In the middle of a pitch-dark forest stands an old, gnarled tree, its outline glowing faintly blue. Luminous mushrooms grow between its roots. Squirrels seem to be running up the trunk, but they are only vaguely visible. And they are not really running either. Somehow, everything seems spellbound.

It is utterly silent in this nocturnal forest. Not even a leaf stirs, and the squirrels make no sound. Then, in the background, between all the trees, a diffuse bluish-white glow appears. It moves towards the tree.

The glow becomes clearer and comes closer and closer. Now the squirrels begin to stir. They fall away from the trunk and scurry into the gaps between the tangled roots.

The light is very close now, and suddenly it forms long arms of light that wind themselves around the tree trunk. A groan escapes from the tree, and a crack appears in its trunk – very narrow at first, running from top to bottom, as though a giant knife were cutting it open. Very slowly, the crack widens. It is not completely dark inside the tree, but nothing can yet be made out. Step by step, the opening grows wider, and little by little, something becomes visible. One can make out what seem to be compartments inside the tree. Ah – they are not empty!

But what is that????

Hmm. There is movement in there, and something wants to come out. Something white and fluttering. But it waits patiently until the opening is wide enough. And then it is there. It is a ghost! It is as tall as a man and it looks transparent and slightly frayed around the edges.

It turns around, looks towards the tree and waves. And then it happens.

Like ants pouring out of an anthill, they come swarming out - dozens upon dozens of tiny little ghosts, hardly bigger than a football! They look much more solid than the large ghost and are not nearly so frayed. And they are constantly on the move. There is no such thing as a quiet moment.

At last, they have all emerged from the tree and look briefly towards the large ghost. It looks rather like a kindergarten teacher - and who knows, perhaps that is exactly what it is? The auntie gives a nod, and the little white fellows immediately rush towards the glowing mushrooms. Each one picks up a mushroom, and together they form a circle around the tree.

Now the little ghosts begin to dance around the tree. At first slowly, then faster and faster, until a small, luminous whirlwind seems to coil itself around the trunk.

Oh! Something is happening to the tree! Suddenly it glows a much stronger blue and ... its shape ... is changing ... It transforms, and a throne appears, sheltered beneath a softly glowing canopy. It is still empty, but ...

Now the glow that has remained in the background begins to approach. It floats towards the throne, becoming denser and taking on shape and form. And suddenly there stands a beautiful, majestic woman, who takes her seat upon the throne.

With a gesture from her hand, the little ghosts and their “kindergarten teacher” form a semicircle.

The squirrels now emerge from their hiding place among the roots. They bow deeply and take their places inside the semicircle of ghosts. Meanwhile, the animals of the forest begin to arrive, one by one - roe deer, stag, fox, hare, badger, weasel ... all of them. And the trees fill with birds of every kind. Everything happens without a sound. Only a faint whisper passes through the forest.

The little ghosts form an avenue through which all the creatures of the forest can enter the gathering and take their places in another semicircle.

At last, frightened and trembling, and guided by a- hmm, let us say - half-ghost, a young woman arrives, a baby in her arms.

Humans. Humans here, among them!

And now the first words are spoken, for humans need words. Nature all around them has no need of them. But humans are very limited creatures. The woman on the throne addresses the young forester’s wife.

“Do not be afraid, forester’s wife. You have brought a new human being into the forest. It is time for your child to be welcomed into our community. Come. Sit down at my feet, take your child onto your lap and watch what happens. No, do not be afraid. Sit with your back towards me and turn your face towards the forest community.”

The mother obeys. The child now sits in her lap, and each animal approaches in turn, gently touches the little one and bows before them. One after another, all the animals taking part in the ceremony come forward.

And the child is not afraid.

With its tiny hands, it touches each animal in turn, and they radiate joy. The child does not grow tired, even though the ceremony lasts for hours, because every creature on the ground and in the air wishes to take part.

When every animal has been introduced to the child, they return to their places in the semicircle, and the birds fly back into the trees.

And now the lady on the throne lays her hand upon the forester’s wife’s shoulder and says softly:

“Rise, and go with the protection of the forest and its mistress - whom you would call a fairy. Your child is now part of our community, and nothing and no one shall ever harm them, so long as they remain true to the forest, wherever they may live.

“Farewell.”

Grateful, the mother turns and walks away, carrying the blessing of the Forest Queen with her and her child.