67 - Eating A Flower

67 - Eating A Flower
Clare gazed at her plant in wonder as a purple flower began to bloom. As she continued to stare at her plant, Clare couldn’t help but feel a sense of accomplishment. It had taken her a few days to grow the plant but she had finally completed it.
She had grown the plant and now it was time for her to move onto the next stage.
Careful not to damage the plant, Clare got up from her spot in the hot spring and hurried to her room. Xavier was busy with some extra training so Clare was alone.
She quickly got changed, deciding to find Frey. He had told her the next stage was extremely important and there was no way Clare was going to wait any longer.
Besides she could hold her curiosity over what the plant would unlock within her.
Once she was dressed, Clare headed out her room with her plant in hand. Lav immediately appeared at her side, nearly making Clare jump. The other woman noticed the plant in Clare’s hand and smiled.
“Congratulations, your highness.” Lav exclaimed. “Are you heading to Lord Frey’s office?”
“Yes I am.” Clare nodded before pausing for a moment. “Do you think he’ll be there?”
It was evening after all so Frey could have retired for the night. Clare couldn’t believe that in her excitement she had forgotten about that.
“I’m not sure but we can send a wisp ahead.” Lav said, holding out a hand.
A few seconds later, a small circular light landed on the tips of her fingers. Lav brought it close to her face, whispering something to it. She then held her hand out and the wisp fluttered away, soon disappearing from view.
Lav turned back to Clare. “I’ve sent a message to Lord Frey. We can start heading to his office in the meantime and wait for him to come by if he’s not there.”
Clare nodded in understanding and the two slowly made their way to Frey’s office. When they got there, the two found Lif waiting for them.
“Greetings, your highness.” Lif gave Clare a small head bow. “His majesty has received your message however is currently busy.”
Clare felt a wave of embarrassment hit her. “Oh… Then I’ll come tomorrow morning. Please do apologize to Lord Frey for me.”
“It’s fine.” Lif shrugged. “I’ve been entrusted by his majesty to help you consume the flower.”
“Alright.” Clare murmured, still feeling embarrassed.
She was still going to apologize to Frey when she saw him tomorrow. And maybe get Lif some of those berries he liked so much.
Lav stayed outside while the other two headed inside, Lif directing Clare to place her plant on the coffee table and to take a sit while he prepared everything.
She watched as Lif headed out the office only to come back with a teapot and teacup a few minutes later. He placed both down before turning his attention to the plant. Carefully, Lif removed the flower and handed it over to Clare.
“You’re going to have to eat this. Don’t worry too much as it melts once inside your mouth.” Lif explained. “The rest of the plant gets made into a tea. After you drink it, you’ll feel a little drowsy so Lav will take you back to your room.”
“Will the efforts happen while I’m asleep?” Clare asked as Lif began preparing the tea.
It was a bit of a dumb question but she felt better knowing the how the whole process would happen rather than suddenly falling asleep and waking up unsure how to feel.
“Yes.” Lif nodded. “Don’t worry too much about training tomorrow as your body will need time to rest. His majesty recommends you soak in the hot springs when you wake up and circulate your magic for a few minutes to stop any backlashes.”
Clare didn’t like the sound of the last part. But there was no reward without a like risk. Besides, the backlash would only happen if she didn’t do as Frey recommended.
“Alright, I understand.” Clare said before turning her attention to the flower in her hand.
It wasn’t that big, the size of her hand. Her brain was telling her she could not eat it but nothing was ever logical with the Fae. Thus she quickly closed her eyes and stuffed the flower into her mouth.
As Lif had said, the flower instantly melted into a liquid, almost as if she was drinking water rather than trying to consume a flower. It didn’t taste like much which also surprised Clare.
Clare opened her eyes as she swallowed down the last of the flower, finding that Lif had a cup in his hands, waiting for her to take it.
“Thank you.” Clare murmured as she took the cup from him.
It was lukewarm which was a little strange but Clare guessed it was because she needed to down the drink quickly. Which she did.
Her taste buds immediately regretted her actions and Clare had to resist the urge to spit the drink out. She couldn’t believe how bitter the drink was compared to the tasteless flower she had just eaten.
Lif seeing the face she was making said, “Do you want some honey?”
“Please.” Clare gasped after swallowing the horrid drink.
Lif swiftly grabbed a jar and spoon before handing it to Clare. She quickly placed some honey in her tea, stirring it up before she attempted to finish the rest.
The honey helped a little but Clare still felt the urge to spit the horrid drink out. However she kept going, knowing this was nothing compared to what she would gain.
Once she was done, Clare gave Lif the teacup back before grabbing another spoon of honey and eating it. As she had the honey, Clare’s assaulted tastebuds felt a little better.
It wasn’t long before a buzzing started in her head and like Lif had said, Clare soon felt drowsy. Knowing there was no point in fighting it, Clare lay down on the couch and closed her eyes, allowing the darkness to consume her.