The Fountain

A Fountain sparkles atop a small hill in the center of the atrium surrounded by a carpet of strawberry plants. It is made of marble with inlays of midnight-black onyx and blood-red garnet, and highlights of silver and gold. A large circular pool catches the spring water as it pours from a large water jug tilted upon the hip of a larger-than-life marble Flora. Nine miniature silver dolphins cavort in the pool. The water appears to be spilling forth as Flora is distracted by a butterfly alighting upon a rose which she holds in her other hand. The rose petals are garnet, the butterfly is silver, gold, jet and ruby. Flora's eyes are deep green emeralds perfectly carved and set.

Flora stands upon a pedastal that is shaped in the likeness of an old, lightning-shattered tree stump. Patches of marble moss and tiny wildflowers grow in the nooks and crannies of the stump. The stump itself sits atop a polished marble base two meters in diameter.

The basin wall is wide enough to sit upon it comfortably. The magick of the place invites one to playfully shed shoes and go wading in the pool. The water is clear and cold. Invigorating.

Coins and medallions have been dropped in the fountain by past waders, their colors glinting in sunlight reflections. With a smiling prayer you add your own lucky coin to the offerings. Looking up at Flora you catch a sparkle in her emerald eyes -- a blessing for you.

You walk around the pool as you wade in the knee-deep water. Looking out over the garden you can see all of it's beauty from here. A bright red cardinal and a brilliant yellow and black oriole flit from tree to bush, and back again. A crow, all shining black, eyes you from a nearby branch -- first with one eye, then tilting his head, with the other. The sight is serenely peaceful.

You sit at the polished marble base, back against the tree stump, Flora's foot at your shoulder and her water spilling out beside you.

Sit. Look. Meditate. There is no rush.

You lean back and smile up at Flora. After a moment, your eyes are drawn to the rose and butterfly. You stand to inspect them more closely. The rose is intricately carved, a garnet flower set on a silver stem. Amazing detail. The colorful butterfly made of precious stones and metals seems alive and almost seems to be in flight above the rose. An exquisite piece of jewelry.

Enchanted, you are unable to resist touching the butterfly, and then the rose. You notice that the rose can be lifted from Flora's hand, and before you realize it -- you are holding the rose in your hand.

The action of taking the rose causes the marble fingers, set on hidden springs, to close to the palm. The polished base, upon which you are standing, slowly swings out revealing a well descending into the darkness under the fountain. A ladder beckons you inside. Giving the rose back to Flora, you descend.