Festival of flowers

"Don't cry dear," a soothing voice spoke to me, caressing my face with their soft palms. I remember clinging onto it with my hands, the warmth I felt from this person was one I longed for my entire life, yet never got. My head rested on their lap.

I missed it, I yearned for it. A white room filled with blissful feathers, dancing around me and the person that held me, my mother. Her long dark blue hair covered her face in a picture-perfect frame, her beautiful eyes hidden from me, yet… It takes nothing… absolutely nothing, from the image of the woman I admire.

Before I knew it, the scenery changed completely, the feathers dyed a midnight blue, stardust twinkled between the cracks.

My eyes widened in awe as I was held in this galaxy-like landscape, I couldn't help but look around, but soon, that beautiful display turned into nothing but flames and darkness.

The flames soon took over us, slowly eating away at my mother, yet I remained unharmed. I tried to reach out to her, my hand sinking through her pale skin which burst into feather-like flames. Crackling into the sky, lightly illuminating the area.

"Oh my, seems like our time's up already," She would say, not a hint of sadness within her words, but I couldn't help but tell she too felt an ache in her heart.

"I'm really sad I can't get to see you grow up…"

"Grow up to be a strong warrior, Mihalis."

"Your mother will be by your side, every step of the way."

And with that, she disappeared, my pupils dilating in horror, reliving the events of the past. I remembered…everything, everything in the past—

"Mom…"

"Mom!"

"No! no! no! no! no! no! No!" I started to spiral patting the area in which she sat, in hopes of bringing her back somehow. A single feather floated before me, its bright orange hue reminiscent of the flames that had just consumed her. I reached out, my hand grabbing the feather before it hit the ground.

"Mom!" I screamed, tears pricking the back of my eyes.

"Don't go!"

"Don't…go?" I heard a familiar voice speak to me, snapping me out of my trance. "Do you really want me to stay?"

Ayla stood before me, my hand tight around hers, stopping her from getting up from the chair she once sat in. Her face carried a tint of red, noticing my desperation and the tears that fell from my eyes.

"I–, no…you can go-" I muttered, getting back into the comfort of the bed that held me. Ayla took a minute and nodded before heading to the door.

"Oh, and Ayla…" I muttered, catching her attention at the door.

"She was nice."

"Who?" Ayla pondered, turning to me with a look of confusion and intrigue.

"My mom," I sighed, pulling the sheets over me before closing my eyes once more.

"She was nice."

Ayla let a small smile crack through before leaving the room and locking the door behind her. The minute I heard the door close, my mind went wild, I couldn't sleep. My thoughts went back to the thing I saw mere moments ago before passing out.

"System survival protocol, huh," I muttered to myself, staring at the ceiling. I could hear mumbling outside and distant footsteps before the door opened once more.

"Oh, you're awake," An old man walked in, sitting by the seat next to my bed. He was short and looked relatively frail, his beard was scruffy and wild, his bald head shining from the morning sun.

"Where, am I-" I pondered. The man tried to reach for my arm and I flinched instinctively, giving him a glare.

"Don't worry, I'm just here to replace your bandages." He reassured me, my body calming a bit as he started to unravel the layers of bandages placed on my ribs and arm.

"You're in Anthousa. It's not extravagant or anything, so you might've not heard of us at all." He looked up at me, yet his head was still facing my bandages.

"Although, there is a festival, in case you're interested."

"Not in the slightest," I responded without giving it a second thought, the man letting out a chuckle at my reluctance.

"You sure? It would be a great way to unwind, especially since you've been in this state for three days already."

"Three… days?" I looked back at the man, shocked at this new information.

"Yes, when you came and we started tending to your wounds, even your partner was shocked," He murmured as he took the last of it off, starting to roll the new bandages to wrap around me.

"You certainly are strong, otherwise, you would've died a long time ago. You came with sores and cuts, you were frail, and you're malnourished, so you weren't healing properly. Don't even get me started on the lack of sleep– turn around for me." I did as he said, feeling the bandage wrap around my torso as he lectured me.

"I get that you might be in a hurry to leave, but I suggest you stay for a few more days and see the sights while you're here."

I took a minute and let out a soft sigh and nodded.

"I'll…give it a shot."

The old man smiled at my understanding, finishing up with the bandages that held my torso tighter than the last.

[Ayla's POV]

I walked around the city with nothing but my staff by my side, the morning winds blowing through my hair as I wandered aimlessly, feet padding against granite roads, hands running through beautiful petals that let off a delicious aroma throughout the village square.

Wooden buildings stood tall around me and vendors passed by on horses, trying to make ends meet. Men in armor wore their village crest in pride, their hands on their swords at the ready for anything that could and would happen during the festival preparations, the Festival of Flowers.

My mind couldn't help but bring up earlier…seeing him in such a state, grabbing onto my arm when he once seemed to despise me so…

"He was sweating so much in his sleep, I wonder…" My words stopped as I stood at the start of a steep slope, the grass outstretched for miles, soon reaching a field of colorful flowers that would dance in the gentle breeze of Anthousa.

Parents and children alike kneeled down into the flower bed and picked from the massive field.

"Yo, you're not from around here are you," I heard a voice from behind, the sudden sound startling me, almost making me fall down the slope, but his hands reached out to me.

Getting a good look at him, my breath almost stopped, a boy with black hair that shined lightly in the sun, and dark blue eyes the same as the midnight sky, it's almost like staring at a polished gem that would be nestled in a deep cave.

"N-no, I'm not." I muttered as he pulled me up.

"Sounds like you need a guide then. I'm Fran, nice to meet ya." He gave me a soft smile, and I nodded, looking away as I muttered a response.

"I'm Ayla…"

Fran's smile widened, and he looked towards the horizon where the flowers swayed gently. "Well, Ayla, you've come at a good time. The Festival of Flowers is something special. Would you like me to show you around?"

I hesitated for a moment, unsure if I should trust this stranger, but his warm demeanor put me at ease. "Sure, that would be nice," I finally agreed.

He gestured for me to follow, and we walked side by side down the slope into the vibrant field of flowers. As we strolled, Fran pointed out different types of flowers, explaining their meanings and uses. His knowledge was impressive, and I found myself genuinely enjoying his company.

"You seem to know a lot about flowers," I commented, admiring a particularly beautiful bloom.

"Just something I picked up along my travels" he replied with a hint of pride. "I've grown to like flowers."

We continued walking, the village bustling with preparations for the festival. Stalls were being set up, children ran around excitedly, and the aroma of delicious food filled the air. It was a stark contrast to the chaos and danger I had faced recently.

"You know," Fran said, breaking the comfortable silence, "this festival is about more than just flowers. It's a celebration of life and new beginnings. Maybe you'll find what you're looking for here."

His words struck a chord with me, and I nodded thoughtfully. "Maybe you're right."

As the day went on, I found myself opening up to Fran, sharing stories of my journey and my dreams of becoming an alchemist. He listened intently, offering encouragement and advice. By the time the sun began to set, casting a golden glow over the village, I felt a sense of hope and belonging that I hadn't experienced in a long time.

Fran and I made our way back to the village square, where the festival was in full swing. Music filled the air, and people danced and laughed, their worries forgotten for the time being.