A Walk in a Garden

All around the world there are small gardens. All are very different. They have different layouts, with a variety of shapes, flowers, and grasses. All have at least three things in common. They are small, with a small gate. This is to limit the amount of visitors coming and going, for these gardens are very popular attractions for a variety of people, pets, and other obscurities. The gardens also contain two other things. Two decorations, a glass ball upon a pillar and a stone statue.

The glass ball may be any color. The pillar may take on a variety of materials and designs. Both reflect the person who owns them. The ball does not rest upon the column. Rather, it floats above it. It blinks, buzzes, and flickers, all dependent on its emotion. For the ball is a living thing. If the person is lively, it will be lively. If the person is depressed the ball will be depressed. Usually it is not afraid to speak its opinion, and is frequently known to jump to conclusions.

The statue is made out of any kind of stone. Some are grey, some are white, some are obsidian. It depends again on the person, for the statue is a reflection of its master. These statues too are never human, they are always animal. For some it might be a bird, some a mammal, few have reptiles. All, again all are living. These are more steady than the ball. For while the ball runs off of emotion, the statue runs off of logic. It is known to stick with fact. It does not assume, but if the information it has is faulty then it too will make faulty choices.

In all gardens these two items have names. The ball is called Desire, and the statue is called the Guardian. Mostly they work well together, keeping the garden safe from unwanted or otherwise harmful visitors. In some gardens Desire has more lead, while in others the Guardian has more. As always, it depends on who owns the garden, and for this aspect who the owner of the garden is slave too.

In this garden, Desire is a light pink ball. She floats above a pillar of Roman style. The pillar sits at the center of the garden, entangled and surrounded by deep red roses. The rose bed is surrounded by a ring of closely shaven grass. This is the walkway, on the other side of it is a bed of white flowers. These five petaled wonders only open when the sun is out, and some wonder if they have a mind of their own. For these flowers can sense the mood of the garden, and are known to shut at the presence of an unwanted guest. At the edge of this bed is a wall of stone covered with red roses.

At the very back of the garden is an arch made of seven slabs of grey marble. They lay one on top the other, forming stairs on both sides. The largest one lies on top. On top of it lies the statue. For this garden, the statue is a lioness made of a polished grey marble. Her claws are of obsidian, and do not show unless there is an unwanted thought. She is regal in her stance, as she lays on the top stone looking out over the garden.

“It has been such a peaceful day today.” The Guardian said.

Desire seemed to turn, flickering in agreement.

“It has been nice.” The Guardian replied. She stood. As she did, a girl, average in height, but with short brownish hair entered the garden. In her hands she carried a sheet of paper. An award of sorts. The edges were lined with golden frill. She looked around the garden a bit, careful to allow her award to be shown.

The Guardian couldn’t help but notice Desire dimly buzzing . Almost like one speaking under their breath. The great statue leaped down from her position and walked over to the ball.

“What is wrong, Desire?” She asked in a low tone. The visitor looked at them, but didn’t seem to notice.

The ball flickered at a low light, then slowly rose to a bright flash. The Guardian peaked around its column. Relief flooded the beast of stone. The visitor still had not noticed. She looked back at Desire.

“Sh, you could get us in trouble you know. The more you upset the guests the longer they stay.” She said.

The ball rolled over, with a dim rise and fall of light.

“You know I’m right, now what is the issue you're having again?” The Guardian asked.

The ball proceeded to flicker and flash, trying to keep a normal lighting. When it had finished it returned to its dimmer lighting.

“And yes I see.” The Guardian said. “So we should be jealous because she received an award that we did not apply for nor know about?”

The ball flashed, then dimmed, almost muttering to itself, then flashed again.

“Yes, I suppose we also met the criteria. We have been doing what she is for just as long, and at this location longer. Do you know what her stakes were though?”

The ball went up to an average light, flickering and spinning its light.

“What odds! She really doesn’t deserve it now does she?” The Guardian announced. She looked about the garden, but the visitor was still gazing upon the otherwise shutting flowers.

The ball slowly rose in light then dramatically dimmed, giving another muttering flicker afterward.

“I am usually right. You know, the owner's master says to love your enemies, and do good to those who hate you. He also says to rejoice with those who are rejoicing. So, shall we congratulate her?” The Guardian asked. If stone could smile, then she was without a doubt smirking.

Desire’s light rose and fell dramatically again. Then it seemed to rock back and forth in agreement.

“Good. I’ll go for both of us then.” The Guardian said.

The ball continued nodding, so the lioness turned and strode toward the girl. As she did, all the flowers turned up toward the light and opened fully, embracing the warmth it brought.