The obsidian lake shimmered like liquid starlight, its glossy surface reflecting Clematis's androgynous visage - those delicate vulpine features near indistinguishable from her beloved brother's. Heliotrope and Clematis were two vivid flowers that were unequally cherished. A wistful twinge lanced her chest as magenta locks fluttered in the midnight breeze.

"Helio won't be joining us."

Her melodious voice remained carefully level despite the ache blossoming behind that coolheaded facade. Bright azure eyes found the silhouette waiting by the lake's edge, studiously avoiding their questioning gaze. As childhood friends, they had all vowed to ascend the tree together and explore the world that awaited beyond the village's thorny embrace.

"He's...pursued other paths. But you need not abandon your hopes." Clematis summoned a soft, reassuring smile. "If you accept my escort, I will guide you through the ascent. We can discover what lies beyond together."

The words she'd longed to utter for eternities hung unspoken - confessions of her own yearning to spread her wings without the lingering torment of unrequited love. Heliotrope's chosen had always been her quiet obsession, the warm sun around which she orbited even as it bathed another in its radiance.

But the fates had dealt her a wildly improbable chance.

If this person faltered, she would bear them skyward without hesitation.

For she could never truly be happy until escaping this hollow paradise - could never find true solace until the object of her affections beheld the whole of her steadfast devotion.