A snooze, a song and a little surprise......

Hortensia had found herself becoming increasingly bold every time Harold came for a walk in the Forest. She had started looking forward to his arrival and even enjoying the thought of time spent in his company. Harold himself was amazed at his changed behaviour, for even though the mornings were frosty and the air chilly at mid day, he still found himself heading off every afternoon into the forest for a wander.

Soon his holidays would be over and he would be returning to the city and his work. Just lately his thinking had started to change, even though he still thought about clearing the forest for his planning application for a housing estate, he had begun to feel a reluctance and resistance within himself at the thought of what he would miss. He had come to realise that he felt at home in the forest in a way that he never did when back in the city, somehow he felt that if he could only spend more time walking in the trees, that he would remember more of what really mattered - and the hopes and dreams that he had once believed in.

As soon as he entered the forest Hortensia would go to wait for him at the Sacred Circle, the trees no longer tried to trip him up or to put obstacles in his way, but would send a rustle on the leaves to alert the gnomes that he was on his way. Harold was very warmly dressed these days with a hat and gloves and several layers, including a thermal vest and proper boots instead of his shiny shoes. As he settled down at the base of his favourite tree to have a think and a day dream, he would find himself slipping into a gentle snooze.

Well, that was Hortensia's cue, she had consulted Aunt Mildred and made up a suitable balm of chamomile and lavender and would start to gently rub the soothing balm into his temples. She had taken to singing to him, songs to remind him of who he was, as she called them when asked by Archibold what she was singing about.

This particular day she was singing about Spring in the Forest and reminding herself that even as the forest was settling into slow winter time, that the buds of Spring were preparing for their time of unfurling new growth. She was so busy with her singing and remembering and the rubbing of her soothing balm, that she forgot to keep an eye on baby Harriet. Ever since baby Harriet had been given her blue stone of promise from Lady Eleanora, she had taken to being even more independent than normal. With a most speedy and dexterous crawl, she crept up Harold's sleeping form and curled up on the soft cashmere scarf inside his tweed jacket, for a little nap next to his heart.

Hortensia saw Harold begin to wake up just as she saw baby Harriet stretching her arms out and gurgling from her nest just inside his jacket. Ignoring her Mother's frantic pleas and gestures she began to crawl closer to Harold's sleepy face. 'Oh no, Harriet, what have I done? Come here, Oh please come here'. Not in the least daunted, Harriet crawled onto Harold's shoulder and smiled at him as he opened his eyes in stunned amazement.

A little rest and the beginning of remembering......

Harold was sitting on the mossy bank, with his sock still in his hand and one shoe off, staring in disbelief. First of all, he was faced with the reality of several gnomes performing acrobatics right in front of his face, swinging and leaping from the tree branches and almost landing on his lap. Stephanotis had become a bit overexcited and was performing double somersaults and back flips and even tossing his hat in-between leaps. Then, as if that wasn't enough for poor Harold to take in, there was the sight and sounds of a small band of gnomes blowing and banging on their tiny drums and trumpets  - well it was all too much to take in - and as you can imagine, Harold fainted clean away from the shock.

'Oh Dear, ' said Hortensia 'we have overdone it again, humans don't seem to have the same stamina for the unusual as we do, the poor boy has collapsed again.' The gnomes gathered around, Humperdinck proposed playing a soothing lullaby but was soon overruled. They all agreed to think again and leave matters for another day, after all Harold was bound to convince himself that he had been dreaming a very strange dream after hitting his head on a branch. It is a sad and well known fact that humans have a very hard time accepting the reality of gnomes living in their midst.

Indeed it is true that when Harold came to, he did think that perhaps he was suffering from concussion, but as he stroked his forehead he remembered something of the softness of a gentle touch that had soothed away some of his anxiety. Whatever it was, or however he justified his thinking, over the next few days Harold started coming to the wood and making his was to the Sacred Circle for a nap on a regular basis. Hortensia was always ready to stroke his forehead and slowly his worry lines did begin to fade and once in a while a faint smile would show that Harold was having a happy dream for the first time in many a year.

The gnomes knew that the longer Harold spent in the wood, the less appealing the idea of selling it would become. The more he remembered something that he almost forgotten - something that he longed to properly remember - something that teased him when he woke up, something that was ever edging closer each time he had a little rest in the forest - the more the possibilities for something truly extraordinary to happen would increase.

Shortbread and a wiff of garlic...

They were all in place waiting for Harold to wake up. The thing was that Harold was having an especially wonderful dream and had no intention of waking up anytime soon. Most humans fell asleep as soon as they stumbled across or entered the Sacred Circle, and it has to be said that if a human was in a rush or not in tune with their surroundings, that they would inevitably be overcome and soon fall into a deep sleep. Gnomes have such a different sense of time - happy quick time, happy slow time, slow winter dream time - well, the list is endless and pretty unfathomable to humans. Any place where they live and frequently come together to celebrate or meet up, has an especially different air. In fact one of the ways you can find out if a place that you suspect is a gnome meeting place - really is one - is to quietly enter and see if you begin to feel a dreamy, expanded sort of peaceful doziness - the answer is very likely yes if you do!

Aunt Mildred was beginning to feel a little bored, she wasn't feeling particularly kindly towards Harold so it was easy to be bored. She had looked inside her basket and been most disappointed to find that there wasn't even a supply of mint humbugs - 'shows what a panic we were all in when that ridiculous man came stumbling into the forest - no sensible supplies to pass around and share'. Luckily Hortensia had put some of her special crumbly shortbread in Archibold's pockets that morning so they soon were feeling fortified by a bit of biscuit while they waited.

Hortensia was still stroking Harold's forehead trying to ease the worry lines, this was partially why Harold was having such a good dream, he hadn't slept this well for years and his whole body was relaxing into the moss as he gently slumbered on. The other reason that he was sleeping so deeply could have been because of the kindness that he felt all around him. Archibold and Stephanotis had had a good feel of his ankle and carefully rubbed some of Aunt Mildred's homemade liniment around the strain and the bump where he had banged his head.

Soon twilight began and the gnomes skilfully hid as Hortensia cut open and waved a piece of fresh garlic under Harold's nose. He opened his eyes and found himself thinking about how hungry he was and that he hadn't felt so well in ages - 'how amazing; he thought, 'fancy there being some blackberries on the moss right by me, most have caught on my clothes and dropped off as I fell'. He gobbled up the blackberries and started to put his sock on, his ankle felt as good as new and he was ready to get up and be on his way when he caught sight of something out of the corner of his eye and found himself staring in amazement hardly daring to breathe.

Sad, bad Harold and the quest for a smile........

Stephanotis was peering closely at the sleeping figure of Harold. 'He certainly has changed since I last saw him, he was quite a handsome boy - full of beans and happy, hard to see any trace of that now he  looks so grumpy.' Hortensia was sitting by Harold's head stroking, it has to be said, his rather straggly hair, 'poor boy, whatever has happened to him?' Aunt Mildred made a loud snorting noise 'No use getting sentimental Hortensia, he is up to no good and is letting his sense of lack overwhelm his natural good sense! Wants to destroy our forest does he and sell the trees for timber - poor boy indeed'.

Archibold was thinking, he was wondering if Harold remembered his days as a boy when he had run free in the forest. How to remind him of those days was the tricky question that was facing them. Suddenly Baby Harriet slipped out of Hortensia's lap and crawled up to Harold's face. Gently she started playing with his face, trying to make him look like he was smiling by pushing up the sides of his mouth. 'Careful Harriet' said Hortensia 'I am not sure he even remembers how to smile'. Archibold leapt up with excitement, now he knew what to do, instead of thinking about how sad and bad Harold was, why didn't they think of how to make him laugh?

The gnomes rallied round, it has to be said that Aunt Mildred was still feeling a bit cross, but mostly the gnomes were in high spirits at the idea of putting on a entertainment for Harold. The aim was to make him laugh when he woke up and to remind him of how much fun he could have in the forest, surely then he would have second thoughts about destroying their home. As Archibold said, he used to be happy when he was with them, surely they just had to remind him of what a wonderful place the forest could be?

The allure of moss and a rustle of danger.....

Harold, (for such was the name of the Old Lady's son) was walking through the forest. Not walking as you or I, or the gnomes might walk with full attention on our senses - listening and looking with wonder and delight - but walking with a purpose. Harold was making a list of all the trees that might be valuable - that is valuable to him in terms of how much money he could make by selling them as timber - once he had finally persuaded his Mother to give him the forest so that he could cut the trees down. Of course all the trees could sense his intent and soon a rustle of leaves spread the news far and wide. The deeper into the forest Harold walked, the more strange everything seemed to be. For a moment he had been sure that he had heard a trumpet call in the distance, but then giving himself a firm talking to, he dismissed the thought as the sound of the wind in the branches.

The thing was he was finding making his way through the forest very difficult. No matter which way he turned, and no matter how determined he became, the more obstructed he found himself. After hitting his head several times and even falling over, twisting his ankle and grazing his knee, he finally decided to sit down and have a short rest. It had been years since he had been in the forest and it wasn't at all how he remembered.

As fate would have it, he had settled down on a mossy bank that made up the outer ring of the Sacred Clearing. Hortensia's trumpet call had alerted the forest of imminent danger and from far and wide gnomes were rushing to that very spot! Luckily Harold was taking his shoe and sock off (he had been wearing very silly shoes to go for a walk in a forest in - black shiny leather ones with a smooth sole) just as Aunt Mildred and Humperdinck burst into the clearing. They quickly hid behind a tree trunk and Aunt Mildred started her impression of a lark singing on a joyous morning. Singing like a lark was one of Aunt Mildred's special talents, it had taken her many years to perfect her talent and she was more than a little proud of her skill. Of course, though humans would think that it was a real bird singing, all gnomes knew that Aunt Mildred was warning them that an intruder was present, and were very careful to stay hidden as they approached the Clearing.

As for Harold, well, he found himself overcome with the desire for a little nap. Slowly, no matter how hard he tried to stay awake, all he could do was think about how soft the green moss looked and how much he felt like lying down. Soon he had given in and was sound asleep. The gnomes hearing such a reassuring noise, gently crept up to look at their very strange visitor.

Slivery light and gentle thoughts......

Lady Eleanora was standing in the bright moonlight, stroking the twin of the blue stone that was shining so brilliantly in Harriet's crib. 'All goodness and joy to you Little One, always look to the light to keep you safe and guide your way', and with that she carefully placed the shimmering stone in a basket of moss and started on her way home.

Eleanora loved walking in the the moonlight, the clarity of the sound and the beauty of the river as it glinted and flowed over the rocks, even the pine trees seemed to whisper in the soft, silvery light. As you can imagine, she was very beautiful. She was the most rare of creatures - the kindness and wisdom of her spirit illuminated all that she did. She had lived a long time ( even by gnome standards), and her knowledge of the great mysteries was legendary - as was her generous and humorous nature. To soon have a new apprentice had put a lift in her step and a flutter in her heart. She had been waiting for Archibold to visit and was thrilled to have been able to advise him on the best course of action for the future happiness of the Dwellers of the Forest.

'What times we live in' she thought 'so many humans now, we are indeed lucky to live so far north and still have the space and freedom to live as we will'. Because she had lived for a long time, and because she had worked with the mysterious qualities of light for most of her life, Eleanora could seem almost see-through as she walked by - all apart from her eyes of course. A gnome could lose their way gazing into her eyes, such pools of deep violet blue full of starlight and sparkle, and it was well known that no one could tell a lie if they were looking into her eyes.

Eleanora stopped by one of her favourite great trees and carefully sat down to have a little think. Gently she started to sing, weaving a dance of harmony and peace in the air with the beauty of her voice, 'Not long before the changes begin' she thought and fell silent as she sat for a long time looking up at the stars and the great moon full with enigmatic radiance - and wondered about all manner of things above and below and all around.

The thought of change and a soft bed.......

'Oh Horty, if you could have seen them, I'd forgotten how beautiful they are, almost a bit scary how wild and fiercely free they can be.' Archibold was lying safely tucked up in bed under his lovely soft eiderdown, telling Hortensia all about his meeting with the gnomes of the Great Trees of the North. 'Lady Eleanora, well, she has this way of looking at you with her deep blue eyes - and you start to feel as though you are gazing into the stars - most peculiar, I almost forgot who or where I was.'

Hortensia was combing out her long chestnut hair and thinking. 'Tell me again what she said about baby Harriet, what did she mean?' Archibold sighed, 'it will be hard for us, but when she is about ten or so, she is to go and live with them and experience their life in the far North and learn about the Light Mysteries. We will miss dreadfully her of course, but what an honour and blessing for our family.' Archibold saw the anxiety in Hortensia's eyes and quickly added 'We will just have to go on holiday there as often as we can whilst she is staying with them.'

Hortensia thought of the shimmering blue stone tucked safely into the side of Harriet's crib, a token in honour of a promise and a pledge for the future. 'Allowing children to follow their destiny was sometimes a challenge' she thought, 'Oh Archie, our Little Darling is so small now and already her path ahead is unfolding before us, we must cherish every minute we have with her.' Archibold smiled at her 'Of course we will, we already are! Remember what they told me though Hortensia - such promise for the future for all of us and the forest - and such a possibility of hope.'

Hortensia slipped on her bed socks, climbed up into the bed and blew the candle out. 'Times are changing Archie, times are changing, thank goodness for all the goodness around us!' And with that the two gnomes snuggled deeper into their soft bed and drifted into a most excellent night's sleep.

As they slept, baby Harriet woke up and gurgled with delight a - her little crib was lit up with violet and  blue light, the blue stone was glowing and filling the air all around Harriet with the most beautiful swirls of soft colours - she smiled and chuckled and gently touching the swirling light, fell back into a peaceful sleep too.

A cup of mint tea and a grand homecoming....

'Tum tum, tiddle pom, tara tara pom' Archibold was walking at a fast trot, he was nearly home and the thought of all his good news was making him feel positively jaunty as he entered his home forest. 'Not long to Persimmon Heights and a nice sit down with a cup of tea' he thought. He carefully felt inside his waistcoat pocket, for there, safely wrapped in a cabbage leaf was a most beautiful and rare, sky blue stone - a gift from Eleanora for baby Harriet. 'Just wait till Hortensia hears the news - hope after all, there is hope after all and such a present for Harriet - well what a time of it I've had', and with that he burst into a song and jumped over a bush with the sheer joy of his feelings.

By the time he reached half way home, he was accompanied by a large escort party of very excited gnomes. Everyone knew that Archibold was daring and brave and that if he had felt a calling to follow a path - that he would follow it come what may  - which sometimes was a very long way indeed.

As he climbed the last hill he saw Hortensia waiting by the gate with Harriet in her arms and Aunt Mildred and Uncle Humperdinck, Stephanotis and Isabel all waving their hats and calling his name. Suddenly Archibold stopped in his tracks, for there in front of him by the side of the tree, was a most unusual sight. Gingerly sitting on a collection of small wooden stools joined together with planks and covered with several of Aunt Mildred's table cloths pinned together, and of course trying to look as small as possible - was the gaunt but distinctly elegant form of The Old Lady.

'She has come for tea, we wanted her to hear the news at the same time of as us', Hortensia tried to tell Archibold everything that had happened since he had been away - all at once, 'she is very kind and so polite, hard to believe she is human'. So there we are, all the gnomes perched around the old lady, some of the younger ones even climbed up onto the higher branches so that she would have some company at eye level and they all settled down for a proper tea. Aunt Mildred and Hortensia had made lots of cakes for The Old Lady to eat. Each cake barely made a human mouthful, but the taste was so alluring, particularly the beetroot loaf, that she gratifyingly ate eight.

Archibold was in a bit of a daze, but after several cups of mint tea and six cucumber sandwiches, he settled down for a quick snooze before sharing his adventures.

Wildness and crumbly cheese.......

Well what a day of it he had had! Archibold was sitting down at last sheltering from the rain, snug and dry under an ancient pine tree. He leaned back against the trunk and felt the comfort of it's support as he gazed across the water and listened to the rain dripping all around him. He carefully unwrapped a piece of cheese (rather crumbly now from his long journey) and some of the biscuits that Hortensia had carefully wrapped in a handkerchief and stored in one of his waistcoat pockets. He had already eaten all of the humbugs and several slices of seedy cake to take away the taste of the six crab apples that he had eaten for his lunch.

'I'll have to be going back soon', he thought 'the rain looks like it might be settling in and I have to find somewhere to safely spend the night'. Much as he adored a good adventure, Archibold felt under pressure on this journey, he hadn't been so far north for many years (gnome years that is - which are far longer than human ones) and even so far away from any metropolis - humans had made many changes that made his journey more perilous and time consuming. Most of all he wanted to find a solution to the great challenge that faced them all, he trusted the call and the path, but his feet were leading him far away from his forest home. 'Must be getting older' he thought, 'not Archie The Bold anymore but Archie Who Wants to be Dry At Home'. The truth was, he did miss his home and most of all Hortensia and baby Harriet, 'what I wouldn't do for a warm bowl of Hortensia's sorrel soup' he thought.

Just then he felt a soft touch on his shoulder. Now, for someone or something to be able to creep up on a gnome without them noticing - is indeed most unusual and more than a little bit scary. 'My Dear Archibold, so many years and your beard is still so soft and fair, how are you, how are you? We caught scent of you early but you moved on so fast  that it has taken us a while to find you.' Archibold stumbled to his feet, cheese and biscuit crumbs all over his front, he turned around to face a crowd of the wildest looking gnomes most of us have ever seen. Some were tall and broad, some short, some old and wizened - some ethereal and young, but all, all of them had golden red hair and clear blue eyes.

'Oh my, Oh my' Archibold swept off his green travelling hat and bowed low, for as he greeted them he recognised the beautiful and wild gnomes of the Great Trees of the North.

Sage and Menthol.....

Stephanotis was looking at his feet, it was all very well Aunt Mildred making him a new pot of her special  foot balm - but even in his extra thick socks (knitted by Hortensia of course) and best boots, he could still smell the strong whiff of menthol and eucalyptus. ' Everyone will know who I am' he thought, 'and I will have to be careful that I don't give away my whereabouts away when out and about'. The truth was the strong smell had already worked to his advantage twice. Firstly his feet didn't ache anymore and secondly, his arbitration between two squirrels about nut storage, had been resolved in record time - obviously the squirrels weren't too impressed with the smell either.

Aunt Mildred herself was thinking deeply, she was sitting in her mint glade in front of her house  ruminating on the the ever present problem that faced them all. Drinking a cup of fresh mint tea surrounded by a mint forest is a special experience - and Aunt Mildred had dressed appropriately in a sky blue cape with pink pom poms around the edge.

Archimedes had suggested that the best way forward that he could remember from The Archive of Memories, was to present the Old Lady's son with an alternative vision to that of his proposed theme park. The new version would have to present fame and glory and of course, and a good financial income - all from the son being known as a great and just man - 'not that easy an idea for a human to find appealing' thought Aunt Mildred.

Several of the younger gnomes had been set on revenge and retaliation, but Archimedes had gently smiled and firmly insisted that his suggestion was the only one that had worked in similar situations. 'You want him to be passionate for the good of all - revenge will never lead to permanent good, evil will simply be suppressed and eventually re-appear - no, the man is not bad - simply greedy and very young.' The kindly rebuke had hung in the air and the younger gnomes had stilled their fear as they had looked into the fierce blue of his eyes as he held each of their gaze.

Aunt Mildred had sent out scouts (including Archibold) on reconnaissance missions and the best ideas that they had heard about were due to be presented at the next meeting. 'What would make a human want to change his mind when so set upon his own idea?' Aunt Mildred decided that the moment had come to smoke her pipe and as the scent of sage drifted through the mint, she closed her eyes and began to dream.

A harvest of delights and some serious thinking....

Well, such a to do - time had flown by as the gnomes rushed to gather in the last of their precious harvests before the Autumn gales and cold weather settled in. Archibold in particular, had taken to standing in the pantry with a huge grin on his face as he rejoiced at the display in front of him. Shelves and baskets full of drying fruit and oven dried berries, hanging circles of smoked cheeses and delectable mushrooms, little discs of dried crab apples and pear - oh what a mouth watering array - Archibold was almost beside himself as he patted the sacks of barley and flours. 'Oh my, oh my, hazelnut cake with blackberry jam, oh I do love winter.' Archibold gave a little skip and tucking a biscuit into is waistcoat pocket, carefully shut the door on his emporium of delights.

Hortensia also loved Autumn and she was spending as much time as possible outside. She especially loved the changing colours of the leaves, the different smells and most of all the radiance of a blue sky on a fine Autumn morning. She always took a basket with her, ready to gather late greens, mushrooms and herbs for drying. Aunt Mildred had brought in a bountiful harvest of green walnuts (Archibold had made a boat for baby Harriet out of one of the shells, he was never too busy to make new toys or play with his Darling Daughter), Hortensia was planning to make a tasty pickle of the walnuts as a winter treat.

Throughout all their grateful gathering and storing, the gnomes were very aware of the pressing challenge in front of them. They had only a few days left to propose any ideas for the resolution of the dilemma that they all faced. The next Gathering of the Venerables was fast approaching and a decision would have to be made and 'A Grand Plan' set into motion. Serious times were ahead, and the gnomes were all listening to the whispers carried on the wind and to the rhythms of the earth below their feet for guidance and the right timing for the way ahead.

A cup of tea and some rose hips........

The Old Lady was sitting up in bed feeling a bit peculiar, she had made herself a cup of tea and was trying to decide if she had been ill with a fever in the night. That was the only logical explanation for the most vivid and extraordinary dreams that she had remembered from the night before.

'Nothing for it, I'll have to get up and do the crossword, that will sort things out.' She leapt out of bed, briskly dressed and went downstairs. She thought she was doing rather well until she looked in the mirror on her way to collect the paper off the front step - and realised that she had forgotten to brush her hair. Carefully making herself a strong cup of coffee and she settled down with the crossword and began to think about answering the clues. As her eyes strayed to the patio doors, she started and found herself staring out of the windows.  ' Oh my Dears, you are real, how wonderful, how wonderful!' - for there on the lawn, carefully spelt out in baby rose hips were the words ' THANK YOU'.

The Old Lady sat down in her chair and began to recall the extraordinary events of the previous evening, she was sure now that something amazing and most unusual had happened, she also felt relieved to know from their response that she had agreed to continue her relationship with her new friends.

' I agreed to help them, something about helping them with a grand plan I seem to recall.' For you see, the Old Lady was still feeling confused and a bit as though she was still in a dream. 'Perhaps a little doze in my chair and things will become clearer'. As she settled into a gentle sleep, Mildred and Hortensia carefully removed the rose hips and left a gift of a small basket of late blackberries on the patio step.

The message and a moving bush

The Old Lady was all of a flutter, there she was sitting on her bench as normal (a nice grey stone bench - weathered and warm in the sun) when she realsied that in front of her, carefully laid out on the lawn was a message!  "Come with me, come with me? Well yes of course, just hold on a moment and I'll get my stick and my cardigan and I'll be ready to go!"

The Old Lady was beside herself with excitement, nothing this radical had happened for many a decade - if ever. She felt positively radiant with anticpation, scarelcy daring to believe who she thought might have so carefully laid out the sweet chestnuts to spell such an alluring message. She gathered up her best pink cardigan, checked she had her spectacles in her pocket and with a jaunty step stood in front of the message on the lawn. Only it wasn't there any more....

'Oh my Dear, where have you gone, I was only away a moment'. As she felt the beginnings of panic, she realised that several feet away a bush seemed to be waving at her. Peering at it she realised the closer she came - the further away it moved. 'Good grief, I am being shown the way by a moving bush - what ever next?' For The Old Lady wasn't daft, in fact in throughout her life she had been a formidable crossword solver and a champion of good and neglected causes. She had an independence of brain and spirit that combined with an adventurous heart gave her an air of great kindness that wasn't to be taken for granted, but which could be depended on in a crisis.

Behind the bush, Hortensia and Aunt Mildred were wrestling with the wayward branches and trying to make sure that they were heading in the right direction at the right speed for their guest. Aunt Mildred had insisted on wearing her best cape for this unprecented Grand Occasion and was wary of any twigs that might snag on the grey silk edged with crimson lace. This meant the poor Hortensia was carrying most of the weight of the bush and was becoming increasingly hot and and dare we say it - more than a little frustrated and grumpy.

'So much fun, I havn't had an adventure since I don't know when.' The Old Lady was talking out loud to reassure her guides. If they were staying hidden, she reasoned, perhaps they were still frightened of her (she didn't know yet about the Aunt Mildred's best grey silk cape or the fact that all the assembled gnomes in the Sacred Clearing were dressed in their very, very best clothes). 'Don't you worry I am your friend, what an honour, what an honour and Oh, so much fun!'

Hortensia had stood on a holly leaf (which had made the bush unexpectedly jump and quiver) and was feeling a bit overwhelmed not to mention the pain in her sore foot, when suddenly Archibold was beside her. He  lifted the weight of the bush from her arms and taking her place continued to guide their Honoured Guest. 'Take your time Hortie Darling, you can easily catch up after a little rest, I'll take your place for a bit.' Aunt Mildred happily walked ahead of the strange procession - relishing the ingongrous joy of leading a human to a meeting at the Sacred Clearing.

A cheerful song and a little serious thinking.......

'Tiddle, tiddle pom pompom, soon have an escapade to challenge all previous escapades, must put in some proper thinking time Little Cherub, not to worry now - all will be well!" Little Cherub (Baby Harriet) was safely nestled inside her Father's waistcoat and wasn't in the least bit worried. Being carried around inside his waistcoat was one of her favourite places to be, warm and safe and next to Archibold's strong heart. 'Why don't we gather some fresh mushrooms for supper and perhaps a little salad of nettle tops, the last of the dandelion leaves and fresh watercress - what a treat, what a treat....and just the thing after the shock we have all had.'

Archibold had left the meeting as soon as possible, most of his really good ideas came to him when he was out and about, and he had a lot to think about. All current plans and ideas were on hold and all the gnomes were thinking through The Venerables' recommendations. How to persuade the Old Lady's son to be a good and even great human - renowned for his heroic and great deeds and how he used his energies and enthusiasm for the good of all - human and gnome and creatures and forest alike?

Archimedes had reminded them all, that the best outcomes to past challenges to harmony had come through suggestion of the rewards of good - with no focus or punishment for previous behaviour. 'Very challenging indeed to believe in someone when you are frightened about their power to destroy your world' thought Archibold. 'Still, The Venerables have never been wrong yet - and they would know.' He chuckled as remembered some of the younger more hot headed gnomes ideas.....

'Tiddley pom pom pom, home we go Precious, your Mamma will have the tea on and soon we can all enjoy a sit down and a good supper.' And with that Archibold set off a fast lope to Persimmon Heights and a well deserved cup of tea - peppermint of course!

Rejoicing and alarm..........

Slowly the sounds of the forest became clear, the layers of rustling, of limpid bird song and of the deep rhythms of peace. One by one, the gnomes stated to sing, gently aware of joining in to the greater music and of listening to each other from within their hearts. Isabel's voice suddenly soared and broke free in a quest of purity and joy, then gently all the voices faded away and the sounds of the forest remained.

Archimedes stood up and addressed the assembled Council. 'We have before us today a cause of rejoicing and a cause of alarm - or so they appear - they may of course be the opposite.' This was typical of Archimedes who was old enough to know that not all is always as it seems at first. 'Mildred has established a relationship of honour and respect with her old lady who is a guardian and human owner of this forest,  and they have begun communications. (There were gasps and the odd hiccup from the listening gnomes). This is a rare occurrence and one to be taken with caution and celebration. Out of this most positive and enhancing relationship, Mildred and Hortensia have been alerted to an imminent danger. I warn you the news is a sad shock. The old lady's son is trying to persuade her to let him take over the guardianship of this forest so that he can build human housing. This will of course be the end of the great trees and of our world as we know it'

At last the meaning of the trumpet call was clear. To have established a communication with a human that could be trusted was a cause of jubilation, but learning that yet again their home - a rare piece of the old wildness and deep stillness - was in such danger, was a terrible fright.

Mildred stood up too, 'I propose that we sit and listen to the Great Radiance and then ask the Keepers of Time and Memory what they remember for our guidance.' There was much muttering of assent and a settling down. All gnomes know that fear clouds good judgement and that staying in harmony within and without was the key to a successful solution for all challenges.

Archibold was wiggling his toes, he had noticed as the years had passed that he really liked to be out and about on an active mission and that sitting still sometimes seemed an ordeal. Just wiggling his toes helped him settle and feel at home in himself. 'What a challenge little Poppet, eh? Just you wait and see, there will be a time for action and then you Pa will be out and about.' baby Harriet gurgled and smiled up at him, they had the same blue eyes and as he held her close he felt the prickling of fierce tears at the thought that her home was in danger.

Green moss and the trumpet call.....

'Well, well, well.........life is certainly speeding up, no wonder Archimedes chose Isabel and Stephanotis as new Keepers of Time and Memory, so much happening so fast.' Uncle Humperdinck was crunching rather energetically on a fresh mint humbug to help abate his rising anxiety. Aunt Mildred had gone to ask Hortensia to blow on her trumpet to call all of the gnomes to an emergency meeting of The Council of Venerables. He was feeling rather overwhelmed at the thought of a sudden meeting with no time to think through a strategy or prepare. "Still' he thought 'sometimes not being set in one's mind can lead to unexpected and inspired solutions, I shall expect the best.' And with that he combed his beard, tried to calm his wispy head of white curls and put on his best green velvet hat before setting off to the meeting.

Poor Archibold was out on a wander with baby Harriet showing her the ripening harvest. They were just inspecting a particularly bumper crop of crab apples - all rosy blush and crisp crabbiness - when he heard Hortensia's unmistakable trumpet call. 'Blast and bloomers, we'll have to race to the meeting my Little Cherub - hold on tight - something is very amiss,' and with that Archibold tucked baby Harriet into his waistcoat and set off at a fast trot to the Sacred Clearing (a fast trot for a gnome is very fast indeed by human standards).

From all corners of the forest, gnomes were finding their way to the meeting, a trumpet call of that nature was unmistakable and deeply troubling. Fires were left unattended, jobs undone, naps cut short - there was air of quiet consternation and not a little alarm.

The Sacred Clearing was a place of great quiet and deep peace, the soft mounds of moss were of a bright and vivid green against the deep browns and huge trunks of the ancient trees and the sunlight filtered green and golden through the leaves. Slowly the gnomes arrived and settled down on the moss. The Venerables stood in a circle in the middle in silence and then turned to face the others ' May Peace and Good Will Prevail'. the seated gnomes replied as one 'may Peace and Good Will Prevail' and with that everyone settled down to wait for the music to begin.

Foreboding and alarm.............

Difficult to know what to do, whether to say anything or to keep quiet until she was sure of what was coming. Aunt Mildred wasn't a Venerable for nothing and all her experience and intuition was telling her that the wood and all the creatures living in it, including the gnomes, were facing a great peril - the problem was that she didn't want to alarm anyone unnecessarily and she just wasn't feeling sure.

She had been walking in the forest and listening carefully, even the trees seemed agitated and the whole atmosphere was one of rustle and anxiety. 'What to do, what to do? 'she muttered to herself 'I must pick up a sign soon or there won't be time to make a plan and for the Council to take an action'.

She found herself walking into the old lady's garden and taking up her usual place under the clematis, 'perhaps a little dream time might help to clear my mind', and with that she settled herself down for a short nap.

She awoke to hear the old lady's voice raised in distress and the voice of her eldest son trying to soothe her, they sounded as though they were having a very heated discussion. Aunt Mildred sat bolt upright in alarm, she was sure that the old lady was talking partially for her benefit, as she had never heard raise her voice so loudly. As she listened all her forebodings came into focus, for her worst fears were realised as she heard the son trying to persuade his mother to let him take over the management of the forest and to let him apply for planning permission for his new housing scheme.

'It will be the end of our world and of our lives as we know them, all the weaving will be undone and the great understanding forgotten again. Oh my, Oh my, I must hurry home and tell Humperdinck and ask Hortensia to blow her trumpet to summon the Council, Oh my, Oh my such a to do and so much danger all around.' For Aunt Mildred knew that such ideas once stated, had a nasty habit of being very difficult to change.

Surprises and a new beginning...........

The old lady was peering at the statue, she seemed delighted to have found an unexpected surprise in her garden and was chuckling to herself as she picked it up for a closer look. 'Well, well, indeed a most beautiful little chap - quite the most dashing gnome that I have ever seen.' She stroked the wood gently, 'such a beautiful finish and such intricate work, I almost need my magnifying glass to see some of the details - best put it back in it's place, well well, what a present - how lucky I am.' She peered around at her lovely garden, 'thank you whoever gave the garden such a special gift - I am most honoured and grateful.' the old lady carefully put the statue back in front of the laburnum and went to sit on her patio to have a little think.

Aunt Mildred and Hortensia looked at each other, they were resting in the cool under a late flowering purple clematis - ' what a success - but I think she knows it is from us - how could she?' Aunt Mildred shrugged her shoulders (she had on her green cape with the with the red collar to celebrate the big event, and knew from experience that a shrug was the most expressive and easiest gesture to make when wearing a cape), 'Thats why I wanted you to give the statue to her, she is very wise and for a human, most perceptive about things that most humans hardly ever think about. I have always thought that she knows about us and the work that we do in the garden - she loves it as much as we do.'

How right Aunt Mildred was, the old lady did indeed have her suspicions that she had helpers that made her garden a place of exceptional beauty and abundant flowers. Sometimes she even felt convinced that she had seen something out of the corner of her eye, of course she never gave away that she was aware of anything in case she frightened them away. Now she felt convinced that her suspicions were true, 'little helpers that's what they are - how wonderful, how amazing, perhaps if I talk out loud, they will hear.' So there she sat feeling a little foolish as she began to talk to her invisible friends about the garden and how grateful she was for their help 'Good thing no one can see me, they'll start saying I am losing the plot!' she thought.

Hortensia and Aunt Mildred sat and listened with amazement, Aunt Mildred was thrilled, Hortensia was thinking back at her dream and how true it had been - 'everytime I follow my heart amazing things start to happen - now at the very least someone human knows what a real gnome looks like!'.'

Polish and cheesy potato bake..........

Stephanotis and Archibold were polishing the statue with Uncle Humperdinck's secret recipe for wood nurturing varnish. Hortensia had finished all of her final carving touches with a small kitchen parring knife and was now sitting exhausted watching the polishing process with amazement. Her statue of a Hero Gnome was turning a deep, glossy brown, glinting in the sunshine and seeming almost alive.

They were discussing how to move the statue to the old lady's garden without being seen. Of course all gnomes have the ability to merge and flow, but the statue was made of wood and was very obvious, gnomes have an inbuilt and extreme aversion at even the very thought of endangering their safety. 'Have to be a night mission, we can put it on a cart and pull it there, you up for it Stephanotis?' Archibold was bursting with joy at Hortensia's achievement and was eager to see it in pride of place. 'Course I am, count me in, is tonight the night?'

Soon a large party of gnomes was gathered at Aunt Mildred's, who having fortuitously foreseen the inevitable need for a strengthening supper, had made a very tasty cheesy potato bake. Sometime after midnight about twenty gnomes gathered around the statue, they had padded the cart with moss so as not to damage the statue as it traveled over the rough terrain and then tied it on securely with ivy ropes. Silently they set off at a fast lope, pulling the cart through the forest to the edge of the garden. "Aunt Mildred says the perfect place is over there in front of the laburnum', Hortensia was trying not to be bossy but was feeling rather nervous.

The gnomes carried the statue over a small lawn, past the herbaceous border and on to a perfect natural podium in front of the laburnum. Aunt Mildred had been right, once in it's rightful place, The Hero Gnome Statue looked truely magnificent. After standing and admiring Hortensia's grand achievement, the gnomes gently set off for home - satisfied at their amazing day's work and looking forward to a well deserved and very good night's sleep.

Passion and humbugs.........

Hortensia was sitting with Aunt Mildred watching Archibold as he started on the statue. Aunt Mildred was sucking on her pipe and Archibold was feeling more than a bit nervous that she was going to begin giving instructions before he had got going and knew for sure what he was going to do. He winked at Hortensia who, grasping what he was worried about, suddenly began to sing very loudly to baby Harriet about how wonderful Aunt Mildred's mint humbugs were - and how when she was older she would be let into the secret of how to make them! This distracted Aunt Mildred sufficiently for Archibold to begin banging with his chisel and mallet and to begin to start to uncover the outline of his hero from the lump of wood in front of him.

Aunt Mildred was loudly protesting that no matter how much she might adore baby Harriet, she never gave her recipes to anyone - not even a favourite relative, 'why Hortensia if I was going to give the recipe to anyone it would be you' Hortensia smiled at her, 'you know very well that there is no way that you will ever give the recipe to anyone - I just thought that I would encourage your soft spot for Harriet!'
Aunt Mildred humphed loudly and taking baby Harriet on her knee started rocking her asleep. Hortensia took her opportunity and went to look at how Archibold was progressing.

Truth was Archibold was having a hard time of it, he wasn't a natural sculptor and however much he chipped away, the block of wood had begun to look as though a mad chipmunk with toothache had been gnawing at it. 'Let me have a go Archie, you have a rest for a minute.' Now as soon as Hortensia took the chisel and mallet in her hands, she felt an intense heat in her hands, she looked at the wood and as she stared, she was sure that she could see the shape of a hero within the grain.

Tap, chip, tap chip, Hortensia hadn't felt so excited in ages, on she went oblivious to the others gathering around to watch, and much to everyone's amazement the shape of a handsome and Noble Gnome begin to take shape before them. Tap tap tap, Hortensia felt aflame with enthusiasm, the gnome emerging was tall and lithe, his hair was streaming behind him as though he was standing tall against a wind, 'how strong he looks' she thought 'someone with heart and courage and spirit of kindness for all - a true leader of gnomes and a Keeper of Trust'.

Eventually Hortensia tired and stood back to admire her handiwork, the others gathered round cheering and clapping, 'Hortensia is a sculptor, Hortensia is a sculptor' Hortensia smiled and remembering her strange and magical dream by the stream put her hand up to her heart - following her heart was indeed the right way to go......

Bramble pie and the statue.......

'Well that's just ridiculous - fancy thinking gnomes look like that!' Hortensia stood in amazement, Aunt Mildred had brought her to her favourite old lady's garden to see the new statue that had arrived over the weekend 'they must think we are very ugly and silly looking.' Hortensia was quite affronted, gnomes are like all of us, all different and with varying degrees of gifts and talents - unlike humans they also knew from an early age - perhaps because they lived so very long - that all gifts have equal challenges. 'Really daft looking too, like he hasn't a brain in his head, humph!' Aunt Mildred was just as outraged 'it's no good fretting, what they don't know about, they don't respect and put down, always have been that way, like to think they are masters of the universe.'

'Well' said Hortensia 'I think that it's about time we made a statue of our own, something much more realistic, we could ask Archibold to carve it for us and then leave it in her garden as a gift!' Aunt Mildred gasped, gathered her cape around her (for it was turning a little damp in the evening air) 'My girl you are a true treasure -  what a splendid idea - I can see a place over there by the laburnum just waiting for a statue and right where my old lady can sit and gaze at it.' All the way back they discussed possible attributes for the statue - the height, girth (Hortensia had been most aghast at the childlike posture), attitude and of course, the crucial factor, what activity to portray.

Archibold was much smitten with the idea of a heroic pose, 'something to show them at last that gnomes are not to be messed with and are more than a gardeners joke or even embarrassment.' For Archibold in his youth, when out and about in the walled garden of the big house, had heard many a comment poking fun of gnomes and being demeaning about their appearance. 'Well if that's the case, let's have a family meeting to decide the matter, many heads are better than a few and it's time we had a bramble pie!' With that Archibold and Aunt Mildred danced a little jig of joy at the thought of the first bramble pie of the year!

A gentle wander and a little snooze............

Hortensia was standing outside listening to the leaves, it was one of her favourite ways to start the day as it was her way of catching up with all the news. The wind in the leaves told her all kinds of useful things - whether rain was on it's way, what the pace of the day was going to be, if change was likely and sometimes if the wind was strong, even the echo of the news from where the wind had been last.

Today as she stood under the old oak and listened to the leaves stirring and rustling with a sense of joyous freedom - she was grateful for the confirmation of yet another day of late summer sunshine, 'Perhaps I'll go and check up on how the brambles and crab apples are rippening' she thought, 'I'll leave baby Harriet with Archibold and that way I can have a little bit of a wander.'

Hortensia loved a gentle wander, letting her feet take her where they wanted to ramble, she had had all sorts of adventures and felt that she was truly free to be herself when she was out and about on a wander. She set off down a path through the ferns and along by the bank of the stream. As she went she felt such happiness and love for the forest that was their home She had brought a basket with her and as she passed by she started to collect the ripe brambles, a pine cone and some dry grasses What with one thing and another she soon started to feel a little sleepy. 'Perhaps a little sit or perhaps even a lie down  - just for a few minutes....' and with that Hortensia spread out her apron on a grassy bank by the stream and found herself gently day dreaming into a most delightful snooze.

The sun sparkled through the green leaves above her head and the music of the stream as it gently passed by made her feel so safe that she fell into a deep sleep. Under her the interwoven roots of the trees were busy with the rhythms of their lives - they seemed like a secret basket under the earth supporting all the life of the forest - Hortensia took great reassurance from the feeling of all that support and found herself thinking that all the gnomes should be living like the trees, each of them their own being yet woven together harmoniously for the greater good.

Hortensia woke up to hear a gentle voice speaking her name, she sat up to see who it was, but couldn't see anything but the golden sunlight all around her, she felt such stillness and peace that she closed her eyes and was sure she heard a gentle voice saying  -  'all will be well Little Hortensia, follow your heart and the way will be clear.' Hortensia came to, and thought that she must have been dreaming a most special dream, she had a sense of having been touched by something of great awe and beauty.        

Peace in the silvery light...

'It is funny Isabel, but I feel so strong inside - like something really important is happening that I agreed to long ago." Isabel and Stephanotis were sitting on the mossy hummocks of The Sacred Circle between the ancient pines. Whenever needing space to think deeply and to feel their way with their whole being - gnomes would go to The Sacred Circle - sitting still with their feet resting on the vibrant green moss was so deeply peaceful, that all their thoughts would become clear of anxiety and a gnome's true path and the way ahead seem easier.

'Listen to the stillness, it is so precious, the poor humans don't know how hard it is for them nowadays - they are always listening to all the noises that they make themsleves and to everything apart from nature, no wonder so many of them are out of tune with themselves.' Isabel turned to Stephanotis ' We have to change now you know, we have a job to do, it is up to us to learn the memories of other times and to keep clear about what is happening now - so that the circles of history are remembered for the future - there always patterns to be known if you can hear the bigger music.' Isabel looked dreamily at the moonlit trees as their boughs seemed to sway gently in the breeze. 'See there is music all around Stephanotis and if we are to remember we had better start now!'

The two gnomes sat for a while listening with their ears and it has to be said, with their feet. They were thinking of what might lie ahead for them both and how lucky they were to have each other. Truth to tell, just sitting where so many Venerables had sat and where history was alive around them, seemed a perfect moment of wonder and delight.

'We had better be going home now, the moon is up and the path is bright with sliver light.' So with Isabel leading the way and quietly humming a gentle song, the two gnomes set off home, much relieved and full of peace.

A gentle stroll and a starlight supper......

'I know that it is a very serious thing, Stephanotis, being chosen at such a young age, but you be sure that  Archimedes knows what he is doing - of course we'll all help you, but you and Isabel have to be strong and go forward together into your new life.' Hortensia was sitting on the front steps, enjoying the last of the evening's golden light and trying to reassure Stephanotis about the day's amazing events. 'The Venerables have recognised something in each of you, you can be sure that they wouldn't have chosen you unless they had to come to deeply believe in your abilities.' She put her arm around his shoulders, 'all will be well, trust yourself and know in your heart that we are always with you, besides by the time Archibold has finished training you up - you'll be best that you can be!'

Stephanotis sighed, he had always lived by an inner knowing and just now he knew by the way that all his being felt alive - that he was excited more than he was frightened and that he was glad of the honour and the opportunities that had so unexpectedly been bestowed upon him.

'Why don't you invite Isabel out for a stroll and then to supper, that way we can all help with planning the best way forward? I'll invite Aunt Mildred and Uncle Humperdinck - if anyone has useful experience they do!'

So as the evening air grew cooler and a peaceful twilight enveloped the forest, Stephanotis and Isabel walked together hand in hand. Isabel was surprised, but not shocked in the way the Stephanotis had been, she had a sense that they were already walking a path together that had it's own music, and that their lives had been blessed by a sense of purpose. She loved Stephanotis as much as she loved her singing and the idea of a life together that had such deep meaning - seemed beautiful to her.

The stars were coming out as they walked back to Persimmon Heights, the others had started supper by the time the joined them around the kitchen table - which was just as well as the day's news was so exciting that having a little time to calm down was all to the good. Archibold was on grand form recalling how Stephanotis had burped after just one sip of Archimedes' tea, ' We have something very special to celebrate tonight - what do you think Hortensia, shall we break open a bottle of elderflower cordial?' As it happened, Hortensia had a bottle ready and waiting and soon all the gnomes were sipping the precious treat and glowing with contentment.

'Not every day that we can say that we have eaten supper with two such special friends at such a momentous moment in their lives.' and with that Hortensia and Archibold, and Aunt Mildred and Uncle Humperdinck stood up and toasted the young lovers, 'Joy and happiness all the days of your life'. Aunt Mildred was feeling a bit overcome and sat down to loudly blow her nose in her violet handkerchief, 'such a special day, oh dear, oh dear where's a peppermint when you need one?'  The others all laughed and Hortensia took the hint and made a large pot of her best mint tea!

Snoozes and a calling.............

'Oh Archibold, not so fast, I'm still trying to take it all in, what did he mean about Isabel and me?' Stephanotis was trying to keep up with Archibold who was hurtling down the steps at great speed, he was already behaving as though he was on a mission and thinking about his new teaching responsibilities very seriously. 'Lets go Lad, we'll get back to the boat and out the kettle on and have a proper cup of tea - we can have a good talk then and sort it all out.'

The two gnomes set to putting up their hammocks by the water's edge, making a roaring fire and putting the kettle on to boil. 'Perhaps a bit of toast and melted cheese might help us settle our stomachs after Archimedes' tea - might be good for the joints but always makes me feel a tad queasy.' Archibold was making a pot of his best peppermint tea, Stephanotis thought that melting cheese on toast sounded sublime, the truth was he felt a bit shaken up, so doing something useful like cutting some thick slices of bread seemed rather calming after what he had just been through.

Several mugs of tea and slices of tasty cheese on toast later, the two gnomes settled into their hammocks, they both thought the moment had come for a serious talk, but as they began to relax an overwhelming need for a snooze overtook them both. Soon the little camp echoed to the sounds of their gentle whistles and snores, Up in his tree house, Archimedes smiled to himself, 'best thing for them both - sleep always settles the spirits, young Stephanotis will feel much better after a nap - such a good idea I think I might just have a little snooze too.' And with that happy thought he settled his chin into his beard, snuggled into his chair, and drifted into a peaceful sleep.

Archibold was dreaming about Hortensia, she was looking so fierce and calling his name so loudly that he woke up with a start, 'Oh my, Oh my, OH MY, I have forgotten to let her know where we are, we have been away much longer than a normal escapade, we must make haste Stephanotis, roll your hammock and stow the tea things in the boat.' The two gnomes quickly tidied up, soon leaving no trace of the little camp, 'Your first lesson Stephanotis, make time to be still and always listen for the bigger music, we forget at our peril - always the bigger harmony - no matter how deeply you are involved in what you are doing.'

As they paddled home, Stephanotis' mind was racing. A Keeper of Time and Memory, he had a feeling in his tummy that his life was changing forever, for everyone knew that meeting The Venerable Archimedes Bonaparte was a calling to action, the times required a commitment and that he had been chosen for a very special task - he felt humbled, excited and not a little awestruck.

Whispers and laughter.........

'What to do, what to do Archmides - so many changes so fast?' Archibold and Stephanotis were sitting sipping their tea - truth to tell, even though he had managed not to show it, Archibold had found Archimedes' taste in tea just as odd as Stephanotis had - sipping was all the two of them could manage, and both were grateful for their large slices of Hortensia's chestnut cake to take the peculiar taste away.

'Well, well, we must remember there have never been so many humans before, Archimedes sighed, ' all of us who dwell here we must do our best to encourage nature and to keep the balance as best as we can. I have watched long and remember much and this I know now - we do not always see why change comes in the way it does, but in the long view nature will carry on and harmony is restored...... all the seasons come and go - as do we young Stephanotis.' He twinkled at the young gnome who was looking more than a bit bewildered, ' but the trees and the land - well they have their own music and we are privileged to join in their dance for as long as we may.'

As Archimedes stood up, Archibold thought how amazingly sprightly he was considering his great age. Archimedes gestured to the others to follow him and walked to the edge of the platform. As they stood looking out over the glorious and abundant greens of trees, he put his arm around Stephanotis and asked him, ' Will you come here again next Spring Stephanotis, and bring Isabel with you? Your heart brought you here today and gave you the courage to leap ashore onto this island for a reason. I have chosen you and Isabel as Keepers of Time and Memory. There is much that you will have to learn, time is turning fast now and soon you will have much to do - Archibold will explain more, not for nothing is he called Archie the Bold - prepare well, there was more than one reason for you to build Isabel her courting gift of her tree house!'

And with that he burst out laughing as Stephanotis cheeks turned a deep beetroot with embarrassment, 'Love, young gnome is what helps us break through the bonds of our hearts. My, my, Thank The Great Goodness for love.' Archibold and Archimedes started laughing and what with one chuckle and another the two of them had to sit down to relish the moment.

''Thank you for today Archimedes, we'll be on our way now, Spring will be here sooner than we know and Stephanotis has much to learn, always a joy to share an afternoon with you, may all go well with you until we meet again.' Archibold and Stephanotis bowed and started the long climb down, 'Keep listening, you will know the day, my regards to Hortensia, remind Mildred that I need more of her foot liniment.' And with that, Archimedes went back to his seat looking out over the forest - listening to the whispers of the leaves............

Tea and burps.....

'Well yes, yes, yes, we were on an escapade....the call was irresistible, oh it is wonderful to see you Archimedes - seems an age since we last met, how are you?' Archimedes chuckled, 'very well Archibold, very well indeed, are you going to introduce me to this young apprentice of yours?' Archibold had to push Stephanotis forward rather hard, so poor Stephanotis who was feeling a bit shy, almost bumped into the older gnome. 'Proud to present Stephanotis, my new apprentice, Archimedes - Stephanotis, Stephanotis - Archimedes'.

Poor Stephanotis tried very hard to say something polite but all that came out of his mouth was a sort of snuffle, he was finding all too much to take in and desperately wanted to sit down and recover his breath after the climb. 'Perfectly alright, just take your time, I am so pleased to have made your acquaintance, I've known Archibold a long time so we have much to discuss! If you wouldn't mind it would be most helpful if you could make the tea, everything that you need is all over there in the chest'.

Archimedes gestured to an old wooden chest pushed against the side of the tree house. Stephanotis felt much better, making tea was something he knew how to do, and as everyone knows all things look better after a good cup of tea. 'It is my own blend - a bit of this and a bit of that, very good for the damp in the joints you know, not that you need any help at your age'. Stephanotis smiled at the so obviously kind venerable gnome, he had a feeling today was going to be the most extraordinary day of his life. Just wait till he told Isabel, he had been asked to make tea in the presence of one the most legendary gnomes of all time - Archimedes Bonaparte.

As Stephanoits rattled about in the chest finding the tea things, Archibold and Archimedes sat together by the fire. Stephanoits couldn't hear much, but the others seemed to be having a very serious conversation. 'So many changes so fast now....... new homes needed......... we need to hold steady more than ever........... the deep music is the only way forward............. the forest is a last haven......... keep listening, keep listening, your feet will always guide your way.'

So as the little kettle began to whistle and the leaves rustle all around, the three gnomes settled down by the fire, Archimedes was most appreciative of his large slice of Hortensia's cake (gnomes never travel without a selection of tasty supplies), though Stephanotis found the tea a bit sour to taste and much to the others amusement, at his first sip started to burp!

Ivy and mystery......

True to form, Archibold and Stephanotis scrambled ashore and set to exploring and finding the perfect place for a picnic - you can imagine the sort of place they were searching for - fresh water, flat ground, perfect view, lots of dry firewood, nearby branches to hang two hammocks on - a really rousing challenge to be rewarded by fresh mint tea and a slice of Hortensia's chestnut cake. Suddenly Archibold stopped and putting a protective arm out to hold Stephanotis back, said  'steady on Lad, gently does it, someone else is here!'

Archibold wiggled his toes in his stripy socks and boots, ' just let me have a listen' and with that he sat down on a nearby rock, closed his eyes and began to listen to the ground beneath his feet. 'Well, well well, Stephanotis, this is a surprise for my boots - well you are in for a treat'. He set off at a fast trot with Stephanotis agog with impatience clambering behind him. 'Smell the woodsmoke yet? 'Archibold turned and winked - this was too much for his poor apprentice 'No, what smoke? What treat? Where, oh where are we going?'

Stephanotis was feeling a bit anxious, he was a long way from home and though he had been enjoying being a brave and dashing gnome on an escapade, he wasn't that fond of mysteries, the idea of an unknown someone else being on the island was unsettling to say the least.

Then with a twinkle and a wiggle of his corduroy clad bottom, Archibold suddenly disappeared. 'Over here Stephanoits, behind the ivy.' Stephanotis blinked and shuffled his feet, the thing was, he was worrying about what was behind the ivy, he remembered the day Archibold had forgotten about him and they had suddenly found themselves white water rafting with Archibold standing proud at the helm and not noticing that he had felt utterly terrified. 'Now then, all is well, hold out your hand and I'll guide you in.....'

Shutting his eyes Stpehanotis let Archibold pull him through the ivy and into the middle of a most splendid old oak tree. 'See the steps, just follow me and soon you'll see the view and meet someone very special - what an honour, what an honour indeed....' the two gnomes climbed the little steps for what seemed a very long and to be frank, rather an exhausting time. At the top they found themselves walking out onto a small wooden platform, surrounded by sunshine and the greenest of leaves and full of the sound of birdsong. Archibold was bowing low, Stephanotis looked up to see a very venerable gnome, dressed all in sage and linden greens, sitting on a log in front of a fire burning in a little stove. Looking up at Stephanotis he gave him an amused wink - 'On an escapade then Archibold?'

Berries and daydreaming..............

Archibold and Stephanotis were practicing their yodelling and bird song imitations whilst paddling their little boat into the river - suddenly Archibold pointed to the bank, 'Look over there Stephanotis - can you see the blackberries are already on the way? We must tell Hortensia'.

Archibold was feeling ecstatic about being on the scent of an adventure, he was also proud of having discovered a new patch of brambles with so much fruit beginning to ripen. Usually as they collected the soft berries, gnomes always made sure that they left lots for the birds and other animals, so finding a large patch meant a bumper crop for them - enough for some of Hortensia's precious preserves and cordial - and of course a day of berry crushing and general messy fun.

Berry crushing was one of the highlights of the year, with carefully washed feet, the gnomes would take turns to dance and stomp around the large wooden tub full of berries, crushing the purple blue fruit with their feet - though no matter how much they scrubbed them afterwards, their hands and feet always stayed blue for weeks afterwards. Hortensia made her utterly delicious bramble pie with a lattice pastry crust and of course they celebrated afterwards with dancing and lots of singing.

As he daydreamed about hot blackberry cordial, Archibold forgot to steer and suddenly the little boat was nudged to a stop by bumping into a half sunken log. Stephanotis leapt up and grabbing a branch, tied the boat to the trunk of a tree, which though half submerged, still grew on the shore of a small island. 'Time for a picnic Archibold?' and with that Stephanotis leapt along the tree and onto the shore.

Laughter and adventure.....

Little did Archibold know as he sat wiggling his toes in the cool water - that Stephanotis was creeping up behind him and was about to pounce on him to try to steal his hat. Gnomes love playing games such as stealing each other's hats - and creep up and surprise games were a particular favourite of Stephanotis's.

Just as he was getting near, Archibold leapt to his feet, grabbed his boots and socks and turning around to run at great speed, bumped straight into him - well they fell about laughing and every time they tried to get up, would start giggling so much that in the end, they had to lie down and surrender to just lying on the grass and laughing. 'Where were you going Archibold?' Stephanotis looked so silly trying to keep a straight face that Archibold started laughing again, 'I don't know - I was on an adventure!' And with that they sat down and tried to recover a little as Archibold put on his red and yellow stripy socks and then his boots.

'Can I come too please?' Stephanotis looked so eager and excited that Archibold's heart leapt with anticipation, all gnomes know that two is much better than one for an escapade - 'Of course you can Stephanotis, it will be a good experience for you to practice listening and following the call of an adventure'. Archibold was taking his responsibilities towards his apprentice very seriously. 'I have an idea that we will pick up the call over there....' and with that the two gnomes set off at a brisk trot along the edge of the stream heading towards the call of the unknown.......

Archibold begins to listen..........

It wasn't that Archibold was being naughty, it was just that sometimes only freedom would do. He knew that he was expected to be out and about doing useful things, but he had woken up feeling frisky and was determined to stay that way - only an escapade would do! The sky was bright blue with not even a wisp of a cloud in sight, the air cool - with the promise of afternoon warmth -and Archibiold knew with all of his being - that the moment had come.

An escapade is when a gnome takes off on an adventure - just for the sheer joy of going with the flow. Most of the time gnomes are much more aware than humans of the subtle currents of flow, after all they are masters of merge and blend, but Archibold had been so busy of late, since well before The Midsummer Revels, that duties had overtaken the joy of being free on a whimsy - the following of a curiosity that could lead to an adventure.

Stephanotis was busy on a courting walk with Isabel so Archibold was free. He sat down on a grassy bank by the side of the stream and began to listen. It is always easier to hear the call of an adventure if you sit quietly by a stream, and Archibold took off his boots and socks and wiggling his feet in the cool water, began to listen to where the music called him........

Dancing reels and planting on..................

'What do you think Stephanotis - shall we have a grand stamping?' Archibold and Stephanotis had been dividing and planting on all manner of different plants and bulbs, and now of course the moment had come to tuck each plant into the rich earth of the forest floor. Gnomes traditionally use any excuse to enjoy a bit of a dance, so soon the two gnomes were stamping away and enjoying a wild reel or two. 'Well that's a job well done, should be beautiful next Spring, I have to say Stephanotis - I could get used to having an apprentice - so much more fun!'

Archibold winked at Stephanotis, he had never had an apprentice before, and apart from the few moments on the boat when he had abandoned himself to over excitement and forgotten about Stephanotis - he was relishing passing on all of his skills and having such an eager helper. The two of them had taken time out from scouting to keep up with all their gardening duties. Gnomes all have duties, some like Archibold are assigned special missions, but most of all they like to encourage the beauty and abundant growth of all their favorite plants and trees. 

Archibold especially liked trees, so he often collected chestnuts and pine cones to plant in the Autumn - so far Stephanotis thought that he would specialise in bluebells - this of course could have something to do with the fact that they reminded him of Isabel, and as we know Hortensia loved violets so much that she had been given the very special misson of looking after the tender plants. 

Of course all the gnomes deferred to the wisdom of the Council of Venerables and any confusion or alarm would be brought before them and all decisions gratefully accepted. To be a Venerable was a special honour - only the wisest and kindest and obviously the oldest gnomes could be called Venerable - they could be trusted to guide and cherish and to make decisions for the good of all the gnomes in the little community. Aunt Mildred and Uncle Humperdinck were both Venerables and took their responsibilities very seriously - Aunt Mildred had even made special hats for the other Venerables in the Council, all very tall and in shades of forest green, though of course for Old Uncle Theodopholus she made one of the softest wool and the colour of golden Autumn leaves .

Golden hearts and stripy socks.......

'Well then, what is a home Stephanotis?' Everyone was sitting around the table at Persimmon Heights after a particularly delicious dinner. Hortensia was thinking of putting some porridge on to cook gently overnight on the back of the stove (she knew that it was supposed to be summer time, but the mornings had been so chilly of late that porridge seemed a very lovely prospect for breakfast). 'You can't just say it is a dwelling where you sleep'.

Archibold piped up with a comment that 'home is where your extra comfy socks live', he smiled at Hortensia as he said it because as everyone knew, Hortensia knitted the best socks and he loved his stripy brightly colored socks and took them as a symbol of his status as a gnome of dashing derring do.

'I think that home is somewhere where we can truly be who we really are', Uncle Humperdinck stroked his beard ' without a home a gnome is lost indeed'. Aunt Mildred was sucking on a mint leaf and thinking, 'My Dear, as ever you are most wise' - she smiled at him, poured him another cup of camomile tea and thought how very lucky she was to love and be loved by a gentleman gnome of singular spirit and golden heart.

Picnics and decisions...

By now most of the gnomes in Blue Bell Wood and a bit beyond had been to see Stephanotis's courting gift for Isabel. Word had spread about the wondrous roofing, the little flap table and the view.....well the view was a topic all of itself. The only difficulty was that gnomes being gnomes like picnics - and the trip was uphill and quite a way out of the way - well one thing led to another and before long the area around the base of the tree had become a favorite picnic spot.

True to Stephanotis's wishes though, the visiting gnomes left Isabel's haven as her special place, sometimes even leaving offerings of flowers and fruit by the entrance to encourage her in her composing. Isabel and Stephanotis were often to be seen walking hand in hand of a summer's evening, so as Hortensia frequently remarked to Archiblod - 'that boy certainly made a good impression'.

For all the general happiness though there was an undercurrent of sadness amongst the gnomes, some of Bluebell Wood was being cut down to make way for new houses for humans, and that meant that some of the gnomes would soon be homeless - gnomes are nothing if not adaptable but they grieve for the loss of their trees and homes. So you can see why going for a picnic under a courting gift of a tree house was so appealing, more than anything else it was a reminder that the old ways still lived on and that true love could even make a Hero out of a very young apprentice gnome.

Being adaptable though meant creating opportunities too and so Archibold was leading reconnaissance missions to local gardens and waste land in the area, scouting for suitable new locations for gnomes' homes. Once he and Stephanotis had made up their list of suitable spots they were going to report to the Council of Venerables and then after much fair consultation - designs would be made and brave decisions undertaken! Archibold was full of energy for the project and had made charts and maps and was all of a bustle with enthusiasm - house building brought the little community together and was often an occasion of celebration and feats of courage and prowess.

Tree houses and kisses......

Now that it was twilight and the forest was full of golden light, Stephanotis walked Isabel along the path at the far edge of the forest. He had asked her if she would like to go for an evening stroll and though Isabel was shy, her face had been so radiant as she replied that Stephanotis's tummy had gone flip flop at the warmth of her gaze. 'I wanted to make you something Isabel, something that would be just for you.'

He had asked her to shut her eyes and was carefully leading her along gently step by step to where his present awaited. 'If you walk a little backwards now you will feel a bench against your legs, when you have sat down - you can open your eyes.' Isabel did as she was bid - as she opened her eyes her hands flew up to her mouth and her beautiful violet eyes filled with tears. For you see Stephanotis had made her a tree house arbour, for three days he had been rushing in and out with barely a word to anyone - rushing to make his courting gift as perfect as could be. 'It is a safe haven for you to listen Isabel, so that you can hear the deep music - then you can sing for us all and we will remember too'.

Taking Archibold's idea from the Pavilion at the Revels, Stephanotis had made a little tree house in an old fir tree, looking out over the fields and surrounded by the sounds of bird song and the gentle murmur of the leaves moving in the breeze, it was truly a place of peace. 'There is a little wooden flap that lifts up for a writing table, and I have lined the roof with an old plastic bag in between the branches so that you will keep dry, I have started a wild rose too at the base so that by next year you will have roses all around too'.

Isabel held Stephanotis hands in hers, she knew by the mention of the rose that Stephanotis was declaring his love for her. As she thanked him she gently moved his hands in hers and held them together over her heart 'Thank you Stephanotis, thank you, I treasure and love your gift - am I right on thinking that it is your courting gift....?' Now it was Stephanotis's turn to blush as Isabel suddenly twinkled and laughed and kissed him!

Washing and seedy cake........

Stephanotis was very eager to impress Isabel with the ardor of his intentions. He had woken up early and seeing Hortensia surrounded by her baskets of clean but wet washing - asked if she needed any help with hanging it out to dry  - it was an especially frisky and delightfully windy morning and Hortensia was washing all manner of heavy covers and blankets as she knew that they could easily dry in a day.

The moment she say Stephanotis's face she knew that he desperately needed to unburden his heart. 'My Dear Stephanotis, how very kind of you to offer, of course you can help - you have come along at just the right moment', and with that she set about instructing him in the gentle art of drying washing by draping all the surrounding bushes with the wet blankets and cushion covers and covering the washing lines with unwieldy eiderdowns.

After all the running and spreading and pining down, Stephanotis felt much calmer. 'You see Hortensia, I love Isabel and I so want her to understand that I want to be her sweetheart and begin proper courting and I don't know how to approach her or even if she likes me!' Poor Stephanotis was all of a bother and in real distress, Hortensia reassured him as she poured out a generous cup of her dandelion coffee and a large slice of the seedy cake left over from the Revels, 'What you need is a token of your affections - something that is unmistakably a symbol of your love, something that lets her know just how much you adore her.' Stephanotis was thinking, he munched his way through his cake, gulped down his coffee, gave baby Harriet a big kiss on her head and rushed out of the door - all without saying a word.......

Holding hands and leaning in.......

Everybody was around the kitchen table at Persimmon Heights - partially because Hortensia's elderflower fritters were a moment of seasonal culinary ecstasy and secondly because Stephanotis had invited Isabel as his guest. Gnomes are of course, very curious by nature and the chance for the family to see the young couple together was too much to resist.

Aunt Mildred presided over the table in front of the enormous platter with it's layers of crisp yellow fritters. Uncle Humperdinck was silent and eating slowly as his teeth were not what they had been and elderflower fritters, luscious as they are, can easily become stuck between one's teeth. Everyone else was in a delightfully playful mood and talking animatedly about the Revels and the mostly about the Rodeo. The rabbits had become so accustomed to extra supplies of lettuce, carrots and parsley that they had taken to coming to Aunt Mildred's gate and asking for more. Several of the older bunnies had even asked for more camomile as they had found nibbling a bit before bedtime rather helpful for a a sound night's sleep. Aunt Mildred of course cultivated the best camomile in the area, she was particularly pleased to be supplying the bunnies as they had been so agreeable to her Grand Idea for the Rodeo.

'Really Darlings, do you think that you come around to my old lady's garden early tomorrow - she has been a bit under the weather lately and if we spruced up her garden outside the patio doors  - well I am sure that it would be a real lift to her spirits.' Archibold thought it a splendid mission and he hastily arranged for his sons (Horatio and Lupin) and Stephanotis to be up and ready for an early morning Cheer Up Mission. 'You could come too Isabel, what a difference your singing would make to the garden and all the birds and animals'. Isabel blushed at Stephanotis's suggestion and at the resultant wink and nudge that she saw Aunt Mildred give Uncle Humperdinck. "What an excellent idea, Isabel you will be our secret envoy of encouragement ' and with that Hortensia settled the matter.

She had taken pity on poor Uncle Humperdinck and was busy frying up some apple rings so that he could have a treat without worrying about his teeth. 'Tomorrow is the day then, my old lady will be so pleased, after all I first entertained the idea of the Bunny Rodeo after watching her television through the patio doors, so we really owe her a treat or two!'

Isabel and Stephanotis were holding hands under the table and blissfully leaning into each other, they thought they were being discreet but everyone present was feeling all rosy and emotional at just how lovely they looked together.

Elderflowers blossoms............

The house felt very full, what with Horatio and Lupin home for their holidays and Stephanotis and Archibold deeply involved in planning a new adventure - so much so that Hortensia had taken baby Harriet out for her afternoon nap. Wrapping her carefully in her basket and setting off for the woods Hortensia felt freer than she had in days. 'See Harriet all the greens of the different leaves, see how the trees are full of birds singing - oh Harriet I am so glad that we came out.' Harriet gurgled happily, she had no intention of going to sleep now that they were out and about, so she smiled up at her Mother, Hortensia knew she might be being a little biased but she really did think that Harriet had the most beautiful blue eyes in the world.

Hortensia was heading for the edge of the wood where she knew that there was a glorious patch of elderflower blossom. Once there, she settled Harriet down in her basket in a shady spot and set to work collecting the elderflower blossoms. Some were for the making of her precious cordial and some were for Horatio's favourite treat - elderflower fritters. Because the stems were so high, nimble as she was, she had quite a struggle to reach some of the flowers. Not in the least daunted Hortensia carefully and successfully gathered her chosen blossom,  next she wrapped them all up in the table cloth she had brought and then tied the bundle on her back, 'Off we go Darling, try to snooze a little, all is well Little Poppet', and with that she picked up the basket and set off home again - singing and happy as happy can be.

Tea and a little honey.......

Twitch, twitch, kick, jump - Archibold was reliving all of his dance moves in his sleep. 'Bother his dreams' sighed Hortensia 'I'll just have to go downstairs and to sleep'. She had tried pushing him, blowing in his ears and her best emergency-last-resort action - pinching his nose -  but all in vain, Arcihbold happily continued with his dreaming and snoring.

Hortensia padded downstairs bringing baby Harriet wrapped in her fluffy shawl, 'now that I am up, perhaps a pot of rose petal tea might be just the perfect thing help me get to sleep'. Hortensia smiled as she saw the jug with her little posy of wild flowers that she had brought back home and that were looking especially pretty on the kitchen table. Archibold had pinned their two rosettes (for the best wild strawberries and preserve) in the middle of the mantle piece, 'what a day we had, so many delights and so much fun'.

The truth was that the whole of Persimmon Heights echoed and vibrated to Archibold's snoring. Hortensia know of old, that once awake, rose petal tea and a teaspoon of honey were the only things that would ease her back to sleep. So she settled down in her rocking chair and covering her knees with a little blanket, sang a little song to baby Harriet, and sipped her tea until she fell into a soft and welcoming slumber.

Twilight and butterflies of joy........

Isabel lifted her arms, looked up to the golden light and sang in the twilight.......she sang of the beauty of Spring, of hope blooming anew in the heart, of a baby's smile, of the radiance of blossom against a blue sky and of flowers.......all the abundance and colour and joy of flowers. As she sang the gnomes lifted their eyes to see the golden light filtering through the green leaves of the pavilion and knew themselves blessed indeed. Just when it seemed impossible to imagine anything more beautiful, Archibold and Stephanotis, who had climbed up and hidden in the canopy, released a cloud of butterflies from their baskets. As the iridescent butterflies fluttered free, Isabel began to sing an old favourite and soon everyone was joining in.

'Time for The Revels - time for dancing!' Uncle Humperdinck was beating time with his stick and a little band of concertinas, fiddles and the odd flute and zither were assembling on the podium. Stephanotis bowed low before Isabel and taking off his new courting hat, asked her to take to the floor for the first dance. Well that was that, when everyone saw Isabel agree, hats were thrown in the air and soon gnomes were leaping and pirouetting and promenading with gusto and glee - a grand dance was taking shape!

'I'll just have a little sit down for a minute, what a song, what a song - and Stephanotis's hat giving him such confidence'. Aunt Mildred was feeling overwhelmed again, but very pleased. She settled down and began to watch the dancing, keeping time with one of her feet and gently sucking on her pipe.

So all was well and the little pavilion was alive with joy as the stars began to shine through the blue of the twilight - very well indeed..........

Prizes and delight....................

'Well, well, well - just so exciting!' this was an understatement as Hortensia would never forget the sight of Lupin flying through the air off a bunny's back. He had volunteered as one of the first to try out the rodeo. No one (not even Humperdinck) had thought about how excitable bunnies can be, so for the first several tries all the gnomes had been sent flying. Eventually the bunnies succumbed to boredom - and perhaps Aunt Mildred's camomile was having an effect, at any rate the end of the rodeo was quite a sedate affair compared to the wildness of the start. Lupin's pride had been a bit hurt, but he had received so much sympathy that he had quickly cheered up again. The whole family were elated when Archibold won first prize for his wild strawberries and Hortensia for her wild strawberry preserve - a double triumph that made them glow with graciousness.

Hortensia was feeling a bit puffed - quite literally as she had had to play the trumpet to announce the prize giving and the start and finish of all the events (and sometimes to drown out Uncle Humperdinck's snoring). All in all it had been a triumphant day and Aunt Mildred was radiant with happiness at the success of her grand idea and having been able to wear so many of her hats in succesion. Archibold's pavilion of living hazel was the wonder of the day, so much so that he had been carried around on the gnomes' shoulders and hailed as a Hero and The Gnome of the Day. 

Just now they were all lying on a mossy bank resting (and burping a little) after a sumptuous picnic. Hortensia had excelled herself and her nasturium flowers stuffed with soft cheese and herbs had been utterly delicious as had her meringues with preserved sweet chestnuts and cream. They were all sucking mint leaves and preparing for a little day dream and snooze - soon they would be dressing up for the Revels and all were looking forward to a wild evening of dancing and frolic!

Posies and Foot Balm.....................

'Oh my, what a to do' it was late evening and Hortensia had finally settled baby Harriet to sleep and was beginning to prepare the picnic hamper for the next day, 'plates, cups, forks, spoons, bread knife, ooh butter dish, table cloth......' she bustled about muttering and humming a little tune, 'my trumpet, blankets and cushions'. The list seemed endless, and then there were all of her preserves and chutneys, her seedy cake and her extra light angel-wing meringues -  all ready to face the judges' steely gaze -  and her piece de resistance - her spring posy soaking it's stems in a small jug waiting to have it's ribbon attached in the morning.

She had prepared little posies of flowers for Isabel and Harriet (and of course herself) to attach to their dresses and little flower twists for Archibold, Stephanotis, Horatio and Lupins' buttonholes. 'I wonder - should I take the rocking chair for Aunt Mildred in case she faints again when Isabel sings?' Fortunately for him, Archibold came in at that moment and firmly squashed the idea on the head. 'Plenty of mossy banks My Dear and lots of cushions - no need to worry about bringing the chair '. He had enough to worry about with the carrying of the picnic and helping the boys pull the little cart with all his prize vegetables and fruits and Hortensia's preserves and baking  - without thinking about carry a rocking chair to the Pavilion.

Hortensia made them all hot camomile and honey tea before bed so that they would sleep well. She was just dozing off herself when when she suddenly remembered Archibold's foot balm and lept up to pop the jar into her emergency supplies basket - Archibold could be very grumpy if his feet hurt and as they had been looking forward to the dance since last year, she thought it best to be prepared.

All of a flutter.................

Every where that Aunt Mildred went was a bustle with serious activity; jars of jam were being dusted, flower buds were being coaxed into bloom, vegetables cosseted into a final growth spurt and at the main Pavilion an air of serious - almost fever pitch bustle - prevailed. 'Must remember to bring my basket of tinctures and balms on the big day' thought Aunt Mildred ' you never know what can happen with all this excitement'.

Poor Uncle Humperdinck had been given the challanging job of training the Bunnies. As Aunt Mildred's husband, and because it had been her idea, the responsibility for persuading the bunnies to take the rodeo seriously and to hop on request, had fallen on his shoulders. Uncle Humperdinck was a tall, thin gnome of Nordic descent, his hair was particularly wispy and even with all of Aunt Mildred's skill as a milliner, his hats were always at a rakish angle, so much so that he had great difficulty keeping a hat on his white and wild curls at all. The bunnies had been playing him up at first (anything to eat more free carrots and parsley) but his inherent kindness was winning them around and he in turn was forming a firm friendship with several of the older bunnies - of an evening he and some of his new friends had been found to enjoy a wee snooze together - Uncle Humperdinck was very old and a bunnies fur so particularly soft that a snooze leaning against a bunny's warm soft tummy was proving irresistible.

The arena for the rodeo had been enclosed with posts and ivy-rope trellis and surrounded with mossy banks for the spectators and judges to sit on. Uncle Humperdinck had been encouraging the bunnies every day for the past few weeks - he had of course had to resort to bribery, and several times poor Archibold and Stephanotis had to rush off on a carrot hunting mission.

Hortensia had taken to playing the trumpet whenever possible and her whole household was having to adjust to early morning trumpet calls summoning them to breakfast. She was all of a flutter too for another reason, her sons Horatio and Lupin were coming home on Sunday from the garden centre where they had been working learning vital young gnome skills. Busy as she was, she had found time to polish the buttons on their best waistcoats and to embroider a silk sash for each of them.

'Steady does it, grass grows all on it's own - trust and dance with the flow' Aunt Mildred was singing a little song to calm and inspire as she went out and about. The Midsummer Revels were a chance to frolic and play (she was looking forward to a dance or two herself) but savouring each moment made the day even more special when it finally arrived and some of the younger gnomes were in danger of exhausting themselves with over excitement well before the day had dawned. 'Tea Darlings? A wee tisane to steady the nerves and bring a bloom to your checks?' Aunt Mildred was dispensing kindness and calming teas as she went, she wanted all the gnomes to be on their best form for their special day.

A little snooze under green leaves.........

'Ooooh Archie, it is just so beautiful, it's like our own special forest, oh Archie I do love it so....' Hortensia was standing inside the pavilion that Archibold and Stephanotis had made. Archibold puffed out his chest and he and Stephanotis glowed with pride. The pavilion really was something special.

Several months previously, as he had been pondering how to build this year's pavilion, Archibold had remembered something from many years before, something that he had seen when he had been in training at a garden centre as a young, dashing gnome out and about on missions. He had remembered how to plant young hazel branches and then as they grew, how to weave them into a living trellis. This year's pavilion for the Midsummer Revels was a living arbor of green leaves and woven hazel branches, all arching up into a leafy dome - Archibold's masterpiece. 'Couldn't have done it without Stephanotis, he is so limber and good at climbing, we would never have finished the top without him.'

Hortensia, Archibold, Stephanotis and baby Harriet all laid down on the mossy bank and stared at the twilight sky through the green leaves of the pavilion - 'just heaven Archie, just heavenly' and with that thought in mind they all fell asleep for a little celebratory snooze.

An evening stroll..........

Archibold and Hortensia were out and about in the forest enjoying an evening stroll. Archibold was carrying baby Harriet, and was enjoying himself greatly, he was showing her all the different kinds of leaves that he could find. Hortensia was singing a happy heart song to encourage all the plants and trees to grow  - and to cheer herself up. It wasn't that she was very grumpy, just that she felt a little distracted and overwhelmed by all the things that she had to do before the Midsummer Revels. Hortensia knew that sometimes singing a song from her heart could ease a sense of perplexity and renew her sense of fun. Soon she was making a buttercup posy for Harriet and relishing hearing her giggle as Archibold lifted her high in the air to give her a piggy back - she found herself laughing even more when Harriet reached for his special-extra-durable-daily-wear red hat - and pulled it off!

Archibold was feeling rather proud of himself, it was a beautiful summer evening - full of golden light and he felt so grateful to be alive - but most of all he was proud of having hidden a surprise from Hortensia for a whole week. The evening walk was a ruse to lead her to where the surprise was waiting in all it's splendour - Stephanotis of course had been left in charge and was nervously awaiting their arrival.