Chapter Text
Asphodel:(1)
Based on Victorian floriography, it means: "My regrets follow you to the grave."
This meaning is showcased by his actions in Chapter 1. He brings the bouquet, but doesn’t give it to Yuder. He can’t complete the gesture because he hasn’t earned peace.
Linden Blossom:
It means conjugal love(2), fidelity(3), protection and quiet guardianship(4).
(“Conjugal love” seems to have meant (for Victorians) not necessarily passion/desire, but moral commitment. Which is why Kishiar was “bold” enough to give it as a bouquet. )
As such, the meaning Kishiar gave to the flower was “I will remain faithful to my duty, even if unseen.” Great for a concealed guardian figure.
Kishiar hoped for the “unseen” in the way the flower was presented: in the tea he brewed. He wants to protect Yuder, let him know he is watched over and take no credit for the action.
However, there is a second reading to it (his subconscious), after all, it is for “conjugal love” as well.
Now, even if this fanfic is centred on Kishiar. Yuder has his own agency, and he does not touch the tea. (Here I meant for it to have more of a subconscious implication! Yuder does not know the tea is made of linden blossom, nor what the flower represents).
Rue:(1)
Meaning: Repentance, regret, remorse
Purple Hyacinth:(2)
Meaning: Sorrow, apology, “please forgive me”
White Gladiolus:(5,6)
Meaning: Admiration, strength of character, moral integrity, heroic connotations, infatuation
In this bouquet, the Rue is supposed to represent Kishiar’s belief that he failed Yuder in the previous life. His “moral guilt” so to speak. The purple hyacinth represents what was lost between them. The life they didn’t get to live, and how Kishiar grieves it. It’s also meant to be the apology he can’t voice (lest he gives himself up). Moreover, I wanted this to mean “I mourn what you endured”, but I’m afraid I’m piling too many meanings onto this flower.
To finish, the white gladiolus is Yuder’s ascension as a leader, someone Kishiar now looks up to, and a reversal of roles (wink wink to the prompt).
Calamus:(7)
Meaning: Affection, Aflutter, Aphrodisiac, Delusion, Fitness, Lamentation, Love, Lust
It’s also poisonous, which is great to depict what he thinks his feelings can cost Yuder.
Red chrysanthemum:(8)
Meaning: I love you, deep passion, intense feeling.
However, Kishiar meant for this love is bound up with endurance and pain (long-lasting commitment). He is not courting Yuder, consciously.
One (1) red rose:(1)
Meaning: deep passion, desire, love that consumes
These flowers mirror the chapter by showing his control slipping, his loyalty transforming from penance to chosen devotion. The red rose is a crack in what he tells himself (he didn’t give a full bouquet, only one.)
White bellflower:(9)
Meaning: Gratitude, Humility, Constancy, Everlasting love
Kishiar uses this to say: “I am sorry.”
It’s just his humble apology for the mess created. He won’t mention to himself that they also mean “everlasting love”, of course not.
Red Rose:(1)
Meaning: Romantic love that is deep, enduring, and timeless. “I love you forever.”
In classic Victorian flower language:
(Before he left one, now he leaves many).
Blue Delphinium:(10)
Meaning: Hope, new opportunities, dignity, strong bonds.
Despite facing reality, he hopes for a way ahead. He wants to stand beside Yuder. But he knows he is in the position he is in by his own hand, which is why he doesn’t look at the Delphinium for long, and why it “slipped” in the bouquet.
He hopes, despite himself.
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