Username: Ivytea
Name: Rhiannon
Gender: Heifer
Collar color: Artist's choice
Prompt: (524 words)
xxxxxxxSome may think that it is childish, but Rhiannon would have to disagree. The beauty of making flower crowns is an art that few truly appreciate - it is one that requires patience, delicate movements, and a love for nature.
xxxxxxxIt all began when Rhi was but a little calf. Every day, right after dinner, her and her father would take a stroll through the
great grassy fields where their home was found. Though boundless with lush, green grass, the field was home to many small flowers and dandelions ripe for picking. These walks were peaceful for both parties: both enjoyed being able to stretch their legs after a long day, but they mostly appreciated the time spent together -- even if they didn't realize it.
xxxxxxxRhiannon's father was a gentle man before his death. He took great care for his only daughter and last surviving offspring of his beloved wife. He worked as a florist in the heart of town, and was known well by all of the surrounding townspeople. One thing that he knew and loved was the craft of flower crown making -- something his quaint little shop was known for.
xxxxxxxOn these nightly strolls, Rhiannon's father would teach her
the ways to create one. He avoided the wildflowers growing there, explaining that they needed to be there for the bees. He had a strange affection for dandelions, and used those bright yellow heads and stems for their works. Although it was quite difficult for her at first -- being a stubborn little girl -- eventually, she had begun to master the craft. She was not nearly as fine-tuned as her father, of course, but nonetheless it was a feat indeed. After a few years, when Rhi had reached her teen years, she could even best the works of her father.
Sorrowfully, Rhiannon's father passed away just as she reached the start of adulthood. He was an older gentleman, taken swiftly by nature herself. However, his florist shop remained open -- ownerless.
xxxxxxxFull of pride, Rhiannon sought to take over his shop and restore it to the glory it held before her father's death. She quickly gained ownership and spread the joy to the townspeople that it would be re-opening. As it grew more and more popular again, Rhiannon strengthened her own craft that she adored -- the one her father had passed on to her -- and became the most successful flower shop in all of the surrounding area. One item in particular, though, is the one Rhiannon is most proud of.
xxxxxxx"Dad's Favorite."xxxxxxxA crown -- fitted to the measurements of the customer's head, was a simple ornamental wear that consisted of those same bright dandelions. Although it was not as breathtakingly flamboyant as other floral arrangements she sold, it was always her favorite to make and sell. Sometimes, when mothers and fathers brought their children, she'd even make them for free. Even though those customers may not have known its significance to her, Rhiannon felt in her heart that her father was proud of her everyday for doing so.
xxxxxxxAnd thus is her own obsession: crafting flower crowns in her father's memory, in order to spread joy.
