

"In fact," Ak went on, "tonight as I came to the edge of the Forest, I heard a weak cry. "More than once I have helped the very young ones that the humans call 'children.'" "I am sure, Ak," exclaimed the Queen, "that you have helped these poor humans!"Īk smiled. How can we understand the sadness and misery that humans face? But it is good for us to show them compassion." "Our life in this lovely forest," Ak began, "is one of joy and pleasure. As the wise Ak spoke to them, Necile listened thoughtfully. That night Queen Zurline sat beside him, while Necile and the other nymphs gathered at his feet. Ak, the Master Woodsman of the world, saw everything and knew more than any human. One evening, the great Ak came to visit the Forest. Only Necile was discontented with her life in the Forest of Burzee. No other nymph, though, shared her thoughts. She longed for something to bring excitement and interest to her days. The Feast of Nuts, the Jubilee of Autumn Tintings, Leaf Shedding, and Budding Day were each celebrated by the forest-dwellers.īut Necile was restless. Special ceremonies, too, were held throughout the year. At each full moon came dancing, in the Royal Circle of the Queen Zurline. There were, of course, times of pleasure. With her sister nymphs, Necile had helped the trees grow strong and sturdy.īut now Necile had little to occupy her days. Her job then had been to guard the forest and to protect the young trees. Necile, however, looked as fresh and lovely as the day she was first created. The wood-nymph Necile was one of these who dwelt in Burzee. In the depths of the forest these beings made their peaceful, happy homes. For only the immortals, the Fairies, Knooks, Ryls, and Nymphs, lived here. Yet the Forest of Burzee was a home, too, although not to humans. Only the wild creatures broke the silence with their songs and cries. It was a place of deep shadows and even deeper quiet. H ERE AND THERE A SUNBEAM SLIPPED THROUGH, LIGHTING UP THE MOSSY earth beneath. I N THE GREAT F OREST OF B URZEE, ANCIENT TREES GREW SO THICKLY THAT THEIR BRANCHES LACED TOGETHER, FORMING A LEAFY ROOF OVERHEAD.
