Snippets and Stories: (WtI) Botanical Venture

"How do you know my name?" Shyloris curls a finger in her bangs, twirling it with a polite smile. Esti recognizes the idiosyncrasy as a byproduct of mild bemusement.

"No one knows me." Well, not that she had expected anyone to. The brunette had kept to herself, leaving minimal traces of her presence, save her duties attending to the flora and fauna, and she talked to scarcely another aside from Neiro, 

What astonished Esti though, was that there was nothing sad in her gaze, if anything her question was purely genuine curiosity. An oddity Esti found himself at a loss for, especially the matter-of-fact way in which she'd spoken.

Though her gaze never left the handsome redhead, Esti found her gaze neither probing nor intrusive. 

Shyloris waited patiently, this wasn't their first encounter. It was a brief meeting, one that the outgoing redhead himself had likely forgotten. The Incarnate, however, was not so quick to dismiss even the most cursory of meetings.

Over eons, the immortal had come to acknowledge that a fleeting moment though it may be, could change a river's course. Whether one land flourishes, and another shrivels may well lay on even the most seemingly insignificant of exchanges.

Returning her smile with a small one of his own, Esti extended his hand, "Neiro mentioned you at the party. The least I could do is address you properly, since you're the one who manages all the upkeep, right?"

"Oh!" She took his hand, "It's a small matter if there are those who would enjoy it." A soft warmth glowed in her chest as the smile on her lips became genuine.

It was always pleasing to know someone liked the floral arrangements and garden designs.

The redhead rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly, "I 'spose it was a tad--noisy."

Her sudden laugh, a melodic clear sound a song in itself, took Esti by surprise.

"Not at all, it's a pleasure having you all."

Shyloris's fondness, her dainty ways and feminine nature, so soft and delicate in the way with which she held herself, were a strange concept for Esti, but it was a welcome change from the intensity and judgemental mindset of many of the Academy.

The brunette studied the Neophyte, so full of passion. It matched his lively personality well, countenance ever determined and energetic, blood red eyes with their smoldering gaze and fiery will.

In a way she envied Esti, for though he would live not half the eons she had spent in existence, the redhead had doubtlessly experienced and felt more Life than she had.

Here she was passing through time, sealed and ever unchanging, whereas Esti was free to traverse the world in the sliver of time that marked his passage.

"Care to join us again?"

She stared at the proffered arm in mild surprise and a giggle escaped her, "It would be my pleasure."

Gingerly she took his arm and slid off the ledge of the alcove.

Shyloris entwined a slender arm with his and they went on their way.

How long had it been since someone offered her their arm? And even longer since she had been the recipient of such thoughtfulness and care.

As they walked Esti matched steps the brunette's diminutive form, and on further inspection, realized that the redhead had offered his right arm.

A protective gesture that would keep Esti closer to the wall and safe from any careless individuals returning from the evening social.

It was a sweet gesture, and she allowed herself to relax as they approached a familiar short albino, his silver hair shimmering in the waning light of the evening.

As if on queue, Neiro turned around and flashed her his trademark Cheshire grin. It was never tiring to see, and if anything she felt relief at the other's open and genuine affection.

Beside him his tall companion loomed, obscured eyes ever hidden, but she was sure the acute man's gaze had already noticed them and were studying them as they approached.

"Shylo, you made it!" With that she was encircled by an unexpectedly strong pair of arms.

Neiro grinned up at her and hugged her tighter. She squealed and gave a jovial laugh as she worked her arms out of the embrace to return the gesture.

Esti gave a relieved sigh, uncomfortable with the formalities and suit he wore. Loosening the bow tie and collar some, he left to mingle with their small group. The minor celebration was, after all, for their collective effort on the restoration and tracking project.