The Land of Etherio

The Outside blows my Mind

This Yazz girl had informed me that I was apparently in some sort of guild with some other local kids.I would've thought this was some sort of kid's Youth Club the adults use to keep the children busy while they drink and be depressed.But no,not THESE people.I don't know how things work in this 'Etherio' but it didn't make he usual kids.

Still under the impression that I had a concussion and had forgotten everything and thus was intent on re-educating me.She took through out of the confines of the log cabin and then outside blew my mind.

This Etherio place was something I thought was impossible.If you're wondering what I mean,for starters,the sky is incredible.

The Sun was up so it was obviously daytime but for some reason,the sky was purple(yes,PURPLE),and I could see more of space during the daytime here than anywhere on Earth on the clearest night.The stars shone bright in their swarms and I could actually see PLANETS!They were actually distinguishable from the stars,that's how close they were.

I stopped looking at the sky and started looking around me.We were in some sort rural farmland.Crops and houses stretched as far as the eye could see.A range of mountains lay at the horizon next to a forest of trees with Autumn leaves.I turned behind me and saw a shimmering castle in the distance.The walls ,arches and towers looked to be made of simple stone but somehow it still shimmered.

Above the farmlands far off were floating islands the size of small hillsides with buildings on top.It must suck to get down from that.Flying to and from each were massive winged beasts.

Yazz looked at me and realized I was making a dazed expression and flashed me a smile like she was looking at a puppy who fell on its face."You sure are taking in the scenery more than usual".

"Yeah" was the only thing my mouth could muster while so slack-jawed,"Hey,is it always like this with the floating islands and flying animals and sky that makes me wonder if just smoked enough weed to make Donald Trump seem like a good vote?".

"Donald Trumpet?who's that?" Yazz asked inquisitively.Right,Donald Trump probably doesn't exist here,so good for all Muslim Americans and America in general."Nothing,just,wow!" I looked at the sky again.

Yazz pulled me by my arm and dragged along the dirt path we were on.It seemed to go into the forest.I think she might be dragging me there to kill me or torture me until I tell her where her real friend Rick was.As we went deeper into the forest,I started to hear music.A kind of lute or violin,playing a melodic tune.

(Listen to 'All Fall Down' by One Republic for reference.)

We navigated the trees of auburn leaves until we were under a tree so tall with a massive bundle of leaves I couldn't see through it.Yazz looked up and said "The Brownie King is a grumpy pants!".I thought she was delusional but then a branch came down and grabbed both of us.

"Don't panic,this is just Jasper taking us up" said Yazz calmly.

"What's a Jasper?" I said not so calmly.

We were suddenly lifted through the air and the leaves and landed on a hard-wooden floor.I got up and looked around me and saw and one of the coolest tree houses EVER!There was a massive platform the size of backyard,in-ground swimming pool.In the Middle a giant branch broke through the floor.Around the edges,other platforms were connected by small staircases and rope-bridges.I couldn't see the rest of it through the leaves but I could easily tell the whole thing was the size of a pavilion square.

On a platform to my far left was a kid with long black hair covered by a green cap and green clothing playing a viola.In a cabin to my right I could hear a loud banging like a hammer.I moved towards the center branch cautiously.I examined the rest of the place.There appeared to be a huge tarp over the whole thing for rain and there were a few benches strewn around.

Suddenly a large,creaking voice behind me said "Welcome back,young Rick".I turned around and nearly fainted.