How did Agra wind up at the Round Bale?

   In the magical world there are lots of different types of creatures.  In fairies alone there are Tooth Fairies, Fairy Godmothers, Sprites, Brownies, Banshees and more. Being a farm fairy is out of the ordinary, but Agra liked being a bit different. It was a perfect fit. 

Before she came to Caprenity, Agra was a fairy godmother. She wore fancy dresses, and shimmered everywhere she went. She helped humans fulfill their wishes, which usually involved getting them more money, finding a new romantic partner, or otherwise making human wishes come true.   But that was getting a little old.  She really didn't like being that flamboyant.   Agra went to speak with Mother Nature one day and asked “Do you have any need for a fairy in your natural world? I’ve been working with humans for a long time, and I would really like to help creatures become more independent, and self-reliant. My human charges always seem to want something from me. But I think they would be better off if they learned to take care of themselves, instead of waiting for someone to magically solve their problems.

Mother Nature thought for awhile.  “I hadn’t really thought of that, but I would be willing to look at it.  Nature is struggling with a lot of the problems that humans keep throwing at them. We are losing the battle against ‘human progress.’  I would love to have someone who can act as an ambassador between people and the planet.  Is that something you’d be interested in?” 

That sounds like a great challenge!” said Agra. “I would like to help the creatures and plants learn how to deal with that problem on their own, but also help the humans realize that they have to share the Earth with others.  We magical creatures can fix things for ourselves, but to have a little magical help in the “real world,” would be a great opportunity.  I would love that.” 

Mother Nature had already been watching a little goat farm in New England.  The farmers there were very aware that they can’t dominate their land. They know that there are bigger forces than themselves, and have tried to grow their farm as a member of the environment, rather than just doing what they want.  “I think that would be a great place to start. You would have the title of Queen Agra, but you would not be asked to make problems go away.  You would need to help the creatures learn to work together, and then share their concerns with the farmers to solve the problems.  Do you think you can do that?” 

“I would certainly like to try.  If it works out, then more and more magical creatures could become more involved in bridging the magic world to the Terran world, and help save the Earth.  When do I start?”

  The little fairy shed her frilly clothes, donned a simpler green tunic and blew her sprinkles away.  It felt so great to just be herself.  But how was she going to accomplish her goals?  

   One morning, before the sun rose above the horizon, she landed in the farm garden, and began singing a very simple tune.  The creatures of the farm and forest followed the sound and discovered the magical "queen." 

   "I'm  Agra, and I've been assigned to be the Fairy Queen of this farm.  I know the magical creatures know about us fairies, but this is the first time a fairy has been assigned to help nature directly.  I'd like to help you solve your problems, especially those that are caused by the humans." 

The farm animals looked at the wildlife. The wildlife stared back with faces full of confusion. 

Finally, one of the goats spoke up. A little brown buck jumped up and said "How are you going to do that?  They never listen."  

 Agra answered with "I understand the humans here listen more than others. I will be acting as a go-between from nature to the people. It will be my problem to solve how I reach them through their cynicism.  I'm here to serve you, and them, so let's see we can make it work."  

   The animals muttered in their own languages, doubtful this would ever work. But at least it was a start.  It would be very interesting to see how this works.   Queen Agra discovered a round bale in the pasture that would be a great place to meet with visitors. She formed the Knights of the Round Bale and began recruiting knights from the animal kingdom.  She’s still working on finding ways to let the plants, microbes and fungi have their concerns addressed too, but that is a big challenge, so she started out with the bigger creatures.

Humans call them “charismatic,” but what’s more charismatic than a Fairy Queen? That is how a Fairy Godmother became the Queen of Caprenity Farm.  She learned ways to reach the humans, and still keep the magic safe. She continues to help nature deal with humans, and the humans help spread that help beyond Caprenity Farm.