@flamesandcrystal continued from here:
It wasn’t often that Aerith found people sheltering within the church considering how distant it was from the residential hub so the young woman gazing over her flowers became an immediate curiousity. She knew most everyone around Sector 5 and felt confident she would remember someone who wore such lovely robes, though perhaps the biggest clue she wasn’t from around here was how reverent she was in her admiration for flowers. If they were a local, something like flowers was a bit same-old seen-those-around-before given how often she carted blooms around.
If someone respected Aerith’s gardens, that someone was deserving of her kindness. That coupled with the warmth of pride blossoming in her chest was enough incentive for a small gift. She gathered her most vibrant of flowers into a cheerful little bouquet and cleared her throat. “I think I have something better to offer.” she said out loud as she closed the last of the distance between them, offering the impulsive bouquet with a wider smile. It felt good in knowing that her efforts could still bring some small joy to the world. “Mm! I’ve been caring for the garden here for so long.” she motioned skyward. “Sunlight in the slums is rare, I sometimes wonder if people top-plate keep gardens...” She seemed to consider before offering a small wave. “Hello! I’m Aerith, local gardener girl.”