The Lavender Faerie

Bryn pulled her cloak tightly around her shoulders, sheltering herself from the wind as she weaved
between the trunks of the tall trees. She could see her mother and brother in the garden, her father
out back chopping wood, and their two cats rolling the grass a few yards down the hill. She looked
up, shielding her eyes from the afternoon sun, and saw a few birds flitting through the air. It was
calm and quiet and peaceful, and she yawned against her will. She found a patch of grass cradled
between the roots of a tall pine tree and sat down, watching her family work. There never seemed
to be anything for her to do, because she was so youngMum or Dad had to be there for
everything to make sure she didnt hurt herself or make a mess. There was a soft smell drifting on
the breeze as she watched her family, and it calmed her thoughts and lifted her spirits a bit. With a
sigh she pulled her little stuffed kitty from her cloak pocket and held her up to her face.
What can we do to make our family smile today, Kitty? Bryn asked the stuffed animal. She
listened intently as she held the cats face to her ear, nodding at the whispers. Oh! That is a lovely
idea! She stuffed the kitty back in her pocket and leaned forward, putting her hands on the
ground. She looked at her family, making sure they werent watching hersatisfied that she was
without supervision, Bryn crawled around the tree and stood. Okay Where would we find those
pretty purple flowers?
She sniffed the air, trying to find the source of the soft and woody and sweet smell. It led
her deeper into the woods, through the trees, and off the trail. Between two trees sat a low shrub
with silver-grey foliage and tall stems topped with blue-purple flowers. Bryn smiled and clapped
her hands in excitement as she ran toward the plant.
Halt! A small voice called. Who goes there?
Stunned, Bryn stopped mid step, looking around her, trying to find the source of the voice.
She couldnt see anyoneshe was alone in the forest, but she was sure someone had spoken.

You there, little girl, what is your name? The voice asked. Starting to get scared, Bryn took
a step back and laced her fingers behind her back. Dont fret, girl, I wont hurt you. So long as you
dont hurt my flowers.
There, hovering over the bush, was a pale little person with translucent purple wings and
grey-green hair. Because of the fluttering purple dress, Bryn assumed it was a girl like herbut
she had known some boys to wear their sisters dresses at times.
My name is Bryn. Who are you? Are you a Faerie
I am Lavandula. And yes, I am Fae The flying girl said. It is a pleasure to meet you, Bryn.
And you, Lavandula. Bryn curtsied lightly as she watched the purple winged creature.
Might I ask what you are doing?
I am protecting my flowers. Lavandula flew around the bush, showing Bryn the beautiful
leaves and buds. I have to check each bush every day. It is a tough job, but I love these flowers.
They are beautiful, and they smell lovely. Bryn commented. I smelt them all the way at the
edge of the forest, near my home, and I followed the scent.
They do have a strong aroma. Here, Lavandula gestured for Bryn to move closer, see?
Bryn stepped up to the bush and bent over, smelling the blossoms. She was overcome with peace
and tranquillity, and she smiled at the sweet smell.
That is amazing! She cried, giggling.
It is, it is. So, tell me Bryn, what were you planning on doing once you found the flowers
making the smell?
Looking down at the ground, embarrassed, Bryn let out a deep breath. I was going to pick
the flowers and take them home to my family. Theyve been working all day, and since the smell is
so calming, I thought they would enjoy it once they were finished.
Lavandula shook her head and made an admonishing sound. We cant have you just
picking the flowers! There needs to be precision and care and honour for the plants, respect for
them and for the Great Mother. Crossing her arms and tapping her chin with her index finger,
Lavandula thought for a moment. I will allow you to take a few cuttings of this plant, but not until
I teach you how to harvest them.
Oh, thank you, thank you! Bryn clapped her hands. How do I harvest them?
Come, closer. Lavandula put her face up to the flowers. You must check to make sure they
are ready. If you listen carefully, they will sing to you when they are willing to be harvested.
Bryn placed her ear up to the flowers and listened. A soft humming seemed to echo from
the purple flowers, and she opened her mouth in a wide smile. Whispering, Bryn said to the Fae:
I can hear humming!
Yes, they are ready. And they are willing to let you harvest them. They must tell you this, or
you will harm the plant and it may not flower in the next year. Bryn shook her head, silently
promising she would never harm the sweet purple flowers. Now, do you have a harvesting knife?

Bryn checked her pockets and pulled out a small pair of pruning sheers her mother had
given to her for Christmas one year. Will these do?
Those are perfect. Remember, they must be sharp! If they are dull, it could leave the stem
ragged and that may cause problems in the future for the plant. Lavandula gathered a few stalks
together: Now, gather the stalks enough to be comfortable in your fist. Good. You want to cut, at a
slight angle, a little bit above the woody looking part of the stems. Dont cut into the woody part,
that will make it hard for the plant to get better.
Bryn nervously cut through the stalks, above the woody growth that rested against the
ground. She came away with a handful of stems. Excited, she giggled as she sniffed the blooms.
Excellent. Now, do not harvest more than one bundle from any plantand do not harvest
every day. Give them time to get healthy again and produce more blooms. And always give your
thanks. Lavender is a very proper plant, and she requires must respect and honour.
Of course! Bryn smiled. She turned to the bush and curtsied. Thank you, lovely Lavender,
for your sweet smelling flowers.
Lavandula smiled at the little girl, and was happy that she had made a friend. You may visit
any Lavender bush whenever you like. And if you call for me over the blooms, I will come to your
aid.
Thank you Lavandula. I will treasure this gift of blooms, and your knowledge of the
Lavender plant, always. Bryn waved at the Fae as she ran back through the trees to the edge of the
forest, holding the stalks of lavender flowers close to her chest.

Mummy! Look what I found! Bryn called as she ran through the gate to the garden. Her mother
and brother were still bent over the garden bed, placing seeds in holes and replacing the dirt like
little blankets. Its called Lavender!
Oh, darling! Those are beautiful. Where did you find such a lovely bush? And who told you
they were Lavender? Her mother said, dusting her hands off on her skirts.
Lavandula, the Faerie who watches over these flowers in the forest. Bryn laughed. She
handed her mother the bundle of stalks. They smell wonderful, dont they?
Why yes they do! And it looks like you harvested these with care! That little Fae must have
been a wonderful teacher. Her mother smiled. Why dont we go inside and get these prepared for
some crafts.
Bryn followed her mother inside, and Bran was not far behind them. He was tired of
working in the sun and wanted to see what their mother had in mind for the stalks of purple
flowers.