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The Village Dwellers
Walking slowly down the lane toward the village the Unicorns were looking forward to ending their journey for a while. There were still more areas of the realm to visit but the coming baby was more important. Thistledown and Rosepetal knew they would be safe with their friends from the village and they could get all the help they needed.
Rosepetal was looking forward to the visit, especially to see the doctor. She was not worried but just to be on the safe side she wanted to make sure she did everything correct for the new baby. As they walked along Thistledown could sense her wondering about the Village Dwellers and how they fit into the realm.
Thistledown also started to think about what his mother had told him about the Village Dwellers. He remembered his mother told him that the they were among the first to gather at the Castle when the invaders camped in the valley. The Silver Knight had called all of the men to horse and the Village Dwellers were there without a complaint. History tells the story.
The story is told that the stars had darkened and the moon suddenly hid behind the clouds. All the world seemed dark and dangerous. The torches that lit the path to the Castle winked out and the door to the Castle fell into deepening shadows. Menacing strangers from a land unknown had stopped, camped in the countryside and invaded the Little Dragon Castle world of happiness. Children were cold and hungry for attention and weeping and wailing seemed to be heard all over the land. Adults were at a loss to explain why the strangers had decided to invade. They looked to the King and Queen for help and protection.
Thundering hooves of war horses were heard echoing across the drawbridge as the village Knights gathered. Clanging of swords against shields marked the cadence of the village infantry as it marched to position, ready to give battle. The arrows of the village archers rattled in their quivers and the archers knelt at the ready with bows pulled taunt and ready to let arrows with silvery tips fly. Bright flags of the armies were flashing and fluttering in the wind and the sun glinted brightly from the armor of the knights poised on their brave and powerful steeds, stomping and snorting, ready for action.
Upon seeing the strong will of the assembled army of loyal subjects from the Little Dragon Castle, the strangers suddenly grew fearful. When the dragon of the Castle flew from Wyvern's Cave and settled on the hillside to help defend the Castle and its people, the strangers coward in the face of the resolve and determination shown by all the population of the realm. As quickly as they had arrived they melted into the horizon and disappeared, vowing to never return and upset the kingdom again, so the story ends.
Rosepetal then understood why the Village Dwellers were so important to the Little Dragon Castle and why Thistledown wanted to visit with them. She was so happy that the doctor was also there and could help her.
Approaching closer to the village the joyful sounds the Unicorns had heard on the lane became clearer and louder. Little trinkets, kitchen pots, bright candles for the dark nights, toys for the children, were all lovingly being made by these little people. Their labors continued to be mighty indeed to make enough for all to see and share. Yet with each labor is a smile, a giggle, and a laugh, all three carefully crafted and hidden inside the precious gifts. Little people they may be, The Village Dwellers, but surely giants in their carefree sharing of laughter and joy. The joyful sound was from their laughter and singing as the happily toiled away.
Nearing closer to the village Rosepetal looked to each side of the lane. Shoppes and homes lined each side neatly. All of them with thatched roofs, seemingly the same but yet different from each other. Colors changed here and there. A door here where there it is a window. A bench in front of that shoppe with a chair in front of the one next door. Cobblestone walk-up to that home and a grassy path to that one. A little white fence here and a wrought iron one there. Not one of the homes or shoppes lined up evenly yet all were set in place in full harmony. Down at the end of the lane the smoke billowed up from the Smithy's Shoppe and you could hear the clanging of the hammer and anvil. All the little people were busy about their chores with children playing all about.
As the Unicorns entered the village all the shoppes and houses seemed to grow larger. And magic seemed to happen as the people also grew larger. The little tiny birds they had seen earlier were now full sized and they fit neatly onto the branches of the much larger trees. What magic could have done that? Both Thistledown and Rosepetal were amazed and surprised.
Children suddenly noticed the two Unicorns approach the village limits and were jumping with joy. Smiles broke out on all their faces and they began to scurry about and pet and pat the Unicorns in happiness at such beautiful creatures that had come to visit. As the Unicorns continued into the village they sudden realized the village didn't get larger, they had gotten got smaller! Thistledown looked at Rosepetal and she nodded in agreement. He also noticed all the beautiful flowers the children had placed in her mane. Roses of all colors, daisies and wild flowers from all the flower boxes that lined the home and shoppe windows. Rosepetal nodded once again and thought to Thistledown, "I love my flowers but you should see the ones they put in your mane. These are such happy people we are going to enjoy our stay."
Just then a little man with a red face, a huge corncob pipe, dressed in a bright green shirt, brown leather britches with matching suspenders and knee high stockings with brown cobblers boots, stepped into the lane. Bowing deeply his stocking cap hung all the way to the ground. Straightening up and smiling broadly he spoke, "Welcome to our village. My name is Sam Tinker and I am the major of our little village. On behalf of all those here assembled I welcome you. We have had notice from a little red fox that you were coming and we have prepared for your arrival. And yes, we have also heard from the golden swan that there will be a need for a doctor. He has been summoned and will be available for you when you are ready. In the meantime won't you please make yourself at home."
Bowing deeply once again the Mayor stepped back into the front line of the gathering and smiled. Thistledown thought, "What a wonderful happy gathering. We shall certainly enjoy our stay with these wonderful hosts." Rosepetal looked to Thistledown and nodded in agreement.
Just then a short stout lady stepped from the gathering. She did a quick curtsy and then said, "My name is Sara Tinker and I am the Mayors wife. He forgot to tell you that we have a place all ready for you to call your own while you are visiting with us. Please come with me and I will escort you to your home."
She then seemed to float along the ground and led the way to a building in the main part of the village. The Village Dwellers all followed with a happy chatter. Through a white picket fence and up a grassy walk she went to a very white cottage. The front door swung open as if magic and all three entered the cottage. A fireplace was built into one corner with a slow, warm fire to keep the chill off during the evenings. The floor was soft and grassy, just right for the Unicorns. In one corner was a soft mossy covered mound prepared as a bedding place for the Unicorns. Wild flowers grew all around the mound and beautiful butterflies of all colors were in the air. Grasses and grains of all sorts were set aside in the second corner along with a trough of fresh flowing spring water.
Rosepetal looked all around and found nary a thing out of order. Neat as a pin and clean as a cats whisker she nodded in grand approval. Turning to Sara Tinker Rosepetal started to say how much she appreciated the fine dwelling they had prepared when a sudden hustle and bustle came from the walkway. In comes a white haired, red faced, pudgy little man huffing and puffing as though he had been in a race to save time. Skidding to a halt he said, "I'm the doctor ! Now what seems to be the trouble and who is in need?" Mrs. Tinker looked at him and said, "Doctor Able, this is Rosepetal and she is with child. It is no emergency and you need not hurry so."
The doctor looked at Rosepetal and was immediately entranced by her beauty. Long flowing hair of her mane was filled with sweet smelling flowers. Her coat was shining and glistening in the brightest of white. With eyes as bright as the most brilliant of jewels, the doctor noted her to be without a raised temperature. Her single horn was gilded gold and it matched the golden sheen of her hooves. One glance and he quickly noticed her finely muscled body that rippled as she moved. He also noted that her tummy was well rounded from the baby she bore within her. Bowing to her he said, "Beg your pardon my lady, I didn't know, no one told me, I am so sorry." All the words tumbled out one on top of the other so quickly that Rosepetal had to smile to herself.
Mrs. Tinker looked about and then said, "Now is not the time for an examination." "Everyone out," she commanded, "and let the Unicorns rest !" Turning to the crowd she started to shoo them out the door like they were a band of loose chickens. "Shoo", she said while she fluffed her apron at them all, including the doctor. "And we will send for you in the morning", she said to the doctor. After everyone scurried out the door Mrs. Tinker turned and smiled then waved her hand and ducked out the door which magically closed behind her.
Rosepetal sighed deeply and looked at Thistledown. Thinking to herself that suddenly she felt very tired, Thistledown nodded. Without words he said to her, 'Rosepetal, you look tired and it has been a long day already. Why don't you take some rest. I will stay awake a bit longer and make sure everything is locked and safe.' Rosepetal felt the relief of knowing she was in good care and had a nice warm and clean place to sleep. Walking over to Thistledown she nuzzled him and then walked over to the prepared corner and laid down for some rest. Thistledown watched her get comfortable and then he checked the doors and windows. All was safe and the fire was crackling merrily. The cottage was warm. Walking over to the grain bin he tasted the oats which were ever so sweet and fresh. The water was spring feed, crystal clear and cool to the taste.
Thistledown walked over to the sleeping Rosepetal and looked at her. Although she had been asleep just a short time she was very restless. He looked at her swollen tummy and saw the baby moving. Once in a while it seemed rather violent and he got alarmed for each time it happened he could see Rosepetal wince and try to get more comfortable. Watching for just a few minutes he felt that he should get some help, just in case. Walking quietly over to the door he nudged it open. Sitting there on the steps was a young man. As soon as he saw Thistledown his eyes got very big and he said, "Is it time yet? "Mrs. Tinker and the Doctor both told me that if you came out with a worried look I was to come running for them right fast and quick." Thistledown nodded that it was time and the young man was off in a cloud of dust leaving Thistledown standing there. Turning around he went back into the cottage and stood beside his sleeping companion.
Rosepetal moaned softly and that really alarmed Thistledown for she had never done that before. Just as he started to pace the door swung open and in came Mrs. Tinker leading the way for the Doctor. She took one look at Thistledown and said, "Time for you to go find something to do and quit standing around here worrying. "You're only going to get in the way and we have work to do." With that the Doctor nodded and standing firm with her hands on her hips and tapping her foot, Thistledown walked to the door. Just as he got there he stopped and turned to look back at Rosepetal. She opened her eyes and he could hear her thinking, "You go along and don't worry. With the help I have here now everything will be just fine. I know you want to try to help but there is nothing you can do now. "When the baby is here then there will be plenty for both of us to do."
Thistledown slowly walked out the door and down the path to the avenue. Every once in a while he would glance back but then keep on walking because he knew Rosepetal was right. With plodding, reluctant steps he walked on through the Village and heard the laugher of children. Their tinkling laughter cheered him as well as drew him to them. Standing at the edge of a grassy playing field he watched as the children ran and chased a ball trying to get it into a net at the end of the field. They were having so much fun. It was nice to hear them laughing so.
Just then Thistledown heard a laughter louder than the others and he looked to see it coming from a young boy sitting on the grass cheering the game along. Walking over to him he used his magic voice and said hello to the boy. The young boy smiled back at Thistledown and said, "Hello. They told me you had come to the Village but I didn't think I would have a chance to see you. And now we are talking. Boy you sure are big." Thistledown smiled at the young boy and asked, "Why aren't you playing with the other boys and girls?" The young boy looked up with very sad eyes and said, "Oh I would love to play with them but you see my legs don't work like theirs and I can't walk or run." Thistledown thought for a moment and said, "Well suppose I run for you? Do you think they would let you play then?"
The young boy said, "Oh I bet they would let us both play but how can we do that? Thistledown laid down next to the boy and said, "Now you just come on over here and slide up on my back. Hang on tight and we will go join the game. When it's our turn to kick the ball you just let me know and we will make the first goal." The boy slide on over and up onto Thistledown's back. Grabbing a handful of his full mane they trotted off to the field. As the children saw them coming they all let out a loud yell of happiness and kicked the ball to Thistledown. Trotting slowly so the children could keep up they ran back and forth across the field, kicking the ball back and forth, the young boy laughing all the time. On one trip across the field the boy started to slip because he was so excited. Thistledown reached around with his head and horn and caught the boy just as he was about to fall and pushed him back up into a safe seat. Almost a serious accident but the young boy didn't care, he was so happy to be playing.
At last the ball was kicked close to Thistledown and the goal. The boy shouted, "Yeah Thistledown, time to score the goal !" Thistledown raced a bit faster kicking the ball as he ran. Close to the goal he gave the ball one last kick and into the goal it flew. All the children laughed and yelled. They were also so very happy to see the young boy play the game and score a goal. He had never been able to do that before.
With the goal scored Thistledown remembered that Rosepetal was with the Doctor and that he should get back to her side. He slowed to a walk and went back to where he had found the young boy. As he was sliding down to let the boy get off he felt the boy slip again. Before he could reach around to catch him the boy reached the ground. With a big hug around Thistledown's neck the boy stood there looking up into Thistledown's eyes. He said, "This is the most fun I have ever had and it so wonderful of you to let me ride your back while you ran for me. I can't thank you enough." Thistledown looked at the young boy standing there and said, "You won't need me to run for you anymore. You will do fine on your own from now on. Look, you can stand and you can walk and run." With that he turned and slowly walked away. Looking back he saw all the children gathered around the young boy all excited. Even the young boy was so amazed that he was standing all by himself with no help. You could feel the joy surround the boy. Thistledown was happy too ! He realized that the touch of his horn when the boy started to fall worked its magic once again.
As Thistledown walked away he noticed that there was a large crowd gathered in the Village. The normal buzz and singing was absent and things seemed a bit strange. As he approached the group gathered he was struck by their silence and solemn look. Coming closer he saw the crowd was gathered in front of the cottage where he had left Rosepetal. The Village Dwellers parted to let him pass and as he did he heard an occasional sob and sigh but no one said anything. Very strange indeed.
Approaching the entrance to the cottage he was greeted by Mrs. Tinker. She too had a solemn look to her. The usual happy face and giggle were not there and her eyes were red and her face blotchy as though she had been crying. Alarmed Thistledown asked, "What is going on and why are you all gathered in such a sad mood? "Mrs. Tinker answered, "The doctor is with Rosepetal. She is having the baby and is having a very hard time. We have done all we can do and how it is up to the doctor to help as much as he can, but it does not look good at all. The doctor has chased us all out so he can concentrate on what he is doing. He asked me to tell you to wait outside and he will come and tell you what has happened as soon as he can."
Standing in silence and just waiting was hard for Thistledown. He wanted to go to Rosepetal and help if he could. After all his magic horn helped the little red fox and just now it helped the little boy. Maybe just maybe kept running through his mind. Then suddenly he heard Rosepetal thinking, "Thistledown, don't worry. Everything will be alright. This is my first baby so it is just taking more time. The baby is here a little early so we have to be really careful. Just don't worry and I will be fine. So will the baby."
Thistledown realized that Rosepetal was talking to him in their special way and he was the only one who could hear her. Just then he heard the doctor say, "Rosepetal, just one more push and your baby will be here. Yes, that is it. Push Rosepetal push !!!!"
After a long time of silence the front door opened and the doctor came out and walked up to Thistledown. Dr. Able looked at Thistledown and smiled. "It was a long struggle but the baby is here and is just fine. A beautiful little girl that looks just like Rosepetal. And she is fine too. Very tired but she is just fine. It will be a while before she will be back to her old self but she is just fine and will need lots of rest. You can go see her now."
Thistledown walked slowly into the cottage. He didn't want to disturb Rosepetal or the baby so he walked very quietly. Rosepetal looked up and a smile came to her face and her eyes shown brightly. She was beautiful and beaming. "Come look at our new baby daughter," she said. Thistledown walked up cautiously and looked. Yes it was just like the doctor had said. The baby looked exactly like Rosepetal except she was so small. Her eyes were closed and she was sleeping. Thistledown was speechless with pride and wonder. He nuzzled Rosepetal in their special way. She sighed and told Thistledown, "I am so very tired. I'm so happy the baby is here now. We will have our joy together and watch her grow into a fine young lady." "Yes I know, thought Thistledown while Rosepetal was listening to his thoughts. But now you have to rest. The doctor told me you had a rough time and you needed lots of rest. I am going to go outside with the people and let them know you are alright and doing just fine. You rest now and I will be back as soon as the people outside leave."
Walking back outside he glanced over his shoulder at Rosepetal. She too had her eyes closed and was already sound asleep. Both she and the baby were cuddled together and it looked like magic was certainly taking good care of them both. Thistledown was happy that they were both alright. A feeling of relief came to him for he was certainly worried when he had seen the solemn crowd gathered. Now he could tell them not to worry that they had a Princess Unicorn in the Village.
Looking at the crowd gathered he could tell that the doctor had already told them that the baby was there and that Rosepetal was going to be okay but would need a lot of rest. They were all smiling and happy. As Thistledown walked amid them they all reached out and patted his back and mane saying, "Congratulations." Thistledown thought to himself, "My don't they know I didn't do much. It was all Rosepetal and her determination." The crowd started to head back to their own homes and chores. All happy that the Unicorns had started their little family and that it happened there in The Village.
Mr. and Mrs. Tinker stood off to one side with three woodsmen waiting for Thistledown. When he turned to them Mrs. Tinker said, "Thistledown, there is something we need to tell you. The woodsmen were into the village of men and heard they were going to get a hunting party together. They think they know where you and Rosepetal are and they are coming to see if they can catch you" The Mayor, Mr. Tinker, said, "We can hide Rosepetal and the baby but our magic won't let us hide all of you. We don't know what to do. We want you all to be safe but you are so big and famous now we can't hide you too. They have those machines and are sure to find all of you if we don't work our magic. What do you want to do?"
Thistledown thought for a minute and asked, "If I leave can you hide Rosepetal and the baby?" All five of the kind people nodded and said, "Yes. It would be no problem if there is only Rosepetal and the baby. Both of them are so small and delicate it will be easy to hide them with our magic." "Then it is settled, said Thistledown. I will lead the men away while you hide my family. When it is safe you can send the little red fox to me to let me know I can return. The little red fox will know where to find me but no one else will know. That way we will all be safe. I will tell Rosepetal what is happening and then I will leave."
Turning back to the cottage Rosepetal spoke to Thistledown in that special way again. "I know, Thistledown and you are right to lead the men away. The baby and I could not outrun them or hide well enough to take a chance. And the people of the Village have their special ways." Thistledown walked into the cottage and looked at Rosepetal. It broke his heart to see her lying with the baby and crying. Tears dropped to the straw mat and formed into opals of sadness. He nuzzled her to comfort her and told her in thoughts that he would go and make sure they were safe. As soon as he could he would come back. He would have the little red fox stay near the Village and when it was safe she could tell him where to go to let him know it was safe to come home. Rosepetal smiled even in her sadness and nodded her understanding.
Thistledown stood quietly by Rosepetals side and thought to her, "We have not taken the time to name the baby. I think we should do that before I go." Rosepetal looked up and thought, "Yes I agree and I thought the name Winter Dawn would be fitting." Thistledown didn't hesitate at all and nodded in agreement. The baby is Winter Dawn forever.
Thistledown walked outside and down the path to the road. He then turned and headed out of the Village toward the mountains in the west. Walking quickly he saw the people in the Village look out of their windows and smile at him even with a sad look in their eyes. As he got to the edge of the Village he turned and looked back. The Village seemed to be shimmering. Not knowing what was happening he continued to stare at the Village as it just faded slowly into the air. Soon the cottages and shops, streets and avenues were all gone. Nothing left but a meadow of grass with not a mark. Nothing was there at all.
Smiling at the magic he had just seen Thistledown turned and started back on his journey toward the Mountains. He heard Rosepetal thinking about how she was going to be without Thistledown to help raise the baby so he sent her a message, "I will miss you so very much and I promise to be waiting for your message to return. Just be safe and teach the baby our secrets. You are in my heart and thoughts every moment until we are together again. Quickening his step he hurried from the Village to protect his family and friends.
Rosepetal's thoughts came to him clearly, "Keep your head up and your
mind clear so no one can find you."
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