Chapter 1: The Journey Begins The gentle spring breeze blew through the trees of the Farrier’s Forest. The trees all swayed with the breeze, slowly allowing a few blossoms to fall from their branches to the floor of the forest. The forest floor was covered by bluebells and daffodils; a sure sign that spring time was in full bloom. Up in the trees there were birds singing to their partners, as eggs were being laid and some were ready to hatch. All the elements of the Farrier’s Forest were in harmony with one another. The deeper one travels into the forest, the closer they come to a small opening where a small trickling stream could be heard flowing and fairy circles were seen to be growing. In this area of the forest there are no trees, allowing the sun shine down and creating a warm, calming place for anyone to be. Many do not dare go into this area due to the vast amount of myths that surround it, but these are merely fables made up over time to keep this place of magical wonders a mystery from those who would destroy it.
If one were to follow the crystal waters that flow through, they would find that it leads to a small village. Everyone in this village knows of the many stories that surround the Farrier’s Forest, but do not fear what may lie within. There are two girls from this village, who often wander the forest and have discovered the opening and visit it daily. The harmony of the forest is disturbed, as the two girls entered the opening. The flowers on the floor hug their ankles, as they walk across the forest floor, and blossoms catch in their hair as they feel the breeze on their faces. Both carry satchels containing different items. One of the girls climbs a large tree stump of an ancient oak tree. Sitting down on top crossing her legs, the girl retrieves from her bag a large, debilitated book and proceeds to read it. The other young girl, who is slightly shorter, begins to run towards the stream, but stops before hitting the water to remove her buckled shoes and socks.
Maple sits on the oak stump reading, letting her blonde hair float in the wind. She wears it semi-tied back, so it was not in the way of her book or getting into her silvery, blue eyes. She would often come down to this clearing, which she and her friend simply called: Dìomhair, meaning mysterious. Down in the water is the one known as Willow, her brown hair now soaked from root to tip, making it appear black rather than the darkened brown it usually would be. These two friends had been together for so long now - it was rare to ever see them part ways. The inseparable friends, as many would call them. The two had a bond that had so far only been tested by time and the occasional disagreement.