Rue & The Dodo

Glasshouse Nocturnes

Part 1

As the sun was setting, the last of the visitors left. Their echoes lingered for a while beneath the great glasshouse roof and then eventually the grounds outside fell quiet. Inside, the glasshouse seemed to exhale.

Remnants of daylight rested high in the giant palms, while lower down the ferns rippled in a hundred shades of green. As evening deepened the great panes of glass turned violet with the last whispers of the sun.

This was the loveliest hour as the sun faded and moonlight found the silvery paths between the leaves. It caught on the edges of leaves still wet from watering. Flowers that had folded themselves against the heat began to open filling the balmy air with their rich perfume. The birds began to call and amid the rustling of the leaves, the gentle rise and fall of voices could be heard.

And somewhere beyond the lilies, Rue was coming.

She took the narrow path beneath the huge magnolias, her long cloak brushing the foxgloves as she passed. The Dodo was at her side as they walked out into the moonlit grounds.

Wherever Rue wandered, the Dodo was never far behind.

Though no-one ever knew whether he followed Rue, or Rue followed him.