[Nessani Kemenlo]

“Why, I think that’s absolutely brilliant!” Nessani quipped, clapping her hands in feigned delight at the little flower perched in her hair. Well, perhaps not completely feigned, she thought as she looked at the wonders around them. There was a definite merry vibe to this place and Nessani’s heart was feeling lighter by the moment until giggles finally bubbled up and out of her.

Eyes that were as blue as Azuri’s petals sparkled merrily as she considered the inhabitants of the garden. The mammals she could see seemed friendly enough, though none of them were as curious about the newcomer as the flowers seemed to be and Nessani found herself as drawn to the little gems as they were to her.

A lantern that you find by not looking for it, she thought as she sat on the edge of the fountain. The gypsy girl was clever when it came to getting out of trouble, but riddles and puzzles generally escaped her. When the answers were finally revealed, usually after long pauses of frustrated concentration, Ness was often left feeling quite the idiot for having overlooked the simple result. Something told her this would be no different.

Well, if she couldn’t see the lantern, perhaps it had a sound… or smell… She would hate to close her eyes and poke randomly around to feel for it - especially given the mischievous nature of the residents of the garden. They put even Nessani to shame for their quirky senses of humor. Perhaps she could wheedle another clue from the friendly flowers at her feet.

“Very clever indeed,” she said again, approval apparent in her tone. “Miss Maisie must be clever as well. When she wants her lantern, does she listen for it? Or perhaps smell?”