Ryan awoke to the gentle sound of wind chimes, their crystalline notes carried on a breeze that smelled of pine and morning dew.
He blinked, momentarily disoriented by the unfamiliar surroundings of Ignis's guest room.
The events of the previous day came rushing back, bringing a wry smile to his face. Ignis had certainly lost none of her cunning over the centuries.
As he stretched and made his way to the window, Ryan was struck by the view.
Evergreen was coming to life before his eyes, each building and street seeming to wake up along with its inhabitants.
The cottage across the way shuddered slightly, its windows blinking open like sleepy eyes.
A spirit emerged, her form reminiscent of a willow tree, long tendrils of green swaying as she stepped out onto her porch. She raised her arms in a languid stretch, and Ryan watched in fascination as flowers bloomed along her limbs, opening to catch the morning light.
