Mirellda and the Woodland Tribes
“If you’re looking for magic, find a forest.”
That’s what Mimi’s grandmother always used to say. Mimi was always curious, always finding adventure and always looking for magic. One day, Mimi and her parents decided to go for a picnic with grandma. Mimi loved picnics. The colourful plates and cups, the warm pastries and sweet cakes, the fresh orange juice. More than that, what made Mimi whirl with energy, was the old forest near the picnic field. Mimi’s mum had told her the forest was very, very old.
“How old?” asked Mimi, again and again.
“More than 200 years old!” replied her mum.
“200! How old is that?” Mimi was 5, 5 was old. Old enough to walk without holding dad’s hand, old enough to go to school and dad was 30 years - definitely old. But 200 old? That was maybe as old as grandma!
Mimi loved grandma. She told the best stories, about magic and adventure, about creatures that lived in forests - brave and strong, small and colourful. But Mimi’s favourite part of grandma’s stories were the magical cloaks: beautiful garments with mysterious superpowers that came from the heart of the forest. She was actually wearing one right now -a pink and purple swirl of sparkling stars- as they set off to meet grandma.
She knew exactly what story she’d ask grandma to tell today. The story of where the magical cloaks came from. The story of Mirellda and the woodland realms.
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Once upon a time, in a beautiful and ancient forest, there were three woodland tribes. The sprites, small mischievous creatures that you could almost see, but would turn into small gusts of wind if they caught you looking at them. The Moon Fairies, that came out at night and giggled and sang as they flew through the twilight and the tribe of men. Woodland workers and farmers that lived in harmony with the forest around them.
One of these farmers had a little girl, Mirellda. Mirellda loved to walk through the village, picking flowers, running with the wind in her hair and lying in the green fields all around the wooden houses, watching the chimney smoke race up towards the great blue sky, twirling this way and that. Mirellda loved to twirl, any time mother made her wear a dress, Mirellda would twirl and twirl until she fell over laughing.
One day, Mirellda was lying in the fields, watching the smoke play in the midday sun, when she heard giggling behind her. She turned over on her belly and through the blades of grass she could see two sprites, one blue and one silver, zipping around a third, green sprite, who was trying to catch them. She watched in silence as the sprites ran round and round, kicking up dirt and pollen as they went. Suddenly, Mirellda sneezed loudly - the dust had gotten in her nose. The sprites froze. The laughing stopped and all three sprites stared at Mirellda with big silver eyes before spinning around so fast you couldn’t see them anymore, small whirlwinds disappearing into the forest - leaves fluttering behind where they’d been moments ago. Mirellda was a good runner though, everyone said so, and before she knew it, she was running at full speed into the forest behind them.
“Wait! Come back!” she shouted, but she could see the small whirlwinds flying deeper and deeper into the woods. She kept running and soon found herself standing under a big oak tree, so tall that no matter how hard she squinted, she couldn’t see the top. Round and round the tree she walked, trying to see where the sprites had gone, when suddenly she was falling, tumbling down a hole.
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When she opened her eyes, Mirellda could see she was in a wide tunnel, the roots of the oak tree peeking out of the dirt walls. Further down the tunnel, she could see the glow of light and hear loud whispering.
“We only just escaped!”
“No, I don’t think she saw us.”
“Well how were we to know a human would notice us!”
Mirellda held her breath for fear of making noise. She was sure these were the sprites she’d seen before. As she crept closer and peered around the corner, her eyes grew wide - Moon Fairies! Fluttering butterfly wings that seemed to change colour from gold to silver to blue and back to gold, were gathered around a table, their voices soft and musical as they appeared to question the sprites. Suddenly, one of the Moon Fairies gasped loudly and pointed at Mirellda
“She’s here!” In the blink of an eye, rainbow coloured wings were flying around the room making Mirellda dizzy.
“Stop!” she cried, “Please stop, I won’t hurt you, I’m lost and I don’t know where I am, please stop!” Gently, like a rush of wind gradually getting weaker, the Moon Fairies floated back to their chairs, keeping their glittering eyes fixed on Mirellda.
“Why are you here?” demanded one Moon Fairy, her wings were a dark red then.
“I was following those three” she pointed at the three playful sprites, “and then next thing I know I’m falling down into a dirty tunnel!”
“Well you should watch where you’re going when you’re running.” That was true, mother did always say Mirellda should watch where she ran and slow down.
“I will, I’m sorry. But can you tell me why you’re here, underground? I thought Moon Fairies loved to fly at night, when the moon is highest.”
“You’re not wrong little girl.”
“I’m not little, I’m 6 years old! And my name is Mirellda.” Mirellda knew it was important to be polite, but she wasn’t going to let anyone call her little.
“My apologies, Mirellda, you’re not wrong - sprites love to run and play in the woods and we love to fly in the night sky, but we can’t do that right now - we have an emergency.”
“An emergency?! What emergency” Asked Mirellda curiously.
“A beast stalks these woods. More specifically, a beast rests under the Moonwell.” Mirellda looked confused.
“What’s a Moonwell?”
“Not A Moonwell, THE Moonwell - the beating heart of the forest, where Moon Fairies and sprites get their magic.” The Moon Fairy she’d been speaking to looked sad. “Ever since the beast arrived, we haven’t been able to get close and we need to without it we’ll lose our magic.”
“I can help.” Mirellda didn’t hesitate. “No one should lose their home, I won’t allow it. I will help you with this beast.” The Moon Fairies and Sprites were shocked - such bravery in the face of danger. “Tell me where to find the Moonwell and I will go and talk to this beast.” Mirellda continued. The Moon Fairies and Sprites looked at one another and without speaking, nodded their heads - as if they’d come to an agreement.
“It has been a long time since the tribes of Moon Fairies, Sprites and Men worked together. Your courage is humbling. We gratefully accept your help.” The Moon Fairies walked over to a corner of the grand earthy hall, where a great wooden chest with golden hinges rested against the wall. With considerable effort, the Moon Fairies opened the chest. Mirellda couldn't see what was inside, but bright colourful lights filled the room, fading from white to blue to gold to red, an endless stream of colours. Gently, two sprites reached into the chest and drew out two beautiful cloaks.
The first thing Mirellda noticed was the sweet scent of summer in the air. Slowly, as the sprites began to lift the first cloak, Mirellda began to see what looked like soft layers of sparkling pink crystal silk, dotted here and there with silver stars that dazzled as they caught the light. The second cloak seemed spun from a white cloud, a feeling of warmth and softness emanated from it. As it unfurled, Mirellda gasped as thousands of daisies twirled across the cloud-like fabric.
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Stunned silence followed as Mirellda looked on in awe at the two cloaks before her. The sprites had taken two steps back leaving the capes floating some distance from the ground, as if hanging on an invisible mannequin and slowly, the crowd of Moon Fairies and Sprites parted, allowing a particularly beautiful and taller Moon Fairy through.
“I am Alba, High Queen of the Moon Fairies. Thank you for offering to help us. Now, let us help you. I present you with the Scattered Moon and Twirling Daisy cloaks,” she spoke in a clear voice. “I am sure you have guessed, but these are no ordinary cloaks, Mirellda. These were handcrafted by me and 12 of my sisters on a clear summer night, under the stars and within the waters of the Moonwell itself. Each cloak possesses magical powers, gifted by the forest and its tribes. The Twirling Daisy cloak is imbued with the spirit of Spring. The wearer will never run out of energy and be able to dance and run and sing forever, should they wish too. The Scattered Moon cloak was spun by Moon Fairies on a clear, starry night. When wearing it, you will never have to fear darkness again as each star on this cloak is infused with the brightest rays of moonlight, giving the wearer the power to see perfectly even in the darkest night. We make a gift of these cloaks to you in the hope that they will aid you in your quest to save the magic of the forest.”
Mirellda stared in wonder as with a flick of her wrists, the High Queen sent the two cloaks slowly gliding towards her, the hems fluttering gently, the fresh smell of spring rains and summer sun filling the cave.
“I will not fail you, tribes of the forest.” Mirellda slowly reached up and meant to pluck the Twirling Daisy cloak out of the air, but as she drew near, it swirled around her and gently landed on her shoulders. She could feel the energy flowing back into her tired legs. The bruise from falling and soreness from all the running evaporated, replaced with an itch to leap and dance.
“Point me towards the Moonwell, and I will set off at once! I promised mother I’d be back home before dinner and if I’m late she’ll not let me out to play for a week.” Beasts and Moonwells were all fine and good but Mirellda wasn’t going to risk her mother’s wrath.
“Follow the trail back towards the hole you tumbled down, with the Twirling Daisy cloak you’ll be able to jump back out. Then look around for the large raspberry bush. Follow that direction in a straight line through the forest and after some time you should find a Pinewood grove. In the centre, a circle of rocks will mark the Moonwell.”
“One more thing Mirellda” the musical tones of Alba’s voice echoed in the chamber. “Magical capes are, well, magical. They will appear when you call for them and disappear when you don’t need them anymore - just say “Twirling Daisy” or “Scattered Moon Cloak” and the cape you call will appear and place itself on your shoulders.
“How wonderful!” replied Mirellda. “Don’t worry High Queen Alba, I will handle this beast and return the Moonwell to you”. With a nod of her head and a determined look, Mirellda spun on her heels and set off in the direction she’d come, towards the hole she had fallen through.
“Be careful Mirellda.” The High Queen's voice became grave “the beast lurks in the clearing.”
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As Mirellda looked up, she could see that the sun had begun to set, the bright sunlight that marked the day so far had passed, replaced by the warm golden light that marks the end of the day. She bent her knees and with a mighty push, leaped upwards, the energy of the Daisy Cloak pushing her up further and further. She landed gently just at the edge of the hole and looked back down from where she’d come.
“Wow! That hole is more than four of me deep!” She began to look around herself, seeking the raspberry bush the High Queen had mentioned and spotted it a few meters towards the right of the clearing she stood in. As she left the tall oak tree behind she could still feel the endless energy of the daisy cloak buzzing through her.
“Let’s see how fast I can run now!” Yelped Mirellda, as she set off, lighting fast past the raspberry bush and deeper into the forest. Had anyone been watching, they would’ve seen a whirlwind of daisies, blowing leaves and branches aside, for such was the power of her cloak.
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It was almost an hour later by the time Mirellda reached the pine wood clearing. She could smell the sweet scent of pine long before she arrived. As she peaked out amongst the trees squinting, she tried to make out which direction to go to find the Moonwell but the night sky had begun to settle in, making it hard for her to do so. Mirellda grinned to herself, she had a solution. Quietly she whispered “Scattered Moon Cloak, I need you”. As the last word left her mouth, The Daisy Cloak began to fade, and the silkywhitness was replaced by a warm and sparkling pink material. Almost immediately, the night around her began to fade - to her eyes the forest changed from night to dawn and finally to mid-day sun.
“That’s better” she said to herself as she began to walk towards what she could now clearly see, a cluster of mossy rocks with crystal clear water in the middle and a wooden frame that looked like a doorway in the middle of the rocky pool. But her new found eyesight did more than just show her the Moonwell. Curled at the base of it lay the biggest beast she’d ever seen - even bigger than Father’s farm horse Frank. As the beast slept, its belly rose up and down in even breaths, its long brown grey fur making it impossible for Mirellda to see much more.
Mirellda crept closer, and as she did so, the beast began to stir. Slowly it uncurled and began to stand on all fours, sniffing the air. A low growl coming from its throat. Mirellda could finally see the full form of the beast ahead. It was the biggest wolf she’d ever seen. Powerful legs supporting a strong body with a bushy tail and sharp snout. Mirellda also noticed something else. The beast was limping. Its front right paw was held slightly off the ground and, thanks to the Scattered Moon cloak, she could see quite clearly a painful looking thorn stuck deep.
Now it's important to remember that Mirellda was no ordinary girl. She belonged to the tribe of Men, who had long lived in these woods. Many lessons were passed on from the older and wiser members of the tribe, including how to deal with the wolves of the forest - a proud and noble race of wolves that had stalked the forests from the beginning. Mirellda therefore knew that this wolf would not attack unless it felt threatened. But Mirellda was also a kind soul. She could put herself in the shoes of those in front of her and thus she could understand how they felt.
Looking at the hurt wolf Mirellda understood the terrible pain it must be in. She herself had many times pricked herself on mothers roses and knew that at times they could bury themselves deep. Her parents had often had to pull thorns out of her clothes and even her hand, lecturing her about the importance of paying attention to her surroundings. It was because of this that Mirellda understood what she had to do.
“Daisy cloak, lend me your speed” she spoke softly as she began to run, in an instant the darkness around her returned but with it came the speed and agility of the Daisy cape. As Mirellda ran forward, the wolf turned to face her. Surprise and fear was on its face, but before it could so much as howl, Mirellda had run and slid underneath its uplifted paw and in one swift motion, had pulled out the thorn from the wolfs paw - small compared to the wolf but as big as fathers hands to Mirellda.
She continued running until she was a safe distance away before stopping and turning. She half expected the wolf to be right behind her, snapping its mighty jaws. Instead, Mirellda was surprised to see that the wolf had sat down on its back legs, and was looking curiously at its paw, flexing its claws and trying its weight when placed on the ground. Slowly, the wolf tilted its head backwards and howled to the moon. Not a scary howl, but a deep relieved howl that continued to echo through the forest even as the wolf turned once more to look at Mirellda with its deep dark intelligent eyes.
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In that look that the wolf had given her, Mirellda knew that it was safe for her to walk towards it. Gently, she brushed her hand over the wolf's paw and then indicated towards the Moonwell.
“The High Queen told me that the Moonwell is the beating heart of the forest with magical properties, place your paw in the pool - it should heal it.”
The wolf paused for a moment, clocking its head to the right before nodding and placing its giant paw into the Moonwell. The water rippled and splashed and began to glow silver in the moonlit night. Suddenly, motes of light began to rise from the water, slowly at first but with increasing speed, flowing around the wolf's paw. The light grew brighter as the motes went from single balls of light to one large flash and then everything was still. The wolf looked at its paw with alarm almost as if it wanted nothing to do with its own foot!
“Don’t worry silly," said Mirellda, "try putting your weight on it.” The wolf followed Mirellda’s advice, and placed its paw on the floor. A yelp of joy escaped its mouth as it bounced up and down, howling and yelping with happiness. Before Mirellda could move, the wolf's tongue was scraping her cheek. Wet and stinky, the wolf's hot breath washed over her.
“Haha, stop it! I’m glad it feels better - you’ve had the whole forest in quite a fright!” The wolf whined, a look of sadness on its face.
“I know you didn’t mean to scare anyone, but you’re so big and strong! And the Moon Fairies and Sprites are very small. Oh, um, don’t tell them I said that!” It was only then that Mirellda realised just how dark it had gotten. If it weren't for the Moonwell reflecting the full moon light, she’d have been in complete darkness.
“Oh dear," said Mirellda. “It’s after dark, and my parents will be expecting me. They’ll be so worried and angry. Really angry.”
“Hey I have an idea! Mr. oh, erm, I’m going to call you Mr. Wolf, I hope that’s OK” The wolf inclined its head.
“Mr Wolf, would you be willing to give me a lift back to the Great Oak Tree? I need to tell the High Queen Alba that everything is alright, that she can come back now.” The Wolf looked her in the eye as it lowered its front legs, gently nudging Mirellda towards his shoulder. Mirellda climbed on and when she was comfortably seated behind the wolf's head, he stood upright and with a powerful leap, sailed through the air and into the Pine Forest. If Mirellda had felt like she was going fast before, running with the Daisy Cloak, this was even faster. The forest was a tapestry of dark green as they rode through the night faster than the wind. Before she had even begun to wonder where they were, the wolf began to slow and Mirellda found herself beneath the Great Oak Tree once more.
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“High Queen Alba, Moon Fairies, Sprites, come out! It’s safe now! There was no scary beast, only a hurt wolf - a friend!” In the darkness she could just make out small shapes emerging slowly from the hole under the Great Oak Tree. Lanterns began to appear, yellow lights bobbing up and down with the rhythm of beating butterfly wings. One of the shapes moved forward before the rest and Mirellda quickly saw that it was Alba herself - her wings changing from dark purple to silver to a black that was somehow darker than the surrounding night - it was beautiful.
“Twice in one day you surprise us Mirellda. First with your courage and now, returning triumphantly atop the beast.”
“Mr. Wolf, not beast,” replied Mirellda. “Mr. Wolf is sorry for the chaos caused. He had hurt his paw and was looking for help when he stumbled upon the Moonwell. It seemed like a peaceful place to rest and so he remained there. He had no idea that his presence would scare everyone away.”
The High Queen laughed, a musical giggle that brought a smile to Mirellda’s face. “Mr Wolf indeed! Is that what he said his name was?”
“Well, it's not exactly like I could speak with him, is it?” replied Mirellda, a little embarrassed. Mr Wolf seemed a fine name to her.
“That can be remedied. Mirellda, call upon the Whisper of the Forest.”
“The Whisper of the Forest? What’s that?” No sooner had she said the words that her Daisy Cloak disappeared, replaced instead by the faint sweet scent of pine in the air. Slowly, as she looked around at her shoulders, Mirellda began to see what looked like soft layers of sparkling crystal silk, dotted here and there with stars that dazzled as they caught the light. The green oak leaves that delicately framed the hood and wound around each other all the way down the hem seemed alive and fresh.
“Try asking him again,” said Alba with a knowing smile.
“What do you mean asking him again? I don’t understand.”
“My name is Fenrir, little Mirellda and I bring important news from the lands to the East.” Mirellda looked around in bewilderment
“No way! Are you telling me that the Whispers of the Forest cloak lets me understand wolves?!”
“Not just wolves, Mirellda, all creatures of any forest” replied Alba. “Great Fenrir, what news from the East? My Sister Illanor is High Queen of the Winter realm,” continued the High Queen, without giving Mirellda the chance to ask more questions.
“Then I fear I will bring grave news indeed.” Fenrir replied in his deep thunderous voice that shook Mirellda as he spoke.
“We do not know what has happened, but hundreds of Moon Fairies have left the Winter realm and are seeking refuge within the Palace of Autumn Eternal on the border with these lands. Mirellda was half right, I did come to find help, but not for myself. Had I not clumsily stepped on a thornbush in my rush to get here I would’ve already found you.”
“This is terrible news indeed. I will depart with you at once Fenrir, and together we shall get to the bottom of this.”
“I want to come with you!” Exclaimed Mirellda, before a sudden sad realisation took her. “But my family is waiting for me and probably worried. I can’t leave tonight.” Alba considered Mirellda for a moment, sitting on top of Fenrir as if it were the most normal thing in the world and in that moment, she made a decision.
“Mirellda, you should go instead of me. If you’re willing, you can set off with Fenrir tomorrow. Tonight he rests his paw, you see your family and at dawn, you ride.”
“I accept! Shouted Mirellda. “I can’t wait to see the Palace of Eternal Autumn and the Winter realm!”
“The Palace of Eternal Autumn is like no place on earth, little Mirellda. The sun never quite sets and the gold light shines eternally on a large hall who’s roof lies under many great oak trees, several times larger than the one we are standing under.” Thundered Fenrir.
“Then it is settled. Tomorrow at dawn Mirellda will meet Fenrir under the Great Oak Tree, and together you will set off towards the Winter Realm.” proclaimed the High Queen.
“Mirellda, before you go - there are two final cloaks we will give you. The first is the Rose Petal Cloak, a Sprite favourite.” As she said that, Mirellda could hear several Sprites giggling in the dark. As she mentioned the name, two Sprites stepped forward holding lanterns in one hand and the cloak in the other, presenting Mirellda with a rose tinted cloak. It looked soft even without touching it, impossible to tell where a petal started and ended with so many woven delicately together. Golden stars dotted the cape and a deep red silk bow tied it together.
“It was handmade by the finest Sprite artisans with a thousand weightless rose petals from the thorn bush near the Moonwell - probably the one Fenrir accidentally stepped on - and it grants the wearer of this cloak the power to walk silently, never heard. Although Sprites use it for mischief, it has many useful applications for any adventurer.” Continued the High Queen.
Mirellda was too happy for words - not one, not two, but four magical cloaks in one day! She couldn’t wait to get home and tell everyone her story.
“And finally, the most precious of my possessions is the Stardew Cloak. One of the rarest cloaks in the Woodland realms. Used by Moon Fairy royalty to travel unseen, a Stardew Cloak bends light, making the wearer almost invisible unless looking at them directly.” “Take good care of this one Mirellda, it’s been in my family since the forest was young.”
Although the Stardew Cloak was also pink, the resemblance with the Rose Petal cloak ended there. The material seemed somehow finer, seeming to move and ripple like water when touched. Tiny golden stars shimmered across the entire cloak and beautiful gold thread with embroidered suns decorated the hood.
“With these magical cloaks, you now have five powers at your fingertips. Use them wisely, and return them to us when your adventure is done.”
Mirellda could barely contain her excitement - tomorrow was going to be the best day of her life.
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To be continued