Elsabob Comes To the Forest

The forest had enjoyed a magical transformation. Dusk had ushered in the firefly brigade. They lit up the pond area like tiny LED lights. I could see they were excitedly motioning to the faeries. Although I do not speak fire-flux, I recognize the aura The few times I have sensed it. The frogs began a croaking banter that would have Made their grandmothers proud. The crickets and grasshopper orchestra began in Earnest now. Nothing new until I heard the owls. Two owls. Exchanging Owl-Speak. I could tell by their hoot Inflections they were seriously discussing Something big. Something BIG. A swoosh of cold air hit me in the face, I stepped Back, into a pocket of much warmer air. “Watch out!” A voice in my head cautioned me. I rarely hear This voice, but when I do, it Needs attention. The cattails were whispering among themselves. At first I thought they were saying “el sha ba,” but then I realized they were saying “Elsabob.” I had heard of Elsabob, the elf-like faerie hybrid, a cross between an elf, And a faerie with a lioness’s heart, but I had not ever seen Her. “SH!” the cattails whispered, “SH!” They stopped swishing and swaying, and stood perfectly still, at attention. My friend Gabriel, a red fox, whispered in my ear, “Elsabob!” I nodded. We were Both on instant hyper- alert. Gabriel attempted to speak with me again, But I shushed him. I did not want to miss Elsabob. I feared if we spoke of it, it may Never happen. A speck of light much brighter Than the other lights across the pond began Moving rapidly toward us. As it got closer and closer, it got brighter and Brighter. I felt Elsabob’s essence before she materialized. Everything in the forest seemed to be feeling her essence. The trees began to smile, and the caterpillars danced. The cattails resumed their swaying. For the first time I noticed the moon Both above the pond, and in the pond. Elsabob appeared first as an outline, then it was As if an invisible painter was filling her in with color. As she hovered over the pond I could see a faerie-like Creature with the ears of an elf. She was approximately 9 inches tall and her honey-colored hair was thick And curly. Her eyes were a combination of many Eye colors. She laughed at all of us. A tingly, fun, party laugh. “We have arrived!” she shouted to her entourage, twenty or more faeries and elves, and nymphs, and one slightly inebriated leprechaun if the truths be known. “Where is fox?” she asked. My friend raised his paw up. “This must be the cat,” Elsabob said Looking directly at me. She came Forward a foot from my nose. I prefer to be called lioness, but When you’re faced with a Faerie princess, why argue? “Your friend Gabriel said you have Always wanted to meet me,” Elsabob said, “Well, here I am.” I gave Gabriel a grateful Paw tap. “I see you are a bit bashful,” she told Me. “That’s okay.” If anyone else would have Said this, I would have devoured them. “I appreciate humbleness,” Elsabob said, “Especially In the form of a lioness. I looked around nervously, Searching the trees. “Don’t worry,” she told me. “Your pride is up on high hill, eating antelope.” I felt relief. It is one thing to be fascinated By faeries, elves, and nymphs, Completely different thinking To let your pride – especially Your husband know about it. “I am granting your wish,” Elsabob Told me. “Your pride will never run Out of food. Hunting will be easy And plentiful.” The lone leprechaun pulled on Elsabob’s sleeve and whispered Something in her ear. “And you Must promise to stop eating Leprechauns,” she cautioned me. Sheesh! It was only that one time. Still, I promised. I bowed my head in subjugation, grateful To Elsabob and my friend, Gabriel. It is always a good thing to have Allies in the forest. I went home And slept well, feeling relief and comforted, mostly feeling gratitude for my forest and my friends.