Of Laurels and Wreaths

5. Weeds

At the very centre of the wreath, Effie sat cross-legged, a mess of parchments and tomes scattered about her in a circle. Her lips curled in concentration, eyes trained on the notebook on her lap. In her hand was a quill, which she twirled round and round.

Fifteen minutes like this, and I still have no idea what to craft! She sighed, scribbling out a word in frustration.

Annette's birthday was coming up, yet Effie's progress on her gift leaves a lot to be desired. She could not figure out what to make or give. Effie met Annette when she first arrived in town. Since then, they often bumped into each other and even worked on the little tasks given out by the local council.

Effie closed her eyes and a small smile formed. Why, she could just reminisce the day before Annette presented a marvellous plan on improving the town's irrigation, when they really started to be better friends...

... if it weren't for the tolling of the alarm bell Effie set up. The town gathering for the floral festival will start soon, so she must be off – with or without progress. Smile turned upside down, Effie grumbled as she stood up. With notebook in hand, she started walking towards the exit of her wreath.

She kept the 'walls' – technically the outer hedges making the perimeter of her wreath – high as always, as a means to deter strange creatures from venturing in. Even so, Effie still peeks out before truly exiting.

Everybody was aware of the poisonous blooms spread out in the region. They exuded toxic fumes which gradually caused breathing problems, finally leading to asphyxiation. She never faced them up close, but oh, every day she silently plead to be kept away from them.

Well, every garden had its weeds. On the bright side, it was reasons like these which makes Effie cherish her wreath even more – for it is a sanctuary.

Another round of tolling bells dispelled her thoughts of poisonous blooms. Taking a deep breath, Effie mustered all the courage to travel to town.

If anything, I'll get to see Lotte again. Maybe even find some inspiration for Annette's birthday gift...

Duty calls.

---

As she walked the streets of Caulis, Effie took in the quaint classical buildings and its citizens going about their day. Perhaps it was her inclination for solitude speaking, but she always felt there were so many people.

"Now, where to find Lotte?" she murmured, eyes scanning the civilians for a figure donning a distinct red cape.

Never lingering too long in one spot, Effie continued walking about. Perhaps I'll find her at the square, or somewhere along the way? It seemed a reasonable enough thought.

Now the public garden came into view. Though her feet remained on track, her eyes wandered towards the small patches of flowers.

This looks like a nice spot to relax in. A picnic would be even better.

Of course, every garden has its weeds. As she was about to pass a tall rose hedge, her ears picked up a few voices.

"Is this bitterness I smell?"

"If you were there, you'd see just how too much Millicent can be, okay?" Exasperation laced her voice.

Effie stopped at the name. Millicent? She had a friend named Millicent, too. The voices were rather clear, so they must be on the other side of the hedge. From the edge, she peered. Two girls were facing away from her, one lightly leaning against the hedge. The other one plucked off a rose.

"First she says she's okay. But then she suddenly digs it back up. And now I find out she's been talking about it with other people too." As she spoke, she tore off the petals bit by bit with a menacing aura to match her tone.