In the Enchanted Forest
Once upon a time, sunlight danced through the leaves of an enchanted forest, playing hide and seek on the ground below. This magical place was where trees whispered secrets and animals chatted like old friends.
A Curious Little Girl
In this forest lived a curious little girl named Elara. With eyes wide open and a heart full of adventure, she loved to wander through the woods, eager to uncover every mystery hidden beneath its green cloak.
The Elder-Tree
One sunny day, Elara stumbled upon a grand elder-tree. Its branches stretched out as if to welcome her, and the trunk bore carvings so intricate, they seemed to tell stories of old.
The Elder-Tree’s Secret
As she neared, a soft voice floated towards her. “Hello, dear child,” it said. This was no ordinary tree, but the Elder-Tree Mother, a magical being who could make wishes come true for those with believing hearts.
Elara’s First Wish
Eyes sparkling with wonder, Elara made her first wish. She dreamed of a dress spun from golden sunlight, one that would shimmer and shine, making her the forest’s star.
The Dress
Bright and early next morning, Elara raced back to the village, her new golden dress shimmering in the sunlight. Villagers stopped in their tracks, their eyes wide with amazement. Never before had they seen such a dress, golden like the sun, making Elara shine like a star among them.
“Where did you find such a treasure?” they asked, gathering around her.
Elara smiled, her secret safe within her heart. “In the forest,” she replied, leaving them to wonder.
The Second Wish
With newfound confidence, Elara wished next for a flute. But not just any flute. One that could weave melodies so captivating, they’d hug the heart and tickle the soul.
The Flute
With her first wish fulfilled beyond her dreams, Elara returned to the Elder-Tree Mother for her second wish. “I wish for a magical flute,” she said, “one that can play melodies so enchanting, they could soothe even the wildest beast.”
No sooner had she spoken her wish than a flute, carved from the elder wood itself and adorned with intricate patterns, appeared in her hands. Its music, when she played, was like nothing anyone had ever heard. Notes flowed like a gentle river, weaving magic in the air.
Elara played for birds and beasts, for trees and flowers, and even the wind seemed to listen. Her music brought peace to the forest and joy to her heart.
Elara’s Third Wish
But soon, Elara felt a tug in her heart. It wasn’t enough to have these wonders all to herself. For her third wish, she yearned for the joy of sharing her gifts with everyone around her.
The Gift
Yet, time revealed a truth to Elara. While her dress brought admiration and her flute brought joy, a shadow of loneliness crept into her heart. She realized that true happiness wasn’t in being the best dressed or the most talented. It was in sharing these gifts with others.
Returning to the Elder-Tree Mother once more, Elara made her third wish. “I wish for the ability to share my gifts,” she said, “so that others may find the same joy I’ve found.”
And so, with a heart as golden as her dress, Elara shared her magical flute, teaching her friends to play beautiful melodies. Together, they filled the forest with music and laughter, weaving a bond of friendship stronger than any magic.
The Happiest Girl in the Forest
In time, Elara became known not for her golden dress or her enchanting flute, but for her kindness and generosity. She had learned that the greatest joy comes not from what we have but from what we give away.
As she continued to explore the enchanted forest, she knew the Elder-Tree Mother watched over her, ready to grant a wish should she ever need one. But Elara found she no longer wished for dresses or flutes. She had everything she needed: friendship, joy, and a heart full of love.
And in the heart of the enchanted forest, Elara truly was the happiest girl, not for the gifts she had received, but for the gifts she had given.