Picture challenge #3 A Christmas gathering

[redblood]

INFO: They say that a picture can tell a thousand words. How many can you find?

Each week a new image will be posted, and your challenge will be to write whatever the image inspires you to write. It can be anything as long as it relates to the picture. A plot, a scene, a short story, a poem, a character, etc. You can write as much or as little as you wish. It's not the length that matters, it's what you put into it. There is no time limit to these challenges, so feel free to jump in at any time.

(Source)​

 

[Mainstream Hipster]

Once every thousand years or so, when the stars align in just the right way, an event known simply as Christmas occurs. It's a gathering of all the magical energies of the world, all focused into one area, for one night. It's a time of peace and love, of fun and enjoyment; one in which all those who are present feel at home.

No one knows what causes it, but all can agree on the signs that it's occurring. A tree will suddenly be where it wasn't, large and grand and evergreen, with hues of green so deep it seems to take hold of your attention. No fire shall harm it, no pest shall damage it, no storm shall make it bend. In its peace it is powerful, and commands the respect of all those around.

Upon the appearance of the tree, slowly but surely magic will begin to congregate there. Every night, the foliage will glow a little bit brighter at night. Nymphs and faeries and elves and all other sort of magical beasts will start to appear. They will be few at first, but as the days pass their numbers will only grow. All come in order to bask in the glory of the Christmas Tree, to feel its power radiate over them.

It is said that those who lay underneath the branches shall be cured of any malady. Anyone who falls asleep shall only have the best of dreams, and shall awaken full of vigor. All anger and prejudice dissipate like fog to the morning sun, and there is only love and warmth left, shared by all nearby. In the days leading up to Christmas, enemies shall become friends, and, for a moment at least, all grudges forgiven.

Finally, when all the energies have gathered, the night that is Christmas, a star shall appear, adorning the very top. It is then that a great festival is held. All manner of Fae frolic in their merriment, playing music, games, and enjoying the company of all those around them. Magic hums in the night air as fanciful lights glow in the air.

When morning is just about to break, a weariness falls upon all the guests, and despite even the greatest struggles, all fall asleep. When they awaken, the tree is gone, and inexplicably, all those who came find themselves back at home, with only the faint memories of a night too joyous to be assured it isn't a dream. Some say the tree doesn't exist, that it's a tale told to young ones to fill them with awe and wonder, but no one is ever sure....


(Just something that I threw together, hopefully it isn't too poorly written in my late night ramblings ^^)