From the 12 Days of Piximas Series
Day 2/12: "Tree Sprite Rebirth"

Once, there was a tree that stood tall and proud in a wooded glen. Its branches were broad and its leaves were a deep, vibrant green that shimmered in the light. It was a beautiful tree, and it was beloved by all the animals in the woods.

One day, loggers in red flannel shirts and green trousers came and cut down the tree. The tree's limbs were sawed off and its trunk, dismembered. All that was left was the stump. The tree lay there, lifeless and discarded, like a broken toy. The loggers must have gotten another assignment, for they never even returned to the pieces, even unto the winter.

But something strange happened. As the days passed, and small beings with fast wings of light were passing overhead, the wood of the tree seemed to soften and lighten. It began to take on a pastel hue, like the colors of a sunrise. The shapes of its branches and leaves could still be seen in the wood, but they were now delicate and soft.

Eventually, the tree was transformed into a beautiful pastel sculpture. It seemed to have a life of its own, and it almost seemed to be smiling.

But that wasn't all. Inside the sculpture was a sprite; the deva of the tree itself. It was still alive, and it was grateful for the second chance it had been given.

The sculpture still stands in the center of the glen, reminding us to trust in restoration by peaceable strangers and the beauty of change.