The tale of Mossfoot

The tale of Mossfoot

In a snug burrow nestled beneath the grasses of a quiet meadow, Mossfoot, a tiny cottontail rabbit, was huddled with his siblings- Bramble, Thistlewhisk, Willowhop, Nettle and Dewdrop. 

Outside, a crisp spring breeze carried the scent of blooming wildflowers, the sunlight filtered through the grass, casting dappled patterns on the burrow floor. Their mother had ventured out at dawn to gather food, leaving the young ones with strict instructions to stay hidden.

Mossfoot’s siblings dozed contentedly, but Mossfoot himself was restless. He twitched his tiny nose and peeked out of the burrow entrance, longing to see the world beyond. That’s when a slight figure appeared—Ember, the small copper butterfly faerie.

Ember's wings glowed like the burning embers of a fire on a frosty night. She had taken it upon herself to watch over the young rabbits whenever their mother was away, flitting silently from shadow to shadow, ensuring no harm came to them. Today, however, Ember sensed Mossfoot's curiosity and crept closer.

“You’re thinking of venturing out, aren’t you?” Ember said, her voice soft as the rustle of leaves.

Mossfoot’s ears perked up. “Only a little,” he whispered. “I want to see the flowers.”

Ember knelt beside him, her coppery wings folding behind her, her hand outstretched towards him. “It’s not safe for you yet. The meadow is full of wonders, but also dangers—hawks in the sky, foxes in the grass. Your mother trusts me to keep you safe.”

Mossfoot looked down, disappointed, but Ember’s smile warmed him like sunlight on his fur. “Tell you what,” she smiled. “If you stay here, I’ll show you something magical.”

His eyes lit up with excitement. “Really?”

With a delicate flutter, Ember hovered just above the ground. She cupped her hands, and a soft, golden light began to glow between her fingers. Slowly, she opened her hands, light unfurling like petals. As she twirled her fingers, the light spun into the shapes of blooming daisies and soaring birds, dancing in the air before the young rabbit’s astonished eyes. Real meadow flowers grew and twisted around them. The meadow encompassing their burrow.

Mossfoot's siblings woke, drawn by the soft glowand smell of wildflowers, the six of them watched in awe as Ember’s magical display filled the burrow with warmth and wonder.

“I promise,” Ember said, settling beside Mossfoot again, “the time will come when you’ll be able to explore every corner of the meadow. Until then, I’ll be here to keep you safe.”

From that day on, Mossfoot no longer felt restless when his mother was away. He knew that Ember, with her glowing wings and gentle heart, was always nearby to watch over him and his siblings. And though the meadow was full of unknowns, Mossfoot knew he would face them one day, with Ember by his side.