Week 11 Story: The Fairy Bride

The Fairy Bride

At sixteen years old, Annie was pretty sure she was grown enough to know whether or not something was good for her. Her parents, evidently, disagreed. She was being forced to marry a man whom she had no love for, just because her parents wanted it. She was currently in the kitchen, trying to argue some sense into her mom, who was washing the dishes. So far, Annie hadn't achieved much. 

 "Honey, if you would just calm down and listen to us, maybe you'd understand that we are just trying to do what's best for you. We love you more than anything and we know what's best." Her mom said, drying a dish.

Annie could feel a headache coming on already. "Mom!" she said, "How can this be what's best when I am clearly miserable? You know, just because I'm young doesn't mean I'm not a human being with feelings and opinions!" 

Mom sighed. "Annie now you're just being dramatic. I know you are unhappy right now, but once you get to know him better I am sure you will see that your father and I were right all along." She put the dish in the cabinet. Annie gritted her teeth, "Okay, I know that's what you think, but I think this is a terrible idea. Why don't I get a say in this? You understand I'm not a child, right? It's not like I'm six and don't want to go to school. I'm an adult and this is my life you are deciding. Can't you see this is important to me?"

Her mom turned around, "Actually, you ARE a child, which is why your father and I get to make this decision. You know, it would actually be adult of you to be mature about our decision. And yes, I can clearly see this is important to you, but have you ever thought that it is important to ME too? You can be so self-centered sometimes, I swear. But I suppose that's normal for teenage girls, so I shouldn't take it out on you." With that, her mom walked out of the kitchen. "Ughhh!' Annie huffed. "My parents are so unfair, and I know I'm right. No one should be forced to marry someone they don't love." 

(Image Information: Woods, Pixabay)

She walked outside. In front of her were the woods she had grown up playing in. She loved the woods; it was her place of peace and tranquility. The woods were beautiful, sometimes they almost felt magic. Annie decided to go for a walk. 

As soon as she entered the woods, it was easier to breathe. Annie could feel her anxiety drifting away. She wandered for a while, finally taking a break by a meandering stream. She sat down on a fallen tree and put her head in her hands. "Please don't make me marry him," she whispered to herself. 

Suddenly, a rustling began, and many birds flew out of the surrounding trees. Annie looked around warily. Birds flying away usually meant danger. Her heart quickened but she remained still. Nothing looked out of place. She began to feel calm again, in fact, it was like a warm blanket had been wrapped around her, leaving her feeling safe and content. 

She didn't know how long she had been sitting there, blissfully, before she realized she was not alone. Sitting on the tree beside her was a man. He looked human, but there was something vaguely unnatural about him. She looked at him and felt feelings wash over her that she had never felt before. It felt like magic. He took her hand, and together they stood up and walked deeper into the woods.

Annie's parents never saw her again.

Bibliography: American Indian Fairy Tales, collected and published by Henry Schoolcraft.

Author's Note: This story is based on The Fairy Bride from American Indian Fairy Tales. The original story is quite similar. It is about a young girl upset about an arranged mariage who seeks solace in the woods, her favorite place, and doesn't come back. She is last seen holding hands with a fairy, which is why she was called the fairy bride. I hope this helps explain by vague ending.