#chara: safiya lockhurst

[fairywilds]

Seated at a corner table inside Cool Beans café, Safiya cradled a cup of chamomile tea, its warmth spreading through her fingers. She glanced toward the person nearby and smiled faintly. "...Long day?" she asked, her tone gentle but knowing. "Sometimes I think the hardest part of living here isn't everything that's been happening lately, it's balancing it all and still finding time to breathe," she exhaled. It was nice to find some sort of calm in this moment, even if she wasn't sure it would last. "—What's on your mind tonight?" She questioned.

[fairywilds]

"It's a constant balancing act, isn't it?" Safiya responded sympathetically, nodding in understanding. "Setting high expectations can lead to disappointment, yet striving for excellence feels right. Perhaps finding middle ground is the key." She offered Delilah a supportive smile. "But hey, I like to think every new year brings new opportunities. Maybe this year will be the one where we actually find some of that balance." Safiya paused, her gaze thoughtful. "And who knows? Maybe surprises await us just around the corner."

"all of the time - it's the greatest curse because no matter how hard you try you always end up disappointing yourself." the brunette admitted. "sure sometimes you surprise yourself but majority of the time you're not that lucky." delilah was honest, shrugging. "maybe that should be something i work on this year - maybe."

[fairywilds]

Safiya arrived at Elsa's doorstep with a gift basket from the bakery, brimming with an array of delectable treats. She had carefully selected each item, considering what she knew of Elsa's preferences. Safiya wanted to express her gratitude for Elsa having left the reins of the floral shop to her and figured this would be a good gesture. With a warm smile, Safiya knocked on the door, eager to check in on Elsa and see how she was faring especially with all the exciting new changes in Elsa's life as of lately. She hoped the sweet treats would bring a bit of joy to Elsa's day and convey her heartfelt appreciation for their friendship and all of Elsa's generosity. ( @howmcnythings )

[fairywilds]

The fateful encounter between the Lockhursts and the Narvaezs unfolded when the latter family relocated to Northknot. Safiya, a mere six years old at the time, had no other home but Northknot, but was welcoming to Zac Narvaez when their family moved into town. The Lockhurst family, comprised of Safiya, her parents Reuban and Asma, struggled financially, yet their tenacious work ethic kept them afloat. Hailing from a long lineage of fairies in the Vine Clan, Safiya's family served as reliable natural healers in the community. Zac Narvaez, plagued by ailments, sought solace in the Lockhursts' healing abilities. When Maria Narvaez passed away, Asma Lockhurst, despite their financial hardships, couldn't fathom seeing Zac and his sister go elsewhere. Taking them in, Asma understood that their healing magic was vital for Zac's survival. Only a year older than Zac, Safiya and he shared a small, humble abode, often partitioning rooms with bed sheets. As Safiya celebrated her fourteenth birthday, Zac's heart condition deteriorated, leading to frequent hospital visits. Despite his sickest state, Safiya, having grown close to him, delved into learning about healing herbs and medicinal flowers. Eventually, Zac underwent a heart transplant, but the ordeal left him with worsening anxiety and agoraphobia. Witnessing his struggles, Safiya recognized his potential and embarked on a journey to support him. She became his pillar, encouraging therapy and helping him overcome severe panic attacks. Even now, she remains a steadfast presence in his life, navigating the challenges of anxiety alongside him. Navigating a childhood with limited finances, Safiya honed her financial awareness, diligently managing her money and establishing a savings account. Fueled by drive and ambition, she sought to transcend her modest beginnings. Upon graduation, she secured a spot at Northknot University, dedicating four years to the study of business. Joining the flower shop in town, owned by Elsa Morgan, Safiya found herself not just accepted but thriving in an environment where she could delve into plant knowledge and their healing properties. Interacting with the community echoed the connection she observed in her parents. Accumulating sufficient funds, she moved into a bustling part of town, reveling in the freedom of independent living while remaining a supportive presence for friends and family. Recently, Elsa, feeling burnt out and yearning for something more, decided to step down from running the flower shop. With the added stress of impending parenthood, Safiya noticed Elsa's burdens. Given Elsa's transition to a stay-at-home parent, it seemed fitting to pass the ownership torch to Safiya. Eager and happy to accept, Safiya believed it not only benefited Elsa but also marked an exciting entrepreneurial chapter in her own life.

[fairywilds]

Safiya glanced over quickly before turning back, shaking her head in protest. "No way, Calliope, they're definitely staring at you," she insisted, her voice a bit flustered. "You're the one who lights up a room. I'm just here trying not to trip in these heels." She glanced down at her feet, trying to play it off casually. "Besides, I’m pretty sure they’re more into the life of the party than someone hiding by the bar."

"Don't look now but they are totally staring at you," Calliope said, nodding in their direction, "What? Weddings are a great chance for a hook up. Everyone's all caught up in the romance and partying, you should take advantage."

[fairywilds]

Safiya's smile widened at Zac's laugh, her heart warming at his response. "Exactly," she said, her tone light yet sincere. "We're in this together, through thick and thin. No matter what life throws at us, we'll face it side by side. I'll always find a way to help you thrive," she added with a hopeful grin. "After all, having each other is a pretty powerful thing."

Zac let out a laugh at Safi's comments. "I guess I can agree with that," Zac replied. "Sounds a lot better than doing it alone."

[fairywilds]

"I hear you," Safiya replied with a wistful smile, understanding Delilah's sentiment about adulthood. "We all had those grand visions of what life would be like, only to find ourselves navigating the complex twisting turns of reality instead." She paused for a moment, reflecting on her own experiences. "But, just like wines, I suppose variety is the spice of life, after all," Safiya remarked with a chuckle. "And you're absolutely right — sometimes, it's best to seize the moment when you can and enjoy what's available." She nodded in agreement, appreciating Delilah's perspective on making the most of life's offerings. "At least, that's what I tell myself. Do you ever feel like your expectations are too high?" She expressed with a sigh.

"i'll let her know you appreciate her efforts." she joked, a happy smile on her face. "why is everything so disappointing as an adult? as a child i had dreams and hopes of what it would all be like, and i have to admit it didn't go exactly how i thought it would." delilah was honest. "i like a nice fruity blend - so i'm sure you'll be okay." she admitted. "i'll drink anything thats open honestly, life is too hard to turn away an open bottle."

[fairywilds]

Safiya chuckled at Delilah's teasing about her upbringing, appreciating the lighthearted banter. "Well, kudos to your mother then," she replied with a playful comment. As Delilah shared her perspective on emotionally investing in someone only to discover they're emotionally unavailable, Safiya couldn't help but sympathize. "Ah, the burnt toast phenomenon, a classic letdown," she remarked, her expression mirroring a mix of amusement and understanding. When Delilah mentioned consuming wine to drown their feelings, Safiya grinned, enjoying the humor. "No preferences, surprise me. As long as it's not too dry, I'm all in for some quality emotional drowning," she quipped, embracing the jestful tone of the conversation. "I think I prefer sweeter, fruitier wines," She answered Delilah. "...What about you? You seem more like the connoisseur between the two of us, don't you have a favorite?" Safiya questioned.

"what can i say my mother raised me right." the brunette teased, a wide grin on her lips. "and you find people who are so emotionally attractive that you let your whole world rotate around them like they're the sun, until you find out there emotionally unavailable? it's like a burnt piece of toast - disappointing." a sigh escaped delilahs lips. "do you have a preferred wine? i'll be sure to order a decently sized amount so that we have no trouble drowning our feelings." she joked.

[fairywilds]

Safiya nodded, her fingers curling tighter around the tea mug as if savoring its warmth. “You’re right,” she said. “Calm feels rare these days, doesn’t it? Almost like we have to fight for it, and even then, it’s fleeting.” Her gaze lingered on the person, studying them for a moment before continuing. “But maybe that’s why it’s worth it— because it’s not easy. It’s a reminder to slow down every now and then." She tilted her head slightly, offering a gentle smile. “...What’s been making it hard for you lately?" She questioned, sympathetically.

THE CALMNESS OF A CAFÉ AFTER A LONG SHIFT WAS EXACTLY WHAT SHE NEEDED. so far, she was e n j o y i n g the town. but it did have her on edge. she knew if people figured out what she was, she'd be banished (again) or worse. all she wanted was to be better... do more to help. it shouldn't be this– her inside rant was cut off by a gentle voice. looking over, the woman smiled at the person. pausing from taking another bit from her salad, she spoke. "i was honestly think about how it shouldn't be this hard to have calm moments." her voice was soft, to not interrupt the atmosphere.

[fairywilds]

"Oh, bad Chinese is the perfect treat to a night like that. I'll have to take you up on that offer," Safiya responded with a determined chuckle, her optimism shining through. "An extra wine glass? You know how to treat a guest right." She nodded at Delilah's observation about modern love. "You have a point. The romantic ideals people chase often fall short of reality. I've always believed in setting high standards, but, that also means that finding someone emotionally attractive is indeed very rare. It's a struggle being surrounded by those who don't meet the intellectual and emotional benchmarks, isn't it?" Safiya lamented.

"i might even order some bad chinese - really devote myself to the tragic and lonely image i'm broadcasting." she joked, a small grin on her lips. "you're more than welcome - i'll even put out an extra wine glass for you." delilah was honest, offering the other a half wink. "i thin people these days are more in love with the idea of being in love than the actual process." the brunette mused, shrugging. "i don't know - i feel like i'm on the losing team - i mean of course i think people are good looking from an artificial stand point but emotionally attractive? i don't think anyone's readily available for what i need or want."

[fairywilds]

Safiya smiled warmly at Zac's jest, "Seriously, I'm just thankful that we're in each other's lives." She expressed with gratitude. That's what sisters are for, right? To guide you when you need it. Through the ups and downs, to teach important lessons, and to be there no matter what." She paused, her expression softening. "And hey, if we're withering away to nothing, at least we'll do it together, right?" she added, her voice filled with warmth.

Zac let out a small laugh. "I don't know, probably wither away to nothing or something," he joked lightly. "I feel like between the two of us though, I should be the one asking you that."

[fairywilds]

Safiya nodded, a thoughtful expression on her face as she spoke, "Tragic romance movie night sounds like a perfectly valid plan," she replied with a warm smile. "I might have to crash it," she half-joked, "And hey, being 'boring' can be pretty comforting sometimes. As for dating, I totally understand the struggle because sometimes the whole process can be so artificial," Safiya admitted, her hands still working with the decorations. "But who knows, Delilah, if it's one thing I've learned it is that life has its way of surprising us when we least expect it." She paused, her gaze meeting Delilah's with a hint of encouragement. "Until then, you're telling me nobody has caught your eye? Even if just to think they're cute?" She persisted with a smile.

delilah let a small hum escape her lips as she worked, looking over at the other when the question was asked. "oh - no i don't think so." a laugh escaped her lips. "i'm quite boring - will probably stay in and watch a tragic romance movie." the brunette admitted, moving to place the bouquet she'd just finished in the cooler. "i don't really date - i mean not that i wouldn't love to, i just - i hate online dating and nothing natural has occurred yet."

[fairywilds]

Safiya waved her hand dismissively, a small smile easing onto her lips. "Oh, it's nothing serious," she reassured Zachariah. "Just a minor mishap" Gratefully, she accepted the towel, dabbing at a few stray specks of residue that were still on her. "Thank you so much, Zac," she said appreciatively. "What would I do without you?" She expressed.

"Blowing up in your face? Are you alright?" Zachariah asked, concerned. Zac grabbed a towel, holding it out to Safiya. "Here."

[fairywilds]

Safiya's smile widened at Elsa's greeting, her heart warmed by the genuine affection in her friend's voice. Stepping inside, she offered the gift basket to Elsa with a gentle flourish. "I brought you a little something," she said with a playful glint in her eyes. "Consider it a small token of my appreciation for all that you've done. Also, a reminder that you're never alone." Safiya expressed warmly, her tone filled with sincerity. "How have you been holding up lately? I know things have probably been... busy, to say the least, huh?" she added, concern evident in her voice as she glanced at Elsa, hoping she was coping well with the recent changes in her life.

Things were crazy lately. Elsa was still trying to figure out exactly what to do with herself without her job at the flower shop, but now she was in charge of growing a small werefairy. Even though nobody really knew yet except her, Orlaith, and Quinn, it was exciting. Still, despite the fact that she was starting to feel the nausea and the exhaustion, she missed her coworkers and her friends. She had a habit of staying in more than not when she didn't actually have somewhere she needed to be. So when her friend showed up unexpectedly on her doorstep, she grinned. "Safiya, hi," she greeted softly. "What are you doing here? Come on in."

[fairywilds]

"Ah, romance and roses, the perfect combination," Safiya remarked from where she was standing by the front window where she was hanging up Valentine's day decorations. Her eyes twinkled with excitement as she listened to Delilah. "Seeing those bundles always reminds me why I adore what I do. It's not just about flowers; it's about weaving emotions into every petal." She paused, her lips curving into a thoughtful smile as she feigned waxing poetic. She then sighed, wistfully, and continued on, "Valentine's Day indeed brings out the romantic in everyone, doesn't it?" Safiya mused, her mind already racing through her meticulously organized to-do list for the upcoming holiday rush. "As for plans, let's just say Back to the Fuchsia is definitely going to be blooming with decorations," Safiya glanced over at Delilah again, after hanging up another decoration, her optimistic nature shining through. "What are you going to be doing? Anyone special you'll be spending your time with?" She mused, teasingly, but also genuinely curious.

delilah & anyone

"hey love - how can i help you today?" the brunette questioned, placing the cuttings of the roses in a bundle together. "how precious is this? someone ordered it for their partner - romance really is in the air." a laugh escaped delilah's lips. "valentines day is approaching, do you have any plans?"

[fairywilds]

Safiya entered the scene covered in blown-up plant material, herbs, and a light purple liquid, emitting a fragrant aroma of flowers. Seeing her brother, she couldn't contain her laughter. "Zac, look at me!" she complained, shaking her head. "This is the result of fairy healing magic blowing up in my face, not a witch's doing, I promise. I may look like a mess, but it was all me. I was distracted, but the only thing you should be concerned about is me coming over there and hugging you while I have this stuff all over me," she protested in a joking fashion. "—Although, I only made a witch mad like that one time! And I like to think it was a total misunderstanding." She added with a slight grin.

closed starter - zachariah & safiya ( @shadowveileds )

Zac tilted his head lightly, looking at his sister. He did not expect to see her like that when he walked in. "Do you want to explain, what exactly you're doing? Should I be concerned that you're cursed or something? Did you make a witch mad again?"