"No, I don't think so," Aldrec said innocently. "I think that she'll just take it as a gift. So may I please have a pink one?"

Aldrec paid for the rose and thanked her, but received only a curt nod in return.

That was odd, he thought, pausing as he stepped outside the flower shop with his rose. Does she know the procession of roses? It is strange indeed if she does; it's an almost forgotten tradition. I should have asked her, but she didn't seem very disposed to questions. But then again, humans aren't the only race given to prejudices.

He glanced back towards the marketplace, and heard Mericlou call his name. He located her through the crowds, waving and smiling. Slowly, she made her way towards him, weaving deftly through the flow of traffic. Discreetly, he checked his pocket watch. She was on time. It was typical for most girls -human ones, at least- to be 'fashionably late.' It must have been different with androids he guessed, seeing Mericlou's punctuality. He liked that.

"Strange to see a girl on time, isn't it?" Mericlou said, as if reading his mind. "That, you won't get from humans or elves."

Aldrec grinned bemusedly, and handed her the rose, suddenly nervous and unsure of what to say. "Um … for you," he said awkwardly. "I hope you like it."

It was amusing to see her almost paper-white skin flush completely red at the gift, but he had the decency not to laugh. The tender and delicate way Mericlou touched its petals and stroked its stem and leaves assured him that the gift was very much appreciated.

"That's so sweet, Aldrec," she said in a low, gentle voice. "Thank you! How'd you know that pink roses are my favorite?"

"They are?" Aldrec ejected, before he could stop himself.

"Oh, yes!" Mericlou answered rapturously. "As a matter of fact, I love flowers and plants; that's the reason why I live here in Lusea, you know? You elves have the best tastes in plants when it comes to décor!"

"Well, thanks for the compliment," Aldrec said humbly, "But I'm not the one who built the city, you know."

"I know that, silly," she said, playfully backhanding him on the shoulder. "But I just have a lot of esteem for elves, even though my family and I don't get much business from them. I wish we did."

"Well, do they know about your service?" Aldrec said.




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