There are laws that seem to govern adults that Cethleann isnโt certain she will ever fully understand and she suspects that even her father was less inhibited in his youth. Mayhaps these wordless rules are the secret to the peace they bask in now, but Seirosโs face looks more radiant than ever, softening into some semblance of tenderness that does not escape notice.ย
Cethleann basks in the praise like sunlightโ pride warms her heart just as it does her cheeks which must be flushing a rosy pink. She is at the age where compliments like candy are accepted without any hint of skepticism. Lady Seiros does not spread falsehoods so her word is always good and true.ย It is nothing short of an honor to be asked to accompany the goddess on her daily rounds and manners are the farthest thing from Cethleannโs mind as she eagerly nods in affirmation. The first words she is finally able to pull from the fog of her brain are gratitude in simplest terms.
โย Thank you, Lady Seiros. It would be my privilege to join you,ย โ she voices with much affection. It feels appropriate to call such strolls a family tradition.ย โ I have heard from Father that in the past he accompanied you on these same paths. I am also told that he would stop to pluck flowers for my mother. Do you have a favorite flower?ย โ
The warmth of her smile dips further into fond nostalgia at the mention of Cichol and the pleasant afternoons they spent with each other in their youth. He is her most favored companion โ a sentiment Seiros neednโt give voice to for anyone to see the truth she displayed so plainly in her actions โ and perhaps that is the reason she adores Cethleann all the more.
โย He did indeed. Your father is quite the romantic; always so careful about choosing the perfect flower for her.ย โ Flora blooms throughout the canyon, thanks in no small part to the bounty of the Goddess, varying in bright, intense shades and muted pastels that left the mountains awash in their beauty. When Cichol first began plucking flowers she had teased him for it, eager to draw color to his complexion and see his usual composure falter, but truly she found the gesture incredibly sweet. Eventually she stopped with her playful quips and simply smiled knowingly. It was a great shame that their walks together had become infrequent as of late, but now it allowed Seiros to share the same pleasure with his daughter.
ย ย ย It gave her an opportunity to share more of his embarrassing side as well.
โย It is most likely no surprise to learn that I favor lilies above all else.ย โ Certainly not, given she adorns white lilies in her hair often. Seiros cannot help but see divinity in the elegant curve of their petals and their delicate white color, untouched by impurities. โย However, I also adore peonies and myosotis.ย โ
She laces her fingers together as they walk the path out of the village, the sun warming her skin and dancing aquamarine off her hair. Once they are on the outskirts of the settlement, the seriousness usually set in her brows and shoulders relax, making way for something more genuine to take its place.ย โย It is quite warm today, isnโt it? I think that a trip to the lake is in order and, if youโd like, I may be persuaded to tell you more stories of your father when he was younger.ย โ