~ Serinus canaria domestica ~

Large cherry blossoms were swaying in the wind, creating a rain of pink flowers. Alongside the rain came the smell of honey and vanilla wafting from the huts nearby. Slowly, a tiny circle petal landed in the stream, creating a ripple no bigger than itself. It moved downstream. One by one they catch themselves on rocks and tall pieces of grass, slowly filling up the clear surface and creating a moose like appearance. The ones that did not get snatched ran under an old red bridge that creaked as the slight wind picked up. It was sturdy, standing tall on its long legs. Rather than the bridge swaying, it seemed as if the wood sighed in content.

Eventually, the wind died down, and so did the petals. For now, the pink rain had stopped, the remainder flowing with the current.

Delphinium took slow paced steps alongside Aster, the Ruler of Caladium. His attire was different from before. His large cloak was replaced by a traditional robe that was worn by royalty. Patterns of dragons and flowers tattooed itself onto the chest and sleeve area, tied with a black belt. Beside him, Aster walked in an elegant red and gold robe. Her hands were folded in front of her with her dark hair pinned upwards. He had to admit, she had matured since the last time they met.

"How is your husband? Well, I presume?" Delphinium tilted his head towards her briefly, his long antlers cutting through the air.

"Very. The trading between us and Wisteria has been successful, thanks to him." She turned to Delphinium, meeting his black eyes with her light brown ones.

Delphinium moved his hands behind his back, holding them together. He left his gaze down on the ground as they approached the red bridge, their gowns trailing on the path.

As Aster continued to walk, Delphinium turned right and creeped down the slight hill beside the bridge. Passed the small shrubs and tall grasses, he looked down, admiring the beauty the cherry blossoms had left on the water. Approaching the waters edge, he bent his knees and reached out with his hand, swooping up a single petal. Delphinium held it up to the light and watched as one side became more clear than the other.

"What brings you here, Ruler Delphinium? It is not like you to leave Viscaria. It must be very important." She said, standing just above him on the bridge. Small strands from her hair blew in the wind as it slowly began to rain once more. As it did, a few maids from a nearby hut came rushing out with wooden umbrellas, only to halt when Aster lifted her hand towards them. The maids waited, giving the two Rulers their privacy.

Delphinium climbed up the slant and made his way to Aster with a calm expression.

"We must alert the other Rulers that Oleander is meant to strike in 10 days time, do not ask how I know, for it is a long story for another night."

She warily looked at him without saying a word. It was a mutual understanding to not pry.

"When I had traveled to Nightshade, I was informed of a prophecy. They were told a man would appear, bringing something with him. That something, would change everything."