May Event 28.5.2007

Dalia scanned the list and grinned. This should be fun, she thought, making separate lists for each group or fae. "I wonder if they'll figure these out?" she asked herself, looking at the list of riddles she'd thought up over the past week. "I suppose it's about time to find out."

With that, she opened the doors of her treehouse and stood on the balcony, awaiting the players. This was the first Scavenger Hunt that would be held in the Gardens, and she hoped for a good turnout.

Riddle 1:

Why is an island like the letter 'T'?

Riddle 2:

What word looks the same upside down and backwards?

Riddle 3:

Alive without breath,
As cold as death,
Never thirsty, ever drinking
Clad in mail, never clinking

What am I?

Riddle 4:

I am seen in the water
If seen in the sky, I am in the rainbow,
A jay's feather,
and lapis lazuli

What am I?

Riddle 5:

I look flat, but I am deep,
hidden realms I shelter.
Lives I take, but food I offer.
At times I am beautiful.
I can be calm, angry & turbulent.
I have no heart, but I offer pleasure as well as death.
No man can own me, yet I encompass what all men must have.

What am I?

Riddle 6:

Bright as diamonds,
Loud as thunder,
Never still,
A think of wonder.

What am I?

Riddle 7:

A thousand colored folds stretch toward the sky,
Atop a tender strand,
Rising from the land,
'Til killed by maiden's hand,
perhaps a token of love, perhaps to say goodbye.

What am I?

Riddle 8:

What measures out time,
Until in time
All is smashed to it?

Riddle 9:

Inside the green house, there was a white house.
Inisde the white house, there was a red house.
Inside the red house, there were a lot of babies.

What was I?

Riddle 10:

I welcome the day with a show of light,
I stealthily come here in the night.
I bathe the early stuff of dawn,
But by noon, alas! I'm gone.

Riddle 11:

Who becomes pregnant without conceiving?
Who becomes fat without eating?

Riddle 12:

What is red, white and blue and hates hot weather?

1. waTer 2. swims 3. fish 4. blue 5. sea 6. waterfall 7. flower 8. sand 9. watermelon 10. dew 11. cloud 12. popsicle

Finding Home

Kyrylo had spent the night curled around Calliope on one of the many islands that dotted the shadow grounds near Destine's weeping willow. Having been released from his first tour of the garden and still not having seen a place that struck him as the perfect place to live, he planned to investigate some of the other gardens that they had not seen. Unsure of how much flying would be required, he retired early instead of staying up to poke around at the other interesting things to see in the garden.

The next morning he rose early and stretched as he looked around the garden for any other signs of activity. Seeing none, he stood and unfurled his wings before giving a few experimental flaps to wake them up. Once more he tucked Calliope into the robe above his heart and made sure she was comfortable before leaping into the air and wheeling once. Flapping hard he flew back the way he had come the day before, taking no time to stare at the fish or newts in leisure. He had a mission; he needed to find his home.

The next following hour were spent in avid search in the Evercommon garden, Slowly he circled the garden peeking into each of the archways he found there, always looking for a garden that called out to him. Many of the gardens he saw that afternoon were beautiful, but like the ones he had seen before they just didnt seem to fit him personally. Late in the afternoon he took a break to find something to eat and drink deeply from one of the many streams that crisscrossed the garden, taking care not to drink where he saw any fairy fish lurking. Tired and slightly disappointed he watched as Fae's of all colors came in and out of various gates in the garden, some chatting amiably to others, while other went straight through to another gate as if bent on completing something highly important. All of these Fae had found some place that suited them, surely he would find one as well.

Rising from his rest, he continued his slow circle of the outer hedge of the garden, always keeping a sharp eye out for any doors that were trying to remain hidden. On the far side of the garden, just two doors down from the gate to the House of Eagles, he stumbled into a rusted metal gate. Curious, he pushed on the door hard and peeked in when it swung open with a protesting squeak. In the distance the shimmer of water caught his attention and intrigued he ventured further into the grove of pines before him.

Stepping out from behind the last stand of trees he drew in a deep breath. The amazing display of scenery that lay before him was breath taking. Talking to himself to calm his breathing, he ran down the hill, leaping into the air half way down and flying with purpose to the island, hoping the whole time that the place wasn't occupied so he could claim it as his own. A frown etched across his face replacing the earlier exuberance as he neared the island, much of the place was overgrown with weeds, and what he could see of the actual spire was not pleasing. Landing on the island, he took a few tentative steps forward before stopping and inspecting the area around him instead. Chunks of marble littered the over-grown grass and a heavy oak door creaked as it swung from the one hinge it was still attached to. Biting his lip, he moved to look inside the spire and was disappointed to see dead leaves and grass littering the inside of the building.

Sighing he looked away from the tower at the darkening sky and decided that though the garden was certainly in need of some serious cleaning, with a little bit of help it could easily be one of the most beautiful gardens he had yet encountered. Letting Calliope out of her safe hiding place he allowed her to survey their surrounding in the dying light, "So what do you think? A little cleaning here and there should make this place amazing, maybe a few more plants here?". Calliope dipped her body in response and flapped her delicate wings as she flew in a spiraling motion around the spire before disappearing into one of the windows that Kyrylo had failed to notice before. A soft ringing laughter echoed in his head before a soft i claim this room followed.

[PRP] Kyrylo & Amaryllis

Kyrylo stepped cautiously, looking in all directions and trying not to shift the loose bits of gravel on the stone floor. All around him faint whispers echoed, some loud and other soft as if promising to reveal thousands of untold secrets to whomever would sit still and stay long enough to decipher them. Gaze lingering on a half broken statue of some long gone Fae he placed his hands on the marble tracing the line of the face; so familiar and yet, entirely new.

The last time he had visited during the tour he had not had enough time to investigate the area further. Now that his home was settled and they were released to go and pursue their own interests he was back. So many things about this place intrigued him; what had those Fae done to merit a statue of their likeness? Why of all places did the spirits decide to gather here? And, if this place was so important to all the Fae, then why had they let it fall to ruin, abandoning it to the corrosive powers of nature? Walking around the room in a small circle he admired each of the statues that dominated the area one by one, looking for some sort of name or identification.

Finding one statue that really drew his attention far back from the entrance, he made his way too it in almost reverent awe. Surely the amazing piece of art that stood before him must have been a very impressive figure in life. Slipping a few sheets of vellum from a pouch he had made from the waxen leaves of a plant he had found, he lay them carefully on a spot on the ground that was not damp. Kneeling he pulled out a quill and his bottle of berry ink and began to sketch the statue. He had every intention of showing the sketch to Caer and asking who the person was, if he was lucky she might have enough information for him to write a small journal of all the important figures that littered this very room.

As he worked the soft plink of water falling in the distance caught his attention. Deciding that he was quite thirsty after having flown all this way carrying his newly made supplies, he stood and began to investigate the overgrown ivy hall ways that branches from the main rooms. Eventually he came across a small pool of water surrounded by off flowering plants and the more urgent voices of the spirits. Ignoring both for the time being he lay on his stomach and cupped handfuls of the fresh cool water to drink until his thirst was sated. Splashing a bit of water on his face and rinsing a bit of ink that had stained his fingers, he stilled as his ears picked up a new sound.

Originally Posted by Amaryllis

Sunlight echoed around her faint figure, a glimpse of unwritten light, a shy breath of silver etchings on her transparent visage. Spirits had no real corporeal bearing after all, though they were certainly a veritable part of the Garden. All she had was Her Voice, stronger than that of any Spirit so new and unknown; it fell truer, deeper on the ear, more real and expressive than that of the collective. Amaryllis loved her voice. It was her greatest pleasure, to idle about among the soulful lilies and sing ancient ballads; the roses heard the scores of love songs she sang, the daises her simple tunes, clean and undecorated. The great, wise trees listened, a rustling audience to her contemplative airs as she composed what few lines had escaped the critical eye of her mental editor.

The House of Eagles was her favorite place for singing though. All the other Spirits, particularly the younger ones, liked to cluster around her, vague hints of moonshine in the bend of the air to signal their presence. But that was not the cause of her own favor towards the place. It, more than any other location in the Garden, reeked of history and thought. As if all the knowledge in the world could be found in the stony planes of countless frozen faces. The Fae might not take the best care of the statues, but Amaryllis did what she could. She blew at stray leaves, watching them flutter from an unmoving hand or bent head; she dropped notes and melodies in the deaf ears, most comfortable and at ease with her unresponsive appreciators.

Today had been a good day. The sun was high, cheerful and warm. The winds were gentle, breezes that whisked through with a playful laugh in her inner mind. Flowers boomed into crashes of color, swaying as they distracted her from the intended path. But she did not want to be too waylaid, so determination fueled her normally aimless wandering.

The marble roof reached high into the sky, a set of sharp, cleverly mastered lines that arched into harmony. Instantly, the moment she drifted through the doorway, her kin formed a loose crowd around her, most of them asking eagerly what new songs she had gleaned for the day. Ever willing to please, particularly with Her Voice, for it was her only distinctive quality, Amaryllis opened her mouth, lips parting in a small 'o'.

"Hide from the snow,
Hide from your memories,
Hide from the regret.
Where can I go?
The snow, the dream,
Fall, drifting, in my own heart.

In the endless world,
Can I find that single star?
My star, my star, the shining light,
Will you be my love, my hope?
My star, my star, my guidance in the twilight.

Somehow today seems further away,
Harder to catch.
Somehow, yesterday seems closer,
Closer to me or you?

Just give me your hand,
I'll grab it and run towards the sun,
I'll grab your hand, and we'll fly to the sky.

In the endless world,
Can I find that single star?
My star, my star, the shining light,
Will you be my love, my hope?
My star, my star, my guidance in the twilight.

Be my addiction, my cure.
The perfect match,
Like two bells tolling in the distance."

As she sang, her unheard footsteps sounded, floating from one room to another, dropping in to sing a line or two and disappearing back into the hallway as she moved throughout the architectural wonder. Without will nor volition, her mindless paces had brought her to the drinking pool, a beloved place for debate and gossip to run rampant next to the other. The Spirits gathered there for their conversations, as muted and empty as their words sounded. A few jerked their translucent heads up, a pleasant hum in their greetings to tell of their thanks for her song. Amaryllis had the strongest and sweetest song out of them all, the Spirits agreed, and if she could have blushed, she might have.

Nonetheless, she felt the thin thread of humble denial enter her voice as she returned their greetings. But then something in the corner of her eyes sparkled, long locks of spun honey glimmered and a canvas of colors snared her focus.

Why, it was a Fae! A Whisperer if she wasn't mistaken, and the coherent hum of voices next to her assured her she wasn't. He had stopped moving, head lifted as if he had heart her entrance. But few heard her Voice unless she addressed them directly and fewer heard her without the intent of approach on her part. How then, had he heard her? Admittedly, Her Voice was strong, but surely not that strong...

She held her breath and stood still, body motionless. He was but two or three feet from her, looking puzzled and unsure. What could she do? Hesitation stole into her heart. The greater beings of the Fae did not regularly bother themselves with the Spirits, yet he seemed genuinely curious and young. Perhaps he did not know...?

Amaryllis decided to wait for an action on his part before doing anything. It was the sane thing to do...

As Kyrylo sipped slowly the water from his hands he thought he could almost hear the faintest trails of a melody. Stilling he strained his ears trying to catch the elusive tune that danced in and out of his awareness. He was certain he had heard the soft strains of music coming in his general direction though it seemed to have stopped when it was relatively close. He wished it would start again, whether it was his tiredness from the trip or some invisible being the music had touched him on an emotional level. He had heard that there were many mysteries of this garden and that the spirits flocked here in troves, but never had he heard of a mysterious music. Come to think of it, the other whispery voices that had been calling so urgently before seemed more like a murmur of contentment now.

Pushing himself upright and into a cross-legged sitting position he looked around the room slowly, trying to see if there was anything out of the ordinary. He took in the wall of ivy, water gently cascading down its leaves to fall in the crystal clear pool of water surrounded by moss. He examined the old weathered roots of a very large tree's roots that broke through one wall to plunge through the ground below. The slight shift of light opened his eyes to something else. the room was filled with, something he wasn't certain of. Not exactly solid, but at the same time, in the right lighting you could almost make out a form, a vague shape of something, or somethings, occupying the room with him.

Intrigued he let out a long breath to calm his excitement and tried to pinpoint the location of "the thing" once more; only to see nothing as the light had sifted once more. That would teach him to come when the sun was sinking behind a scattering of clouds. Reaching into his bag he pulled out a small pan pipe and tried to imitate the tune he had heard, eyes casting about trying to note any changes in the air.

"I know you are there" he called out softly, "I won't hurt you". Grinning sheepishly to himself he thought about how stupid the last part had sounded; he could not even see what it was, never mind do anything in which to hurt them, unless of course they found his pipe playing to be offensive to the ears. He had only made the pipe just a few days ago and his tune did not carry nearly as well as the one he heard before did; if anything he was slightly off key.

Originally Posted by Amaryllis

The words made her laugh, and the laughter bubbled inside her, without beginning nor end, as if it sprung eternal. Being a Spirit meant you laughed with no cares, mourned with no fear, sobbed with no hesitation. It meant that no matter what emotion you expressed other would not overhear and turn the embarrassing spotlight upon you. It led to a lighter, more genuine sort of smile, innocent and naive.

As Amaryllis felt her laugh taper down to a lilting giggle, she attempted to speak directly to him, voice strong and confident. He was approachable... even laid back. It was his soft voice, curious and polite that convinced her of his sincerity. With a keen interest, she watched as he plucked a crudely made pipe out of his bag, hands fluttering across the surface; the tenderness with which he treated it told her instantly that he had been the one to craft the instrument. But then he lifted it to his mouth and began a slow, cautious imitation of the tune she had been singing.

The melody flew out, unsure and uncertain as it wavered in the air. Essentially, he had grasped the basics of it, but a few key notes would ring sour and foreign, obviously not part of the tune.

Amaryllis took pity on him and drifted toward the Fae. She stopped a foot from him and knelt down by him, ethereal body a mere bend in the air that refracted oddly in direct light. She paused and laid a hand on his, nudging at his fingers until the pipe slid from his hands. Snatching the opportunity, the unseen girl brought it to her mouth and blew gently, transparent hands flying across the surface as she learned the delicate nuances of the tool. A smile lit her face and still smiling, she began an exact rendition of the song she had been singing.

The notes flowed out, pure and untouched, a tang of wilderness lying in the undertone. She only played a small section of the song before returning the pipe to his possession. "Did you enjoy the song, sir? It took a few nights before I reached this point." Merry ambivalence danced in her voice, and even if he could not see her, any intuitive creature could tell from the inflection of her words that she was welcoming him.

"Is this your first time meeting a Spirit?" Amaryllis inquired gently, curious like a newborn was of the world.

The gentle ring of laughter that surrounded Kyrylo caused him to green sheepishly, "I've only just started playing with it" he mumbled as a slight brush of invisible fingers touched his and took the pipe. In awe he listened to the sweet music that poured from his instrument watching as the light around it bent so that occasionally he could almost make out the thin fingers playing and the slight frame of body behind it. Closing his eyes trying to imagine what manner of spirit could play such hauntingly beautiful music and still manage to be so new to the world they lived in.

As the short part of the tune wound to a close he peeked out of one eye and grinned, "sound's ever so much better when you play it", pausing he ruffled his wings and flooded them across his back, "the song was wonderful" he admitted before leaning back to take another sip of water. It seemed odd that all the other rustling whispers in the room had once more become completely silent when she had begun to play his pipe; where had all the Spirits gone? or were they all just silent so as to better enjoy her playing?

Standing he began to walk back towards the first room in which he had left his ink and sketches. "You are the first Spirit I've had the opportunity to talk to," he said while ducking through the door way and starting down the hall, "I left a book over here" he explained as he peeked into each room he passed looking for his stuff, "your song makes me want to draw". He could not really explain why he had the sudden urge to draw, but throughout her singing and the pipe music he had thought he had almost caught a glimpse of her and now had the urge to draw what he had seen out so he could show the portrait to Caer and ask about this interesting turn of events.

"Do all Spirits sing?" he asked as he while kneeling to gather up the pile of his belongings he had left in the center of the circle of statues, "and can i talk to the others as well, or are you somehow special? because i can't really make out what the others are whispering about".

[PRP] Kyrylo & Rosebud (part 1)

Originally Posted by Rosebud

A rainbow of colors covered the canvas before her as she glided forward among the beauteous flowers surrounding her. Roses, that's what they called them, but to her they were a vision of unsurpassed beauty. Untended, the thorny vines grew wild, spread about here and there, forming a sort of barrier that would keep the larger creatures out, but made a warm and dry nest for the smaller critters of the garden. To her the vines posed no threat, so she had no fear of walking too close or getting entangled in their branches. The roses grew in vast array across the tops of these wildly growing vines, in a multitude of colors so beautiful, one could only ponder how they had gotten there. Different shades of red, white, orange, yellow, blue, purple, pink, yes even silver and black, she'd found. Butterflies played among the flowers, and bumblebees busied themselves collecting pollen. If one looked close enough, they could see the ladybugs and aphids covering the branches and some of the flowers. Upon the ground, ants busied themselves collecting food to take to their queen.

The vines did split, forming a trail of sorts as a velvety green grass formed the banks of a small river that flowed through the garden. Among the velvety green grass, wildflowers bloomed, sprinkling the path with patches of color here and there. Many times she had followed the trail upstream to gaze upon the array of waterfalls cascading down into the river in tiers. If she were to stand close enough, she would feel the misty spray bounce up at her as the cascading water hit the rocks below. On other occasions she had followed the trail downstream, where a small lake had formed. At one end of the lake was a large patch of cattails, home to insects and frogs, blowing in the breeze. In the center of the lake was a small island, a single large willow, ancient, standing tall upon it. Hanging from a branch in the willow, ropes that had been formed from vines attached to a bark covered log, formed a swing.

More willows lined the lake opposite the patch of cattails. All around the lake, at each end where the cattails ended, grew a soft velvety green grass and more wildflowers, the same that bordered the river. At the far end of the lake, under a willow, sat an ornate marble table and two benches to match, one on each side. The table and benches had begun to wear, small bits crumbling off here and there, from years of exposure to the sun and weather. Dragonflies and insects flew all around the lake, creating a soft hum that could lull one to sleep. This was her garden, the place she had come to love and call her own. She called it simply, the Rose Garden.

She had been what they called a late bloomer, for she had not found her voice for quite some time. Some had said she would never find her voice. Those more confident spirits had said, "Give her time." They had been right. When she did finally find her voice, it came out soft and gentle, like the chime of a harp as it played a lullaby. She was shy at first, speaking only when spoken to, but in time she'd learned to be independent, and her voice grew stronger. It was not the strongest voice in the gardens, but it was strong, nonetheless, stronger than most. Those whose voices were the strongest all had names, and so she called herself Rosebud. What more fitting name for one who lived within a rose garden.

Knowing only that she existed, she did not remember when she had come to be. At first she had only observed, spending her time watching the little critters as they scampered about the gardens, the butterflies and insects buzzing busily and playing around. Having a deep desire for adventure, she had spent her time moving through a number of gardens, exploring every nook and cranny, and so early on she had discovered the Llithe and Whisperers. She had watched and observed them in silence, learning all she could about them. She had seen that they like riddles, but she was not good in finding the answers. She had seen also that they liked music and stories, and so Rosebud had spent her time developing her skills as a poet and storyteller. Some she would tell through her music, her voice lilting and uplifting, most she would just tell with words, drawing her audience in with the inflections and emotions of her voice. She had come to love to tell stories and recite poetry, so could tell them with the greatest of ease.

On this day in her rose garden, a feeling that something exciting was about to happen had come over her. She'd wandered through the garden, gliding about, her thin wisp of a figure undetectable by most, to see if she could find what it was that was exciting her. Finding nothing unusual, she glided downstream to the lake, and sitting on a branch of the willow, above the marble table, she began to recite a poem:

As I walk within my gardens,
a delight as you may see,
a myriad of roses and
flowers sets me free.

Among the wild grasses,
the critters do run wild,
a squirrel here, a rabbit there,
drink from a spring so mild.

It's here within my garden,
a single yellow rose,
surrounded by the thorny bush,
a gentle breeze blows.

The yellow rose begins to bud,
the color of the petals,
unfurl, open radiantly,
and then it's fragrance settles.

It's the last flower of the summer,
a bright and vibrant bloom.
An unexpected late bloomer,
which decorates my 'room'.

Symbollizing friendship,
and caring so they say,
The yellow rose awaits me,
in it's wildest array.

It fills my mind with gladness,
my heart with pure joy,
it's beauty doeth surround me,
a bouquet I can enjoy.

It's here among my garden,
a delight as you may see,
it's here that you will find us,
the yellow rose and me.

The Yellow Rose and Me, written by Joan aka Fiziali
Please do not use without my consent

When she had finished reciting her poem, she glided down to the lake where the thorny vines of the rosebushes merged with the willows, and watched the insects buzzing about. She sensed him before he had come into view, and she knew that it was time. The adventure was about to begin.

Kyrylo flew lower to land carefully on the island in the center of the rose garden. Feet touching the ground one at a time he thought about how far he had come from his first few days in the gardens with his many crash landings into the water. It was nice to be able to land somewhat gracefully more often then not. Taking the time to look around at the multitude of roses that stretched endlessly before him on the opposite shore of the lake, he marveled at the sheer number of flowers and the powerfully intoxicating aroma that permeated the air.

It had been a while since he had last explored any of the many gardens that branched off from the main ones. Pulling his pan pipe out for a moment he trilled a short tune before glancing around to see if there were any signs of movement. Since his meeting with Amaryllis he has expected more Spirits to make themselves known, and at each one he visited he would play a short part of her song that he had been practicing since their meeting to see if anything might respond. Deciding that he was more then likely too isolated on this island with only a large tree for company he launched himself into the air and flew purposefully towards a stand of cattails.

Splash

Muttering Kyrylo pulled the lower hem of his robe from the water and marched onto dryer land; things had been going so well and he had gotten over excited and careless once again when it came to landing. Grumbling to himself he wrung out the water before dropping the damp cloth to the ground to inspect a flower that several insects flocked about. He had seen roses before but for some reason these looked as if they were far superior to the wild things growing in some of the other garden. Almost as if a gentle hand guided them along in their growth. A small smile pulling at his lips he leaned forward to inhale deeply the flower before pulling a small knife from his pouch; Calliope would surely enjoy this flower as much as the other insects did, especially after they had argued.

As he cut the flower Kyrylo's ears caught the faintest sound. Biting back his excitement he waited patiently for the noise maker to make itself known.

Originally Posted by Rosebud

Rosebud watched and smiled as Kyrylo landed on the island and stared at the beauty of the flowers just behind her. She'd observed him as he looked about as if expecting someone. She'd wondered, did he also share the excitement she felt that something wonderful were about to happen? She'd listened as he played the tune. It was a familiar tune, she'd heard it before in the House of the Eagles, the gathering place for the spirits. She'd recognized it as a song Amaryllis sang, and she knew then this fae was special. He'd heard Amaryllis' voice, else how could he know her tune. She watched as he flew across the water near the patch of cattails, and had giggled at his clumsy landing, the hem of his robe falling into the water.

As he squeezed the water from his robe, she glided across the lake to approach him. She was curious about this fae. Why had he come to her garden, on this day, at this time? She'd smiled when he'd leaned in close to the rose, breathing deeply of it's fragrance. She'd seen the look upon his face as he took in the wonderful scent, and it made her happy.

When he'd pulled the knife out and cut the flower away from the stem, it shocked her, and she'd let out a cry of disbelief. She examined the cut on the stem and saw it was a clean cut, and the plant would not be damaged, and so she'd realized he'd taken care not to harm the plant when cutting the flower away. She wondered then why he'd cut the flower, for it would surely wilt and die away. Standing near him now, she was curious. Had he heard her cry? It appeared he was waiting for something to happen, or for someone to speak.

She spoke then, her voice strong, smooth and flowing as a river flows, both dwindling and swelling, alternately, "Hello young one. Did you hear me cry out? It was for the rose you cut from it's stem, for it will surely wilt and die now."

She waited patiently, to see if he would respond, for if he had heard her, he surely would reply. She knew if he'd heard, that her voice was indeed stronger than most, for it was only the strongest voices that were heard by the fae. If he'd heard her voice, she would feel a great sense of accomplishment, for no greater achievement was there than to be heard by the fae.

Kyrylo's ears twitched once more at the gentle voice that called out to him after a few long seconds. Fingering the edge of his blade thoughtfully he turned and looked around trying to see where the source of the voice had come from. The lack of shade in the area was making the spirit very difficult to see as he was used to deciphering where Amaryllis was by the shift in sunlight in a darkened room. Unable to discern any difference in light he finally spoke, "I was bringing it back to Calliope and though indeed it will die, at least it will have brought her a small delight as she has been quite depressed as of late". Mouth quirking in an amused smile he realized that she probably wouldn't know whom Calliope was, "Er, she's my moth companion that Dalia presented to me upon my hatching" he explained as he carefully slipped the rose into his satchel.

Vaguely he wondered if she were anything like Amaryllis or if there was a chance the two of them had met. Perhaps not all Spirits conversed with each other, or then again perhaps only the "strong voices", as Amaryllis had put it, could talk to each other but the rest communicated with a strength of emotion. Stepping eagerly forward he realized that he wasn't entirely sure where this spirit was located. Eyes scanning the area once more for the slightest hint of movement he sat down slowly, hoping that she wasn't impossibly short and standing where he planned to sit. "I can not see you" he murmured more to himself then anyone else.

Idly he began to fidget with the bracelets on his arm as he waited for the voice to talk once more. She had seemed almost hurt or cross that he had cut the rose. Debating whether or not to apologize he twirled the small blade around the knuckles of his left hand, faster and faster until it was just a blur; it was a game he often played with himself when he was worried, the soft whirring of the blade distracting him from his more annoying nervous habit of biting at his nails.

Originally Posted by Rosebud

Rosebud watched the fae curiously as he looked about, trying to find her. His voice sounded almost sad when he'd murmured that he could not see her. She wondered why this should make him sad.

She'd thought it special that Kyrylo cared enough for Calliope, that he would bring her a rose for her enjoyment, however brief a time that might be. It brought joy to her heart to find a fae so thoughtful and caring for those around him.

Smiling, her voice rippling through the air once again, sounding happy she said to him, "Why are you sad? Is it not enough that you can hear me? Calliope is very dear to you, I see. How thoughtful of you to bring a gift for her pleasure."

Rosebud decided to tell him a story to cheer him up.

"It happened once, long ago, a fae so cheery, had come to know a friend so dear to his heart. A short time after, the friend had vanished, disappeared without a trace. The fae searched far and wide, leaving no leaf unturned, but all he found was a cocoon. He did not know what a cocoon was, and so he passed without another look.

Finding no trace of his friend anywhere, he'd finally given up, and had returned home. A few weeks later the fae was sitting on the branch where he'd found the cocoon, and he watched as a beautiful moth emerged from it's shell. The moth spoke, and the fae had wondered how the moth had come to know his name. He looked deep into the moth's eyes, and recognized his friend, who had never been lost in the first place."

She hoped that Kyrylo had enjoyed her story. She hoped it cheered him up, for it bothered her to see him so sad. She'd watched him twirl his blade, causing it to make a soft whirring sound, and this interested her, for she had never seen anything like it.

"Oh, I'm not sad, i was worried i had upset you by cutting one of these roses since they seem very special to you " he mumbled slipping the dagger back in to his satchel while looking in the general direction the voice had come from . "It's actually my fault that Calliope can't come, a few days ago a falconette tried to eat her, so until we are sure that it doesn't live near by i asked her to stay at home while i er, investigated the surrounding gardens" Kyrylo explained rocking slightly as he spoke, "she's a bit upset with me" he added sheepishly.

The story she told soon after had all the worries Kyrylo had been thinking about melt away. Smiling in appreciation he listed attentively as she told the story about the friends. After she had finished he broke out into a soft chuckle, "sounds like something Calliope would like to hear very much, I'll have to tell it to her when i get home" pausing he broke out into an even louder laugh and leaped to his feet, "or you could tell her yourself" he suggested. "My home garden is just two away" he motioned over the far side of the garden as he paced excited back and forth. Stopping he wondered if Spirits could fly, and how he would know if she was following behind him or had gotten lost, "I can't see you at all though" he murmured to himself while rummaging through his satchel once more, finally pulling out a long thread of grass he had braided into a small thin rope, "maybe if you held onto this" he spoke to himself.

"I . . . never gave you my name" he frowned before sweeping a low bow in the general direction he had last heard the voice, "Kyrylo Eneas Dazzlelove, and a pleasure to meet you.".

Originally Posted by Rosebud

Gliding over to face the young fae, Rosebud listened intently to his voice. "Ahh", the expression had left her lips in almost a whisper, and so it was unlikely Kyrylo had heard it. Worry, so this is what worry looks like, she'd thought to herself. She'd stored that into her memory for future reference.

Listening silently to his story as to why Calliope did not come with him, she'd wondered at this fae who thought so highly of the moth that had been a gift to him. She'd smiled when he explained to her how the moth was upset with him, and how he wanted to take the flower as a gift to her to make up for leaving her behind.

When he'd leapt up onto his feet excitedly, she'd nearly stumbled backwards, if a spirit could indeed stumble. When he'd suggested that she go with him to his garden, to tell her story to his moth, she'd become shocked. Who had ever heard of a spirit accompanying a fae to his home? She'd then wondered if any of the other spirits in the garden had ever done so.

Murmuring to himself, suggesting she hold onto the thread of grass he had braided so that he could see her, she had heard him. She wondered herself if it was indeed even possible. Reaching out to the thread, she tried to take it into her own hand. Once, twice, three times she tried but it was just no use. She'd laughed gently when he'd overzealously introduced himself to the spot she had stood in just moments before.

Focusing her concentration onto the thread, she reached out her hand, and placed it just underneath the thread, then slowly raising her hand, the thread began to curl up into her palm. She smiled in wonder at her accomplishment. She held her hand there, waiting for Kyrylo to let go of the thread so that the end he held would also drop into her hand. Smiling brightly, her voice flowing strong but gentle, she said to Kyrylo, "I will accompany you to your garden and meet your moth, Calliope. I will tell her my story so she may hear for herself, if indeed she may hear the voice of a spirit."

Kyrylo watched in shock as the braid of grass began to curl onto thin air. Eyebrows shooting up to almost disappear he stood up from his bow and stared at the coiled twine for a few moments before venturing forth to try and tap the area between the coiled grass. Tentatively he places a finger in the area seeing if he could feel something solid, to be incredibly confused when he could. "Well at least i can sort of feel you" he murmured before his face was a wreath of smiles all over again, "this is something i didn't know!".

"I will accompany you to your garden and meet your moth, Calliope. I will tell her my story so she may hear for herself, if indeed she may hear the voice of a spirit."

"oh I'm sure she can" he babbled while spreading his wings and giving them a few experimental flaps, "she did come from Dalia after all" he continued as he dropped the remaining bit of thread into her hand. Crouching he jumped into the air and gave a few powerful flaps to gain altitude before turning back to watch the coil of vivid green twine, "I'll fly slowly" he chirped as he turned and began to fly slowly towards Evercommon Garden.

Flying low over the garden he skimmed the water that covered it predominately scattering the faerie fish that lurked just beneath the surface. Looking over his shoulder he made sure the string and the spirit that held it wasn't too far behind before turning to fly through a copse of weeping willows. Batting the fronds of the trees that hung down playfully he looked around for the gate of his garden. Usually he flew there the whole way, but for some reason his usual scenic route didnt really seem like the best way to get home when he had company that he wasn't acquainted with extremely well. He wasn't sure even if she was getting tired already. Landing in the marshy ground beneath the Weeping willows he trudged forward to a rustic looking gate in between two wide trunks, "are you okay?" he asked worried, he really didnt want her to be having a hard time and he wasn't even sure how she had made it this far, did spirits fly? or levitate?

Fiddling with the old lock for a short time he managed to shove the door open on its rusty hinges. With a protesting creak it leaned open to reveal several pine trees on the other side, and beyond that what looked like the hint of mountains and a lake nestled in between. On an island in the middle of the lake was a tall white spire, half crumbled with age it stood as if guarding the land around it, littering the ground with crumbled bits of its structure. "Home sweet home!" grinned Kyrylo waiting for her OK to continue.

[PRP] Kyrylo & Rosebud (part 2)

Originally Posted by Rosebud

Rosebud watched as Kyrylo tested the spot between the thread, pushing downwards. She noticed the look of surprise in his eyes when he'd felt something, felt her hand. It had surprised her as well. The sensation had been odd, and she'd committed it to memory, something to ponder about later.

She'd floated after Kyrylo, pleased that he went slowly enough for her to keep up, as she loved to take her time and watch her surroundings. She did not want to miss anything, not a single insect as it scurried on it's way, not a single bud as it began to open.

Gracefully she floated upwards at each rise they came to, gliding downwards again as they would reach the other side. She'd laughed merrily, her voice tinkling upon the wind as she watched him skim the surface of the water as he flew over. She became a bit concerned as he batted at the the fronds hanging from the trees, then realized he had been batting at them playfully, and she'd smiled.

Watching as he landed on the marshy ground beneath the willows, seeing a rustic gate before them, she decided this must be his home. It appeared to be the sort of place a Whisperer would call home, so she was not surprised. She watched him fiddle with the lock, and when he'd shoved the gate open, her eyes opened wide with surprise and disbelief. It certainly was not what she had expected to see on the other side of this gate.

Rosebud took in the beauty of the garden before her, observing the pine trees, and the large lake beyond them. The focal point of this garden was placed upon the spire that arose from the island at the center of the lake. Rosebud admired the contrasting green of the ivy against the white of the marble the spire was constructed of.

She'd noted the marble benches and statues, crumbling and broken, littering the island, and the pretty white flowers that bordered the path from the dock up to the spire. Seeing the brightness of this garden, she was surprised. It was odd that a Whisperer would make his home here. It certainly had snuck up on her, after having witnessed the shadowy area beneath the willows on the other side of the gate.

"Home sweet home!" grinned Kyrylo

She smiled again, her heart overwhelmed by the beauty of the garden surrounding them. "It's beautiful", she lilted, "Breathtakingly beautiful."

Realizing he was silently awaiting her approval to go on, she said to him, the inflections of her voice both swelling and ebbing as she spoke, "Where is this moth friend of yours. I should very much like to meet her."

"Thank you" Kyrylo responded simply before walking through the gate and letting it close slowly behind him. Running forward he leapt into the air and beat his wings slowly as he carefully flew between the thick trunks of the old pine trees. Breathing deeply he took in the piney fresh scent and once again thanked fate for having stumbled into this garden. Of all the ones he had ever visited this one fit him the most; quiet, secluded, and full of warmth and the things he loved.

Flying Over the inky black water he laughed as the insects resting on its surface skated away from his shadow. Large Lily pads dotted the surface of the water and as he passed over them he would trail his fingers gently over the waxy feeling leave, smiling at the large flower buds that rose up in some areas, waiting to open they sunny centers to the skies. Looking ahead he took in his home, he had been living there for at least a week and already he had so many plans to make it more to his liking. He wanted so much to pick up some of the marble debris littering the grass and form them into a base of a gazebo. The Wisteria plants he had seen blooming in another garden had given him the desire to plant them all around his future gazebo and the fish scales that you could find every so often on the shore would make perfect covering for the roof. The future building would make a perfect place to read, or practice music, to converse with Calliope, or to have friends over. Wistfully he stared at the pile of lumber he had found on the shore near the ancient pines and dragged behind him through the water; one day.

As he neared the island he called out loudly, "Calliope, we have a visitor" before landing ungracefully on the soft grass and running up the gravel walkway to duck through the door of the spire. "You aren't still mad are you? I brought you something" he pleaded looking all around the room before flapping up to the second, and then the third floors. Took you long enough muttered the moth somewhat testily before flitting over to land on his head If we have a visitor why are we up here? "Ah! you're right!" Kyrylo exclaimed hopping out one of the large windows to float down to a marble bench. "Miss Spirit?" he called out tentatively hoping she hadn't decided to leave.

Originally Posted by Rosebud

Rosebud heard the sense of pride in his voice as Kyrylo thanked her for her comment about the beauty of his garden. She'd witnessed the passion that filled his eyes as he looked about his own garden. She smiled as she watched him breathe deeply the strong perfume of pine in the air as he flew between the aged trees, they had obviously been here for some time. She wondered that she had not come across this garden before, so close to her own home.

Gliding along behind him, she watched as he trailed his finger over the wax covered leaves. She could see he loved his garden as much as she loved her own. Noting the pile of lumber he had dragged up onto the island, she had decided to make it a point to ask him what it was for, later.

Rosebud heard the fondness in his voice as he called out to Calliope, and it filled her heart with gladness. How wonderful it was that he had a friend so dear to him, she'd thought to herself.

Upon seeing Kyrylo enter his home, she'd followed him inside. She had noted the lamps with the glowing mushrooms and realized that although the garden was not the traditional type home of a Whisperer, the interior was, somewhat. She'd stopped to observe the writing on the wall between the staircases, reading the poem, memorizing every word as she took it in.

"Miss Spirit?"

She heard Kyrylo outside calling to her, and quickly finished the poem, then went back outside, still holding the thread. "Here I am.", she'd called to him. "Rosebud. My name is Rosebud", she'd answered him, smiling.

"Oh, Rosebud. That's a very pretty name" he said turning to face the direction the voice had come from and hoping off the bench he stood on. "Meet Calliope" he said motioning grandly to the small yellow and orange moth perched on his head. At the mention of the spirits name he had recalled the other surprise he had brought back for Calliope. Dipping his hand into his satchel he pulled out the single yellow rose and held it up to her, "I thought that maybe you would like the rose and a visit from Rosebud" he grinned pleased with himself that he had managed to bring something he was sure would put Calliope in better spirits.

"Would you like to sit here" he motioned at the marble bench, "or maybe over near the water?" he asked Rosebud staring at what he hoped to be the height of her face. Calliope had flown down to land on the rose and was rustling her wings happily as she sipped its nectar. Taking off his satchel he left it next to the bench and began to walk slowly towards where he had last her the spirits voice, "it's neat isn't it?" he asked excitedly extending his arm towards the spire, "I can't imagine why it was abandoned. It's perfect, the garden, the lake, everything here is just so serene." he continued stopping before the piece or twine suspended in mid air.

Secretly he hoped the spirit really did like the garden as much as he did and would visit frequently to chat and maybe share some of her stories. As much as he liked solitude, there were times when he longed for others company as well. Calliope wasn't quiet especially, but for the most part she kept to herself and would only talk when she had some remark on something he messed up or if she found something amusing. Musing he looked at the twine for a short time and wondered if she could solidify herself to grasp it then might there also be a way in which she could make herself easier to be seen.

Originally Posted by Rosebud

Rosebud had been happy that Kyrylo had liked her name. She'd smiled as he introduced Calliope. She was pleased that the moth seemed to really like the rose he'd brought to her as a gift from Rosebud's garden. She wasn't sure if the moth appreciated her visit or not, but she was sure Calliope did indeed like the sweet nectar from the rose, for she was lapping it up quite contentedly.

"Would you like to sit here" he motioned at the marble bench, "or maybe over near the water?"

Rosebud had a preference of sitting on a lower limb of a tree when she told her stories, else she stood and moved around a bit. Seeing no trees on the island, she'd decided she would prefer to stand than to sit. She turned to face Kyrylo and liltingly said to him, "I think, perhaps, it would be nice to stroll near the waters edge, don't you think?"

"it's neat isn't it?" he asked excitedly extending his arm towards the spire, "I can't imagine why it was abandoned. It's perfect, the garden, the lake, everything here is just so serene."

Turning to look once again at the spire before them, she answered him with a tone of awe in her voice, "It most certainly is quite beautiful. I love how the brilliant green color of the ivy plays nicely upon the creamy white color of the marble tower. It was the first thing I'd noticed when we stepped into your garden."

Speaking strongly enough for Kyrylo to hear, yet nearly in a hushed tone, she'd commented, "The poem on the wall between the staircases, it really is quite lovely. I cannot imagine why someone would have abandoned this wonderful garden of yours. Perhaps it was Fate, that you might claim it for your own."

She turned once again to look at Calliope. The moth seemed to have finished drinking of the nectar from the rose, and so she held out her hand to Calliope, hoping despite the fact that Kyrylo could not see her, that indeed the moth might be able to do so. She would like very much to carry Calliope as they walked, so that she would not miss any part of her story.

"Shall we walk now,", Rosebud said, "and I shall be happy to tell Calliope my story."

"Yes, the waters edge would be nice" he replied with a charming smile. Kyrylo was excited that she had agreed with his inner opinion, as much as he like the benches, it was still pretty early in the day and he had much more energy to burn off still. He had done enough sitting in the rose garden, besides maybe if they were lucky they might come across another fish scale.

"It most certainly is quite beautiful. I love how the brilliant green color of the ivy plays nicely upon the creamy white color of the marble tower. It was the first thing I'd noticed when we stepped into your garden."

"Mmm" he agreed appreciatively looking over his tower and admiring the growth of the ivy climbing along its base. He imagine that one day it would probably nearly reach the top and instead of a white tower made of marble he would have a green living one.

Nodding to her comment about the poem he smiled, the Poem fit him perfectly. On his first visit to this garden he had sat pondering the meaning of it for a long time until suddenly it had dawned on him. The poem was about shadows, how fitting that it was carved into a wall always completely shrouded in shadow.

Calliope flew to perch on Rosebuds outstretched had laughing at the look of shock on Kyrylo's face, not all of us are so blind she chuckled as her wings fanned out for balance.

Kyrylo stared in confusion for a few moments at the moth perched on seemingly nothing before snapping out of his shock, "Er, yes. I will follow" he murmured as he made his way to stand next to the 'levitating' moth.

Originally Posted by Rosebud

Rosebuds voice bubbled over with excitement, laughing happily when the moth landed upon her outstretched hand. So the moth could see her. She dropped the thread of grass onto the bench next to the rose, as Kyrylo would now be able to see where she was by watching Calliope, instead.

Turning to face the water, she'd floated slowly over to the shore, then slowly following the shore of the lake around the island, she told her story to Calliope. Her voice flowed smoothly, rising and falling as a river does, the inflections of her voice drawing her audience in.

"It happened once, long ago, a fae so cheery, had come to know a friend so dear to his heart."

She'd looked over at Kyrylo who walked beside her and saw that he was listening intently though he'd heard the story once before. This pleased her very much. She continued on, her voice strong, a rippling current of beauty as it carried itself through the air.

"Finding no trace of his friend anywhere, he'd finally given up, and had returned home."

She'd felt a slight movement from Calliope, and looking down at her she smiled. The moth apparently was enjoying her story as well.

"He looked deep into the moth's eyes, and recognized his friend, who had never been lost in the first place."

She'd finished off her story, and felt a slight whoosh from Calliopes wings as she wiggled them for a moment. She wondered if the moth had liked her story. Smiling down at Calliope, she asked, "Did you enjoy the story, my little friend?"

She had continued to walk slowly, then noticed once again the pile of wood. She turned to Kyrylo and asked him curiously, "What is that pile of lumber you've collected there?"

Kyrylo followed the slowly floating moth down to the waters edge and listened attentively as Rosebud told her story once more. Listening to it the second time around was just as pleasant as the first time. He was really glad that she had decided to come with him to tell her story to Calliope, she seemed to be enjoying herself immensely.

As they walked Kyrylo scanned the shore for any fish scales. The large golden koi that lived in the bottom f the lake lost their scales every so often and they could be found washed up on the shore, or sticking up in the sand. A glint of something shiny caught his eye and he ran over to unearth a scale that had been half buried in the sand. Holding it up he admires the soft golden sheen for a moment before returning to Rosebud's side to hear the end of the tale.

"Did you enjoy the story, my little friend?"

Kyrylo was pleased to see that Calliope dipped her body in response and turned his wide grin to Rosebud, "I would say yes" he murmured eyes traveling back to his insect companion.

"What is that pile of lumber you've collected there?"

"Oh" said Kyrylo in a rush of excitement, face lighting up and ears twitching in his eagerness to tell her about his plans. "Well you see i was thinking of building up a sort of open structure. With the fish scales i find around the lake" he paused to hold up one he had found during her story telling, "as a sloping roof top cover since they are fairly resilient, bright in color, and water just rolls off them." Pausing he looked at the wood for some time before continuing, "I would really like to have wooden benches on the inside and plant the wisteria seeds i collected all around the base. Maybe one day, i can ask the silk worms in the other gardens if they could help me make cushions and pillows for all the seats" dreamily he looked off into the distance, "It would be such a nice place to tell stories and read books and it would provide another food source for Calliope, she loves wisteria.".

[PRP] Kyrylo & Rosebud (part 3)

Originally Posted by Rosebud

Seeing Kyrylo become excited and then run down to the sandy area of the beach to unearth something shiny, Rosebud became curious. She watched as he held up the shiny fish scale as if he had received a trophy of sorts, and she smiled at his exuberence.

Noting the movement Calliope made when she'd dipped her body in approval of the story she had just told, Rosebud committed the movement to memory, so in the future she would know that it meant Calliope was pleased. She'd wondered if it were the same for other moths or insects as well, and decided she would observe the insects of her garden more closely, and see if any of them also made that same motion when they were pleased.

Listening intently as Kyrylo explained his plans for the lumber and fish scales, his excitement overflowing even onto herself, as she also began to feel the excitement for the changes he would make on the island. Even in his excitement, she could hear the fondness he held in his voice for Calliope when he spoke of her.

Speaking quietly, hoping that Calliope could hear her, but knowing that Kyrylo would not, she smiled down to the moth, "He's very fond of you. Of that I am certain." Once again, she noted how Calliope dipped her body when she was pleased, and it made her happy.

Turning once again to Kyrylo, she said to him, excitement bubbling up from within her as she spoke, "I look forward to seeing these changes you speak of here in your garden. The wisteria growing tall around your gazebo, the wooden benches, the sun glinting off the scale roof, it all sounds so very exciting. Cushions spun from the silk of worms. Calliope feeding upon the wisteria while you sit underneath your gazebo enjoying the fresh air surrounding you."

An idea began to form within her mind, expanding and ballooning, filling her mind with wonder and excitement, even as she spoke. "I think I shall make a story about this!", she exclaimed, her voice rippling with emotion.

Of course! Why it would be the perfect story, of a young fae and his moth, working to turn their home into a brighter place to live. Excitement washed over her at the prospect of making up a story about Kyrylo and Calliope. She could hardly wait to get started so she could tell it to them first, and gain their approval. She hoped that this was only the first of many more meetings to come, for she truly enjoyed the company of Kyrylo and Calliope.

Kyrylo's eyes grew round as saucers as he listened to Rosebud talk about his idea in an approving manner. He had never told anyone else of his plans before and had been secretly harbouring doubts as to what others might think. There were still many plans and steps to be done and the more he worked on it the more doubtful he became. What if he needed to get help from some other Fae and they found his moderation's to his garden appalling? He didn't think he would deal with it well if all the Fae around the evercommon garden jeered and laughed at his 'silly' ideas.

Rosebud was different though, he felt almost as if he could tell her anything and most often did without even a second thought. Holding his hand out for Calliope he sank to the ground slowly to absorb what Rosebud had said. A story, about him and Calliope; it was almost too much to take even sitting down. "I would be honored" he managed to whisper out, clasping the scale still in his hand so that his knuckles turned white; their own special story, maybe one day it could be told in his gazebo.

The grumble of his tummy broke his awed silence and stricken he looked to where Calliope had last flown from. "Do spirits eat?" he rushed out wondering what he could possibly provide for her to eat if they did, somewhere upstairs he had left a small fold of leaves with honeyed bread and some berries he hadn't yet gotten the chance to try if he liked.

Originally Posted by Rosebud

Rosebud watched Kyrylo curiously, wondering about his reaction when she'd said she would make up a story about he and Calliope. At first, as he sank to the ground, holding his hand out for Calliope, then grasping the shell so tightly his knuckles were turning white, she'd thought he was disappointed. Then he'd whispered,

"I would be honored"

Realizing that he was pleased with her idea, she'd smiled brightly. In the next moment, he'd become animated, looking over to where she stood.

"Do spirits eat?"

He'd gushed out the words in a rush, the question taking her quite by surprise. Unsure of how to answer him, she silently pondered his question for a time. She saw his questioning look and realized she had taken too much time to answer.

"Forgive me the delay in answering your question, as I am really unsure how to answer so that you may understand."

Looking about the island, across the surface of the water, and to the land beyond covered in the tall pine trees, she began to formulate an answer for him. Her voice rippling through the air, she spoke as if telling another story, the inflections in her voice rising and ebbing as she talked.

"In answer to your question, Spirits do not eat the way other beings eat. Our sustenance comes from the beauty that surrounds us. Each flower, each tree, from the earth itself, we feed. From the clear pools of water as it laps upon the shore, and even from the breeze as it slips gently past us, we drink deeply.

I cannot explain the manner in which we sustain ourselves. It is just an occurence, something that the living around us would not understand.

Take away the beauty that surrounds us, and we would become dark and hollow. An emptiness would wash over us, and we would become as a wraith who knows no care, nor pleasure, nor beauty. A spirit we would remain, and yet we would cease to be."

Rosebud watched the expressions as they crossed over Kyrylo's face, and wondered if he'd understood. She wasn't sure if she'd even understood, for she'd never had to explain it before.

Gently she brushed her hand over the fae's head, as if to pet him, a gesture of friendship, the first she had made. She liked Kyrylo, and Calliope as well. She hoped they felt the same way about her.

Kyrylo's brows furrowed at the long pause after his most recent question. He hoped that he hadn't somehow insulted her. He had learned that some of the faeries in the garden were very particular about their looks and weight and it was often considered rude to mention anything about food around them as it would put them in a tizzy. Staring at the air before him he tried to imagine Rosebud being the same way but couldn't, she just didn't seem the type to spend her time worrying about that when her mind had more creative outlets.

"Forgive me the delay in answering your question, as I am really unsure how to answer so that you may understand."

Nodding without a word he waited calmly for an explanation before nodding in silent contemplation. How was it that spirits ate? and how was it that this had never crossed his mind before? Musing to himself, he stroked Calliope's antennae gently trying to decipher what was so difficult to describe.

He listened in rapt silence as her explanation began to unfold. Gasping in shock at the fact that spirits could become 'hollow' and nodding slowly as understanding dawned on him. No wonder it was so hard to describe, they didnt exactly eat so much as became a part of the beautiful essence that surrounded them. Casting a glance around his island and the marble that littered the land in erratic disarray he frowned, "Should we go to another garden with more flowers? maybe back to yours?". Surely a garden with so many things eroding away from the passing of time could not be a very sustaining food source, especially compared to some of the wildly beautiful gardens he had flown over.

A soft brush against his head caused him to look sharply up and squint, "I still don't understand why i can't see you at all" he muttered before gathering himself and standing, brushing a few blades of grass from his robe and looking up longingly at his spire. "Before we go" he paused looking at Calliope as sh dipped her body in approval, "would you like to see the rest of the spire?".

Originally Posted by Rosebud

Rosebud was pleased that Kyrylo had seemed to understand her explanation as to how spirits recieve their sustenance. A look of sympathy crossed her face when she'd heard him once again mutter in disappointment that he could not see her. She'd watched him as he looked around his garden with worry upon his face, and then questioned her,

"Should we go to another garden with more flowers? maybe back to yours?"

Her laughter tinkled upon the wind, sounding like a chorus of bells that went off in unison. Not wanting him to think she was laughing at him, but rather having found his statement amusing, she abruptly ended her laughter and explained,

"It is not necessary for us to leave your garden. There is a beauty here unlike the other gardens. Though the benches and statues are crumbling, they add to the beauty of your garden. The spire standing tall against the sky, and the green ivy that wraps around the spire creates a vision of beauty here. The lake surrounding your island, and the tall pine trees beyond provide a wonderful backdrop. Beauty does not just come from the sight of a pretty flower. It can come in many shapes and forms and colors. Is it not the beauty of your garden that attracted you to this place?"

She knew the answer to her question without his answering it. She'd wanted him to understand, and that's why she had asked the question. In response to his own question, she stated simply,

"I should love to see the rest of the spire. If you like, and she is willing, I can carry Calliope again so that you may know where I am as we walk."

Kyrylo listened to the soft tinkling laughter for a short time with one brow arched quizzically; something he had said was funny? Her explanation that followed caused Kyrylo to grin widely and glance up at his home before responding in kind, "I don't know if it was the beauty" he replied solemnly, "but something about this place just felt right" pausing he motioned to where his heart was, "in here.". When he had first seen the garden he knew instantly that this was where he wanted to live. It didnt strike him as one of the most beautiful gardens but something about how the garden was laid out and the creatures that inhabited it put him at ease. Brow furrowing he recommended his though, well, not ALL the inhabitants, something had attacked Calliope not long ago.

"I should love to see the rest of the spire. If you like, and she is willing, I can carry Calliope again so that you may know where I am as we walk."

Calliope flew from his hand to land lightly on Rosebuds shoulder, laughing quietly at the slight frown that turned Kyrylo's lips, jealousy isn't becoming she murmured in her soft speech. Walking forward he pushed open the door and motioned to the barren lower room, "since you've already seen here i suppose we should go up". Flapping his wings he launched himself into the air and flew through one of the two holes in the ceiling, landing a short time later amid the piles of books that littered the floor. Glancing around he took in his mess, only he didn't find it so much a mess as an assortment of all the things that interested him. He could easily pull out each item he needed as he knew exactly where everything was located. "This" he motioned grandly at its messy splendor, "is my study".

Quietly he observed his favorite room in the spire as he let Rosebud look around. Piled on the large desk in the center were many half drawn pictures and hastily scrawled notes that sat glinting in the light as they dried. He had been unable to find or make an ink that dried very quickly and found the vellum tended to smear if you didnt let it dry all the way. Several long scrolls of vellum had been tucked into the bookshelves that lined the room, and rows upon rows of books littered every possible space on the floors and shelves. Several different small pots of ink sat in a neat row on the top of the nearest bookshelf and a pile of feathers of varying sizes and length lay on a very large leather bound book. The room smelled strongly of the various herbs that hung from hooks in the ceiling along with the faintest scent of berries from the ink pots. Kyrylo sighed happily and glanced down at the nearest vellum with a sketch of on of the statues in the House of Eagles; this was his haven.

After several long minutes he motioned to the hole in the ceiling, "the last is my bed chamber" he explained as he took seat on one of the many tall piles of books. "Any questions yet?" he asked with a large grin plastered across his face.

Originally Posted by Rosebud

When Kyrylo had spoken, he'd explained of how he had felt when he'd first come to this garden. Rosebud listened attentively.

"I don't know if it was the beauty" he replied solemnly, "but something about this place just felt right" pausing he motioned to where his heart was, "in here."

Rosebud had nodded, though she knew he could not see her motion. Letting her voice flow strong, she said to him, "You discovered the beauty of this garden within your heart. The atmosphere created by the scene that lays before you, is in and of itself, beautiful."

"Just because something cannot be seen, does not mean it isn't beautiful. You feel a special kinship with Calliope here. That bond between you cannot be seen, nor touched, yet it is beautiful in it's own, blessed way."

She did not know why, but she felt it important that he be able to understand true beauty, in it's purest form. In that moment, she felt a need for him to understand, and so she'd decided she would do what she could to help him see the world as she saw it.

Having let Kyrylo know that she would indeed love to see his tower, Calliope flew up to land on Rosebud's shoulder, in response to her invitation.

Noticing the little flash of jealousy that had flickered over Kyrylo's face, Rosebud decided she would have to figure another way of making it known to Kyrylo where she is, when they walk together. She did not want to be the cause of dissension between the two friends, however discreet they were about it.

She'd smiled as Calliope landed on her shoulder, and she turned to follow Kyrylo inside. Once inside, Kyrylo had motioned to the room on the first floor, stating,

"since you've already seen here i suppose we should go up"

Continuing to the second floor, Kyrylo had made a grand gesture at the messy room before them and had announced it as his study. She had glanced around the room, then looked over at Kyrylo, who's eyes were slowly sweeping around the room, stopping here and there to rest on some treasured item. She saw the fondness in his eyes each time they rested upon an object, and she'd smiled.

Gliding over to the desk, she saw several half-drawn pictures and notes that had been scrawled on various bits and pieces of vellum. Noting one picture, she smoothed her hand over it softly and watched as it slid, ever so slightly, at her touch.

Amazed, she tried it again, and once again the picture had moved as if a gentle breeze had lifted it then lowered it down again, sliding it over ever so slightly.

As she gazed upon the picture a realization came over her. "This...picture here, on the table, it is a picture of the gazebo you wish to build upon the island?"

She had hardly heard him announce that the room above was his bedchamber, for she was intrigued by this one picture that sat upon his desk. The picture was incomplete, but it was a gazebo, with wisteria vines that had been planted at it's base, and the shell roof that Kyrylo had spoken of. The interior of the gazebo was empty.

Once again, she brushed her hand over the picture, causing it to move ever so slightly, and she awaited Kyrylo's response.

Kyrylo's eyes traveled slowly around his favorite room, resting occasionally on a trinket that had caught his fancy on one of his mini garden explorations. He stopped as he noticed a sheet of vellum on his desk fluttering as if a light wind had blown over it. Intrigued, he focused on the movement for a short time more before looking up at a slightly moving Calliope and smiling in wonder. So they were solid, to a certain extent. He had felt something before when he touched what he assumed was her hand with the coiled grass in it, and now he was seeing yet another example.

"This...picture here, on the table, it is a picture of the gazebo you wish to build upon the island?"

Stepping forward he peeked down at the half drawn picture she had asked about and blushed furiously at his crude drawing. He had smudged several fingerprints all over it and several things were proportionately off, but it was indeed his future gazebo. "Er.. yes" he mumbled averting his gaze from the drawing and wishing he had put it somewhere else to dry, "its a very rough idea though". Turning to gaze back at the picture he decided that he would need to draw a much nicer version and then take it to someone who excelled at math, so he could find out how small he had to cut the wood, and how many scales he needed to complete the roof. So many things still needed to be completed and designed before he could actually get his little structure up.

Suddenly he remembered that upstairs was a little house he had made for Calliope that Rosebud might enjoy. The view from the top room was also very beautiful and he imagined she might like that as well. Clearing his throat he watched Calliope for a few moments before motioning once more upstairs. "There is a mini model of it upstairs made from twigs and small flat pebbles if you would like to see" he offered, trying to get her attention away from the messy drawing.

[PRP] Kyrylo & Rosebud (part 4)

Originally Posted by Rosebud

Rosebud watched Kyrylo's cheek flush red in embarassment at the picture she'd drawn his attention to. She'd wondered at that, curious as to why he found the picture to be embarassing.

Sure, the picture was obviously incomplete, and had smudges upon it, and some spots were out of proportion, but still, she had recognized it for what it was, and she found it to be beautiful. Apparently he did not find it so, and so she kept silent.

She'd wandered around the room a bit more, examining with interest, the books on the shelves, and the different items Kyrylo had placed about here and there.

"There is a mini model of it upstairs made from twigs and small flat pebbles if you would like to see"

Hearing that he'd made a smaller model of the gazebo struck her with interest. She would like to see it very much.

Turning to Kyrylo, she'd glided over to him, and her voice rippling with pleasure, she'd said to him, "Please, I should like very much to see this mini model you speak of."

As an afterthought, she'd added somberly, "Your picture of the gazebo, it's beautiful. I thought you should know."

Rosebud followed Kyrylo to the top floor, his bedchamber as he had called it. Looking about the room, she'd spotted the little mini-gazebo he had mentioned, and she glided over to it.

Examining the little gazebo, she'd reached out with her hand and lowering her hand gently, she attempted to pick it up. After her first attempt had failed, she'd decided not to try again, for fear she would smash the twigs inadvertently. She did not wish to upset Kyrylo by damaging the little structure he'd formed for Calliope.

She said to him, "How quaint this little gazebo is. You've done a beautiful job on it. I'm sure Calliope must be very pleased."

Rosebud watched as the moth fluttered her wings in approval, and she'd smiled.

"Thank you" he muttered trying to stop the blush that was now creeping up his ears.

Flying up to the room above he motioned to where the little miniature gazebo sat on the window ledge. Inside a small fold of bright gold silk was nestled to create a soft bed for Calliope. Smiling at his little mini gazebo he peered past out into his garden. The sunlight was just beginning to fade and in the distance the call of many different birds rang out signalling it was nearing time to sleep. Turning he inspected the rest of the room. This one was much more tidy then the last and had several old weathered looking chests pushed up against the wall and against the foot of the bed. on top of each was a small pile of brown leather books and on one a pot of ink stood. The bed itself was impressive, seeming like it had been carved from one very large tree trunk and brought up here by its previous occupant. Kyrylo had to take all the feathers from the mattress out when he had first stumbled across it because of the mildewy scent and had spent the next few days asking the swans if he could have the downy feathers from their old nesting sites before taking them to wash in the river.

Smiling he turned his gaze to the long golden silk wraps that curled around the posts of his bed and crisscrossed to form a canopy. He had found soon after the tour was over, that the spiders and silk worms in the gardens were very nice and all too eager to help if you asked politely and brought them food. They had even dyed it his favorite color when he hadn't been around one day and he had been touched at their kindness.

"How quaint this little gazebo is. You've done a beautiful job on it. I'm sure Calliope must be very pleased."

"Oh, thank you. She sleeps in it actually" he grinned as he motioned to a small hook carved into one of the bed posts, "and we hang it just there". It had been her request to sleep where she could keep an eye on him and some place where he wouldn't thrash around in the middle of the night and crush her. "Calliope helped me make it" he said with a large grin as he peeked at his companion, "shes very good at math".

"Was there anything else you wanted to see?" he questioned as he picked up a piece of honeyed bread for the chest next to him and took a large bite.

Originally Posted by Rosebud

Admiring the gazebo that Kyrylo had built for Calliope, she'd noticed the little fold of golden silk inside for Calliope's bed.

She'd looked to where Kyrylo told her he would hang the gazebo at night, and noticed the silk wraps that curled around the posts of his bed, forming a canopy. It was beautiful. She'd then turned back to the gazebo, realizing that the little bed for Calliope matched the silk scarves that formed the canopy.

It was then that she'd noticed the window that the gazebo sat in, and she peered out over the garden. What a spectacular view Kyrylo had from up here.

He'd told her, with pride in his voice, that Calliope had helped him make the miniature gazebo. She'd smiled as she envisioned the little moth handing the bits of twigs to Kyrylo, and she'd chuckled, her voice sounding like the chimes of bells.

Rosebud had noticed that the sunlight was beginning to fade, and knew that her visit with Kyrylo and Calliope would be coming to an end soon. This made her very sad. Kyrylo had also seen that it was getting late, but he'd politely asked her,

"Was there anything else you wanted to see?"

Rosebud had enjoyed her visit with Kyrylo and Calliope. She wondered if they had enjoyed it as much as she had. She knew she would like to see them both again, and realizing that Calliope had not seen her garden, decided to extend them an invitation.

Not wanting to overstay her welcome, she told Kyrylo,

"I cannot think of anything else that you may not have shown me. I've truly enjoyed our visit together, and should like very much to see both you and Calliope again."

"I was wondering, if perhaps, you would return to my garden tomorrow, and bring Calliope with you, so that she might enjoy it as much as you did today. She could drink her fill of the nectar from my roses, and I could take the two of you on a tour of my garden. Perhaps, even tell you a story or two."

"I cannot think of anything else that you may not have shown me. I've truly enjoyed our visit together, and should like very much to see both you and Calliope again."

Smiling he looked past where he heard he voice coming from out into the sky where stars were beginning to blink into the sky one by one. Her stay had been very welcome and he loved the company but he wasn't sure how to say it without sounding odd. Looking to Calliope he smiled for a moment as he gathered his thoughts; "do you need me to show you the way back?" he queried in soft tones. He certainly didnt want her getting lost, especially since no one could really see her to see that she looked as if she needed help.

"I was wondering, if perhaps, you would return to my garden tomorrow, and bring Calliope with you, so that she might enjoy it as much as you did today. She could drink her fill of the nectar from my roses, and I could take the two of you on a tour of my garden. Perhaps, even tell you a story or two."

Eyes widening in surprise, he took a moment to stop his jumbled thoughts before nodding enthusiastically, "yes! we'll be there tomorrow for sure". He had never had an official tour by a spirit of their chosen garden and he was excited to see what appealed to them. Did she pick it because of the smell? or the view? or perhaps because of the natural inhabitants? He was also curious if the spirit also had a "home" location in the garden and was all too excited for the night to be over so he and Calliope could see for themselves.

Originally Posted by Rosebud

Rosebud looked across the lake to where Kyrylo had brought her into the garden through the gate. She said to him, "I believe I will be able to find my way back, but thank you for your kind offer. It was very generous."

He'd responded to her invitation enthusiastically. This made her happy. She began to look forward to Kyrylo and Calliope's visit, immediately.

She would take them on a tour of her garden, sharing it's beauty with them.

She would invite them to sit under the tree at the table, where they could enjoy a snack while she told them a tale or two.

The day would be as pleasant, if not more so, than this day had been.

Turning to Kyrylo, her voice rippling with excitement, she'd said, "Wonderful! I look forward to seeing you both then. Perhaps you can meet me at the swing on the island, and we can start from there."

Kyrylo stood waving at one of the large bay windows until he was certain Rosebud was far gone from sight. Turning, he shrugged out of his long robe and clambered into bed, hanging Calliope's mini-gazebo up on the hook as he made his way across the large bed. Today and been a very eventful day and all the flying and talking had caused him to tire very much. Smiling into his pillow he fell asleep to the gentle lapping of his lake on the shore and the slight rustling of silk as Calliope nestled into her bed for the night.

The next morning he woke early and quickly jumped out his window to bathe in the lake. He didnt want to offend his new found friend with his stench so he purposely scrubbed especially hard for the day since it wasn't only for himself. Flying back to his room he slipped into a clean robe (nearly the exact same as the one he wore the day before) and roused Calliope by softly tapping on the side of the mini-gazebo, "wake-up Calli!" he called out cheerfully as he pulled a wooden comb through his tangled locks, "today i take you to Rosebud's garden.".

A short time later he flew at a quick pace to the rose garden with Calliope safely tucked inside his robe, right above his chest. He was taking no chances in letting her be an easy target for a possibly hungry predatory that he knew lurked somewhere near by. Seeing the beginning flashes of color from the garden he began to descend, chattering non-stop to Calliope about everything they were passing so she could "see" for herself.

Kyrylo let out a whoop of joy as his feet landing on the soft springy grass on the island. Sitting on the swing he released Calliope and smiled as she landed on his knee. Swinging slowly he waited patiently for Rosebud to make her presence known.

Originally Posted by Rosebud

Rosebud had taken her time returning to her garden the night before. She'd glided silently through the different gardens, taking in the beauty as she passed through each one until she'd come to her own garden.

She had felt happiness flow through her as she'd reached the table beneath the tree in her own garden. Though she had truly enjoyed Kyrylo's garden, she was glad to be back in her own.

Gliding up to the branch she loved to sit upon, she rested until the sun rose the next morning. Drifting down from the branch in the tree, she'd moved toward the island, and saw that Kyrylo and Calliope had arrived already.

She watched as Kyrylo sat with Calliope upon his knee, swinging together, and she'd smiled. It brought pleasure to her to see the two friends there in her own garden, enjoying themselves.

Looking about the island, she found a small white pebble, and decided to use that for Kyrylo to see her as she moved. She hadn't forgotten the flash of jealousy that had passed through his eyes the day before when she had invited Calliope to ride with her.

Bending herself to the ground, she'd placed her hand beneath the pebble. Concentrating, she'd raised her hand. The pebble rose with it.

Smiling cheerfully, she'd then approached the swing, the pebble in her palm. Her voice rippled with pleasure as she'd said, "Good morning, my friends. What a pleasure it is to have you here within my garden."

Kyrylo sat for a time conversing with Calliope as he swung back and forth on the swing. The smell of the garden was intoxicating and as he swung a cool breeze ruffled his hair and robe, bringing the fresh scent of roses with each blow. He had spent a short time alone with his moth friend before Rosebud’s voice floated over a small white pebble drifting in mid-air not to far away.

"Good morning, my friends. What a pleasure it is to have you here within my garden."

“Good Morning” Chirped Kyrylo, as he hopped off the still moving swing and used his wings to bring him gracefully to the ground. Calliope, having been thrown off in his jump flew to land on his head while berating him for not giving her warning, next time give a lady a heads up will you? Stretching his wings wide he looked around the garden and flashed a bright smile, “It’s so serene here.” pausing he looked back at the pebble, “did you sleep well?” he murmured as an afterthought. He wasn’t sure if Spirits slept or not in the same sense he and Calliope did.

He was anxious to start the tour of her garden and shifted his weight between both feet trying to contain his excitement. He couldn’t wait to see what Rosebud loved most about her garden and what things called out to her.

[PRP] Kyrylo & Rosebud (part 5)

Originally Posted by Rosebud

Shocked at Kyrylo's sudden jump off the swing, sending Calliope flying into the air, Rosebud had gasped. Seeing the moth land on Kyrylo's head, she was glad Calliope hadn't been hurt. She could see Kyrylo's excitement, and attributed his sudden movement to his inability to contain himself.

Looking about her garden, she'd decided to save the spot under the tree for last, where they could rest at the end of the tour. She would take them upstream first, and show them the cascade of waterfalls. Turning to Kyrylo, she said cheerfully, "Follow me."

Following the path alongside the stream, she pointed out the different colored roses and their meanings.

"See the many different roses here, the color of each rose represents a different meaning. Red symbolizes love, courage, respect, beauty, and a job well done. The dark red or burgundy rose represents unconcious beauty, the kind of beauty we talked of when I was visiting your garden."

Her mind wandered back to his garden, and the spire with the green ivy wrapped around it. A smile fluttered across her face as she remembered.

"The pink rose symbolizes grace, happiness, admiration, gentleness, and thank you. Orange represents desire and enthusiasm. Lavender symbolizes love at first sight, enchantment, and blue symbolizes the unattainable, the impossible."

"My favorite is the yellow rose, which symbolizes friendship, joy, gladness, delight, promise of a new beginning, welcome back, remember me, and lastly, it represents jealousy."

Her voice flowed with pride as she discussed her favorite rose.

"As you can see, there are many roses here of varying colors, to go over each color could take hours. I've gone over the more common colors. If there are any you would like to ask specifically about, please feel free to do so."

She'd offered him the opportunity to learn about the color rose that he would select as his favorite, and perhaps Calliope would choose a favorite as well. She loved talking about her roses, it made her happy.

She stopped for a few moments, allowing Kyrylo and Calliope to enjoy the many roses, and figuring that Calliope might just enjoy a sip of nectar now.

Kyrylo followed the floating pebble obediently, looking around at all the flowers that surrounded than and paying special attention to the ones she had pointed out. After a short time of her explanations he began to wish he had brought some vellum and ink so he could record it all down for later reading. She knew so much about her garden and he made it a personal goal of his to learn more about what everything in his garden signified to him so he could share it with others later.

He had emitted a little gasp of surprise when she had told him that they had barely skimmed the surface of the vast amount of colors the roses had to offer. Taking a renewed gaze of interest around the garden he studied a few of the more interesting ones she had mentioned. After a short while he finally answered her “I really like the yellow and the burgundy roses” he paused to point out one in the far distance, “but the peach one with the yellow center is my favorite. Does that one have a special meaning as well?”

Calliope flew from his head and perched on a large white rose, taking a deep drink of the sweet nectar inside before giving her opinion, white, without a doubt, the white ones. Grinning Kyrylo lifted his gaze back to the pebble, “Calliope really likes white things” he murmured with a soft chuckle.

Originally Posted by Rosebud

Rosebud watched as Kyrylo looked about the garden, taking in the colors and scents around him. She'd giggled lightly when he'd gasped at her comment about having only gone over a few of the colors of roses around them. A silence filled the air as he'd looked about, and she turned to look where his eyes had stopped as a particular rose had captured his interest.

“I really like the yellow and the burgundy roses” he paused to point out one in the far distance, “but the peach one with the yellow center is my favorite. Does that one have a special meaning as well?”

She gazed upon the rose he had indicated, absorbing the shades of peach, pink, and yellow that emitted from the flower. Rosebud had smiled and her voice rippling through the air once more, she said to him, "Peach symbolizes gratitude and appreciation. They convey an expression of sympathy, or show how much you may miss a dear friend."

" The rose you selected is really quite wonderful, the colors reflect so much feeling and sensitivity behind them. I'm really quite pleased with your choice.", Rosebud had commented, her voice filled with emotion.

She watched as Calliope flew down to drink of the nectar from a white rose, and she was glad that Calliope could be here to enjoy her garden as well.

Kyrylo then murmured,“Calliope really likes white things"

Rosebud had smiled at Calliope, and speaking with sincerity, she'd said, "White roses symbolize purity and innocence. They say that you believe your intentions are pure, and when given to another, say that you believe they are worthy. They also represent silence, secrecy, reverence, and humility. They can also represent youthfullness and charm."

Rosebud noted how Calliope had indicated she was pleased, and she'd smiled. She was feeling quite happy as she shared her garden with Kyrylo and Calliope.

"When you are ready, we can move on, Calliope. It brings me great joy to share my garden with the both of you."

"Peach symbolizes gratitude and appreciation. They convey an expression of sympathy, or show how much you may miss a dear friend."

"That rose means what i feel for it" he grinned at the lovely coincidence before turning to absorb the smells and sights of some of the other colorful roses that dotted the immediate area.

"The rose you selected is really quite wonderful, the colors reflect so much feeling and sensitivity behind them. I'm really quite pleased with your choice."

Grinning again he turned to face the pebble with a shrug of his shoulders, "maybe it was a lucky coincidence?" he suggested while peeking at Calliope from the corner of his eye. She had appeared to just finish drinking her fill and was flying lazily over to alight on his person once again.

After listening to the explanation on white roses he turned to flash a smile at Calliope, "seems like you picked a flower that reflect you pretty well" he quipped before stretching his wings and giving a nod to Rosebud, "I think we are both ready to continue now".

Originally Posted by Rosebud

Rosebud smiled as Kyrylo informed her that the rose he'd chosen meant exactly what he was feeling.

"maybe it was a lucky coincidence?"

His response to her statement caused her to ponder for a moment. "Or perhaps it was fate?", she'd interjected.

She watched as Calliope returned to her perch on Kyrylo's head.

"I think we are both ready to continue now".

Rosebud responded, saying, "This way, then. Follow me, please." She turned to head further up the stream. As they walked, she spoke of the rose bushes that lined each side of the stream, her voice strong as it rippled through the air.

"If you look beneath the flowers, you can see how the bushes are entwined together. This is what causes the colors of the flowers to appear mixed all together, as if coming from the same plant, yet each color grows on a different bush."

She paused a moment as she looked across the tops of the flowers, the myriad of colors dazzling her with their beauty. It was this that drew Rosebud to her garden. The sea of colors forming a rainbow over the tops of the bushes, creating a scene that most only dream of seeing. The colors were contrasted only by the deep green color of the leaves and branches of the bushes, and the blue sky above.

A small rabbit moved beneath the bushes, catching her eye, and gave her cause to issue a warning.

"You want to use caution near the bushes, for thorns grow upon the branches, quite sharp I might add. I've witnessed creatures catch themselves on those thorns, drawing blood as it sliced through their tender skin."

She thought that maybe she should have mentioned this fact before, else Kyrylo might have gotten too close and wounded himself upon a thorn. A feeling of guilt came over her at that thought. Realizing that it was too late for regrets, she continued on.

"Beneath the bushes, the smaller creatures make their homes, some tunnel beneath the ground, creating burrows for themselves. Some make nests upon the ground, and the insects make their homes on the leaves and flowers of the plants. So you can see that within these bushes, a world of it's own has formed. It's really quite amazing, don't you think?."

Kyrylo walked slowly behind the floating pebble listening as she told them about the wonderful little creatures that lived under the rose bushes. Smiling he watched as a rabbit scurried past and nodded his understanding when she had mentioned the thorns. It seemed that the animals living under the bushes knew how to use the roses to their advantages, keeping those that might harm them at bay with the threat of a prickly encounter.

The calming sound of the river near by was lulling Kyrylo into his own thoughts as he watched beautiful jewel-toned butterflies dance around the roses. The winking of dew on some of the leaves on the bushes reminded him of small little gems shining witht he force of the light shining down on it. Completely zoned out he walked past the white pebble and crashed into the river, coming up sputtering to the ringing laughter of Calliope as she flew circles around the white pebble. Clawing his way back to the bank he grinned up sheepishly to Rosebud, "I er... daydreaming" he admittied as he climbed soggily to his feet.

Originally Posted by Rosebud

Quite startled by Kyrylo's sudden mishap, Rosebud watched as he struggled to climb out of the stream. Realizing he was ok, and that the incident really had been quite funny, her laughter rang through the air like a thousand crystal bells being rung in harmony with one another. She allowed her laughter to die down.

"I er... daydreaming"

He was grinning sheepishly as he made this comment. She'd grinned at this statement, and a rhyme filled her head. Rosebud felt the urge to share it with Kyrylo and Calliope, and so her voice flowed strong and clear, rippling with amusement as she spoke,

"Fanciful thoughts fill my mind,
As I pass this way today.
As I do walk a step behind,
Allowing my feet to obey,

The clumsy step that I do find,
That makes me lose my way.
My finesse redefined,
The silliness I portray,

I find myself un-aligned,
tumbling into the watery fray.
My excuse that made me blind,
A daydream, I do say."

Kyrylo's Daydream,
by Joan, aka Fiziali
Please do not use
without my permission.

When she'd finished her rhyme, she smiled at Kyrylo and said, "I'm glad that you didn't hurt yourself in your tumble, or I should have felt quite badly. The rhyme filled my head when you spoke and I saw that you were ok. It just seemed to fit the occasion, and I do hope you don't mind. After the initial shock, it really was quite funny, wasn't it, Calliope?."

"Pshaw" Kyrylo exclaimed with a wink as he waved at the water, "I'm used to it by now" he grinned, "water and i have a bit of a history together" he explained as he wrung out the water from his sopping robes and hair. Grinning he listened to the poem that Rosebud made on the spot and burst into peals of laughter, "So apt" he said as he finished his wringing and returned to the spirits side.

Off to the side Calliope sat perched on a rose leaf, her wings and antennae atremble with the mirth that was escaping her small body. "Apparently Calliope enjoyed it as well" he said with a wry smile, "shes seen all my 'incidents' with water".

[PRP] Kyrylo & Rosebud (part 6)

Originally Posted by Rosebud

Rosebud chuckled at Kyrylo's explanation of his history with water. The manner in which he wrung out his clothing was that of someone who had been experienced at it, and her eyes were filled with mirth as she thought about his current mishap and imagined his previous ones.

After she had finished telling her rhyme, he'd burst out in laughter, and her heart was filled with cheer knowing that he had genuinely enjoyed her poem. Though she had had her moments of laughter in the past, none of them had been like this moment that she shared with Kyrylo and Calliope, and the emotions that washed over her confused her.

She felt, somehow, that there was something special in this moment they shared with one another, that something amazing was happening. She would have to think about this moment later, when she was alone in her garden and could think things over. She committed the entire scene and these emotions she felt to memory, to ponder about at a more convenient time.

When he mentioned Calliope, she had turned to look at the moth and agreed that Calliope had indeed enjoyed her poem as well.

Rosebud moved her hand over Kyrylo's head, smoothing back his hair in a gesture of friendship. She did not know if he could feel it, but she hoped he could, somewhat.

She smiled upon him and said, "Kyrylo, I've never known a friend like you, and Calliope as well. It's different, with Spirits, you know. I feel a special bond with you and Calliope, something I have never felt with another Spirit."

She wasn't sure Kyrylo understood her, but she hoped that he would understand that she felt he and Calliope were her friends. She had never had friends before. The other spirits just were, they knew each other, they cared about each other, but it was never anything close. No bond was formed in their relationships with one another.

Kyrylo grinned as he felt a soft caress on his head helping to smooth back what was probably the mad tangle of hair that generally occur ed after he had dragged himself from the water. Smiling happily he nodded his agreement, "I would have to say your the one i have talked to the most and spend the most time with" he said in a slightly amazed tone. It had never occurred to him that of all the fae and spirits he had met in the garden, he would ever had become the best of friends with one he couldn't see. Stifling back a chuckle he quirked his ears at where the pebble floated a few feet in front of him, "D'you know, i think you may be my best friend" he managed to rush out before a small peel of laughter rang out.

Glancing over at Calliope he flashes a rueful grin, "Calliope and I are more like family" he nodded as he stroked one of her wings very carefully so as not to muss the fine feathery hairs on her wings.

Originally Posted by Rosebud

Rosebud was just as amazed as Kyrylo at his revelation. She had thought that he would spend a lot of time with others of his kind. She knew he was a Whisperer, and that they were not as playful as the Llithe's were, but she had figured that they still spent time with one another, just the same.

Then again, there were so many gardens, she knew it was possible to sort of disappear among them, not really noticed by the others.

She wondered then if that was what had happened with her. Did the other spirits bond with one another and she just wasn't aware of it because she had gone off on her own claiming her garden for herself, and had never given them the chance to become close? It was something to think about some day when she was alone in her garden.

Rosebud realized she and Kyrylo were quite similar to one another. They each had claimed a garden for their own. They both loved their garden very much. They both liked each other and both of them were fond of Calliope, though the bond he had with Calliope was quite obviously stronger.

"D'you know, i think you may be my best friend"

Rosebud's thoughts had been interrupted. She looked curiously at Kyrylo, and a smile crossed her face when she realized he was quite serious. "You know, I think that you are my best friend as well, when I think on it.", she said, gleefully.

She laughed with him then, their laughter ringing through the air together. Looking up, she realized they had finally reached the waterfall at the end of the stream, and she exclaimed, "Here we are!"

She glided smoothly over to the edge of the water near the waterfall and allowed the fine mist to spray over her entire being. Sighing contentedly, she said, "This is one of my favorite places in my garden. Isn't it just lovely?"

Her revelation at them both being each others closest friends at the moment had made Kyrylo incredibly happy. Of all the other Fae and spirits he had met in the garden, none had spent so much time with him or told so much about themselves. Walking slowly surrounded by roses, their laughter ringing in the warm well scented air, he mused at the dream-like feeling.

"Here we are!"

Jumping from the sudden exclamation he took a closer look around at his surroundings. Just ahead was a beautiful waterfall with slight mist rising around it that caught the light and made rainbows or twinkled like shimmering gems suspended in air. Smiling at the pretty scene it made with the roses in the backdrop he nodded his pleasure, "yes, this is certainly breath taking" he breathed out slowly.

[PRP] Kyrylo & Dalia (Part 1)

Originally Posted by Dalia

Dalia sighed and looked out the doorway of her treetop home as she rested an elbow on the table in the center of the room, her chin propped up on her hand. She wasn't quite sure what to do with herself, as business had been taken care of, and she'd already cleaned what little there was to clean in the domed room she called home.

The scrying crystal hung loosely around her neck, and she picked it up and let it roll around in her free palm, thinking about making use of the glowing magical item. Though she was tempted to use it to see what was in store for her this day, she decided against it. She always feared that it would run out of power when she needed it most. Though she could feel a premonition of someone in her future, her powers were not yet strong enough to see the who, what and where of the situation without use of the crystal.

Instead of making use of it, she let it fall back against her breast as she sighed once again, her eyes scanning the room for purpose.

No one ever came to visit her, with the exception of Amaryllis, the spirit who had once come to her with answers to the scavenger hunt she'd put together not that long ago. The witty spirit had brightened her day, and at times, she wished she'd visit again, so they could chat. She seemed to be a good match of wits for the Oracle, who'd found her riddles to be quite challenging. If only there was another like her, she thought to herself, finally standing and walking out to the balcony to observe the other gardens she could see from the Great Tree in the Center Garden. Perhaps she could summon another high-flying fae to entertain her...

Kyrylo stood under a tree covered with the silk of silk worms staring up at one of the small wriggling green bugs, "No no, i need twelve 2 inch by 2 inch squares of gold silk" he clarified for the fourth time that day. He loves the feel and quality of the products that the small insects made but for the most part they had to be told the same thing several times over so they wouldn't forget. Kneeling down, he picked up a twig and broke it down to the right size before holding it out for the little beady black eyes to focus on, "this size".

Blowing at a strand of hair that had fallen across his nose he waited for the slow nod and confirmation of understanding from the little worm before stalking off a few feet away to rest and get a drink of water. His small building was nearly complete and now all that remained was to get the pillows made for the interior so that anyone sitting would be in comfort. Glancing around at the rest of the Evercommon garden he took in the sights and sounds of the Fae that went about their day to day business. How many others there had this much trouble conversing with the silk worms? or was he the only one that had come to them in hopes of help?

Drinking deeply from the water he sated his thirst and leaned back against an old gnarled trunk. Closing his eyes he rested for a short time; what he wouldn't give for some more stimulating company. The last few days had been spent near the silk worms tree trying to communicate to them in short words and many hand signals. Even Calliope had long since lost interest and flown home to make sure everything was in order there.

Originally Posted by Dalia

When no one appeared, Dalia decided it was time to take her entertainment into her own hands. Fluttering her wings and looking out over the gardens, she decided the Evercommon Garden would be the best place to find someone to chat with. If anything, Dawnsong would be there to fill her in on the most recent gossip and pour her a cup of tea.

Jumping from the patio, she dove downward through the tree's branches, easily avoiding them, as she had practiced this many times before. She saw nests with baby birds, squirrels and a number of other tree creatures who used the Great Tree as their home. Before coming too close to the ground, she began to flap her wings powerfully, letting them propel her forward now, instead of downward, about ten feet from the soft grass below the tree.

Flying outward from the cover of the Great Tree's branches, Dalia was greeted by warm sunlight, and she happily flew toward the Evercommon Garden, thinking about what a lovely day it was and soaking in the warm rays which seemed to strenghten her.

As she flew over hedgerows, she observed everything below her, pleased to see that the gardens were in tip-top shape.

A few minutes later, she came to the edge of the Evercommon Garden and began to fly more slowly, taking in the sights and sounds as she lazily flew over the busy garden. Out of the corner of her eye, she spotted a brightly-colored fae that she recognized as one of the newest youths she'd met on his hatching day: Kyrylo.

Landing softly close to the tree he was resting under, she composed herself, patting down the curls that had become unruly throughout her flight, and walked toward him, a smile on her face as she realized this eyes were closed. "Good afternoon, young fae. How goes it this day?"

Feeling a slight flow of air ruffling his hair, Kyrylo waited patiently for whoever had approached to make themselves known. The air movement informed him that it had to be someone much bigger then Calliope and seeing as how he generally couldn’t tell when the spirits he had met approached, he wasn’t sure who it was or if it was worth the effort to find out.

"Good afternoon, young fae. How goes it this day?"

Eyes snapping open Kyrylo leaned forward to peek up at the Fae standing before him. As his eyes adjusted to the suddenly bright light his thoughts raced; he had heard this voice before hadn’t he? It sounded familiar and yet, he couldn’t quite place it. Vision clearing he was able to make out long light lilac hair and the deeply unsettling eyes of the oracle.

“Oh, hello!” he muttered as he scrambled to his feet, dusting off the dead grass and leaves that had blown into his lap while he napped, “and the day is infinitely better now that I have someone to talk to”. After a short time of silence he cleared his throat and motioned to the tree in front of him where the silk worms resided, “I was here on, er, business” he motioned, “was there something you needed?”

As he waited he ran through all the reasons the Oracle might want to talk with him; very few were plausible and of the remaining, he was sure that mustn’t be the case. There were several things he had been meaning to ask her, but then at the same time he wasn’t entirely sure the time was appropriate.

Originally Posted by Dalia

Though she was a mere young adult, Dalia's voice and demeanor was that of a much older fae. She still appreciated the same things a young adult would, but there was something in her presence that made her seem much, much older than she actually was.

As Kyrylo jumped up to greet her, a smile came over her face and she blushed a bit, pleased to see he was so attentive and excited to see her. "I'm glad I can be of some assistance in the area of conversation," she said, glancing at the tree and the silkworms, who seemed to be spinning just for Kyr. "You're here on business?" she asked, giggling at the thought. Kyrylo the Businessman. "What is it you're making?" She looked at the cloth that was forming curiously, noting it's pristine quality. Perhaps she'd have to commission the silkworms to do some work for her as well. Her home certainly could use some sprucing up. It had been years since it had been redecorated.

Before he could answer, she went ahead and answered his questions, hating to leave such things unanswered. "Oh, I was here to find someone to talk to. It gets lonely up there in my house. No one ever comes to see me, except for a Spirit or two," she said, nodding. "I think many fae fear me for some reason..."

Kyrylo nodded politely as she spoke while digging around in his robe for the squares of silk he had gotten from the other garden. Pulling out 12 small 2x2 inch red squares of silk he handed them to her along with a single downy feather. "I'm making pillows to fluff up my gazebo" he said with a wide grin across his face waiting for her reaction. He and Calliope had been hard at work getting the little structure ready for use and were finally putting the finishing touches on it. "She said it needed more of a females touch" he added as an after thought as he tried to contain the laughter that was threatening to spill out, "so not exactly business".

"I think many Fae fear me for some reason..."

Pausing, he tilted his head to watch her for a moment before offering his idea, "Maybe it isn't you they are afraid of, but your skill". His thoughts raced back to what Destine had told them about her child hood and the slight problems she had had; it seemed like a valid enough reason. Shrugging his shoulders he glanced back at her home towering off in the distance, "I always assumed you were busy on more important matters to both with silly things" he murmured while motioning to the silk worms and their odd antics.

Originally Posted by Dalia

Dalia took the silk square and the feather, running them both between her fingers. "How lovely!" she exclaimed, running the feather against Kry's cheek and giggling. "You certainly do have good taste! Though Calliope may have helped, I'm sure you played some part in picking out the colors and such things. Your place will be beautiful when it's all done," the Oracle said, blushing a bit. "I'll have to come by and see where you've made your home when it's all ready."

Dalia leaned up against the tree, giving Kyr a glance out of the corner of her eye as she saw him watching her. "Afraid of my skill? Haha! Doubtfully! My skills are nothing yet...I've still got so far to go," she said, lifting the scrying pendant from her breast and sighing. "I still have to use this to see anything...It's hardly oracle-like, I must say." Brushing that thought away as quickly as she could, she giggled. "I certainly don't have better or more important things to do either. Maybe in the future, but for now, I'm pleased the Gardens are peaceful. It gives me a chance to make new friends," she said sweetly, looking Kyrylo in the eyes.

Kyrylo jumped a bit as the fluffy feather traced a line down his cheek. Coughing quietly, he turned his face away to hide the faint blush creeping up his face; it wouldn't do for the oracle to see she had unsettled him. "Yes, i . . . i mean you should" he paused to gather his thoughts, "you should visit, Calliope would love that". Internally berating himself for his lack of cool he thought back to the current condition of his place. Piles of half sewn pillows were everywhere and the feathers he had been collecting lay strewn about his room as if several pillows had exploded. "Calliope really did suggest the silk" he nodded giving credit where it was due, "she said it would be soft, slightly water resistant, and really lightweight so easy to take back home".

Out of the corner of his eyes he watched as the little silkworms spun his newest request for him. Smiling softly he admired how quickly and well done their work was before his smile turned at the corners at the fact that they wanted no payment. He was going to make sure that when they changed to butterflies his home would be complete with their favorite flowers so they would never be wanting of their favorite treats.

Grinning back at Dalia he nodded slowly, "it is peaceful isn't it? I've had the chance to meet several really nice" he paused, "er.. well spirits actually, not so many Fae". "Have you had a chance to meet Amaryllis or Rosebud yet?" he asked with a large smile, "Both of them are incredibly nice".

House Cleaning

The chirping of birds and a soft breeze floating through one of the big windows in the room awakened Kyrylo from a fitful nights sleep. Rolling over slowly he brushed decaying leaves off his robe and looked around at the broken down room that would later be the masters chamber. "This is going to be a lot of work" he mumbled to Calliope who sat perched a few feet away on some random twig that had somehow made it inside the spire.

Standing slowly to work out the kinks in his back he motioned to the four chests scattered around the room, "we might as well see what those house first". One by one he knelt in front of the dirty albeit sturdy wooden chests and tried to lift the lids, only to find that each of them was either locked or rusted shut. Rolling his eyes heavenwards he plopped back to the ground and sighed; "nothing is going to be easy is it?". Leaning his head against one of the chests he closed his eyes for several moments and ran through different ideas on how he might be able to open the chests. If anything he would at least need something long and skinny to stick into the keyholes in front, or something sturdy to pry the lids open with. He decided that the chests would have to be left for another day and wearily he flew out the window to work on the next task at hand.

Several hours later the top room was clear of all the debrie that had previously littered the flooring and walls. Kyrylo leaned against a wall panting against a Spruce branch he had earlier flown out to get to use as a makeshift broom. "Smells slightly better now don't you think?" he asked Calliope with a lopsided smile across his face. If you say so mused the moth as she alighted on one of the chests, are we going to move this? "I suppose we might as well" said Kyrylo as he leaned down towards the nearest one and began to shove it with both hands against one area of the wall. After all the chests had been moved to the same general area he brushed the grime from his hands and peeked tentatively down the hole in the floor to the room below. From what he could see it looked a bit less dirty then the room he had just cleaned, and full of dust covered shelves.

The second room took half as much time to clean as he whirled his broom too and fro brushing clouds of dust out the small windows and down the hole in the floor to the ground floor. Amidst sneezing and coughing he brushed the musty smelling shelving until the room was awash in the smell of spruce. Standing in the center of the room he turned slowly. In the center was a beat up looking desk with a high back chair behind it. All along the walls bookshelves leaned precariously towards the center of the room, their wall mounts having long since rotted away. "Once i polish this all up and find some help in mounting all these shelves again, this will make a nice study" he murmured as he ran his hand across the rough surface of one of the shelves.

The final room of the spire was by far the easiest to clean. Free of any type of furnishings intact all he needed to do was brush the dirt and leaves out the front door. Leaning down he picked up chunk after chunk of broken marble stair and hurled it out the doorway onto the grass beyond until you could walk the room full circle without stubbing your toe into any hidden pebbles. Turning to examine the door he noticed that it would have to be completely replaced since the wood was eatten through and bore the tell-tale squishy feeling of wood mold.

Walking slowly out the front door he turned to look at the spire and shot Calliope a tired smile, "It doesnt look half bad considering i've only just scratched the surface of cleaning this place up".

Island Exploration

Kyrylo spent the next few days after vigorously cleaning his spire, resting and spending time with Calliope, plotting and trying to remember where he had seen each of the items of interest during his garden tour. He was slightly irritated with himself for not having written it down so he could have it always, but then realized that he had yet to ask some of the older fae if they had anything to write upon in the gardens.

Casually he leaned against one of the large windows in his suite and looked over his island, deciding that it was long overdo for him to wander around and take a closer look at what he had claimed as his own. Wrapping his now hideously dirty robes more snugly about himself he hopped lightly off the window sill and glided slowly to the ground in front of his spire, stumbling a little as his bare feet touched the ground.

Hitching up his robe once more, he took a deep breath and began to stride purposefully down the gravel path towards the lake, Calliope flittering slowly behind him. At the shore he turned to the right and began a slow amble that would take him around the circumferance of his new home. Occasionally he would pick something of interest up and tuck it into his robe for better inspection after his walk.

Sitting down with a woosh he looked over the area he had just finished walking and looked at Calliope with a big smile on his face, "I found a lot of interesting things that give me ideas" he said happily as he began to pull things from his robe and pile them in front of himself. Reaching down he plucked a few shiney golden scales that were about the size of his spread hand, "Aren't these beautiful?" he said as he turned them side to side so that the sunlight played over them causing them to shimmer and shine. "And this!" he said full of excitement as he lifted a few downy feathers he had found for Calliope's inspection, "If i can find enough it would make for a very good bed". I'm sure it would, IF you can find enough said Calliope with a chuckle as she landed on his pile of nick-nacks and began to move things around with a feathery leg.

"I'll find enough" said Kyrylo with confidence as he pulled a long sharp bendy piece of metal from the pile, "I thought this might be useful for trying those chests" he said as he twirled the metal around slowly between his thumb and fore-finger. It might Calliope consceeded as she nudged several thick cattail leaves foreward, and these? she asked curiously. "Oh! those... i was thinking i can maybe weave them into... well im not sure what exactly but im sure we will figure out something we need later" he said with a shrug and a smile as he stroked a long finger down one of leaves pensively.

There is so much more you found said Calliope in awe as she nudged several berries of assorted colors down the pile. Smiling Kyrylo began to gather the items back up before standing and waiting for Calliope to become airborn, "I'm not quite sure what to do with it all, but we can take it to the study and go through it all over the next few days" he offered as he began a slow walk back to the spire. "Maybe we will find more stuff in the spire later" he mumbled hopefully as he clambored through the door.