owfloracarr-blog

[owfloracarr-blog]

Astoria couldn’t take her eyes off the blonde sitting in front of her, though she certainly tried to. But every half second they strayed they found their way back. Three years. Maybe. It wasn’t like Astoria kept track. But she had been eighteen, and now she was twenty-one, and well, time flies when you’re running. “It’s good to see you too,” she said, the slightest hint of warmth creeping up her cheeks at the compliment. Of course Astoria looked good and compliments didn’t typically phase her, but for some reason, this one did. Maybe because the giver was looking pretty radiant herself. “Thanks. I think the word suits you far better, though. You look good. Time away treated you well, then?”

Was she telling the truth? Flora could never get a good read on Astoria, not at Hogwarts and certainly not now. She’d like to think the Greengrass was at least fond of her, as a friend. There had ben... moments, but knowing Flora, she very well could have imagined them. The words rolled off of Astoria’s lips naturally. She was used to pleasantries like this. She had heard Astoria was engaged, as was expected for someone like the two of them, but whoever had probably been gossiping, most likely Hestia, had neglected to say tho who. “Thank you, um. I’d like to think so. I learned a lot. I learned about about creatures and myself, really. You spend six months in a jungle with only yourself as company and you pick up some things.” Her voice was honest, but her eyes hid away, afraid of making eye contact with the woman across her. What Flora couldn’t get a ready on, Astoria could see straight through her.

[owfloracarr-blog]

Astoria was sitting on a sofa, tucked into the corner with her legs crossed, fingers wrapped around a glass of firewhiskey that her eyes were glued to out of boredom. The drink, of course, and certainly not the massive emerald stone shining brightly on her ring finger that felt like it could sink her if she was thrown into a lake and forgot how to swim. Then she heard it. That voice. A voice she hadn’t heard in years. She looked up, sober enough to recognize that this was not the twin she came here for, and just tipsy enough that she didn’t immediately get up and walk away, like she had all those years ago. “Flora,” she said, a hint of surprise to her tone, a tinge of curiosity flaring up in her chest. “When did you get back?”

She had been tired, but relaxed in her body at the same time. The sense of being home, even if it was the home of her twin sister and her fiance (also her ex boyfriend, which was delightful really). And though Flora loved traveling, dearly, learning and seeing the creature that these people had no idea roamed out there, it had been long overdue since she paid a visit back home. She hadn’t seen her parents yet and was saving that was she had her energy and wits back. 

Had Hestia told her tonight was her birthday party (their birthday was in two days, but who throws a party on a Monday, her sister had asked), Flora would’ve postponed her trip a day or two. Instead she sat here, facing a ghost. A ghost with still the most beautiful locks of hair Flora had ever seen in her life and she had seen an Aethonan’s mane. Flora suddenly remembered how to speak. “Maybe four hours ago? Possibly five? I haven’t been keeping track of time. I’m so sorry, but it’s--... it’s good to see you. You look radiant.” The rambling ceased, finally. Radiant, her mind wondered, a question mark placed firmly at the end.

[owfloracarr-blog]

“I come back home, attend this wonderful party, and this is the first time I’m able to sit down-- oh. Astoria. Hi”