The Tale of Briarwater

     It was a beautiful day in the Briarwater Forest. The flowers that cover the ground were blooming, the birds were flying high and singing their songs loud. Everyone seemed to be in good spirits today. The family of chipmunks that lives in an old Eucalyptus tree were eating their lunch of various nuts they found throughout the mass of trees. The old turtle that lived in the pond was gleefully swimming and enjoying the nice, warm summer air. Melany on the other hand, was too busy to enjoy the day. Melany is a tree spirit who was "vertically challenged", in the words of her best friend Luke, but what she lacked in height she made up in strength. She was elected leader and guardian of the forest and she plans to guard it with her life. In order to do that everyday she walks every inch of the forest, making sure everything is at peace. Though she looked intimidating, Melany is a kind and sweet person. Luke Briarbark, on the contrary, is not near as brave. Luke is scared of most things everyone else is; fire, heights, spiders, the dark, strangers, germs, and clowns. Especially clowns. Sometimes, if he's feeling up to it, he'll help Melany with her daily rounds. He's not much help but he can help look in the higher places in the trees. That's all he can really do though. He trips over every twig and hits his head on every low hanging branch they pass. Luke hangs out with Melany every chance he gets so he doesn't have to be alone. Though he does this, no one really knows him. Everyone knows and respects Melany so they don't really say anything to him.  But Luke likes it that way, he gets to stay home without worrying about people coming up to him to hang out. He loves his alone time. Today though, he's out helping Melany. Everything was peaceful in the forest, though not the same could be said for the Briarwater village.
K The village was northwest of the forest and falling apart. The population consists of about 30 people. Though the town is small, the general store is fully stocked as well as the doctor's office. Though they're both well stocked, the buildings themselves look well over 100. All the houses look the same way. The only building that looks new is the oracle's tent. The tent is blue and white and is quite large for what it's purpose is. The owner of the tent looks as old as the town. His body is wrinkled and deformed. A long wizard beard grows off his withered face. His back is hunched and he uses a wooden cane to walk. Nobody really knows how he got there or what his name is. The old man says he's in contact with the gods, so no one really bothers him. In fact they give him the royal treatment. The mayor, short jovial man, gives him everything he desires. He says that if they don't do anything and everything he wants, the gods will come down and punish them.

The oracle has the entire town wrapped around his finger. The old man has a secret though. He lies about having contact with the gods. In fact he is just a crazy old man. The oracle called a meeting with the townspeople. After everyone had gathered he started, "My neighbors! The gods have spoken to me! We have been ordered to burn down the forest!". The crowd murmured indecisively. A voice arose from the small crowd, "That is nonsense! Why must we burn down the forest? It has never done us any wrong.". The old man frowned and answered, " It is the gods will! You dare defy orders from the gods themselves?".The crowd went silent and the oracle nodded. "Everyone grab a torch and gather at the forest!". Everyone grabbed something flammable and made a small crowd at the forest. Melany was informed right away and ran over, grabbing Luke on the way. "Stop!" she screamed right as a villager lowered a torch to the dry bush,"What are you doing?". The oracle was quick to respond, "The gods have ordered your forest to be burned!". Luke shakily asked, " But.. why would they want that?" His voice broke and the waterworks had begun. "The gods have told me of all the horrible crimes you have committed!" he moved his torch closer to the vegetation as he spoke. "What have we done? What are these horrible crimes you speak of?" Melany yelled and stomped her foot. The vines covering the ground started to move as Melany grew more and more angry. The villagers started to retreat, but the oracle stood his ground. "You have ruined the farmers crop and killed the plants of our village!". "You lie! We  have done no such thing!" Luke retorted. "Tell that to the gods!" The oracle yelled back. "Fine. If we prove to the gods that we have done nothing wrong, you will leave our home alone and never return."  Melany began walking towards the oracle, who just smiled in reaction. "If you can get the gods on your side, we won't harm a single blade of grass in or near your forest." His smile was slowly growing into a malicious grin,"You have three days."  The oracle turned and started walking, soon followed by the villagers, back to the village. Melany stood and watch him hobble back to the village waiting to turn until they disappeared. Melany turned to Luke who by this point was a complete sobbing mess. "Hey buddy come on it'll be alright." she smiled softly after another agony filled sob escaped from his mouth. She went over and hugged him  trying her best to comfort him, "We'll figure it out.". Luke's entire body was shaking at this point, "How are we gonna.." he whispered sadly. " I don't know but we will." she whispered back, her own voice now filled with sadness, "We have to.".