A small otterbabe leans against a rock

[LordStripetail]

"Alright, So this Isand doesn't have a name. Then what do you call the surrounding area?
Lord Stripetail

[LordStripetail]

"Alright, so this island doesn't have a name. but about thew surrounding lands?" Stripetail set the otter down.
Lord Stripetail

[coconutpenguin]

The otter gulped again. "Westward is Blueberry Isle. Northward is Volcano Island. That's all I know. I think my Chief might know more."

[LordStripetail]

Take me to your chief , then. I 've traveled many leagues to get here, and while your treatment of me has been less than ideal, I won't hold it against you."
Lord Stripetail

[coconutpenguin]

"Okay. This way." The otter led Lord Stripetail over some rocks before arriving at a hut partially hidden by some brush. "Just please don't tell him I led you here. I'd be killed for sure."

[LordStripetail]

"I'll make sure you aren't harmed. Stripetail strode into the hut, startling the occupants. His staff glowed with light as he said. "I'm looking for the leader of this tribe. Where is he?"
Lord Stripetail

[coconutpenguin]

A small otterbabe hunched over in a corner started crying. Then a large otter wearing a feathered crown and carrying a huge decorated spear jumped out from behind a curtain and pointed the weapon at Stripetail. "Who bees you and why has you come to our island?"

[LordStripetail]

"I am Lord Stripetail. And you must be the leader of this tribe. A number of your otters waylaid me as i was walking through the woods. Is that how you treat visitors to this island?" He gestured, and the otter was thrown backwards, the spear falling to the ground harmlessly. Stripetail picked it up and threw it. It stuck in a wooden beam inches above the otter's head." I was told you know the surrounding area. All I want is for you to show me around, so I can get my bearings."
Lord Stripetail

[coconutpenguin]

The otter grabbed his spear as he stood up and pointed it threateningly at Stripetail. "'LORD Stripetail' Well, your majesty, I'm afraid our accomidations on our rustic little island won't suit your lordly taste, so I don't know why you'd be interested in staying here." he said sarcastically, "You might as well leave, or, if your lordship wishes, we can make you right at home, ground into the dirt." He said those last four words with such empasis that a young male otter, who had just poked his head out of a large pot, shuddered.

[LordStripetail]

Stripetail's face darkened."There's no need for such sarcasm. I'm not here to take over, I'm simply passing through. But if you want to fight sir I suggest we settle this outside. I'll be waiting." Stripetail turned and walked out of the hut.
Lord Stripetail

[coconutpenguin]

Fear showed in the chiefs eyes as he said, "Fine, if you're just passing through you can leave in peace. But don't come back-or else."

[LordStripetail]

Stripetail poked his head back in the hut" You don't scare me, sir, with your threats. If you must know, the home I grew up in made this place look like a palace. when I was younger, I would have given anything to live in a place like this. I think you need to look around and see the current state of your village. Your children are terrfied of outsiders, what will happen when they enter the outside world? Everyone will be an outsider, and I doubt they'll be able to handle it. The blame for that falls at least partly on you and the other parents. Not all outsiders are bad, most are decent creatures when you get to know them. I will not hold your treatment of me against you, I'm not one to hold a grudge. But We will meet again sir, I know it.' Stripetail turned away again.
Lord Stripetail

[coconutpenguin]

Chief Redwine faked a smile as he turned back to Inny and Tinwin. "Excellent," he muttered, "He's gone. Tinwin, my son, let your mother know its safe. She's hiding in the back, by the fire pit. I'm going to go get my lazy, stupid- erm, I mean, brave watchmen. Inny, will you do the honors of sounding the all-clear?"
The two young otters nodded as the chief grabbed his spear and left.

[LordStripetail]

Stripetail turned and went behind the hut. Behind there was a firepit and some bushes. Stripetail could see eyes watching him from the bushes. "Come on out!' He said. There was a sqeal as a female otter appeared. " You must be the mate of the chief. I mean you no harm. " Stripetail reached inside his vest and pulled out three small crystals. "these are wishing crystals. You could wish for just about anything, but you are limited to one wish per crystal. " All you have to do is say 'I wish for...' and it will happen. I'm giving you three, as a token of friendship. He went over and handed them to the otter, who took them very reluctantly. 'Farewell ' He said as he went through the bushes, leaving her alone, looking at the crysstals.
Lord Stripetail

[coconutpenguin]

Yaminn smiled as the stranger walked away. She knew he was telling the truth about the crystals, even though it sounded unbelievable. As she crept further back into the bushes so no one would see her, she started thinking about what she would wish for.
Her first thought was to get away from the island and her annoying husband. The chief was always making her cook, clean, and do everything for him, from calling a meeting of the village elders to cleaning his spear after a hunt. But then she thought of her son, Tinwin, and realized that she couldn't leave him on this islad with only his father and no mother.
Suddenly, she had an idea. She would use one of the crystals to wish herself to someplace better, and if she liked it there, she could wish Tinwin to that place also. She grinned as she went quietly back into her home to get her most prized possessions to take with her. She would finally be free!