It was a rare summer indeed, for the Fae families of the enchanted forest. The harvest was abundant, cellars full and over flowing. Wheat was stored for grinding in the months ahead. Timber - a plenty for warmth, and building - was split, smoothed and stacked away. Vegetables, and fruits, both canned and fresh stored in the cellars. Valenia's grandma Zola, and mother Delina, had the gift of healing. Herbal medicine was also stored if needed for illness and birthing. They attended all Fae births in their village, blessing mothers and all wee younglings. Legends tell of Fae birth rites, a magical joy, an innate goodness passed from generation to generation.
Hardy laughter echoed through the trees. Good cheer abounded with much hustle and bustle as they prepared for the coming winter festival. This was to be the largest, most celebrated in the realm.
Valenia, their own fair maid was now promised to Prince Nyklus. They would celebrate their wedding rites during the height of the gathering. The Fae people held a winter solstice festival each year. King Augus, and Queen Nera joined them every fifth year. This year was an exception with their son's wedding, they would come two years in a row. A festival castle was built over the summer for their visits. The people were proud of the workmanship built with both stone and wood. They also built a huge portico near the entrance for all the celebrations.
This was where the wedding rites would be held, at the edge of the meadow with the castle up on a knoll. Incense cedar, spruce, and many other varieties of pine surround this meadow and glen. Year round, severe weather skirts the Fae forest making ideal conditions. They enjoy the changing four seasons in all their beauty with ideal temperatures. Winter was especially exquisite in beauty, with crystal frost forming a light coating on everything until the glen sparkled like diamonds. Snow fell, yet never more than an inch or two. The entire village resembled a wonderland. Certain varieties of flowers thrived, Pansies, Chrysanthemums, and the sacred miniature white orchids. With a light sprinkling of magic, and shelter from trees, to break the wind blooms were huge!
Earlier in the summer, when Valenia and Nyklus were out walking they heard the sound of hoof beats. A herd of unicorns came running toward them. Even at a distance Val could tell that Leap, [short for Leopold] her beloved childhood friend was in the lead. They stopped short of them near a grove of conifers to graze on grass. Val's heart was pounding as she told Nyklus she had not seen him since he left last spring. Just then he left the others coming toward her. Following behind him were his mate, a small female and their little foal. The baby reminded her of Leap when he was young. Leopold put his nose in her hand, she gave him a few pine nuts, [her favorite snack] he knew she kept them in her pocket. He nudged her in fondness and recognition. Valenia was so happy to see him and his family. The herd stayed near the meadow for a few days where she visited often with Nyklus watching in fascination. Valenia was content to know he was happy with the herd and his own family.
This time of growing love between Val and Nyklus was precious. Two lives growing into one toward their joining. They had spent time in both the glen, and at the main castle to learn more of their new lives together, so much to learn. There was time to listen to each other, and for their friends. Then, there were times of silence, when quietness was the beauty of their language. No words were needed, love filled the spaces. Feeling went beyond what words could express.
Dak, Valenia's brother, and wife Cynan had adopted a puppy from friends. Animals ran free and enjoyed life with the Fae. Trina, another friend had given Valenia and Nyklus a kitten. This growing kitten traveled back and forth with them as they were both fond of her. She was calico, and they named her Bits, most often calling her 'little Bits.' They had another pet, Nyklus gave Val a horse as an engagement gift. She'd never ridden and enjoyed having Nyk teach her to ride. No less did he enjoy teaching her, she was a natural. He chose a young sturdy mare from the castle stable. She was both gentle and beautiful with a gold coat, and white mane and tail. Her name was 'Neea'ba' which means swift beauty in the ancient Fae tongue. |
