Post by Starkle on Sept 8, 2014 15:03:26 GMT -5
Sealia and the Pirate's Treasure - aka A Story about Calmness
It was a beautiful crisp autumn day in Zardenia. The reds, browns and golden leaves gently drifted down from trees, littering the lawns and pathways of the land of the Zelfs. The sky was a pale blue, with little white fluffy clouds that dotted the landscape as far as the eye could see, like little flocks of sheep grazing in the blue meadow.
The Zelfs were all busy, doing what Zelfs do best. Down in the Zeggie Patch, Webina and Spellinda were tending to the vegetables, the pumpkins were getting nice and firm ready for the Halloween festivities in a few weeks time. In the Zoriental Garden, Miss Tutu was teaching a Zoga class, with Lunanne, Pegasue, Angelala and Buttershy all sweating it out and holding a variety of poses. Nearby the naughty little rascals Flamy, Garny and Lil'D were spying and laughing at them all, prompting Miss Tutu to put on her leather jacket, at which the pesky little Zelfs ran off sharpish. Nobody messes with her, when she's in her jacket.
Across the way in Zoho Park, Vampula and Lady B were pic-nicking, and gossiping at the latest fashions in Zardenia. A baby bluebottle decided to land in Vampy's hair, and instead of freaking out, she whipped out her mirror and curled a lock of hair around it. Lady B looked amazed and looked around for her own 'living insect ' hair clip but there was no more around. In the Hide n' Zeek playground Ribbita, Snap Jack and Dandy Lion were spinning on the spin and swing toadstool, whilst Float and Ty Foon were on the Zerry Go Round.
Manny was busy sweeping the leaves off the paths of the Day Zee Gardens, as Rufus and Catsby chased each other through the leaf piles, causing more mess than Manny could keep up with! He wasn't mad though, he chuckled as they frolicked in the crunchy leaves. Over at the Toasty Toes Camp, the Glitter-Gems were rehearsing for their rock concert later tonight, for which all the Zelfs were excited! Jewely was over-seeing proceedings over her glam-cousins, and had secretly put stuffing in her ears to drown out the noise! She had a checklist and clipboard and was triple-checking everything that was needed for the music celebration!
In charge of the fireworks, Butterluv and Flitter was arranging rockets and bangers along the castle walls, when one stray rocket decided to detonate early, causing them to both jump ten feet in the air. Luckily they had wings, so fluttered down relatively easily. Nearby Talon opened one eye, as he perched on the lookout tower trying to catch a zelf-nap, saw it was nothing to worry about and went back to sleep.
Over at the Moon Lagoon, Sealia the Seahorse Zelf was a little bored.
'OMZ, I can't wait for the concert tonight to come quick enough,' she murmered aloud to herself as she floated on a lilo in the centre of the pond. A lilypad with a drink and book floated along side her.
Lochlan surfaced very near to her. He had his snorkelling gear on, obviously exploring the bottom of the lagoon.
'What did you say?' he asked, shaking out his goggles and breathing pipe.
'Oh nothing, I'm just a lil' bored that's all.' she said. 'I need an adventure.'
'You could always come down here to the bottom with me, and look at the baby zadpoles. You don't usually get them at this time of the year' he said trying to help.
'Maybe another time Lochy dear. I never thought I would say this, but I'm not really feeling the water love today. I might go for a walk instead.' she said, hopping off her float and nimbly landing on the edge of the pool. Nearby Mermalade and Marina were racing each other, doing lengths of the water. It was a no-win contest, both the water-loving blue zelfs were neck and neck, and neither wanted to lose. Unless one of them decided to give up, it would go on all day until the concert tonight.
'Want me to come with?' asked Lochlan, his kindly and friendly nature showing a genuine concern for his friend.
'No thanks, I'll be okay. You get back to them zadpoles. Ribitta's gonna have her hands full as soon as they're mature enough! I'll catch ya laterz!' she said cheerily, waving and heading off down the path.
Sealia wasn't used to feeling like this. She was regarded as one of the most calm and peaceful of all the Zelfs and didn't usually find herzelf so restless. As she walked through Zardenia, she saw her fellow Zelfies laughing and playing in the Autumn sun, waving to some and wishing she wasn't in such a funk so that she could join them. The more she walked, the glummer she felt. When she found herself at the outskirts of Split Ends Forest, she was surprised how she had got there. For most of her walk, she had been daydreaming, hoping for something to inspire her.
The great shaggy trees of Spilt Ends Forest jiggled in the autumnal breeze, making the pink and yellow trees look like giant pom-poms. From somewhere deep within, Sealia heard a noise like a deep growl, which made her fins stand on end. You definitely didn't go into these woods by yourself, who knew what dangers or mysteries lurked within. Split Ends Forest was one of the more scary places in Zardenia. Few Zelf ever went in there, braver Zelfs like Dandy Lion and Howlette, who were more daring than most, often ventured in there but to most of the residents of Zardenia, it was a place they avoided at all costs. Whilst Sealia tried to look through the trees, she thought she saw shapes moving around, but her mind told her that it was just her imagination. She had been there around ten minutes or so, just gazing into the woods when a noise next to her, made her jump.
'Hoooooo!' said Owlmanda. 'You okay girl?'
'Aaaarrrrrggggh!,' yelled Sealia turning around and seeing her friend stood next to her. 'Oh Owly you made me jump! Don't go sneaking up on me like that!' Her heart was beating very rapidly, as Sealia calmed herself down.
'Sorry girlfriend, I was flying past and saw you down here, so I thought I'd stop by and say hello'. she laughed, amused that she had frightened the seahorse Zelf. 'What are you doing? You been staring at the trees for ages. You contemplatin' going in there?'
'Um.....no.... Maybe....I'm not sure.' she said indecisively. 'You ever been in there?'
'Of course! But you've heard the stories right? There are creatures in there that'll make your hair curl gurl!!! I would go in there with you, but I got an appointment with Tressa at the Spin Salon. I would suggest you don't go in there on your own! Anyway Toodles!'
Owlmanda took a little run then flapped her wings and glided through the air, away past the Hangout and off into the distance, leaving Sealia alone once more. Part of her wanted to be daring and brave and go into the forest by herself, but the sensible part of her brain, was telling her not to be so adventurous or headstrong. She didn't know what was on the other side of the trees, and if she went in alone and had a zaccident, then there would be no-one around to help her. She stepped across the path, and sat down on a rock giving her a good view of the woods. The trees were a mixture of oranges, pinks and yellows, grouped together with stripey branches, not like most of the trees in Zardenia. Sometimes it looked like these unusual trees were alive as they swayed and danced in the wind, and gave a cool but eerie whistling sound as the wind echoed throughout the branches.
Her friend was right of course, Sealia had heard the stories about wild creatures inhabiting the forests. Only nobody knew exactly what they were. Zelfs rarely ventured inside, and those that did were reluctant to tell what they had seen exactly. The Forests were both enrapturing and forboding, Zelfs wanted to go in there, but they were afraid to do so. Sealia decided there and then that she wanted to lead an exbidition into the Split Ends Forest and would gather a team of intrepid explorers to go in with her.
'The first Zelfs I see, I'll ask them to join me in an adventure.' she thought to herself.
Presently she heard a small commotion coming up from down the hill. It sounded like Zelfs, having a debate about something. 'Great' she thought to herself. 'I'll ask these fellows'.
Soon enough she saw three of her friends, those pesky little rascals - Flamy, Garny and Lil'D trooping down the path.
'I told you we shoulda gone here first.' complained Flamy to the others.
'You said no such thing Flamerina', retorted Garny. 'You said we should steal some of Beetrice's cookies and lemonade from the Bee Sweet Treehouse.' These two were always quarrelsome, although they were best friends really. They just liked to bicker and disagree. Lil'D brought up the rear, with a piece of old parchment in his hand, looking generally puzzled and being quiet with his thoughts.
'Hey guys!' called out Sealia as they got near. 'Whatcha doing?'
'Arrrrrrgh' yelled Garny and Flamy who jumped, not expecting to see anyone on the outskirts of the forest. They practically jumped into each other's arms, and embarassedl they put down their arms and pulled themselves apart from each other and looking at the floor.
Sealia stifled a chuckle.
'What are you doing here?' asked Flamy, after regaining his composure.
'I'm thinking of heading an exbidition into the woods. You guys wanna come with me?'
'In....there?' asked Garny pointing to the Forest with wide eyes.
'Yup. I need brave volunteers.' she said, hopefully.
'Oh erm...I .....' said Flamy, not particularly bravely.
'Gee......um......Ah....' said Garny echoing his friend.
'Oh come on..... what are you Zelfs or mice?' asked Sealia, although she was thinking the same as them. 'I thought of all the Zelfs in Zardenia, you three would be the bestest and bravest to come with me.' she said.
Flamy and Garny looked at each other and gulped. They weren't the kind of Zelfs that could say no to accepting a challenge or testing out their bravery. Lil'D said nothing as he studied his paper. Sealia looked at him curiously. It was not like Lil'D to be the silent type either.
'Lil'D, what you reading?' she asked, heading over to him.
'I er.....we found a map of some sort. I think its a treasure map!' he said, evidently he didn't know exactly what he was looking at.
'May I? A treasure map you say? I wonder if it belonged to Pirates???' she wondered aloud.
Lil'D passed the parchment over to Sealia. It was indeed a map of some kind. There were pictures of trees and rocks and footprints leading to a big cross. At last, and adventure!
'Pirates? Here in Zardenia?? ' asked Lil'D.
'Yup yup. They must have dropped their map, who's up for a little treasure hunting?' asked Sealia.
The three young Zelfs didn't need asking twice.
'Yes!!' they chorused.
'Right, As leader of this journey I propose you all do as I say, and walk where I walk. These pirates, obviously have buried their gold here somewhere in Zardenia. And its up to us, Captain Sealia and her ship-mates, to find this so called treasure before those gnarly and gruesome Pirates return! Who's with me?' she said in the voice of an authorative captain.
'Aye aye! Captain Sealia!' they called, hollering and whooping. She smiled at them.
'Now give me a minute to work out this map. You three go and gather up some supplies. But be quick, we cast off in 5 minutes.' she said.
In a flash all three zipped off, leaving green, purple and orange streaks of colour behind them as they disappeared in opposite directions.
Captain Sealia looked again at her map. It didn't make a whole load of sense to her. A jumble of shapes, a rock here, a tree there, a building of some sort. She knew she needed to work out where in Zardenia they all were in relation to the symbols on the map.
She took a deep breath and released her inner-calmness.
'Just think girl, what does this all mean? The trees, well they could be a wooded area. But where?' she thought, looking up. Of course! Split Ends Forest! Then the rocks, that looked like the Hangout. There was a pool, must be Moon Lagoon. The tall tower, was the castle! The Ponytail Paddocks, the Zecret Garden, it was all there! Captain Sealia could read the treasure map!
Shortly later, the three young Zelfies arrived, arms laden with backpacks, spades and lanterns. All valuable equipment for their intrepid journey! The boys had done well. They had even found a dress-up Pirate hat for their captain. Sealia was delighted!
'Well done me mateys, we will soon find this treasure! Follow me my hearties, into the Split Ends Forest we go!' she called and set off through the wibbly wobbly trees.
Garny, Flamy and Lil'D looked at each other, shrugged and followed. No questions asked, and no-one wanting to question the bravery of their captain.
Once inside the forest, a strange and unusual feeling swept over them all. The noise of birds chirruping and buzzing bees could not be heard once they had entered. All sounds seemed a bit muffled in fact. The four Zelfs paused to get used to their surroundings and set off through the yellow and pink trees, that seemed to grow bigger and blocked their exit. It was too late to turn back now, thought Sealia as she lead them inside and deeper into the forest.
It seemed like they had been in the woods for hours, when really it had only been minutes as Sealia and the three young Zelfs stared at their surroundings.
'Maybe we should sing a song?' said Captain Sealia, feeling a little nervous.
'Yeah Flamy's voice should frighten anything lurking around away!' Garny giggled.
'Shut it Fairy-Boy'. Flamy answered, his eyes looking round at every tree and bush.
'That's Dark Fairy boy to you.' Garny said, staying as close as he could to his friend.
'I wonder what kind of creatures do lurk in here?' wondered Lil'D aloud, his teeth chattering and his body shaking a little.
'Pah, whatever they are, they'll be more scared of Captain Sealia and her Merry Men.' said Sealia, half believing it herself.
'Yeah,' the other Zelfs said believing their captain.
'Listen to this....GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!' said Garny.
'Pathetic. How about this? AARRRRRRRRRRRGGGGGGGGHHHHH!' Flamy tried his best roar.
'Raaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaar!' joined in Lil'D.
'Er, maybe we shouldn't attract any attention?' said Sealia.
All of a sudden a rustle ahead in the trees, and a gang of flying bats flew out towards them.
'Aaaaaiiiiiiiiiiiiii!' said Captain Sealia, covering her face from flapping wings as they passed her by.
The three boys leapt up onto a tree branch in one leap.
'Come on down at once. It was only some bats.' she said. They reluctantly climbed back down.
Further on, they trekked. Was it their minds playing tricks or was it getting darker in here? A worrying thought began to overwhelm them all. Like something was watching them.
A growl somewhere in the Forest told them they weren't alone.
'Let's get outta here.' the three young Zelfs shuddered and high-tailed it back the way they came.
Sealia sighed. Somewhere beyond the trees she thought she saw a flash of a purple tail, and decided she had to go back after her fellow explorers really. She didn't want to be alone in here.
At the edge of the forest, she found the three Zelfs panting and looking more than a little dishevelled.
'Never-mind me hearties, we'll just skip that part on the map, we'll just go around.' she said, trying to raise their spirits.
'Around? You mean we didn't have to even go in there?' asked Flamy increduously.
'Well it wouldn't be an adventure without danger and risks.' she said merrily.
The other three grumbled to themselves. They had had enough excitement for the time being.
'C'mon Zelfies, I need you! Think of the treasure!' she said.
'Aye the treasure,' Lil'D piped up. 'It better be good whatever it is.'
'Lets go then. Next stop Ponytail Paddocks.' Captain Sealia marched on, with three tired and grumpy Zelfs behind her.
Off they trudged, with Sealia leading the way. Following the footprints on the map, they soon arrived at the Paddocks. There they were proceeded to be chased by an angry Shetland Pony, getting muddy in the process.
Captain Sealia directed them to the Veggie Patch, where a furious Webina and Spellinda chased them off, after trampling through the carrots and peas.
They then walked into the girls and Miss Tutu, from earlier. Miss Tutu only had to start rolling up her sleeves and the three naughty Zelfs ran off, leaving Sealia to shrug and follow them.
Next they arrived at Zoho Park, where they were chased by angry bees. Onto the Pool of Rock, where they fell in the pond when Lochlan popped up out of the water, covered in seaweed, looking like a monster of the deep. It just wasn't their day.
By the time it was getting dark, and they were tired, dirty, covered in scuff marks and thoroughly miserable. The map had lead them all over Zardenia from one disaster after another.
Sealia looked at her poor fellow Zelfies, whom had been run ragged by this mysterious map. She had hoped the treaure would have been easy enough to find, but it had proven difficult and exhausting for all involved. They had followed the footsteps from A to B, with each point on the map had been investigated, despite the setbacks. The end was nearly in sight, and Sealia needed to invoke her inner-calmness again and rally the troops, who were ready to drop.
She breathed in, and felt the peacful inner-sanctum of her mind. No matter what the situation Sealia always had her inner-calmness to help sooth her. Some of her friends said she was so calm she was almost zorizontal, in dilemmas, and they always turned to her for advice. That's why she always loved to be near the waters, it helped with her calm nature. The gentle lapping of the waves and the peacefulness of the water always kept her calm and reserved. She just needed to use this, and she felt ready for anything.
'Listen up my hearties, we've come so far that we simply cannot give up now. Look at what we've achieved. We've been in the Split Ends Forest. Now how many Zelfs can say that? We've taken on bats, and bees, and ponies and angry Zelfs and we are nearly at the end of our quest. I know its taken all day and we are all tired, but the end is just around the corner. Something gold glistens, and its up to us to find it. The treasure is ours for the taking! Now who's with me? WHO's WITH ME hey?' she commanded.
The three Zelfs who were just on the verge of giving up when Captain Sealia made her speech. As she spoke, the memories of all they'd been through fluttered through their heads. They had achieved a lot in the last few hours. They sat and thought for a second. They wanted to be on the winning team for sure, the band of ruffians who beat the odds, took on the pirates and came out on top, to be the prize winners, find the treasure that awaited them, along with the fame and the notoriety. Of course they did!
'Argh!' said Flamy in his best pirate voice.
'Grrrrr!' mirrored Garny.
'We're in! Treasure here we come!' Lil'D hollered. They whooped, they cheered. Sealia beamed in delight.
'Come on Zelfies, just around the corner it waits for us. Can't you feel it, that vibrating hum? Can you sense it, if you look and believe hard enough, you can almost see that golden glow of treasure. Nearly there, just up over the hill' Captain Sealia almost shouted.
They set off, whooping and hollering. The treasure just beyond their reach. The golden glow urging them on to their victory.
Round the corner of the hill, they found Jewely, the Ruby Zelf with her clipboard.
'Hello!,' she said,' I've been waiting for you all. We're ready to start the concert and were waiting for the stragglers to arrive!'
'But but...' said Sealia, seeing the golden glow of the concert stage ahead of them, their fellow Zelfs all there, chatting and drinking berry juice and dancing.
'Are you all coming or not?' said Jewely leading the way.
Captain Sealia, and her intrepid band of merry Zelfs looked at each other, stunned. Jewely stopped ahead of them, sensing they weren't following her.
'Oh, Where did you find my map? I've been looking for that!' she said taking the map out of Sealia's hands.
'Your....map?' she stuttered.
'Yes, the map to let people know exactly where the concert was at, you know what Grandfather Time is like, with his memory. There he isl look, bopping away with the young 'uns. Now come along, and we'll get the party started.'
Jewely lead the way down to the Day Zee Gardens, Flamy, Garny and Lil'D followed, feeling exhuberant and in need of a drink and a boogie. Only Sealia paused for a second. So there had been no Pirates and no actual treasure. Today had been a total waste of time. Almost.
'You-hoo!' said Owlmanda, landing near her. 'Hey girl, you had a good day? Did you find what you were looking for?'
Sealia thought about it. She had been on a quest for treasure, and as she looked down on her friends all getting ready for the Glitter-Gems concert, and she realised she had been bored, been on an adventure, conquered her fear of the forest, gathered a troop, lead a mission, and had some fun along the way.
Her friends and family were all having a good time. Captain Sealia smiled. She took her friend's arm, and off they went to enjoy the concert. Sealia danced, and chatted, ate some delicious food and drink (she was starving), got to dive bomb off the stage and was caught by her friends who span her around. She had a great time, the band were great and as she danced and twirled around with her friends Lochlan and Owlmanda, she realised she did find the most important treasure of all. Her family.
It was a beautiful crisp autumn day in Zardenia. The reds, browns and golden leaves gently drifted down from trees, littering the lawns and pathways of the land of the Zelfs. The sky was a pale blue, with little white fluffy clouds that dotted the landscape as far as the eye could see, like little flocks of sheep grazing in the blue meadow.
The Zelfs were all busy, doing what Zelfs do best. Down in the Zeggie Patch, Webina and Spellinda were tending to the vegetables, the pumpkins were getting nice and firm ready for the Halloween festivities in a few weeks time. In the Zoriental Garden, Miss Tutu was teaching a Zoga class, with Lunanne, Pegasue, Angelala and Buttershy all sweating it out and holding a variety of poses. Nearby the naughty little rascals Flamy, Garny and Lil'D were spying and laughing at them all, prompting Miss Tutu to put on her leather jacket, at which the pesky little Zelfs ran off sharpish. Nobody messes with her, when she's in her jacket.
Across the way in Zoho Park, Vampula and Lady B were pic-nicking, and gossiping at the latest fashions in Zardenia. A baby bluebottle decided to land in Vampy's hair, and instead of freaking out, she whipped out her mirror and curled a lock of hair around it. Lady B looked amazed and looked around for her own 'living insect ' hair clip but there was no more around. In the Hide n' Zeek playground Ribbita, Snap Jack and Dandy Lion were spinning on the spin and swing toadstool, whilst Float and Ty Foon were on the Zerry Go Round.
Manny was busy sweeping the leaves off the paths of the Day Zee Gardens, as Rufus and Catsby chased each other through the leaf piles, causing more mess than Manny could keep up with! He wasn't mad though, he chuckled as they frolicked in the crunchy leaves. Over at the Toasty Toes Camp, the Glitter-Gems were rehearsing for their rock concert later tonight, for which all the Zelfs were excited! Jewely was over-seeing proceedings over her glam-cousins, and had secretly put stuffing in her ears to drown out the noise! She had a checklist and clipboard and was triple-checking everything that was needed for the music celebration!
In charge of the fireworks, Butterluv and Flitter was arranging rockets and bangers along the castle walls, when one stray rocket decided to detonate early, causing them to both jump ten feet in the air. Luckily they had wings, so fluttered down relatively easily. Nearby Talon opened one eye, as he perched on the lookout tower trying to catch a zelf-nap, saw it was nothing to worry about and went back to sleep.
Over at the Moon Lagoon, Sealia the Seahorse Zelf was a little bored.
'OMZ, I can't wait for the concert tonight to come quick enough,' she murmered aloud to herself as she floated on a lilo in the centre of the pond. A lilypad with a drink and book floated along side her.
Lochlan surfaced very near to her. He had his snorkelling gear on, obviously exploring the bottom of the lagoon.
'What did you say?' he asked, shaking out his goggles and breathing pipe.
'Oh nothing, I'm just a lil' bored that's all.' she said. 'I need an adventure.'
'You could always come down here to the bottom with me, and look at the baby zadpoles. You don't usually get them at this time of the year' he said trying to help.
'Maybe another time Lochy dear. I never thought I would say this, but I'm not really feeling the water love today. I might go for a walk instead.' she said, hopping off her float and nimbly landing on the edge of the pool. Nearby Mermalade and Marina were racing each other, doing lengths of the water. It was a no-win contest, both the water-loving blue zelfs were neck and neck, and neither wanted to lose. Unless one of them decided to give up, it would go on all day until the concert tonight.
'Want me to come with?' asked Lochlan, his kindly and friendly nature showing a genuine concern for his friend.
'No thanks, I'll be okay. You get back to them zadpoles. Ribitta's gonna have her hands full as soon as they're mature enough! I'll catch ya laterz!' she said cheerily, waving and heading off down the path.
Sealia wasn't used to feeling like this. She was regarded as one of the most calm and peaceful of all the Zelfs and didn't usually find herzelf so restless. As she walked through Zardenia, she saw her fellow Zelfies laughing and playing in the Autumn sun, waving to some and wishing she wasn't in such a funk so that she could join them. The more she walked, the glummer she felt. When she found herself at the outskirts of Split Ends Forest, she was surprised how she had got there. For most of her walk, she had been daydreaming, hoping for something to inspire her.
The great shaggy trees of Spilt Ends Forest jiggled in the autumnal breeze, making the pink and yellow trees look like giant pom-poms. From somewhere deep within, Sealia heard a noise like a deep growl, which made her fins stand on end. You definitely didn't go into these woods by yourself, who knew what dangers or mysteries lurked within. Split Ends Forest was one of the more scary places in Zardenia. Few Zelf ever went in there, braver Zelfs like Dandy Lion and Howlette, who were more daring than most, often ventured in there but to most of the residents of Zardenia, it was a place they avoided at all costs. Whilst Sealia tried to look through the trees, she thought she saw shapes moving around, but her mind told her that it was just her imagination. She had been there around ten minutes or so, just gazing into the woods when a noise next to her, made her jump.
'Hoooooo!' said Owlmanda. 'You okay girl?'
'Aaaarrrrrggggh!,' yelled Sealia turning around and seeing her friend stood next to her. 'Oh Owly you made me jump! Don't go sneaking up on me like that!' Her heart was beating very rapidly, as Sealia calmed herself down.
'Sorry girlfriend, I was flying past and saw you down here, so I thought I'd stop by and say hello'. she laughed, amused that she had frightened the seahorse Zelf. 'What are you doing? You been staring at the trees for ages. You contemplatin' going in there?'
'Um.....no.... Maybe....I'm not sure.' she said indecisively. 'You ever been in there?'
'Of course! But you've heard the stories right? There are creatures in there that'll make your hair curl gurl!!! I would go in there with you, but I got an appointment with Tressa at the Spin Salon. I would suggest you don't go in there on your own! Anyway Toodles!'
Owlmanda took a little run then flapped her wings and glided through the air, away past the Hangout and off into the distance, leaving Sealia alone once more. Part of her wanted to be daring and brave and go into the forest by herself, but the sensible part of her brain, was telling her not to be so adventurous or headstrong. She didn't know what was on the other side of the trees, and if she went in alone and had a zaccident, then there would be no-one around to help her. She stepped across the path, and sat down on a rock giving her a good view of the woods. The trees were a mixture of oranges, pinks and yellows, grouped together with stripey branches, not like most of the trees in Zardenia. Sometimes it looked like these unusual trees were alive as they swayed and danced in the wind, and gave a cool but eerie whistling sound as the wind echoed throughout the branches.
Her friend was right of course, Sealia had heard the stories about wild creatures inhabiting the forests. Only nobody knew exactly what they were. Zelfs rarely ventured inside, and those that did were reluctant to tell what they had seen exactly. The Forests were both enrapturing and forboding, Zelfs wanted to go in there, but they were afraid to do so. Sealia decided there and then that she wanted to lead an exbidition into the Split Ends Forest and would gather a team of intrepid explorers to go in with her.
'The first Zelfs I see, I'll ask them to join me in an adventure.' she thought to herself.
Presently she heard a small commotion coming up from down the hill. It sounded like Zelfs, having a debate about something. 'Great' she thought to herself. 'I'll ask these fellows'.
Soon enough she saw three of her friends, those pesky little rascals - Flamy, Garny and Lil'D trooping down the path.
'I told you we shoulda gone here first.' complained Flamy to the others.
'You said no such thing Flamerina', retorted Garny. 'You said we should steal some of Beetrice's cookies and lemonade from the Bee Sweet Treehouse.' These two were always quarrelsome, although they were best friends really. They just liked to bicker and disagree. Lil'D brought up the rear, with a piece of old parchment in his hand, looking generally puzzled and being quiet with his thoughts.
'Hey guys!' called out Sealia as they got near. 'Whatcha doing?'
'Arrrrrrgh' yelled Garny and Flamy who jumped, not expecting to see anyone on the outskirts of the forest. They practically jumped into each other's arms, and embarassedl they put down their arms and pulled themselves apart from each other and looking at the floor.
Sealia stifled a chuckle.
'What are you doing here?' asked Flamy, after regaining his composure.
'I'm thinking of heading an exbidition into the woods. You guys wanna come with me?'
'In....there?' asked Garny pointing to the Forest with wide eyes.
'Yup. I need brave volunteers.' she said, hopefully.
'Oh erm...I .....' said Flamy, not particularly bravely.
'Gee......um......Ah....' said Garny echoing his friend.
'Oh come on..... what are you Zelfs or mice?' asked Sealia, although she was thinking the same as them. 'I thought of all the Zelfs in Zardenia, you three would be the bestest and bravest to come with me.' she said.
Flamy and Garny looked at each other and gulped. They weren't the kind of Zelfs that could say no to accepting a challenge or testing out their bravery. Lil'D said nothing as he studied his paper. Sealia looked at him curiously. It was not like Lil'D to be the silent type either.
'Lil'D, what you reading?' she asked, heading over to him.
'I er.....we found a map of some sort. I think its a treasure map!' he said, evidently he didn't know exactly what he was looking at.
'May I? A treasure map you say? I wonder if it belonged to Pirates???' she wondered aloud.
Lil'D passed the parchment over to Sealia. It was indeed a map of some kind. There were pictures of trees and rocks and footprints leading to a big cross. At last, and adventure!
'Pirates? Here in Zardenia?? ' asked Lil'D.
'Yup yup. They must have dropped their map, who's up for a little treasure hunting?' asked Sealia.
The three young Zelfs didn't need asking twice.
'Yes!!' they chorused.
'Right, As leader of this journey I propose you all do as I say, and walk where I walk. These pirates, obviously have buried their gold here somewhere in Zardenia. And its up to us, Captain Sealia and her ship-mates, to find this so called treasure before those gnarly and gruesome Pirates return! Who's with me?' she said in the voice of an authorative captain.
'Aye aye! Captain Sealia!' they called, hollering and whooping. She smiled at them.
'Now give me a minute to work out this map. You three go and gather up some supplies. But be quick, we cast off in 5 minutes.' she said.
In a flash all three zipped off, leaving green, purple and orange streaks of colour behind them as they disappeared in opposite directions.
Captain Sealia looked again at her map. It didn't make a whole load of sense to her. A jumble of shapes, a rock here, a tree there, a building of some sort. She knew she needed to work out where in Zardenia they all were in relation to the symbols on the map.
She took a deep breath and released her inner-calmness.
'Just think girl, what does this all mean? The trees, well they could be a wooded area. But where?' she thought, looking up. Of course! Split Ends Forest! Then the rocks, that looked like the Hangout. There was a pool, must be Moon Lagoon. The tall tower, was the castle! The Ponytail Paddocks, the Zecret Garden, it was all there! Captain Sealia could read the treasure map!
Shortly later, the three young Zelfies arrived, arms laden with backpacks, spades and lanterns. All valuable equipment for their intrepid journey! The boys had done well. They had even found a dress-up Pirate hat for their captain. Sealia was delighted!
'Well done me mateys, we will soon find this treasure! Follow me my hearties, into the Split Ends Forest we go!' she called and set off through the wibbly wobbly trees.
Garny, Flamy and Lil'D looked at each other, shrugged and followed. No questions asked, and no-one wanting to question the bravery of their captain.
Once inside the forest, a strange and unusual feeling swept over them all. The noise of birds chirruping and buzzing bees could not be heard once they had entered. All sounds seemed a bit muffled in fact. The four Zelfs paused to get used to their surroundings and set off through the yellow and pink trees, that seemed to grow bigger and blocked their exit. It was too late to turn back now, thought Sealia as she lead them inside and deeper into the forest.
It seemed like they had been in the woods for hours, when really it had only been minutes as Sealia and the three young Zelfs stared at their surroundings.
'Maybe we should sing a song?' said Captain Sealia, feeling a little nervous.
'Yeah Flamy's voice should frighten anything lurking around away!' Garny giggled.
'Shut it Fairy-Boy'. Flamy answered, his eyes looking round at every tree and bush.
'That's Dark Fairy boy to you.' Garny said, staying as close as he could to his friend.
'I wonder what kind of creatures do lurk in here?' wondered Lil'D aloud, his teeth chattering and his body shaking a little.
'Pah, whatever they are, they'll be more scared of Captain Sealia and her Merry Men.' said Sealia, half believing it herself.
'Yeah,' the other Zelfs said believing their captain.
'Listen to this....GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!' said Garny.
'Pathetic. How about this? AARRRRRRRRRRRGGGGGGGGHHHHH!' Flamy tried his best roar.
'Raaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaar!' joined in Lil'D.
'Er, maybe we shouldn't attract any attention?' said Sealia.
All of a sudden a rustle ahead in the trees, and a gang of flying bats flew out towards them.
'Aaaaaiiiiiiiiiiiiii!' said Captain Sealia, covering her face from flapping wings as they passed her by.
The three boys leapt up onto a tree branch in one leap.
'Come on down at once. It was only some bats.' she said. They reluctantly climbed back down.
Further on, they trekked. Was it their minds playing tricks or was it getting darker in here? A worrying thought began to overwhelm them all. Like something was watching them.
A growl somewhere in the Forest told them they weren't alone.
'Let's get outta here.' the three young Zelfs shuddered and high-tailed it back the way they came.
Sealia sighed. Somewhere beyond the trees she thought she saw a flash of a purple tail, and decided she had to go back after her fellow explorers really. She didn't want to be alone in here.
At the edge of the forest, she found the three Zelfs panting and looking more than a little dishevelled.
'Never-mind me hearties, we'll just skip that part on the map, we'll just go around.' she said, trying to raise their spirits.
'Around? You mean we didn't have to even go in there?' asked Flamy increduously.
'Well it wouldn't be an adventure without danger and risks.' she said merrily.
The other three grumbled to themselves. They had had enough excitement for the time being.
'C'mon Zelfies, I need you! Think of the treasure!' she said.
'Aye the treasure,' Lil'D piped up. 'It better be good whatever it is.'
'Lets go then. Next stop Ponytail Paddocks.' Captain Sealia marched on, with three tired and grumpy Zelfs behind her.
Off they trudged, with Sealia leading the way. Following the footprints on the map, they soon arrived at the Paddocks. There they were proceeded to be chased by an angry Shetland Pony, getting muddy in the process.
Captain Sealia directed them to the Veggie Patch, where a furious Webina and Spellinda chased them off, after trampling through the carrots and peas.
They then walked into the girls and Miss Tutu, from earlier. Miss Tutu only had to start rolling up her sleeves and the three naughty Zelfs ran off, leaving Sealia to shrug and follow them.
Next they arrived at Zoho Park, where they were chased by angry bees. Onto the Pool of Rock, where they fell in the pond when Lochlan popped up out of the water, covered in seaweed, looking like a monster of the deep. It just wasn't their day.
By the time it was getting dark, and they were tired, dirty, covered in scuff marks and thoroughly miserable. The map had lead them all over Zardenia from one disaster after another.
Sealia looked at her poor fellow Zelfies, whom had been run ragged by this mysterious map. She had hoped the treaure would have been easy enough to find, but it had proven difficult and exhausting for all involved. They had followed the footsteps from A to B, with each point on the map had been investigated, despite the setbacks. The end was nearly in sight, and Sealia needed to invoke her inner-calmness again and rally the troops, who were ready to drop.
She breathed in, and felt the peacful inner-sanctum of her mind. No matter what the situation Sealia always had her inner-calmness to help sooth her. Some of her friends said she was so calm she was almost zorizontal, in dilemmas, and they always turned to her for advice. That's why she always loved to be near the waters, it helped with her calm nature. The gentle lapping of the waves and the peacefulness of the water always kept her calm and reserved. She just needed to use this, and she felt ready for anything.
'Listen up my hearties, we've come so far that we simply cannot give up now. Look at what we've achieved. We've been in the Split Ends Forest. Now how many Zelfs can say that? We've taken on bats, and bees, and ponies and angry Zelfs and we are nearly at the end of our quest. I know its taken all day and we are all tired, but the end is just around the corner. Something gold glistens, and its up to us to find it. The treasure is ours for the taking! Now who's with me? WHO's WITH ME hey?' she commanded.
The three Zelfs who were just on the verge of giving up when Captain Sealia made her speech. As she spoke, the memories of all they'd been through fluttered through their heads. They had achieved a lot in the last few hours. They sat and thought for a second. They wanted to be on the winning team for sure, the band of ruffians who beat the odds, took on the pirates and came out on top, to be the prize winners, find the treasure that awaited them, along with the fame and the notoriety. Of course they did!
'Argh!' said Flamy in his best pirate voice.
'Grrrrr!' mirrored Garny.
'We're in! Treasure here we come!' Lil'D hollered. They whooped, they cheered. Sealia beamed in delight.
'Come on Zelfies, just around the corner it waits for us. Can't you feel it, that vibrating hum? Can you sense it, if you look and believe hard enough, you can almost see that golden glow of treasure. Nearly there, just up over the hill' Captain Sealia almost shouted.
They set off, whooping and hollering. The treasure just beyond their reach. The golden glow urging them on to their victory.
Round the corner of the hill, they found Jewely, the Ruby Zelf with her clipboard.
'Hello!,' she said,' I've been waiting for you all. We're ready to start the concert and were waiting for the stragglers to arrive!'
'But but...' said Sealia, seeing the golden glow of the concert stage ahead of them, their fellow Zelfs all there, chatting and drinking berry juice and dancing.
'Are you all coming or not?' said Jewely leading the way.
Captain Sealia, and her intrepid band of merry Zelfs looked at each other, stunned. Jewely stopped ahead of them, sensing they weren't following her.
'Oh, Where did you find my map? I've been looking for that!' she said taking the map out of Sealia's hands.
'Your....map?' she stuttered.
'Yes, the map to let people know exactly where the concert was at, you know what Grandfather Time is like, with his memory. There he isl look, bopping away with the young 'uns. Now come along, and we'll get the party started.'
Jewely lead the way down to the Day Zee Gardens, Flamy, Garny and Lil'D followed, feeling exhuberant and in need of a drink and a boogie. Only Sealia paused for a second. So there had been no Pirates and no actual treasure. Today had been a total waste of time. Almost.
'You-hoo!' said Owlmanda, landing near her. 'Hey girl, you had a good day? Did you find what you were looking for?'
Sealia thought about it. She had been on a quest for treasure, and as she looked down on her friends all getting ready for the Glitter-Gems concert, and she realised she had been bored, been on an adventure, conquered her fear of the forest, gathered a troop, lead a mission, and had some fun along the way.
Her friends and family were all having a good time. Captain Sealia smiled. She took her friend's arm, and off they went to enjoy the concert. Sealia danced, and chatted, ate some delicious food and drink (she was starving), got to dive bomb off the stage and was caught by her friends who span her around. She had a great time, the band were great and as she danced and twirled around with her friends Lochlan and Owlmanda, she realised she did find the most important treasure of all. Her family.
so annoying!