The Flower Path

10. The Flower Path

In the bustling commerce district of the Port City, upon a plot of land long undeveloped a bridge was built between the Ipheion and the Fern. Two parcels of land became one and upon it was built a glistening dome of buildings that caught the eye immediately when walked the merchant streets of Port City.

A tea shop and bakery at ground level for the normal foot traffic that passed the establishment. Steps leading up to a secondary level opened into a grand atrium, a tea emporium, the rich floral smell of teas from across the Empire floated on the air enticing travelers to come in and take a rest in their glittering halls.

The lands on the Port City side of the bridge were set aside with private tea rooms and high tea halls. On the other side of the bridge sat the Gentleman's Library, while the ladies could chat and drink their teas in the glittering parlors of the Flower Path their husbands and beaus could rest in the dark, fire-lit library rooms well-stocked with knowledge around every corner.

Few customers knew about how the hostess of the Flower Path arrived. How there was a grand stable at the back of the lands for her great sky beast. But every morning since the opening of the Flower Path, Rhea Ipheion flew in upon Wren, and oh what a wondrous flight it was.

Rhea never failed to let free a joyful laugh as Wren spun and dove through the Floating Isles before speeding off to the Flower Path. It was exhilarating and she never failed to feel the same joy she had the first time she'd rode upon Wren's back when she was fourteen.

Her routine was refreshingly new. After arriving upon Wren, she would go to her private rooms at the Flower Path attached to her office and the others' offices, she'd change into her hostess attire and then check with the staff that all was ready before opening the doors of the Flower Path. The tea shop and bakery had a separate staff that opened earlier in the morning for the merchants who rose at dawn to begin their days.

Each day at the Flower Path was a new experience.

Each week they would showcase a noble house's special tea (with their permission of course). It never failed to make the nobles preen when their special tea was praised around the main tea room. There was a menu of regular teas that could be served and a special menu of seasonal teas along with seasonal selections of accompaniments.

Many provided curiosity regarding the Ipheion's rumored legendary tea and so after some product research on Alvina's side, calculations on Sigrid's, and legend-heightening talk from Dana they unveiled the Ipheion tea on their first anniversary of opening the Flower Path.

Favian who had not only invested but taken over the Gentleman's Library turning it into a cover for his information guild, a secret that only Rhea and him knew, spread the word far and wide with his resources.

The day of the anniversary of the Flower Path came with floods of nobles from all over the Empire. With them came the most interesting gossip, Dana thrived amongst the ladies as she gathered all the tales.

As Rhea walked through the halls, checking on her guests, she heard snippets here and there.

"...the prince is ever so taken with her. It wouldn't surprise me if there is a royal wedding in a year's time."

'It would seem the story is advancing, ALICE.'

[INDEED. HISTORY IS BEING MADE.]

"Who knew, a peasant would one day be our next Empress."

As Rhea arrived at the table to check on the ladies, the noble lady hushed the other.

"She is a lady now, of the Duchy no less."

"Is there anything I can help provide, ladies?" Rhea smiled professionally at the gossiping women as they requested another pot of Ipheion and more sugar. Rhea signaled to a nearby waitress and soon her guests were delivered what they wished. "Anything else I could provide?"

One of the bold of the noble ladies, with wrinkled laughter lines around her eyes and sparkling jade eyes, smiled secretly at Rhea.

"Shall there be an engagement soon for you, Lady Ipheion?"

Rhea shook her head, "I have many a year before that is necessary. For now, I'm focusing on my endeavors with the Flower Path."

Rhea wasn't sure she'd ever marry. She wasn't sure she could see the appeal. She had friends, a father, a mother figure, and family; what else did she truly need?

As Rhea was checking on the private tea rooms she was nearly run over by a young noble lady that she'd recognized from their visit before. Glancing back into the room she saw no one, but the window was open. Coming into the room she went to close it only to see a figure running off into the distance.

'Whatever was that about?'

In another room shouting came from within and after a knock, it was answered by a frightened-looking waitress.

Rhea looked to find a noble lady red in the face, hands shaking as she held a letter in her hand. Without looking up she ordered Rhea, "Get me the quickest sky ship, I must go to the Floating Isles at once."

"I will get the needed arrangements available for you as soon as possible, Lady Eld."

Lady Eld's eyes quickly made their way to Rhea's in surprise.

"Lady Ipheion, I didn't see you there."

Rhea nodded, "Is there anything you need?"

"My foolish son has decided to ride a wild sky beast." She crumpled the letter in my hands, "I am not familiar with the Sky Isle he's been brought to, could you please recommend a doctor?"

"Of course."

The day was not to end without a bang for it would seem a crying mother would find her way into the halls expounding how her child was kidnapped. Rhea would get her some refreshments while sending a messenger to Favian to get as much information on the event as possible. With their quick actions, the captors were found and prosecuted, and a mother was reunited with her son.

"All in a good day's work." Favian smiled at Rhea as they watched the crying mother pull her son into her arms.