The Satyr and the Maiden

[Forward: This book is dedicated to my love; Filtel Nou'ate. He is one of the most beautiful souls I have ever met. He taught me that fighting for the world that you want doesn’t have to make your heart grow cold.]

At the edge of a village, there stood an ancient forest. It had trees as old as time and air thick with magic and wonder. Within lived a lonely Satyr; he was unlike his lecherous kin. He preferred to marvel in the beauty of the forest during the day and play his lute for the Moon at night.

One day, a lovely maiden entered the forest. She had hair like spun gold, skin like porcelain and a voice that could melt the coldest heart. She danced through the forest, singing to herself. The Satyr was drawn to her singing but he dared not reveal himself in fear that the Maiden would be frightened and flee.

The longer he listened and watched, the more enamored he grew with her. As night fell, the Satyr was renewed with a sudden bout of bravery and hope so he stepped out of his hiding spot to proclaim his love. The Maiden screamed in horror at the sight and rushed out of the forest leaving the poor Satyr alone, once again.

Wracked with sadness, the Satyr cried out to the Moon for aid. The Benevolent Moon took pity on her favourite lute player and cast a spell on the Maiden while she slept. The next morning, the Maiden could only see the truth in others.

As the Satyr wandered the forest he was surprised when the teary eyed Maiden rushed up to him. All her suitors in the village were grotesque monsters, she explained, while he appeared as a handsome, gentle young man.

Under the cloak of truth, the Satyr and the Maiden spent a marvelous day together but when night fell and the Moon returned, the spell faded. Rather than fleeing once more, the Maiden remained in the ancient forest with the Satyr; she had finally seen love.

Written by Sawyer Tengille