Tree of the Fairies

We love the blackthorn tree in spring.  With her delicate white flowers glowing like fairy lights, she reminds us that the magic of Nature is bringing light into dark places.

The fairies who look after the blackthorn tree are called Lunantishees.  For some reason they don’t like it if you cut a branch or stick from their tree on May 11 or November 11 – they get very cross, and anyone who does it gets punished.  Why anyone would want to do it, I’m not sure – if we need a stick to play with, there are plenty on the ground – but there’s no accounting for the weirdness of humans.

At Hallowe’en, when her branches are black and bare, the thorn tree is associated with approaching death…

…talking of which, I thought my last moment had come last Sunday.  I was walking through the woods with Annabelle and Pearl when a great wolf-like beast sprang onto the path and attacked me.  I tried to get away, but it wouldn’t let go until it had made several holes in me, including a big one in my chest.  I had to go to the vet and have stitches under anaesthetic, and I’m still feeling very sorry for myself.

Annabelle thought it was a malamute or a husky, but I’m not so sure.  Why wasn’t it accompanied by a human?  And how come it appeared from nowhere, and vanished from sight when it had finished with me?

Annabelle may claim it was just a pesky husky with an irresponsible owner, but I can’t help thinking it was some terrible mythical monster come to claim my life.  Whatever it was, I hope we don’t meet again – I may have a few grey hairs, but I’m way too young to die!