Nutlidge

Chapter Thirteen

The Ring

For a few seconds, no one moved. Which door had slammed? Who had slammed it?
Then, a chirpy voice called out,
“Sky! Sky dear! Are you here yet?” Grace began to look in the other room.
“Oh! That’s my grandma!” Said Sky, jumping up from the table, “Excuse me for a moment! I’ll just go and let her know we are here.” She ran from the room and across the main entrance lounge hall to the front door. Her fairy dress flowed as if she was flying.
In a sense she was, due to the fact that she was bubbling over with excitement and happiness!
Out to the front porch she ran and called out to her grandmother. “Grandma! We’re here! Over here!”
Grace came straight to the dolls house and kneeled down. She looked at her tiny granddaughter and her hand went straight over her mouth in surprise. With a shocked look on her face she sat down on the floor like a child and didn’t take her eyes off Sky once!
“Hi Grandma! It’s me. Are you okay?” She said, smiling cheekily.
“Yes!” Said Grace, still taking it in that Sky was only three inches tall. She half smiled and half cried with the realisation of it. “Yes, I’m fine dear!” She said, “I just, I…” She stuttered, not knowing where to start.
“It’s okay Grandma, we’re having dinner. Are you joining us?” She motioned to the door.
“What! Join you…” She said, knowing what Sky meant, but finding it hard to imagine, “You mean…”
“Yup! Just a sec!” Said Sky, and ran inside to get the Changeabilitea for her.
She came back out with a large white jug full of tea, and handed it to her.
“What’s this?” She asked.
“Drink it Grandma, it’s okay, it doesn’t taste bad or anything. It’s called Changeabilitea. Hold it under your tongue and think of yourself as tiny, like me…well maybe a bit taller…”
Grace poured the mixture under her tongue as she was told and thought small thoughts. A mist appeared around her that sparkled with all colours and before she could say ‘Oh my goodness!’ down she went with ease and there she was, just a little taller than Sky, like she normally was.
“Oh my heavens!” She said, “Is this really happening!” She looked at her hands and over herself to make sure she was all there.
Sky watched, still with a huge grin on her face. “Are you okay Grandma?” She said, putting her hand on her shoulder.
“Oh Sky! Yes! I’m fine, just a little, bewildered, I guess.” She said, pulling a few funny faces and trying to comprehend what had happening.
“Well, come inside with me, and meet the others!”
She led her startled grandmother in through the doorway. This took her breath away for a moment before she slowly moved forward. “Oh Sky! You know, I always dreamed of walking into this house. I loved it so much as a child. It looks twice as beautiful.”
Sky took her by the hand and led her to the dining room. “Come on, we’ll have a look around later, dinner’s on the table.”
Grace took a little longer to walk through; she was trying to look at everything at a different perspective for the first time in her life. She had believed it and had known it in her heart about the little people, but now, this was real. This was very real! They walked through into the dining room where everyone was seated. They all got up and came to meet her.
Grace was overwhelmed and had tears in her eyes as she was being introduced.
“Everyone, this is my Grandma. Grandma, this is Yellow Flower, Florrel, Malley, Coral, and Curley. And somewhere around here is a little Galah called Dusty.”
Everyone said “Hello, pleased to meet you” before she said, “Please, call me Grace, it’s easier!”
While she took in the look of the nutleys and Yellow Flower, and shook her head quietly to herself in sheer fascination, she sat down where her granddaughter had made a place for her previously.
All the stories that had been passed down through out the ages were true after all! Her whole being had ached with knowing, yet only now, in the twilight of her years, was she experiencing it.
Sky served her and then sat down to join them. She picked up her glass and held it up and said proudly, “To the best Grandma in the whole world! Welcome to our dollhouse, and the world of Nutlidge!” Everyone happily repeated what she said and clinked glasses. There was happy chatter around the table while they all ate heartily.

Curley had run out of steam and was falling asleep at the table and Dusty had come back from checking out the huge house. He climbed up on Curley’s chair and tugged at his hair.
“Hello! Dusty’s the name! Laughter’s my game! Pleased to meet you!” He said, and squawked in excitement. He bobbed up and down as if he were dancing and it make them all laugh.
“Hello Dusty,” said Grace cheerfully, now fairly well adjusted to her strange situation, “Pleased to meet you too.”
“Where have you been Dusty?” Said Yellow Flower, curious as to what he had been getting up to. “You’ve just about missed dinner.” She was opening her bottle of Spotted Gum wine and poured them all a drop, making sure there was a little less in Sky’s glass.
The bird nodded and then swayed his head from side to side, whistled and rubbed his beak on the wood of the chair.
“Chatting to the lady upstairs. Very nice!”
“Oh you must mean the doll,” interrupted Sky, “The one that goes with the male doll over there. I put them in the attic so they wouldn’t frighten anyone.”
“Oh I remember playing with those dolls for hours!” Said Grace, reminiscing. “I called him Alistair and she was Nell and the two children were Billy and Polly. They had some very busy days I can tell you!” She took another sip of the wine, which was delicious. “We use to have it outside the back door at one stage and I made a garden for it. Oh it was so cute, and so lovely. Unfortunately it was in the way a bit and it got moved some years later to here…” Grace was off with the fairies telling a little of her childhood days.
Malley picked the sleeping Curley up and took him to his bedroom. It had been a huge day for him and it was the quietest Sky had seen him. He must have been exhausted.
Sky remembered the ring. “By the way Grandma! Have you ever noticed the ring in the music room cabinet? Curley spotted it earlier on. It’s just beautiful!”
“Yes that’s right!” Added Yellow Flower, who was playing with her long floaty hair. “It had some writing on it too didn’t it Sky?”
“Yeah! It said something like ‘To Constance, all my love…something, something, love Edward.’”
Grace thought for a moment. “Well! Isn’t that interesting? I don’t recall any ring but Constance and Edward built this doll’s house together and decorated it. It’s been in the family ever since. I have read a lot about them over the years. Edward kept an extensive diary as I’ve told you. But the book got lost before I had chance to finish reading it.”
“Come on, let’s go and have another look. It is so beautiful to look at, and the size of it!” Said Yellow Flower, now getting quite tipsy on the Spotted Gum wine.
They all agreed and headed for the stairs when they heard music coming from the music room. They all looked at each other. Malley had rejoined them, and Yellow Flower was there, so, who was playing the piano?
“Who’s that?” Said Florrel.
“Don’t know.” Replied Sky.
“Maybe it’s Henry.” Said Grace.
Sky looked at her frowning. “Henry, in the music room?”
“Well, no. I thought maybe he brought some music down and plugged it in for us. He knew I was coming to join you for dinner tonight.”
“I think that is definitely coming from the music room,” piped up Malley, “I can hear the harp playing.”
“It’s quite lovely too,” said Florrel who also appreciated good music.
They all went down the stairs, huddled together, and quietly giving nervous suggestions as to who it might be.
They finally got to the ground floor where the staircase flowed out into the main sitting room. They slowly walked over to the door of the music room and quietly peered around the corner.
To their greatest surprise, there was a young woman playing the harp. She had long thick red hair, and a beautiful orange dress that reminded Sky of a picture on a card she was given once. She was stunning, and had flowers in her hair. Her playing was beautifully magical and for a moment they all just looked and listened. Then they noticed a young man sitting in the corner in a Chester armchair, playing a lyre that harmonised with the harp beautifully.
He wore a pair of dark pants that came to the knee and a shirt with a ruffled collar and ruffles on the end of his sleeves. He had long white socks on with leather slippers and a gold chain around his neck with a large crystal gumnut hanging from it. His hair was long and tied at the back.
The tune they were playing came to a perfect close and when they had finished playing, the woman stood up from the harp and turned to them. She smiled and said. “Come in, please. Don’t be afraid.”
The man placed his lyre on a stand and came forward to join her.
“Edward’s the name, pleased to meet you all. This is my wife Constance.”
The small group came into the music room, with open mouths. They gathered before the couple.
Grace was the first one to speak. “Oh my! You really are them aren’t you? Oh! I am so honoured to meet you! I am Grace, your great-great-great granddaughter.”
“Grace! It is wonderful to meet you!” They both gave her a hug.”
“This is my granddaughter, Sky.”
“Oh yes we know who you all are, and it’s an absolute pleasure. Sky, it is absolutely marvellous that you set this up. Oh, and welcome Yellow Flower, Malley, Florrel and Coral also, come in, come in. We’ve been watching you and I must say, you put on a fine meal for your guests Sky. It is lovely to meet you all. We hope we didn’t startle you too much. We wanted to let you finish your meal before we came to say hello, but you beat us to it!”
“You play the harp beautifully.” Said Florrel, smiling and shaking Constance’s hand with two of her own.
“Thank you,” she replied smiling warmly, “It is a great love of mine.”
“I suppose you’re wondering how we came to be here?” Said Edward, quite cheerful in his manner.
“Please, come and have a seat, I’ll explain everything.”
They all piled into a circle of chairs that were put together and sat comfortably awaiting his story.
“I suppose you know that I found the tree as a young boy. I had many a day to myself while the house was being built in the other paddock, so had plenty of time to explore. One day a Raven caught my attention and I followed it right to the massive tree trunk. I climbed it as young boys do, and came across a magnificent city in which I soaked up for most of my school holidays and weekends. I met Lord Nutwood and Elm and other wonderful members of the community and had a lot of fun.
As I got older, the more I had to do that filled my days in a more unpleasant manner, and I lost touch with it all. I feared that if I went to the tree, some one might follow me and there would be a sorry thing! I didn’t want anyone to know about it. To me it is an absolute treasure. A world of its own, and within that world are men and women, children, and wildlife to an enormous degree, not to mention the huge variety of fairy folk, as well as nutleys, that inhabit the tree! Well, I have to say, it became my mission in life to protect this tree and so I did everything I could to keep this when my father passed on.
“When Constance and I married,” he said, looking at her with much love expressed in his eyes, “We had the cottage renovated, and the dolls house was a kind of hobby that reminded me of the little people I had met.
Through the years, the property has been handed down to the oldest child, with the condition that the forest must never be used for public reasons, and that it must never be sold or felled. It was the only way to keep it safe from roaming humans! I mean, not that they would all be able to step into that world, but it would only take one to spoil the whole thing.”
“But how come you look so young?” Asked Grace again, quite fascinated.
Constance smiled and looked lovingly at Edward before saying, “We have a love that is endless. It is unconditional, and it is timeless. When my finger got too thin for my wedding ring, I placed it in the cabinet for safekeeping. We both knew the energy from it would be enough to bring us back here if we chose to do that after we passed on. And when we passed, it was only a few days between us. We chose to not be without each other. And when we got use to the different plains of the astral world we realised that we could live in the doll’s house after all, and so we flit from here to other parts of the astral levels of consciousness, to suit our needs.”
“Once you have mastered the astral” said Edward, “and we have had plenty of time to master it,” he chuckled, “you can appear to be any age you like! The ages we appear to you are our early twenties, just after we got married.”
“We see a lot of your mother Grace. She is always asking after you,” said Constance.
“My mother?” She said, “asked after me?”
“Oh yes!” Said Constance, “None of your relatives are gone. They are simply in another space. Their physical bodies may have been laid to rest, but their souls are alive and well! As a matter of fact, your mother is spending most of her time at the Institute of Art. Do you know Leonardo Da Vinci and Rembrandt teach there?”
“True?” Said Grace, fascinated and pleased that her feelings on all this were being confirmed. “My mother, Elise, loved to paint. She always wanted to further her art studies, but was home raising a family. She died far too early, and never got around to doing what she planned.”
“Well she’s doing it now by crikey! And loving it, I might add!” Replied Edward in a jolly fashion.
“And your Father actually chose to incarnate again soon. He didn’t much like the astral; he was too ingrained in the material world! So I expect you’ll be bumping into him somewhere soon!”
“Edward, do you remember the folk law, or the legend of Podsinia?”
“Oh yes! Nutwood did mention that to me at the time as one of the old stories, and yes we know of the coming disaster. We thought perhaps we could help?”
They all looked at each other, and before they could say a word, a bright green mist glittered with gold appeared in the room and before them stood their friend Elm and his helper Lobes.
Yellow Flower giggled straight away. Grace covered her smile with her hand, as did Sky in a similar fashion. Malley and Florrel cracked up laughing and Coral grinned from ear to ear trying not to laugh. Edward and Constance were finding it just as difficult to keep their faces straight at the picture before them.
Dusty was the first one to say something. “Woopsy Daisy!” He chirped, and tilted his head in curiosity.
“Yes I know I know!” Said Elm, feeling quite embarrassed. “I don’t blame you! Who would think the resident wizard could be so clumsy!”
There he stood, covered from head to toe with a leafy vine that had a daisy type flower on it. He was literally covered. Only his eyes they could see and it appeared to be still growing! As the vine grew some died off; new shoots sprawled around his body. It was the most extraordinary thing! Buds grew to flowers and then lost their petals in a matter of moments!
Lobes grinned, making sure his ‘mentor’ didn’t see him, and then trying to keep a straight face said, in a timid voice. “Master Elm was trying to mix a potion for getting the seasons functioning the right way again, which meant, he needed to get it to the ozone layer. I’m afraid that when he said the words for the enchantment, he said the word ‘daisy’ instead of ‘hazy’ and spilled some of the potion on himself. He’s been fighting off these vines for hours now!”
The others were now sniggering, and it got louder. They just couldn’t help but laugh! It was such a funny sight!
Lobes went bright red from embarrassment and he was also laughing. He hid himself behind his long ears and this made everyone laugh even more!
“I see you still haven’t quite got the hang of this magic old boy!” Said Edward, in between chuckles.
“Blast!” Said the wizard, “What’s an old wizard to do?” He leant against the wall because every time he sat down, the vines would tie him to the chair!
“Oh don’t worry Elm,” laughed Malley. “I’m sure it must have something to do with the energies in the tree at present. Don’t take it to heart.”
“Don’t take it to heart!” Said Elm indignantly. “I’d take it to the ends of the earth if I could just get it off!” He said, half frustrated and half laughing now. They all cracked up laughing again, and even Elm had to laugh at his own situation. He realised how funny it must have looked.
“Would you like a glass of water Elm?” Said Yellow Flower, stirring him a little. “Perhaps you could do with a nice watering…” This got them going again!
When they managed to stop laughing they focused on the problem at hand.
Between Lobes, Malley and Yellow Flower, they managed to break the spell for him and he sat down and joined them for a cup of tea. They caught up on the most urgent news of all, which was that Podsinia had been spotted near the surface of the soil and was getting stronger by the hour.

Nutlidge ~ Chapter Fourteen

Teachers and Tyrants

Back at home, Fran was feeling restless. Her son was at his mates for the night, so she had gotten stuck into doing Sky’s dance outfit and had finished it. It was hanging on the cupboard. It was a typical looking ballet dress with a longer skirt, for Sky’s solo act. She was sure she’d like it.
She made herself a cup of tea, walked around, and sat down playing with her hair. She got up even before she had taken a sip, and grabbed the phone. She dialled Jen’s number first, because she missed her friend a lot and longed to see her but there was no answer, so she dialled her mother’s number.
The phone rang a few times and then answered. It was Beverly. “Good Evening. Lawson residence.”
“Hi Bev, it’s Fran here…”
“Fran dear, how are you?”
“Good, good thanks. Look is Mum still up and about?”
“Yes I think so dear. She and Sky were having dinner in the cottage. I think they’re still there. Do you want me to fetch her for you?”
“No, no. It’s all right. It’s nothing that can’t wait until tomorrow. I’m just lost when the kids aren’t here. Baize has gone to his mates and I cancelled my trip to Adelaide, so I’m kind of bored I guess!”
“Oh yes, I remember having those feelings when my three boys left home. It’s like an empty space isn’t it?”
“Yes, it is an empty feeling.”
“Well why don’t you come out. Maybe you could catch them while they’re out there. I’m sure they won’t be back in for a while yet.”
Fran thought for a moment. She had only been there two days ago. It might seem silly rocking up at this hour of the night.
“Oh, no, don’t worry Bev. I’ll have an early night I think.”
“Well dear, you know where everything is if you change your mind.” Said Beverly warmly.
“Thanks Bev.” Fran replied, still in two minds, “You never know, you might see me in the morning!”
“Okay dear. I’ll leave a note for your mother to say you called, and I’ll make up the bed in the guest room just in case.”
“Thanks.”
“Goodnight Fran.”
“Goodnight.” Fran put the receiver down. She didn’t know whether to go out there or not, but she took a sip of her tea, tipped it down the sink and grabbed her bag and keys.
Driving down the highway, Fran listened to the eight o’clock news. She didn’t take much notice of the most of it, but one news flash caught her attention.
“And now for the international news update,” said the newsreader, “More on the change of venue for the World Leader Summit….” It was now to be held in Canberra, in Australia, instead of France. The reason being that the weather there had been so cold and they were suffering snow storms which had immobilized the airport and most of the transport through out the country. “The talks will be broadcast on satellite around the world from Parliament house in Canberra, and the topics of discussions will cover terrorism, nuclear disarmament and world heritage issues…” Fran opened the window. It was a lovely night.
“More on the Bali bombing now, with seven suspects being caught and many funerals taking place in Bali, and around Australia. The death rate is estimated at be…”
Fran switched it off. She was sick of the whole situation. There was enough going on in the world with natural disasters! Who needed this sort of thing in their reality? “Idiots.” She said, as she drove on, “and they call monkeys primitive!” She added, trying to think of something else. It usually took her about an hour to get to her mother’s, so she popped in a CD and got relaxed for the drive.

Meanwhile, Lord Nutwood was talking with his partner Lady Acacia, about the situation happening around them.
“I am surprised that she has been able to affect the tree to the degree she did.” He said, shaking his head. “The energies around the planet must be so stressed, so angry. All that negativity going around the planet like a net! Don’t they realise the damage they’re doing to themselves and their planet?”
Acacia took his hand and said gently, “My dear sweet Nutwood. You can only do so much. It is like the Masters and Angels, they can help so much, and then it is ultimately up to the Humans to change their old ways. Don’t let the negative creep into your thoughts. You are more powerful than this.”
“Well I suppose that’s what I’m talking about my love. I feel quite overwhelmed by this energy. The world has been put into fear mode by a handful of individuals who insist on trying to rule this planet and its inhabitants! It’s preposterous!”
“You know we don’t generally judge things Nutwood. They have their own choices to make. They can choose to fight or they can choose to be at peace with each other.”
“Yes but Acacia, it will take a lot of work to change their behavior. It stems from their belief system. It’s all fear based, the whole lot of it. Why can’t they see how it could be? Why can’t they see the truth?”
“Because they look outside of themselves for the truth, instead if inside where the truth lies… You told me that Nutwood. You know why they are at this stage of their journey.”
“But it is affecting our world. There must be something more we can do.”
“Oh my darling, we are doing the one thing we do best and that is to love them, all of them. It is the strongest power. It is the only power. It is all there is. The Creator Herself told us. Did He not? You are beginning to take on the logic Nutwood, don’t let it rule you. You know the answer to all of these questions.”
“I think I will join them at the Federation of Nature Spirits. Do you feel like coming with me?”
“No it’s fine. I am happy to stay here and keep an eye on things. There needs to be someone folk can come to while this is going on. I think it’s best.”
“Very well then. I might just go up and have an early night. It’s been a long day…. Would you care to join me my dear?”
Acacia came close to him and kissed his woody lips.
“That would be lovely.” She said and they walked upstairs to their bedroom, with their tails entwined behind them.

Down in a tunnel under the gigantic tree, hobbled a dirty black scraggly Podsinia. She had gained enough energy to get herself around slowly. Her long root-like nose sniffed out water coming from the end of this tunnel. A glint from the distant light flickered in her evil eyes. She was back! It seemed like only yesterday that she reared her ugly head and threatened the whole existence of the tree and it’s folk.
She rubbed her bony hands together, thinking of her plan, “Just you try and stop me…” She said wickedly and her last word turned into a deep chuckle from the mouth with one tooth on the bottom gum.
Eventually she dragged her wrecked body to the water. There in the under caves of the tree were springs and waterfalls. Many of the trees folk would often come here to cool off and relax. It was a beautiful place, the water was clear in areas and white and misty where the water fell and swirled around. Steam rose from the far distant baths, and ferns and moss grew around the area covering the floor like a soft carpet. Tiny flowers were scattered and frogs roamed under rocks. Moonlight was streaming in through a far corner crevice, just enough to light the place up.
Podsinia walked around to the springs. There were waterfalls there also, but they were warmer. She walked straight into the water and went under. Coming up under the waterfall she washed herself of all the mud and clay that hung off her.
Once she was clean she sat on the edge of the rock to dry off. She was still tired, and lay down to rest some more.

Meanwhile, back in the music room, in the old dollhouse, Sky’s Pavlova was being handed around for dessert; it was a sensation. Everyone was so comfortable.
Constance made everyone a cup of tea and talked to Florrel on herbs.
Elm was discussing the current changes in the World Leader Summit. “It has changed from France to Canberra, due to weather so I hear! I just thought I might be able to…help a little? Anyway…” He said under his breath, “It has been brought forward, which means our plans need checking.”
“Brought forward?” asked Yellow Flower. “But we are meant to catch up with Merlin, how are we going do all these things in time?”
“My dear, I may be old and clumsy, but I’m sure we can manage to do what is necessary in two days. It doesn’t take that long to transport oneself around the globe. What I haven’t done though, is contact Merlin. He’s been away working with the other Masters to raise the vibrations of the earth. I’ve sent him ‘thought mail’, let’s see if he gets it.”
“He might even call in and save us a trip.” Added Yellow Flower, and popped another spoonful of Pavlova into her mouth.
“Well I’m not sure about that, he tends to be a home body generally speaking, and doesn’t venture any further than he has to. However, he does tremendous work for humanity, along with all the other Ascended Masters.”
“Have you met any of the Masters Elm?” asked Sky.
“Oh yes indeed! Many of them! They, as we are, a reflection of the Great Spirit! We all have the potential to be like them, and to create what ever we choose to create. Sometimes we do this all the time without realising it, with our thoughts. The power to levitate, move inanimate objects and walk on water! It is only disbelief that stops us from achieving the things we are naturally capable of doing.”
Lobes had been quietly sitting in between Elm and Edward, not saying much, just taking in the atmosphere of the gathering. He was actually a very intelligent and powerful little wizard, but did not like to show his teacher up. So he kept quiet, and simply observed.
“Wow that’s amazing!” Said Grace. “I’ve always been interested in all these things. I have done quite a lot of healing and clairvoyance in my life. My mother taught me, you know. She first told me to see the healing light come down from the universe, through the top of my head and down through my hands. She taught me that I could heal the world with this energy.”
“Well Grace, in a sense you have been a huge part of the coming healing. If you had not have given birth to Sky’s mother, we would not have this brave young girl here attempting to change the course of the human race. And a fine job she will do too!”
Sky blushed and took another sip of her drink.
Dusty was playing with Coral, who was beginning to feel very tired. She had helped clean several homes and was really quite exhausted. Florrel was engrossed in a conversation with Constance and Edward was listening intently to Elm as was Malley, Grace and Sky.
Coral excused herself and headed up to the bedroom next to Curley’s room. After Elm had talked a little more of the Ascended Masters that he knew, Grace and Sky went to have a look around the house and Yellow Flower tagged along too. The men continued their chat and sipped on a nice drop of port that Edward had pulled from the drinks cabinet.

Meanwhile, Fran was flying down the highway in her Jaguar, trying to decide how to surprise Grace and Sky. Suddenly she saw a red utility on the side of the road that had broken down. The guy who owned it was standing there with his thumb out trying to get some help. This time of night in the middle of nowhere wasn’t a good time to break down. Fran decided to stop and help out. The man’s name was Jack and lived in the next town. He had run out of petrol, and was very grateful for the lift.
Jack was tall, with dark unruly hair peppered with grey that made him look distinguished. He wore a T-shirt hugging his broad shoulders and the latest Levi jeans. He looked only slightly older than Fran, around forty, and had a great smile. Fran took an instant like to him, as he did for her.
She suddenly felt as though she already ‘knew’ him from somewhere, but couldn’t place it. He felt familiar somehow.
“So, didn’t quite make it hey?” She said. “Isn’t it a pain when that happens!”
“Oh… Not really.” He said, looking at her thinking that if he hadn’t have run out of petrol, he may not have met her. She looked at him and saw he was smiling at her and she smiled back. ‘Wow!’ She thought, ‘he’s kind of cute!’
They got to the next town, and instead of buying petrol straight away; he offered to buy her a drink for her trouble. So they headed to the local tavern for dinner to get more acquainted.

The party in the dollhouse went until the early hours of the morning, with music and laughter coming from the music room. It finally came to a close with everyone retiring one by one, getting ready for bed in their beautiful rooms. Elm and Lobes transported themselves home and promised to see them first thing in the morning at the Centre.
They all said good night, and retired to their beds, happy in thought about the day’s events.
Once all was quiet, Sky turned out most of the lights, and used a candle to see her way around. She got into her four-poster bed, snuggled down and fell fast asleep, with flashes of the day passing through her tired mind.

Nutlidge

Chapter Fifteen

The Federation Of Nature Spirits

Dragging her root formed fingers through her long knotted hair, Podsinia had dried off, eaten some tree root and prepared to surface from the under ground. The moonlight had changed to sunlight coming through the large crevice.
Her thoughts took her to Lord Nutwood and Lady Acacia. That was where she was going to go first, right to the heart of things, inside Nutlidge.
“Yes,” she said quietly to herself, “I shall capture Nutwood and Acacia and then I shall control the tree. Then who knows where I shall go from there!” A wicked twinkle was in her eye and she knew her powers were getting stronger. She pointed to another plant, which was a weed, and it pulled itself from the soil and floated over to her.
When she had shoved it in her mouth and munched loudly on it, she pointed both hands towards the water and it began to bubble. Suddenly a ball of water formed until it resembled a crystal ball floating on top of a swell of water. She smiled profusely until her tooth was showing and then she laughed wickedly, gaining more power each minute. She looked hard into the ball, which was about four foot across and watched as it became hazy, and then a picture appeared.
It was the bedroom of Lord Nutwood and Lady Acacia Nutley, and they were asleep.
“What else do I need to know?” she demanded the ball, and looked at it with a squint in her eye.
It showed Elm still up and talking to his helper Lobes.
“Ah, a new Wizard!” She said and smiled. “I’ll show you what real magic is!” She said, and as she got up quickly the water ball dropped down into the pond with a splash and became just water again, and she headed with speed like a cat towards the opening of the cave.

Nutwood stirred with a jolt. This woke Acacia up.
“What is it Nutwood? What’s the matter?”
“Oh, um, I don’t know. I might have had a dream. I feel disorientated. Perhaps I’ll get up and have a cleanse, I’ll feel better then.”
Acacia watched her partner walk from the bed to the washroom, looking terrible. Acacia knew this wasn’t normal for Nutwood. He was one of the strongest beings she knew. It began to worry her and she followed him in.
“Nutwood, don’t go today. You don’t need to really.”
“Well I just feel that I need to catch up with the federation and that Elm and Yellow Flower will need support.”
“Are you following your heart?” She asked him gently.
He couldn’t answer straight away, but eventually nodded, knowing full well he would rather stay home with Acacia. But he felt it was his duty.
“I’ll be alright my love.” He said, and kissed her forehead. “I’d better have something to eat before I go, but I am to meet Elm at Yellow Flowers home. There are five of us going. Yellow Flower, Elm, Lobes, Sky and myself. We will all go together.”
He got himself dressed in one of his best feather and silk suits and then headed down stairs to eat.

Edward, Constance, Sky, Yellow Flower, Grace, Malley, Florrel, Curley and Dusty all stood at the front door on departure.
“It was splendid that you could drop in like you have!” Said Edward. “Don’t be strangers now.”
They all began to say goodbye in their own ways when Grace reminded Sky that she must get back to her right size before Henry or Beverly came looking for her. Malley had plenty of mixture to make the tea in his bag. He raced in and made some up while they finished off their goodbyes.
He gave Grace the large cup of tea and she drank it down. As the tea affected her growth she stepped off the platform of the house to get her balance on the ground. She was fine. “Oh I wish I could come with you!” She said, not wanting to go anywhere.
“There will be other times.” Said Yellow Flower giving her a wave. “Come up with Sky one day soon!”
“Oh I will!” she said and waved one last goodbye before disappearing out the door.
“Okay are we all ready?” Said the fairy.
They all waved to Constance and Edward,
“If there’s anything we can do, just let us know.” Said Edward.
“Goodbye!” Said Constance waving.
Yellow Flower tossed some glittering powder over them all and they disappeared instantly, leaving just a sprinkle of shiny dust behind them.
Grace stood there for some time thinking about her night. Everything was quiet again and it all now seemed like a dream.
They appeared at Yellow Flowers doorstep, where Nutwood was standing waiting for them.
Before too long, Elm and Lobes also appeared.
“Well that was good timing!” Said Nutwood, looking and feeling a little better. “I only just flew in myself. The Nird just flew off, but it was telling me that Podsinia is lurking near by. We’d better go to this gathering and come straight back after it’s finished.”
“That we shall do!’ Said Elm, dusting off his gown.
Coral, Florrel, Curley and Dusty said goodbye to them all before they disappeared. There was no time to hang around. Coral and Florrel were doing the store today and Curley was with them also. Dusty decided he would stay home.
Yellow Flower grabbed her shoulder bag, which was made of a silk cocoon, and grabbed two water flasks. These were made from spider web. She filled them up, giving one to Nutwood and one to Sky.
“Have a safe trip!” Said Florrel, giving Malley a squeeze on the hand.
“We shall be back soon!” Said Elm, and with that, he waved his hand around in a circle and woof they were gone.
“I wish I could do that.” Said Curley, with his tail wrapped around his mothers tail.
“Well, maybe one day, when you know more about herbs, auras and energy, you will be able to dear.” Said Florrel, playing with his fluffy hair.
‘He’s growing so fast!’ She thought to herself.
“Would you like a tea before we carry on to the store Coral?” Said Florrel. “Yellow Flower said to help ourselves if we liked.”
“Yes, that would be lovely.” She replied and they headed for the colourful kitchen.

Before Sky could think about anything else, they were standing on a huge bough overlooking a waterfall and some pools amidst a tall and dense rainforest. The air was hot and heavy with humidity, and rich with smells of thick rich soil, mulch from falling leaves and mushrooms harvesting their spawn. The air was also full of bird sounds of the strangest tunes and styles. A very loud hum from the cicada clans began to take over the sound waves like an orchestra, getting louder as more tones joined in.
“Is everyone alright?” Asked Elm, straightening his hat. “The Gathering is taking place inside that cave over there. This place is called Crystal Cascades. It is where all Federation of Nature Spirit gatherings are held due to the crystals in the cave. It keeps the negative out and keeps us regenerated outside our own environments. This way.” He instructed, and headed down the branch. It was only a short walk and a pleasant one although they were all still getting used to the thick humidity in the air.
Lobes handed out some dried fruit while they walked; it was covered in a blue powder.
“This will help you breathe better.” He said, and popped one in his mouth.
It did the trick straight away. It was like the air was suddenly thinner, but still warm.
They headed down another bough that took them to the entrance of the caves. There were hundreds of representatives arriving in all sorts of ways! There were all sorts of unusual folk there. Nut people included! Sky hadn’t even imagined what this trip could mean to her. She couldn’t help staring at the wide and varied looking people. Some looked positively strange to say the least.
Many types of nut and pod people from all over Australia had gathered. There were fairies and pixies of all colours and flower types, goblins and gnomes, tree spirits and pebble people, gentle rainforest spirits, water sprites, frogs, birds, snails, and insects of all varieties. They even had koalas turning up with lizards, possums, fruit bats, and snakes. It was a sight!
They arrived by birds of all types, by flying foxes, lizards, beetles, and of course there were the ones who could fly and the ones who transported themselves by their magic.
The five headed into the place where the people were flowing. Through a short tunnel and out through a magnificent, and to them, giant hall, full of crystal clusters and gems of all kinds. No human had ever been in here due to its small entrance and so it was untouched.
It was so beautiful. Light came in through various sources making the crystals glisten in the magnificence of it. The masses filled the great hall and sat on steps of mica and basalt making perfect natural seating for all shapes and sizes to sit on. Quartz crystal, aventurine, azurite, calcite, amethyst, tourmaline of all colours and carnelian were surrounding them, along with dabbles of emeralds, garnet, ruby, and citrine. Many other metals could be spotted such as gold, silver, platinum and copper. It was also a great place of healing. It was simply stunning, and in the background was the trickle of the water coming down inside the walls of the great cavern.
Amazingly, they spotted Blacko in the crowd and Elm led the way to a seat next to him. The crowds murmured amongst themselves waiting for their speaker to make his presence known.
It wasn’t long before a Blackbean woman of great wisdom came out to the platform that was naturally made of green mica. She wore a long delicate dress of fine fern, and her hair was done up in flowers. Blacko lent over to the others and whispered, “That is Dame Melaleuca White. She is the Chairlady of the Federation of Nature Spirits. She lives near here, but was actually voted as the wisest Blackbean citizen in all of Queensland, and that’s quite an achievement. She is only young as far as nut folk go, but absolutely dynamite!”
The crowd before her was huge and they all began to clap. She enjoyed it for a moment and then raised her hand to hush them.
“Greetings!” She began, “We are most grateful to you all for coming here at such short notice. It is wonder-full to see so many representatives from all around this great land!”
The crowd roared again, for themselves this time. When it died down, she continued.
“Unfortunately, the reason we have called you all here is not for pleasure, but for an important issue that has been gathering momentum for some time now.
“As you know, the human civilisation has come to a crossroad in their journey. They still have not realised that their technology, as advanced as they think it is, has not been balanced with their spirituality. They still believe there are more Creators than the One who created us all. This could be a dangerous situation, for humanity, and all the other worlds that lay parallel to them.
“Their competitive leaders have created a world of greed, revenge, hatred and complete disharmony. As you know, this is neither wrong, nor right; it just simply does not serve their people. Their governing bodies, most of them involved in secret societies, see fit to control, manipulate, lie and cheat their way to power, living on absolute abundance while half of the world try to survive, starving and without even the simplest of shelter over their heads. I say now, that any civilisation who allows this to go on is not advanced but still in the primitive stages of their journey.
“They have forgotten the Universal Laws that keep harmony and peace. They have forgotten the Truth. It has been lost in a veil of negative thoughts that has surrounded the planet and holds it captive with fear.
“The choices they make, every moment of the day, create their world, individually and collectively. It takes the same energy, to love and care for each other. They were given free will, and they make their own choices, yet they blame each other for the choices they have ultimately made themselves.
“The ‘Leaders’ of the Earth, the many organised religions and secret societies around the world, and the handful of families that have almost complete control of it all, have deceived humanity for long enough!
“Humans are naturally attracted to good and disgusted by evil. Thus evil always represents itself as good. To the public, Freemasonry pretends to be dedicated to caring and ‘making good men better’, humanism, tolerance, Christianity et cetera. However, their societies, whom include many famous Presidents and other influential people, are really the playground for satanic practices of pure evil. Their purpose is to worship death, not life.
“The Creator has sent them many teachers over the centuries. Many have tried to pass on the messages of truth from the Great One. They have all come to say, ‘You are as One with the Creator. You have the power to heal and to create! You have the power to foresee the future and to heal the past. You have the power to change the world, to move mountains and… to know immortality!’ But they have all been hidden from humanity. The belief systems that have been established by the secret societies keep humanity blinded from the truth, restrained, controlled and manipulated. And the extent of damage to the Earth and the torture to its peoples is a crime against humanity of the highest degree. This civilization must be assisted in the wake up process before their own Governments destroy them.
“The word of the Creator comes in many forms. She speaks to us through nature, through other people, through our experiences and of course through our love and feelings.
“As God himself said: ‘Anything less than your Greatest Thought, your Greatest Feeling, and your Greatest Truth, comes from another source.’
“The Creator is Love. This is what humanity has forgotten. That everyone is equal, everyone is powerful, and every single solitary being on the face of this earth is a necessary piece of the puzzle that makes our Creator whole.”
The crowd of folk cheered their agreement and various small nut people and pixies were seen jumping up and down in response to her words.
Left standing still clapping after everyone had stopped was a Pineconian, oblivious to his continued ovation. He did suddenly then notice and looking around himself sat down, chuckling to himself and going slightly red in the cheeks.
Sky couldn’t help staring at him even though he wasn’t the only unusual nut or pod person there.
She asked Blacko who he was and all Blacko knew was that he was a Pineconean. They lived in the pine tree forests all over Australia and beyond. Sky took an instant liking to him deciding that one day she would like to meet some of these other beings. There were so many different and unique beings there; Sky just kept finding new ones to study.
Dame Melaleuca White then continued,
“The choices that the governing bodies are making are wrought with hidden agendas. It is in their own interests that their plans lay. They encourage thousands of young soldiers to fight their battles for them when they should be discussing the issue and sorting it out between themselves in an advanced and peaceful manner, with outcomes to suit all parties.
“This ‘war’ attitude does not sort issues out. It creates bloodshed, loss of life and more and more resentment. The Earths governments thrive on this creating more wars and heartache. They even control the worlds weather, using hurricanes for example, to wipe out population.”
There was a loud murmur in the crowds as they realised the dreadful situation the Earths peoples were in.
“Yes…” she nodded solemnly to her audience. It is nothing short of horrific, and we feel strongly that something should be done to assist God in his battle against Evil. Positive against Negative. And it is the thoughts of love that will win in the end.
It is not usually our way to involve ourselves in the human affairs. The Ascended Masters and many other light workers have been working around the clock since the terrorists’ attacks began, which have all been seeded by the governments they trust. There are many light workers on Earth working to raise the vibrations around them, helping and healing humanity and showing them how to heal themselves.
“The last attack has had grave consequences. It had begun to affect our worlds. When it does this, we know that all life in the universe is at risk.
“It is with great thought and applied wisdom that we intervene. I would ask you to tell your people to stay detached, however, this calls for drastic measures.
“I am aware, that there is a solution. In fact, many have come here today with ideas and suggestions on how to assist. There is one I have chosen to be the most direct and the most effective plan that I have sensed yet. Elm the Wizard, please bring your young friend down to the platform.” She motioned for this with her hand also.
It was Lobes who nudged Elm in the ribs to wake him up from daydreaming. He jumped and got up with Sky and headed down the steps to the mica stage.
Sky and Elm both held Melaleucas hand for a moment, before she spoke again.
“It is a rare thing when a human is aware enough to enter our world and function in it as if it was their own. One young child has done this, and it is the Creators wishes, I am sure, that she be with us on this day. Nature Spirits of Australia, please welcome Sky!”
The crowds of folk clapped and cheered loudly, making Sky go bright red in the process. She didn’t really know what to do, so she just stood there smiling and resisting finding the nearest rock to hide under.
Dame Melaleuca White motioned her to come nearer, while Elm stepped back in respect.
“Sky has offered to be our physical link to the human world so as to change the course of current issues. It is her task to reach the state of Parliament in Canberra for the World Leader Summit to be held tomorrow. Their plan is ideal for the purpose of encouraging the governing bodies to at last, tell the truth of what is really happening. The Nutleys are famous, as you all know, for their production of herbal teas. The one that will be used will be of course ‘Honestea’. It would seem that their way of life is so abundant with secrets that we all agree that it is a worthwhile course to take.
“Sky will have the help of us all, but particularly from her closest companions.
“I would ask you all now, to focus on Sky’s vibration so that you are familiar with it. Keep this energy close to your heart, and help keep her safe from danger. We realise that this is a risk that she takes. The governing bodies of the world do not generally like ‘minors’ to try to change the course of their unfair justice system. These people are dealt with unfairly. So, we will be the force behind your safety Sky. And may you turn the tables for every man, woman and child on the face of Mother Earth. On behalf of all of us here, and all of our worlds, thank you,” she said, and looked at Sky with an expression of warm gratitude.
The crowd went wild with cheers and applause!
“And we thank the Universe for sending this messenger to us. We will make sure that this messenger does not come to any harm as others have before her. Then, once the truth has been spilt, it can then be dealt with and healed, with new horizons for all concerned.
“Sky, take this crystal with you and wear it at all times. It will help to protect you and it will help you remember your true inner power. It must be returned to this place when you have finished with it, for the next time it may be needed.”
She placed the golden chain with the diamond heart over Sky’s head and said, “Any force that tries to stop you, will be stopped themselves. May you travel in peace my child.” In front of all the people, Dame Melaleuca gave Sky the biggest hug and the crowd cheered again. She thanked Elm also, and they walked back up the steps to their seat, still surrounded by cheering and applause.
Dame Melaleuca White raised her hand until it quietened down again. “The outcome of this undertaking will trustingly bring about world peace, and the opportunity to renew their way of life that has not been serving them for some time now. Their practice of teaching knowledge instead of wisdom has begun to take its toll. The laying down of weapons and restructuring the education system will be the first things they will have to address.
“We have a wonderful life because of our learning from Beings more advanced than us. Most of you are naturally aware that we have been communicating and working closely with the Creator and the more advanced forms of life out there in the universe. These magnificent people of light showed us the way many millennia ago.
“They have been sending messages in many ways and many levels of vibration over the millennia, but one form of communication they have tried, delivers the vibrations that humanity needs at the time. Most of you are familiar with Crop Circles? They are found mainly in the United Kingdom, which is an old playground for such communication as this.”
Sky remembered the pendant she got for Baize.
They really were as important as she thought they were.
“They have been classed by some humans as hoaxes, but as you are all aware, these are not hoaxes, but deep vibration messages, created by higher life forms. The energy itself comes from the creator and they can mean many things to many people, but ultimately send out vibrations, which resonate to our souls.
“These magnificent portals of light and healing energy affect all, not only when they are looked at, but everyone around the planet. The subliminal harmonies and words of the Great One connect humanity with their ancestry and their Creator. Their position on the planet is also significant and the patterns of course tell a story that feeds and reminds the DNA of what it used to know in the beginning.
“It is a powerful reminder to all of humanity. It will help to lift one of the final veils from their eyes that have kept them in denial for so long. I cannot tell you too much about this, except that it will affect our worlds directly and it involved the Earth’s Ascension. I will tell you more about this soon, but for now, stay focused on Sky and her mission.”
Sky looked around the hall seeing some more very unusual beings indeed. There were so many different types of nut and pod people! She recognized the Banksia colony representatives. There were obviously many colonies with in that, as there were quite a few different Bottle Brush types there. Blackbean people, obviously from different colonies were listening intently to their speaker along with and Jacaranda folk, Bunya Nut and Macadamia nut people. They came all shapes and sizes. Some of them were quite odd looking. She recognised some of the South Australian nut species, but they were quite different to others she had never seen before. Dame Melaleuca White was still talking to the people before her.
“The Representatives of the Earth hide the facts about their communication with other life forms, believing that it has nothing to do with the people of the Earth or that it will simply create fear. So, the advanced life forms now approach more aware humans and throughout the last twenty years have been able to get their guiding messages through by forms of channelling. This is a gift that some humans have encouraged which enables spirits and extraterrestrial to speak with their own voice through their hosts’ voice boxes. These have sometimes been recorded, which then enables the humans to create books, which reach the world. Many humans have had journeys across the universe for the purpose of allowing the human species to realise that there is more out there than they can see with their naked eye.
“The education system of the Golden Age will take on better ways of teaching their young as we do.”
She opened a small book to a marked page and read.
“It is God’s will that Earth’s young shall now begin to learn such things as; ‘Peaceful Conflict Resolution, Personhood and Self Creation, Body, Mind and Spirit, and how they function, Celebrating Self, Valuing Others, Awareness and Wakefulness, Honesty and Responsibility, Visibility and Transparency, Science and Spirituality, Creative Consciousness and Mind Power and many other such courses. These things must be considered for a new world of peace to evolve. I would like you all to assist our Human counterparts with thoughts of Love to assist their transition into the 4th dimension, but again, I remind you to stay detached from their emotional vibrations.”
She finished up by saying, “Thank you, all of you for all of your help in making this gathering come about for this purpose. And now, those of you who have other issues you would like to discuss before the Federation, now is the time to come forward…”
What they had come to do was now done so Yellow Flower, Malley and Lord Nutwood all cheered Sky on before quietly saying goodbye to Blacko and then made their way to the main door, eager to get home.
One of Melaleucas helpers, a young Blackbean man came up to them. “Excuse me,” he said, “Dame Melaleuca White asked me to give you a message. She said that Merlin made contact and that he will be awaiting your arrival in the early hours of the morning.”
“Oh thank you, my good man!” Said Elm, feeling much better now that he had heard from his Mentor.
“We shall have to leave for Merlins abode in France almost as soon as we return to Nutlidge. Nutwood, I am aware that you are eager to get back, so let’s go shall we!” And he waved his hand and they were there no more.