Maisie's Brave Adventure in the Martain Thicket

End of The Beginning Maisie, a brave and curious 15th Century housecat living on Mars, ventures beyond the familiar boundaries of her home into the unknown territory of the rust-red Martian landscape. With no one to accompany her, Maisie is suddenly overwhelmed by the immensity of the Thicket’s expanse and stares in wonder at the vast & seemingly endless world laid before her. Suddenly, with a start, she is brought back from her reverie by the distant howls of what sounded like a terrified cat - Maisie’s first clue that this place is known to be Old Tom’s stronghold and one should proceed both with care and caution. Maisie stands standing on her hind legs to get a better vantage point, her heart racing with fear, when suddenly an unfamiliar voice erupts from the bushes “Who goes there?” a gruff yet authoritative voice said. “It is me, Maisie!” she replied, trying to sound confident. “Well Maisie, have you come to challenge Old Tom? For these are his lands and if you are to stay here you will have to face him," the voice said. Maisie summoned what courage she had and with steely determination answered “Yes! I have come for a duel with Old Tom and to earn his wisdom!” The voice replied, “Very well then. Pass the Test of Bravery if you are to make it back alive. Return with a relic of least wisdom if you should be successful.” Maisie nodded and took a deep breath before turning and walking in the direction of where the deafening screams had originated. As she made her way further into the expanse, her already racing heart beat even faster.

Maisie trekked for what seemed like hours through the thicket, finding strange and wonderful things along the way - a blooming rosebush on the edge of a cliff, a smattering of coins strewn about the floor, a rocky passageway that seemed to lead to the center of the universe. At last, she made her way to the bottom of a valley, stopping abruptly as suddenly pulled from her inner monologue by a fierce roar from above. Looking up, tiger stripes illuminated against a darkening sky, Maisie felt a shiver run down her back- Old Tom had arrived. Yet, what appeared to be a dragon of pure terror was, in reality, an ancient being, wise beyond its years - something Maisie could cotton on far enough if only she paid attention. Against her trembling fear, Maisie willingly stepped forward and faced Old Tom, who met her with a firm yet kind look - her bravery humbling him even if they faced each other in a duel. The following hours of dueling and trading elusive riddles and tales not only tested Maisie’s courage, but also helped unveil the beauty of strength, patience and adventure that lies within old guarded secrets. When at last challenged and tested, Maisie rose to the occasion, confronting Old Tom with her newfound wisdom. Maisie’s courage, resilience, and bravery earned her the admiration of Old Tom and the reward of his treasure - an ancient relic of long forgotten wisdom from the ancient Marsi culture.

Maisie bowed humbly in respect for the majestic dragon, resolving to carry the relic back home safe and sound. Though many threats stood in her way, Maisie pushed on bravely, being both observant and wise in her trial. On her journey back home, Maisie encountered many perils a storming river, a pack of wild snails, a formless entity stealing lost souls. For what felt like hours, she fought her way against the foes of the wilderness, at least until the right moment presented itself. From a cave in the side of a Martian mountain, a single beam of light shone forward - the silhouette of a reliable friend who could exactly guide her home. Old Tom had gifted Maisie a guardian of great wisdom, a lion of courage and hearts of gold, as if to protect her from anything that could bring her harm. With her newfound-ally, Maisie pushed forward with her newfound strength and courage, determined to reunite with her family and friends.

At long last, Maisie finally made her way back home. With the relic safely tucked into her backpack, she gave a sigh of relief - she had successfully delivered. Although Old Tom had asked Maisie to keep the relic safe, Maisie had decided to do more - instead of merely guarding the relic, it was a sign of her newfound mission to protect the Martain Thicket, empowering it and giving it a voice. Maisie returned as an astonished and wiser housecat, empowered with the strength and courage it takes to venture out into unknown realms. Before her lay untouched lands, ready to be explored and filled with stories untold. ​Maisie, with a newfound burst of courage, quickly ventured out, into the wild and changing terrain of Mars, boldly and fearlessly embarking on another journey.