honeysuckle | snufkin.

chapter two

"Love many things, for therein lies the true strength, and whosoever loves much performs much, and can accomplish much, and what is done in love is done well."

- Vincent Van Gogh

- - -

It was still early afternoon when Snorkmaiden found herself among the buttercups.

The new, spring breeze tousled her bangs as she bent over and plucked a fairly beautiful flower from it's home, placing it with the rest in a small bouquet she was putting together. That was likely Snorkmaiden's favorite part about spring: the flowers. The young girl was enthralled by beauty, so much so she chose to reflect it upon almost everything she'd do. Before hibernating, she'd try to find the most graceful way to lay; when getting ready, she would pick out her finest anklet; when gathering flowers, she made sure to look as elegant as she could.

She stood up once she believed her new collection looked perfectly full and made her way back to her house. Once there, she pulled out a lovely, blue vase and filled it halfway with water, proceeding to carefully drop the flower stems in completely.

The young girl looked back at what she had done and smiled proudly. She darted up the stairs, early morning energy filling her step. When she approached the first door, she came to a halt, knocking two times gently.

" Uh-huh," the mundane voice from within called in response.

She slipped through the door, finding her brother, Snork, hard at work on his flying ship. A gentle smile curled along her lips.

" I'm sorry to disturb you, but I'm going to see Moomin," Snorkmaiden said.

" Uh-huh,"

" Do you want to come with me, Snork?"

" Uh-huh,"

" Or would you rather stay here?"

" Uh-huh,"

" Well, are you coming or not?"

" Uh-huh,"

" You're not coming then?"

" Uh-huh,"

" Snork!" She finally exclaimed, growing tired of his dull responses.

Snork bounded out of his seat, landing clumsily on the ground with his flying ship model in hand. His face came back to life as he held it up, " Well you know my flying ship is almost finished! It'll be ready this year, you'll see!"

He threw the ship, smiling so widely his cheeks could tear. The ship flew across the room, only to crash and fall apart at Snorkmaiden's feet. She huffed, rolling her eyes in a frustrated fashion.

Snork's smile fell as he raced to what remained of the ship, " Oh dear... perhaps it needs some more work..."

- - -

Tender notes of a rustic sounding song played peacefully through the cool spring air. Snufkin sat perched along the fence built around Moomin House's front porch, his eyes closed as he played while the others talked amongst themselves.