Haven i Jerne

Lystig woke with renewed energy, as though the night’s sleep had let the magic of Christmas flow through him. The garden was still blanketed in a thick layer of snow, but today the snow seemed to sparkle even more, as if each snowflake held a secret.

Fjære was already awake, perched on a branch outside their hollow, observing the quiet morning hours. “Good morning, Lystig,” she called. “I feel like something big is about to happen today.”

Lystig crawled out and stretched. “I think so too. The Spirit of Christmas said we would face more trials, but she also mentioned that we’d receive help.”

Just as he said this, the air around them began to glow faintly. A gentle breeze, scented with cinnamon and pine, wound its way through the garden, and suddenly, the Spirit of Christmas appeared before them once more.

“Good morning, my little friends,” she said in her melodious voice. “You are doing well, but today you will face a challenge that will require both your courage and your ability to work together.”

Lystig stepped forward. “What must we do, Spirit of Christmas?”

She pointed toward the farthest end of the garden, where an ancient chestnut tree stood. “There, beneath that tree, lies a special source of light. It is a magical crystal that can amplify the light throughout the garden. But it is guarded by nature’s own forces, and only those who work together can find and retrieve it.”

Fjære flew closer. “How will we find it, and what awaits us there?”

The Spirit smiled gently. “Follow your instincts. The magic will guide you. But be wary: the garden protects its secrets well.”

With those words, she disappeared, leaving the two friends with a sense of both excitement and reverence. Lystig grabbed his small bag, and Fjære flew above the treetops to get a better view.

They set off toward the chestnut tree, but it felt as though the garden had suddenly come alive. The branches swayed lightly in the wind, even when the air was still, and the snow creaked louder beneath their feet. It was as if nature itself was watching them.

When they reached the tree, they were met by a dense wall of branches and vines, woven together like a natural barrier. Fjære flew closer, trying to find an opening, but the branches seemed to shift, deliberately blocking the way.

“These aren’t just ordinary branches,” she said. “They’re magical.”

Lystig thought for a moment and then took out one of the small crystals the Spirit had left on his tools. Holding it up to the barrier, a soft light began to emanate from the crystal. Slowly, the branches pulled back, opening a narrow passage.

“It’s working!” Fjære exclaimed. “But we need to hurry before the barrier closes again.”

They carefully stepped into the small space beneath the chestnut tree. In the shadows, something faintly glimmered—a magical crystal resting on a small pedestal, surrounded by tiny icicles that sparkled like diamonds.

But just as Lystig reached for the crystal, the ground beneath them began to tremble. The tree’s roots moved, and a deep, resonant sound filled the air. A towering figure, made of snow and ice, rose from the ground. It was a guardian, created to protect the crystal.

“Only those with true Christmas spirit may take the crystal,” it rumbled in a voice like crunching snow.

Lystig and Fjære exchanged glances. They knew this was the test the Spirit had mentioned.

“We come with good intentions,” said Lystig, stepping forward. “We want to spread light and joy throughout the garden.”

Fjære nodded and added, “We’ve worked hard to make Christmas Eve magical for everyone here.”

The guardian regarded them for what felt like an eternity. Then, slowly, it bowed and stepped aside.

“Take the crystal,” it said. “But remember, with great light comes great responsibility.”

Lystig carefully picked up the crystal, feeling its warmth and power. He could almost see the light spreading throughout the garden in his mind.

They hurried back through the still-moving barrier, and when they reached their hollow, they realized how deeply their fates were intertwined with the magic of the garden.

“We did it,” Fjære said with a relieved sigh. “But this is only the beginning.”

Lystig nodded. “Christmas Eve will truly be something special.”