Aug 27 2018

Nutlidge ~ Chapter Nine

The Wisdom of the Freds

The pages in the book were made from thick paper bark and were so old, that some had turned to dust. The edges of the paper were worn, but the writing was magnificent! It was written in a type of rough but artistic calligraphy with lots of curls and swirls coming from added ivy. It was also decorated with gumnuts, leaves, berries and flowers, and each page was stunning.
However, there was no time to spend studying each page, and Elm, with Yellow Flower’s help, turned the pages to the back. They soon found what they were looking for.
Elm called out. “Let there be light,” and the huge chandeliers hanging from the ceiling came alight with a thousand candles. The hall was lit up like the brightness of day.
‘Negative Elements’ read the heading and under it was listed many minor headings.
Elm read through the list quietly. “Ah Ha!” He stated, and then read:
“Wild and aggressive birds, Woodcutters, Cyclones, Energy loss, Earthquakes, Ancient evil, Human thoughts.” He looked around the group peering into the book. They all looked up at him at once and all mentioned a different title.
“Oh… right!” Said the wizard, hoping that they would
pick the first one to read. “Well then, perhaps we shall try earthquakes, since what ever it was shook the living nuts out of the tree!” He turned to the page and began to read:

“The Tree of Nutlidge, is immune
To earthquake, flood or famine,
But if the tree should shake itself,
Then this you should examine…

If it is thus accompanied,
With a massive loss in energy,
Read the page on Ancient Evil,
To find what ails the tree.”

They all looked at each other again before Sky spoke.
“It’s definitely not an earthquake then.” She said. Elm was already looking up the page on Ancient Evil, and turned to it quickly.
He read out loud:

“To those who think that ‘evil’ is,
A force that cannot die,
Think again and turn it round,
And ‘live’, will catch your eye.

The creature stirring restlessly,
Beneath the roots and worms,
Is growing daily with its food,
Of negative thoughts and germs.

It paints a truthful picture,
A mirror image finds,
Manifesting all the thoughts,
Alive in human minds.
As the energy that was so pure,
Is slowly overcome,
Podsinia will rise again,
To challenge… and have fun.

The only way to win the duel,
Is to raise the thoughts of love,
To help the humans ‘live’ again,
With blessings from above.

To each and everyone was given
A gift to use with heart,
‘Free will’ it is and still it stands
For you to choose your path.

There is a God of Love not War,
One God who loves us all,
We’re small Gods making up the whole,
To make One God of All.

The choice is yours oh ‘Human Beings’
Who will not ‘Be’, but ‘Do’,
Endure with thoughts of love, not hate,
Or our world suffers too.

To change the minds of many,
Can take but only One,
A drink for thee, of Honestea,
And then thine shall be done!

They all stood quietly, taking in the poem and its meaning. The enormity of it seemed overwhelming. Yellow Flower was the first one to speak.
“So… the script is saying that the negative energy around the world, created by thought alone, is crippling the planet and the energy in our tree, and there is an evil creature called ‘Podsinia’ escaping from her jail cell under the tree to cause a problem or two…”
Malley continued. “Who by the way, is a manifestation of the negative energy around the world and the only way to fix the problem and to get rid of Podsinia is to get people sending out more loving and positive thoughts.”
Sky, suddenly realised what her purpose in all this was. “To do that, we must go to where the government bodies sit and talk about global matters, and make sure their tea is spiked with ‘Honestea!’”
“Ah, yes!” Agreed Elm, “they need encouragement to tell the truth! That is what is needed. Of course!”
“I’ll do it!” Said Sky, before anyone could say anything. “I’ll find a way of getting to that conference! They are all meeting in France for the anti-terrorist campaign in a few days. Is there a way we can get there quickly?”
“Yes, of course,” replied Yellow Flower. “There is always a way to do anything!” She placed her hands on her hips, ready to start making plans.
“Firstly we need to get to the Federation of Nature Spirits,” she said. She looked at Sky, who was still dressed as a fairy and said. “Sky. This involves many risks. The magic between your world and ours, can only work if used with faith, clarity and pure unconditional love. This could change your life considerably. Do you really want to do this?”
Sky looked at the fairy and then at the other members of her group and thought long and hard. Finally she said, “I have to do this for Baize. And I have to do it for Nutlidge, and…I have to do it for humanity and… Oh what do you think I should do?” Suddenly, she was overwhelmed with it all. “So, umm…”
The white haired Fred cut her off mid sentence. “It is understandable that you seek approval from us, but in truth, the only approval you need, is your own. Follow your truth. What then, do you choose? For it can only happen, how you choose it to happen. If you are going to do anything at all, you must do it for your self. There lies the greatest truth of all. Your self is a reflection of the whole. This is your reality Sky. This is your creation. Be mindful of your thoughts, for what you place out there, will manifest itself into your reality.” There was a long pause.
Sky stared at the Fred for ages, but didn’t really see him after a while. What did she choose? Did she want to go back and walk away from it all and ignore it, hoping it would go away? Or was she to get herself involved and do what no other at this time could contemplate doing?
‘I did wonder what I could do to help with the fighting in the world. Maybe this is why I’m here…’ she thought. The group around her waited patiently, silently, and without pressure for her answer.
‘I feel…very strongly about this, there’s simply no other way to go…’ She thought.
Finally, she looked around herself and the hall and its massive walls and bookshelves. She thought of the city in all its splendour, the nutleys and the vast array of tree folk and how wonderful their life was here. A picture of Curley went across her mind as she glanced at Malley and Florrel. She thought of her family, Fran, Baize, Grandma, and her friend Tommo. Something had to be done. Did she choose to go through with this?
“Yes. I choose to do this for the good of everyone!” She smiled as she saw her friends get excited about the prospects of it all. They were proud of her and pleased that she felt that she could do such a feat.
Florrel copied the poem down on the paper bark she had given Yellow Flower. As she did this, the Fred’s shuffled around talking between themselves until one from the crowd of twelve said,
“Perhaps you would like some refreshments while you are choosing your path.” He turned to face the main doors, capturing everyone’s gaze.
The Freds began to hum, softly at first, but then they got louder and louder. Just when they all thought they were going to get too loud, they stopped.
There was silence for a moment, and then, suddenly in flew hundreds of birds bearing fruit, nuts and berries.
They filled an area equal to three baths, and when they had finished delivering their loads, the birds disappeared, leaving them to contemplate a delicious feed, and Yellow Flower commented,
“I never did get around to making lunch now did I?” and flew down from the pedestal to have some fruit.
The others followed, gathering around the smorgasbord with the Freds.
“Thank you kindly.” Said Yellow Flower to her hosts.
“Yes, this is extraordinary!” Said Elm, as he reached for a plum.
Sky sat down on the floor, grinning with delight and helped herself to some nectarines.
“This is wonderful!” She said between bites. “What else do you do?” She asked the Fred next to her.
He looked at her with his big puppy dog eyes and still swaying from side to side. “We write books, eat fruit and guard the Hall of Records.” He said in a matter of fact way.
“Fascinating.” Began Malley Gum, who was tucking into some grapes. “What is it that you write about especially?”
Another Fred spoke this time.
“Life.” He said.
“Truth.” Said another.
“Joy.” Said yet another.
“Love.” Said one with an eyeglass.
“So do you write stories?” Asked Yellow Flower, addressing all of them.
“Only of Truth.” Replied a Fred, with hair much whiter than the rest. “We write the messages from the Great One.”
The group before him stared wide-eyed.
Yellow Flower thought for a moment.
“Are you talking about the books in Lord Nutleys collection? They are wonderful stories.”
“They are but a few of the volumes we have written over the many millennia, and they are journals of Life.” Said the white haired Fred again, “They are the past, the present and the future.”
“I write books too.” Replied Yellow Flower. “But they’re just stories for nuttles and baby folk. They’re not as wonderful as the books you write.”
“Do you think the Great One’s voice would not touch your ears Golden One?” He looked her intensely, but kindly, and said, “You who writes books also, of Love, Joy and Truth. Do you not think it comes from the Great God of All That Is? From your Heart? After all, aren’t we all a part of that same Great Energy?”
The fairy along with her friends, listened intently to what he had to say. They stopped eating for a moment.
“If what one has written does not include Love, Joy or Truth, then perhaps it is from another source. We are all messengers for the same truth. It does not matter what belief we are born under, or from which planet we come from, we are still acknowledged and spoken to by the Great One. Each and every one of us. But, because it does not come down bellowing from the sky, people do not believe it is the Great One and ignore what it is telling them…
“His words come through other people, animals, through messages on rocks, through stories and in what the humans call ‘films’. Her messages come through flowers, the birth of another ‘nuttle’, and,” he said, even more sincerely looked at Florrel and Mally Gum and then at Sky, “through pictures in clouds.”
Sky blushed and smiled at the same time. An overwhelming feeling filled her. Goosebumps rose on her arms again and she knew she had been on the right track all this time. And that felt good.
“So you see, we can all be guided by the Great Energy and Her messages, if we choose to see them. As all of you here know, synchronicity always holds a message for us. We must always know that the messages, the answers to our questions, are already there within us. Even before we ask!”
“That is so true!” Said Sky with wide eyes. “My grandma taught me how to create the things I desire. She said ‘If there is something you would like but don’t have the money, just genuinely thank the universe for it in advance, and it will come to you, somehow.’ And it does! And the more I take notice of the synchronicities and messages around me, the more they happen! It gives me confirmation that I’m on the right track!” Sky looked at the Freds with appreciation. “Thankyou.”
“God has chosen the right child for the mission,” Stated the Fred, “but you will need help from Merlin to be sure that the magic you use is strong enough to penetrate the human logical mind. It is only possible if the veil of logic can be peeled away from the human psyche, to reveal the truth of what is really happening in their world.”
“But doesn’t Merlin live in the South of France?” Said Florrel, becoming more confident.
“Yes indeed he does.” Said the Fred, “and he is expecting you to arrive in three days. It is the same day as the World Leader Summit. He has a potion that you will mix with the tea. This will strengthen the magic ten-fold and will ensure its results.
“Therefore, you must see him before you go to the gathering of world leaders. The potions must be mixed in, and the thought intent, which must accompany it, should be one of Unconditional Love and Divine Purpose. We do not choose to change the path of the world for selfish reasons. The truths that shall come forth from this event shall ultimately change the way humans think to a far more positive and a more advanced level of vibration.
“This will open their eyes and their hearts to the wonders that are really there for them. Once they see this, there will be no reason to fight over material things. They will not need money. And they will make sure that the starving are fed and the homeless are sheltered and that everyone has their dignity. This will be a landmark in the spiritual progress of human kind. Only then, when their weapons exist no more, and they stand alongside their women and their neighbours in peace and in balance with each other, can they truly say that they are an intelligent species.”
This statement from the white haired Fred came as a profound realisation to all those present. They all ate heartily but quietly as they thought about what the Fred had said to them.
Elm and Yellow Flower, Malley and Coral, and Sky all slowly prepared to leave the great Hall of Records.
Yellow Flower closed the book of Nutlidge and thanked the old Freds for their assistance.
“We know your journey’s success is already assured, have total trust in your intuition at all times,” said the white haired Fred to Sky. “And, may we assist you in returning to your tree house?” He added, looking enquiringly at Yellow Flower.
“Yes, that would be most appreciated. Thank you.” Replied Yellow Flower, and she gathered them all up to prepare for transportation back to her garden.
Sky had one more thing to say and stepped forward,
“Thank you.” She said looking at the Freds, but mainly at the Fred with the white hair.
“Thank you.” he replied somewhat bowing at her. Their gaze met for another moment and then the Freds all said “Farewell!” and the small group disappeared in a flash of white sparkling crystal light.

Aug 26 2018

Nutlidge ~ Chapter Ten

Nutlidge

Part Two:

“An act of Faith”

Chapter Ten

Sceptabilitea

Baize was tossing and turning. Dreams of Tommo haunted him, along with Dave, Ross, Sid and Pete. Dreams of bombs going off and his family caught up in the drama. It had been a traumatic nightmare and Baize woke up in a cold sweat while reaching out to save a friend.
Fran rushed in and comforted her son who had experienced many nightmares over the last couple of nights.
“Baize, it’s okay honey. It’ll be alright.” She said calmingly, and put her arm around him. He rubbed his eyes. He was tired, stressed, and worried that he might lose his best mate.
“Oh man! That was the worst nightmare I’ve ever had!” He said in a wobbly voice, and broke down. His mother had so much sympathy for him and wished she could take his pain away.
“Baize, I think you need to let those fears go. I know it’s upsetting. You’re taking the world on your shoulders. Tommo and the guys will be alright, you’ll see.”
Baize calmed down a little with his mum’s words. She always knew what to say. They had spoken of death before and had talked about how it is not an ending but a new beginning in another dimension without the physical body. How they believed that there was only one lifetime, and that this was made up of many incarnations, ‘For the purpose of seeking to be and to experience Who You Really Are’ was what Fran quoted from a favourite book.
She had taught her kids to be fair at all times and to respect each other and other people. Her way was a balanced way and she gave her kids the chance to make their own choices. Ones they were old enough to make themselves.
“Thanks Mum. You’re right. I got caught up in it all, the whole idea of the bombing being so close to Australia. It doesn’t seem real. It’s not the Aussie way! It’s not even our argument! We’re being lied to and manipulated. It’s not right!
“Well you know that there’s no wrong or right, it’s just our perception of it. Fact is it doesn’t serve us or anyone else. It’s also how we react to it that makes the difference. People react from what their view of the world is.”
They looked at each other and Baize knew what his Mum was saying. He smiled at her, feeling a little silly.
His Mum reassured him again. “Just keep remembering these things I’ve passed on to you Love, and life will be a lot simpler.”
She gave him one more hug and left the room to allow him to think about what she had said.
At the breakfast table, the bacon and eggs were going down well when the phone rang. It was Grace enquiring how they were.
“Hi Mum. Yes, we’re fine.”
“And how did he sleep, is he still restless dear?”
“Yes, he did have some more but we’ve had a talk and I think it helped.”
“Oh that’s good, I’m sure he’ll come good now.”
“Yes, he’ll fine. He’s catching up with the guys today and practicing some tunes. They’re going to get the girls involved and get them doing percussion and stuff. So, I think that’ll get his mind of it all. And how’s Sky? Is she behaving herself?”
“Yes of course dear,” said Grace chuckling. “I just wish I was sixty years younger so I could keep up!”
They both laughed.
“Yes she’ll no doubt keep you on your toes!” Chuckled Fran again, knowing full well how creative and ambitious Sky could get, always wanting to do it now!
“Actually dear, I haven’t seen her all morning. She rediscovered the cottage yesterday and has been playing in it ever since! Henry said he saw her dashing down there this morning in the early hours. Must have had something urgent on her mind I would imagine,” said Grace. “Saving the world maybe!”
They laughed again, knowing full well how deeply imaginative she could be, and how passionate she was about helping the world to be a better place. Grace was dying to tell Fran about the tree. She knew that Fran would love to be a part of it all. She use to tell her stories too when she was small, stories her grandfather use to tell her about the nut folk. But it wasn’t her place, and it was up to Sky to say something, if she was permitted to of course. She knew the consequences if the word got out about the tree and its inhabitants. That would be the end of it. She knew in her heart that one day, they would get to be involved, somehow.
“So what are you two doing with yourselves today?”
“Oh, well I’m going to drop Baize off at Todd’s place and then come home to relax for a while. I have to start on Sky’s costume sometime! So I’ll probably do that later on.”
“Alright dear. Well, have a good day what ever you do, and don’t worry about Baize, he’ll come good now.”
“Thanks Mum.”
“That’s alright dear, rest up now.” Said her Mother, knowing how hard she worked all the time.
“Love you.”
“Love you too dear, bye for now.”
“Bye.” Fran put the phone down and brought her tea over to the table to sit with Baize.
“Well, that was your grandma. She was just seeing how you were…Sky’s playing happily in the cottage and loving it!”
“Yeah, that cottage is wicked!” Said Baize, looking mystical. “I reckon that place is haunted.”
“Haunted!” Said his mother, “Well I don’t know about ‘haunted’, but I always felt there was something magical about that place.”
“Oh yeah Mum, but you’re a girl, they always think of the magical stuff.” Baize wangled out the introductory tune from the ‘Twilight Zone’ and acted spooky for a moment.
Fran laughed at his antics, pleased to see that he was cheering up.
“Well, whatever that place is about, it has been protected for a very long time and I’m sure it’s for a good reason. It’s such a stunning forest, it wouldn’t surprise me if there really were little people in the trees!” She stared dreamily at the wall.
“Yeah, right!” Said Baize sarcastically, “In ya dreams!” He nudged her gently as he walked past to go to the bathroom.

Meanwhile back up in the city of Nutlidge, Sky was resting from the adventure to the Hall of Records. They all were. Coral and Curley had also arrived and joined in on a round of drinks. Elm had excused himself, and had gone to make plans for the trip to Queensland for the Federation of Nature Spirits. They were to leave early the next day.
Florrel caught up with Curley, who was full of beans as usual and happy to catch up with his friend Sky. He also liked to play with Dusty the galah and to pop out from behind things to make him jump. Curley loved it when Dusty’s topknot sprang up out of nowhere!
Yellow Flower was making herself and the others a pot of Vitalitea to help keep their energies up. She was to meet with Lord Nutwood and Lady Acacia later on that afternoon before preparing for the trip the next day.
“There you go!” She said positively, “Get that down, it will make you feel much better.”
The others helped themselves to a chair at the table until they were all sitting there, still quite taken by their encounter with the Freds.
“How old do you suppose they are?” Enquired Sky, continuing a conversation that she and Malley were having about them. He was testing his new pestle and mortar that Sky had given him. He had loved it and had given Sky a hug because he thought it was so fantastic!
“Well, I’m not really sure. It would seem that they have been here for a very long time, at least as long as the first establishment of Nutlidge. Perhaps Lord Nutwood might know. We can ask him this afternoon if you like.”
She nodded and took a sip of the tea.
“Oh! Wait, I might have to get you to ask him. I probably should call in and see grandma and let her know what’s happening. When I told her yesterday, all was calm and peaceful, and now…well, now it’s going to get hectic, isn’t it?”
Malley looked at her, trying to imagine how she must feel being the only human there and choosing to do this miraculous challenge without support of her loved ones.
“Are you feeling alright about all this Sky?” He said, looking at her and wondering how she was really handing it.
She looked at him thinking how kind he, and in fact all of them were, when Curley came and bounced right over the top of her and landed on his feet perfectly.
“Well, I wondered when you’d stop teasing Dusty,” she said, half smiling at him. Dusty was following him to the table and climbed up a chair to be level with everyone. Sky gave him a tickle behind his head. He loved it! The Galah nodded in a funny manner making them all chuckle a little, then he swung from the top branch of the chair to hang upside down. He squawked a little and flapped his wings, just missing the second bar of the chair. This made them laugh even more and then, he grabbed the top bar of the chair with his beak to climb back on top and he slipped, leaving him dangling by his beak and groping the air with his six parrot toes.
They all cracked up laughing, and it took them a while to be able to stop. Just as one would stop laughing, another would see those feet going berserk trying to grab at something that wasn’t there!
It broke the seriousness of the feeling in the room. Good old Dusty knew when light relief was needed! He found the wood with his foot and climbed back up to sit on the branch of the chair again.
“Romance is in the air!” He said quite clearly. “Soul mate’s on his way!” He said, looking at Yellow Flower and nodding in a cheeky fashion.
She smiled at him and raised her eyebrows knowing his meaning of ‘Soul Mate is on his way’. She came over to him and he stepped on her hand and nibbled at her thumb.
“You’re determined to get me partnered off aren’t you Dusty. There’s no hurry you know. I’m quite happy thank you!” She said smiling. “He thinks I’m going to meet someone soon.” She added, grinning shyly at the others, with rather red cheeks.
“Absolutely!” He said, as Curley came up from behind him and touched him on the shoulder making him jump and lose his balance a little. He squawked loudly.
“Curley, that’s enough now. No more.” Said his mother, calmly but firmly. “Poor Dusty won’t be able to sleep at night if you keep that up.”
Sky thought about Baize. She knew he often had sleepless nights when he had something on his mind, and wondered how he and Tommo were.
“I think I should pop home and see my grandma,” said Sky, suddenly feeling the urge to be near her. “I’ll pop down and catch up a little over lunch and then I’ll come back in time to come and see Lord Nutwood with you. Does that work in with you?”
“Of course Sky!” Said Yellow Flower, “Do what ever it is that you feel you have to do. We will leave for the meeting in Queensland around sunrise, so you’re time is your own until then. I suggest you get some rest if you can. Once we have popped into see Lord Nutwood, perhaps we could go out for a meal tonight?”
“Oh that would be lovely!” Florrel agreed, “I can put on my new dress and scarf!”
“What about the Walnut Eatery,” suggested Malley, “I hear that’s getting quite popular?”
“I have an idea,” said Sky, “What about you all come to my grandma’s cottage for an early meal. You’ll just love it! You can meet my grandma too! She would just love to meet you!”
They all looked at each other surprised.
“I think that’s a fantastic idea!” Said Yellow Flower, rather looking forward to a change of scenery.
“Sound’s good to me!” Agreed Malley, rather excited about another adventure, all in one day!
“Oh that sounds lovely.” Florrel agreed also, and Curley got very excited indeed, and flung himself around the room, knocking over several things.
“Curley, what on earth…!” Said Malley, noticing that Curley was a little more energetic than he usually was.
“Curley, how much Vitalitea have you had?” He said, picking up his cup. The rosy-cheeked nuttle grinned as if drunk then hiccupped. Very loudly! He burped straight afterwards, which made him giggle, and then he broke into laughter, which got them all going again! It was really quite funny and the good belly laugh was just what everyone needed.
Sky said her goodbyes to them all and Yellow Flower waved her hand and helped her transform down the tree to the ground. She took a small nut bottle from her pocket and drank the Changeabilitea. Up she went to her normal size. She was still dressed as a beautiful fairy with fake wings, although they looked quite real. She headed carefully back to the cottage so as not to rip her skirt. The clock said a quarter to twelve, so she headed slowly back to the main house, her head swimming with images and thoughts. She was looking forward to Beverly’s cooked lunch.

Deep down, the black figure was stirring again, a whole arm was exposed and it was scratching away at the soil to try and free itself. It scratched a little and rested. Scratched a little more and rested again. Its bony hand clenched its fist viciously and the tree shook again…

Grace was watering her rose garden. The fountain in the middle of the ring of roses was on and it made a lovely background sound. The sun was quite hot and she had her hat on.
“Hello my granddaughter!” She called, seeing Sky come around into the garden wearing her fairy outfit.
“Oh! Look at you! You look gorgeous! Just like a real fairy! They haven’t turned you into one have they!” She grinned, suddenly feeling slightly concerned.
“No, no, Grandma.” She gave Grace a hug. “Florrel took me shopping! Isn’t it beautiful? Guess what! Yellow Flower, Malley and Florrel, Coral and Curley are all coming down for dinner tonight! Grandma, you have to come to the cottage and have dinner with us! You just have to meet them!” Sky took her grandmother’s hand to lead her somewhere where she could talk and tell her everything that had just happened, and what was about to happen!

Aug 25 2018

Nutlidge ~ Chapter Eleven

Nutlidge

Chapter Eleven

Lord Nutwood and Lady Acacia Nutley

After spending time with her grandmother and telling her all that happened, she showed her the things she had chosen at the market place. The only thing she did not allow to grow with her was the tiny quilt cover she had picked out for her grandma’s crystal ball. She showed her the jug and the pendant she got for Baize and the two rings. The other fairy dress came out and she tried it on, and Grace thought the jacaranda colour looked superb on Sky. It was just stunning!
When she had changed back into her other fairy dress and had eaten lunch with her grandma, she headed for the cottage to do some cleaning before she returned to the tree. She was to meet Grace there at five o’clock, and she hoped that it gave them enough time to see Lord Nutwood. Grace had been very excited about the whole thing, especially when Sky told her the plans she had in mind for her dinner guests! That was going to be a secret, and the little people wouldn’t know until they arrived at her cottage. She couldn’t wait!
When she got to the cottage, she wiped around quickly and straightened out some cushions. It was still tidy from when she had done it the day before. A basket was placed on the table and tiny little containers of food and other things were placed in the antique and flamboyant kitchen in the dollhouse. This was where she planned to have her dinner party! She straightened out crooked pictures, took carpets out and banged them against the post outside, shook out little tablecloths and straightened out cushions. She made up the tiny beds and put little vases of flowers using some gumnuts and tiny flowers she had found on the way.
The dining room table was set with tiny little knives and forks, spoons and plates. There were even salt and pepper shakers! A tiny chunk of bread that had been carefully sliced and wrapped to keep fresh was placed on the table. A container of water was filled up in the roof for washing up and if by chance someone wanted a bath, there was a simple hot water system that her grandfather had put in just before he died. She popped the plug in to warm it up after filling the tank.
Her grandfather had also connected up the tiny lights and lamps that had been installed a long time ago. They still worked. She put little nut bowls around the house filled with some very fine pot pourri to make the dollhouse smell nice. There were so many rooms, she wondered how long it would have taken her if she had have done it as a small person.
“It would have to take at least two days!” She said out loud to herself. “I know what I forgot!” She pulled an old-fashioned toast stand out of the bag and put it down stairs in an emptier room for Curley to play on. It was perfect for swinging around on. That way he couldn’t damage any of the finely carved furniture that had been so beautifully made.
“There!” She said, with her hands on her hips admiring the view. “What a beautiful house it is…” She played with one of the dolls that were in it. It was the father doll. She placed him in the kitchen. “Thank you for offering to do the cooking tonight Jasper!! We will have sliced pork and apple sauce, mashed potatoes with peas and carrots. After that we’ll have Pavlova with fruit on top thanks, and punch for our drinks!”
Sky had been in the kitchen when Beverly had been making the Pavlova. She got her to put a large blob on a tiny tray and she spread it out with a fork. When it had hardened she placed a tiny dob of cream on it and then tiny little pieces of strawberry, apple, orange, nectarine and pineapple on it until it was covered, and topped it off with some fresh passionfruit.
“Well Sky!” Said Beverly laughing, “That’s so cute! It’s a fine dish indeed! Wish I was small enough to sit down and eat that right now!” She had said chuckling.
Sky suddenly realised that she needed to get back up the tree if she wanted to meet Lord Nutwood and Lady Acacia Nutley! She looked over the dollhouse once more quickly and saw everything was in order. She closed the front shutters of the house and closed the tiny front door, leaving the lights all on. It looked lovely! She grabbed her bag and took off out the door and over the rocks to the tree once more. Before long she was kneeling at the end of Malley Gum’s garden.
“Hello!” She called out, “Are you there Malley? Florrel? Curley?”
They didn’t answer. She thought for a moment what she should do. Maybe they were at Yellow Flower’s house.
She sat down to think about her next move. “I don’t think they would have forgotten me.” She thought, “But what if they have, what am I going to do now?”
She got up and walked up and down the branch thinking about what the best thing to do was.
“I could go back to the cottage and wait for them to come down for dinner,” she said quietly to herself, “but then, I was suppose to meet Lord Nutwood if I’m suppose to be…”
Her thoughts were cut off by a voice getting louder and calling “Look out!” She turned around and ducked just in time to allow a Nird to fly over her head! It was Curley and Coral, flying in to pick her up. They landed quickly and Curley called out to her, “Sky! Quickly! We have the potion for you! We have to get to the Centre as quickly as possible! Lord Nutwood has called a meeting!”
He ran and flung himself around, happy to see his big friend and at the same time knew he had to get her back there as soon as possible. Lord Nutwood wanted to meet her.
Coral gave Sky the Changeabilitea. She poured the sweet liquid under her tongue, shrank down to their size and hopped on the Nird, straightening herself out at the same time. It didn’t matter, because as soon as they were up in the air she was all blown about anyway! They soared out into the open and flew almost vertically up the tree. It was a fast ride and Curley was ‘yahooing!’ most of the way. Back in amongst the giant gum leaves and into the centre of the tree. The whole city was there. Hardly a space was left to stand. The tree had shaken again and this time had really done some damage. People had been hurt, but no one had been lost as far as they knew.
They landed on a bough above the crowds and hopped off, all patting the bird and thanking it for the wild ride.
They made their way down the road and through the crowd till they came to the Nutlidge entrance doorway. Through the museum they went, past the council chambers and up the long staircase to the palace. The main door was open and they ran inside to find Yellow Flower, Malley and Florrel, and another nutley lady who had to be Lady Acacia Nutley, the Wizard Elm, and Lobes, his helper.
Lobes was a short bald gnome, with a thick lock of hair that stuck straight up in the air, wavy to a point. It was bright blue. He had big pixie type ears, and his ear lobes were so long that they nearly touched the ground. He wore a monk’s gown with floppy sleeves and pixie shoes with pointy toes. He had a friendly, cheeky face and a wise look in his eyes.
There were also other nutleys around the room in small groups, waiting for Lord Nutley to finish talking to the crowds.
It was a large hall, beautifully done out in carved pictures of nutleys and tree folk dancing and frolicking around the room. Literally hundreds of tiny images were carved into a full wall mural, all the way around the room. There were large archways where the two main doorways were, which led to other rooms. A smaller one led out to the small balcony in which Lord Nutwood stood.
Sky ran over to her friends.
“Hi!” She whispered loudly.
“I’m so glad you got here in time.” Said Yellow Flower, greeting her young friend warmly. They all gathered around her and moved themselves over towards the back of the room. Standing next to a group of silk and snakeskin chairs and a huge vase of native flowers, Yellow Flower told Sky briefly what happened.
“The tree shook again, twice. The damage is huge, but I had a fly around with a few other folk and it can be fixed. We don’t know how many more shakes she can take. The tree will be all right, but Nutlidge will be shaken off the tree! You probably didn’t get a chance to pop in to Malley’s place, but it took the shake pretty hard and it’s a mess. My place isn’t much better! Still, most places need fixing up, but no one got seriously hurt. Sky, this is Lady Acacia Nutley. Lady Acacia, this is our brave friend, Sky. She will be coming to France with us, and placing the Honestea into the drinks at the World Leaders’ Summit.”
Lady Acacia was dressed in a long feather gown of burgundy. Her hair was decorated with sticks and berries and she had a pretty face. Sky shook Lady Acacias hand and quietly said “Hello, pleased to meet you.”
“It is very nice to meet you Sky. We are honoured to have you help us in this way. I look forward to talking with you.” Said Lady Acacia.
“We can fill you in on the rest of the news later on,” whispered Yellow Flower, “we should probably listen to what Lord Nutwood has to say. Come on, over here…” She led them over to the doorway where Lord Nutwood stood.
Lord Nutwood was in casual clothing of a single large feather. Everyone had come in flocks to hear what he had to say. There were the Nutleys, pixies, gnomes, fairies, all sorts of insects and birds, duck folk, goblins, leprechauns, dwarfs, lizards, frogs, dragon flies, possums, mice and more.
They all stood motionless and quiet, except for a few mothers trying to quieten their nuttles and fairy babies.
“It is not known yet if Podsinia is actually out from her muddy prison, but after the last two shakes, and the strength of them, we feel that it is quite possible that she may have freed herself.” Said Lord Nutwood.
The crowd murmured in a concerned way. Nutwood put up his hands to quiet them down and continued.
“We have people placed throughout the tree keeping an eye out for her, and I ask everyone to go back to their homes for at least two moons. We hope to have things under control by then.” There was another murmur among the crowds.
“Now!” He said, “We know that the only way we are able to ward this Tree Spirit off, is to bombard her with good thoughts and love. This is something you all do well; however, the world that is affecting us is not so positive. We must use our collective consciousness to keep her at bay. Hopefully she will stay down in the soil if we can place a strong enough love shield around the tree to slow her down. Meanwhile, Elm and Yellow Flower will be attending the Federation of Nature Spirits meeting to discuss what action we are to take. It calls for drastic action.”
The crowd murmured again and softened just as quickly. He ushered Sky onto the balcony. She went red in the face from embarrassment. This had not occurred to her! She looked over the rail to see thousands of nutleys and tree folk all looking at her.
“My dear friends. Whenever there is a problem, we thank the Great Energy for the solution that is already there for us. We just have to be open to receiving it. Two days ago, and for the second time in over four hundred years, a Human Being has been awake enough to be led to the tree and to climb its greatness!”
The crowd murmured amongst themselves for a moment then quiet fell once again.
“We believe this young human has what it takes to help us change the course of human behaviour and their aggressive nature. Meet our loyal friend, Sky!”
The crowd went wild with clapping, cheering and whistling.
“Over the next few days, we will see major changes within the world’s energies. It will be felt here and it will be hard. But we will overcome this. If any of you can volunteer for guard duty, please see Professor Barklay after the meeting. If anyone should spot Podsinia, they must get word to me immediately! So! Send your thoughts of love around the tree! Think of Podsinia and think of her as your hidden dark side and bath it with white light and unconditional love! This is what heals! This is what dissipates the fear! And the world needs much more of it! This we can help them with!”
The crowd cheered and whistled again only louder than before. Sky was now beaming with delight, having lost her shyness, and realizing that they were all equals there and she had nothing to be shy about.
“My good friends go back to your homes. Look out for each other. We have not lasted twenty thousand years as a peaceful loving community without a very good reason! We shall inform you what is happening, but keep your ear to the vine for any useful information. Thank you! Thank you for coming!”
He waved as they cheered for their beloved Nutwood.
He led Sky inside and the crowds began to dissipate up the various boughs of the massive tree. Lord Nutwood turned to Sky and said, “I just want to thank you personally for your assistance in this matter young lady. I am honoured to meet you, as I was also honoured to meet your great-great-great-great grandfather, young Master Lawson. He was an extraordinary young boy.
“I cannot even begin to express how grateful we are to him for protecting our world like he has all this time. Thankyou Sky. I am indebted to you.”
Sky blushed and shook his hand. He was a nice fellow with kind gentle eyes and a relaxed manner. She could see why he was so popular.
“No, it’s my pleasure Lord Nutwood, really. I am doing this for my own world also. It is my pleasure to help such a beautiful city. I will make sure this place is never destroyed. Honest I will.” She said.
He knew she would too. She had the same determination in her eyes as young Master Lawson had all those years ago.
“Good luck with your journey Sky, we shall all be with you in energy.”
“Thank you,” she said, feeling quite proud that she was her great-great-great-great grandfather’s relative. She thought he must have been a very honourable man to have kept this place quiet and protected like he did.
The others came over to join them and they gathered around to continue chatting about the events that would follow. Lady Acacia Nutley motioned to one of her helpers to bring drinks for the group and they ushered everyone to be seated in one of the many lounging areas that were placed around the big Hall. This Hall wasn’t just for the Lord and Lady of the tree, but for everyone to come and sit and talk to them and to admire the carved walls.
Sky was curious about the fact that they seemed to live so graciously, and yet they had no ‘monetary system’. How then did they have what looked to her to be nutley servants, even though they were all dressed a little differently. She couldn’t help ask.
“May I ask you a question?” She said to Lord Nutwood, feeling a little closer to him.
“Ah Sky. You are perceptive!” He smiled. “You’re curious as to how we live like this when we do not have the money and government your world has. I picked up on your thoughts just now, and I understand why you must question this. I understand you have been around the city a little and shopped for things you required.”
“Yes, that’s right,” said Sky, a little taken back by his level of awareness.
“Well did you not help out at Malley Gum and Coral’s store when they got busy?”
“Yes! It was great fun! I really enjoyed it.” She said happily, and looked at Malley and Florrel, acknowledging their friendship.
“Well, you have received what you have needed from the stalls and no more than you need, and you did Malley and Coral a great service by helping them at a busy time. This balance is what we have created with in our community. This is the system all Nut and Pod colonies use along with the other folk in our worlds.
“There are many beings throughout the universe that live like this and there are many who are far more advanced than may seem. You see we have created a principle of observation. We have simply observed that we are all One, and thus have created our whole way of life on this principle. What happens to one, affects us all. There is no crime in our colonies at all. Any offenders, of which rarely exist, are brought here and shown the ways that serve them better. With love, healing and guidance, they will surely come good, and will fit back into the community again.”
The whole group were listening intently to Lord Nutwoods words. Even Elm had not heard it put so simply.
“No one forces anyone to do anything in this environment. They all have free will and all choose to do what makes them happy. This is encouraged. It is not our way to do things that we feel we will not enjoy. This brings in negative thoughts, and we do not need that. All the folk in the tree have their own talents and abilities. There is someone suitable for every kind of task you can think of. For instance, some of the folk that you see around the palace doing various tasks are here, not for Lady Acacia and myself, but call to see what needs doing for their community. This palace and all its glory belongs to everyone. We have our own area for living quarters, but they are much smaller in comparison. We only need the basic requirements. There are guest rooms for wise men visiting from other colonies. But we cook for ourselves and have our own life. We serve our community in every way we can. A little like you Sky, it was my great-great-great-great grandpop who first founded this tree and made a settlement here. I am more than happy to spend my life helping this community to stay happy and peaceful, while watching its inhabitants excel themselves to their greatest idea of Who They Truly Are.”