Jack looked out the window. Awe filled his face. “It’s glowing again!” he exclaimed. Patrick rubbed the goosebumps on his arms, vigorously. He stared at the lights, shining from the woods.
“The lights are still a great mystery,” Jack said, softly.
‘Never go near it,’ the villagers would warn. ‘It cannot mean anything good,’ another would say. No-one ever dared to venture closer. The villagers were prone to exaggeration. It created an unimaginable fear of the unknown.
“Let’s go!” said Patrick. He grabbed his torch and backpack and moved towards the door. “It hasn’t shone like this in a long time. Something big must be going on!”

“We’re here. We’ve made it,” whispered Jack as they reached the middle of the woods. The buzz was tangible. Woodland creatures came from near and far.
“What’s going on?” Jack asked a young gnome.
“A visitor arrived. No-one knows who he is or where he is from.” He pointed to the lonely-looking stranger. “The elders called a meeting. The ancient tree will cast a verdict on whether he may stay, or not,” he said.
Last summer Jack and Patrick’s fate was being decided on by the ancient tree. They had found an injured animal. Many creatures thought they were guilty of causing such harm. A meeting was called. The tree confirmed their innocence. They were accepted as friends of the forest.

Radiant colours emanated from the centre of the tree’s trunk, spinning in spirals around the magnificent tree. Colour spread through its branches, reflected from its silky leafs.
“Shhhh…!” said the Queen in a calm voice. “The tree is ready to cast a verdict.”
A hushed silence filled the forest.
In quiet anticipation, everyone stared at the tree.
A leaf dropped. It was carried on a gentle breeze and landed in the silver pond. The decision was final. “He may stay!” announced the Queen.
The visitor accepted the decision with a relieved nod.
An explosion of cheering filled the forest. The woodland creatures unanimously applauded the decision. Humming and the clapping of a rhythmic beat filled the forest.
The celebrations had begun!

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Carrie OLeary
Carrie OLeary(@carrie-oleary)
1 year ago

This has a nice mystical feel to it Marianna. Trees always know best! Well done.

Greene M Wills
Greene M Wills(@greene-m-wills)
1 year ago

A wonderful fairy tale, Marianna! Humans and mythical creatures mixing and becoming friends under the ancient tree of truth, reality and unreality overlapping and becoming one. Your story fullfills so many wishes.

Lotchie Carmelo
Lotchie Carmelo(@lotchie-carmelo)
1 year ago

I enjoyed it so much. This story is very mysterious, Marianna. And I love how you bring this to us. The friendship of man and other kinds of creatures in the forest brings joy and peace to the heart and mind of the reader. It is so relaxing yet entertaining. Good job.

Lotchie Carmelo
Lotchie Carmelo(@lotchie-carmelo)
Reply to  Marianna Pieterse
1 year ago

You’re welcome, Marianna. Yes, let’s hope for that.

Genya Johnson
Genya Johnson(@genya-johnson)
1 year ago

I love fairytales and mythological creatures. The power of nature, the tree being the decider of who stays and who leaves. Well written.

Sandra James
Sandra James(@sandra-james)
1 year ago

A lovely story, Marianna. I felt like I was transported back to all my childhood adventures, discovering something mystical and special, and of course, adults and villagers never understood 🙂 I wondered, are the tree and Queen, personifications of Mother Nature? This grown-up wishes she could join Patrick and Jack. Well done  ? 

Linda Rock
Linda Rock(@linda-rock)
1 year ago

Congratulations on coming 3rd in the public vote Marianna, a lovely story.

Thompson Emate
Thompson Emate(@thompson-emate)
1 year ago

Congratulations Marianna on your win. A lovely story.

Fuji
Fuji(@fuji)
1 year ago

Marianna, your story is a joy to read and read again. The picture you chose is magnificent and gives us an idea of the true glory of this ancient tree. Congratulations on being selected third in public voting. A well-deserved win.

Lotchie Carmelo
Lotchie Carmelo(@lotchie-carmelo)
1 year ago

Congratulations on your win, Marianna.

Lotchie Carmelo
Lotchie Carmelo(@lotchie-carmelo)
Reply to  Marianna Pieterse
1 year ago

You’re welcome, Marianna.

Greene M Wills
Greene M Wills(@greene-m-wills)
1 year ago

Congratulations Marianna! I am so pleased for you! Truly well done!

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