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[ They are ever healing, but she thinks she feels less drawn to it because she received Ori's message. Her letter. She smiles at the thought, knowing that she would carry that message with her for the rest of her days. ]

It was you who planted the roses, correct?

...I should do something special for them as well. [ But what? ]

[Was it so obvious? Perhaps so. Seems like just about anything to do with a rose would have something to do with her, after all. Beatrix can’t even be completely surprised that Susato is so sharp as to come to that conclusion.

Instead of trying to deny it or otherwise pretend that such a thing doesn’t exist, she simply says nothing at first. Eventually, her expression softens and she nods.]

That is the way of it. [She admits with a relative degree of ease.] I thought it would be an appropriate way to tie myself to the two of them. They will not know it, of course, so I imagine I did it more for myself. I expect that eventually all of us will do something akin to that. If we care to.

[After a breath, Beatrix continues.]

Again, we all cope in our own ways. You should do as your heart beckons you to, Susato.

[ Susato looks thoughtful. It is not the first time she has been told to do as her heart beckons, of course, but it can be difficult to know exactly what that entails. An appropriate way to tie herself to them...

... ]

Perhaps... I could respond to the letter.

[ Maybe one day, she'll be back to respond to it? ]

I think that is a fine idea. I should like to believe that even if they would not see it, surely wherever they are, in whatever respective world they came from, they might very well know. Who is to say that those returning to their homes do not dream of their escapades here or those they met here.

[It’s not as though they’ve ever been able to ask anyone. There’s nothing saying they can’t or won’t. Perhaps it would sound a bit optimistic coming from someone like Beatrix, but she seems willing to invest in such an idea.

It’s certainly more palatable as opposed to coming to terms with all of that time wasted and for naught.]

You could even leave it in the grove. That, to me, seems like where it would belong.

[ They'll know.

The idea is a comforting one. Susato is supposed to be the one comforting Beatrix, and making sure she does not losing heart, yet it seems Susato is the one who is reassured. She gives a nod, and just like that, she appears convinced. ]

That is a wonderful idea. Thank you.

[ What she will write, she can decide on her own time. She is already trying to think of what else she can offer at the same time, though that is something she can ultimately decide on her own, too. For now, she will simply spend time with Beatrix in a place that Ori herself offered.

After a quiet walk, she can see the grove in the distance. The protective barrier around it distorts the area, like looking through glass, and when they walk through it, there is a familiar warmth. ]

Every once in a while, I have one of those.

[Wonderful ideas, that is, though it is highly unlikely Beatrix would ever describe them as such. That’s simply unlike her. If anything, she would consider them adequate. Perhaps a touch more sentimental than she should like for them to be. She’s not exactly a fan of those kinds of conversations to begin with.

Whatever would she do if people began to think that she was an individual good at comforting another? Eidolons forbid. People might start coming to her for such things.

They meander along. She sees the sights of the grove she has visited so often since Oriphi and Diluc’s departures and it feels like the ache in her heart grows with every step closer. It’s ridiculous, really. She’s thought the more she would go, the better she would feel. In a way, that’s happened, of course. In another way, she feels resentment. Regret. Mostly for herself. Maybe a little towards Oriphi, which is completely unfair, and yet entirely human.

As they step in, she looks over to Susato, dipping her chin, trying to bind and keep herself together.]

Was there a section you wanted to see in particular, or are you here to admire the roses I planted? I have no preference either way.

[ Her eyes automatically wander towards the large tree where the letters and baubles were originally left. As much as she has come to appreciate flowers now, she could not hope to know as much about them as Ori, or Aerith. So she really can't say she has a preference.

She can see the roses when Beatrix asks, however, and already, she is pulling out an unopened water bottle. It's not in a proper watering can, but hopefully it will do. ]

I would be happy just to admire your roses. I didn't get to see them before, but they rather stand out now.

Perhaps you would like to do the honours? [ She offers Beatrix the water bottle. ]

[Do they? In the grove surrounded by all of the other rather beautiful things that Oriphi left behind, Beatrix would think they look rather insignificant. Yet they are young roses. Roses come filled with potential, but are not necessarily impressive until they are at their most full grown. The pinnacle of success, some might say. Although others might counter with the idea that roses are infinitely lovely.

At the question, Beatrix shakes her head.]

No. By all means. I have watered them plenty of times since I planted them. It is important that they become familiar with others besides myself. I want them to be familiar with everyone.

I understand.

[ When Beatrix gently refuses, she pulls her hand back, bottle included. She looks at it for a good, long moment before she twists the cap open. The sun continues to shine on the young roses, and as Susato slowly tips some water onto them, the wetness causes them to glisten.

She may be seen mumbling a silent prayer, but she doesn't want to drown them, so she'll stop before long, leaving about half a bottle. ]

[Beatrix looks... pleased by the way things turn out. She tends to say what she means and there's no lack of sincerity in how she phrases herself here. It is important that the flowers not only ever rely on her. There are plenty of others, she suspects, who will take refuge in the grove and care for the various flowers.]

You have worked with plants before, I take it. You seem to know what you are doing, after all. There are some here I have had to explain not to over-water.

[ She recaps the bottle with a smile as she turns to look at the General once more. ]

My father and I learned together after he built the greenhouse for the Dawn flowers. I've read a lot about them. At least the ones that we've managed to plant there.

[ Since he woke, however, Susato hasn't really gone out of her way to add anything new. ]

I am hardly an expert, but it pleases me to see them flourish.

I feel the same way.

[Neither is she an expert, but she does find a degree of pleasure in watching them grow. Maybe it's the concept of life. An easier existence than anything she's might have experienced. Perhaps she envies flowers a bit. Beatrix could believe that, even if she's not exactly willing to say it.]

I remember your father making mention of the greenhouse as well. I am pleased that you are taking care of them.

[ For a moment, she can see, feel her father's smile. The words, particularly coming from Beatrix, are quite uplifting. ]

I think he would be, too... [ She can hope, at any rate. ] Especially since I must go out of my way to do so now, since I have been living at the Harvest. But it has already proven to be worth it.

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