The Summer Solstice Ball

On Summer Solstice evening, the prospect of a Ball was whispered among the Faeries. They knew the children would leave out their most special of treasures to adorn the Faerie folks dresses and coats. The Faeries especially love anything that glitters and sparkles under the moons pale light.

The children carefully laid out their gifts and arranged them precisely, talking excitedly about the faerie folk and their special night.

An evening escapade to traverse the pier had been planned by the childrens' parents. When it came time to leave, the little boys cast wondering looks back at their offerings placed under the largest trees in the garden. They desperately hoped that their little guests would be pleased by what they would find.

Hand in hand they walked with Mother and Father over the beach and began the long way out along the pier over the darkened ocean.

It seemed that many others were out celebrating this night. Summer Solstice and a Lunar Eclipse is a special time to behold. Out on the beach men, women and children wove and spun and played with fire, celebrating the event in their own way. They were even bravely jumping a flaming skipping rope. The flames mesmerised the onlookers drawing gasps of awe and admiration.

Father gently drew his little sons on, holding their small hands in his, he led them further along the pier.

Mother is warmed by the sight and hurries to catch her little crew. She is embraced tightly by one of her beautiful small sons.

The little family lingers a while on the pier. The wind whips round them but fails to disturb the peacefulness that is upon this night. Fervent wishes are silently cast to the stars. If only they could climb the path the moon has cast upon the water and tread that silver staircase leading to heaven.

All too soon it's time to leave. The children remember that they must be abed before the midnight hour, the time of the Faeries Summer Solstice Ball. They know all too well how shy the little folk are and although they have tried, they have never seen one in the flesh. But they have seen their evidence apparent each morning as the flowers and butterflies are painted afresh, adorned in the most beautiful colours created by God himself.

Once home, the little boys are tucked up warmly, snug and safe in their beds. Dreams of faerie folk, moonlight and dancing play in their heads as they drift off to sleep.

As morning light dawns the children hurry outside to see if the Faerie Folk accepted their little gifts.

As hoped, things have been moved and show signs of use. New to the tiny scene is a shell containing the remains of a midnight bonfire. Cold ashes blacken the once clean shell.

One boy admires the bright blue flowers left as a thank you message from, he thinks, the King of the Faerie folk. Golden faerie dust glistens in the morning sunlight revealing where the little folk passed their merry time.

The other little lad discovers the tiny chair he left, lying askew and the iron work table laid with new items. His goblet also holds a gift of little blue flowers.

Satisfied with what they have seen, the children excitedly chatter and eagerly plan their next opportunity for a near encounter with the faerie folk.