There was little time to lose, and Dawnsong alighted into the air, ready to show Ora and Lazuli around the Gardens. Though it was morning, the tour could take quite a while. There was a lot of ground to cover, and by the time introductions were finished, over an hour had passed since the eggs had hatched.

"Are you all ready?" she asked, hovering about five feet off the ground and grinning widely at Ora, her new charge that actually seemed to be enjoyable. Lazuli on the other hand, was still hiding, and it was beginning to frustrate the normally chipper Llithe. "I think it's about that time. Follow me, and we'll get started." She paused. "And Lazuli...feel free to join us. I can't force you into anything, but I think it'd be good for you to know where things are."

She began to fly out of the First Garden, but stopped mid-flight to make sure they were following her. "Oh, and if you get too tired -- I know you're not used to flying a lot yet -- just let me know and we'll rest for awhile...or walk instead. Okay?"

With that, she took to flight again, expecting the two fae to follow behind her.

Ora quietly observed Dawnsong's pleasant and optimistic attitude, exchanging her contagious smiles now and then as she spoke, all the while slightly preoccupied with Lazuli's timidness.

As Dawnsong began drifting away, Ora delayed for a few seconds as though lost in thought, then snapped her head in Dawnsong's direction and agilely dashed into the air, following her path. With the intention of catching up to Dawnsong so as to fly side by side, Ora hurriedly flapped her newly born wings and surprised even herself at the precision and strength of speed that she could attain as such a youngling.

Before reaching Dawnsong's side she slowed a bit, looking back at Lazuli and giving an almost imperceptible grin, as though to say "Well.. what have we got to lose?"

And she turned her head, looking forward once again, and sped up to reach Dawnsong's side.

Lazuli shivered at that grin. Why was she so...happy? ...probably a Llithe stuff. He shook his head, and peeked at Midnight, who seemed to be hasting him to go after them.
But the lone thought of flapping his wings and raising to the sky...of exposing himself for everyone....he just couldn't do it. But he didn't want midnight to be angry at him....Lazuli sighed, and walked on the ground, in the direction the other two were flying, and as soon as the rest of Llithe and Whisperers disappeared from the horizon, he started running to catch up to his team.

During flight, Dawnsong occasionally looked back to make sure the young fae were still behind her. Ora seemed to keep up rather easily, soaring through the air as if she were born to do so. Of course she was meant to do so, but Dawnsong hadn't seen such a talented youngling in many moons.

Lazuli on the other hand...well, she couldn't help but giggle as she watched him attempt to run along behind them. He'd have to fly eventually. There were borders around each garden, about six feet tall. Unless he wanted to climb, then he'd have to fly over them. Dawnsong kept an eye on him, ensuring they didn't get too far ahead of the fae that refused to fly.

Once they were over the first barrier, Dawnsong slowed down, and eventually descended, landing in the center of one of the most important gardens within the Thousand Gardens. It also happened to be Dawnsong's favorite garden, and the place she spent the most of her time.

It was a bright, happy place, where both Llithe and Whisperers met to chat, have tea and enjoy beautiful days. Faerie fish jumped into and out of the stream that ran through the garden, and butterflies of all colors, shapes and sizes flitted through the air, giving the Garden a sense of excitement and beauty.

"Alright, is everyone with me?" she asked, making sure Ora and Lazuli had both followed behind. She turned around, expecting to see Ora, but possibly not Laz. She crossed her fingers, hoping he'd be there.

"This is the Evercommon Garden, one of the most important. From here, you can get to every other garden. I like it here quite a bit, and you could say this is my home base of sorts. I like to sit over there in the sun, and chit-chat with other fae," she said with a grin. "And I may do a bit of gossiping too," she said, winking at the young adult fae and giggling. "Please remember that there is no fighting in the Evercommon Garden. It is meant as a lovely place for both Llithe and Whisperer to meet."

She surveyed the area, and decided to let the pair explore a bit, hoping they'd enjoy coming here. She'd love to invite them to tea sometime. "Why don't you look around a bit and get a feel for the place, and meet me at the marble table over there in ten minutes or so." She waved her hand as if to indicate, "Now, off with you!" and she flew over to the marble table she'd claimed as her own, pouring a cup of tea from the pot that seemed to always have fresh tea ready.

((Go ahead and explore the garden a bit...Perhaps a post or two, and then meet Dawnsong at the table. :D))

The moment Dawnsong finished introducing the garden, Ora gave in to her primal desire to prance in the fresh looking grass and feel it's coolness between her toes. She gleefully hopped about for a moment, eventually rolling around in the grass which felt so spongy and welcoming to her skin's touch.

Perhaps the best thing about being born is experiencing everything for the first time.

A genuine smile spread across her face, so wide that it could only come from the soul. She felt almost comforted as she stood and pondered the immensity of the gardens around her, and beauty of the bustling insects and gentle trickle of the brook's waters.

'These gardens shall be good to me,' thought Ora. Having rid herself of her basic need to frolic in the grass, she suddenly felt a desire come over her to have a home of her own. She imagined briefly a nice cranny in an ancient tree, with windows to let the sun always filter in.... then decided that the rest of the tour she'd secretly scout out a nice cranny to make her own.


Feeling refreshed by the sun's rays, Ora began analyzing the rest of her surroundings, fixing her eyes on a peculiar cove with large trees that seemed to nearly drape over the brook's waters. They seemed on the verge of budding something wonderful, and Ora made a mental note to come back after some time to see what would become of the buds on the tree. Somehow, though she had been born only today, she unconsciously knew that the gardens were on the verge of exploding into springtime chatter and vitality....

Suddenly a flash of bright yellow zipped nearly a few inches from Ora's eyes and she nearly lept back in surprise. It was Lear.

"What are you waiting for?? Let's EXPLORE" He exclaimed, apparently growing impatient after watching Ora's slightly strange ordeal with the grass. Ora had no choice but to follow, yet attempting to reach Lear's speed and agility proved to be just a bit too difficult at this stage in her life, and she landed out of breath just below the wisteria trees.

Ora peered into the waters that flowed close to her feet, noting how crystal clear they seemed be, flowing lazily downstream. Suddenly what seemed to be an azure colored slimy monster jumped up, hovering mid air for just a moment, and plopped back into the water. Ora let out a tiny muffled yelp, before the same 'monster' popped its head out of the waters and said, in a friendly tone.

"Hi-de-ho mate. Long time since I've seen such a purty little lady Llithe like yourself round these parts."

Ora's jaw dropped, and she could hear the small chirping laughter of Lear in the background, who otherwise seemed to be preoccupied courting a bulging cocoon dangling off a branch. Too preoccupied to wonder what on earth the cocoon was and why Lear would be interested in it, Ora's delayed reaction proved to be too slow, and the fish slid out of sight once more.

Ora looked at Dawnsong half sheepishly, hoping she wouldn't notice her shock at all these new discoveries in the gardens.

Looking back at Lear, Ora shouted "Come on, let's go meet Dawnsong... " and she started making her way to the table where Dawnsong cheerfully sat.

Somehow, Lazuli managed to keep up to the flying pair. It was difficult, especially next to the border, when he had to help himself with his wings. He couldn't help but to feel like...like he was naked or something, when he was going to fly... It was a nice feeling, a very nice one, and he enjoyed it, but... but he wouldn't want anyone to see him doing it.
He arrived in the Evercommon Garden few minutes after the guide, and stayed away from the two talking fae... But still listening to Dawnsong's words. He should explore this place? Well, it'll probably be needed, in case he'll need to find someone here...but still...
"So, are you going?" Midnight fixed her wings, and looked at him, hoping the boy will finally move. Lazuli thought for a moment, and looked around... But finally shook his head.
"No...I'll come here later, in the evening....maybe I'll feel better then."
"You don't feel good?" That managed to catch the moth's attention.
"No...nothing special...I'm only confused, a lot... I just probably need some time..." He sat on the little, wooden bridge over the stream, his legs wrapping around one of the barriers, and observed the fairy fish swimming, and then quickly switching into flight. It was somehow...interesting. When one of them splashed some water on the boy's face, he giggled quietly. It was much more peaceful than he thought it'd be... He almost managed to fall asleep there, where he was sitting.

Time passed, and Lazuli didn't want to move from his place. He found observing the fishes really enjoyable... But the llithe will probably want to keep going soon... Lazuli looked at Dawnsong, sitting next to the marble table, and drinking tea... He suddenly doubted.. But then Midnight flew next to his face, touching it gently with her wing.
"...Lazuli..please..."
He sighed, and stood up... And slowly, very slowly approached the table, finally sitting on one of the chairs... Then raising his face just a little, to look at Dawnsong's face...

Dawnsong sipped her tea happily, making conversation with the butterflies that liked to fly around her head when she visited the garden. For some reason, they seemed to like her bell hair ornaments, and though it might have been a bit annoying at first, she soon got used to the chatter of the butterflies and the ticklish feeling she got as their wings fluttered against her skin and hair.

The Evercommon Garden seemed to be full of life that day. The animals knew there were new fae about, so they were sure to make themselves known. Most of the animals of the garden were very coherent and intelligent, and they were sure to let the new fae know they wanted to be friends. As Dawnsong took a drink of her tea, she almost had to spit it out as she fell partway out of her chair in hysterics. She'd been watching Ora explore the Garden, and as the faerie fish jumped out of the water and spoke to her in a very funny accent, she couldn't help but laugh aloud as the look of shock rolled over the golden fae's face.

As Ora looked over to Dawnsong sheepishly, and all Dawnsong could do was give her a wave and a hearty chuckle. It was always nice to see the new fae explore their world. She also held her teacup up in a salute of sorts, wondering what Ora would explore next.

As her eyes darted around the Garden, she began to wonder where Lazuli had gone to. She wasn't sure whether he'd made it over the tall hedge or not. But there he was, sitting on the bridge and watching the fish. She could only sigh in relief, glad he'd come with them. She'd never had to give the tour to such a shy fae, and she was relieved he'd decided to join them. Him leaving would have been her failure, and she wasn't ready for failure.

As he approached the table, she poured another cup of tea and slid it across the cool white marble to him. "Hello Lazuli! Did you enjoy the Evercommon Garden?" She took a sip of her own tea and put the cup back on the saucer, then pointed at the tea she'd just poured, indicating that he could drink from the cup. "I think it's rather beautiful here, though you're probably a bit warm, aren't you? I know how the Whisperers enjoy the shade. I think we'll go somewhere a bit more shady next. Would you like that?"

It was then that she saw Ora coming to the table to join them. She procured another cup and saucer, and proceeded to pour Ora a cup as well, pushing it to the empty seat to her left.

Lazuli looked at the tea, surprised. Well, Dawnsong might be a...nice person. Probably.
He carefully took the cup, and turned it in his hand. It was warm...The feeling of warmth only on his hands, not on whole body, was new to him, so he concentrated on it for a while...almost missing the Llithe's question.
"That would be...nice....I think...." he nodded slowly. "It's very....." How to call it? Lazuli thought for a moment, deciding finally on something neutral. "......pretty here.... But my eyes are hurting...."

Dawnsong knew it would be best to tone down her extremely cheerful nature around this Whisperer. She knew he was shy, and she also knew she could be overwhelming to those with less ... energy than she had.

"Yes, I love this Garden. It's probably my favorite," she said, glancing around with a nostalgic look in her eye. My own egg did not appear in the First Garden like so many others. I hatched right over there," she said, pointing to a sunny spot next to the stream. "And there was no one to greet me, like you were greeted. Only the faerie fish were around to see my birth. They were nice enough to welcome me to the Garden though. I was a bit afraid to leave this Garden at first. I didn't know there was so much beyond it's tall hedges, so I had the same feeling you did at first." She paused, taking a drink of her tea. "It was a bit ... overwhelming, if I do say so myself." She gave the Whisperer a knowing smile.

"I think we can probably solve your eye problem though...You just need something underneath your eyes to reflect the sunlight."

She turned around in her chair and easily spotted the plant she was looking for. It was within arm's length, and she easily picked a branch off of the fuzzy-looking bush. It had feathery leaves, and dark indigo berries hanging from it. "We just have to crush these berries up into a paste, and you can put a streak of the paste under each eye. That way, it reflects the sunlight. Would you care to try it out?"

She wasn't sure how the Whisperer would react to such a strange idea, but she hoped he'd go for it. All she wanted was for him to be comfortable in his surroundings.

Ora smiled subtly and obediently took a seat to Dawnsong's left, immediately clasping the tea cup but abruptly retracting her hands upon feeling the heat radiating from it. Though it wasn`t scalding hot, it was the first time she had felt such warmth, and it was a bit startling to her tender skin.

Eventually she sipped on the hot drink and smiled at it's sweet taste. Somehow, in this lively garden, something seemed to know how each visitor enjoyed his or her tea, and served it accordingly.

Perceiving the slightly awkward exchange with Lazuli, Ora debated for a moment whether to stay quiet or to interrupt with some observations of her own, to avoid Lazuli feeling like he was in the momentary spotlight. She opted for a neutral comment, on topic in case Lazuli decided to join in.

"It is certainly bright today, but I seem to be enjoying it.... please, Dawnsong, why did that slimy monster that jumped up from the river call me a.... Llithe? What is a Llithe? And why do you call Lazuli a Whisperer?"

"I....." Lazuli silenced, looking at that weird stuff the llithe was showing to him. He took one of the berries, and crushed it carefully. It looked... slimy and gooey....Definetely not something you would want to have near your eyes >.<!
"Are you.....sure, that it will work...?" The boy slowly touched it, and quickly retreated his finger. It was just....too strange... "I...don't think it's such a good idea..." Lazuli sighed...and then the new fae appeared out of nowhere, making him jump and almost fell from his chair.

Dawnsong was about to smear a line of the mix under each of Lazuli's eyes when Ora flew up to them. She was a bit disappointed. She'd wanted to show Laz that her plan would have worked.

Instead of looking disappointed, she turned to Ora and put the bowl of mix down on the table, giving the bright fae a smile. "Enjoying your tea?" She took a sip of her own, and listened as Ora asked questions about her heritage.

"Slimy monster?!" The Llithe giggled as she threw her hands in the air . "It was merely a faerie fish. You'll have to get used to them, but they're rather friendly. They keep the waters in good spirits."

She paused before explaining the differences between Llithe and Whisperers. She wanted to be sure to get it just right. As she cradled her cup of tea between two small hands, she looked at Ora, and then at Lazuli.

"Long ago, there was only one group of fae, and they called themselves the Llithe. They were a bright, happy race, and enjoyed being in the sunlight and playing in the brightest gardens. Most were cheerful and easy to get along with, while others were bold and brash.

Though they were once the only race in the Gardens, one day, they discovered they weren't alone...

The Whisperers, as they called themselves, were a darker race. They were more melancholy and liked solace. Many couldn't stay in the sunlight long, and they grew weaker when exposed to sunlight for an extended period of time. Most enjoyed quiet, cool, damp places where they could think.

They arrived in the Garden after a few years, and they quickly became the most common second race in the Gardens."

She paused, wondering if the pair had any questions. But before they could ask anything, she kept on with her story. "It's hard to tell who's a Llithe and who's a Whisperer by outside appearance alone anymore. It's just something you should ask about. I've never met a faerie who was offended by me asking. At birth, it's relatively easy to tell, simply by a fae's reaction to the bright light of the First Garden."

Ora contemplated Dawnsong's explanation as she spoke, immediately realizing that she was a Llithe, and that's why the faerie fish had called her so. It felt strangely awkward to talk about the differences between the three fae that were sitting there at the table, and based on Dawnsong's description Lazuli was clearly a Whisperer.

Ora felt the urge to continue their journey, feeling sufficiently acquainted with the Evercommon Garden though she didn't explore every nook and cranny. Her gaze went from Dawnsong's face to her own lap as she daintily adjusted the skirt of her tan colored dress. Looking up again when Dawnsong had finished explaining about the Gardens' races she spoke once more.

"It's funny, it's like I was born understanding what you have just said, but hearing you explain everything has made me fully aware of it...these subtle differences between us fae."

Ora shifted in her chair, a not-so-subconscious attempt to show her desire to keep moving.

"Hey, what's that dark concoction you've got there in that bowl?"

Ora's attention quickly shot from Dawnsong's strange concoction to a flicker of deep purple that deftly shot across the Evercommon Garden's widest river, parallel to the water surface for a few moments before shooting into the sky. She instantly realized that there were other fae in the same garden as them, and a baffled look contorted her face as she turned to look into Dawnsong's eyes. Seemingly asking for forgiveness with a simple glance, Ora turned from looking at Dawnsong to looking back to the image that shot across the lake, only to see two more fae shakily following the first who was apparently leading the way.

"Hey Dawnsong, Lazuli, let's keep talking as we go. What do you say.....?" Ora's voice trailed off as she had already lifted herself from the marble bench, her eyes glazed with wanderlust as she watched the other fae trail off into the distance. Spreading her golden wings in preparation for flight, they seemed to glitter a bit in the brilliant sun.

With the foolhearty confidence of a novice, Ora's inexperience at flight never crossed her mind as she attempted to repeat the purple fae's impressive corkscrew maneuvers. Feeling at ease in the air, she managed to follow the path of the other fae even though they had already dissipated from her visible sight.

"...If you...really want to." Lazuli sighed, shaking his head slowly. Just when he was finally getting used to this place's calm atmosphere...He wished she wasn't so hasty. Oh well, the llithe probably knows what she's doing... He put down his unfinished tea, and slowly stood up, ready to follow the girl. But when she took off in flight, he shook his head again, this time in a more visible manner. "...No way I'm going that way." He didn't want to fly when others could see him, and he doubted it would change...at least in the nearest future. His eyes peeked at the second llithe, the one still sitting at the table... Dawnson, yes? He was wondering if she'll fly with the first one, or keep walking... Or if she'll even move from the table.

As Dawnsong was about to explain the purpose of the dark muck to Ora, she seemed anxious and ready to leave. Dawnsong wanted to stay and chat for awhile, but she could tell that at least one of her charges was ready to go. But before she could offer a suggestion to leave, Ora had flown off after the other group who had flown by them and over the hedge, off to the next garden on the list.

"Ora!" she shouted after the golden fae. "Come back here!" Alas! Dawnsong's high-pitched yell could not reach Ora's ears.

Feeling frustrated with this entire tour, Dawnsong's normally cheery countenance turned sour and she looked to Lazuli, wondering if he was going to just fly off too.

"So Lazuli, do you want to join them too? You can if you want. I suppose I should keep an eye on Ora...but I have to keep an eye on you too. What do you say we fly over there together? Why don't you want to fly?" she asked, curious why the young fae refused to fly. The rest of them seemed to really enjoy soaring through the air as she did.

"I..." Lazuli almost gasped with surprise, when the fae touched this topic. He wasn't sure if he wanted to talk about it, especially just yet...
"I'll be allright on my own, miss." He nodded quickly, showing that he really wouldn't mind being left alone here. If the fae thinks she should go, then she should.
"I can wait here...or go behind you, or something..." His head once again nodded, when the boy smiled shyly.
Not even a word about flying.

Dawnsong's slightly annoyed look turned to one of surprise as Lazuli shrugged off any mention of flying for the second time since she'd known him. She could tell he had some issues with flying, though she wasn't sure quite what they were.

"No, you can't just wait here, it's my job to show you the Gardens! I can't just leave you. It would be so horrible of me! I'm here to do what I have to do. And I have to get you off to Mirror Lake. Now, we can either fly, which you seem to be avoiding for some reason." And I'll find out what that reason is eventually, she thought inwardly, hoping not to prod too deeply. "Or we can walk. So if you want to walk, I'm coming with you," the youth fae said cheerfully, allowing her natural smile to come through.

She stood up and grabbed Laz by the hand, pulling him from the marble bench. "It's time to go. I think we've been here long enough." Taking a final sip of her tea, she sidled up next to Lazuli, ready to walk to Mirror Lake if she had to.

"...walking is...fine." Lazuli looked at her hand, holding his, surprise in his eyes. It was warm...not as warm as the teacup he held just few minutes ago, but warm anyway... It was a nice feeling. He knew he could easily get used to it. The fae boy raised his head, and looked at Dawnsong, his lips slowly forming a shy smile.
"...if you don't have anything against it, ofcourse....I'm sorry for making trouble..."

Dawnsong gave his hand a squeeze and smiled at Lazuli again, finally feeling better about the whole situation. Now that the youth was less disagreeable, she didn't mind him not flying so much. She was sure in time, he'd get used to it. Perhaps he just needed to be on his own to practice.

"It's just fine. I don't walk much, so I suppose it'll give us time to stop and smell the roses, if you will," she giggled, winking at him. "I'm sure you'll get used to flying eventually. You just have to practice," she finished with a nod, setting out in the direction of Mirror Lake Garden. "How do you like it here so far?" she asked, daring not to let go of his hand, in case he tried to run off. It was funny, he was becoming almost instantly more tolerable.

"It's a...nice place." Lazuli nodded quickly, and started walking, close to the other fae, still feeling her hand on his. "really." Another nod, and a soft smile. How could he voice what is inside of him...? It's much harder, than it seemed at the beginning.
"The water is warm, and the fish keep catching your eye... I think I like water." Yet another nod. Yes, that's what he felt. "The grass is green, and smells funny. It tickles your nose. This isn't as fun, but still nice." That was also true. "But the air is strange...I liked it more in the last garden." Also true... But he had no idea how to explain it in a more proper way... The fae probabry won't understand it. Lazuli sighed. "But next to the river, it was a lot better."

Dawnsong listened to Lazuli describe what he liked (and didn't like) about the gardens, a cheerful grin finally appearing on her face and hardly leaving. She liked it when others were in a good mood too, and finally, it seemed Lazuli was at peace with what was happening.

"I also enjoy the water, though I like warm, sunlit pools best. The fish here are very friendly, so take note of that when you go swimming. Sometimes they let you ride on their backs underwater! It's quite thrilling," she said, eyes twinkling as she looked to Laz with excitement. It was always a thrill to catch a ride with a fish. Particularly the flying ones!

"Well, all of the gardens are different, so you'll notice subtle changes as we move from one to the other. Even the air can be different, as you've noticed," she said with a grin, pleased he was actually enjoying this experience. "I'm glad you decided to come with us Laz. It's been nice chatting with you."

By this time, they'd reached the hedge, and at the bottom, there was a small cut-out doorway, just big enough for fae to walk through. "Look, we're almost there. Just have to walk through this hedge..."

Lazuli momentally fixed his attention to the hedge. "How unusual..." The boy waved his hand inside the doorway, and looked at Dawnsong curiously. "...what is behind this passage?"

Dawnsong giggled as Lazuli waved his hand inside the archway, as if something was going to jump out and get him. "It's okay, nothing's going to pop out at you!" she chuckled, giving his other hand a reassuring squeeze. She'd decided not to let go of it until he insisted. She thought perhaps it was making him feel more courageous.

"This is the passage to the next garden. There are doorways like this all around the perimeter of each garden that leads to the next...for those of us who choose not to fly, or for the animals who can't." She gave him a playful wink, and stepped into the passage. "Coming?"

Lazuli hesitated for a moment, but then nodded quickly. "Yes, I'll come."
And he quickly passed the doorway, curious what will the next garden be like.

<<OOC: I am SO SORRY TT^TT...I tried to grab some inspiration in the last few days, but failed miserably..and I didn't wanted to hold up Dawnsong anymore v.v... *has sucky roleplay days x.x *>>