Mary M Cushnie-Mansour

Fairy Forest Mary M Cushnie-Mansour

The Irish have always believed in fairies, and in protecting the forests' nymphs. There is one forest in particular, deep in the heart of Ireland, sacred to the people who still believe. It is called "Fairy Forest."Many centuries ago, there was a time-honoured pact established between humans and fairies. As civilization expanded, humankind began encroaching on forests where fairies roamed freely, driving them from their homes. The fairies finally took refuge in a vast tract of forest in the heart of Ireland, building their new home beneath the roots of the ancient trees. Eventually, the fairies were joined by Elves, who made their homes in the branches of the trees, and the two kingdoms allied. After much deliberation, the fairies and elves decided to approach the humans and strike a deal. This all took place at a time when men and fairies and elves still gathered together and broke bread and drank wine. So it was, the fairies and elves went to the humans in the town that had jurisdiction over Fairy Forest and asked for protection of the woodland. Fortunately, the men in the town wanted to protect their magical friends, for they well remembered the pages in the history books about how fairies and elves had fought with humans during the great wars when horrendous forces of inhuman creatures had tried to conquer the land. Papers were drawn up, protecting Fairy Forest. It was written on the pages that no human would set foot inside the forest to destroy any part of it. It would forever be a sanctuary for the fairies and elves. Papers were signed, and it was agreed upon that a wall would also be built around Fairy Forest to keep out those tempted to enter, especially those who would come after and did not know of the historic agreement. The fairies, elves, and humans built the wall together, from the stones of the fields. The final paragraph in the document stated the treaty was good for as long as there was even one fairy or elf alive, and for as long as the surrounding towns had at least one human living in them. So it was written, and so Fairy Forest remained, untouched--until now.