third ;

[thelifemeddler]

[The ever-cloaked dragon mage finds himself in the garden after last night's impressive rainstorm. He reaches out to inspect a new sapling with pale, gentle hands. It perks up a bit when he touches it, but that's probably a trick of the light and definitely not some obscure dragon magic.]

So there is new life in this world.

[He doesn't seem to

Comments

[consecrat]

[ Arwen has been sitting by the new oak trees all night--she is still unused to the rhythm of this castle, how the hallways turn quiet at night when everyone slumbers. Recognizing him, she stands up and brushes away the dew drops from her dress. ]

Every new life is a sign of hope.

[thelifemeddler]

Perhaps every hope is a sign of new life. [He recognizes her from a few days ago and bows slightly. A soot sprite peeks out of his hood, then hides again. He smiles.] We meet again, my lady. I hope you have been well.

[consecrat]

[ She nods to acknowledge his bow, then looks at the saplings with a faint smile. ]

That I have. In our time apart, it has come to my realization that I know so little of you, Krasus.

[thelifemeddler]

[She is very sharp. He knew he liked her for a reason.]

I did not mean to appear suspect, if that is the case.

[Dude, you wander around dressed in a big black cloak and you never take it off. Of course you're suspicious.]

[yamanaka]

[O HAY ELF GUY you look like koltira, kind of ... +_+ she was just working on planting some stuff, but she'll stand, brushing the dirt on her hands off on her legs]

Wow, they really like you, huh ... ?

[thelifemeddler]

[Actually, he does. The only difference is that Koltira is ACTUALLY DEAD while Krasus is just pale and skinny enough to /look/ dead.]

I think they rather like what I conjured for them.

[yamanaka]

What you conjured? [leaaans to the side a little to look past him to see if he's standing in front of whatever he ... conjured ...]

[thelifemeddler]

[Nope, just a sapling! A small gesture of his left hand over his right, and then his hand is now diamonds-- I mean, it's full of tiny candy, sort of like konpeito but imagined by a medieval-era dragon mage.

A soot ball bounces out onto his palm, shyly takes it, and darts back into the shadows of his sleeve.

And it's followed by another. And another. And another, until there's no more candy left and the soot balls, with a silent cheer, disappear back into his robes.]

They seem very fond of sweets.

[kingneighbor]

[someone else come to appreciate his trees?

hi there, Krasus. totoro is coming to say hello.]

[thelifemeddler]

[... Wow, you are one big fat neighbor. Krasus is not intimidated by the presence of something so large and fluffy. It might be something like an Ancient from another world, however, so he is respectful. He bows.]

Good day to you, stranger! Is this your gift to us? Your friends have left many seeds. This garden has become more beautiful than before.

[sonofpaladin]

[Have a curious hobbit, Krasus, stopping in stroll among the young trees to watch you and your sprites]

It looks like you made some friends.

[thelifemeddler]

[Oh, Pippin. Must you poke elves? -- Actually, he doesn't mind this. He lets go of the sapling, and for a moment a twig seems to stretch toward him before assuming its proper position.]

I cannot imagine why. I am made of nothing but arcane dust and theories.

[sonofpaladin]

[HE WILL POKE ALL THE ELVES EVER.

Pippin merely looks confused by this statement]

You look pretty real to me.

[thelifemeddler]

[His lips curve into a slight smile. Though it might seem creepy coming from some gender-neutral creature beneath a cloak, he is a benevolent presence.]

Well, then. It is working as it should.

What brings you to this garden?