Separate Beginning

Chipmunk looking at you by iStockPhoto.com\Grant Wylie

Hurry, hurry, hurry. As I dashed in a flurry, the new voice of the forest queried, "Do you know where every nut is buried?"

Of course, I did. I never get lost and stash snacks all over the forest. Trails made by my paws. Paths worn down by every sort of animal. Roads laid by people. They all lead to somewhere in my mind.

There was a fox. Time for a short stop. It passed by. No sense getting eaten if I can avoid that pox. Now, I needed to hurry, hurry, hurry over the next log with a hop.

The voice whispering through the leaves needed my help. Her friend lost his way and had an important place to be. With the path cleared, I dashed ahead. I knew all the trails.

It was dark. The rain poured down. A bright light and then a clap of thunder interrupted my run. Take cover, take cover, I took cover. After a few minutes, it was fine. "Don't worry," I told the whispers. "I don't get lost."

Through the forest I ran until the whispers on the leaves gasped. The breeze puffed and stuttered. I ducked under leaves, sensing danger. People walked by. These weren't friends. The forest recoiled from their steps. I hoped they weren't going to the ruins but understood this might be why the friend was needed. Great allies, but you had to be careful with people, only certain ones could be friends.

"Don't worry," I told to the wind. "I don't get lost"

That was how I found you Peggie!" the Chipmunk explained. The magical incantation from the towering person transformed the chirps and squeaks of the chipmunk into words.

"Daisy, now we know your name and how you got here. We are ready to follow you to the ruins." Peggie looked around at her companions. They nodded. Daisy had come to find Will, his connection to nature had always been strong.

Will put his hand on Peggie's arm. "I heard the whispers this chipmunk described, but I couldn't understand what they were saying. Thank you."

Daisy scurried around Peggie's feet and paused in front of her to ask, "By the way, what do ruins look like?"