#folly hibiscus

[acesandfairydust]

[novlr]

The symbolism of flowers

Flowers have a long history of symbolism that you can incorporate into your writing to give subtext.

Symbolism varies between cultures and customs, and these particular examples come from Victorian Era Britain. You'll find examples of this symbolism in many well-known novels of the era!

Amaryllis: Pride

Black-eyed Susan: Justice

Bluebell: Humility

Calla Lily: Beauty

Pink Camellia: Longing

Carnations: Female love

Yellow Carnation: Rejection

Clematis: Mental beauty

Columbine: Foolishness

Cyclamen: Resignation

Daffodil: Unrivalled love

Daisy: Innocence, loyalty

Forget-me-not: True love

Gardenia: Secret love

Geranium: Folly, stupidity

Gladiolus: Integrity, strength

Hibiscus: Delicate beauty

Honeysuckle: Bonds of love

Blue Hyacinth: Constancy

Hydrangea: Frigid, heartless

Iris: Faith, trust, wisdom

White Jasmine: Amiability

Lavender: Distrust

Lilac: Joy of youth

White Lily: Purity

Orange Lily: Hatred

Tiger Lily: Wealth, pride

Lily-of-the-valley: Sweetness, humility

Lotus: Enlightenment, rebirth

Magnolia: Nobility

Marigold: Grief, jealousy

Morning Glory: Affection

Nasturtium: Patriotism, conquest

Pansy: Thoughtfulness

Peony: Bashfulness, shame

Poppy: Consolation

Red Rose: Love

Yellow Rose: Jealously, infidelity

Snapdragon: Deception, grace

Sunflower: Adoration

Sweet Willian: Gallantry

Red Tulip: Passion

Violet: Watchfulness, modesty

Yarrow: Everlasting love

Zinnia: Absent, affection

[haladrielficxch]

Author Reveals are here! Read below the cut to see who wrote your favorite fics!

don't let it in with no intention to keep it by alicuntisms for @nuclearnik

galadriel is in need of a human - halbrand is in need of a warm place to sleep. a bargain is struck. if only galadriel knew who she was striking a bargain with....

A Lust for Light by cozy_ships for @liminal-zone

The magic is always just there on the periphery of his lands, threatening to spill over. Sometimes he swears he can feel it in the earth beneath his feet, taste it in the water, clear and bright and so utterly unlike his own. The flowing currents of it had drawn him to these lands, led him to stake his own claim and build his fortress along the borders of the Golden Wood. He knows who resides within, hiding herself away amidst the forest’s glittering bowers.

Tempered by eye_of_a_cat for @cozy_ships on Twitter

She focuses instead on smaller things. She notices the edges of him: the sewed seams of his bracers, the way they press against the skin of his hands; the shadow at his neck where the cloth of his collar falls loosely; the way the fuzz of hair on his arms glows a little in reflected firelight. He is all edges and joins, scars and soldered seams. There will be a way to break him apart.

at the dawn of our folly, we took from the tree that was rotting by ichabodcranemills for @lisenberry

Stranded togehter in the middle of nowehere, political rivals Galadriel and Halbrand learn they have more in common than they could've possibly imagined.

Love is heavy and light, bright and dark by lisenberry for @softlighter

There was a time in Lady Galadriel Artanis Noldor’s life when all she had to worry about was keeping her face out of the sun and her feet out of the mud. Her nose in her embroidery and her hands soft as lambskin. Her brain empty and her mouth shut.

Many things had changed since then.

and I feel like I just got home by Lizzen for @eye_of_a_cat on Twitter

A third age haunting of a sort; an alternate version of life as seen through the looking glass, and the impact resonate.

She is Everything You Want by MyrsineMezzo for @alicuntisms

As he looked at that tight braid with the light reflecting in her hair, Halbrand realized he knew who she was. Everyone knew who she was. Galadriel Noldor. She was the best and the brightest; the pride of the university who had been profiled in the recent campus magazine because she was on a sure ride through the NCAA fencing tournament system even as a sophomore. He realized Mel had followed his gaze when he heard a low scoff.

“Noldor. A loner who thinks she’s above it all. Now there’s a challenge worthy of the highest of prizes.”

the only song i want to hear by MyrsineMezzo for @ichabodcranemills

5 times Halbrand kissed Galadriel in exchange for a secret, and one time he did not.

Set throughout the first season of Rings of Power.

Deeper, Darker Things Than You by nuclearnik for @formerlyIR on Twitter

He is effortlessly charming—and everyone besides Galadriel seems to eat it right up—but something hiding just below the surface, coiled and restless, calls to her.

don't answer me (i'm calling just to hear you scream" by poeticmemory for @the-sweet-hibiscus

One year after her eldest brother‘s murder, Galadriel and her friends find themselves in the sights of a horror-film obsessed killer.

everything (except what it is) by softlight for @myrsinemezzo

“And what are you going to say?” “That I can be civil if you can."

Rival teachers Galadriel and Halbrand sign up to run the school show. Things do not go as expected.

the Curse of Linhir by TheSweetHibiscus for @justatinycollector

The morning of October 28th I, along with my unwilling companion, managed to flea the decrepit town of Linhir. I had ran, cloaked in nothing more than a t-shirt and the threadbare soles of my brother's old hiking boots, nearly twenty miles to the Regent's port home in Númenor. Each step was agony – the ill-timed impromptu marathon more than enough to cause my lungs and thighs to burn like coal cinders. Yet it was nothing compared to the sinking dread — a fear I hadn't gotten far enough away.

By the Moonlight by justatinycollector for @wyrd-syster

It would seem to Galadriel, in their first few encounters, that Halbrand would always leave her with something. Later, she’d come to learn that he never left a place empty-handed.

The Highwayman AU.

stones that move (and trees that speak) by Wyrd_Syster for @bad-surprise

Halbrand wants power and Galadriel wants her inheritance. There is no cost too high, no price too steep, to stop them from taking what they want.

A Macbeth AU with a dash of Sleep No More.

[psi-king]

It seems I have redesigned Dove quite a lot compared to last year so I made her a new miniature reference! More information about her under the cut.

Dove Zanotto-Fullbear is the daughter of Helmut Fullbear who is the third head and therapist of the Motherlobe. Tending to have a colorful personality, she is easy to get along with and is overly laid back. Despite being polar opposites, and his sketchy past, she is happily married to Gristol Malik, and is a mother of three.

Aliases Little Bear ( close family and friends only ) Third Head ( by Hollis ) Chief of Optimism ( official title ) Hibiscus ( codename ) Mother Bear ( by the Junior / Intern Psychonauts and close friends/family Dovebear ( by Bob and Helmut only, sometimes Gristol ) Miss Fullbear ( used instead of Agent Fullbear to stop confusion ) Miss Forgivi ( in PSI King's Sensorium ) Dove Plant ( in Bob’s Bottles ) Gzarina Dove ( in Fatherland Follies and by Gristol occasionally ) Hippie (by Coach Oleander) Gender: AFAB, Genderfluid Sexuality: Bisexual Age: 34 Occupations: Psychonaut Chief of Optimism ( Third Head / Therapist of the Psychonauts ) Jet Pilot ( only in case of emergencies ) Therapist at Whispering Rock camp ( very occasionally, usually handing work at the Motherlobe )

Height: 7′2″

Mind: Love Bear Island PSI-Powers: Mediumship ( specialty ) Astral Projection Marksmanship Telekinesis Levitation Shield (specialty) Telepathy PSI Energy Transfer Psycho-fabrication  ( specialty ) Herbaphony ( very weak )

Family: Helmut Fullbear ( biological father ) Dove’s unnamed mother ( biological mother ) † Bob Zanotto ( step-father ) Gristol Malik ( husband ) Gzar Theodore Malik (father-in-law)† Gzarina Rokel Malik (mother-in-law) Andrick Malik ( son ) Eleanora Malik ( daughter ) Wenzel Malik ( son ) Tia Zanotto ( grand-mother )† Bob's unnamed father ( grand-father )† Bob’s unnamed sister/sister-in-law ( aunt )† Truman Zanotto ( step-cousin ) Lili Zanotto ( first step-cousin once removed )

[wishuponasim-blog]

Coming soon…

[phantasmagorical-ambedo]

Hibiscus.

[acesandfairydust]

moar tags!

[demigoddessqueens]

Flowers 💐 for one you fancy 🌺

Vax’ildan - aster (love, daintiness)

Keyleth - bachelor’s button (blessedness)

Vex’ahlia - calla lily (beauty)

Scanlan - red camellia (a flame in my heart)

Percy - black eyed Susan (justice)

Pike - white carnation (sweet love)

Grog - borage; pink camellia (blunt, longing for you)

Caleb - red carnation; chrysanthemum (deep, I love you)

Mollymauk - pink carnation (will never forget you)

Fjord - coriander (hidden worth, merit)

Jester - coreopsis (always cheerful)

Yasha - purple columblne (resolution)

Beau - white clover (think of me)

Essek - clematis (mental beauty)

Cadeuces - daisy (loyal love)

Dorian - edelweiss (courage, devotion)

Dariax - fern (magic, fascination)

Opal - fennel (flattery)

Fearne - geranium (folly)

Fy’ra Rai - gladiolus (flower of gladiators, integrity, strength, victory)

Morrigan - goldenrod (encouragement, good fortune)

Orym - rose 🌹 (romance, love, beauty, courage)

Chetney - hollyhock (ambition)

FCG - hellotrope (devotion)

Ashton - holly (defense, domestic happiness)

Laudna - honeysuckle (bonds of love)

Imogen - hibiscus (delicate beauty)

[scriptflorist]

Hey! I love your blog so much, and I'm so happy that I found it (it's helped a lot)! I was wondering if you could do a list of flowers that mean (or fall into the category of/are similar to): Obsession, Obsessive love, 'til death do us part, I want your attention, I belong to you, you belong to me, etc., etc. Along with this, I'd also like to know what flowers are native to New Jersey (And also which ones bloom in the fall, if any?) Thank you, and have a lovely day!

That should be possible with some creativity given that obsession and bonding don’t exist as meanings themselves, but it leans well enough into the Victorian flower language to get something out of it still. Hope there’s something in here that works for your story.

arbor vitae – live for me, unchanging friendship

baby’s breath – everlasting love, innocence, pure of heart

bay leaf – I change but in death/dying

broom-rape – union

carnation (pink) – I will/I’ll never forget you, women’s love

cedar leaf – I live for thee

clover (white) – think of me

columbine – I cannot give thee up, folly, desertion

columbine (purple) – resolved to win

cowslip (american) – divine beauty, you are my angel, you are my divinity

currant – thy frown will kill me, thankfulness

daisy (double) – affection, I reciprocate your affection

daphane (rose) – I desire to please

eschscholzia – do not refuse me

euphorbia – persistence

fleur-de-lis – I burn, flame

foxglove – I am not ambitious for myself but for you, a wish, stateliness, occupation, insincerity, youth

furze – love for all seasons/occasions

gladiolus – you pierce my heart, generosity, I’m sincere, flower of the gladiators

heart’s ease – you occupy my thoughts, forget me not, think of me, thoughts

heart’s ease (purple) – you occupy my thoughts

hemlock – you will be my death

honeysuckle – generous and devoted affection, bonds of love, the bond of love, devotion, I would not answer hastily, fidelity

honeysuckle (coral) – the colour of my fate

honeysuckle (wild) – generous and devoted love

japonica – sincerity, symbol of love

jasmine (indian) – I attach myself to you, attachment, separation

laurestine – a token, I die if neglected, delicate attention

mallow (syrian) – consumed by love, persuasion

rose (carolina) – love is dangerous

shepherd’s purse – I offer you my all

spindle tree – your charms are engraven on my heart

tulip – (a) declaration of love, perfect lover, fame, beautiful eyes

tulip (red) – declaration of love

virginia creeper – I cling to you both in sunshine and in shade

Plants native to New Jersey that bloom in fall/autumn:

allegheny monkey flower

american angelica

american arrowhead

american blue vervain

american lotus

american water-willow

ashy sunflower

bigleaf aster

black-eyed susan

bluebell

blue bead lily

blue cohosh

blue mistflower

blue star

blue wood aster

bottle gentian

bowman’s root

brown-eyed susan

bunchberry

bushy aster

canada goldenrod

canada wild ginger

canadian violet

cardinal flower

carolina geranium

caroline redroot

closed bottle gentian

coastal plain joe-pye weed

common boneset

common evening primrose

cow parsnip

crooked aster

cutleaf coneflower

cup plant

downy skullcap

early goldenrod

false aster

false sunflower

field thistle

flat-topped white aster

foam flower

fringed bleeding heart

fringed loosestrife

gayfeather

golden crownbeard

grass-leaved goldenrod

grassy arrowhead

gray goldenrod

great blue lobelia

hairy aster

hardy hibiscus

heath aster

hoary vervain

horizontal calico aster

jerusalem artichoke

joe-pye weed

late boneset

marsh betony

maryland golden aster

maximilian sunflower

meadow phlox

narrowleaf mountain mint

new england aster

new york aster

new york ironweed

nodding lady’s tresses

orange fringed orchid

orange jewelweed

patridge pea

pearly everlasting

pink tickseed

prairie sagebush

purple-head sneezeweed

purple mountain saxifrage

red baneberry

rock harlequin

rough goldenrod

salt heliotrope

sawtooth sunflower

scarlet bee balm

seashore mallow

seaside goldenrod

selfheal

showy black-eyed susan

showy goldeneye

showy goldenrod

showy tick trefoil

slender buch clover

slender dayflower

smooth beggartick

smooth blue aster

sneezeweed

spotted joe-pye weed

stiff goldenrod

stiff sunflower

swamp sunflower

swamp thistle

sweet goldenrod

sweetscent

sweet-scented joe-pye weed

tall boneset

tall cinquefoil

tall goldenrod

ten-petaled sunflower

threadleaf coreopsis

tickseed

virginia meadow beauty

water arum

western sunflower

wild bergamot

wild cucumber

wild potato vine

wild senna

wingstem

white baneberry

white goldenrod

white panicle aster

white snakeroot

white turtlehead

white wood aster

whorled milkweed

woodland sunflower

wreath goldenrod

yellow jewelweed

yellow pond lily

This website gives a breakdown by county in form of excel lists, albeit it doesn’t say whether the plants bloom in fall or not.

https://npsnj.org/native-plants/where-to-buy-natives/plant-lists/

– Mod Jana

Disclaimer

This blog is intended as writing advice only. This blog and its mods are not responsible for accidents, injuries or other consequences of using this advice for real world situations or in any way that said advice was not intended.

https://www.gardenia.net/native-plants/new-jersey

[queer-jupiter-moved]

Victorian Flower Language:

Abatina- Fickleness

Acanthus- The fine art, artifice

Aloe- Affection, also grief

Amaryllis- Pride

Anemone- Forsaken, sickness

Angelica- Inspiration

Apple blossom- Preference

Arborvitae- Unchanging friendship

Aster- Symbol of Love, Daintiness

Bachelor’s button- Single blessedness

Sweet Basil- Good wishes

Bay tree- Glory

Begonia- Beware, dark thoughts

Belladonna- Silence

Bittersweet- Truth

Black-eyed Susan- Justice

Bluebell- Humility, constancy

Borage    - Bluntness, directness

Butterfly weed- Let me go

Pink Camellia- Longing For You

Red Camellia- You’re a Flame in My Heart

White Camellia- You’re Adorable

Candytuft- Indifference

Carnation- Women, Love

Red Carnation- Alas for my poor heart, my heart aches

White carnation- Innocence, pure love, women’s good luck gift

Pink carnation- I’ll never forget you

Striped Carnation- Refusal

Yellow carnation- Disdain, disappointment, rejection

Chamomile- Patience in adversity

Chives- Usefulness

Red Chrysanthemum- I love you

Yellow Chrysanthemum- Slighted love

White Chrysanthemum- Truth

Clematis- Mental beauty

Evergreen Clematis- Poverty

White Clover- Think of me

Columbine- Foolishness, folly

Purple Columbine- Resolution

Red Columbine- Anxious, trembling

Coreopsis- Always cheerful

Coriander- Hidden worth/merit

Crab blossom- Ill nature

Spring Crocus- Youthful gladness

Cyclamen- Resignation, diffidence

Daffodil- Regard, Unequalled Love

Single Dahlia- Good taste

Daisy- Innocence, hope

Dill- Powerful against evil

Edelweiss- Courage, devotion

Fennel- Flattery

Fern- Sincerity, humility; also, magic and bonds of love

Forget-me-not- True love memories, do not forget me

Gardenia- Secret love

Oak-Leaved Geranium- True friendship

Gladiolus- Remembrance

Goldenrod- Encouragement, good fortune

Heliotrope- Eternal love, devotion

Hibiscus- Delicate beauty

Holly- Foresight

Hollyhock- Ambition

Honeysuckle- Bonds of love

Hyacinth- Sport, game, play

Blue Hyacinth- Constancy

Purple Hyacinth- Sorrow

Yellow Hyacinth- Jealousy

White Hyacinth- Loveliness, prayers for someone

Hydrangea- Gratitude for being understood; frigidity and heartlessness

Hyssop- Sacrifice, cleanliness

Iris- A message

Ivy- Friendship, fidelity, marriage

White Jasmine- Sweet love, amiability

Yellow Jasmine- Grace and elegance

Lady’s Slipper- Capricious beauty

Larkspur- Lightness, levity

Lavender- Distrust 

Lemon balm- Sympathy

Lilac- Joy of youth

Calla Lily- Beauty

Day Lily- Chinese emblem for mother

Lily-of-the-valley- Sweetness, purity, pure love

Lotus Flower- Purity, enlightenment, self-regeneration, and rebirth

Magnolia- Love of nature

Marigold- Despair, grief, jealousy

Marjoram- Joy and happiness

Mint- Virtue

Morning glory- Affection

Myrtle- Good luck and love in a marriage

Nasturtium- Patriotism

Oak- Strength

Oregano- Substance

Pansy- Thoughts

Parsley- Festivity

Peony- Bashful, happy life

Pine- Humility

Red Poppy- Consolation

Rhododendron- Danger, beware

Red Rose- Love, I love you.

Dark Crimson Rose- Mourning

Pink Rose- Happiness

White Rose- I’m worthy of you

Yellow Rose- Jealousy, decrease of love, infidelity

Rosemary- Remembrance

Rue- Grace, clear vision

Sage- Wisdom, immortality

Blue Salvia- I think of you

Red Salvia- Forever mine

Savory- Spice, interest

Snapdragon- Deception, graciousness

Sorrel- Affection

Southernwood- Constancy, jest

Spearmint- Warmth of sentiment

Speedwell- Feminine fidelity

Dwarf Sunflower- Adoration

Tall Sunflower- Haughtiness

Sweet pea- Delicate pleasures

Sweet William- Gallantry

Sweet woodruff- Humility

Tansy- Hostile thoughts, declaring war

Tarragon- Lasting interest

Thyme- Courage, strength

Red Tulip- Passion, declaration of love

Yellow Tulip- Sunshine in your smile

Valerian- Readiness

Violet- Loyalty, devotion, faithfulness, modesty

Wallflower- Faithfulness in adversity

Willow- Sadness

Yarrow- Everlasting love

Zinnia- Thoughts of absent friends

[idontknowwhat08]

Flower Meanings for GITR

Abatina- Fickleness

Acanthus- The fine art, artifice

Amaryllis- Pride

Anemone- Forsaken, sickness

Angelica- Inspiration

Aster- Symbol of Love, Daintiness

Begonia- Beware, dark thoughts

Bittersweet- Truth

Black-eyed susan- Justice

Bluebell- Humility, constancy

Borage- Bluntness, directness

Camellia, pink- Longing For You

Camellia, red- You’re a Flame in My Heart

Camellia, white- You’re Adorable

Candytuft- Indifference

Carnation- Women, Love

Red- Alas for my poor heart, my heart aches

White- Innocence, pure love, women’s good luck gift

Pink- I’ll never forget you

Striped- Refusal

Yellow- Disdain, disappointment, rejection

Chrysanthemum, red- I love you

Chrysanthemum, yellow- Slighted Love

Chrysanthemum, white- Truth

Clematis- Mental beauty

Columbine- Foolishness, folly

Columbine, purple- Resolution

Columbine, red- Anxious, trembling

Daffodil- Regard, Unequaled love

Dahlia- good taste

Daisy- innocence, hope

Dill- powerful against evil

Edelweiss- Courage, devotion

Forget-me-nots- True love memories, do not forget me

Gardenia- secret love

Oak leaved geranium- true friendship

Gladiolus- Remembrance

Goldenrod- Encouragement, good fortune

Heliotrope- Eternal love, devotion

Hibiscus- Delicute beauty

Hollyhock- Ambition

Honeysuckle- Bonds of love

Hyacinth- Sport, game, play

Blue- Constancy

Purple- Sorrow

Yellow- Jealousy

White- Loveliness, prayers for someone

Hydrangea- Gratitude for being understood; frigidity and heartlessness

Lavender- Distrust

Lemon Balm- Sympathy

Calla lily- Beauty

Lily-of-the-valley- Sweetness, purity, pure love

Marigold- Despair, grief, jealousy

Morning Glory- Affection

Myrtle- Good luck and love in a marriage

Peony- Bashful, happy life

Red rose- love, I love you

Dark Crimson rose- Mourning

Pink rose- Happiness

White rose- I’m worthy of you

Yellow rose- Jealousy, decrease of love, infidelity

Dwarf sunflower- Adoration

Tall sunflower- Haughtiness

Tansy- Hostile thoughts, declaring war

Red tulip- Passion, declaration of love

Yellow tulip- sunshine in your smile

Violet- Loyalty, devotion, faithfulness, modesty

[adozentothedawn]

Flower Meaning Writing Prompts

Acacia (Blossom): Concealed Love, Beauty in Retirement, Chaste Love

Acorn: Nordic Symbol of Life and Immortality

Ambrosia: Your Love is Reciprocated

Amaryllis: Pride, Pastoral Poetry

Anemone: Forsaken

Arbutus: Thee Only Do I Love

Aster: Symbol of Love, Daintiness

Azalea: Take Care of Yourself for Me, Temperance, Fragile Passion, Chinese Symbol of Womanhood

Bachelor Button: Single Blessedness

Begonia: Beware

Bells of Ireland: Good Luck

Bittersweet: Truth

Bluebell: Humility

Bouquet of Withered Flowers: Rejected Love

Cactus: Endurance

Camellia (Pink): Longing For You

Camellia (Red): You're a Flame in My Heart

Camellia (White): You're Adorable

Candytuft: Indifference

Carnation (General): Fascination, Women Love

Carnation (Pink): I'll Never Forget You

Carnation (Red): My Heart Aches For You, Admiration

Carnation (Purple): Capriciousness

Carnation (Solid Color): Yes

Carnation (Striped): No, Refusal, Sorry I Can't Be with You, Wish I Could Be with You

Carnation (White): Sweet and Lovely, Innocence, Pure Love, Woman's Good Luck Gift

Carnation (Yellow): You Have Disappointed Me, Rejection

Cattail: Peace, Prosperity

Chrysanthemum (Red): I Love You

Chrysanthemum (White): Truth

Chrysanthemum (Yellow): Slighted Love

Coreopsis: Always Cheerful

Crocus: Cheerfulness

Cyclamen: Resignation and Good-bye

Daffodil: Regard, Unequalled Love, You're the Only One, The Sun is Always Shining When I'm with You

Daisy: Innocence, Loyal Love, I'll Never Tell, Purity

Dandelion: Faithfulness, Happiness

Dead Leaves: Sadness

Fern: Magic, Fascination, Confidence and Shelter

Fern (Maidenhair): Secret Bond of Love Fir: Time

Flax: Domestic Symbol

Forget-Me-Not: True Love, Memories

Forsythia: Anticipation

Gardenia: You're Lovely, Secret Love

Garlic: Courage, Strength

Geranium: Stupidity, Folly

Gladioli: Give Me a Break, I'm Really Sincere, Flower of the Gladiators

Gloxinia: Love at First Sight

Grass: Submission

Heather (Lavender): Admiration, Solitude

Heather (White): Protection, Wishes Will Come True

Holly: Defense, Domestic Happiness

Hyacinth (General): Games and Sports, Rashness, Flower Dedicated to Apollo

Hyacinth (Blue): Constancy

Hyacinth (Purple): I am Sorry, Please Forgive Me, Sorrow

Hyacinth (Red or Pink): Play

Hyacinth (White): Loveliness, I'll Pray for You

Hyacinth (Yellow): Jealousy

Hydrangea: Thank You for Understanding, Frigidity, Heartlessness

Iris: Fleur-de-lis, Emblem of France, Your Friendship Means so Much to Me, Faith, Hope, Wisdom and Valor, My Compliments

Ivy: Wedded Love, Fidelity, Friendship, Affection

Ivy (Sprig of White Tendrils): Anxious to Please, Affection

Jonquil: Love Me, Affection Returned, Desire, Sympathy, Desire for Affection Returned

Larkspur (Pink): Fickleness

Lily (Orange): Hatred

Lily (White): Virginity, Purity, Majesty, It's Heavenly to be with You

Lily (Yellow): I'm Walking on Air, False and Gay

Lily (Calla): Beauty

Lily (Day): Coquetry, Chinese Emblem for Mother

Lily (Eucharis): Maiden Charms

Lily (Tiger): Wealth, Pride

Lily of the Valley: Sweetness, Tears of the Virgin Mary, Return to Happiness, Humility, You've Made My Life Complete

Magnolia: Nobility

Marigold: Cruelty, Grief, Jealousy

Mistletoe: Kiss Me, Affection, To Surmount Difficulties, Sacred Plant of India, Magic Plant of the Druids

Monkhood: Beware, A Deadly Foe is Near

Moss: Maternal Love, Charity

Myrtle: Love, Hebrew Emblem of Marriage

Narcissus: Egotism, Formality, Stay as Sweet as You Are

Nasturtium: Conquest, Victory in Battle

Nuts: Stupidity

Oleander: Caution

Orange Blossom: Innocence, Eternal Love, Marriage and Fruitfulness

Orange, Mock: Deceit

Orchid: Love, Beauty, Refinement, Beautiful Lady, Chinese Symbol for Many Children

Palm Leaves: Victory and Success

Peony: Shame, Happy Life, Happy Marriage

Petunia: Resentment, Anger, Your Presence Soothes Me

Pine: Hope, Pity

Poppy (General): Eternal Sleep, Oblivion, Imagination

Poppy (Red): Pleasure

Poppy (White): Consolation (Poppy is the floral sign of consolation probably because it was created by "Ceres" while in search of her daughter, Prosperpine, to assuage her grief).

Poppy (Yellow): Wealth, Success

Primrose: I Can't Live without You

Primrose (Evening): Inconstancy

Rose (Bridal): Happy Love

Rose (Christmas): Tranquilize My Anxiety, Anxiety

Rose (Damask): Persian Ambassador of Love

Rose (Dark Crimson): Mourning

Rose (Hibiscus): Delicate Beauty

Rose (Leaf): You May Hope

Rose (Pink): Perfect Happiness, Please Believe Me

Rose (Red): Love, I Love You

Rose (Tea): I'll Remember Always

Rose (Thornless): Love at First Sight

Rose (White): Innocence and Purity, I am Worthy of You, You're Heavenly, Secrecy and Silence

Rose (White and Red Mixed): Unity, Flower Emblem of England

Rose (White-Dried): Death is Preferable to Loss of Virtue

Rose (White-Withered): Transient Impression, Fleeting Beauty, You Made No Impression

Rose (Yellow): Decrease of Love, Jealousy, Try to Care

Rosebud: Beauty and You, A Heart Innocent of Love

Rosebud (Red): Pure and Lovely

Rosebud (White): Girlhood

Rosebud (Moss): Confessions of Love

Roses (Bouquet of Mature Blooms): Gratitude

Roses (Single Full Bloom): I Love You, I Still Love You

Roses (Garland or Crown of): Beware of Virtue, Reward of Merit, Crown - Symbol of Superior Merit

Roses (Musk Cluster): Harming

Smilax: Loveliness

Snapdragon: Deception, Gracious Lady

Spider Flower: Elope with Me

Stephanotis: Happiness in Marriage, Desire to Travel

Stock: Bonds of Affection, Promptness, You'll Always Be Beautiful to Me

Sweetpea: Good-bye, Departure, Blissful Pleasure, Thank You for a Lovely Time

Tulip (General): Perfect Lover, Fame, Flower Emblem of Holland

Tulip (Red): Believe Me, Declaration of Love

Tulip (Variegated): Beautiful Eyes

Tulip (Yellow): There's Sunshine in Your Smile

Violet: Modesty

Violet (Blue): Watchfulness, Faithfulness, I'll Always Be There

Viscaria: Will You Dance with Me?

Zinnia (Magenta): Lasting Affection

Zinnia (Mixed): Thinking (or In Memory) or an Absent Friend

Zinnia (Scarlet): Constancy

Zinnia (White): Goodness

Zinnia (Yellow): Daily Remembrance

List taken from here.

[melodiouswhite]

Here a small floriography dictionary for you - E-H

E.

Edelweiss - daring, courage, devotion

Eglantine - poetry, I wound to heal

Elder Flower - zeal

Endine - frugality

Epigaea (Mayflower) - budding

Eremurus - endurance

Eupatorium - delay

Euphorbia - persistence

Everlasting - never ceasing memory 

F.

Fennel - flattery

Fern - fascination, sincerity, magic, confidence, shelter

Fern (Maidenhair) - secret bond of love

Fern (Royal) - reverie

Filbert - reconciliation

Fir - time

Flax - domestic symbol

Fleur-de-lis - emblem of France, passion, faith, hope, wisdom, My compliments, Your friendship means so much to me

Flora's Bell - without pretention

Flowering Almond - hope

Flowering Reed - confide in Heaven

Forget-me-not - true love, memories

Forsythia - anticipation

Foxglove - stateliness, youth

Foxtail Grass - sporting

Freesia - innocence, trust, friendship

Fuchsia (Scarlet) - taste, confiding love

Furze - love for all occasions

G.

Galax - encouragement

Gardenia - You’re lovely, secret love

Garlic - courage, protection, strength

Gentian (Fringed) - autumn, intrinsic worth, I look to Heaven

Gentian (Closed) - Sweet be thy dreams

Geranium - stupidity, folly

Geranium (Apple) - present preference

Geranium (Ivy) - Your hand for the next dance

Geranium (Lemon) - unexpected meeting

Geranium (Nutmeg) - I expect a meeting

Geranium (Oak-leaved) - true friendship

Geranium (Pencilled) - ingenuity

Geranium (Rose) - preference

Geranium (Scarlet) - consolation

Geranium (Silver-leaf) - recall

Gerbera - innocence

Gladiolus - I’m really sincere, strength of character, flower of the gladiators

Globe (Amaranth) - unfading love

Gloxinia - love at first sight

Goldenrod - encouragement, good fortune, Be cautious

Gooseberry - anticipation

Goosefoot - goodness

Gorse - endearing affection

Grass - submission

Gypsophila - fertility

H.

Harebell - humility, grief

Hawthorn - hope

Heartese Pansy - Think of me

Heart’s Easer - You occupy my thoughts

Heather (General) - good luck

Heather (Lavender) - admiration, solitude

Heather (White) - protection, Wishes will come true

Heliotrope - eternal love

Hellebore - scandal

Henbane - for males to attract love from females

Hibiscus - delicate beauty

Holly - domestic happiness, defense, foresight

Hollyhock - fruitfulness

Hollyhock (White) - female ambition

Honey Flower - sweetness, secret love

Honeysuckle - generosity

Honeysuckle (Coral) - I love you

Horehound - health

Hoya (Wax Plant) - sculpture

Huckleberry - faith, simple pleasure

Hyacinth (General) - game and sport, rashness, playfulness

Hyacinth (Blue) - constancy

Hyacinth (Purple) - sorrow, I’m sorry, Please forgive me

Hyacinth (Red or Pink) - play

Hyacinth (White) - I’ll pray for you, unobtrusive loveliness

Hyacinth (Yellow) - jealousy

Hydrangea - Thank you for understanding, frigidity, heartlessness

Hyssop - sacrifice, cleanliness

[bvidma]

A Tincture for Love

This tincture can be used for both love spells and self love rituals; basically for all of your ‘love’ needs. However, this is not meant to drink. This can be used externally or used to anoint candles and/or any other magickal implements. As always, feel free to subtract any ingredients based off of what you have on hand, intent always is more powerful than any herb. You can also add whatever you please as well, make it work for you. You can bless it however you may like, use it however you want because I’m obviously not stopping you. You do you.

So let’s begin!

-Red wine (of course if you are not of age and you can’t purchase red wine or you don’t have free reign of your parents’ liquor cabinet, please skip this step. In fact, lemon juice is just as appropriate for this spell because it is just as commonly used for spells of affection or as an aphrodisiac.... if that is your intent. I do in fact add a few drops of it to this tincture if I have red wine on hand anyway because citrus is quite powerful in these types of spells)

-Alcohol (to keep herbs from going spoiled and moldy; the last thing you want is to wait a whole nine week release period only to find that this brew has gotten toxic and yucky without your knowledge. Red wine truly won’t have enough alcohol content)

-Lavender (feel free to use either the herb or the oil for this)

-Rosemary (also feel free to use oil as well)

-Basil

-Rose petal (any color will do depending on your intent; darker the rose, richer the affections shall be. But if I were you, you can never folly with pink!)

-Rose quartz (this totally optional but if you want to add some gemstone mojo, just make sure stones are charged, cleansed, and blessed)

-Patchouli (never fails me!)

-Perovskia; AKA the Russian sage. (This herb has the same physical and magickal properties of both sage and lavender. A two and one magickal deal. An herbal BOGO. It can suffice for either or if you just so happen to come across it in a garden or in a local greenhouse. It grows by my house, but I know it is sold in most flower/plant shops. It is great for smudging.)

-Lilac

-Ginger

-Thyme (Let no man steal your thyme darling!)

-Cinnamon

-Hibiscus

-Nutmeg

-Anise

-Jasmine

-Vanilla, honey, and/or sugar (for sweetness uwu)

And anything else you feel the need to add! Orange peel, berries, fruit, a favorite fragrance, different herbs! Go ahead, I myself tried to include what I believe to be some of the most accessible herbs. Most of you new witches or broom closeted beauties likely have a few of these already in your home. Again, if intention is there, do not worry about missing herbs, use what you feel will suffice for your current situation. Harm to none, do as you wish.

Now, if you are like me and like to tuck in your tinctures all nice and cozy to further protect them, wrap them in pink or red cloth (silk is always ideal). Silk especially is known to catch negative forces and unwanted energies, protecting magickal tools while in storage. Many use silk, linen, or other fabric to protect tarot cards or crystals when not in use. Color merely is for intent and in this case, our intent is love; either to yourself or from others. This step is totally optional. 

Store our little brew for around 9 weeks (utilizing 3 by 3 always strengthens any spell) or for a lunar cycle (which is around four weeks). Don’t possess that amount of time? Store for however long you feel your herbs need to release their power or if you feel as though your intentions have been well pondered on, but not for too short of a time period.

 Herbs gotta brew, darlin’!

If you are thinking of attracting one certain mate in particular, write their name on a piece of paper or on the jar or even place the paper in the jar to really jazz things up a bit. As long as it is stored in the same vicinity as your tincture. Like wrapping the paper in the cloth with the jar if it isn’t in the tincture or labeled on the container.

Yeah.

Finally, you may bless  your tincture using the following, which is a pretty commonly used tincture blessing that I had picked up from The Good Witch’s Guide:

“I call upon the powers of green, release powers unseen. Herbs awakened on this day, may blessings in this tincture stay!”

Always thank the herbs and the Earth for providing you with their magick!!

thanks 

uwu

You did it, with patience of a saint (or at least practicing so)! After the treacherous journey of waiting for our lovely little tincture, strain the liquid with a cheesecloth and you may store likewise in the cloth before. Add a bit of celestial mojo by letting her bathe in moonlight for a night before use and voila! Your hard work has paid off, use as you wish.

yours truly,

-B.

[acesandfairydust]

Twins again!

Camellia Conch Cider

Disciplined | Eccentric

Folly Cider

Neurotic | Evil

So… Yeah, I'm naming Hibiscus as heir.

[mythicamagic]

Swimming in Silk ~ A Sesskag fanfic

Training in front of her, engaging her in conversation and now lending her his clothes…Kagome is starting to suspect that Sesshoumaru is trying to gain her attention. NOW COMPLETE!

Chapter Three - here    Chapter Five - here

Chapter Two - here        Chapter Four - here

Sesskag - Romance, Humour and some drama

Rated M

He was doing it again.

Kagome slightly frowned, and adjusted her grip on the novel in her hands, forcing her attention to stay on the words that had previously held her so engrossed.

Sesshoumaru moved once more.

She chewed the inside of her cheek, chancing a glance.

As expected, the Daiyoukai stood some distance away, poised and silent in a deadly stance, Bakusaiga drawn.

She sighed.

Sesshoumaru swung the sharp blade to the side in a wide arch, moving and turning his body gracefully. Lean muscle shifted. The hair at the back of her neck pricked as his energy flared to life, caressing the air of the clearing.

Kagome shut the book and stood. Turning on her heel with a distracted shake of her head, Kagome ignored her heated cheeks and grabbed her pack. She then set off in the opposite direction purposefully.

Of all the things she’d expected to deal with when deciding to stay in the past, this was not one of them.

Sesshoumaru had first taken to training in front of her bewildered eyes two weeks ago. Whenever she left the village for some reason- and whenever he happened to be visiting Rin, she stumbled onto him training.

Kagome splashed her face with water from a stream, feeling out of sorts. Stupid.

It was only Sesshoumaru. Demon Lord, Enemy, Ally, and now…Clearing Companion.

Yet some days later, when she was out gathering herbs, Kagome chanced a glance up, wiping sweat from her forehead- and found him in the clearing, as if he’d always been there and she was the one intruding.

It happened too often to be a coincidence, but no answers were forthcoming from the taciturn demon. She watched, staring at his back as he moved, bathed in the strong sunlight. His posture straight, movements quiet as his youki coiled out along the blade. Kagome could feel it even from where she knelt, and she pressed down her own powers, which fizzled to life on her skin in response.

“Sesshoumaru.” She tried.

He turned slightly, some silver strands of hair falling forward to caress his cheek. Kagome felt her fingers twitch with the ridiculous urge to push it back behind his pointed ear.

“What is it, Miko?”

“Well, it’s just…there’s a lot of clearings around here, right?” She asked, before wincing. Now she just felt rude. It wasn’t like he was doing anything wrong, and if she asked him to leave, didn’t that imply that she felt uncomfortable in his presence?

He continued to shift position, bringing the sword down in a swift motion and then straightening again. “Indeed.”

Kagome bit her lip. No, she couldn’t say anything. The Daiyoukai was a pretty standoffish guy. She didn’t want to discourage him from approaching her. She enjoyed their little talks when she sometimes brewed tea and watched over Rin. Maybe this was just how he showed he was comfortable around her? She didn’t train around her friends…with her shirt off…but maybe full blooded demons did that.

“Do you have a point?” His deep baritone comes again, making her lift her eyes to his. Kagome blushed slightly, feeling like she’d been caught staring.

“N-no. Uh…but I did notice that you do a lot of basic forms when training. Is the fancy footwork just a heat of the moment battle thing?” She asks, lips lifting at the corners slightly. Teasing felt better, safer. She didn’t want to feel like she was ogling Inuyasha’s brother. Her ex’s brother, she reminded herself with a mental wince.

Sesshoumaru raised a brow. “Fancy?”

“Yeah,” she smiled, standing. “You know…”

Holding her arm out in front of her and mimicking a sword swing, she turned and swiftly spun on her heel in a circle. When she faced forward again, he tilted his chin up slightly.

“You realise you are mocking a centuries old technique and recreating it improperly?” The demon uttered flatly.

“I’m not mocking- the part missing is where your fancy move lops off five heads at once.” Kagome snorted.

His eyes glittered proudly at that, making her smile wider. He did love his dark humour.

Demons, she inwardly rolled her eyes.

“Hn, this one practices the ‘fancy footwork’ as well. However…ignoring the basics would be folly.”

“How so?”

He turned to face forward, face unreadable. “Paying attention to the simplest and smallest details helps to gauge a picture of the whole.”

Kagome blinked and shifted, lifting the basket of herbs and holding it against her hip. She caught sight of the scar on his left arm, the ring of marks below his bicep where the new limb had filled the void where only a stump had been. She nodded slowly.

“That’s cool, but…” she trailed off. Do you need to do that shirtless?

He moved again, and this time she could have sworn she spied a bead of sweat run down from his collarbone to his chest- and at that point Kagome swiftly turned. “I-I think I hear Kaede calling me! I’ll talk to you again later!” She squeaked, hurrying away.

A few days later, Kaede asked her to run an errand. Kagome would have to leave Edo and set out for another village, to deliver some medicinal herbs. It was only a five hour walk, but the older woman’s back had been playing up. Kagome was happy to accept, and soon steadied a pack on her shoulder along with her trusty bow. It had been awhile since it had been used in self defence, but she’d practised every so often on targets.

Exiting the hut, she ruffled Rin’s hair in passing, who grinned up at her, clad in a new kimono. “Safe trip, Kagome!”

“Yes, have a safe journey, my lady.” Cut in a new voice, and Kagome looked up to see Miroku outside his hut, holding one of his twins. Kagome smiled and nodded.

“I won’t be long. Tell Inuyasha if he comes back before I do that- I’m totally fine going to the next village on my own.”

Miroku chuckled. “Sango and I will inform him, but you know how he is.”

Kagome rolled her eyes and continued on, waving as she departed the village. Though she spoke of Inuyasha fondly, they’d certainly felt a strain in their friendship even after their decision to break up. He’d been running more errands than she had outside the village, though he always returned.

Six months had passed since she’d decided to stay in the Feudal Era. The awkwardness of her choice was not lost on her. Since her amicable breakup with Inuyasha, she had no solid reason for turning her back on her Modern Day life. She still visited her family, but those three years she’d spent in higher education felt so far away.

It was then she remembered her mother’s words after she’d told her she was staying.

‘We knew you’d fallen in love with the past a long time ago.’

After reaching the village and delivering the medicine without issue, Kagome had noticed several children outside the hut. The village was slightly smaller and more remote than Edo, so it was easy to spot them pointing at the river. Kagome made her way closer and blinked, seeing a young boy sitting on a rock in the middle of the water, the current mild as it lapped around his tiny island.

“What’s he doing?” Kagome asked one of the older boys, who glanced up at her.

“The dumb-ass was climbing on a branch from one of those overhanging trees and it snapped- so he fell in and now he’s stuck there.”

“Can’t he swim?”

The boy shook his head, looking at her as though she were an alien. “None of us can.”

Kagome’s brows drew together and she sighed, rolling her sleeves up as she pushed through the mini crowd. Without preamble she dived into the water with a small splash, making the children gasp and gather closer to where she’d disappeared under the surface.

Unbeknownst to all, golden eyes watched the spectacle unfold from the shade of the trees. The Daiyoukai shifted as Kagome broke the surface of the water near the boy and held her arms out to him, smiling encouragingly as she tread water. Sesshoumaru stayed rooted in place until she swam back to the other side with the boy in tow, who clung to her fiercely.

Under an hour later she found him reclining against a tree, having sensed him. Kagome was utterly unsurprised by it, for some reason. When he did not look up at her, Kagome brushed some hair away from her face.

“You know, a few of the children in the village can’t swim.” She casually informed him as Sesshoumaru hummed noncommittally. Kagome shifted her pack on her bare shoulder. “So, I’m going to teach them how to swim.”

This time, he did look up. Kagome smiled as his eyes widened.

She’d decided to get some small form of payback by getting dressed into her swimsuit. If she was going to be swimming she wanted to do it properly this time, and she hadn’t been able to resist getting changed before seeing him. I can’t go shirtless but I can do this.

Her swim suit hugged her form, and had some splashes of red hibiscus flower patterns on it. The straps were thin on her shoulders, but apart from that, she felt it was modest. When he still said nothing, she started to ramble. “I’m not exactly qualified to do this but I taught Sota how to swim, how much different could it be?”

Sesshoumaru hummed, shifting his arm that was draped over his bent knee. “There will be several children to teach, not just one. And there’s the unfamiliarity of this village.”

Kagome was busy waving off those words when he threw in- “not to mention the wives that will hate you.”

She froze and shot him a look. “What do you mean? I’m doing a good thing. Knowing how to swim is really important.”

“Your intentions are noble, but they will not like your attire…” he cast a look at her swimsuit again, gaze dragging down her body from head to toe this time with lingering attention.

Despite herself, Kagome blushed and gestured to it. “T-this is really modest compared to some bathing suits!”

“They might not agree.”

Kagome huffed and crossed her arms, ire rising to combine with her embarrassment. How come he got to strut around training, and yet one look from him unsettled her? “You’re being ridiculous. You’ll see.”

He watched her stomp off with a flat look, before his gaze naturally slid down her retreating form. Her ‘bathing suit’ left little to the imagination. His lips parted enough to expose the hint of a fang as he exhaled slowly.

Not long later, he heard tell-tale soggy stomping approaching. Kagome appeared from around a tree, arms crossed and red faced as she stood in her wet swim suit. Sesshoumaru directed his gaze to the tops of the trees and seemed to stare at the horizon determinedly.

“Don’t you say a word.” Kagome muttered, trudging forward as she attempted to ring the water from her hair. Droplets landed on the forest floor softly.

“Take it you were dismissed?” He says anyway, making her growl.

“I’m just trying to help! But nooo.” She kicked a stone and winced, whimpering and holding her foot. “As soon as I dropped the towel it was like I’d ran naked through their village. And when I tried to show swimming techniques the mothers accused me of being a water demon. I’m no Kappa.” Kagome griped.

She barely noticed Sesshoumaru move, until it became apparent he’d undone the secures of his armour. He then lifted it off him and set it down, before reaching for his white and red hankimono, tugging at the folds of clothing. Kagome’s face grew warmer as she quickly held up her hands. “What are you doing? I-if you need to train again, you could turn around to get shirtless.”

Not that it would make a difference, he’d still be shirtless in her prensence and oh god don’t ogle-

Kagome swiftly turned around as he took off the outer layer of clothing. She jumped when she felt him nudge her arm, and the miko turned, expecting to see his bare chest. Instead, he’d kept his hanjuban on, the crisp white under-layer looking as pristine as the material he now held.

She looked down at his hand, seeing his trademark red honey-comb design staring back at her. Was he…seriously offering it to her?

Kagome quickly put one hand on his striped wrist. “What are you doing?” She asked in a weaker voice, confused.

“You can wear this. If you so choose.” He stated, pushing the soft clothing into her hands. She stared at him, noting he looked strange without the billowing white and red sleeves, more approachable and unguarded. Blue eyes fell to the fabric she held, thumb rubbing it. Such fine silks in her hands felt wrong. She didn’t think she’d ever held something so expensive and fine before. They were usually barred from human touch in a museum. He expected her to wear it?

Kagome opened her mouth to refuse, thinking she’d damage it- but the intentness of his steady gaze brought her up short. Somehow, it felt as though he were offering more than just clothing, though it was lost on her what that was. Yet she felt it’s weight all the same.

“I’ll be swimming in it…” she says instead, hoping he’d take it back. She didn’t want to confront that look, or the weight.

“This Sesshoumaru is aware.”

Kagome faltered, cheeks burning. Her traitorous heart fluttered as though she were still a school girl. “I don’t know how to…” she unfolded it and then quickly held it up when the fabric nearly brushed the floor.

The Daiyoukai eased closer, retaking the clothing from her- long fingers skimming hers as he stepped around her. Kagome hesitantly lifted her arm, feeling as though she were naked in his presence now as he slid it into the sleeve. She kept her eyes fixed forward as she felt the weight of the sleeves, the warmth of the newly used silks settle around her shoulders.

Her lips pressed together, feeling his breath fanning against the side of her head as he lent in close to tuck the fabric in, his hand brushing her bare collarbone as he closed the parting at the front. He brought out a smaller cloth than his sash, but it did the job as he secured it around her waist to keep the fabric in place. All the while her heart had graduated from fluttering and was now majoring in hammering inside her rib-cage.

They were platonic. Friends. Platonic friends. Kagome tried to remember this as he lent back slightly and she tilted her head up- underestimating his proximity and the intensity of his gold eyes.

“Done,” he said, not touching her now. And yet her skin thrummed as though reaching back for him, and something hooked low in her stomach at just the thought of it; waiting for him to move.

Some of his silver hair tickled her cheek as she stayed still, looking up at him, nodding slowly. “Thank you.” She murmured, breathing out and stepping away the moment she thought he moved an inch closer.

She lifted her arm, noticing the sleeves had been tied back at her elbows to allow for movement, and his attention to detail left her touched. More so, the fineness of the material had her looking up at him again with true gratitude now, rather than awe. “Really. This is…I don’t know why you’re doing it, but I feel like royalty in this.”

“Are you so certain…you do not know why I’m doing it?” He muttered, and it sang straight down her spine.

Kagome’s eyes widened and she mentally stepped back even as she remained perfectly still. His voice combined with the look in his eyes sent her off kilter. All this time there had been a safety-net- that Sesshoumaru disliked humans, so of course he wouldn’t look at her that way.

Only he was. Right then. In a way that was unmistakable to pass off as something else.

“These clothes are really important to you, so I-I promise I’ll being them back as soon as I’m done, okay?” She shakily murmured instead, and felt her body wilt the moment disappointment skittered over his expression- to be replaced with his usual passive and non-emotive face. Gone were the burning embers.

Kagome took a few steps back, smile hurting on her face as she waved and turned. “Be back at sunset if those puritan wives don’t come chasing me back with pitchforks!” She says, quickly heading away and feeling his eyes on her back until she was out of sight.

The moment a decent amount of distance had been created between them, Kagome put her hand on her chest and stopped dead, breathing out. Emotion burst within her- all for him, which she viciously tried to temper. Those vague desires he’d elicited in her over the weeks with his training felt tame compared to whatever that had just been. Maybe he’d been building to this, or perhaps it had just been an accident.

Kagome reluctantly pushed herself forward, padding to a nearby river and looking at her reflection. The white and red garb stood out starkly against her black hair, and she touched at her thigh, were the material ended. It was almost like…when a boyfriend lent his girl a shirt to wear.

Only not many girls got to experience this kind of material. She passed an experimental hand over it, comparing it to Inuyasha’s robe of the fire-rat. Much like the wearer, Inuyasha’s had felt coarser, but reliable. Sesshoumaru’s felt like touching cool water.

She mentally winces when she remembers calling him 'big brother’ last year, shortly after her return to the past. What the hell was she doing? And why couldn’t she stop thinking that she really- really wanted to lift the material to her nose and smell it?

Kagome pressed her hands to her eyes and groaned, before trudging off in the direction of the village.

Kenta splashed happily as he kicked his legs, thoroughly soaking Kagome, yet she laughed it off, grinning. She supported him under his stomach as they moved through the water, the seven year old wanting to take off like a jet and swim on his own, but Kagome was reluctant to let him go. She wished she had water wings, and without them, her mini class had to rely on planks of wood or their protective mothers for support in the water.

The mothers weren’t as dismissively hostile with her now, in fact the moment she’d stepped foot in-front of them in Sesshoumaru’s garb, they had clammed up but been slightly more respectful of her. Kagome had felt mild irritation and sighed, but ultimately waved it off. However, the implications were not lost on her. The villagers would probably think they were lovers.

Her damned cheeks heated again, and she grit her teeth. Why didn’t that bother him? He couldn’t just look at her like that out of the blue! And didn’t his reputation matter to him? What if a big deal demon saw her and started spreading gossip that they were an item?

Kagome sighed as she straightened and helped the boy to the river bank. Knowing Sesshoumaru, he wouldn’t care about that kind of thing. He seemed so secure in everything he chose to do, she sort of envied him.

Kenta took his mothers hand and waved at her as he padded away. Kagome smiled and returned it, as many more of the village children started to leave.

“Thank you Kagome!~” Chirped a young girl.

“You’re welcome Megumi. Keep practising your paddle and remember to try and kick your legs under the water next time.” Kagome giggled, waving the children off. Some of the mothers nodded to her as they departed, and Kagome was left to herself by the river.

She held her arms, feeling a slight chill as she turned, bending to pick up the make-shift floats out of the water. The cool silk was now plastered to her, but somehow it felt comforting.

That exercise had been kind of successful, she thought. For a first lesson anyway. She’d have to keep visiting the village, but maybe she could teach some children of Edo how to swim too. Kagome briefly wondered if that would affect time too much- before the sound of several pairs of footsteps made her turn.

Two men stood on the river bank, one holding a fishing net, the other had his arm hidden behind his back- probably holding a knife. Kagome stepped back into the ankle deep water of the shore cautiously. “Hey, uh…can I help you?” She asked carefully. Crap, she’d left her bow and other things with Sesshoumaru.

“Sure can. You can strip for us honey.” The burlier one grinned, looking at her keenly as she bristled.

“Excuse me?” She gritted out.

The leaner man with the net shifted. “It’s not what you think. We just want what you’re wearing. That’s demon clothing. Fetches a high price, especially tailor made- give it over and we won’t have to hurt ya.”

Kagome’s eyes widened. “Don’t you know who this belongs to? He’d kill you if you guys even touched it. No way- gah!” She jumped back as the big one swiped at her with the previously concealed knife. It was bigger than she’d figured, resembling a machete.

“Hand it over, damn it!” He growled, this time trying to grab her as Kagome ducked under his arm and ran up the river bank, sprinting as hard as she could. Hearing their shouts and footsteps behind her, Kagome left the river to run up a steep incline, fairly certain it would lead her back to the path towards Sesshoumaru, when something hit the back of her legs.

She gave a yelp as her chin met the earth, and Kagome rolled down the hill some- before getting to her feet again and not looking behind her to see how close they were. When reaching the top of the hill however, she found herself overlooking the deeper part of the river, and turned to see the men gaining on her. The lean one threw the fish net up, and Kagome grit her teeth, squirming as it fell over her head.

“Get this off!” She yelled, finding that she was getting herself tangled searching for a way to get free.

“You can strip under there girly or we’ll remove ya clothes for ya.” One of them grunted.

“I can’t give this to you! It’s important to him.” Kagome staggered back, eyes wide as they approached her again.

Not thinking anything of it and acting purely on impulse, Kagome turned and jumped from the height- falling towards the river. She met the water soon enough, being plunged into the depths. She kicked her legs and managed to reach the surface despite the fishnet, but the current pulled her further downstream. Coughing, Kagome barely noticed that she’d lost sight of the men as she tried to keep afloat, feeling the net get tangled around her legs.

Kagome felt herself stop as some sort of force held her in the water. Looking back behind her, she found that the net had gotten caught in some branches from an overhanging bush. She let out her breath and eased down under the water, trying to find a way out while she had the chance. It was with difficulty but relief that Kagome eventually got herself free, sliding out of the net parting and swimming to the river bank, exhaustedly pulling herself ashore.

Coughing, she pushed her wet hair back from her face and sat for a moment to catch her breath. She then patted herself down with shaky hands. No injuries was a plus. Kagome almost congratulated herself when she felt it.

A tear.

She quickly checked her right side at her hip. A very large tear.

It arched up around her stomach, the fine material sliced in a clean cut. She couldn’t believe she hadn’t noticed it. Her skin was neatly exposed, but Kagome hardly cared about that. Instead, her heart raced as she pulled the two separate pieces together.

“Oh no…” She murmured, brows pulling together. She’d…promised to take good care of it. It didn’t take a genius to see that the clothing meant a lot to him. It bore his crest, and he always kept it immaculate. In battle he moved with his 'fancy footwork’ as though trying not to spill an ounce of blood on it. Inuyasha had sometimes torn it, sure…but even if it were easily mended she couldn’t shake the feeling that she’d broken her word.

Kagome’s shoulders began to shake and her cheeks grew warm. She then grew even more upset that she was getting upset.

Her vision had gone blurry by the time something large and warm fell onto her head gently, and Kagome started. She raised her head, a few tears falling as she saw blurry white in-front of her. Her breathing hitched as she smelled his scent even without lifting the material to her nose, and Kagome stifled a sob. “I’m sorry.”

“Why are you crying?” He muttered, his warmth drawing closer- until Kagome pressed herself willingly forward into his chest and gripped his clothing tightly. She let out a ramble of words that were meant to explain herself, but all Sesshoumaru could probably hear were the blubberings of a woman-child.

Kagome felt his warm palm stroke the top of her head as she cried. She slowly fell quiet because of that soothing touch, sort of wanting to stay there like that longer. He was gentle and calm in the storm of her emotions.

She soon opened her eyes, rubbing at her cheeks as she pulled away slightly.

“I never cry.” Kagome mumbled. “Sorry, that was awkward, huh?”

“No.”

She looked at him then and noticed his dark expression as he stared at the tear.“A clean cut from a blade.” Sesshoumaru uttered, lifting his gaze to hers. “You were attacked,” he stated. It was not a question.

Kagome sighed and put her hand on her side. “Two guys. They’re probably long gone now.”

His youki spilled out and curled around him, the atmosphere turning heavy with displeasure. He was angry, she realised. Very angry.

“I could try and mend the tear,” she tried to quell the energy snapping in the air. “It probably won’t be as clean a stitch but-” Kagome’s breath caught as he grasped the front of the clothing, tugging her in close as a snarl hissed out from clenched teeth.

“This one does not care about the clothing. It is you, foolish girl, that this one will be shedding blood for.”

Kagome’s eyes widened. The formless emotion within her that went beyond friendship swelled and scattered her thought process. She didn’t want him to shed blood for her, but when he finally released her she was unable to form the words to stop him.

He set her pack and bow down, before leaping into the air with a crackle of stifling energy that scorched the grass he’d been standing on.

Of all times, Kagome felt something click into place then, watching him fly with such palpable rage. Anger…for her.

A few days passed after Kagome’s trip and after returning back to Edo, everything had fallen back into the way it had been before. Sesshoumaru had said nothing when he’d returned back to her on that river bank with his claws bloody, and neither of them had brought it up. Dissatisfaction gnawed at his insides, but the demon ignored it as he bid farewell to Rin after visiting her. He could not move the miko's attention toward him by force, it wouldn't work.

As he left the village and made his way up the hill, Sesshoumaru’s ears pricked as a soft 'thunk’ sound caught his attention. The faint tremble of a bow string had him moving even before he scented her, and he crested the hill in mere moments, walking on into the forest. He passed by arrows buried into targets on tree trunks, and slowed to admire them. The targets were in a myriad of places, up high in the branches or in trees further off, all of the arrows crammed onto different bulls-eyes with reiki curling around the quivers.

Something gradually built and took hold of Sesshoumaru. The holy powers in the air caused the gold of his eyes to brighten unnautually, and it was only a breath later that he lay eyes on her.

She stood, bow drawn and back arched in a way that made his claws twitch at his sides. Kagome let another arrow fly and it hit the target with a louder 'thunk’ though this one missed the bulls-eye slightly. She breathed out and straightened, meeting his gaze, and he somehow knew his presence had affected her.

“I thought I’d pay you back for all those times you trained in front of me.” She murmured as he stepped closer. “Though, I’m not half naked.”

“This one would not protest if you were.” He uttered, midsummer night eyes darkening in time with her blush.

Kagome turned to face him fully, pointing at him accusingly. “I figured it out, you know. All this time, you were peacocking!”

This caused him to stop and tilt his head slightly. Kagome nodded furiously. “Don’t try and deny it. You were showing off your powers and strength.”

“Yes.” He admitted bluntly, eyes narrowing in thought. “Why call it that though?”

“Male peacocks do this thing where they display all their features, fanning them out. They do it because…uh, because…” Kagome trailed off, blushing as she glanced away.

“It is part of a courtship ritual to attract a mate.” Sesshoumaru finished for her, stepping closer as his eyes warmed. He raised his head then, looking at the targets around them. “You did not need to do this. Your feats with the Shikon no tama proved your strength.”

“Pot kettle black, buddy.” Kagome muttered, sighing and looking up at him as her cheeks continued to burn. “I know how strong you are. You didn’t need to train in-front of me to prove that.”

Her heart hammered in her chest as he brought his hand up, sliding it into her hair behind her ear. “It was more than that, true you’ve seen this one’s strength, but dedication must also be exhibited.”

Kagome leaned into his hand slightly as she swallowed. “I knew that about you too, since you’ve taken care of Rin.” Her hands tentatively rose to rest on his chest, thankful his armour was missing. She felt his warmth and the silk under her palms as she smoothed one hand higher, brushing it over the red and white honeycomb design on his shoulder. “It’s not like you to be self-conscious of your abilities.” She murmured.

Sesshoumaru growled lowly. “It was not a lack of belief in my abilities, merely, it is tradition to show you will be provided for. And this one will take no half measures when trying to court you.”

The breath rushed out of her lungs in a rush. He really said it, and so easily too.

“You really…want that?” She asked quieter.

The hand in her hair pulled away to raise her chin, until she stared up at burning gold. “Do not insult us both by questioning my intentions when this one has already given an answer.” He mutters, mouth pressed into a thin, grim line.

Kagome made to say something when that mouth suddenly pressed against hers, making her squeak. His lips made her heart jolt, and she stood frozen- breathless for a moment, before she leaned slightly into him and kissed back.

He shuddered slightly at the feel of her soft mouth parting as the kiss became more heated and explorative. Lightning crashed down her veins. Her hand smoothed up to cradle the side of his face- thumb accidentally brushing his stripes. Teeth nipped at her lower lip in response and she boldly let her tongue brush against his, experimentally touching his fang- retreating at the sharpness of it. He chuckled slightly against her mouth, as she pressed more into him, finding he tasted like something inexplicable but familiar. Like the taste of the air on a warm summer night.

He pulled back enough to look her dead in the eye. “What do you want, Kagome?” He muttered, their breaths intermingling and coming in warm puffs against their mouths.

Kagome looked at him, her cheeks rosy and lips still slightly parted to maddeningly tempt him. When her thumb brushed his markings again- he almost called her cruel, until she smiled.

“I set up all these targets for you, silly. When I figured out what you’d been doing all this time, I wanted to show off my feathers too, so to speak.” She grinned, before quieting slightly. “We need to work on our communication skills though, you do things the demon way and I don’t always know what you mean by it, so yeah, we need to talk more.”

She leaned up on her tip toes then and brushed her lips against his cheek. “But I do…want you. I want to get to know you more. 'Paying attention to the smallest details helps to gauge a picture of the whole’, right? So, show me-” his mouth on hers cut her off again and he swallowed her muffled words.

Kagome smiled against his mouth as she felt his arms slide around her waist. It would take a little time to get used to the newness of it. His reserved air was completely gone, and the determined, firm lips against hers perhaps should have intimidated her, but Kagome only encouraged it.

As she willingly embraced the demon, she felt herself become wrapped in warm silken robes.

End ~

(A second chapter has been written if you’d like more ^^ read it - here )

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