Folksburywoods Story Blog

This story is not about a girl sent to visit an evil witch in the forest. It is about a girl who, like many of us, got lost while walking in the woods.

Famia was her parents’ only child, born late in the marriage. When she was young, her parents were old and worn out.

She did what she could around the farm, tending to the animals, getting the water from the well, and assisting her mother with meal preparation. Still, she felt that it was not enough and blamed herself for her parents’ ill health.

Her mother never said an unkind word to her, and her father spoiled her any chance he could, but they saw her unhappiness and blamed themselves for it. “Papa, perhaps we have done badly by bringing a child into this world only to be our servant,” her mother would say each night before sleep.

“One spring morning, Famia left the house before dawn to gather berries in the forest. “A fresh berry pie will make Mama and Papa smile,” she said, hurrying to the briar patch.

Shortly after entering the forest, a violent storm tore through the trees, bringing torrential rains. Famia clung to a large oak to keep from being blown away. The storm passed quickly, and soon, the sun shone brightly. 

“Oh my, the path has been washed away. I shall never get to the berries; still, as long as I am here, I should look about. Maybe I’ll get lucky after all,” said Famia.

After searching for what seemed like hours, she decided to try again tomorrow and began to return to where she believed her home was. “This is not right; I’m sure I’ve never seen these trees before,” said Famia.

Now, she began to feel scared and exhausted. She had heard stories of children lost in the forest, never to be found alive. “I can’t find my way home,” the child said repeatedly, as though someone would hear it.

On this day, someone did. On his way to the river, a passing forest gnome heard the girl’s voice and, sensing trouble, directed his stead to investigate. “Hello, does someone need help,” called the little man.

“Yes, please. I have lost my way and need to return home to care for my ill parents,” called the girl.

Then, as Famia looked in the direction of the voice, her gaze was met by a little man seated on a large dog. “I see you were out berry hunting. The whirlwind must have got you lost,” said the little man with a smile.

“Yes, does your dog bite,” asked the girl.

“Only goblin and trolls, and you don’t look like either,” the gnome winked. The man introduced himself as Turgik, keeper of the forest. Famia explained what happened and asked if he could help her get home.

“Well, Miss, I normally stay out of human affairs, but seeing my dog has taken a fancy to you, I will do as you asked,” Turgik said.

The three companions walked and talked as they made their way through the overturned forest. Soon enough, Famia bid goodbye to her friends and returned to her farm.

Setting the empty bag on the doorstep, the child entered the home to find her mother baking the day’s bread. “I’m sorry I’m late, but I got lost in the woods, and it took me a bit to get out,” said Famia.

Just then, her father walked in carrying the basket, now heaped with delicious-looking berries. “I see you did well this morning; we should have enough for two pies,” said her father. 

“Yes, the bushes were brimming with fruit,” stuttered Famia. It was a gift from Turgik. Famia decided not to say it came from the forest folk to avoid problems for her or Turgik.

After dinner, the girl wrapped one slice of the pie in a cloth and placed it in her basket. Walking to the forest’s edge, she bowed and whispered, “Thank you, my friend. Please enjoy the treat, and my thanks to you and your dog.”

The following morning, the basket was back on the doorstep, filled with beautiful forest lilies and a spotless plate.