[Sara Arell]

"But don't birds eat spiders, Selene asked? The very thought of that sent chills down her spine. I think I want to be a butterfly flitting from.......

[Jenna]

"Your favorite color, child! We are running out of time!" the eagle-like bird regarded her sternly but with kindness behind his piercing eyes.

Selene stopped abruptly & returned his gaze with wide eyes. "Teal." she said simply.

The stork-like bird tilted her head. "Then you have your wish, you will be a butterfly."

Selene smiled, then thought of how delicate butterflies were. Hmmm, maybe she should have tried to guess what color a rhinocerous would have been...

"Don't be silly, you were destined to be a butterfly, Selene." The stork said.

"How did you know? I didn't say anything!" She stammered.

"Things don't always have to be spoken to be heard." the Enforcer repiled.

[MariJ]

That is part of the magic. Have you noticed where you sometimes will sense what people are saying - even behind closed doors?"
"Yes...." selene stammered. "I never understood that'..

(ps just edited this because Karen and I posted at the same time so now it makes more sense!)

[butterflykisses]

Before Selene could think or speak another word Guardian pulled out a small wand, sprinkled fairy dust on Selene's head and declared "from this day forward you shall be known in the land of the ancients as Papiliona. At that very moment Selene found herself transformed, not into any ordinary butterfly. but into the most beautiful swallowtail you could imagine. In a perfectly still pond of clear, clear water she could see her reflection. Her body was glittery black and her wings teal, purple and greens. Her fear disappeared. As Papiliona she felt strong and suddendly, just for the fun of it, she gracefully flew around the forest, settling on a nearby Purple Butterfly Bush to await her assignment.

In unison her mother, Enforcer and Guardian said "you have proved yourself worthy of protecting the ancient map and with that responsibility of protecting the ancient garden." Guardian presented her with a box of silver and asked her take the gold key and open the box. Inside Papiliona found the ancient map on a soft cloth unlike any other. Enforcer said now you are ready to journey to the ancient garden. Tonight you must

[Jenna]

fly East, past the Valley of Regret and the mountains of Deception. It will be a long flight, tiring and dangerous but you must not stop long, if you stop at all. There are evil forces at work and they will be looking for you. Their only goal is...

[butterflykisses]

is to stop you from reaching Peaceful Canyon. Where the map will help you to find and retrieve the sacred

[MariJ]

teachings, you must also keep the learnings close to you and safe from Evil forces. Papiliona shivered and nodded her head. It was hard to believe that this morning she had been Selene! She asked, "But, how do I begin? HOW do I fly and how do I find the teachings?" Her mother kissed her and smiled and the enforcer added,

[butterflykisses]

just go in the direction of your heart. The ancient map will guide your heart in the right direction. So Papiliona raised her wings and rose into the starry night sky, amazed at the heights her wings could take her. She flew over mountains, valleys and rivers under the light of the moon and the sparkling of the stars. After what seemed like a life time she began to tire and despite the warnings to not stop she could go no farther so she settled on the highest peak where she could see the valley below for a short rest and

[MariJ]

she looked around her. Papiliona saw the beautiful world and smiled. She sat down for just a little rest, leaned across a tree and was soon fast asleep!
Papiliona slept soundly for it had been quite a day and after a while she stirred, opened her eyes and jumped. She was surrounded by

[butterflykisses]

thousands of tiny butterflies. Seeing that she had fallen asleep and afraid for her safety they had rallied together to provide her with protection. Once she had shaken off her sleep and recovered the surpise she was ready to complete her journey. She streched her wings, rose in to the sky surrounded by her own escort of "fairy butterflies"

[MariJ]

and landed in Peaceful Canyon. Papiliona thanked her guides and looked around her. What was she to learn here? Who was she to ask?
Suddenly she heard a voice say, "Who are you and why are you here?"

[Jenna]

The large grey wolf looked ominous in the dark... but did not fill her with fear. There was something about his expression and demeanor that spoke ally to her.

[MariJ]

Papiliona looked at him and said "Hello, I'm Papiliona. Can you help me?" I am trying to decipher the Grimoire and learn about magic. But, I don't even know where to start".
The wolf replied. Here is what you need to do. You need to look for a girl named Charlotte. She is a wonderful writer and might be able to help you to understand what you need to know to finish your story. Charlotte is nearby and following the story - maybe she can help this end?"
Meanwhile, I will show you some translations that might help.....

[butterflykisses]

And so began her adventure with the Grey Wolf in the Peaceful Valley, home of the Ancients and protectors of the world of fantasy, fun and all things PURPLE!

[MariJ]

But, there was a lot of learning for Papiliona and she was still in danger. There was still so much she was unprotected from and needed to know. She wondered if she'd see her mother again or the rest of her family? And, what of the original quest?

[April Showers]

We have a winner - drawn at random from all the posts. Congratulations BetC! You've won a $20.00 GC to the ScrapGirls Boutique.

[Belle]

Congrats Bet. Great prize. I loved reading the story.

[ValerieT]

Congratulations Bet.

I had great fun joining in with the story.

[Sara Arell]

I have to say that all of you did a fabulous job of weaving this story! I looked forward to your posts every day and I think it would be really cool to see the entire story continue, don't you?

....and big congrats to Bet!