Hortensia wasn't surprised that Isabel had appeared next to her - Isabel, though a bit dreamy, was renowned for her ability to move in silence. All gnomes are masters of merging and flow- they have to be for humans not to detect them as they go out and about on their business - some volunteer for formal duties and indeed appear to be frozen or solid - but all gnomes can play with being - without being seen.
Isabel looked a bit like Hortensia (they were after all related, Isabel was her niece) they both had chestnut colored hair and the palest of complexions. Hortensia thought that this was because of their Hungarian ancestry - she also thought that her slightly (though Archibold thought more than slightly) impetuous nature was also due to those long ago Hungarian relatives.
What Isabel had that was so downright beautiful was big violet eyes. 'We must walk back through the bluebells' thought Hortensia, 'that way Isabel's eyes will shine out even more'. As you know violets are highly treasured by gnomes and to have violet eyes was a gift indeed. Isabel was also exceptionally kind and gentle and had a voice of purity and beauty. She often sang at gnome celebrations and just now she was preparing for the midsummer revels by absorbing as much inspiration as possible. Old Aunt Mildred had fainted last year at the sheer excitement and beauty of her song and she wanted to repeat her success this year.
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