Forest/Story

Forest's story narration:

After got drifted away with the Ghost Lily, Carto is now inside a forest.

Dialogues:

> **Chirb**Hoot, hoot.**Chirb**Hmm, how did Chirb get here? What a strange place this is.
> Are you a Messenger too? Where's your beard?**Carto**?**Chirb**Ah, hm, no matter.
> Look at this strange leaf Chirb found! Does it mean anything to you?[Chirb gives Carto the piece  5.]**Chirb**This forest...interesting. Shall we keep exploring?
> Owl see you at the tree. Hee hee. Don't forget your sapling![Chirb goes away.]

### Meeting Recad and Niep

Went into the forest, Carto met Recad and Niep.

> **Recad**A fair forest to you.**Recad**How did you find your way to the Wildwood, small one?
> You come from across the sea, but have ventured deep inland. Curious.
> I'm Recad, of the Redwood Forest. This man is Niep, of the Barrens.
> We Messengers have our animals to guide us, but this can be a confusing place for outsiders.
> The forest will show you a way out. Good luck.**Recad**May Mother watch over you. The forest will show you out.

* Niep:

> **Niep**...**Niep**Roads, within the fog. Fog, within the mind.
> Fog is deep. You will go deeper. Eyes open.**Niep**Fog, go. Eyes, open.

### Meeting Cholmek

Carto met Cholmek.

Dialogues:

> **Cholmek**Hum hum hum!**Cholmek**Hello, forest friend!
> I'm Cholmek, of the Evergreen.
> This furry fella is my animal companion. Don't worry, he's a friend too.
> Where's your animal companion?**Carto**:-(**Cholmek**Oh, I'm sorry, how rude of me to assume!
> The Wildwood is so dense and ever-changing, even we Messengers cannot navigate it alone.
> It's amazing that your've come this far without a companion.
> We grow up alongisde our animals, and they help us find our way to Mother.
> They help us search for food, protect us from danger, and keep us warm at night.
> Such great friends!
> Perhaps I'll see you even deeper in the Wildwood?
> Trust the guidance of the forest, even when it looks like there's no path through...

### Meeting the Messengers again

As Carto tried to get out of the forest, she got even deeper into? Carto met Recad, Niep and Cholmek again.

> **Recad**Hello!**Recad**I didn't expect to see you again, small one. But here you are.
> The Wildwood is unpredictable. While others have been ushered out, it seems to have brought you deeper in.
> We're almost at Mother. Look how densely the trees grow here!**Recad**Mother waits for us. And perhaps you too, small one.

* Niep:

> **Niep**...**Niep**Road, ended.
> Still, a path remains.**Niep**See the forest for the trees.

* Cholmek:

> **Cholmek**Hum hum**Cholmek**We forest folk are big huggers, as you may have noticed.
> Our tribes are small, and we're scattered across many forests.
> Hugs help us feel closer to each other.
> A hug and some mixed grass tea, that's the life for me!**Cholmek**M'bear gives the best hugs. I call them "big hugs."

### Grandma's second letter

Carto found Grandma's second letter in the forest.

### Meeting Chirb again

Carto found Chirb and his owl. But the owl looked angry.

Dialogues:

> **Owl**\*jumps up angrily\***Carto**?**Owl**\*points at Chirb\***Chirb** *(embarrased)*Ahh she's right! She's always right!
> It's true. Chirb lost his sapling. So ashamed!
> What will Mother think??
> What does Chirb do!? Where does he go!?
> It's almost time for the ritual, and no time to go back to his forest...
> If only Chirb had something to replace sapling with...[Carto gives Chirb the Ghost Lily Remains.]**Chirb** *(confused)*This...
> This is not a sapling.
> But perhaps it will work! A plant is a plant... is a plant?
> It is better than not a plant.
> Thank you, beardless Messenger. You are small and kind.
> Chirb goes, gratefully.[Chirb and owl departs.]

### Arriving at the Mother Tree

Carto arrived at the Mother Tree and met Lempa. He is sleeping.

> [Carto pokes Lempa, makes him wake up.]**Lempa** *(stands up quickly)*\*Rustle rustle rustle!\*
> \*Rustle rustle rustle rustlerustle rustle!\***Carto**...?**Lempa**Le le le wo wo wo ba ba ba luuuuuuuu.
> Ahh, much better!
> I'd almost forgotten how to speak the common language after all these years alone.
> Wise as she is, Mother isn't much for conversation.
> But it's good to see you here, Messenger. The first to arrive, bravo!
> As you know, I am The Watcher.
> You must have recieved the signal. Which forest do you journey from?
> And where is your animal companion? Are they an insect of some sort?
> HELLO MY TINY FRIEND, YOU CAN COME OUT NOW!**Carto**...**Lempa**Hmm, upon closer inspection, perhaps you are not a Messenger.
> Then how did you traverse these woods, wild as they are?**Carto**;-)**Lempa**I see.
> Still, you found your way through the underground maze, and overcame the tricks of the Wildwood!
> Navigation is in your blood, dear girl.
> You remind me of someone, you know. In my youth, across the sea, there was a young woman...**Carto**???**Lempa**Ah, nevermind, simply a passing impossibility.
> Have you caught a glimpse of the Messengers yet??
> I wonder, which will Mother choose...**Carto**?**Lempa**Ah yes, I suppose this ritual would be a mystery to you. Messengers, Watchers, saplings, animal companions...
> It's all very ancient and fascinating.
> What say we take a walk and I can give you the entire oral history?
> Humor an old man, I haven't spoken to anyone in decades...**Carto**...

### Lempa explanation

Lempa explained to Carto about the Mother Tree, Messengers, Watchers,... In the meantime, other Messengers arrived.

Dialogues:

> **Lempa**...when the Mother Tree has reached the end of her thousand-year growth, the current Watcher must put her to sleep, using the flames of the Wildwood.
> Her life essence carpets the entire forest, spurring a millennium of new growth...[Niep arrives.]**Lempa**Ah, hello there!**Niep**Messenger Niep, of Barrens. And vulture.
> Traveled afar, we bring sapling. I will be Watcher.**Lempa**Yes, hello, welcome. I'm just in the middle of a yarn.
> Please go and wait by Mother and we'll be with you shortly.**Lempa** *(continue)*...the smoke from Mother also acts as a signal to the forest tribes, which each send a Messenger, bearing a sapling from their village.
> Once the Messengers reach Mother and plant their saplings, they must recite the eighty-seven stanzas of the Rime of the Wildwood...[Recad and Cholmek arrive.]**Lempa**Ah, more Messengers!**Recad**Tidings, Watcher. And to you too, small one, it is no surprise to see you here.
> Recad, from the Redwood Forest. My foxy friend and I are ready for the ritual.**Cholmek**Cholmek, of the Evergreen. And m'bear!
> Truly it's an honor to be in Mother's embrace. I feel cozy already!**Lempa**Welcome, Messengers, and woodland companions.
> Please gather at Mother, I'm almost done regaling our friend here with our traditions.**Lempa** *(continue)*...after the saplings are planted, Mother will choose one of them to embody her regrowth.
> The Messenger who provided the sapling will become the new Watcher, and their tribe will protect Mother throughout her growth.
> As each Watcher grows old, another from their tribe will take over, so that the elder Watcher may go home and live out their days in their village.
> As you may have guessed, I'm the final Watcher of my line, and I'm well ready to return to my village!
> Mmm, I wonder if they still make those toasted bananas back home...[Chirb arrives.]**Lempa**Oh, our final Messenger! You're just in time for toasted bananas!
> I mean, er, the ritual!**Chirb**Phew! Chirb is exhausted. But Chirb have sapling!
> Definitely original sapling...
> Ahem...Chirb here, of the Coniferous!
> Chirb will surely never be chosen as Watcher...but excited to attend!
> A glorious day in the Wildwood. Hello, beardless one!**Carto**:-)**Lempa**Everyone is here, it's time to wake Mother. Let us gather!

### The ritual

Carto, Lempa and the Messengers gathered at the Mother Tree for the ritual of choosing the new Watcher.

Dialogue:

> **Lempa**Mother, it is time to awaken.
> Your children have traveled from farthest forests: Redwood, Barrens, Evergreen, Coniferous.
> And I, your Watcher, ready for my rest.
> We gather here, to begin your rebirth.
> Messengers, produce your saplings. The strongest, most beautiful specimens of your forests.**Chirb**...**Lempa**Let us plant them, and stir Mother from her slumber.[The 4 Messengers plant their saplings.]

Mother chose the Ghost Lily sapling of Chirb.

Dialogue:

> **Lempa**Hmm, a ghostly glow. What a strage new sapling.
> Mother's choice is clear.
> Messengers, the next Watcher is...
> Chirb, of the Coniferous.[Everyone is surprised.]

### Aftermath

Carto said goodbye to the Messengers.

> **Chirb**Umm...**Chirb**Chirb is so confused! Why is he the Watcher!?
> Chirb isn't good at watching anything...
> It must have been the sapling you gave Chirb!
> Special sapling! Chirb isn't special...
> Chirb wants to go home...**Chirb**What does Chirb do?

* Niep:

> **Niep**...**Niep**Odd choice, Chirb. But respect it.
> ...
> Mother will grow taller than sky.
> Want to witness.**Niep**Patience.

* Recad:

> **Recad**Ah well.**Recad**It would have been nice to be chosen, but Mother does what's best for the entire forest.
> We'll stick around for a bit in case Chirb needs any help...**Recad**I'll be seeing you, small one.

* Cholmek:

> **Cholmek**Ho ho ho!**Cholmek**We're a bit relieved we weren't chosen, honestly.
> We love exploring, but we're not as happy staying in one place.
> Mother must have known that. She's so wise!**Cholmek**We'll rest a while, and then...who knows?

* Lempa:

> **Lempa**Good, good.**Lempa**The ritual was a success!
> Mother chose Chirb's sapling, and thus he becomes the new Watcher.
> He may not feel ready, but Mother knows best.
> The mere act of being chosen will start him down the path. Mother is in no rush.
> I'm glad you could join us for the ritual.
> Perhaps you'd like to say goodbye to the other Messegners, and then I can show you the path out?[Carto finished saying goodbye to the Messengers.]**Lempa**It sounds like the other Messengers will be sticking around a bit longer.
> I'll soon be making my own journey home, once I've showed Chirb the ropes.
> May I show you the path out of the Wildwood?**Carto**\*Nod\***Lempa**Great, follow me!
> Chirb, please join us, it's time for your first lesson...**Chirb**O-okay!

### Getting out of the forest

Carto, Lempa and Chirb went to the edge of the forest.

Dialogues:

> **Lempa**The Watcher must learn the language of the trees.
> Watch carefully, Chirb...
> \*Rustle RUSTLE rustle\*[The trees split apart, open a new path.]**Lempa**The forest favors you this day.
> Please, take this token.[Lempa gives Carto the Friend of the Forest Amulet.]**Lempa**It was destiny that you should come here, and with this, you'll never lose your way in the Wildwood.
> I'm glad you could join us, and thank you for helping Chirb replace his lost sapling.**Chirb** *(surprised)*!!**Lempa**You can't fool a Watcher, Chirb. You'll understand one day.
> Mother sees all, and she still chose you. Worry not.**Lempa**Go, little one. Im sure we'll see you soon.
> And give my best to your grandmother.**Carto**![Lempa leaves.]**Chirb** *(whisper)*Travel safe, and pray for Chirb...[Chirb and owl leave.]

Carto got out of the forest.

## Chapter 6-2

When Carto got back to the forest, she met Recad.

> **Recad**Ah, small one!**Recad**A boon to see you! The finest navigator of these woods I've known.
> We're in need of your skills!
> We can't seem to find Chirb...I mean, the new Watcher.
> I'm not sure I'll ever get used to saying that!
> Niep and his vulture are getting a bird's-eye view from one of the bigger trees.
> Maybe they've seen something interesting?**Recad**Niep is looking for Chirb from one of the bigger trees, maybe you can help?

It seemed like Chirb was lost. Carto went to ask the other Messengers whether they knew something about Chirb's location.

### Finding Chirb

Carto asked Lempa.

> **Lempa**Hello there!**Lempa**My dear girl, welcome back! The forest hasn't been the same without you.
> I know my tenure has ended, but I can't BEAR to leave just yet...**Bear** *(disapproves)*\*Growls\***Lempa**I'm not talking about you, furball!**Lempa**Anyways, Chirb still needs some teaching, and I'm enjoying the company of these animals.**Carto**\*asks about the Volcano.\***Lempa**The volcano? That's a dangerous place, kiddo.
> But if you really want to go there, I think there's a tunnel underground.
> Mother's roots spread far, connecting places in unexpected ways...
> Maybe Chirb can tell you more? He's the new Watcher, after all!
> Though I haven't seen him in a while, come to think of it. Perhaps the other Messengers know more about that?**Lempa**Any luck finding Chirb?

Carto asked Cholmek.

Dialogue:

> **Cholmek**Hi ho!**Cholmek**Well hello again! Nice to have you back in the forest.
> Don't mind me, I'm just hauling water, a job for the strongest Messenger.
> The others are looking for Chirb, but someone has to keep us all hydrated!**Cholmek**Niep and his vulture usually get the best views, have you checked with them?

Carto asked Niep.

Dialogue:

> **Niep**...**Niep**Talks with his vulture.**Niep**Chirb, absent.
> But vulture, see.
> Northeast, Mother.
> With haste.**Niep**Northeast, Mother Tree.
> ...nice boots.

Carto went to the northeast of Mother Tree and find a piece of the map. Chirb was hiding in that piece.

Dialogue:

> **Chirb**Hootie tootie!**Chirb**Chirb very glad to see you again!
> Though Chirb's been hiding, needed a break from watching Mother grow...
> She is...very slow. And VERY quiet.
> Tell Chirb of your travels! Have you visited other forest?
> Perhaps met someone who likes watching trees? Someone who needs a job?**Carto**\*asks about the Volcano.\***Chirb**Hmm, the volcano? Chirb visited once, when he was a sprout.
> Not sure how to get there, though. Hmm.
> Perhaps...Chirb can ask the Wildwood.
> Old Watcher has been teaching Chirb a bit of treetongue...**Chirb**\*Rustle rustle rustle RUSTLE\***The trees**\*Rustle rustlerustle rustle\***Chirb**The Wildwood says...something about..a bee and a witch! How exciting!**The trees**\*RUSTLE RUSTLERUSTLE RUSTLE\***Chirb**Ah, hm. Chirb is still learning, apparently. They say: a tree has an itch.
> Not sure what it means! But maybe you can scratch it?
> Chirb will draw you a reminder...[Chirb gives to Carto Chirb's Doodle.]**Chirb**Chirb suppose it's time to rejoin Mother now.
> Everyone can stop looking for Chirb!
> Owl see you there.[Chirb leaves.]

### Finding the itching tree

After Chirb has been found, Carto asked the Messengers and Lempa again about the itching tree and the volcano.

> **Niep**...**Niep**...?
> Ah.
> Ashes rain. Skies darken. Earth shakes.
> Cannot take you there, no.
> But path exist, yes.
> Go deep.**Niep**Go deep, friend.

* Recad:

> **Recad**Phew.**Recad**My fox tells me that Chirb has returned!
> With your assistance, I'm sure. I knew we could count on you!
> And what have you there?
> Is that one of Chirb's tree drawings?
> What he lacks in artistic skill he makes up for in...third-person narration.
> That tree doesn't look familiar with me, but you could check with Cholmek.
> He's down by the river.

* Lempa:

> **Lempa**Is that the new Watcher has you running around for?
> Can't say it makes a lick of sense to me, but what do I know?
> I'm just the Old Watcher now. I can't keep up with you kids!**Lempa**I'm not much help these days, but I'm sure someone around here has the vigor!

* Cholmek:

> **Cholmek**Heyo!**Cholmek**Ah that drawing tells me that you must have found Chirb!
> I'd help you look for your tree, but I'm still gathering water.
> Whew! It's a good thing I'm so strong.
> Though my bear friend is even stronger...
> But don't tell him I told you that, he'll never let me live it down!
> If you need any strong fellas, bear and I are your guys!
> I'm a bit busy with this water, but he's having lunch with the Old Watcher near the campfire.**Cholmek**Bear is by the campfire if you need some strength!

### Scratching the tree

Carto found the itching tree. It had some thick branches stuck in the back of the tree, but the branches were too heavy for Carto to move them herself. Carto asked Cholmek's Bear for help.

The bear removed the branches, opened a path inside the tree. Carto went in and got to the underground. After exploring, she found a hole that lead to the Volcano...

## Chapter 10-2

Carto and Shianan went to the Mother Tree. The Watchers and Messengers were waiting for them.

> **Chirb**Welcome, beardless messengers!
> Mother's been expecting you!
> She told me to gather everyone here, that the time for family has come.[Chirb speaks treetongue. A path inside the Mother Tree opened.]**Chirb**Mother says to thank you for your help in her rebirth.
> And now it's time for her to help you!
> You may enter her embrace.
> Lend Mother the energy of the land, and she will take you where you want to go.

> **Shianan**Wow!**Shianan**This place is so cool, Carto!
> Are these your friends! They look pretty tough!**Bear**\*Roar\***Carto**:-)**Shianan**We'd better head inside that tree!

* Chirb:

> **Chirb**Chirb's getting the hang of this Watcher thing!

* Lempa:

> **Lempa**Hello there!**Lempa**If you think Mother is impressive now, you should see her when she's fully grown!**Lempa**A tree this big has to have even bigger roots to keep her steady.
> The farther her roots reach, the taller she can grow!

* Recad:

> **Recad**Small one!**Recad**Isn't Mother marvelous?
> Chirb's sapling must have been special to make her grow this quickly.**Recad**The winds are fair today. Enjoy them atop.

* Niep:

> **Niep**...**Niep**Vulture soars high. You will go higher.**Niep**Enter, Mother.

* Cholmek:

> **Cholmek**Hi ho!**Cholmek**Phew, it can get kinda hot out here when you're as furry as us!
> Good thing Mother keeps us cool with her shade.**Cholmek**Stay safe up there!

Carto and Shianan went inside the Mother Tree...

## Chapter 10-3

Carto and Shianan got on the treetop.

> **Shianan**Unreal!**Shianan**Are we finally high up enough? It looks like the clouds are still above us...**Carto**:-/**Shianan**Hmm, let's have a look around, maybe we can spot somewhere even taller than this.
> You can see the whole world from up here, it almost looks like a...**Carto**MAP![Carto pulls out the map, and connects all the map pieces together.]

After Carto has assembled all the map pieces, Mother Tree started growing rapidly. She was so tall that Shianan and Carto were being above the clouds...

## Chapter 10-4

Carto and Shianan were above the clouds.

> **Shianan**Oooh...**Shianan**You did it, Carto! We're above the clouds!
> Can you see your Granny??**Shianan**Your Granny must be close by!

An airship appeared. Granny Maldpo jumped out of the Airship.

> **Carto**Granny!!**Granny**Carto, my sweet![Carto and her granny hug each other.]**Granny**I knew we'd find each other, dear girl.
> It was only a matter of time.
> Or should I say...a mapper?**Carto**<3**Granny**You've been so resourceful to track me here!
> And you found all the pieces of our map!
> A true master cartographer, just like your Granny.
> And who's your companion?**Shianan**Hello m'am! I'm Shianan!
> I would say I've heard so much about you, but Carto is a little on the quiet side.**Carto**;-)**Shianan**She's the best though!
> She's taught me so many things!
> And we've been so many cool places!
> And and and...**Granny**I want to hear all about them, child.
> But now that we're all together, why don't you show me a few firsthand?
> We can take the airship, and we'll use the map that you girls recovered.
> You can introduce me to some of your new friends, and take me to your favorite spots.**Carto**:-D
> ...Shianan?**Shianan**Thanks, I'd love to join! Lead the way, Carto![3 of them head inside the Airship.]

Carto, Shianan and Granny would go to the places of Carto's adventure.