The Winter Sprite and the Wishing Tree

Deep in the snowy valleys of the Northlight Mountains, where evergreen forests whispered their secrets under starlit skies, there lived a curious Winter Sprite named Lira. Unlike most sprites, who stayed hidden from human eyes, Lira adored the festive season, when lights sparkled, laughter echoed through the woods, and wishes drifted into the frosty air.

This year Lira had been given a very important task, she was to decorate the Wishing Tree a towering pine it’s branches touched the edge of the stars. It was said that the tree had  magic when properly decorated it would grant the most special wish of anyone who stood before it on Winter’s Eve.

Lira, her dark hair cascading in waves, climbed her rickety ladder with a basket of glowing lights. Her oversized sweater slid off her delicate shoulder as she balanced, wings hidden beneath the wool to stay warm. Snowflakes dusted her boots as she carefully placed each orb of light that shimmered like colorful stars. A string of  lights humming with faint magic, wrapped gently around her arm as if the tree itself welcomed her.

It’s perfect Lira whispered as she stepped back, her large eyes sparkling like the stars above.

Suddenly, a quiet voice echoed through the snowy clearing.

What are you doing there?

Lira turned quickly, spotting a small child looking at her from behind a snow covered bush. A human! She gasped softly sprites were not supposed to be seen. But the child, with rosy cheeks and wide eyes, smiled innocently.

Are you one of Santa’s elves?” the child asked, stepping closer. I knew they were real!

Lira tilted her head, amused. I am no elf, she said gently, her voice soft like a snowflake landing. I’m a Winter Sprite, and this tree is special. Do you have a wish, little one?

The child’s face grew serious as he nodded. I wish for my family to laugh again, like they used to before everything got quiet.

Lira felt a skip in her heart. Wishes like this were delicate and very fragile things. She stepped down from the ladder, the snow crunching beneath her boots. With a small flick of her finger, she summoned a shimmering orb of light and handed it to the child.

Place this at the very top of the Wishing Tree Lira said, pointing to the snowy star that was at the top of the tree. Your wish will be safe here, and the tree will carry it to the stars.

The child grinned, cradling the orb as though it held his entire world. With careful hands, he climbed Lira’s ladder and placed the glowing light at the very top. At that moment, the Wishing Tree came to life. Lights twinkled magically spiraling up the branches, and a hum of magic filled the forest.

The child stared in amazement his face glowing in the colorful lights. Did it work? he asked with a tender voice full of hope.

Lira smiled, kneeling beside them. It already has.

From far away, laughter carried on the wind, a family reunited by warmth, love, and just a touch of winter magic.

As the child turned to thank her, Lira had vanished, leaving only a trail of sparkling frost where she had stood. The Winter Sprite watched from a distance her heart full of joy as the Wishing Tree glowed brighter than it had in years.

For even the smallest wishes when handled with care, could light up the darkest of nights.