The Fair With Golden Hair – illustration

Magic · An original story

The Fair With Golden Hair

A weary traveller stumbles upon a magical forest and meets a fair woman with golden hair. He asks for a gift to share the forest's wonder with his family. The fair grants his wish, giving him a special flower with a condition: he must share the forest's story. He journeys far, spreading joy and kindness.

Once Upon a Time

This land was not like other places. Bright flowers grew tall, and the air smelled sweet like honey. Every morning, sunshine made the dew drops glow with colours you had never seen before.

Little birds sang happy songs from the trees. When the sun went down, stars would twinkle brightly, telling quiet stories in the dark sky.

In the Heart of the Forest

A little Robin named Pip flew into the special forest. "What a wonderful spot!" he sang, landing on a branch. Very tall trees, older than anyone, reached up to the clouds. Their leaves rustled softly, telling secrets to the wind. Bright flowers grew everywhere, making a colourful carpet.

Pip took a deep sniff. "Mmm, the air smells so fresh and sweet!" he chirped. A soft breeze made his feathers dance. Other birds sang their favourite tunes, so lovely that even a grumpy bear would certainly smile.

A Hidden Path

Pip saw a little path tucked behind some big, green leaves. "What's this?" he chirped, peeking around a flower. The path wiggled and wobbled, and tiny, colourful sparkles floated above it. It felt like a secret way, just waiting for someone to find it.

He followed the twisty trail. Soon, it opened into a bright, sunny spot. A kind woman stood there. Her long hair shone like gold in the sunshine. "Hello, little one," she said softly, her voice like tinkling bells.

The Golden-Haired Fair

The woman's bright hair was a shiny gold colour, tumbling down her back. Pip saw her eyes twinkle with a kind look. "It's lovely to see you," she said, her voice like soft music.

Her mouth curved into a warm smile. Pip felt happy and safe, like sunshine on his feathers. She moved her hand gently, just so she wouldn't scare him. Her soft laugh sounded like tiny bells chiming.

The Fair's Home

The woman with golden hair gave a lovely smile. "This is my little home!" she said softly. Pip saw a small cottage with a straw roof. Bright flowers grew all around its walls, like tiny dancing friends. Red roses, purple violets, white daisies, and yellow tulips peeked out. The windows twinkled with a soft, happy light.

Inside, Pip felt warm and safe, not chilly at all. A fire popped and hissed gently in the big fireplace. He could smell warm, sweet bread baking right now. The woman looked at him. "Come inside, little one," she said. "It's nice and warm in here."

The Wandering Traveller

Deep in the forest, a tired traveller walked slowly. His feet dragged on the leafy ground. He had walked a long, long way. "Oh, my poor feet," he sighed, looking for a soft place to rest.

Suddenly, he saw a bright, open space. He stopped fast, his dusty boots standing still. He gazed at a small cottage with a straw roof and colourful flowers. The woman with golden hair was right there. "Well, hello!" he whispered, feeling quite surprised.

The Fair's Welcome

The woman with golden hair smiled at the dusty traveller. She held out her hand, saying, "Please, come inside now." A lovely warmth spread through the traveller's tired body. He heard the fire crackle loudly in the cosy cottage. He stepped onto the smooth wooden floor, feeling much better already.

"My feet are so sore from walking," he sighed, sinking happily into a big, soft chair. "Thank you for being so very kind to me." The woman placed a warm cup of sweet, steamy tea right into his hand. "Please rest here," she said gently. "I have some warm, fresh bread ready for you." He felt very welcome and safe.

The Traveller's Request

Outside, the sky was very dark, and tiny stars shone brightly. The traveller thought about his family, far away. He said softly, "My mum and dad are so far from here."

He looked at the kind woman, his voice a quiet whisper. "I want to share the special magic from this lovely place. Please, could I take a little gift back to them?"

The Fair's Decision

The Fair looked at the traveller, a gentle smile growing on her face. She saw how much he loved his mum and dad, so far from here. She considered his wish, humming a little tune. Sharing magic always made her feel a happy flutter inside.

"I shall grant your wish," she said, her voice soft and steady. "But listen closely: all gifts come with a special job. You must share them kindly, for true magic is always about giving."

The Gift and the Condition

The Fair stepped into her little cottage for a moment. She came out holding a small, soft flower. Its petals shimmered with a gentle, glowing light. "Here you are," the Fair said, her voice soft. She placed the flower carefully in the traveller's hands. "This flower holds the special magic of our forest."

"You can show its beauty to your mum and dad," she continued. "But you must also tell everyone about this place. Tell them about its magic, and why we need to keep it safe and wonderful." The traveller looked at the glowing flower, ready for his special job.

The Traveller's Departure

The traveller lifted his hand, waving goodbye to the Fair with golden hair. "Goodbye!" he called out. He held the glowing flower very close, its special petals felt soft and warm against his fingers.

He stepped from the bright clearing onto the winding path. A happy tingle spread all through him, showing him the way home.

Spreading the Magic

The traveller walked from the green forest path. He saw a busy village street ahead, with people chatting and laughing. He held his glowing flower high. "I have a story about a magic forest and a Fair with golden hair," he called out to them.

"Real magic lives everywhere," he said, "in sharing kindness and happy times." Children gathered, their eyes wide with wonder. Grown-ups smiled warmly, feeling the forest's special wonder spread through them all.

The Traveller's Return

Many months passed, and the traveller often thought of the forest. He wanted to share new stories, so he followed the hidden path again. Bright red and yellow flowers seemed to glow extra for him as he walked.

The Fair stepped out, smiling warmly when she saw him. Her eyes were full of questions. "Hello, Traveller!" she called. "What new tales do you bring?"

The Fair's Smile

The Fair heard all about the Traveller's many trips. Her face spread into a wide, happy smile. She clapped her hands together, a soft sound like rustling leaves. "Oh, Traveller!" she said in a clear, bright voice. "It makes my heart sing that my gift brought joy to so many people, far beyond our trees!" She held out a small, shiny stone. It shimmered with soft, forest colours.

"Take this," she told him. "It will remind you that magic is not just for keeping secret. It is for sharing with everyone." The Traveller tucked the warm stone into his pocket. Back in his own house, he told his family all his wonderful stories. He spoke of the Fair's message, too. He said, "True happiness comes from sharing kindness and all the good magic we know." His mum and dad smiled. His brothers and sisters listened closely, their eyes wide. Their home was always full of happy talking and sweet laughter.

The End

Next story: The Fairy
The Enchanted Pig Surprise me Tonight's story

About this story

This gentle tale is perfect for a quiet evening, leaving your child with a warm, settled feeling. It explores the true Magic found in sharing kindness and joy, making it a lovely choice before bed. Suited for Ages 3–7, there are no surprising twists or scary parts, just a comforting journey of generosity.

Read this next

  • The Fairy 9 min · Ages 4–8This story also features magic and a gentle mood, but focuses on the power of imagination and friendship.
  • Princess Hase, a Story of Old Japan 8 min · Ages 4–8This story also shows how kindness to nature and sharing brings joy, offering a similar warm message from a different cultural setting.

Talk about it

The lesson

Sharing kindness and joy with others is the truest magic of all.

Questions to ask

  1. What did Pip the robin discover in the special forest?
  2. What gift did the Fair give the tired traveller?
  3. What did the traveller do with the glowing flower?
  4. How did the traveller feel when he was welcomed by the Fair?
  5. Why do you think the Fair wanted the traveller to share her magic?

Words to know

rustled
A soft, quiet sound, like dry leaves rubbing together.
chirped
Made a short, happy, high-pitched sound, like a little bird.
grumpy
Feeling cross or in a bad mood.
cottage
A small, pretty house, often in the countryside.
gazed
Looked at something for a long time, with interest.
shimmer
To shine with a soft, gentle, flickering light.

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