Season of Blossoms

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Genre: Fantasy (but slice of life-ish)
Rating: 18+

In the nation of Tithly, it is custom that those of marriageable age travel to the city of Philsia for the yearly Season of Blossoms– four summer months of parties meant to provide its participants the opportunity to find their next spouse. This year will be the first year that all three siblings of the Tsylgahra family attend: Mithleem, Anli, and Lisanth.

Mithleem has been to the city of Philsia for the Season before– eight years ago, when he met his wife and mother of his two children. However, two years after her tragic death, Mithleem has finally decided that he’s ready to start his search for someone new. As one of the top people in his class at the Academy, and a successful doctor and rune speaker during his time in the Army, he’s generated a stellar reputation among his peers. Despite the Tsylgahra’s family uninspiring place in society, he’s a hot commodity at parties, including one thrown by Tithly’s most renowned painter. It’s here that Mithleem is called to the bedside of the painter’s equally famous spouse, Ysaika Talorilau. They have thrown themselves off a balcony, and it takes all of Mithleem’s rune speaking talents to save them. Mithleem soon learns that while Ysaika’s body heals well enough, their spirit is in danger, and it may take someone of Mithleem’s skill to save their life.

Anli’s been to Philsia twice for the Season, but she hasn’t had much luck. Unlike her older brother, she decided to stay and manage her family’s small estate after her school-age years, and considering the lackluster Tsylgahra family name, she’s never been a person of much interest to the social climbers of Philsia society. However, this time she’s met a young man with promise who shows interest in her, and despite her misgivings, she’s willing to give him a shot, even if the family’s new valet and bodyguard, Thyla Daschanhildi is quite insistent that Anli deserves better. Anli’s not sure about that, but she knows that Thyla’s only ever been supportive and loyal, sometimes to such a degree that Anli wonders what she really wants.

As the youngest Tsylgahra, Lisanth has no interest in marriage. Seen as the wild child of the family, Lisanth is far more interested in racing horses, starting squabbles in the local tavern, and worrying his parents on the nights he doesn’t come home. However, he knows he can’t put off Philsia forever, and at the insistence of his mother, Lisanth grudgingly makes the journey with his siblings to the City in the Sky. However, the standard parties aren’t much to his liking, and he decides instead to enter his horse in a race. After a near win, he’s approached by a stranger who wields charm with just a hint of danger. Only later does Lisanth come to realize that the stranger is in fact a prince– Prince Jafkar A’nesh to be exact.

Three siblings, three tails of mischief, drama, and budding romance– all to be expected in the Season of Blossoms.