[ABOUT] Flora

[Melodine Cantus]

❀
Eternal Sailor Flora, Soldier of Spring
Handmaiden to Princess Chronos
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Past Life Name: Fleur (alias: Dawn)
Past Life Sex: Female
Age
+++At Awakening: 11
+++At Death: 22
Significant Other: Sailor Zephyr (?)
Children?: No

Fleur was born with the symbol of Flora upon her forehead, signifying that she was the Spring handmaiden of Princess Chronos. From then on, she was taken under the wing of the priests of Temple Flora, to be brought up in the ways of being a Handmaiden. Fleur was a happy-go-lucky child, loving the simple and casual life of Flora, a popular vacation spot back in the day. However, having constantly being told that she had a responsibility and would have to leave soon made her rather rebellious. She made friends with Sailor Zephyr in her youth when the latter visited Flora, and the two would constantly flee to other planets in search of adventure, hoping to escape her predestined life.

At the age of eight, Fleur met her predecessor; who had returned for the Festival of Floralia that year, Dianthe. Dianthe was sensible and wise, and tried to persuade Fleur that being a Handmaiden wasn't that bad. Fleur, being as headstrong and adamant in her view that it was a boring and restrictive life, was not very convinced.

When Princess Chronos turned eight, Fleur was eleven and was officially sent off from Flora to the Surrounding. While Fleur grew to love her Princess and her fellow Seasons, she constantly wished for a more carefree life to explore the universe. She was very much of a daydreamer and giggly, trying to inject some fun and life into the Castle. Though she approved of Chronos and Eon and spoke of them as the 'perfect couple', she never seemed to take relationships seriously. It wasn't uncommon to see her flirting with some of the Knights, but she went no further; Flora always kept romances to brief frivolous flings.

Every year when she briefly returned to Flora, she would sneak away with Zephyr... though she was always followed and eventually brought back. When Fleur turned 21, the Vernalis decided to test her on her loyalty towards the Zodiac and did not send the usual pursuers after her when she went on her annual elopement. It worked; Fleur was unsettled and plagued with worries when she realized that they were taking much longer than usual to catch her. She could not bring herself to let go and do what she always dreamed to do, and eventually returned, of her own accord.

It was then when Fleur realized that she was bound to the Zodiac and her Princess, and accepted her fate with tears, vowing to protect those she loved. It was too late, however, for their last fight was approaching, but she strengthened her resolve to the very end, and died protecting her Princess.

played by Melodine Cantus

 

[Melodine Cantus]

Flora
The Asteroid of Spring

Main Export: Honey, Beeswax, Flowers, Fruits
Main Imports: Concrete, Glass, Meat, Technology

WORLD

The asteroid Flora is a large, bright main belt asteroid. Flora was known to be a popular vacation spot to many as it is Spring all year round, boasting vibrant plant life. The landscape of Flora was mostly that of a grassland, filled with blossoming flowers and fruit trees. Many flowers of different colors sizes grow on Flora, and it was said to possess the prettiest flowers.

The people of Flora were called Floran (plural: Florans) and were generally spirited and outgoing. They were mostly given flower based names. The Florans depended mostly on magic and not technology, only utilizing some imported from Mau to make harvesting fruits easier. Their magic were mostly used on flowers; keeping them fresh and vibrant even when they were brought to other worlds until the magic wore out. One of their special products, the Flowerglobes, was created by their magic; they shrank flower arrangements and placed them in glass globes with magic dust to keep the flowers alive.

The furniture was carved out of wood, decorated with the traditional carvings of flowers and vines. The higher your status was, the more delicate the carvings on your furniture usually was.

Architecture resembled Ancient Roman architecture, though the Temple, on the other hand, resembled Ancient Greek temples.

Flora was also home to pollinating animals, especially bees. Beekeeping was a flourishing business in Flora as Floran honey was said to be one of the best in the entire galaxy. Flora was also known for creatures who made Flora its home; the Flusia.

The Flusia were light delicate birds which resembled hummingbirds of the Earth. Their plumage resembled that of the flowers on Flora; they pollinated the flowers according to their respective colors. Another distinguishing feature was a small leaf on the top of their heads which resembled a miniature version of the leaves of the plant they pollinated.

It was forbidden for the Flusia to be exported outside of Flora as it was difficult to maintain them without the honey from the flowers of Flora. The only other known place to have Flusia was the Zodiac Castle, as flowers in the Castle gardens were grown from Floran seeds.

Temple

The Temple of Flora was a highly sacred place on Flora. It was a large building made of white marble, decorated with intricate floral designs. Within the Temple is the Statue of Flora. She is depicted in a flowing dress, her hair braided with numerous flowers. X X The base of the statue has many flowers carved into it, and fresh flowers were offered daily on the altar.

Young Florans who wished to serve their patron were enrolled there and were taught to be Priests. The Priests not only cared for the Temple and the sacred Statue of Flora, but also played an important part in managing the asteroid itself.


CELEBRATIONS

Festival of Floralia
(April 27 to May 3)

The festival was a seven-day festival to honor Flora, who was treated like a goddess by the Florans. It is only during this period itself that Flora returned. Her stay ranged from the night of the first day to the last day, which was called the Florae.

During the Festival, Florans were decked out in bright clothes and flowers. Flowers were not only being used as garlands, necklaces, and such, but also to decorate the buildings and especially the Temple of Flora.

The start of the Festival began with the planting of seeds, representing fecundity. Many flocked to the Temple of Flora to make offerings of honey and milk to the Statue of Flora. The first night when Flora returned is when the Floralia Parade was held. The Parade consisted of floats decked out in flowers and Flora seated upon the last float. There are also nightly feasts during the Festival, and the best dishes of Flora are brought out, including meat cooked with flowers and honey.

The rest of the Festival was populated with plays put on in the Theatre and many booths set up for carnival games.

Many people celebrated their birthdays during the Festival, as it was a popular period of time and believed to bring good luck to families.

During Florae, another Parade was held, this time in the day, with a life-sized float of Flora made out of flowers, to bid farewell to their patron as she returned to the Zodiac Castle.


Spring/Vernal Equinox

The Florans also celebrated the Spring Equinox, praying for the safety of not only their patron, but for Queen Chronos and the Zodiac Soldiers as well. They would lit candles made out of beeswax in the Temple and in their homes as well, as a symbol of their prayers.

This celebration was generally smaller and more solemn than the Floralia festival.


PATRON

The patron of Flora was identified upon birth by the mark of Flora upon her head. Once identified, the baby and her family were brought to live in the Temple of Flora. Young Flora was taught by the priests of her heritage, responsibilities and powers. Florans gathered at the Temple of Flora once it was time to send their patron off to the Zodiac Castle, giving her their blessings and farewells.


POLITICS

As their patron had a long term of absence from the asteroid; having to fulfil her duties to serve Queen Chronos, the rule of Flora was put in the hands of the Flora Council.

The Flora Council was made up of distinguished Priests of the Temple of Flora. The Council made decisions by discussion and voting, though the Vernalis, the Head Priest, had the most say. The Vernalis is seen as the Leader of Flora and was elected by the Flora Council each year on the second day of the Festival of Floralia. This was to take the opportunity of Flora's return to seek her approval of the new Vernalis. It was not uncommon for the same Vernalis to be elected over a few years; if he or she were to prove capable at the job.

Still, Flora was essentially under the rule of Queen Chronos of the Zodiac, the Lady of the Seasons. The Florans were loyal to Queen Chronos and the Zodiacs, and therefore also had a good relationship with the Moon Kingdom. As Florans were peace loving, they did not have any enemies and generally welcomed anyone whom wished to take a vacation on the asteroid. Their known alliances were also the asteroid Boreas, and the moons Neso and Carpo.  

[Melodine Cantus]

Flora's Predecessors
Those who came before

Dianthe
Dianthe is Fleur's predecessor. She has blue eyes, and has short chestnut brown hair, her hair style remarkably similar to that of Eve's current one. Even at a young age, she possesses a sense of maturity and wisdom, yet retains a cheerful and optimistic streak.

Eden
Eden is Dianthe's predecessor. Not much is known of her as Dianthe only briefly mentions her.

The People

Iris
The Vernalis that stepped up in the last few years before Dianthe died, and was the current Vernalis throughout the whole of Fleur's life. Iris has always been strict regarding Fleur, and is quite tired of her eloping antics. Iris is the one who decided it was a good idea for the young handmaiden to have a guardian cat as a tutor.

Crizanto
Fleur's older brother, five years older. Married a cousin of Princess Jupiter.

Astrid
Fleur's sister-in-law.  

[Melodine Cantus]

CANON RELATIONSHIPS

POSITIVE: Princesss Venus - 3 - Moderate Standing
You know each other well enough to use the word friend but this is not close enough to perhaps have shared many secrets. You are in moderate/good political and social standing with this character.

Backstory: Flora respects Venus and looks up to her because she's really pretty, oh gosh and also the leader of the Inner Senshi! The two got along when they were kids because of their similar temperaments; both were generally silly and liked to fool around but knew when to be serious. When Flora was sent to the Surrounding, the two didn't get to see each other much, but generally regarded each other as friends, writing to each other every now and then.

NEGATIVE: Princess Uranus - 6 > 5 - Minor Differences
You and this character do not particularly enjoy your interactions but they are not entirely impossible. You are in minor negative political and social standing with this character.

Backstory: Princess Uranus' first encounter with Flora was when the handmaiden escaped from her duties at the Festival of Floralia along with Zephyr as usual. Princess Uranus has not regarded Flora in a positive light since then, and Flora thinks that Uranus is a bit too stiff and boring. They do, however, put up with each other out of respect to Princess Chronos.

POLITICAL: Princess Jupiter - 1 - Physical Alliance
There exists a physical alliance between their family and yours where one member of your family married into theirs. Perhaps there is even talk of you being the one to marry into their family.

Backstory: Flora's older brother was betrothed to a cousin of Princess Jupiter. Flora was unable to attend the wedding due to her duties, but generally thinks that Jupiter is cool because of their gardens.

------

Neutral Relationships: Pluto, Neptune, Mars

Unknown Relationships: Saturn, Mercury  

[Melodine Cantus]

Asteroid ~ Flora

WORLD

The asteroid Flora is a large, bright main belt asteroid. Flora is known to be a popular vacation spot to many as it is Spring all year round, boasting vibrant plant life. The landscape of Flora was mostly that of a grassland, filled with blossoming flowers and fruit trees. Many flowers of different colors sizes grow on Flora, and it was said to possess the prettiest flowers.

❀ KEY LANDMARKS

• THE TEMPLE OF FLORA: A highly sacred place on Flora, the Temple is a large building made of white marble, resembling ancient Greek Temples, decorated with intricate floral designs. Within the Temple is the Statue of Flora. She is depicted in a flowing dress, her hair braided with numerous flowers. X X The base of the statue has many flowers carved into it, and fresh flowers were offered daily on the altar. Only the front part of the Temple where the Statue is, is open to the public, as the rest of the Temple serves as the home for the Priests and also, more importantly, the Patron and the Vernalis. There are guards around the Temple to ensure that security is not compromised.
  
  
• GARDENS OF FLORA: A huge garden connected to the Temple where the flowers of Flora are tended to and where the rarest can be found. Many Flusia live here as well.
  
  
• THEATRUM FLORALIS: The Theatrum is a huge amphitheater, oval in shape, and used to stage plays and dances. It is a main event and draw during the Festival of Floralia.

CULTURE

❀ PEOPLE

The people of Flora were called Floran (plural: Florans) and were generally spirited and outgoing. They were mostly given flower based names. They wore flowing robes as clothing; togas, cloaks, etc. Elaborate designs and bright colors were favored.

❀ SOCIETY

The Florans depended mostly on magic and not technology, only utilizing some imported from Mau to make harvesting fruits easier. Their magic were mostly used on flowers; keeping them fresh and vibrant even when they were brought to other worlds until the magic wore out.

The furniture was carved out of wood, decorated with the traditional carvings of flowers and vines. The higher your status was, the more delicate the carvings on your furniture usually was.

Architecture resembled Ancient Roman architecture, though the Temple, on the other hand, resembled Ancient Greek temples.

❀ ECONOMICS

Flora was generally known as a tourist spot and functioned as such. One of the popular souvenirs was the Flowerglobe; where flower arrangements were shrunk and placed into glass globes along with magic dust to keep the flowers alive. When shaken, tiny flower petals would fall upon the scene inside the globe.

• MAIN EXPORTS: Honey, Beeswax, Flowers, Fruits
  
• MAIN IMPORTS: Concrete, Glass, Meat, Technology

❀ ANIMALS

Flora was also home to pollinating animals, especially bees. Beekeeping was a flourishing business in Flora as Floran honey was said to be one of the best in the entire galaxy. Flora was also known for creatures who made Flora its home; the Flusia.

The Flusia were light delicate birds which resembled hummingbirds of the Earth. Their plumage resembled that of the flowers on Flora; they pollinated the flowers according to their respective colors. Another distinguishing feature was a small leaf on the top of their heads which resembled a miniature version of the leaves of the plant they pollinated.

It was forbidden for the Flusia to be exported outside of Flora as it was difficult to maintain them without the honey from the flowers of Flora. The only other known place to have Flusia was the Zodiac Castle, as flowers in the Castle gardens were grown from Floran seeds.

❀ POLITICS

Flora was essentially under the rule of Queen Chronos of the Zodiac, the Lady of the Seasons. The Florans were loyal to Queen Chronos and the Zodiacs, and therefore also had a good relationship with the Moon Kingdom. As Florans were peace loving, they did not have any enemies and generally welcomed anyone whom wished to take a vacation on the asteroid. Their known alliances were also the asteroid Boreas, and the moons Neso and Carpo.

IMPORTANT FIGURES
(In order of hierarchy)

• PATRON: The patron of Flora was identified upon birth by the mark of Flora upon her head. Once identified, the baby and her family were brought to live in the Temple of Flora. Young Flora was taught by the priests of her heritage, responsibilities and powers. Florans gathered at the Temple of Flora once it was time to send their patron off to the Zodiac Castle, giving her their blessings and farewells.
  
  
• VERNALIS & THE FLORA COUNCIL: The Flora Council was made up of distinguished Priests of the Temple of Flora. The Council made decisions by discussion and voting, though the Vernalis, the Head Priest, had the most say. The Vernalis is seen as the Leader of Flora and was elected by the Flora Council each year on the second day of the Festival of Floralia. This was to take the opportunity of Flora's return to seek her approval of the new Vernalis. It was not uncommon for the same Vernalis to be elected over a few years, if he or she were to prove capable at the job.
  
  The Council generally wore robes of white accentuated with green and pink flowery designs. The Vernalis wore robes that were completely white; save for the small pink flowers with green vines embroidered around the rim of the hood. The symbol of the Vernalis was the Fleur de Lis.
  
  
• TEMPLE OF FLORA: Young Florans who wished to serve their patron were enrolled there and were taught to be Priests. The Priests not only cared for the Temple and the sacred Statue of Flora, but also played an important part in managing the asteroid itself. White was a color only the Priests could wear, and as they went up in rank, their robes would get whiter.

CELEBRATIONS

❀ FESTIVAL OF FLORAILIA
(April 27 to May 3)

The festival was a seven-day festival to honor Flora, who was treated like a goddess by the Florans. It is only during this period itself that Flora returned. Her stay ranged from the night of the first day to the last day, which was called the Florae.

During the Festival, Florans were decked out in bright clothes and flowers. Flowers were not only being used as garlands, necklaces, and such, but also to decorate the buildings and especially the Temple of Flora.

The start of the Festival began with the planting of seeds, representing fecundity. Many flocked to the Temple of Flora to make offerings of honey and milk to the Statue of Flora. The first night when Flora returned is when the Floralia Parade was held. The Parade consisted of floats decked out in flowers and Flora seated upon the last float. There are also nightly feasts during the Festival, and the best dishes of Flora are brought out, including meat cooked with flowers and honey.

The rest of the Festival was populated with plays put on in the Theatrum Floralis and many booths set up for carnival games.

Many people celebrated their birthdays during the Festival, as it was a popular period of time and believed to bring good luck to families.

During Florae, another Parade was held, this time in the day, with a life-sized float of Flora made out of flowers, to bid farewell to their patron as she returned to the Zodiac Castle.

❀ SPRING/VERNAL EQUINOX

The Florans also celebrated the Spring Equinox, praying for the safety of not only their patron, but for Queen Chronos and the Zodiac Soldiers as well. They would light candles made out of beeswax in the Temple and in their homes as well, as a symbol of their prayers.

This celebration was generally smaller and more solemn than the Floralia festival.