Chapter 1:
Upon the upcoming noon of the morrow, the group of 'forumers', as they were called, had prepared the necessities for a woodland hike; fortunately, not one was sick and everybody was able to participate. Some were eager to leave, even as dusk set in that very evening. Others were reluctant-- the thought of walking through the creature-infested forest made them shudder a bit.
In the time that the sun had risen, many members had arisen as well. Fruity, a girl with dark copper hair and brown eyes was slacking around and idly conversing with a few friends. "I'm kinda excited about the hike, but I'll have a hard time not exploring like the rest of you. Besides, I'm not the best tree climber."
The girl next to her, who had bronze, curly hair and brown eyes as well, glanced at Fruity and snorted comptemtously. "C'mon, Fruity, what harm could a few beetles and such do? It's not like we don't have the first-aid items to heal you if you get hurt."
Although the words hadn't changed her opinion much, Fruity smiled. "Eh... I suppose you're right. And hey, if I get any cuts or scrapes, you'll be the first to know, trust me." The others in the circle joined in on the talk, yet soon enough, it was time to leave.
Falconstar, as well as Dawnleaf and a few more, had made food for the "adventure"; everything from sandwiches to a Dutch apple pie. There was as much as everyone needed, but no extras. Falconstar checked along the baskets again, making sure nothing had spilled, been squashed, or any damage of the likes.
Fruity's watch struck 11 AM, signifying that the band had nearly an hour to get to Turtle Rock, which had definitely earned its name. It portrayed a giant, lazy grey reptile which beckoned travelers to sit on its back, and one could partake in all the merriment they wanted. The boulder was just that monumental.
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Chapter 2:
The "children", as most of them were, settled down on the cold surface of the turtle after a long and arduous time walking. Falconstar stood up to make an announcement, only for his blue hair to get flaffed about in the wind. After a few seconds, he was able to regain his composture and started to speak:
"Listen up, you guys! I'm glad that everyone could be here today, because lately a fair amount of members have been sick. However, since that's not the case, I'll move on. I'd like to give my thanks to Dawnleaf, Spottedleaf, and Birchstar; they helped greatly in preparing today's lunch." The others clapped politely, while the three girls singled out simply dipped their heads in gratitude. Falcon sat down and started eating his sandwich.
Meanwhile, in a small group a little ways away, Cevi, Fruity, Ripple, Phoenix, Terror and Lily sat. Fruity unwrapped her roast beef sandwich and begun nomming slowly. After she had finished a couple of bites, Fruity set down her meal and slipped into Ripple's talk. Somehow, the conversation had turned to England, but Fruity didn't mind; she herself was a Hetalian, as they called them. Ripple's slight raise in voice made her turn and listen.
"If France even thinks about touching him, he'll get The Safe. And I don't mean my cool safe where I keep Iggy, either."
Fruity laughed a bit, and decided to finally intervene.
"Ripple, you've got so many safes, maybe you should start your own business!" The girl with wavy black hair, who was Ripple, looked back at her and smiled. Cevi also had an input--
"Yeah, and for every safe there would be an England!" They started to laugh. Ripple grinned devilishly at the thought of so many Arthur Kirlands in one place...
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Chapter 3:
Falconstar's picked band had continued trekking onward after lunch. Further and deeper they went into the forest, and though nothing was happening, everybody seemed a bit apprehensive. The leaders did there best not to show it, yet even they too felt a slight worried; the map being read appeared of no use anymore, causing mass confusion and lost forumers.
Already unaware of there location, Fruity worried silently about the forest predators-- any one of her acquaintances could simply be maimed by a mountain lion, a bear, or some creature more vicious than the latter.
Phoenix, the dark-haired girl, who was walking aside her, spoke out: "Fruity, where do you think we're going? It might just be me, but it looks as if the leaders don't know where they're going."
"I can't be sure, honestly. And, it's not just you, I was kinda thinking the same thing. Anyways, wherever we're going, we'll find out soon enough, I suppose."
A slow creak, a heavy fall.
The sound echoed through the woods for a mere few seconds, but was enough to catch the attention of all nearby. Many had been caught off guard and turned around to scout for the noise. It wasn't difficult, however; there, on the ground, was a young girl of about 13, with auburn hair and green eyes, covered in the earthly debris around her.
"Stofp! I'lla flay ya if ya touch me, and th'ts a promis!" Muffled by dirt and leaves, the girl's voice was rough and raspy, as if she was angry. At the time, though, and considering she'd just fallen out of a tree, one could presume she was.
Dawnleaf was the first to ask anything. "Are you okay?"
Sitting up and spitting out leaves, the reply came: "Yeah, I'm okay, but enough of that. Who are you and what are you doing here?"
Falconstar stepped up to the plate, and though his facial expressions were emotionless, his words showed that he was a little worried. "Now, let's not be hasty and interrogate each other, okay? I'll go get the first aid kit, if you're h--"
He was interrupted rudely by the kid. "Listen, none of that matters now. And, since I guess I won't get a straightforward answer from you, maybe the Abbot can. Follow me." She scrambled up, brushed off the clothing, and begun treading on the overgrowth. After a few minutes of quiet walking, she turned to the nearest member, Spottedleaf.
"Guess I should introduce myself... name's Gremith. Not the greatest name, I know, but at least it's not one of those pricky names like Jessabella or of the sort."
Luckily, Spottedleaf was able to say the right thing; it seemed as though this girl would do a good beating if she wasn't pleased.
"Names don't matter, it's what you do that counts."
"Mhm... guess you're right. And uh, I forgot to ask, but what are you called? Not that I care or anything, but I need to kn--"
"It's alright, Gremith. I go by the name of Spottedleaf, but I'm not the leader. He is." she pointed to Falconstar, who had been padding to the right for quite some time.
After Spottedleaf had made quick conversation with Gremith, the red-head slowed to a halt. "Right, then, here it is. Stick with me and don't try and talk. Not that the villagers aren't friendly, but a few of them can be suspicious towards newcomers..."
The group followed Gremith into the open space.
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Chapter 4:
The surrounding area was filled with fine examples of masonry; quaint brick and stone cottages dotted the dry hay field, as well as small concession stands covered by white tarps. Each group member scanned the 'village' as it was called, silently admiring the landscape. Fruity stalked up to Gremith and asked, "Is this where you live? These are the kind of houses I'd like to live in when I get older."
"Yeah, but it's nothin' special."
"Are you sure? The houses are so cute!"
"I wouldn't call them 'cute'. 'Old and musty' is more fitting."
Fruity seemed even happier at the last statement. "I like old and musty houses... they're just so... quiet, I guess. It's like something you come to love, I guess. But, then again, I've never lived in a cottage."
Gremith tilted her head slightly, a bit puzzled by Fruity's words. But she wasn't about to show that, and instead replied, "Well, come on, I've got to take you to the Abbot now." With that, she continued on the straw-layered path towards a stone house, slightly different than the others. Meanwhile, the members stood and asked questions of which no other friend knew the answer to, but could only guess. Fruity succame to her urge to go check out the nearest shop, and based on what they sold, it was a food store; she saw things such as apples, bread loaves, quince tarts, and even something that looked like bakalava, but certainly wasn't.
Meanwhile, Ripple and Red strolled around together, waiting, as Firestarscourge and Icemoon trottted off to a ceramics stand. Everyone else went there seperate ways-- until they would have to gather with Gremith again.
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Chapter 5:
"I welcome you to our village, travelers. I am the Abbot Eleren, leader of this group. Although I cannot be sure that you will not bring harm upon our home, I must trust you will not and provide sanction, lest you spend a cruel night in the forest." Falconstar bowed slightly, as he was in the presence of an elder such as this. "Thank you for so kindly welcoming us, Abbot Eleren. But, we weren't planning on staying here, my friends and I need directions back to Turtle Rock..."
The Abbot stared at Falconstar, clearly puzzled by his words. "Turtle Rock? Please, explain, I've never heard of that place."
"You've never heard of it? But it's only about a mile away!"
"I'm sorry, son, but I cannot say I know what you are talking about. There is no such thing as 'Turtle Rock'." It was useless to argue with the Abbot, everyone had decided, so instead Falcon asked about where they would even sleep. The reply was, "We have a large and unused cottage for guests and such, when they come to the village. Though, judging by your group's size, some people might have to share a bedspace." A few of the members looked a little nervous at that thought, not knowing who they'd have to share with, but other members were completely fine with it. The Abbot spoke out again, saying, "It is getting dark, so I shall show the cottage. Tomorrow we will discuss more and perhaps, since you seem lost a long ways from home, could make an arrangement for training." Sakura, an excitable little character, asked, "Training? What kind of training? Like battle training?"
"Yes, 'battle training' as you may call it. My village is one of peaceful folk, but of late there have been threats of attack from the forest northward." He pointed to a small, crumbly copse of trees in the distance, and continued leading the members to their sanction areas. Fruity was a bit scared, asking, "Cevi, how long will we be here?"
"I can't be sure, but I'll stick with you the whole way, 'kay?"
They caught up with the band and opened the stone cabin's crickety door.
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"Hey, wake up. C'mon, please? Do it for me, pleeeease?" Fruity poked some of the members still sleeping. It was hard for her to sleep in, and if people didn't wake up in a certain timeset, she became frustrated; she always followed a specific morning routine. Many bodies shuffled under the gentle poking and prodding of the strict girl's fingers. Finally, everyone got out of bed, and by now Fruity almost looked as if she'd start bouncing around like Pinkie Pie. Her movements didn't show it, but she sounded estatic when talking to Cevi. "Hey, are you ready for training? Are you? Hmmm? Because I just know it's gonna be real fun!" Smiling at her, Cevi replied, "I'm glad to see that you're excited about training. Who knows? Maybe you'll be really good with the bow and arrow."
"Nawh, I don't think so... fighting claws seems better to use to me than a long range crossbow or bow and arrow." Lily decided to have a say, "Fruity, I might not know you well, but I can't imagine you wielding any kind of weapon. Not that you'd be bad at it, but..."
"Lily, I get what you mean. I'm not usually one to get excited, about anything. Especially battle training. But, today, it seems like a lot of fun to me. So, what are we waiting for? Onward we go!" She marched out the door.
What do you think of it so far?
