the dryad's story 2

memories of eons past

Ah, memories of the centuries long ago...
Such sighs escape her when she might actually pause to dwell on such a thing. Her very early years when she would willingly change form on her own to dance about the shadows of the forest, bask in the warmth of the sunlight in the meadows, play with the birds that flew about her.
These were the years when the humans barely lived about these parts. All was still pure. All was still whole. The forests still in tact. There was no cutting down of anything unnecessary in those times. These scarce humans merely cleared out only what was needed to survive. Many also would be certain to plant new saplings to replace. Gifting the mother of what they had taken. Those were the true people of the earth. Give back what you have taken. Thank the earth. The goddess for what she had bestowed for you to enjoy. To use. Those were men who feared the old ways and were not taken for anything less.
There were small paths they had made over the years in her youth. She would venture along these to see where they might have led to in those times. Many times she was glad she had done so. Some led her to the mountaintops where one could enjoy the view. The wind blowing through her hair as she stood smiling in the sunshine that bathed her. The humans made tors here to worship the gods. To give thanks and more. Many midnight rituals she held witness to in secret among the shadows. They never knew she was ever there, watching them. She always made certain to not be seen...
Fields and rows of wild flowers discovered in the paths. This was also why the made them. So their healers, commonly known as witches, could collect for their spells, potions and rituals as well. She would play her palms delicately along the tops of these as she danced past them. Their aromas greeting her as she did. Such a time those days were. For now, simply memories of the past they shall remain.