Irabel was sitting and knitting a wool sweater for Oscar, who was going to wear it during the upcoming big catch and fish fry festival in one week. The entire Great Rivers community was filled with excitement as they prepared to start the celebration.
The anticipation in the town was palpable. The young otters made sure to behave more responsibly, especially around their elders and parents, in expectation of the upcoming fun activities. Great Rivers was a thriving and proud community for many joyful otters, who greatly appreciated the stream's abundance. They often traded with other neighboring animals, such as the beavers at Dams colonial spillway.
The town was neat and respectful, having been constructed by the beavers' log trade, with sturdy cabins that were a sight to behold. The city took on the look of an old western town. Oscar, the proud engineer of the water wheel, had provided an electricity source to their tiny homes. He was highly regarded among the community alongside his bride Irabel. They were essential for supplies and creating wealth in Great Rivers. The Great River's residence were under the impression they were safe and secure. Unfortunately, they could not have foreseen the impending destruction to come.
Many moons ago the otter town residence had completely changed into new hybrid human-like bodies and intelligent minds full of creative ideas. Unaware of the impending danger, they never imagined the Humans, in their truest form, were on their way. The Humans wouldn't arrive until the day after the festival. The town would celebrate the simplicity of the festivities on one day, then wake up to the destruction of curious humans desperate for scientific answers. The humans devilish desire to collect their innocent lives was what awaited their fates.
The invasive humans came to collect various specimens for their experiments in two well funded labs. The small otter community was devastated by dogs, fire, and the cruelty of the intruders. The harrowing sounds of screams and cries echoed in the ears of those fleeing for their lives. Little ones wept for their missing or slain parents, while male otters fiercely defended their families with growls and vicious fights. The air was filled with the relentless barking and the sickening sound of tearing flesh from sharp teeth. Amidst the chaos, a few cries of humans who had been bitten could be heard among the cacophony. The day the destruction arrived, Irabel and Oscar realized their once peaceful home was gone. In the midst of chaos, they were separated, with Irabel's last memory of Oscar diving into the water for safety. As she tried to follow him, she was captured and taken to Nexus labs.
This is the story of Great Rivers and many other like it. The woodland animals found themselves in similar situations. Each animal kingdom had its own tale of transformation and the devastating impact of human attacks. Lady Sindri heard of the woodland creatures' struggles and gathered the remaining survivors to live peacefully in a sanctuary protected by a magical force field. She vowed to shield her subjects from harm and stop humans from disrupting their way of life ever again. Despite her efforts, a seer warned that their new visiting allies would unwittingly lead the enemy to their doorstep. The queen fretted about the timing of the enemy's impending invasion and the uncertain future.
While the majesties peacefully slept in the comfort of their bed. Asger turned to gently touch the queen's skin, trying to soothe her nerves and rouse her from a fitful sleep. Her eyes fluttered and twitched before snapping open at the sound of Odin's voice.
"Awaken, daughter," it said softly.
"Your allies are in danger, your kingdom is threatened. Prepare for war, the enemy comes with iron feet" Odin's voice faded away, leaving her to prepare for battle.
Irabel, Emeryn the meadowlark, Vulpix the fox, Randolf the wolf, and Alvis the Bull Elk strolled leisurely back, taking in the serene forest vistas. Unbeknownst to them, hidden dangers lurked beneath the mountain as they continued on their journey. Eventually, they reached the end of the road which led them back to Bjorn the bear and company. They found them engaged in lively conversation with Thurston the horned lizard and a few other locals.
As they approached, the sound of their friends' joyful laughter grew louder. A sense of contentment washed over them as they realized they had made the right decision to come back. The little ones were gathered with Ylva the she wolf and Jabari african dog pup, nestled under a shady pine tree. Ylva was regaling them with vivid tales of fantasy, mystery, and a hint of reality woven into the fabric of each fairy tale she told.
Bjorn the bear, Mrs. Wrena and Mr. Egil the Badgers, Stenifer the Bison, Lysabel the she wolf, and K'nani the pronghorn antelope all looked up as a small group approached them. Bjorn got up and walked to the edge of the porch.
"Hello again. Back so soon?" she greeted warmly.
Irabel, with a round face, smiled and shared, "Yes, of course. Zarda and the others discovered the footprints of the high Lord and ladies leading deep into a cave. Emeryn and I decided it wasn't suitable for us to explore, so Zarda sent reinforcements with us - Vulpix, Randolf, and Alvis. We hope they find the lady and stay safe underground. What has everyone here been doing?" the otter asked.
Thurston the lizard slowly approached Bjorn.
"Well, us Havardr folk have been keeping your company entertained. The little ones are settled in for story time with Ylva, and us older creatures have been sharing some quite amusing stories," the elderly lizard replied.
He chuckled with delight, his belly shaking under his worn white shirt. Emeryn and Irabel were happy to join in with their friends. Thurston moved aside and collected some fruit, offering fresh sweet melons he had brought for everyone from his garden. They happily accepted and sat down to enjoy the juicy fruit. The lively group gathered on the porch, munching on melons and sharing more unique tales.
Irabel quickly finished her melon and turned her gaze back towards the forest, her mind still focused on finding Oscar. She walked to the edge of the porch and called out to Bjorn, letting her know she was heading to Fljot. Bjorn asked if she needed company, but Irabel declined, confident she could manage on her own. As she made her way back towards the Fljot, Irabel searched for a path leading to the water town.
Eventually, she found a narrow trail and followed it to the rocky beach of the water town.Looking out she could see the well constructed water huts and a few fashioned on land. The town was bustling with activity, with a mix of animals going about their daily routines. Fishmen, otters like her and Oscar-yet not him. Beaver families and Long legged cranes moving along side busy bodied trout men.
The smell of crayfish mingled with smoke was in the air, while the sounds of chittering birds welcomed her home. Her heart beat with excitement and anticipation to see if her beloved Oscar was here. Despite her excitement, Irabel couldn't find Oscar among the residents of Fljot.
Determined not to give up, she decided to seek out the locals and inquire if anyone had noticed a stranger similar to herself in the past few months. She hoped her actions would not be in vain.
As she scanned the crowd for a friendly face, the first one to catch her eye was an elderly female beaver carrying a basket of beets and twigs. Her clothes were worn and her face showed the signs of age. She walked with a limp, her eyes barely open as she made her way down the pebbled road.
"Excuse me, Mrs.beaver." Irabel began politely,
"Have you happened to see an otter, like myself, only make wearing a gray and green sweater?"
The old beaver, whose name turned out to be Buttercup, snapped back, "Call me Buttercup, not Mrs. Beaver. I'm too old to pay attention to young otters like you. I haven't seen anyone in a gray and green sweater. Now leave me be."
Irabel was shocked by Buttercup's rudeness but hoped the other townsfolk would be more welcoming.
"I hope not everyone is as unfriendly as she is," thought the otter as she continued searching for the missing Oscar.
It seemed like it would be a long and tiring search if others in town were just as short-tempered as Mrs. Buttercup. Irabel slowed down and listened carefully to the conversations of the locals, hoping to find someone friendly and approachable. To her delight, she soon came across two young animals, a crane and an otter, laughing hysterically over drinks at the 'Seagull Bay Brewery'. They were sitting under a swinging wooden sign, enjoying themselves outdoors of a tiny storefront.
With caution, she slowly approached the two comrades.
Clearing her throat, she began to ask them, "Excuse me for intruding, my name is Irabel and I am from Great Rivers. I am looking for my husband, Oscar the otter. Have you seen him? He may be wearing a gray and green sweater that I knitted for him many months ago."
The crane stared blankly at Irabel, struggling to keep one eye open. He was nonverbal, only communicating through belching of fishy ale. emitting an unbearable stench.
Irabel was frustrated, feeling like her mission in this town was almost impossible. It was a stark contrast to her hometown of Great Rivers, where everyone was friendly, helpful, and responsible. The crane and young otter were both drunk and unable to offer any assistance. The otter rolled her eyes and walked away, not realizing that a kind troutman nearby had been listening to her plea for help with a sympathetic ear.
The stranger followed a few steps behind her before gently approaching her from the side.
"Hello, ma'am. Allow me to introduce myself. I am Gusto the troutman. I couldn't help but hear your cry for help. Perhaps I could be of assistance," said the kind local fish-man.
Irabel was almost in disbelief but elated to hear a gentle voice and a helpful response.
"Yes, yes, please. It has been months, maybe longer. I really don't know. I lost track of time while I was locked away in Nexus labs. My husband, Oscar, escaped into the river the day the humans came. I had hoped he found his way here. I just need to find out if he was here or if he still lives now among your folk," she replied.
Gusto rested his finlike hand on his chin, trying to remember if an otter matching those descriptions had ever visited town.
"I'm not certain I've seen the one you seek, but I know someone who would. This madam knows all," he recalled.
Irabel was indifferent to who had the information, she just wanted to hear positive news about Oscar's location.
"Come with me, I'll lead you to meet mam Erma. She will know how to handle the situation," he responded.