MOON FAIRIES- (C) copyright John Keenan 2013. Along the steep declining narrow dark lane, the sleek galloping horse sped, its hardened hooves pounding stone, mud and twigs into complete submission, its rider leaning forward, hugging deep brown mane, hardly holding the worn leather reins, knowing full well that the horse has traveled this path many times before and needs no guidance, on into the thick frosted forest they rode in unbridled haste chasing moon shadow fairies that dipped and darted hither and yon seemingly within reach but really always just a bit beyond, for it has been rumored for centuries that if one of them was quickly caught this would bring great fortune. On, further into the deep impenetrable woods the horse and rider barged paying no heed to nicks, scrapes and scratches from low lying branches when suddenly they broke into a semi-circular clearing where two young moon fairies were napping. Swiftly the horse stopped its headlong rush and the rider dismounted tiptoeing gingerly towards his still napping prey, what a glorious thrill it would be to capture two moon fairies in one swoop of his net. And so it was that the frightened moon fairies huddled in each others arms rueing their negligence in not keeping constant alert. They were prisoners now and no longer free to roam happily in nocturnal moonlight glow. Losing radiance with each passing day their skin began to sag and turn pale gray, their tears were now dry as stone and their hopes at ever returning home sagged hopelessly into sorrowful abyss. Seeing their plight, the captor was torn between his desire to keep them and his knowing he should free them so as to have caused no real harm. Each night he would peer into their silver guilded cage and coax them to perform a miracle of good fortune for him in exchange for immediate freedom but they steadfastly refused. It was an impasse that seemed to harbor no good end for either captive or prey. It was truly hopeless and tragic that neither could relent their stance but as things would have it, as is oftentimes the case in such matters, outside events swept the impasse away. The captors sister and young daughter were visiting for lunch in early spring and the young neice, Emily, happened to espy the guilded cage which for some reason had not been covered the night before. She opened it and took the two forlorn near dead moon fairies into the palm of her cupped hand. The first moon fairy, elated at this unexpected rescue, explained that they must be returned immediately to their forest home or they would surely die. The second moon fairy explained in her strained feeble voice that there was no time to lose and they must leave immediately. Each moon fairy told her that they would grant her one wish each and she must name her wishes before they left. The little girl thought of many things to wish for but first and foremost was her wish that the two fairies get back to their forest home and thrive again. With her saying this, they were instantly transported back to the forest clearing and warmly welcomed by myriad other moon fairies from the clan. What a wonderful girl you are the chieftan moon fairy exclaimed to put their welfare over anything in the world you yourself could wish for. He went on to say that he had authority to grant her a third wish but this power was only rarely used as it was reserved for heroes alone. The little girl replied that she was no hero and would forego making a request because of this but if there was anything else short of it, maybe the moon faiiries could help her learn her ballet lessons as this was becoming increasingly hard and painful to learn. From the clan gathering emerged a beautiful heiress queen, dazzling moonlight sparkling in her eyes, I will always help you with this she declared. And so Emily found that she could dance as never before with a natural grace and instinct that was felinic in its power and ease. At performances, the moon fairy clan would gather around Emily, having donned their invisible skin, and would lift her spirits and strength, telling her that she was beautiful and wonderful and should just hear and feel the music in her feet, hands, head and heart. Emily soon became the most famous dancer of her generation but people thought it was strange that sometimes it seemed as though she were whispering to someone not really there. Emily would laugh at the inquiries this wrought, smiling simply and saying in reply, I was talking with my moon fairy friends, dont you know. On her retirement, the moon fairy clan threw a big party for Emily in their forest lair, at the end fo the celebrating, the chieftan again drew near, declaring that Emily was now truly a hero and could be granted that exceptional once in a life time wish. Emily paused for a second and then smiled a smile brighter and bigger than the rainbows that criss-crossed the sky at that very moment. What I wish for, then, she said, is that you help other ballerinas just as you have helped me. Each moon fairy gave his/her silent pledge that they would always be at every young ballerinas side, letting her know that she has the inner strength to realize her wildest dreams, of dancing her soul and heart and passion to greater heights no matter how seemingly hard at any particular moment. And so it is to this very day.
Posted on: Sat, 23 Nov 2013 09:00:02 +0000
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