by Mooma » Tue Dec 19, 2017 6:03 pm
What a great idea, writing a story based on a pet.
Bell of The Holly Trees
By Mooma
For my daughter Grimmy
Merry Christmas, love!
Bell lived in a forest, that surrounded a beautiful meadow. She had many friends there, that were all very dear to Bell, her extended family. When Bell was born, the animals all gathered and brought food to Bell's mother, Flora, so she could stay with her newborn. Flora in turn, brought food to any animal that had just given birth. Little bell loved helping gather the food, and seeing the new babies.
As Bell grew into a young teen, she saw that some of her family of friends needed help at other times. Sometimes someone was too sick to forage. Or another's home was destroyed by a storm. These were her family, she knew she had to help them all, in any way that she could.
But there were so many different animals living in the forest and meadow. With so many different types of foods to gather, Bell was too exhausted to play with the babies. And with so many types of shelters that the animals lived in, Bell was running everywhere to get materials to help her friends rebuild.
"Surely, there must be an easier way," Bell asked her mother. "I will see if I can find a food that all of our different friends eat. Perhaps I can also find a way to provide everyone with something for shelter, without it being so difficult."
Flora packed some water and food for Bell, and suggested she look in the forest.
"Yes, mother! A tree that has something for everyone! That is that I need to find."
Young Bell set out immediately on her search. It didn't take Bell long, until she came upon the holly tree. "I love holly berries! They are good for energy." Sitting under the shade of the branches, enjoying her feast of berries and Flora's lunch, Bell watched the animals coming to the holly tree to eat. There were birds of all kinds, from the cardinal to the turkey, eating berries. Sparrows, flickers and towhees where making their nests in the branches, to be clise to the berries, and gir the protection the pointed leaves gave.
Box turtles were eating from the lower branches. Squirrels chased each other up and down branches, stopping occasionally to nibble. A deer and her young twins stopped to lunch on the tender leaves. A red fox curled up under the low branches, for a nap, after having a light snack from the holly tree. Mourning doves called out from the higher branches.
Amazed, Bell watched to see who else of her forest family would come to the holly tree. Cottontails, grouse, chipmunks and voles. Bobwhites, mockingbirds, raccoons and mice. More birds came, singing, and calling hello to one another, picking berries to take to their young.
"This is the tree! This is the tree that can provide shelter and food for so many!" But looking around, there were not many holly trees. "It does grow big enough that many of my friends could live in it, or shelter beneath it's branches, but the berries would soon run out. I can't bring all of those in need to these few trees."
Bell finished the lunch her mother packed for her, then chewed a small hole in the bottom of her rucksack. After filling it with berries, Bell walked throughout the forest, scratch holes, dropping holly berries in, then watered them as she covered the holes.
The forest had more than animals living in it. There where also fairies that called this wonderful place home. When the fairies saw that Bell was planting holly berries, they went to their queen. Queen Cae'Iree was very fond of all the animals on the forest and meadow. The fairies helped to make sure they all had enough fruit, berries and nuts to eat, by tending to the forest. Cae'Iree was pleased with Bell, and wanted to thank her for her hard work.
That evening, while Bell slept, Cae'Iree called upon Flora. "Your daughter is a true child of the meadow and forest. She clearly cares for her neighbors very much. You have raised your child well, my dear Flora." The queen softly touched Bell's back, so as not to wake her. A pair of holly wings sprouted beneath her hand. "Now she shall be able the spread the holly berries wherever she travels."
"I am deeply honored, your majesty, that would gift Bell for her love of her family and friends! I know she will continue to make you proud."
As the morning sun rose, shining down through the trees of the forest, the animals gathered to see Bell's new gift. Puzzled to see them all as she opened her eyes, Bell looked to her mother for an explanation.
"Queen Cae'Iree was very pleased with the kindness in your heart, child. She wants to help make the planting of the holly trees easier for you. Look here, Bell"
Flora touched her paw to Bell's shoulder. "Your work planting the holly berries will be much easier now, child. Come! Let us show your family!"
Bell stepped out amongst her forest neighbors, her family, her dearest companions. As she walked, a berry dropped from her wing. Without having to scratch a hole for it to be planted in, the berry sprouted. Three leaves onfolded, shining in the morning sun. The sprout grew to be four feet tall instantly, berries popping out all over the branches. The tree continued to grow. The animals all cheered, congratulating Bell on her gift from the fairy queen.
A song of thanks rang through the forest, and across the meadow. As Bell walked the paths amongst the clearings, her berries dropped and sprouted, creating new homes, new places to forage and sit to rest, new places to gather with friends. Queen Cae'Iree knew her forest would always be safe and strong. No one would be without shelter. None would go hungry. And all would be home, together always.
"Our home has a new guardian fairy."
The End
December 23, 2017
Last edited by
Mooma on Sun Dec 24, 2017 12:15 am, edited 4 times in total.