Ai-Naidari Flowers

Flowers are culturally significant to the Ai-Naidar. A day without flowers would be considered strange, as their use is mandated by Thirukedi.

History
When the Empire was young, medicine was sold. All medicines were derived from plants, and naturally to raise or find those plants, prepare them properly and distribute them was the work of Merchants, but this did not guarantee everyone balm or aid, so pharmacists, then, became Public Servants, supported by taxes and overseen by Nobles and Regals. However, the breeding of plants, the compounding of medicines and the research into matters medical remains a very expensive proposition. All Houses devoted to such things give away their medicines. Finally, all the Houses devoted to the breeding of plants and the research of medicines thereby were mingled with the blood of the nobility, and became Noble Houses.

Whatever the case and cause, most of the medicines found most efficacious by pharmacists are made from roots and leaves, and they often have flowers and to spare. So, Thirukedi suggested that Ai-Naidar buy flowers, as a way of funding the Houses of Medicine, and to prevent the waste of their beauty. In response, the Ai-Naidar have made flowers an inextricable part of society.

Usage

 * Cuttings and seeds are purchased to plant in gardens and train them up the sides of buildings.
 * Flowers are scattered in ceremonies and on tables.
 * Flowers are bought fresh as gifts, or for one's own pleasure.
 * Petals are used to make perfume and flavored waters.
 * Public Servant Physicians buy medicinal plants as seedlings and cuttings to supplement the medicines they receive for free as a show of their solidarity with the Public Servant pharmacists.

Flower Species
Bead-of-blood (agrasiln): bright red, thin black twigs.

Bladebrambles: narrow silver thorns on black vines

Brightsheaves: long, white lilies.

Cloudsbreath: pale, veined in green. In poetry, linked with the normal business of living.

Filin: Tiny blue flowers

Honeyfletch: yellow blooms, tall

Languish: A red flower that grows in sprays

Maiden's Mantle: shade-loving vine

Pinbrambles: delicate, dusky small flowers

Rainflowers: tall, with narrow silver blooms.

Shadowflower (merethe): Source of the dye for the Ai-Naidari "ribbons."

Sorrow-nots: A flower that comes in several shades, including white.

Sovereigns: creamy flowers used for temple festivals celebrating youth and newness (first referred to in the first Aphorism.)

Star-of-mornings: lilac-throated.

Tenderblossoms: trainable vine, small cream flowers in sprays, very dark leaves. White pollen.

Wineflower: straw-yellow petals