Helmwod made his way idly through the market, browsing the various stalls, of which were mostly farmers selling their goods lately. He stopped at the stall of a woman selling flowers. His fingers skimmed across some flowers as he drifted through his thoughts like a cloud drifting lazily in a serene summer sky.
He ran his fingers through some baby’s breath. So delicate and small. He thought of the man who captured his heart. Liath reminded him of a delicate bouquet of these blooms tied with a silken ribbon, woven in raven black locks and falling against flushed cheeks and beside bright, tender eyes. Helmwod plucked up a bunch of it.
He cupped a rose in his hand and leaned in to inhale it’s aroma. How soft were it’s petals, reminding him of their hands brushing each other and shared glances. A passionate flower for lovers. He picked out a few. He winces as he pricks his finger on the thorns, lifting his thumb to his mouth and sucking off the drop of blood. A small price to pay, but he would not have it any other way.
He smiles widely as he spies a sunflower; it would not work beside roses, being far too large, but he grabbed one. As bright as it was, it was dull compared to his little ray of sunshine he loved. He rested it in the crook of his arm.
He paused to admire a variety of peonies. He pulled out some soft pink blooms to add to his growing bouquet. He knew he was in love, but he falls all over again each day, just when he thought he could not fall any more. He murmurs to himself, “Ai, Helmwod, you are hopeless.” He holds up the bouquet, admiring it.
He hesitates, suddenly grabbing a green carnation and some pansies to add to the bouquet. For no real rhyme or reason. He has heard Egfor mention the symbolism of them when referring to others like them.
He presents the flowers to the vendor who works on arranging them and tying them together. He picks out a powder blue ribbon and a pale pink to tie them together with, keeping the bulky sunflower out. He takes the flowers after paying for them, turning to head back home.
He admires the bouquet, hoping that Liath would like it..
‘I really am hopeless’, he thought. He would not have it any other way, though. His heart and soul was at peace when he was at his love’s side. He felt an odd sense of security and comfort holding Liath in his arms.
