[Lazuli]

Within New Alexandria's beautiful Quadrangle, where everything seemed to resemble pictures painted by a masterful artist, a young nymph temporarily resided. She sat on one of the benches in the center of the flowery square, the statue of the goddess towering behind her. Lazuli had been there for a while now, staring into space like an idle doll someone had left behind. Visitors of Xanth and other random passersby went about their way, but Lazuli's gaze didn't shift from the distance.

The fact was, the girl was half asleep.

It was only when a squirrel began shuffling around her neck that she suddenly jumped onto her feet, startled. Lazuli happened to be extremely ticklish on her neck, which the squirrel had inadvertently used to break her out of her fatigue-induced daze. The animal hid behind a bench leg now that she noticed it, peering upward with round black eyes.

"Oh, it's only you." Lazuli smiled at the little creature, hoping she hadn't scared it. The squirrel twitched its fuzzy whiskers and perked its ears before scampering off under a bush.

Lazuli waved goodbye to this fleeting little friend, and proceeded to stretch her arms. She had traveled by ship into New Alexandria earlier that morning, and it had honestly been a tiring journey. Not only was the vessel tiny and crudely built, but it had appropriately smelled like bad cabbage the entire time through. It was no wonder she had rushed straight to the Quadrangle upon arriving. The gardens felt like heaven after those exhausting hours on the River Cora.

Now, although she still felt some soreness in her muscles, Lazuli was eager to explore more of New Alexandria. Elysia's capital was such a big and exciting city, surely there were loads more to see.

...Her only regret now was a lack of a proper gift to Xanth. Fumbling in her carrying bag, she found nothing that would be of worth to the goddess, and slightly awkwardly found herself thinking about food.

[Lazuli]

Lazuli fumbled for a moment, knowing it would only be right if she left something for Xanth for Xanth's Day. Finally, she decided and tenderly placed a necklace at the foot of Xanth's statue, next to all the other items various people had offered. It was something she had made a while ago, woven with vines and brightly colored flowers. She put her hands together in a prayer, thanking Xanth for all life and the world she lived in. Then she leaned down and whispered some hopes of vitality into the little flowers, so they wouldn't wilt too soon. The flowers seemed to understand.

Lazuli stood up and gazed at the statue with wonder for a while longer, wondering if Xanth could be sensed at all when the goddess chose to visit her marble replica. She noticed when the squirrel from before sidled up and appeared to watch the statue with her.

Happy day, Xanth, the nymph thought, and smiling, walked away.


{ ooc: Lazuli has left the topic. }

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