This thread is closed to <font color=skyblue>Legolas</font>, <font color=cyan>Cyril Darkcloud</font> and ... *drumroll*... myself [img]tongue.gif[/img] Tis a folk tale that we’ll be attempting, and I think I speak for all of us that we’re looking forward to a leisurely run story that is not only fun to weave, but makes a decent read ;)

With the introductions out of the way, here we go :D

Misty

Faster, silly feet! Faster!

Her eyes twinkle as she half breaks into a run, a comical grin on her ruddy, round face. A short bow on her left hand, arrows neatly tucked behind her back and her free hand clenching and unclenching from excitement.

I’m free! I’m free!

In a feverish trance, she continues on her path, her bright eyes taking in the everchanging landscape with delight. Gaping at the glittering green of the fields, she opens her mouth to inhale the fresh air, allowing it to fill her lungs deeply and almost bursting them. The world is huge by her standards and she gapes at the towering trees, never intimidated but fascinated by their sinewy branches and whispering leaves.

Oh, boy! Adventures here I come! ~ She gradually slackens her pace, aware of her protesting feet ~ Who will I meet? What will I meet? Where will I end up? How will I prove to be the heroine of all time? ~ Such are her happy thoughts as she whistles to herself softly, the radiant glow never leaving that ruddy, round face.

In the distance, the sun shoots her a warning in the form of a dark orangey glare.

So you’re issuing an ultimatum, huh? ~ She sticks her tongue out defiantly at it, advancing towards it stubbornly for a while and then relenting ~ Ah well… I’ll deal with you tomorrow. ~ Espying a rather safe-looking spot, she heads towards it and sits herself comfortably upon the dry ground.

This is the life… ~ Humming gently, she swings forward her knapsack and opens it, drawing out the food ration for the day. Somehow, the food smells especially delicious and she tucks in, allowing herself to become intoxicated with such a lovely setting.

Maybe I’ll meet…ZZZzzzzzzzzzzz… ~ Before she realises it, off she has leapt, into another adventure – the world of dreams…

Golas

"Hush!", Golas growled. "Don't tell anyone I'm here, okay?"
The old badger he was talking to gave him a stern look, but eventually agreed and disappeared underground.

The gnome let out a merry laugh, only to scare himself with the volume, and he self-consciously clapped his hands to his mouth. Golas sat quietly, waiting what seemed like hours for signs of pursuit. When he heard nothing, the little gnome shrugged and got to his feet.

He had to find a safe place to hide in now, because people were probably looking for him and he didn't know if Mr. Badger wasn't going to tell anyone afterall. Not that his family would be angry with him, they were real nice. But he wanted to see the world before he was a hundred, and he knew they wouldn't let him. And though people at home were nice, he'd just about seen things there.

With a serious expression on his face, he tried to clamber up a tree. Despite several determined attempts, he eventually had to admit defeat when the rough bark made his hand bleed. The branches stood just a bit too far apart for the little guy.

Just as he gave up trying, the badger appeared again, and told Golas he could stay the night with him. He smiled and clapped his hands in joy at the prospect of sleeping in a burrow.
Resting his head on the creature, Golas the Gnome fell asleep in minutes.

<font color=thistle>First light. It is the hour of bird song and the time when darkness drains from the sky. It is time for waking and it is time for his stiff joints to speak their painful reminders of his age. Almost fifty. An old man in a world that prizes youth. A tired man feeling his age. A man too old to be sleeping out of doors on damp ground. A man with eyes that have seen too much to simply open in wonder at the rising reddish gold of dawn. Still it is a pleasant sight, this rising of the sun, and life has taught him at least this much -- that a quiet and pleasant moment is a thing to be appreciated even when one's limbs are stiff with soreness and age. The lingering embers from last night’s fire are soon kindled into a small blaze sufficient for the heating of a pot of water. As the stiffness begins to leave his limbs he looks quietly out where the road is just becoming visible in the distance. The miles that lie ahead of him are many.</font>

Misty

<font color=white>This is a most serious matter, Misty.</font>

Grimly, she faces her surroundings, her pace much slower than that of the past glorious day. Taking a step, then another. A perturbed frown forms upon her pouty lips. The pert little nose sniffs the air suspiciously and she takes a good look around. To the casual observer, she would appear to be hunting for something… precious.

<font color=white>How could you not remember that dream?!</font> ~ That voice… it can only mean one thing… the attack has sprung. Alas, that she is so ill-equipped!

<font color=gold>B…but…</font>

<font color=white>No ‘but’s. I am VERY DISAPPOINTED in you. I expected MORE from you, who pride yourself on your WITS and INTELLIGENCE. See how they have abandoned you in your time of urgent need.</font> ~ The rebuff is insufferable; her feathers ruffle even as she desperately gathers her defences ready.

With her sternest voice now… <font color=gold>I don’t see how wits and intelligence have ANYTHING to do with this. It’s a MEMORY problem, Miss Critical.</font> ~ Her eyes narrow and she halts in her path, fists tightly clenched ~ <font color=gold>It’s not urgent and … </font> ~ With a triumphant ring in her soundless voice ~ <font color=gold>ABOVE ALL… it is ONLY a DREAM…</font>

<font color=white>Ah… a dream now, yes… but what if it were some ENORMOUS, IMPORTANT SECRET that only you – O superior MISS HEROINE - were entrusted with?</font> ~ That fiendish chuckle; how she hates it! ~ <font color=white>What then, oh mighty CHAMPION, if you were to forget it?</font> ~ It is truly unbearable, this condescending voice running a claw along her tenderest spot.

Gritting her teeth ~ <font color=gold>I’ll worry about that when it happens.</font> ~ She exhales a cool breath of air, her hazel brown eyes almost freezing momentarily ~ <font color=gold>It’s NOT TIME TO WORRY YET, I’ll thank you very much.</font> ~ Gathering courage, she perseveres, pushing her line of attack through ~ <font color=gold>Now if you’ll excuse me, I have FAR MORE IMPORTANT issues to deal with. Like my GREAT BIG ADVENTURE. Shoo! Shoo!</font>

With that, she breaks into a gallop, defying the protesting and railing cries behind her.

<font color=gold>Faster, silly feet! Faster!</font>…

[ 10-25-2002, 01:54 AM: Message edited by: mistral4543 ]

Golas

The young gnome awoke when his pillow stirred beneath him, and Golas quickly sat up and rubbed the sleep from his eyes. As he crawled out of the burrow on hands and feet, he suddenly saw the sun shining down on him.
He rarely got to go to the surface during daytime, and now that he saw it looked so pretty he wondered why.

Not for long though, as his tummy started making funny sounds. He looked around for something to eat, but couldn't find anything. The gnome was a bit thirsty too.

He walked a while looking for bread or something to grow from trees, but all he found was a really big bug. So he followed it on its way over the forest floor, until it disappeared down a tiny hole. The hole made him think of home, and suddenly he remembered people could be looking for him.

All thoughts of food and water forgotten, he ran straight ahead as far as his legs would go. Then he sat down, letting himself fall on his gnomish bottom to make the ground go "poof!".

But the whole time he sat resting and listening, he couldn't hear anyone coming. He laughed, sure as he was that he had escaped.

<font color=thistle>The stones of the hillside are sharp and he moves carefully around them as he descends. The light of morning now fully dominates the sky and his eyes open a bit wider to take in the colors of dawn. Soon he reaches the road and with a steady and measured gait he walks along it, the striking of the hard soles of his boots and the rhythmic thumping of his stave upon the packed earth the only sounds he makes.</font>

Misty

When finally her lungs are about to wave the flag of surrender, she emits a croak, gasping and choking. Bending over, she presses her hands upon her knees, trying to recover some rhythm of breath. The light in her shining eyes wavers a little as she purses her lips, considering her next path. Looking back, all she sees are the woods that have embraced her to lovingly for the whole morning.

The churning of her stomach marks the announcement of noon, and the need for a hearty lunch. Almost instinctively, her hands have reached to open the knapsack, yet this time, the rations for the day seem a little less appetising than before.

Surely there must be some civilisation around here... ~ A furrow forms on her brows momentarily, then dissipates just as suddenly ~ And where there is civilisation... preferably humankind... a feast awaits! ~ Her right hand patting her growling stomach consolingly, she whispers coaxingly ~ "Just a little longer now, dear tummy. Surely a scumptious meal is worth a little wait?" ~ And her tongue runs over her lower lip, partly to moisten her parched lips.

Nodding to herself solemnly, she draws in another deep breath and resumes her brisk foray into the unknown, in search of adventure and good food.

Golas

Still grinning, young Golas got to his feet and started walking in a random direction. Now that he was safe, he could go everywhere he wanted to! But the young gnome had only walked for a few minutes when he realised the landscape was hardly changing.

He wanted to see the world; all the wonders and beautiful places and strange animals he'd heard of. But if all the world looked like the forest, there was nothing to see at all!

Suddenly, Golas halted in his tracks. He gasped even as his eyes became bigger than they were already. It was all a big joke! All the big people at home said there was lots to seein the world outside, but there was nothing!

He should've figured it out before. All those stories they told him were made up, and now he'd walked right into the ultimate joke! He supposed it was kind of funny, but he didn't like being at the wrong end. Luckily he left before he turned a hundred, so all the other gnomes didn't wait for him behind a big tree or rock to jump out and laugh at him. At least he walked into it when they weren't looking.

Now that he knew for sure there was nothing to do here, he just wanted to go home. Golas was hungry, tired and made fun of, and there was nothing fun to see or do at all. He turned to the direction he thought the village was in and started walking again, his vision turning blurry as tears filled his eyes.

<font color=thistle>There is a curious sameness about roads despite the varied countrysides through which they pass. There is a directness and purposefulness about them. They exist solely to facilitate movement from one place to another. For now he is alone on this quiet and purposeful line of hard packed earth for it is very early in the day. Soon enough, in another mile or so perhaps, he will see other travelers. Greetings may or may not be exchanged in accord with the minor rituals of travel, but be that as it may, he will continue to walk alone.</font>

Misty

Oh dear... ~ As she pants in her run, she eyes the surroundings somewhat dismally ~ I'm sorry, dear tummy... but, I didn't mean it. ~ An involuntary gasp for air ~ I didn't know there weren't any taverns around now, did I?

The sun is smiling upon her, however, and she beams back, shielding her face with her right arm as she addresses him.

"You wouldn't happen to know where I can find a decent meal, would you?"

Turning a full round, she blinks rapidly. ~ Why does everything look so... similar? ~ She walks on, clutching her short bow and half-fighting the wave of doubt washing her heart ~ How am I going to find adventure in all this greenery?

Overhead, a flight of ravens passes and she swallows a gulp ~ Don't be a baby, Misty. You know this is what you want. ~ Yet curiously, she finds her vision slightly blurred by the film forming over her glistening eyes.

This is ridiculous. Getting all so sentimental just because you're hungry. ~ Rubbing her eyes peevishly, she continues on her brisk walk, ignoring all other thoughts that seek to pervade her mind..

Golas

The forest floor was rising almost imperceptably as Golas shuffled on. If the scenery were changing now, he didn't notice. His mind felt numb, and it was all he could do to place one foot in front of the other and keep moving.

He almost bumped into the tree before he spotted it. It was a really, really big one, all silver and white instad of brown. The gnome rubbed the tears from his eyes with his fists, so he could see what colour the top was.

Golas took the break as an oppertunity to look around, and discovered that it was actually a lot different from where he was before. At first he was alarmed. This wasn't the way home! Now he was lost too!

But then he realised what it really meant. There actually was a big world! He had to laugh at the big people now. They thought they were fooling people when they told their stories of a really big world, but there actually was one! He could hardly wait to go back home and laugh at them right in their gnomish faces, but first he had to explore the world. He would be the first gnome ever to discover the world, and everyone would remember the name Golas. Mommy would be ever so proud as well!

Feeling much better than mere minutes before, the young gnome bounded off into the new directions the woods were taking him.

<font color=thistle>The hours have passed with a pleasant swiftness today. There is a mild warmth about the air and an understated brightness about the sunlight. Indeed, so pleasant has the morning’s walking been that he scarcely feels the need to rest. He smiles. Indeed, he could easily press forward but he has grown old past the point of such relentless purposefulness. No, far better to simply be purposeful and to leave the relentlessness to those with the energy for such things. Leaving the road he seeks out a small copse of trees. He pulls a book out of his pack and that he might read a little while as he eats a simple lunch.</font>

Misty

<font color=gold>Food... food...</font>

She grimaces as the hours pass, reluctantly pulling a berry off the nearby shrub and popping it into her mouth sadly ~ <font color=gold>This isn't exactly very filling...</font> ~ As if on cue, her tummy begins to roar indignantly, making her half-jump with its intensity.

<font color=white>Take your ration for the day, dummy.</font>

<font color=gold>I don't want to, don't want to!</font> ~ Her ruddy face creases for a moment ~ <font color=gold>I don't want to keep eating the same old thing two times in a row and besides... I might need it in an emergency.</font>

Another growl, followed by a snicker. ~ <font color=white>Oh, so this isn't an emergency, eh?</font> ~ <font color=gold>Oh, shut up!</font> ~ Sighing resignedly, she lowers herself onto the ground and opens the knapsack. Moodily eyeing the ration, she sighs again and begins to chew on it thoughtfully and slowly, letting it last for as long as it can.

<font color=gold>Just when am I ever going to bump into other adventurers out here, anyway?</font> ~ Her eyes darken for a moment ~ <font color=gold>It's no fun travelling alone... not for long.</font>

<font color=white>Well now, that depends, Misty dear... no, don't shake your head or glare at me so. Consider the situation. IF you did meet a BOSOM COMPANION, then yes, t'would be a great bonus, making merry and fighting evil together for a worthy cause...</font>

<font color=gold>Exactly what I meant! Now where do I...</font>

<font color=white>Please, Misty, let me finish! *Cough* *Cough* Where was I?... Right... but if you were to meet a BIG GROUCH or a DEVILISH COMPANION, that wouldn't be much fun, would it?</font>

<font color=gold>Well, some company is better than none...</font>

Finding herself yawning, she tries to shift herself into a more alert position. But strangely enough, the sky seems to darken and a mist form before her very eyes.

<font color=gold>Wha...</font>

Less than a minute later, the halfling lass has huddled into a heap, snoring softly in her sleep.

[ 11-03-2002, 09:27 PM: Message edited by: mistral4543 ]

Golas

He was now running beneath the strangest trees he'd ever seen in all his ninetynine years. Many of the were the silver-grey of the one he'd bumped into earlier, and they had really big leaves which looked almost like hands. Some of them were so silver they seemed almost to shine with a pale blue light.

Other trees seemed more normal, the bark coloured brown. Their leaves, though,
were almost certainly magical. Black on one side, and white on the other, it seemed to the gnome as if they were the coins of fate. Each time a gust of wind hit one of these trees, some leaves would come loose and fall to the ground. Which side faced upward in the end was impossible to predict.

Just between these two types, they left the forest floor covered in a chaotic mosaic of greens and blacks and whites. Golas paused on more than one occasion to examine it closer.

Eventually, the trail he followed steepened as it crawled up a hill, one of the highest points in the region. Golas figured he could see more of the world from up high, so he charged forward.

It was steeper than he thought, and by the time the young gnome reached the top, he was too tired to look around properly, or find a safe place to rest. He just curled up near the foot of a really big tree and fell asleep, one thumb in his mouth.

<font color=thistle>His hour of rest passes quickly and with a sigh he closes his book, shoulders his pack and walks back to the road. The hard soles of his boots strike the packed earth of the road and begin to move in the vigorous but unhurried pace of legs that have walked many miles and that have many more yet ahead of them.</font>

Misty

<font color=silver>"Be good, Misty!"</font> ~ Her mother's face was crumpling and she impulsively threw her arms around her, hugging her. ~ <font color=indianred>"I will, Mummy... don't you worry..."</font> ~ She broke into a bright smile ~ <font color=indianred>"Think of all the gifts I'll be bringing back to you!"</font>

She heard the sniffle as she began walking away, never turning back. Heroines just moved on, they didn't wait for things to happen, and she was sure that if she looked back, this would certainly be the result. ~ <font color=indianred>"Bye, Mummy!"</font> ~ She repeated, her big silly feet shuffling along and the short bow swinging precariously from her shoulder...

In reality, a goofy grin had crept onto the halfling's round face, and dimples appeared on her cheeks. She stirred slightly, then turned to her side and drifted on in her siesta.

<font color=yellow>"Is that all you're doing, Misty Burrfoot?"</font> ~ The disgusted voice could be none other than Bearnshaw's ~ <font color=yellow>"Sleep and eat all day? Why, you could do that back here at home!"</font> ~ <font color=indianred>"Aww... stop it, Bearnshaw, stop your grumbling! You're just plain jealous!"</font> ~ She stuck out her tongue at him, then gave an involuntary scream as he grabbed her and gave her a big hug ~ <font color=indianred>"Hey, put me down! Right now!"</font>

<font color=yellow>"Why can't you be a good girl and marry me?"</font> ~ The equally chubby boy sulked ~ <font color=yellow>"Why do you have to leave me and you Mummy and everyone you love on an adventure? It's not fair!"</font> ~ Gingerly, she pulled away from him, her eyes nevertheless twinkling ~ <font color=indianred>"I want to see the world, you silly boy. And just because you can't, you want to tie me down. Well, no way, Bearnshaw... no way!"</font> ~ And she skipped away merrily, ignoring his rants.

<font color=yellow>"One day, Misty Burrfoot... one day, you'll listen to everything I say, so there!"</font> ~ To which she laughed, running away, running off to her heart's delight...

In reality, she began to giggle softly, her eyelids now on the verge of fluttering open. Bearnshaw did have a point, despite his little tantrums.

Too much sleep and food didn't spell well for heroines.

Golas

When he finally woke and sat up, the small rodents who'd been sitting around watching him scattered in all directions. His tummy rumbled as Golas rubbed the crust from his eyes. He was still too sleepy to notice though.

He got to his feet and took a few uncertain steps. He couldn't figure out why, but he felt a lot less energetic than yesterday. Nonetheless the little guy was determined to see the world noone in his village had ever seen before.

But the view from the hilltop was wonderful. Looking from left to right, Golas could see the trees shift from one type and shade to another. He saw a few giant puddles spread out between them, and was pretty sure they were called ceans in the stories. There was also something of a road cutting through the trees, several in fact. On the one nearest to him, he thought he could see something move.

Golas half tumbled down the hill trying to hurry down. It felt like he ran for an hour when he finally spotted the road ahead of him. It was more of a path really. He paused to catch his breath before he'd step out on it. It was a pretty long pause.

He walked alongside the road for a time, until he spotted the figure he'd seen before further away. From where he was, it looked like another gnome. Someone was trying to beat him to it and discover the world first! He knelt down behind some low brush to wait and watch this other person.

<font color=thistle>The afternoon sun is bright and warm and the heat of its yellow light proves to be a pleasant companion as he walks. The end of the day shall find him much closer to his destination. Indeed, with luck, he can make the verge of the wood by the falling of the sun. Absently his hand reaches to the pouch at his waste which contains the letter of title. The life of a forester will suit him well after these long years of wandering. He smiles. The world is indeed a broad and mysterious place, but he has seen his fill of it. And while, as the saying goes, one cannot go home again, one might perhaps make a home for oneself at the end of his travels</font>

Misty

Her pink tongue characteristically sticking out from the left side of her lips, she now strides forward, a sense of purpose hugging her tightly so that she almost gasps for breath.

Bearnshaw must NEVER have an excuse to mock me when I return... why, I'd just love to see his lower jaw hit the ground and maybe his eyeballs kind of pop out the way my wooden doll did... and what would he say if I oh-so-casually mentioned I'd killed a LICH singlehandedly?... Oh, boy...oh, boy, oh, boy...

The round face is positively beaming at the prospect of danger and death, and the feet no longer seem as silly as before. The sun is waving at her, the birds are cheering her on... what a difference that siesta had made!

Golas

I am a gnome. I do not move. You cannot see me...

Golas felt almost invisible as he sat behind the low bush, waiting for his rival to come closer, never moving a muscle.

I am a gnome

He was completely focussed on one thing only. He had to do whatever he could to remain hidden. If the other gnome saw him, it'd all be over.

I do not move

The young gnome's rival was closer now, still screened by some trees. But he would be clearly visible any second now. The tension made Golas' bladder give off warning signs, but skilled as he was at hide and seek, he kept things under control.

You cannot...

He finally got a good look at this other who would discover the world first. Despite his best efforts, the sight made him burst out in laughter. Golas knew he had certainly been spotted, but he just kept on laughing.

"You are funny", he managed in Gnomish. "Where...
where is your nose?"

It took him several minutes to bring his laughter down to a huge grin, and realise the noseless gnome didn't seem to understand. He pointed to his own face.

"Nose", he said. Then burst into laughter once again.

Misty

Misty stood watching the pudgy little creature in front of her ~ <font color=gold>Ought I to be angry with him or not?</font> ~ <font color=white>Of course you should; he frightened you, didn't he?</font> ~ The memory of that sudden outpour of derisive laughter still burned her cheeks ~ <font color=gold>Nonsense! No self-respecting halfling would be scared by a few bales of laughter.</font>

All this while, the male seemed to be jabbing his own bulbous nose and pointing at her dainty one. She blinked just once, her lips twitching a little ~ <font color=white>Well, he shouldn't be mocking you at the very least. He's up to no good, you can be sure about that. Show it to him!</font> ~ But she didn't want to, somehow - he seemed like a genuinely harmless though naughty boy.

<font color=gold>There's no need to be so hostile, Misty...</font> ~ But the endless chuckling was annoying. As her nerves wore thinner, she took a deep breath and gazed at his tear-stricken face. It was now or never.

"It's very rude to laugh at others in this way." ~ And she poked him on the chest, just once.

[ 12-17-2002, 02:07 AM: Message edited by: mistral4543 ]

OOC>>> Legolas - If you ever see this... I still wanna RP with you!!! [img]graemlins/crying.gif[/img] I'm so sorry things turned out this way... I'll try to be back when work pressures relent (hopefully in March).

Take care and all the best to you, lil bro!! [img]graemlins/bighug.gif[/img]

Cyril - Thanks for being such a cool erm bro [img]graemlins/bighug.gif[/img] [img]graemlins/cheers.gif[/img]

Golas

The little gnome abruptly stopped smiling and looked at the noseless creature with huge eyes. It wasn't the poke so much as the words she'd said. Golas didn't know what to say in return for a short while.

A pair of birds filled the silence.

"Why do you speak in the grownup secret language," he eventually inquired in Gnomish. "They always use it 'cause they don't think we know what they say, but I know it too."
Semi-proud, he sucked in his tummy and stood relatively tall.
"I'll prove it."

"Where we going tomorrow with kids. Uncle Filben coming to visit."
"See?"

Thumbs hooked into his belt, little Golas looked like he was daring this other to poke him again. An almost threatening appearance which was slightly upset when his stomach roared again.

Misty

His reply came so sudden that she was at a loss for words.

<font color=gold>Uncle Filben? Who on earth is that?</font> ~ Blinking in puzzlement, she felt the creases forming on her forehead even as she continued to stare at the strange little oddball in front of her.

A moment passed and she opened her mouth:

"Now just sl..."

It was then that the deafening growl interrupted her sentence, thoroughly ruining her stern expression. Lips trembling, she struggled to hold her snickering in check, somewhat succeeding and yet contorting her facial features.

"Slow down, now... who are you? And who is Uncle Filben? And what has he to do with anything?"

Golas

Yes, she was a grown-up allright. Golas was suddenly sure this gnome had been out here for a long time. She was probably thrown out of the village because of her nose and would have had to find her own way to survive. She looked healthy enough though.

And if this lady-gnome had been out here all those years, she had already seen all the world and all Golas would have to do was get her to tell about it. And show her to his parents. Unless they would laugh at her nose, and he knew they would.

"You don't talk Gnomish anymore?" he tried. "Okay, we'll play 'talk like grown-ups'."
Golas grinned.

"I are Golas. Uncle Filben not here. They kick you out of village?"

The young gnome followed this up with a line of gibberish, which he thought sounded very much like 'grown-up talk'. Smiling, he looked at the noseless one, signalling it was her turn now.

Misty

Someone'd better do something fast, or I'll just go crazy with bewilderment!

Everything about this male was peculiar. That lumpy nose resembling her favourite potato... the roly-poly body... even his language sounded foreign, with his improper use of the tenses.

Taking another look at him, she discovered the spark in his eyes that could only be a childish delight at being out in the open for the first time. Why... he's just like me! And probably lost! ~ But there was a slight problem; he was too young. ~ How can I find out what he wants and where he intends to go? He doesn't seem comfortable with the common tongue and well... I don't know what he was talking about earlier, so he can't be halfling...

There was only one way out for now. Smiling almost timidly, she extended her right arm and held out her right hand.

"Friends?"

Golas

The little gnome blinked once, twice, at this queer creature's word and gestures. He did miss his family just a little bit, and felt hungry and alone when he thought about it. And discovering the world wouldn't be half the fun it would be with someone to watch him as he did so. Besides, despite her poking him, she seemed nice enough, kind of like an older sister.

"Okay, friends," Golas said smiling.
"Who are you?"

Right as he said those words, something else struck the young one's mind. Was she here to take him home? Much as he liked the prospect of being home again, he also wanted very much to stay out here and see what he could. If she was sent by his family that would be all over as they'd keep a close eye on him from then on.

But he also remembered the nose. This one was just like him, only different. She wouldn't take him home, they would do lots of fun things instead!

In his glee, his extended hand began to glow. Golas held it horizontally, and with a *poof* a purple-coloured miniature badger appeared. He stared at it a moment, but then it exploded in a million pieces, which vanished before he even realised what was happening. The gnome's high-pitched laughter rang through the forest air.

Misty

The 'O' in her mouth remained hanging long after the purple fumes had vaporised and the peals of laughter rang in her ears. Sniffling once, she gradually found herself "loosening up" (as the others would say back home) and took a step back, still holding the boy's hand subconsciously.

Right at this moment, a disgruntled growl emitted from her tummy and her cheeks reddened.

"Let's find some food, alright?" And she adopted her most sisterly tone, giving him an encouraging smile.

Golas

He nodded eagerly at the prospect of food. If anyone knew where to find it, it was his nameless friend who'd lived out here forever. Just the two of them, and loads of animals, in a world which was as large as the sky. And noone even knew about it!

Thinking on how silly the big people were at home, how they thought up stories of an outside world when there was a real one to see, made him giggle.

But what if they had really seen it? And all Garls and Baervans adventures had taken place in this very world? Golas couldn't wait for the sights they'd see, he and his friend, together.

Following the noseless gnome, he left the bush to step out on the road. It wasn't a road, really, so much as a path. A wildlife trail left by some huge animal, like a deer. Or bigger.

"Are Golas looking for berry bushes or little gnome home," he asked.

Misty

So that was it... he's a gnome... ~ And instantly, she found herself severely embarassed at this sign of true ignorance. But, as she reasoned, if I didn't come out here, I'd be even more ignorant! ~ A triumphant smile lit up her face and she hurried over to her new friend.

"Berry bushes sounds about right, erm..." ~ Raising her right hand to scratch her head rather ruefully ~ "Erm... what IS your name again?" ~ A sheepish grin crept to her lips ~ "Mine's Misty. You know, fog and vapours and stuff."

[ 02-19-2003, 09:27 AM: Message edited by: mistral4543 ]

Golas

So it was Misty. He could see her just fine, but the gnome had to admit vision was a bit blurry off in the distance.

"I are Golas," he repeated.

After thinking a moment, he added: "Like the icky stuff that stays long times. Only shorter."

He offered another grin, and as he turned, something half-hidden behind the tall trees caught his eye.

"Yummy berries!" he exclaimed, pointing at a bush carrying the bright red food.

Misty

"What are we waiting for then, Golas?" ~ She chuckled, grabbing him by his pudgy fingers and almost tugging him along as she scampered in the direction of the bushes. Barely keeping her drool to herself as she eyed the globules of delectable fruit, she began to pluck them, daintily wiping the dirt off on her tunic before eating them.

No doubt about it, they were truly yummy. And they tasted so much sweeter in the company of one who understood the value of ADVENTURE. They munched on in silent satisfaction, till the growls in their bellies gradually faded and were replaced by a contented 'BURP'.

"Well now, where shall we go?" ~ The spark in her eyes had returned ~ "I don't suppose we should go home - wherever that is. I want to see the world, Golas. And I can tell, you feel the same." ~ She peered closely into his eyes ~ "Any ideas?"

Golas

Where was he going? To see the world, of course. But where to first? It didn't really matter, and at the same time it made all the difference. He would see it all, unless he could not decide. Then he'd just stay in the one same place forever.

Golas knew he wanted to go as far from home as possible, as quickly as possible. Unfortunately, he could only remember where the high hill was he'd slept on for a while. But since it was still quite close to home, he figured farther from the hill was farther from the village.

So did they take the deer path or go between the trees?
Faster movement in roughly the right direction, or a more difficult trip going from the hill in a straight line. It was not a difficult question for a young gnome.

Golas pointed to the trees.
"We go that way?" he asked Misty.

After all, he wanted adventure and exploration. Huge animals had already been using the easy path for a long time. The black and white pattern of the leaves scattered on the ground, on the other hand, looked to be untouched by almost any being.

Misty

She looked in the direction the young gnome was pointing ~ Well, well, that's as good as any other path we'll come across... why not humour the little fellow? ~ Already she felt the air of possessiveness invading her heart as she darted a quick glimpse at his childlike rapture.

He can have his fun, but he can't be counted on to take care of himself, that's for sure. ~ Subconsciously, her hold on his right hand tightened.

"Alright then, Golas. That way we shall go, but don't you go running off without me. Understood?" ~ Despite the stern tone of her voice, one could see in her solemn expression that she intended to protect him with her very life.

Golas

The young gnome nodded solemly, dish-like eyes and smears of berry juice around his mouth making it a unique sight. Golas didn't think there was anything in the world that could harm him, except for his mommy and grans, but they could be real nice too. But if that was what Misty wanted, he'd try not to wander of too far.

As they walked over the seemingly never-ending carpet, there were squirrels watching them.
"Come on!," he shouted to one of the creatures, who dropped a large nut in fright. "We're going everywhere and there's lots of food there!"

The animal jumped from it's brance and ran down it's tree face-first, halting inches above the ground. After some further encouragement, it decided to follow Misty and Golas around.

As they walked, the party grew, until the floor was crawling with squirrles and you had to watch where you put your feet so you wouldn't step on one by accident. Golas was having a wonderful time hopping his way through the swirling mass.

Turning back to Misty, he told her "Don't worry, they isn't bite!"
To demonstrate, he picked one up and placed it on his head where it messed up his dirty and tangled hair even more.
"See?"

Misty

Misty stood where she was, her lips trembling and her eyes wide open. Surely this was not the great adventure that she was seeking? A dance with these bushy-tailed rodents was all very well, but daring swordfights awaited them. Why, they could be robbed of their only chance to kill whatever enemy was left for them! Unless, of course, their enemy was this bunch of merry squirrels...

He is young, Misty... have a heart, and let him have his fun. And you ought to, you know... this could be your last chance of a carefree frolic before your life is rudely ended by some unexpected blow from your foes...

Could it be that they would have enemies, she wondered. Adults did not seem to take her seriously, and she imagined Golas was worse off. Perhaps they would be sneered at, poked, ruffled... anything but treated as equals in combat. The thought brought a frown to her lips.

Around her, she heard the birds singing, the scurrying of tiny feet and a few squeaks. This peaceful scene... surely I ought savour it, just as I would any moment of my life.

Abandoning herself momentarily to humour her new friend, she bent down and gently pressed a forefinger to the tiny nose of a squatting squirrel.

"Alright, then. Let's see you perform some dance for me." And she stuck her tongue out impertinently at the rodent.

Golas

The runaway gnome laughed aloud at the squirrel's startled response.
"He is think you wants to eat him!", he screamed, pointing at the fluffy little creature with a smile from ear to ear.

When the rodent recovered from the initial shock, it took two bold steps towards Misty and said something in squirreltalk that made Golas fall on his back and roll around nearly choking in fun.

Much to the dismay of the other creatures, who didn't appreciate the noise nor the almost being turned into a hairy pancake by the Golas<tt>tm</tt> rolling pin.

Aside from one individual still desperately clinging to Golas' head, they gathered around Misty and her chesnut 'dancing partner'. One of them produced a pawful of corn, which it generously shared with the other squirrels.

Golas, still trying to catch his breath, pushed himself up into a sitting position and watched as well. [i]Is she going to take that from a squirrel?" he wondered...

Misty

She watched almost helplessly as Golas rolled about the ground, half-spluttering at her current predicament ~ A squirrel offering me some food?! ~ Nothing seemed to make sense in this strange little wood ~ If I didn't know better, I'd think that these rodents are trying to find some amusement from me and little Golas here...

Her gnomish companion seem unperturbed by this turn of events; in fact, he seemed very delighted. Probably this was one of the joys and adventures he had been seeking since he first left the safety of his home.

Pursing her lips for a moment, she eyed the nut dubiously, a crease forming on her forehead. ~ "Well then... I guess, I accept." ~ She spoke solemnly, her hand reaching out slowly.