A Friend.

It was turning to dusk as Moonshadow danced to the music of the birdsong. Her intricate steps and leaps were complimented by the dark blue dress she wore, made of petals and silk. Quiet fell soon afterward and she flew silently back to her flower. A cool breeze played along the petals and her delicate pygmy-like body. She gently folded her gossamer wings and stared into the darkening sky. Her playful attitude had turned sour that afternoon after she noticed a group of young girls frolicked in the tall grass. She longed for the sense of friends. The only friends she really had were the other faeries she encountered, the butterflies she fluttered with and the toads she sang to. She stayed positive with her music, but lately it hadn't been enough. She wanted a friend that would not disappear on her. She fell asleep feeling lonely.

When she awoke the next morning, she found a small package near the stem of her flower. It was wrapped in silk and spiderwebs. She carefully unwound the layers only to find a ring and note. The ring was a tiny, silver band with a brilliant pink jewel at the center. The note read only 5 words; Meet me at the oak.

"At the oak?" She thought. Puzzled, she wondered what oak the note spoke of. There were many in the woodlands that surrounded her. The most likely was the one that faced where the sun set every evening. She could see it from where she sat.

Before she could go to the oak, however, she had to collect the morning due in her clay jar. Carefully picking up each droplet of water, she set them in the jar. She was determined to meet someone today, so she finished quickly. As soon as she could, she flew off to meet the mysterious note writer.

As she approached the oak, her confidence swelled, but she felt hesitant. What if this was a faerie pranking her? Faeries were notorious for it. Soon she was at the oak. She rested at the base of the trunk and looked around. Walking with graceful steps to the other side, she looked even more. After completing a full circle around the tree she became discouraged. No one was here. Maybe she was dreaming it all. Soon she began to cry. Her tear drops shimmered in the sun.
Suddenly a deep, musical voice spoke, "Do not weep, fair lady. I have come to befriend you." She looked up to see a handsome, faerie-man looking at her. He was clothed in blades of grass and deep red silk. She rose to her feet to curtsy.

"Might I ask your name, young fellow?" She glanced from the ground to his eyes.

He replied, "Of course! You may call me Peri! And your name?"

"Moonshadow. What quest brought you my way?"

"I've been traveling by myself for some time now, maybe 100 years or so, and I felt sorrow radiating through your forest. I was a bit lonesome myself and came to find what was the cause this sadness. That happened to be you, my beautiful Moonshadow. What a lovely name. Did you pick it yourself?"

"Yes, I did. Thank you, you're very kind." She smiled a bit and blushed. It'd been some time since she'd had any contact with other faeries.

Proudly he asked, "Well, would you enjoy accompanying me to a feast tonight?"

"Oh my, I haven't prepared anything! I'm sorry." She looked to his feet once more.

"Oh, do not fear, I simply meant we could gather some berries and leaves right now, for later!"

"That sounds lovely. Let me get some baskets."

And with that, he followed her to her flower. They gathered the berries and leaves, had a feast and became close friends. Soon, Moonshadow fell in love with Peri. They wed and had three young faerie-children.