I made up dozens of stories based on my son's stuffed animals. These animals included a fantastically adorned Mouse King, a Snowshoe Hare. a Snowy Owl, and an Arctic Wolf.
The Mouse King stories spanned at least two years, but I never wrote any of these down on paper.
However, I want to share one which I remember now with you.
One day, Mouse King, (before he was married, and had a Mouse Prince to do fun things with him), decided to take his closest friends, Snowy Owl, Snowshoe Hare and Arctic Wolf to see his hidden cave. They had to walk several miles through the forest, outside of the valley of the palace, to get to the cave. The three stooped down into this secret cave, and Mouse King led them down a long tunnel to a large underground room.
There, to the great surprise of Snowshoe Hare, Arctic Wolf and Snowy Owl, hundreds of jewels popped out of the wall like brilliant flowers on a bank in spring. Diamonds, amethysts, rubies, emeralds, tsavarites, topaz, dotted the rocky, rough walls of the cave. Mouse King invited his friends to each choose a jewel. and when each one did so, the jewels became necklaces to put around their necks. Each animal chose a different jewel.
The Snowshoe Hare chose a ruby. Arctic Wolf chose a sapphire, and Snowy Owl chose an emerald.
Mouse King said to them, "These are friendship stones and each one has a magical property. I shall not tell you what this is until you are ready to learn the secret of the stones."
The friends felt greatly honored, and as the three animals, following Mouse King, walked back the several miles to the palace, they discussed among themselves what this magical property could be.
Each day, the animals wore their necklaces into the court room, and into the special cabinet meetings held by Mouse King. But, over the week, something odd happened to the stones.
Snowy Owl's emerald became foggy, as if the green color was covered with a cheese-cloth. Snowshoe Hare's ruby turned a sour orange looking shade of red. He was greatly disturbed by this. Arctic Wolf's sapphire became more and more brilliant, and shown like a blue sun.
On the last day of the week, the friends stood in the great hall waiting for Mouse King to come and sit on his throne. He came in, and the three approached him, two, at least, in a rather bad mood.
"The jewel you gave me has turned out to be a bad stone, my King," complained Snowshoe Hare. "And, mine has proved to be a false stone, turning into a poor quality emerald, " stated Snowy Owl. Arctic Wolf said nothing, as his stone had improved over the week.
"Can you help us understand this magic, Sire?" asked Snowshoe Hare, somewhat irritated by his choice.
The three waited while Mouse King came down the steps from his throne and stood among them.
"My friends, these stones show the hearts of those who wear them. The discoloration of the ruby indicates a flaw in the heart of Snowshoe Hare. He has anger in his heart and must repent."
Snowshoe Hare stared at the ground. He knew this was true, and as he stood in humility at being found out for a hidden fault, his stone turned back to ruby red. He was surprised and grateful.
"Snowy Owl's stone reveals a heart marred by deceit." Snowy Owl was shocked, but then, as he knew Mouse King was correct, a small tear came to his eye and he decided to repent. Just then, his emerald cleared up to reveal a deeper green than originally seen in the cave.
"Arctic Wolf's stone is more brilliant than when he found it, as his heart is pure and good. He has no flaw in his heart, having let God purify him over the years, like gold in the fire."
Arctic Wolf knelt down and kissed Mouse King's ring. "I only serve you and God, and no others." He then stood up in silence.
Mouse King then said, "Friends must help each other come to know themselves and to repent of flaws. I love you all and trust you. The stones will help you become more perfect."
All were then content and they followed Mouse King into the breakfast room for tea, toast, and jam, marmalade jam.
The end...