be the air we breathe

It seemed that her father's disappearance had only made the girl even more withdrawn, but of her flaws she was oblivious -- her quiet nature was seen by her family as stern diligence. So engrossed in her task had she been that the arrival of another left her temporarily stunned, but her surprised faded fluidly as the girl spoke again. The girl spoke the plant's name -- lavender -- eliciting another smile from Ara's delicate features. "Doesn't it smell nice?" she inquired softly, not only a gentle attempt at conversation, but a question she truly wondered. It was a beautiful smell to her, accentuated by the fact that it was such a versatile and useful plant, and so easily found too! Ara was amazed at the plant, only vaguely aware of the hundreds of herbs that surrounded her each and every day, though she wanted with all her heart to fill her head will more knowledge than was possible. It was a shame that her interest would be sparked so strongly in the season when plants were the most scarce, but it only gave the girl more to look forward to when winter passed.

The girl said she was not from Seracia, and she would watch with a curious tilt of her head as she explained. "I have heard of Ludicael," she offered gently. Despite the girl's serious expression, Ara was not at all spooked. Though she did not smile, she did not scowl either, and her face was unmarred by anger. "I'm Ara." Her name was simple, one syllable; not at all beautiful like her siblings' names. "Are you a healer, Callisto?" Her new acquaintance was young, like herself, but she was oblivious to what knowledge she might possess.