ToniLynn

ToniLynn Y. Interactive Novel Smith – Pd. 7/8 April 29, 2009

On the Wings of Curiosity

“Don’t be too long Gregory!” Laurella shouted after him. Petunia and Begonia, who had moved off a bit to talk to each other, fluttered back to Laurella’s side. “This way Laurella!” Begonia directed and led the way down the Rainbow Road, around Enchanted Pond, and opposite the way that Gregory had run. Petunia followed behind, herding Laurella in the right direction. Laurella skipped along after Begonia, humming cheerfully as the fairy led her further into the Crystal Forest than she had ever gone before. The trees edging the road became closer and closer together, almost forming a solid wall, when, all of a sudden, the forest opened up into the largest clearing she had ever seen. She couldn’t even see the trees on the far side, if there even were any. Laurella paused in delight when she noticed the clearing held all the mythical creatures that she had ever imagined lived in the Crystal Forest. There were pure white unicorns with horns that sparkled like glass; small, stout people that could probably be identified as gnomes; and sleek coated griffins chained to posts along the road, with intelligent eyes like those of a horse. The griffins were being groomed by other people, larger than the gnomes but only as tall as Laurella’s shoulder. Looking closely at one of these people, the young girl noticed that he had pointy ears. “Are those elves?” she asked excitedly, already knowing the answer. She also noticed that the elves seemed to be wearing strange bracelets and chains that connected their wrists to their ankles. Petunia didn’t even glance up. “Don’t mind them. They are just servants and messengers. The griffins carry and belong to them and they refuse to be parted from the animals.” “That’s enough Petunia,” said Begonia jovially. “Come now Laurella. It is time for you to meet the fairy king and queen.” Begonia continued along the path. Petunia sped up to catch her friend and gave Laurella a “come along,” as well. Laurella did not follow right away however. An elf boy, watching her with as much wonder as she was watching him, had caught her attention. Shyly he stepped forward, his griffin trailing behind as far as her chain would allow. The elf’s chains clinking gently as he walked. “Excuse me,” he began, “but are you really a human child?” “Yes I am,” Laurella replied, happy to make a new friend anytime. “My name is Laurella. The fairies brought me here to play and my best friend Gregory should be catching up with us later.” The elf boy glanced down the road. The two fairies were now well ahead and most defiantly out of earshot. “I am Talon, Son of Feather and Prince of the Elves of this forest.” He then gestured to the griffin. “This beautiful creature is my friend and partner, Adleig. She accompanies me everywhere.” He paused for emphasis, “We are prisoners of the fairies.” Laurella was shocked by this revelation but her thoughts were interrupted by a call from down the road. “Laurella! Come on!” “Please,” the elf cried frantically as Laurella turned to respond to the call. “Please stay and help me. Or even just talk with me. I have been a prisoner for so long…” Laurella hesitated a second, unsure what to do. She could see the fairies rushing back down the road to her. “Laurella!!!” came the call once more. “I even know of a place we can go, where the fairies will not see us. And we can talk in peace. Please.”

If Laurella should choose to go with Talon, go to Alfred’s link If Laurella should ignore Talon and catch up with the fairies, go to Michael’s link