The Unwedding August 20, 2008

Another original fairytale by Vikki Anderson

The fairy court was in attendance. It wasn’t often that the royal family was on the other side of the table in legal proceedings. Princess Liliandra wanted an unwedding ceremony from her once beloved, Prince Jeriodus.

It was literally a fairy tale when they met. He was all glitter and gold, loving and caring and just a pleasure to be with. Princess Liliandra had waited a lifetime for the right prince to sweep her off of her feet and live happily ever after. It was so shocking to her that it didn’t work out even though she was in denial for many months. She pretended all was well. King Lynadius hated to see his only daughter so despondent so he decided what must be done…the only thing…an “unwedding” of the two.

Prince Jeriodus had been disgraced for he could not provide for his bride in a manner set forth in the by-laws of the royal house. A wedded male must be generous and kind to his new wife. He must be able to sustain her in the life she was accustomed. She should have an ample supply of glitter, gold and crystals to sustain her through the rough times and he must always protect her above all else. He must be stable, secure and intelligent and prove that the care of his Princess would be his first priority in life — above all he would gladly risk his life to prevent any danger from befalling his love.

After all, Jeriodus became part of the royal family only through marriage. His manners appeared impeccable, but it seemed commitment to his spousal duties was flawed. To him commitment was a chain around his neck. He wanted to be independent and free of cares or worries. He wanted to be alone again.

It seemed to bother Jeriodus that the Princess had her own wealth and as all royal families do — liked to purchase things and travel to the far side of the wood more in one year than he had in his whole existence. She would even treat herself to rides on the river in luxurious leaves or broken logs. She loved to travel. It was exciting and wonderful, but to Jeriodus it was a horrible waste of money.

Jeriodus had none of his own wealth and lived off of the royal family for some time. (Before that he was living with a good friend of many years who had to support him as well.) He had a few unpolished crystals that were his own, but nothing of importance. He would not put them in the family vault for safekeeping. He was so afraid that his limited wealth would disappear and he would be worthless.

In so doing, he made life miserable for Liliandra. He would retire to another part of the palace or feign tiredness so he would have to perform his spousal duties. Liliandra was so confused and depressed that the fairy elders made her take herbs to dispel her moodiness.

At last, King Lynadius made a proclamation that his son-in-law, the prince, was in contempt of the “wedding” vow and must be executed so an “unwedding” would take place.

Liliandra begged her father to change his command and convinced him instead to exile Jeriodus outside of the fairy realm. Even though Jeffrey the Elf, head of the proceedings yelled out, “Why don’t you just vibrate him into the universe?”

Instead, because he acted so much like the mortals, the King decreed that he would be transformed into one! And so it was done.

Now his pettiness and miserly ways would fit in with the inhabitants of this new dimension in space and time called EARTH.

He lived the remainder of his meager life full of misery, loneliness and sorrow until he died a very old man — unnoticed, unloved and all alone — as he had wished

Terrible Times for Trevor The Troll June 26, 2008

Another original Fairytale by Vikki Anderson

In a clearing far off in a neighboring glen lived Trevor, Twanda, and the twins, Treena and Travis Troll. They were a happy family for the trolls helped the animals of the forest if they were hurt, caught in a hunter’s trap or lost. They did everything that could be done to help the wildlife in their part of the wood. They were especially adept at mixing potions from near-by growing herbs and plants — strong medicine for themselves or the inhabitants of the forest.

Trevor, the husband of Twanda, father to Treena and Travis, was a very strict but fair sort of being, for a troll that is. He was getting on in years and had hoped for some time that the children would leave to get married and start a life in another part of the wood. He only wanted peace and solitude now; funny, although he wanted these things, he never left any one alone and was anything but peaceful. In his old age, he was getting very ornery and nasty.

The children married a few months later and lived near each other in the far side of the glen. Mother Troll would miss their company more than she could imagine; however, Twanda would never stand in the way of anyone’s happiness.

As the years flew by, the children were in trees of their own, and already had a few offspring to show for their married years.

They had all but forgotten home now for their lives were busy with raising the wee ones and making life happy and fun for their families. They had to pass down recipes of their potions and teach them the ways of the wood. Although Treena and Travis visited frequently, one could understand that new families had priorities and the old family structure was waning fast. Mom and Dad weren’t that important any more, but Mother Troll made the best of it and enjoyed a rich, full life with her hobbies in astrology, tarot and crystal therapy and knitting a sweater or two for the cold, winter months. After all, trees were not equipped with heat, so she knitted hats, sweaters, blankets, afghans or whatever was needed.

Twanda tried to talk Trevor into going out in the wood more, make him visit his old friends the animals, and talk to old acquaintances; perhaps even make some new friends, but in complete opposition to her requests, Trevor became a recluse. He didn’t want to do anything but count the crystals he had collected throughout the years, eat and sleep. Sleeping was all right Twanda had decided, but he snored louder and louder every day that she had to find a vacant hole in the tree to get any rest at all! But being the tolerant troll she was, she rarely complained.

For after all, he was 899 years old, quite elderly for a troll, and Twanda felt he was going through mid-life crisis late. Nasty, annoying, always criticizing whatever Twanda brought home to try to make their tree a homier place. She was getting used to his complaining so stopped sharing anything with him. Even her own thoughts remained hers. The love she felt for him had been destroyed throughout the last year but she wanted to do something nice for her husband. After all, most of their married life, he was kind and a good man. It’s just now…

Twanda, was a young woman of 705, still vibrant, had lots of interests and really knew that someday Trevor would be upset that he let these golden years fly by without making an attempt to enjoy them. He had children and grandchildren who thought highly of him. Well, at least they used to when he was a more sociable troll. He had a wife, who was loyal and wanted the best for him, although he would never admit that he needed any help from her or anyone.

Twanda knew what she had to do. She would take his mind off of his age and throw him a wonderful surprise party with all of their family, friends, acquaintances and all the animals of the wood. She tried to conceal the party from her ever-crabby husband because she wanted this to be a special time for him. 900 was a triumph in troll years — a time where he could give up all his responsibility to his children and younger adults to take over his job in life.

For years Twanda had been collecting and polishing unusual and brilliant crystals from the wood. She had a special place for them that only she knew, so the expense of the party did not concern her. She had the means to pay for it. Mrs. Trevor Troll wanted everything to go right with this party. The foliage was ordered from the other end of the forest; the fairies were bringing lovely garland to tie to trees as an enchanting decoration and the flower fairies were going to place a variety of petals in the nearby stream as a continual celebration of his turning into retirement age.

She coordinated the food with the local gourmet chefs — all the best food was to be there including all of Trevor’s favorites: raisin almond muffins, lake weed pie, swamp water punch, ground root salad with moss, algae surprise — everything would be perfect. The entertainment was going to be the local pond inhabitants. The frogs and crickets agreed to play their melodious songs for the evening. Things were really going along quite well, Twanda thought. Won’t Trevor be surprised?

But Trevor, in his senility or ridiculousness, had decided to leave Twanda. He needed time to reflect or be alone, but he knew he wanted to start another life with a younger troll. He left the following note.

To My Wife, Twanda:

You have been my wife for more years than I can remember. I don’t want to remember any more of them with you. You spend crystals like they were water and never gave me any happiness in all of our married years. The kids are grown now and I don’t need to support you any longer. You are more than able to care for yourself. I feel all of this is your fault. You should’ve taken care of me better and agreed to listen to my every word. Women are supposed to be dominated by men, however, you didn’t allow that, so good-bye, wife. I will try to get another wife unlike you – one who cannot think for herself; one who doesn’t have ideas or put them into practice but one who is docile and able to take and obey orders.

I had given you every chance to repent your sins, but you continuously needed to feel superior to me by planning parties (yes, I found out and I wasn’t even going to show up to teach you a lesson). Don’t you think I knew it was just an excuse for you to be the center of attention and spend more money to show others how rich you are? What a ridiculous woman you are. How did I ever think we would be happy together?

If you try to find me, I will leave this wood forever and neither the children nor you will ever hear from me again.

Trevor

Twanda read the letter in disbelief, but waited for Trevor to return that evening. This couldn’t be the truth. She had been nothing but a loyal and accommodating wife, she thought, but according to Trevor this was not the case. She waited and waited for him – but the days turned into weeks, which turned into months and finally a whole year had gone by without any word from him. Eventually she realized that she had never loved him, not really. He was always bossing commands, telling her what to do, ordering her about and treating her like a child. Why did she ever agree to marry such an old troll anyway? She had many other offers from younger, richer trolls. She supposed she had taken pity on him. Her temper elevated as she thought more about the many years she had given herself to an ungrateful troll, even after accepting him as her husband when she had found out that he had cheated continuously on his first wife without her or his children ever suspecting. She thought that perhaps his children from his first marriage should know the truth, but she didn’t wish to hurt them. They had always been so nice to her.

Winter was upon them again. Taking care of the tree alone was difficult, but at least the children would stop by with the grandkids and would bake and laugh, and sing and had many days of fun and adventure. No one ever mentioned Dad or Grandpa ever again. It was as if he never existed. Even hearing rumors that he had taken up with a 400-year old female troll didn’t phase them. Funny, they were much happier without him in their lives.

A knock came to the door. She saw a young neighbor who lived a few oak trees down the lane and asked, “Yes, Trentin? Is everything all right?”

“It’s Trevor,” he had said trying to catch his breath. It was obvious he had been running. “My brother and I found him on the other side of the wood. He was frozen to death in the lake, Twanda. I’m so sorry.”

“Thank you. Now, do you want any hot cocoa? We don’t want you to catch your death of cold, do we? Such a nice boy. You haven’t been around here much lately. What have you been up to?” she questioned as she showed him into her warm and cozy tree – all her knitted objects scattered carefully around the living quarters. Some of her crystals gleamed in the windows. She had indeed made a happy life for herself. Trentin was glad. “Just remember, dear, we all get what we deserve in the end.”

And life went on, as it should.

Copyrighted 2002 Vikki Anderson. Do not reprint without permission.

Thoughts on Fairies June 26, 2008

After making some mistakes in my treatment of the little ones, I have come up with a list to guide you. Anyone can make the little ones in their life happier and more willing to help.

BELIEVE. You have to believe in their existence. Why should they help you if you doubt that they are even out there? Talk to them – reassure them that you believe.

ASK. Don’t demand. The fairies would much rather be asked for their help than commanded to obey your every whim — just as we would!

ACKNOWLEDGE their subtle gifts. Haven’t you ever walked with a group of friends and heard chimes, felt a cool breeze, or smelled an orchid that the others were not aware of? These are gifts. A simple, silent “thank you” will do.

GIFTS to the fairies. Elves, sylphs, and all the others appreciate the occasional little gift as much as we do. Leave a rose next to a valley for the gnomes or a crystal in the sun for the salamanders. Sprinkle petals onto the water’s surface for the undines or set a Celtic tune adrift on the air for the sylphs. There are so many little gifts you can bestow on them. Remember – they will treat you the way you treat them.

RESPECT their property. There is, of course, the ever-popular fairy mound; a raised, circular plot of land often outlines in mushrooms. I’ve also come across what I call a “gnome valley.” They are simply inverted fairy mounds, but not always perfect circles. Make sure you don’t step on these sports unless you’re sure that you’re on good terms with the inhabitants.

ASK PERMISSION. Don’t pick a bunch of flowers or mow down a wild lawn without asking the permission of the little ones. They most always oblige, but appreciate your thoughtfulness in asking.

EXPLAIN. Tell the dark fairies why you are invading their space (basements, attics, etc.). Say some like, “I just need to do some laundry,” or “I’m just going to look for my good China and will leave after that.” Try not to keep the lights on too long. They will get annoyed; after all, they are DARK fairies and like the dark.

Again, ASK PERMISSION. I can’t stress how important it is to ask permission to cross bridges. I’m sure you’ve all heard the tale of “The Three Billy Goats Gruff.” Though the trolls that live under the bridges (probably!) won’t gobble you up, they do like to know who you are and exactly why it is necessary for you to wake them.

ASSURE. Make sure the little ones know that you want them in your life. They’ll do almost anything for you. They just have to know you care.

Allow them their GAMES. Don’t get too upset when you’re positive you put your glasses down in a particular place and then they mysteriously disappear (as mine often do!). The sprites are just having a good time watching you frantically search around the house. They’ll soon give the missing object back when they get bored.

All in all, just respect the little ones and make them part of your daily life. I speak from experience when I say your life will be much happier and better for it!

Breakthrough June 25, 2008

Another original fairytale by Vikki Anderson

Spring was here and the children were playing at the lake for the first time in months.  The winter had been harsh and although they skated upon the mirror like foundation of ice, it was more appealing to them in the spring and summer when they could fish, boat and swim.

The children were from a small town where everyone knew each other and all was safe and secure for the little ones.  All knew how to swim; all knew how to boat and fish and safety the adults of the community had always encouraged.

It was for this reason that the children were very upset when they heard cries of help from around the lake.  It was a very small voice.  A youngster’s voice indeed.  “Help, we can’t get out.  Please help us!”  The cries were so frantic and upsetting that the children decided to look around the lake in sections by groups of three.  The cries continued and the children were starting to cry.  “Help us.  Something is holding us down.  We can’t get up.  We can’t see the light.  Please help — anyone — help us!”

One of the oldest children ran home, just on the other side of the lake, to get her parents.  They raced down to the awaiting children and also heard the cries for help.  They looked and looked, but couldn’t find anyone.  They searched under the bridge and thought the local troll may have captured one of their kind, but he was asleep.  They asked the water fairies for help and even though they are in competition with the earth fairies at times, they were very obliging and searched the length and depth of the lake to see if any other earth fairy was in trouble.  The earth fairies were puzzled and yet, the little voice cried out over and over again.  “We’re here, please help us.”

All of a sudden, one of the pebbles near the large oak tree slightly moved.  The pebble shaped crystal was about an inch in diameter; it looked quite heavy to move.  All the children helped the parent earth fairies push the crystal to one side after struggling with it for a few minutes.

Immediately, a beautiful crocus came springing forth with brilliantly colored purple petals and a strong green stem stretching towards the mid-day sun.  One of the tiniest earth fairies anyone had ever seen popped out of the ground brushing himself off of excess dirt and grime.  “I couldn’t help the poor crocus bloom with that boulder in the way.  Thank you all for your help,” and as mysteriously as he had appeared, he had vanished!

The children returned to playing near the water and tried to pick up as many “boulders” as they could to help any other flower fairy trying to help a bloom reach the sunlight in the rebirth of springtime.

Elemental Fairies June 25, 2008

by Vikki Anderson

The elemental fairies are broken down into different categories depending upon their responsibility.  The elements are fire, earth, air and water.  Sometimes either is also used as an element, but being ether is from which all elements come, we usually do not use it.

Fire Fairies correlate to Aries, Leo and Sag in the zodiac and their elemental name is “salamander.”  Their subdivision is a very short one.  It consists of the salamander and the flame spirits.  Those two subdivisions of fire take care of all the needs of this elemental.

Earth Fairies correlate to Taurus, Virgo and Capricorn in the zodiac and refer to the ever-popular “gnome.”  The earth subdivision is a little more complex.  It indicates two major subdivisions of the surface fairies and the underground fairies.  The surface fairies consist of tree and wood or garden fairies.  The underground fairies consist of the rock spirits or gnomes.

Air Fairies correlate to Gemini, Libra and Aquarius in the zodiac and have the “sylph” as its representative.  Air fairies are broken into two categories.  One is the sylph and the other subdivision is the nature spirits which include the cloud, storm and dragon spirits.

Water Fairies correlate to Cancer, Scorpio and Pisces in the zodiac and are called “undines.”  This group is subdivided into salt and fresh water.  The fresh water spirits are called undines.  The salt water consists of water babies, sea sprites and storm fairies.

Although the little spirits go by these names, I usually just refer to them by their element since calling them their rightful name may bring totally different concepts of what the fairies would look like.  In fact, fairies can be many shapes, colors and sizes, but frequently take on human form because they know that’s what we expect to see.  If you suppose they would look like an animal, they will.  If you believe they will look very ethereal and spirit like, you wish is their command.  Their intent is to make you comfortable with their form – their intentions are usually honorable and caring.

Fire Fairies can make and controls fire or make fire burn out of control, depending upon the circumstance.

Earth Fairies are usually mischievous and like to hide things, but eventually return them to you if you ask nicely.  I usually call upon my Earth Fairies to help me locate lost items.  They also protect the flora of our planet.

Air Fairies control the different air currents related to wind, storms, tornadoes, hurricanes, etc., but also the nice warm breezes of summer.

Water Fairies control the water flow of rivers and oceans and help heal the water bodies as much as possible in light of world pollution.  They even turn the water into ice and snow in the winter and then can turn the dew to frost.