The Gift

The Gift1

November 13 11:00 am2

(Dear Diary,3

I am Alessandra Lorraine. You can call me Alyssa. I should like to spare you, dairy, of the woes of my daily life. Instead or rather I will get right down to business here. In this book, my diary, I plan to record something a bit more unusual than most diaries written by teenagers my age. No, it will hold no intrigue to those sorts. I'm not gushing over boys nor whining about my horrible family...not that those diaries are ever very interesting anyways! No in this diary I intend to record THE SECRETS of the Universe. 4

My diary is a book of magical adventures, filled with secrets of fairy kingdoms and Witch’s spells. Not your average diary at all!)5

Alyssa shut the book and looked out her window. Outside the window she saw that leaves were falling from the oak trees in great gusts of orange and yellow. While in the family garden, all the flowers and plants became dead and were covered in white. 6

It was a beautiful scene: that mixture of colorful leaves, the bright glittering snow. She would have liked to change one thing though. The day felt somewhat dreary despite the beautiful autumn colors and white snow. How could Alyssa, a teen of only 13, make anything ‘magical’ happen anywhere?7

It took a lot of self-talking before Alyssa built up enough courage to attempt to create the demon. She wasn’t sure whether she wanted it to be a tricky demon or a good-natured angel. Angels were good but they also reminded her of her parents and that old Preacher at the Church of Christ and Sunday school. She began to sketch out her daimon on a notepad…”Hmm what shall I name him?” Alyssa asked herself aloud.8

(Dear Diary, Well a few names came to mind, but I’m sticking with this one as it works well for me and hopefully for him too. Here is a picture of my Daimon. His name will be known as the magical guardian daimon, Alef. Alef has been made to be a good natured Daimon. He is dressed in autumn leaves and loves to dance and make them fall off trees. 9

Alef is the guardian of nature spirits and happy children’s homes. And here is the Blessing for Alef: Hail Great friend Alef! Welcome in! Welcome in. Eat your harvest, great guardian of the forest. Alef, hail friend and take this offering of Peace and Great Tidings. I hope you are pleased, Alef we come in Peace! I have also included a twig with leaves for my offering.)10

November 15 12:34 PM11

(Dear Diary, I know my magick is working because I saw my friend Alef this morning. He was hiding behind a pine tree and believe me, he is the most beautiful Daimon, there must be no other like Alef. 12

His face is kind and wise, his skin is a bright green the color of spring-time, his eyes are a dark black and his hair is light red. He only crouched a bit when I saw him, then he smiled before he vanished. I don’t think it was my imagination though. I really know I saw him! Now It’s just a matter of finding him and making him my friend.)13

It was dark that evening as Alyssa wandered out to the grove where Alysssa had been sure she had seen her daimon. She was not disappointed, for she noticed a beautiful figure crouching once again where Alef had been hiding. 14

This time, neither were afraid. “Alef, my friend,” She said then suddenly remembered the blessing. “Hail Great Alef! Welcome in. Welcome in.”15

“Wait, my dear child,” it was the deep earthy voice of Alef. “You must realize Alyssa that we are not tools to be played with foolishly. You must realize this.”16

Alyssa was dumbfounded. Seeing Alef was one thing but hearing Alef speak was another. She would try to understand as much of what he said but she was still so in shock. She didn’t want to upset her daimon. 17

“Alef, you are my friend. Alef, don’t be afraid. I welcome my Alef.” With that Alef stood and took Alyssa by the hand. “Oh Alessandria, I have known you for a long time, since you first created me one million sparks ago. Tell me, what is your secret?”18

“Alef, the secret is in the trees and In the leaves. It is in the spirit of your heart.”19

With that the wind began to blow as orange and yellow leaves flew over Alef and Alyssa Lorraine. When the wind stopped Alef had disappeared. And so it was, the guardian of the forest had been born.20