The Fairy Story

There was a time when the fairy population was confined to the deep woodlands and the hidden spaces of gardens.  You see, the fairies were very shy and didn’t want to impose on anyone.  But as time went by, the fairies began to speak of their desire for more open spaces and so they began to think about looking somewhere new to live.  One day they heard the cranes talking about their yearly transit across the most beautiful valley high in the mountains.  This alpine valley was surrounded by mountains and had many wonderful lakes to stop and rest on their long journey.

Now while fairies have the ability to fly, it’s only for short distances.  They discussed among themselves about how they could possibly travel to this beautiful valley far, far away.  The cranes, being very good friends with the fairies, offered to carry them on their backs to this new high land they had discovered.  The flight into the high mountains was cold and treacherous but the crane’s thick feathers kept the fairies warm and protected them from the harsh elements.  The fairies, to show their appreciation, groomed the cranes whenever they stopped in the high alpine lakes to rest.

Finally, after many days, the cranes and fairies could see the valley in the distance and as they lowered, the fairies could see why the cranes loved this place so much.  For as far as the eye could see, there were beautiful lakes and green grasslands.  From above, the herds of elk, deer, and pronghorn could be seen grazing in the lush alpine meadows.  Along the shores, migrating birds of every kind gathered to discuss their travel plans.  The smaller creatures; the rabbits, squirrels, prairie dogs scurried along well worn paths, excited for spring to arrive.

Soon it was time for the cranes to continue their journey.  As they said goodbye to their friends, they promised to return every year for a visit.  To this day, the cranes return to the valley to visit with the fairies.

In the beginning, the fairies wandered among the rabbits and squirrels looking for food and shelter.  One day, while exploring the outer stretches of the valley, they noticed humans!  This beautiful high alpine valley had humans living in it!  These early natives were excited to meet the fairies.  There was an instant understanding and respect for each other.  For many generations the fairies and natives lived in harmony with each other in their natural surroundings.

But over time new humans settled into the valley and the natives were displaced.  The fairies were very nervous around these new humans with their foreign gadgets and ways of living.  They went into hiding for fear of being harmed.  But after many years,  they slowly became braver and started to spread their wings again.  Soon the fairies found a safe space among the humans in the quiet settlement of Saguache.

Here, they adjusted to their new life and became friends with the sheep and cattle in the fields.  The sheep provided them with wool to keep warm during the cold winters.  In the spring, the calves would give the fairies rides, racing across the fields as fast as they could run.  The fairies loved this!

After generations of fairies living in Saguache, they have become braver and have started to reveal themselves more and more.  Inquisitive visitors can find traces of their homes if they search in the deep crevices.  But first, they must believe.  And if you are REALLY lucky, you might just see a fairy!