Legends of Belariath
Zoey deMare
Zoey and the Dryad
Zoey left the beach she had been brought to by the dolphins a few days before, each day seeming the same as the one before. She walked on, her sandals barely surviving the turbulent brush with the storm that had forced her from her home, leaving her stranded in an unfamiliar land. She stopped as dusk fell and set up a small camp, laying out the small bedroll she had made from weaving together palm fronds that she had gathered on the beach. She gathered some nuts and berries from some of the bushes around campsite and had herself a small meal, leaving half for the following day's trek. She soon fell asleep, wrapping her iridescent wings about her small form and snuggling within their warmth. As the rays of the waking sun laid their light upon the land, a few streaks making their way through the trees and falling on the sleeping fae, her eyes slowly opened, shutting immediately as the brightness seemed to blind her. She fluttered her eyes, slowly letting them adjust to the light as she woke with the dawn. Soon she was folding up her woven bedroll and strapping it to her back. She then threw her backpack on her back and continued along the path she had started at the beach.
After several days of traveling along the path the little water fae stopped at a small spring, filling a small water pouch she had fashioned, then strapping it to a woven belt that encircled her slender hips. She sat for awhile, resting by the water, regaining her strength from the source of her life. Tempted to take a swim, she removed her small amount of gear and the tattered dress that barely covered her body. She then dove into the spring, giggling and laughing as she dove and twisted and turned, weaving through the spring like a bird through the air, her blue and green wings extending fully to propel her through the crystal clear water. Losing track of time, the young fae soon saw the rays of light receding from the land as night once again claimed its share of the summer day.
She set camp by the spring and sighed softly as she laid on the soft grassy bank and looked up to the stars, hoping to see another one passing across the dark evening canvas. In the morning she went along her usual routine, gathering some food for the journey along the same path. Around midday she came upon a split in the path, one seemed less traveled and the grass was greener and more lush than the other direction, that path trodden and well used. Not being one to trust the path with possibly more dangers, she headed down the lush grassy path, humming a soft siren's song her mother had taught her. Some time later, she stopped as she spotted something laying still in the path ahead. She looked around and back behind her, unsure if she should continue. She slowly advanced towards the inanimate object lying there, moving cautiously until she sees a small head jerk up and a strangled cry from what she could see now was a small fawn.
She ran forward, kneeling by the small baby deer, letting her fingers examine him, looking for something that might be paining him. She then saw the trap that his small leg was caught in, the teeth gripping and cutting slightly above the hoof. She frowns, wondering what could have done this and how she could help the poor animal. She whispered soft soothing words, always having a special gift with the wildlife back home, she tried to calm the frightened beast.
As she gently stroked the young deer along his sides, she reached down and tried to open the trap, her strength just not enough to undo the undo the strong jaws of the metal trap. She pouted as she always did when she didn't get her way and then looked about the forest, looking for something that might assist her. She spotted a rather strong looking branch that had fallen beneath its tree. She stood and went to gather the thick bare limb and then returned, sitting down by the trap and then placing the tip of the branch in between the teeth, she placed her whole body weight upon the stick and grunted as the jaws slowly open, finally clicking into place. She then moved around to try and drag the fawn free from the trap.
He stood, but couldn't bear his weight upon the injured leg so soon knelt in the grassy lane of the path. She sat there, not sure what she should do for the poor soul. She started singing a soft wailing tune, hoping to call some aid for the young animal. Soon several small animals had answered her call and she told them of how she had found the injured deer and had freed him. One of the smaller wood squirrels chattered softly amongst the other animals and then darted off into the brush, scurrying away from the rest of the group gathered.
She sighed, thinking he had left her until a few minutes later, she heard a rumbling of the ground. She trembled slightly as a humongous stag pounded down the path in her direction. She jumped and moved from the path, fearful she might be trodden on by the giant beast. The beast came to a skidding halt by the injured deer and looked to the fae. Snorting a puff of hot air, he stomped at the ground and bellowed, demanding of Zoey what had happened. She repeated the story for him, her lips quivering with fear as she spoke in a tiny whisper. The stag seemed to nod as she told him the tale, finally as she came to a stop it seamed an eternity before he came to a conclusion. He snorted and bellowed, telling her to stay there with the young fawn and he would return with help.
Some time later the stag returned with a small woodland nymph upon its back. She slid from his back and ran to the young deer, whispering soothing hands and running a healing hand along his leg. Soon the deer was kicking and prancing about and then darting off into the woods.
The fae looked at the nymph in awe, her jaw dropping slightly as she watched her heal the injuries. The fae smiled at the nymph as she turned to her after watching the deer run off, healed and well. The nymph walked to her and smiled, greeting her with a soft welcome to the forest. 'Thank you my cousin, for helping this young one, we have had problems like this many times now in the past few weeks. Foreigners have invaded these parts of the forest with intent to destroy some of the creatures who call this place home, seemingly for nothing more than amusement. But my thanks is with you and the stag will keep watch on you as you journey to the end of our territory. Some ways past that you will come to a small town called Nathalion, there is a place there called The Lonely Inn where you might find lodging and food and spirits. I wish you well in your journeys my cousin.'
Zoey nodded and smiled at the dryad, 'Shall there be anything else I might be able to help you with cousin. I do so hate to see lovely creatures in danger because of the ignorance and malice of men. I would offer any help that you may need.'
The nymph smiled but shook her head, 'You have helped enough young cousin, do not delay your travels for such peoples. They will soon get what they deserve. The forest is beginning to fight back of its own and will soon purge this evil within its realm.'
Zoey nods and then checks her gear and her clothing once, then quickly hugs the nymph, kissing her on the cheek. 'Thank you again, cousin, for the safe passage through your home.' The little fae then continued on the same path heading towards the Lonely Inn , now being closely watched and protected by the friends of the wood nymph.