Enviro-mentals & Ani-mentals: aiding the planet by their good attitudes.
TEVA TREE-HUGGER FAERIE
It was a fine, spring morning when Teva was left hidden in the needles of a giant fir tree. And it was the same fine morning that the youngster was discovered by a young doe. Encouraged to walk at a much earlier age than is normal for tree-hugger faeries, Teva stumbled after the doe to a small clearing surrounded by shimmering aspens.
“Rest now, child,” the doe said, “while I look for something to feed you.”
Teva snuggled down into the fallen leaves of the whispering trees and immediately fell into a deep sleep.
In slumber her dream carried her back to a time long past where she was shown generations of tree-faeries placing their young at the base of trees. And as the young quickly matured Teva saw that a symbiotic relationship had formed; the tree-hugger faeries, wrapping their arms around the tree trunks breathed their magical breaths onto the trees’ roots while the trees imparted their quiet strength to the faeries through their falling leaves.
Teva awoke with a start. How was she to fulfill her life’s work now that she’d been led far from the big fir?
By her side Teva saw that a small pile of berries, leaves and mushrooms had been placed. A few feet away the doe was watching her anxiously.
“Don’t be frightened, little one, the doe said. “My name is Daere and I mean you no harm.”
“I’m not afraid of you,” Teva exclaimed, surprised that she could speak. Then she remembered a gentle voice that had said to her, “Lie still and stay quiet, dear one. You will grow quickly for all the sustenance you need will be lavished on you in this state of quiet surrender,” and Teva realized that a speaking voice was as common among tree-hugger faeries as were three toes.
Teva had spoken the truth when she’d said she wasn’t afraid of Daere because it was obvious that such a beautiful, silken creature as Daere would never bring harm to anyone.
With soft, dark eyes, Daere glanced in the direction of the food she’d gathered.
“Eat now,” she encouraged with a nod.
Teva took one of the green leaves and found the new, fresh taste to be exquisite, and before she realized it she had eaten nearly everything set before her.
Her stomach full she would have liked nothing better than to pull the bright aspen leaves up close and fallen back to sleep but concern over her situation haunted her.
“Daere,” she pleaded, “you must lead me back to the fir tree. That is where
my destiny lies.”
Daere was quiet for sometime before she somberly replied, “There are those about who do not as yet realize their own potential and in their sleeplike state would try to stunt your growth with poison ideas. They could bring great harm to you through their ignorance. But once your full growth is attained they will be like minnows to you, their actions laughably harmless. Stay with me, Teva, for I believe all that happens is for a reason and that you and I were meant to meet.”
Feeling the truth of Daere’s words, Teva formed a soft pillow of leaves and fell fast asleep.
The next morning as rays of the new sun filtered through the nearly bare branches, Teva awoke. Instinctively she moved into the shade and as she did she stumbled over a garment make of fine, green yarn. Picking up the piece of clothing she saw that it was a pinafore made to her size. As she began to slip it on she heard a tiny squeal and saw a lady bug scurry across the bodice in search of a hiding place.
Teva studied the lady bug for a moment and then sensing its fear, said, “Don’t be afraid, little one, I mean you no harm,” just as Daere had once said to her. “I’m sure we’ve met for a reason.”
Clinging to the crocheted edging of the pinafore, the lady bug gave Teva a warm smile and replied in an accent suddenly familiar to Teva, “It’s glad I am that you see it that way, darlin’. Tis sure that I agree with me whole heart. You see, twas the bright green color that spoke me name, and bein’ a gal who lives by her instincts I came to investeegate. And by the by me name, according to me, is LB and that garment was special made for you by Sian one of the spider clan.”
Careful not to dislodge the lady bug, Teva pulled on the pinafore.
“Glad to make your acquaintance,” Teva said. And my name is….” For a moment Teva was at a loss but then suddenly, deep from within, a name bubbled to the surface. “And according to me, my name is Teva.”
“I figgered it ta be somethin’ like that,” LB stated.
“It’s a little cool here in the shade,” Teva explained, pulling the skirt of the pinafore down around her knees.
“Aye,” LB agreed, “but the warmth of friendship can dispel even the coldest chill.”
Throughout that day and into the next month, Teva was regaled by the stories of old, told in an ancient accent by LB. And nurtured by Daere’s kindness, it wasn’t long before Teva had absorbed all she needed to know to fulfill her mission.
It was a day of great celebration when Daere gave birth to twin fawns that like their mother were as beautiful within as without. It was also a day of great joy when Teva Tree-hugger Faerie left the haven of the clearing to spread light and strength to all in need. And perched on her pinafore, riding high and in great comfort, LB went along to help.
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