ofjuniper

[ofjuniper]

rydenhall​:

Janthina peered about a moment. She had been in before, but you never knew if there would be a new box of tassels and ribbons to admire. She noticed the journal in the corner of her eye, but she resisted the temptation to ask about it. Not yet. Bide her time a little longer, and then maybe Juniper would even allow her a peek inside. Ciar snuffled along the ground, interested in the foot traffic that had clearly passed through previously, but then just as quickly raised his head and trotted towards Juniper for his customary pats. 

“New year,” Janthina shrugged, a little too innocently. She wanted to have an excuse to spend more time with Juniper, but that felt a little too on the nose to point out. “Like I said, I don’t really have anything new, and I’m positive a dinner party will be occurring at some point at the Rydenhall residence.” She ran her fingers over a bolt of evergreen charmeuse silk. “Of course, you will get an invite. But I won’t be offended if you rsvp ‘not available’.” Janthina smirked over her shoulder. “Anyway, I should have something if I were ever to go to the capital after all.”

• • •

NEW YEAR. OF course. Juniper should have expected this answer. The people of Andora, regardless of village, valued the new year and the coming of the Lights so much that this year’s “delay” had spread quite a scare across the land. Juniper nodded slowly, watching as the other wandered about, perusing the items inside her little shop. Simultaneously — almost as if she had trained him to do so — Ciar approached and raised his head, waiting patiently for some customary pats. The older elf sighed, and indulged him; it would simply be remiss of Juniper not to grant the wolf what he wanted.

“I suppose I wouldn’t mind attending a dinner party at the Rydenhall residence,” she began, gently stroking Ciar’s fur. Her voice was soft and slow, as though she were considering the idea. But the haze soon disappeared, and she quickly shook her head. “It depends on when it’ll be held. I shall have to check my schedule.” With one hand continuing to pet the magnificent creature that sat beside her, Juniper looked back up at Janthina. “In any case, what sort did you have in mind? Especially for something like a capital visit. You’ve business being there?”

[ofjuniper]

thehandofmaeve​:

Maeve smiled, “As you wish,” She said picking a few sodden sprigs of watercress out of a small bundle twined together. She placed the greens in Juniper’s basket and pushed herself up to her feet. 

“Are these from that garden of yours or did you spend the morning out in the woods?” Maeve dusted her fingers off, her own basket hanging empty on the crook of her arm. She’d been on her way to the market herself to gather a few things - things that while she could fetch from the woodlands herself proved to be too much of a theft of time for Maeve’s liking. She’d rather leave the gardening and foraging to those that didn’t particularly mind getting a bit of dirt under their nails. Maeve, on the other hand, wasn’t so fond of the grit.

• • •

"GARDEN,” SHE SAID simply with an appreciative nod of the head as Maeve placed some of the greens back in her basket. It upset Juniper, thinking about the days of watering and potting and fertilizing she’d done on the whole lot of these, only to have several fall to waste over some silly “young'un game” gone awry. Of course, it wouldn’t do to go about the rest of her day with a frown written plainly on her face — and Maeve had been by to help after all — so she forced it away and replaced the glower with something blanker.  

“Were you on your way to the market as well?” she asked the other, noting the empty basket hanging from her arm. “Going for a midday shop?”

[ofjuniper]

A voice calls through river-tinted dusk, / but I’ve descended into cool mist alone.

Li Bai, from Looking for Yung, the Recluse Master; Mountain Home: The Wilderness Poetry of Ancient China (tr. by David Hinton)

[ofjuniper]

velathesae​:

“Goldenrod,” Dominique muttered, looking at the flat, yellow flowers. She remembered it being used liberally for sprains and breaks, to help ease the swelling of joints in the rebel soldiers that would stop by her family’s home at the shore, served in cups of steaming broth. “Good for inflammation if I remember my herbs correctly.” She looked up briefly at the other elf’s face. “And mullein is good for fevers…” She paused, and something about the memory of her home, and of soldiers, brought forth the memory of a dark haired elf at the seashore. “Do… do I know you?” She asked, narrowing her eyes. It felt like a tug on the back of her eyes, an image of a blurry face she couldn’t quite place right away swimming in front of the one in front her.

• • •

SOMETHING WAS WRONG. Juniper hadn’t noticed it initially, having chosen to look elsewhere while they gathered the fallen herbs together, but something inside her stirred as the the younger elf began to speak at length about the flowers in her hands. “Y-yes,” Juniper found herself saying, brows furrowing as she nodded at the remedies that were mentioned, one after the other. Her dark eyes flitted from the small bundle of goldenrod in the elf’s palms, before moving slowly up to her face. One gazed at the other, and the other gazed back, and in that moment, the two of them were locked in a stare.

The noise of the streets had gone, and in its place was the sound of the sea, of waves crashing against the rocks and the shore. Juniper recalled a house along the coast, and days melding into each other as she lay feverish in a small bed — she remembered, too, a faded maroon door, the sight of muddied boots against each other on wooden floorboards, and of rebels whispering in the darker corners of a cramped room. Most and worst of all, she remembered the taste of hot soup from a small wooden spoon, handed to her by a young elf, their eyes eager as they looked up into hers. 

And instantly, Juniper stepped back. She pulled the goldenrod back to her, holding her basket close to her chest, and froze.

[ofjuniper]

rydenhall​:

who: @ofjuniper​

where: the crimson thread

Janthina hadn’t really thought about stopping in, but passing by the seamstress’ shop made her stop and approach the glass window. She peered in, hands cupped around her face, and Ciar smelled something on the windowsill; she could see Juniper sitting in the far corner of the shop. She smiled and tapped the glass excitedly, trying to get Juniper’s attention. She patted Ciar’s neck and entered the shop quickly.

“Hello, June!” She said gleefully, swinging the door open widely to let Ciar follow her in. “S’ok for him to be in here, right? He isn’t really shedding right now.” She walked around the shop, admiring the fabric, running her fingers along the different textures. “You know, I need a new dress. What I have isn’t really in fashion anymore, and I just don’t wear them that much, but I should have one for nice dinners. Can I commission one from you?”

• • •

JUNIPER HAD BEEN sketching quietly in one corner of her shop when a knock came, not on the door, but on the glass of her window. Her head snapped up, assuming quickly that it would be one of those ragtag groups of misfit children come to play tricks once again on unassuming shopkeeps, and was pleasantly relieved to see a familiar face instead.

Before Juniper could even stand, Janthina had already entered The Crimson Thread, the lovely Ciar in tow. The smile on Juniper’s face, small though it appeared to be, was shot right at the wolf — before an impassive look back up was given to Janthina. This was practically tradition between them by now. “Good afternoon to you too,” said Juniper dryly, placing the pencil upon her journal and sitting back against her seat. She crossed her arms. “A new dress for nice dinners, hm? You can certainly commission one. Anything in particular happened to you to prompt this?”

[ofjuniper]

velathesae​:

“Well, that’s just a pity,” Dominique said, looking down at the ground, a twinge of annoyance in her voice. Her hat had come off as the young elves had zigzagged their way past, but it had hardly suffered the damage the herbs had. She stood for a moment, watching where the teens had run off to, before turning back towards the other. “Here, I’ll help.” She knelt down, picking up the few leaves that hadn’t already wilted on the damp ground, and she couldn’t help but to bring them up to her nose for their scent. “These are lovely. What all do you have here?” She asked curiously, handing them over.

• • •

JUNIPER HAD CERTAINLY seen this person around town before, and she had heard of her penchant for taking up odd jobs here and there, but the two of them had had little reason to interact in the past. Was this fate’s way, then, of bringing two strangers together? All the same, she kept her head down as they each picked up after the mess, her intention to finish and go. It seemed, however, that her helper here was keen on discussing further. This had Juniper’s jaw tightening momentarily, but she supposed answering was another way of showing her thanks. “That’s yarrow. I’ve mullein and goldenrod here as well, among others. Most of these are for dyeing, but they have herbal and medicinal properties too.” She paused. “Thank you for your help.”

[ofjuniper]

tempestus​:

     aella’s  voice  cut  across  the  space  ,  “  you  little  brats!  ”  she  was  a  vision  of  authority  in  her  armor  with  a  fearsome  blade  strapped  to  her  back  —  though  in  truth  ,  no  one  had  to  listen  to  her  ,  not  anymore. 

     aella  stomped  up  to  juniper’s  side  ,  her  pointed  gaze  only  just  returning  from  tracking  the  young  elves  as  they  disappeared  down  the  road.  without  saying  a  word  ,  she  bent  down  to  scoop  up  the  remainder  of  fallen  herbs.  only  when  she  straightened  her  back  and  dropped  what  she  had  collected  into  juniper’s  basket  did  she  finally  address  the  other.  “  damn  kids  should  open  their  eyes.  ”  she  said  irritably  ,  “  you  alright?  ”            

• • •

HARD AT WORK in the process of returning every fallen yet usable herb back inside her basket, Juniper could only spare but a glance at her mystery helper. The other moved and assisted her in silence, which Juniper was cognizant and appreciative of, and it was only when they had finished that the other woman spoke. Juniper watched her, aware of who she was and what her reputation was around town; they had only met in passing in the past, nods and glances here and there, but she never forgot faces.

“There was no need for you to help, yet you did. It is much appreciated,” she responded softly, distantly, before turning to look in the direction where the scoundrels had gone. “Though some of my herbs are not, I myself remain unharmed.”

[ofjuniper]

thehandofmaeve​:

Maeve eyed the mess on the ground and looked after the young elves that had dashed out of sight down an alleyway. A frown graced her lips and she crouched down beside the other elf to help pick through the fallen herbs. “The streets have been rather quiet of that lot the last few days - a bit too quiet, really,” she said, handing a the bunch of herbs out to the other woman. “A couple of them are orphans but they are not totally without parental figures,” she said, thinking of the ones who’s parents worked hard and early out of the village out in the farm lands. “I can put you in contact if you want.” 

• • •

“MAEVE,” SAID JUNIPER with a nod of acknowledgment, just as soon as the other began to offer help. It was hard to tell from the tone of her voice if she was, in any way, thankful, but the briefest glint of relief in her eyes was palpable—if you looked at the right moment. “There’s really no need; I’ve no wish to speak to parents and caretakers on how to better raise their charges.” A pause, then. “They’ll get whatever’s coming to them.”

Whatever it was Juniper had meant by that was up in the air, but it wasn’t long before the last of the herbs were returned to the basket. “Your assistance, old friend, is greatly appreciated.”

[ofjuniper]

Herbier général de l'amateur (1816-1827)

[ofjuniper]

who: open to anyone where: near the square when: nearing midday

RUFFIANS, THE LOT of them. 

Juniper had been on her way to a local herbalist with the intention of selling some things from her garden, when a small group of young elves, likely caught in some sort of game, had come running, jostling against her. Suffice to say, some of her herbs now lay on the ground, and while most of them remained usable, a few that had fallen by the wayside could no longer be salvaged. Juniper supposed they had been young enough to make being reckless seem like a normal thing to be, but they had also looked old enough that they ought to have felt guilt for leaving her to pick up after their mess. She remained quiet and did not mutter expletives under her breath like an old crone, but the irritation was clear on her face as she began to pick up some of the herbs and return them in her basket.

[ofjuniper]

Morrigan, Athena

Morrigan: What do you think happens when we die?

Juniper’s face was impassive as she considered this question in her mind, and it remained so even as she answered. “We return to the earth,” she said, very simply, as if it was the most obvious thing. “We give back what we have taken from it.” It was only right — only fair.

Athena: Would you consider yourself an artist?

This one gave her pause. She tilted her head, her eyes narrowing briefly, as she wondered. Did she consider herself an artist? “In some ways, I suppose,” she responded, slowly and carefully. “Sewing and weaving are forms of art. Herbalism as well.” Her shoulders gave the smallest hint of a shrug. “Anyone can be an artist, if they take the time to hone their craft.”

[ofjuniper]

fyeahaskmemes​:

Anubis: How do you feel about death?

Atum: What are your greatest imperfections?

Bastet: Do you have any cats?

Hathor: What brings you joy?

Horus: What is one thing you’ve had to fight for in your life?

Osiris: Do you believe in the underworld?

Ra: Do you have any major responsibilities or importance?

Thoth: Do you like to read/write?

Arawn: What is the most terrifying thing you’ve ever done?

Bran: How is your health?

Brighid: Tell us about your relationship with your father.

Cernunnos: What is your favorite animal?

Danu: What is your relationship with your mother?

Morrigan: What do you think happens when we die?

Olwen: What is your favorite flower?

Rhiannon: Have you ever been betrayed?

Bragi: What kind of music do you listen to?

Freya: Have you ever been in love?

Freyr: Do you have any children?

Hœnir: Are you a silent or talkative person?

Iounn: How old are you?

Loki: What is the best trick you’ve ever pulled on someone?

Odin: What is your family like?

Thor: Would you consider yourself pretty powerful?

Tree: What have you done with your life? What are you going to do with it?

Aphrodite: What do you think of yourself?

Ares: Are you an easy person to anger?

Athena: Would you consider yourself an artist?

Apollo: Do you play any instruments?

Dionysus: Do you drink?

Hades: Do you have a bad reputation?

Hekate: Have you ever tried to communicate with the dead?

Hermes: Have you ever stolen anything?

Poseidon: Are you a moody person?

Zeus: Are you a confident person?

Jupiter: Would people say that you are intimidating or fairly approachable?

Pluto: Where do you think we go when we die?

Apollo & Dianna: Do you prefer to be up during the day or at night?

Mars: Have you ever gotten into a fight?

Minerva: Do you generally give good advice?

Proserpine: Have you ever felt trapped?

Plutus: Do you have a job?

Venus: Have you ever had your heart broken?

Vesta: Do you like being home or do you try to get out whenever you can?

Morpheus: Do you daydream often? Of what?

[ofjuniper]

caged-sparrow​:

“So what if the lights didn’t appear on schedule? They still appeared at some point, right? Maybe the gods are just playing a joke on us all,” Triel shrugged, while it had been startling not to see the lights in the sky the other night, they’d showed up eventually. That counted for something, didn’t it? “It wouldn’t be the first time the gods messed with mortals for a laugh, or so the stories say.”

• • •

“CERTAINLY NOT THE first time,” answered Juniper, somewhat absentmindedly, as she stared out into the town below. “I won’t dismiss it as nothing more than overt superstition and paranoia, but I do not intend to look too deeply into it. Could be that the gods simply wanted their fun — or it is a sign of things to come. Who can know for sure.”

[ofjuniper]

Mary Sibley - Salem S03E02

[ofjuniper]

“Who watches them as they go? The crows. The crows know.”

Doireann Ní Ghríofa, A Ghost in the Throat

[ofjuniper]

rydenhall​:

Janthina rubbed her mug firmly in her hands, and watched the crowd around them. She could tell Juniper didn’t want to spend too much extra time in here, and Janthina supposed she couldn’t begrudge her. It was getting more boisterous as the night wore on. She nodded, a small smile playing on her lips as she looked at Juniper again. “Next time for sure!” 

Janthina jutted out her bottom lip in a pout at Juniper’s description of past years festivities. “Fine, if you won’t dance, we’ll find something else. I’m sure of it.” She shook her head, and took her mug up and downed the last of her mead. Then she pushed her chair backwards from the table, and stood up, and extended her hand out to Juniper to help her up if she wanted. “It’s getting late! And I will be sure to stop by the shop at some point, so I don’t want you getting testy with me if I keep you any longer!” She smiled with her eyes closed. “And Ciar will come with of course!”

• • •

JUNIPER WAS NOT going to hide her relief. She had been forthcoming about her opinions regarding the pub the whole evening, not for one second wanting Janthina to forget that this was an inconvenience to her. With a sigh and an eyeroll, she placed her hand in the other’s and allowed her to pull her up to her feet. “Happy to hear it,” she said, though her voice couldn’t be any more deadpan than it already was. “I shall try to find you then, but in the event that I do not, I shall see you in the coming days instead.”

Briefly, she stroked Ciar’s fur and rubbed his ears, and a look of fondness washed over her; it was gone in an instant. Her hands returned to clasp themselves in front of her, and she nodded her head. “Be seeing you, Janthina. It was...” She paused and tilted her head. “A pleasure.” 

[ofjuniper]

dshnred​:

“I simply like to get to know my neighbors.” Amadeus didn’t usually face questions about his…well, questions. Juniper’s curiosity unnerved him. She was clearly more perceptive than he gave her credit for. He’d have to make a note of that going forward. “I find other people’s lives fascinating. Everyone has a story to tell, and I like to hear them all.” It wasn’t really a lie. He was awfully interested in what other people had to say - if for no other reason than he could use the information against them eventually. Straightening up, Amadeus flashed Juniper another smile. “I should leave you be. I appreciate you letting me place my order even though you were closing up. If the cost adds up to be anymore, just let me know and I’ll make sure to deliver the correct payment.”

• • •

TO HIS RESPONSE, Juniper simply nodded — slowly, impassively, and mostly to herself. She took note of it, as she was wont to do with many other things, but said little else other than a very cryptic (and likely unsatisfying): “Another day, perhaps, Mr Wilder. Another day.” It was at this point that the man decided it was high time to leave, perhaps partly out of realization that he wasn’t going to get anything out of her, and Juniper let him. She nodded graciously, appreciating his patronage, and closed up, bringing with her the deposit and the journal with her notes. The two parted ways soon after, and Juniper was left to finally return home after a long day’s work.

. / FINISHED.