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The Mischief Makers trekked through the enchanted forest, guided by Stripes’s directions. The air was filled with a magical hush, broken only by the occasional nervous giggle from Figgy.
Pixie couldn’t resist marveling at the towering trees. “Imagine having trees that actually whisper. What secrets do you think they share?”
Nim smirked. “Probably the latest gossip from the animal kingdom. Who’s dating who, which rabbit stole the last carrot—”
“Focus, everyone,” Glitter interrupted. “We’re here for a reason—Whiskers from the Whispering Willows. Keep your eyes peeled.”
They trekked deeper into the heart of the forest, the trees growing ever larger, their branches intertwining.
“There,” Nim pointed to a clearing ahead. Five majestic willow trees stood tall, their branches cascading gracefully to the ground. “Those must be the Whispering Willows.”
The elves approached cautiously and the forest fell silent.
“H-hello?” Pixie ventured, waving at the trees. “We heard you have…erm, enchanted whiskers?”
Silence.
Figgy coughed. “And, if you do, can we…borrow them?”
More silence.
Figgy shrugged. “Worth a try.”
The willow trees rustled. “We know why you’ve come, mischievous ones. To earn our whiskers, you must pass our test.”
Nim raised an eyebrow. “A test? What kind of test?”
The trees began to sway. “To prove your connection with the spirit of Christmas, each of you must share a cherished holiday memory.”
Nim beamed. “Oh boy, I’ve got a good one! Remember that year we first met, Pixie? We googly-eyed everything in the fridge and then–.”
“And then dumped red and green jello all over the floor, Figgy, and I.” Lil scowled playfully.
Figgy chuckled. “I remember that. It was a sticky situation.”
The Whispering Willows rustled with laughter. “One memory shared.” A soft silver whisker floated down to Nim.
Pixie took a step forward. “I remember our first night at the Malloys, when they trapped us under a glass bowl in the fridge.”
Figgy shuddered. “The elf trap!”
Lil smiled. “Wasn’t there a bunch of maple syrup involved too?”
The trees swayed and shivered with mirth. “Two memories shared.” Pixie caught a second sparkling whisker.
“My turn!” cried Figgy. “Remember the time we put the elf hats on Rusty and Dusty? They were such cute kitties!”
“Yes,” giggled Pixie. “That certainly was a very Meowy Christmas!”
The Whispering Willows hummed in approval. “Three memories shared.”
Lil grinned. “I remember when we first met, Nim. You didn’t want a partner, but Santa knew how much Issabella and Cheyenne would miss me.”
“Oh that’s right!” said Nim. “I’d forgotten about that. The boys’ cousins were staying with them that season. Oh we had such fun!”
The forest echoed with a gentle applause of leaves. “Four memories shared.”
The four elves smiled at each other, then looked expectantly at Glitter.
Glitter sighed, shaking her head. “I remember being horrified by Nim and his destructive–.”
“Playful!” Nim interrupted.
“Very well, your playful antics. But, I also remember how you both brought fun and joy to my heart. And I thank you.” Glitter bowed her head to Nim and Lil who were smiling so hard their cheeks hurt.
The Willows gushed out a sigh as the fifth and final whisker landed in front of Glitter.
“Well done,” breathed the Willows.
a pinch of homestead 