Episode 2: The Wood in Danger
Instead of a normal dream , Loveday was reliving a similar dream that showed her the Farthing animals' downfall. She considered she was inside Stonehenge the legendary stone circle of England where magic and sorcery occurred. She soon noticed a beautiful large tree standing in the centre of the circle, covered in colourful flowers.
The environment itself was glowing heavenly like the landscape on Pandora from the film Avatar. From the grass on the ground to the clouds in the sky.
"This isn't Stonehenge, it hasn't got a tree" she thought out loud. I don't remember grandma teaching me stuff like this. I mean… I did have apprehensions that universal worlds existed, but this is absurd." She said, while admiring the beautiful scenery around her.
"You're in 'The Dimension'" a soft voice declared. It was a strange creature, lounging on a branch inside the main heart of The Great big Tree. Loveday approached it cautiously and looked up.
Loveday could've sworn it was Fox on the branch above , but she was mistaken. Instead his fur was silver like starlight, with illuminating gold eyes like a crown on a king's head. "Come forward child, don't be afraid" he proclaimed warmly.
Being startled by this new animal. Loveday motioned herself towards this bizarre beast, until she recognized the familiarity in his voice.
"Hey! you're the voice from my ring I heard in my dream before. Who are you?" She asks.
"My name is Kell the spirit fox. I heard your cries for help, so I found you and lifted you to safety." he said bowing politely "You're very lucky to be here you know. Only bearers of sacred crystals like you are granted membership in this place"
Lovedays heart froze, this was a-lot for her to take in all of a sudden.
"A sacred crystal?" She murmurs looking at her ring as her hand is shaking."W-what are you talking about? I never saw you saving me. What's all this got to do with me being with the Farthing animals?"
"Don't forget what I've shown you already. The powers hidden inside your ring will unlock soon. And you must prepare yourself to use it for the Farthing animals. When the time comes, you'll understand why" Kell said getting up. "
"Where are you going? There's so much I want to ask you. Come back"
"I'll see you again soon Loveday and good luck to you!" Kell yells, vanishing out of sight like the Cheshire Cat.
"He knows my name? okay! now I'm going mad" Then Loveday saw the Dimension turning bright like she was swimming beneath says of sunlight in the ocean. It was the same way she left her dream before.
The next morning wasn't a peaceful one. The woodcutters with their chainsaws were sawing all the trees, like a merciless army. Even mother birds evacuated their nests still full of eggs.
Through all the ploughing and digging up the ground, was a tired Toad gasping for air "Not…much further" he says nearly getting crushed by another falling tree.
"I'm sure… I must be…nearly there" he then looks at the forest ahead of himself.
"Yes! This is it, harrharr. This is my place, if I can just…keep going a little… bit longer." He did not know that a clawed hand from a digger was coming at him "I'll soon be… Home and I… Ahhhhhhhh."
The it shovelled the poor Toad up. What was worse, the hand dropped all the dirt along with him down onto a pile, with a rock nearly landing on top of him like a grave on top of a hill. There was no sign of the Toad anywhere after.
Back at Badger's sett.
Loveday struggled to open her eyes; the nest was so comfy that she felt she'd slept for a hundred years. But she knew you just had to wake up and face reality again as a new day arrived. "I wonder what-"
"WAKEY! WAKEY! - Sleeping beauty! Hahahaha!" shouts a High-pitched voice
"Ah!" Loveday jumps; it was a Weasel, teasing her with such boisterous laughter.
"Ya little pest! Don't you know it's very rude to wake up someone by shouting at them!" Loveday says furiously "You almost gave me a heart attack"
"hahahaha! Well somebody got up on the wrong side of the bed! Get it! Hahaha!" said the Weasel laughing
Loveday desperately held her hands over her ears "Stop it! your hurting my ears, being in noisy public crowds was really hard for me. Now your making me miss it"
"What time do ducks wake up? … at the quack of dawn! Hahahaha!" Weasels humour was now getting on Loveday's nerves.
"Weasel!… enough! I told you to watch her, not wake her up" called out Badger, who came into the nest.
"Sorry, I thought she was a sleeping lion, hahahaha" joked Weasel
"Good morning Badger. Oh my head, what dream that was" said Loveday holding onto her head from exhaustion. "I can't believe I met a real spirit"
"Are you alright Loveday… I say you look as pale as a ghost; did you have a nightmare?" said a worried Badger
"Aye, it's a long story Badger. How did you sleep?" Loveday says getting her hairbrush out from her bag.
"Quite well my dear. Oh I say, what's that you've got" Badger pointing to the spiky object Loveday held.
"This is my hairbrush, watch this" she demonstrates to him how she kept her long blond hair all soft with just a few strokes.
"Rumour has it humans always carry clever things like that" said Badger astonished
Loveday finishes brushing her hair "Aye, I've packed quite a lot of things in my bag"
"What are little girls made of, sugar and spice and all things nice!…that's what little girls are made of! Hahahaha! Sang Weasel, deafening Loveday and Badgers ears.
"Is your name Weasel the worst opera singer, whom everyone avoids" mocks Loveday
"No, I'm Weasel the best singer in all of the world, fancy hearing more?" Weasel blinks like a diva.
"Weasel, you've already ruined poor Lovedays morning enough" supported Badger
"Loveday ,that's a funny name, hahaha"
Loveday was getting angry now. "I'll let you know Weasel; my name means beloved or precious. Besides if you care to listen we have urgent matters to discuss" she scolded
"Quite right, now's not the time to waste." agreed Badger "You know our habitat is shrinking Weasel, we're already in trouble. Which is why our friend Loveday is here to help us. So please treat her with respect." He said acting so kindly like before.
"All right" sighed Weasel "What's in it for me then?"
"How about I give you this" Loveday quickly found some boiled eggs she stored in her bag. Weasels mouth watered and was about to grab in.
"Only if you behave yourself" Loveday says pulling the container out of Weasel's reach.
"I will…I will, promise!" Weasel replies, who soon started devouring away the delicious eggs in her mouth.
Feeling peckish herself. Loveday took out some cold chicken "Here Badger, have some with me" she said offering some.
"Oh no, don't waste your food on poor old me, you'll soon go hungry yourself" Badger exclaims
"Please Badger, you look weak from hunger. I insist it" Loveday says sweetly.
Badger wouldn't refuse such generously offered by a kind human and was soon enjoying the best juicy chicken he'd had in years.
Once everyone had finished their breakfast. They started to climb out of Badgers sett. Loveday was the last to pull herself from beneath a large oak tree and saw that the forest around her was enormously big like a deep jungle.
"Well now, I really am beyond the rainbow." She thought playfully; "I hope Fox is somewhere close-by, just wait till I tell him about my ring… well my sacred crystal. Although it would be wise not to tell him yet"
"Hooooo Hooooo" hooted a tawny owl up a tree. She looked pretty first class and rather wise.
"Oh, it's you Owl" greeted Badger standing up on his two feet.
Owl spoke in an old fashioned way "Who else? I am certainly not a stranger who I've heard is logging here in your sett, for that matter Badger". She was sounding rather surprised to see an off-sized human girl.
"Ah yes… Loveday this is Owl. Don't mind her, she just like to be a bit direct with everyone" said Badger
"How do you do Owl, I'm Loveday" she says curtsying.
"Well about time we've met. Fox told me all about you and how you've entered our domains. I doubted him for making up such a story."
"So, you wanted proof you bundle of feathers. Here she is now" said Weasel "The most beautiful thing this forest has seen in ages unlike some, hahaha!." Weasel presents Loveday to Owl like she was a celebrity
"Weasel don't be rude" scolded Loveday
"So, it happens the humans got manners which I'm pleased to see, is it true you shield an ornament of value, so you can communicate to us" questioned Owl looking rather curious.
"Aye, as it happens I'm a bearer of this sacred pink crystal" Loveday raises her hand for Owl to see it.
"Hmmmm… so you say. Still you are not supposed to mingle with us. Its thanks to your species that Farthing Wood is on the edge of extinction. And us for that matter.
Loveday felt awfully guilty, even an Owl can be so critical.
"Owl no need to be offensive with her. She's only young and I can reassure you that she's here to make peace with us" said Badger standing beside Loveday
"Oh really…hmm" Owl looks at Loveday "and what can you do to prompt my expectations"
"Please let me prove I'm on your side" suggested Loveday to Owl as the ring was glowing dimly "I'm against this whole demolish operation and I want to help"
Owl saw the innocence coated in Lovedays eyes.
"Hmmm… very well, if that's the only solution you suggest" said Owl as she thought loudly to herself "Logically she resembles something inordinary than her own kind, hopefully not to fool us"
"We better set off now" said Badger walking back on all fours.
"How can a Badger be able to stand on two legs like me?" thought Loveday, as they all strolled along the woods with Owl souring ahead of them. Weasel was being quite a chatterbox "So how old are you?" she asks.
"I'm 16 years old, it's the year I become a teenager for the first time."
"Really. And why must you wear such loose skin?"
"You mean my clothes. Well to put it this way, humans don't have fur or feathers to keep them decently covered or warm.
"What about that shell you have on your back?"
"It's called a bag. It keeps my stuff near me whenever I need it, like for example when I gave you and badger my food" Loveday explains
"You fed them your own food? I'd never heard of such an act done by a human" calls Owl on a tree branch waiting for them.
"It's true Owl. Loveday very kindly offered me some meat because I was hungry. She even managed to control Weasel with some boiled eggs." said Badger
"Now that would be something I'd like to see for myself" Owl smiles for the first time.
"I HEARD THAT" shouted Weasel crossly. Loveday tightly gripped on to her giggles.
Owl takes off again "If you'll excuse me, I think a saw a mouse to catch"
"Oh, Owl will catch up eventually. Ah… here we are. Does it all look familiar to you Loveday" said Badger coming to an opening along the path they travelled on.
"Yes Badger, this is where it all started from the beginning" Loveday felt sick, they had arrived back to the construction site where she was chased by the police to her fatal fall.
"Look at this place…just look at it Weasel" said Badger glaring at the sight.
"Hahahaha, doesn't get any better" Weasel laughs
"I don't know what your laughing at" Badger said sarcastically "Loveday why are the humans here?
Loveday recalls from her own experience "They want to build more houses by using unwanted land to save construction money. They don't care that this Land is important to you. And they don't consider its wrong taking over this place."
"How far will they bring this development?" Badger asks concerned
"As I recall reading about it in the newspaper. They said about ummm…600 Acres, that's the same size as Farthing wood itself." said Loveday
Badger sighs "Good lord…"
Owl arrives back holding a mouse in her wing 'How many homes have we lost today owl?" Badger questioned her.
"Half a dozen semi-detached burrows, three fully furnished squirrel holes and at least fifteen immaculately kept nests." calculated Owl
Just then they saw another tree dropped with the sound of a shriek from a unseen bird.
"Um make that sixteen Owl" Loveday whispers correctly.
"I did" Owl says "Sixteen" though Loveday knew Owl didn't.
Badger turns to Weasel "Chopping away at us everyday still they're not satisfied"
"Aye that's it Badger. they don't give up until they are satisfied. Greed that's humans trouble." said Loveday
Weasel gulps "Don't look now they'll be on us any minute, any second" she said nervously
"ah…our days are numbered" Badger grieved to himself
Just then a Kestrel flew down and landed gracefully to them. "Won't be long now…Won't be long now, now that they've filled in the pond" she sang to them.
"The Pond what does she mean?" Loveday murmurs
"It's you!" Kestrel spots Loveday
"Sorry? I don't remember meeting a hawk you before" said Loveday confused
"My name is Kestrel. I saw you enter Farthing wood last night being hunted down by those other humans. Now you're safe and you look smaller, How?"
"It's a long story. What's the news about Farthing pond?" Loveday reminds her
Kestrel turned depressed "It's gone!. I saw it all, the machines filled up the pond until there was nothing left. Now it's long gone forever"
Everyone frowned
"Not Farthing Wood pond!" gasped Owl jaw dropping
"Correct" replies Kestrel flapping towards Owl
"Our last remaining watering hole!" Badger mourned
"Oh no!" cried Loveday feeling ashamed.
"Hard luck on the ducks hahahaha! but were alright. We've still got the stream" said Weasel trying to cheer them up.
"Don't you mean the muddy trickle. Hmmm" turns Badger with Weasel nodding a yes back.
Loveday remembered where the stream was located. Feeling concerned she immediately ran ahead to see if Farthing Wood really was dehydrating everywhere.
"Loveday come back!" calls Badger
"Bye Bye! Hahaha!" said Weasel
Loveday ran through the construction site over to the other side. All the way to a dried-up bank where the stream use to flow. Now it was a tiny string of muddy water.
A thirsty Hedgehog and Rabbit were trying to drink the revolting muddy water, until they noticed her presence.
"Don't Panic!, it's an actual human" Rabbit said worried
"I know that's a human" said the Hedgehog rolling up into a ball
"Look at her size" Rabbit pointed
"I can see that" Hedgehog complained, uncurling himself
Loveday heard them talking in the weeds and saw how thirsty they looked. Taking out a bowl from her bag, she then poured out some fresh water from her flask and pushed the water bowl to them. "Drink. You'll need it more than I do" she told.
Both Rabbit and Hedgehog were soon tempted and came out of the weeds. They began drinking out of her bowl, satisfying their dried throats.
Loveday found a shadow on the ground and looked up; it was Fox, holding his prey and dropping it. "So here you are Loveday" he said surprised
Glad to see him Loveday smiled "Good morning Fox, I personally wanted to thank you again for letting me stay."
Fox seemed shy but Loveday could tell he was happy to see her again "Don't mention it"
"She can speak. I thought humans can't talk to us" said Hedgehog looking up.
"She can and is the bravest person I know to sacrifice all the water in the world for us" Fox said
Loveday blushed at Fox. How did he notice she was offering her last drop of water? Because her flask was now empty.
"Oh yes, don't Panic. She really did give us water" smiled Rabbit pleased
"I never knew humans could be so kind, its thanks to her I fill much better" said Hedgehog delighted
"She even gave me and Badger food for free, hahaha" it was Weasel eavesdropping on them.
"Oh really" said Fox looking impressed at Loveday. "She really does care about those in need before herself" he thought.
"Ah… you here too Fox" Badger says joining them "Just thought we'd wonder down and Um…"
"See the situation!" reminded both Weasel and Loveday together.
"Hmmm, oh yes! For ourselves" Badger remembered
"Doesn't look too good does it, old son… and if those big rains don't come soon. Then our outlooks" said Fox inspecting the sky for any rainclouds.
"Dicey? Hmmm" guessed Badger looking up.
Loveday soon remembered why everything outside was so dry "Oh, I forgot all about the summer drought!" she declares loudly "This is the worst drought by record and the weatherman from the tv said the rain won't come in weeks"
Everyone gasped
"Is this true Loveday" asked Fox with questioning eyes
"Aye sadly" Loveday answers back "This is worst then dicey actually, it's severe"
"You took the words right out of my mouth" said Fox feeling her certitude
"I hear ya Loveday. Looks like we've got a bit of a problem" said Weasel
"And a major one at that" said Badger
"Important enough to warren an assembly I reckon" exclaimed fox
"An assembly Fox!" said Badger stunned
Everyone was quiet, until Weasel as always spoke out first "A get-together for all the animals?" she asks excitedly
"No Weasel. It's not a party, an assembly is where everyone meets for a common purpose. I had to attend them back in my old school" Loveday explains seriously. Weasel frowned.
Feeling positive to this idea Loveday shared her opinion "Fox I think that's a great idea. If you summon everyone who lives here to discuss the situation, then maybe you'll find the answers to the solution by agreeing together" she advised
"Hang on Loveday. Isn't an assembly a bit drastic" Badger said looking unsure.
Fox acknowledged Badgers words "Lovedays making real sense badger, if this isn't drastic?" he said walking up to the trickle.
"Exactly" said Hedgehog
"Then what's the problem with having an assembly?" asks Loveday
"But a Farthing Wood assembly. Why we haven't had one of those in years, they're only ever called when there's ummm" Badger answers
"An Emergency!" sprang forward Weasel
"I call this more than an emergency. Look around you. Farthing wood is dying because of my species cruelty, and if nothings done soon you won't last long yourselves." said Loveday sitting beside Fox and Badger
"Not to put a fine point on it. Lovedays absolutely right. Without more than water, we Animals of Farthing Wood are hardly likely to survive" agreed Fox looking accurate
"Hear hear" cheered Hedgehog
"I mean if Loveday wouldn't call that an emergency, what would you call it? Alice! Hahaha" laughed Weasel
"Very funny" murmured Badger
"Um but if you don't mind my asking, Miss Loveday" said Hedgehog with his paw up.
"Please just call me Loveday" Loveday said
"Oh, pardon me. What will having some assembly achieve?"
"Yes, what can we mere animals do?" asked Rabbit, feeling calmer talking with Loveday.
Loveday couldn't think of a straight answer. "What do you think Fox?"
"I'm not sure yet Loveday, but I reckon that if you and me and Badger and Weasel. Can get every single member of our woodland community together fast… then maybe like you said. One of us might come up with"
"A solution!" Rabbit realised
"Clever clogs, Clever clogs!" praised Weasel, clapping her paws.
"Loveday and Fox are absolutely right everyone. One just can't panic no, no, no, one really has to roll up one's fur and do something." Rabbit says
'RIGHT!" they all responded
"Well said Rabbit" complimented Loveday
"Course persuading our not all-together harmonious population to attend such an assembly. Will not be what you call easy" Fox informs
"Your right Fox" replied Loveday "I might scare them since I'm a human stranger"
"And you said you'd do anything to prove yourself Loveday" said Fox with a tiny smile "We'll worry about you later Loveday. Right now we'll see if your contemplation with this idea will work"
"I hope so too" said Loveday determined
Loveday did not expect Fox to beckon her words like this. Since living in the foster home, she was never allowed freedom of speech. If she did speck up for herself then she'd find herself locked up in her room with no meals for the whole day. And now here she was talking happily to animals.
Fox strolled up to Badger who was in deep thought "However, I'm sure you'll soon sort it out Badger"
"Yes…what…who…me! said Badger, looking wide eyed
"Who better?"
"Well that's awfully decent of you Fox, but um" Badger paused.
"I mean after all, you know everyone of us, about don't you"
"Aye Badger. If you know everyone, then you're the one who is to host this assembly" smiled Loveday
"Busiest busybody in the wood. hahaha" Weasel teased
"Shut up, Weasel" scolded Badger cross
"and everybody knows you, so" Fox urged
"Please Badger." Loveday pleaded
"Oh alright. Absolutely just um… leave all the arrangements to me and I'll let Loveday to um…assist me."
"Thank you Badger" said Loveday glad
"Your welcome always Loveday" said Badger warmly
"That's my Badger. Knew I could rely on you" said Fox leaving them to it. "Loveday I'm relying on you" he calles back
"I'll do my best" Loveday shouted back "Okay so what's your plan? Badger"
"Um… first we spread the word out, then ummm…prepare our meeting spot" explained Badger "Well don't just stand there dithering as usual Rabbit off you go and…"
Rabbit jumped ahead before Badger finished talking "and…don't panic" she said
"And alert Hare of course" Badger told Rabbit as she disappeared
"I know rabbits are shy and jumpy, but does your Rabbit suffer from a bad case of anxiety?" Loveday wondered
"She can't help herself. Repeating the words 'don't panic' must be her only calming method" answered Badger
Loveday lowers herself down "Hedgehog can you please go find?…"
"The Newts" said Badger
Hedgehog accidentally stung Weasel on the behind "Oww!"
"Right you are Badger. Yes Loveday and sorry weasel" Hedgehog apologised hurrying away
"Ohhhhh!" Moaned Weasel rubbing her sore area
"Mole?…did you say Mole. Oh, he'll soon come scurrying once he hears all the commotion" said Badger confused
Loveday had trouble memorising the animals who lived here in Farthing Wood. So, grabbing her journal book and pen she thought of an idea. "Badger why don't I document everyone. It might help us incase of any emergencies" she said scribbling down
"Yes, please Loveday. My minds just not what it used to be." sighs Badger
"Bless you Badger" replied Loveday "you still have strength in you, and I'll be there to help you"
"Thank you dear" Badger smiles back
"What are you gonna tell them Badger?" asked Weasel
"Tell them?…tell everyone we're to meet at um…my place." He said walking away
"Your sett!" cries Weasel
"What's wrong with his sett Weasel?. It's perfect, and I should know because I stayed in it." exclaims Loveday
"Yes. What's wrong with my home?" Badger stood
"Oh, nothing Loveday… nothing at all. Only…" sputtered Weasel
"Just get to the point Weasel" urged Loveday
"Well it's all right for Badger and me…and the shrews and field-mice. Were creatures of the underground so were used to it. Only…"
"Only what?" asks Badger
"The birds aren't gonna like it much are they…imagine Owley hahaha, and Kestrel they aren't gonna like it are they" Weasel explains
"I see what you mean Weasel. Unnatural for a bird to go underground unless they are related to Burrowing Owls. I'm sure they'll reason." Loveday figured
"What's a Burrowing Owl?" said Weasel
"Don't start asking her questions again Weasel. Make yourself useful!" Badger says firmly
"Me!" Weasel said shocked.
"Let's go an alert a few Voles" Badger directed "Loveday while we go warn everyone, I suggest you go alert Kestrel and Owl. Tell them to meet us at sunset" said Badger leaving
"You won't tell anyone else about me coming to the meeting yet" Loveday calls back
"We won't" Badger understood. "Okay!" said Weasel
While Loveday went to look for the two birds. Badger and Weasel talked to the Voles.
"And so, Mrs Vole. Fox and I are agreed, that the situation we are facing is so severe. We have to merit a meeting" Badger informs
"What's he going on about?" said Mrs Vole, who was totally deaf to Badgers words.
"He's worried weather your eating!" yells Weasel
"Oh shut up. We're having a meeting!. In my chambers!" Badger shouts out
Mrs Vole still couldn't hear a thing "I eat where I like"
"A meeting at…" Badger says
"SUNSET!" Weasel shouts
"And please, don't be late Mrs Vole and tell the others" Badger says as both him and Weasel left. "I hope Loveday is doing better" he thought
Meanwhile. Loveday found Owl and Kestrel. "Owl! Kestrel! There's going to be a meeting at Badgers sett, at sunset."
"What! me down inside Badgers sett" huffed Owl
"We have no choice Owl. It's for a good reason, it won't be for long" negotiated Kestrel
"Kestrel with your keen eyesight? do you know who lives here in Farthing Wood?" Loveday asks
"Yes, my eyes have seen a few animals. Why?" Kestrel answers
"It's complicated but I'm writing a list of the animal residents who will attend the meeting. So poor Badger wouldn't stress out." Loveday took out her journal to show them her pages full of notes.
"Just how will your human square thing with black markings, be able to help him?" Owl argues
"Loveday only wants to help Owl; we shouldn't argue" said Kestrel.
Kestrel calculated all the animals she knew. While Loveday wrote them down in her book. Except Kestrel couldn't remember all of them.
However. Loveday thanked for Kestrels assistance and headed back to Badgers sett. she heard Weasels voice echoing "Sunset! Sunset!" everywhere.
Loveday felt excited "I hope they invited everyone" she thought. She then heard someone digging inside Badgers doorway and peeked in. "Badger is that you!" she calls
"Yes!, I'm enlarging my sett so everyone can get to my chambers. I need you to go help Weasel gather glow-worms to light up my tunnel" Badger calls back
"Alright but my list isn't finished. Kestrel couldn't remember everyone"
"Don't worry, when everyone arrives just record them in your journal thing"
"Aye thanks" said Loveday. She found Weasel piling up glow-worms "Good job Weasel. Let's light this candle"
"I thought we were lighting up Badgers tunnel?" Weasel said confused
Dusk was now upon them and it got harder for Loveday to see, including inside Badgers dark sett. "You'll never see a thing" said Weasel
"I wish I can see in the dark" Loveday imagined. She pictured the environment becoming shiny and bright. like The Dimension she saw before"
"Loveday what's that" cried Weasel unexpectedly
Loveday froze. The tunnel was growing bright with organisms like a sea of white fireflies. "Wow! It must be a new power?" she murmurs. Remembering Kells words about unlocking the special powers her ring still had. "I wonder?" she thought.
Using her mind, she started to summon the lights to spread out with her ring. The lights were moving on the walls everywhere, until the whole tunnel lit up.
Loveday was enthusiastic "I feel just like Elsa using her ice powers" she said moving her hands gracefully to direct them.
"What!" said Weasel looking impressed at her light show.
"Come on weasel we've got to finish the tunnel" Loveday says. Very quickly they both finished planting the glow-worms on the walls.
Badger checked on them "Good Lord! What's going on?" he said finding his tunnel covered in beautiful white lights.
"It's my ring Badger. look I can make them do this." Loveday said making the tunnel illuminate.
"Well I never" Badger says surprised. Before they could enjoy discovering more about Lovedays gift. "You-hoo, you-hoo" called a voice from the entrance. Loveday knew who it was "It must be Owl" she guesses.
"Ah sounds like somebody's here already" said Badger climbing up with Loveday and Weasel behind him. "Quickly Loveday. Make your um…whatever they are disappear!" Badger calls behind him. "Oh, somehow I thought it might be you Owl" he said coming out.
As Loveday climbed out herself. She telepathically made her trail of lights disappear. Owl thought she saw something happening in Badgers hole.
"Looks like my theory about Loveday being different to other humans is true" but Owl pretended to take no notice with what she saw. "Your surely not expecting us to go down there, are you!" she asks
"Where else Owl? Wonderland" snickers Loveday. "Yes" says Badger
"Out of the question! you won't get me down there" Owl pompously turns away
"Told you so" said Weasel
"Owl is such a hard bird to please" thought Loveday. Then Owl lectures "He who dwells in the soil himself becomes soiled, he who dwells in the light shall find in lightenment"
"Oh she's afraid of getting dirty. So that's it" Loveday realised "only one thing for it then"
Weasel giggles "Specking of light did you!…" but Badger held Weasels mouth before she gave Lovedays game away.
"Owl I know your still getting to know me, but I know how much an Owl with great taste like yourself" Loveday reasons "would set a great example for everyone in this meeting"
"Lovedays right Owl. We need you there and I can assure you that my home is quite spotless" Badger gestures
Owl soon gave in "Well, if you both put it that way" she said flying down.
"Well done Loveday. it's hard to convince Owl mostly" whispered Badger giving her a thumbs up.
"Just trying to be reasonable" said Loveday. She then saw a party of animals coming. "They're arriving!" she points out "I'm going to move somewhere so they don't see me yet"
"Good idea.." said Badger.
Loveday soon found a place distanced from them "Now I can finish off this file" she said taking out her journal.
Owl waddles up and shrugs her shoulders before entering Badgers doorway.
"One down and?" Weasel says to Badger. A family of Newts crawls passed them, then two female Squirrels came next.
"Hello Squirrels, just follow the Newts" informed Badger as they went in. Then the Rabbits, Voles, Field-Mice and Shrews followed in next. Though one of the rabbits got stuck and needed a push.
Loveday was checking her list. Fox sat himself beside her giving nods of approval. "Follow the Field-Mice, Hares" called Badger as a Hare couple went in next.
"Fox I'm worried they won't like me or win my trust" warned Loveday
"Don't worry Loveday. All you have to do is be yourself no matter what they say about you" Fox replied determined "You stay in the tunnel until I introduce you. Okay"
"Okay then. I trust you" Loveday says as Fox went down
"One more thing" Fox smirks back "Don't be too hasty with your ring if you use it again"
What he said made Loveday puzzled. "Does he know what I've just discovered" she thought, but she brushed it off herself. "Where's Kestrel"
At the same time, Kestrel swooped down "Here I am. Are you coming in too? Loveday"
"I'll join you all in a bit. I mustn't make my presence known" Loveday explains
"Good luck" Kestrel wishes, entering the hole also.
"Is that everyone?" Loveday asks coming down, while Fox went inside
"Almost everybody" said Badger
Then a pheasant couple came strolling up.
"Not late are we Badger?" said the male pheasant in a posh tone "Only you know what the females are like take so long to get ready 'eh"
"Its always my fault" said his wife, upset with the excuse.
"Of-course"
"You shouldn't excuse yourself by using your wife as cover. That's very cruel of you" affirmed Loveday, startling the Pheasant with a jump.
"Ahhh! A human!" Pheasant screams. Running into the hole leaving his wife behind him.
"Forgive my mate, he's so selfish, you know" says the pheasant hen nicely to Loveday "nobody's spoken up for me before. Thank you"
"A pleasure for equality's sake" said Loveday, who remembered to always speak for women's justice no matter what species they were.
"Right! are we all here?" registered Badger
an Adder approached them next. With a crafty look on at Loveday."Not last am I Badger?" she hisses "oh, is this the human I've heard of"
"Well somebody has to be Adder" Badger assumes
"My name is Loveday. And I'll have you know I do know snakes." Loveday firmly explains, as Adder slithers into Badgers sett.
"Now Adder. Just follow the glow-worms and don't eat" Badger stated "You'll have to watch yourself around Adder, Loveday. She's alright in her own way, but she is rather vile sometimes"
"I understand. Adder reminds me of the girls I met at the foster home. They preferred to keep their business to themselves, though we got along well together." Loveday exclaims
"Oh good. Just make sure she won't gorge herself on anyone there for me" said Badger
"Leave it to me, I'll think of something to keep her composed". As Loveday crawls down the tunnel, she heard Adder muttering to herself "Shucks. I was looking forward to a few glow-worms"
"If your so fond of them, how about I make you a bargain" Loveday suggests
"What bargain?" Adder says suspiciously
"A fair one. If you promise me to behave yourself and not eat anybody. I'll give you all the glow-worms you want" promised Loveday
"You better not be lying to me. Just to fend me off from enjoying myself" Adder smiles "if you are. Then I might be tempt myself to taste your skin"
Loveday took a breath "I cross my heart Adder; you can eat them after the assembly. Deal!"
"Hmmm you surely have guts for a tiny human and I like it" Adder chuckles sliding away "very well it's a Deal!". Loveday breathed a sigh of relief.
All the farthing creatures had gathered in the large chamber. Adder entered it, roaring right in Field-mouse's face. The poor scared mouse hid himself behind one of the Squirrels tails.
"I think I'll surprise them with a special opening" Loveday thought remembering how she mentally controls her ring.
"Now listen everyone!" addressed Badger
"Someone's missing" chants Weasel, mischievously.
"Who?" Badger asks, searching.
"you know who"
A wall began to crumble away. Revealing a panting Mole behind it "Sorry!... sorry, am I late for something Badger" he said. "Your always late for everything Mole" Badger complains. Making everyone burst into laughter except Loveday feeling sorry for the little guy.
Meanwhile Badger mounted a rock stage and Addressed his audience again.
"Now Friends! Adder! And fellow Woodlanders!"
"Do get on with it!" said Owl crossing her wings impatiently.
Badger saw Loveday giving him a ready signal "Before we start Fox has something to say to you first"
"Last night I found a mysterious stranger. She's very harmless and wants to meet you all, so let's not be alarmed by her appearance" Fox says. He hoped for Lovedays sake, the animals would somehow accept her. Like he did.
All of a sudden. The white glowing organisms magically appeared on the chambers surfaces up and down. The animals were all enchanted by the rays of little lights floating beside them. They saw a silhouette in the dark tunnel.
"is that a ghost" said Mole worried
"is it an angel" said a Squirrel
Hare sniffs the air "No! "It's a human look!"
The lights worn down. Revealing Loveday who was controlling it. "Hello". My name is Loveday Maples, please don't be scared I come in peace" she said in her friendliest voice.
The animals looked at her. They couldn't believe their eyes. A human being was actually talking to them. And one who makes beautiful lights out of thin air, for that matter.
"Are you a real human?" asked Mole innocently
"Yes I am" replied Loveday, making sure to not freak them out.
The other animals asked questions as well "Where did you come from?"
"Why are you this small?"
"What is that shiny stone on your finger?"
"Can you show us those lights again?"
"Have you come to help save us?"
"Are you prey or predator?"
"Woah, woah one at a time, Please!" shouted Loveday. "I can't answer all your questions at once. All I can tell you is; I remember plunging down a large cliff and waking up with these special powers." she avoided telling them about her encounter with The Dimension. "I don't know how or why I'm here but please don't be alarmed".
Fox disbelieved her story; he knew Loveday was obviously trying to be sensible with them, so she wouldn't scare them out of their skins.
After Lovedays bright introduction Owl grew cranky "Can we get on with our ordeal" she huffed, brushing the dirt off herself.
"Don't worry, were just about to discuss it. Now that we've all been introduced to Loveday. Let's start" said Badger "You don't need me to underline the gravity of our situation and thanks to Loveday she revealed everything about the humans plan with Farthing Wood"
"Yes. We're all aware that since the giant earth movers moved in" Fox pressed on
"Life in Farthing Wood has become unsustainable for one and all" sighs Loveday shamefully
Badger runs his explanations "First they devastated our habitat and now"
Loveday turns to Kestrel "You better tell them kestrel"
"They've even filled in our pond. Filled in our pond!" Kestrel uttered
"Yet still we've hung in there" Badger exclaimed
"Bloodied but unbowed" Kestrel detailed
Owl looked very sad "Where indeed is the solution to our problems" she asked sarcastically
"Heaven only knows the answer to your dilemma" Loveday mutters
"I'm sure for example that no-one here needs reminding. That once upon a time our Farthing Wood pond was home to 47 indigenous Toads and where are they now we asked ourselves. What's happened to the last?." Told Badger
"You have toads for friends?" asked Loveday
"We did a-while ago. Our Toad vanished without a trace last summer" answered Fox with a regretful look
"Pompous, puffed-up Toad!" mocked Owl
"I'm so sorry. I hope he was a nice Toad" regretted Loveday
"He would've liked to have met you Loveday. Who was always so…" Badger said
"Dear to us all" said Mole in a sorrowful manner
"If only I could bring him back" Loveday said silently
Suddenly there was a crackling noise from above, it caught everyone's attention. A green leg broke through the ceiling, someone or something was trying to get in.
"Hold On! Weasel what's that?" gasped Badger
"I 'm holding on. It appears to be" Weasel replies
"Yes?" asked Owl critically
"A Foot" Weasel ridiculously answers
"Weasel that's not a foot it's a…a" Loveday was speechless with what she saw next.
"I'm here matteys!. I'm coming!" The green thing climbed himself through the ceiling, then jumped down. A jolly looking Toad, with a big smile Landed with a thud!.
"Toad!" cried Badger
"Your powers of deduction were admirable Badger" Owl states
"Loveday brought Toad back to us" shouted Mole influencing the other animals. "Did you see that"
"I can't bring people back from the dead" said Loveday embarrassed "I can only make the environment light up"
"It seems that you are secretly a miracle maker Loveday" said Owl
"I really! Didn't do it" persuaded Loveday.
"HAHA same old Owley" Toad chuckled happily
"Same old Toad" muttered back Owl. Wishing toad would shut his mouth.
"Bet you'd never thought you'd see me again 'eh Mateys" boasted Toad. Owl turned away in disgrace.
"We were so certain you'd snuffed it!" Adder hissed vainly
Toad turned wide eyed "eh' are you a human, matey"
"This is Loveday, our friend" Badger introduced
"Pleased to meet you" greeted Loveday
"Haha. My what a peculiar sight you are matey. I did not expect myself to actually meet a human, after my own escape and journey back to here" said Toad astounded
"Escape, what do you mean?" Loveday said baffled "Fox told me you vanished last year. We thought you were dead"
"Yes, but where have you been?" asked Rabbit curious
Toad hopped onto a rock and eagerly bragged about his adventures "Where haven't I'd been more like. No offence to you Loveday, but I was taken away against my will weren't I. Hmm… captivated I were and took off in a jam-jar. Harr' but all the time I was away, I kept saying to me-self 'Toad you must get home!' it was the thought of you look that kept me going."
"Fancy" Adder whispers
Loveday felt remorse for Toad "I'm so sorry you got captured like that Toad. If I'd had known kids were disrespecting the amphibians-"
"Now-now matey. It wasn't your fault. Anyway, I kept thinking to myself 'Must get back to my mateys'. Must get back to my…"
"Pond" Mole guessed, looking worried
"Exactly!"
Badger was hesitant to tell the truth to Toad "Speaking of which, um…I'm afraid"
"What?" Toad desperately asks
"It's bad news Toad and after all you've travelled far" said Loveday nervously
Mole snuck up to Toad, placing a supportive paw on his back and struggled to tell him the bad news "Its your…P-poor P-pond Toad you see…"
"It's been filled in!" Owl sharply interrupts
"WHAT!" shouted Toad, fainting backwards.
"Now look what you've done" Loveday says. Helping poor Toad up with Moles help.
"You see Toad. You have to understand there have been a great many changes. While you've been away…" Owl spelled out.
"but my pond!" Toad said quietly. While waking up.
"Gone completely I'm afraid" Fox murmurs
"And the Newts puddle?" asks Toad. The Newts wept in each-other's arms sadly in response.
"And the stream?"
"Just a muddy trickle now" replied Fox again
"Which is why we called this assembly Toad. Farthing Wood has lost battle against man and it will never be the same again" explained Loveday. Toad mourns out tears, he never imagined coming home to this.
"If we ever get to hold this meeting" said Owl impatiently
Fox stood himself up "Ya see we've gotta face facts old son. As a community were all but finished here. Man, and his machines have seen ta that"
"True. It's my governments fault this has all happened" Loveday responds
"Don't talk to me about those machines. I know all about them" pounded Toad, remembering how he too was nearly crushed by the diggers.
Fox exclaims "In-fact it must be obvious to everyone here that…"
"If we don't find a new watering hole within the next few days" Owl reasons
"Then were going to be in the worst sort of distress if you know what I mean" Fox says, looking worried.
The chamber turned frozen cold. horror was read on everyone's faces. What were they going to do?
"Couldn't we try digging for water?" offered Mole
"In earth as dry as a biscuit!. Don't be silly Mole" said Owl, leaving a disappointed Mole.
"Maybe this meeting wasn't a good idea" thought Loveday, feeling she'd failed to help them "We must figure out a strategy. And fast." Just then. An idea popped into her head "What about you birds, you've scouted beyond Farthing Wood haven't you. Is there somewhere to go find water or even live in?" she asks
"Got any idea where we would go?" recommends Fox seeing Loveday was onto something
"Not really. You see being game birds, the wife and I don't venture out of the wood very much, always endanger of being shot at you see" said a woeful Pheasant
"Quite" understood Badger
"I always have been against hunting for sport. Its totally illegal" agreed Loveday
"See dear. Loveday won't hunt us" said Pheasants wife "She's good"
"Obviously" breathed Pheasant
"There must be a better place out there, somewhere" suggested Loveday
"Why would we want to leave?" asked Mr Rabbit sadly
"Because living a new life somewhere else, will bring you happiness instead of suffering the wounds brought down upon you here" quoted Loveday. Helping them to understand that it was a desperate time for them to move on
"She really is wiser than she looks for a human" thought Fox
"I knows a place that we could go to" submitted Toad
"Who asked you!" said Owl rudely
"Shsss, let him speak" said Loveday, wanting to hear Toads idea.
"It's a great little place…wonderful place" Toad vividly whispers
"Poor old Toad. Obviously rambling poor fella" doubted Badger, but Toad didn't stop describing his location. "Purpose build for animals like us" he says.
"Was it really Toad" Mole believed
"They calls it 'White Deer Park' Moley" replies Toad
"White Deer"
"Tis a nature preserve"
"Is it really!" Mole whispers
"Is a place where all wild creatures are protected by humans" Toad lets out proudly. Instead of receiving praise, Weasel just laughed.
"If such a place existed I would know about it" said Owl disbelieving Toads story
Mole kept buttering Toad with questions "Did you come upon this deer white place on your travels Toad?"
'That I did Moley harr" Toad answers
"Deer white park 'eh" slipped Mole
Badger scratched his head "Hm White Deer Park"
"Never heard of either of them!" disagreed Owl
"Well I know it well and no where's better I reckon" persuaded Toad
"Well Fox what do you think?" Badger asks
"Have we any alternative?" Fox says turning towards Loveday "Loveday Have you heard of this place's in your world. Does it exist?"
"Give me a minute" Loveday says collecting her thoughts. "where have I heard that name before" she asked herself
The animals stared at her questionably. Until she shouts out "Aye! There is such a thing!" making them jump. "White Deer Park is a real animal sanctuary. I remember hearing about it. It provides everything for wildlife's survival. It was purposely built to save the rare white deer, besides other endangered creatures it houses. It's the perfect place for you all to go"
"Told you so didn't I 'eh" said Toad, pleased to hear Lovedays flashback.
"Well if what Loveday says is true, then I trust her. White Deer Park it is everyone!" announced Badger
"What!" Owl gasps
"All those in favour" declares Fox
"Yes!" "Aye!" the animals respond
"Toad you're a genius" said Loveday
"Yes, well done Toad" said Badger also
"Hooray!" The animals broke into a victorious celebration with a song and a jig. Loveday watched them in delight.
"We're going away, we're going away, we're going to White Deer Park!" they singed merrily, dancing around and around her.
"Nothing can ruin this moment" thought Loveday. Seeing them reminded her of the movies she watched all the time like 'The Wizard of Oz' or 'Oliver Twist'.
"Will you just hang on a minute you lot" Hare says "Excuse Me!"
This interruption turned the party off. "Happens there someone else here who'd like to be…".
"Hared" teased Fox
"Typical Hare trust him to spoil things" insulted Pheasant to his wife.
"Spoke too soon" Loveday responds in her mind
"Well Hare what is it?" permitted Badger
Hare very rudely pushes Toad off the stone. Looking formally like a government politician in the house of commons.
"You didn't have to jolt Toad; you caught our attention" Loveday reasons, hating hares totally mean action.
"Whatever you say" Hare scoffs
"We're all ears Hare" says one of the rabbit kids
"Do I hear right or do I not hear right, are you actually suggesting Badger that we travel to this here…" Hare pauses
"White Deer Park" reminds the audience
"Together!" Hare snaps
"of-course Hare" said Toad calmly
"Naturally" said Badger also
"What's got you so worked up? Were only trying to do what's best" said Loveday confused by his outrage
Hare fired away his mark "I mean that vegetarians like us…"
"Herbivores" Loveday corrected him
"Herbivores like us. Along-side our natural enemies the Carnivores!" Hare says pointing on purposely at the prey animals "You're expecting us to except having a fox along with us and a thing with claws!"
Fox looked offended
Owl scorned "Steady on Hare".
"And as for that slimy, slithery, sneaky Snake!" Hare turns to Adder
"Did someone mention moi" Adder smirks
"Oui Mademoiselle" Loveday replies smiling
"it's eaten half our field-mouse population already" Hare complains. He just wouldn't stop excluding.
Adder turned herself away "Yes they're so tasty"
"Worst! you want an unregular human to join us. We can never trust humans, their always dangerously unpredictable and they never care about our rights" Hare remarks harshly.
Hares words took a toll on Loveday. She knew she'd be judged by the bad reputation humans keep pressing on animals and presenting her new powers wasn't enough to prove herself different.
Just as she was about to give up, she remembered Fox's advice "Be yourself no matter what they say about you". Determined to show she was on the Farthing animals side. She stood up bravely on the stage, looking teary.
"I-I know my species does hold a bad reputation, but I love animals. I-I was forced to escape where I came from. When I my grandma died n-nobody wanted to adopt me, since I didn't agree to their ways of living and I was never given any rights for my lonely life in return" Loveday declared to every-creature in the chamber. "Somehow I'm connected to this sacred crystal I wear and its lead me here to you for a strange reason. Only I don't know why?".
Lovedays heartfelt speech did change most of the animals unpleasant feelings at her. Some of the animals didn't agree with what Hare said about her anyway.
"She offered me and Badger her scrumptious food" confirmed Weasel
"She shared fresh water with me and Hedgehog" called Rabbit
"Yes, my husband told me about it, and I believe she's a good-hearted human" said Hedgehogs wife
"And she spoke up for me when I was offended" spoke Mrs Pheasant as her husband grumbled
"Well I still don't make hast" Hare scoffs, still not believing.
"I know what you mean" said Owl to Hare
"Owl, you've seen her assist Badger in this meetings setup. She wrote a list just for him" supported Kestrel "I think she's nice"
"Dear. It's not right of us to judge this girl by her species. If this human did those deeds of kindness I'd say she's a blessing for us. She rightfully deserves to stay." said Hares wife, though Hare wouldn't give in.
"Hares got a point Badger" explains Mole "and Loveday"
"Which both issues can be easily overcome" Badger said positive
"How? Badger" asks Vole
"By the reintroduction of the ancient woodland vow" Badger replied
"And what the hecks that, when its tow" grumbled Hare
"My late father remembered it, when those men first started cutting down our trees to build houses" Badger continued "It was called the 'Oath of Mutual Protection"
"Oath of Mutual Protection?" The animals turned to each-other in surprise.
"It's a promise not to…"
"Frighten" added Fox
"Terrorise nor consume one-another" said Owl
"A life's full promise to stay together as-one for providing safety and guardianship" revised Loveday
"Not eat one-another. How's a snake supposed to survive" complained Adder
"Wait Badger. If I took this oath will I be welcomed to join?" questioned Loveday
"Without fear Loveday. Even the oath applies to good humans who want to join us" replied Badger
Loveday was over-joyed to hear that. So she held up her right hand "let me be the first to accept this oath for dear life".
"I propose we welcome in Loveday by taking the oath together" said Badger
"I'll give her a chance" said Fox raising his paw.
"If you do accept then please raise your right paw" Badger then notices Owl looking confused because she had only wings "or claw" Owl then lefts up her wing.
"I think she's lovely inside and out" said Mole smiling, putting up his paw.
"We agree" said both the Squirrels doing the same "Let her stay"
"Us too" said the Hedgehog couple
"What about you Adder?" asked Badger
Adder stayed silent. Until she surprised them with a nodding of approval "I'm not losing those glow-worms now" she hisses to herself
With the whole argument settled Badger commenced the oath "Repeat after me. I name of animal"
"I name of animal" repeated Toad blankly
Loveday pursed her laugh "No Toad, he meant like this" she clears up her throat "I Loveday" she gave out
"I Rabbit" said a baby rabbit following Lovedays example
"Yes" said Badger calming his anger from Toad's embarrassment. All the other animals gave their vows with their real names too.
"To solemnly swear!"
Everyone including Loveday repeated "To solemnly swear!"
"Not to swallow anybody!" Badger continued
"Not to swallow!"
"Except when nobody's looking" whispered Adder deviously
"Never to cause harm or evil, only to protect and love" adds Loveday
"While on route to this place of Toads. Toad will obviously be our guide on our journey" Badger proclaims
"And Leader!" professed Toad
"Just guide I think Toad" sighed Badger, leaving Toad sulking "but Toad is right we will need a leader. Someone we can look up to, someone cunning, courageous and…"
"Preferably not a snake! Hahaha" mocked Weasel causing a laugh-house. She then gulped when Adder showed a cold stare "Joking"
"I therefore nominate…Fox! To be our Leader" Badger then announces
Fox looked very aghast; why did it have to be him?
"Fox! Why Fox!" they all respond. "Are you off your trolley" mocks Hare
"Thanks a bundle, Badger" said Fox sarcastic
"Fox but why Fox" said a baby rabbit to her mother
"No-no-no Fox has all the right qualities. He's an experienced traveller roams far and wide, over all sorts of terrains and he's used to scavenging" explains Badger
"Aye! he came up with this assembly idea and has triumphed. Its fool-proof that he cares about you all. I know he's got a big heart and that's what a leader requires most of all" adds Loveday making Fox blush
Fox took some thought on the proposal "I'll agree. Under one condition"
"Anything Fox… what is it?" asks Badger
"Personally, we'll need a guardian to rely on if were gonna survive our journey" Fox says looking at Loveday "You said you wanted to return all the trouble we've been through with your aid and assistance Loveday"
Loveday reads his mind "Yes but I'm still struggling to adjust with this whole new experience. I don't feel ready to be a protector yet" she replies honestly
"Your awareness about the outside world can prevent us from becoming easy targets" Fox exclaims "You've got the abilities and having you along might change our outlook on humans"
For the first time Loveday speculated why 'Kell the spirit fox' had chosen her "Maybe fox is right. It does seem fair that I do owe him for allowing me to stay. I should consider it". While being the only human in the group, Loveday undoubtedly had to rely on Fox as a leader to guarantee her own safety too. "OK I'll do it" she gestures back
Fox was pleased "Great. If you're having trouble remember you can always come talk to me" Fox said. Somehow he knew something that drove him to believe Loveday was capable of such actions to battle against the dark cruel world they'll be traveling in.
"Thank you Fox" blushed Loveday.
"Hah!" scorned Owl disappointed with the election.
"Don't be like that Owl, we can't all be leader" exclaimed Badger "it's all settled then"
"I seriously hope Loveday keeps her word" Vole whispers to Field-Mouse "Yes I hope Fox has chosen right" he replied back
"I wonder what else she'll do with that magic ring?" said Squirrel to her sister "Maybe she can help us find the nuts we lost" they both laughed cheeky.
"She will help protect us, will she" mutters Mole "Don't worry mole matey, she's one of us now harrharr…Thanks to her I'd never initiate 'White Deer Park' in the first place and me becoming the guide" boasted Toad
"Don't Panic, my babies want Loveday to be their friend " said rabbit to Mrs. Hare
"At least try to get along with her dear. She needs all our support as much we need hers" advised Mrs. Hare to her mate
"Well alright, as long as she remembers this oath" Hare replies, handling his guilt for lacking Lovedays first impression.
Badger started to wrap up the meeting. Listing all the preparations as they all left the chamber one by one "Now I'm sure we've got lots of things to do before we leave. Eating up our last few berries and cleaning our fur coats".
"Though just don't forget. Midnight!" he announces
"We meet by the great beech at midnight" Fox explains out loud
"Midnight at the great beech!" replied the animals, jumping out of the tunnel.
Before Loveday could leave to get ready herself.
"Loveday may I have a word privately?" asked Fox leaving the chamber with Badger.
"Sure, anything for the new leader" snickers Loveday, Fox smirked back "Come on, guardian"
"Oh Adder! a deal's a deal. Bon Appetit" calls Loveday, keeping her bargain with Adder.
Adder was left behind to her feast of glow-worms. After the first bight she thought "Things are going to be more fun now. About time we had a human who can kick tail with superpowers".
Hi guys
I'm so sorry for the long wait. I'm still getting use to fixing my errors and mistakes as well. I hope this chapter was worth the wait and you've enjoyed it so far.
The next chapter will come soon, so don't worry and remember to feel free to share your reviews to make this story better.
Till the next chapter, see you soon.