Ivy had been daddy's little girl. Ever since she was a filly, long limbed and trailing strings of ivy behind her. She had always looked up to her father, wanting to be like him in so many ways, including trying to look like him. Remembering how proud she had been when she had strung the Ivy around herself and had stood before her father proudly and declared, 'Look Dad, now I look just like you.' His patience had known no bounds. She had learned after that ripping up the plants like that hurts and kills them, so she stopped, but that was how her name had been found. She would usually help Greenskeeper with some of the things he had done but now, well.... Ivy felt her heart heavy.
Orchid too, was remorseful. There was such light in this world, found in both Briar and Greenskeeper and that light had been diminished, they were gone. It had been some time since either could be scented or any traces found so the assumption was that they would not be and Orchid couldn't help but look at her child, who she had watched follow her father and brother's around now stand there with tears in her eyes. She would continue to care for Briar's gardens and she knew Ivy would do so as well, though she was uncertain about the rest of the children. They were free to do as they wished, all that mattered to Orchid was that they were happy and healthy.
Mother? Her voice was a little broken, but she shook her head, determined not to cry.
I think I know what you're going to ask.... I wish I had answers but I don't.. I don't plan on leaving this grove. I will continue to tend and care for his gardens for as long as I am able. She stared at the place where Ivy used to run, long legged and clumsy, how patient Briar Bed had been with them as he taught them about his plants.
Turning her head away from her mother she looked around. So many memories here. She asked herself many times why they hadn't come back, wondering where they had gone... She would cherish all the memories she had made here. She didn't know if she could stay, at least not right now. Everything felt like a haze, a nightmare she couldn't wake up from. I think I need to leave... not forever, but for a while... I need to discover my purpose, maybe the MotherFather has a plan for me.... She turned teary eyes towards her mother and moved close.
Orchid closed the gap and gave her daughter a hug, their necks and shoulders leaning into one another.
Ivy broke contact first and slowly backed away. I don't know when I'll be back, I know I'll return, I just don't know when.... Just know I love you Mother. Looking around she knew the way that would lead her away from this place full of memories. Her heart hurt and she felt like her lungs were burning. She didn't have the strength to stay here while she figured out how to cope with the feelings that were inside of her. Not being able to bear to hear her mothers reply in that moment she gave her one last, sorrow filled look, and darted down a path that lead away from the only home she had ever known and into a world that she had yet to discover.
Orchid understood and watched as her daughter left. Turning back to the area she had grown to love, she looked up towards the sky. Wherever you are Briar.... Greenskeeper.... Please look after your family when I cannot..... She went to one of the spots that was often used for resting and laid down upon the soft grass. Breathing in the scents and letting her grief wash over hear.