Post by Glade on Aug 5, 2022 14:12:42 GMT
Co-written with the wonderful Sophie
It's early morning in Port Ffirst, the damp cool air still present as the sun finds Glade strolling down the streets towards the market. She is going on the instructions offered to her by Glint by thought the day prior. "The house is down the street from the market, look out for the least burned down building, you’ll find it easily enough."
She is equal parts nervous and excited to meet someone well versed in botanical knowledge, one of which Glint spoke highly of, someone who may help her understand more what was gifted to her.
As she continues down Old Town Road, about halfway down, she sees one of the remaining town houses has a large scorch mark from top to bottom on the brickwork and one of the upstairs windows boarded up. But amongst the damage the front door is still framed by two flourishing hanging baskets of purple bells’ vines. And the downstairs windows hold onto large window boxes filled with a mix of local wildflowers, devil's-bit scabious, bee orchids, common knapweed, and oxeye daisies. The bees and butterflies are having a field day in all of the flowers.
Her eyes widen as she stares in amazement at all of the different flowers, many she has never seen before. Temptation is strong as her hands keep moving towards them, stopping mere inches, wanting to just pluck some branches and adding them to her own, but barely managing to stop herself before doing so. She did not come here to be labelled as a thief, she came to hopefully learn more about fey flora... and hopefully something more.
But it has been so long since she has added a flower she has not seen among her branches.
After a few minutes of fighting with herself, she finally manages to shake off the temptation, partly in thanks to the pair of lovely swallowtails that have been dancing around the orchids that pulled her attention.
After straightening up, Glade approaches the door of the house. Her hand stops, winded up to knock, as she realises that she has come empty handed. 'It's polite to bring a gift, right?' she thought. But the only gift that can give is a flower crown of her own making. It seems a bit redundant bringing a flower crown to someone who already grows such magnificent flowers, but it is better than being empty handed. And thus, she grows and shapes a flower crown of various white flowers, roses, wisterias, lilacs, hydrangeas, peony - 'wait... edelweiss' she adds at the last second.
Once done and made sure everything is secure on the crown, she knocks on the door.
She hears the pitter patter of small paws on wood flooring behind the door, and after a moment there's then a strange click of some metallic mechanism. The door itself opens inwards and at first there seems to be no one behind it, but then Glade looks down and sees two dogs. One is made of what looks like tree bark, the other of evergreen ferns, but neither are of fur.
Both sit in the doorway, assessing Glade as their heads tilt in unison.
She sits there for a moment, trying to make sense of what she sees: dogs... but not dogs. Her eyes are at first filled with confusion, but then they widen in amazement. "Oh... Great.... Mother...." she says in a low tone, almost a whisper, but then changing to joy, almost glee "You two... look so adorable!" She then crouches down to meet their level. "Hey there, little ones. Who- w-what... are you? You-" her voice stops , not knowing what to say in face of such interesting beauties.
The plant dogs now tilt their heads the other way, there's what feels like to be a long pause but in reality it's just a split second, before the bark plant dog leaps towards Glade in excitement while the other retreats further into the house. Very soon a purple tiefling dressed in fine black and dark blue clothing walks into the hallway to see what's happening, he smiles at the sight of Glade being showered in attention by the plant dog in front of her.
"Oh, why hello there. I do apologise for Bark's enthusiasm, we haven't had any new visitors in a while and she does love people. Don't be afraid to tell her to get down if she's being too much."
He gestures to himself, "I'm Root Penrosea, and what do I owe the pleasure of this visit?"
"Oh, don't worry" Glade says with a wide smile on her face while sitting on the door way, being pinned by pure excitement from Bark. "She's not much. I believe she deserves all the attention" she adds in a more coddling voice while giving her scratches. In between all the cuddling, she finally manages to extend her hand up "Oh, the name's Glade. Pleasure to meet you and your lovely companions. Glint told me of you and your botanical knowledge."
Root's face visibly softens at the mention of Glint's name, and he takes her offered hand in a handshake. "Ah Glint sent you this way did he? Well I can only assume you are here for a conversation involving botany, and well it's a conversation I always love to have with people. Let me prepare some tea then, would a darjeeling blend be okay for you?"
Glade, still sitting, scratching and patting Bark as she lays on her back, tail wagging of pure joy, "Oh... I have no idea what that is, but I'm sure it will be lovely. Thank you." After about half a minute, she finally manages to call the dog off, enough so that she can close the door behind them as she follows the purple tiefling.
"It's perfectly easy to drink, I'm sure you'll enjoy it." Walking through the house she can now more easily see the abundance of plants and flowers that line the hallway. Nestled amongst the rococo style wood furnishings are potted ferns and floral arrangements in muted colours and greens. Root gestures to the first door on the right "If you'll be so kind as to wait in here with Bark and Bessie, I'll retrieve that tea." And he disappears further down the hallway. Upon entering the drawing room indicated, Glade notices the potted flowers here change to a more vibrant mix, Bark and Bessie seem almost muted amongst the clashing colours as they take their spots on cushions by the unlit fireplace.
She doesn't seem to notice the dogs, nor the sofa where she could sit in wait. Her attention is all over the place as her emerald and amber eyes, wide in pure amazement, slowly pan from flower to flower, standing in the middle of the room, rotating in place. So many flowers she has never seen, so many vibrant colours... ‘so many... new branches...' she thinks to herself. In her awe, she doesn't notice her host when he returns, nor does she notice her mouth agape.
Root places the tea tray on the table near where Glade stands and then chuckles lightly. "Glade I must say, you manage to give my home many a compliment without saying a single word. I am flattered and grateful, I do put a lot of work into maintaining it." He proceeds to pour two steaming cups of tea from the fine china set, leaving one near Glade and taking the other to the sofa where he sits down. "Considering your obvious interest, now I'm intrigued, what is it you wanted to discuss with me in relation to botany then?"
"Well..." continues Glade as she reaches for her cup before stopping, arm extended. "Oh, I almost forgot, I brought you this." She takes a step towards Root, offering him the white flower crown she made earlier. "I- I know it seems a bit... awkward, giving a flower crown to someone who already grows such magnificent flowers... but... I heard that it is polite to bring a gift when visiting someone. I... I hope that's... ok" she says, feeling embarrassed at her lack of preparedness.
Root takes it from her hands, admiring the range of white flowers before him. "Awkward? Not at all Glade, my work with flowers and plants means I appreciate gifts like these even more. Though gifts are not compulsory with me, I'll never say no to more flowers. It's a lovely selection, thank you. I would put it on, but it's a little difficult with the..." and he waves towards the decorated horns on his head, an ornate orchid ring amongst them. "But I know a particular metal ward of mine who would wear it very well."
He places the flower crown delicately on the table next to him before focusing again on Glade. "But before the wonderful floral distraction, what was it you were going to ask me?"
"Well..." this time actually taking the cup and sitting on a cushioned seat, facing Root. She takes a deep breath, putting her words in order "A few months ago, I helped with the organisation of the Greengrass Festival over at the Feylight Gardens, which held many activities, including theatre play of course. One of them was a dance around a pole, which later reshaped itself into a magnificent lilac tree. The same lilac tree that offered me this." She says, turning her head, revealing a distinct branch sprouting from her left temple, one filled with lilac of many shades of purple, but each having three white buds at their ends. All branches on her head are filled with willow leaves, all except this one. "Leona said it is a blessing from the goddess Lliira." a small pink blush setting on her cheeks as she said that last sentence.
"When I did some research of my own, I found out it is called Ceòlwyn an Flùr, roughly translated to 'the flower of music'. Which... it has something to do with what the fey refer to 'life as a song'... 'the song of life?'..." a look of puzzlement on her face. "I was hoping to understand more about it, but for now my research leads me to the Feywilds."
"And you would like my assistance in trying to learn about it I assume. Though I must state that my knowledge of extraplanar botany is somewhat limited, I specialise in what is found on this plane and in creating my own." He gives the lilac branch in Glade's hair a long studious look, pausing for tea. "The name doesn't ring a bell I'm afraid... I must say the flowers are extraordinarily beautiful, but I expect nothing less from a deity's blessing. And from Lliira too." He gives a reassuring smile before shifting from his spot to gently put down his tea cup, then stands to retrieve a book from the shelves in the room, its cover lavender in colour. "But I think this might be a better conversation for upstairs in my lab. I wish to have a closer look at the branch if that's okay with you?" He contemplates the book in his hands for a moment before looking up again. "And of course, if the tea is to your liking we can take the tray up with us."
Glade takes a sip from her tea, taking in and enjoying its flavours "The tea is great, thank you. And yes, if it helps our understanding of it, I will happily assist you."
"As I will hopefully assist you too, but I'm glad it is to your liking. Well then follow me." And Root carefully picks up the white flower crown as he exits, book pocketed as he also picks up the tea tray. Bark shoots from her spot to pad alongside him as Bessie purposely hangs back to escort Glade out of the room and up the stairs. The fern dog giving Glade a curious look as she goes.
On the upstairs landing the collection of potted plants hasn't stopped, but they are still artfully arranged so as to not block the way. Root then opens the first door to reveal a room that is half study and half lab, and fully on the verge of being untidy. Books line the shelves on one side, a desk and chairs beside them, while glass jars with various flowers and coloured liquids fill the other, a table containing lab equipment under these.
"Don't mind if you hear any large thudding, that's just Ted walking around upstairs. But if it's okay please take a seat here." And he pulls out a wooden chair from the desk. "While I find some more relevant books."
Glade takes a seat, eyes wide once again as she admires all that she sees, all the flowers she knows, all those she does not know, all the branches she wishes to add to hers, all the flowers she wishes she could learn more of and all the flowers she wishes one day would fully cover her branches.
The quiet continues as Root finds and places more books on the desk next to her, opening some and merely flicking through others, he nods as if making mental notes before he turns back to the silently reverent Glade. "So I must confess Glade I thought I had an idea of what this Ceòlwyn an Flùr is, but now looking at my references I'm not so sure. Is it okay if I take a magnifying glass to the branch? I assume it is attached to your head and I don't want to make you uncomfortable with my close proximity, it's just to make a more accurate comparison."
"Of course, go right ahead" she says seemingly unbothered by the prospect. "And don't worry" she continues as Root approaches to examine the flower in greater detail "I can't say I was hopeful you would know anything. Urm... n-not that I mean anything bad about it, I-I meant no offence. The botanist that helped me with my research at the Daring Academy said it was unique and... well... I-I met with Queen Merla a-at the Feylight Gardens," she stammers, her cheeks struck by a pink blush "sh-she was the one who found and planted the tree... and she said she stumbled upon it by chance and that it hasn't been seen in the Feywilds for centuries." She takes a few seconds for the nervousness to fade away. "However, I decided it would be best to try my luck with someone who knows the art of flowers, with... someone who... speaks their language" the last words spoken as if quoting someone.
Root's eyebrows had lifted in surprise at the mention of Queen Merla but now he gives a shy smile at those last words. "Speaks their language? Someone has been giving me high praise indeed, I should thank them really." But he clears his throat and focuses once again on the branch in front of him. "But no offence taken, I think it's a good thing you've tried to gain research from multiple varied sources. It means you can be more certain in your results." And he looks once again at his books, taking a few minutes to read various pages, a frown forming on his face. "And well I'm sad to say I can't really shed much more light on your wonderous looking mystery. This branch is indeed not of the Material Plane, but from the Feywild, and it's not common even there. I will admit I only have a few books on Feywild flora but none mention this specific branch or its blossoms. I think you potentially have something very unique there Glade."
The genasi smiles sheepishly at that last statement "Thank you. I hope I'll find my answers once I visit the Court of Harmony." Her eyes then dart upward, looking again at the various flowers she has never seen before. "I have to admit, though, it does seem like you're doing a lot better than me when it comes to unique flowers. There are... so many of them... that I have never seen before."
Root looks up with her at the room around them. "Thank you, I do pride myself on the collection I have gathered here. It is my life's work after all. Plants and flowers are something so interesting to me, when even the most outwardly benign green stem can contain something so special and powerful, and..." There's a twinkle of excitement that's appeared in his orange eyes, but he reigns himself in slightly. "Pardon, I was starting to get carried away there. But I'm glad to see you have such appreciation, though I'm truly sorry I couldn't be of help for you, would perhaps an exploration of my greenhouses make up for it slightly?"
A wide excited smile streaks across Glade's face "Yes!" she says as she darts upward. "But... umm-" she then nervously holds her hands clasped and tight, embarrassment on her face "-is... is it ok if... I could ask for some branches from your... flowers... please?"
"Well you've asked so nicely, how could I possibly refuse?" He walks towards the other door in the room, leading Glade up and out onto the roof terrace. In front of them are multiple glass greenhouses, each designed for a different specific ecological niche and filled with flowers and plants. To their side a seating area and pond provides space for even more flowers. A large metal golem in a straw sunhat, Ted, is cleaning up some scorch marks on the high surrounding walls.
"If I might recommend a tour of the range of flowers I have first, then make a decision on which ones you would like to keep. I have a lot of options which I think you'd very much like." He gives a knowing smile and turns away to give the gifted white flower crown to Ted, who carefully fits it onto their hat and gives Glade a massive friendly wave and thank you.
"Shall we begin the tour?"
Glade returns Ted's greeting with a smile as well, before turning back to Root.
"Yes, please."
It's early morning in Port Ffirst, the damp cool air still present as the sun finds Glade strolling down the streets towards the market. She is going on the instructions offered to her by Glint by thought the day prior. "The house is down the street from the market, look out for the least burned down building, you’ll find it easily enough."
She is equal parts nervous and excited to meet someone well versed in botanical knowledge, one of which Glint spoke highly of, someone who may help her understand more what was gifted to her.
As she continues down Old Town Road, about halfway down, she sees one of the remaining town houses has a large scorch mark from top to bottom on the brickwork and one of the upstairs windows boarded up. But amongst the damage the front door is still framed by two flourishing hanging baskets of purple bells’ vines. And the downstairs windows hold onto large window boxes filled with a mix of local wildflowers, devil's-bit scabious, bee orchids, common knapweed, and oxeye daisies. The bees and butterflies are having a field day in all of the flowers.
Her eyes widen as she stares in amazement at all of the different flowers, many she has never seen before. Temptation is strong as her hands keep moving towards them, stopping mere inches, wanting to just pluck some branches and adding them to her own, but barely managing to stop herself before doing so. She did not come here to be labelled as a thief, she came to hopefully learn more about fey flora... and hopefully something more.
But it has been so long since she has added a flower she has not seen among her branches.
After a few minutes of fighting with herself, she finally manages to shake off the temptation, partly in thanks to the pair of lovely swallowtails that have been dancing around the orchids that pulled her attention.
After straightening up, Glade approaches the door of the house. Her hand stops, winded up to knock, as she realises that she has come empty handed. 'It's polite to bring a gift, right?' she thought. But the only gift that can give is a flower crown of her own making. It seems a bit redundant bringing a flower crown to someone who already grows such magnificent flowers, but it is better than being empty handed. And thus, she grows and shapes a flower crown of various white flowers, roses, wisterias, lilacs, hydrangeas, peony - 'wait... edelweiss' she adds at the last second.
Once done and made sure everything is secure on the crown, she knocks on the door.
She hears the pitter patter of small paws on wood flooring behind the door, and after a moment there's then a strange click of some metallic mechanism. The door itself opens inwards and at first there seems to be no one behind it, but then Glade looks down and sees two dogs. One is made of what looks like tree bark, the other of evergreen ferns, but neither are of fur.
Both sit in the doorway, assessing Glade as their heads tilt in unison.
She sits there for a moment, trying to make sense of what she sees: dogs... but not dogs. Her eyes are at first filled with confusion, but then they widen in amazement. "Oh... Great.... Mother...." she says in a low tone, almost a whisper, but then changing to joy, almost glee "You two... look so adorable!" She then crouches down to meet their level. "Hey there, little ones. Who- w-what... are you? You-" her voice stops , not knowing what to say in face of such interesting beauties.
The plant dogs now tilt their heads the other way, there's what feels like to be a long pause but in reality it's just a split second, before the bark plant dog leaps towards Glade in excitement while the other retreats further into the house. Very soon a purple tiefling dressed in fine black and dark blue clothing walks into the hallway to see what's happening, he smiles at the sight of Glade being showered in attention by the plant dog in front of her.
"Oh, why hello there. I do apologise for Bark's enthusiasm, we haven't had any new visitors in a while and she does love people. Don't be afraid to tell her to get down if she's being too much."
He gestures to himself, "I'm Root Penrosea, and what do I owe the pleasure of this visit?"
"Oh, don't worry" Glade says with a wide smile on her face while sitting on the door way, being pinned by pure excitement from Bark. "She's not much. I believe she deserves all the attention" she adds in a more coddling voice while giving her scratches. In between all the cuddling, she finally manages to extend her hand up "Oh, the name's Glade. Pleasure to meet you and your lovely companions. Glint told me of you and your botanical knowledge."
Root's face visibly softens at the mention of Glint's name, and he takes her offered hand in a handshake. "Ah Glint sent you this way did he? Well I can only assume you are here for a conversation involving botany, and well it's a conversation I always love to have with people. Let me prepare some tea then, would a darjeeling blend be okay for you?"
Glade, still sitting, scratching and patting Bark as she lays on her back, tail wagging of pure joy, "Oh... I have no idea what that is, but I'm sure it will be lovely. Thank you." After about half a minute, she finally manages to call the dog off, enough so that she can close the door behind them as she follows the purple tiefling.
"It's perfectly easy to drink, I'm sure you'll enjoy it." Walking through the house she can now more easily see the abundance of plants and flowers that line the hallway. Nestled amongst the rococo style wood furnishings are potted ferns and floral arrangements in muted colours and greens. Root gestures to the first door on the right "If you'll be so kind as to wait in here with Bark and Bessie, I'll retrieve that tea." And he disappears further down the hallway. Upon entering the drawing room indicated, Glade notices the potted flowers here change to a more vibrant mix, Bark and Bessie seem almost muted amongst the clashing colours as they take their spots on cushions by the unlit fireplace.
She doesn't seem to notice the dogs, nor the sofa where she could sit in wait. Her attention is all over the place as her emerald and amber eyes, wide in pure amazement, slowly pan from flower to flower, standing in the middle of the room, rotating in place. So many flowers she has never seen, so many vibrant colours... ‘so many... new branches...' she thinks to herself. In her awe, she doesn't notice her host when he returns, nor does she notice her mouth agape.
Root places the tea tray on the table near where Glade stands and then chuckles lightly. "Glade I must say, you manage to give my home many a compliment without saying a single word. I am flattered and grateful, I do put a lot of work into maintaining it." He proceeds to pour two steaming cups of tea from the fine china set, leaving one near Glade and taking the other to the sofa where he sits down. "Considering your obvious interest, now I'm intrigued, what is it you wanted to discuss with me in relation to botany then?"
"Well..." continues Glade as she reaches for her cup before stopping, arm extended. "Oh, I almost forgot, I brought you this." She takes a step towards Root, offering him the white flower crown she made earlier. "I- I know it seems a bit... awkward, giving a flower crown to someone who already grows such magnificent flowers... but... I heard that it is polite to bring a gift when visiting someone. I... I hope that's... ok" she says, feeling embarrassed at her lack of preparedness.
Root takes it from her hands, admiring the range of white flowers before him. "Awkward? Not at all Glade, my work with flowers and plants means I appreciate gifts like these even more. Though gifts are not compulsory with me, I'll never say no to more flowers. It's a lovely selection, thank you. I would put it on, but it's a little difficult with the..." and he waves towards the decorated horns on his head, an ornate orchid ring amongst them. "But I know a particular metal ward of mine who would wear it very well."
He places the flower crown delicately on the table next to him before focusing again on Glade. "But before the wonderful floral distraction, what was it you were going to ask me?"
"Well..." this time actually taking the cup and sitting on a cushioned seat, facing Root. She takes a deep breath, putting her words in order "A few months ago, I helped with the organisation of the Greengrass Festival over at the Feylight Gardens, which held many activities, including theatre play of course. One of them was a dance around a pole, which later reshaped itself into a magnificent lilac tree. The same lilac tree that offered me this." She says, turning her head, revealing a distinct branch sprouting from her left temple, one filled with lilac of many shades of purple, but each having three white buds at their ends. All branches on her head are filled with willow leaves, all except this one. "Leona said it is a blessing from the goddess Lliira." a small pink blush setting on her cheeks as she said that last sentence.
"When I did some research of my own, I found out it is called Ceòlwyn an Flùr, roughly translated to 'the flower of music'. Which... it has something to do with what the fey refer to 'life as a song'... 'the song of life?'..." a look of puzzlement on her face. "I was hoping to understand more about it, but for now my research leads me to the Feywilds."
"And you would like my assistance in trying to learn about it I assume. Though I must state that my knowledge of extraplanar botany is somewhat limited, I specialise in what is found on this plane and in creating my own." He gives the lilac branch in Glade's hair a long studious look, pausing for tea. "The name doesn't ring a bell I'm afraid... I must say the flowers are extraordinarily beautiful, but I expect nothing less from a deity's blessing. And from Lliira too." He gives a reassuring smile before shifting from his spot to gently put down his tea cup, then stands to retrieve a book from the shelves in the room, its cover lavender in colour. "But I think this might be a better conversation for upstairs in my lab. I wish to have a closer look at the branch if that's okay with you?" He contemplates the book in his hands for a moment before looking up again. "And of course, if the tea is to your liking we can take the tray up with us."
Glade takes a sip from her tea, taking in and enjoying its flavours "The tea is great, thank you. And yes, if it helps our understanding of it, I will happily assist you."
"As I will hopefully assist you too, but I'm glad it is to your liking. Well then follow me." And Root carefully picks up the white flower crown as he exits, book pocketed as he also picks up the tea tray. Bark shoots from her spot to pad alongside him as Bessie purposely hangs back to escort Glade out of the room and up the stairs. The fern dog giving Glade a curious look as she goes.
On the upstairs landing the collection of potted plants hasn't stopped, but they are still artfully arranged so as to not block the way. Root then opens the first door to reveal a room that is half study and half lab, and fully on the verge of being untidy. Books line the shelves on one side, a desk and chairs beside them, while glass jars with various flowers and coloured liquids fill the other, a table containing lab equipment under these.
"Don't mind if you hear any large thudding, that's just Ted walking around upstairs. But if it's okay please take a seat here." And he pulls out a wooden chair from the desk. "While I find some more relevant books."
Glade takes a seat, eyes wide once again as she admires all that she sees, all the flowers she knows, all those she does not know, all the branches she wishes to add to hers, all the flowers she wishes she could learn more of and all the flowers she wishes one day would fully cover her branches.
The quiet continues as Root finds and places more books on the desk next to her, opening some and merely flicking through others, he nods as if making mental notes before he turns back to the silently reverent Glade. "So I must confess Glade I thought I had an idea of what this Ceòlwyn an Flùr is, but now looking at my references I'm not so sure. Is it okay if I take a magnifying glass to the branch? I assume it is attached to your head and I don't want to make you uncomfortable with my close proximity, it's just to make a more accurate comparison."
"Of course, go right ahead" she says seemingly unbothered by the prospect. "And don't worry" she continues as Root approaches to examine the flower in greater detail "I can't say I was hopeful you would know anything. Urm... n-not that I mean anything bad about it, I-I meant no offence. The botanist that helped me with my research at the Daring Academy said it was unique and... well... I-I met with Queen Merla a-at the Feylight Gardens," she stammers, her cheeks struck by a pink blush "sh-she was the one who found and planted the tree... and she said she stumbled upon it by chance and that it hasn't been seen in the Feywilds for centuries." She takes a few seconds for the nervousness to fade away. "However, I decided it would be best to try my luck with someone who knows the art of flowers, with... someone who... speaks their language" the last words spoken as if quoting someone.
Root's eyebrows had lifted in surprise at the mention of Queen Merla but now he gives a shy smile at those last words. "Speaks their language? Someone has been giving me high praise indeed, I should thank them really." But he clears his throat and focuses once again on the branch in front of him. "But no offence taken, I think it's a good thing you've tried to gain research from multiple varied sources. It means you can be more certain in your results." And he looks once again at his books, taking a few minutes to read various pages, a frown forming on his face. "And well I'm sad to say I can't really shed much more light on your wonderous looking mystery. This branch is indeed not of the Material Plane, but from the Feywild, and it's not common even there. I will admit I only have a few books on Feywild flora but none mention this specific branch or its blossoms. I think you potentially have something very unique there Glade."
The genasi smiles sheepishly at that last statement "Thank you. I hope I'll find my answers once I visit the Court of Harmony." Her eyes then dart upward, looking again at the various flowers she has never seen before. "I have to admit, though, it does seem like you're doing a lot better than me when it comes to unique flowers. There are... so many of them... that I have never seen before."
Root looks up with her at the room around them. "Thank you, I do pride myself on the collection I have gathered here. It is my life's work after all. Plants and flowers are something so interesting to me, when even the most outwardly benign green stem can contain something so special and powerful, and..." There's a twinkle of excitement that's appeared in his orange eyes, but he reigns himself in slightly. "Pardon, I was starting to get carried away there. But I'm glad to see you have such appreciation, though I'm truly sorry I couldn't be of help for you, would perhaps an exploration of my greenhouses make up for it slightly?"
A wide excited smile streaks across Glade's face "Yes!" she says as she darts upward. "But... umm-" she then nervously holds her hands clasped and tight, embarrassment on her face "-is... is it ok if... I could ask for some branches from your... flowers... please?"
"Well you've asked so nicely, how could I possibly refuse?" He walks towards the other door in the room, leading Glade up and out onto the roof terrace. In front of them are multiple glass greenhouses, each designed for a different specific ecological niche and filled with flowers and plants. To their side a seating area and pond provides space for even more flowers. A large metal golem in a straw sunhat, Ted, is cleaning up some scorch marks on the high surrounding walls.
"If I might recommend a tour of the range of flowers I have first, then make a decision on which ones you would like to keep. I have a lot of options which I think you'd very much like." He gives a knowing smile and turns away to give the gifted white flower crown to Ted, who carefully fits it onto their hat and gives Glade a massive friendly wave and thank you.
"Shall we begin the tour?"
Glade returns Ted's greeting with a smile as well, before turning back to Root.
"Yes, please."