Later, when Ellis thinks back as to how he got involved in public spectacles, he'll consider this request and think, Ah, a warning sign.

But in the moment, he hums over it softly and nods as he unfolds the quilted fabric to reveal the second item. Would it be such a hardship to wear his breastplate? No. Comparatively, the larger undertaking had been learning the dances, so overall—

As the book is revealed, Wysteria is treated to Ellis' brief laugh at the title, before his expression softens between the inscription and the packet of seeds. He draws in a deep breath. (There's no way for Wysteria to know about the little house he'd grown up in, fence lined with these flowers, set out in a vase on the kitchen table.) He turns the packet over in his hands before setting it back down on the page, covered over with his palm.

"You went through too much trouble," he says, reaching to take her hand. "This, the seeds, it's very kind, Wysteria."