grow in clusters, resembling twinkling stars among dark green leaves would also be perfect blend. The basket looks fine already but I feel anxious and I think I still have something more to put in this basket. So I grabbed more flowers.
Auricallia Blooms. Perfect! For emotional healing & tranquility. These soft peach-hued flowers with velvety petals that shift between colors, deepening when touched, would look perfect for a final touch.
I was just finished arranging the flowers when Emily walked closer and placed a bunch of Evershade Balmroot.
"I tried the memory spell you taught me before and luckily I was able to pull it off. It wasn't easy though." She explained then arrange the flowers on the basket herself.
"A deep green, soft-leafed plant with tiny white bell-like flowers that close in darkness would look well in these basket. Plus, if I remember correctly, these flowers are medicinal ones and it reduces fever and strengthens the lungs." She explained while still placing the flowers. "His mother is currently having a fever and sadly, its her birthday as well. Guess he wanted to do something special for her." She finished and walked to the boy. I looked at the basket we made and a sense of ease and happiness rise inside of me seeing as how these flowers that are a mere decoration in other people's eyes could be of help to others. I grabbed a pen and paper and wrote down the instructions of how to use these flowers on his mother.
"What are you doing?" Emily asked bringing a small pot of Everglow Lyrielle on the counter.
"I'm writing instructions for the boy on how he could use these flowers." I answered not looking. She stopped me from writing and grabbed the paper.
"I knew you didn't look into it properly, so let me spell it out for you. That boy never went to school—he can't read or write. He's mute but not deaf. And the only signs he knows are 'Thank you' and 'I love you, Mom.'" She explained and we looked at the boy still asleep with his eyebrows furrowed.
"What do you suggest we do?"
"Do you have any remembering spell or something that could help the boy? Like you know, just tell him the instructions and he will remember it." She suggested. I thought back of all the spells I have known so far and remembered the 'The Keeper's Murmur'.
"There is one spell I could use. But what's with the Everglow?" I asked pointing at flower she placed.
"I noticed in his memory that their only source of light at night, is a small candle the boy stole in cemetery. So Why not give him a little light in their homes, don't you think?" She smiled whiled admiring the flower. I just nodded and noticed the boy waking up by the chair. We looked at him and Emily went closer to comfort him.
"How are you feeling? We have a little something for you." I walked closer with the basket in hand and gave it to him. I then started the keeper's mumur spell.
I stepped closer and placed two fingers lightly against his forehead. His shoulders stiffened, but he didn't pull away. Good.
"Listen carefully, little one. I'll say this once, and the flowers will show you the rest."
I let my magic weave through my voice, letting it settle into his mind. Images formed behind his eyes, each bloom unfolding within his thoughts like a quiet revelation.
"The pale gold petals—Elara's Whisper. Steep them in warm water. It will weave strength into weary bones and wake the body from its slumber."
I felt his mind grasp the image, his fingers twitching slightly as if committing it to memory.
"The silver-laced berries—Lumeberry Sprigs. Crush them, stir them into tea. They will mend what is frayed and lend her the strength to rise again."
His breathing slowed, absorbing the knowledge like dry earth drinking rain.
"The dusky violet blooms—Auricallia. Lay them beneath her pillow. They will carry away sorrow and gift her dreams untouched by pain."
A soft exhale. Relief.
"The dark-veined roots—Evershade Balmroot. Simmer them in milk and honey. They will cool her fever, ease her breath, and let the air flow freely once more."
The magic settled, leaving only one flower untouched. I reached for the Everglow Lyrielle, lifting the pot so its soft luminescence bathed the boy's hands in pale light.
"This one is not for medicine, but for light. Place it beside her bed. As long as she holds on, so will its glow."
I stepped back, letting the connection fade. His small fingers curled tightly around the basket, but his gaze burned with something steadier now.
"Go ahead then," I said, my voice softer than before. "Let the flowers do their work. And stay by her side, boy—she'll need you as much as these."
The boy teared up a little and nodded. He put the Everglow pot down and signed 'thank you' to me. I just smiled and patted his head.
I picked up the pot and guided him to the door. I closed off the spell for a while that let's out the ward I casted on the door whenever the customer leaves. This ward lets my customer forgets the event happening in my shop whenever they leave, like they forget where it was, what I look like, and what my shop looked like. Letting this kid keep the memories of my shop tells me that it will be a good decision.
I helped the kid out and gave him a bag to easily carry the pot and basket. He bowed at me then ran far, probably back to his mother.
As the little boy ran far away, a memory slipped in my mind. A little girl running cheerfully with her back facing me. The little girl turned to looked at me with the brightest smile I ever see.
'Daddy!'
The girl shouted then I was brought back to the present when I felt a hand on my shoulder. It was Emily.
"Let me guess. You getting a sense of déjà vu aren't you?" She asked mockingly. I just brushed off her hand and want back inside. I opened the ward again and closed the door behind me.
"Come on, Vael. She's not gonna push you away. She even asked me to invite you!" She persisted. I just ignored her and cleaned up the counter. She continued on insisting me and distracted me from my work.
"Come on! Pretty please? She really wants to see you. How about this, you can bring anyone with you if you're not that confident to go alone. Anyone at all. I don't even care if you bring your new lover with you just please, COME!" She continued pestering me. I just sighed and brushed of her hand grabbing my arms and pushed her gently away.
"Ok stop! How about this. I'll go to the party only if you help around here for a week. If you can last a week here then I'll go. How's that?" I challenged her. She looked me back in the eyes with confidence and grabbed a broom.
"Deal! Promise me you'd come if I do as you say?" She pulls out her pinky and points it out to me. I just chuckled and as she reminds me so much of her.
"Deal." I agreed and intertwined my pinky with hers. She hopped with joy and cheerfully cleans around the shop. I laughed and did the same.
As the sun sets, Emily and I prepared to close the shop and locked it.
"Jeez! Here I thought you had a very busy life here at the shop, hence why you can't come and visit but there's barely even any customer that came here. I think there was about 5, including the boy from earlier that came to the shop." Emily complained while arranging the pots of flowers on the shelves.
"Its not February yet so it's not so busy, but if it comes then, then I'll be a bit busy." I explained while sweeping the floor.
"Oh yeah cause its Love month." Emily continued to clean up and while we cleaned it since, we suddenly heard a loud thud outside. "What's that?" She asked nervously while using the feather duster as he weapon.
"Get behind the counter! Don't come until I say so." I ordered. She ran behind the counter and peeked her head a little. I slowly walked to the door while grabbing a small sickle a happen to have close by and hid it in my back. The shop is covered with glass window walls so I can see everything outside but I turned off the outside lights since we were about to close up shop.
I crept slowly and stopped only a few steps away from the door and casted a spell that help me looked around on my spot. Veilborne Gaze.
As my vision roamed around, I saw the source of the sound. It seems like a drunk man fell on the side of my shop. I hit one of flowers. This jerk!
"You can come out now, Emily. It's just a drunkard that fell off on my plants. Help me move him." I ordered and put the sickle down. Emily sighed off of relief and walked outside with me.
I didn't waste anytime and we moved him on the other side of the road and left him there. I was to enter the shop first when Emily stopped me and pulled my sleeve.
"What?!" I asked frustratingly.
"He doesn't look like a drunk man. He doesn't even smell like alcohol." She explained and walked closer. I tried to stop her but she already crutched down and inspected the man.
"Hey, Vael. He looks hurt. We should help him." I ignored her and went inside.
"Vaelithorien! Get your ass back here and help me get him inside!" She ordered. This child must've forgotten who's older between us. She did mention my first name completely and that means trouble if things don't go her way. Just like her mother.
I grunted and turned back to help her carry the man.
"Let me remind you that I am your grandparent, which also means I'm older than you." I complained and she ignored me. We carried him inside and I looked the shop completely before taking him up to my home.
We put him in the couch and I inspected him for wounds or anything.
"He got some bruises around his arms and knees, obviously from the fall. Some of my plants on him and a nosebleed. You still remember than medicine I taught you before right? The time when you scratched your knees riding the bike, make that. Also bring some bandages." Emily didn't say anything and went around the house to grab the stuff needed. I turned back to the human and grabbed the tissue to wipe his running nose.
I went to the kitchen and grabbed a rug to clean off the wounds. As I was wiping his hands, I noticed he got some faint arcane scorch marks on his arms down to his fingers. That's odd. I ignored it and continued wiping him until I noticed a faint familiar feeling around him. I looked at him and instinctively checked his neck.
My suspicions is true. I'd never thought I see one in this time. A mage.
"I brought the things we need. Is this medicine enough?" Emily popped from the kitchen and looked at me with confusion.
"Vael, Is everything okay?"