Written by Isa Brauer

Illustrated by Maria Benavides Fernandez

The gift of the fairies’ fortune is the flowers that grow upon their heads, which never wilt and, if worn, will grant the wearer understanding of what is said. But to know the truth behind the intention, for a mortal, is a risky game. For the knowledge of how we lie will bring dread and wretched shame.

The flower, instead, if eaten, will grant you the voice of a bewitching song. When you sing, you can heal any tender wrong. But know that, once devoured, you will never speak without a tune. Your voice will sound like gales of wind, and rhyming will consume.

The flower has properties that are yet to be discovered. So, I must remain wary about those uncovered by lovers of great ambition and those with darkened hearts. If the flower does not favor you, your blessing will become a cursed art.

The fairies cannot control what their gifts may do, but if you ask for what you want, they will instruct you on what may ensue. Generous in spirit, they lend as they think they ought. Although their gifts are burdensome to those who seek them without second thought. If you wish to withstand their favors, you can find them between the trees, with sounds of sacred bells, as they dip their toes in small ravines.