| Children Fiction posted January 10, 2025 |
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In The Attic - 3
The Forest of Wonder
by Begin Again
Jordan took Quinn's hand in hers, and they stepped through the mirror together. She exclaimed, "Let the adventure begin!"
The glowing path twisted and turned, surrounded by vibrant trees that seemed to whisper secrets as Jordan and Quinn walked past. The fairy fluttered ahead, her light casting playful patterns on the ground.
"My name is Lyria," she said with a proud little smile. "I'm here to make sure you don't get lost — and maybe help you out if things get tricky." Every so often, she glanced back, her iridescent wings shimmering like water under sunlight.
"Where are we going?" Quinn asked, his voice barely above a whisper. He couldn't help but glance around nervously at the strange shapes moving in the distance.
"To meet the Guardian, of course!" Lyria replied, her voice chiming with delight. "The Guardian has been waiting for visitors for quite some time."
"Is the Guardian — scary?" Quinn asked, gripping Jordan's arm.
Jordan rolled her eyes. "Don't be such a baby. Guardians are supposed to be wise and helpful, right?"
The fairy let out a soft, musical laugh. "Oh, you'll see. The Guardian is special."
The path opened into a grand clearing, where a massive tree with shimmering golden leaves stood at the center. Around its base, animals of all kinds gathered in a vibrant circle — foxes with bushy tails, rabbits with long, floppy ears, and colorful birds perched on the branches above. Some animals wore whimsical outfits — several foxes sported soldier uniforms complete with tiny hats, a white rabbit donned a sparkling sapphire blue gown, and a hedgehog sported a tuxedo with a top hat and a tiny monocle.
Butterflies of every color fluttered through the air, their delicate wings shimmering in the sunlight. Soft streams of fairy dust fell like gentle snow, coating the clearing in a magical glow. Jordan and Quinn couldn't help but gasp in wonder at the sight.
As Jordan and Quinn stepped into the clearing, the animals began to move, their motions synchronized like a carefully choreographed dance.
A soft, melodic tune rose from the air, and the animals joined in song, their voices blending in a joyful harmony.
Welcome, welcome, friends so dear,
To the Forest of Wonder — we're glad you're here!
Come sing and dance, let joy take flight.
The animals sang, tails swishing and feathers fluttering. The foxes marched and spun around, the rabbits hopped in rhythm, and the birds above swooped and dived, leaving trails of sparkling light in the air.
Your journey starts with a joyful song,
The Forest of Wonder is where you belong!
"Welcome, young ones," the Guardian said, his voice gentle and melodic, echoing like a soft breeze. "You have crossed the mirror's threshold and entered the Forest of Wonder."
Jordan stepped forward, her excitement bubbling. "Hi! I'm Jordan, and this is my brother, Quinn. Are you the Guardian?"
The figure nodded slowly. "I am. And you, little ones, have much courage to come here. This world is filled with magic but also needs your help."
Quinn hesitated, clutching Jordan's arm. "Help? What kind of help?"
The Guardian's robes shimmered as he raised his hand, gesturing toward the surrounding trees. "The Forest of Wonder is a place of balance," he explained. "But sometimes, even the most magical places face challenges. Those with kind hearts and curious minds can set things right."
Lyria landed lightly on Jordan's shoulder, her tinkling voice adding, "The Guardian sees potential in you both. That's why you're here! And don't worry, you've got me by your side to help navigate this magical world."
"Potential for what?" Quinn asked, trying to hide the quiver in his voice.
The Guardian's form shimmered, and they extended a hand. A small orb of light appeared from his palm, floating gently toward the children. "This orb will guide you, but there is something else," the Guardian said. A silver pendant shaped like a tiny key appeared with a wave of his hand.
"This is the Mirror Key," the Guardian explained. "As long as you carry it, you can return home. Hold it close when your journey is complete, and it will bring you back to where you began — the attic where your story started." The pendant floated toward Jordan, who caught it carefully, her eyes wide with wonder. It hovered between them, glowing softly. "This is a gift," the Guardian said. "It will guide you, protect you, and illuminate your path. But remember, your greatest strength is your bond with each other."
Jordan reached out and touched the orb, feeling its warmth spread through her fingers. "Whoa..." she whispered, awestruck.
Quinn glanced nervously at his sister, then back at the Guardian. "But — what if we mess up?"
The Guardian's voice was calm and reassuring, "Mistakes are how we learn, young one. Courage is not the absence of fear but the choice to move forward despite it."
Lyria fluttered in front of Quinn, her hands on her tiny hips. "You've got this, kiddo! Besides, I'm pretty great at keeping adventurers out of trouble."
She winked and spun in the air, leaving a trail of sparkling dust behind her. "Plus, you'll make some new friends soon enough — this forest is full of interesting characters!"
Jordan grinned and nudged her brother. "See? We can do this, Quinn. It's going to be amazing!"
Quinn sighed but managed a small smile. "Okay, fine. But you're explaining this to Grandma if we get in trouble."
The Guardian's laugh was like the rustling of leaves in a gentle breeze. "But before you begin, there is one thing left to do. Use the Mirror Key to return home for now. The Forest of Wonder will still be here tomorrow, waiting for you to return — if you both agree."
Jordan's face fell. "Return? But we just got here! We can keep going now, can't we?"
The Guardian shook their head gently. "Even the bravest adventurers must take time to rest and reflect. This journey requires not only courage but also wisdom. Return home, and if you still wish to continue, the mirror will guide you back."
Quinn immediately perked up. "See, Jordan? It's a sign! We should go back and think about this."
Jordan crossed her arms, pouting slightly. "Fine. But only if we come back tomorrow."
Lyria fluttered between them, her tiny wings sparkling. "You'll love the Forest even more when you return! Now, hold the Mirror Key and think of the attic. It'll do the rest."
Jordan sighed but took the Mirror Key in her hand, holding it tightly. Quinn also placed his hand on it, and they closed their eyes. A gentle warmth enveloped them, and the forest hummed with approval.
They were back in the attic, standing before the mirror, when they opened their eyes. The faint glow of the Mirror Key faded, and all was quiet.
"Well, that was — unexpected," Quinn muttered, glancing around to make sure everything was still in place.
Jordan gasped. "Quick! The library! Grandma will be home any second!"
They dashed down the stairs and into the cozy library, grabbing books off the shelf as they heard the front door creak open.
"Kids?" Grandma called, "I'm back! Mrs. Baker sent me home with the most beautiful beans. Wait until you see them!"
Jordan and Quinn were sitting cross-legged on the rug, noses buried in books, when Grandma peeked in. She paused, her face lighting up with surprise. "Well, isn't this a lovely sight? My little bookworms!" Her laugh was full of delight. "It does my heart good to see you enjoying some quiet time."
The siblings exchanged a knowing smile but said nothing, their secret adventure tucked safely away.
"Tomorrow, Quinn. We're going back tomorrow," Jordan whispered as Grandma headed into the kitchen.
"If Grandma doesn't catch us," he added with a smirk. But even as he teased, a small part of him couldn't wait for their next adventure.
The glowing path twisted and turned, surrounded by vibrant trees that seemed to whisper secrets as Jordan and Quinn walked past. The fairy fluttered ahead, her light casting playful patterns on the ground.
"My name is Lyria," she said with a proud little smile. "I'm here to make sure you don't get lost — and maybe help you out if things get tricky." Every so often, she glanced back, her iridescent wings shimmering like water under sunlight.
"Where are we going?" Quinn asked, his voice barely above a whisper. He couldn't help but glance around nervously at the strange shapes moving in the distance.
"To meet the Guardian, of course!" Lyria replied, her voice chiming with delight. "The Guardian has been waiting for visitors for quite some time."
"Is the Guardian — scary?" Quinn asked, gripping Jordan's arm.
Jordan rolled her eyes. "Don't be such a baby. Guardians are supposed to be wise and helpful, right?"
The fairy let out a soft, musical laugh. "Oh, you'll see. The Guardian is special."
The path opened into a grand clearing, where a massive tree with shimmering golden leaves stood at the center. Around its base, animals of all kinds gathered in a vibrant circle — foxes with bushy tails, rabbits with long, floppy ears, and colorful birds perched on the branches above. Some animals wore whimsical outfits — several foxes sported soldier uniforms complete with tiny hats, a white rabbit donned a sparkling sapphire blue gown, and a hedgehog sported a tuxedo with a top hat and a tiny monocle.
Butterflies of every color fluttered through the air, their delicate wings shimmering in the sunlight. Soft streams of fairy dust fell like gentle snow, coating the clearing in a magical glow. Jordan and Quinn couldn't help but gasp in wonder at the sight.
As Jordan and Quinn stepped into the clearing, the animals began to move, their motions synchronized like a carefully choreographed dance.
A soft, melodic tune rose from the air, and the animals joined in song, their voices blending in a joyful harmony.
Welcome, welcome, friends so dear,
To the Forest of Wonder — we're glad you're here!
Come sing and dance, let joy take flight.
The animals sang, tails swishing and feathers fluttering. The foxes marched and spun around, the rabbits hopped in rhythm, and the birds above swooped and dived, leaving trails of sparkling light in the air.
Your journey starts with a joyful song,
The Forest of Wonder is where you belong!
"Welcome, young ones," the Guardian said, his voice gentle and melodic, echoing like a soft breeze. "You have crossed the mirror's threshold and entered the Forest of Wonder."
Jordan stepped forward, her excitement bubbling. "Hi! I'm Jordan, and this is my brother, Quinn. Are you the Guardian?"
The figure nodded slowly. "I am. And you, little ones, have much courage to come here. This world is filled with magic but also needs your help."
Quinn hesitated, clutching Jordan's arm. "Help? What kind of help?"
The Guardian's robes shimmered as he raised his hand, gesturing toward the surrounding trees. "The Forest of Wonder is a place of balance," he explained. "But sometimes, even the most magical places face challenges. Those with kind hearts and curious minds can set things right."
Lyria landed lightly on Jordan's shoulder, her tinkling voice adding, "The Guardian sees potential in you both. That's why you're here! And don't worry, you've got me by your side to help navigate this magical world."
"Potential for what?" Quinn asked, trying to hide the quiver in his voice.
The Guardian's form shimmered, and they extended a hand. A small orb of light appeared from his palm, floating gently toward the children. "This orb will guide you, but there is something else," the Guardian said. A silver pendant shaped like a tiny key appeared with a wave of his hand.
"This is the Mirror Key," the Guardian explained. "As long as you carry it, you can return home. Hold it close when your journey is complete, and it will bring you back to where you began — the attic where your story started." The pendant floated toward Jordan, who caught it carefully, her eyes wide with wonder. It hovered between them, glowing softly. "This is a gift," the Guardian said. "It will guide you, protect you, and illuminate your path. But remember, your greatest strength is your bond with each other."
Jordan reached out and touched the orb, feeling its warmth spread through her fingers. "Whoa..." she whispered, awestruck.
Quinn glanced nervously at his sister, then back at the Guardian. "But — what if we mess up?"
The Guardian's voice was calm and reassuring, "Mistakes are how we learn, young one. Courage is not the absence of fear but the choice to move forward despite it."
Lyria fluttered in front of Quinn, her hands on her tiny hips. "You've got this, kiddo! Besides, I'm pretty great at keeping adventurers out of trouble."
She winked and spun in the air, leaving a trail of sparkling dust behind her. "Plus, you'll make some new friends soon enough — this forest is full of interesting characters!"
Jordan grinned and nudged her brother. "See? We can do this, Quinn. It's going to be amazing!"
Quinn sighed but managed a small smile. "Okay, fine. But you're explaining this to Grandma if we get in trouble."
The Guardian's laugh was like the rustling of leaves in a gentle breeze. "But before you begin, there is one thing left to do. Use the Mirror Key to return home for now. The Forest of Wonder will still be here tomorrow, waiting for you to return — if you both agree."
Jordan's face fell. "Return? But we just got here! We can keep going now, can't we?"
The Guardian shook their head gently. "Even the bravest adventurers must take time to rest and reflect. This journey requires not only courage but also wisdom. Return home, and if you still wish to continue, the mirror will guide you back."
Quinn immediately perked up. "See, Jordan? It's a sign! We should go back and think about this."
Jordan crossed her arms, pouting slightly. "Fine. But only if we come back tomorrow."
Lyria fluttered between them, her tiny wings sparkling. "You'll love the Forest even more when you return! Now, hold the Mirror Key and think of the attic. It'll do the rest."
Jordan sighed but took the Mirror Key in her hand, holding it tightly. Quinn also placed his hand on it, and they closed their eyes. A gentle warmth enveloped them, and the forest hummed with approval.
They were back in the attic, standing before the mirror, when they opened their eyes. The faint glow of the Mirror Key faded, and all was quiet.
"Well, that was — unexpected," Quinn muttered, glancing around to make sure everything was still in place.
Jordan gasped. "Quick! The library! Grandma will be home any second!"
They dashed down the stairs and into the cozy library, grabbing books off the shelf as they heard the front door creak open.
"Kids?" Grandma called, "I'm back! Mrs. Baker sent me home with the most beautiful beans. Wait until you see them!"
Jordan and Quinn were sitting cross-legged on the rug, noses buried in books, when Grandma peeked in. She paused, her face lighting up with surprise. "Well, isn't this a lovely sight? My little bookworms!" Her laugh was full of delight. "It does my heart good to see you enjoying some quiet time."
The siblings exchanged a knowing smile but said nothing, their secret adventure tucked safely away.
"Tomorrow, Quinn. We're going back tomorrow," Jordan whispered as Grandma headed into the kitchen.
"If Grandma doesn't catch us," he added with a smirk. But even as he teased, a small part of him couldn't wait for their next adventure.
My apologies....I thought I had posted this story earlier, but instead I posted the one that should follow this one. In this story you are introduced to the Guardian and Lyria and then we enter into the adventures. Sorry for my goof!
And thanks to Sandra for pointing it out! I need as much help as I can get lately.
Love, Carol
Pays
one point
and 2 member cents. And thanks to Sandra for pointing it out! I need as much help as I can get lately.
Love, Carol
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