How to find a Man: Floretta's Unexpected Journey

The dark Pakaasu ruffled his hands at his shoulders and over his head until all but a few butterflies had scattered, leaving him free again, "Floretta has a nice ring to it." He almost sang her name back to her.

Floretta still wasn't sure what was going on, staring blankly at him until he cocked his head to the side and smiled, "I supposed that was a shock. My butterflies always come. They think I bring treats of nectar for them every time I come around." He looked at her a moment as she continued to stare back at him, "And let me show you a small presentation of what my butterflies can do?"

Kit was starting to get nervous by this council assistant standing so still and quiet just staring at him. Perhaps he overstepped his boundaries? He wasn't sure; it was very unsettling. Raising his arms with a few drops of nectar between his fingers, Kit's butterflies came to him, dancing on the wind. With a few swift movements of his hand and fingers, the butterflies flew towards Floretta, momentarily engulfing her with their beating wings and beautiful colors. The sound was soothing causing Floretta to forget her own inhibitions. She laughed and moved to touch any butterfly that flew too close to her hand...

A short minute later, the butterflies returned to their caretaker. Kit smiled and waved all but one off, gently setting it on Floretta's finger, touching her ever so slightly, "Take this drop of nectar here in your other hand and let the butterfly drink." Kit helped Floretta finger-feed the tiny colorful insect; all the while Floretta's eyes remained wide in disbelief and wonder, and her heart thundered all the way up into her head.

Kit finally broke the unending silence, "I know you must have important business, so I will direct you towards the road back to the city and council building..." Kit beckoned Floretta to follow. Floretta was a little crushed that the butterfly flew off on its own when she moved to follow Kit. And Kit could see it all over her face, "Come back though and see the butterflies. Perhaps next time I will give you a complete show instead of just a sample one."

Floretta smiled and without thinking sang out, "You could give a show without butterflies too..." Kit's back stiffened; he wasn't sure how to respond. Floretta cupped her mouth in horror at her slip, thankful Kit just kept walking.

Kit finally stopped and had to summon a great amount of courage to face Floretta, "This is it. I should go back to work. Please be safe."

Floretta thought he sounded suddenly robotic and stiff, and she watched him start to walk away before she made up her mind, smiling, "I meant it. I am coming back y'know, but not for the butterflies. I'll come back for you."