{Chapter 1}

I sat down by the water and gazed up at where I had just been. It was a small cottage, situated by the beach and surrounded by fields and forests. This was my home now. The sun was shining and I could feel its rays warming the back of my neck as the wind picked up slightly, carrying the smell of salt and fresh baked rolls with it. I smiled. Mum was a baker, so that meant she was happy and was getting ready for lunch. Until then I could sit in the splender of my surroundings.Where I lived was beautiful, never mind what was around it. Lime and mint green ivy climbed the walls and shaped itself around the frame of the livingroom window, - it was spring now, and in winter the green would change to red - the rose bushes at the front door and each side of the gate were in full bloom, and the pink and yellow they radiated was breath taking, around the back, out of view from where I was sitting, was a small stream where koi carp danced and other wildlife thrived. Because of the forest beyond, I knew there would be rabbits and roe deer that situated inthe garden regularly, and I was full of anticipation. My bedroom window was facing to the forest, so I had a good view of everything that was going on. I could become an avid bird watcher if I had any free time and few friends. This occupation appealed to me somewhat, although I felt the need to rule it out slightly - just because I was new here, didn't mean I would be unpopular, I hadn't been in my previous schools, so why would I be here?Two birds flew from the trees and glided gracefully above my head, filling my ears with their song. I got the feeling they were approving of my thoughts of bird watching. I watched them glide above the waves, twisting and turning in the wind, always singing. Perhaps it was their breeding season, I would have to ask John when I got in.John was my step father. I'd known him for three years before he finally popped the question, and obviously, my mum said yes - anybody willing to put up with the same person for that long must be crazy in love with them. Our relationship wasn't exactly father daughter, more like best friends. We liked the same things, and I'm sure that helped mum with her decision to let him live with us before they wed. She was pleased I was able to confide in John, he was the closest I ever had to a father.The bird song was fading, and I snapped out of my thoughts to watch them once more. They had veered to the right, towards an impressive cliff that seemed to have faces carved into it. I knew the wind could get strong their, especially along the coast. I was taken in by that cliff. The sheer size of it was captivating, and from what I could tell, it rose out of the forest.I would have to explore it some time.