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To the Lake Dwellers
After a very peaceful night Thistledown stirs and wakes. The sun is warming the meadow and it is spreading rays of warm and bright light through the tree tops, washing caressingly across the Unicorns. Rosepetal is still sleeping restfully so Thistledown moves quietly and stands to survey the meadow once again. All is quiet and still. Rosepetal stirs and stands, joining Thistledown.
Looking concerned Rosepetal turns to Thistledown and says, "Yesterday was a very exciting day but I am afraid it is not very safe here at the meadow. The man was not very nice. I am glad that you helped him and that he was able to go home, but we need to be careful because I am sure he saw both of us and he may come back with his friends."
"I agree with you," said Thistledown, "we can move on to see our friends the Lake Dwellers. That way the man will not know where we are. We can leave this morning if you like. Besides I think we need to visit all of the Little Dragon Castle realm anyhow. We will need to gather all of their help if we are ever going to find our Mothers." Glancing to the horizon quickly he felt odd that he admitted that he wanted to show off his lovely companion to everyone. Rosepetal looked at Thistledown and just smiled knowingly.
Thistledown and Rosepetal slowly walk side by side to the meadow gathering of all the other unicorns. They are all abuzz about the events of the previous day and the special magic they saw when the little red fox and the man were taken care of in the golden flash that came from the horns of the Unicorns. They had never seen anything like that before and it was exciting. As the Unicorns moved near, the other unicorns gathered around them and all of them seemed to want to talk at once. Thistledown waited for a silent moment and he said, "We are going to go and visit with the Lake Dwellers for a while. Please, all of you be on the watch for the man and his friends to come back. Use your magic and disappear if you see or hear them. I am sure the man did not believe his eyes so they may not look for us at all."
Should anyone come along
and look for us you can tell them, "They went into the forest to find
Thistledown's mom and free her."
All of the unicorns gathered around and said their 'good-byes' and 'hurry back' little messages. A new sense of wonder was in each of the unicorns as they talked to Rosepetal and Thistledown. They too had never seen the magic of the single golden horn work as it had done in the meadow. As Thistledown and Rosepetal slowly walked away across the meadow the other unicorns followed their advice and, using their own unique magic, blended into the grasses with the rolling mounds and dips of the meadow. Soon there was nothing to see but the two Unicorns walking slowly to the west and the horizon, on their way to the Lake Dwellers. All the creatures of the meadow watched as the Unicorns faded from view, drifting off as a mist on a new morning breeze.
Along
the way, the sun slowly rose in its morning path to the afternoon
height. Butterflies of blues and yellows, tigers and pinks come
floating by and float around the two as they walked along. "Hello kind
friends and beautiful day to you", they say happily to all the
creatures who happen to be near while they move along merrily passing
trees, flowers, bushes, and other animals along their way.
The Unicorns walked on
happily. They ate together happily. Pixies tickled their
muzzles as their heads bent down. Suddenly they heard two
whinnies in the hills. They looked up to see their mothers.
Thistledown and Rosepetal rejoiced. The two love birds looking
at each other. They knew everything was going to be great.
Hurrying along the path
to the edge of the hills near the Tree Dwellers they saw a shimmering
shadow of the two beautiful unicorns. Thistledown and Rosepetal
were overjoyed to see their mothers. "The Tree Dwellers saved us
children," their mothers said and in the excitement of it all they
reared up and could not help themselves. It was the pure joy of
it all. After a few hours of visiting both mothers quietly told their children, "It is time for the two of you to go on your way. You have much to see and much to do. There will be a surprise for you both. Always remember there is magic in the Little Dragon Castle kingdom. We will go back to the Meadow of Magic and watch over you from there. Always be happy and love one another for in love all things will be." The mothers turned and began their journey on to the Meadow of Magic. Continuing to walk along side by side through the morning and into the early afternoon the Unicorns become still and quiet in their own thoughts. The magic of the previous day still fresh in their minds and now knowing their mothers were safe, Rosepetal was thinking to herself, "I wonder what other mysteries we will discover in time. The magic of the golden horn to help the little red fox and the man was such a wonderful surprise. But I know it must be used only sparingly or its fame will certainly be a curse and not a help. We must be careful." Thistledown turned and looked at Rosepetal and said, "Yes my wonderful companion, I know we must be careful. If many find that we have such magic we will be hunted forever."
Rosepetal stopped in amazement! Thistledown stops and turns to Rosepetal and asks, "Why did you stop? Are you tired?" "No, replies Rosepetal. I am amazed and surprised. How did you know what I was thinking?" Thistledown looks puzzled now. "I heard you tell me we had to be careful with using the magic of our golden horns so that their fame is not widely known." "But I didn't say anything out loud", says Rosepetal. "I was thinking to myself and thought that we should talk about it later when we rested." "I heard you", says Thistledown, "every word loud and clear." The two Unicorns look at each other and suddenly they realize they can hear each others thoughts. The are in full harmony and true companions. Each belongs to the other with open hearts and souls entangled. Contentment casts a warm embrace over them both and brings them even closer together.
"Yes, we should hurry on to find a safe haven for the night," says Thistledown. Rosepetal looks at her companion and smiles to herself thinking he heard my thoughts once again. She blinks her eyes and moves closer to Thistledown so that their flanks touch lightly as they walk along through the warm afternoon and into the evening. Thistledown feels her warmth closer and is content. Alert now to look for a place to rest for the evening Thistledown casts his glances to the west and sees a low lying ravine lined with sweet smelling rosemary. Guiding his lovely companion to the ravine he carefully scans the edges for a safe path to shelter. Walking along he finds a smooth path that runs through the rosemary and off on a very gradual decline into the ravine. Being very careful Thistledown looks at the opposite side of the ravine for possible escape routes and sees a number of other paths that might be used in case of an emergency. Taking the path he guides Rosepetal slowly and carefully down into the ravine. At the bottom they both see a soft moss covered mound that would make an excellent resting place for the evening. Rosepetal looks at Thistledown and says, "Yes I saw the escape routes that you were looking at and I know which one you want me to take if something does happen. We will meet at the old oak tree that you picked out. The sheltering limbs would hide us well." Thistledown nodded his head still in wonder at their new found way of talking to one another.
Rosepetal and Thistledown both move cautiously to the mossy mound. As they arrive they find that the center of the mound is paved with a small field of alfalfa, just right for a hearty evening meal. They both relax and side by side they have their dinner. Always close to one another, they often move close to touch. At the feeling of one against the other their eyes shine and the love flows easily from one to the other. They are content and happiness fills their every fiber.
The golden sun slowly lowers its warm rays into the horizon to the west, lighting the sky with brilliant streaks of red and gold. The clouds seem to linger in the beauty of the sky for everyone to see. The birds circle in the sky to become part of the magic of the early evening. Wings glisten and flash as they reflect the colors of the clouds while soaring high in the air. A true spectacle of wonder of all creations, they are as jewels in the vast canopy of painted beauty. Thistledown and Rosepetal move to a low depression in the mound and start to get settled for the night. As Rosepetal lays down for her nights rest Thistledown stands and looks all around to make sure she will be safe and secure. When he is finally satisfied that they have chosen a safe haven, he lays next to her, moving very close to feel her warmth. Both Unicorns sleep peacefully not knowing that a little red fox is circling the ravine on watch throughout the night ready to give an alarm should any danger appear. Birds of all kinds settle in the trees on the highest branches to survey as far as they can, ready to give flight and alarm as well. The night passes peacefully.
Dawn
casts its raw light onto the two unicorns. For once, it was Rosepetal
who was awake first. She had risen earlier, distraught by a strange
dream. She had been in a field with her love, Thistledown, when she
heard the crunching of wheels on gravel. She looked up and saw the
machines heading toward them. As they drew closer, they changed from
machines to great dragons, each breathing an inferno before them. She
tried to run, but her feet remained firm on the ground. When she tried
to call to her love, her voice vanished in her throat. Helpless she
stared as the dragons devoured the landscape in front of her. She
turned away as one of them overtook Thistledown. She knew she would be
next.
Without talking to each other the Unicorns both headed for the escape trail they had seen the previous evening. Picking up their pace as they moved out of the ravine they headed directly for the large oak tree. Head down and necks taunt with purpose, their golden hoofs flashed across the grassy slope. Muscles flexing with ease, showing great strength, they ran side by side to the tree. Ducking under the lower limbs they came to a sudden halt in the shaded darkness of the ancient oak. Their breath returned slowly to its normal rhythm and their heart beats drummed softly to one another. Thistledown looked at Rosepetal who seemed to be sweating a lot from the short run. Puzzled he nuzzled against her in reassurance. Sensing the danger they both blended into the oak tree shapes and disappeared from view. Standing quietly Thistledown crowded in close to Rosepetal to shield her from any harm.
The machines passed along the edge of the ravine and roared on to the middle of the meadow. The men had not seen the Unicorns sprint out of the ravine and across the meadow to the oak tree. Worried about their fellow unicorns they looked to the horizon where they knew they had left their friends. A low hanging cloud had suddenly dropped over their meadow home where there had been bright sunlight just moments earlier. Both Rosepetal and Thistledown knew the cloud was heavy and thick by design so that the men on the machines would not enter. Their unicorn friends were safe behind the cloud they had created in their defense.
Passing quietly under the oak branches to the far side of the tree Thistledown led Rosepetal along a low ridge to hide her from the men and machines. They move very slowly and made no noise. Their hoofs padded softly on the grassy slopes and were as silent as a butterfly's wings in flight. Every once in a while Thistledown would turn and look at Rosepetal. He thought she did not look well. Maybe the sudden run from the danger had done something. He was puzzled and thought that if he concentrated real hard he could hear what she was thinking. No, nothing, nothing seemed to come to him in their new found way to talk. Rosepetal looked very tired so Thistledown started to look for a shelter for the rest of the day. He knew the Lake Dwellers were just a short distance away and there they would find rest. He kept a slow but steady pace always making sure that Rosepetal could keep up easily.
After a few hours of slow but steady travel, about mid day, they rounded a hill side and there in front of them lay the Lake of the Castle and the home of the Lake Dwellers. Beautiful blue is the color of the water with snowy white clouds in the bright blue sky reflecting from the water. The green grassy slopes gently caress the waters edge as though comforting the water in its capture by the lake shore. Stands of beautiful trees dot the lake shore. On the far south side of the lake stand tall stacks of the whitest rock raising high as if to touch the clouds. Birds of all sort fly to and fro, visiting the rock where surely they must have built their homes. Swans swim peacefully along one outcropping of rock that reaches down into the lake water. Their long necks graceful and proud as they show off their snowy feathers.
The Unicorns walk slowly to the lake and dipped their heads to get a cool, refreshing drink. Both sipped slowly and enjoyed the sweet, pure water, cooling their parched throats, for it was a hard, short run and a long journey. They could now relax and be in peace with their friends, the Lake Dwellers. The lead swan gently approaches the Unicorns and bows very low. Using the language of all peace loving folks in the Castle, bids the Unicorns welcome saying, "Welcome my friends. We have been awaiting your arrival. Word had come by the snowy owl of the meadow that you were on your way. We have a safe and secure place for you to rest and relax here in our domain of the lake. The grassy slopes are here for you to feed upon. During the day the sun will warm the rocks and at night they will hide you as well as keep you warm. All of the birds of the lake and those who swim in its cool water are your servants. Your needs will be our command." With those words the swan gracefully swam away to her companions and bid them to leave the Unicorns in peace until they had rested. Tomorrow or the next day would be soon enough to visit and talk.
Rosepetal looked to Thistledown and thought, "They are such graceful and kind dwellers of the Lake. It would be nice to stay and visit with them but I feel very tired and could use a nice afternoon rest." Thistledown nodded in agreement and guided his beautiful companion to the rock outcropping the swam had pointed out. He was concerned about Rosepetal who looked at him shyly and thought, "Don't be concerned I am just tired and need a short rest. I will be fine, I promise." Feeling a bit reassured Thistledown lead the way to the resting place. When Rosepetal was settled he explored the rock formations and found a hidden trail. Following it a short way he sees it is a perfect escape route for them if they need to leave and be unseen. Returning to Rosepetal he stands and watches her sleep peacefully. Her mane is sleek and soft with long white hair draped across her shoulders. Eyes closed she breaths deeply and steadily. Her flanks curve gracefully and show the power of the strong muscles beneath the smooth white of her covering. Hoofs are shiny and golden shaped into delicate cups. With her tail splayed out he is reminded of a flowing water fall of the purest of gleaming water. Thistledown stands guard over his lovely companion as she sleeps peacefully.
As the late afternoon blends silently into early evening Rosepetal sleeps peacefully. Thistledown has a sudden urge to go to the lake shore. There is a calling and he must hear the words that are intended for him alone. Looking back once more to make sure Rosepetal is safe he silently walks to the waters edge to visit with the lead swan. Swimming over gracefully she says, "I wondered if you had heard my call. I saw the concern you had about you for Rosepetal this afternoon. That concern is correct and yet is not from a problem of sorts."
Thistledown hears the words of the swan and he is aroused to curiosity. "Pray tell why is Rosepetal suddenly so tired ? We have traveled far and had adventures but she has never tired like she has now. I am worried about her."
The swan tells Thistledown, "There is no need for worry but Rosepetal does need to see someone to make sure everything is fine. I would say you should let her rest here in safety and then by all means guide her to the Village Dwellers. There she may see the new Doctor that has come to live with us. The Doctor can make sure she is perfectly alright and everything is fine."
Looking puzzled and even more concerned the swan looks at Thistledown and asks, "Has Rosepetal not told you anything?" "No, replied Thistledown, what could she have told me?".
The swan trumpeted loudly, swam in a sweeping circle and smiling said, "My, my and you have not noticed ! Young man, your companion Rosepetal is with child. She will soon give birth to a new magical unicorn. You need to get her to a Doctor so he can examine her and make sure she and the beautiful unicorn she is carrying are in fine health. From what I have seen and what I know from all of my years, you don't have anything to worry about at all !"
Thistledown stood rooted to the spot. Even his eyes would not blink. No words came from him and his thoughts came rushing to him wildly. Should he run to his companion or just pretend he does not know anything ? When they travel how fast should he lead and how often should they stop to rest ? What can he do to help her along the trail ? And what can she eat or what should she eat ? Will there be enough water on the journey ? But oh no, when ? When will the baby be here ? How much time do I have ? What if something happens ? Oh I need to talk to Rosepetal now. I need to wake her !
Finally Thistledown comes to realize the situation and he calms his thoughts. Looking to the bearer of the good news he says, "Thank you for telling me the wonderful news. I had no idea. I knew Rosepetal was not her usual self but I just did not know. She has been ill in the mornings but then she is so radiant and beautiful and ever so happy. Please forgive me but I must be off to be with her when she wakes." The swan seemed to smile as Thistledown quickly trotted off to the resting place.
Just as Thistledown entered the resting place Rosepetal looked up. Her eyes were shining brightly with her mane seeming to flow ever so gracefully about her neck and shoulders. A glow was about her. As she turned to look at Thistledown it seemed she smiled. "Yes, it is true Thistledown. We will soon have a small one to join us. And the swan was right. We should see a doctor soon to make sure we are doing everything we should so the baby unicorn will be healthy and well. And no you don't have to worry about what I eat or how fast we travel. All those things you are worried about will take care of themselves as time goes by." Rosepetal had heard everything Thistledown and the swan had talked about and the thoughts that had gone through his mind at hearing the news of the new unicorn soon to be born.
Thistledown looked at Rosepetal. She looked no different to him. Her coat was sleek and brilliant white. Muscles rippled still as she moved. Her horn and hoofs were still the lustrous gold they had always been.
Rosepetal smiled once again and said, "No I am not showing yet. Soon though, you will see my tummy grow but I will not change much. The baby will grow slowly. We can rest here a day or two and then we should be off to the Village Dwellers to see the doctor. The village is just on the other side of the lake so it won't be a long journey. Weather is calm and there is plenty of young grasses for us to eat while we slowly travel. Loud sounds of the machines have not been heard here with the Lake Dwellers, and no news has come from the Meadow Dwellers of danger, so perhaps the men have decided not to look for us. All is well."
Hearing that Thistledown calmed and decided that Rosepetal was right and he needed to plan their trip to the Village Dwellers. Settling down he and Rosepetal spent the next few days together, resting and gaining their strength once again. The days passed slowly and quietly. Rosepetal spent time with the swan talking about the new baby and listening to her wise advice. When Thistledown walked up to join them the conversation changed and he became curious about what they were talking about so secretively. The new found way to talk to Rosepetal did not work this time. He could not hear what she was thinking unless she wanted him to hear. Thistledown went about his day planning their trip and watching after Rosepetal to make sure she was safe.
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