Girl / Music / Family / Love«
Hello. My name is Astrid. I've been born into a life of flowers, love, happiness- joys given to me by my wonderful family. A passion I have, one I hold close to my heart, music, sings my gratefulness for all the gifts I've received, the amazing things I've been lucky enough to see. I may be a child still, but that doesn't mean I can't say thank you. »

My name is Astrid Foxglove Vance. My first name relates to the foxglove, in that it is a category of flowers it belongs to- along with forget-me-nots, nightshade, and morning glories. I was named for my pelt, what with beautiful hues of purple painting my coat, who could not call me so?
I live with my parents Lyrus and Pantalaimon, who I love dearly. Papa Lyrus was the one who showed me the world of flowers. Always, I do my best to help around the flower shop, to listen to him talk about his floral fanaticism as we go about the day. Papa Pantalaimon, on the other hand, I love because of his kindness and enthusiasm for everything I did, something I absolutely am graceful for. Were it not for Papa Pantalaimon, I wouldn't know how to express my love as well as I could.
What do you mean, you wouldn't know how to express your love as well as you could?Good question. You see... I have selective mutism. It is difficult for me to speak, in that I'm scared of speaking around those who I feel are dangerous. It's especially hard when two of your own siblings cause you to not want to talk at all, and although shameful it hurts to force myself. My papas and older brother, Mischa, hadn't know about this- til then.
When I was with Mischa on the rooftop of papa Lyrus' shop, did he realize. We were talking, here and there, of bees and other things. The sound of steps interested me, and soon as I saw that familiar red I hastily looked away. Gladiolus, or Dio, was one of the two siblings I was afraid of. His air of scorn and vigor, along with his piercing eyes of red and pearly fangs, were my main concerns for fearing him. I knew he meant no harm- but my mind went rampant as soon as I saw him.
I looked away, he talked to Mischa- about what, I don't know, nor did I care- and left.
There was a silence, and Mischa asked me why I wasn't talking. I just told him I didn't want to interject, and he seemed satisfied with that answer.

He knew something was up, because my brother Delphinium- or Dell- and papa Pantalaimon and he took a trip to the shops. It was nice, going out with family. Especially with all the people I adored.
We stopped by a music shop, and I was amazed. Stringed instruments, from guitars, to violins, even an exotic erhu enthralled me. I couldn't help but play with the strings- their tones, ranging from light and heavenly to heavy and earthly were like a million other people's voices singing out to me.
And that's where it started.
I really wanted a violin I saw- I practically begged for it right then and there- and, lo and behold, it was sitting on the living room table, spiffy and new, right on my birthday.
The road to where I am now was a difficult one. If I played a string wrong, it would shriek, as if it were in pain. It hurt me, too, especially my ears. I was careful, playing slowly until I felt good enough to up the pace. I sang, too- quietly at first, as I didn't really like my voice, but upped that as well when I was alone. I can't perform very quickly as of now, but I'm happy to say I've made enough progress to do what I initially thought of doing from that time in the store.
On a sunny summer day, when the sunflowers had finally reached their tallest and the butterflies played joyously among the grasses, I played a song for the two kalons in my life I was irrationally afraid of- Dio and Euthalia. I was scared, but papa Pantalaimon's words of encouragement drove me on.
At first, it was somber; then it became heavier, then heavier, then finally I fervently began to shoot the tone upwards, and my brow relaxed as I smiled with glee. The two before me sat, confused, not understanding why I suddenly changed my expression, why I was playing for them. Papa Pantalaimon asked them to listen- so they are.
As if the violin's mesmerizing spell broke at once then and there, I flicked my bow from the strings and waited. They looked to me, and oh- how they clapped! They smiled, and I smiled, and I couldn't help but hug the two.
I still retain a bit of my mutism, since there's many other scary things out there. But, thanks to music, I was able to show my love to my siblings, and I continue to show my love and happiness for everything.
