It was a lovely day, indeed, in the Forest of Lang. Sweet birds were chirping and the sun was peeping through the tapestry of branches that formed a canopy of shade throughout the woodland. Squirrels and chipmunks were having a fierce game of Nut Ball and the competition…well, let’s say in that area of the forest, one could only hear squeaks and that funny little clicking they make. It seems that the squirrels were pretty upset because instead of kicking the nuts on the field they made, the chipmunks were stuffing them into their cheeks just as fast as they could! Hummingbirds were flitting back and forth, gathering nectar from the flowers and then flying back through the forest, spreading the progress of this most funny game! All in all, it was a fine afternoon in the forest.
The fairies were busy with their own preparations for a celebration. Deep into the woods, when the fairies live, all fairies of the Forest of Lang had gathered. The very young fairies were in leafy enclosed areas on the ground, while the teenage and young adult fairies, were perched in trees – in groups. Some groups were sewing wee little clothes, some were weaving dandelion and nettle cloth and the elder fairies, in their homes under the ferns, were creating jewelry made of crystals; special crystals that only exist in fairy caves. Lace from the webs of spiders was being crocheted also. The only sounds heard were those of sewing, weaving, clicking crochet needles and stringing, along with the happy squeals of the young ones.
What was this celebration? Well, gather closely and I’ll tell you. However, I have to go back in time just a little bit. About seven years ago, (Ha! Remember, time is not that important to fairies…so I’m not exactly sure how long ago), the Elder Fairies of the Forest of Lang were hearing rumors that the village folk who lived in the Glen of Lang were saddened by the illnesses of their farm animals and their cats and dogs. The village people not only depended upon their farm animals, but they loved them as much as they loved their pets. They just did not know what to do because there was not a doctor for 200 miles who knew how to take care of animals. It was a very sad situation. The oldest of the Elder Fairies, upon pondering this most dreadful news, called a meeting of the fairies – both young and old. She explained the situation to them and asked if any among them would be willing to change the path they were currently on to become caretakers of the animals owned by the villagers. She knew that this would be most unusual, as fairies – for centuries – had as little to do with humans as possible. However, this Elder Fairy was so wise and loving, that her love extended naturally to animals. In her mind, regardless of where animals are: in the woods or on a farm, they deserve love and care. All the fairies looked at one another with surprise and wide eyes. “Pardon, most honorable Elder Fairy, isn’t this most irregular and strange?” asked Bumble Briar, a middle-aged fairy who always held to the rules and legends. The Elder Fairy looked at him and said nothing for a few moments. Then, she spoke, “Bumble Briar, do you remember when a mad hawk attacked you and damaged your left wing 600 years ago? I believe you were flying dangerously close to the edge of the forest. The attack caused you to hurdle toward the Earth so fast you landed on your other wing and broke it.” “Oh,” Bumble Briar muttered, “Yes, I do.” “Well, my dear, who brought you to us for help?” “A boy”, he said. “Yes, a boy. THAT boy’s great-great-great-great and a few most greats grandson is a farmer in the village and needs our help. We must help them. Do you understand now?” “Yes,” as Bumble Briar bowed to the Elder, “I do. Sorry.” “No need to be sorry, but there is a need to continue”, said the Elder Fairy. “Are there any of you willing to help the villagers and their animals?” Once again, everyone looked at everyone one else and said nothing. Silence. More silence.
There was a small rustle from the meadow behind the gathering of the fairies. Slowly, the group parted as two young fairies approached toward the Elder Fairy. There was a girl and a boy – young adult fairies. He was taller than her and they were holding hands. The Elder Fairy looked at them…everything was quiet. The couple knelt before her and stayed until she gave them leave to arise. Smiling kindly, she said, “Hmmmm. You are a lovely couple, but I don’t think you have been united. (This means marriage, although there really is not the form of marriage we think of as humans. It is more of a celebration and ritual where the fairies gather in a circle around the couple and a magnificent tree. There the couple says vows that they wish to unite with nature). “No, dear Elder Fairy, we have not…yet. But we plan to in the very near future”, the young male fairy replied. “Yes,” said the girl fairy. “We have been working with the animals in the forest. We both really love animals and those here in our forest are so dear to us. And, she looked downward, “We really haven’t known each very long. We spend all of our time with the animals.” The boy fairy spoke again. “We love animals and it would be an honor to look after and care for the animals of the village.” The Elder Fairy took them into her arms and whispered, “Well I think it’s time you are united.”
So it began. This glorious tale of two young fairies that loved one another and loved animals. They were such a comely pair: he had light hair and eyes, while she had very dark brown hair with dark eyes that matched. OH! I forgot to tell you their names! Silly me! She was Moon Fall and he was Star Gazer. Isn’t it nice that both of their names had something to do with the heavens above?
Anyway, it was decided by the Elder Fairy and her council that Moon Fall and Star Gazer would be the caretakers of the animals in the village. They also decided that before they could embark upon this important mission, their union must be sealed. I didn’t tell you before that when the union is sealed at the union ritual…remember the tree in the circle with the couple? Once the two fairies are spiritually and magically united, this special tree delivers to them a baby fairy! Yes! It is true!
And so…
Fairies of The Earth 