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  "description": "2008 story I wrote featuring my character, Amy, and Lia, a squirrel mage character created bt Amanda da Hamster, where Amy visits Lia's world. This was the first complete story featuring Amy.\n\nLia (c) Amanda da Hamster\nAmy & story (c) d.m.falk 2008\n",
  "description_bbcode_parsed": "<span style='word-wrap: break-word;'>2008 story I wrote featuring my character, Amy, and Lia, a squirrel mage character created bt Amanda da Hamster, where Amy visits Lia&#039;s world. This was the first complete story featuring Amy.<br /><br />Lia (c) Amanda da Hamster<br />Amy &amp; story (c) d.m.falk 2008<br /></span>",
  "writing": "PORTALS AND FRIENDS\nBy Dennis M. Falk\n29 June 2008\nBased on characters belonging to D.M.Falk and Amanda da Hamster\n\n*WHOOSH!*\nIt was over as fast as it started- Amy, a female mouse of about 30 from 21st Century rural California, was walking down the street heading for the busstop to go shopping on a sunny june afternoon, only to find herself on her rump in a dirt road in a forest she finds herself unfamiliar with. It's not the pines, firs and redwoods she knows, and the forest light glows in a way unlike any she remembers experiencing.\n\nAmy gets up, brushes off as much dirt as she can (thank god it wasn't a pile of excrement, she thinks), only to have her thoughts interrupted as a slightly childlike, almost cartoonish, feminine voice speaks-\n\"Oh, dear! My humblest apologies! That spell didn't quite work as I was hoping...\"\n\"Eh?\", the mouse said, as she turned to find a creature, who apparently stands a bit shorter than herself, in a maroon dress of gold trimming, with a tall witch's hat of similar cut, with a single lilac feather in its brow. The creature was a squirrel, built somewhere between the furs of her world and their wild relatives. The dress accentuated her femininity that made her attractive. Her blue eyes shined as she smiled...\n\nTo Amy, she found the squirrel quite dreamy, and was mesmerised by the squirrel's beauty.\n\n\"Oh, I'm sorry- Perhaps you can't understand what I'm saying-\"\n\"No, no-\", Amy said as she snapped out of her stupor. \"On the contrary... It's just...\" She looks around... \"I have no idea where I am. One minute I was on a clean street in town, next thing I remember is a loud WHOOSH!, and finding myself here, wherever here is...\"\n\nAmy couldn't stop staring at the squirrel.\n\nThe squirrel noticed, smiled and giggled a bit. \"I know that look, hun- I would usually expect it from the boys, so I'll just tell you this now- I have no interest in girls, such as you apparently do, if I'm not mistaken.\"\n\"Oh, I'm so sorry! I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable! You ARE beautiful, and I don't know who in their right mind would not find you attractive. And yes, you're right- I am attracted to girls- I hope that doesn't offend you...\" Amy blushes.\nThe squirrel laughed! \"No, my dear, you haven't offended me, but if you do, be forewarned I am a mage of some skill-\"\n\"Oh, no!\", said the mouse, \"I can't do anything to anyone without their consent. I do take `no' for an answer!\"\nThe squirrel smiled broadly, looking squarely in the mouse's bright yellow-green marble-like eyes, \"Ah, very good! Oh, my manners! We haven't been properly introduced! I'm Lia the Squirrelmage, and you are?\"\n\"I'm Amelia Millicent di Stereo. Some call me Amy Stereo, so just call me Amy, OK? I'm....just a mouse. I do lots of things, mostly involving radios or space sciences-\"\nAmy's soft, airy voice was interrupted by Lia's, \"Radios? What is that?\"\nAmy flusters, \"Oh, um... I'm not sure I can explain it, since it's about science and technology that may not exist here, yet. Radio is a means to send voice and music over large distances to a wide number of people.\"\n\"Ah, yes! My master once told me about such worlds- Distant times and places, where such things exist, instead of magic. Are you from such a world? My guess is you are, since your legs are built different...\"\n\"Oh? Oh!\" Amy looks down, \"Um... I guess I am.\"\n\nThe two paused for a moment in thought- Amy looked about, thinking that she could be happy living in a place like this, but she still had a home to go back to, with her music collection, her radios, her telescope, her computer....\nLia, however, was trying to figure out what went wrong- \"I've got to figure out how to return you to your proper world, my dear- You don't really belong here.\"\nAmy snapped out of her pondering- \"Oh? Oh, yes, yes... Home... How are you going to get me back?\"\n\"Well,\" Lia said, \"I need to consult my books back home, and see if the mages before me knew what to do.\"\n-- -- --\nAs the mouse and squirrel approached a stone cottage, tails as animated as their feet and ongoing discussion, Lia asked Amy about the bow.\n\"Oh, I don't know how it got there, and it doesn't want to be removed, yet somehow it survives everything while being soft and comfortable. I've worn it most of my life.\"\n\"May I?\", said Lia, pointing to the bow. Amy's tail swung around, and presented the large tailbow, somewhere between hot magenta and fuschia, and as soft and fuzzy as velour, to the squirrel.\n\"Yes, it is soft and beautiful- It really is as durable as you say.\"\n\"Yes.\"\n\"Amazing! Such magic you have in your world!\"\n\"I'm not sure if it is magic, but I've never had to maintain it, other than an occasional wiping.\"\n\"Ah,\" Lia pipped, \"we're at my humble abode!\"\nLia opens the door, beckoning to let the mouse enter first.\nAmy gasped! \"Wow! Such a comfortable home, you have! And a nice library, too! My own has alot of science fiction that I love to read-\"\nAmy was interrupted by Lia, who removed her hat, revealing just how much a squirrel she is, again causing Amy to stare--\n\"Amy, this is my library, yes- It's mostly spells, though, although like you, I have quite a few tales and lore I enjoy reading, too. Now, let's see... Hmmmm....\"\nLia peered over the titles, hoping one would be close to what she wanted.....\n\"Ah, here it is!\"\nThe squirrel pulls down a large, conveniently maroon-and-gold-coloured leatherbound book that is half her size, yet she manages to handle it with ease.\n\"My old master's book- I'm sure something is in there!\"\nAmy wondered aloud, \"How good a mage are you?\"\n\"Lia raised her hand; Amy stopped for a moment.\n\"I am skilled in many magical arts, but unfortunately, none too proficient in any of them.\"\n\"I see- You're a good enough cook who can follow instructions, and learn them well enough, but not enough to be a chef.\"\nLia burst into laughter at the analogy!\n\"Hahaha! I think I know what you mean, and you are right- I'm not a master...`chef'...of my craft, but I hope to be.\"\n\nAfter flipping through the book, she finds what she wants, however-\n*yawn* \"It is getting late, and time for supper. Would it be a bother to return you to your world tomorrow? I promise, I can get you as close as I can to the time you left- The spell I need to cast to do so will do that for you. Is that alright?\"\nAmy sighed- She herself was tired, and quite hungry- \"Sure, but where shall I stay? I don't even have the kind of money your world could take to pay for food and lodging- You don't take credit cards.\"\nThe mouse quietly chuckles at her own little joke. The squirrel laughed.\n\"Please, my dear- stay here- I do have an extra room with a comfortable bed, and I'll see to it you have some food. I'm not a bad cook, actually- Just as with my magic.\"\n\"I accept your kind offer. Now- You said something about food?\"\n\"Oh, yes- I have plenty of food, here- What would you like?\"\n\"Some cheese, some bread, veggies- carrots, especially... Maybe a cup of veggie soup and...you don't eat meats, I presume? Oh, don't worry about that- I don't expect you to have aged wine-cured salami to go with the cheese... And I like nuts, especially cashews, pistashios and filberts-\"\nLia interrupts her, laughing! \"I have all that, hun, as well as eggs and milk for the morning... Hold on- Let's put the meal together, shall we?\"\n\n-- -- --\nLia and Amy finished the meal they prepared together- Several yellow and white cheeses, a selection of nuts, a fine wheat bread with apple butter, half a stick of salami, a few carrots and a warm vegetable broth that Amy could swear was the best-tasting she ever had! Lia used a bit of her magic to make Amy's wine into ordinary grape juice, much to the delight of Amy, who won't drink alcohol. On the whole, a fine meal. The two continued to chat through the night by the fireplace in the main room, until a clock struck midnight.\n\n\"Well, Amy- Even squirrel mages must sleep, so.... Let me show you to your room.\"\nLia took Amy to a room opposite another bedroom- Lia's- with which she opened the door, revealing a modest, yet clean bed and nice soft covers.\n\"I keep this room for the occasional guest, sometimes using a spell to change it depending on the guest being male or female. As you can see, I've provided you with a pure silk shift, which you may keep when I send you home. I hope you rest comfortably. Good night, Amy.\"\nLia almost closed the door, before remembering something-\n\"Amy, please put your clothes, including your shoes, in that basket by your bed. Do not worry, as your clothes will be all clean when you awaken. Breakfast will also be whenever you awaken. I have a few books in here for you to read- Sorry i can't provide music for you, such as you're accustomed with your...radios, I believe. But you'll be home soon enough. And if you want it darker, just ask the lights to dim for you. Good night, again.\"\nThe squirrel giggles a bit.\nAmy thanks Lia.\n\"I'd kiss you, but I know that wouldn't be appreciated, so...\" Amy extends her left hand... \"Ooops, sorry- I'm left-handed- I just wanted to thank you.\"\nAmy smiles shyly.\nLia laughs! \"No, don't think you have offended me one bit- I saw how you ate with your left hand. We don't penalise anyone here for being left-handed, if that's what you were thinking. So, please, my dear- You're very welcome.\"\nAmy started to hug her, and stops- Only to be hugged back by the squirrel.\n\"Don't worry, you'll be home soon, so go rest.\"\nWith that, once more, mouse and squirrel bade each other good-night.\n\nAmy fell asteep after reading a couple short stories in one book.\n\n-- -- --\nAmy woke up at about 9 (she thinks), got dressed, and put the silk nightshirt in her purse. Her clothes did indeed feel very clean, which she was grateful.\n\"Ah, I see you're awake! How do you like your eggs cooked?\"\nLia was at the stove with a pan in hand. Amy was still a bit groggy.\n\"I wouldn't mind an omelette-\"\n\"Ah, yes! I know what that is. What would you like in your omelette? I assume at the least some cheeses!\" Lia giggles.\n\"Yes, please!\" Amy perks up, \"With some diced tomato, peppers, and some of that salami, so it doesn't go to waste!\"\nLia laughs, as she prepares the eggs into omelette shells, then adds ingredients.\n\"Coming right up! Oh, and there's some cold milk in the icebox over there- Pour yourself a glass.\"\n\"Thanks!\", said the mouse.\n\nAs they finished breakfast, both relaxed for a bit while listening to the sounds of the morning birds chirping.\n\"I studied my master's book of spells last night while you were sleeping, and I did find the right one. It does, however, require taking you back to the spot in the forest I found you, so, if you're ready...\"\n\"Can we make it a slow walk to there? I want to enjoy this place as much as I can.\"\n\"Sure! I know a few places along the way I think you might like.\"\nWith that, the two gathered their belongings, and left Lia's cottage, enjoying the morning light through the forest canopy. Along the way, they stopped at a river, and tossed a couple stones. By lunchtime, they came across a small village, with one pub and a few houses, and had lunch in the pub.\n\nBy mid-afternoon, they came to the place Amy arrived in.\n\n\"Amy, it's been fun knowing you, and maybe you can return someday, if you like, but I must set things up so I can get you home.\"\n\"How am I going to return here?\", the mouse asked, a bit nervously.\n\"Here\"\nLia pulled from her carrying sack, which also carried her spellbook, a small, pocket-watch-like device.\n\"Part of the spell involves this. Take it with you. When you're ready to return, just open it, and hold onto what you want to carry- including your house. You will return here, and I'll see to it that it becomes your property, if you do bring everything you own. For now, though, when I tell you to open it, open it. It'll take you home. Farewell, Amy.\"\nUncharacteristically, Lia kissed Amy on the cheek. \"It is nice knowing you. I hope to see you soon.\"\n\nWith that, Lia stepped back, called on her book that floated in mid air, and opened to the page she had bookmarked for this occasion.\n\"Amy, open the portal locket now.\"\nAmy managed to open the device, just as Lia read an incantation with a tear in her eye.\n\n-- -- --\n*WHOOSH!*\nAmy returned home, and checked her watch- It was exactly 3 minutes after she had left.\n\"Well now,\" she said to herself, \"I don't feel like catching the bus after all.\"\n\n-- -- --\nLia smiled to herself, \"I'm gonna miss that odd mouse from an odd world. Hope she does decide to return, though- She was fun.\"\n\n....Which she does, but that's for another time and day.\n\n-le fin-\n",
  "writing_bbcode_parsed": "<span style='word-wrap: break-word;'>PORTALS AND FRIENDS<br />By Dennis M. Falk<br />29 June 2008<br />Based on characters belonging to D.M.Falk and Amanda da Hamster<br /><br />*WHOOSH!*<br />It was over as fast as it started- Amy, a female mouse of about 30 from 21st Century rural California, was walking down the street heading for the busstop to go shopping on a sunny june afternoon, only to find herself on her rump in a dirt road in a forest she finds herself unfamiliar with. It&#039;s not the pines, firs and redwoods she knows, and the forest light glows in a way unlike any she remembers experiencing.<br /><br />Amy gets up, brushes off as much dirt as she can (thank god it wasn&#039;t a pile of excrement, she thinks), only to have her thoughts interrupted as a slightly childlike, almost cartoonish, feminine voice speaks-<br />&quot;Oh, dear! My humblest apologies! That spell didn&#039;t quite work as I was hoping...&quot;<br />&quot;Eh?&quot;, the mouse said, as she turned to find a creature, who apparently stands a bit shorter than herself, in a maroon dress of gold trimming, with a tall witch&#039;s hat of similar cut, with a single lilac feather in its brow. The creature was a squirrel, built somewhere between the furs of her world and their wild relatives. The dress accentuated her femininity that made her attractive. Her blue eyes shined as she smiled...<br /><br />To Amy, she found the squirrel quite dreamy, and was mesmerised by the squirrel&#039;s beauty.<br /><br />&quot;Oh, I&#039;m sorry- Perhaps you can&#039;t understand what I&#039;m saying-&quot;<br />&quot;No, no-&quot;, Amy said as she snapped out of her stupor. &quot;On the contrary... It&#039;s just...&quot; She looks around... &quot;I have no idea where I am. One minute I was on a clean street in town, next thing I remember is a loud WHOOSH!, and finding myself here, wherever here is...&quot;<br /><br />Amy couldn&#039;t stop staring at the squirrel.<br /><br />The squirrel noticed, smiled and giggled a bit. &quot;I know that look, hun- I would usually expect it from the boys, so I&#039;ll just tell you this now- I have no interest in girls, such as you apparently do, if I&#039;m not mistaken.&quot;<br />&quot;Oh, I&#039;m so sorry! I didn&#039;t mean to make you uncomfortable! You ARE beautiful, and I don&#039;t know who in their right mind would not find you attractive. And yes, you&#039;re right- I am attracted to girls- I hope that doesn&#039;t offend you...&quot; Amy blushes.<br />The squirrel laughed! &quot;No, my dear, you haven&#039;t offended me, but if you do, be forewarned I am a mage of some skill-&quot;<br />&quot;Oh, no!&quot;, said the mouse, &quot;I can&#039;t do anything to anyone without their consent. I do take `no&#039; for an answer!&quot;<br />The squirrel smiled broadly, looking squarely in the mouse&#039;s bright yellow-green marble-like eyes, &quot;Ah, very good! Oh, my manners! We haven&#039;t been properly introduced! I&#039;m Lia the Squirrelmage, and you are?&quot;<br />&quot;I&#039;m Amelia Millicent di Stereo. Some call me Amy Stereo, so just call me Amy, OK? I&#039;m....just a mouse. I do lots of things, mostly involving radios or space sciences-&quot;<br />Amy&#039;s soft, airy voice was interrupted by Lia&#039;s, &quot;Radios? What is that?&quot;<br />Amy flusters, &quot;Oh, um... I&#039;m not sure I can explain it, since it&#039;s about science and technology that may not exist here, yet. Radio is a means to send voice and music over large distances to a wide number of people.&quot;<br />&quot;Ah, yes! My master once told me about such worlds- Distant times and places, where such things exist, instead of magic. Are you from such a world? My guess is you are, since your legs are built different...&quot;<br />&quot;Oh? Oh!&quot; Amy looks down, &quot;Um... I guess I am.&quot;<br /><br />The two paused for a moment in thought- Amy looked about, thinking that she could be happy living in a place like this, but she still had a home to go back to, with her music collection, her radios, her telescope, her computer....<br />Lia, however, was trying to figure out what went wrong- &quot;I&#039;ve got to figure out how to return you to your proper world, my dear- You don&#039;t really belong here.&quot;<br />Amy snapped out of her pondering- &quot;Oh? Oh, yes, yes... Home... How are you going to get me back?&quot;<br />&quot;Well,&quot; Lia said, &quot;I need to consult my books back home, and see if the mages before me knew what to do.&quot;<br />-- -- --<br />As the mouse and squirrel approached a stone cottage, tails as animated as their feet and ongoing discussion, Lia asked Amy about the bow.<br />&quot;Oh, I don&#039;t know how it got there, and it doesn&#039;t want to be removed, yet somehow it survives everything while being soft and comfortable. I&#039;ve worn it most of my life.&quot;<br />&quot;May I?&quot;, said Lia, pointing to the bow. Amy&#039;s tail swung around, and presented the large tailbow, somewhere between hot magenta and fuschia, and as soft and fuzzy as velour, to the squirrel.<br />&quot;Yes, it is soft and beautiful- It really is as durable as you say.&quot;<br />&quot;Yes.&quot;<br />&quot;Amazing! Such magic you have in your world!&quot;<br />&quot;I&#039;m not sure if it is magic, but I&#039;ve never had to maintain it, other than an occasional wiping.&quot;<br />&quot;Ah,&quot; Lia pipped, &quot;we&#039;re at my humble abode!&quot;<br />Lia opens the door, beckoning to let the mouse enter first.<br />Amy gasped! &quot;Wow! Such a comfortable home, you have! And a nice library, too! My own has alot of science fiction that I love to read-&quot;<br />Amy was interrupted by Lia, who removed her hat, revealing just how much a squirrel she is, again causing Amy to stare--<br />&quot;Amy, this is my library, yes- It&#039;s mostly spells, though, although like you, I have quite a few tales and lore I enjoy reading, too. Now, let&#039;s see... Hmmmm....&quot;<br />Lia peered over the titles, hoping one would be close to what she wanted.....<br />&quot;Ah, here it is!&quot;<br />The squirrel pulls down a large, conveniently maroon-and-gold-coloured leatherbound book that is half her size, yet she manages to handle it with ease.<br />&quot;My old master&#039;s book- I&#039;m sure something is in there!&quot;<br />Amy wondered aloud, &quot;How good a mage are you?&quot;<br />&quot;Lia raised her hand; Amy stopped for a moment.<br />&quot;I am skilled in many magical arts, but unfortunately, none too proficient in any of them.&quot;<br />&quot;I see- You&#039;re a good enough cook who can follow instructions, and learn them well enough, but not enough to be a chef.&quot;<br />Lia burst into laughter at the analogy!<br />&quot;Hahaha! I think I know what you mean, and you are right- I&#039;m not a master...`chef&#039;...of my craft, but I hope to be.&quot;<br /><br />After flipping through the book, she finds what she wants, however-<br />*yawn* &quot;It is getting late, and time for supper. Would it be a bother to return you to your world tomorrow? I promise, I can get you as close as I can to the time you left- The spell I need to cast to do so will do that for you. Is that alright?&quot;<br />Amy sighed- She herself was tired, and quite hungry- &quot;Sure, but where shall I stay? I don&#039;t even have the kind of money your world could take to pay for food and lodging- You don&#039;t take credit cards.&quot;<br />The mouse quietly chuckles at her own little joke. The squirrel laughed.<br />&quot;Please, my dear- stay here- I do have an extra room with a comfortable bed, and I&#039;ll see to it you have some food. I&#039;m not a bad cook, actually- Just as with my magic.&quot;<br />&quot;I accept your kind offer. Now- You said something about food?&quot;<br />&quot;Oh, yes- I have plenty of food, here- What would you like?&quot;<br />&quot;Some cheese, some bread, veggies- carrots, especially... Maybe a cup of veggie soup and...you don&#039;t eat meats, I presume? Oh, don&#039;t worry about that- I don&#039;t expect you to have aged wine-cured salami to go with the cheese... And I like nuts, especially cashews, pistashios and filberts-&quot;<br />Lia interrupts her, laughing! &quot;I have all that, hun, as well as eggs and milk for the morning... Hold on- Let&#039;s put the meal together, shall we?&quot;<br /><br />-- -- --<br />Lia and Amy finished the meal they prepared together- Several yellow and white cheeses, a selection of nuts, a fine wheat bread with apple butter, half a stick of salami, a few carrots and a warm vegetable broth that Amy could swear was the best-tasting she ever had! Lia used a bit of her magic to make Amy&#039;s wine into ordinary grape juice, much to the delight of Amy, who won&#039;t drink alcohol. On the whole, a fine meal. The two continued to chat through the night by the fireplace in the main room, until a clock struck midnight.<br /><br />&quot;Well, Amy- Even squirrel mages must sleep, so.... Let me show you to your room.&quot;<br />Lia took Amy to a room opposite another bedroom- Lia&#039;s- with which she opened the door, revealing a modest, yet clean bed and nice soft covers.<br />&quot;I keep this room for the occasional guest, sometimes using a spell to change it depending on the guest being male or female. As you can see, I&#039;ve provided you with a pure silk shift, which you may keep when I send you home. I hope you rest comfortably. Good night, Amy.&quot;<br />Lia almost closed the door, before remembering something-<br />&quot;Amy, please put your clothes, including your shoes, in that basket by your bed. Do not worry, as your clothes will be all clean when you awaken. Breakfast will also be whenever you awaken. I have a few books in here for you to read- Sorry i can&#039;t provide music for you, such as you&#039;re accustomed with your...radios, I believe. But you&#039;ll be home soon enough. And if you want it darker, just ask the lights to dim for you. Good night, again.&quot;<br />The squirrel giggles a bit.<br />Amy thanks Lia.<br />&quot;I&#039;d kiss you, but I know that wouldn&#039;t be appreciated, so...&quot; Amy extends her left hand... &quot;Ooops, sorry- I&#039;m left-handed- I just wanted to thank you.&quot;<br />Amy smiles shyly.<br />Lia laughs! &quot;No, don&#039;t think you have offended me one bit- I saw how you ate with your left hand. We don&#039;t penalise anyone here for being left-handed, if that&#039;s what you were thinking. So, please, my dear- You&#039;re very welcome.&quot;<br />Amy started to hug her, and stops- Only to be hugged back by the squirrel.<br />&quot;Don&#039;t worry, you&#039;ll be home soon, so go rest.&quot;<br />With that, once more, mouse and squirrel bade each other good-night.<br /><br />Amy fell asteep after reading a couple short stories in one book.<br /><br />-- -- --<br />Amy woke up at about 9 (she thinks), got dressed, and put the silk nightshirt in her purse. Her clothes did indeed feel very clean, which she was grateful.<br />&quot;Ah, I see you&#039;re awake! How do you like your eggs cooked?&quot;<br />Lia was at the stove with a pan in hand. Amy was still a bit groggy.<br />&quot;I wouldn&#039;t mind an omelette-&quot;<br />&quot;Ah, yes! I know what that is. What would you like in your omelette? I assume at the least some cheeses!&quot; Lia giggles.<br />&quot;Yes, please!&quot; Amy perks up, &quot;With some diced tomato, peppers, and some of that salami, so it doesn&#039;t go to waste!&quot;<br />Lia laughs, as she prepares the eggs into omelette shells, then adds ingredients.<br />&quot;Coming right up! Oh, and there&#039;s some cold milk in the icebox over there- Pour yourself a glass.&quot;<br />&quot;Thanks!&quot;, said the mouse.<br /><br />As they finished breakfast, both relaxed for a bit while listening to the sounds of the morning birds chirping.<br />&quot;I studied my master&#039;s book of spells last night while you were sleeping, and I did find the right one. It does, however, require taking you back to the spot in the forest I found you, so, if you&#039;re ready...&quot;<br />&quot;Can we make it a slow walk to there? I want to enjoy this place as much as I can.&quot;<br />&quot;Sure! I know a few places along the way I think you might like.&quot;<br />With that, the two gathered their belongings, and left Lia&#039;s cottage, enjoying the morning light through the forest canopy. Along the way, they stopped at a river, and tossed a couple stones. By lunchtime, they came across a small village, with one pub and a few houses, and had lunch in the pub.<br /><br />By mid-afternoon, they came to the place Amy arrived in.<br /><br />&quot;Amy, it&#039;s been fun knowing you, and maybe you can return someday, if you like, but I must set things up so I can get you home.&quot;<br />&quot;How am I going to return here?&quot;, the mouse asked, a bit nervously.<br />&quot;Here&quot;<br />Lia pulled from her carrying sack, which also carried her spellbook, a small, pocket-watch-like device.<br />&quot;Part of the spell involves this. Take it with you. When you&#039;re ready to return, just open it, and hold onto what you want to carry- including your house. You will return here, and I&#039;ll see to it that it becomes your property, if you do bring everything you own. For now, though, when I tell you to open it, open it. It&#039;ll take you home. Farewell, Amy.&quot;<br />Uncharacteristically, Lia kissed Amy on the cheek. &quot;It is nice knowing you. I hope to see you soon.&quot;<br /><br />With that, Lia stepped back, called on her book that floated in mid air, and opened to the page she had bookmarked for this occasion.<br />&quot;Amy, open the portal locket now.&quot;<br />Amy managed to open the device, just as Lia read an incantation with a tear in her eye.<br /><br />-- -- --<br />*WHOOSH!*<br />Amy returned home, and checked her watch- It was exactly 3 minutes after she had left.<br />&quot;Well now,&quot; she said to herself, &quot;I don&#039;t feel like catching the bus after all.&quot;<br /><br />-- -- --<br />Lia smiled to herself, &quot;I&#039;m gonna miss that odd mouse from an odd world. Hope she does decide to return, though- She was fun.&quot;<br /><br />....Which she does, but that&#039;s for another time and day.<br /><br />-le fin-<br /></span>",
  "pools_count": 1,
  "title": "Story: Portals & Friends",
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  "pagecount": "1",
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  "submission_type_id": "12",
  "type_name": "Writing - Document",
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