Post by Starkle on Sept 21, 2014 16:23:14 GMT -5
Snap Jack and the Winter Wonderland - aka a story about Imagination
Into every generation a Zelf is born, only just a little different from all the rest.
Whilst for most of our Zelfling heroes, their stories are the same - born from a wandering star, so that when it collapses and implodes, travels far across the vast reaches of infinite space and time until it is pulled with magnetic force or will, towards the blue and green planet in our very own solar system. When that star reaches the atmosphere, it burns with a bright trail of dust and ice, entering the higher realms of the ozone and shooting towards the little hunk of floating island, known as Zardenia. As in most cases, the little star bypasses this plateau of land and rock and settles down on the big planet beneath, each having their own path and destiny decided for them.
Then the Elder Clan of Zelfs, a select group of chosen Zelflings travel down to Earth to retrieve the space-rock, and hatch out the Zelf inside. Each and every Zelf incorporates whatever object is nearest to it upon arrival, whether it be an animal drinking at a nearby watering hole, a curious creature, element, or object of nature such as a plant or mineral and that is how they get their name and abilities.
On a very rare occasion a Zelf arrives at their destination and doesn't pick up on an imprint right away. That zelfling is born pure white, with white hair and only incorporates their zelf power later on when they encounter their chosen path.
That was the case with little Snap Jack. He was born in late December, on an unusually mild winter's evening and when the Elders went to find him, in the Canadian wilderness they were surprised to discover he was already out of his meteor that had shattered upon arrival, and he was sat blinking at his surroundings. He was pure white through and through, and didn't change at all, once Grandfather Time and the others discovered him. It had only happened twice before, so they 'collected' him and took him back up to their world and looked after him all the same. It didn't matter to them that Snap Jack was a little different. After all, each and every Zelf is considered different and unique, and loved all the same. As it should be. White, Black, Red or Yellow; a Zelf is a Zelf just as a human is a human, and as one race at the end of the day, should treat others likewise and be treated the same.
Each of the Elder Zelfs take their turn to look after and care for the new Zelflings, and it just so happened that Grandfather Time himself decided he was going to care for Snap Jack until he was fully matured. Snap Jack became almost like a grandson to him, and the pair went everywhere together. Occasionally Zelfs would stop and stare at lil' Jack, but not in a nasty way, just curious as to when he would 'imprint' and would often take time to bring him to a cute little critter such as a bunny or butterfly and hope that something miraculous would occur. At first the small white Zelf with the squeaky voice didn't notice what was really going on, but he was aware he was a little different and not so brightly coloured as his friends, and didn't have the power marks like the others. Grandfather Time was patient and caring, taking him the length and breadth of the land in order to help Snap Jack search out his true calling, but nothing seemed to 'tingle', which is what happened to the Zelf when it was near to its true calling.
'Grandpappy, when will it happen?' Snap Jack would ask.
'Just be patient little one. It will happen when it happens.' would be the answer.
'But when is that going to be?'
Grandfather Time would chuckle. He knew that good things came to those who wait.
'Maybe I'll become a bird, whoooh and be able to fly in the sky?' said Snap Jack mimicking a bird and flapping his imaginary wings.
'Or maybe a lion, that would be cool! Raaaaaaaar!' he squeaked his best roar, pretending to be the mighty feline.
'Oh Snap Jack, maybe you will. Maybe you will.' laughed Grandfather.
For Snap Jack everything was a possibility. As he grew, so did his imagination. He would tell stories of giant monsters and gorillas to his little friends, everyone knew sweet little squeaky Snap Jack told the wildest and most adventurous stories. He spoke of tales involving Zelf knights, and dragons and princesses locked up in tall towers, and rabid wolves and evil sorceresses, of boy-wizards and sparkling dead like creatures.
'One day your over-active imagination will get you into trouble.' reprimanded Mamma Mia one day, after catching Snap Jack telling one of his tall tales.
Presently people began to stop listening to his stories, and Snap Jack would grow a little disappointed. The more extreme and epic his stories, the more they lost interest. And Mamma Mia was right, that was when the troubles really began.
Now every story Snap Jack told, he would write down in his little book at the end of the day. His quill would get an endless work-out every night as he sat by the fire, reading and re-writing his tales. Occasionally he would have to take two baths, just because he was covered in ink blots and paint. Not only was Snap Jack very good at writing, he loved to read, and paint and play make-believe and sing songs and anything else that required creativity. While his little buddies would be out playing frisbee on the golden sands, he would be indoors working on his latest poem or story, or if they were indoors, frightened of the thunder and rain and huddled in the safety and comfort of their homes, then squeaky little Snap Jack would be outside somewhere, in all weathers. The cold never seemed to bother him anyway and he would let go with his imagination, and dream up collosal towers made of glass, or weird fluffy white creatures with odd features like a carrot for its nose.
Now one particularly grey and dull day in Zardenia towards the end of the year, Snap Jack was sat near the edge of the plateau, with his satchel full of ink and quill pens, working on his next story. In the distance, he could see the Zelfs busy with their everyday lives, gathering up supplies for the colder days ahead. Beetrice had stocked up on honey, jars and barrels of the thick gooey liquid being rolled towards the barn by Webina and Elfa. Howlette and Dorothy Doe were collecting vegetables from the Vegie Patch, and putting them into wheelbarrows for Kitsu and Flint to take to their stockpile. Wonderful smells of freshly baked bread and cakes from the kitchens told him that Mamma Mia and Lunanne had just baked a new batch of delicious foods, and he paused to witness Flamy and Lil'D sneaking out of the back door with a handful of cakes to eat. Vampula was sat besides the fountain, admiring her reflection as Mermalade and Koivin tried to hold their breaths under the water for the longest time. He could see everything from the ridge, and in the distance the castle loomed out of the clouds, and he could just make out the observatory just behind.
His friend Pegasue, sat nearby with her head in one of her books. Snap Jack didn't like to be interrupted when he was having one of his writing sessions, and because of Pega's sweet and mild temperament, she didn't come across as boisterous or chatter at him for hours on end, she was good company. In fact she was one of his closest friends, she had more reason to feel different than most of the other Zelfs, as she had been raised by trolls before she had came to Zardenia and understood that Snap Jack needed time to discover who he really was. She read her books as he wrote, scribbled notes and threw them away, and rewrote new ones. Pega was also the very first Zelf to get to read lil' Jack's tales after he had finished them, and as a fan of books and stories in general, seemed to love all his delighful tales.
As the little white zelf was deep in concentration, he heard a chirupping sound nearby, that started to distract him from his train of thought. Snap Jack wondered where it was coming from and got up to investigate. He followed the sound to the edge of the cliff face, and when he looked over the edge, he found the noise belonged to a little white bird that was stuck on a ledge and seemed to be chirping for help.
'Awwwww poor lil' thing', he said, trying to lean over to reach the poor unfortunate birdy. It seemed that the small bird had some how gotten itself lost and stuck at the same time, and seeing as it was too young to fly, could easily fall over the edge and be lost forever.
There was something familiar with the little white bird, and Snap Jack knew he had to help the poor little thing, he wouldn't like to be in the same situation with nobody around to help him. The all white Zelf had to rescue the birdy somehow. But how could he reach it?
Snap Jack knew he had to use his imagination, he couldn't reach the little bird by himself and needed the help of his fellow zelfs. Pegasue rounded up a couple of volunteers in Birchy, Howlette and Webina. Each Zelf lay down in a line, with Birchy hooking himself into the roots of a tree, and they each held on to the feet of the Zelf in front, and as a chain, Snap Jack was able to reach down and scoop up the little bird, who looked terrified and scared, but chirped in appreciation. As they were doing this, a giant shadow flew above them, watching the scene.
As the Zelfs managed to rescue the little bird and got him to safety, the little white bird in the hands of the little white zelf, there was a screech from the sky and the little Zelfs looked up and saw a giant bird circling overhead. They scurried off, worried that the giant bird would attack them, except for Snap Jack who couldn't abandon the little birdy he held in his arms.
There was a thud as the huge bird landed directly in front of the worried Zelf. The bird looked from Snap Jack to the tiny bird, and back again. Not blinking, its big yellow eye ever watchful and alert. The bird was ten times bigger than anything the little Zelf had ever seen. It was clear that the big bird was the parent or guardian of the little bird, and Snap Jack knew that it wanted its baby back. He carefully put the baby bird down in a basket and gently nudged the baby back towards his mother. Then he carefully backed away from the big bird.
He watched as the big bird, nuzzled and gently checked over its baby for any signs of damage, in case it had fallen and hurt itself. The baby continued to chirrup, happy to be reunited with its mummy. Snap Jack was happy, all was right in the world again. He had saved the baby from falling off the ledge and now it was safe again. The mother, seemingly satisfied that its chick was fine, relaxed a little and the baby was comfortable in one of Pega's soft lined baskets. The gigantic bird, then spread out its wings to full scale, showing off its enormous size, and Snap Jack was a little startled and took a few steps backward. But the mother eagle, didn't seem threatening and held out its wing towards Snap Jack, until the little white Zelf stroked its wing. It seemed like a gesture of friendship, and the eagle had watched Snap Jack save the little bird.
Snap Jack made sure the little bird was warm and dry, and gave it some water whilst the mother eagle looked on. After a while, the mother hopped towards the ledge, looking outwards across the sky. Occasionally it sqwarked, but Snap Jack had no idea what it was saying or wanted. Whilst the little bird slept in the basket, Snap Jack settled back down to his work, writing in his books - a grand adventure tale about a giant eagle.
Presently Pegasue and Elfa came back to the spot where they sat. Pega had been a little worried about her books after she had run off and was surprised to see Snap Jack still hard at work, reading, writing and scribbling his notes whilst the big tall eagle stood at the edge of the precipice, looking across the skies. Elfa had agreed to help Pega collect up her books and take them back to the library. The eagle turned to look at them, making them a little nervous, but sensing they weren't any kind of threat, went back to being a statue of sorts.
'Hi Snap Jack, I thought you'd have gone home by now.' Pega said picking up her books.
'Nah, I'm busy with my stories. Besides the eagle isn't bothering me, and the baby is sleeping.' was the reply.
'Pega told me, that you saved the bird, and that they thought the big eagle would attack you all.' Elfa said cheerily.
Pega blushed a little, feeling a little foolish.
'Nope. The eagle is my friend now. It knew I had helped its baby.' Snap said back, his head still in his book, his quill working back and forth.
'That's good.' Pega said, still a little unsure of being in close proximity to the big bird.
'Every now and again it does keep trying to communicate though,' said Snap, 'Only I don't speak Eagle.'
'Well I can, do you want me to find out what it wants?' Elfa said helpfully.
Snap Jack looked up. Of course Elfa could talk to animals, he had completely forgotten that was one of her gifts. Each Zelf inherited certain powers and gifts when they 'imprinted'. Like Teeny Genie could grant wishes, Mermalade could hold her breath under water and Kitsu could make herself almost invisible.
'Oooh yes please. I would like to know what she wanted to say.' Snap said happily.
Elfa took a few steps towards the big eagle, until it noticed her in its peripheral vision and turned to watch her. Elfa held her hands out to show she was unarmed and wanted to communicate with the bird.
'Scrrreeeee, anarh, narnee ahbecktuuuu verdiannn sqwara roooooooreeeee.' Elfa exclaimed.
It sounded a little gobbledy-gook, but the eagle knew exactly what she was saying and nodded its head. It was a wondrous thing to watch Elfa at work, talking to different animals and this chat with the eagle was no different. Snap Jack and Pegasue watched in amazement as the eagle answered back, as they exchanged information.
'What is she saying?' asked Snap Jack after a minute or two.
'The big eagle is about to embark on a journey across the Zearth, and wanted to know if you would like to accompany her. She says she can see you have a huge imagination and would be happy to show you the world, from her wings in an appreciation of helping her child to safety.'
Snap Jack was dumb-founded. It was his absolute dream to visit different lands, and see in fact as much of the world as he could and this was the perfect opportunity.
'Oooooooh yes please!' he squeaked excitedly. 'Wowee!' lil' Jack hopped around in excitement as Elfa translated to the bird.
'She said to climb upon her back, and she will take you. I've said I will keep a watch over her baby until you get back. She said it will only take a few hours at most, and you'll be back before nightfall.' Elfa repeated back to him.
Snap Jack was terribly excited. He gathered up his notes and ink, and quills and book and stuffed them into his satchel.
'Could Pegasue, perhaps come with us?' Snap asked. He wanted his friend to share in this adventure. Pegasue smiled at him, although she seemed a trifle unsure of the big bird still.
Elfa asked the eagle, who responded with a yes and before Pegasue knew it, Elfa and Snap had lifted her onto the big eagle's back and with her hands gripped tightly around Snap Jack's waist, the little pink Zelf with the rainbow hair, and the pure all white Zelf were settled onto the eagle's back and she spread her mighty wings and took off from the cliff, seeing Elfa become a little blur as she waved them off.
They were going on an adventure!
Snap Jack and Pegasue gazed in awe at the vastness of the great sky before them. It seemed endless, and they saw nothing but cloud for miles.
'Wow.' said Pegasue. Its sooooo pretty, look there's a cloud shaped like a dolphin. And there's one that looks like a castle.'
'Haha. There's one that looks like a hippopotamus. Look there's one that looks like Grandpappy!' Snap Jack enjoyed this game with his friend, as the eagle soared high above the clouds. The sight of one that looked like his mentor made Snap Jack a little sad that he was so far from home though, but he was having such a good time he forgot about it soon enough.
The eagle cried, and they held on tightly as it swooped beneath the clouds and the two little Zelfs were in astonishment when they broke through the clouds to see land below them.
Pegasue gasped, and could see Snap's dopey expression of wonderment. He was just as awestruck as she was. They were probably the first Zelfs bar the Elders, to have seen the world. Zardenia seemed so small in comparison.
The eagle swan-dived carefully so they could take a closer look. They saw forests, and hills, and deserts and fields of gold, green and red.
They saw monumental chunks of jagged rocks sticking out of the ground and ginormous puddles of blue and brownish waters, much bigger than the lakes and mountains of home.
The bird took them over tall long legged animals, and big muscular ones aswell, ones with long tails and strange shapes and the two Zelfs took it all in.
'This is amazing! It's like we are living in one of your stories!' Pega beamed.
'This is so much more than I could ever have imagined by myself.' Snap Jack replied.
The eagle took them far and wide, across rivers, lakes and forests. They passed huge buildings of stone, and houses floating on the water. The world was such an amazing and beautiful place to see. But whilst both Zelfs were delighted, they began to feel pangs in their stomach for their beloved home. Although neither of them wished to admit it, not whilst they were having such a gret time.
The eagle flew north, past great pine forests and they saw big black and brown beasts wandering the plains. The further they flew, the colder it seemed to get as well.
'Looks a little like Manny don't they?' Pega pointed out. 'Only they're not green.' they laughed.
Suddenly Snap Jack began to feel very sick and dizzy. He swooned, whilst sat on the back of the eagle, and without support, Pegasue slipped over the side.
'Aaaaaiaiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii!' she screamed, disappearing into the fog.
Snap Jack yelled out as his friend fell through the sky. Oh no! he thought.
The eagle sensing something was wrong, turned and dived through the air, racing to catch Pegasue. The little pink Zelf hurtling through the air towards the ground.
'Come on, come on'.... Snap Jack thought, holding on tight and secretly begging they would catch her in time. It was all his fault, he thought, suddenly coming across all strange and tingly as they had flown further north. The eagle swooped in and under Pegasue, catching her safely and Snap Jack hugged her and hugged her, glad that she was safe again.
'Oh Pega, I don't know what I would've done if I had lost you!' Snap cried.
'Wow. That was scary for a second or two. Shall we do it again?' she laughed it off, although she had been absolutely petrified.
The eagle landed on the ground, and the two Zelfs slid off to regain themselves. It shuffled a little, then took off into the tree to watch over them.
'What happened back there?' Pega asked.
'I don't know exactly. I suddenly started feeling very dizzy and couldn't keep my grip.' Snap said. 'I'm sooooo sorry. In my quest for an adventure, I nearly put your life in danger. I'm sorry Pegasue.'
The little white Zelf was visibly shaken and distraught. Pegasue looked at him and hugged him.
'I am fine now, thats all that matters. We are both fine.' she tried to reassure him.
But Snap Jack couldn't help feeling it was all his fault.
'I suggest maybe we have a little sleep now', she suggested whilst gathering up some leaves for a nest, 'And we'll head back home soon. Okay?'
Snap Jack did as he was told, helped gather some soft leaves and ferns for bedding and they snuggled down for a nap. The eagle flew off, presumably in search of food.
But Snap Jack couldn't rest easily. He felt incredibly guilty for putting his friend in danger and feeling sad and miserable, he went for a walk. Plus, he couldn't shake the feeling of nausea that felt like pinprickles all over his skin. Snap Jack assumed it was all connected to his feelings, and before long he had walked a long way from where he had left Pega and the eagle.
He was in the middle of a white wilderness, all around him he could see white everywhere. In fact he blended in so well, he knew that his friend the eagle would not be able to see him. There was something so magical about being here, in this cold and strange environment where he couldn't be found. He hoped that Pega and the eagle would wake up and just return home, leaving him here because he felt that it was only right that he should be alone.
Sat in this place, he still felt the unusualness creeping all over his skin like pins-and-needles, and suddenly felt something cold and wet land on his nose. Then on his arm, and on his ear. The sky was crying, only it was little white tears. The weather matched his mood perfectly, so Snap Jack cried along with the sky. As he continued, he watched the 'tears' get bigger and whiter and sat in complete silence, as they danced around and floated gently down until they settled on the already white ground. Presently he decided he wanted to dance with these little white shapes and span and twirled, and flitted around and around. It took him a minute to realise he could manipulate and make these strange white flakes move wherever he wanted as well, he would point and they would move to whichever direction he wanted them to. Snap Jack felt very happy and peaceful here amongst the snow.
A voice echoed through the fog. Snap Jack heard it in the wind but didn't pay attention at first. He was busy with the snowflakes, making them into shapes.
'Snaaaaaaaaaaaaaap Jaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaack!' it said. 'Where aaaaaaaare yooooooou?'
A shape in the air glided past. It must have been the eagle and Pegasue looking for him. He had hoped they wouldn't have come, but left him here in the white lands. He heard the eagle screeching.
'They won't find me,' he thought. 'They'll give up and return home.' Snap Jack felt terrible, but alone. He missed Zardenia, his friends, his grandpappy and everything. But had resigned himself to the fact that he deserved to be on his own, for putting his own imagination ahead of the safety of his friends.
There was a thud nearby, and put of the mists, Pegasue came running over to him. Snap Jack was amazed that the eagle had found him amongst the white canvas. The first thing she did was to give him a big hug, which made him feel better and then she stepped back and looked at him funny.
'Oh Snap Jack, I'm so glad we found you. I have missed you terribly.' she said happily.
'How did you find me? I thought I would be invisible against the snow?' he said increduously.
'But you're not invisible! Snap Jack take a look at yourself. You've imprinted. Found your calling. Loook!' she said taking his hand and showing it to him.
Snap Jack looked down at his hand in hers. It was now a very pale blue colour, like icy blue. He checked his other hand, and his feet. All were blue-ish now. Had he really changed colour? Had the snow somehow activated his 'powers'? Is that what that feeling had been all along. Had he come on this epic journey for this purpose, to find his true calling? It all slotted into his head. Pegasue took him to a nearby frozen puddle of ice. Snap Jack looked at his reflection in awe. He was now light blue all over, with the pattern of the flaky white tears across his torso and feet. His hair was still white, and there were icy patterns on his legs also.
Snap Jack was sooooo happy, he showed Pega and the eagle how he could make the snowflakes dance and swirl, and they seemed very happy for him. Most of all he really wanted to go home and show Grandfather what he could now do.
'Shall we go home?' he smiled.
Snap Jack and Pegasue climbed back onto the eagle who took off through the skies back to Zardenia. As they circled overhead, Snap Jack watched as the Zelflings came out of their homes and formed a big group. They were laughing, and cheering and calling his name.
'Snap Jack, Snap Jack, Snap Jack'. He beamed with pride.
The eagle landed, and all the Zelfs gathered around, hugging and shaking his hand and calling for their friend. Presently Grandfather Time shuffled down the path and gave his protege a big hug.
'Congratulations little one. You have found your mark.' he said gruffly. 'I told you if you were patient enough, it would happen.'
'I'm not so different now, am I?' Snap Jack smiled at him.
'Every Zelf is different Snap Jack,' the old Zelf said back. 'That's what makes us all unique and special at the same time.'
Snap Jack understood. He had been on this magical journey of discovery, to realise that he was truly different. As was Pegasue, as was Birchy, as was Vampula, as was every other Zelf in Zardenia. Every Zelf had their own story, had their own differences, and what they did together made them a family and stronger.
Snap Jack left the group still cheering and celebrating, as he walked up the path to the resting spot. He watched the big eagle take off and soar around Zardenia. The lord of the skies, and master of its own destiny.
Snap Jack smiled and looked back at his friends. He was truly happy.
Into every generation a Zelf is born, only just a little different from all the rest.
Whilst for most of our Zelfling heroes, their stories are the same - born from a wandering star, so that when it collapses and implodes, travels far across the vast reaches of infinite space and time until it is pulled with magnetic force or will, towards the blue and green planet in our very own solar system. When that star reaches the atmosphere, it burns with a bright trail of dust and ice, entering the higher realms of the ozone and shooting towards the little hunk of floating island, known as Zardenia. As in most cases, the little star bypasses this plateau of land and rock and settles down on the big planet beneath, each having their own path and destiny decided for them.
Then the Elder Clan of Zelfs, a select group of chosen Zelflings travel down to Earth to retrieve the space-rock, and hatch out the Zelf inside. Each and every Zelf incorporates whatever object is nearest to it upon arrival, whether it be an animal drinking at a nearby watering hole, a curious creature, element, or object of nature such as a plant or mineral and that is how they get their name and abilities.
On a very rare occasion a Zelf arrives at their destination and doesn't pick up on an imprint right away. That zelfling is born pure white, with white hair and only incorporates their zelf power later on when they encounter their chosen path.
That was the case with little Snap Jack. He was born in late December, on an unusually mild winter's evening and when the Elders went to find him, in the Canadian wilderness they were surprised to discover he was already out of his meteor that had shattered upon arrival, and he was sat blinking at his surroundings. He was pure white through and through, and didn't change at all, once Grandfather Time and the others discovered him. It had only happened twice before, so they 'collected' him and took him back up to their world and looked after him all the same. It didn't matter to them that Snap Jack was a little different. After all, each and every Zelf is considered different and unique, and loved all the same. As it should be. White, Black, Red or Yellow; a Zelf is a Zelf just as a human is a human, and as one race at the end of the day, should treat others likewise and be treated the same.
Each of the Elder Zelfs take their turn to look after and care for the new Zelflings, and it just so happened that Grandfather Time himself decided he was going to care for Snap Jack until he was fully matured. Snap Jack became almost like a grandson to him, and the pair went everywhere together. Occasionally Zelfs would stop and stare at lil' Jack, but not in a nasty way, just curious as to when he would 'imprint' and would often take time to bring him to a cute little critter such as a bunny or butterfly and hope that something miraculous would occur. At first the small white Zelf with the squeaky voice didn't notice what was really going on, but he was aware he was a little different and not so brightly coloured as his friends, and didn't have the power marks like the others. Grandfather Time was patient and caring, taking him the length and breadth of the land in order to help Snap Jack search out his true calling, but nothing seemed to 'tingle', which is what happened to the Zelf when it was near to its true calling.
'Grandpappy, when will it happen?' Snap Jack would ask.
'Just be patient little one. It will happen when it happens.' would be the answer.
'But when is that going to be?'
Grandfather Time would chuckle. He knew that good things came to those who wait.
'Maybe I'll become a bird, whoooh and be able to fly in the sky?' said Snap Jack mimicking a bird and flapping his imaginary wings.
'Or maybe a lion, that would be cool! Raaaaaaaar!' he squeaked his best roar, pretending to be the mighty feline.
'Oh Snap Jack, maybe you will. Maybe you will.' laughed Grandfather.
For Snap Jack everything was a possibility. As he grew, so did his imagination. He would tell stories of giant monsters and gorillas to his little friends, everyone knew sweet little squeaky Snap Jack told the wildest and most adventurous stories. He spoke of tales involving Zelf knights, and dragons and princesses locked up in tall towers, and rabid wolves and evil sorceresses, of boy-wizards and sparkling dead like creatures.
'One day your over-active imagination will get you into trouble.' reprimanded Mamma Mia one day, after catching Snap Jack telling one of his tall tales.
Presently people began to stop listening to his stories, and Snap Jack would grow a little disappointed. The more extreme and epic his stories, the more they lost interest. And Mamma Mia was right, that was when the troubles really began.
Now every story Snap Jack told, he would write down in his little book at the end of the day. His quill would get an endless work-out every night as he sat by the fire, reading and re-writing his tales. Occasionally he would have to take two baths, just because he was covered in ink blots and paint. Not only was Snap Jack very good at writing, he loved to read, and paint and play make-believe and sing songs and anything else that required creativity. While his little buddies would be out playing frisbee on the golden sands, he would be indoors working on his latest poem or story, or if they were indoors, frightened of the thunder and rain and huddled in the safety and comfort of their homes, then squeaky little Snap Jack would be outside somewhere, in all weathers. The cold never seemed to bother him anyway and he would let go with his imagination, and dream up collosal towers made of glass, or weird fluffy white creatures with odd features like a carrot for its nose.
Now one particularly grey and dull day in Zardenia towards the end of the year, Snap Jack was sat near the edge of the plateau, with his satchel full of ink and quill pens, working on his next story. In the distance, he could see the Zelfs busy with their everyday lives, gathering up supplies for the colder days ahead. Beetrice had stocked up on honey, jars and barrels of the thick gooey liquid being rolled towards the barn by Webina and Elfa. Howlette and Dorothy Doe were collecting vegetables from the Vegie Patch, and putting them into wheelbarrows for Kitsu and Flint to take to their stockpile. Wonderful smells of freshly baked bread and cakes from the kitchens told him that Mamma Mia and Lunanne had just baked a new batch of delicious foods, and he paused to witness Flamy and Lil'D sneaking out of the back door with a handful of cakes to eat. Vampula was sat besides the fountain, admiring her reflection as Mermalade and Koivin tried to hold their breaths under the water for the longest time. He could see everything from the ridge, and in the distance the castle loomed out of the clouds, and he could just make out the observatory just behind.
His friend Pegasue, sat nearby with her head in one of her books. Snap Jack didn't like to be interrupted when he was having one of his writing sessions, and because of Pega's sweet and mild temperament, she didn't come across as boisterous or chatter at him for hours on end, she was good company. In fact she was one of his closest friends, she had more reason to feel different than most of the other Zelfs, as she had been raised by trolls before she had came to Zardenia and understood that Snap Jack needed time to discover who he really was. She read her books as he wrote, scribbled notes and threw them away, and rewrote new ones. Pega was also the very first Zelf to get to read lil' Jack's tales after he had finished them, and as a fan of books and stories in general, seemed to love all his delighful tales.
As the little white zelf was deep in concentration, he heard a chirupping sound nearby, that started to distract him from his train of thought. Snap Jack wondered where it was coming from and got up to investigate. He followed the sound to the edge of the cliff face, and when he looked over the edge, he found the noise belonged to a little white bird that was stuck on a ledge and seemed to be chirping for help.
'Awwwww poor lil' thing', he said, trying to lean over to reach the poor unfortunate birdy. It seemed that the small bird had some how gotten itself lost and stuck at the same time, and seeing as it was too young to fly, could easily fall over the edge and be lost forever.
There was something familiar with the little white bird, and Snap Jack knew he had to help the poor little thing, he wouldn't like to be in the same situation with nobody around to help him. The all white Zelf had to rescue the birdy somehow. But how could he reach it?
Snap Jack knew he had to use his imagination, he couldn't reach the little bird by himself and needed the help of his fellow zelfs. Pegasue rounded up a couple of volunteers in Birchy, Howlette and Webina. Each Zelf lay down in a line, with Birchy hooking himself into the roots of a tree, and they each held on to the feet of the Zelf in front, and as a chain, Snap Jack was able to reach down and scoop up the little bird, who looked terrified and scared, but chirped in appreciation. As they were doing this, a giant shadow flew above them, watching the scene.
As the Zelfs managed to rescue the little bird and got him to safety, the little white bird in the hands of the little white zelf, there was a screech from the sky and the little Zelfs looked up and saw a giant bird circling overhead. They scurried off, worried that the giant bird would attack them, except for Snap Jack who couldn't abandon the little birdy he held in his arms.
There was a thud as the huge bird landed directly in front of the worried Zelf. The bird looked from Snap Jack to the tiny bird, and back again. Not blinking, its big yellow eye ever watchful and alert. The bird was ten times bigger than anything the little Zelf had ever seen. It was clear that the big bird was the parent or guardian of the little bird, and Snap Jack knew that it wanted its baby back. He carefully put the baby bird down in a basket and gently nudged the baby back towards his mother. Then he carefully backed away from the big bird.
He watched as the big bird, nuzzled and gently checked over its baby for any signs of damage, in case it had fallen and hurt itself. The baby continued to chirrup, happy to be reunited with its mummy. Snap Jack was happy, all was right in the world again. He had saved the baby from falling off the ledge and now it was safe again. The mother, seemingly satisfied that its chick was fine, relaxed a little and the baby was comfortable in one of Pega's soft lined baskets. The gigantic bird, then spread out its wings to full scale, showing off its enormous size, and Snap Jack was a little startled and took a few steps backward. But the mother eagle, didn't seem threatening and held out its wing towards Snap Jack, until the little white Zelf stroked its wing. It seemed like a gesture of friendship, and the eagle had watched Snap Jack save the little bird.
Snap Jack made sure the little bird was warm and dry, and gave it some water whilst the mother eagle looked on. After a while, the mother hopped towards the ledge, looking outwards across the sky. Occasionally it sqwarked, but Snap Jack had no idea what it was saying or wanted. Whilst the little bird slept in the basket, Snap Jack settled back down to his work, writing in his books - a grand adventure tale about a giant eagle.
Presently Pegasue and Elfa came back to the spot where they sat. Pega had been a little worried about her books after she had run off and was surprised to see Snap Jack still hard at work, reading, writing and scribbling his notes whilst the big tall eagle stood at the edge of the precipice, looking across the skies. Elfa had agreed to help Pega collect up her books and take them back to the library. The eagle turned to look at them, making them a little nervous, but sensing they weren't any kind of threat, went back to being a statue of sorts.
'Hi Snap Jack, I thought you'd have gone home by now.' Pega said picking up her books.
'Nah, I'm busy with my stories. Besides the eagle isn't bothering me, and the baby is sleeping.' was the reply.
'Pega told me, that you saved the bird, and that they thought the big eagle would attack you all.' Elfa said cheerily.
Pega blushed a little, feeling a little foolish.
'Nope. The eagle is my friend now. It knew I had helped its baby.' Snap said back, his head still in his book, his quill working back and forth.
'That's good.' Pega said, still a little unsure of being in close proximity to the big bird.
'Every now and again it does keep trying to communicate though,' said Snap, 'Only I don't speak Eagle.'
'Well I can, do you want me to find out what it wants?' Elfa said helpfully.
Snap Jack looked up. Of course Elfa could talk to animals, he had completely forgotten that was one of her gifts. Each Zelf inherited certain powers and gifts when they 'imprinted'. Like Teeny Genie could grant wishes, Mermalade could hold her breath under water and Kitsu could make herself almost invisible.
'Oooh yes please. I would like to know what she wanted to say.' Snap said happily.
Elfa took a few steps towards the big eagle, until it noticed her in its peripheral vision and turned to watch her. Elfa held her hands out to show she was unarmed and wanted to communicate with the bird.
'Scrrreeeee, anarh, narnee ahbecktuuuu verdiannn sqwara roooooooreeeee.' Elfa exclaimed.
It sounded a little gobbledy-gook, but the eagle knew exactly what she was saying and nodded its head. It was a wondrous thing to watch Elfa at work, talking to different animals and this chat with the eagle was no different. Snap Jack and Pegasue watched in amazement as the eagle answered back, as they exchanged information.
'What is she saying?' asked Snap Jack after a minute or two.
'The big eagle is about to embark on a journey across the Zearth, and wanted to know if you would like to accompany her. She says she can see you have a huge imagination and would be happy to show you the world, from her wings in an appreciation of helping her child to safety.'
Snap Jack was dumb-founded. It was his absolute dream to visit different lands, and see in fact as much of the world as he could and this was the perfect opportunity.
'Oooooooh yes please!' he squeaked excitedly. 'Wowee!' lil' Jack hopped around in excitement as Elfa translated to the bird.
'She said to climb upon her back, and she will take you. I've said I will keep a watch over her baby until you get back. She said it will only take a few hours at most, and you'll be back before nightfall.' Elfa repeated back to him.
Snap Jack was terribly excited. He gathered up his notes and ink, and quills and book and stuffed them into his satchel.
'Could Pegasue, perhaps come with us?' Snap asked. He wanted his friend to share in this adventure. Pegasue smiled at him, although she seemed a trifle unsure of the big bird still.
Elfa asked the eagle, who responded with a yes and before Pegasue knew it, Elfa and Snap had lifted her onto the big eagle's back and with her hands gripped tightly around Snap Jack's waist, the little pink Zelf with the rainbow hair, and the pure all white Zelf were settled onto the eagle's back and she spread her mighty wings and took off from the cliff, seeing Elfa become a little blur as she waved them off.
They were going on an adventure!
Snap Jack and Pegasue gazed in awe at the vastness of the great sky before them. It seemed endless, and they saw nothing but cloud for miles.
'Wow.' said Pegasue. Its sooooo pretty, look there's a cloud shaped like a dolphin. And there's one that looks like a castle.'
'Haha. There's one that looks like a hippopotamus. Look there's one that looks like Grandpappy!' Snap Jack enjoyed this game with his friend, as the eagle soared high above the clouds. The sight of one that looked like his mentor made Snap Jack a little sad that he was so far from home though, but he was having such a good time he forgot about it soon enough.
The eagle cried, and they held on tightly as it swooped beneath the clouds and the two little Zelfs were in astonishment when they broke through the clouds to see land below them.
Pegasue gasped, and could see Snap's dopey expression of wonderment. He was just as awestruck as she was. They were probably the first Zelfs bar the Elders, to have seen the world. Zardenia seemed so small in comparison.
The eagle swan-dived carefully so they could take a closer look. They saw forests, and hills, and deserts and fields of gold, green and red.
They saw monumental chunks of jagged rocks sticking out of the ground and ginormous puddles of blue and brownish waters, much bigger than the lakes and mountains of home.
The bird took them over tall long legged animals, and big muscular ones aswell, ones with long tails and strange shapes and the two Zelfs took it all in.
'This is amazing! It's like we are living in one of your stories!' Pega beamed.
'This is so much more than I could ever have imagined by myself.' Snap Jack replied.
The eagle took them far and wide, across rivers, lakes and forests. They passed huge buildings of stone, and houses floating on the water. The world was such an amazing and beautiful place to see. But whilst both Zelfs were delighted, they began to feel pangs in their stomach for their beloved home. Although neither of them wished to admit it, not whilst they were having such a gret time.
The eagle flew north, past great pine forests and they saw big black and brown beasts wandering the plains. The further they flew, the colder it seemed to get as well.
'Looks a little like Manny don't they?' Pega pointed out. 'Only they're not green.' they laughed.
Suddenly Snap Jack began to feel very sick and dizzy. He swooned, whilst sat on the back of the eagle, and without support, Pegasue slipped over the side.
'Aaaaaiaiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii!' she screamed, disappearing into the fog.
Snap Jack yelled out as his friend fell through the sky. Oh no! he thought.
The eagle sensing something was wrong, turned and dived through the air, racing to catch Pegasue. The little pink Zelf hurtling through the air towards the ground.
'Come on, come on'.... Snap Jack thought, holding on tight and secretly begging they would catch her in time. It was all his fault, he thought, suddenly coming across all strange and tingly as they had flown further north. The eagle swooped in and under Pegasue, catching her safely and Snap Jack hugged her and hugged her, glad that she was safe again.
'Oh Pega, I don't know what I would've done if I had lost you!' Snap cried.
'Wow. That was scary for a second or two. Shall we do it again?' she laughed it off, although she had been absolutely petrified.
The eagle landed on the ground, and the two Zelfs slid off to regain themselves. It shuffled a little, then took off into the tree to watch over them.
'What happened back there?' Pega asked.
'I don't know exactly. I suddenly started feeling very dizzy and couldn't keep my grip.' Snap said. 'I'm sooooo sorry. In my quest for an adventure, I nearly put your life in danger. I'm sorry Pegasue.'
The little white Zelf was visibly shaken and distraught. Pegasue looked at him and hugged him.
'I am fine now, thats all that matters. We are both fine.' she tried to reassure him.
But Snap Jack couldn't help feeling it was all his fault.
'I suggest maybe we have a little sleep now', she suggested whilst gathering up some leaves for a nest, 'And we'll head back home soon. Okay?'
Snap Jack did as he was told, helped gather some soft leaves and ferns for bedding and they snuggled down for a nap. The eagle flew off, presumably in search of food.
But Snap Jack couldn't rest easily. He felt incredibly guilty for putting his friend in danger and feeling sad and miserable, he went for a walk. Plus, he couldn't shake the feeling of nausea that felt like pinprickles all over his skin. Snap Jack assumed it was all connected to his feelings, and before long he had walked a long way from where he had left Pega and the eagle.
He was in the middle of a white wilderness, all around him he could see white everywhere. In fact he blended in so well, he knew that his friend the eagle would not be able to see him. There was something so magical about being here, in this cold and strange environment where he couldn't be found. He hoped that Pega and the eagle would wake up and just return home, leaving him here because he felt that it was only right that he should be alone.
Sat in this place, he still felt the unusualness creeping all over his skin like pins-and-needles, and suddenly felt something cold and wet land on his nose. Then on his arm, and on his ear. The sky was crying, only it was little white tears. The weather matched his mood perfectly, so Snap Jack cried along with the sky. As he continued, he watched the 'tears' get bigger and whiter and sat in complete silence, as they danced around and floated gently down until they settled on the already white ground. Presently he decided he wanted to dance with these little white shapes and span and twirled, and flitted around and around. It took him a minute to realise he could manipulate and make these strange white flakes move wherever he wanted as well, he would point and they would move to whichever direction he wanted them to. Snap Jack felt very happy and peaceful here amongst the snow.
A voice echoed through the fog. Snap Jack heard it in the wind but didn't pay attention at first. He was busy with the snowflakes, making them into shapes.
'Snaaaaaaaaaaaaaap Jaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaack!' it said. 'Where aaaaaaaare yooooooou?'
A shape in the air glided past. It must have been the eagle and Pegasue looking for him. He had hoped they wouldn't have come, but left him here in the white lands. He heard the eagle screeching.
'They won't find me,' he thought. 'They'll give up and return home.' Snap Jack felt terrible, but alone. He missed Zardenia, his friends, his grandpappy and everything. But had resigned himself to the fact that he deserved to be on his own, for putting his own imagination ahead of the safety of his friends.
There was a thud nearby, and put of the mists, Pegasue came running over to him. Snap Jack was amazed that the eagle had found him amongst the white canvas. The first thing she did was to give him a big hug, which made him feel better and then she stepped back and looked at him funny.
'Oh Snap Jack, I'm so glad we found you. I have missed you terribly.' she said happily.
'How did you find me? I thought I would be invisible against the snow?' he said increduously.
'But you're not invisible! Snap Jack take a look at yourself. You've imprinted. Found your calling. Loook!' she said taking his hand and showing it to him.
Snap Jack looked down at his hand in hers. It was now a very pale blue colour, like icy blue. He checked his other hand, and his feet. All were blue-ish now. Had he really changed colour? Had the snow somehow activated his 'powers'? Is that what that feeling had been all along. Had he come on this epic journey for this purpose, to find his true calling? It all slotted into his head. Pegasue took him to a nearby frozen puddle of ice. Snap Jack looked at his reflection in awe. He was now light blue all over, with the pattern of the flaky white tears across his torso and feet. His hair was still white, and there were icy patterns on his legs also.
Snap Jack was sooooo happy, he showed Pega and the eagle how he could make the snowflakes dance and swirl, and they seemed very happy for him. Most of all he really wanted to go home and show Grandfather what he could now do.
'Shall we go home?' he smiled.
Snap Jack and Pegasue climbed back onto the eagle who took off through the skies back to Zardenia. As they circled overhead, Snap Jack watched as the Zelflings came out of their homes and formed a big group. They were laughing, and cheering and calling his name.
'Snap Jack, Snap Jack, Snap Jack'. He beamed with pride.
The eagle landed, and all the Zelfs gathered around, hugging and shaking his hand and calling for their friend. Presently Grandfather Time shuffled down the path and gave his protege a big hug.
'Congratulations little one. You have found your mark.' he said gruffly. 'I told you if you were patient enough, it would happen.'
'I'm not so different now, am I?' Snap Jack smiled at him.
'Every Zelf is different Snap Jack,' the old Zelf said back. 'That's what makes us all unique and special at the same time.'
Snap Jack understood. He had been on this magical journey of discovery, to realise that he was truly different. As was Pegasue, as was Birchy, as was Vampula, as was every other Zelf in Zardenia. Every Zelf had their own story, had their own differences, and what they did together made them a family and stronger.
Snap Jack left the group still cheering and celebrating, as he walked up the path to the resting spot. He watched the big eagle take off and soar around Zardenia. The lord of the skies, and master of its own destiny.
Snap Jack smiled and looked back at his friends. He was truly happy.
Glad you liked it! 
so annoying!