"If the Trees Could Talk"

A collection of tales developed and created by Thom Seddon.

Illustrations by Alex Horsewell.

Once Upon A Time…

There was a boy, who lived in a land far, far away. Growing up, he never felt different or peculiar until one day, the townsfolk turned on him…

There lived a princess, who didn’t want to marry a prince, but she was too scared to tell her father, the king…

A child, trapped in a body which they felt did not belong to them…

Though the above may read like the beginning of so many fairy tales, they sound even more familiar to the LGBT+; and far from make-believe, they can be all too real.

But in late spring to early summer 2019, members of this community came together to give fairy tales a fresh, fantastical spin. By sharing their stories, weaving magic through their words, something truly special and unique was formed.

The following pages burst forth from these gatherings; a diverse collection of never-before told fairy tales, each of them written, inspired and contributed to by participants from across Derbyshire, and all walks of life, through ages 10 to 71.

The stories are as colourful and emotive, and as bright and bold as those who crafted them. While using the theme of returning to nature, they shared their thoughts and reflections, with many drawing upon a wealth of memories to bring these fabulous tales to life; tales of pride and celebration, alliances and discrimination, love and defiance, loss and triumph.

It was an honour to tell their stories, which deserve to be heard and remembered because something which kept being mentioned by those involved bears repeating.

We mustn’t forget the past while looking to the future. It’s important we pass on the LGBT+ history from generation to generation, by whatever means we can, while inspiring the next to come together and be proud of their own stories.

And so, in the tales that follow, fantastical though they be, keep in mind they are what came from community members coming together and exploring their lived experiences, with strength in their voices, and imaginations running wild.

Foreword by Thom Seddon

If the trees could talk, what would they say?

What words would they speak if we listened today?

What stories they’d have, yearning to be told!

The legends weaved into their branches! They hold The spirits of nature, secrets of the past The breath of the future, outlasting the ashes Of those long forgotten, the sparks of those yet to be.

These are the stories, to be told by the trees.

Allow me to be your representative, Call me NANA because I’ve been called far worse Allow me to tell you such rich stories inspired by the lives of those who sought to reconnect with the woods.

A wild space which can be as overwhelming as it can be safe, as welcoming as it is threatening, as dark as it is beautiful…

Let us begin…

This is the story of Willow the hedgehog. You might have seen her wondering around the woods. She has a bow in her hair and always wears an apron, because she loves baking.

She didn’t always live in the woods though. In fact, she lived in a den under a busy road, which Willow had turned into a beautiful home. It looked a little like an old man’s house; a polished wooden grandfather clock, happily tick-tocking in the background, a real fireplace burning birchwood logs, and tall, tall pillars.

A whole house underground, warm and cosy, with bedrooms, bathrooms, an office – unless you’d seen it, you wouldn’t believe your eyes.

Willow had 3 hedgehog babies – Max, the eldest was biggest and strongest, annoying to his siblings, but somehow always charming to others. Maya, the middle hedgehog wore her spikes long was the most helpful and smartest. And finally, there was little Garibaldi; the shortest and stubbiest, and greediest, and silliest and unfortunately, not as sharp as the spines on his back. But Willow loved each of her babies very much.

But one sad day, while they’d been out for a bite to eat, Willow and the babies lost their home. The den they had lived in was filled in with concrete by people who wanted to lay down more roads! Her 3 babies cried, “whatever will we do?” Not one for panicking though, Willow soothed her babies; “We’ll find somewhere new to live, you’ll see!”

Where there was plenty of food, and she could have a nice cup of tea. Not so lucky for them, a sneaky, curious fox called Red was eavesdropping on their conversation.

He told Willow he knew of a place she could live. On the other side of the busy road, across the river, there were woodlands, where Willow and her babies could live up a tree. “Much safer than underground,” said he! He seemed kind enough, so Willow thanked him and followed his advice.

Trouble was Red was only pretending to be nice. Red Fox had other plans- to take Willow’s babies away! And bake them into a pie. Red Fox was going to try everything he could to trick Willow and her family.

“First,” explained Red to Willow, while trying not to lick his lips, “You have to cross the road. I know there are cars but fear not! It’s safe to cross at night. It’s easier when it’s dark.” Sweet and naïve, Willow and her three babies didn’t realise crossing at night is more dangerous! But again, they thanked Red Fox and set off on their way.

Willow took the lead, bundling herself up into a ball until she was very small, and rolling across the road. Being the strongest Max went next, and Maya the smartest followed. Red was not impressed by their success, as he thought he was going to have hedgehog pizza for dinner.

Until the Fox realised… poor little Garibaldi had been left behind. Red thought he had his chance. Garabaldi would make a fine pie! As Garibaldi clumsily rolled into the road a car drove straight over him! But again, Red Fox didn’t get his wish. The wheels narrowly missed Garibaldi, who tumbled out in one piece on the other side.

“Drat!” cursed Red Fox. He needed to come up with another plan, as he led the hedgehog family from the road to the next part of their journey.

They arrived at a bridge to cross over the river, like Red Fox had said. Thinking on his paws, an idea hit Red! Out of branches and leaves he quickly fashioned a disguise, draping it all over him like a cape and hood.

Sneaking up from behind them, he leapt out at Willow and cried, “Your babies are going to be hognapped!” It gave the hedgehogs such a fright they fell over the bridge’s side. Red Fox couldn’t wait, picturing himself slipping down to the water to fish the hedgehogs out with his mouth and claws, ready to be cooked!

He listened for the sound of splashes, but never heard them hit the river. Because four long arms came out from under the arch and caught the hedgehogs- one after the other. Because under this bridge, lived a troll! A special one too, with bright blue skin, red tentacles, floppy ears and a glowing unicorn horn. He said he would help the hedgehogs if they could answer a riddle.

“I eat and I grow, I drink, and I die – what am I?” Garibaldi was worried because he couldn’t think of the answer. Can you help him? Anyone? Never fear, because Willow knew the answer was fire! The Troll was so happy his unicorn horn glowed green. With that he kept his promise, and gently tossed them across the river, and at last, into the woods.

Which would’ve been great, if the Troll wasn’t such a careless shot- he threw Willow too high and from her babies she got lost!

Well as you can imagine, Red Fox was pleased, and began to sneak towards the 3 babies, his tummy rumbling all the while.

But luckily, Willow swooped down from the sky, landed on Red and knocked him on the head, shouting “Don’t you hognap my babies, you hognapper!” Red Fox stumbled back, fell into the river, where he was carried away by the current; to the Troll.

Plucking a rather wet red Fox out of the water, The Troll asked Red the same riddle, “I eat and I grow, I drink, and I die – what am I?” “I… I don’t know the answer…”

Red Fox stammered.

“Trolls eat foxes that can’t solve riddles.” And Red Fox was baked into a pie!

Now safe and sound, the hedgehogs built their new home in a tree. And Willow had her biscuit with a nice cup of tea.

This is a tale of the Outsiders… who hadn’t always been that way. They used to be known by another name, a name long since forgotten, a name from when they lived in peace with others, in a place called the Sacred Fields.

Upon these lush green plains, they built their houses, their meeting places, everything they wished for… until one day, they were driven out; forced into the trees by commands of the establishment known as The Ivory. Looking to expand beyond their means. Taking from the vulnerable Outsiders was their solution.

They came into the Outsiders’ lands with torches and blades, setting off explosions, wounding the innocent, some even fatally, but the Outsiders wouldn’t give up. They fought back, outsmarting the Ivory, fashioning weapons out of whatever they could find, throwing rocks like boulders and pointed sticks like missiles. The Outsiders outnumbered the Ivory who had no choice but to retreat.

But then came the plague which cursed the Outsiders rebellion. A disease which tore through their community like wildfire. The Outsiders were either too weak to retaliate or had succumbed to the illness. With a final push from the establishment of the Ivory, the surviving Outsiders went quietly, though not willingly, from the Fields into the Forest.

The Outsiders struggled to recover. Many of their elders now gone, the next generation of their tribe had to carve their own path, teach themselves lessons that previously would’ve been handed down; their traditions, their rituals, their culture.

Many years passed, more generations too, and with time, old wounds started to heal. Bridges were rebuilt to a degree. The Outsiders tried to learn how to trust the Ivory again, relying on them at times for trade, but still they wouldn’t forget the dark and tense history existing between them.

And just as The Outsiders felt they were becoming more accepted, the Ivory tried to impose further, new laws. All those who now lived in the forest must sign “The Book of the Known” and declare themselves forever an Outsider, relenting their rights to ever return to the Sacred Fields again.

The Outsiders always hoped and dreamed one day, it would be different, and they could reclaim their place in the Fields. Sensing this unrest, the Ivory tried to divide and conquer, by tricking the community, blackmailing or offering deals.

The Ivory claimed to those they caught and singled out that if they forged the signatures of other Outsiders, signed the names of their companions in “The Book of the Known” they would be rewarded, perhaps even allowed to return to the Fields. Out of desperation and dazzled by such wondrous temptations, some of the Outsiders complied, too fearful to challenge what might happen if they didn’t.

Tensions were high, tempers were rife, particularly as the Outsiders learnt people of the Ivory used their name as derogatory slang. Didn’t like something? “That’s Outside” Someone acted up? “What are you, an Outsider?” Like the way they’d been treated wasn’t despicable enough, their very identity was synonymous with all that was terrible, unacceptable, strange.

In turn, the Ivory didn’t appreciate how Outsiders seemed to speak in code, a language that dipped in and out of recognition, somewhere in between the native tongue and a perceived gibberish that made no sense to anyone but their own.

Terms and phrases would come up while Outsiders observed members of the Ivory. They’d burst into fits of laughter, which enraged the Ivory to no end.

It seemed the communities could never see eye to eye and distracted by all their own squabbles and fights they didn’t realise they were all in danger. One by one, people started to disappear again from the Sacred Fields – and they could never see what was taking them. Many suspected the return of the plague, or even something worse.

Now, they had to rely on each other for safety, for only from the trees was there a clear vantage point to seek out who – or what – ever was plucking off bodies one by one. Something only the Outsiders could provide. They’d been through so much – a plague, exile – they knew far more about survival than the Ivory.

And so, the once prosperous Ivory fled from the Fields to the Forest and had to adjust to a new way of life. Learning to get along, understand one another, that “different from us” didn’t mean “wrong.”

It wasn’t easy. Both sides had to work hard, but with each passing day they learnt more and more of one another’s ways and began to appreciate, as much as they were different, they were the same; no matter where they came from, they were people of the same lands, just trying to find a way to live in peace.

And each time there was a quarrel or a fight, those involved were reminded of how far they had come, and how much better it was to be united. The motto by which they lived; “Those who forget history are doomed to relive it.”

Soon a hundred years had gone by, and to celebrate this occasion The Ivory wondered if the Outsiders might wish to choose a new name from themselves; but The Outsiders realised they liked their name. They’d reclaimed it, made it their own, and were proud of their history.

No matter where they were, they would always remember what it had been like to be an Outsider. They would use the lessons they’d learnt to welcome anyone into their community; so no other living soul in need would ever experience the troubles they had. No one need ever feel alone again.

And once the two communities learned to co-exist in the forest, the line between the Sacred Fields and the trees too began to blur and intertwine, until soon it was a lush green Utopia protective and safe, open and spacious, for all.

Soon it was forgotten that there was ever a difference between them, much like the Ivory and the Outsiders.

Have you ever heard of the Other Worlds? They are realms just bordering our own where guardians and demons live in secret, observing and watching over humans like just like you. One such dweller of these realms was a demon girl, Snakena, who lived in a cave on the outskirts of a forest.

For as long as she could remember, Snakena was told being evil was good. Her parents, who went only by their demon names, Killer and Fire, taught Snakena that doing wrong was right. They lived by the code of a gruesome place, known as the Blood World. Wicked people were sent there to be punished; but Killer and Fire claimed that all humans must be punished, no matter how they behaved.

Soon after Snakena had her 6th birthday, she was walking through the woods and saw something moving in the trees. Snakena was curious and slinked quietly through the long green grass to get closer. A stunning, strong woman stood before her, with hair red as strawberries on one side and black as night on the other, a mystical symbol drawn delicately to trace the side of her face.

Snakena was so distracted by the stranger’s beauty, she didn’t realise something else was creeping up behind her‌ Something with large golden wings, but bigger than any bird she might have ever seen. Before she could react, Snakena was caught!

Pulled up from the grass!

She started to scream, but when she saw her attacker’s face, she gasped. It was a Guardian Angel. She’d never seen one in person. “Don’t be afraid,” Snakena was told. “We’re not going to hurt you, but why are you spying on us?” Snakena blushed, lost for words.

The woman with red and black hair introduced herself as Queen Stella, a ruler of the Other Worlds. Stella wasn’t like any demon Snakena had ever encountered before. She dressed more like the humans Snakena had been warned about, the ones her parents told her were weak. Gesturing to the Angel stood beside them, Stella said, “And this is my Guardian, Sonya.” Snakena cautiously shook hands with Sonya’s wing.

Snakena didn’t understand why the two of them were together. “I thought demons and guardians couldn’t be friends? Let alone protect humans!”

Queen Stella laughed, and spoke of being kind, loyal, honest, all the things Snakena’s parents taught her were bad. Together, she and Stella looked after those in the Other Worlds. They were protectors of humans, not their enemies.

Sonya and Stella told Snakena the truth about Blood World, that it was a terrible place, full of horror. Snakena was confused by this and started to wonder; had everything she’d learnt growing up been a lie?

It was beginning to get dark, and so Snakena rushed home, afraid what would happen if Killer and Fire came looking for her, and found her speak with a Guardian Angel and a good demon. Sonya and Stella bid her farewell, saying she would always be welcome to see them again.

After a restless night, inspired by what she’d heard, Snakena plucked up the courage to tell her parents she wanted to be good. She wanted to do good things. Killer and Fire were furious, and banished Snakena from the cave saying if they ever saw her again, in future they might not be so merciful.

With that Snakena was sent into the woods to fend for herself. Lost, and scared, Snakena realised that her parents were cruel, and being evil wasn’t good. It was fortunate that Queen Stella and Sonya heard Snakena’s cries, comforted her and took her to stay with them.

It was living with Stella and Sonya that Snakena learnt more about humans and the Blood World, and how to do good for others. Many years passed of them living together happily. But that’s not the end of the story…

As a Guardian, Sonya possessed a magic mirror, which allowed her to observe those in the Other Worlds. One day, she was shocked to receive a warning through its glass; Snakena’s demon parents had grown more powerful with time, and were plotting to take over the Other World, and turn it into another Blood World where all would suffer under their rule.

When Sonya told Queen Stella and Snakena, she reassured both, as worried as they might be, she had a plan. She would use her Guardian powers and together they’d all go into the woods to stop Killer and Fire from carrying out their terrible deeds.

Now all grown up Snakena knew she had to be brave and face her wicked parents.

She and her friends travelled deep into the woods, back to the cave where Snakena had been banished from as a young girl. Quietly, they crept into the cave, through the darkness, seeking out Killer and Fire.

Killer and Fire were infuriated at Snakena’s boldness, entering their lair- with a Guardian no less! – after she’d been banished all those years ago.

But before Killer and Fire could react and attack Snakena, Sonya used her wings to fly up, and by showing Killer and Fire their reflections in her magic mirror she turned both Killer and Fire into gold and silver statues. They would serve as a reminder to anyone else that being bad gets you – quite literally – nowhere. It’s better to be good and kind.

That night, Stella and Sonya threw a big party, to celebrate that the Other World was safe once again, but also for Snakena, for being so brave. And Snakena realised she’d found the family she always wanted to have.

The fairey have been here since the dawn of time, a race that flourished like no other on earth, living in the trees. But when the men came, the fairy kingdom was lost, those who fought survived but those who didn’t are long gone. The men vandalised the earth, building their houses and roads, concrete blocks reaching high into the sky. But the men were foolish and soon the world went up in flames. The fairy kingdom rose again, from the broken earth. They built their kingdom in the burnt trees and they flourished once more. But there was one problem…

It was 2063, When the queen rose up from the dust, With her long black hair tucked up tight against her scalp, And a glare so sharp it could pierce glass.

It was 2063, When she decreed, That love between grass and oak fairey was a crime, That filth, was not to be seen, in her city.

It was 2063, When the fairey queen, Said, “Your so called love, Will be punishable by death” And she smiled.

Toughnutt was built of oak, Constructed out of broken things, Sharp cheek bones as if carved from the side of a cliff face, But eyes so soft, A deep grey, You could get lost in them,

Oak fairey were always seen as the toughest, The ones with sharp edges, Never afraid and always determined, The people said, They were built from the ancient trees, They had light brown wings, Protruding from their shoulder blades, And short black hair, normally, obscuring their face, They were always thought of as the toughest fairy race, But maybe that wasn’t quite true.

Tilly had long ginger hair, And bright blue eyes, that shone like stars in the darkest of nights, She was caring, considerate.

The other fairies called, The grass fairies delicate, Said they were too sensitive, Laughed at the way that they, Floated on the wind, Without wings, Just let the breeze carry them, But the grass fairies, Had a hidden bravery, A courage within, That let them live, There’s more strength than most know in kindness.

There’s more strength than most know in kindness.

The sunlight stumbled upon the fairy kingdom, The streets in the trees bright, with April light, Tilly was in her garden planting sunflowers, She plucked one, and tucked it, behind her ear, Almost lost, in her unruly, ginger locks, The wind swept her off of her feet, And she let herself be, Tossed into the air by the breeze, But she lost her sunflower, As it tumbled and it fluttered from it’s place behind her ear, Slowly but surely, Dancing and twirling, Right down to the ground, Until it was found, By an oak fairey flying past, And the fairey let it fall right into her hand, She took it up to Tilly, And she said, “this is pretty”, As she giggled and she handed it back.

It was unusual to see, An oak fairey look happy, But this one had a smile painted right across her face, That portrayed a rebellious sort of grace, And the fairey said, “Follow me, this way, And it’s Toughnutt, by the way” And tilly knew that she probably shouldn’t, But intrigued, she took the hand of Toughnutt, Who instantly jumped off the edge, Wings spread, she lead them up into the air, Up into the sky, so high, And Tilly couldn’t help but smile, It was so beautiful, Looking down, from the clouds, She could see everything, The market, The houses, The palace, The whole kingdom, Perched atop its branches, And Toughnutt continued, Going up, up, up,

Until she landed on the highest leaf, Of the highest tree, And the two of them lay down on the canopy, And they spoke, They spoke of the things they had seen, Of the things they had dreamed, Of what they were, And what they wanted to be, They spoke for hours, And they returned every day, To their corner of the sky, And they watched the clouds dance, As they spoke heart to heart, Whispering secrets in the dark, It was months, But they eventually, Allowed themselves, To fall in love.

They knew the law, And they knew it was forbidden, But their souls met, and they wouldn’t part, They spent as much as they could, of their time together, They wished for a world that was better, Until in a few years they’d had enough, of hiding their love, And they decided, despite their fears, to disappear, To escape, to find another place, To see a fair world, Outside of the city walls.

But as they made their way, To the kingdoms gate, They were met by a man, Who wouldn’t let them run astray, And their hands were cuffed.

Tilly and Toughnutt had been caught, They were standing in a cell in the court, Four walls, They were encased by stone, And locked in by a gate built of iron, As the gate rose, The view showed, A stone platform, And on it sat a diamond throne, Off the edges you could see fire in the darkness, It burnt deep red, Looking murderous.

The queen looked on from her chair, And Toughnutt couldn’t help but think she looked dead, She was pale, But dark beneath the eyes, Her wings looked like they were, Forced out of her bones, Pushed out of her shoulder blades, Her eyes shone redder than the flames in the pit that lay below, The queen might sit, On a diamond throne, But her heart was carved, From the ashes left by men.

She said, “I don’t let many see me, For I look a monster, A feeble creature, Believe me I’m not.

But I like the way that your kind look, When you beg me for mercy, So I come to watch.”

“You have been convicted for the crimes.

Oak - grass romance in a public place, And Oak - grass romantic delusion, It is time for you to be tried, If assume you won’t desire, A painful way to die,

So I suggest that you both give up hope now, So that you don’t have to go, Both screaming your lungs out”.

Toughnutt stood up, Brave as ever, Ready to talk, But it was a surprise, When Tilly rose up, And gently pushed aside Toughnutt.

And she said, I love her, Don’t let that be lost, How can love, Possibly disgust Maybe we don’t fit your standards, Maybe grass fairey and oak fairey, We’re never meant to fit together, But I promise we both fit better, Than most in this town have ever, I could get on my knees, Beg you to let us breathe, But I’m not sure that that would ever please you, I’m sure that we could never please you.

But if this is the day that, My wings and my heart stop beating, Let it be known That I love the way that she scrunches up her nose, Let it be seen, That I love the way, freckles fleck her face, like a constellation painted on her cheeks Let it be heard, That I love the way, Her hair spills over her face, Like the waves of an ocean, In a world that thinks we’re broken, For the way we feel, Let it be shouted, That our love is real.

We’ve kept this a secret for years and years, And as I stand here with my hand in hers, Facing the very worst, I feel no fear.

Because I know that our voices have been heard, And if I lose all else today, At least I know, That I am going out with her.

“The queen cackled, The queen cackled, She stepped forward, She stepped forward, With a grin on her face, With a grin on her face from one side to another, from one side to another She pulled out a blade, She pulled out a blade, Still dripping in blood, Still dripping in blood, From an earlier deed, From an earlier deed.

And she stood.

And she stood.

She stepped forward, She stepped forward, Towards Tilly, Towards Tilly.”

And the queen plunged her knife, Right into Tilly’s stomach.

Tilly was scared, As she fell to the ground, Blood on her sleeves, Seeping into the stone.

Toughnutt screamed, As she ran to her love, Took Tilly into her arms, And shield her from the darkness, That pushed at the side of her eyes.

And Tilly whimpered, “My love, am I going to die?”

As she lay fragile in the arms, Of the one closest to her heart Her breathing became shallow, Her body became limp, And Tilly said her final words, “Toughnutt. I love you”

Epilogue While Toughnutt was left alone on the courtroom floor, trembling with her dead girlfriend in her arms, the queen made one, big mistake. Word spread of Tilly and Toughnutt’s tragic story, and fairy citizens became aware of the pain and hatred being spread by the queen. One by one, they rose up in rebellion until it was unavoidable, impossible to ignore. It took time, and effort, but eventually the fairy queen fell and the fairy kingdom in the trees flourished in joy and happiness once more.

Once, there was a Hippy. You need to know nothing more, for not much was known about him; not to begin with anyway. He liked to keep himself to himself, enjoyed walking in nature and being at peace.

But instead he spent too much of his time stressed with lessons and exams… and a black hearted headmistress intent on ruining his life.

So, as you can imagine, Hippy was pretty thrilled when one day, shortly after he’d escaped from his last class at school and was walking through some woods, a Badger leapt up out of the shrubs.

He greeted him with a whistle, and the badger cocked his head… Hippy put down his bag to give the badger a pet… then out of nowhere the Badger grabbed the rucksack and left! And worst still, Hippy’s bag contained the notes for an upcoming test!

Hippy was stunned and confused, not sure why a woodland creature would be so taken by his dull schoolbooks, but nevertheless he needed them. He could hear the mean headmistress’ voice in his head “Trust you to fail again!”

Hippy sprang into action, chasing after the Badger to retrieve the books. It was only after zipping and nipping through the woods, chasing this Badger at full speed – badgers are faster than you realise, you see – that Hippy came to a scary looking notice he didn’t expect to find, nailed to a tree.

It said the woods were in danger. The trees were being cut down, carted away to be turned into paper.

Hippy whistled sadly to the Badger, who seemed to understand. Their mutual language as Badger squeaked and grunted back. An unhappy sound Hippy recognised easily. He didn’t have to be asked twice.

He needed to help the Badger, didn’t he?

They needed to protect the trees. Didn’t they?

The wood cutters soon started to show. One at first, and as a tree was struck with a blow, another one appeared. Then with each chop, chop, chop, another arrived – as if somehow, they’d magically multiplied. Soon there seemed to be hundreds, all bashing and slashing their axes against the trees.

“Why are you doing this?” out Hippy cried.

“You know our boss” The wood cutters replied. And showed them the contract.

Hippy gasped when he clocked by who it was signed. The villainous Headmistress at his school! Who would’ve known a head teacher could be so unprincipled…

She was the very one who endeavoured to spoil all his fun. She’d ordered the paper made from the trees to print out more impossible tests!

Hippy could no longer stand idle and sidled up to a wood cutter to grab at the axe.

Clutching its hilt, the wood cutter collapses. It’s seems in the tool was where laid the magic! And then… ‘POOF!’ The wood cutter disappeared, then the axe grew arms and legs and off it veered.

Hippy knew what he had to do – running to other wood cutters to stop them in their tracks, one by one bravely sending off their axes by pulling them out the wood cutters’ hands, trying to put an end to the headmistress’ plans. But there were too many of them. Hundreds! It wasn’t enough…

Hippy whistled and clicked, and Badger understood. His woodland family and friends needed to join them from under the earth. They all combined together, an army of mammals, combining and climbing on top of each other to form one ginormous, mega badger.

Hippy cheered! The wood cutters would soon be beaten, licked up by this giant badger beast as if being eaten.

With the wood cutters gone, they thought it was over – until a piercing shriek came from behind their shoulders. The Headmistress had arrived, livid that her plans had been foiled.

“I’ll get you for this, Hippy!” she screamed. “For the exams you’ve just spoiled!“ But before she could get to Hippy, the badger’s intercepted and the Headmistress too was quickly digested.

And shortly after she was eaten, well… she came out the other end; planted in the dirt to fertilise a new seed.

But if you looked closely, guess what you could see; in the bark of the tree you could see her twisted face, trapped forever in this wooden place, to think forever about all the awful ways she’d treated others. Plus the tree made a great urinal for dogs and their walkers.

And so, the forest was saved! Hurray! They lived happily ever after. So remember, be kind to nature and don’t mess badgers.

Every day, since they were 3 James met Jack beneath their favourite tree Hidden away from the eyes of others James’ bad-tempered father and Jack’s busy body mother They played their games and made their wishes And when they grew up to be young men, shared stolen kisses And as open hearts are so very capable of James and Jack found themselves in love But then one morning, James journeyed there He couldn’t see or find Jack anywhere Every day, since they were young They’d met at rise and set of sun And James realised as his worry stung That something must have been wrong.

When seeking answers, he heard terrible news; Jack had been ambushed by a pack of wild wolves James chest filled with overwhelming dread In fear his beloved might be dead But when in his mother he tried to confide She said, “You’re better off without him at your side.”

When he questioned why, blinking back tears His mother cruelly spoke James’ deepest fears Saying “Even Jack’s own father deemed him a waste of time.

He was one of those soft, unforgivable types.

The wolves did you a favour. You won’t see Jack again.

You always should’ve stayed away from him.”

But James’ aunt Ruby piped up from her tea, Gently musing “Jack was always so sweet and kind to me.”

But by her sister’s eyes, Ruby was quickly scolded And banished her from the kitchen; “there’s clothes need folded.”

Crying through the night, James couldn’t sleep At the loss of Jack, and in deepest grief He clasped his hands praying for strength Willing his broken heart to mend.

Then in the dark, he heard wood creaking And startled, leapt up about to shriek Until a hushed voice shushed him from the pitch black Whispering “It’s Aunt Ruby – meet with me out back.”

So quiet as he could, James crept to his feet Wrapping up from the cold in his thick bedsheet And he crept outside into the night To find Ruby dim lit in the moon’s silvery light Ruby held her dear nephew in her arms Wishing she could free him of this harm She lowered her voice, leaned in close and sighed “My darling boy, I think Jack is still alive.

James felt his stomach turning inside.

He didn’t understand; why everyone had lied?

His Aunt Ruby said she couldn’t explain “It’s only from eavesdropping I’ve done today, I’ve just got a feeling you shouldn’t believe in what your mother told you.” How could she deceive him?

“Sweet boy,” Ruby said. “I don’t have the answers.

But I do have these.” And in her pockets she’d gathered Several trinkets which she said James must take.

“You have to find Jack. Leave before your mother wakes.”

Hurriedly she pushed the items into his palms Saying “Over the years, I’ve collected these charms.

A whistle, a medallion and a red, red rose And “This” she said, “is what will help you the most.”

A silver compass with hands and arrows red as fire “It leads you to whatever your heart truly desires.”

Though these items held power, there are only 4.

I believe something’s missing, there should be one more.

She didn’t know what it looked like, she just had a clue.

“It can’t be owned by anyone, but it will belong to you.”

James took hold of his aunt and squeezed tight, Thanked her for her kindness, then did alight Into day’s early stirring, away from his home Following directions the compass now showed.

Soon the path started to lead him deeper and deeper Into the trees, where the air grew thicker His heart pounding, and his mouth so dry As the trees up above seemed to swallow up the sky.

He followed the compass but came to a wall Of grass so thick he could no longer see soil He didn’t trust the journey with no sight of the path But while pondering this, he heard the break of a branch.

Somewhere in the darkness he swore he heard snapping Of twigs underfoot… and then sinister laughing “Who’s out there?” James bellowed, hoping his voice Sound threatening and strong and not like he was lost.

Then out from the thicket leapt a spindly body, A weather-beaten creature rasped: “Who dares disturb Dolly?”

James stumbled back, shocked, and fell to the ground The creature laughed again, and then swooped down This wizened old thing James now saw was a goblin It crept over to him while James was still struggling “You’re a pretty young thing,” it said with a smile. “and it seems you’ve been lost in my woods for a while.”

“Please don’t harm me, I’m looking for my friend.”

Said James, frightened he may meet his end.

Scrambling quickly, he reach into his pocket, reached in, found the medallion – and offered it as profit To the figure leaning over him. James didn’t think twice, Pleaded “I’ll give you this coin if you spare me my life.”

The goblin’s face dropped – he seemed visibly hurt.

Defeated he sat himself down in the dirt.

“Why is it each time someone lays eyes on me…

They think I’m a monster?” Dolly started to weep.

The poor creature was sniffling, and wiping his nose James reached back into his bag, and this time offered the rose.

Dolly’s eyes lit up like stars in the sky All the goblin ever wanted was someone to be kind “You’ve made me so happy, I’m beside myself.

How can I assist you?” James was relieved for the help.

“I’m looking for someone taken by the wolves.”

With a shaking head, Dolly looked at James like he a fool.

“You lovely young thing, you’ve no business with them.”

But James insisted he needed to seek out his friend.

Dolly brought the rose to his crooked old mouth Sniffed the petals, then pointed a bony finger south.

“Avoid the wildflowers, and follow the sun You’ll find what you seek.” James thanked Dolly and spun On his heel to continue his search.

Knowing if he had to, he’d look all over the earth.

As he walked along, the sun started hiding Lesser rays reaching through the branches dividing But thinking on his feet, dangled the medallion from its rope He held it to the remaining light, and just as he hoped It cast enough shine to be a used as a torch And onwards through forest, he searched, and he searched And he searched, and he searched until night had fallen And his eyelids were heavy and his feet felt all swollen And poor James, so exhausted, while he was walking Didn’t notice the roots of a tree had criss-crossed him And tripping on them, he lost his grip And out of his fingers the medallion did slip.

And as the disc disappeared, reflecting beams from the moon That’s when he heard it. A stirring. The low growling. Of wolves.

James leapt up fast, and dreading an attack His mouth dry once more, chest so tight it might crack He pictured his companion – the sweet face of Jack – And somewhere from the fear, he drew himself back Reached into his pocket and found his last charm The whistle! He could blow it to raise the alarm!

But it seemed when he blew, it barely made a sound Though somehow it made angry wolves calm down The leader of this pack trotted up to James’ boots Looked up with a bent ear, as if saying “Who are you?”

“I’m looking for my friend. Can you take me to him?”

The pack set off ahead, and James followed them.

He followed the line to a ginormous tree And in single file they each disappeared underneath Through a tunnel in the ground, the entrance to their den Down on hands and knees James went after them And there, in burrow, curled up with some pups James couldn’t have believed his eyes or his luck Snuggled up with the pups like one of their own Was Jack. His beloved. Looking right at home.

They rushed to each other, embraced and they kissed Jack couldn’t explain how much he had missed James since he’d been forced to get out of the town.

“What do you mean?” James’ smile fell to a frown.

Jack recounted the night when the mob had appeared Assembled by Jack’s father, he sobbed through his tears ignorant villagers with pickets and torches spouting fire and brimstone, an eternity of torture Jack said “They made a deal – if I left, you could stay” Explained it was all a matter of who had more to pay.

“How did you find me? Or know where to go?”

“They blamed in on wolves,” James said. “But now I know That was all a lie. I think they kept you safe.”

The wolves perked up at the gratitude from James.

“And I was given these treasures, these things by my aunt She said that there were 5 of these special charms” Then James remembered out of 4, he’d lost 3 and Now all that remained was the compass in between them, James showed Jack the charm that brought him from the start Then noticed… it pointed straight at James’ heart.

In that moment, it dawned he’d solved his Aunt’s clue.

“It can’t be owned by anyone, but it will belong to you.”

Because you don’t always need to carry things along.

Bits and pieces aren’t what make us happy or strong Either you don’t need them or they’re carried with you.

Like a gem of a memory, or a love so very true.

James didn’t need those trinkets, the ones he now lacked.

All that he needed was the love shared with Jack.

Far, far away from here (as these places tend to be) there once stood a very miserable place. It rained too much, and weeks could by with no sun. The streets were grey, the houses were grey, the people who lived there, their clothes were grey.

Dare I say, even their skin had a hue of sadness to it, from years of living on pale stews and light gruels, the only supplies available. And you’d hope a place as miserable as this you’d have time to mope, but no; this was a city that was always too busy.

Forever full of hustle and bustle, its people were trapped in routine, much like the city itself, which was enclosed by huge walls. Only one entrance led in and out, and it wasn’t for public use.

This kingdom was ruled by a Queen named Camelia. Now although Queen Camelia tried to do her best for her subjects, she wasn’t the shiniest doubloon in the purse.

Camelia was easily led astray all too often, especially by her royal advisor, Maretta, who had a reputation for being a cruel and unjust sorceress.

Now, believe it or not, to the south of the grey city’s walls stretched a vast, rich forest, miles and miles deep. To those like you and me, you’d wonder why the residents of this kingdom weren’t jumping the walls into the trees. But Camelia’s people were always told to dare not tread its lush, green floors.

Because her advisor, the devious sorceress had whispered spells in the queen’s ears that the forest was filled with wickedness; its plants were poisoned, creatures unsafe, it was deathly and dangerous.

Maretta insisted those who desired to visit the woods weren’t to be trusted, and if anyone dared to enter there was no coming back. They would have to be banished.

Outcasts of society, doomed to wander through the trees, lost and alone – if they didn’t perish!

Legend had it that at the forest’s deepest, darkest centre, dwelled a dragon named Ka’Tholl, and those who stumbled upon this monstrous lizard would be burned forever in damning flames.

And so, signs were displayed, notices handed out around the market and taverns, BEYOND THE WALLS IS FORBIDDEN. STAY INSIDE, WHERE IT’S SAFE. So fearful were the people of the grey city, a day came where they daren’t even speak of the forest.

But in that grey city, lived a young man – Robin. Despite everything he’d been told, everything he’d ever known since he was a boy, Robin was drawn to the trees, and no matter how much he tried to dismiss or deny his feelings, something in Robin’s gut told him…

Surely those woodlands couldn’t be as evil as they’d been made out to be? If they were so terrible, why was the city built beside them? They seemed so inviting, so beautiful to him. Anything had to be better than all this grey.

Yet he was afraid to speak any of this to those around him, not wanting to seem ‘different’ to his family and his friends, of questioning why the forest was forbidden.

Robin felt alone in his thoughts.

Though he wanted to tell someone, he was too scared – how would others react if they knew he was curious about what lay in the trees, beyond the grey city walls?

Beyond everything he and his people knew to be their way of life?

Then early one morning, before anyone else had risen, for the first time in weeks, he saw… the sun, breaking through what had been another grey and rainy night.

Thrilled to see the light, Robin looked out of the window and from there, he couldn’t believe his eyes. The most beautiful thing he’d ever witnessed.

What we know to be a rainbow, he’d never seen before. An arch high in the brightening sky, full of every colour, a stunning vision to him. And following its curve to the earth that’s when he noticed… its tail ended in the middle of the forest.

That’s when he decided – he would follow it, because something this beautiful could surely bring him no harm.

He approached the border nearest his home, guarded by one of the huge walls of stone, separating the houses from the woods. Determined to get to the end of the rainbow, Robin started to climb, clinging to the gaps in the rocks of the wall. He was terrified!

But still, he found his strength and before he knew it had reached the top of the wall.

The rainbow still stretched out before him, diving deep into green land he now surveyed. He was trying to catch his breath from the climb, but the view tried to once more take it away. At least it was easier to get down the other side, as he had branches to hold onto, instead of just wall.

When he reached the forest floor, he was of course a little apprehensive, still unsure if he was doing the right thing, but the more he walked through the wilderness, following the path laid out by the rainbow overhead, the less he doubted himself.

The beauty of the flowers, the singing of birds, the scent of the air, fresher than anything he’d breathed in his whole life.

He felt light, carefree, he could feel the sun coming through the trees which he realised were there as shelter, protection, life, not as something dark and looming.

Robin skipped and pranced and laughed his way through the woods, until finally he found the rainbow’s end, and sitting under its light… glowing jewels! A pile of perfect little gems, reflecting every colour imaginable in the most beautiful way.

As he picked one up, he could feel its power, like suddenly every worry and fear he’d ever had melted away. He felt at once harmony, joy, pride, like he was complete.

Robin couldn’t believe this was what lay the heart of the forest. No dragon, no flames, no damnation, but magic! The Queen and the Witch had lied!

He had to tell the other people in the city, that each of them had been under a deceitful spell, and so he returned home fast as he could, to inform the others he’d been to the forest, to show them what he’d discovered.

He gathered as many gems as he could carry as proof, and once he got back to the city began handing them out, excitedly announcing what he’d seen, how he’d felt, so others would know the truth. One by one they joined him, and they marched together with their tools ready to tear down the grey city walls.

Hearing there was a commotion in the town centre, The sorceress Maretta appeared; and she was furious. “What’s the meaning of all this?” she demanded.

When Robin and the people held up their gems to show her, you could’ve knocked her down with a feather. The gems were powerful enough to break her terrible spells and flooded her own greyness with colour. Overwhelmed, she fell to the ground and the guard quickly seized her.

With newfound strength and freedom, the people of the city held hands and began their multicoloured march, towards the Queen’s palace, lighting up more people on the way, spreading their joy.

At the Queen’s chambers, Robin bowed at the feet of the dopey queen (who, as it happened, was slumped half asleep in her chair, looking particularly fed up.)

On hearing she had been just as misguided as the rest of them, Camelia wept, apologising again and again for her ignorance and mistakes. She ordered Maretta’s arrest, who was stripped of her magics and ordered never to cast spells again.

And so it became a tradition with each year, that the people of the once grey city would don their most colourful clothes and march in a parade that start in the town square and ended at the palace; led by brave Robin, at the front.

Because even though Robin could’ve stayed in the forest, and been free to start a new life, he realised that the rights of others to be free were just as important as his.

Misguided, mistreated, afraid to live their lives free.

Take heed of the sorceress’ wicked ways. It takes just one person’s cruelty to spread ignorance and hate, but only one person – like Robin – to lead the way to change.

And so as we all leave these woods today, I ask of you in earnest just one thing We can tell our stories in a million ways As water may flow, and birds might sing‌ Hold onto our vibrant histories, and don’t let go Of the seeds of pride those before us planted For these are the seeds from which our own stories grow Cherish each with tenderness; and never take them granted.