Niviene Larethian

Flower Delivery - Alternate Character: Zarastirra

“The flowers are as lovely as always Zara, thank you for bringing them.”

“You’re quite welcome doctor. I like to think they bring joy to the patients here, it’s such a dismal place after all. I don’t know how my sister stood it.” Zarastirra answered, a soft smile taking the sting from her words.

The doctor’s gaze hardened for a moment but he merely nodded, “And how is your sister these days?” he asked.

The woman glanced up from the vase she was placing flowers in, her brow furrowed slightly, “She does well. She is quite lucid. You would never know she had ever been ill.” Zara returned to the flowers, her fingers lingering on the bright red petals of the blood thistle she included in every bouquet she brought to the hospital.

“Zara?”

At the doctor’s voice she blinked and laughed softly, “As I said, you’d never know she struggled with addiction. You’ve done well by her and I am eternally grateful to you for that.” she stepped back from the vase, giving it a satisfied look. “That’s another reason I bring the flowers, to show you that everything is well. That we’re well.”

She picked up her empty basket and turned to look at the physician, “Well then, till next time doctor. I do hope you have a wonderful day.”

The doctor watched the woman go, her long, light brown braid bouncing merily over her shoulder as she headed for the door.

“Is it wise to let her go like that doctor?” an orderly spoke up from behind the older man.

“Of course it is. If I believed there was any danger to her I would have her admitted immediately.” he replied.

“Do you think she knows?”

“She knows quite well that she’s the patient. This is a little game we play so that she doesn’t have to admit it out loud. But mark my words, she is well aware that her sister was never here. You see, she died in Icecrown many years ago. Zara is alone in the world, with no one but her flowers to keep her company.”

The two men turned to watch the blood elf as she crossed the room. Zara paused for a moment, her eyes falling on a young man sitting alone. She frowned as she watched him then turned, going to the nearest vase of flowers and removing a single peacebloom flower. She approached the young man quietly, clearing her throat. When he looked up at her she smiled and held the flower out to him, “Things will get better.” she whispered. As the man took the flower, seeming somewhat confused, Zara reached out and pushed a lock of hair from his eyes, “I promise.” she smiled again then turned and left the room.