CHAPTER 8
“Welcome back!” smiled Holly. “I hope you’ve had fun in the forest – I can’t wait to hear all about it!”
Soon all the fairies had returned safely back to the dell and were sitting around the camp fire, warm and smiling.
“I’m so glad you enjoyed your forest adventures,” said Holly. “Now, who wants to go first and tell everyone about their day?”
Faye put up her hand and she and her partner began to tell everyone how they had helped a little squirrel hide all the hazelnuts he’d collected for his winter store. As they told their story, they handed out some of the deliciously crunchy nuts.
Next, the fairies listened to how Bryony and Violet had made warm winter coats for a family of dormice. They had used fur from the insides of chestnut shells and had brought a basketful of the creamy chestnuts to roast in the glowing fire.
Then it was Evie and Arwen’s turn to tell their story of how they had helped the little hedgehog build his nest. Everyone was looking forward to the blackberries Arwen and Evie had picked with the hedgehog and a few fairies looked a bit disappointed when Evie told them they had eaten them all.
“We’ve got something else to share with you,” said Arwen.
Evie and Arwen handed out the gold leaves and bright jewels that they had found in the fairy tree. The fairies gasped and wove them into their crowns where they sparkled and glittered in the firelight. As the fairies took turns to tell their stories, it became obvious that they had all helped forest creatures in some way, and in return the magnificent golden phoenix had helped them.
Everyone had enjoyed their first day, even though they had all felt nervous about it at the start. It was clear that friendships had already begun to blossom and everyone was looking forward to their second day in the forest.
“We worry about meeting new people and going to new places,” said Holly. “It’s impossible to imagine what it’s going to be like and that can make us feel anxious, but new people and new places can be fun too. First days are the start of an adventure!”
Soon the campfire was smouldering and it was time to go home. The fairies said goodbye to Sparkles, Willow and Evie and wished Evie luck for her first day.
“Try not to worry about tomorrow,” smiled little Faye.
“Everyone will be feeling the same as you,” said Sylvette.
Bryony gave Evie a hug, “Stay calm and smile.”
“And remember that the people around you won’t be strangers for long, soon they will be your friends,” said Ivy and Violet, holding hands.
“Soon you’ll know everyone’s names and share many lovely times with your new-found friends,” smiled Rowan and Rose, looking tired but happy. All the fairies fluttered up into the air and followed Juniper through the trees.
“Thank you for helping make my first day such an adventure,” said Arwen, giving her new friend a hug.
“Thank you for looking after Willow,” said Evie. “We’ve certainly had an unforgettable time!”
“Good luck tomorrow, and remember, it’s the beginning of a great adventure,” said Arwen.
“Thank you for all your help today Evie. I hope you enjoy your first day at school,” said Holly and then she whispered a forest fairy secret into Evie’s ear.
Willow neighed as she took Evie and Sparkles along the forest paths, back to the tunnel of trees.