Rosebush

R O S E B U S H

THE LIVING PLANT

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Rosebush was nothing more than a bush of damask roses before being brought to life by a lonely witch. Thorns turning to claws and horns, leaves turning to shaggy fur, and lovely petals turning to a lush mane. Rosebush opened her eyes, confused and mute. In her first few moments of life, she observed herself. She still had attributes of her old self, of course; her claws were sharp like thorns, and a faint, flowery scent emanated from her mane. A few flowers still dotted her pelt, but other than that she was a dragon through and through. After Rosebush had gotten situated, the witch explained that she had brought Rosebush to life so that she may have some company, a friend who wouldn't be as much as a nuisance as any old familiar. Rosebush nodded, and simply followed the witch back to her cottage. They lived for a good few years after that, two friends simply enjoying the company of the other. The witch wasn't much for conversation, which was good, because Rosebush couldn't talk. But, the witch was old. A calm companion was required because she hadn't the energy for something young and spry. So, it came as no surprise when the witch eventually succumbed to a peaceful death within her sleep. Rosebush mourned the loss, burying the body and covering it in flower bushes with her magic before heading off.

The world was big and confusing, but Rosebush wasn't frightened. She was among the larger sort of creatures, and those larger had no interest in eating something that smelled like plants. She even picked up a creature like her, which she named Roseceae. During her travels, she crossed paths with the Gaoler Caravan. The Caravan had never seen something the likes of Rosebush before, and a few of the more feisty Gaolers had to be held back from attacking. Rosebush was asked if she would like to travel with them for a few months, an offer which she accepted. It didn't take long for Alastair and Rhyosymedre to adopt her, her new fathers dating upon her and teaching their wordless daughter the wonders of the world. Though Rosebush eventually left the Caravan once she was ready to live on her own, she still sends letters to her fathers. Other than that, she makes her rounds all across Sornieth, filling the lands with delicate flowers and lush greenery. When she can, she'll revisit her birthplace, maintaining the upkeep of her dead mother's grave.

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