Peonies for Masha

Stepping gently across a blanket of fallen peony petals, Masha’s bare feet tingle as she dances to the precious sound of a lullaby drifting through the wind. Raising her arms, she pirouettes with her eyes facing the break of a new day.

The sun rises with her, elevating her onto her tiptoes. Arms outstretched, she reaches towards the growing sunlight.

“Please wondrous new day,” Masha says softly. “Bless my body with a child.”

The warmth of the sunlight wraps itself around Masha, beginning to melt the icy numbness of her heart. Sighing with relief, she relaxes her body, returning her gaze to the peony petal blanket.

Masha’s eyes fall upon a watermelon pink peony petal. Picking it up, she reads the word Coral scrawled upon it.

Eyes darting across the petal blanket, Masha discovers a second watermelon pink petal. Holding it gently in the palm of her hand, she reads its message: Sunset.

“Coral Sunset,” Masha breathes the words softly, letting them trail out into the gentle breeze. In her hands she cups the precious petals of the Coral Sunset peony flower.

Masha’s breath catches in her throat as she realises that her husband Claude is trying to reach her through the message she cups in her hands. Touched by his efforts, tears begin to roll down her cheeks freely and drip onto the petals, unfurling them with new life.

The petals twirl in Masha’s hand and float across the peony petal blanket. Rich apricot, white and watermelon pink petals rise and join the petal trail, drifting in a light, swirling circle, like a ribbon through the breeze. The petals are the glorious colours of sunset, binding together to form a semi-double peony.

“Hello Coral Sunset,” Masha’s voice is shaky as she gazes at the flower. “You’re as beautiful as I remember.” Stepping closer, Masha’s gaze drinks in the exquisite beauty of the cup-shaped blooms shining healthily in the growing sunlight. The varying shades of apricot, white and pink petals are truly breathtaking and are supported by a strong stem.

Wiping away her tears, Masha inhales a deep breath and tries to calm her nerves. The hybrid Coral Sunset peony, originally grown by Samuel Wissing in 1964, was a treasured favourite of Claude's and hers. The couple first discovered the precious flower on one of their time travels to Peony Meander a year ago, while searching for the right peony species.

The Coral Sunset peony had unfurled her heart then, intoxicating her with its unrivalled beauty. She gazed at the peony for hours, admiring its flouncing petals and sunset colour palette. Peony gazing was an ancient art that she had learned during her time travels through the east.

Claude took some peony cuttings and propagated them, encouraging them to grow in small pots on their temporary patch of land. The shoots took off, sprouting small peony buds which Claude promised Masha he would one day plant in a permanent garden of their own.

Shaking her head, Masha returns her gaze to the peony in front of her eyes. She observes the flouncing and curling of its multi-coloured petals in the breeze. They remind her of the gentle, lapping waves of the sea.

“Where is Claude right now, Coral Sunset?” Masha asks softly. Her heart is aching for her husband.

The peony motions gently in the breeze, inviting Masha to follow it. Mesmerised by its beauty, she glides through the air. Her feet land lightly, brushing against the soft peaks of …

Masha’s eyes fall upon the rich, golden sand at her feet. The warm granules soothe her tired and aching toes and relax her body.

The peony descends lightly, drifting through the breeze and landing softly on top of a boat sand sculpture. Masha’s breath catches in her throat. A vivid memory returns of Claude’s arm around her waist and their hands clasped together as they smoothed out the surface of the boat sand sculpture.

“We took you for a ride, boat,” Masha’s voice cracks as she steps closer to the boat. She can feel the sand grating between her bare toes and it keeps her alert and grounded. “I know what I need to do now.”

Looking up at the sky, Masha notices that the sun is beginning to set, streaking the sky with the same shades J.M.W. Turner used to create the glorious sunset in his painting: The Fighting Temeraire.

Masha braces herself, somewhat afraid of the setting she has travelled back in time to. It wouldn’t be long now before an attack was launched across the sea.

Climbing into the hull of the boat, Masha sits on the deck, staring out at the water. The tide is gradually retreating, revealing the remnants of shells and footprints along the sand. “Are we ready to go, boat?” Masha asks nervously. “Or has it already become too dangerous out there?”

Responding, the boat kicks into gear, sliding effortlessly across the sand. It enters the water, allowing the tide to draw it back into the depths of the sea so it can ride the light crests of waves.

Masha inhales a deep breath and closes her eyes, silently praying that she survives.

The first shot of gunfire explodes violently, making her jump out of her seat and land flat on her stomach.

There, across the sea, is the Temeraire, under the savage attack of gunfire. It has been completely destroyed. Its upper masts and both quarter galleys are no longer existent. A large section of the hull has been smashed inward and the main mast of the French warship Redoubtable has fallen across it. The Temeraire has precious moments left to breathe.

Masha inhales a sharp breath, her eyes scanning the Temeraire for signs of life. Her heart beats rapidly as another shocking blast of gunfire assaults the ship, destroying the hull even further and causing it to topple over.

The boat Masha sits in picks up speed, dodging passed the firing bullets. It approaches the ship rapidly and reveals a man standing on its deck and staring at the horizon.

It is Captain Eliab Harvey, Claude’s great, great, great grandfather. In this past moment, the man is working to defend Admiral Nelson’s flagship, HMS Victory.

Masha is aware that the Captain is also engaged in a very secret mission. Somehow she needs to reach him, to obtain his message for Claude.

Masha searches her boat desperately for signs of Coral Sunset. The peony sits upright on the deck, stretching itself up towards the Temeraire with its sulphur yellow stamen gleaming alight.

Shuffling across the deck on her stomach, Masha finally reaches the peony. Sensing her presence, it spins around to face her, its stamen glowing brightly.

Inhaling a sharp breath, Masha tries to settle the rapid thumping of her heart. “Coral Sunset, I need your help to reach Captain Harvey,” Masha blurts out her words.

Coral Sunset attaches its stem to Masha’s hand. She grasps hold of it tightly and gasps as her body suddenly rises and soars through the air. She lands with a sharp thump onto her stomach at Captain Harvey’s feet.

Masha pulls herself slowly to her feet, winded and gasping for breath. She knows she only has precious moments left to obtain Captain Harvey’s message.

Under his hat, the Captain wears a serious expression. His eyes study Masha, his eyelashes flickering nervously. Keeping his gaze fixed upon hers, he reaches into his scabbard and draws out a sword, ready to attack.

“Please, no,” Masha begs. “Captain Harvey, I am no enemy of yours. I am Masha, your great, great, great, grandson, Claude’s wife. I have time travelled here to meet you and to offer to pass your important message onto my husband. Will you be so kind to let me do so?”

Suddenly, the deck shudders beneath Masha, like a giant earthquake. She flies backwards, landing firmly on the ground. Rolling onto her side, Masha grabs onto the deck, trying to prevent herself from falling into the depths of the sea.

The shaking ceases, leaving Masha with aching fingers. Peeling them off the deck, she sits upright and searches wildly for Captain Harvey.

The Captain has landed on his side and is grunting in pain from the impact of the fall. As Masha crawls towards him, his eyes soften and he reaches out towards her, offering to hand her a clear glass bottle.

“Please, take this,” Captain Harvey gasps. He places the bottle firmly into Masha’s hands.

Peering inside the glass, Masha notices that it contains a small, wax sealed note.

Captain Harvey attempts to sit up. “I know Claude will do all he can in your future to see that our secret mission succeeds.”

“Yes, he will,” Masha assures the Captain. “I will deliver this message to him personally, I promise.”

The ship shakes uncontrollably under the vicious onslaught of heavy gunfire. Masha drops onto her stomach, covering her head with her hands to avoid being hit. Her heart is beating ferociously and sweat begins to drip down her cheeks. She does not want to die here.

The gunfire ceases momentarily and Masha sits up, panicked and panting. She has seconds to leave before they are hit again. Looking Captain Harvey directly in the eyes, she says softly. “Sir, I admire your bravery.”

Captain Harvey nods, his eyes shining. “And I admire yours,” he says appreciatively. “Go now, before it’s too late.”

Masha jumps into a kneeling position. Her eyes peel the deck in search of Coral Sunset. The peony lies a metre away, still intact.

Masha tucks the glass bottle into the waistband of her pants and covers it with her singlet. Reaching out, she allows Coral Sunset to attach itself to her hand once more. It wraps its stem securely around her little finger and awaits her command.

“Let’s go!” Masha calls, letting Coral Sunset lead the way.

Suddenly, Masha is flung over the side of the ship and lands with a giant splash into the sea. She feels the water filling the cavities of her nose and ears as she drops into the watery depths. She knows it won’t be too long before she drowns as she is not the most experienced swimmer.

Masha purses her lips together as Coral Sunset pulls her northward across the current. She notices the yellow light shining from the peony’s stamen. Body after body splashes into the water ahead of her. Some bodies thrash in the sea and swim away to safety. Others are casualties who descend the watery depths until they are tiny specks at the bottom of the sea.

Masha swerves around the bodies, her heart feeling as though it is being ripped into two. She feels the deep, agitating sorrow of loss.

A shadow suddenly casts itself across the water, revealing the shape of a small, wooden chest that is dropping way down to the bottom of the sea.

The peony darts to its right, chasing the chest through the water. Reaching out with her free hand, Masha thrashes through the water madly, attempting to grasp the chest, which keeps slipping out of her hand.

Got it! Masha cheers silently. Her hand grasps a metal latch and this enables her to drag the chest along with her.

The peony heads back up towards the water’s surface. Feeling very short of breath, Masha kicks her legs firmly, desperate to finally gain some oxygen.

Once she resurfaces, Masha coughs, her lungs wracking violently as she treads the water. She never knew she could expel so much liquid from her chest. After a few moments, her coughing ceases, leaving her shaking and fatigued.

After some time passes, the peony pulls Masha’s hand gently again and drags her out of the sea. She is released, falling on her back upon a grassy embankment. Clunk! The chest lands next to her and shatters open.

Pulling herself up onto her knees, a cold and shaking Masha peers inside the chest. “Some light please, Peony?” she asks, her teeth chattering.

Masha’s eyes widen in surprise as the peony’s yellow light reveals a blue jacket tucked inside the chest. Hands shaking, Masha retrieves the jacket, recognising it as Claude’s. Gratefully, she slides her arms into its sleeves and begins to warm up.

After a while, Masha stops shaking and her breathing regulates. Standing, she digs her hands inside the jacket’s pockets and discovers two apricot peony petals. Follow Me, Claude’s message reads.

Masha stares at the apricot peony petals, waiting for them to move. They remain very still, comfortably settled into the palm of her hand.

“Follow what?” Masha asks aloud, her voice echoing in the darkness. Coral Sunset shines its light across the grass, revealing a trail of apricot peony petals.

Masha’s heart begins to race in excitement. Jumping to her feet, she follows Coral Sunset, running along the trail. It winds through the grass, circling a tall palm tree and cutting across a large, colourful meadow of peony flowers.

As the first light of day breaks, Masha is grateful that gorgeous yellow streaks of daylight are forming in the sky. It is a relief from the darkness, allowing her to witness the beauty of a range of peonies in bloom across the meadow. Semi-double varieties like the pale rose pink Canary Brilliants and the burgundy Buckeye Belle. Masha also identifies single varieties such as the yellow Sequestered Sunshine and the ivory Claire de Lune.

Masha’s lips form into a smile as her eyes rest upon two more peony petals floating gently in the breeze. Snatching at the air, Masha catches the white petals in her palms and reads one more message from Claude: Discover Home.

Spinning around excitedly, Masha’s eyes scan the meadow. About a metre away, lies a wooden bench with a pair of black gumboots strewn across it.

“Should we investigate the boots?” Masha asks the peony, unsure of what to do.

The peony floats ahead and Masha follows, reaching the gumboots quickly. Looking around her, Masha cannot see a single person in sight. “These boots must be for me to wear,” she says aloud. Sitting on the bench, she pulls the boots onto her feet.

Standing upright, Masha feels the ground shake. Pickets begin to spring up around her, forming a wooden fence. A small, brick cabin assembles itself within the enclosed fencing and cements itself within the dirt. Looking down at her feet, Masha notices that she is standing in thick, gooey mud.

At first, the man seems camouflaged by the building, his grey singlet almost the identical colour of the bricks on the cabin.

Masha’s heart melts as she watches the man pick up a watering can and walk across to a small garden. Filling the can with water, he pours it gently upon a Coral Sunset peony plant. He strokes the petals gently with his fingers and closes his eyes. “Please help Masha find her way here,” his hoarse voice pleads. He pushes his curly, black locks away from his face in frustration.

Masha holds out her hand, allowing Coral Sunset to land in her palm. “Let him know we’ve returned,” she says with a smile and releases the peony into the air. The peony circles the man and rests upon his palm. A warm smile crosses over the man’s lips as he realises what has happened.

Looking up, the man’s striking green eyes meet Masha’s gaze, making her heart beat at a thousand miles an hour. “Masha,” he says, falling to his knees with relief.

“Hello Claude,” Masha says softly, striding over to greet him. Bobbing down next to him, she cups his face in her hands and stares into his eyes.

“You found my jacket,” Claude’s eyes widen in surprise. “My messages must have reached you.”

“They did,” Masha kisses his cheek. “I’m here now, my love.”

Claude’s eyes are watery. He stares at her a while longer. “I thought you were lost in time,” he says, still in disbelief. “Are you really here?”

“I am,” Masha says, pressing his head against her bosom. “I finally found my way home to you.”

Claude closes his eyes while he listens to Masha’s heart beat. After a moment, his eyelids flutter open and he looks up at her with glazed eyes. “Your clothes are drenched,” he says to her. “Let me warm you up.” He leans in and presses his lips firmly against hers.

Masha closes her eyes, savouring the softness of his lips. Sliding the blue jacket off her arms, she tosses it gently on the grass. She kisses Claude back firmly, giving him her heart, her love.

Feeling a light, fluttering sensation against her bare arms, Masha pulls away from Claude and turns her gaze downwards. Coral Sunset peony petals are showering themselves upon them both.

“Welcome home, my love,” Claude smiles. He kisses her gently across her neck and moves his hands under her singlet, discovering the glass bottle. “What’s this?” he asks, holding the bottle in his hands. Suddenly his eyes light up. “It’s a note with my great, great, great grandfather’s seal. Did you manage to obtain his secret information?”

Masha nods, smiling happily.

“You are a truly amazing woman,” Claude smiles with appreciation. Standing, he approaches the fence and smashes the bottle against a picket, catching the note as it floats in the air. Tearing away the seal, Claude reads the message, his eyes lighting up with excitement.

“What does it say?” Masha joins him, wrapping her arms around his waist.

Claude smiles broadly. “In my hands, I have my great, great, great grandfather’s instructions on how to care for a very rare peony that he has stored on his ship. He writes that the peony has the ability to improve fertility and growth.”

Masha lets the words sink in. Fertility and growth. How she longed to fall pregnant, to give them both a child. Their efforts at conception had torn them apart, landing them in different times and places in search of a solution. Could the rare peony help us? Masha ponders. If so, how are we going to find it?

The lullaby begins to tingle through Masha’s toes again. “Can you hear that?” She asks Claude.

Claude nods, pressing his body against hers and holding her tightly. They sway together, being showered with peony petals.

The wind shifts and the breeze grows stronger, lifting them both up into the air. The lullaby heightens in pitch, sounding stronger than before.

“We’ve time travelled,” says Claude. “Look what’s here.”

It is the Temeraire, floating like a ghost through the air. All that is left of it is a mere half of its hull, swinging in the wind.

Masha shakes with fear, afraid of what she is about to face. She cannot lose Claude again.

Claude faces Masha excitedly. “I have been waiting for this moment. It is the Temeraire’s last voyage and it has decided to stop here.”

“What does this mean?” Masha asks, still shaking slightly. The ship is a little eerie.

“There’s only one way to find out,” Claude hoists himself up onto the ship's deck. “Join me?” He offers his hand to Masha. She grabs it, allowing him to pull her up beside him.

Masha scans the deck of the Temeraire, her heart soaring with hope. After a short while, a white light flashes and the cabin door creaks open. Masha jumps back, ready to attack.

“It’s okay,” Claude soothes, putting his arm around her shoulders. “Look!” He points towards the cabin, from which an enchanting, silver cloud exits.

Masha is mesmerised by the cloud. As it approaches her, it releases a single tuber, which falls like rain. Masha cups her hands together, catching the precious tuber and smiling at its beauty. “So precious,” she says, her eyes filling with tears. “How generous of Captain Harvey and yourself, Temeraire. We will take great care of this peony plant and ensure it helps those who need assistance.”

“Yes, that we solemnly promise,” Claude agrees, holding Masha close to his chest. “Thankyou for entrusting us with this mission, Temeraire.”

A large, relieved sigh emits from the hull of the Temeraire. The silver cloud swirls across the deck, circling around Masha and Claude and enveloping them in its mass.

“We are being lifted!” Masha exclaims as the cloud carries them gently through the air.

The cloud floats through the starry night sky and descends slowly. Masha and Claude are gently released, landing softly on the grass surrounding the Coral Sunset peony garden.

Lying on their backs, the couple look up at the sky. The Temeraire’s remaining hull sails away, holding itself upright with great dignity. Masha and Claude watch as it vanishes into the starry night.

Snuggling up together on the grass, Masha and Claude both fall into a deep, happy sleep.

The next morning, Masha awakens to the sound of Claude digging a hole in the garden. Sitting up, she stares at him. “What are you doing?” she asks.

“That is up to you,” Claude smiles back. “Do you want to plant the peony tuber?”

“Of course!” Masha jumps up excitedly. Approaching the hole, she plants the tuber and helps Claude cover it with soil.

Masha waters the plant and grabs Claude’s hand, clutching it tightly in hers. “Claude, my love,” she says, placing their joined hands on top of the freshly planted peony. “Here’s to our good fortune.” she smiles into his eyes.

“To our good fortune,” Claude agrees, stroking Masha’s face gently with his free hand. He leans towards her and kisses her softly on the lips.

The lullaby plays once more, making the ground beneath them rock softly like a cradle. Claude and Masha grasp each other’s hands, trying not to fall.

The surrounding grass grows rapidly, covering the mud with luscious growth and the rare peony tuber sprouts its first shoots.

“Wow,” says Claude, admiring the peony’s growth. “That was quick. It’s a strong plant.”

Masha nods, appreciating the strength of the peony’s stem. “It will live a long time here.”

Agreeing with her, the hut begins to tremor and settles itself firmly into the cement. Its front door swings open, waiting for the couple to enter.

Masha turns to face Claude, her eyes shining with love. “Our home,” she says, touching his face gently. “The place our family will always be together.”

Claude takes Masha’s hands in his. “Masha,” he breathes. “You will make an amazing mother to our future child. I am proud to be your husband.”

“And you will make an excellent father,” Masha smiles, embracing Claude.

Claude picks a white Coral Sunset peony petal and scribbles one last message upon it: Cherish. He places the petal gently in Masha’s hand.

Masha looks up at Claude and tears of gratitude roll down her cheeks. Here before her stands her husband. A man who did all he could to help her return to him. He clearly loves her with his whole heart. She makes a silent promise to learn to open up to him more, to submit herself to the deep love that she knows courses through her heart, yet battles to reveal itself.

“Are you okay, Masha?” Claude asks, his voice concerned. She feels his hand lightly on her shoulder.

“Yes,” Masha nods. She stares deeply into Claude’s eyes. “Can you carry me across the threshold of our home, Claude?” She feels brave. “I want to show you how much I love you.”

“Of course, my beautiful wife,” Claude smiles as he lifts her in both his arms. “It will be my honour to welcome you home.”

Claude carries Masha across the threshold of the hut and kicks the front door closed behind him.

Outside, in the brightness of a new day, new grass stalks sprout and the rare peony flower reveals its first buds.

It is a positive sign of welcome, new life.