Whispers and laughter.........

'What to do, what to do Archmides - so many changes so fast?' Archibold and Stephanotis were sitting sipping their tea - truth to tell, even though he had managed not to show it, Archibold had found Archimedes' taste in tea just as odd as Stephanotis had - sipping was all the two of them could manage, and both were grateful for their large slices of Hortensia's chestnut cake to take the peculiar taste away.

'Well, well, we must remember there have never been so many humans before, Archimedes sighed, ' all of us who dwell here we must do our best to encourage nature and to keep the balance as best as we can. I have watched long and remember much and this I know now - we do not always see why change comes in the way it does, but in the long view nature will carry on and harmony is restored...... all the seasons come and go - as do we young Stephanotis.' He twinkled at the young gnome who was looking more than a bit bewildered, ' but the trees and the land - well they have their own music and we are privileged to join in their dance for as long as we may.'

As Archimedes stood up, Archibold thought how amazingly sprightly he was considering his great age. Archimedes gestured to the others to follow him and walked to the edge of the platform. As they stood looking out over the glorious and abundant greens of trees, he put his arm around Stephanotis and asked him, ' Will you come here again next Spring Stephanotis, and bring Isabel with you? Your heart brought you here today and gave you the courage to leap ashore onto this island for a reason. I have chosen you and Isabel as Keepers of Time and Memory. There is much that you will have to learn, time is turning fast now and soon you will have much to do - Archibold will explain more, not for nothing is he called Archie the Bold - prepare well, there was more than one reason for you to build Isabel her courting gift of her tree house!'

And with that he burst out laughing as Stephanotis cheeks turned a deep beetroot with embarrassment, 'Love, young gnome is what helps us break through the bonds of our hearts. My, my, Thank The Great Goodness for love.' Archibold and Archimedes started laughing and what with one chuckle and another the two of them had to sit down to relish the moment.

''Thank you for today Archimedes, we'll be on our way now, Spring will be here sooner than we know and Stephanotis has much to learn, always a joy to share an afternoon with you, may all go well with you until we meet again.' Archibold and Stephanotis bowed and started the long climb down, 'Keep listening, you will know the day, my regards to Hortensia, remind Mildred that I need more of her foot liniment.' And with that, Archimedes went back to his seat looking out over the forest - listening to the whispers of the leaves............