Hello, Everyone! This weekend we are going to get physical! We are going on an endurance hike through the mountains. It's going to be tough, but fun. We'll need to go through dense forest, across rivers, and up stony cliffs.
Characters, we'll all need to pull together. Those who are stronger (and have longer legs) will have to help those who are more, um, "ergonomically challenged." If you have any special skills to help us reach our goal, let us know. And everyone needs to bring a backpack with their essential items.We may encounter some dangers on the way, so everyone needs to keep a sharp eye out. There might be bears, or lions, or even ferocious, flying vampire squirrels.
Tonight we'll cook our dinner over a campfire, sing songs, roast marshmallows, and sleep under the stars. Tomorrow we will complete the hike to our final destination - the spectacular Fictional Fantasy Lodge!
Ready? Set? Let's go!
63 comments:
I'm here with boots on and backpack ready!
We can do this. Kae and I grew up hiking in Rocky Mountain National Park. And we have long legs.
And where Aidan goes, we go.
Hello, everyone. I brought my dory, Apple. I know we are supposed to travel on foot, but she is suited for mountainous terrain.
This is lovely!
She's beautiful, Marenya. I've never seen a dory before. Sort of like a cross between a Shetland pony and a goat. What beautiful mane!
Keep away from her horns, though, Ginger. She's gentle, but will butt you hard if she thinks you're playing with her. They're good for fighting off predators.
I hope we don't encounter any! Aidan, Jason and Marc, did you bring your weapons?
I should've said it last night, I guess, but I've chosen Nighfala to visit next Friday. The black panthers in the Wood are really cool so I'd like to talk to this one.
God, I hope there's a flying vampire squirrel. I'll go on the hike just for that.
It looks like this trail winding down into the valley is the one we should take. The view is spectacular!
Anonymous,
Surely you are joking? (shudder)
We can put our packs on Apple, if you like. She's a lot stronger than she appears.
This is going to be fun! I love nature!
I haven't worn these hiking boots in years. I guess they'll do, though. Kalila, I don't feel like carrying more than one water bottle. Do you think...?
What, Ricky? Just because I'm a djinn I'm supposed to refill your water bottle? If I were a human female, would you expect me to iron your shirts?
Well, no. Not really. If you were going near the dry cleaner's, though...ow! Never mind, then. Nevin says he'll keep my water bottle full.
Thanks, Nevin.
There are plenty of fresh streams here, Ricky. I think it will be okay.
I'm glad you could all join us.
Kalila, is it not the province of females to care for our menfolk? Why would you not iron Ricky's shirts? Surely he works hard to take care of you.
Thanks, Gabby, for picking the next Character of the Week. Nighfala has agreed to stop over next Friday. It should be interesting!
Down in the valley, the valley so low
I'm hanging over, you're walking slow
You're walking slow, dears,
You're walking slow
I'll jump on your neck when
You're right below!
Goodness, we've been hiking all morning already. Why don't we stop for lunch?
I smell squirrel!!! That would make a nice lunch.
I'll be back.
Am I imagining things, or did a huge black panther just run through the trees over there?
We go nowhere without weapons. And Aidan has his bow. He might have a bit of fun with that.
I won't shoot animals, though, don't worry, Nevin.
But maybe some pinecones off trees. That's always fun.
Could you shoot that VAMPIRE SQUIRREL off that TREE, Aidan? Everyone, DUCK!
Well, it took us a while, but we finally caught up with you guys. Olivia isn't always as punctual as I'd prefer. What can I say? She's an artist.
Hey! I'm the one who packed the backpack, I'll have you know, and fed the kids, took out the dog, made sure the babysitter was set and everything... before heading out here. It's not like I was fixing my hair. Sheesh.
Besides, who cares if we're late? We made it, didn't we? And we got to see some beautiful trees, streams, and mountains along the way.
It's not my fault you tripped on that rock and cut your knee. Without me, we wouldn't have had a first aid kit to fix you up. And you call yourself a doctor!
Sorry, honey. I'm just grumpy from hunger. Good thing our CIC pals take a long lunch.
Meg and I heard about the endurance hike from our author... and it sounded like something we would enjoy. We've been traveling cross-country for a while now, so we bring a lot of skills with us. We're resourceful, and I'm a good tracker. Helps that I'm a full-blooded Native American.
Hope it's okay that we've decided to tag along this weekend.
Hi, all! What beautiful country this is - thanks to Christine for inviting us all on this endurance hike. Indigo and I are happy to be here!
This is so much fun. I'm having a great time! Vic said he might join us after sundown, Aidan, so if it's not strictly necessary to shoot the vampire squirrels, I would advise against it.
I found some lovely berries. Anybody want some?
Whew, I finally caught up! You are pretty slow hikers thank goodness. I did want to join you for the campfire and stuff even though I started out an hour late.. I met some animals who seemed upset. Did you threaten them at all? Sounded like singing in the trees at one place. Must have been the wind. I got a bit scared being all alone like that.
I'm glad you caught up with us, Candy!
And don't worry - me, Michael, Indigo, and Meg were late, too.
I say, the more, the merrier!
I agree with Nevin. No need to scare or hurt the animals - unless they truly threaten you.
So, am I to understand that a vampire will soon be joining us? Can't say I've ever met one of those before (though that lawyer I met came pretty close).
The sun is going down. We should make camp for the night. I'm embarrassed to admit that I forgot to bring any matches, though. Does anyone know how to light a fire?
Um, well... no.
What Aidan means to say is that he can start fires with his telekinesis. Why don't you show them, Aidan?
It's just kind of...you know I'm not a circus act. Sheesh. But yeah, there ya go.
What can we cook, everyone? Do you think there are any fish in that stream? Uh-oh. I think Nighfala's been hunting.
I'll keep this bucket of water nearby, just in case he goes a little overboard. But it looks fine.
Thanks, Aidan! You're such a sweetheart.
Hey Kae,
Now they're all looking at me.
I hope you all like venison. It looks as if we have plenty!
Don't worry about it, bro. They're just hungry and tired. And you have to admit, fire is one of your better tricks.
He's not bad to look at, is he Ginger?
Neither is Kaelin! Shhh! What if they hear us?
Should I tell him that I can make fire, too?
Nah!
Indigo and Nutmeg, how nice to meet you! Tell us about yourselves.
It's so good to see you, Olivia and Michael. And Candy! You made it.
Yes, those vampire squirrels are creepy, aren't they?
I just found out I did a really dumb thing. You know how the invitation said they had compasses?Well. seeing as I left late I brought my own, pencil sharpened and all, right out of my painting kit. Never thought of the other sort! Wondered why we needed one unless it was to stab fish with or something. I guess you'll think me a ninny but it but it is funny!
Hey, everyone! Sorry we're late. Our author overslept this morning, and by the time she checked out come in character, it was a bit too late for Charles to leave the house. But we're here now.
Oh, by the way, I brought stuff for smores.
Hi, Ginger. Nice to meet you, too.
My folks named me Nutmeg when I was born. They were hippies, see, and apparently, nutmeg can be a rather toxic hallucinogen. My dad never admitted whether he and my mom used it or not... guess it can be really dangerous. But Mom liked the name, so there you go.
My friends and family call me Meg, though. Less weird, I guess.
Anyway, my mom left shortly after I was born, so my dad had to raise me. I grew up in southern Mississippi, where my dad runs a vision quest camp for troubled teenagers. He never talks about my mom - he's been remarried for years now, to a nice woman named Billie. They have a kid now, too - my half-brother Jonathan - so I don't quite fit most of the time. Recently, I hit the road. I'm only 17, but I was sick of waiting for answers. Decided to try finding Mom on my own. Along the way, I met Indigo - and he decided to hit the road, too. Good thing - it was lonely, and a little scary, traveling alone - and we get along great.
So, that's my story - in a nutshell, so to speak.
Ooh, s'mores. I try to be healthy, but I must admit to a weakness for chocolate and graham crackers. The marshmallows are just fun to set on fire. Thanks, Alexander!
Uh, Marc, keep that bucket of water handy for Olivia, okay?
I'm glad you and Indigo met up, Meg. Where are you headed?
Candy ~ That's too funny. A compass. I never thought of that!
Thanks for the s'mores, Alexander!
It's okay about your author getting up late. Mine gets up so early, she's posting at 5:30 a.m.!
Haha, crazy author!
Mine NEVER gets up at 5:30 a.m. - unless she's going fishing.
She's more likely to go to BED at 5:30 a.m. She's a loon - and I mean that in the nicest possible way.
Ooh, seems I might be a bit dehydrated tonight. I find myself saying all the wrong things.
Here, Michael. Have some water.
And as for the fire, Ginger, I'm not that bad! I like watching the marshmallows glow - and I do have a touch of pyromania, especially when my kids aren't around - but I won't set the forest on fire. No worries.
Still, a bucket of water is always a good idea... just in case. ;-)
I agree. Better to be safe than sorry.
Incidentally, I'm grateful that Meg and I met, too. I needed to leave the reservation anyway - see more of the country - and I must admit... I really fell hard for her.
Oh, Indy, stop it. *blushing*
Okay, I'll admit it. I fell for him, too.
Happy?
You bet.
I am containing the fire now. A little bit of Hanorja magic. It can't spread outside the current circle where it is burning.
Yawn! Goodnight, everyone!
Yes, it's 10:30 East Coast time and I'm absolutely bushed. See you all in the morning.
Anyway, I don't know where we're headed exactly.
My latest clue says that Mom's in Chicago, but I'm starting to have my doubts that I'll ever find her.
Night, Marenya and Ginger! Thanks for having us.
G'night Marenya! G'night Ginger! My author's insane too. Most night she goes to bed at midnight and attempts to get up at 5 am. No wonder she's a bit crazy.
It was nice meeting you Indigo, Meg. It sounds like you two have had an interesting journey so far. I'd love to hear more about it sometime in the future.
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