The Dandelion Vase

A symbol of safety

Martha? Oh, she's harmless. Bit odd though - always has a bunch of weeds in her window. Someone ought to gift her some real flowers.

— A concerned neighbour

by AnnaliseArt

For hundreds of years, the Koushan Mai people have been persecuted in their former native lands north of The Teeth. Because of this, the Koushan Mai are often forced into a nomadic lifestyle, providing entertainment for coin and often relying on the kindness of others to survive.
Along the border between Serukis and Caillah, however, things can get dangerous. In Caillah, Koushan Mai worship is illegal and, in some provinces, punishable by death. Some Caillan nobles will even round up people accused of Koushan Mai worship and release them on their land, hunting them down for sport. Because of this, many Koushan Mai cross the border looking for a better life.

Over the years, a system has been developed whereby sympathetic Seruic people can subtly communicate their offer of help. These people leave a clay jar with a bunch of dandelions on their windowsill. Fresh flowers are, of course, preferable, but when the dandelion is out of season, dried flowers or flowers made from fabric serve as a substitute. A Koushan Mai individual seeing a jar of dandelions knows that they can approach this dwelling for help.

Dandelions are seen in Serukis as either a medicinal plant or a weed. It is therefore an unlikely choice of decoration for anyone not wishing to send a message. When approaching the wrong house could potentially mean death, minimising the risk of mistakes is a necessity.

by SignsPub

The Language of Dandelions

Dandelions in different stages of life mean different things.

by olena ivanova

Yellow Flower

A bunch of yellow dandelions mean that a warm meal is available if it is needed.

Seed Head

A bunch of dandelions that have changed into their fluffy white seed heads means that the dwelling can be used as sanctuary for the night.

Mixed Bunch

A mixture of yellow flowers and white seed heads mean that food and lodging is available for multiple nights.

Bald Seed Head

A single dandelion that has been plucked of most or all of its seeds indicates that the town or village is not safe for Koushan Mai and that they should move on. This is a warning.