Fairy Tale by Christina E. Rundle & N. McKnight

Author:Christina E. Rundle & N. McKnight [Rundle, Christina E.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2014-01-29T23:00:00+00:00

EIGHT

Linden woke with a start at the flutter of wings. She opened her own wings and peered out to see crowds of autumn fairies accumulating in her tree, pressing together as they were pushed from the North to the edge of the forest.

She shook off the last traces of sleep and approached the four fairies gathered on a branch near her nook. “What is the reason for so much restlessness?” she asked.

A sister turned to look at her. “Have you been sleeping? The Winter Court is almost here and the fairies preceding her have been laying out a snow carpet for her. They have been taking over the forest!”

“No, it’s too early!” Linden cried as she darted from side to side in fear.

Though some fairies were disgruntled that they needed to move again so soon, the majority were not upset over the matter. The sister Linden shook her head, “You know the Queen comes when she pleases, be it a little late or a little early. She arrives exactly as she planned. You wouldn’t be the slightest bit upset if you hadn’t become so fond of the little human.”

Linden’s heart quickened and she gazed at her sister with a shameful expression. She hated to be admonished for her concern and she hated to be chided for actions she had done with such generosity and care. Before she could say anything, the red and gold King and Queen made their presence known to the court by calling out to the fairies.

“Brothers and sisters” said the King, “Sons and daughters” said the Queen.

The King continued his speech, “Winter is upon us.” His hands elegantly swept to the side, drawing the eyes of the fairies to see the forest.

Grey clouds trekked across the sky, muting the red shades the sun bestowed onto the leaves, making the colors placid and quiet and grey. A gust of cold air gathered up fallen leaves in a swirling circle and swept them aside into the dry branches of a bush. The quaff of air presented the rich scent of wet leaves and dirt. Winter would turn that smell into a fresh, frozen, scentless air.

“We have done well this season. We helped all the squirrels to gather their acorns and seeds, and we helped all the birds and bears repair their nooks and caves from the damages last winter. Our forest is ready for us to take our leave and it will be as beautiful and as full of life next year as we find it every year. So with happiness and anticipation, we will gather our belongings and make for better climates.”

The fairies immediately scattered to get their things and take flight away from the creeping grey clouds, but Linden remained in place. She watched the flurry of color that spun around the tree until it dissipated enough for her to approach the royal King and Queen.

“Please, don’t send us all on our way yet. We can manage a few more days until the winter fairies own the forest.

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