The Renaissance

(1350-1550)

Today would mark a week, a week since [Name] had last seen him, a week more complicated than any flower she had seen. That man, France as he called himself, had approached her in England's garden and had told her that she would have a new friend, a new house, and new flowers to look at. The idea of new friends brought [Name] to ecstatic joy yet the folly of new flowers peeked her interest even more. What she didn't realize was that the prospect of something new came with an expanse of something old. England couldn't help but let a single tear drift to the floor as France carried a beaming [Name] away, he had felt as though he had lost a battle, a piece of time, and his greatest joy that just happened to be his true best friend that he loved dearly.

The ride was long and as [Name] looked through the glass window of the carriage she could see a colorful array of flowers as they passed along the gates to France's home. His house was enormous, just like England's, but France managed to decorate his home a bit more lavishly than England. Slowly they approached the gates to then enter the marvelous gardens surrounding the entire home. [Name] couldn't help but let her eyes grow wide at the sight of such a lovely thing.

"So I see you're interested in the garden ma petite fleur[1]." [Name] was surprised at the sound of someone else's voice, seeing as how silence had enveloped most her journey as she had fallen asleep as soon as she entered the carriage. France smiled delicately at her seeing as how she slowly nodded her head 'yes', he knew that now with England gone [Name] was in his sole care and this little girl would be a great edition to the French empire. He would protect her from dangers of the world and do what England had failed to do.

The Plague[2] and the War with England[3] had left France exceedingly depopulated, ruined commercially, and mildly weak. Yet through an array of monarchs the country would soon strengthen itself back to further glory.

The carriage stopped and France proceeded out taking one of [Name]'s hands and slowly helping her out. He picked her up soon after and slowly began to walk her through the garden until she stopped him so she could point at an Iris[4].

"Oh that right there?" France had put [Name] down so that she could have a closer look at the three petals tenderly attached to the flower. "It's called and Iris, there are many growing in the garden…" France began to explain the meaning behind the flower until he had to be called away for an important message. "Excuse me for a moment ma petite fleur, stay here." France smiled gently before leaving for a brief moment.

[Name] was amazed at how many flowers presented themselves so thoroughly in such intricate colors abound. She walked off unknowingly deeper into the garden until she found herself in a different area and this looked nothing like the outside of France's house. There she saw a full wooded area filled to the brim with pastel colors and vibrant shades of blue and green. [Name] had gotten to work on picking a variety of lively flowers to then furnish them into a crown of lavish beauties. All the while she never managed to sense the wondering eyes that looked on her with a feeling of mystery.

Holy Rome was on his way to Austria's house to see Italy when he caught sight of someone walking into the clearing. He thought it was probably Italy chasing bunnies and the thought of Italy leisurely playing among the creatures of the earth made him blush immensely. There was a giant oak tree that he could easily take cover by and he slowly calmed himself before turning to peek at…some else he didn't know.

That wasn't Italy and for sure it wasn't anyone he knew, yet he wanted to know her. All thoughts of Italy slipping away causally he became enthralled by this new person before him. She was hard at work making something and it didn't take long for her to notice him hiding behind a tree, but what surprised him even more was that she smiled at him. Holy Rome being the assertive powerful country he was did the only plausible thing…he blushed deeply and quickly hid even more behind the tree.

[Name] finally realizing she was being watched she turned to see a bushing boy behind a tree and what seemed even stranger was that he tried to hide behind the tree even more. 'Maybe I did something wrong' was all she could think to explain his behavior and thought of a peace offering. She began to walk towards the tree until she was right in front of him. His blush intensified and her smile grew wider she placed the crown of flowers on his head kissed his cheeks and uttered an apology for her previous rudeness. Holy Rome didn't know whether to run or stand there like an idiot.

"W-What's your n-name?" was all Holy Rome managed to slip out before she responded

"[Name]" She said with a delightful smile but soon she heard her name being called in the distance and she knew it was time to go home. She uttered a quick goodbye after shaking his hand.

Holy Rome watched as [Name] ran off into the distance. He slowly followed after to see where she lived and witnessed her being hugged and carried away by a very worried France. It wasn't until they were out of sight that Holy Rome noticed the delicately crafted flower crown on top of his head. From then on he knew he needed to see her again.

~Extended Ending~

"Oh mon Dieu![5] Where have you been? I ran all around looking for you." A worried France quickly scooped the young girl up and hugged her fearing she's slip away any second. [Name] could only think about that strange boy she met earlier today…

[1] "My little flower"

[2] The Black Death

[3] The Hundred Years War, Joan of Ark was in this war.

[4] The Iris is the national flower of France.

[5] "Oh my God"