There is an unknown place deep in the forest of Bocka where creatures great and small reside. Tall luscious green trees and aromatic flowers are everywhere. Animals play and forage under the tall green canopy. You can look up and see strange birds perched on high limbs and rabbits on the grass-carpeted ground hopping away. It is so beautiful here that you are mesmerized by its appearance.
It is peaceful and tranquil that it captures any visitor passing through or along its edges. No one knows what lies within and none have traveled so deep inside. What creatures inhabit this wonderful forest? There is a dirt path that leads deep inside this amazing place.
There was a man named Agnacious who was a world traveler and currently on his way home from his latest travels. He had walked and ventured many miles and still had many more to go before reaching his wife and three children who looked forward to him coming home bearing gifts of his travels.
His path to home from where he came led him by this mysterious forest. As much as he did not want to look, he could not help himself because it was something he had not seen in years. The world was desolate and almost extinct, so to see something so green, fresh, and beautiful took every man’s attention.
As he looked down along the edge, it seemed to go on for at least a mile. He tried so hard to just pass it by and think of his family waiting for him. The thoughts were not strong enough when he came across the dirt path that led inside. Upon looking down the path that stretched inside and disappeared into the distance, it seemed to Agnacious how a forest that only stretched about a mile would have a path that led deeper in than a mile.
With all his might and strength, Agnacious tried to repel his thoughts and curiosity about what could be in this blossoming but strange forest. As he stood at the edge of the path that led inside, he noticed that it was getting later in the day and that he needed to get moving on his way home, but it called to him like a siren to a sailor. He could not get past the thought of what he would find inside and convinced himself that he would just arrive a day later than planned to his family.
As he traveled down the dirt path, he finds animals that have never been seen before. Some fat, thin, tall, short, hairy and bald. Some are weird looking and some so cute. It is amazing that this place exists without the hand of humans destroying something so beautiful.
Deeper into its womb Agnacious comes to hear a waterfall so great. Once he arrives at the base of this great waterfall, he sees that it is one-hundred feet tall with a rainbow through its mist. As his eyes look at this awesome sight, he can’t help but see deer and horses drinking from the other side of the river.
They are so gracious and proud. The deer’s horns are magnificent, a twelve point, he thinks. This gracious and kind animal has a body that is strong with a doe’s eyes. The horse is spectacular the way it stands so proud and confident. What amazing beasts they are.
As Agnacious walks along the river’s edge from the great and mighty waterfall with its foams so fluffy and white, he sees how the top of the river is glass-like and calm. He looks over the edge into it and sees rather large golden fish and many other multi-colored as well. It looks as if they stare at him wanting to jump out and give him a kiss with those pursed-up lips.
Farther down the way, Agnacious sees many more different creatures and even ones that fly away. There is something in the distance hidden by the foliage. The river runs under the brush and straight to whatever is on the other side. He begins pushing his way through the bushes and trees taking note of the large roots that stick up from the ground.
Pushing back the few tree limbs, Agnacious’ eyes see an amazing city caressed by a stone mountain. There are people he can see and with curiosity, he travels towards it. He thinks these are humans and that they will welcome him. They take human form but are more than human.
Agnacious arrives at a great wall with gates made from tree trunks and laced with green leaves. He has not been seen yet but knocks on the gate once. Then twice. Before his now swollen hand knocks a third time, the gate is opened. There stands what should be a human, but has tall pointed ears, a thin nose, and large blossoming eyes.
They ask, “what do you want, human”? Agnacious stumbles for words but cannot find any to speak. He has been taken back by his appearance. The gatekeeper catches Agnacious off-guard. He finally utters the words before he closes the gate, “what is this place”? “This is Cellarium, the great city of elves”, he replied. Again, Agnacious is mystified by his answer and wants to know more about this city built in a stone wall. “May I come in and see the city?”, he asked. The elf looked at him and asked, “what for?”
Agnacious could hardly keep his excitement to a minimum and replied, “I want to see this fantastic city”. The elf told him to hold on while he closed the gate to get word to Bertok, the ruler of Cellarium, that they had a visitor. While waiting Agnacious turned around and looked over this magical place. He saw the river flowing freely and the animals that are caravanning by the other edge.
When the gate began to open, it frightened Agnacious and he lost his words again. The elf opening the gate waves for him to come in. Now, he is inside this place of beauty and wonder. He sees elves everywhere and he thinks his eyes can’t get any wider.
