Welcome to Gaia! ::

We warm sun cast gentle shadows from the bright green dogwood tree that had managed to grow in the lush yet space given to it. Strathness was no place for trees, but the cafe that hosted the blooming plant was quite fortunate in the fact it had a direct line to the lower layer, and a small garden as well. Such gems were hard to come by, and needed constant care and attention. Ashel had been sent by one of his neighbors to delive a message that the cafe's gardener would be coming by the next day.

While the man could have use an automation, he had wanted to have a package of seeds and his tools delivered before hand. And you needed more than a metal bird for that. So Ashel had been recruited for a few coppers and tens. It was a simple task and it gave Ashel and excuse to visit another part of the city.

The tools and such were delivered, and the cafe owner had been kind enough to give the book child a free pot of tea. House special blend. He'd not asked what was in it, but the aroma reminded him of flowers and fresh rain. With the silent sounds of the city people around him, Ashel sat under the dogwood, curious as to the people and their daily tasks.

To say the arrival of another bookchild got Ashel in a good was almost an understatement. It wasn't true that book children were so much a rare sight, as simply, one didn't think they would encounter one. So when Ashel saw another child from the paper forest, his demeanor shifted from 'content' to 'pleased'. Meeting another book child was always an enjoyable experience. At least, it was in his opinion. While he avoided a bit of eye contact at first to not seem so much a creeper, (he was told he did this ofen, and should really try not to stare), Ashel glanced back before coming to a conclusion.

Sitting by one's self was a tad lonely, and the company of another was always enjoyed. And well, both of them were alone and it didn't look like the other was waiting for anyone. Ashel certainly wasn't. Picking up his tea without any hesitation made his way over to the table with the other book child. "Hope you don't mind me joining you." Ashel didn't even wait for a reply as he sat down. "I just don't get to run into others like myself often. Plus you were by yourself and that's not always the most enjoyable thing. I'm Ashel by the way." He took a sip of his tea, finally waiting for a proper reply.

Alas, for poor Akihiko, Ashel would be forward he simply didn't know how to be anything else. The book child's grin was to Ashel a sign of acceptance and welcome. The other's outfit was certainly something extravagant and rather ornate in comparison to his own. For a moment Ashel contemplated the vibrant designs before the laughter jolted him back to reality.

"Book children are just as varied as city people, but yes, it is nice to have someone like yourself around sometimes. And- oh the gardens?" The wind blew gentle, wind chimes echoing in the otherwise semi quite area. "A friend of mine. Well, neighbor. He tends to them regularly, but today her had other business to attent to. So, he send me hear with his supplies and some seed for tomorrow. Just a way to save time."

Lifting up his tea cup, he paused to take a bit a sugar and add that in. "The flowers he told me were all hand raised- it's really quite beautiful. Have you taken a walk through it yet?" He motioned towards the stone path, lines with the assorted colors of blooming flowers. "We can take our tea with us I think." A glace towards the cafe owner, who simply smiled at them.

Ashel’s.
Face.
Was.
BEAMING.
Akihiko’s enthusiasm was met with a grin almost as wide as his face. The slumming of tea made him jump a bit but worked to only better fuel his good spirits. Refilling he teacup and adding yet another spoonful of sugar, Ashel was ready for the walk. Picking up his ea cup he gave a small bow to the café owner. “Come, the sun it’s too harsh yet and The flowers should be in full.” He was enthusiastic, and a few of the café’s patrons were smiling at the book children, one shaking his head lightly at their enthusiasm.

A light breeze rolled by, bringing the fragrance of the flowers into the area. Taking a deep breath, Ashel felt himself relaxing. “It’s a good day to enjoy the gardens. Have you ever been to the ones near the Library? Or in Surfith? Both are rather beautiful. This time of the year.”

The crown of horns almost snagged on the a low branch but with ease, Ashel ducked under it and moved right along to the garden's gates. "Careful of the trees here, the like to reach out sometimes though-" He chuckled. "It just might be my own problem really." Tapping on to the antler he smiled. "Anyway onto the gardens." The gate clicked open and swung in, a creak of old metal filling the air along with a small clatter and tea cup shook in his hand.

The garden's entry alone was beautiful, roses climbing a wall, white red and pink blooms littering the area. nearby a lemon tree was laden with ripe fruit, most likely for the cafe's personal use, or perhaps sold to bakeries. There was a pastry shop not to far with the best lemon tarts around, (or so Ashel had been told). "If it makes you feel better, I take baths daily. Mostly since otherwise I'd probably be covered in dirt from working in the fields all the time, which...doesn't really feel or look very nice."

Still his look or smell didn't matter as the gardens were in bloom, colors exploding along the path. Holding the gate open Ashel inclined his head. "After you."