Such a thing had never happened before, Hortensia could hardly believe her ears. Of course the gnomes had heard of humans who wanted to stay connected with their world from the stories that had been handed down by the Venerables. But most of them thought that history had proved time and again that such experiments were perilous in outcome, and unlikely to stand the test of time.
Yet here was a young human admitting that the gnomes way of living offered something of great value and that he wanted to protect them, and make their forest home a refuge and haven for humans and gnomes. Such a thing had never been contemplated by most of the gnomes. They mostly viewed humans as short lived and desperate to change a world with little thought of the consequences.
Archimedes stood up,' Harold you are brave and kind in your thinking,' Aunt Mildred snorted loudly, 'but I do not think you realise that such an experiment as that which you are proposing - offers much to your world and little but danger to ours. Humans have a long record of Destroying as they develop and not valuing the wisdom of nature until too late, sadly it seems they tend to destroy what they do not understand.'
The Old Lady sighed and put her hand on her son's arm, 'you see My Dears - for the time that is left to me, I will be here too and I will guide and work with Harold so that the two of us can find a way that helps us all. What perhaps you do not understand, is that the forest is in danger and that if we can find a proposal that is acceptable, than we can save it from being destroyed. If we are unable to find a way forward together, than the forest will be purchased compulsorily and all of our homes and way of life destroyed.'
There was silence all around, Hortensia looked up and could see fear and confusion on her friends faces.
Archimedes stepped forward again.'Such things have long been foretold by Eleanora, we have no choice but to go forward with courage into an unknown future. If we are part of the changes, then much good is possible - even with the dangers.' he spoke loudly as many of the gnomes were muttering and talking amongst themselves.
At last Eleanora stood forward with Hector close behind her looking fierce and wild and protective of his precious sister. Eleanora walked up to Harold and The Old Lady, gazing at them with her hands outstretched. She spoke quietly ' what is coming has not been tried for many an age. We will have to take much care and we will have to trust each other even when we do not understand and learn to listen for the unknown - even when fear is in our hearts. I trust you and give you my word that I will work for the good of us all and for the peace that this forest holds for the future.'
Harold and The Old Lady were held in the blue light of her eyes as the gnomes gasped in shock.
A pledge has been made and the trees began to rustle all around as the news began to travel - change was present amongst and all around, above and below in their hearts and minds and lighting the way forward for their spirits.
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