Fatherhood

[LaffenOutLoud 351]

 

A calm breeze whistled as it flowed past towering trees, as fearsome as they were magnificent, in the lush Loftywoods. A grove far in its depths, behind shrubs and bushes and thick groups of trees, contained ethereal, vibrant flora and sacred herbs. Calm animals such as deer, squirrels and horses all frolicked past healthy foliage and grass, maintaining peace and serenity in the security of the grove. The large canopy that hovered over the Loftywoods casted a slight level of darkness, yet occasional gaps in the clusters of leaves above allowed gleaming, golden rays of sunlight to gently illuminate the grassy floor. Drops of dew on blades of grass and plant-leaves glistened as the sunlight sparsely touched their surface. A pleasant, verdant scent of freshly watered grass and flowers flowed through the air, joining the crisp smell of clean river rapids in spreading throughout the grove. Various birds joined their voices in tranquil song, the sound of which cheerfully flowed through the wilderness.

 

In the heart of the lush grove, a large tree loomed over the others, casting an even deeper shadow and coolness to the area under it. A stream besides the shaded area gently muffled the sound of a cooing baby, occasionally giggling as a proud elven father’s fingertips gently tickled the smooth surface skin of his daughter’s neck. His fingernails casted a calming, tranquil lavender-hued glow, which stood out amidst the lush greenery and shadows under the treetops. The scene was overjoyed with the love shared between the father and daughter, the father’s back set against the side of the grand tree, carrying the infant in his arms.

 

The baby outstretched her short arm, grasping at clusters of flowers tied onto wreaths that the father wore around both of his arms. The father glanced down to the wreaths he wore, nodding once before his gaze returned happily to the daughter he carried, bundled in his arms. “They’re all shaped by the Mother.. Each with her delicate touch and beauty.. Just like you,” he muttered in a quiet voice, knowing that his daughter couldn’t come close to understanding him just yet, yet proceeding to proudly teach his daughter with a beaming smile, regardless.

 

The infant lowered her arm as the pair of bright, emerald green eyes curiously darted across the canopy above. The father’s gaze followed that of his daughter’s, exhaling with calmness as he began to spoke once more. “..The trees tower over us, having the strength of Cernunnos and the beauty of Cerridwen - Watching over both you and me, protecting us,” he comforted. Long, pointed Elven ears twitched as the daughter cooed, the father’s head tilting somewhat as the two still gazed towards the towering canopy. “..I pray you’ll come to understand that no matter what, the forest watches over.. Is a friend, and will protect you, in any circumstance. You’re always safe,” he murmured to the infant, speaking what he wished he had been told as a child.

 

A sudden snap was heard in the distance, the hoof of a deer breaking a twig fallen from one of the many trees. The sound was quite loud compared to the otherwise tranquil and joyous forest, standing out and echoing past tree-trunks. The deer stood frozen on the other side of the river, head proudly perched up as he looked over the grove. His antlers raised up on either side of his head, twisting and turning into a beautiful display. The baby flinched at the sudden noise, frantically turning towards her father. “..Hush, it is but a stag.. You will learn much about the wild animals, and befriend them.. Reflect the will of the Huntsman..” he spoke with a smile. He knew that he did not reflect the bravery of Cernunnos, but he had faith that his daughter would learn to. After many moments, the deer’s head suddenly turned to the right, darting away as hoofs silently pounded on the grassy floor.

 

The stream that flowed serenely next to the shaded part under the large tree created noise that sparked the interest of the baby, her gaze tilting curiously to the calm river. “..Allow yourself to flow, as both a raging storm and a gentle spring,” he repeated quietly, nodding as he recalled the quote commonly spoken in his religion. A ray of sunlight hit the surface of the water as it shone brightly like a diamond sunken deep underwater, catching the baby’s eye as she reached her arms in the direction of the glistening water. Moments of silence passed, before the father finally spoke.

 

“The lady of light.. Illuminating the darkness in this realm..” he spoke with a smile of appreciation, outstretching his grasp of the baby so small rays of light would hit her cheek, warming and illuminating the surface. “You will grow to be a shining light.. You are the offspring of the Eclipse Druid and the Rainbow Druid...

 

..Daughter of change and promise.”