Heart Day Hunt Part VII
Posted by Martha · Feb 05, 2014
"I think I've done your bidding, Master Manning," the hare began, bowing deeply to the Woodland Whimble. Manning returned the bow and said, "Everyone, meet Heelis Helleborus. He has been visiting Lumenesia for some time but is now on his way back to his home in Ancienna's Luna Forest."
"You see," interjected Heelis, "early this morning I startled a white ptarmigan near this garden. When she took flight I saw the remarkable gift she had left behind." He lowered the shimmering spun nest and three blue eggs he held for all to see.
Manning continued, "I saw Heelis attaching the nest to a branch, greeted him, and, after some conversation, we made a decision. Since he is far too large to either climb a Whimble ladder or squeeze into a Woodland tree house, we agreed that he would be the one to hide the many presents created for our belated Heart Day Hunt."
"Now you must come along with me if you hope to find the treasures that await!" stated Heelis emphatically.
Manning, Trolliver, and Gillian were the first to follow, quickly followed by the others. The White Hare tipped his top hat to signal the start of the hunt. Soon all were bedazzled for wherever Heelis hopped, snow melted, instantly replaced by emerald green plants and moss, multi-hued crocus, and dainty snowdrops. High-pitched shouts and shrieks resounded as everyone scrambled and scattered about to discover the hidden Valentine packages concealed within the greenery and flowers. They had to be very quick since whenever The White Hare hopped away, snow returned, green foliage vanished and not a package could be found.
A kaleidoscopic blur of activity lasted until everyone held a unique Valentine prize. Soon afterward, when the sun, Revelato, began his descent, the group waved goodbye to Heelis Helleborus.
The hare knew that the three blue eggs, laid so out of season, must now be kept warm. Before returning to his Anciennan home, Heelis would find the safety of a Woodland outcropping. Once there, he would carefully wrap his furry body around the nest and await what he knew would soon come - a "Winter Birth." (la fin from The Woodlands - Caelumen)
