Just Add a Speck of Magic
Noémie Wurster-Dillard Age 11
The Mystery of the Elven World Prologue “Hi, I’m Willow. I’m an elf, and I live in Hollow Grove, the east part, of course. I’m eleven. I can’t go out until I’m twelve and pass The Test*. I can’t wait to get out because the five-year-olds drive me crazy. In the meantime, I’m in school learning how to write, read, archery, hunt, weave, plant, and the history of Hollow Grove. In all, school is boring and annoying. When I go back to the cabin, which is a Willow tree, I’m there with five other girls: Baobab, Lotic, Chary, Pine, and Maple. We are best friends and all so different.” Chapter 1 “Willow, where are you?” Baobab yelled across the school playground. We were playing hide-and-seek. I was the hider. I was always the second one to be found. “Aha!” Baobab exclaimed. “I found you! Come on, let’s go before Miss Halgus (Hal-a-gou)’s class starts archery.” “OK, OK,” I said. “Come, let’s go get a green tea shake,” Chary said as she caught up with us. “Six green tea shakes, please,” I asked Miss Humpulgord. Miss H.G. is our lunch lady. Miss H.G. asked, “Where are Lotic, Pine, and Maple?” “Funny you ask, Miss H.G., we got enough points to get a new cabin.” “Well, isn’t that nice! Here you go, girls. Enjoy!” We walked toward the cabin site. Our stuff was already being brought into our new tree, a strong blue Willow. “Nice place!” Pine said. “Yup,” Baobab replied. We all walked into our new home. We all smiled and started calling dibs on our new rooms. I chose the spire: it had a beautiful view and a balcony. It was perfect. I was so happy to finally have my own room.
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