Morning light beamed through the open window of a small cottage, gently lulling the occupant from the dancing land of dreams. Flecks of brilliant color dotted the ceiling and walls. There was no rush, but the light invited Aino to participate in the new day it announced.
She stretched and slowly opened her eyes wide. She had been peeking for some time already, halfway waking and then drifting off again to surprise worlds her mind invented for her.
She rolled, fluffing her pillow, and then lay still a while longer.
The pools of light began to twinkle and vibrate from some movement outside. She smiled and waited, and then it came.
Aino! A deep, echoing voice called her name.
Her friend Bucket appeared at the window. He floated in the air, backlit against the brilliant sky.
As his name would suggest, his shape was cup like, and his voice boomed out from the bottom of the… bucket. He had to speak loudly when he was carrying items, as they muffled his voice.
Something protruded from inside him, and his silhouette made it look like he had a big hat or hairdo.
Come in! Aino called, as her foot emerged from below her blanket, and her nimble toes wiggled and stretched, reaching for the floor.
Bucket flew in through the window opening, and Aino could see that he was holding flowers. Ololian flowers are something to see! Not only are the colors magnificent, but the blooms will interact with you. If you put your nose toward them, they open to release the sweetest aromas you can imagine. They don’t always smell the same, the way earth flowers do. They trigger memories individual to their audience. You may get a whiff of your grandmother’s perfume, the smell of the sea, or spices. At other times, they simply offered up intoxicating aromas that grew naturally within them.
The flowers gave other gifts as well. They would open to reveal a small jewel, or treat.
For me? Aino asked.
Yes, I can hold them for you, Bucket offered.
Just set them on the windowsill, Aino suggested, you will want to hold other things today!
In no time, Aino was ready, and went out the front door. She inhaled deeply and stretched again.
Her home was in the foothills. Behind her cottage, colorful glasslike mountains rose, and in front of her, a valley sloped down toward plains in intense hues. I’ve hinted at it already, but I should tell you, she lived on a planet called Olo.