After leaving Thara's greenhouse with dirt still under her fingernails and a mind buzzing with ideas, Lira crossed the garden path toward the second greenhouse. The glass panes shimmered with faint enchantments, and inside it, her rarer plants, those from Merlin and other strange places, quietly thrived.
As she pushed open the greenhouse door, the air changed.
Soft warmth. A hum of energy. The faintest sound of chimes, though no wind stirred.
From behind a flowering orchid, a small glowing figure rose like a summoned spirit. Her wings shimmered, delicate as stardust silk, her posture proud and precise.
"You arrive," the fairy announced, hovering in front of Lira. "As expected."
Lira smiled, recognizing her. "Regala Lysanthe of the Bloomed Veil."
The tiny queenly figure gave a pleased nod. "You remember. Good. Your hands smell of true earth. Show me what you bring."
