Journey

She stared out into the terrain ahead of her…barren and empty except for an overgrown path leading into the unknown hills. The hill rolled in temptation of an Oasis within, even a large castle loomed in the distance upon a grassy knoll….glistening in the sun calling out ‘Home’ to her. There was no other place to go or wander that interested her- just emptiness wasteland of dry ground where not even a home could be set-upon. Looking ahead into the fern abyss she could see the rays of light cascading through the thick tress illuminating great beautiful things…the growth of roses, the sweet fruit dangling from trees, the small animals full of life scurrying around bouncing from one tree to another. There was such a mystery about the place ahead- a long trail of soft earth with sprouts of long grass reaching up. The trail seemed to go on for miles with strange interruptions in the road, darkened by shadows and unknown things. Yet she couldn’t help but take a step forward- there was nowhere else she wanted to go…or be… As she stepped into the entryway to the trail heading into the unknown she immediately felt closer to home…as if it was mere feet away. The air embraced her in warmth, comforting her instantly and making her feel safe. As she walked she saw great splendors unique to this place- the animals remarkable and seeming intelligent as they followed her along the long winding trail. The day had passed and night fallen...she wondered how far shed gone and how far to the castle up top. The fruit from the tree nourishing her body for the travel ahead…she was ready and excited to continue no matter the obstacle. It was time to rest for the night as she found a perfect patch of grass as comfortable as the tempurpedic bed. Even laying among the green she felt hugged close and tight in comforting embrace. She could get used to this she mused as she fell asleep. The night was a perfect sound of silence and peace and no animals bugged her as she slept dreaming of the castle on the hill...her hopeful new home. The days wore on and if by magic she had a safe spot to sleep each night. She came across sporadic ponds of clear water delicious and refreshing to drink - enough to continue forward. The dark shadows started creeping closer as she walked the endless trail with more shrubbery, gorgeous flowers and trees. Shadows of unknown things...strange illuminated eyes lurked within watching her as she stepped around. The shadows gave her unease and she wondered if she should stray from the path and find another or just create her own- but then she could be lost to the castle she longed to see..and she was falling in love with this place and didn't really want to leave. Even with the darkness and shadows this place is where she would always long to be. She kept going...felt like years were passing her by..she was getting restless- would she ever reach her dream home? How long has she been wandering on this trail? This day was different...as she turned a bend in the dirt path she came upon three trees blocking her way...red trees that grew tall and hard to see the end to them. She could try to fit through the gaps and keep going- yet something seemed strange and foreboding about them- like a warning to not pass. She sat down on a stump nearby and looked at them- hard. She had to keep going- there was no turning back from this already long journey. Yet- they caused her pause as she could not see the trail clear ahead of her...they were akin to a doorway to the path ahead.She could still create her own...she couldn't cut them down as each base was size of a small car.The branches hung low and looked thorny- yet each tree was unique. The first- on the far left- was bloody red like its sisters but was smooth. She stood up and walked up to it to take a closer look- this tree was smooth and soft to the touch- hallow when knocked and empty inside...but hard as rock. It had a small etching on it 'Duty'. Towards the top where the branches are there were scratches...deep wounds that haven't healed. She could still make out the oozes from the wounds and realized they could be poisonous if touched but perhaps kindly removed and healed. This ooze would be where shed have to touch if she was to pass through-Would take a long process of patience to heal this tree of its wounds in order to pass. Unfortunately she had no tools to help. The Tree in middle- had a small etching on it as well "Fulfillment". This tree was shorter than the rest- she could see the clouds above it and very little branches in the way. It looked thirsty…dry and brittle and leaves looked wilted…neglected. Its base was the largest-covering a bigger area and there was no grip to climb up on. This tree had a long scar that wrapped like a spiral staircase around it giving it a pretty amber glow. It needed water and she would need help to pass. A hand up to get over the large hump of it and there was the wound to heal as well- this tree would be hard to pass without outside help to assist with leverage, and a compassion to its wounds and thirst. Tree on lefts etching read 'Truth'. This tree was the smaller of the two- contrary to the etched words-its looked deceiving due to the large branches covering most of the base. She could not tell if there was any wounds on this one as the branches shadowed most everything. She didn't trust this tree- she couldn't see if or where to pass.Almost as if it was lying to her, teasing her, placating her to pass.  She took a step back and absorbed what she had found with these strange obstacles in her path. Found it interesting they each had a word of Duty, Fulfillment and Truth- was this a test to pass? A puzzle to complete? Perhaps the owners of the castle had grown these here- yet how did they become so...warped?Did they intentionally set them this way or has time corrupted them? They were remarkably beautiful, her heart having fell in love with this wooded area and path would not want to cause harm or make things worse ..she yearned to give them helpful reprieve from the wounds suffered. Perplexed she sat down and contemplated each tree...mulling over the words and the meaning of each tree- how was she going to pass? This would be a long process to pass one or all trees blocking her way- she couldn’t leave the others unattended to…it would haunt her knowing she had ignored them and they’re still here wounded. Was the test for her to heal them all before she moved on? 

Hungry she grabbed a large fruit from nearby tree- juicy and sweet trickling down her chin. The day had passed quickly into night while she had been considering her situation. Saddened and feeling a bit hopeless she curled up on her favorite splash of grass for the night- tomorrow she will start with a tree to heal. Daydreaming into sleep…her home...just out of reach. To be continued...