[b]Gideon, also, anyone about to arrive at the Wishing Tree, he's already there. Interact with him![/b]

Gideon glanced down at his map. The Gardens were large and confusing to traverse, with numerous hedges seemingly designed for the single purpose of making it difficult to move around. On the bright side, there was plenty of water about.

The centre of the map was occupied almost entirely by the Wishing Tree. An information 'bubble' towards the edge of the page explained the old school superstition - the granting of a single wish. Although Gideon doubted the legend, it would surely be helpful to find out what the Tree looked like, and to memorise its location. 

Standing up straighter, he spread his fingers wide and opened his palms to the air. There was water, albeit little - vapour and steam. Fresh, clean water. And, faint as it was, Gideon could sense a thicker concentration towards the stream. . 

He settled back onto his heels, and reopened his map. The stream ran close by the Tree - in fact, its meandering course seemed to loop round the revered plant as if protecting it. If the naiad followed the water, he would arrive there in no time. 

Fortunately, the stream was not far away. After a short detour to examine an intricately carved fountain, Gideon arrived at the riverbank and crouched down towards the water's edge. He placed his hand in the water, and became one with it. His body, his clothes, and all he was holding melted into the stream. 

In this form, he could move swiftly. Within minutes, he had made his way downstream with the current, emerging (again human) at the foot of the Tree. And what a sight it was to behold.

It was the largest deciduous tree Gideon had ever seen. Huge, oak shaped leaves clung to its massive branches, but he didn't need to be a dryad to realise that this was no ordinary tree. Its very bark testified to that, twisting round the trunk, gnarled and worn. The roots alone were the width of Gideon's waist, spreading outwards for several metres. Here and there, some of them seemed to have been hewed away or remoulded, presumably by former students desperate to pass their exams.

Even as he struggled to avert his gaze, Gideon could see someone - or was it more - people approaching the Tree. Who were they?