Sneak into the gardens

Kelly glanced down the halls. Nobody could see him where he was. If he was going to sneak to Lord Vale, now was the time.

He moved quickly and quietly, slipping out into an expansive inner garden that, surprisingly, was still inside. Glass covered the ceiling, allowing the afternoon sunlight to shine down on the simmering waters and lush plants that now filled Kelly’s vision.

His mouth was agape. He had heard Lord Vale held a strong appreciation for beauty, but this was beyond anything he’d imagined.

Kelly lowered their hand to the water, letting its gentle touch run over his fingers. The water almost felt warm, cast as it was in the sun’s light.

“C’mon! Over here. I think the tree is over here!”

Kelly rose with a start, looking towards the source of the voice. A young woman, coming from beyond the foliage down the false stream’s edge, though the sound of footfalls indicated more.

Trying not to panic, Kelly slipped into the leaves, holding his breath.

A girl around his age, her long ginger hair falling down her back rounded the corner. She wore a delicate white dress, the skirt stopping to show much of her legs, a bit of a hip, and the top hanging onto her exposed shoulders. Bracelets and earrings as well as her sandals made Kelly realize who she was.

Rosenburg was known for its dancers, often performing for festivals and visiting nobility, and this girl looked to be among their number. Was this place part of their accommodations? Kelly held their breath, while fighting down his blush.

“Cherry, I don’t think it’s possible. I know it’s warm in here…but a pineapple tree?” Another girl, this one with black hair and a more tanned skin followed around the corner. She rubbed her neck and sighed as she walked past where Kelky hid.

“Tami, that’s not fair, I know I saw one!”

“Are you sure it wasn’t just a strange shaped banana? Please, Cherry…I wanted to go swimming…”

Kelly let out a breath as the voices faded. That was too close. It was best to avoid detection. There was no way there weren’t going to be guards in here too, after all.