The Clearings

Glad you could join us for the next precipitous episode of Elliot’s Adventures. If you’re new here, you can catch up by returning to the beginning, and reading really fast…

Blotting out the blue, the clouds darkened during breakfast, promising a cleansing soak before lunch. Most of Fen’s residents took refuge, but the refugees, Julius and Miranda, took their brood outside as soon as the shower began.

“It’s rain,” their father was explaining as Cassandra joined them. “When the clouds have more water than they can hold, they share it with the ground to help the plants grow.”

The adventurous one scrambled off his mother’s back and ran in circles, splashing through the deepening puddles. His giggles were contagious.

“Clark,” Miranda cautioned, “don’t splatter mud on the Princess.”

Cassandra, eyes closed, face tilted up to greet the falling drops, giggled, too. “Oh, I don’t mind. It’s only mud. I’ve splashed worse stuff on people.”

They spent the brief shower playing and laughing. “I hope I am pregnant,” she confided to Miranda as Julius explained the rainbow that appeared like magic overhead to his enthralled children. “I’d love being a mother.”

“Well,” Miranda smiled, “it’s not all giggles and rainbows, but it’s always important. You’ll make a great mom.”

Queen Lilian arrived in such an excited tizzy, she didn’t even stop to land. “Quick, Cassandra, come with me! I’ve found something you need to see.”

A short walk as the sky cleared took them to a cozy green clearing dotted with red.

“I’m designating it your private spot, and calling it ‘Cassandra’s Clearing’.”

“Your Magnificence… This is… magnificent!” Princess Cassandra cried. Climbing onto a convenient toadstool, she paused to wonder at the upside down world in the raindrop that hung from the juicy, ripe raspberry. “Thank you, Lilian, it’s perfect. When Elliot and I return to Bog, I hope I will be as wise a ruler and as good a friend as you are.”

~~~

When Bog’s children learned their Kingdom’s long history, they learned snakes were always Marauders — part of an Enemy’s force — never their friends. What action would Bog’s citizens take now if any of them saw the viper slithering through midnight’s shadows toward King Arnie’s Audience Clearing?

To be continued. . .

Previously, on Elliot’s Adventures ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Next time . . .