The Light of Day and the Fairy of the Marsh
We are in a part of the world where fairies appeared an hour after the birth of a prince or princess and spoke the child's destiny. That is why, in a dense forest, six fairies lived.
There was another one, however, who did not live in the forest, but in the marsh. She was new to the kingdom and was not interested in getting to know the other fairies, for she was wicked, selfish, and sadistic.
The Good Fairies' Plan
So, when one day the fairies learned that a princess would be born that night, the good fairies worried.
— We must be careful. Who knows what terrible curse the new fairy of the marsh will cast upon the child. — She hasn't met all of us yet, so she doesn't know how many we are. Let two of us hide somewhere and keep our blessings until near the end. That way, if the marsh fairy does something bad, we can help the child and protect her. — Yes! That's a very good idea!
The Princess's Birth and the Blessings
That night, as soon as the princess was born, as was the custom, in the presence of the king and queen, two of the good fairies hid behind the huge pillars in the king's chamber, while the others came to bless the child.
— We shall call you Princess Light of Day. Wherever you go, you will spread love and warmth.
— Your heart will be full of courage and determination.
— You will always distinguish between good and evil and make wise decisions.
— You will always be loved and respected.
The king and queen rejoiced greatly when they heard these wonderful blessings.
The Marsh Fairy's Curse
But then the marsh fairy came to destroy everything.
— So, you are called Light of Day. Then I bless you that as long as the light of day or daylight is visible, you shall sleep day after day, until the end of your life! Ha ha ha!
The Hidden Fairies' Intervention
— But at night you will be awake and always happy. — How dare you interrupt me? — It's not your turn anymore! — Ah! But I was laughing! I hadn't finished laughing! So, I have another chance! Yes, you will be awake and happy at night, like the moon, you see? You will be as changeable as moonlight! Ha ha ha!
The marsh fairy laughed for a very, very long time, and the remaining fairy kept silent until she stopped. Then, she came out into the light.
The Princess's Life Under the Curse
— Am I to understand that you're finished? — Huh? How many more of you are there? — Ha ha ha! — And one day, when someone kisses your hand without knowing who you are, you will no longer sleep all day and you will no longer be changeable like moonlight! — Ha ha! I think your turn is over! Ha ha ha!
And so it was. The princess laughed and rejoiced at night, and slept continuously during the day. At night she was happy and radiant on full moon nights. As the moon grew and became brighter, the princess also became more flushed, happier, until she was the happiest and healthiest on full moon nights.
Then, as the moon waned and became darker, night after night, until it disappeared a little, the princess became weaker and paler, until she neared death on the new moon night. And she would fall asleep at sunrise, then wake up after sunset.
The Princess Moves to the Forest
In her 20 years, the princess had never seen the sun. Her soul ached for the torment suffered by her family and friends because of her suffering.
— Father, I want to move to the forests of Rosewood Forest. — No, stay here in the palace with us. We cannot bear to be away from you. — I can no longer bear, father, to see the pain in your eyes when I become pale and sick, as the moon does. In the forest, I feel free, for I do not feel bad about the pain I cause you and mother. Please, let me live there, until I am free of the curse. — But... — Let her go. She is old enough, dear. Our pain is no greater than hers. — I understand you feel terrible. Go, my child, and return after you have seen the sun. We will be here. We will wait to embrace you.
So the princess began to live in the forest, with only a few ladies who took care of her when she was ill. The princess loved to walk through the forest and go for long strolls when she felt well, and she liked to wander through the forest, far from the sad gazes of the ladies who took care of her when she began to feel unwell.
Prince Edward and the Encounter with the Fairy
One day, a stranger who had gotten lost in the forest, arrived at a strange little cottage.
— Yes! Welcome, Prince Edward! — You know me? — Well, I am a fairy. — Then you know that my father lost a battle and told me to flee into the forest to escape. — Come in. Yes, sometimes you have to run so you can fight another day.
The fairy offered the prince a hearty meal and a comfortable bed to spend the night. The next morning, as the prince was leaving the fairy's cottage,
— Do not approach the marsh deep in the forest. And remember, my son, a moment of pity is more powerful than the most formidable magic in the world. — Of course, I will never forget that.
The Prince Meets the Princess
And so, the prince entered the forest. There were three nights left until the full moon. As he searched for a place to rest, he heard a melody, the softest music he had ever heard. He went in the direction from which the music came.
He saw the most beautiful young woman under the moonlight. She danced and sang in the moonlight with such joy, as if all the joy and love in the world were in her heart. The prince remained fascinated for almost the entire night, until, before sunrise, some women came and took the young woman with them.
This happened for three nights in a row, and the princess sang more and more beautifully and happily, for, with the full moon approaching, she was more and more full of life.
The Prince and Princess Speak
That night, the prince approached her.
— I have heard you singing at night for the past two nights. Your voice is very beautiful. I am Prince Edward. Please tell me, who are you? — I am Princess Light of Day. — Do you live here in the forest? — Have you seen the sun? — Is there anyone who hasn't seen it? — I must go. Please, do not wait for me anymore.
The princess's voice was so sad that it pained the prince's soul to hear it. But, since she did not want to see him anymore, and he was a gentleman, the prince left and walked through the forest for many days.
The Marsh Fairy's Curse Upon the Prince
There were three nights left until the new moon. That evening, as he was walking, he saw a frightened woman, as if she were looking for someone.
— Princess! Oh, princess! Where are you? — Is everything alright, madam? Can I help you? — Our princess went for a walk and has not returned yet.
When the prince heard this, he immediately went in search of the princess. He searched throughout the forest until he reached the marsh. The marsh fairy saw him. She did not want any stranger to approach the princess, much less kiss her hand and free her from her curse. So she cast a spell on the prince.
— You will never wish to kiss the hand of Princess Light of Day! Ha ha ha!
The Prince's Pity and the Breaking of the Curse
The prince wandered through the entire forest, when suddenly he saw a strange shape in the darkness. He approached. It was an old woman who looked very pale and tired. She could barely open her eyes.
— May I help you, madam? — 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