First Of Many

"WHAT?! You don't know what Valentine's Day is?!"

Much to Diphy's dismay, Rhone had transformed into a bristled ball of fur! Her friend's jaw hung low and she was simply without words for a few good heartbeats. She stammered, her gesture changing from genuine bewilderment to minor confusion, her eyebrows twitching as she tried to make sense of it. Eventually.. Rhone's wide-eyed stare was interrupted with a single blink, and she laughed. Diphylleia let loose a gentle sigh of relief as Rhone approached, giving her a nuzzle on the forehead.

"That's OK. I think I get it. No one brought little cards or letters, flowers or chocolates to your temple?" Rhone asked, tilting her head back towards Diphylleia as they went on their way through the woods. The other keb's eyes averted, unsure of the query. "Only one. I didn't know it had meaning, though." She responded quietly, viewing the wilderness around her. Now that winter was fading, the Mythic trees were beginning to lose their snowy coats, the leaves returning and the first blooms showing signs of growing. 

This lengthy trail was familiar to her; Rhone was taking her towards the Garden Meadows. Her heart leapt at the thought of being in the throes of the gentle town stead once again... The quaint, small houses adorned in nature's beauty. Of course, the gardens. Kind words felt all too welcome from the previous travels, where Rhone had taken to her to all sorts of places.. including the Underground. She shuddered. 

"Of course it did!" Rhone intruded on her thoughts. "One day every year, like all other holidays I've introduced you to..." she grinned proudly, "we celebrate Valentine's! Relationships! That could be friendships, family, or even..." She swerved abruptly in front of Diphy, retaining a wiry smile as she leaned in to whisper, "romance!"

Diphylleia's eyes grew wide as little moons, and she promptly took a step back from her friend. Rhone's head cocked to the side, where she offered a smaller, more genuine gesture. "Trust me, you're gonna love it! The Garden Meadows is probably the best for it. Can you imagine the floral arrangements?!" She jumped excitedly around Diphy, who let loose an airy chuckle. "I would really like to see it, please."

To this, Rhone's grin returned. She bowed, "Why of course, my lady. We are nearly there!" She nudged Diphy's side, and the two were promptly on their way to the Meadows. 

~~~

RHONE WAS RIGHT. Rhone was so, so right. 

The grey of Diphy's eyes seemed to glisten with the reflection of gorgeous lights and blossoms. The evening sky, in its red-purple hues, met the glow of heart-shaped lanterns and bulbs strung up all along the town. The blackboard adverts and signs all around were decorated in chalk artistry. The streets were adorned in loose flower petals, and any corner that could be filled was taken by teddy bears made by the blooms. A simple sniff filled the keb's nostrils with all sorts of pleasantries: lavender, vanilla, chocolate, roses and perhaps something fruity, too! 

Her awe of the Garden Meadows had slowed her to a complete stop to enjoy the view. To her side, Rhone watched as well, occasionally glancing to Diphy with a bright smile. "What did I tell you? D'ya like it?" Although she likely already knew the answer, she couldn't help but grin wider at Diphylleia's fervent nod. 

There wasn't a house in sight that wasn't dressed for the occasion, nor a keb for that matter! The outfits of the Garden Meadow residents were simple, often just overalls or flannel-like suits, with jewelry and pins of various natural arrangements to make the colors really pop. The dresses were of cloth or lace, something which made Diphy feel at home in her own, lacy white gown. Rhone placed a steady hand on her shoulder. "Wow, you look just as pretty as anyone here."

Diphylleia huffed and hid her face at that, to which Rhone chuckled. "Okay, okay, my lady.. but it's time for your Valentine's exposure! It's all about appreciating beauty!" Rhone took to a knee, setting up her fingers to frame her friend's face. "Ooh, yes, perfect! Diphy the bachelorette~"

"Bachelorette?" The shy keb questioned, furrowing her brows. "You know.. free, single, ready to mingle!" Rhone replied ecstatically, jumping to her feet to grasp Diphy's hands. "Imagine, this fated Valentine's Day, in the Garden Meadow... You meet your fated love!" 

This made Diphylleia think. A fated love? What would that even be like? She remained bewildered by this prospect, mulling over the idea of having a "lover." From what Rhone had told her, romance was quite beautiful, as beautiful as the gardens - or so she said. If that was true, it would be amazing! "What do I get from it? Flowers? Cuddles?" She asked, tilting her head. Rhone grinned, "Well, yes, better cuddles than Sarnor or I can offer I'm sure. Well.. better is a strong word. We're pretty great at cuddles."

Diphy rolled her eyes. Rhone simply shook her head, chuckling, "Silly, of course you get flowers! You can ask for stuff you want and probably get it... If they're a keeper, anyway. Only the generous and thoughtful ones are the good ones." She hummed in whimsy, daring to spin Diphy around dramatically. "You deserve a stunning bachelor who's kind and giving, and knows just what you like!"

"Like you and Sarnor?"

Rhone blushed, suddenly scratching the back of her head. "Huh, yes, I guess... Like Sarnor and I. Yeah, we'd be great at romance!" She laughed melodically, lifting Diphy into a hug. "W-well -" Diphylleia huffed between Rhone's squeezes, "maybe you guys could be my Valentine's this year."

Rhone spun her around with a light "woop," setting her down with a smile up to her ears. "Heck yeah! I think a good start would be to buy you a drink..." She thrust her thumb towards a shop behind them. "Tea, madame?" "Tea!" Diphy called happily. 

Taking the other keb under her arm, Rhone walked her towards the tea shop. "Trust me Diphy, this will only be the first of many more Valentine's!"