Lady of Bluebell Valley

Many people in Cornwall believe in Gnomes, Pixies and most of all Tommyknockers, I am one of those people. I am Cornish born and bred, when I was a child my grandad would tell me about little people who were among us on a daily basis.

Thousands of miles underground there is a beautiful place that is home to many Elves, Dwarves and other little people and strange wonderful animals. This world in Cornish is known as " Hireth Bysow".

Galith was a young 203-year-old Elf who lived in a village deep within a forest and the trees were their homes. Galith's wife was Malin and they had a young son, 30-year-old Farran who could be mischievous at times, but also very brave and courageous.

Elves are a meagre and helpful race of people and would always help each other out when needs must. It was Summer in Hireth Bysow and Galith was helping his long time friend Thorn bring wheat in from the fields before the dark season came, "Thorn what is it like above world" asked Galith, " I have never been above Galith, why do you ask?" replied Thorn. "I am curious, that is all my friend" Galith continued, "Then perhaps you should talk with an elder" replied Thorn, and they both continued working.

Later that day Galith made his way to Elder Shylow's home which was centred in the forest. Shylow was huddled around a fire outside his home which was a great oak tree. "I know you are near Galith, so please come forward" exclaimed Shylow as Galith continued towards him and sat down. "I gather that you want to know about the world above? do you intend to go there Youngling? "Yes Elder! Do you have knowledge of the world above us at all?" "It is a place with much danger from giants, huge metal wagons and animals. I would advise you not to venture on your journey alone, but to take another with you" continued Shylow. "However, there is a place there where our kind thrives and Uplanders do not know of them. That place is "Sanes Glynnow" (Saint Necten's Glen). It is guarded by the Lady of the valley who protects our folk".

Galith stayed for a time, keeping warm and drinking acorn mead. Then he said his leave from Elder Shylow and made his way back to his wife and son. On his return, Galith hugged the two elves and said "I shall be leaving with Thorn in the morning, but, I am unsure of my return", then he spoke in Elvin "En' lle ilyamenie!" ("My thoughts will be of you always!") and kissed them both on the forehead.

The sun rose early the following morning. Galith and Thorn were already on their way to search for runes that Elder Shylow had mentioned to Galith which would help them to the Up World. Crossing over a wide valley on foot became very arduous and dangerous for the two Elves having to fight off horse size Raglyons (four-legged creatures with spiny tails and sharp teeth with feet that could crush an Elf if it wanted to).

They made a small camp and settled down for the evening to come. The two began to talk about the old days while munching on mushroom and elderberry steaks which were washed down with blackberry wine. For four more days and nights, the Elves travelled until eventually, there ahead of them was the Rune cave they sought. "We need to be cautious in here!" exclaimed Thorn entering the cave "There could be unknown dangers" he continued. Galith lit two torches and passed one to Thorn, they continued onward for another few yards then they saw a large flat boulder in front of them on which lay six Runes which looked like this:

"We need to place them in the right order to get to the Up World!" said Galith. They tried many times rearranging the stones 2 or 3 times, but Thorn was getting angry, and picked up the stones throwing them on the floor of the cave. Suddenly a loud wooshing could be heard around the cave and a swirling large hole appeared with many lights swirling around in it. "This is it, my friend are you ready, we need to walk into this hole!" said Thorn and they both entered the hole. (to be continued