The Bar K ranch with Butterbeans

The butterflies are in the middle of the room. Furthermore, it was unexpected to see them there. Butterbeans gives the slightest yip as they enter the cabin. Alex stares at the butterfly display curiously.

Furthermore, he is surprised at the reaction he sees in Butterbeans. Though they have just arrived, he can see something significant is happening for her. He watches as she explores the room. She intently samples every scent. Next, she cautiously approaches the butterfly display.

The Bar K ranch with Butterbeans

Butterbeans is satisfied that all is okay. She returns to Alex to signal that all is well. Additionally, she now knows no other intruders are present. Furthermore the only scent, other than theirs, is of the one who brought the display of butterflies. It is not unpleasant. Indeed, she is almost certain she knows the owner of the scent.

With this in mind Butterbeans decides to search around and see if the scent appears anywhere else in the cabin. She is extremely curious now. Likewise she feels affection toward the butterflies in the display. They cause her to feel inspired and she thinks of spring and warm sunshine. Now she has found another trace of the scent.

Their visitor, had been all around the cabin. Butterbeans can’t help but wonder why. Furthermore where was she now? Why not stay and greet them. This puzzle is keeping Butterbeans preoccupied, as she explores the rest of the cabin. There are additional scents. Some of them are strange. However, all of them link to their mysterious visitor.

The ranch

Alex watches Butterbeans explore as he puts away their supplies. He is glad to see her excited and happy. Their ordeal in level 113 had left them both feeling drained and in need of this respite. Therefore it was a good feeling, to see her engrossed in something, that obviously interested her.

He looks back at the Butterfly display. Odd that it would show up here. Obviously someone was sending a message. But who? And Why? Furthermore, he is positive Butterbeans is already leagues ahead in the information department. Not for the first time, he wishes he could speak in her language.

As he finishes putting away the last of their things he double checks their back up supplies. The remote location of this cabin will give them more than a few chances for long duration hikes. There are many features of the surrounding hills Alex hopes they will have the time to explore. In fact he is planning the first of these when a knock at the door changes everything.

A knock at the door

Alex crosses the floor and opens the front door of the cabin. Butterbeans is right beside him as they gaze upon the empty front porch. Butterbeans scampers out onto the porch and investigates further. Alex looks all around and finds no one. However, he feels certain he heard a knock at the door.

As he turns to go back in, he sees the folded piece of paper attached to the door frame. He pulls it free and opens it while Butterbeans watches. Alex reads the message, and once again looks around. There is no one in sight.

The message reads: Howdy neighbor, this is an invitation to the Bar K ranch for a welcome party. All family members are welcome to attend. Especially the furry ones. Hope to see you there;

Sincerely, Emily Kate (owner of the Bar K)

Alex looks at Butterbeans and asks a question he already knows the answer to.

“What do you say pup, want to go?”

Butterbeans wags her tail energetically, and yips in excitement. It was settled then. They had their first adventure.

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