As Niko, Rum and Nock entered the village, Pa stopped what he was doing near his field and welcomed them back. He talked to them briefly about the plans at the school later and hoped that they brought back good news. Niko reassured Pa that everything should be just fine before they all went their separate ways. Before any kind of celebrating, the seekers wanted to rest and wash up so that they would feel refreshed and presentable.
In the meantime, Ma was back at home making dandelion stew for the celebration. Pa, Drew, and the other fathers then finished up their work for the day. Tia sent all the young ones home to their parents until it was time for the celebration. Cousin Bo even went home this time to help out his mom with food preparation. Pa met up with his brother Drew and talked about the spring planting before he headed home. Drew told Pa that he would be happy to share the watermelon seeds with him from last year.
Once early evening came around, the majority of the community met at the school. Sunshine helped her father Otto down to the school as instructed which made them fashionably late. When they arrived, Ma, Pa, and everyone else yelled surprise. Tia then draped a necklace of vined flowers over Otto’s head and around his neck. Sunshine smiled as she watched how happy this celebration made her father. After all these years his community made a point to show their appreciation for him.
Otto sat down at one of the tables and enjoyed some blackberry juice. Ma and the other females announced what food they had provided and invited everyone to feast. Sunshine fixed a platter for her father and took it over to him. Even though he was pleased by all this, Otto also wanted to know what Niko and the seekers found out. He asked for them to join him at his table so they could discuss it. Pa and Drew sat down together with their families to enjoy the meal before learning what the humans have been doing.
When Niko told Otto what the humans have been doing and are planning, he wasn’t surprised.
Otto looked at Niko and the seekers, “I knew that eventually we might have to stand up for what we want or move. For centuries I have watched the humans tear down what this planet needs only to create a world of comfort with greed.”
“But sir, I think the village will be okay yet. The men said that these woods will stay for now,” Niko said.
“For now, they say. But what happens if in a week or month, they change their minds?” Otto finished his drink.
Otto quickly stood up and glanced around at his community, “listen up everyone… Niko, Rum, and Nock have explained to me their findings on this trip.”
Ma, Pa, Drew, and everyone else paused their conversations to hear what Otto, their leader had to say. A slow hush came over the community because they were eager to hear what was found out. Otto told the community that Niko believes that their forest and home won’t be touched this time around. Everyone cheered but Otto held up his hands to quiet them down.
“Quiet please… But listen, that’s the thing. The humans have been building closer and closer to our homes and it’s a matter of time when these woods will be demolished and us with it. I think that we need to be serious this time and talk about what we want to do,” Otto looked at Pa and Drew.
“I’m up for moving,” Benjamin Fishwick yelled out.
Chatter started to happen as everyone had mixed feelings about what to do. Pa stood up and whistled as loud as he could.
“Hold on, hold on… I understand that we need to talk about this but, we all have mixed feelings right now. If I may suggest that we elders get together tomorrow and talk about the situation. Tonight we should be thankful and continue to celebrate our head leader. For he will be one hundred tomorrow,” Pa said.
Most of them cheered as they looked for validation from Otto.
“Yes… Coss is right. You all put together this celebration for me and I thank you for it. We’ll talk business tomorrow,” Otto smiled.
Two of the fairies with flutes stood up and started to play some music. While much of the community finished eating, some of the younger ones got up and danced. The evening went back to a joyful celebration as Otto smiled and requested more blackberry juice.
Please join me again for more of: Fairy Attack.
I left this chapter free for all who might be curious as to what has been happening. But in order to read the complete story, you will want to become a paid subscriber.