THE FAIRIES’ WEDDING

Dominion, Volume 27, Issue 17, 14 October 1933, Page 23

THE FAIRIES’ WEDDING

» » • A CEREMONY AT DAWN

Ono evening while I was sitting on the lawn wishing I could see a fairy I heard a tiny voice whisper in my ear. I jumped and looked round, and \there on the grass beside me was the daintiest little fairy that one could imagine.

“You wished to see me?” she said. “Oh. yes!” I replied. “But how did you know?” / "Why,” she said, “you tapped three times on the grass just now, and if ever you want a fairy to appear you must tap on the grass three times just at dusk. Now tell me what you would like.”

"Oh,” I exclaimed, “I would just love to see a real fairy wedding.” , “Then your desire will be fulfilled,” said the little fairy, “for to-morrow at dawn our beloved fairy queen is to be married. You must be there very, early.” '

So, of course, I was there, and I will tell you what I saw. The stars were still shining, but in the glen the fairy bells were pealing, for it was the wedding morn. Everywhere the wee fairy folk were hurrying to and fro preparing the arbour where the marriage was to. take place. They were decorating it with the loveliest flowers imaginable. There were golden daffodils, fragrant stock, dainty primroses, and many other delicate spring blossoms, for it was a spring wedding. In the centre of the arbour hung the most beautiful wedding bell, which was a tulip of exquisite hue. The floor of the arbour was covered with lovely freezias and sweet-scented violets.

Gnomes and goblins were busily preparing the wedding feast. There was nectar in dainty snowdrop bowls, and luscious berries and fruits placed on fragile leaf plates, while every conceivable delicacy, was being prepared for the great occasion. At last all was done, and the wee folk were eagerly^waiting the appearance of the bride, for the bridegroom was already in the arbour. Suddenly fairy music floated through the vale, and the bride appeared in a daffodil coach drawn by four gorgeous butterflies. Oh! what an exquisite little creature she was!

Her dainty dress of sheerest gossamer was woven from spiders’ webs and was richly studded with dew gems, which glinted and sparkled as she moved. On her head was a crown of silver leaves made of moonbeams. Her graceful wings were fashioned by fairies from a rainbow and were set with j.ewels of such splendour as no mortal* had previously seen. In a similar coach followed her four fairy bridesmaids, clad in dainty hyacinth dresses of palest pink. Their tiny shoes were gold primroses and their wings were made of golden sunlight. After the ceremony, which was performed by the King of the Goblins, the bride and bridegroom stood hand In hand while the fairy people joined hands and danced round them and showered them with primrose petals. Then they all went, to the glen for the wedding breakfast and sat on wee fairy stools. The gnomes handed round the delicacies which they had so joyously prepared. Such a happy scene it was, with everyone laughing and chatting and making merry. But when the first ray of sunlight peeped into the glade the fairies vanished. Perhaps some day I shall «ee another fairy wedding—who knows? —“Huia,” Manakau.