‘Twas the Eve Before Fiddler-The-Cat

Translated from an Unknown Elvish Language into English

By Intricate Knot

‘Twas the eve before Fiddler-the-Cat and all through the forest, every creature was stirring…most especially the mice (since they had to keep out of Fiddler’s way, being that Fiddler is a most excellent cat and a mouse catcher extraordinaire).

Popcorn and cranberries had been strung on pine trees with an artful flair, with only a few nibble liberties taken. Handmade poppets and cards, jewelry and glittery decorations were all wrapped up in pretty boxes. Cakes and cookies home baked smells filled the air.

Tiny faery stockings were hung on big, fat toadstools to dry out. The Faeries, it seems, had been very busy in the early morning snow and got their small feet quite wet.

Sweet little wolf pups were all snuggled in a cubby hole at the base of a tall tree, while visions of juicy bones and wide open fields played out in their furry, little heads.

I took it all in and couldn’t help but give a sloppy grin. That most favored time of the year, Winter Solstice is upon us and to not celebrate would surely be a sin.

But that will have to wait until tomorrow. Yawning hugely, I knew celebration or no, right now it was time for my bed.

Making my way to my tiny cabin in these woods, a brilliant white light suddenly flashed overhead.

“Now what could that be?” I asked myself, for it appeared no one else was around. I didn’t have an answer for myself though. So I scanned the night sky to see what might be the source. But all I could see was Lady Silvery Moon and three Sleepy Blue Stars.

Then without rhyming, reasoning, or warning, that very same brilliant white light filled a clearing in the forest, just straight ahead. Before I could make one step in its direction, a happy tune, a jig (if you will) begin to play out. But play by itself? This I must see for the tune’s happy notes seemed to be coming from that brilliant light, just up ahead.

I leaped in a flash and I’m actually quite lucky I didn’t slip in the snow, which had suddenly covered all the ground like a fluffy white blanket. But I had no time to wonder over the snow for now it dawned on me that I wasn’t alone. Colorful faeries, tiny red finches, squirrels, Ms. Owl, Mr. Beaver, Mama Wolf and her pups had followed that very same light, now listened as I to that very same tune and had found themselves here in the blink or two of an eye.

And what did we see in the great forest clearing? What played such lively music so freely and with such magical flair? Why, ‘twas Fiddler-the Cat, our Faery Forest mascot, our firm friend, and our very well suited partner for all our creative, holiday endeavors!

And what a jolly mood Fiddler was in! His golden-green eyes, how they sparkled with mischief and fun! His black fur how it shone like a well-polished gem! His cute, kitty paws moved with such grace and such speed as he continued playing his much beloved violin!

Playing one tune after another, he said not a word, just gave us a wink. Ah, it truly was magic we heard.

And somehow we knew that he needed our help. Velvet bag at his feet, each of us dropped a handmade Winter Solstice treat inside. To whom would these special gifts go? Well, that was for Fiddler to decide.

Enchanted though we all were, we knew the evening must end and the new day to soon begin. Before the sun could start his rise in the distance, and the deep, dark blue skies, stars, and full luscious moon give way to golden beams and warm shine; Fiddler finished his closing tune. At our applause, he gave a slight bow, scooped up his great velvet bag and gave a genteel “Meowww.” Then with his kitty vim and vigor, he sprang up the tallest tree and disappeared from our sight.

I watched the faeries and animals and elvish creatures yawn and stretch as we made way to our beds. But I heard Fiddler exclaim, ere he nimbly leapt from tree top to tree top,

“Merry Winter Solstice to all and to all sweet dreams and a good night.”

Illustration “Three Sleepy Blue Stars” by Intricate Knot
Illustration “Night Before Fiddler” by Angelique Duncan