Waverly was ushered to bathe and have breakfast - which was heavily comprised of fruits and nuts - before Loni and Blauren would speak to her. Wherever she went, several eyes lingered on her and numerous voices whispered her name. It made her feel queasy and curious all at once. If not for Cassiope's constant vigilance, she would have been unable to have a quiet bath as even the flower spirits by the stream peeked out from their stems.

When she was well fed and feeling refreshed and warm and oblivious to how much the nature spirits stared, she was invited to sit under the mighty sagging branches of the huge tree which she discovered was as old as Alpgeton itself.

Waverly was immensely curious as to why her name was constantly being whispered. No matter how strange the languages of some of the spirits were - especially Derews who were more ancient - she seemed to understand them perfectly. She politely handed over her coat to a Derew and panicked when leaves shot out of the nature spirit's hair like a wild spring.

Cassiope giggled at the scene, leaning to whisper into Waverly's ear.

"I told you. You are their hero."

Blauren and Loni came to her at last.

Blauren was the spirit of the wisteria while Loni was of the honeysuckle. They both greeted her warmly and welcomed her to Eden and then the hardest part came when she was to be introduced to every single nature spirit present.

Waverly barely remembered any name at all. The sun dipped in the sky long before Loni presented the last batch of nature spirits which were those who made up the Nature Council.

"This here is Ekin. He is master of the oak tree." Loni introduced.

Ekin had deep dark red skin and his hair was so thick that it looked like a bush. He bowed to Waverly but did not speak.

"Pultre of the maple." Blauren introduced.

"At your humble service." Pultre cooed. She reminded Waverly of the Derews she had met in The In Between. Each spirit after her said the same line "at your service" whenever their name was mentioned.

"Etula of the birch. Eschen of the ash. Papel of the poplar. Popul of Aspen. Fag of the beech. Mus of the elm. Cariya of the hickory. Hidra of ivy. Tanne of the fir. Dear of the orchid. . ."

All Waverly could think of was how much she admired the retentiveness of Loni and Blauren as they were able to recall all the endless names.

". . . and finally, Cassiope of the heather."

Waverly turned with wide eyes to stare at Cassiope who had suddenly gone crimson red. She stared down at the grass on the ground.

"Why did you never tell me that you are a member of the nature council?" Waverly inquired.

She wanted to get angry at Cassiope for keeping a secret an information so important but she felt a pride so strong for her friend that she quickly forgot about her anger. Cassiope had always seemed to her the least important nature spirit around.

"I was told not to." Cassiope muttered. Her pointy ears wiggled and she refused to look up.

"We told her to keep that bit a secret so that you would think she was a common nature spirit." Blauren said.

His eyes were mesmerisingly dark and despite the growing evening, Waverly could see his face clearly especially in the light of a dull glow that seemed to bathe the forest.

"Why?" Waverly questioned. She suddenly wanted to understand everything at once.

"We wanted her to keep an eye on you and also of course, be your friend. Cassiope often brought back as much information about you as she could and they have all been honorable stories." Loni replied. Her voice was calm and soothing and came like a soft whisper.

"She tells us that you are kind and brave and despite your heritage as a god's blood, very humble. We concluded that it was time we all met you."

Waverly nodded slowly, quite pleased to hear that she had built up a good reputation but there was still much she did not understand.

"I am glad i have come to see you today then. There is very little i can do about the state of things now."

Loni nodded. "Yes. We understand so but from the very first day you stepped foot into our realm, Lica sensed a mighty presence on you."

Waverly frowned. "Lica of the willow? Juniper's messenger?"

"Yes." Blauren answered. He floated a tad higher above Loni. "We sent her at once to find out why such a presence was felt and she came back with exciting news; her gifts had found their way to us."

Waverly's frown deepened. She was truly lost. "Her gifts? Whatever is who's gifts?"

Blauren floated forward and took hold of her hand. It was then she realized what they meant - the gemstones on her bracelets had begun to emit a very strong colorful glow and it was what had provided light enough for her to see at all.

"The Gifts of Nature." Blauren said. "It is also called the Stones of Nature and it is the very essence of our existence and that of the whole world."

Waverly felt her heart thump unevenly in her chest. "What do you mean?"

"I mean that these stones are the same ones that were handed over to our mistress Juniper when she was first appointed Mother Nature. With these, she made the earth fruitful as it is now, she created the nature spirits and the paradise we have come to know as Crysoton. It is because of the stones that you clearly understand the earthly language of the Derews and speak it."

Waverly felt her eyes water as she listened to Blauren. Panic, excitement and fear gripped her, her heart racing. She had met Juniper once before and even though the goddess had seen the stones on her - which Waverly was sure of - there was no sign that she was offended or annoyed - this bit made Waverly relax a bit.

What really confused her was why Judson had given all of the stones to her when he could have kept them for himself since his mother was the sole owner.

And what was his purpose of finding them in the first place?

Waverly bit her lip as her thoughts spread out. She suspected that the stones had been buried around hers and Judson's homes for a reason because he had never gone farther than the lake to find them.

"Do you think i have them for a reason?" Waverly asked.

Blauren smiled. "Of course you do. The same reason you were brought here of all seven realms and the same reason why we are meeting today."

"And may i know the reason now?"

Loni shook her head. "Alas, nobody knows that reason but all we know is that you are here and you have the Stones and as it is our only saving grace in this perilous time, you are the one who would use it to preserve our race."

Waverly pushed her hair back, suddenly aware of the wind. "I still do not understand a few things but if there is anything i can do to help you - all of you - i will do it."

Cassiope, who had been quiet the entire time, gave a sudden sharp squeal of delight that startled everyone. "I told you she was kind."

Loni smiled and rolled her eyes then turned to Waverly. "Blauren and i, along with the Council, will teach you all that we know about the stones from ancient times. The knowledge of it is old and already far beyond common knowledge but we have preserved as much as we can until now. We are greatly afraid of the unknown and we fear we will not survive but with this power here now, we have hope. Learning all about the stones will not be done in just one day and as the day is already far spent, you must return in the morning."

"I will return in the morning." Waverly repeated firmly and solemnly looked at all the different faces. "It was an honor meeting every single one of you today."

Blauren and Loni bowed politely and so did the rest of the crowd of nature spirits. A soft wind whooshed in Waverly's direction when they all bent over simultaneously.

"The honor is ours to meet a brave and kind soul such as yours." Loni added. "Farewell, Waverly of the moon and stars."

Waverly nodded. "One more thing, Cassiope did see and speak to Juniper. I was right there when it happened."

Blauren and Loni glanced at each other with expressions that Waverly could not read.

"I know she is possibly the youngest member of the Nature Council but she is also very selfless and i would like for you all to treat her well. She can be a little forgetful but i have come to realize that she is very reliable."

Waverly turned to Cassiope who was smiling from ear to ear. "I would know."

Cassiope gave a small wave as Waverly walked toward Chestnut who had descended into the clearing but his sudden presence did not startle anyone. In fact, the spirits were pleased to see him and kept trying to touch his massive legs and snout. The wolf did not seem to mind the attention he was getting.

He took to the sky with a loud howl and a forceful lurch that almost pulled all of Waverly's hair out of her scalp.

"Oy! Do not be so rash, Chestnut!" She yelped although fully aware that the word would be alien to the wolf. He was far from tame.

The evening was strangely cold; a quite normal thing but equally rare during the Lilting season. As Chestnut drew farther away from the forest, Waverly realized she had left her new overcoat behind and groaned in silent regret. She considered the coat to be a present she had received without a celebratory reason. Waverly suddenly perked up feeling that she had forgotten about something very important - something "celebratory".

Without having to think far, she remembered what it was.

It was Dermot's birthday.

At first, she felt guilty and tremendously disappointed in herself.

She was unable to shake the feeling that Dermot had probably fruitlessly waited for her to show up since morning. It made her anxious because she hated to make him feel anything less than happy. She laid flat on her stomach to avoid the violent breeze. The cold did not help keep her thoughts straight whilst she pondered a list of things that could be worthy gifts for Dermot. Her mind filtered through every option but nothing seemed a good fit as Dermot was a very simple being. At last, she settled on a simple idea and sat upright to craft it.

The Woodlands began to come into view and Waverly saw that she approached from behind. From her vantage point, she could see the dark green and slightly black trees of the Great Jungle towering as high as The Dragon Teeth spires. She cautiously knelt upright to stare at the never ending vastness and wondered just how far the Jungle went. It encased the mountains on one side while the sea fanned out in front of it - dark blue and moon kissed.

Waverly sat put as Chestnut did a nose dive and the ground raced closer before her eyes. At the last minute, Chestnut's paws hit the ground but the impact did not jerk Waverly in the slightest. He ran through the trees with ease as if deciphering Waverly's mind for directions - which he truly did - until the familiar view of the swamp came to view.

Waverly tapped him and he halted a good distance away. Clustered underneath and around the treehouse, a semi large crowd celebrated by drinking, eating and chattering aloud. Diarmaid had indeed thrown a party but there were no signs of fireworks.

She alighted Chestnut and he gave a low throaty sound that Waverly translated as a grumble.

"Go on then. You do not have to come with me."

Chestnut howled and ran off the same way he had come. Waverly strolled toward the merry party and began to pick her way through, giving polite replies and smiles to the half drunk soldiers who said evening greetings to her. She climbed up the stairs and walked straight into the house since the door had been left ajar. Even the inside was crowded; littered with party items, food, empty brass goblets, hanging coats and shawls, wine skins and other things Waverly had no time to regard. She glanced around but could not spot anyone familiar in the sea of Elvish faces.

Just then, someone's hand closed around her arm and she turned.

"Greatest party ever!" Regent grinned, exposing his mouthful.

He switched to his one hand a richly filled sandwich bitten off at one end. In his other hand was an open keg of what Waverly assumed was wine. A silly upturned hat was ontop of his head. His white hair had been neatly braided at the sides to sort of compliment his hat and colorful strips of loose material designed his trousers.

Waverly could not help laughing heartily when he enclosed her in a careful hug.

"You seem to be having everyone else's fun. . . together with yours." She giggled.

"Where have you been? You missed the fireworks." He said and gulped down his mouthful.

"I'm sorry. I completely forgot about the party i had thought would not be happening." Waverly said and began to peer about.

"Where is Dermot?"

Regent chuckled. "Haven't seen him since i got here."

A frown slowly formed on Waverly's smiling face. "And when did you get here?"

Regent took a long swig from his keg and burped slowly. "Dunno, six hours. I came at noon."

Waverly nodded and tapped his arm in farewell. "Well, keep having fun."

"No, don't leave." Regent whined and handed over his keg. "Here, have a drink."

"Hold on to it, i will be back." Waverly said with a smile and walked off to look for the celebrant but wherever she went everyone claimed they had not set eyes on Dermot for hours. She could not find Diarmaid either but someone told her afterwards that he had gone off to get more fireworks.

The noise of celebration faded behind Waverly as she walked further and further away, straining to remember all the possible places Dermot could have gone. She quickly remembered a particular place and whistled for Chestnut as it was far away and she could not walk.

In a matter of minutes the flowering plants of goosefoot that grew together, a cluster of wild brushes and tall trees came to view. Waverly brushed past and through them until she spotted the back of someone dressed in purple.

She lightened her footsteps in a bid to take him by surprise but Dermot had already turned around.

"Oh no, someone's found me." He exclaimed and broke into a wide grin.

Waverly giggled and went over to give him a hug. "Apyñniad tereñna." (Happy birthday)

"Thank you." Dermot replied with a surprised laugh.

"I am so sorry i missed your party."

He gently rubbed her arms that was laced around his neck. "That is quite alright. Even i thought i wouldn't have one but we both know my brother."

"He set off fireworks and chased you away, didn't he?" Waverly asked. When she leaned in, she caught a whiff of his scent.

Dermot chuckled but gave no answer. His eyes clocked to the thin rope dangling from her fist. "What is that?"

Waverly broke her embrace and sat beside him on the rock. The sound of the rushing stream in front of them, the view of the green trees and the smell of wet leaves were refreshing. It brought comfort to her. She thought it was because the streamlet was a private spot and she had never really had such before. It made her feel slightly giddy.

"It is your birthday present. I made it. . . Well, some minutes ago." She replied and handed him the rope.

Dermot received and began to inspect it carefully, his expression turned rather doubtful. "It is eye-catching but i am not sure i know what it is."

"It can be whatever." Waverly shrugged and took the rope then placed it in Dermot's palm.

He glanced at her in confusion. "It can? Really?"

She nodded and hummed. "Try it. Tell it what you want it to be."

Dermot looked unsure but he nodded all the same. "Okay, um, necklace i guess."

The rope gave a dull glow and began to weave itself but Dermot was not startled by the sudden development, instead he watched with keen interest. In a few seconds, a silvery white necklace engraved with lunoglyphs rested on his palm. He lifted an eyebrow in wonder.

"It is amazing." He expressed then glanced knowingly at Waverly's wrist. "You snipped your wrist band."

She shrugged. "It's very very long so where's the harm?"

Dermot smiled and fastened the necklace around his neck then placed an arm around Waverly's shoulder. "I love it and it's the best gift i've gotten so far and the least strangest."

"What do you mean by that?"

"Well, for some reason people think i need a partner and keep presenting their siblings to me."

Waverly tilted her head, puzzled. "People give people away as presents?"

Dermot chuckled softly. "Well, people are nice so yes, as long as it is done with consent and willingness."

"Nine months ago i would have said that that is the strangest thing i have ever heard but okay."

"So where have you been? You missed the fireworks." He added.

Waverly paused for a second before speaking. "Cassiope brought me to Eden to see the nature spirits. They live there now."

"Oh? I bet they were glad to see the subject of their everyday gossips. What did they say?"

Waverly frowned, suddenly feeling the weight of the gemstones dangling around her wrist. She gazed at the stream but her mind was afar off. "A lot of things."

Dermot looked down at the stones but said nothing. "They did not place a task on you, did they?"

Waverly shook her thoughts back to the present. "No. They were very hospitable and they stared at me a lot."

Dermot hmphed. "Typical. What else did they say?"

"Well, a lot of them - if not all - are afraid and they fear they would not survive."

He gave a slow understanding nod. "Don't we all?"

"They believe, and i do too, that these stones can protect them." Waverly stretched out her hand to Dermot. He held it up and inspected the stones closely but did not seem to recognize or know what they truly were.

"I always wondered where you got these. What are they?" He asked.

"Gifts of Nature." Waverly replied.

Dermot lifted an eyebrow. "Some expensive gifts they are. Where did you get them?"

Waverly's gaze dropped and a twinge of sadness passed through her face. She retreated her arm.

"Jud gave them to me. A long time ago."

"That boy, right? Your best friend?"

Waverly nodded. "He used to find them under the ground near my father's house and around his treehouse. He would always tie them into bracelets and give them to me because he knew i loved them."

"He's quite the friend to do something like that. I might not know anything about these gifts but stones like these are priceless and belong in a king's treasury. Do you know what they're supposed to do?"

Waverly shook her head. "Not yet but Blauren and Loni will teach me. They said i must come back to Eden tomorrow morning."

Dermot gave a small smile. "Would you look at that, you suddenly have more to learn. Aren't you excited?"

She gave an exhausted sigh, unsure of how excited she was. "I don't know."

Dermot feigned a frown. "I heard a lot of rumors this morning about a little health surge in the infirmary. Did you happen to have anything to do with it?"

Waverly shrugged lazily. "I have no idea what you're talking about."

But when he cast a knowing glance at her, she exhaled in defeat. "Alright fine. I had everything to do with it."

"Doesn't it feel great?" He asked.

"What?"

"Owning up to good deeds. It feels great, doesn't it?"

Waverly nodded satisfactorily. "It does."

Dermot poked her arm. "Then never deny it when you do something good, it might be your ticket to luck."

She chuckled. "What?"

He chuckled as well. "I don't know. It's my fifty sixth birthday and i'm feeling wise."

An echoing boom made their eyes trail skyward and a spray of ignited colors filled the night sky. The sound came in intervals as did the colorful spray.

"As long as he keeps doing that, i am not going back home." Dermot put forth flatly.

Waverly turned to him, a suspicious thought tugging at her brain. "You hate fireworks?"

He hesitated and slightly tilted his head sideways. "Let's just say they're not on my list of favorite things."

"But they are beautiful." She offered as the fireworks died and were instantly replaced by more. The colors were mesmerising as they skyrocketed in a single trail, whistling and sparking until they burst into droplets of gold, blue, red, purple, orange, white, pink and yellow.

"I can't doubt that but i also can't stand being near them." He said wearing an unpleasant look.

"If Diarmaid knows you hate them so much, why does he do it?"

Dermot seemed to ponder the question for over a minute. "Why does he do anything, really? Diarmaid's hotheaded and likes to be on the wild side every single time. I mean, i understand that but sometimes. . ."

"You want to be let off the hook?" Waverly suggested.

Dermot looked at her and sighed deeply. "I guess it's impossible with a brother like mine."

"Why don't you talk to him? Make him see reason."

He scoffed a laugh. "Diarmaid? See reason? He couldn't see a table sized splinter if it were caught right under his skin."

"But he's your brother. He should understand what you like and what you don't."

"He does. He just doesn't think too much of it."

Waverly frowned indignantly. "He doesn't care? That is unfair. He's always expecting you to be good to him when he won't be good to you."

Dermot stretched out a hand to pull her back. "Waverly, it's alright. I'm sure he'll realize in due time. As for now, i don't mind."

Waverly did not realize she had gotten so agitated that she stood on her feet. She slowly sat back down.

"Do you think maybe he will never realize?"

Dermot looked amused. "Of course he will. It just takes a lot of time as it's in his blood to be quite carefree. He's just like our father."

"And you're like your mother." She added.

He shrugged. "I guess you could say that. I mean i wish i was more like her. She was very brave. She always picked Diarmaid over me."

"You do the same thing. You pick Diarmaid over everything, even your own feelings."

Dermot bowed his head. "I love my brother and he's my only family. I would pick him over anything any day. . ."

He suddenly looked up with a weak sort of laughter. "But please don't tell him i said that. He would want to eat out of my hands like an infant."

Waverly broke into laughter and he did as well.

"I just remembered it is the last day of the year today." Waverly said.

It hit her like a swinging iceberg that she had spent over half of the year in Alpgeton. It seemed only yesterday she had woken up in the Almshouse.

"Hmm. It sure is." Dermot agreed. "Do you think that we are killjoys for being absent at the party? We can celebrate my birthday and the end of the year."

"I say that is another valid reason. Regent has already saved me a drink."

Dermot rose and held out his hand. It was then Waverly realized that his hunting cloak dangled from one side of his body. She wondered how she had not taken notice of it as she took his hand and rose as well.

"Then, pray, let us go on and have some wine." He grinned.