Originally Posted by Eroy

"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.

Dalia smiled at the young fae, hoping she was happy with her power. It was a beneficial one, she knew, and it would help others in the Garden. She could see already that Oerttena would be a great healer, with sympathy and compassion for others.

"You're quite welcome Oerttena. I do hope you'll make the best of your powers. I know they'll come in handy one day. Actually, probably more often than you'd expect." She gave her a sage nod and squeezed the fae's shoulder. "You're a great asset to the garden," she said, and then turned to the others. "You all are. I expect great things from all of you!"

She paused to consider what was next for the young fae. "I suppose Dawnsong and Destine should show you around the gardens for awhile, and you all can decide where you want to live.

I'll be calling on each of you to come visit me at some point or another, so that I can get to know you better and perhaps give you some advice about your futures." She gave a quick, shrill whistle, and suddenly, practically out of nowhere, four moths appeared, as if they were at the Oracle's beck and call.

"These are my messengers," she said, holding a finger out so that one of them could land there. "Each of you will get messages from a specific moth, so pay attention to which is yours. I'd love for you to give them names, and treat them as your own pets. Please, be kind to them. I will know if you have not." She gave the new fae a waggle of her finger, and watched as the moths floated to their respective fae.

The first floated over to Ora, seemingly pleased with her charge.

The second chose Kyrylo, fluttering over his head expectantly.

The third seemed to like Oerttena, and flew over to her quickly, perching atop her headdress.

The final moth was jewel-toned, much like his charge, and not knowing what to do now that he'd vanished, this particular moth perched atop Dalia's finger, waiting anxiously for his return.

When Lazuli heared his name called, he suddenly froze, and lost his balance, falling on his face. Again.
Walking was really difficult.
He stood up, fixed the dust from his knees, and looked at the person who called him...but she already fixed his attention on someone else.
He run forward....but decided to hide in some near bushes... Just in case he would be called again...which probably wouldn't happen.

Dalia whispered something to the jewel toned moth and it fluttered over to where Lazuli had run into the bushes. The moth already knew his scent, and easily found him hiding.

It chirped a few things at Laz, and through some strange magic, it translated into fae-speak so that he could understand it. "Oracle Dalia says you shouldn't hide. There's nothing to be afraid of. We're all friends in the Gardens." It fluttered it's wings a bit and landed on a branch just above Laz's head. "It's time for a tour. Come out and be brave!"

The whisperer blinked hearing that, and slowly reached a finger to the moth....somehow, he was a bit scared it would...bite him, or something...
"...I...I don't want to go there..." he sighed, and shook his head. It was too early for him...

Oerttena listened to the words from the Oracle and grew even more proud of her powers. "I look forward to lending my ability to all those who find need of it." She gave a curt nod and a gentile smile.

Then, Oerttena watched as Lazuli dashed off. She wanted to go after him but was afraid that it would scare him more. Perhaps he wanted to be alone. She just didn't know him well enough to decide. Then she heard Dawnsong shout after him. 'He really should come back,' she thought. "Lazuli! Come back and join us... We are going to be show the gardens soon!" Oerttena was anxious to meet everyone, even if they were shy.

'A messanger?' Oerttena though as Dalia explained everyone's new pets to them. As the moth flew over to her, Oerttena noticed how beautiful he was. His maroon colors matching her own. She knew right away that she would treasure this new friend. "I shall name you Kallias if that sounds suiting to you?" The moth didn't seem to make any objections to the new name, so Oerttena smiled.

((sorry for the choppiness.. there's so much going on :shock: ))

((NP. I'm just trying to get everyone re-involved somehow...:D
Oh, and your moths are the opposite gender from your character. Just fyi.))

The moth rubbed an antennae on Laz's finger, hoping that was a friendly enough gesture for the boy to feel comfortable around her. Why don't you want go go out there? There's no reason not to.

The moth waited for a reply, hoping she'd convince Laz to come out with the rest of them. What would you need to feel comfortable?

Dalia just grinned as she watched the moth flutter over to Lazuli's hiding spot. She knew she would do her best to be convincing.

"I may send out important messages occasionally, so don't be afraid if one day your moth is missing. It is probably with me, taking orders or receiving messages. It will return to you at dusk, right after sunset. They are intelligent creatures, and know how to speak to you. Don't worry about trying to speak back in their language. They can understand you well enough."

"...less light...and less fae..." Lazuli shuddered, feeling a bit uneasy...but not as much, when he felt the moth touching him...it was somehow calming....
"...why do you want me to come out...?"

As the moth from Dalia floated over his head Kyrylo had the distinct first urge to swat at it. Fighting back the strong urge he lifted a hand up hesitantly hoping that maybe it would land there so he could take a closer look. When it landed he brought the small moth to his face to examine it. Its wings were an interesting shape and combined with the light color made it look almost fragile. Yellow and orange made up most of the dominating colors on the moth.

Glancing around he peeked at the other 4 fae's personal messengers and was a bit distraught that his was the only one that didn't seem to be communicating with him. Glancing back to his he noticed it had stopped any movement. Freaking out he poked it gently with another finger in hopes to see some kind of movement. He was certain if he killed it just by holding the moth that Dalia wouldn't be pleased.

"I shall name you Kallias if that sounds suiting to you?"

Ears perking he heard Oerttena name her moth. Staring at his glumly he poked once more softly and was rewarded with a soft voice in his head reprimanding him "STOP IT". Chagrined he dropped his hand and stared at the moth for a few more moments before blurting out "I'm supposed to talk to a bug?". The yellow moth rustled its wings a bit but did not dignify him with an answer. Shrugging his shoulders Kyrylo looked back up to Dalia. "Leaving would be nice" he murmured softly hoping he wasn't the only one wanting to explore.

Less light...Well, that's certainly understandable, the moth said, feeling that way herself. She much preferred darkness, though a bright light was so tempting at times--especially when it was cold outside. Most bright lights provided warmth. I like the darkness too. But the fae...they are harmless! Do you think they want to eat you or something? I think most would like to befriend you instead.

She flitted up into his hair , slowly batting her wings, hoping to calm the fae down. He needed to come out. It was that time. Why do I want you to come out? Well, the answer is simple: you need to learn of the Gardens silly! There are many of them, and some are more important than others. I think the Oracle would want you to know where she lives, so that if you're ever summoned, you're not late because you couldn't find the place. The Oracle is very testy about tardiness. If the moth could have shook a finger at him as a teacher would, she certainly would have.

Plus, you -- and I as well -- need a place to live. I certainly wouldn't want to just fly around all the time and sleep in the trees! Oracle Dalia has provided me with a lovely place to stay, seeing as how I'm her messenger. But now, you're in charge of me. It'd be nice to have a warm place to sleep, don't you think?

The moth was far too rational for simply being a moth, but who ever spoke with one before? Who knew what a moth worried over until now. Come now, she said. I'll stay beside you, and you don't have to talk to anyone if you don't want to.

Dalia was pleased they were giving their new pets names. She knew they'd appreciate that. Most of them were mere babies, not yet given names. They needed identity, and a place to call home.

"We'll be leaving soon," Dalia said, turning her attention to Kyrylo. "Impatient, are we?" She laughed good-naturedly, and continued. "We must wait for Lazuli to emerge from the bushes. He needs this tour as much as the rest of you. I wouldn't want to leave him to his own devices to find his way around here. There are a thousand gardens after all," she said, looking toward the bush and wondering if the moth was making any headway with the shy Whisperer.

"...I...I don't think so..." the boy sighed, and shook his head... "They are all so bright, and suit each other...I'm sure it would be better if I just went my way." Lazuli shrugged his shoulders, and gently touched the moth's wing, careful not to harm it. "As for miss Orackle's home, I'm sure you would be able to guide me to it...And for a place to stay, I'll find something...I don't need much."
It was true. he would be perfectly fine sleeping in those very bushes.
"...By the way, miss moth... What is your name?"

(After having introduced herself to all of those present)

A wide smile spread across Ora's face upon seeing Dalia's precious gift, a bright yellow moth that seemed to glide rather than haphazardly dash about like some of its kind. It landed on her shoulder, and Ora turned her head to contemplate the youngling, and blurt out, "Lear."

Stating her new companion's name broke her quiet demeanor thus far, surely taking some by surprise who had nearly forgotten about her presence. It wasn't that Ora was shy, it was something else.... something a bit primal, like the way a leopard quietly studies its surroundings perched from a tree. She felt no obligation to speak, or give explanations for herself, but rather she enjoyed soaking in the nature of these gardens and felt an itching to explore, perhaps to find a home for herself.

She studied those around her for the first time paying attention to detail, noticing the dark maroon one, another of a golden color a bit less resplendent than her own, as though an almost imperceptible cloud of grey accompanied him. There were others, who seemed a bit more mature, and Ora looked the Oracle in the eye for the first time... subconsciously recognizing the importance of her presence and of the tour they would soon be embarking on.

The moth was growing slightly impatient with the Whisperer who refused to be among others, even those of his own kind. She kept her calm voice though, hoping to lure him from the bushes. She certainly didn't think that sleeping there was a good idea at ALL.

"You know, most of those out there are your own kind," she said quietly. "You are a Whisperer, and though the others may seem bright to you, Oerttena, Kyrylo and Destine are also Whisperers like you. Yet they do not hide from the others or from the sunlight." She paused, hoping to instill some sagely advice into him. "You need to learn to be strong Lazuli. To face your fears. You will not grow otherwise..."

It was a warning of sorts, and the moth hoped he took it to heart. She was well aware that before a fae could grow, it would have to go on a personal quest that the Oracle would assign.

She was a bit surprised by his question, though he hadn't been around to hear Dalia tell the other fae to give their moths names. "My name? Well, that's yet to be decided I think. It's your job to give me a name. I'm still young, and the Oracle said you'd be the one to name me. So, what will you call me, young Lazuli?"

"...I...really have to, yes...?" The boy sighed, and looked at the moth, sadness in his eyes. He -knew- he wasn't ready yetHe didin't want to see anyone. Maybe later, when the sky would go darker again... Or when his mind would be calmer.
But he knew the moth won't leave him alone till he goes out. Why couldn't she leave him alone? he was fine just like that....
Lazuli shook his head, and carefully peeked through the leaves, looking at the other fae. He really didn't like all that brightness. It made his eyes hurt.
"...I...should name you?" That was a surprise. He knew nothing about her. What if he'd pick a wrong name? But the moth seemed to really want that. Lazuli nodded finally, and looked at her again. "...If you really want to.... Then I shall name you Midnight Light. Midnight, for short." Laz stood up, and carefully moved towards the group of fae, from tree to tree, so he'd always be hidden behind one of them. He finally stopped behind one of them, few meters from the other fae, and carefully peeked at what are they doing.

"I really think you should," the moth said quietly. If she had been a fae, she would have nodded sagely. "I'll fly beside you and we can hang back from the rest of them. I think you'll be just fine. I know it may be strange flying around the garden with the Llithe, but they are as kind as the Whisperers, if not moreso. It is important you get along with everyone, dear Lazuli."

She waited as he thought about what name to bestow upon her, and as he said it aloud, her wings twittered happily. "I like it. Thank you for giving me such a nice name...Midnight Light it is."

As he once again approached the group of fae, Midnight followed closely behind, giving him the support that he seemed to need. Surely he could handle flying around the gardens for awhlie...

A sly grin came over Dalia's face as she watched the goings-on in the bushes. She could tell the young, motherly moth was making headway with Lazuli, and after a few minutes, she watched as he approached the group, hiding behind things so that no one would notice his presence.

"Alright! I think it's about time we get out of here," Dalia said, smiling at all the new fae. "Welcome to the Gardens, my new friends. If ever you wish to speak to me, send a message with your moth, and I will let you know when is best."

She paused and adjusted a ribbon on one wing until it was more to her liking.

"For now, I'm leaving you in very capable hands." She nodded toward Destine and Dawnsong. "Ora and Lazuli, if he decides to come, will get the grand tour of the gardens from Miss Dawnsong."

Dawnsong waved her hand, wanting to make sure they hadn't forgotten her name.

"And the others--Kyrylo and Oerttena--you'll go with Destine. Once the tour is over, you'll be expected to pick somewhere to live...so keep an eye out for prime real estate," she said, giving the newest young adults a wink. "I'll be calling on you all soon!" she exclaimed with a wave of the hand.

"Bye!" With that, she opened her wings and was whisked away on a gentle spring breeze.

Oerttena was excited to see the rest of the gardens. She was hoping to find a nicely shaded or dark place that her and Kallias could call home. She was also looking forward to getting to know her travel companions as well. She wished she had a little more time to meet Lazuli and Ora, but she knew she would meet them again.

"Goodbye, Dalia. It was a pleasure meeting you. I'm sure we will see you again!" Oerttena waved at the Oracle as she made her departure.

Moving her glance to Destine and Kyrylo she asked, "Well, shal we? I'm can't wait to see the rest of the Gardens!"

She gave a wave to Dawnsong, Ora, and the shy Lazuli. "I hope we meet again soon!"

Watching Lazuli approach Kyrylo debated to call him out to get him to come closer or just physically drag him out into the open. Surely he understood the sooner they got this stuff over with the sooner they could be alone, if that's what he desired. Ruffling his wings impatiently he waited as the other male fae darted from tree to tree in attempts to remain hidden and "alone".

When the oracle mentioned leaving and getting their tour underway Kyrylo was delighted. Not only were they about to get stuff started and be able to explore, but he was also paired with the most talkative of all the fae's that had recently hatched. Flashing a grin in Oertenna's direction when he heard the pairing he turned his attention to Destine. Raising a brow quizzically he watched the older whisperer carefully waiting for the first twinges of her wings indicating she was about to fly. He couldn't wait to find a place all his own.

Ora calmly watched as Dalia flitted away, not extending any sort of farewell but silently eager to see her again someday, when the Oracle deemed the time to be right.

Suddenly Ora stretched her wingspan out to it's fullest, enveloping her surroundings in a yellow-gold display, and shot up into the air, as though test-driving her flying skills for the first time. It was as though she had suddenly snapped into full awareness since her birth, and she looked at all present and warmly smiled.

"Oerttena, Kyrylo, Destine," she said, using their names for the first time, "It's been a pleasure... let's enjoy our new birth into these gardens which seem to feel so ancient, and not waste any more time!" She looked at Dawnsong with an antsy furrow in her brow, expressing without words her desire to explore, then looked back at a tree a few meters from where she hovered, noticing unnatural blue highlights that stuck out behind it's trunk.

Not wanting to be the cause of further angst for Lazuli, Ora gently hovered in his general direction, only looking at the tree from her peripheral vision. She decided to refrain from using his name, instead looking in his general direction and just simply stating in a low voice, so the others wouldn't hear, "Don't worry, I'll talk to Dawnsong as we go, you just have to follow...." hoping this would ease his fear of the social burden the tour might bring upon him.

When Lazuli heard the Llithe's words, surprisingly for himself, he got a bit sad...but why? That's exactly what he wanted...
...seems pushing people away, and being pushed away, are two different things...
But he somehow appreciated the Llithe's concern... Only he had no idea how to show it... Lazuli started playing with the tip of his robe, getting more and more irritated at himself... In the end, he didn't say anything, only nodded his head, and hid deeper behind the tree.