It was finally beginning to look like spring in Skyhold. While the chilly edge remained, and probably would for a time yet, the garden couldn't lie about the changing of the seasons. The flowers were finally beginning to bloom again after their long slumber during the winter months. This was no less evident in the branches of the dogwood tree, its creamy white and pink petals already blossoming. In preparation for the rest of the spring, Aurora had enlisted Asala's help in cleaning the garden so that the plants that had not yet bloomed would find a welcoming and cozy home when they finally did. Asala stopped at the foot of the dogwood tree to take in the sweet scent of its flowers.
"I've always loved dogwoods," Aurora said, coming to a stop beside Asala. She glanced up at the woman and smiled, pointing at the tree while she spoke. "They bloom so early, so when they do, you know spring is on its way. And their flowers," she said, reaching up to pluck a one from a low hanging branch, "Are always so pretty and smell so sweet."
She took a deep breath through her nose, and agreed. "They are," she said, enjoying the scent of the dogwood.
Asala watched as Aurora took in the sight of flower in her hand, before her gaze shifted back to her, the smile to her lips widening as if she thought of something. She held up a finger and beckoned for Asala to lean down, and when she did, Aurora stuck the stem of the flower behind her ear. When she took a step back, she wore a look of victory on her face before, gesturing with her head to the rest of the garden. "Come on, the others need some care too," she said, turning to make her way toward the first plot.
Even in the early spring or late winter, there were a few plants that bloomed early. Though no few of them were still waiting for more of the warmth that later spring brought, Asala could still see a few colorful petals of violets, snapdragons, and a few lenten roses still blossoming. When they came to a stop, Aurora handed Asala a pair of gloves and small set of clippers, and gestured toward a flowering vine of yellow flowers. "Can you start by pruning the jasmine? She's starting to wander."
As soon as Asala wandered off to tend to the jasmine, swaying slightly in the breeze, a voice crooned just over her shoulder. Close enough to startle, but drawing further away as if the person had taken a couple of steps backwards, âBeautiful.â A pause, and a familiar laugh crackled in the pirateâs throat as she finished her sentence, âarenât they?â She always appeared to mean something different than the obvious. Words between words. Or else, it was her smile that bellied ulterior motives.
She raked a hand through her curly hair and fished something from her back pocket, taking a moment to sweep her hair into a messy ponytail. She, too, had been struck by spring fever, dressing in a lighter fare. A white, flowy tunic with the sleeves rolled up to her elbows, and short leather pants that ended just below her knees, though sheâd foregone shoes and wriggled her toes in the grass. For a moment she seemed lost for words; a miracle, in her case. Her gaze drifted off to Asalaâs ear, then back to her face, before she peered back around her shoulder.
âWhatâs that one called? Smells good.â
"Oh, it's a uh... uh," She stammered, momentarily forgetting its name. Zee had surprised her, and made her lose all the thought processes she might have had. Her mouth hung agape for perhaps a moment too long, her lips working to find the words on their own. At least, up until she stopped herself and closed her mouth. She then frowned with pursed lips, tilted her to the side, and slowed down to actually think. "It's a dogwood," she said snapping, finally finding the words again. "Sorry, you caught me by surprise," she said, with a small chuckle of her own.
Zahraâs smile was less even now. The amusement gleaming in her eyes spoke volumes. Startling her was a source of amusement, though she did mouth a wordless apology. Her smile wobbled into a grin as she rounded to Asalaâs side, and peered close enough to one of the hanging branches for her nose to nearly touch a petal. She gave it another sniff, before straightening her posture, and twining her hands behind her back. âYou did look rather focused. I couldnât resist,â she chuckled softly and pursed her lips up at her, âThough Dogwoodâs a strange name for such a sweet flower.â
She glanced about the garden before swinging her gaze back to Asala. Glancing off in the distance, where Aurora had disappeared to. Perhaps. âIâve noticed you here before,â if the bold implication bothered her at all, her Graceface had gotten better since playing Wicked Grace, âIt does suit you. Tending the gardens. Is there any particular flower you like best?â
Asala scanned around the garden at the still burgeoning plants. There was still some time yet before all of their colorful petals would bloom to life. Still though, she searched the bare stems in order to find an answer for Zee's question, until finally she just offered a simple shrug. It wasn't a question she thought about, nor had anyone asked yet. She found it difficult to come up with an answer on the spot, especially when most of the ones in the garden hadn't flowered yet. "I... don't know, to tell you the truth," she said, swinging her gaze back around to her. "But I am fond of the bright ones, you know? The colorful ones?" She tried to explain, flexing one of her hands to mimic the pop that brightness would infer.
"How about you, hmm?" Asala asked, turning the question back on her. A curious tilt of her head accompanied the question. "Do you like one in particular?"
Zahra appeared pleased with the answer, and without a beat pointed a finger up at Asalaâs face. âI like that one best,â she admitted easily, before wagging her finger towards the flower tucked behind her ear. The grin hadnât eased from her face, but sheâd taken a moment to reconsider her words. Rocking back on her heels, as if she were growing impatient with something. Finally, she rubbed at her jawline and hefted out a soft sigh. Disconcerted. It wasnât a common occurrence, but around her of late, it had been.
âActually, I didnât come here to ogle the flowers,â she made a face, something reminiscent of a pout. Difficult as it was to tell what the woman was thinking⊠she appeared to have something on her mind. Her gaze drifted up towards the dogwood hanging over their heads before she cleared her throat, seeming to come to some internal accord. âI didnât get to dance with you at the Winter Palace.â The remark sounded rather accusatory, though without any edge. Like she was sulking about it.
Flowers weren't the only thing blossoming in the garden. She could feel the warm heat of the flush crossing her cheeks, and she began to absently play with a braid of hair that rested on her shoulder. However, once Zee explained herself, Asala dropped the braid and raised her palms upward, like she was physically trying to dodge the blame. [color=#4E9AB17]"I-I, uh.. Well, you see,"[/color] she stammered, trying to find the best words to explain herself with. It was... difficult, however, as they were proving to be terribly elusive. "It's, well, I mean it is not like I didn't think about it..." She explained, a frown working itself onto her lips.
"It is just," she began, finally allowing her hands to fall back, where she held the wrist of one with the other. "There were so many people, and they were all... Watching us. It was... Nerve-wracking, I suppose. I had already stepped on everyone else and I... Poor Romulus, I think I bruised his toes something terrible," she said, still feeling a little guilty about that. That dance was different than they one they had on Estella's birthday. There was no pressure there, and she was enjoying herself. Not so at the Winter Palace. "I just did not want to step on you too."
Zahraâs pout smoothed itself out. Though her eyebrow remained raised. Inquiring further explanation. Her stare was skeptical for a moment, before she simply appeared amused. This time, the smile that pulled the corners of her lips up appeared softer. She held out her hands in defeat and shook her head, âOkay. Okay. I suppose thatâs a fair reason.â Clearly she hadnât thought about how this conversation would go. Talking out of her ass, as she liked to say. âThough I wouldnât have minded you stepping on my feet, you know.â
She gave the garden another quick glance. She chuckled as she regarded Asala once more, as if finally coming to a decision. Or a bad idea. Her hands dropped from behind her back and she drew one up in front of her, palm facing skyward. There was a flicker of awkwardness in her face, quick as a blink; or else, a trick of light that made it appear so. âWhy donât we do it here, then? Iâll perish of heartbreak otherwise, toes intact.â There wouldnât be a tavern full of people stomping their feet to the croons of a bard, nor any masked men and women spinning on marbled floors to the sound of wailing violins.
Only two people in a garden.
"Oh. Well. We cannot have that, can we?" she said a smile, though the blush on her cheeks reemerged with a vengeance. Asala then extended her own hand, and placed it into Zahra's. "Oh, right," she said while a thought came to her. She dipped into the curtsy that Marceline had taught them in preparation for the Winter Palace. Only a moment passed before she chuckled at her own little jest.
There was a moment of stifled silence, before Zahra tossed her head back in a rattling laugh that could have only come from deep in her gutâthe snorting sort she was notorious for when something tickled her fancy. She hmâd, and curtsied herself. It wasnât nearly as practiced. Those at the Winter Palace mightâve thought her uncouth for such a poor effort. Her smile, however, only burned brighter.
She drew herself up and slipped one of her hands at Asalaâs lower back. The height difference was immediately noticeable, though not as obvious as Leonâs had been. She seemed to know how to fit herself into the equation without making anything uncomfortable. She hummed a low tune in the back of her throat. Not at all unpleasant. Something reminiscent of the waltzing pieces theyâd played in the Winter Palace. She started them off in a gentle sway, eyes shuttering closed for a breath, before opening to meet hers.
A girlish, toothy grin brightened her dusky features as she spun away from her, hand still linked with hers. She was light on her feet. Almost graceful, if she wasnât giggling so much.
Now that she wasn't worried about the prying and judgmental eyes of the Orlesian nobility, the steps came easier for her and the stepping on of toes was kept to a minimum. Once Zee reeled her back in, she giggled and nodded. It was... much better than the ordeal back in Orlais. Now, it was her turn. Asala took Zee's hand with her when she raised it above her head, and spinning her in place. She smiled and let her head fall back in a laugh as she watched locks of Zee's hair bounce around. "You still have the prettiest hair," Asala managed to get out before the blush reclaimed her. "But..."
With the but, Asala let one of her hands fall away from Zee's just long enough to reach up and pluck the flower that Asala had planted in her own hair. Twirling it around with her fingers, she reached forward and gently brushed aside a strand of her hair, and settled the flower just above her ear. "There. It, uh... Looks better on you, anyway," she said with an embarrassed smile, the heat from her blush threatening to turn her ashen skin crimson.
For a moment, Zahraâs impish expression wobbled away. It was her ears that reddened first, blooming across her dusky skin. Their proximity made it even more noticeable, though she averted her gaze, focusing rather hard on something to Asalaâs right side: the dogwood, perhaps. A nervous titter sounded as Asalaâs hand drew up to her face, forcing her to swing her gaze back to her, letting her slip the flower behind her ear. âI didnât think you remembered much from that night,â her coo was less confident than before, though she didnât look at all displeased.
All of the sneaky smarm, quick quips and teases that usually flitted from her tongue seemed to still, however. She gave her hand a squeeze and finally stepped away from her, tune silenced from her throat. She gave Asala another little bow, curly hair obscuring her vision for a moment as she looked to the ground. She straightened her spine and this time, regarded her with peculiar expression. Wistful. Thoughtful. âThanks for the dance, kitten. I did rather enjoy it. Now, I must bid you adieu. Iâll leave you to your flowers.â
She made a gesture with her hand and turned to leave from where sheâd come. Though Asala could no longer see her face, Zahra had lifted a hand to the flower sheâd tucked behind her ear. It almost looked like there was a bounce to her gait.
Without thought, Asala took a step forward, her hand partway reached out toward her before she caught herself. She hesitated for a moment, before it finally fell limply back into place by her side. She stood there for a moment, the flush still present to her cheeks, its heat affecting her thought processes. About a hundred thoughts and feelings assaulted her at once, until finally she just giggled. With the laughter the redness to her cheeks bled away and she was finally beginning to be able to think clearly again, though she still felt like her head was swimming. Eventually, her gaze dropped back to the gloves and clippers she'd dropped on the ground when Zee had surprised her. She sighed quietly as she dipped low to pick them up again.
With Zee's departure, the flowers didn't seem as vibrant. At least, not in comparison.
"I've always loved dogwoods," Aurora said, coming to a stop beside Asala. She glanced up at the woman and smiled, pointing at the tree while she spoke. "They bloom so early, so when they do, you know spring is on its way. And their flowers," she said, reaching up to pluck a one from a low hanging branch, "Are always so pretty and smell so sweet."
She took a deep breath through her nose, and agreed. "They are," she said, enjoying the scent of the dogwood.
Asala watched as Aurora took in the sight of flower in her hand, before her gaze shifted back to her, the smile to her lips widening as if she thought of something. She held up a finger and beckoned for Asala to lean down, and when she did, Aurora stuck the stem of the flower behind her ear. When she took a step back, she wore a look of victory on her face before, gesturing with her head to the rest of the garden. "Come on, the others need some care too," she said, turning to make her way toward the first plot.
Even in the early spring or late winter, there were a few plants that bloomed early. Though no few of them were still waiting for more of the warmth that later spring brought, Asala could still see a few colorful petals of violets, snapdragons, and a few lenten roses still blossoming. When they came to a stop, Aurora handed Asala a pair of gloves and small set of clippers, and gestured toward a flowering vine of yellow flowers. "Can you start by pruning the jasmine? She's starting to wander."
As soon as Asala wandered off to tend to the jasmine, swaying slightly in the breeze, a voice crooned just over her shoulder. Close enough to startle, but drawing further away as if the person had taken a couple of steps backwards, âBeautiful.â A pause, and a familiar laugh crackled in the pirateâs throat as she finished her sentence, âarenât they?â She always appeared to mean something different than the obvious. Words between words. Or else, it was her smile that bellied ulterior motives.
She raked a hand through her curly hair and fished something from her back pocket, taking a moment to sweep her hair into a messy ponytail. She, too, had been struck by spring fever, dressing in a lighter fare. A white, flowy tunic with the sleeves rolled up to her elbows, and short leather pants that ended just below her knees, though sheâd foregone shoes and wriggled her toes in the grass. For a moment she seemed lost for words; a miracle, in her case. Her gaze drifted off to Asalaâs ear, then back to her face, before she peered back around her shoulder.
âWhatâs that one called? Smells good.â
"Oh, it's a uh... uh," She stammered, momentarily forgetting its name. Zee had surprised her, and made her lose all the thought processes she might have had. Her mouth hung agape for perhaps a moment too long, her lips working to find the words on their own. At least, up until she stopped herself and closed her mouth. She then frowned with pursed lips, tilted her to the side, and slowed down to actually think. "It's a dogwood," she said snapping, finally finding the words again. "Sorry, you caught me by surprise," she said, with a small chuckle of her own.
Zahraâs smile was less even now. The amusement gleaming in her eyes spoke volumes. Startling her was a source of amusement, though she did mouth a wordless apology. Her smile wobbled into a grin as she rounded to Asalaâs side, and peered close enough to one of the hanging branches for her nose to nearly touch a petal. She gave it another sniff, before straightening her posture, and twining her hands behind her back. âYou did look rather focused. I couldnât resist,â she chuckled softly and pursed her lips up at her, âThough Dogwoodâs a strange name for such a sweet flower.â
She glanced about the garden before swinging her gaze back to Asala. Glancing off in the distance, where Aurora had disappeared to. Perhaps. âIâve noticed you here before,â if the bold implication bothered her at all, her Graceface had gotten better since playing Wicked Grace, âIt does suit you. Tending the gardens. Is there any particular flower you like best?â
Asala scanned around the garden at the still burgeoning plants. There was still some time yet before all of their colorful petals would bloom to life. Still though, she searched the bare stems in order to find an answer for Zee's question, until finally she just offered a simple shrug. It wasn't a question she thought about, nor had anyone asked yet. She found it difficult to come up with an answer on the spot, especially when most of the ones in the garden hadn't flowered yet. "I... don't know, to tell you the truth," she said, swinging her gaze back around to her. "But I am fond of the bright ones, you know? The colorful ones?" She tried to explain, flexing one of her hands to mimic the pop that brightness would infer.
"How about you, hmm?" Asala asked, turning the question back on her. A curious tilt of her head accompanied the question. "Do you like one in particular?"
Zahra appeared pleased with the answer, and without a beat pointed a finger up at Asalaâs face. âI like that one best,â she admitted easily, before wagging her finger towards the flower tucked behind her ear. The grin hadnât eased from her face, but sheâd taken a moment to reconsider her words. Rocking back on her heels, as if she were growing impatient with something. Finally, she rubbed at her jawline and hefted out a soft sigh. Disconcerted. It wasnât a common occurrence, but around her of late, it had been.
âActually, I didnât come here to ogle the flowers,â she made a face, something reminiscent of a pout. Difficult as it was to tell what the woman was thinking⊠she appeared to have something on her mind. Her gaze drifted up towards the dogwood hanging over their heads before she cleared her throat, seeming to come to some internal accord. âI didnât get to dance with you at the Winter Palace.â The remark sounded rather accusatory, though without any edge. Like she was sulking about it.
Flowers weren't the only thing blossoming in the garden. She could feel the warm heat of the flush crossing her cheeks, and she began to absently play with a braid of hair that rested on her shoulder. However, once Zee explained herself, Asala dropped the braid and raised her palms upward, like she was physically trying to dodge the blame. [color=#4E9AB17]"I-I, uh.. Well, you see,"[/color] she stammered, trying to find the best words to explain herself with. It was... difficult, however, as they were proving to be terribly elusive. "It's, well, I mean it is not like I didn't think about it..." She explained, a frown working itself onto her lips.
"It is just," she began, finally allowing her hands to fall back, where she held the wrist of one with the other. "There were so many people, and they were all... Watching us. It was... Nerve-wracking, I suppose. I had already stepped on everyone else and I... Poor Romulus, I think I bruised his toes something terrible," she said, still feeling a little guilty about that. That dance was different than they one they had on Estella's birthday. There was no pressure there, and she was enjoying herself. Not so at the Winter Palace. "I just did not want to step on you too."
Zahraâs pout smoothed itself out. Though her eyebrow remained raised. Inquiring further explanation. Her stare was skeptical for a moment, before she simply appeared amused. This time, the smile that pulled the corners of her lips up appeared softer. She held out her hands in defeat and shook her head, âOkay. Okay. I suppose thatâs a fair reason.â Clearly she hadnât thought about how this conversation would go. Talking out of her ass, as she liked to say. âThough I wouldnât have minded you stepping on my feet, you know.â
She gave the garden another quick glance. She chuckled as she regarded Asala once more, as if finally coming to a decision. Or a bad idea. Her hands dropped from behind her back and she drew one up in front of her, palm facing skyward. There was a flicker of awkwardness in her face, quick as a blink; or else, a trick of light that made it appear so. âWhy donât we do it here, then? Iâll perish of heartbreak otherwise, toes intact.â There wouldnât be a tavern full of people stomping their feet to the croons of a bard, nor any masked men and women spinning on marbled floors to the sound of wailing violins.
Only two people in a garden.
"Oh. Well. We cannot have that, can we?" she said a smile, though the blush on her cheeks reemerged with a vengeance. Asala then extended her own hand, and placed it into Zahra's. "Oh, right," she said while a thought came to her. She dipped into the curtsy that Marceline had taught them in preparation for the Winter Palace. Only a moment passed before she chuckled at her own little jest.
There was a moment of stifled silence, before Zahra tossed her head back in a rattling laugh that could have only come from deep in her gutâthe snorting sort she was notorious for when something tickled her fancy. She hmâd, and curtsied herself. It wasnât nearly as practiced. Those at the Winter Palace mightâve thought her uncouth for such a poor effort. Her smile, however, only burned brighter.
She drew herself up and slipped one of her hands at Asalaâs lower back. The height difference was immediately noticeable, though not as obvious as Leonâs had been. She seemed to know how to fit herself into the equation without making anything uncomfortable. She hummed a low tune in the back of her throat. Not at all unpleasant. Something reminiscent of the waltzing pieces theyâd played in the Winter Palace. She started them off in a gentle sway, eyes shuttering closed for a breath, before opening to meet hers.
A girlish, toothy grin brightened her dusky features as she spun away from her, hand still linked with hers. She was light on her feet. Almost graceful, if she wasnât giggling so much.
Now that she wasn't worried about the prying and judgmental eyes of the Orlesian nobility, the steps came easier for her and the stepping on of toes was kept to a minimum. Once Zee reeled her back in, she giggled and nodded. It was... much better than the ordeal back in Orlais. Now, it was her turn. Asala took Zee's hand with her when she raised it above her head, and spinning her in place. She smiled and let her head fall back in a laugh as she watched locks of Zee's hair bounce around. "You still have the prettiest hair," Asala managed to get out before the blush reclaimed her. "But..."
With the but, Asala let one of her hands fall away from Zee's just long enough to reach up and pluck the flower that Asala had planted in her own hair. Twirling it around with her fingers, she reached forward and gently brushed aside a strand of her hair, and settled the flower just above her ear. "There. It, uh... Looks better on you, anyway," she said with an embarrassed smile, the heat from her blush threatening to turn her ashen skin crimson.
For a moment, Zahraâs impish expression wobbled away. It was her ears that reddened first, blooming across her dusky skin. Their proximity made it even more noticeable, though she averted her gaze, focusing rather hard on something to Asalaâs right side: the dogwood, perhaps. A nervous titter sounded as Asalaâs hand drew up to her face, forcing her to swing her gaze back to her, letting her slip the flower behind her ear. âI didnât think you remembered much from that night,â her coo was less confident than before, though she didnât look at all displeased.
All of the sneaky smarm, quick quips and teases that usually flitted from her tongue seemed to still, however. She gave her hand a squeeze and finally stepped away from her, tune silenced from her throat. She gave Asala another little bow, curly hair obscuring her vision for a moment as she looked to the ground. She straightened her spine and this time, regarded her with peculiar expression. Wistful. Thoughtful. âThanks for the dance, kitten. I did rather enjoy it. Now, I must bid you adieu. Iâll leave you to your flowers.â
She made a gesture with her hand and turned to leave from where sheâd come. Though Asala could no longer see her face, Zahra had lifted a hand to the flower sheâd tucked behind her ear. It almost looked like there was a bounce to her gait.
Without thought, Asala took a step forward, her hand partway reached out toward her before she caught herself. She hesitated for a moment, before it finally fell limply back into place by her side. She stood there for a moment, the flush still present to her cheeks, its heat affecting her thought processes. About a hundred thoughts and feelings assaulted her at once, until finally she just giggled. With the laughter the redness to her cheeks bled away and she was finally beginning to be able to think clearly again, though she still felt like her head was swimming. Eventually, her gaze dropped back to the gloves and clippers she'd dropped on the ground when Zee had surprised her. She sighed quietly as she dipped low to pick them up again.
With Zee's departure, the flowers didn't seem as vibrant. At least, not in comparison.