The Magical Forest - Gothic

8/9/2019 The Magical Forest - Gothic

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The Magical

ForestBy

Mistress Gothic



I Heard There was a valley deep within a vast forest that held great magical

healing. I was told it was guarded by a fierce dragon. It was said there was a

magical waterfall that could make you feel young again. It was said there

were all kinds of magical creature that lived and played there. The more I

read the more I wanted to find this place.

I started asking everyone I Knew if they knew where this place was. They

Knew where this place was. They All Laughed or made fun of me. "There is

no such a place on this earth." was one response. "I would love to see this

place." was another response. This was followed by a loud laugh.

I continued reading and researching this magical place. The more I did the

more I longed to find this special place. I collected maps and charts from all

over. I consulted physics and all sort of experts. Nothing seemed to help meto locate this magical place.

I grew more and more desperate to find this magical place. The days grew

longer and longer. I seemed to be no closer to finding this place.

One day I ventured out of my house and just started wondering around. I

heard a tiny voice. A voice so tiny it was barely audible. It seemed to be

asking for help. I stopped where I was and I looked around. I did not see

anyone. The voice called out again. I proceeded to follow the voice. Thevoice was growing louder and louder. I Kept walking, stopping ever now and

then to look around. I still could not see anyone.

I heard the voice again. It was much louder now. I kept walking. It was then

that I noticed the sun was beginning to set. I knew I had to hurry for surely I

would not be able to find this person after the sun had completely set. I now

find myself in a thick growth of shrubs, vines, and brambles. "Well this

certainly is not good." I said to myself. I must proceed with caution or else I

too will need rescue.

I picked my way through carefully. I arrived at a small clearing. The sun was

nearly completely gone. In the dusky shadows I saw a tiny little flicker of

light. The voice was sobbing now. I approached the light slowly. I did not

wish to frighten whomever anymore than they were already.

I was now close enough to see that it was a tiny little fairy. She had

somehow or another managed to get herself tangled in a bramble bush. I

knelt down beside the bramble bush and took my hunting knife out of my



boot. When i did that the tiny fairy started trying to free herself in sheer

fright.

"Easy, little on." I said. "I mean you no harm, I just need to cut this bramble

bush a bit in order to free you." I extended my hand without the knife in it toher. "Here grab hold of my finger and hold on tight. I said. She wrapped

both of her arms around one of my fingers. I worked quickly and cautiously

to cut the bramble bush. Suddenly, the light was full of tiny little lights.

I momentarily paused what I was doing and looked around. I noticed that

the tiny lights were all fairies. I realized they had they had come to help this

little fairy. I went back to work cutting the fairy from the bramble bush. She

was finally cut free and I noticed that a of the bramble thorns had pierced

part of her tiny body. I put the knife back into it's sheath.

"Ok, little lady. I need you to lay down in my hand. I need to try to remove

this thorn from you." I said.

She did as I asked her. I removed a pair of tweezers from my pouch that I

from you." I said. "If any of you good folks happens to be a doctor, I could

use your assistance."

An older fairy came over and he said, "I know not what you intend to do, butI will try and assist."

"I am going to remove the bramble. I need you to her still while I do. Then I

will need you dress her wound as my hands are much to big to do that." I

said.

The older fairy knelt beside the tiny fairy that was in the palm of my hand.

He was mindful of the bramble twig that still was stuck into the tiny fairy. He

whispered words of encouragement to her.

He looked up at me and said, "Do you really think that this will work?"

"I can only try. She can not live with this thorn in her like this. There is also

the chance that removing the thorn it could do more harm." I replied.

The old fairy looked at me with tears in his eyes and said, "You are right. She

will die if it is not removed, but removing it could kill her as well. It would be

best though if you did remove it quickly and maybe she will have a chance."



I nodded my head in agreement. I raised on knee up and rested my palm

gently on top of my knee to make sure I had a steady surface upon which to

work. i positioned the tweezers around the bramble twig. I pulled the

bramble carefully from the tiny fairy. I felt her wince in pain and heard her

cry out. The rears flowed freely down my face and I was helpless to stopthem. But I knew, that all I could do was finish the task at hand. Finally, the

little fairy was free from the bramble and the old fairy began to work quickly

to bandage her wounds. She passed out from the sheer exhaustion and

pain. I felt some relief at this.

The old fairy looked up at me and said, "We have done all that we can do for

her. It's now up to her and the gods and goddesses."

I gathered together some moss that was nearby. I made sure there wasnothing around that could hurt the tiny fairy. I laid her gently down upon the

moss and covered here with a leaf. I knew that I had to find shelter of some

sort and food. I took my pack off and rummaged through it. I found several

pieces of venison jerky and a blanket and a tarp. There was a low hanging

branch nearby. I hung the tarp over the branch and placed several rocks to

hold it down. Once satisfied, I sat down to eat my meager dinner. I offered

to share my food with the fairies, but they all said that they had already

eaten. I ate one piece of my venison jerky and secured the rest into my

pack. I crawled into my makeshift shelter and tried to sleep. I tossed and

turned most of the most. I was deeply worried and concerned for the little

fairy.

I work the next morning to find all the fairies were gone except the tiny little

fairy that I had rescued the night before. Beside her was a note which read:

"Please take this fairy back to her home. Take care of her. I have left you a

map to get there and a sack of food for her and a sack of medicine andbandages to treat your wounds. Carry her close to your heart."



I sat there and looked at the map to gather my bearings. There was all kind

of strange markings upon the map. I recognized the rivers and streams and

of course the compass. But, there were many of course that i did not

recognize.

"Well," I thought to myself, "apparently either they believed that you would

not make it or they could not carry you. They have instead entrusted me

with you. I see that I have no choice, but to do this. It seems that you and I

are off on this great adventure together."

I gathered my tarp and my blanket. I took another piece of my jerky and ate

it. I gently picked up the tiny fairy and placed her gently into my breast

pocket. I retrieved my compass that I always carried with me as I was prone

to getting lost. I started off in the direction indicated on the map.

The going was fairly easy at first. I would stop every once in awhile and

check my compass and the map and of course to check on my tiny passenger.

The sun was high in the sky and I came across a creek. I stopped beside the

creek and removed my tiny little passenger. She woke up just slightly. I gave

her some water and tried to gt her to eat something. I carefully changed her

bandages and dressed her wound. Then I made a a bed from some moss. I

rested awhile by the creek and munched on another piece of jerky.

I knew we had to continue on. I gathered everything together and placed my

tiny passenger back into my breast pocket. I rechecked my map and

compass. According to the map I would have to cross that creek. I looked

around and found a sturdy branch. I knew I could use this to find sink holes

in the creek and when going got rough i could use it to help me.

I crossed the creek slowly. I reached the other side and continued walking. A

short distant later I found myself face to face with a small mountain. I took

the map out and doubled checked that I was headed in the right direction.According to the map I would have to cross this tiny mountain somehow. I

study the face of the mountain looking for footholds and the easiest way to

climb this mountain. I started slowly up the mountains. I stopped every so

often to double check the next foothold. It took me awhile but I made it to

the top just as the sun was beginning to set.

I knew that I had to find some shelter for the night. I consulted the maps and

compass to ensure I was still on the path. I was now convinced that I was still

headed in the right direction. I looked around and found a rock shelf. I



wondered over to it and checked it out. Satisfied that this shelf would make

a viable shelter for the night. I set about gathering together straw and moss

and made a bed for both of us for the evening. I gently removed the tiny fairy

from my pocket and placed her on. I made a small fire with some twigs I had

found and sat down beside it and ate another piece of my jerky. I crawledinto bed and tried to sleep.

I woke the next morning to find that I had not slept all that well and that I

was extremely stiff. I then noticed a small basket of fruit. There was a note

placed on top of it. The note said;

"Thank you for all that you are doing for my daughter. I knew you were not

all that prepared to take on this journey. So, we gathered some berries from

the forest to help nourish you. We could not carry her back to her home

because we were afraid of hurting her more. We know it would be awhile

before she could fly again. We saw the tenderness that you showed her and

the care you gave her. We know that you will not her."

I knew then that the fairies were watching over both of us. I Also now knew

the reason for them leaving her at the bramble patch. I sat down and and

enjoyed some of the berries, changed her dressings, and got her to eat a little

bit of food. I gathered together my stuff and consulted the map and

compass. I placed my tiny fairy into my breast pocket and started out once

again. I rounded to rock shelf that had been my shelter for the evening and Ifound a path that seemed to be cut through a mountain. It had huge rocks

on both sides of the path. I noticed that at first it was graded slope. As I

started down the slope it seemed to be ever so slightly increasing.

I knew I had to be careful and take my time. I also knew that I had to find the

end of this path quickly as there was no other way to escape in the event

something should happen. It took awhile, but I finally reached the end of the

path just as the sun reached high noon.



I now find myself in a field of green and a raging river in front of me. I sat

down upon a boulder next to the river. There I consulted the map and the

compass while I attended to me noon time duties. According to the map I

was close to one of those strange symbols that I could not readily

understand. In noticed also that I would have to cross the river in order tocomplete this journey. I further noted that the crossing point seemed to be

at that strange symbol.

I stood up and shrugged, "Well, I tell you what. I know not what this symbol

means, but I intend to find out. I will go to that symbol and see if maybe

there will be the way to cross the river at that spot." I said out loud.

I started off in the direction of the symbol. It did not take long to arrive

there. As it turned out, it was a rope bridge that crossed the river. I putsome of my weight upon the bridge and it seemed to hold my weight. I

started across slowly. I tested each board before putting my full weight upon

it. We made it to the other side. Suddenly, there was a noise behind me. I

turned and looked around. I watched in horror as the bridge I had just

crossed fell into the raging river.

"Well that was just about too close for comfort." I said. I found a comfy spot

in the shade of an old elm tree. I sat down and removed the tiny fairy from

my pocket and place her on a soft spot of grass. I sat there for a fewmoments gathering my thoughts. I consulted the map and the compass and

once satisfied that I was still heading in the right direction. I picked up my

precious passenger and placed her back in my pocket.

I started out once again. I now find myself on a wooden path that cut

through an magnificent forest. I marveled at the beauty and the grace of the

trees and all the grace of the tees all around me. The air seemed to be purer

and fresher. I stopped briefly to consult the map and the compass once

again. I noticed that I was now approaching the second of the symbols that I

did not understand. I started off towards the second symbol. When I arrived

I found it was an old wood cutter's cottage that had long since been

abandoned.

"Well, it looks like this will be the place I will spend the night."

I walked around the tiny cottage checking the structure and to ensure that

was safe. i found a tiny cellar and went inside. To my surprise there were

several items of canned goods upon a few of them including some rice and



beans. I noticed a small stream running next to the cabin. I went inside and

placed my stuff upon a table that had been left behind by the previous

owner. Then I found an old tin box. I cleaned it real good and put some

moss in it. I Placed my tiny passenger in it and place her in a same and

secure place.

I then set about gathering some firewood and washed a pot that I had found

in the cabin and filled it with water. I took everything back to the cabin and

started the fire. I I placed the pot of water into the fire with some of the

beans and the rice then I checked on my tiny fairy. I realized then that I did

not even know her name, but I had been entrusted to get her home safely. I

did not even know where her home was only that I had been given the map

to get her there.

I set about doing my now routine chores of the evening and prepared a bedfor myself. I ate a hearty meal of beans and rice. I then laid down upon the

bed of straw that I had made. I placed the tiny fairy close to me. I was able

to sleep a little better that evening. I got up started the fire and warmed the

last of my supper from the night before and did all my normal routine

chores. I was preparing my pack for the journey. I noticed another note that

had been left upon the table. This note said;

"Her name is Angelina and she is my angel. The doctor came by last night

and he said she is getting stronger. She should be able to fly in another dayor so."

I felt the tears begin to fall down my face. I felt this father's pain and I knew

he was entrusting me with his most precious treasure. I finished my

preparations and place Angelina into my breast pocket. I went outside and

studied the map and the compass and started back down the forest path. I

came to the end of the trail just about noontime. The end of the trail was a

small outcropping that overlooked a huge gorge. The view was absolutely

breath taking. I stood there in utter amazement and awe.



I consulted my map and my compass. I noticed there was a third symbol

close by. I looked around something caught my eye. It was a makeshift

pulley system with a large basket to raise and lower things to the bottom of

the gorge, but it looked like it went about a quarter of the way down into the

gorge. I decided that now would be a good time to tend to my noontimeduties. After they had been completed, I stepped into the second basket and

eased myself over the side. I reached the end of the first section and stepped

onto another rock overlook. This time there was no forest path to walk

down only a rock face.

I looked around and I spotted a second basket system on the other side of

the rock outcropping. I walked over to it and looked over the side. "Well it

still won't get me all the way to the bottom, but I will be closer." I said to

myself. I stepped into the second basket and eased myself over the side. Ireached the end of the second system and stepped onto a third rock ledge. I

carefully examined this area. I discovered a rock stairway of sorts that

seemed to disappear into a foggy mist. I could see no other way down. I

decided to stop and catch my breath for just a minute and to gather my

courage. I removed Angelina from my pocket and held her in the palm of my

hand while I admired the view. Angelina rolled over and sat up slowly. She

looked up at me and said, "I want to thank you for all that you have done and

all that you are doing for me."

I looked at her and said, "Angelina it is I who should thank you. For if you

had not become tangled in that bramble bush, I would not have found or

seen all the marvelous sight that I have seen so far." She blushed slightly.

"But now we must carry on with our journey." She nodded and I gathered

everything up and placed Angelina back into my breast pocket and started

down the rock stairs. The steps were narrow and slick. I moved cautiously

The mist was very thick. I could barely see my own hand. I felt along the

rock wall with one hand and used my stick to ensure I did not step off the

end of the step and plunge into the gorge. I used my feet to feel for the next.

It took awhile, but finally the mist started to clear and I began to make out

the rest of the steps. I continued down and found myself on yet another rock

outcropping.

"Wow, Angelina, I really did not think we could have made it down those

steps through that mist." I said. She did not respond. I looked into my

breast pocket and saw that she was sleeping quite peacefully. I looked

around this cliff to locate the final thing that would lower me to the forestfloor. I could now see the tops of the trees and could almost reach out and



touch them. I spotted something out of the corner of my eye. I walked over

to it as I got closer I noticed it was yet another rope bridge. This one seemed

to to disappear into the trees. Well I gathered together my courage and

started slowly across. The bridge did indeed disappear into the trees. I was

having to duck and dodge tree limbs as well as test each board prior toputting my full weight upon it. I continued slowly across the bridge. I finally

made it to a wooden platform that was built around a very old tree.

I decided that this would be a good place to spend the night. There was a

firepit and shelter and had some kind of water delivery system set up.

Besides the sun was beginning to set and it appeared that somehow I was

going to have to find my way through a maze of treetop houses.I set about

the evening preparations. Angelina woke up and we actually carried on a

conversation. It was nice to have someone to talk to. I had forgotten whatthat had felt like it quite enjoyable. We fell asleep and I woke feeling more

rested that I had in days.

I began my morning routines and gathered together my possessions. As

always, I found yet another note. This note had another map with it. The

note said;

"This map will guide you through the treetop maze so you will not become

lost."

P.S: Thank you for taking such good care of my daughter. Just to see hersmile at me last night was more than words can say. I will see you very soon

and i will properly thank you in person.

I studied the new map carefully. There was even more symbols in this map

that I did not recognize. I looked at the other map. The one that had been

given to me at the beginning of this journey. I noticed that the map did not

give instructions on how to find myself out of the maze. I now found myself

in, but it did show that there was still a ways to go after leaving the maze. I



folded the map carefully and secured it into my pack. I knew I would need it

later. I gathered my pack and placed Angelina in my breast pocket.

I started out reading the map carefully. I found the beginning of the maze. It

was another rope bridge. It was marked with one symbol. I stood there amoment and looked at the map. I noticed that the symbol appeared six

more times. "Great, well it looks like I'll be walking across six more rope

bridges after this one." I mumbled to myself. Angelina let out a muffled

laugh. I started out across the first of seven bridges. I moved slowly across

the bridge, testing each board along the way. I arrived at yet another

platform high up in the trees. I removed my map and walked around the

platform. I noticed a vine string high in the tree with some kind of pulley on

it and yet another symbol. "Ok, now that identifies two of these symbols. I

need to find the first symbol as that is where the map says I have to cross." Icontinued around the platform and found the second bridge.

i made it safely to the next platform. I removed the map and and studied it.

The map told me I needed to use the first symbol. I looked around the

platform and found a third symbol. It appeared to be a rope ladder of some

sort. "Ok, now I have identified all these symbols. The map did say that it

has to be the first symbol." I continued walking around the platform and

found the second and the then the first symbol. I started out in the same

manner as with the other two bridges. "Three down, four more to go." I

thought to myself. I made it to the next platform and removed the map and

studied it carefully. I noticed that I had arrived at the center of the maze. I

also noticed that the sun was at high noon. I said myself, "I will just quickly

wonder a round this platform and see what all is here. I noticed there was

only one of the first symbol, three of the second symbol, and two of the third

symbol. I further noted that this time I would not have to use the first

symbol bur rather the third symbol. Well that means I have to choose on of

two options. I looked closer and discovered that one of them was green and

one was blue. The map said to take the blue one. I wondered around the

platform and located the blue symbol. I found and located that symbol. I

noticed that instead of the ladder going down, it kind of sort of went

upwards.

I decided right then and there that I was going to do my noontime

preparations. After we had eaten and rested a bit. I gathered my

possessions together and started up the ladder. The wind was brisk and it

caused the ladder to swing slightly. When I reached the top I was reallywinded. "Well four out of seven bridges found and dealt with." I removed



my map and consulted it once again. It said that i would have to use symbol

number three but it was green this time. I wondered around the platform

and located the symbol. I noticed that the ladder did not go straight down,

but at an angle connecting it to another platform.I started down the ladder

slowly. It was easier than going up I noticed. I arrived at the next platform.

I removed the map and read it. It looked like this time it was going to be the

first symbol. I wondered around the platform and located the bridge. This

bridge was in worse shape than all the other bridges I have had to cross. I

moved slowly across the bridge. Ducking ever so often to avoid a low

hanging branch. Several of the boards fell to the forest floor as i barely put

weight upon them. I knew I had to get across quickly, but I had to be real

careful at the same time. It took longer to cross this bridge than the others.

It seemed the moment I stepped onto the platform the bridge seemed tocrumble and crash to the forest floor. "Well, five out of the seven bridges are

not down and this one was very close to sending me to the forest floor."

I removed the map and read it. This time it looks like I have to use the

second symbol and I noticed there was no first symbol. I wondered around

the platform and found the second symbol. There was a note hung next to

it. The note said;

"Grab handles, hang on, jump of, swing if it gets stuck, raise feet before nextplatform."

I did as the note said. the next thing I knew I was literally flying through a

canopy of trees. I almost forgot to raise my feet before the next platform. I

arrived safely at the next platform. I removed the map. I noticed the first

symbol was not here. It looked like it was going to be symbol number two

again. I wondered around the platform and located the symbol. I

remembered the instructions from the first time. I landed safely on the next

platform. I removed the map and discovered I arrived at the six bridge. I

wondered around the platform and began slowly moving across the bridge.

As I walked across the bridge, I remembered what had happened at the the

last bridge and I was mindful of that fact.

I arrived at the next platform an removed the map. I noticed the there was

only two more platforms to go. The one platform that I now found myself

one also did not have the first symbol, but it had a fourth symbol. That was

the one that I was to use. I wondered around the platform. I located the

fourth symbol. It was a basket of sorts. There was a note. The note said;



"Climb in, get comfortable, place feet upon the peddles, and grab the

handles. The peddles are to move the basket forward. The handles are to

slow and to stop."

I did as the note said. It was not all that easy going to start out with. But, Ieventually got the hang of it. It took quite awhile, but finally I reached the

next platform. By the time I managed to stop the basket, my legs felt like

rubber. I sat down on the platform. I removed the map and studied it. I had

arrived at the last of the bridges. "Well, I might as well get this over with as

this will be the last platform. Then I will need to consult the other map." I

wondered around the platform and located the bridge. I proceeded across

the bridge and found myself on the final platform. I removed the map on last

time. There was only one symbol on it. I knew that now I would have to

consult the other map. So I removed the other map and studied it.

I noticed that there were no symbols that were real close to the path that I

would be traveling on. I decided to spend the night here as I knew not what

the trail ahead would hold. I did noticed that there was not much left on the

map. That made me smile. I now knew the journey was almost done. I made

the evening preparations and crawled into my makeshift bed.

I woke the next day anxious and excited. I figured today would be my l today

would be my last day on this journey. I set about completing the morning

preparations. I found another note. Strange how these simple notes brought comfort to me this note said;

"You have come so far. My daughter is now stretching her wings. Her ability

to fly is starting to come back. The journey is truly now almost complete. At

the end, you will receive a great reward. It is something that you have begin

looking searching for awhile for."

I sat there for a moment and pondered upon this note. What could the

fairies know about me and what did they mean about something I had beensearching for for so long. I felt a gently touch upon my ear. I turned as saw



Angelina was sitting upon my shoulder. Her color was returning and so was

her brightness.

"The doctor told me that I can begin to use my wings, but he said only for a

short distances. It is still to far for me to fly home. I guess you're stuck withme a little while longer." She said.

"That's ok little one. I will enjoy your company while I can. it is my pleasure.

I have seen so many wonderful things on this journey and I have a feeling I

will see many more before it is through." I replied.

We talked while I gathered our stuff together. I helped her into my breast

pocket. I walked over to the ladder and started climbing down. My feet

finally touched down on the forest floor. I took a moment and studiedeverything around me. I noticed there where several paths eked out of the

forest. I did not wish to choose the wrong path. So, I took out my compass

and the original map. Once I was satisfied about which path I needed to

travel down. I started walking down the path and I noticed so many

interesting things along the path. I seemed to find myself wondering of to

explore. I had to stop every once in awhile to recheck my map and compass.

As I walked I noticed that I was having to stop more and more often as I kept

finding more and more things that I had to touch and smell.

I came upon a small clearing in the woods. I found myself overwhelmed with

all that I had found that I did not realize that it was now lunchtime. I quickly

set about the preparing of the noontime meal. Me and Angelina chatted all

through lunch. We chatted some more as we walked down the forest path. I

consulted the map. I noticed we were getting closer to the next symbol that

at the beginning of this journey I did not recognize, but now I knew I would

find a mechanical type device that would assist me in doing something. The

something I did not know at this time.

As we continued down the path. I began to hear running water. Then more I

walked. the louder the noise grew. We finally emerged from the forest and

before me was a huge waterfall. There was a brilliant rainbow just above the

falls. It appeared to disappear into the falls. I stood there for awhile trying

to take it all in. I heard a chuckle and saw that Angelina had perched upon

my shoulder and she was laughing hysterically. "And just what is so funny?" I

asked.



"It's is nothing. It is just the look upon your face. I am so used to seeing

these falls. I forgotten just how beautiful they really are. I am just amazed at

your reaction." She replied.

"I suppose you are right Angelina. This is your home and yes it is absolutelyamazing." I said.

She looked at me and said, " You know all this time I have spent with you,

you have never told me your name."

"My name, my name is not really important. But if you want to know it's

Cara." I replied. She smiled and kissed me lightly on the cheek. "Well little

one what say we get you home." She nodded and I helped her back into my

breast pocket.

I looked around and I found the mechanical device. It was crude. It had a

basket and a pulley system. It appeared to disappear into the falls. I climbed

in and pushed myself off. I now found myself over the falls. It was a

magnificent sight. The water was crystal clear. I could make out the rock

formations that formed the falls. I knew I still had to concentrate upon the

operation of the device that I was in. As it turns out, it actually did disappear

into the falls. I now found myself on a rock shelf just beneath the falls. It

was very dark and I did not know if my matches would work as I had justbeen drenched from head to toe.

Angelina crawled out of my pocket and fluttered brightly in front of me. She

said, "I do not know if I am strong enough to fly all the way home, but I can

light the way through the cave and get us to the other side."

"Thank you, but only as long as you think you are strong enough. If you need

rest, you rest." I said. She nodded her head an promised. She lead us out of

the cave. When we had exited the cave I noticed dusk was fast approaching.I consulted the map and the compass and saw that we were still on the

correct path. I saw a tiny cottage with a light on.

I made my way over to it. When I got there I knocked on the door. A little

old lady opened the door.

"Many pardons Ma'am, but we have been traveling all day, and we are in

need of a place to rest for the night." I said.



"We!", the old lady croaked, "I only see you. Where is this traveling

companion that you speak of."

Angelina poked her head out of my breast pocket and waved shyly at the old

woman before ducking back into my pocket.

"How is it that you come to be traveling with a fair?" asked the old woman.

"I was wondering in a forest one day and heard her crying for help. So, I set

out to find her. She was caught in a bramble bush and I freed her from it and

removed a bramble thorn from her. The fairies entrusted her to me and

asked me to help her come home safely." I replied.

"Well, if the they truly did this. Then I suppose I can trust you enough to giveyou food and shelter for the night." She said.

She opened the door and showed me inside. "I do not have very much, but I

will gladly share what I have with you." she said.

"Well maybe, if we combine what we have together. It will be more than

enough." I said.

I set my pack down on the table an took what food I had and gave it to the

old woman. She took it and said; "Well, it looks like tonight we will have a

feast of sorts." She disappeared into another room of the cottage. When

she returned she had some folded cloth in her hands. "These were my

husband's. I have not had the time or the heart to throw them away. They

should fit you. I have also drawn you a bath, if you wish to remove the dirt

and grime from your travels." She said.

I took the clothing from her, "Thank, I will take care of these just as he had

done. You are right the bath would be much appreciated and needed."

She pointed in the direction of the bath. I entered the room and removed my

clothes and slipped into the tub. The water was warm and fragrant. I

scrubbed all the grime and filthy from my body. I emerged from the bath

feeling more relaxed and more energized at the same time. I quickly donned

my new garments. I gathered together my old clothes and walked back into

the main room. I started to place my old clothes into my pack. The old

woman approached me, "I will not allow you to do that," she said, "Here give

them to me. I will wash them. I can not allow you to go around carryingdirty clothes."



"It really is not necessary." I said. The look on her face said it all and I

handed my clothes to her and she disappeared into the back of the house.

She emerged a short time later. She served the food that she had prepared.

I think it was the most delicious meal that I had had in weeks. We talked

through the course of the meal. She telling stories of her life with herhusband and me telling her the story of my journey here. Angelina was quite

talkative too. I have to say it warmed my heart to see her so full of life. I still

remember what she looked like just a short time ago. We prepared to retire

for the nigh. I crawled into an actual bed and fell fast asleep.

I woke the next morning feeling refreshed and very excited. I was sure that

sometime today I would arrive at Angelia's home. Angelina was up and

fluttering around. She too it seemed to be just as excited. I wondered

around the tiny home. I saw no sign of the old woman, who had been her

the night before. I found a warm breakfast that had been prepared and setout. There was a note set beside my plate. The note said

"Thank you for your company and conversation last night. It meant so much

to me. I knew you would be anxious to start your journey. I took the liberty

of packing your pack for you. I placed some changes of clothes, your old

clothes, your maps, compass, and some food for your journey. Do not worry

about repaying me as these were things that I now no longer need. You will

need them on you journey. The book upon your pack is a journal of sorts.

You can write your thoughts upon the blank pages, so you will never forgetthis journey. I also securely attached all the notes you have collected from

the fairies. If you happen this way again, know this my door will be opened

to you. May you arrive at your destination safely." The note was signed

Agatha.

The tears welled up in my eyes. I picked up the book. I leafed through it. I

saw she had taken great care in securing the precious letters to the book. I

found myself reading each one again. Then I noticed a letter which I had not



read before. I realized the fairies must have left it for me last night. The note

said;

"Agatha and I spoke last night. She seems to think that you are truly a

person who has a good heart. It seems that Angelina has indeed chosenwell. The map that you have will only take you as far as the guardian's door.

Angelina knows the way for there. You will find there will be several other

along the trail that will be willing to help and assist you in the journey."

I nodded. I placed the book into my pack and cleared the breakfast dishes. I walked out of

the little cottage. I found my map and compass and shouldered my pack. I

consulted my map and compass. I noticed that I was in a large clearing.

According to the map once I had crossed the clearing I would find another

forest path. I started out across the clearing. Angelina was flutteringaround. My heart was warmed by the sight of this and I was filled with great

joy. It did not take as long to cross the clearing. Once we arrived at the

forest, Angelina immediately dove into my pocket.

"Hey there little one. Are you ok?", I asked. I could feel her fear and sheer

terror.

"I do not like this place at all." She said, "But, I know we have to go through

it in order to find my home."

"It's ok little one. I will get us through this and everything will be ok." I

replied.

I pulled the map out and consulted it. I found the path that was indicated. I

started down the path. A cold shiver ran down my spine. "This truly is not a

good place." I thought to myself. I quickened my steps. I was mindful of all

that was around me. The forest was dark and quiet. I heard nor saw any

signs of life. The canopy of trees was so thick it just about choked out everyray of light. I kept moving forward. I felt a sense of time running out, but not

having the sun to tell me the time of day I was beginning to panic. I stopped

briefly to check the map and compass. I noticed there were no symbols close

to where we were. I felt a sense of loss. It seems that they too were a sense

of comfort.

I replace the map and continued on down the path. Finally, I arrived at a

clearing. This clearing was filled with large brightly colored mushrooms. I

moved into the center of them. The spot where the light was the brightest. Isat down upon one of them. Angelina poked her head out of my pocket and



looked around. She then flew out of my pocket and began to dance around

on them. I set about preparing the noontime meal. We finished our lunch

and gathered everything together. I consulted the maps and compass. I

knew that I would have to cross this field of mushrooms. I got up and started

across the field. I had once again arrived at the forest's edge. Once again,Angelina dove into my pocket. I now understood her fear I mustard up my

courage and started into the forest.

This side was darker than the other side. The light rays where this frequent.

I hurried my steps. My heart was racing and my breath came hard and fast.

Suddenly, I was clear of the forest and beheld a magnificent sight. I had

arrived on top of a ridge that overlooked a beautiful and vibrant village. I

was in total awe.

Angelina peeked out of my pocket. She flew across the field and started

buzzing around an old man. I rushed over just in time to catch the old man

before he fell. "Thank you, kind sir." he said "Angelina was just overly

excited to see me and I total was lost in my own thoughts. She simply caught

me off guard."

Angelina started talking to the old man about her journey. The old man had

to tell her several time to slow down. I knew then that they had been friends

for awhile. I let them chat among themselves while I checked the map. Inoticed I had arrived at the end of the map. But somehow, I knew it was not

the end of the journey. The old man turned to me and said, "Do me a favor

friend, please taker her home to her family. I lover her like a sister, but it will

be dark soon and it would be safer in her home then out her."

I nodded and walked over to Angelina. I caught her and held her firmly. "It is

time to go home now. The map I have does not show me where to go next.

So I have to count on You."

She nodded, "No worries, I'll show you." She flew off ahead of me.

The old man grabbed my arm and said, "I will travel with you as far as I can,

for I too must be getting home as well. My home is on the way."

Me and the old man walked side by side across the field toward a pass that

had been craved into the mountain. We talked about my journey and he

talked about his wife and children. All the while Angelina was happily flying

ahead of us. I know not how long, but it seemed to be not long enough. Wearrived in a clearing. The old man stopped in the middle of the clearing.



"I must go this way," he pointed in a direction to the west, "you must go in

there," and he pointed to an opening in the mountain, "It was a pleasure

talking with you and thank you for walking with me to this point."

"I enjoyed the company as well." I replied.

Angelina was fluttering impatiently by the opening of the cave. I walked over

to her and motioned for her to show me the way. We walked in to the cave.

There was a light shining in from an opening in the ceiling and there

appeared to be a path leading downwards toward another opening. I

followed Angelina and the path and I was just about to the other opening

when I heard a noise coming out of the shadows. I stopped where I was and

looked around. There was a huge dragon walking slowly out of the shadows.

I was momentarily frozen in fright, gut Angelina dart right over to thatdragon. I was absolutely horrified. Then I saw that she was kissing him on

his head and messing with his scales.

I walked slowly over to the dragon. When I got closer the dragon spoke to

me. "You must be Cara. I have heard many wonderful things about you.

Welcome to our forest, enjoy your stay. You are free to leave whenever you

wish. If you wish to at all."

I was stunned for a moment. "Thank you." That was all I could say.

Angelina came over and gently tugged on my ear and pointed to the

opening. I nodded my head and followed her out of the opening. I know find

myself in the midst of the same village that i had seen from the ridge above.

A older fairy came up to me. "I am Angelina's father. As i promised, I will

now give you your reward. Please follow me."

I followed the tiny fairy through the village. We came to a cottage. This

cottage appeared to have been recently built. "Open the door Cara.Angelina exclaimed in excited voice." I did what she asked. I walked inside

the cottage. I noticed there were no personal effects anywhere. The only

thing was the furniture. "This is all yours." said Angelina. I stood there in a

state of shock.

"This is way to much." I said.

The old fairy came up to me and said, "This is the forest that you have

searched for all your life. This has been your dream. It was you who calledto Angelina to come find you. Angelina did find you and together you have



made it back here. This will be your new home. You can stay as long as you

want. You can leave when you want. Take your time and look around. You

have many gifts that you can use to help all of us. It is not important how we

know these things about you but know this we know."

I could say little else. I had no response to him. I did thank him and and set

out to discover this new place. The more I discovered. There more I realized I

know was home.

Documents

The Magical Forest - Gothic