Lyric’s eyes sparkled as she listened to Ophelia’s words, her delight evident in every shift of her expression. She perched lightly on a stone bench nearby, folding her legs beneath her like a bird settling into its nest.
She clapped her hands together at Ophelia’s mention of lavender cookies and tea.
When Ophelia spoke of her research, Lyric’s expression softened with admiration and curiosity.
She gestured toward the garden beds with a sweep of her hand, the flowers swaying in a breeze that seemed to follow her motion.
Lyric leaned forward, her gaze intent and sincere.
She smiled, her head tilting slightly as Mango stretched luxuriously in the sunlight, the cat’s serenity a quiet counterpoint to the liveliness of their conversation.
The cat, predictably, didn’t respond—at least, not in words. But his slow, satisfied blink seemed as good a “yes” as any.
@Ophelia Jolfy
Oh, a botanist!she said, practically glowing with excitement.
That’s wonderful! It’s like we’re kindred spirits. You work with plants to help people, and I… well, I just try to keep them happy, and they help me in return.Her voice took on a dreamy lilt, her gaze drifting momentarily to the swaying flowers around them.
She clapped her hands together at Ophelia’s mention of lavender cookies and tea.
Lavender cookies! Now, that sounds like magic I can taste. I’ve never tried making them myself, but I’d love to learn. You’ll have to show me sometime—or at least tell me all the secrets!She grinned, leaning forward as if ready to soak up every detail.
When Ophelia spoke of her research, Lyric’s expression softened with admiration and curiosity.
That’s incredible work you’re doing, Ophelia. It sounds like you’re helping plants help people in a whole new way. And what a beautiful thought—plants healing us, but in just the right amounts. Like they’re tailoring their gifts to each person.
She gestured toward the garden beds with a sweep of her hand, the flowers swaying in a breeze that seemed to follow her motion.
As for the planting patterns… I’d love to say it’s all part of some grand master plan, but honestly? It’s a little bit of instinct, a little bit of advice from books, and a *lot* of listening to what the plants tell me. Sometimes, they seem to enjoy the company of certain neighbors. Other times, they get a bit grumpy if I plant them too close to someone they don’t like.She chuckled, tucking a strand of red hair behind her ear.
The symbiotic pairings are something I’ve been experimenting with more recently, though. It’s fascinating, isn’t it? How plants can support each other, like friends helping one another out. I like to think of it as matchmaking for flowers.Her voice dropped to a playful whisper.
And between you and me, they’re surprisingly picky about who they want to grow next to!
Lyric leaned forward, her gaze intent and sincere.
I’d love to hear more about your gardens back at the university, and about the plants you’re working with now. Maybe you can help me find ways to make this garden even better. And…Her voice softened, a gentle warmth weaving through her words.
If you ever want to bring a little piece of your old garden here, we could plant something together. Something that reminds you of home, or of something you love. Plants are like memories—they can carry pieces of our hearts wherever they grow.
She smiled, her head tilting slightly as Mango stretched luxuriously in the sunlight, the cat’s serenity a quiet counterpoint to the liveliness of their conversation.
What do you think, Mango? Should we let Ophelia teach us a thing or two about plants?
The cat, predictably, didn’t respond—at least, not in words. But his slow, satisfied blink seemed as good a “yes” as any.
@Ophelia Jolfy
01-04-2025, 08:58 AM
