We're almost there,
But always here,
As the tides turn and the seasons change,
Mist and mud,
Sand and stone,
Beckoning fires,
Bright and clear,
Smouldering to nothing,
Ever changing,
Never knowing,
Treading lightly as we go.
And what is this all about?
Patience,
Please,
And when we arrive,
Don't talk to the crabs,
They're very rude.
Air,
Earth,
Fire and water,
Everything that was once forged from the stars,
A reminder of where we came from,
And where we might be going,
And we do need reminding,
We seem to have lost our way.
And these footprints tell only the sand that we were here,
As the sea kindly clears the way for the next visitor,
With a splash,
Fizzle and gentle sigh.
And where are you heading?
And why the hurry?
Ah,
A campfire to set the tone for this story,
Ambrose was over earlier to assemble this fine fiery fort,
And it will burn brightly,
With spark,
With perseverance.
And that's about as much as anyone can know right now.
Ah yes,
Ambrose is our resident wizard here in Bydwater,
A beautiful coastal area in the south of Celestria.
Ambrose will be joining us in the morning,
I do hope he finds this spot again,
He's a master of his magic,
But utterly hopeless when it comes to navigation.
Please,
Take your place by the fire.
Cup of tea?
And some jam toast?
Or would you prefer an egg?
Okay,
One moment.
Now,
Do you have your traveller's log with you?
Okay.
Uh huh,
Uh huh.
Yep,
That looks good.
Okay,
Let's have a look at you.
Yep,
Your story checks out,
And you're just as I thought you'd be.
New seekers often arrive this way,
Keen,
Curious,
With just a pinch of lost sheep about you.
Don't worry,
We'll figure it all out as we go.
Now cross my palm with five gold coins,
And I'll take you on an unforgettable adventure.
Oh,
How wonderful,
The seal pups have joined us.
Cheeky little things,
They sneak in for the fire you see.
Please don't wake them up,
They never stop.
Good morning travellers!
Good morning Ambrose.
I take it you found us okay?
Yes,
Yes.
I'm a little later than I planned,
But earlier than expected.
Now,
Please,
Tuck in.
Fresh bread from Bucklebury.
Squigglebury jam from Misfur Village.
The best jam this side of Bydwater.
Ah,
The first day of spring,
Is it not?
Yes,
It must be as the albatross have arrived.
Just over there,
They must have smelt breakfast.
They can smell food from twelve miles away,
You know.
Good noses.
Right,
I'll get the last bits ready.
Over here,
I'm ready when you are.
Parthenax,
Calm your hooves.
Okay traveller,
How are you doing there?
I'll just put the fire out.
You've been graced with warmth this fine morning,
So it is no longer needed.
Take your time to break bread,
And don't hold back on the jam.
Okay,
Our carriage awaits,
So jump on.
Welcome on board.
Off we go.
Aye,
Aye Parthenax,
To Farindale,
Via,
Um,
Bucklebury Wood.
And how are you doing there,
Traveller?
Feels a bit strange to be on the move after all this time.
Don't worry,
You'll get used to it.
In stillness and in motion.
With both,
We travel great distances.
Oh dear,
We seem to have found ourselves a landslide.
There's no other path to the top of these cliffs,
And these rocks look like they won't budge easily.
Oh dear,
Any ideas,
Ambrose?
Hmm,
Some magic is in order.
Let me see.
Ah,
Yes.
Rocks and mud,
Sand and stone,
Let us pass!
That did the trick.
Onwards to Bucklebury Wood.
Well done,
Ambrose.
You always find a way.
Oh,
Those lovely hooves are a sound to behold,
Aren't they?
And the rattle of the carriage,
It's really something.
And we can be grateful that the sun has made its bow,
And the birds have sung their song.
In the language of spring.
Holding back on the hibernates,
As they have nothing to prove.
Spring is our air element,
A time for freedom and growth,
New beginnings,
Curiosity,
And of course,
Lambs.
Lovely,
Lovely lambs.
And earth is our balancing force,
As we need to keep our feet on the ground as we grow.
Growing into what we already are,
A massive sunflower with giant leaves,
And a show-stopping hat.
Or a blade of grass,
Dancing on the breeze.
Which one would you like to be today?
Ah,
This is as good a place as any to stop and set up camp.
A lovely part of the woods,
In fact.
Ah,
Perfect.
Thank you,
Ambrose.
OK,
Traveller.
That will do for today.
You've done exceptionally well.
Let's get that fire on.
Oh.
Oh.
One more try.
And another.
There we go.
Oh,
That's nice.
Here's your sleeping bag and your pillow.
There we go.
Zip up tight,
My Traveller friend.
And have a lovely sleep.
Goodnight,
Travellers.
