Planting the Seeds

[Marqués del Stry]

Being back home sparked memories of his past. Memories none too pleasant to deal with. They were haunting shadows that took him back to two years ago, when he had raced, in futility, up the road that lead to his home. The fire had loomed high above the canopy of trees and the smell of burnt wine mixed with wood and mortar had filled the air for miles.

What a sight it had been. The carnage complete, there was hardly anything left, a stark comparison to what was there in the present day. Everything had been rebuilt to a perfect replica, with a few extra hidden security measures as well. The Marquès knew people and, when he had told them of the event, they loaned their talents.

The grounds of Un Castillo del Stry were quiet this evening. The day's work was done and many of the employees were inside the structure eating, socializing, or otherwise engaged before bed. Even after the incident Marquès still housed the employees who wished, or needed, a place to stay. Other precautions were in place to make sure a repeat incident would not happen.

Of all the places in and around his home the large herb garden held the most haunting memories for the Marquès and that was now his current location. Healthy and lush vegetation was everywhere here, plants that were very vibrant and colors that were rich. Simply opening the ornate door to the garden was a treat of sensory delight. Arguably the freshest air was here. Plants from across the globe - even those of other realms - resided in harmony inside the garden. Peaceful and serene, it was bereft of any man-made materials aside from the lavender a gazebo, with its walls the home of ivy, and its worktable and gardening tools.

Under the branches of a Birchwood was where the Marquès stopped. An upward tug was given to seat of his Egyptian cotton black pants as he bent his knees and knelt down on the earth. How many times had he knelt down in this very spot as she sat next to him and they exchanged information about each others culture? Outside of this garden –and the bedroom - they both wore concealing mask, but inside the here they were free to set the masks aside and be one with each other. Even now, with the slight breeze that passed through the trees, he could hear the tinkering sound of her laughter.

With his fore and middle finger held together on his right hand, he crossed himself and bowed his head. Though his hair had been freshly trimmed it still hung slightly below his ears and gave a partial frame to his face.

He had been so happy. They had been happy. He was her Orbdrin and she was his Cariña, two people from two very different cultures, yet they had come together perfectly. Life had been good. And, if it had not been for the betrayal they suffered their child would have been born around Easter two years ago.

The Marquès reached into his pocket and pulled out two small red seeds that were given to him by Elessar many months back at the Tel'Ranamyn inn. They were the seeds of a special flower that would bloom only a few days out of the year, white, with blood patches on the petals. He was told that they elves of that culture planted these flowers in remembrance of those that passed on. Elessar had been kind enough to part with two of the seeds.

There had never been a traditional style funeral after the fire, she was a Drow and the death was dealt with in their fashion. Even without a burial – for in truth there was no body to bury – he had marked the death in his own way by making sure that her garden maintained its appearance. This task had been done with diligence and the garden was one of the first things brought back to life. Collecting everything had been a tenuous act, but it had been worth it. Everything was as it was, even down to the markings on the gazebo.

With his free hand he dug into the soil and made a hole. Looking at the seeds he placed them into the ground and covered them over. The ground was rich and this area pre-moist so there was no need for watering. The Marquès then placed both hands, palm down, upon the planted seeds and prayed.