Jelena

By: Victoria Zigler

Narrated by: Hayley Jude Purcell

Humans have forgotten the old ways, and no longer respect nature as they once did, or ask before taking what they want. They’ve forgotten about nature spirits, and the strength of the bond a dryad shares with their tree.

When an excited family come to the woods to choose their Christmas tree, and end up choosing the Frazer Fir to which Jelena is bonded, they make no attempt to warn her to find herself a new tree. Now all Jelena can do is watch in tearful dismay as her tree is cut down and taken away; feeling its pain through their shared bond as though it were her own.

Distraught and in pain, Jelena can do nothing to save her bonded tree. But she doesn’t have to share its fate; there’s a chance she can save herself. Will Jelena find the inner strength to survive the experience, and bond with a new tree before it’s too late? Or will she follow her bonded tree to the place where spirits are reborn?

NOTE: This story–while not overly violent or graphic in nature–is not your average cheerful holiday story, so may not be suitable for younger or more sensitive listeners.

©2021 Victoria Zigler and Keroberous Publishing (P)2023 Victoria Zigler and Keroberous Publishing

Interesting short story

Although it's short it was interesting listening to it during Christmas and made me think back to all the years my family would choose a tree for the season. Thankfully the Dryad / Fae found a new Fir tree to bond with.