Solstice festival
Solstice festival was my favorite day of the year. All traditions were observed in our family. The festive dishes have already been put on the table, the only thing missing were fresh fern fruits. Mom willingly entrusted me with the important mission to go to the forest and to pick them.
Warmed by the sun, the trees smelled of pine needles. Blackbirds and starlings made wonderful trills, which made my soul feel light and joyful. Bushes and shrubs, blades of grass and herbs, berries and mushrooms were around, well-trodden paths ran in all directions. But I knew where to go. In addition, my faithful servant Raud was with me. However, I tried not to use his navigator and rely on my instincts. After all, our ancestors did not have technologies, but they always found the treasured fruits.
After three hours I lost my confidence. In all the usual clearings, the fern was just entering its flowering season. The huge buds stood closed, as if at the end of spring. “What happened, miss?” Raud immediately realized that I was worried.
“I don’t understand where the fruits disappeared! You see, they are nowhere to be found, although there are plenty of ferns!”
“I agree. Something is wrong. According to data, the harvest ripens by the second ten days of June”.
“That's what I'm talking about!”
It’s stupid to be angry with a servant; he only says what he knows and is unable to help. But I still got angry and told him to go home and let him help my parents. Long gone are the days when something could threaten a person, even in the forest, or in any other place. Now the whole world has become safe.
Left alone, I thoughtfully touched the giant bud. What went wrong? Why haven't they blossomed yet? Inside each bud lies a magical fruit, tasty and incredibly healthy. I can't go home without them! The Solstice festival is impossible without this treat!
“Why did you send the servant away?”
I shuddered at the quiet, pleasant voice and looked around. There was nobody there! The repeated question sounded louder and more insistent, and I answered honestly:
“I wanted to be alone. And he can`t help me”.
“You did the right thing. We want to talk to you”.
Taking a closer look, I realized that the bud was talking, the petals were barely noticeable moving. It was absulutely amazing!
“Then tell me, please, where are your fruits?”
“We'll give them to you. But first, we want to reward you for coming to us every year and sacredly honoring the traditions of the Solstice. Tell me what do you want?”
I thought about it. Thanks to the development of technology, we have everything, we have a beautiful house, a wonderful garden, and many robot-servants. Our health is excellent, we have no illnesses. Although there is one thing that has not yet been overcome.
“Can you save people from metal intolerance?”
Half an hour later I came out of the forest, clutching a bag of fruits in my hand. I couldn’t wait to hug Raud as soon as possible, and at the same time apologize to him. Robot has served us for generations, and I have never been able to touch it. But now the magic buds have healed me and other people with allergies to metal. Thanks to the magic of Solstice and ferns!