Gooberville

19 November 2008 Adventures in Gooberville In a land far, far away, through forests of never ending trees, past arid deserts of dust and despair, over mountains whose peaks reach the heavens, across murky, disease infested swamps, down in a valley secreted by lush vegetation, exists the village of Gooberville. Coffee-bean crops encompass the village like a fence, a shield. Gooberville was quiet and pleasant, with streets of cobble stone. The igloo shaped houses, plotted in a design that resembles a dart board, were constructed with a similar stone. Resting on the roofs were layers of straw and hay. The cottages were heated with luxurious fireplaces which created a cozy, welcoming atmosphere. Doors remained unlocked; for all citizens knew, and respected one another. The city hall and numerous shops and merchants were stationed in the middle of the town. Snaking through Gooberville was a river; however, it was not an ordinary river. Pouring from the Multigrain Mountains, a waterfall of naturally purified hot water descended the mountains. Once it reached the coffee-bean crops the river disappeared into the earth. Under the surface, the water combined with the coffee plants and resurfaced as a river of fresh, delicious coffee. Travelers journeyed through torturous land and weather conditions to taste the Gooberville coffee; it was the greatest in the land. There were two seasons in Gooberville: Planting season and harvesting season. Every year prior to the start of the harvesting season was an annual, week-long coffee-bean festival. At the end of the week, the fountain in the center of the town was turned on, for it commemorated the beginning of the season. Many tourists inquired about the secret to Gooberville’s coffee river, however, the answer was never provided. The secret of Gooberville laid buried deep within the caves of the Multigrain Mountains. The townspeople were aware of a magical blessing upon their community, but they knew neither the source nor the enchanted object which generated the waterfall. The fragrance of Gooberville was warm and nutty with a hint of cocoa. It was as potent as a café in the early hours of the morning. The aroma was so vivid it was like drinking iced coffee when it rained. On the outskirts of the town lived an old, wise woman, the Great Cielo. She lived inside a Cran-oat tree with many rabbits, squirrels, and other fuzzy, friendly critters of the environment. She was the oldest living member of Gooberville with her years extending far into the triple digits. Cielo was not only valued for her wisdom and compassionate demeanor, but she also produced the tea supply of Gooberville; for a natural, magical hot spring was located outside her home. Although her age could be seen in her eyes, Cielo was the image of beauty. Her skin was soft and pink, like that of a piglet’s. Her hair was white cotton with remnants of light brown. She wore glasses and walked with a cane similar to a tree’s branch. Cielo’s granddaughter, Honey Latté, visited Cielo on a weekly basis. Honey resembled much of her grandmother; she radiated kindness and consideration. She was sweet, benevolent, and poised with hair of buttery, maple syrup--long and glossy. Her eyes were amber and honest. Honey’s two best friends, Hazel Nut and Lé Monade, accompanied Honey to the Cran-oat tree on a few occasions. The tallest of the three, Lé, was Honey’s exact opposite. Short, choppy hair extended in all directions of Lé’s head like the rays of the sun. She was adventurous and impulsive. Lé had a tendency to speak before she thought which often created problems. Her eyes were like two limes, intense yet addictive. Very opinionated and verbal, Lé often initiated quarrels between Honey and herself. Hazel played the peacemaker during those incidents; her character shared similar qualities with each friend. Hazel was logical and respectful, yet had the ability to be independent and assertive when the situation arose. Dark, soft curls tumbled down to her shoulders. Under direct light, various shades of brown could be seen in her hair. Hazel’s skin was smooth and freckled, and she had eyes as diverse as her personality: one green and one brown. The three girls were aware of their differences but loved one another dearly. Having grown up together, they were like family, like sisters. One Friday during school, the girls were assigned a history project. “It is the week before the annual bean festival, and instead of introducing new material that I know y’all will forget, I’ve decided to switch things up,” Miss Bux announced. “Y’all will get into groups of no more than four, and will have to gather information about Gooberville’s history. Before break, groups will present their projects to the class. The method of presentation is open for discussion; just come to me and have it approved. Alright, now pair up and let’s begin!” “Hazel! Lé! Let’s be partners!” Honey shouted. The two agreed simultaneously. “Hmmm, so what do you guys want to do?” Hazel asked. “Man, I don’t know, this project sounds kind of lame.” “Lé!” Honey rebuked, “Why don’t we go to the library and see what we can find?” “Great idea, Honey,” Hazel replied. So, the three girls ventured over to Gooberville’s library. It was inside of an old Victorian cottage which was one of the biggest structures in the town. The library’s floors were lined with wooden planks. There was a loft in the middle of the building which was used as the reading area. There were couches, a fireplace, and even a small café for the citizens’ leisure. Located in the back, left corner of the library was the archive room. Documents containing primary information and books were stored in this room. After grabbing a snack from the café in the loft, the girls made their way to the ancient records. “I think I’ve found something,” Lé announced after about half an hour of looking through books and newspapers. “I was reading through a paper from fifty years ago, and there was this article about some really infamous robberies. They had a suspect, some guy named Sid Amo, but one day he disappeared. The police had no clue as to where he went.” “That’s awful!” Honey exclaimed. “Why do we have to report on such a negative topic? I had an idea too, by the way. How about we do our project on the history of the stella berry plant and its healing powers?” “Okay, first of all, I was just trying to be helpful and propose an idea,” Lé defended, “and secondly, how boring is your idea—we’d put everyone asleep!” “Honey! Lé! Stop it!” Hazel said. A few seconds later an idea came to her. “Oh my goodness! I’ve got it! Let’s do our project on the secret of Gooberville’s coffee!” “Oh, please, Hazel,” Lé sighed. “No, listen. Just hear me out, okay? We could interview Honey’s grandmother since she’s been here for like…ever. Then we could go look for the source, take some photos of our journey?” Honey hesitated, “Hazel, I don’t know. That could be risky, even dangerous.” “No, it sounds like fun! And I mean, how risky could it be, Honey?” Lé asked. After some persuading, Honey agreed. They returned to school to explain their idea to Miss Bux. “I think that’s a marvelous idea, girls. I will be looking forward to your presentation,” the teacher told her students. “Alright class,” she announced, “good work today. I hope y’all have a safe, enjoyable weekend, and will see your shining faces back here on Monday. Class dismissed!” With the evening approaching the girls decided to begin their research the following morning. They said their goodbyes and returned to their homes. The next morning, Lé and Hazel met at Honey’s house and left from there to see Cielo. The girls were greeted by the rosy, hospitable grandmother. As they entered the Cran-oat tree, scents of brown sugar and cinnamon engulfed the girls’ senses. “Mmmmmm,” they said in unison. “Granny, are you baking your famous cinnamon coffee cake?! Oh, it’s so scrumptious!” “Why, yes I am, sweetie. So-now girls, tell me why you have all come to visit me this lovely morning” “Well, you see ma’am, we were assigned a group history project at school; the topic was our choice. Honey, Lé, and I decided to report on the secret behind Gooberville’s coffee. With you being one of the founders of the town, we thought that you might be able to help us.” “Ah, I see. Well…” Cielo hesitated. “Oh, please Granny!” Honey begged. “Okay, only for my girls. Grab some cake and a cup of tea and gather ‘round. Now, let me think…Oh! I have a book that may help,” Cielo said. She walked over to her bookshelf, searched for a moment, and at last under cobwebs and dust, she found the book. “This is the diary of Nilla Latté,” Cielo explained as she showed the book to the girls. “Wait, Latté? “ Honey interrupted. “You mean…” “Yes, Honey, she was your great- great- great-grandmother. She was only a young girl at the time, like you girls. Nilla was traveling by sea when her boat was attacked by Breverians. All of the members aboard were either lost in the waters or defeated by the Breverians. Nilla writes about a lamb who led her to safety. Along the way, the lamb found food for her, and guided her to the Multigrain Mountains. Nilla comments about how warm and comforting the caves were even back then. “How could she have written inside the caves? Wouldn’t it have been dark?” Lé questioned. “Well, typically yes, but Nilla had a light source. Her diary says that the lamb had a soft glow to it. Anyway, the book also says how the lamb led her to a shriveled up plant. Nilla felt badly for the plant so she tended to it. The next morning, she awoke to the aroma of brewing coffee. Over the night, the little plant, that Nilla named the Verismo tree, had blossomed. Around the base of the trunk had formed a small puddle. Although only hot water, Nilla notes that when she tasted it, all fatigue, anguish, and distress vanished. She followed the trickle of water out of a small tunnel, and she saw a valley, an Eden, of flourishing greenery. The tiny trickle of liquid had grown into a river which descended down the mountainside. And that is how Gooberville came to be,” Cielo finished. “So the secret of our coffee is because of a Verismo tree?” Honey asked. “Yes, if Nilla’s records are accurate,” Cielo replied. “Well, where’s the cave?” Lé asked. Cielo response was with ignorance. “Nilla never mentions the exact location. Here, girls, you can borrow this book for you project, if you’d like.” “Oh, that would be ever-so kind, thanks Granny!” The girls finished their coffee cake and tea, said the goodbyes, and left. Honey, Hazel, and Lé decided that the best day to begin their adventure would be the following Tuesday. Over the next two days the girls gathered supplies and research. In the middle of the eve before their departure, Hazel tossed and turned in her bed, for her nerves were keeping her awake. Suddenly, she heard voices outside. After a moment, the soft whispers turned into a town of chattering. Startled, Hazel arose from her bed, put on her robe, and ventured outside to uncover the cause of the uproar. As soon as she was outside, Lé and Honey ran up to meet her. “Oh my goodness, Hazel, have you heard!? It’s terrible!” Honey exclaimed. “Yeah man, it’s really bad,” Lé agreed. “No,” Honey replied, “what’s going on?” The two girls took Hazel to the nearest portion of the river. After excusing herself through the massive crowd, Hazel reached the front and found herself staring at a dry riverbed. “Eek!” Hazel exclaimed. “What happened? Where’s the coffee!?” “We don’t know,” a voice from the crowd stated. “The coffee-bean festival is less than a week away!” another individual shouted. “Do you think the coffee plants are dead?” a man asked. “That’s impossible!” retorted a woman. After making her way back through the swarm of people, Hazel found Lé and Honey; she told her friends that they had a chance to be a part Gooberville history and make a real difference; they agreed to restore the coffee-bean river. “Yes!” Lé agreed. “We do have all the information.” “Sounds like a marvelous plan,” Honey approved. The three said a brief goodnight, returned back to each of their homes, and attempted to complete the remainder of their sleep; for their journey began the following morning at the crack of dawn. When the morning came, each girl gathered their equipment, left a note for their parents, and set out on their quest. Flashlights in hand, the girls detoured over to Cielo’s home to fill their canteens with the restorative tea. After walking countless miles, zigzagging through endless fields of coffee-bean crops, they arrived at the curdled, contaminated soy swamps. Overwhelmed and defeated by the smell, they determined to set up camp for the evening. After a long night of sound sleeping, the girls awoke early, ate breakfast, and packed up their belongings. They discussed several possible routes around and through the quagmires. The most efficient route, they concluded, would be to proceed directly through the repulsive waters. “I really don’t know about this, guys,” Honey admitted. “Oh, it’ll be fun. Come on, I’ll go first,” Lé assured. Lé’s foot disappeared as it entered the mire. Cold, slimy, and thick, Lé trudged through the marsh. About half way in, Lé screamed in agony. “What?!” Hazel and Honey shouted in unison. “Something bit me!” she replied. “What are we going to do?! What are we going to do?!” Honey reiterated. “Lé?” Hazel shouted, “The water is so opaque, I can’t see anything! We can’t risk getting bitten too, you know that. Can you make it back on your own?” “Yeah, I think so,” Lé responded with strain. On her way back towards land, Lé’s face grew pale with a hint of pea-soup green. Almost instantly after reaching land, Lé began to cough and small red boils bubbled on her skin. “AH!” Honey screamed. “I knew it was a bad idea to go through the swamp! AH! Please don’t die Lé! What are we going to do?!” “I’m looking though Nilla’s diary now…oh! Here! She mentions something about a Sanani snake—says it’s poisonous! Oh no! Wait! Her diary also says that if we find a stella berry, cut it in half, rub one half on the bite, and give the other half to Lé to eat, she should be ok!” Hazel said trying to sound hopeful. “But where are we going to find a stella berry plant? Look around! Everything is dead!” From the corner of her eye, Honey saw Lé struggling to point at something in the distance. Honey turned in the direction of Lé’s finger, and there, in the mist of the darkness, watched a lamb. The lamb turned away , started to walk, and then stopped to look back at the girls. “Honey, you stay here, I think I should follow him,” Hazel advised. “No! What if he attacks you?!” “Honey, it’s a lamb for goodness sakes. Anyway, don’t you remember how a similar creature helped Nilla?” After a moment of consideration, Honey replied, “Let me go. If my great- great- great-grandmother can trust him, then so can I.” About five minutes later, Honey returned with the berries in hand. “I grabbed some extra, just in case.” The girls did as the diary instructed; in less than no time, Lé looked healthy again. “How are you feeling? Are you okay?” Hazel questioned Lé. “Yes, I feel good as new. Thanks guys! I love you!” The three girls shared a group hug, and the lamb guided the girls safely and quickly around the swamp. They continued their journey, and a few hours later they arrived at the base of the Multigrain Mountains. As they climbed the mountain, they noticed nut and oat plants growing in various locations. Honey collected handfuls here and there along the way. Fifty meters from the ground, the girls entered a small tunnel which led them to a greater cave. Once inside, the girls built a fire and set up camp. For dinner, they cooked the nuts and oats with hot spring water and made oatmeal in an iron pot. For a garnish and to restore their health, they added a chopped up stella berry. Throughout the night while the girls were sleeping, the lamb laid near by watching over them. The morning came quietly and softly. Though clouds still covered the sky, it was warm. After their usual morning routine, the girls continued their journey into the caves. About fifteen minutes of descending into the heart of the mountain, the three came upon a crossroads. Located in a circular cavern were six different tunnels leading off in various directions. “Oh, no, what are we going to do?” Honey asked. “Look!” Lé said. The lamb walked down one tunnel. After a moment, he stopped, turned, and waited; the girls followed trustfully. Towards the end of the long tunnel, a faint noise matured: scratching and nibbling. The girls’ pace slowed and their voices hushed. Off on the left was a room where the noise seemed to originate. Mischievously, the girls peered around the corner. To their amazement, they saw the Verismo tree. However, to their horror, they also saw a little man gnawing away at the trunk. Lé gasped, “I’ve seen him before! Hmmm…oh! I know who he is! He’s that guy, what’s his name…SID! Yes! Remember? Sid Amo.” “Oh my goodness, Lé, you’re right!” Hazel said. “We have to do something! He’s eating away the core of Gooberville!” Without hesitation, Lé jumped out from behind the corner. “HEY!” she screamed, “What do you think you’re doing?!” Startled, Sid jumped and turned around. His mouth dripped with the red sap of the tree. His teeth were brown and yellow, his eyes black as a crow’s feathers. Sid’s ears were slightly pointed at the top which made him resemble a gremlin. His clothes were ragged and dirty and it was obvious that he had neither shaved nor bathed in a few days. Deep within his stomach, an evil chuckle developed. “Ha, ha, ha! You, a measly girl, what can you do to me? NOTHING!” he screamed. Terrified, Hazel and Honey jumped out to aid their friend. “Oh, excuse me, three girls. HA!” Sid turned back around, was now on all four limbs, and continued to gobble down the tree. “What are we going to do?!” “I don’t know, Honey. Lé, any ideas?” “I’m thinking! But look! Oh, no! He’s almost finished!” The other girls looked over at the broken stump. Suddenly Honey picked up a rock and threw it at Sid. “Ouch!” he yelled. “Who was that? Oh, you’re going to pay!” He began to eat faster. The plant seemed to be disappearing right before the girls’ eyes. “Hey, Sid!” Lé hollered, with an iron pot in hand. Sid paused, peered up at Lé, and with a joker’s smirk said, “Yes?” “I just dare you,” Lé threatened. A moment of stillness passed. Sid chuckled, and within seconds, chomped the remainder of the Verismo tree. “NO!” Honey burst out in tears. Within the blink of an eye, the calm, innocent lamb transformed into a lion and devoured Sid Amo. All three girls froze with trepidation. But as quickly as the lion came into being, he receded, and the spongy, gentle lamb was again in the girls’ presence. “Now what?” demanded Lé. “Even though Sid is no longer here, neither is the plant!” “Look! Over there under that rock…something’s…something’s glowing?” Hazel observed. Embedded in a crack illuminated a seed. “Ooooh, pretty,” Honey said. “Oh my goodness, I know what this is! Nilla wrote something…let me see…” Hazel took out the dairy from her backpack and scrolled through the pages. “Here!” As she read over Nilla’s words, she started to smile and jump up and down. “It’s called a splenda bean and is the seed of the Verismo plant! Okay, we just need to plant it while it’s still glowing.” The girls carefully picked up the bean and carried it over to the old plant’s origin. They placed the splenda bean in the ground and hoped for the best. The following morning the girls awoke to a rustling noise, for a current of wind was making the leaves of the Verismo tree sway. “It worked!” Honey cheered. The girls ran outside, and to their delightful surprise they saw that the river had returned. “Yay!” they applauded together. Over the next day and a half the three made their way back home to Gooberville. After safely passing the soy swamps, the lamb vanished. “Hey, where did that lamb go?” Lé questioned. The girls searched, but he was no where to be found. “I guess we are safe now, he figured,” Honey whispered while fighting to hold back tears. Hazel and Lé comforted Honey, and once all was well they continued their homeward trek. As they entered the town, news of their return spread like poison ivy. The town celebrated their success, and in honor of the girls’ triumph, the townspeople declared the day before the annual bean festival to be HLH day. Hazel, Lé, and Honey all received A’s on their history project and will forever be remembered in the village of Gooberville.