:: http://www.geocities.com/dragynmistress ::
:: By Kym Carhart			   ::
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Skyfire - Chapter 03

The morning brought in lovely warmth and glow throughout the land, as well as a rumble in Skyfire's stomach.  So after a long stretch, she immediately began munching happily on the fresh green grass that grew in the meadow.

After her fill of greens, she pranced back to the giant willow tree, and stopped, for the tree gleamed the color of gold.  It's branches hung and waved their long glowing leaves in the wind.  Skyfire marveled at the tree's beauty as it shimmered in the  sunlight.

"This tree here, it's magic," came a squeak from above.  Woolins fluttered down to Skyfire, landing with a soft thud near her hooves.  "I planted it here just yesterday, and it takes a full day to turn gold.  That's why it wasn't as perdy yesterday as it is now."

"But what, I mean, can it do anything?" asked Skyfire.

"Can it do anything?  Well of course it can." Woolins said.  "A Golden Willow Tree, as known as the Truth Tree to magical creatures, can protect you from any kind of harm, heal the most fatal wounds, and of course serve those who honor truthfulness and are good
at heart.

"Is that why you're staying in the tree, so it can protect you?" asked Skyfire.

"Well that, and mothkyns are the keepers of the Truth Trees.  It's our job to grow and spread them through the lands so the good will have some aid in defeating evil."  explained Woolins.

"Geez, I'm feeling kinda sleepy and weak all of a sudden," said Skyfire.

"Hmmmmmm, that's strange," said Woolins looking thoughtfully at Skyfire.  "Maybe you need to eat more."

"No, I don't think it's that, I just feel so, so... strange." Skyfire said wearily and laid her head down in the soft carpet of grass.

"Oh, no, don't fall asleep!" cried Woolins.  "You may not be able to get up, I mean your symptoms don't sound too good right now."

But Skyfire had already fainted into a deep pit of long sleep.  And Woolins looked at her and fluttered off in panic into the mountains, for Skyfire's coat of once deep red had faded into a sickly shade of gray blue and her fiery main and tail had been reduced to a short flicker of flame.