The friends at the faerie house were enjoying a warm summer. The garden often needed to be watered because even when it rained, it remained dry under the tree. T1 enjoyed the mist from the sprinkler and eating the weeds. Dog hoed now and then to loosen the soil, but mostly T1 managed the garden.
Dog spent some time each week gathering sticks for building bonfires when the evenings got chilly.
Dog enjoyed this task. There was the opportunity for a bit of an explore, and maybe you already know this: dogs like sticks.
Being an observant creature, Dog noticed that there was excitement building in the big house on the yard. Dog paid close attention and was quite sure that there was a birthday party afoot.
Dog discussed this with the faerie house group of friends.
"I think one of the people is having a birthday," Dog reported.
"The one who grows things around our tree?" asked T1, who had watched lilies and lobelia planted, presumably for the friends enjoyment. Who else saw the faerie house yard?
"No," said Dog, "The other one. The person who grows vegetables."
"Ah...." said Frog, "This calls for a celebration. Did you get a sense of when the birthday is?"
"I am not entirely sure. I think the party is not on the exact day of the birthday. The big ones seem to need to do things on weekends. At least until they are "retired," whatever that means," said Dog. "I think the party is tomorrow."
"Shall we have cake, then?" asked T2
"Yes," said Frog, "If you help me bake it."
Hedgehog missed the discussion entirely, being completely engrossed in reading a book. Hedgehog did, however, hear the word "cake."
"Cake?" Hedgehog looked up to ask, "What's this about cake?"
"Dog can tell you," said Frog, moving towards the house, "T2 and I have work to do."
Frog got down the big blue bowl and gave T2 a smaller red one. Frog asked T2 to get the sugar and cocoa. By now Frog and T2 were a good working team.
Outside, Dog prepared the new patio, first by sweeping it clean.
Then Dog laid down a blanket. Hedgehog brought out the dishes.
"Can you help me with this banner?" called T1, who loved big decorations, but had a hard time climbing ladders.
Dog, Hedgehog and T1 wrestled the banner into place.
"That's awfully nice!" said Hedgehog. The others agreed.
"That's not all!" T1 said excitedly, "I have these flags and numbers as well!
"Of course you do!" said Dog, with a good natured grin.
The next afternoon people started gathering at the big house. Dog felt quite pleased to have understood things correctly. The friends were relaxing on the patio in front of the faerie house.
Every now and then one of the guests would come over and have a look at the faerie house. The friends stayed very still and quiet when that happened.
When all the action was elsewhere, Frog brought out the cake.
Frog sliced the cake and gave everyone a piece with a dollop of whipped cream.
Just as all the friends were taking their first bites, some bright spritzes of colour popped into view.
"Nice work, faeries!" exclaimed T2, "Here's to the birthday !!!"
"Hip-Hip-Hooray!" all the friends shouted together.
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