[ A playful smile. ] I certainly hope so. It's half the fun.

[ He opened the door, gesturing for Rain to step inside, whereupon he would be greeted by the warmer air of the interior. ]

This is the old Tropic Zone. It was built like a greenhouse, to mimic forests far south of Manhattan.

[ Tangled branches, vines laden with fans of brightly-colored leaves and blooms. A circular wooden walkway along the interior had been built to allow visitors to enjoy the central display of forest greenery, as well as an outer ring of trees that surrounded all. Some parts of the greenhouse glass were broken, but enough yet remained that many of the creatures that had been housed inside still sheltered here, away from the winter cold.

At first, only faint rustlings from all corners. Then a plush-crested jay glided down to inspect them, boldly hopping from branch to branch as it voiced its slightly mournful cry. Afterward, a superb starling, half hidden by heavy leaves, resumed its own song. The more one looked, the more one might spot more creatures -- some hiding, some dozing, others quarrelling or swooping at each other in play. They and their habitat were changed by Sleep's influence, yet they remained, as vibrant and full of life as they'd been before The Fall.

Ironeye dipped into his satchel for a bag of salvaged birdseed, and offered it to Rain. His manner was almost shy. ]

I've been coming here to feed them in secret. If they see you have treats, they're sure to crowd 'round.