Vella bent down and fingered the fragile petals of a dead flower, petrified from years of life being sucked from the land.

"Cimmerian did this," she said sadly, going down on one knee. Raphael sat down next to her with a sigh.

"It isn't his fault alone," he mumbled. Vella looked over at him, but didn't say a word. She reached out and picked the flower at the base of the stem. The glass pendant hanging around her neck began to glow with silver-white Light and Vella's eyes began to change from electrifying blue to silver. In her hand, the flower began to change. The petals' colors changed from dull grey to soft sky blue. The stem returned to lively green from brittle black and the air filled with a sweet aroma. Raphael watched in awe.

"It won't live long separated from the roots," Vella said quietly, wisps of Light came out on her breath as she spoke. The grass under her was soft and green, brought back to life again. Raphael reached for the flower, carefully holding the stem between his thumb and forefinger. He stared at it, silent and with little expression. He was almost waiting for it to disappear any second.

"Do you not like it?" Vella asked.

"No, that isn't it," Raphael replied, "I just haven't seen something this beautiful in a very long time. I'm enjoying the moment." Raphael looked up at Vella, her eyes still flecked with silver and a calm expression.

"It is a beautiful little plant, isn't it?"

"I wasn't really talking about the flower, Vella." She blinked, more silver sparks being taken over by blue in her eyes.

"What were you talking about, then?" Raphael only shook his head and smiled. Instead of speaking, he leaned closer, brushing aside a lock of Vella's hair and tucked the flower behind her ear. His hand lingered by her cheek for a moment before he stood up. He offered his hand to help her stand up.

"Vella," he said, pausing in thought, "I really love flowers."

A/N: Really short but FUN to write. I've been on a writing slump as of late, but I think I will be picking up Vagabondage again for a while. Y'know, until I get distracted again.

-Raxta