The Summer Vacation
Chapter 29
Written by rachel76m
Edited by Don Kaufman

Avel continues speaking, “The first thing is the blessing of the First Ones to the people. We have within us the ability to help anything that grows just from our presence.”

“Now guess what that means, Richard.”

“Hmm . . . I would think, Caltron, that it means we're more connected to the land. In this case, for you it is Twainor. For me it will be Earth.”

“That's right, or for any world we're on, Richard.”

“No wonder Earth has suffered so much, Avel. We were supposed to be good stewards of the land, then the people killed off the very ones who could teach them properly.”

“That about sums it up, Richard. Looking back always gives better insight, but it is looking forward that is the challenge.”

“I remembered reading an interesting story in one of my history books. A group of people left a country and sailed across the sea to find land to start over. They thought they came prepared, but they were not. They encountered a group of people already there who knew how to care for the land.”

“So they helped them to survive.”

“Yes they did, Caltron. It would be nice to transfer some of what I have read in my history classes. It will be easier for you to understand what I have learned. I know the Mystic Order can transfer language. But it was the Earth Wizard who copied and transferred my bad memories into Ruald's mind.”

“Richard, don't you have history books?”

“We do, Avel. Hmm . . . there might be a way. We have books that are printed, but that would be impossible to bring here. It could be done by light on our data disks.”

“How would that work, Richard?” asks Cobalt.

“Ahh . . . trying to get a jump in understanding my world, Cobalt?” I smile at him.

He smiles back, “Of course, Richard.”

“A lot of our information is stored various different ways. We have computers that store that information. One storage method would be similar to the data crystals that you have. We have metal disks that store it, but it takes a small light beam to get that information off the disk, then it is displayed on a monitor to view. It would be like seeing an image above a crystal here.”

“But everything is done electrically there, not by magic.”

“That's right, Cobalt.”

“Now think, Richard, you said at one time when you were here last time. There are some nations who are trying to preserve the forests and lands from being stripped.”

“Yes Avel, that's right. It is because of the population demands for wood to make homes and other objects. There are several forests that are being stripped faster than it can be replanted on several continents and islands. The businesses have killed the protesters in trying to stop them or slow them down.”

Some of the First Ones look distressed when they hear that.

“The only way to slow it down is reducing the demand for trees. The other problems are insect pests and blight that have been introduced that were never there. They came from other parts of the world where they are kept in check naturally.”

“That sounds discouraging, Richard. We just have the natural decay in the woods here.”

“It is Lyonair. There is a forest tree strand standing near my family cabin. It is the chestnut tree. It gives a beautiful edible nut to harvest. There are many uses for the wood. However, a blight fungus was introduced from another country where that chestnut tree species is blight resistant. The scientists are trying hard to breed a newer version for the local chestnut tree. They are getting close to declaring a success. Even if you grow your own vegetables and crops, there will be problems with it. You'll have weeds, insects and blight trying to destroy it. It is the promised punishment from the Maker.”

“Now I remember what my father was mumbling and grumbling about. He was complaining that it was mother and himself who did this. They both regretted the poor choices they made that fateful day.”

“What I do know is this, I know there is going to be a major crisis with the rain forests soon.”

“Why is that, Richard?”

“Well, it has been proven that plants and trees are needed to supply element #eight for us and the animals to breathe. The trees breathe in elements #six and #eight. There is some exchange taking place in the oceans. If the trees are destroyed then one part of the cycle is disrupted.”

“Richard, is there a part of the world that is totally barren today?”

“There is, Avel.”

“I remembered a particular continent that was southwest of us. I think it had one billion people on it. They literally stripped the land of trees to do as they wish. By the time the Great Flood came, they were getting ready to move to another part of the continent. It had a great river that flowed northward.”

“I think I know which continent you're talking about. We call it Africa today. The northern third of the continent is a barren desert. It is called the Sahara Desert. We were able to penetrate beneath the shifting sands with our equipment. We found dried up lakes, rivers and remnants of vast forests. We didn't find any skeletons of people. However, there are pockets of populations near oases today. An oasis is a small location in the desert where there is water.”

“They wouldn't have found the skeletons, Richard. The Maker told us. He would sweep them all away into the oceans.”

“More than likely, my friends, if the logging continues on these rain forests there will be more Sahara Deserts being created and less air to breathe.”

“It seems the Maker is getting ready to get their attention again for the next fifty years before the Emissaries come.”

“I hope so, Avel. The reduction of half of the population fifty years ago was not enough to stop some nations. Some nations and groups took advantage of the chaos that ensued. But other groups rose up to stop the bloodshed. But actually it was the influence of the Nefelim which is at fault in the beginning.”

“That's true Richard. Now Earth is paying for it. There is a gift here in the forest. It is not far from the glade. Follow me, Richard. Caltron, Serena, Amber and Cobalt, please come with us.”

We follow Avel and enter a different trail near the edge of the glade. We walk along the trail for some distance. Then Avel pauses and stops in a small grassy clearing.

“Richard, what do you see around here? Look really hard.”

I look around the clearing. Then I see a sight that I think my eyes are deceiving me. “Avel . . . I see several trees that are from Earth. If it wasn't for the other native trees hiding it, I would have missed it.”

“That's right, Richard. These trees came from the seeds that were carried in the pockets of the dwarves when we arrived here. These trees are probably very rare now.”

“I would think so. How many were brought here?”

“There is a selection of different trees from various parts of Earth. They are located in each kingdom here. We have kept their numbers to a minimum so they won't take over the natural forests here. Even the Upper Kings don't know these trees are here.”

“The dwarves emptied their pockets and gave us the seeds. Then they searched for the mountains to start over. The Dwarves’ Under Kingdoms have forgotten what they brought with them.”

“If these trees have been here this long, they have grown on Twainor and in the Ethereal Space in ideal conditions. It's possibly these might be resistant to the problems we face every day.”

Then they all smile together.

“That's a good thought Richard. Then in a thousand years, the curse will finally be lifted that the Maker has promised he would do. There will be a new heaven and a new Earth.”

“So, apparently the Maker knows what he is doing when he sent me here.”

“Apparently so, Richard.”

We all laugh together at my remark.

“Caltron, do you have a bag for Amber and Cobalt to use?”

“Yes I do, Avel.”

Serena opens Caltron's saddle bag and takes out an empty bag. Amber and Cobalt fly off my shoulders and takes the bag from Serena. They hover in front of Avel.

“Take at least five seeds from each tree. There are six trees there.”

“Yes Avel.”

Amber and Cobalt fly to each tree. They pick five seeds from each tree and put them in the bag. Once they are done, they come to me. I hold my hands out to take it from them. Once I hold the bag, Amber and Cobalt sit on my shoulder like before.

“Thank you, Avel. This indeed is a wonderful gift. I'll have twelve bags in my satchel, a bag for each part of the world. Some of these seeds will be new to me since I have not been to that part of the world. Perhaps the Earth Wizard could help me.”

“He could, Richard. All you have to do is ask him when you see him the next time.”

“I'll do that, Avel.”

“Let's return to the glade. We have more things to talk about. We need to check your new abilities. That would be your strength, speed and endurance at least.”

“I see, I don't want any surprises if I get into a confrontation. I don't want to hurt somebody needlessly. I need to learn how to keep it under control.”

“That's right, Richard.”

We walk back in silence back to the glade. When we enter the glade, I put the bag of seeds into my satchel. Avel walks into the center of the glade and begins to speak.

“Friends, we need to test Richard's new abilities. This will be a test of strength, reflexes, speed and endurance. We'll watch him as he learns his limits.”

“Yes Avel, we must test him!” Shouts one of the centaurs.

“The first test is strength. Richard, see if you can roll that boulder to another part of the glade. Try not to hurt yourself.”

“Okay, Avel.”

The grass bed is taken off the boulder by some fairies.

Everyone makes room for me. Amber and Cobalt fly off my shoulders. I walk over to the boulder. I put my hands to the boulder. “This is just a test to move it, Cobalt.”

“Okay, Richard.”

I lean into the boulder. It is about a chest high. “Unnggh . . . ” I stop it when it does not budge. I back away from the boulder. I look at Avel. “I'm going to need a wide belt across my stomach area. I need to be careful now that I'm pregnant.”

“I would too, Richard.”

A centaur comes with a wide cloth strap in his hands. “Here Richard, use this strap. It's an extra strap when we put on the saddle bags.”

“Thank you, Reshni.”

I take the strap and wrap it around my stomach three or four times before I buckle it. I make it tight enough so that it is not restricting too much. “That should do it.”

“It looks good, Richard.”

I walk over to the boulder again like before. Once I am set, I push into the boulder.

The centaurs and fairies are encouraging me on to do well.

“That's it Richard, lean into it. Use your legs!”

Cobalt hovers near me, “Come on Richard, you can do it.”

I slowly tip it upwards to roll it over. “Arrggh . . . !”

“You're almost there!”

“That's it. Great job, Richard!”

I push through the weight with my legs. Then it rolls over really easy.

Everyone cheers.

“That's it, Richard. Keep rolling it!”

“Push it here, Richard.”

I keep the momentum going and roll the boulder across the glade to where Avel is standing. I stop rolling it once I reach the edge of the glade.

I lean against the boulder to catch my breath. “Pant . . . pant . . . ”

“Great job, Richard. I know this is your first test of strength Richard. It will come easier as you practice.”

“Pant . . . pant . . . will I have the strength of twelve unicorns?”

“It's hard to say Richard. It probably can be called up if needed for emergencies.”

“I understand, Avel. I already had a test of strength before I went to the star ship.”

“What happened?”

“There were three knights who challenged me on Thryson's training fields.”

“All at once, Richard?”

“They didn't ,Caltron. He's the tallest and strongest man in Thryson Kingdom who challenged me.”

“I know him. He is Sir Callahan. How did you fare?”

“I beat him in the arm wrestling match. Then I tied him in the leg lift.”

Everyone cheers to the outcome.

“That's great, Richard. But I sense from you that there was a hidden problem with Sir Callahan.”

“Yes Lyonair. Actually, it’s his two friends. It was they who pushed him to do it. They were profiting from his strength.”

“Ahh . . . I was hoping someone was able to stop them. Every time I met Sir Callahan his emotions were childlike, but he went along with them.”

“Then I'm glad the Maker put him in my path. Those two friends also doused me with water and a bucket of dirt the following night. They thought that would be the solution to their problems.”

“But it didn't go that way for them, right?”

“No, it didn't Baltor. King Tierion heard about it. He came out and told them that attitude is not good for the kingdom or for their Castle Lord.”

“Why did they challenge you, Richard?”

“Because of the retraining they went through after I left last year. Some of them felt insulted that they had to go through that. But all of the Legion Commanders agreed to it for the benefit of Twainor. They saw their forces getting too soft from using magic all the time.”

They smile, giggle and laugh as they remembered the stories from the retraining sessions.

“Now that you have recovered, we'll check your speed and reflexes.”

“Okay.”

Avel walks over to the centaurs and some fairies. He talks quietly to them. They agree what to do for the next test.

I take off the belt. A fairy takes it from my hand and gives it back to a centaur.

Amber and Cobalt fly over to me. They put their hands on my stomach to make sure all is okay.

“How are they doing, Amber?”

“They're fine, Richard. That was a smart decision to use the belt Richard.”

“Yes, it helped them feel more safe.”

“That's good to know, Cobalt.”

“They already know that you care for them deeply.”

“That's nice to know. Thank you.”

“You're welcome, Richard.”

We smile at each other.

Then in the next moment, Amber looks back . . . ”Eeek! Look out Richard!”

“Huh . . . ?” I turn my head around, out of the corner of my eye I see a spear launched at me. It is aimed for my chest. I quickly slow it down in my mind.

Amber and Cobalt try to fly out of the way.

But I see Cobalt is still in the line of the spear throw.

I have to be quick. I turn sideways and fall down. The spear just misses me. I put my hand up to knock the back side of the spear as it passes by.

The spear moves upward and misses Cobalt, then he flies to the side and out of the way. Then the spear continues in a spinning motion and falls to the ground.

I lay on the ground looking up breathing hard once more.

“Pant . . . pant . . . pant . . . is . . . everyone … okay?”

Amber and Cobalt rush to me and lie on my chest.

“We're here, Richard.”

I can feel them breathing hard on my chest.

We calm down together.

Avel walks over to us and looks down at the three of us.

“We're sorry about that, Richard. We had to do it by surprise.”

“Pant . . . pant . . . I . . . understand . . . ”

“We'll give you a moment to recover.”

“Okay.”

Slowly we calm down and we can think clearly.

“Thank you, Amber.”

“You're welcome, Richard.”

“Thank you, Richard, for deflecting that spear.”

“You're welcome too, Cobalt.”

“Can it be this bad on Earth?”

“It can be, Amber. It is best, you both stay in butterfly mode when I'm among people. You'll be able not to draw attention to yourselves quickly.”

“But we can still whisper to you if needed.”

“I'll have to train my ears to your voices so I can distinguish it from other people in a crowd.”

“We can practice that here before we go.”

“I agree, Amber. Come let's get up and get ready for the next test.”

“Okay, Richard.”

Amber and Cobalt flap their wings and take off my chest. They hover nearby while I stand up. Then they come over and sit on my shoulders.

“There is just one thing I have to say about that test. Thank you.”

Everyone looks at each other. They don't see that I am mad and upset.

“How come you're not mad, Richard? I would have lashed out in anger if someone got hurt.”

“That might be true. My self-defense instructor taught me well to keep it under control. If you remember the last time, I was here. I had a four on one demonstration match in Evenshard Kingdom.”

“I remembered that now. You were able to defeat them without magic and with no weapons.”

“That's right. I too was put under similar situations back on Earth. I just caught the movement of the spear when Amber screamed. I had to slow it down in my mind to avoid it and save Cobalt at the same time.”

“It sounds like the Maker has indeed chosen the right one to be the Omega Unicorn.”

“Perhaps, but there are weapons on Earth that are faster than that spear.”

“What are some of them Richard?”

“Well, Lyonair, one is the gun. It fires a metal piece at very high speeds. I can a give a demonstration on one principle.”

The centaurs look to each other, then they look at me. “This we would like to see.”

“I need a small stone to show how.”

A fairy finds a loose stone that flaked off from the boulder I rolled over. He picks it up and brings it to me.

“Here you go, Omega.”

“Thank you.”

“A gun is a hand-held weapon. There will be a little bit of black powder behind the metal piece. We call those metal pieces, bullets. There is a mechanical trigger for the weapon. Once the trigger is squeezed, the hammer slams on the back end of the bullet. It exits the barrel and shoots in a straight line for a very long distance until it falls to the ground.”

“How far is it, Richard?”

“How do you measure distance here on Twainor? Is there a standard length?”

“The standard length is the hand span. Five hand spans are called a perath. Ten hand spans are called a dekrane. There are other names, but they are for longer distances to our planets in our star system.”

“Okay, give me a moment to figure it out.”

I get down on my knees near the campfire. I start scratching in the dirt with a twig outside of the stone ring. Cobalt and Amber watch me do the calculations. I mumble to myself so that they can hear. I write down some numbers first.

“Let's see, a hand span is about 9 inches. Multiply that by 2.54. That gives about 23 centimeters or .23 meters. Keep that number.” I erase the inches. “Then divide 900 by .23 that gives just about less than 4,000 hand spans or four hundred dekranes. That's about a half mile according to another standard on Earth.”

“That is a long distance, Richard.”

“It is, Cobalt.”

“Can people shoot that far?”

“There are some people who are called snipers. They have been trained for longer distances. Sometimes they will use a light sight beam to help be on target.”

“What does it look like?”

“It will have a device on top of the gun. It will shoot a red light beam. There will be a red dot on the target Amber. But with practice it can be done without it.”

“If you become a target, we'll have to be aware of this.”

“I'll have to be quicker to avoid it. They could even shoot a rocket at me if they become desperate. A rocket is a bigger weapon. It will be like a spear coming in faster. It can explode on contact.”

“Can you avoid it?”

“Anything is possible. It could have a sensor on it to track and follow the target. You just hope there is a barrier nearby to get behind for protection. But the explosion will be very large. The barrier may not be enough to stop it.”

“That's not encouraging, Richard.”

“I know Cobalt. It would be nice to catch it and redirect it, but the body will be very hot to the touch. Even with these thoughts, I wish I could do magic on Earth. But, if I can't, I must seek another solution. The best solution is that the device blows up or malfunctions before it launches.”

“Then let us hope it does, Richard.”

“I wish I can wear the armor all the time. But it won't be possible at times.”

“We understand, Richard.”

“Okay, let's tell them the distance.”

I get up and face them. “The distance the bullet would travel is the distance when I drop this stone to the ground. That distance will be about four hundred dekranes.”

I drop the bullet about chest high.

They look at me with wonderment when it lands on the ground.

“Are you kidding us, Richard?”

“I am not, Reshni. There are even laser light weapons. If you saw us defend ourselves on the Nefelim star ship that is a light weapon. There are also explosive weapons as well.”

“How will you defend yourself?”

“I must be very quick. Sometimes strength will be needed. If I had multiple arrows shot at me, I might be able to avoid them. But these weapons are very fast. The time for that stone to drop is all you have to avoid the bullet once you hear it. Sometimes there might be a sight light beam used to make sure of the mark. It will appear as a red light dot, or some other color.”

“Well, you have a year to get yourself ready as much as possible. You'll have to continue your training when you get back.”

“That I must do, my friends.”

“Okay, let's do some easier tests. You're to run the long distance across the glade to the trail entrance. See if you can beat a centaur and then race against a fairy.”

“Okay, Avel.”

I walk to the edge of the glad opposite from the trail entrance to the stream. It appears to about a fifty-yard dash. My best is about eight seconds.

Avel gets near the trail entrance. Everyone else makes room in the glade for the
run. A centaur walks up near me. He looks down at me.

“Good luck Richard. My name is Baltor. I'm the fastest centaur in Thryson Kingdom.”

“Good luck, Baltor. I've no idea how fast I'll run.”

“Just do your best.”

“That I will do.”

We get into our positions. We look to Avel and the trail entrance.

“Get set . . . go!”

Then everyone yells at once to encourage us to run faster.

We take off running. I count to myself.

One thousand one.

“Go Baltor!”

“Go Richard!”

One thousand two.

Baltor takes the lead by two body lengths.

“Run Omega, run!”

“You can beat him, Baltor!”

One thousand three.

I slowly catch up with him.

“Faster, Baltor, faster!”

“Catch him Richard, go!”

One thousand four.

I get to his rear rump.

“Run, Baltor!”

“Run, Omega! Run! You're almost there!”

One thousand five.

I see the finish line ahead. I press on.

“Faster, Baltor!”

“You can do it, Richard!”

One thousand six.

We pass Avel. Baltor beats me by half his body length.

Everyone cheers.

We run down the trail a short distance and come to a stop. We turn around and walk back to the glade slowly to catch our breath.

“Pant . . . Pant . . . ”

Amber and Cobalt fly over and sit on my shoulder. They have big smiles on their faces.

“That was great Richard, you almost beat him.”

“Yes I did . . . Cobalt.”

Baltor looks down at me.

“That's the closest, someone has come to beating me . . . pant . . . pant . . . Congratulations, Richard.”

“Pant . . . pant …. Thank . . . you . . . pant . . . pant . . . ”

We enter the glade together. Everyone cheers to the outcome.

“Well done, Richard. That was very fast.”

“Yes it was Avel. If I had my watch on me, I think I did my best time ever for that distance. Usually horses will out run a man on longer distances.”

“He's right Avel. I was just about to find my stride by the end.”

“I'm sure it is. You think you can do it again against a fairy?”

“I think so, Avel. I'll have my breath back when I'm across the glade.”

“Okay.”

I walk across the glade the slowly to catch my breath. When I get to the starting point, I put my hand on a nearby tree branch to steady myself. I do some slow knee bends. I twist my body slightly.

“How are my children, Amber?”

She takes off from my shoulder. She hovers near my stomach. She puts her ear and hand to my stomach.

“They are doing fine, Richard. This kind of running is good for them right now. When its four moons later, you'll need to slow it down.”

“Okay.”

Another fairy flies over to me. The fairy has green eyes. Cobalt flies off my shoulder and comes near me.

“Do your best again Richard. All of the fairies can fly faster than centaurs.”

“I understand. I'll just use this run as an incentive to run faster.” I look at the fairy I'm racing against. “Don't hold anything back. I think my best will be when I do the endurance run.”

“I'm sure you're right, Richard. Good luck, Richard.”

“Thanks.”

I face Avel, so does Green Eyes.

“Are you both ready?”

“We are Avel.” We both respond at the same time.

We get into position.

“Get set . . . go!”

We take off. One thousand one . . .

Green Eyes flies very fast.

One thousand two . . .

By the time I get half way, One thousand three . . . Green Eyes flies past Avel. I continue pushing hard to reach Avel.

Green Eyes turns around and sees me running hard.

There is some yelling like before for me to run faster. One thousand four . . .

I keep the time in my head like the first time. One thousand five . . . one thousand six . . .

As soon as I run past Avel. I come to a stop. I look at Green Eyes.

“Wow . . . pant . . . pant . . . that . . . is . . . fast . . . ”

“That was a good effort, Richard.”

“I'm sure it was. … pant . . . pant . . . ” Another six second time.

Amber and Cobalt fly over and sit on my shoulder.

“That was a very good try, Richard.”

“At least I tried, Amber.”

“How do you feel for an endurance run?”

“Well, I had two sprints. My body feels warmed up for a relaxing run. What distance do you have in mind?”

“A run down the trail that brought you here, run to the stream and back.”

“I'll time it with the sundial. I'll use my contact crystal to know exactly when for you to start.”

“Will it just be me on the trail?”

“You won't be alone. Some fairies will fly along with you. If you falter, they will be there to help you and report back here.”

“Since I know the trail already, it will be like the Forest Run I did last week with Sir Trenton.”

“Yes, but you don't have those obstacles here.”

“I would like to put on the breast and back plate for safety. I won't wear the ranger outfit. Running in shorts will be fine for me.”

“Okay, Richard.”

I walk over to the armor lying on the ground. I see the padding already attached. “Apparently the fairies were able to figure it out Amber.”

“Of course, Richard, it is not difficult to figure out.” She smiles at me.

I lift up the breast and back plate and put it on me. Once it's in position I tie the latches to keep armor in place. I walk around and do some knee bends and bend overs to make sure of my new center of gravity.

I walk up to Avel and the centaurs in the center of the glade. “What time do you expect, Avel?”

“It is almost the halfway point between here and the castle. That time is about a mark and a half. For this distance, we expect about a mark. If it is less than that and you're not breathing hard, then we have proof your fitness has improved greatly.”

“I can run the distance without rest. But I will stop at the stream for a quick break and drink of water.”

“That's fine. Fairies, take Richard's water that's in his satchel to the stream crossing.”

“Yes, Avel.” Ten fairies fly over to my satchel. They open it and take it out. Three of them carry it easily down the trail to the stream crossing. The other seven fly along with them as relief and protection.

“Are you ready, Richard?”

“I am, Lyonair.”

“Get ready on my mark here in the center of the glade.”

“Okay.”

Lyonair looks at the image above his crystal. He sees the shadow approaching a quarter-mark. “Get ready . . . go!”

I run from the glade and down the trail. Amber, Cobalt and about ten more fairies follow me or lead me along the way.

By the time I get half way to the stream I start to feel at ease with myself. My breathing starts to slow down. I now find myself that I can talk a bit without exerting too much effort.

Amber and Cobalt sense it as well.

“Richard, you found your breath to speak.”

“Yes I did, Amber. It came faster than before.”

I pick up the pace to reach the stream. Once I get there, I see the fairies with my water skin on the embankment. Fortunately they have it on this side of the stream. I come to a stop.

“You made it, Richard.”

“Yes I did, fairies. Surprisingly I'm not out of breath too much.”

“That's good.”

“Thank you for bringing my water here, fairies.”

“You're welcome, Richard.”

I walk over to the waterfalls in the stream. I cup my hands under one of the little waterfalls to get them filled. I splash the water on my face and rub it all over.

“Ahh . . . that feels good. It is nice and cool.”

I walk over to the fairies and sit down on the embankment. I take my water skin and take the stopper off. I carefully drink some of the water from it without putting my mouth on it.

“Yes, it tastes good. It has good memories of home.”

“Memories of home, Richard? Where did you get that water from?”

“I filled it with water from the family cabin. My dad found a way to pipe down some water from an underground source near the cabin. It is very good water. It almost reminds me of the mountain water here.”

“Can we try a taste, Richard?”

“Sure, Amber. You too, Cobalt since you will be coming with me.”

“Thank you, Richard.”

“Let me pour a little bit of the water into the cap. It will be easier for you.”

I carefully pour the water from the skin into the cap and bring it down to her on the ground. Amber takes a sip of water from it. She then hands it to Cobalt. He takes a sip as well.

“Yes, it is very good water, Richard. It is very much like the water here.”

“Yes I like it too, Richard.”

“Well, I'm ready to run back. It will be a faster pace fairies.” I put the cap back onto the skin. “Here you go, take this back to the glade.”

“Okay, Richard. We'll leave it by your satchel.”

“That's fine, fairies. Return safely back to Avel.”

“We will, Richard.” Then three different fairies take the water skin from me. They start flying back down the trail to Avel with the other seven around them.

I look to the other fairies who came with me. “Okay, let's get running and flying.”

I run down the trail at an easy pace. Then I feel the 'bliss' quicker. I start to pick up the pace. I find it really easy to run a little faster. I wonder how far I can run before I need a rest?

The fairies fly along with me while I run down the trail. It doesn't take long to arrive in the glade. I estimate about thirty minutes for that run. Make that a total of one hour.

I enter the glade. I see them cheering me on.

“Excellent run, Richard. You did that slightly less than a full mark.”

I stop near them. I'm not out of breath when I speak. Amber and Cobalt fly over and sit on my shoulders like before.

“This new body is incredible. I've never experienced such freedom in running.”

“Well, you do have a slight advantage over us in that regard.”

“Okay, it is almost time for the evening repast. Let's get ourselves ready. We accomplished a lot this afternoon.”

Everyone cheers to the announcement from Avel.

Some centaurs leave the glade to snare some fish from the stream. Another centaur walks over to the campfire to check it. I walk over to it as well.

Baltor takes a medium size piece of wood from the pile. He stirs it and we both see that coals are still hot despite having an ash layer on them.

We smile at each other. “Let's build it up again Baltor.”

“Yes, Richard. The coals are still good. I'll get some more large pieces of dead wood.”

Then we see some fairies bringing in some smaller pieces of wood for kindling and medium size pieces. “I'll arrange the wood until you get back.”

“Okay, Richard.”

Baltor walks into the forest to find the larger pieces for the campfire.

“Thank you, fairies, for bringing in the wood.”

“You're welcome Richard.” They fly away to join the other fairies looking for their evening repast.

I start arranging the wood by size. By the time I get that done, Baltor comes back with an armful of large pieces of wood.

I take the kindling and lighter pieces and put them on the coals. It doesn't take long for them to catch on fire. I slowly add the medium pieces in a nice arrangement as the campfire is ablaze again. Baltor takes the large pieces and stacks them at an angle around the fire. It looks like a wooden cone.

I walk over to Caltron, Serena and Avel. “Will it get wet on the ground with the morning dew here, Avel?”

“Yes, it will be a wet morning on the ground, Richard.”

“Then I better build a simple lean-to covering and bed tonight.”

“The fairies can help you with that Richard.”

“Yes Avel. We can help you, Richard. Tell us what you need done.”

Some more fairies hear our conversation. They like the idea of helping Richard some more. They fly over and hover nearby.

“Okay, the first step is the location. The ground can have a slight slope with grass. Make sure there are no roots exposed. We can put additional leaves there to make it more comfortable and any large leaves on top of that.”

“Okay, so far so good. What's next?”

I demonstrate with my hands to give them an idea. “Depending on the size of the trees and the space in between them, tie the branches together with some vines for a frame support. Then we can tie some larger leaves on top for a roof covering. One end will be about a waist high, while it slopes down to the back.” I demonstrate with my hands above my head, “The length will be this long.”

“We get the picture now in our heads. This will be fun to do.”

The fairies look at each other with smiles. “Yes, let's begin.”

“Let's find a location first for Richard.”

About twenty fairies start looking around among the trees. They talk among themselves.

“Probably not too far from the glade.”

“Yes, I would think so.”

“It is grassy here in the glade.”

“But the forest is too thick near the edge of the glade.”

“We would have to build it in the glade here and probably near the campfire for warmth.”

“We can't do that. The ground is a mess from the centaurs and Avel in some places.”

“Not only that, most of the grass is trampled here.”

They continue flying around. They don't see anything really open with grass and no roots exposed. The forest is dense with trees and bushes. Then they come across and find the clearing where the Earth trees are located. Then Amber, Cobalt and the twenty fairies gather together to talk about it.

“This is a good location. It has a grassy ground.”

“We can put the frame between these two trees here and it can slope down like he said.”

“Let us check for roots.”

They fly around and pat the ground and move the grass aside.

“This is a good spot here.”

“Yes, it has no roots exposed.”

“It is not faraway from the glade. It does have some privacy here.”

“Yes. I'm sure the Omega will be pleased.”

They all smile at each other.

“Let's go tell him.”

They fly off together down the trail and back to the glade.

They approach us with smiles on their faces.

“From the looks on your faces, you found a place for the night.”

“Yes we did, Richard. We found a grassy place near the Earth trees.”

I smile at them. So do Avel and the centaurs.

“That is great fairies. I'm pleased with your decision.”

The fairies feel good when they hear the compliment from me.

“Well let's begin gathering what is needed. I'll check on your progress in about a quarter-mark. Is that okay?”

“Yes, that is fine, Richard. You can see if it matches what you described to us.”

“Then you may go. Try not to rush it, think clearly on it. If you have questions, come to me. I should be able to answer them for you.”

“Thank you, Richard.”

“Thank you, Omega.”

They turn around and fly into the forest looking for what they need.

I turn to Avel and the centaurs.

“Have they done or seen something like this shelter before my friends?”

“Some of them have, Richard. Where we stay in the forest, we have a simple covering to keep the rain and dew off while we sleep.”

“Are you sure you can sleep on the ground, Richard?”

“If the ground has a slight slope away from the shelter, then I will be fine. The grass, leaves and large leaves should make it thick enough to get me off the ground. I'll be comfortable.”

“What about a covering for your body?”

“It depends on how cool or warm it is. If it is cool, then we'll pile large leaves on top of me first then the smaller leaves.”

“Yes that should work.”

“Have you camped in snow conditions?”

“I have done it about six times. Three times with a tent, the other times without.”

“How did you stay warm and dry without a tent, Richard?”

“There are several ways. First it depends on how deep the snow is and the land itself. If it is the depth of my body, I can create a snow cave. It will keep me warm. I even built a simple lean-to like the fairies are building, but it will be stronger. Then I will pack some snow on top of that and around it on the sides.”

“I see. We’ll definitely have to remember that. Since you'll be here for a year, we'll visit some snow fields when they are in season to the northern part of the kingdom.”

I smile at them. “I look forward to the challenge.”

Then we see Amber flying toward me.

“Come, Richard. Please check to see what we have gathered.”

“Okay, Amber.”

I follow Amber. I see that Lyonair and Baltor follow me as well down the trail. A young centaur takes Baltor's place to tend the campfire.

When we get to the clearing, we see various items collected in piles.

“This is a good start, fairies.”

“Thank you, Richard.”

“So, where is it going to be put up?”

Amber and Cobalt fly over to an opening between two trees. “What do you think, Richard?”

I walk over and bend down. I pat the ground and move the thick grass aside. The two trees are about four feet apart.

“This is a good choice fairies. You did well.”

They all smile together.

“Thank you, Omega.”

“Thank you, Richard.”

“Now let's see the pieces for the frame.”

“It's over here, Richard.”

I walk over to a pile of dead tree branches. Most of them are straight and already trimmed.

“Yes, these pieces will work.”

They smile again.

I pick up a short piece and walk over to the two trees. “Now this piece will work going across at this height. It will need to be tied to the tree. Then with the longer branches, one of the ends is put here.” I point to it.

Cobalt flies over with another fairy, they pick it up and bring it over.

“Now position that over here.” I direct them where I want it. “That's good. It will run to the back and up the grassy slope while the opening is to the grassy clearing below.”

“Can't we create this frame on the ground first, Richard?”

“You can, but it will now be heavier. You'll need some short pieces to support up the frame near the trees while it is being tied.”

The fairies fly near to each other to discuss it.

~~~000~~~

“It sounds easier to do it on the ground.”

“But we'll need Richard's help to guide it where it needs to be.”

“He's only here for one night right now. If he comes back again, we know how to build a new one.”

“Okay, let's build it on the ground.”

~~~000~~~

The fairies turn to me.

“We want to build it on the ground first.”

“Okay, I'll go along with your decision. It is neither right nor wrong. We'll see if it works best that way. You can learn along the way.”

“Thank you, Richard.”

“Thank you, Omega.”

“What's the first step, Richard?”

“The first step is the outside frame.” I take the piece in my hand. I put it against the tree. “I need two chip marks on the branch as it lines up with inside part of the tree.”

I place the branch where I want it. I point to where I want the chip mark. The green-eyed fairy takes his knife and cuts a small piece out. He sees that it lines up with inside part of the tree. The fairies fly over to see what's happening.

“That's good, Green Eyes. Now do the same on the other side.”

Green Eyes does the same thing on the other side.

“That's very good. Now I'll place this on the ground. I need another piece like it. Lay it next to this one and notch the same distance on the second branch.”

Another fairy does the same thing that Green Eyes did.

“That’s very good. Now for the two long pieces, bring both of them here between the trees.”

Some fairies pick up the long pieces and bring it over between the trees and lay them on the ground. I lie in between them.

“As you can see, the branches are longer than my body.”

“Yes, Richard.”

“If they were shorter, my head or my feet would be sticking out of the shelter.”

“We see that, Omega.”

“Good. Now let's take the two long pieces and bring it over to the short pieces that was just notched.”

I walk over to the short pieces and place them apart. They bring over the two long pieces and lay it on top of the two short branches. I take them and arrange them to look like a rectangle.

“The bigger ends will be on the ground to the back of the lean-to. Notice where the long branch is located. It is inside the notch. If it were outside, then it would not fit between the trees.”

“We see that now.”

“Now we tie them together.”

“That's right, Cobalt. You can place a small piece of wood or stone underneath to raise it.” I take a small piece of wood and prop up the two pieces. A fairy hands me a length of vine. They watch how I tie them together. I do a crossover square lash as best I can with the vine three times at least. When I get about a foot left over, I do a tuck with it so it won't come undone.

“That's pretty, Richard.”

“Yes it is, Amber. But it is also strong as well. Now let's do the other three corners.”

“Yes, Omega.”

I get up and let them do it. I stand near Baltor and Lyonair.

“You're a good teacher, Richard.”

“Thank you, Lyonair.”

By the time I get done talking with them. The fairies have tied the other three corners.

“That was fast. Now it's time for the other pieces to tie on the frame. Look how big these leaves are for the roof, we'll space the cross pieces this far apart.” I show them where I want it on the long pieces.

“That's easy Richard. We'll trim the branches and tie them there.”

I step away and let them put six more cross pieces onto the frame and tie them in place. It doesn't take them long to do it.

“That’s very good fairies. Now I'm going to pick it up and show you something.”

I lift up one end a little bit and slide the longer branch to change the shape a little bit. I see them get sad when they see the shape changes.

“Don't be sad. We're about to make it stronger yet so it doesn't do this.” I square up the frame and lay it down.

“What is it, Richard?”

“Take a vine and tie the opposite corners of the frame. Have the vine tight as possible.”

“Okay Richard.”

They take a long piece of vine that reaches the corners of the frame. They tie the opposite corners.

“Now do the other two corners.”

“Okay, Omega.”

They tie the other two opposite corners.

“Now watch what happens.” I try to flex the frame. They see it doesn't change shape.

They cheer when it doesn't change shape.

“It didn't change shape, Richard.”

“No, it didn't, Green Eyes. Now we can tie the large leaves on top of the frame. Start with the first row down here. This will be the bottom. We'll work our way to the top.”

“Okay, Richard.”

Some fairies bring a leaf over. I position it where I want it. They tie the leaf to a cross piece. I take the next leaf and position where I want it by overlapping the first one. Again they tie it in that location.

They continue across with three more pieces. They start to see a pattern emerging.

“Now let's do the next rows like the first one. But it will be offset from the first one.”

“Now we see what is happening, Richard.”

“Yes, by the time we get to the top. It should be able to keep most of the rain off of me. That's if it doesn't rain too hard.”

“Let's finish these fairies.”

“Yes Cobalt.”

I step away and let them finish with the leaf roof. They continue with the pattern as it was shown to them. They finish it very fast.

“That looks good. Now to put the roof in place, I need two more short pieces with a branch off of it about a waist high for me. It will look like a two-finger fork.”

“Like this one, Richard?”

“Yes, like that one.”

Cobalt brings it over to me. I put it near me. “This is good.” I break off some of the small branches I don't need on the support piece. “Now we need another one like it.”

The fairies find a similar branch and trim it just like I did.

“We're almost done with the first part. Now we need to move this frame between the two trees. We can turn it side ways to get it between the two trees. Then we turn it again to have the leaf roof on top.”

“Okay, Omega.”

About twenty fairies put their hands on the long piece side. They beat their wings fast, and the frame slowly lifts into the air. I help them guide it into place. “Now we can lay it on the ground and position it.”

I help them lay it on the ground between the two trees. “Now for the two supports while I lift this end up.” The frame extends about a foot from the trees. The total length of the frame is about eight feet. I'm almost 5feet 9 inches high.

I lift up the end of the frame. Two fairies bring over the support piece. “Near the tree, Amber.”

“Yes, Richard.”

The branch support is placed near the tree. I carefully put the frame into the notched branch.

“Now do the same on the other side.”

They place the other support on the other side. I put the other side into the notched branch.

“Excellent work, fairies. Now we can tie the frame to the branch supports and the trees itself.”

“Then we can put the bedding together.”

“That's right, fairies.”

Everyone cheers that they accomplished something together to help the Omega Unicorn.

Then several more fairies bring in more vines to tie the frame and the supports together. After that, they tie the branch supports to the trees.

“It looks very good. Now let's see about the bedding.”

The fairies bring in handfuls of leaves and lay them on the grass. Once they get enough on top of the grass. They bring in the large leaves and place it on top of that. They even do the same pattern as they did for the roof.

“Excellent work, fairies. Everything looks good. That bed looks very comfortable.”

“Thank you, Richard.”

“Thank you, Omega.”

“What if it rains really bad, Richard, can the wind and rain still get you wet?”

“Yes it can, Green Eyes. In that case the back end must be secured down. Little side walls can be built, even a front covering. But if the wind is very strong it can still blow away. Or if lightning flashes near here, then it can burn up.”

“Yes, it can be a problem. Then you'll probably have to stay in the village nearby here.”

“That's a possibility, Baltor. Have some of you gathered in a village or town when the storms are very bad?”

“We had to do that sometimes, Richard. It happens about three times a year on average,” replies Amber.

“Where do you usually gather to sleep in the forest, fairies?”

“We sleep in tree hollows. Some have been carved out by wood chopper birds for us.”

“We also have those types of birds as well. They have different names depending where they are located. They're usually after the insects and worms that are inside the trees.”

They smile when they start visualizing the differences and similarities between Earth and Twainor.

“Well, it's time to gather by the campfire. It's time for the evening repast.”

“We'll gather our food as we fly back, Lyonair.”

“That's fine, fairies.”

The fairies fly off in different directions into the forest, including Amber and Cobalt.

I walk back with Lyonair and Baltor to the glade.

We see the other centaurs return with the fish clean and gutted like last time. They hang them by several strings on the same tree branch as before.

“Avel, we purchased some sweet grain in the village nearby. They had some extra to sell to us.”

“Praise to the Maker. Thank you, Caltron. It will make for a different meal this evening.”

“Yes, it will.”

“So how is the shelter, Richard?”

“It looks great, Serena. You can see it for yourselves later. I helped and taught the fairies along the way. It is very sturdy. That's unless a terrible storm comes down upon us.”

Avel uses his senses and checks the air. “Not tonight, Richard, it will be clear skies and a little cool.”

I use my senses as well and sniff the air. I don't detect anything yet. Well, not yet anyway. That will take time to learn.

“Then I will probably need to put on my ranger clothes, then get myself covered in leaves. I'll use my satchel as a pillow.” I smile at them.

The centaurs chuckle and laugh. “That would be a sight to see.”

We take a look at the campfire. We see it just about ready to cook the fish. The other young centaur kneels down and picks up the green skewers that we used earlier. He passes them over the flame quickly to clean them. He then leans them against several stones around the campfire.

“You may go ahead start cooking the fish, centaurs.”

“Thank you, Avel.”

The green skewers are handed to the centaurs. They pierce them like the first time I see them do it. I get near the campfire with the younger centaurs. We place them around the campfire like before. We make sure all sides are cooked.

I walk over to the bag of vegetables. I open it and take half of the vegetables out. I place them on the stones to start warming them up. I know what I can teach them for tomorrow morning.

It takes at least a quarter mark to cook the food.

I look to the centaurs. “I would like to do something for you tomorrow morning. This is just saying 'thank you'.”

“What's on your mind Richard?”

“We'll be having fish and fruit again tomorrow morning, right?”

“That's right, Richard.”

I take a fruit that is lying on the ground near the campfire.

“I've done this before. It is very delicious. Take a fruit that has a good thick covering on it like this one here. Cut it in half like this.” I demonstrate it, but I don't cut it. “You can scoop out the fruit first and eat it, but leave some the fruit pieces in it. The covering must still look like a cup. Don't forget to save the seeds.”

“Okay, what's next Richard?”

“When the fish is almost done, take the meat from the fish and put it in the fruit cup halves and mix it up.”

“I see. Then put that near the fire to finish the cooking. Then the fish will also have the flavor of the fruit.”

“That's right, Baltor.”

The centaurs look at each other with a smile.

“We'll definitely try that. It will be like what the chefs have served in the castles.”

“That does sound delicious, Richard.”

“Well, maybe not sound, Serena, but it will smell and taste delicious.”

The centaurs and everybody else giggle and laugh in the glade, including Avel.

“You can experiment with different fruits to see which one work best.”

“That's true. If we have some spices with us, we can sprinkle them on top while it finishes cooking, Richard.”

“You can do that too, then it will be different each time.”

The younger centaurs look up to their elders. “The fish is almost ready, mother, father and Avel.”

Baltor looks down at him, “Thank you, my son.”

Then we see the fairies flying in with the bounty of the forest. They start piling it up like before. I grab two large leaves from the stack and place them on the ground.

Amber and Cobalt see it. They place their food on the broad green leaf.

I sit down with them. Everyone gathers around the campfire. Some of the fairies are sitting or standing on centaurs and Avel. Some are hovering around. Some are standing on the ground.

Everyone gets quiet. We hear the sounds from the forests.

Then Avel speaks first. “Let us give thanks to the Maker.”

A female centaur speaks up this time, “We thank you for this day, Maker. We have tested the Omega Unicorn. We find him worthy to represent you on Earth. We'll continue his training while he is here. We thank you for this food that you provided for us. Indeed it is a blessing from you Maker. We thank you, Maker for Twainor and Earth. May they become bright beacons in your Creation for all time. Thank you, Maker.”

We all respond together, “Thank you, Maker.”

Everyone begins to eat the evening repast like the noon repast. A skewered fish is handed to me by a young centaur.

“Thank you.”

“You’re welcome, Richard.”

The rest of the skewered fish are handed out to the centaurs as well. I begin to eat my meal. I turn the flap over and eat the fish meat. This one is a different fish. It has a different flavor. Then I hear Lyonair in my head.

Yes it does Richard. There are three kinds of fish in the stream here.

I look up and see Lyonair smiling at me. I smile back at him.

Cobalt and Amber are opening a nut shell. Once it is open, they take the halves and put them on one of the stones around the campfire.

Amber looks at me as she flies by. “This one tastes better when it’s warmed up.”

“I could imagine so. I smell its flavor right away. We have some nuts that taste better warmed up on Earth as well.”

She smiles at me, “That's good to know.”

She and Cobalt fly back to the leaf to open up another nut to eat.

When I get done with the first half of the fish, I put it down on the leaf. I use the wooden fork and take a vegetable off the stones. I eat them one at a time.

I look around and see everyone else enjoying the evening repast. Fairies are eating an assortment of nuts and seeds. The centaurs and Avel are eating roots and the grain that Caltron bought.

When I get done with the vegetables, I take the skewer and eat the other half of the fish. Amber and Cobalt fly back to the stones and retrieve the warm nut. They cut the nut meat and eat pieces of it.

I sense their satisfaction as it warms up their bodies. “This nut meat is nice and warm, Cobalt.”

“Yes, it tastes very good. It'll warm us up all night long.”

When we get done with the main meal, everyone starts dividing up the fruit. Amber and Cobalt retrieve a different fruit for me than what I had at noon time. They fly back and retrieve some berries for their final portion.

The centaurs and Avel are having several different kinds of hard fruits to end their meal.

Since I have my breast and back plate on. I reach for a knife behind the breast plate. I take it out and cut the fruit in half. I have had this fruit before. It has a purple pulp with some seeds. I place one of the fruit halves on the large green leaf. I take the knife and carefully dig out the seeds from the half that I'm holding onto the leaf.

I cut it into smaller slices so that I can put in my mouth. It is just like eating an orange. But this flavor is very different from it. I eat the pulp with my mouth closed. It allows me to keep the juice inside the mouth. Once that is done, I eat the sections within the covering. I keep doing that until the fruit is eaten.

I take the other half of the fruit and use my knife on it. Let's make a cup for tomorrow morning. This time I'm careful in cutting the fruit itself and not cut the covering. I dig out the seeds like before. I cut the fruit pieces and enjoy eating it. When I get done with it, I see a cup that I can use tomorrow morning.

I see Amber and Cobalt have a wonderful time eating the berry fruit. It is the right size for them so they can be neat as possible. They eat the entire bunch they found and brought in from the forest.

After awhile, we get done eating the evening repast. We look around and we see satisfied faces on each of us. We smile at each other and nod our heads.

“That was a wonderful meal, my friends.”

“Yes it was, Avel. It was very satisfying. Thanks to the Maker in providing the bounty from the forest for us.”

“Let's get ourselves cleaned up quickly before the sunset comes.”

“Yes, Avel.”

We take our turns walking down the trail to the stream. We splash the water onto our hands and faces. The fairies quickly dive into the water and exit out of it. They have fun playing with the water. They even play with the fish that swims by. One of the fish makes a jump after a fairy. He flies away laughing from the fish as the fish dives back into the water. We all laugh and giggle along with the fairy.

Once we get done. We walk back into the glade and wait for the colorful lights. The fairies fly up in the air looking for the wall of color coming from the East.

“Here it comes!”

“Here come the lights!”

The fairies continue flying around. Amber and Cobalt fly near me.

“My friends, I'm going to display a different color when it arrives. We saw it last night in the courtyard last night.”

Before I can say another word. The streams of color lights envelope us. Then I begin to glow a golden color.

Everyone is amazed at my new interaction.

“This is incredible, Richard.”

All of the fairies see this change in me.

“The Omega Unicorn is now golden. This is a sign of a great blessing.”

“Yes, Richard. You have been blessed greatly.”

I extend my hands out. Then golden colorful streams are emitted from them. Everyone is touched by them.

I speak out loud quickly. “Thanks to the Maker! He is great indeed.”

When they see me speak, they see golden sound waves emitted in front of me.

Then Amber and Cobalt have a golden hue as well.

“Amber and Cobalt look at each other quickly. You're golden as well.”

They look at each other as well. They smile and hug each other quickly. They kiss each other on the cheek first then mouth to mouth. Then they glow more brightly before.

“You're beautiful, Amber.”

“So are you, Cobalt.”

Then they say it at the same time. “I love you.”

I smile at them. They hug even tighter. Then the wall of colorful lights leaves the glade. Our golden glows disappear as well.

The fairies fly up to see it race to the mountains. Off in the distance we barely see the lights light up the mountain crests. Then the sky becomes black. The stars start appearing one by one. Then we see the Twin Moons, the two nebulae and the star ship in the sky.

We all cheer and clap for another beautiful light show from the Maker.

Then everyone looks at the three of us with wonderment.

“What happened, Richard?”

“King Tierion thinks this happened because I'm now the Omega Unicorn. I have been empowered by the twelve unicorns. In addition my body has changed. I will now live a long life like the other Unicorns.”

I look at Amber and Cobalt. “That includes you two as well and all of the fairies that come forth from me.”

Everyone cheers on hearing the good news.

“I may heal faster when I'm injured, but it depends on the severity. I'm guessing right now, if my bones get broken, they need to be realigned first before the healing can begin.”

“I understand that very well, Richard. One time I injured my ankle from a missed step on a rough trail in Thryson. The wizards had to realign the bones before my healing could begin. Be careful and be very aware of your surroundings.”

“Then I must practice that as well. I need to use all of my senses to know what is going on.”

“You also have some horse sense as well. You'll be sensitive to the weather and ground as well.”

“That means I'll know if a land quake will happen before it strikes or even a severe change in the weather.”

“You'll have about a quarter to half-mark warning if it should happen.”

“I see what you mean about learning how to control it.”

“It will take time, Richard. Be patient with it. Let the fairies help you to stay calm.”

“Yes, I just experienced it this morning.”

I look at Amber and Cobalt. I smile at them.

They smile back.

“Thank you for being there.”

“You’re welcome, Richard.”

They fly over and sit on my shoulders. They hum another low level melody into my ears.

“Well, it's time for bed. I need to get my ranger clothes on.”

“Okay, Richard.”

I walk over to my satchel. I see the ranger clothes all folded up. I pick up the pants first. I see the artwork from the fairies from their attempt to repair the tears.

“This is wonderful, fairies. It looks very beautiful. You made a pattern with the thread and cloth. It is very decorative. It looks like a field of small flowers below the knees.”

“Thank you, Richard. It was a challenge to mend it. So we decided to hide the tears in the cloth with the field design.”

“When I look at the flowers, it will remind me of Thryson and Twainor all the time. How can I thank you?”

Then Amber whispers in my ear.

“Okay Amber, I'll do it.” I look around to find Avel

“You have my permission to do it Richard.”

“Thank you, Avel. Fairies of Avel, I'm going to blow some air in front of me. Enjoy it and be re-energized.”

The fairies shout for joy.

I breathe in some air. Then I blow it out slowly. The fairies fly in front of me singing and dancing. They enjoy the surcharge in their bodies as my breath envelopes them. I do it several more times to make sure everyone had a chance to be re-energized.

The centaurs enjoy the show. They're glad to see them re-energized.

“Thank you, Omega. That was wonderful.”

“Yes, your breath re-energized us. We're now more confident and thankful.”

“We detected a part of Avel in you and the other unicorns when you did that.”

“Now we know you will be a great blessing on Earth.”

Amber and Cobalt fly off my shoulders as I sit down. I take off my boots. Then I slip on the pants. I stand back up and tie it in place. I sit back down on the ground and put the boots back on. I stand up and reach for the shirt. I put that on. Then I notice a flower design on the left side of the shirt above the pocket.

I look at the jacket and see a different flower in the same location.

“You outdid yourselves again, fairies. These flower designs are beautiful. Thank you.”

They smile widely in hearing the compliments from me.

“Your welcome, Omega.”

I pick up my satchel and my water skin. “Good night everyone. Thanks again for
a wonderful day. See you in the morning.”

“See you in the morning, Richard.”

“Good night, Omega.”

“Good night, fairies of Avel.”

Amber and Cobalt fly over and sit on my shoulders while I walk down the trail to the lean-to. When we get to the clearing, I see another surprise.

“Where did they find this great big leaf, Cobalt? It will cover my body completely. There are three of them here.”

“This tree is not far from here. Green Eyes knew this was needed. He could have
tied a bunch of large leaves together, but . . . ”

“But he knew this would better.”

“That's right, Richard.”

“Well, I will hang the water skin here on this branch stub.”

Then we hear some centaurs coming down the trail. I turn around to face them.

“We've just come to see the shelter, Richard.”

“Yes, it looks very well made. That's a good design.”

“Thank you, Serena and Caltron. When I arrived here, I had another surprise. It's these large leaves.”

“Who found those leaves?”

“Cobalt told me it was Green Eyes. It's a lot better than using the other leaves for a covering.”

“Yes it is, Richard. We have those leaves on our shelter coverings. They really keep the rain and dew off of us as we sleep.”

“That's good to hear.”

“Good night Richard, Amber and Cobalt. Sleep well.”

“You do as well, Caltron and Serena.”

The centaurs turn around and walk back up the trail to the glade.

I pick up the leaves and place them near the lean-to shelter. Amber and Cobalt fly off of me as I get down on my knees and crawl under the lean-to. I take my satchel and put it in the right spot for a pillow. I then take the leaves and bring them over me for a covering.

“Well, you two are invited to sleep with me. It's getting very warm and comfortable here.”

“Thank you, Richard.” They both respond together with a smile.

“I sleep on my back. So find a spot to snuggle up to, I'll get used to it each night.”

They smile. “We were wondering how you sleep at night.”

They glide in and land near my head. Amber is on my right. Cobalt is on my left.
“We'll try a different position each night, Richard.”

“That's fine by me. We'll experiment. Besides it will be more crowded as more fairies come forth from me.”

“That's true Richard. We'll figure it out when those days come.”

Then they start to hum a restful melody in my ears. I fall asleep rather quickly. Then Amber and Cobalt fall asleep as well after I fall asleep.

We have dreams of being together and doing wonderful things to help Earth.