Whispers of Magic

April 4, 2026April 4, 2026 / joyroses13 / 30 Comments

Amber shuffled into the kitchen. She yawned as she opened the fridge to get the baked oatmeal and milk out.

After filling her bowl with oatmeal, she grabbed the milk jug to pour some into her bowl.

Not again! Was she losing her mind? How could she be out of milk again?

She knew she had left milk in the jug last night for her breakfast this morning, but now there wasn’t nary a drop in it!

Something was going on, for milk hadn’t been the only thing disappearing. Her chocolate stash was too!

Grandma Clara would have told her that strange things were happening because Amber opened her umbrella in her home and walked under a ladder the other day. Her sweet grandma had always been superstitious!

Amber didn’t know what was up, but she wasn’t superstitious, and she wasn’t crazy. Things were disappearing here. That was a fact, but why?

She stayed sitting at the table drinking her lemon tea, looking out her big bay window and thinking.

After a little while, she got up, knowing she had to get ready to leave. Her to-do list was a mile long, and she would never finish it if she didn’t get started. When she finished her errands, maybe she could come back and soak in her garden tub with some Lavendar epson salt and try to figure out the mystery.

There weren’t any neighbors close by, so a lot of the time, she didn’t bother locking her back door. Maybe she would start. Was someone actually sneaking into her house to steal chocolate?

Shaking her head, she walked out of the door, locking it behind her.

He watched her car pull away.

“You can come out now. She is gone. We need to hurry. ”

“Why? I told you I didn’t want to leave. We have it good here. She has lots of chocolate and milk to wash it down with.”

Teddy shook his head. “She is growing suspicious. Soon, she might find our hideaway spot. The hidden door under the stairs, leading to a room, had been the perfect hideaway for a while.

Little Trish stuck out her bottom lip in a pout as she crossed her arms.

“So what! I want her to find us. I like her. She reminds me of mommy.”

Teddy rolled his eyes. “You don’t even remember our mom. We were toddlers when we came to the orphanage.”

“But she is pretty and looks like mommy in my dreams. Please let us stay here.”

How could he say no to those big brown eyes that were starting to puddle up.

Sighing, he rustled his hand through her golden brown curly locks. “Ok, we will stay for now.”

“Thank you, thank you, Teddy!” She hugged him.

To be honest, he didn’t want to leave either. He didn’t know where they would go. All he knew is that he would do all he could to keep them from being sent back to the orphanage!”

“Did you hear that?”

Alabaster didn’t say anything, but Snowball could tell by his face that he had.

“So thats why they came here. To escape the orphanage. Those poor children. They have nobody but each other.” Snowball said, feeling a lump rise in his throat.

There was silence as the two elves were lost in thought. Teddy and his sister hadn’t noticed them hiding behind the door.

“Are you thinking what I am thinking?” Alabaster asked after a few moments.

“How do I know unless you tell me what you are thinking, but since great minds think alike, then I would say yes.”

“Well, I am not sure who the other great mind is, but I think we should take them back to the North Pole with us.”

“A perfect idea! I would have thought of it after my other idea.” Snowball replied.

“What was your other idea?”

“I thought of searching the kitchen to see if she has any black jellybeans.”

“You and your sweet tooth. I am sure there will be black jellybeans waiting for you back at the NorthPole. We have to leave now before the woman returns.”

Snowball grunted. “Well, let me remind you that we would have been at the North Pole already if you hadn’t got us lost. ”

“Pffft! Is it my fault that Dasher didn’t know the way? Besides, if we hadn’t got lost, we wouldn’t have came here. Now we may be able to make two children real happy. It all worked out.” Alabaster said, with a smile.

“Go introduce yourself to the children and ask if they want to come to the North Pole with us. I will go and get Dasher ready to go.” Alabaster said, making his way to the backyard.

They had only arrived late last night. Thankfully, the back door had been unlocked so they could sneak in.

Alabaster didn’t have to wait for long for Snowball to show up.

“Are we really going to the North Pole to see Santa?” Tish came running into the yard. Her eyes brimmed with excitement!

“Where is the reindeer? Snowball told us we were going to ride on a real reindeer!” Teddy didn’t believe in Santa, but he loved animals and wanted to see a real reindeer.

“Umm…yes, Alabaster, where is Dasher?”

“It appears he dashed away!”

Snowball smacked his head. Alabaster was always ready with a pun.

Now, what would they do? Much to their relief, they didn’t have to worry. Dasher soon appeared .

Tish squealed with pleasure at the sight of Dasher. Teddy didn’t squeal, but there was no doubt that he was impressed with Dasher.

While the children were talking with Dasher, Alabaster pulled Snowball aside.

“There is one thing I need to tell you. When we get back, if anyone questions you. Yes, you did have permission from Santa to take Dasher on an excursion.”

Snowball raised his eyebrows. “You didn’t clear it with Santa before taking Dasher!?”

“I was going to let CandyCane know, but she should have been at the reindeer stall when I went there yesterday morning. I couldn’t find her, and you know Santa and Mrs. Claus are away right now. I figured you and I would only be gone for the day. What harm could it do?”

“But instead, we got lost, and CandyCane is probably going nuts wondering where Dasher is. Santa had assigned her reindeer duty when he was gone.”

Snowball’s lips curved into a sly smile. “I don’t think we have anything to worry about, buddy. Even if Santa came back early. She won’t want to admit that she doesn’t know where Dasher is, so she will do anything in her power to keep Santa away from looking closely in the reindeer stalls.”

“Good thinking!” Alabaster slapped him on the back, and soon everyone was seated upon Dasher’s back.

Alabaster whispered into Tish’s ear, as she was in front of him.

In a loud voice, she gave the command. “Dash away, Dasher! To the North Pole!”

Amber pulled into the driveway, hitting the garage door before she put her car in park.

What had she seen? Was that a flying reindeer?? Impossible! But that sure was what it looked like streaking across the sky in front of her!

She grabbed the chocolate bar in the grocery bag beside her. Maybe Whispering Vale really was a magical place.

Friday’s Super Short Stories!

April 3, 2026 / joyroses13 / 33 Comments

The beauty of the redwoods and the desert were amazing, but there is no place like home. Especially in the Springtime when these trees are blooming all around you.

**Images from Pinterest, not my backyard. Dogwoods and Eastern Redbud. I do have an Eastern Redbud in my front yard.**

Would you try a cheese and jam sandwich? My son was told that they are very good in Uruguay, but they haven’t tried any yet. He did try Ceviche and said it was “super interesting.”

Nephew had a scary time with a detached retina …. Giving thanks that things are better and praying the healing process will go well now … Have you or someone you know experienced a detached retina before?

Whispers in the Night

April 2, 2026April 2, 2026 / joyroses13 / 18 Comments

Peace wrapped around her as she wrote by the light of the lantern, with fireflies buzzing around her.

When writing, she was able to shut out the noise of the world and lose herself as she bared her soul.

Coming to Whispering Vale had been a wise decision. It didn’t take long for her to feel as if this place had always been her home.

There was something mystical about the place and the feelings that had enshrouded around her upon her moving here. It was hard to describe.

The house wasn’t much to look at. It was a rustic farmhouse, but it was in surprisingly good shape for as old as it was.

Closing her journal. Amber took some moments to sit and simply reflect.

The fireflies were beginning to leave as the sun sank lower in the sky.

At one time, Amber had felt that hope slipping from her grasp. Like the sun, she had felt it disappearing. She had lost so much. Felt alone in this big world. Not having family anymore had her wandering around, like a lost sheep. But finding Whispering Vale and moving here had lifted her spirits, Hope shined like a beacon once more inside of her.

Letting out a prayer of gratitude, she picked up the lantern and started walking back to the farmhouse.

The shadow in the window watched Amber coming.

“Pssst! Come away from the window, lest you be seen.” Whispered the voice.

“I am coming.” And with great reluctance they crept into the secret hideaway once more.

**to be continued**

Mrs Scrooge

April 1, 2026April 1, 2026 / joyroses13 / 19 Comments

Drawing back the curtains brought a smile to Cecilia’s face. It was sunny and bright. Today would be a good day.

Crash!

Dashing into the kitchen, she saw the knocked over vase and teapot as Fonzi jumped off the table. Surprisingly, he missed knocking over her china tea cup.

“You should have been named Trouble!” She called after Fonzi, who was scampering into the living room.

Shaking her head, she cleaned up the spilled water and the tea that had spilled out of the pot.

It didn’t matter how much trouble Fonzi caused, Cecilia knew he was wrapped around her heart. From the day she had set foot into the shelter and saw him huddled in a corner, her heart was gone.

She had gone to the shelter to get a dog and came home with a pure white kitten.

Her boyfriend hadn’t been too excited about her coming home with a kitten, but it all worked out. He left, and Fonzi stayed. From what she had since heard through the grapevine about him, she was glad he left. Fonzi saved her from heartache down the road.

After mopping up the sticky tea, she went outside for her daily walk. She was set on sticking to her exercise routine and trying to get more fruits and veggies into her diet.

The dogwoods and pear trees were blooming. Tulips were springing up in her neighbor’s yard. How could one not smile when taking in the beauty of springtime. Her thoughts went to Miss Gertrude, pretty much the scrooge of the neighborhood, since she arrived.

It was as if she was afraid that her face would break if she ever smiled. Miss Gertrude continued rocking on her front porch, with a frown on her face, making people hesitant to reach out to her.

“Hi Cecilia.” Her neighbor waved to her. “You will never guess what happened.”

Cecilia stopped at the neighbor’s house and asked Trudy what happened.

“Early this morning, I was waiting for my paper as usual. Billy came by with the most exciting news.’ Trudy was grinning wide.

“He told me that it had finally happened. Miss Gertrude smiled.”

“Wow …. wait a minute, was it Billy Jenkins that told you that?”

“Yes, what do you think? Isn’t it amazing.”

“It would be if Billy hadn’t told you. I think you have been April Fooled. He is always up to something.”

Trudy made a face. “Yes, I fell for it. Was hoping I could make someone else fall for it, but apparently, I am the only gullible one on this street. Billy always gets me every year. You would think I would learn.”

Cecilia laughed. If Gertrude was Scrooge, Trudy was the Pollyanna of the neighborhood, always sweet and trusting.

“He always comes to my house for milk and cookies after school. I should tell him I don’t have any today, but he wouldn’t believe me.”

“You are too kind. We are all fortunate to have you as our neighbor, for you do make the best cookies.” Cecilia gave her a hug.

She started to walk away and then suddenly turned around .

“I got it! I will be at your house by 3pm. I will provide the snack today for Billy.”

Trudy saw the mischievous twinkle in Cecilia’s eyes.

“What are you bringing.”

“Homemade chocolate marshmallow candy. Will see you later.”

Cecilia walked on down the road, chuckling to herself.

As promised at 3pm sharp, Cecilia showed up at Trudy’s house with a plate of chocolate marshmallow candy.

“Ooh they look good.” Gertrude said, with a gleam in her eye. She knew not to eat one.

They were talking on the porch when the bus dropped Billy off, and he walked over to Trudy’s house.

As he stepped up onto the porch, Miss Gertrude came walking through Trudy’s yard.

“Why, Gertrude, what has you out and about today?” Trudy asked.

“Oh, Norman’s dog won’t stop barking. Giving me a headache.”

She stepped up onto the porch a little bit ahead of Billy.

Spying the chocolates, she helped herself to two of them.

“Oh cool, chocolate,” Billy said, as he grabbed one and popped it in his mouth.

Trudy and Cecilia couldn’t look at each other. They hadn’t expected Gertrude to grab the chocolates!

“Dang! Did you make these chocolates Trudy? They sure are chewy!”

She looked so disgruntled, Cecilia couldn’t hold back her laughter. “I made them Miss Gertrude.”

Meanwhile, Billy had a strange look on his face.

“No wonder you don’t have a husband yet if this is how well you bake. Blech! Is there cat hair in here? It feels fuzzy.”

Billy spit it out. “Cotton! It’s chocolate covered cotton balls!”

“April Fools!” Cecilia and Trudy yelled.

Billy flushed red and then laughed, turning to Cecilia he said, “Can you make some for me to give my friends tonight?”

Before Cecilia could answer, she heard Gertrude clearing her throat, holding the cottonball in her hand.

They braced themselves prepared to hear Miss Gertrude ranting at them, but instead, they were all astonished to hear a chuckle and then a full laugh coming out of her.

She laughed and laughed.

“You have to tell me how to make these. Will wipe the frown right off my brother’s face. He is such a sourpuss.”

“I would be happy to show you!” Cecilia said as Miss Gertrude rewarded them all with big smile!

Tuesday’s Thoughts!

March 31, 2026 / joyroses13 / 23 Comments

Happy Tuesday! The sun is shining and supposed to be 70 today. Yay! Time to get my Vitamin D as I sit on my patio and type this post. I hope your day is bright and that one or more of these quotes speak to your heart and lift it. Thanks for stopping by!

10.

The Desert Nomad

March 30, 2026March 30, 2026 / joyroses13 / 22 Comments

There is a tale that you are about to hear. A tale that is like no other about a land far, far away.

Pull up a chair and sit for a spell. Take a peek into this faraway land.

Are your eyes open? The veil is being lifted, revealing a secret. How much of the tale is true? That is for you, my faithful readers, to figure out.

Isadora looked around, wiping the sweat from her brow. It wasn’t even midday yet, but the sun was becoming intense. At this rate, she could make popcorn by carrying kernels in her pockets

It was hot, but the constant breeze helped, and she enjoyed the beauty of the desert.

The sands of time flew by as swiftly as the wings of an eagle.

No matter how many years she lived here, she would never tire of this landscape.

The solitude of the desert was the perfect place for Isadora. If she had never slowed down her life and come to the desert, she would have missed out on seeing the splendid Aurora.

Aurora didn’t talk, but she kept Isadora company a lot. They didn’t need words to communicate. Many times, Isadora would ride on Aurora’s back through the desert, enjoying the peace.

All was well, until one day, when Isadora feared the worst.

It all started on a Tuesday morning when she first spotted the stranger wandering in the desert.

He sparked her curiosity. Isadora lived far out in the desert, where one didn’t often travel. What had brought him to her corner of the world?

Knowing the desert well, she started to follow him. She sensed something about him after watching him for a while, and her instincts were rarely wrong. He wasn’t some idle wanderer. There was a purpose to his hiking. It appeared he was on a mission.

Several times, he pulled out a magnifying glass and looked down at the sand.

What was he looking for?

After a week of following him, she began to wonder if she had lost her touch at reading people. Maybe he was simply someone who was a loner, like her. A wanderer.

It had been an extra hot day and she was tired. Her energy was sapped. She hadn’t seen the “gnu” explorer around. Had he left?

Isadora had been on her way back home for the day when she spotted him. Evening was coming. Temps had begun to drop. She was sleepy and craved a sweet piece of chocolate cake, waiting for her at home, but followed him instead.

He turned, looking behind him. That had enabled her to get a better look at his face.

Wait a minute, it was coming to her now. She had seen him before, but where? Within moments, a chill made her tremble all over, and it wasn’t due to the temperature drop.

It was him. She was 98% sure of it. A while back, her friend had sent her a photo that had come out of a magazine.

They had been laughing at it, thinking it had to be a joke. The Unicorn Carnivore the magazine had called him. Was it actually true? Did he eat unicorn meat?

Was the picture still in her backpack? She took it from off of her shoulders and looked in the side pocket. Yes, it was still there. It was crumpled and had been torn, but the glaring image still made her stomach churn.

Who would dare to eat canned unicorn? What kind of guy would ever want to harm these magnificent creatures?

He was cackeling and rubbing his hands together like he was up to no good as he walked.

Should she confront him or wait and see exactly what he was up to. Perhaps her suspicions would prove false. One could only hope. She continued on, trekking after him through the desert.

Her heart dropped. Isadora’s heart warmed usually when she saw Aurora Spark, the name she had given her, but today, fear gripped it.

For today, it wasn’t only Isadora that saw Aurora Spark .

It was the man next to her, jumping up and down and licking his lips.Who was this crazed man? Isadora had walked up closer to him.

“Such a marvel! Not a more beautiful animal can be found.” Isadora said.

Run Aurora, run! She was thinking as she stared into the unicorn’s eyes, trying to send her a message.

“Well, hot diggity dog!! I am going to have myself some unicorn meat!” The man grinned like a Cheshire cat, winking at Isadora.

Bile rose in Isadora’s throat at the mere thought of unicorn meat.

Seeing Isadora’s horrified expression, the man burst out laughing.

“I am only kidding! April Fools!”

“But it’s not April Fool’s day.” Isadora replied

Was this man only a harmless doolally?

“You aren’t the Unicorn Carnivore?” She held up the torn photo.

This made the man laugh even harder!

“I remember that photo. That was a joke. A friend sent me the unicorn meat as a joke.” He slapped his thigh, shaking his head, laughing so hard that tears came to his eyes.

“What do you think of roasted armadillo meat? I heard that in Texax, its a specialty. Maybe that is more your style?” He asked.

Isadora made a face.

“Don’t worry. That was a joke can sent to another friend, as well..” He chortled.

“You have nothing to fear from me. I love unicorns! They are my spirit animal. I am the unicorn chaser. I roam around the world looking for unicorns. I agree with you they are amazing. Finding a unicorn is a special thing meant to be savored and the moment stored in the place of treasured memories in your brain.”

Aurora stood still watching them converse with each other. They were close enough to touch her now.

Isadora relaxed, seeing how relaxed Aurora was. Unicorns were smart and clever. She would have run if she sensed danger, Everything would be okay.

Turning to the man, she shook his hand, “I am Isadora, what is your name?”

“People call me Tippy.”

“I am glad to meet you. Tippy, meet Aurora.”

His eyes danced with joy.

Isadora walked back to her backpack that she had left on the ground. She grabbed a snack bar out of the bag, really wishing it was the divine chocolate cake with thick fudgy, chocolate chip icing.

Turning back around, she watched Tippy. She saw the genuine look of pure delight on his face over finding a unicorn.

Unicorn moments were a treasure indeed.

Unicorn meat? She laughed at the photo still in her hand. It would certainly make a fun April Fool’s prank, and it wasn’t too far away. Hmmm … She laughed again. … walked back over to Aurora and the guy named Tippy, a unicorn chaser.

**https://unicorniks.com** The real Tippy Gnu that I met in the desert, far, far away.

Falling from the sky … Swinging from the rope … Heartbeats of Hummingbirds … and Other Facts!

March 29, 2026 / joyroses13 / 21 Comments

**I think I will swipe paragliding off my bucket list. It wasn’t on, I like my feet on the ground!**

**When I read more about it, it said their dialect is called Euskara. So if you don’t understand me sometimes, I am going to say I was speaking euskara. Could come in handy.**

**A great idea! Would you bike to work if you had a safe path? My sister has a lot of times and my husband has a** **few tim**es.

**I read that** **yellow paint was cheaper** **and thats** **why they did it.**

**A sweet pic** **and an amazing bird**!

Friday’s Short Stories!

March 27, 2026 / joyroses13 / 38 Comments

Isn’t it amazing how our children keep getting older and we don’t. 😉Happy 27th Birthday to our firstborn. Our little boogaloo, who isn’t so little anymore! Never knew before how much love my heart could hold! ❤️

When you ask your daughter what she wants for her birthday and the answer is BOOKS! This mama did something right. To the bookstore we go!

When in the desert, we met a man looking for his horse, or was he looking for his Gnu?

**A real-life blogger. No longer hidden behind a screen! Joshua Tree National Park**

Shooing Away the Giants

March 26, 2026March 26, 2026 / joyroses13 / 13 Comments

Here is the conclusion of The Forest Competition!

The sweat was pouring down Cara’s face. She was working as fast as she possibly could, and exhaustion was taking over. Would this day ever end? Had the battle been won? Serephina and Tatiana hadn’t checked in with her for awhile.

Snowball stretched and opened his eyes. Where was he? Why was it dark? Oh, that’s right he and Alabaster were in a giant log, waiting for Gandalf. Where was he? Where was Alabaster?

“Alabaster??” Snowball called his name, making his way to the opening of the log.

There was no reply.

Snowball trembled at a scary thought. What if a giant had got hold of Alabaster?

The forest was still.

He stepped out of the log , the snake was gone, much to Snowball’s relief.

“Alabaster? Where are you? Alabaster?”

“Over here!”

Snowball looked, and sure enough, Alabaster was outside taking pictures. Apparently, nothing stopped a serious photographer, not even battles against giants.

“Be careful! We aren’t supposed to be out of the log, remember. There is a battle going on!” Snowball’s eyes darted back and forth, looking for danger.

“Don’t worry, the battle must be in another part of the forest now, or perhaps it’s over. It’s been so quiet. I had to come out here for some fresh air! I told you not to eat all those beans on our way here. Scared me half to death at first. I thought someone was shooting close by us.”

Suddenly, the ground shook beneath them. The biggest giant they ever saw was walking straight towards them with a hungry look in its eyes.

“Either the battle isn’t over or the giants won!” Snowball gulped.

Pinching their eyes shut, they curled up into a ball, hoping to make themselves invisible, waiting for their fate.

“Over here!! Look what I have! You don’t want those fun-sized elves. They will give you indigestion. Come this way!”

The booming voice sounded like it was coming from a megaphone. The elves opened their eyes, and to their surprise, they saw the giant walking away following the sound of the loud voices.

An overpowering, sweeet fragrance filled the forest. Where was it coming from? The elves were tempted to follow the giant but had more sense than that. They would not let themselves be swayed by sweet things.

Instead, Alabaster kept snapping photos of the giant walking away. The other elves would be fascinated with his photos. He would get a 10 star rating for these.

Hearing the brush of wings from above, he aimed his camera up and snapped more photos of a horde of fairies flying. Surely, he would win the honor of the photographer of the year award now.

“There you guys are. I am relieved to see you are OK.” Serephina flew down in front of them.

“We won! We won! The forest is now ours and will be filled with the peaceful sounds of fairy songs and water flowing.

All thanks to Cara for teaching us how to make our secret weapon. Whoever knew that giants would have a weakness for Shoo-fly pie! As long as we keep making them, the giants will leave us alone, and General Sherman will stand guard.

That night, there was a grand celebration in the land of the Redwoods. Cara met Snowball and Alabaster when Serephina introduced them.

“I have the strangest feeling that I saw you both before. Were you ever at Mason’s Diner?”

“We rarely leave the North Pole, so I doubt it.” Snowball replied.

“You, especially look familiar,” Cara said to Alabaster, “but maybe it’s because of your hair. My boss, Mason, has hair like yours.”

Alabaster was shocked. “Hair like mine? Luxurious curls? What does he use on his hair?”

“I have no idea. I only know he keeps them in a locked cabinet in his office.”

“I lock up my hair gel, too! I have to keep it away from CandyCane, who used it before as glue for toys! Oh, the audacity!”

Cara held in a laugh, thinking it best that she didn’t confess what she used a bottle of Mason’s hair gel on. One he forgot to lock up. What he didn’t know didn’t hurt him.

Too soon, it was time to head back to BitterSweet CreMason could only do without her help for a couple of days.

With one more look back at the *bosque, land of many trees, she smiled and headed home to BitterSweetCreek, who knew what other adventures awaited her there.

If you go to the Redwoods, be quiet and listen. The echoes of fairy songs can still be heard since that legendary day. Breathe in deeply and feel the peace. That’s the secret of the Redwoods, available to all who walk upon their path.

*bosque*-Spanish- land of many trees

The Forest Competition!

March 25, 2026March 25, 2026 / joyroses13 / 11 Comments

The next part to The Big Question!

Finding a needle in a haystack would be less stressful right now, thought Seraphina.

“What is wrong? You look like you have the biggest toothache ever! All those lattes caught up to you, didn’t they? I told you to cut back on the sugar.”

With a look of annoyance, Seraphina shook her head.

“My teeth are fine, and I could use a triple latte right now.”

“This must be something big! What is the problem? Is it something I can help with?”

“Have you changed your mind about helping the forest fairies with this big competition coming up?”

Calista trembled at the thought.

“You are braver than me, my friend! You saw the photos and heard all the details about what could happen if things went wrong. Plus, even if things didn’t go wrong. You saw how BIG that Giant was that emerged from behind that one tree!”

“Yes, I was trying to forget about that image. I don’t blame you. I wish I had never agreed to help. I had been so honored to have been asked, but now … ” She shivered.

They were quiet for a bit until Calista spoke.

“I thought you were going to have that kind waitress take your place. Did she refuse?”

“No, she accepted, that’s the problem.”

Giving her a quizzical look, Calista cocked her head to the side. “Why is it a problem?”‘

Meanwhile, back at Mason’s Diner, it was all set. Cara had handed in her vacation slip. She only needed to finish this shift and work for one more day. After that, she would be ready for an exciting adventure with the forest fairies.

She hadn’t told anyone all the details about where she was going yet. That could wait until she got back. Cara imagined the reaction she would get if she told Mason she was joining the forest fairies in a fight against the giants.

He would be calling the men in white jackets to take her away before her shift ended.

Tonight, she would be meeting with Seraphina again to practice the skills that Serephina was teaching her.

“Hey, can I get any help here? Mason, you need to find better help.” grumbled Tippner.

“Oh, stop your hollering, I am coming.” Cara walked over to him to take his order. She would have to daydream about the beautiful Redwood forest another time.

“Okay, let’s try this one more time.” Serephina was trying her best, but she could tell this was futile.

Watching the arrow fly backwards, she covered her face with her hands. How did one shoot an arrow backward?

This would never work. Cara was so proud of helping the fairies, but Seraphina was afraid she would be more of a hindrance than help.

It was late, Seraphina would soon have to start her night flight of visiting children. But there was time for one latte before starting her shift.

“How about we stop for now and drink some of your fabulous lattes?”

Cara agreed and opened the coffee shop to mix some up.

It didn’t take long,

Soon they were sipping with pleasure. Serephina’s stomach churned, having to break the bad news to Cara. May as well get it over with.

“Cara, You have been so brave in wanting to help us and we do appreciate it, but it seems that…”

“WAIT! Don’t say anything yet!”

Calista came flying over to Serephina, whispering something in her ear.

“That may work!” Hope raised Serephina’s spirits. Looking at Cara, she smiled. “I have a question for you.”

Mrs Claus was wringing her hands with worry.

“Are you absolutely sure this is safe?”

“Of course. Gandalf promised to watch over them. He knows where to place them so they won’t get hurt. You know how excited they are. How can I tell them that they can’t go? This is a humongous thing. Tales will be told. Our boys will go down in history.”

Sniffling, Mrs Claus tried to smile. She cared about Alabaster and Snowball, and as much as she liked them, she wouldn’t deny that they were experts at getting into mishaps. But Santa was right. She should relax. After all, Gandalf was in charge of their protection.

The stage was ready. History was about to be made. The fairies were taking over, and all would be well.

Snowball and Alabaster were in shock by what they saw. They knew the trees would be tall but leaping lizards. These trees were enormous!

They walked around in total awe, temporarily forgetting why they had come.

Swish! Alabaster ducked, covering his camera as an arrow flew by his head, only missing it by a bit!

“Cara! No! Remember our agreement. You aren’t shooting arrows. You have a different secret weapon. You almost hit that poor elf down below.”

Serephina flew to Cara, who was perched up in a tree.

“Y-Y-Yes ..” she stammered out. Visibly shaken that she had come so close to hitting an elf. She had been aiming in the other direction.

“Get down and work on preparing your secret weapon. The battle starts tomorrow, and remember, the elves are our friends. We have combined forces to fight against the giants, who want to take over our corner of the forest.”

“Understand!”

“Good. Let’s go.” Serephina flew away, sighing with relief that she had put rubber tips on the arrows. That poor elf wouldn’t have been hurt, even if Cara’s arrow had struck him.

Glancing down, Serephina didn’t see Cara. She looked behind her to see Cara still stuck in the tree.

“Why aren’t you coming?”

“It didn’t look as far down before.” Cara trembled, looking below.

“You will be fine. Take it slow as you inch your way back down the tree.”

After what seemed like forever, Cara finally made it down, vowing not to go up into the tree again. She followed Serephina back to get to work.

“Excuse me, are you Snowball and Alabaster?” Tatianna flew down in front of them.

“Yes, we are, and we are at your service.” Snowball stood up as tall as he could and saluted the fairy.

“Always glad to help.” Chimed in Alabaster.

“Thank you! Let me show you where I want you both stationed at.”

“Here you go. Crawl in here, and you should be safe from the giants.’

Snowball had a wary look in his eyes as Alabaster snapped photos.

He didn’t like dark spaces, and how did they know what was inside that log?

Pausing in snapping photos, Alabaster remembered something important. “Where is Gandalf? We were told he would be with us.”

Tatiana bit her lip, not saying anything at first.

“Will we get arrows to shoot?” Snowball asked.

“Sorry, I have to fly for now.. I will be back… Stay there!”

Tatiana pushed down the guilty feeling in her chest. But how could she have told them that Gandalf wasn’t coming? She didn’t want to scare them. Why, oh, why did Gandalf have to be called away now! Was someone named Bilbo Baggins really that important?

“You first!” Snowball said.

“Its dark in there. Maybe we could stay right inside of it. On the edge, so that we can still see out.”

Snowball agreed, and they stepped inside.

“Did you catch that she said we should be okay? I would feel much better if she would have sounded more confident!”

“Yikes, do you see that?” They scrambled further back into the log.