Meow! Come and Play your cat

Post Reply New Topic

Emily paddles alongside the boat telling Jessie everything will be alright. She's almost sure it's true!

Jessie’s eyes grow big as saucers but she is reassured by Emily’s voice.

I I - I’m feeling a bit sick. Will it take long Zandrian?

Emily calls Quackenbush to steady the other side of the boat, but he appears to be asleep mid-swim. She'll have to reassure Jessie while Zandrian charts a course for shore. But wait! What sprites on yonder wave appear?

The faeries!

Oh they are so pretty! If I reach out a paw can I touch them..?

"Not yet, Jessie! Be careful!", cries Emily with alarm!

The boat begins to rock alarmingly....

Zandrian loses his balance, Jessie hisses and Emily flaps her wings in despair! There's a conundrum on Lake Brontë!

A huge splash almost causes Jessica to jump three feet in the air. The ducks quack in alarm. The water is churning madly.

Here comes Taniwha to the rescue! The sprites called her in a voice inaudible to the ears of cats, ducks or squirrels.
"Climb on my back, everyone! There's room to spare."

Quackenbush finally wakes up! How could he have fallen asleep on a boat???

He’s all Quacked!

And alone on the Lake.

He fell asleep on duty....and there was no dire threat to his life....and there was no room on Taniwha...so he was left to sleep. He and the leaky boat found their way safely to shore. He fixed the leak.

The gang must be furious at him! But it’s all even now. Quacky got his consequences. And he fixed the leak. Quacky learned his lesson. It’s all part of growing up.

Although he feels otherwise, Quacky is a grownup mallard, a full-fledged and competent drake who has weathered many storms with maturity, perseverance, loyalty and hard work.

His good friend Emily speaks to him quietly, away from the group. She reminds him what a stalwart duck he is and assures him that no one is upset. There are no consequences or lessons for Quackenbush to learn because he deserved to sleep after 18 hours adrift on the lake. Emily pats him with her wing and passes a sprig of duckweed for him to munch. He seems grateful, and she hopes he understands.

Quacky is every so grateful for the words of the Wise Emily. It made him feel lots better.

Emily is curious about this thing called the taniwha which she's artfully avoided since its arrival to the lake. She has a fear of sharks, dragons and all creatures which lurk below the surface but, with enviro's encouragement, she's decided to take a peek. Stars light Emily's way to the shoreline as she takes a deep breath and glides between the waves feeling silent and sure. In her excitement, she's forgotten that Jessie and Quackenbush advised her not to swim in the dark by herself. She didn't even leave a note, but she's sure they'll know she's safe!

Jessie wakes, startled, from her peaceful nap. She know straight away that Emily isn’t there.

Emily! Emily! Quacky wake up, Emily has disappeared into the night! She promised she wouldn’t wander off on her own. I can see in the dark for quite a distance but I can’t see her at all. Listen.

The air itself was still. A leaf stirred briefly but came to rest. One or two gentle sploshes could be heard at the lake shore and the reflection of the stars glittered on the mirrored surface of the lake.

Oh Emily, I hope you are safe...

Zandrian: May I climb on your back, dear Quackenbush? We must look for Emily.

Taniwha is right down the other end of the lake looking for the mushrooms she loves best, so can't come to Emily's aid.

It's so dark but my eyes are sharp! I'm sure to spot her if I scan the water with my infrared field binoculars!

Emily glides toward the precipice without realising she is in danger. She is mesmerised by the starry night, the melodious call of crickets, and the gentle splashing of her own two feet as she paddles softly across Lake Brontë in search of the mysterious Taniwha.

Suddenly, nothing looks familiar. Emily feels a chill of dread as she looks back for her friends, and realises she's travelled too far. She is utterly ashamed. "Feels?! ... Zandrian?! ...", she whispers in vain as her little voice cracks. She clears her throat and tries again. "QUACKKKKKYYY! Help me!", she implores unto the wind. Just then, she hears the cascade of a waterfall and feels herself pulled forward, spiralling toward her doom. She's trapped in this swift current and knows she can't turn back.

Emily's heart is pounding as she spreads her wings and hopes to fly.

The Taniwha has heard the small voice and with a mighty splash, emerges to clutch Emily from the swirling vortex.
"I've been missing you folk," Taniwha says, as she spreads her wings and gently airlifts a trembling duck towards an island covered in clover and brambles.