Float gently with me....

Across Quicksilver Lake we’ll go....

The lake is glistening, glasslike, so inviting. Let’s cross to the farther shore and wend our way through the pickerelweed that hugs the pebble beach. Beyond is the River of Pearls.

Ah, you don’t believe me....but swans are truth-tellers. You’ll see. Come along now. Go quietly, Lustre and Nacre, the keepers of the Pearls, do not allow loud sounds or unpleasant behaviors.

“Who is it?” whispered a voice as soft as the air itself.

“Keepress Lustre, it is I, Swan Duc Tao with a Path Wanderer from Ago.”

“My regal swan, you and your companion are most welcome here.” sighed Lustre. “Has your adventure just begun?”