Folksburywoods

Would you believe that a wolf once fell in love with a witch?

The witch lived alone in a small house deep in the forest. The only visitors she had were those who had lost their way.

Due to her advanced age, her beauty had faded long ago, and what remained was a ghost of her former self.

Still, her heart was pure and her eyes sharp, and when a wolf arrived one day after weeks of watching her from a distance, she asked his intentions.

“My good woman, I have been smitten by your beauty and would ask your hand in marriage,” said the wolf.

“What do you offer as dowry,” asked the witch.

“Acres of wildflowers and mountains of gold,” replied the beast.

“I have all the flowers I need here, and as for the gold, it only brings trouble to those who possess it. Go away until you can provide me with a suitable offering,” said the witch, giving him a wicked smile.

After many moons passed, the wolf appeared late one evening, holding a box wrapped in a silver ribbon. “My good woman, I have returned and would ask your hand in marriage,” said the wolf.

“What do you offer as dowry,” asked the witch.

“I have brought you moonbeams that dance across the night meadow,” said the wolf, untieing the bow and opening the box. Out flew a thousand bobbing fireflies.

“What good are they to me who has an excellent lamp and the moon to read by,” said the witch.

The wolf bowed low and returned to the forest cover, leaving the witch to ponder his next move.

The following night, the wolf appeared before the witch, head bent low, humbled by failure to secure the perfect gift. “Dear lady, I cannot offer you anything but my heart for your hand in marriage. It is but a trifle,” said the world.

The old woman smiled brightly and reached for his hand, which she gently stroked. Then she said, “Kind and gentle soul, your heart is worth more than all the stars in heaven. I accept your proposal and shall be honored to be your wife.”

The two then stood before the moon and exchanged vows, and the last I heard, they were living happily in their little cottage in the woods.