#neuviline

[tiny-cloud-of-flowers]

My Lady Telanthera,

Another year has passed, it seems. It feels as though only a blink has occurred in the time I've known you, and yet the depth of my feelings has not subsided in the slightest- if anything, they appear to have grown deeper. If you were not you, dearest, I may consider it worrying; as such, I know I have nothing to be concerned of at your side.

Your birthday has come again, and I wished to give you my hopes once more. ...I always feel lacking in the fact I am unable to celebrate you as publicly as other nobles may be able to, even as I know you hold no grudge against me when I cannot... But perhaps one day- perhaps one day soon we'll be able to celebrate as you well deserve.

I'm afraid my words always seem to slip through my grasp when I write these letters to you. It appears you have that affect on me. From the first time you saw my true nature to even now, my guard never appears to be up as much as it should be to protect myself from acting like a fool around you...

Ah... And yet... I never seem to mind as much as I should. You, my love, rarely make those moments unpleasant.

...I apologize. This letter has gotten quite lengthy, has it not? And on a topic so unrelated to what I sought out to write to you about. Then I'll end it on this note:

Happy Birthday, my lady. I hope your day is just as wonderful as the days you often seem to bring me.

Yours,

Camellia Smith

[...placed in the envelope along with the letter is a pressed heliotrope flower.]

I refuse to continue to portray Telanthera as uncharacteristically flustered like I have kept doing before this so I’m afraid you just get a very worn-out me instead (well, Telanthera is me, but that’s because she’s my self-insert - hopefully you get the drill)

And so, I say: aaaaaaah this was so, so special, friend! Thank you so, so much, seriously - this letter truly means a lot to me and I have treasured it ever since I first read it. There are so many wonderful details that you’ve included and they all really made me smile (“dearest” as a pet name from Camellia of all people, heliotropes representing devotion.. aaaah I just feel so lucky right now >w<)

Thank you, so much, once again!!!

[tiny-cloud-of-flowers]

ca~mel~lia! do you and lady telanthera share any hobbies? if not, are there any that you've tried to pick up for the other? if so, how do the two of you usually enjoy them together?

Camellia: "I see that you have prepared a veritable array of questions, my liege. Very well; I shall answer each to the best of my ability, as always.

My lady and I do indeed share a number of pastimes, though not all. The one which we are fortunate enough to partake in most together would be reading - though, more precisely, it is often that my lady will take the opportunity to read her latest novels of interest aloud, should I happen to be preoccupied with other tasks yet still present in the room with her at the time. This, I believe, is her way of including me in the process, even whilst I am carrying out my duties. ..At her insistence, I have occasionally joined her in the impromptu recital of certain scenes, should she be re-reading ones I recall well enough to recite. Then, there was that additional instance of her practising a favourite song that typically features both a main vocal and harmony, one particular afternoon..

Ahem. In terms of acquiring any new hobbies as a result of the other, my lady has been quite graciously endeavouring to expand her palate of favoured teas as of late, and at each instance, has requested my assistance with preparation. Despite the array of different varieties she has tested by this point, none have truly seemed to satisfy her tastes - yet she has been persevering regardless, which is rather unlike her when considering her general reticence regarding meals. ..I suspect that part of this is due to what she perceives as the less strenuous nature of this task compared to other duties I may otherwise be engaged with, as well as perhaps the fact that it allows us a while to share together, usually away from many others.

Hm. If this has satisfied your curiosity, and is all which you require from me at this time, then I shall take my leave, my liege. However, as ever, please do not hesitate to call on me again, should you have need to once more."

[tiny-cloud-of-flowers]

a question for cameron! if lady telanthera is feeling down, is there a way you know is best to cheer her up? does she try to return the favour, or does she typically have too much on her plate and/or is in too different of a position?

Cameron: "Oh! Of course, my liege - I shall answer these all for you, right away!

Hmm.. Lady Telanthera does her utmost to appear as calm and collected as she can muster, most of the time - but, as with anyone, there are occasions when she grows troubled, or most often, overwhelmed. Lia is always very good at directing her away from troubling thoughts, or helping her find a way to leave stressful environments - but, if she wasn't already with her for whatever reason, then she'll usually come and find me in the gardens. I do spend most of my time there, after all, and getting to speak with her about how all of the plants are faring is something she and I both seem to find relaxing! I'm, ah.. not the loudest of people, as you know, but I'm glad that she feels she can come to me so frequently, whether she needs consoling or uplifting.

Regarding the second part of your question, ah - I would say that both suggestions are true, to some extent! For example, Lady Telanthera will often make time to approach me in the gardens, even when she isn't feeling quite so down - and I must say that her presence there is always very appreciated, especially whenever I myself am feeling rather lonely. She enjoys hearing what I have to say about the many different plants I'm tasked with caring for, and always makes sure to ask after my own condition, as well. I'm very grateful for her genuine interest. Oh- of course, she cannot always accompany me as much as she has sometimes said she would like to, but.. nevertheless, the fact she goes out of her way to do so when she can is, um, something I do truly appreciate, as I have said before.

Is there anything more that you need of me, my liege? I do hope that my answers were satisfactory, but- please do not hesitate to say if there is anything more you wish to know!"