OTTER'S TREASURE AND HIS GIFT

Otter had no choice.  He was held down by a traitor, He ratted and crowed on his girlfriend, but only after she sang like a canary, all of it, lies, lies, lies.  The leader had lizard eyes, cold, with only one thing in mind.  How to get to the meat of the matter Where was that illusive prize?  The otter had squirreled the treasure away.  But that would not stop the others from looking for it.  The mole sniffed around and  wormed his way into the den  of vampire bats, who  were ready to taste the blood  of the little white-tailed rabbit.  The mole watched, still unseen,  as the rabbit began to scream  "I am tired of this cat and mouse game!"  The wolf who'd chased the rabbit into the cave finally grew bored and went away.  The mole saw this and ran out of the cave,  followed by the rabbit, it was his lucky day.  But back to the hunt, where was the otter  Did he really have the treasure? 

THE BEGINNING: ORPHANS

(BRING IN OSCAR THE OWL, HERE AND THE FIRE, THE WAY OSCAR BECOMES SEMI-VEGETARIAN AND FRIENDS WITH OTTER)

Beaver was wise for his age,

he was now a young man,

He'd moved away from his clan

to do what all sons do

in a beaver family.

One day, beaver left his home and

staked out a place of his own.

It was a perfect creek, coming off the river.

That's where he met Otter.

Otter saved his life, in a most generous way.

A storm had come and as the creek rose,

All his work to build his damm

was being washed downstream

Otter popped up and began the

carry the logs to the bank.

The next day, Beaver and Otter rebuilt

their home. It was the best damm and den

that had ever been built.

They’d lived together ever since.

IT'S RAINING FROGS!

Beaver couldn't go much further.

"It's going to rain frogs! ´ Beaver said to Prairie Dog.

"Yes that is queer, it's worse than the fish that came down last year."

Prairie Dog remembered when

the fish fell out of the sky,

and landed all around him,

one fish almost clobbered him!

It was to the raptors’s delight,

all of them: vultures, hawks, falcons and more.

the fish were fresh, carried by a tornado

from a recent storm, and dropped with

the rain in the settling wind.

Now long since later,

Beaver looked to the sky

Beaver then looked down at Prairie Dog,

"You should probably go back to your den. I'm headed back to my creek's damm."

Prairie Dog looked at the horizon. "Yes, you're right b

Beaver; we'll search for Otter tomorrow, once the eagles have chased away those disgusting vultures, eating on those sad but nasty frogs' decay." As prairie dog looked over, he realized he was talking to himself.

Beaver had already scampered away. Praire dog waited on top of his mound

watchng in the distance where the frogs

rained down.

It would be awhile before they reached him.

he surmised, they were still at least a mile away.

Watching them approach was almost mesmerizing.

Prairie dog jumped straight up in the air. A voice behind him gave him a scare! "Oh my, oh my! What are you doing here?" We've been looking for you everywhere!" “Not now my little friend,

the frogs are starting to land! Now go down in your den!!

I will run to the old hollow trunk tree!

I’ll be back after the storm,

then we will speak!”

KITE AND KATHERINE

The vultures were the worst.

They loved the most decayed corpse,

fighting over the worst smelling frogs.

that is what they liked the best.

That's what set the vultures apart from

their brethren feathered ones.

The eagles stayed hovering above.

Most dived down and grabbed whatever

they chose to feed and supply their babies

with the fresh frogs filling the ground below.

The lone eagle, Kite had hung back, and

watched the others eat to their fill.

He had no hard feelings, he had no ill will.

he had no reason to , there was no shame

it did not go against their nature

Sometimes they were all

forced to eating swill.

Others do what they need to do,

Kite couldn't think of taking a bite

of a free but rotting dinner.

Kite was used to smaller prey

like bugs or beatles

He also preferred to catch

snakes and an occasional lizard.

I will starve and so will my young

if I don't find some better food.

Kite, flew away, empty handed,

He knew he needed to bring

something fresh home that day.

I must not be a true Eagle, I always shy away

from killing any innocent one to bring home

to my mighty children, waiting for me.

to bring the next lively thing to fill

their tiny stomachs with nourishment.

No, I'm not a good Eagle at all...

As he was flying back home,

he saw a small human, standing

close the forest's wild edge.

What is that human doing down there.?

She is quite little and could fall into a snare.

But, why must I worry about her fate??

The kids are hungry, and I'm already late!

Why is she here, out so near the wilderness?

The girl began to grab into a full bag

of freshly baked bread.

She tore slices apart and threw them

as far as she could throw.

all over the meadow.

Kite swooped down, and landed aground

next to a fresh piece of bread.

The sweet smell of fresh bread

had completely won him over.

The girl sat down amongst the waves

of wild grass, rolling in the wind.

All Kite could now see was her shoulders and head.

She spoke in a silent voice, which drew Kite's attention.

Her eyes met his in a kaleidoscope gaze.

"Hello, eagle, please eat to your heart's content."

Her silent voice startled Kite. "Is she really talking to me?

"Don't t be afraid, you can take flight at anytime.

I am not holding you here.

I come from where you do.

I too, come from the sky!

Kite was mesmerized as he lifted and flew

back to his chicks and their mother too.

"You wouldn't believe where this bread came from!"

His excitement wasn't the only thing he shared,

as his family ate every bread crumb.

OTTER'S BEST FRIEND

"I came to visit you, my dear little friend!" "Please tell me what you've been up to."

"Oh, Otter, we've been looking for you! Beaver just left, he misses you too. Is it true? Have you found the treasure?"

Otter and prairie dog went a long way back, ever since Otter saved Prairie dog from a deadly snake attack. Otter acted quickly, he called for Mongoose to hurry their way. Mongoose fought tooth and nail finally grabbing the snake by the tail. In the end, Mongoose saved the day. "Thanks for the dinner, Otter! I've searched for something to eat for awhile." Prairie Dog realized Otter's gift. Otter's efforts to save him also helped another. Over time, he'd seen him do this again and again. Prairie dog loved him more and more ever since. Prairie dog latched onto Otter's hind quarter. "Please hug me Otter, or pinch me at least!" Otter smiled down at little prairie dog. He bent down and hoisted him onto his shoulder. The frogs had ceased to fall. But water was what needed the most. Staring at the lowering sun, they were joined together. "Prairie Dog?" Otter whispered softly, to his little best friend perched next to his head. "Yes, Otter? I’m here." He moved closer up Otter's shoulder until he was nestled on his head, between Otter's ears. No words were spoken as they watched the sun slip into the horizon. "I will stay with you tonight, Prairie Dog but tomorrow I must go. But I will not worry about you, I'll tell you everything

you'll need to know." "For now you must get your rest. Go on and settle into your den." Prairie dog protested, "But Otter, I want to know! What is going on? Can you tell me, did you find the treasure? What is the treasure, anyway, no one seems to know..." "In due time, friend, I will tell you it all. But now you must sleep and dream good dreams. I'll be right here, on top of your mound." Prairie dog agreed, Otter knew what was best. Soon, he was snoring in his underground nest. As Otter stretched out on top of the mound, a soft breeze soothed him, as he settled down. His mind was in a light, drowsy place. He knew for now, at least, he was safe. As He looked up, gazing out at the stars, he waited for the golden orb to appear. Otter closed his eyes and began to silently speak. "Please come to me, whatever you are, whoever you are You are the only safe source guiding me." Otter felt a now familiar golden light When he opened his eyes the Orb was floating above him, so bright. The golden Orb felt Otter's conflict. "Otter, what is it that you need from me? Why do you feel so torn inside?" Otter was always taken aback when the Orb described his feelings inside. "Well, yes, I am worried. I don't know why you chose me. How am I to take this chance, when so many are looking to kill me?" "You already know, Otter, it is your destiny. Why is it that now, you have doubt in me?" Otter was ashamed, but still worried. The golden Orb spoke and Otter listened intently. "Yes, my dear Otter, you are in for a battle, the outcome is not sure. But, if you depend on me with all your heart, give up your shell and truly love Me,

then you will feel my strength that will allow you to accomplish anything." Otter was embarrassed that he needed reminding. "Golden Spirit, I am sorry, my fear got the best of me." "It's alright Otter, it will happen again. Just do what you did tonight, close your eyes and summon me. Now, sleep a peaceful sleep. When you wake up, you will have the knowledge and energy. To move forward towards your destiny." Otter was already asleep when the golden orb, the golden Spirit, reached down and poured Itself into Otter, until Otter was also gleaming. It wasn't everyday, Spirit gave away the treasure to help Otter triumph. But the golden Spirit already knew. Otter was one who deserved it.

OTTER'S RETURN

  As the Sun rose, Otter's eyes remained closed. But Prairie Dog was up and alert. He would remain the look out until Otter began to rouse out of peaceful trance. "Otter, you look different! You are more beautiful than you were before! How can that be?" A loving smile formed across Otter's face. "Come here, little one, I have something to give you. Touch me and you will see. "Ok Otter but I must tell you I am feeling afraid. I don't want to change into something I don't know. "It's ok Prairie Dog, I will give you a drop of golden essence to keep you aware and safe." "I'm sorry for my moment of doubt, Otter," he said, as he scampered into Otter's arms. "Prairie Dog, we must make some plans, that is, if you have the courage, the desire to help me through to the very end. Prairie Dog was a worrisome fellow, being so small and all. But that didn't matter now.

He would do anything to make Otter proud. He knew Otter would soon depart. This caused him to worry again. Otter, you too, must take refuge from this dried up land. Where will you hurry back to?"

"No worries, little Prairie Dog! See that line of trees over there? I will dash right into the forest! I'll go back to the same creek that Beaver and I share." Prairie Dog had never travelled that far. his place was on the prairie. He started to shake with the thought of entering the dark forest. "But, but, but," he stammered. "What about the cougars and bears? How will you escape the fox's lair? I must tell you, Otter, I am scared!" "No need to be!" Otter declared. "My little friend, I'm bigger than you I am an Otter through and through." "I'll make it back home and once I'm there, I will sincerely plan for our battle ahead. Please stay here, don't go anywhere. You are safe here and your task is important. You must not tell anything about the treasure." I hold this to you as I leave from here. I'll be back, so do not despair. Whatever you do, try to stay underground. Lie still and sleep, don't make a sound. You are protected now, the snakes will slither right on by, as long you will by me abide. Go back to sleep and hold the treasure tight. I'll be back after you've missed me for four nights. Fear is frightful, and I know you are scared. You'll be safe, I promise, as you dream in your den. "I love you Otter, I'll do what I'm told." He didn't wait for a reply as he went down his hole. Otter was amazed. He'd never heard the word 'love' before, but it made him smile and he felt the word's power.

Otter turned and headed off on his own, to the forest entry, brave and alone.

ROCKY AND BEAVER

 Otter reached the edge of the trees. He became wary as he watched the breeze bend the high grass just underneath the entrance into the forest. The grass moved and gave way to what seemed a menacing sway. Could it be Momma Gator, coming his way? Otter sniffed the air for the smell of danger. Then he laughed a rolled playfully over. It was Rocky Raccoon, his friend from long gone! "Rocky, Rocky, my dear comrade! It's so good to see you! How did you make out of the forest this far?" Rocky hugged Otter and leaned into his ear. "Otter, don't you know? I followed you here. When you left to the prairie, I stayed here and worried. So I made my way as far as I could, to where we are standing now. "I waited and waited, and I worried still. But I know you, Otter, I knew you'd be back! You are our leader, you can't give up that! We all depend on you for a reason! You always get us through every season. But now, these darker days have come. I must say I'm glad you've made it back home. "Come share the fish I've caught today. You can catch me up, and sleep until day."

After eating his fill, Otter stretched

out onto his back and burped.

Otter lazily smiled as Rocky laughed.

"Burping is a compliment! It means you

are satisfied with your meal!"

"Yes that's true, I am satisfied!

Thank you, Rocky; you are such a good friend."

"Otter you know I'll be your friend to the end."

"Yes, Rocky, you prove it again and again,

and even though I'm tired, we need

to head back to Beaver's damm.

He's been worried about me.

I must tell him where I've been."

"Whenever you are ready, Otter,

I'll go with you there".

That's when Rocky heard Otter snore.

After an hour or so, Otter woke up in a scare.

"It's ok Otter; you just went for to sleep."

Rocky was stretched comfortably

next to Otter on the sand.

"I've been watching out so

you would have the strength

to go and greet Beaver

and tell us your plan!"

Otter was serious now.

He looked up to the sky.

"Yes, Rocky, let's get on the move.

Be ready, Rocky, we have so much to do."