Bandit wouldn't be caught alive with a bouquet of flowers. Not without reason.

Today there was a reason.

Rumors were going around, and rumor had it that these flowers had some sort of mysterious meaning.

There was a stand next to the pond in the meadow. Vines climbed their way up the mish-mash of wood and stone, aged with time and nature. Even though this was the end of summer, the leaves were still fresh and green. They sprung through the vines like stepping stones, leading the way for ants and other insects to the tippy top where there were scattered flowers in a litany of others. Red, yellow, white, and more left danced on the light breeze and tempted the flying insects to their velvety petals. On the oak and the stone there were smatterings of lichen sucking up all of the other resources the plants didn't need. A pony, not nearly as tall as those climbing vines but clearly taller than the usidia was at the opening of the stall. Bandit wasn't attracted to her, but could see that she was attractive and probably had plenty of suitors. Her hair, long and voluptuous, cascaded down her neck in curls. The same flowers that were at the top of the stall also were scattered in her hair. She seemed knowledgeable, not just because she had the petals in her hair, but her eyes were welcoming, almost somber. They held a deepness that appeared like she was knowledgeable. If the stories were true, she might hold his fate.

He shouldn't be nervous. Why was his feet dragging?

Bandit made a conscious effort to lift one foot and then the other. He wasn't about to look like he was hesitant. To admit that he was nervous was to admit weakness. Bandit wasn't weak. Bandit had never been weak. He was the looter of all, enemy to some. He could handle any shifter, draft or usidia in a fight with his bare paws.

**"Are you here for some fortune?" The raspy voice pulled Bandit out of his thoughts. He stood there, stock still, his blue eyes as wide as can be underneath that mop of hair. The usidia tried not to cringe at her breathy laugh. **"Why else would I be here?"** He tried to sound bold instead of how unsure he was. Would she be able to tell?

Oh dear, he hoped not.

Another chuckle came from her lips before she hummed. **"Well, in order to give you your fortune, you do have to step closer."** Bandit obliged, shuffling closer. He wished he could see beyond the stone. He was far too short for that, his eyes level with the top of the stone. He stared up at the hulking pony and swallowed thickly. **"Well?"**

She continued her melodic ministrations, moving somewhere towards the side. It took a few moments before she popped her head back with a few flowers. He eyed him, lifting each one up before placing a few back. Bandit nervously shuffled from one foot to the other.

Finally, she spoke. **"I think these suit you well."** She nudged forward a sunflower, orchid, and a daffodil. The short male's nose scrunched. Okay, he was expecting flowers. But he didn't feel like he completely vibes with these ones.

**"What do you mean?"** He looked to her, expecting an answer.

**"You never cease to humor, do you?"** She first picked up the sunflower. **"This one is a sunflower, known for it's meanings in loyalty and finding joy in the world. It's meant for those who are as bright as the sun."** Bandit could feel blood rush to his cheeks. Weird. Odd. He didn't care for the weird feeling that rushed through him. There was still two more. **"Go on."**

She then picked up the daffodil. **"A secondary trait that calls out. The daffodil. You are on a new journey."** She wasn't wrong there. It still unnerved him that she could tell that he was new to the area. Was it that clear on his face?

This mare was unnerving.

She went on. **"The last is the orchid, but it is not the least important."** She paused so that Bandit could inspect the bright fuchsia colored flower. This one shows that you might be small, but you are strong. Someone that is rarely seen. Bandit frowned as she took the three and weaved them together before nudging it towards him. **"This is for you."**

He stared at the three flowers. It wasn't...a disappointing telling. Bandit was only hoping for more. Ever mysterious. If there was one thing that he had learned in his journeys it was to not question those who possess some sort of magic. Bandit muttered a thanks. **"Until we meet again."** He nodded towards the other horse before taking the bouquet and walking away.

WC: 807