The journey to Viraaz had been an arduous and confusing one. Most people had flashed her baffled looks or rolled their eyes.
Almost everyone had agreed it would be best to go on foot, but that would've gotten her there too late.
Few had suggested going in a carriage. Although, that option wasn't available to her.
Only one had suggested taking the train, but he warned her to be careful.
So she bought her train ticket and headed over to Viraaz for her first ever flower festival.
The cushions were so comfortable, she couldn't help but wonder if this was a comfort that most people afforded. Had she been robbed a lifetime of that?
Her aching muscles and flesh were gently massaged by the vibrations of the train, granting them some reprieve.
It was fun to look out the window, watching as different landscapes passed by.
Large, lush green fields full of cows and sheep grazing lazily shifted into deep forests which then blurred into babbling brooks and steep cliffs.
Her eyes glowed as she rested her chin on the windowsill, trying to take in every detail from each piece of dirt that decorated each rock to every blade of grass.
Who could've known that the world beyond the Evans Estate garden would be so much more beautiful?
'HUUUU-! HUUUU-!'
When she arrived, she stepped out of the roaring train, she looked around in awe.
On the train platform was a large flower arch that said "WELCOME!"
Had they known she was coming? Was that just for her?
Her white sundress flowed behind her as she jogged towards the town square. She'd woven purple, pink and blue flowers into it. The flower crown that sat atop her head was woven of the same flowers, making them a matching set.
The square's music got louder as she approached, the scent of flowers growing in intensity.
There was a large stage that sat smiling musicians all wearing suits with flowers attached to them. Looming over the stage was a large banner that said "VIRAAZ SPRING FLOWER FESTIVAL" that was attached by metal poles hugged by flowers.
She looked around. The maids had spoken about there being flower variants in the Viraaz' official colors – gold, green and purple. However, there was every color of flower one could imagine decorating the sidewalks and buildings.
Her neck arched back as she looked at the strings of flowers going from across the buildings in the squares. They almost looked like floral clouds in the sky.
There were vendors set up at little stalls offering games and prizes.
It was a bit overwhelming trying to decide what to do first. Her eyes darted around from the shops to the square to the vendors.
As she was trying to come up with a plan, she heard a couple giggling as they passed by.
"I think those honey cakes are the best they've had in years!" The man said, his posture tall and straight.
"Take me back for more for dessert! You will, won't you? I don't think I can get enough of them!" The woman giggled, her hand was tucked tightly in the crook of his arm.
"Of course, anything you want." He laughed along with her.
Eilownia's stomach growled, her heart pounding.
Honey cake? She licked her lips and entered the shop.
It was much quieter than outside and was full of couples and families. It was built with light wood and covered in succulents and flowers. There was a large menu on the back wall with fun designs drawn in chalk.
"Sit anywhere, I'll be with you in a moment!" One of the staff members said, flashing Eilownia a bright smile.
Eilownia nodded, a bit taken aback by the smile. She looked around and found a seat in the very back corner.
The chair was made of wood. It wasn't as comfortable as the train seat, but it was comforting nonetheless.
Her shoulders folded inward as she looked around at everyone. Each one was busy enjoying their desserts and drinks, not paying her any mind.
Slowly, her shoulders relaxed.
'That's right. No one cares if I'm here. No one will notice me.'
She sat up straighter and smiled as she folded her hands atop the table.
"Hello there. What would you like today?" The waitress asked, her smile never wavering.
"I want the honey cake~"
"What would you like to drink?"
Eilownia looked around a moment before her gaze returned to the waitress. She hadn't ever had anything to drink besides water before.
"I'm not sure...." She slumped slightly in her chair, although it didn't reflect in her features.
"Well, we have an excellent new lavender rose wine that will pair beautifully with the honey cakes this year. Would you like that?"
Eilownia bit her lip and nodded excitedly.
"Yes!"
A few moments later, her order was delivered. In front of her sat a perfectly round honey cake topped with a honeysuckle coming out of a bed of clovers. The lavender and rose wine sat in its glass cup with a dusty red coloring.
Her mouth was filling with saliva as she picked up her fork and gently cut into the honey cake. It was light and fluffy, her fork glided right through it, revealing a layer of cream in the middle.
She took a piece and placed it in her mouth.
The cream filling wrapped around her tongue, throwing her mouth into a journey of soft sweetness and earthy undertones.
Tears pricked the back of her eyes and her nose began to sting.
She sucked in her lips and stared down at the cake, taking a moment to cement this moment into her memory.
Her hand drifted over to the wine. It swirled in its glass as she brought it to her lip, its floral scent wafted into her nose.
She took a sip and turned her head to cough. It was not like she'd expected it to taste, but there were sweet floral undertones following after the bitterness.
Eilownia took another sip, this time ready for the bitter taste. The waitress was right, it DID pair nicely with the sweetness of the cake.
She wasn't sure how long she was in that café or just how many drinks and desserts she ordered, but by the time she left the sun had drifted out of sight, its rays just barely covering the sky and her balance was off.
The temperature had dropped a bit, covering her arms in goosebumps as she stumbled into the square.
Lights had been turned on, lighting up the area and allowing people to continue their festivities.
Couples continued to dance and laugh in the square, and the music seemed to have only gotten louder.
She smiled and began dancing along with them, twirling in circles.
'I did it! I'm finally here! I can't believe this is happening!' Her smile grew larger and larger as she spun.
For once, the dropping temperatures didn't bother her. Despite what her skin was saying, she felt a warmth inside. A fire that burned bright in her soul.
Everything was swimming past her vision in a blur of colors, smiles and laughter when another couple bumped into her.
"WHOA!"
She tried to catch her balance but the harder she tried, the more she struggled.
Eilownia flew into the sidewalk when she landed against something hard and warm.
"EEEK! OOMPH!"
A pair of hands grabbed onto her biceps, helping to steady her.
Her eyes blinked rapidly a few times, trying to regain her focus and stop her from swaying.
"To what do I owe this pleasure, Little Flower?" A deep voice slid inside her audition, dominating the sound of the music.
Eilownia looked up, her eyes widening as a deep blush came over her face.
It was a man. Not just any man, but a handsome, extremely attractive man! Just like she envisioned Lord Harris to look like.
His hair was long and dark purple, his features were sharp and intense, and his deep amethyst colored eyes blazed into hers.
Little Flower he said? Yes, and his gaze was watering the garden of her soul.
"H-Hi~"