WEBVTT 1 00:00:12.919 --> 00:00:20.719 Hello, and welcome back to Sleepy Stories. I'm your host, Lucy, 2 00:00:21.519 --> 00:00:24.640 and my friends and I will be reading you a 3 00:00:24.879 --> 00:00:31.120 sleepy bedtime story every week to relax you and to 4 00:00:31.239 --> 00:00:37.600 help you to drift off into a RESTful sleep. From 5 00:00:37.640 --> 00:00:42.039 time to time, we will also read you a relaxing, 6 00:00:42.399 --> 00:00:49.119 peaceful meditation that will take you somewhere beautiful and calming. 7 00:00:50.759 --> 00:00:54.359 Once we have read the stories, we will then read 8 00:00:54.439 --> 00:00:59.759 them a second time, but this time they will be 9 00:00:59.799 --> 00:01:05.760 read read even slower. This will help you to relax 10 00:01:06.799 --> 00:01:12.000 even more. Before we begin, I would like you to 11 00:01:12.159 --> 00:01:19.680 close your eyes and breathe in and out nice and deeply. 12 00:01:21.439 --> 00:01:26.879 Take a few seconds to inhale, and then hold your 13 00:01:26.959 --> 00:01:34.040 breath for a few seconds more, and then release and 14 00:01:34.319 --> 00:01:39.319 breathe out. Do this a few times if you need to. 15 00:01:40.640 --> 00:01:44.599 While you listen to the music and you listen to 16 00:01:44.680 --> 00:01:51.200 my voice, give yourself time to let your body relax 17 00:01:52.560 --> 00:01:58.840 and your mind settle. It's important that we allow time 18 00:01:59.560 --> 00:02:07.920 for us to fill safe, cozy, and completely at ease. 19 00:02:10.159 --> 00:02:25.159 And now it's time for this week's story. 20 00:02:29.960 --> 00:02:34.800 In a quiet valley surrounded by green hills and silver brooks, 21 00:02:35.319 --> 00:02:40.400 there lived a very small, but very brave mouse named Pip. 22 00:02:41.080 --> 00:02:45.759 Pip was no bigger than an apricot, with soft gray fur, 23 00:02:46.240 --> 00:02:50.400 bright eyes, and a heart that thudded with courage far 24 00:02:50.479 --> 00:02:54.439 too large for his tiny body. He lived beneath the 25 00:02:54.520 --> 00:02:58.680 roots of an old hawthorn tree and spent his day's 26 00:02:58.879 --> 00:03:03.840 gathering crumb polishing pebbles that he thought looked magical, and 27 00:03:03.919 --> 00:03:09.639 imagining all the great adventures waiting beyond the hilltops. Most 28 00:03:09.759 --> 00:03:13.520 mice were content to stay close to home, but Pip 29 00:03:13.719 --> 00:03:17.719 always felt a tug inside him, like a faint melody 30 00:03:17.919 --> 00:03:22.240 calling him somewhere far away. One day he would whisper 31 00:03:22.280 --> 00:03:26.520 to the dawn, I'll follow that song. One warm morning, 32 00:03:26.719 --> 00:03:30.639 as the sun painted the sky peach and gold, Pip 33 00:03:30.759 --> 00:03:34.000 was collecting berries near the river when he heard a 34 00:03:34.120 --> 00:03:38.280 strange sound, not the rushing of water or the chirping 35 00:03:38.319 --> 00:03:44.120 of sparrows, but a deep, rumbling sigh. It trembled through 36 00:03:44.159 --> 00:03:50.599 the pebbles beneath his paws. Pip froze, Then, curiosity winning 37 00:03:50.639 --> 00:03:55.240 over caution, he scampered toward the sound. He stopped at 38 00:03:55.240 --> 00:03:59.520 the river bank and peered across. There, tangled in reeds 39 00:03:59.599 --> 00:04:05.639 was an enormous creature, shimmering scales long curling tail, wings 40 00:04:05.800 --> 00:04:09.719 folded tight as though afraid to open. It was a dragon, 41 00:04:10.000 --> 00:04:14.680 a real dragon. But the dragon was not breathing fire 42 00:04:15.199 --> 00:04:23.680 or roaring. Instead, it looked embarrassed. Excuse me, Pip called, 43 00:04:23.839 --> 00:04:29.600 in the tiniest polite voice. Are you stuck? The dragon 44 00:04:29.720 --> 00:04:33.680 lifted his head. His eyes were gold and gentle, and 45 00:04:33.759 --> 00:04:38.000 he let out a puff of steam. Oh wonderful, the 46 00:04:38.079 --> 00:04:43.959 dragon groaned a mouse, Yes, little morsel, I am stuck. 47 00:04:44.480 --> 00:04:48.959 I'm not a morsel, Pip said firmly. I'm Pip. Brave Pip. 48 00:04:49.399 --> 00:04:53.680 The dragon blinked my Apology's brave, Pip. I am Embarian, 49 00:04:54.000 --> 00:04:58.360 Guardian of the northern Sky. He sank lower, looking very 50 00:04:58.560 --> 00:05:02.399 Unguardian like, or at least I was. Now I appear 51 00:05:02.519 --> 00:05:06.000 to be guardian of the river bank. Trapped by reeds, 52 00:05:07.040 --> 00:05:12.959 Pip approached carefully. How did you get stuck? I came 53 00:05:13.079 --> 00:05:20.240 down to drink. Embarian muttered and slipped. Pip stared, dragon slip. 54 00:05:20.920 --> 00:05:25.720 There was moss, Embarian said defensively, and the ground was 55 00:05:25.800 --> 00:05:30.639 deceitfully damp. Pip thought for a moment, if I help you, 56 00:05:30.839 --> 00:05:35.199 will you promise not to eat me? Embarian's eyes widened. 57 00:05:35.759 --> 00:05:41.639 Eat you heavens. No, I'm a talking dragon with refined tastes. 58 00:05:42.079 --> 00:05:46.120 I haven't eaten a mouse in centuries. Besides, I prefer 59 00:05:46.279 --> 00:05:52.600 honeyed chestnuts. Relieved, Pip hopped closer. He ran around the dragon, 60 00:05:52.879 --> 00:05:57.040 tugging at reeds, pushing with all his might. It wasn't enough. 61 00:05:57.600 --> 00:06:02.360 I need help, Pip decided. High above, hanging upside down 62 00:06:02.439 --> 00:06:06.279 from a willow branch, was Pip's friend, a clever bat 63 00:06:06.439 --> 00:06:11.839 named Echo. Echo looked tiny and delicate, with velvety wings 64 00:06:11.920 --> 00:06:16.279 and enormous ears that twitched whenever a sound whispered through 65 00:06:16.319 --> 00:06:23.879 the valley. Echo Pips squeaked. Come down. Echo flipped gracefully 66 00:06:24.079 --> 00:06:28.439 and swooped toward him. Pip, what trouble are you in? 67 00:06:28.600 --> 00:06:29.000 Now? 68 00:06:29.959 --> 00:06:34.800 Not trouble adventure, Pip said, we need to free a dragon. 69 00:06:35.319 --> 00:06:42.759 Echo eyed the trapped Emberian. He's large, I noticed, Pip said, 70 00:06:42.879 --> 00:06:47.360 but you're clever. What do we do? Echo fluttered close 71 00:06:47.439 --> 00:06:53.720 to the reeds. We need leverage, Embarian winced, I'm all 72 00:06:53.759 --> 00:06:58.120 for leverage if it involves moving me further from humiliation. 73 00:06:59.079 --> 00:07:02.560 Echo in spa infected the river bank, then pointed her 74 00:07:02.639 --> 00:07:07.720 wing toward a fallen branch wedged between stones. If we 75 00:07:07.959 --> 00:07:11.360 use that as a lever and Embarian pushes at the 76 00:07:11.399 --> 00:07:16.399 same time, we might get him free. Together they maneuvered 77 00:07:16.439 --> 00:07:21.160 the branch beneath the dragon's side. Emberian pressed his claws 78 00:07:21.199 --> 00:07:25.639 against the ground, Pip wedged himself against the branch, and 79 00:07:25.800 --> 00:07:29.000 Echo flapped up to push the other end with her 80 00:07:29.040 --> 00:07:35.600 whole body. One two three. With a mighty grunt and 81 00:07:35.680 --> 00:07:40.199 a burst of dragon strength, Embarian rolled free of the reeds, 82 00:07:40.519 --> 00:07:46.160 splashing mud and water everywhere. Pip went tumbling, Echo spiraled, 83 00:07:46.279 --> 00:07:51.680 and Embarian landed on his feet, shaking out his wings. Oh, 84 00:07:51.839 --> 00:07:58.160 Emberian cried joyfully, I can move again. Pip stood, dripping, 85 00:07:58.360 --> 00:08:04.519 but proud told I could help. Yes, Embarian said, and 86 00:08:04.600 --> 00:08:09.120 I owe you a favor, brave Pip. Before Pip could answer, 87 00:08:09.439 --> 00:08:13.800 a voice called faintly from across the meadow, Hello, Hello, 88 00:08:13.959 --> 00:08:17.600 can someone help me? A young maiden stepped out from 89 00:08:17.600 --> 00:08:21.160 behind a cluster of birch trees. She was no older 90 00:08:21.199 --> 00:08:25.560 than sixteen, wearing a simple dress and carrying a woven 91 00:08:25.680 --> 00:08:31.480 basket filled with herbs. She had soft auburn hair, kind eyes, 92 00:08:31.560 --> 00:08:34.519 and the tired look of someone with worries too big 93 00:08:34.559 --> 00:08:40.159 for her age. Echo fluttered toward her. Are you hurt? No, 94 00:08:40.639 --> 00:08:44.879 but I need help, she said. My village's in trouble. 95 00:08:45.519 --> 00:08:48.799 She set her basket down and knelt in the grass. 96 00:08:49.399 --> 00:08:53.799 My name is a Lara, she said. A great windstorm 97 00:08:53.960 --> 00:08:58.879 has struck our valley. The roofs are torn, the well collapsed, 98 00:08:59.240 --> 00:09:04.240 and our crop have been flattened. We can't rebuild fast enough. 99 00:09:04.519 --> 00:09:09.559 The elders say. We need the Starstone, a magical crystal 100 00:09:09.840 --> 00:09:15.360 held deep in Moonshadow Cave, to restore the land. Pip's 101 00:09:15.480 --> 00:09:22.080 ears perked up. A magical quest, he whispered, trembling with excitement. 102 00:09:22.759 --> 00:09:26.639 Ilara nodded, but the cave is dark and full of 103 00:09:26.720 --> 00:09:30.720 tricky passages. I can't go alone. I was praying for help, 104 00:09:31.039 --> 00:09:35.600 and then I heard your voices. Pip puffed out his chest. 105 00:09:36.120 --> 00:09:42.120 Will help, won't we, Echo nodded, her wings fluttering. We will. 106 00:09:42.679 --> 00:09:48.440 Emberian lifted his great head Moonshadow Cave. I know the legends. 107 00:09:48.679 --> 00:09:53.360 The Starstone is guarded by puzzles and illusions. But with 108 00:09:53.440 --> 00:09:57.480 a brave mouse, a clever bat, and a dragon as 109 00:09:57.559 --> 00:10:03.759 handsome as myself, perhaps we stand a chance. Elara smiled softly. 110 00:10:04.320 --> 00:10:09.639 Thank you truly. With that, the four of them, a maiden, 111 00:10:10.000 --> 00:10:14.559 a mouse, a bat, and a dragon set off across 112 00:10:14.600 --> 00:10:18.440 the valley. The walk to Moonshadow Cave took them over 113 00:10:18.600 --> 00:10:24.600 rolling meadows and through tall, whispering grasses. Embarian flew low, 114 00:10:25.080 --> 00:10:28.879 letting Alara ride on his back. When the ground became rough, 115 00:10:29.240 --> 00:10:35.519 Pit perched proudly on her shoulder, and Echo glided alongside them. 116 00:10:35.840 --> 00:10:39.399 They reached the cave just as the sun was dipping 117 00:10:39.559 --> 00:10:44.840 behind the hills. The entrance yawned like a mouth of darkness, 118 00:10:45.240 --> 00:10:50.480 cool air breathing out in chilly gusts. Emberian lit a 119 00:10:50.519 --> 00:10:53.679 small flame at the tip of his snout, but the 120 00:10:53.799 --> 00:10:57.639 moment the light touched the cave walls, the flame flickered 121 00:10:57.720 --> 00:11:05.000 and died. Elara shiver no ordinary cave. Echo hovered forward. 122 00:11:05.440 --> 00:11:10.000 This may be an illusion field. Only certain sounds or 123 00:11:10.159 --> 00:11:16.120 movements might activate the pathways. Pip stepped bravely to the entrance. 124 00:11:17.159 --> 00:11:22.320 Let me try. He squeaked a gentle hello into the darkness. 125 00:11:23.240 --> 00:11:26.840 The cave walls shimmered, and a narrow path of light 126 00:11:26.960 --> 00:11:32.039 appeared beneath their feet. Alara gasped, how did you do that? 127 00:11:33.000 --> 00:11:38.799 Mice are underestimated, Pip said modestly, They followed the glowing path. 128 00:11:39.039 --> 00:11:44.480 Deep inside, strange shapes danced on the walls, shadows of 129 00:11:44.600 --> 00:11:48.919 creatures that weren't truly there. The echoes of their footsteps 130 00:11:49.080 --> 00:11:55.320 rippled like distant music. Suddenly the path split into three tunnels. 131 00:11:55.960 --> 00:11:59.840 A whisper rose from the walls. Choose the path that 132 00:12:00.120 --> 00:12:04.600 leads forward. One is truth, one is trickery. One is 133 00:12:04.639 --> 00:12:12.039 a trap. Embarian frowned. I dislike riddles. Echo closed her 134 00:12:12.120 --> 00:12:17.879 eyes and listened. Her ears twitched. The left tunnel hums 135 00:12:17.960 --> 00:12:22.279 like a breeze. She murmured, the middle one feels empty. 136 00:12:22.679 --> 00:12:27.080 But the right she listened harder. I hear water dripping 137 00:12:27.159 --> 00:12:30.000 from a ceiling far above, and the rhythm of the 138 00:12:30.120 --> 00:12:36.720 drips repeats like a pattern. Pips whiskers twitched. A pattern 139 00:12:36.919 --> 00:12:44.600 means intention. A trap might not bother with patterns. Elara smiled. 140 00:12:45.039 --> 00:12:51.080 Then the right path, yes, Echo said confidently. They stepped 141 00:12:51.120 --> 00:12:55.000 into the right tunnel almost at once. The entrance ceiled 142 00:12:55.000 --> 00:12:59.679 behind them. The ground beneath them trembled, then rose. A 143 00:12:59.720 --> 00:13:03.600 stone own platform lifted them slowly upward into a vast 144 00:13:03.759 --> 00:13:08.200 cavern filled with silver light. In the center stood a 145 00:13:08.240 --> 00:13:14.440 pedestal holding the starstone, A crystal that glowed like a soft, 146 00:13:14.759 --> 00:13:21.120 pulsing moon. But surrounding the pedestal were floating mirrors, circling slowly. 147 00:13:21.600 --> 00:13:26.279 Each mirror reflected a different version of themselves. Pip looking 148 00:13:26.399 --> 00:13:31.879 tall and fierce, Echo wearing a crown, Embarian breathing torrents 149 00:13:31.879 --> 00:13:36.720 of flame, Elara standing as a queen. A voice echoed 150 00:13:36.840 --> 00:13:41.080 through the cavern. To touch the starstone, you must see 151 00:13:41.120 --> 00:13:45.159 what is real. Pip approached his mirror. In the reflection, 152 00:13:45.679 --> 00:13:52.480 he was enormous, taller than Embarian, muscles, bulging eyes, fierce. 153 00:13:52.879 --> 00:13:57.320 He lifted his tiny paw to the glass. The reflection 154 00:13:57.919 --> 00:14:02.159 growled back. Pip sh shook his head. That's not me, 155 00:14:02.679 --> 00:14:08.639 he whispered. I'm small, but small doesn't mean unimportant. His 156 00:14:08.759 --> 00:14:15.679 reflection shimmered, then vanished. Echo flew to hers. In her mirror, 157 00:14:15.879 --> 00:14:19.879 she was adorned in jewels, all the bats of the 158 00:14:20.039 --> 00:14:25.159 forest bowing before her. She touched the frame. I don't 159 00:14:25.200 --> 00:14:29.080 want to be queen, she said softly. I just want 160 00:14:29.120 --> 00:14:34.759 to help those who listen. That's enough. Her reflection dissolved 161 00:14:34.919 --> 00:14:39.960 like mist Embarion approached his mirror. It showed him roaring 162 00:14:40.159 --> 00:14:47.159 flames raining over mountains, feared by all, he snorted, nonsense. 163 00:14:47.679 --> 00:14:52.000 I prefer honeyed chestnuts and being admired for my shine, 164 00:14:52.440 --> 00:14:58.840 not my roar. The illusion flickered and faded. Elara stepped 165 00:14:58.960 --> 00:15:04.679 before her mirror. She saw herself, older, powerful, wearing a 166 00:15:04.759 --> 00:15:09.320 cloak of stars, able to command magic with a wave 167 00:15:09.399 --> 00:15:14.480 of her hand. Slowly she reached out, brushing the surface. 168 00:15:15.559 --> 00:15:21.600 Strength is not magic, she said quietly. Strength is compassion. 169 00:15:22.080 --> 00:15:26.879 That is who I am. Her reflection sighed and disappeared. 170 00:15:27.320 --> 00:15:32.039 With all illusions gone, the mirrors cracked and floated upward, 171 00:15:32.440 --> 00:15:44.240 dissolving into motes of light. In a quiet valley, surrounded 172 00:15:44.279 --> 00:15:49.279 by green hills and silver brooks, there lived a very small, 173 00:15:49.600 --> 00:15:54.799 but very brave mouse named Pip. Pip was no bigger 174 00:15:55.000 --> 00:15:59.720 than an apricot, with soft gray fur, bright eyes, and 175 00:15:59.759 --> 00:16:03.679 a heart that thudded with courage far too large for 176 00:16:03.799 --> 00:16:07.639 his tiny body. He lived beneath the roots of an 177 00:16:07.720 --> 00:16:13.440 old hawthorn tree and spent his day's gathering crumbs, polishing 178 00:16:13.480 --> 00:16:17.360 pebbles that he thought looked magical, and imagining all the 179 00:16:17.399 --> 00:16:23.039 great adventures waiting beyond the hilltops. Most mice were content 180 00:16:23.200 --> 00:16:26.919 to stay close to home, but Pip always fell to 181 00:16:27.120 --> 00:16:31.440 tug inside him, like a faint melody, calling him somewhere 182 00:16:31.559 --> 00:16:35.159 far away. One day, he would whisper to the dawn, 183 00:16:35.519 --> 00:16:39.720 I'll follow that song. One warm morning, as the sun 184 00:16:39.879 --> 00:16:44.320 painted the sky peach and gold, Pip was collecting berries 185 00:16:44.399 --> 00:16:48.200 near the river when he heard a strange sound, not 186 00:16:48.279 --> 00:16:51.840 the rushing of water or the chirping of sparrows, but 187 00:16:51.960 --> 00:16:57.679 a deep, rumbling sigh. It trembled through the pebbles beneath 188 00:16:57.720 --> 00:17:04.200 his paws. Pip frozs. Then, curiosity winning over caution, he 189 00:17:04.400 --> 00:17:08.240 scampered toward the sound. He stopped at the river bank 190 00:17:08.319 --> 00:17:13.519 and peered across. There, tangled in reeds was an enormous creature, 191 00:17:14.039 --> 00:17:19.400 shimmering scales, long curling tail, wings folded tight as though 192 00:17:19.440 --> 00:17:23.559 afraid to open. It was a dragon, a real dragon. 193 00:17:24.359 --> 00:17:29.359 But the dragon was not breathing fire or roaring. Instead, 194 00:17:29.680 --> 00:17:37.160 it looked embarrassed. Excuse me, Pip called, in the tiniest 195 00:17:37.319 --> 00:17:42.960 polite voice. Are you stuck? The dragon lifted his head. 196 00:17:43.319 --> 00:17:46.720 His eyes were gold and gentle, and he let out 197 00:17:46.720 --> 00:17:53.559 a puff of steam. Oh wonderful, the dragon groaned. A mouse, Yes, 198 00:17:53.839 --> 00:17:58.119 little morsel, I am stuck. I'm not a morsel, Pip 199 00:17:58.160 --> 00:18:04.039 said firmly. I'm Pip, Brave Pip. The dragon blinked, my apologies, 200 00:18:04.119 --> 00:18:08.079 Brave Pip, I am Embarian, Guardian of the northern Sky. 201 00:18:08.480 --> 00:18:12.960 He sank lower, looking very Unguardian like, or at least 202 00:18:13.119 --> 00:18:15.799 I was now I appear to be guardian of the 203 00:18:15.880 --> 00:18:22.279 river bank. Trapped by reeds, Pip approached carefully. How did 204 00:18:22.319 --> 00:18:27.680 you get stuck? I came down to drink. Embarian muttered 205 00:18:28.000 --> 00:18:35.319 and slipped. Pip stared, dragon slip. There was moss, Embarian 206 00:18:35.440 --> 00:18:40.680 said defensively, and the ground was deceitfully damp. Pip thought 207 00:18:40.720 --> 00:18:43.960 for a moment, if I help you, will you promise 208 00:18:44.039 --> 00:18:50.200 not to eat me? Embarian's eyes widened. Eat you? Heavens No, 209 00:18:51.039 --> 00:18:55.160 I'm a talking dragon with refined tastes. I haven't eaten 210 00:18:55.200 --> 00:19:01.359 a mouse in centuries. Besides, I prefer honeyed chestnuts. Relieved, 211 00:19:01.480 --> 00:19:05.759 Pip hopped closer. He ran around the dragon, tugging at 212 00:19:05.839 --> 00:19:09.960 Reed's pushing with all his might. It wasn't enough. I 213 00:19:10.079 --> 00:19:14.880 need help, Pip decided. High above, hanging upside down from 214 00:19:14.920 --> 00:19:19.559 a willow branch, was Pip's friend, a clever bat named Echo. 215 00:19:20.079 --> 00:19:25.079 Echo looked tiny and delicate, with velvety wings and enormous 216 00:19:25.200 --> 00:19:29.160 ears that twitched whenever a sound whispered through the valley. 217 00:19:30.119 --> 00:19:37.400 Echo Pip squeaked. Come down. Echo flipped gracefully and swooped 218 00:19:37.559 --> 00:19:42.359 toward him. Pip, what trouble are you in now? Not 219 00:19:42.599 --> 00:19:47.079 trouble adventure, Pip said, we need to free a dragon. 220 00:19:47.599 --> 00:19:55.000 Echo eyed the trapped Emberian. He's large, I noticed, Pip said, 221 00:19:55.160 --> 00:19:59.640 But you're clever. What do we do? Echo fluttered close 222 00:19:59.680 --> 00:20:06.000 to the reeds. We need leverage. Embarian winced, I'm all 223 00:20:06.039 --> 00:20:10.440 for leverage if it involves moving me further from humiliation. 224 00:20:11.359 --> 00:20:15.759 Echo inspected the river bank, then pointed her wing toward 225 00:20:15.759 --> 00:20:20.680 a fallen branch wedged between stones. If we use that 226 00:20:21.039 --> 00:20:24.480 as a lever and Embarian pushes at the same time, 227 00:20:24.839 --> 00:20:29.279 we might get him free. Together they maneuvered the branch 228 00:20:29.400 --> 00:20:34.519 beneath the dragon's side. Emberian pressed his claws against the ground, 229 00:20:34.799 --> 00:20:39.480 Pip wedged himself against the branch, and Echo flapped up 230 00:20:39.519 --> 00:20:43.119 to push the other end with her whole body. One 231 00:20:43.880 --> 00:20:48.680 two three. With a mighty grunt and a burst of 232 00:20:48.799 --> 00:20:53.759 dragon strength, Embarian rolled free of the reeds, splashing mud 233 00:20:53.880 --> 00:20:59.359 and water everywhere. Pip went tumbling, Echo spiraled and Embarian 234 00:20:59.519 --> 00:21:04.799 landed on his feet, shaking out his wings. Oh, Emberian 235 00:21:05.000 --> 00:21:10.720 cried joyfully, I can move again. Pip stood, dripping, but 236 00:21:11.000 --> 00:21:16.799 Proud told you I could help. Yes, Embarian said, and 237 00:21:16.880 --> 00:21:21.400 I owe you a favor, brave Pip. Before Pip could answer, 238 00:21:21.720 --> 00:21:26.079 a voice called faintly from across the meadow, Hello, Hello, 239 00:21:26.240 --> 00:21:29.880 can someone help me? A young maiden stepped out from 240 00:21:29.880 --> 00:21:33.440 behind a cluster of birch trees. She was no older 241 00:21:33.480 --> 00:21:37.839 than sixteen, wearing a simple dress and carrying a woven 242 00:21:37.960 --> 00:21:43.759 basket filled with herbs. She had soft auburn hair, kind eyes, 243 00:21:43.839 --> 00:21:46.799 and the tired look of someone with worries too big 244 00:21:46.839 --> 00:21:52.440 for her age. Echo fluttered toward her. Are you hurt? No, 245 00:21:52.920 --> 00:21:57.160 but I need help, She said. My village's in trouble. 246 00:21:57.799 --> 00:22:01.079 She set her basket down and melt in the grass. 247 00:22:01.680 --> 00:22:06.440 My name is Alara, she said. A great windstorm has 248 00:22:06.480 --> 00:22:11.160 struck our valley. The roofs are torn, the well collapsed, 249 00:22:11.519 --> 00:22:16.519 and our crops have been flattened. We can't rebuild fast enough, 250 00:22:16.759 --> 00:22:21.839 the elders say. We need the Starstone, a magical crystal 251 00:22:22.119 --> 00:22:27.599 held deep in moonshadow cave, to restore the land. Pip's 252 00:22:27.720 --> 00:22:34.359 ears perked up. A magical quest, he whispered, trembling with excitement. 253 00:22:35.079 --> 00:22:38.920 Ilara nodded, But the cave is dark and full of 254 00:22:39.000 --> 00:22:43.000 tricky passages. I can't go alone. I was praying for help, 255 00:22:43.319 --> 00:22:47.880 and then I heard your voices. Pip puffed out his chest. 256 00:22:48.400 --> 00:22:54.359 Will help, won't we, Echo nodded, her wings fluttering, we will. 257 00:22:54.920 --> 00:23:00.720 Emberian lifted his great head. Moonshadow Cave. I know the legends. 258 00:23:00.960 --> 00:23:05.640 The starstone is guarded by puzzles and delusions. But with 259 00:23:05.720 --> 00:23:09.759 a brave mouse, a clever bat, and a dragon as 260 00:23:09.839 --> 00:23:16.039 handsome as myself, perhaps we stand a chance. Elara smiled softly. 261 00:23:16.599 --> 00:23:21.880 Thank you truly. With that, the four of them, a maiden, 262 00:23:22.279 --> 00:23:26.839 a mouse, a bat, and a dragon set off across 263 00:23:26.880 --> 00:23:30.720 the valley. The walk to Moonshadow Cave took them over 264 00:23:30.880 --> 00:23:36.880 rolling meadows and through tall, whispering grasses. Embarian flew low, 265 00:23:37.359 --> 00:23:41.160 letting Alara ride on his back. When the ground became rough, 266 00:23:41.519 --> 00:23:47.759 pit perched proudly on her shoulder, and Echo glided alongside them. 267 00:23:48.119 --> 00:23:51.680 They reached the cave just as the sun was dipping 268 00:23:51.799 --> 00:23:57.119 behind the hills. The entrance yawned like a mouth of darkness, 269 00:23:57.519 --> 00:24:02.759 cool air, breathing out in chill gusts. Embarion lit a 270 00:24:02.799 --> 00:24:05.960 small flame at the tip of his snout, but the 271 00:24:06.079 --> 00:24:09.920 moment the light touched the cave walls, the flame flickered 272 00:24:10.000 --> 00:24:17.279 and died. Elara shivered. No ordinary cave. Echo hovered forward. 273 00:24:17.720 --> 00:24:22.279 This may be an illusion field. Only certain sounds or 274 00:24:22.400 --> 00:24:28.400 movements might activate the pathways. Pip stepped bravely to the entrance. 275 00:24:29.440 --> 00:24:34.599 Let me try. He squeaked a gentle Hello into the darkness. 276 00:24:35.519 --> 00:24:39.119 The cave walls shimmered, and a narrow path of light 277 00:24:39.240 --> 00:24:44.319 appeared beneath their feet. Elara gasped, how did you do that? 278 00:24:45.279 --> 00:24:50.559 Mice are underestimated, Pip said modestly. They followed the glowing 279 00:24:50.720 --> 00:24:56.680 path deep inside, Strange shapes danced on the walls, shadows 280 00:24:56.680 --> 00:25:00.359 of creatures that weren't truly there. The echoes of their 281 00:25:00.400 --> 00:25:06.359 footsteps rippled like distant music. Suddenly the path split into 282 00:25:06.519 --> 00:25:11.519 three tunnels. A whisper rose from the walls. Choose the 283 00:25:11.640 --> 00:25:16.240 path that leads forward. One is truth, one is trickery, 284 00:25:16.480 --> 00:25:23.480 one is a trap. Embarian frowned. I dislike riddles. Echo 285 00:25:23.640 --> 00:25:29.119 closed her eyes and listened. Her ears twitched the left 286 00:25:29.200 --> 00:25:33.240 tunnel hums like a breeze. She murmured. The middle one 287 00:25:33.359 --> 00:25:38.240 feels empty, But the right she listened harder. I hear 288 00:25:38.359 --> 00:25:42.000 water dripping from a ceiling far above, and the rhythm 289 00:25:42.039 --> 00:25:47.559 of the drips repeats like a pattern. Pips whiskers twitched. 290 00:25:48.279 --> 00:25:54.640 A pattern means intention. A trap might not bother with patterns. 291 00:25:55.640 --> 00:26:02.119 Elara smiled. Then the right path, yes, Echo said confidently. 292 00:26:02.759 --> 00:26:06.160 They stepped into the right tunnel almost at once. The 293 00:26:06.359 --> 00:26:11.359 entrance sealed behind them. The ground beneath them trembled, then rose. 294 00:26:11.880 --> 00:26:15.880 A stone platform lifted them slowly upward into a vast 295 00:26:16.039 --> 00:26:20.480 cavern filled with silver light. In the center stood a 296 00:26:20.519 --> 00:26:26.720 pedestal holding the Starstone, a crystal that glowed like a soft, 297 00:26:27.000 --> 00:26:33.400 pulsing moon. But surrounding the pedestal were floating mirrors, circling slowly. 298 00:26:33.880 --> 00:26:38.559 Each mirror reflected a different version of themselves, Pip looking 299 00:26:38.680 --> 00:26:44.160 tall and fierce, Echo wearing a crown, Emberian, breathing torrents 300 00:26:44.160 --> 00:26:49.000 of flame, Elara standing as a queen. A voice echoed 301 00:26:49.119 --> 00:26:53.359 through the cavern. To touch the starstone, you must see 302 00:26:53.400 --> 00:26:57.440 what is real. Pip approached his mirror. In the reflection, 303 00:26:57.960 --> 00:27:04.759 he was enormous, taller than Embarian, muscles, bulging eyes, fierce. 304 00:27:05.160 --> 00:27:09.599 He lifted his tiny paw to the glass. The reflection 305 00:27:10.160 --> 00:27:15.680 growled back. Pip shook his head. That's not me, he whispered. 306 00:27:16.240 --> 00:27:22.519 I'm small, but small doesn't mean unimportant. His reflection shimmered, 307 00:27:22.839 --> 00:27:28.240 then vanished. Echo flew to hers. In her mirror, she 308 00:27:28.400 --> 00:27:32.720 was adorned in jewels, all the bats of the forest 309 00:27:33.000 --> 00:27:37.680 bowing before her. She touched the frame. I don't want 310 00:27:37.720 --> 00:27:41.480 to be queen, she said softly. I just want to 311 00:27:41.640 --> 00:27:48.000 help those who listen. That's enough. Her reflection dissolved like mist. 312 00:27:48.480 --> 00:27:53.880 Embarian approached his mirror. It showed him roaring flames, raining 313 00:27:53.920 --> 00:28:00.559 over mountains, feared by all. He snorted, nonsense. I prefer 314 00:28:00.799 --> 00:28:05.599 honeyed chestnuts and being admired for my shine, not my roar. 315 00:28:06.359 --> 00:28:12.359 The illusion flickered and faded. Elara stepped before her mirror. 316 00:28:13.000 --> 00:28:18.359 She saw herself, older, powerful, wearing a cloak of stars, 317 00:28:18.960 --> 00:28:22.440 able to command magic with a wave of her hand. 318 00:28:23.400 --> 00:28:29.799 Slowly she reached out, brushing the surface. Strength is not magic, 319 00:28:30.160 --> 00:28:36.240 she said quietly. Strength is compassion. That is who I am. 320 00:28:36.480 --> 00:28:41.599 Her reflection sighed and disappeared, with all illusions gone, the 321 00:28:41.720 --> 00:28:57.880 mirrors cracked and floated upward, dissolving into motes of light. 322 00:28:59.200 --> 00:29:04.079 In a quiet valley, surrounded by green hills and silver brooks, 323 00:29:04.599 --> 00:29:09.680 there lived a very small, but very brave mouse named Pip. 324 00:29:10.319 --> 00:29:15.039 Pip was no bigger than an apricot, with soft gray fur, 325 00:29:15.480 --> 00:29:19.599 bright eyes, and a heart that thudded with courage far 326 00:29:19.720 --> 00:29:23.680 too large for his tiny body. He lived beneath the 327 00:29:23.799 --> 00:29:27.960 roots of an old hawthorn tree and spent his day's 328 00:29:28.160 --> 00:29:33.119 gathering crumbs, polishing pebbles that he thought looked magical, and 329 00:29:33.160 --> 00:29:38.880 imagining all the great adventures waiting beyond the hilltops. Most 330 00:29:39.000 --> 00:29:42.799 mice were content to stay close to home, but Pip 331 00:29:42.960 --> 00:29:47.000 always felt a tug inside him, like a faint melody 332 00:29:47.160 --> 00:29:51.519 calling him somewhere far away. One day, he would whisper, 333 00:29:51.559 --> 00:29:55.759 to the dawn, I'll follow that song. One warm morning, 334 00:29:56.000 --> 00:29:59.759 as the sun painted the sky peach and gold, Pip 335 00:30:00.160 --> 00:30:04.640 collecting berries near the river when he heard a strange sound, 336 00:30:05.079 --> 00:30:08.519 not the rushing of water or the chirping of sparrows, 337 00:30:08.759 --> 00:30:14.119 but a deep, rumbling sigh. It trembled through the pebbles 338 00:30:14.240 --> 00:30:20.759 beneath his paws. Pip froze, then curiosity winning over caution, 339 00:30:21.119 --> 00:30:24.880 he scampered toward the sound. He stopped at the river 340 00:30:24.960 --> 00:30:29.119 bank and peered across. There, tangled in reeds was an 341 00:30:29.359 --> 00:30:35.920 enormous creature, shimmering scales, long curling tail, wings folded tight 342 00:30:36.000 --> 00:30:37.640 as though afraid to open. 343 00:30:38.000 --> 00:30:38.480 It was a. 344 00:30:38.480 --> 00:30:43.359 Dragon, a real dragon. But the dragon was not breathing 345 00:30:43.559 --> 00:30:51.519 fire or roaring. Instead, it looked embarrassed. M excuse me, 346 00:30:52.160 --> 00:30:57.359 Pip called, in the tiniest polite voice. Are you stuck? 347 00:30:58.240 --> 00:31:02.519 The dragon lifted his head. His eyes were gold and gentle, 348 00:31:02.839 --> 00:31:07.000 and he let out a puff of steam. Oh wonderful, 349 00:31:07.200 --> 00:31:13.240 the dragon groaned a mouse, Yes, little morsel, I am stuck. 350 00:31:13.720 --> 00:31:18.240 I'm not a morsel, Pip said firmly. I'm Pip, Brave Pip. 351 00:31:18.640 --> 00:31:22.920 The dragon blinked my Apologi's brave, Pip. I am Embarian, 352 00:31:23.279 --> 00:31:27.599 Guardian of the Northern Sky. He sank lower, looking very 353 00:31:27.799 --> 00:31:31.680 Unguardian like, or at least I was now I appear 354 00:31:31.759 --> 00:31:35.279 to be guardian of the river bank. Trapped by reeds, 355 00:31:36.279 --> 00:31:42.240 Pip approached carefully. How did you get stuck? I came 356 00:31:42.319 --> 00:31:49.519 down to drink? Embarian muttered and slipped. Pip stared, dragon slip. 357 00:31:50.200 --> 00:31:54.960 There was moss, Embarian said defensively, and the ground was 358 00:31:55.079 --> 00:32:00.079 deceitfully damp. Pip thought for a moment, if I help you, 359 00:32:00.160 --> 00:32:04.440 will you promise not to eat me? Embarian's eyes widened. 360 00:32:05.000 --> 00:32:10.920 Eat you, heavens, No, I'm a talking dragon with refined tastes. 361 00:32:11.359 --> 00:32:15.359 I haven't eaten a mouse in centuries. Besides, I prefer 362 00:32:15.559 --> 00:32:21.839 honeyed chestnuts. Relieved, Pip hopped closer. He ran around the dragon, 363 00:32:22.119 --> 00:32:26.319 tugging at Reed's pushing with all his might. It wasn't enough. 364 00:32:26.880 --> 00:32:31.640 I need help, Pip decided. High above, hanging upside down 365 00:32:31.680 --> 00:32:35.559 from a willow branch, was Pip's friend, a clever bat 366 00:32:35.680 --> 00:32:41.119 named Echo. Echo looked tiny and delicate, with velvety wings 367 00:32:41.160 --> 00:32:45.559 and enormous ears that twitched whenever a sound whispered through 368 00:32:45.559 --> 00:32:53.119 the valley. Echo Pips squeaked. Come down. Echo flipped gracefully 369 00:32:53.319 --> 00:32:57.680 and swooped toward him. Pip, what trouble are you in? 370 00:32:57.880 --> 00:32:58.240 Now? 371 00:32:59.240 --> 00:33:04.079 Not trouble adventure, Pip said, We need to free a dragon. 372 00:33:04.559 --> 00:33:12.000 Echo eyed the trapped Emberian. He's large, I noticed, Pip said, 373 00:33:12.119 --> 00:33:16.640 But you're clever. What do we do? Echo fluttered close 374 00:33:16.680 --> 00:33:23.000 to the reeds. We need leverage Embarian winced, I'm all 375 00:33:23.039 --> 00:33:27.400 for leverage if it involves moving me further from humiliation. 376 00:33:28.319 --> 00:33:32.720 Echo inspected the river bank, then pointed her wing toward 377 00:33:32.759 --> 00:33:37.680 a fallen branch wedged between stones. If we use that 378 00:33:38.000 --> 00:33:41.440 as a lever and Embarian pushes at the same time, 379 00:33:41.839 --> 00:33:46.240 we might get him free. Together they maneuvered the branch 380 00:33:46.359 --> 00:33:51.519 beneath the dragon's side. Emberian pressed his claws against the ground, 381 00:33:51.759 --> 00:33:56.440 Pip wedged himself against the branch, and Echo flapped up 382 00:33:56.519 --> 00:34:00.119 to push the other end with her whole body one 383 00:34:00.839 --> 00:34:05.680 two three. With a mighty grunt and a burst of 384 00:34:05.759 --> 00:34:10.760 dragon strength, Embarian rolled free of the reeds, splashing mud 385 00:34:10.840 --> 00:34:16.320 and water everywhere. Pip went tumbling, Echo spiraled, and Embarian 386 00:34:16.519 --> 00:34:21.800 landed on his feet, shaking out his wings. Oh, Emberian 387 00:34:22.000 --> 00:34:27.679 cried joyfully, I can move again. Pip stood, dripping, but 388 00:34:27.960 --> 00:34:33.760 proud told you I could help. Yes, Embarian said, and 389 00:34:33.880 --> 00:34:38.360 I owe you a favor, brave Pip. Before Pip could answer, 390 00:34:38.679 --> 00:34:43.039 a voice called faintly from across the meadow, Hello, Hello, 391 00:34:43.199 --> 00:34:46.840 can someone help me? A young maiden stepped out from 392 00:34:46.880 --> 00:34:50.440 behind a cluster of birch trees. She was no older 393 00:34:50.480 --> 00:34:54.800 than sixteen, wearing a simple dress and carrying a woven 394 00:34:54.920 --> 00:34:59.880 basket filled with herbs. She had soft auburn hair ki 395 00:35:00.800 --> 00:35:03.760 and the tired look of someone with worries too big 396 00:35:03.840 --> 00:35:09.400 for her age. Echo fluttered toward her. Are you hurt? No? 397 00:35:09.920 --> 00:35:14.159 But I need help, She said, My village's in trouble. 398 00:35:14.760 --> 00:35:18.039 She set her basket down and knelt in the grass. 399 00:35:18.679 --> 00:35:23.400 My name is Alara, she said. A great windstorm has 400 00:35:23.480 --> 00:35:28.119 struck our valley. The roofs are torn, the well collapsed, 401 00:35:28.519 --> 00:35:33.519