Thudump...dadump...dadump...dadump

As Destine bent down to clear off the egg, she felt it pulse. But it wasn't just that.

Thudump...dadump...dadump...dadump

It was a heartbeat; two heartbeats. She continued to clear the moss. The wings that had been reaching for her foot broke free of the vegetation. Destine carefully lifted it and cradled it against her chest. She was mesmorized by its golden sheen. But she couldn't be too distracted. There was another waiting for her. She walked around the stump, examining it closely. The moss moved as the next egg wriggled free. Destine similarly began to clear the moss to retrieve this egg and was taken aback when four red wings gilded in gold reached toward her.

She picked up the egg and cradled it with the other. Both eggs immediately stopped their frantic writhing and placidly worked their wings up and down.

"Destine!" Dawnsong flew at her, almost toppling her.
"Careful, friend," Destine said. "We have some new residents with us." She motioned at the eggs in her arms.

Looking past Dawnsong, Destine recognized Caer and the one who could only be the Oracle flitting toward them. They too had an egg.

((In response to Dawnsong's question about the Oracle))

"Yes, friend, at least that's the face I saw of the one who invited us here," Destine replied. The voice she had heard was so sage-like, weathered, knowing. She could tell that Dawnsong had trouble not staring -- she did too. The Oracle looked no more than a girl.

Dawnsong giggled as Destine warned her about the new fae. "It's okay. It's almost time. I can tell! I don't think I would have have hurt anyone!" she said, suddenly looking a bit more downtrodden. She didn't like being reprimanded, even if it was just Destine, who surely meant no harm.

As they pair watched Caer and the Oracle approach, she couldn't help but whisper into Destine's ear. "Isn't she small? I always imagined the Oracle to be an adult, but she hatched from her egg normally, just like the rest of us." She quit whispering as soon as they were in earshot, regaining her composure.

"Yes, we did find some more! Destine found three, and I have one. Aren't they lovely?" She held the golden egg out in her hands, as it took up quite a bit of space, showing it off to Caer and Dalia. She motioned for Destine to do the same. "Here, I'll take that one from you, if you don't mind," she said, making room for the sapphire egg in her cupped palms. "It's my job, you know." She paused, and then gave Dalia a radiant smile that could melt hearts. "Hello Oracle Dalia! Are you enjoying the Gardens so far? I do hope you like it here," she chattered cheerfully, grinning from ear to ear.

Dalia could do nothing more but smile back, a bit afraid her own grin couldn't match Dawnsong's. She sure is cheerful, she thought, laughing a bit to herself. That was one Llithe trait that Dalia didn't have...the ever-present smile.

"Hello Miss Dawnsong," she said in her most proper tone of voice. "You don't have to call me Oracle, okay? That's much too formal," she said, waving off her formal tone and returning to relative normality. "Looks like they're about to hatch! Can you all feel it?" She asked the question rhetorically, knowing they all knew. It was an instinct that all of the fae had upon the new arrival of their race.

As the sapphire egg moved into Dawnsong's hands, the eggs seemed to begin to vibrate, and some would even start moving...slowly at first, but growing ever more powerful.

Each egg flapped its wings -- some more wildly than others (as in the golden egg's case) -- as the faeries within began to emerge from the beautiful shells in which they were born and developed.

And from each egg, a lovely creature would emerge...

It seemed the golden egg in Dawnsong's hand wanted to be birthed first, as it twitched erratically, its feathery wings flapping as if it were already ready to fly. This one would be a bit more wild than the others, but it seemed she had an even closer connection with nature than the other fae being born around her.

((Everyone, welcome Ora to The Thousand Gardens. :D))


The second egg to hatch was one of the ones Destine had found under the tree on the other side of the Garden. It radiated a pleasant, loving heat, and began to rock back and forth slowly in Destine's hands. Somehow, the presence of the egg made Destine feel a tiny bit mushy on the inside...

((Mushy like loving, okay? ROFL. Welcome Mr. Dazzlelove, Kyrylo!))


The third egg was the one that had fallen onto the pile of precious stones. This one...this one would be special. Or at least believe he was. With an ability like his, who wouldn't think so? The fae that emerged from the sapphire egg came out slowly, a bit regal in his presence. This one could cry tears of jewels. What woman wouldn't like that?

((BISHIE for Yume! XD Welcome Lazuli to the Gardens!))


The last egg to hatch was also quite warm to the touch, and it caused a bit of numbness in the palm of Destine's hand, must like painkillers at the dentist would. It was strange, yes, but somehow it it was okay. Destine felt comforted, as if it was supposed to be happening...Could it be that this one had restorative powers of some sort? As it hatched from it's egg, a healing warmth radiated from the crimson fae.

((Congrats Eroy! Oerttena (and her cool dress) = <3))


((Now, you may all post your fae's arrival into the world. Tomorrow we'll regroup and do some group RP if you want...Dawnsong can go off with her pair, and Destine can show her pair around...

Congratulations! Thanks for sticking with me through the intros. You'll be free to do whatever you want soon enough!))

The egg began to rock slowly in the hands of Destine, gaining momentum with each rock. Slowly the egg began to glow more radiantly before it was racked with several violent shudders. It seemed the fae inside was tired of the confines and wanted to meet all the people surrounding it. Giving one last final shudder it stilled before the egg exploded in a shower of golden sparkles.

Blinking in response to the sudden bright sunshine and the golden dust drifting around him Kyrylo had his first glance at the world. Curiously he tilted his head and studied the dark haired fae before him before standing and adjusting the robes around himself. Turning he examined the other 4 fae in the garden before quirking a small smile and bowing his head ever so slightly to each in turn. Straightening he tucked a few long stray strands of red-gold hair back, stretching his wings to their full extent and wiggling his finned ears slightly.

"My name is Kyrylo Eneas" he said slowly, surprised at the sound of his strong baritone voice. Having never heard his voice before he was a bit surprised and grinned sheepishly at no one in particular. Giving his wings a few strong experimental flaps he rose into the air hovering a few inches above the ground before landing with a pleased look on is face. The cracking of the next egg immediately caught his attention and he turned to watch flapping his wings every so often.

It was certainly difficult to be born.
The egg's wings started fluttering quickly, as if it didn't know what's happening. The egg itself moved slowly, but wasn't even jumping, like it was too difficult for it...and then the crack appeared.
It quickly grew bigger, and more cracks started showing on the surface of the shell. And when the first larger part of it fell off, the egg suddenly released itself from the fae's hands, and flew into the sky, covering itself with a deep blue and green glow.
Precious gemstones started raining again, but this time it was visible where they came from - they were the parts of the broken shell. And when the last one fell on the ground, everyone could hear a gasp, and a loud scream.
And a new-born fae fell on the ground, landing on his rear end.
His eyes blinked slowly. Sapphire-blue eyes, in the exact same shade of blue as his shell was when he was an egg. The young boy had waist-long black hair, with a part of it being even longer, dangling till his knees. He moved his wings slowly, clearly surprised with the new way of doing this. And he had a reason to be surprised. Instead of one pair, now he had two.
He moved his wings again, slowly checking the feathers, and then fixed the wings on his back, trying to finally sit properly. And almost killing himself on his own hair.
"Ouch!" Yes. That was the first thing he said. His voice was soft and quiet, almost female-like. He closed his eyes, and let out a small tear on the air, which transformed into a sapphire on his cheek, and felt down on earth. But he ignored it. It was cold, his body hurt, and he felt really, really strange... He wanted to come back to his shell, and hide there forever and always.
But he opened his eyes slowly, his long eyelashes raising themselves...and he saw the gathering of fae around him. He blinked abain, and said the first thing that wasn't a pain exclamation.
"...Who...are you...?"

Caer helped the newest member up to his feet. "Hello," she said and helped untangle his silky smooth hair. "My name is Caer and this is the First Garden, the birthplace of the faeries." She reached down and picked up the strange sapphire that had escaped from his eyes. "I believe this is yours.." she said as she handed it to him. "You have a very unique and valuable skill. Very.. valuable indeed.." Caer added, after thinking a little more about it.

"I am the historian of the gardens, please feel free to approach me if you have questions about the Garden or the Llithe. This is Kyrylo Eneas." Caer smiled at the brilliant new Whisperer. "I am sure you both will have much to share."

"...Thank you, ma'am..." The young boy smiled, and nodded his head.... He looked at the sapphire in his hnd, and blinked surprised...and then handed it back to the llithe. "I don't need it...do you want to take it?"
Well, she seemed somehow interested with the stone, and he really didn't know why...and what was all this about, with the valuable thing?

"...Miss Caer, yes..?" He looked at her again, and tried to smile, still a bit scared... "I am...My name is...."
Just...what IS his name? He had to think for a moment, had to catch those strange sounds, flying around in his mind... Thad surely must've been it...
"....Lazuli....my name is Lazuli....:

Caer blinked and took the precious gem. "Er.. thank you, Lazuli, thats very generous of you." The stone glittered and sparkled in the sun the way all shiny expensive things do.

"And you have a beautiful name," she said, and gently hugged the boy. He seemed so frightened for some reason, maybe it is a Whisperer thing.. "Don't be afraid, we're all friends here. And remember, if you feel uncomfortable, you can speak to Kyrylo or Destine, or even Dalia, our oracle. They will help you!"

"Th...thank you..." The boy blushed deeply, and quickly hid his face. She was strangely nice...but it was a good feeling...
"Really..." He nodded quickly. "Thank you. I...I'll remember about it..."
...not defining if he was speaking about her advice, or about her niceness...

Kyrylo tried hard to stifle the laugh that bubbled up when the newest fae landed on his rump, but could only stop himself from a full-out laugh. Letting out a long hiss of air he tried to maintain his normal stern expression failing miserably. Another smile threatened to take over when the new Fae asked to whom they were. Turning away he bit his lip in silent laughter trying to not let his shoulders shake too much and give him away.

Hearing Caer mention his name he quickly turned and gave a curt nod to the newbie before finally taking the time to give the boy a thorough once over. Debating to himself what they could possibly talk about, the newcomer seemed much to shy to want to be around anyone.

Though up until now she had felt a comforting warmth and contentment with the state she was in, Ora knew it was time to leave her protective surroundings. Breaking free to her seemed simple, like pretending to struggle with someone much weaker than herself, or completing an arduous yet elementary task. She almost enjoyed the primal thrashing required to completely enter this new world...

Once emerging from the egg Ora opened her eyes and her yellow irises gleamed brightly as her pupils narrowed to pinpoints, taking in the sun's rays for the first time. Her head swiveled about quickly, like a wary feline, as she gathered her bearings and fully became aware of what had taken place.

She smiled, kind of smirked, for the first time and noticeably relaxed once she realized she was in the company of others who seemed to be of her race. She fixed her eyes on dawnsong.... and felt strangely odd, as though the need to speak overwhelmed her yet she was not sure where the words should come from.

She stammered a bit, "Eee... mmm... I... Who are you?"

Oerttena knew it was time to see this world she was born into. She was somewhat reluctant; it seemed too bright outside of her egg. She wished it was shadier, but she could hear that all the others were out of their shells. It was her turn, last but certainly not least.

She first attempted to emerge from the egg slowly. She beat her wings gently and began putting pressure on the inside wall of her egg. A few cracks in the egg appeared here and there, but shortly after they appeared the cracks resealed themselves. "What in world is going on?!" she though. Other than small hairline fractures, it looked like her shell was never broken.

She tried again, this time with a little more force, but it was no good. The cracks again disappeared. It was very frustrating. She would never see the outside world if she could not free herself from this shell. "I wonder if the others had this much trouble?" She was worried she would never escape.

She calmed herself. "That's it!" she excitedly thought to herself. Oerttena flapped her wings with all her might, lifting the egg from Destine's hands. She hoped that the person holding her would not try to keep her from leaving, as she lifted herself into they sky. When she felt she had made some distance between her and the others, she put as much pressure on her shell walls as she possibly could.

Just as she thought her strength would fail her and she would never see the outside world, the shell broke into thousands of pieces, flying away from her in all directions. She was free!

Oerttena looked around the garden. It was beautiful, though it was some what bright for her liking. Regardless, the beauty was more than she could have imagined. She noticed the other faes, waiting to meet her and each other for that matter. She flew over to them. "It's a pleasure to make your acquaintances. I am Oerttena." She bowed slightly and waited for the others to introduce themselves.

Caer hugged Lazuli again, trying to get him to feel better about his surroundings while stifling a giggle. 'It is understandable to be nervous', she told herself, remembering the days when she first arrived in the Gardens. 'You weren't miss confident either, then.'

Caer was almost lost in the haze of memories when a gentle cough from Kyrylo made her look up and she could see that he was maintaining his composure the best he can from Lazuli's appearance. She smiled at him. "It is a pleasure to have you in the gardens, Kyrylo," she said. "I wonder what your skill is? It is not often we see a golden colored Whisperer."

Suddenly, a soft cracking noise made Caer look around, and a beautiful faerie emerged from the egg. Her hair is long and luscious and a gentle deep gold color. "Hello," Caer said, happy to see another newcomer. "I am Caer."


((XD I decided to let the others introduce emselves, im sure you guys have better ideas than 'hello i am caer!' XD!!!))

Composing himself Kyrylo could only shrug at Caers' question, "I'm not entirely sure myself" he mumbled just as the egg in Destine's hand took flight into the air. Staring at the egg struggle a tad bit in the air he felt the strong desire to fly up and help but held back his wings rustling irritably.

As the brilliant red and maroon fae emerged from the egg and took a look at its surrounding he took a chance to give this fae a once over as well. Deciding that she might be more open to talking then the shy Fae born before her. Taking initiative Kyrylo stepped forward and bowed wings outstretched "Kryrlo Eneas" he voiced flashing a rare full smile at Oerttena.

Oerttena returned the smile, genuinely. Kyrylo made her feel warm and welcome. "Kyrylo is it? I'm pleased to meet you." The young boy in front of her was quite handsome, and there was something about his presence that pleased her. She would never have guessed he was a Whisperer by his colors or demeanor.

Destine stared in child-like awe at the new arrivals - especially after the spectacle of Oertenna's birth. They were so beautiful, and so many of them at the same time! She remembered her birth; her egg sighed open, and she was alone -- except for Dawnsong, of course.

Destine caught herself staring. She blushed and looked down, covering her mouth with her hand. She knew the two eggs she was holding would be Whisperers. She could feel them. Maybe they would understand her. Lilthe and Whisperer alike, Destine had never really been able to connect with anyone. Fae acknowledged her and were nice enough, but they never stayed around too long. Her dearest friend was Dawnsong, and she didn't even see her that often.

But now was not the time to be timid, she thought. She was here at the request of the Oracle to help usher in these new fae and introduce them to the life that was the Thousand Gardens.

Destine straightened herself and rolled her shoulders back letting her wings drape down her back. She tried to appear regal, but her shy smile belied her nervousness. She swept a stray hair from her face, took a deep breath, and fully smiled at the new fae, inadvertantly giggling at the attempt.

Lazuli looked at the troubled fae, and blinked in surprise. Was she worried? Was there something wrong with their birth...? After only a moment of thinking, he fixed his hair a bit, and walked towards her.
"Um....ma'am...?" He started, suddenly feeling bad. What if she didn't want him to stick his nose into it..? Well, it's too late now.... "Ma'am...did something...wrong....happened..?"

A giggle interrupted Kyrylo's gaze on Oertenna. Staring at the dark colored fae that had been holding him when he was an egg he wondered why she looked so distressed. Curiously he watched as the other male in the group walked over to her and asked what was wrong. A twisted smile quirked the edges of his lips as he tried once more not to burst into laughter. Something about the mannerisms of the other fae just really struck a chord with him and he couldn't help but be amused. What was it that made him so...child-like and amusing.

Kyrylo's wings flit a bit impatiently, as great as it was standing in this group he was itching to try out his wings in something longer then a hover. He peeked at the other fae for a moment before deciding that if there really was something important they wanted to say they would certainly tell him so; besides, he didn't plan to go far. Leaping into the sky he stretched out his wings and gave several powerful flaps to rise higher. The air flying through his hair felt wonderful, flapping faster he rose higher and higher until he was a small speck above the others before turning and flying back towards the others in a sharp dive. Wheeling and turning in the air he let out several long bouts of laughter. Ah, the air was certainly more entertaining the standing around in awkward silence.

Dalia watched the eggs crack open in their respective ways, the last one being the most impressive as she realized that the fae inside had healing powers that wouldn't allow her to be born without brute force upon her eggshell.

She giggled as she watched the four new fae emerge, and came to face them one by one, introducing herself. "Hello!" she said cheerfully. "I'm Dalia. It's nice to meet you all. Let's see...did I get your names right?" she asked, pointing to each one in turn. "You're Lazuli," she said, pointing to the dark-haired fae that seemed to cry tears of jewels. "A Whisperer."

She turned toward the sky, watching the brightly colored Whisperer take off into the air and then dive back toward the group. "And that's Kyrylo," she said with a nod. "My, he sure is energetic and sunny for a Whisperer..." She chuckled again as she turned to the last Whisperer--the female with the crimson hair. "And you're Oerttena," she said, giving the fae a smile. "Looks like you've got a very special gift."

The last fae--the only Llithe of the bunch, had yet to introduce herself. So Dalia flew toward her, wanting to be introduced. "I'm Dalia," she said, holding out a hand to the golden Llithe. "The Oracle." She paused. "And you are?"

It was funny to see the Oracle introducing herself to the new fae, for she was just a bit bigger than they were, having emerged from her own egg not all that long ago. Yet, she seemed wiser than a typical young adult fae. Behind the childish giggle was a very intelligent and ancient fae, who had simply been reborn in this new body.

After introductions were concluded, Dalia went ahead and gave Dawnsong and Destine the go-ahead to take their respective fae out into the Gardens. It was time for a bit of a tour.

((At this point, we'll go ahead and finish our introductions, and then we'll split into two groups and two separate threads. Dawnsong will lead her fae around the gardens and show them around, and Destine will do the same.

I may have Dalia pop in here and there, but basically, this is up to the NPC's. Good luck guys! Set up your threads and be sure to let everyone know when you're ready to go. I think smaller group RP will be better and will run faster. I know this thread is kinda pokey, but please remember that a lot of us have RL full time jobs. :D))

When the Oracle approached her, Oerttena returned her cheery smile. She seems quite nice for such an old soul.

After Dalia finished introducing herself to everyone, Oerttena chimed in, "It's an honor to meet you Dalia. I have a question, though. What is this 'gift' you say I have?" Oerttena was the last to hatch, therefore she did not realize that it had been more difficult for her to free herself from her egg than any of the other fae. She simply thought it was the first of many trials to come in their lives here in the Gardens.

Dalia was a bit surprised that Oerttena didn't realize what her power was right off the bat, but instead of saying something along the lines of "Why don't you go figure it out?" she merely smiled at the newest young adult fae, and tried to help her realize her power.

"Did you not think it difficult to break open your egg? Did you notice something odd about your emerging? I just happened to see that it took several tries for you to break your egg open. The others seemed to hatch fairly easily, right inside our palms," she said, pointing to Dawnsong and Destine's hands. "But you...after trying to break your egg open the first couple of times, you flew up into the air and practically exploded! But I'm certain your power isn't blowing things up...but rather, the power of healing."

"Oh." Oerttena felt slightly ashamed that she hadn't realized her power, but she quickly shook off the feeling. "I did not watch the others hatch. I thought it was difficult for everyone else as well." She looked at the other fae hoping they would agree. When only blank expressions were returned she realized that it was only difficult for her.

Even though she struggled against it, she felt a sense of pride in knowing her power. She pulled back her shoulders and lifted her head, giving a proud smile. The ability to heal seemed like a practical asset. Though, perhaps not so practical when when attempting to escape from an egg. She got an inquisitive look and rubbed her chin, finally letting out a giggle that seemed to say, 'Oh well.' "Well that's good to know, thanks Dalia!" She gave the Oracle a big smile and a gentle hug. She was excited to try out this new ability, but it would have to wait. It was time to go see the rest of the Garden.

Lazuli felt more and more odd and misplaced here. Everybody was so happy and cheerful, and he just...didn't know what to think about it... All those people who he seen for the first time, how to act towards them..? He had a hard time even maintaining his smile, next to all those wonderful, shiny, dazzling faes.... Just how should he act?
...he decided not to. Lazuli quietly stood up, and quickly moved away, at first slowly, then he started running, no matter where, just away from the crowd. Later, when he'll get used to all those new experiences, he might come back, and talk to someone again...for now, he needed only a quiet place, where he could be alone and clear his mind.

Destine was so intent on trying to look gracious that she hardly heard or even noticed Lazuli until she saw him as a spec out of the corner of her eye. She saw him almost disappear into the Gardens. She furrowed her brow, worrying. Though it might seem so, the Thousand Gardens was not quite a paradise -- especially for a fledgling Whisperer such as him. She wanted to go after him, but felt it better to stay with the others. She caught the eye of the Oracle while she talked with Ortenna. Kyrylo lept into the air testing his wings -- Destine smiled -- she had done the same soon after emerging from her egg.

She then stepped toward the others. She was nervous at first, but even being near the Oracle made her feel safe, comfortable. She waited for a pause in the coversation and bowed.

"I'm Destine of Silhouettedeep." She looked at the ground as she bowed and slightly tilted her head up before straigthening again. "it's an honor to be here for your arrival." She smiled -- this time it was genuine, but she still could not help blushing.

Kyrylo did one final wheel in flight and headed towards the outer circle of the group in a dive. Landing in a crouch he quirked a smirk of pride to himself and tried to stand. Only to find that having not used his legs for walking the last few minutes with the combined momentum when he planted to the ground made his legs wobbly at best. Waving his arms and fluttering his wings he managed an ungraceful save from falling on his face. Glowing a bright gold he straightened and looked at Destine expectantly "Are we going soon?" he asked hopefully.

Dawnsong watched the new fae interact, and decided that she should also introduce herself now that Destine, Dalia and Caer had all made their introductions. Before she had the chance though, Lazuli was flying off, and she didn't know why.

"LAZULIIIIIIIIII!!!!" she called out, hoping the young fae would come back. They had places to go and people...well, fae to see! She had been looking forward to showing the young fae around, but if they were just going to disappear on her, she didn't see the point. "Are you going to come back?!" she called out again, worry in her eyes.

She turned to look at her other charge, Ora, who didn't seem like she was going anywhere any time soon. "I'm Dawnsong," she said to the fae who were still there. "If you ever have any questions about ANYTHING, don't hesitate to ask." She gave them all a cheerful smile, and again, her eyes drifted to where Lazuli had flown off to. She'd never had this happen before...

She hoped the poor little guy wouldn't get lost.

"Well, I suppose it's about time for a tour of the Gardens. Does that sound appealing to you all?" she asked the three other newborn fae.