flora
Flora catches the seriousness and does not mock it, though her nose wrinkles in something that is almost fondness as she nods. "I will absolutely keep that in mind," she says, the promise light but not empty. The idea of shipping a handful of Torchline’s most salt-soaked, sun-dazed lighthouse keepers into Halo’s discipline makes her smile widen just a touch. "Though it might have to wait another year. I doubt I could persuade anyone from Torchline to spend extended time training in Halo in any season other than LongHeat."Her brows lift meaningfully. "And even then I would need to bribe them with rum." Which, you know, might contribute to the falling asleep on the job problem.
The warmth has done its work; her fingers no longer ache, and the colour has returned to her cheeks. When her gaze flicks toward the clock, her expression shifts, subtle, but decisive. "Oh." Her brows arch higher. "I am so sorry, I really should be going." There were shrines to build, after all.
She rises in one smooth motion, scarf still snug at her throat, reaching for her coat as she offers Nina a smile that is easy and genuine. "It was very nice to meet you, Nina." The name is deliberate now, remembered and respected. "And I will absolutely be telling my lighthouse keepers about you." There is humour in it, yes, but also intention.
Spice swoops back toward her shoulder as if summoned by timing alone, and Flora adjusts her coat before offering a final nod of gratitude toward the hearth—and its Keeper—before turning toward the door.
~FIN
The warmth has done its work; her fingers no longer ache, and the colour has returned to her cheeks. When her gaze flicks toward the clock, her expression shifts, subtle, but decisive. "Oh." Her brows arch higher. "I am so sorry, I really should be going." There were shrines to build, after all.
She rises in one smooth motion, scarf still snug at her throat, reaching for her coat as she offers Nina a smile that is easy and genuine. "It was very nice to meet you, Nina." The name is deliberate now, remembered and respected. "And I will absolutely be telling my lighthouse keepers about you." There is humour in it, yes, but also intention.
Spice swoops back toward her shoulder as if summoned by timing alone, and Flora adjusts her coat before offering a final nod of gratitude toward the hearth—and its Keeper—before turning toward the door.
~FIN
and if you'd never come for me, I might've drowned in the melancholy
I swore my loyalty to me, myself, and I, Right before you lit my sky up
I swore my loyalty to me, myself, and I, Right before you lit my sky up
