The Hitchhiker

I was driving the overgrown lane to Loch an Gleanna Mhoir so I could spend some time admiring the lake. Branches grow over the road at times, creating dark, moist, leafy green tunnels.

I arrived at the lake, which is beautiful and seems remote until you realize that there are people living out there, some of them in rather fancy digs across the lake.

I wandered around for awhile, taking my fill of the sweet, clean air and the spectacular views. Then I began the drive back to my bothy in the woods.

As I was rolling down the window so that I could continue to breathe the fresh air, I noticed this little creature on my windshield, hitching a ride.

Many local people will tell you that fairies are known to take on animal or insect forms at times, just to see what humans will do. Indeed, many a dragonfly and butterfly is thought to be a fairy, just messing with us. It’s not usual to imagine them taking the form of a slug but still, one does not want to anger the fairies!

So I knew that I needed to ensure that this small creature received a safe journey.

I stopped in the lane, praying that no one else would be heading out this way today, and found a leaf on the side. I placed in next to the fairy (slug? I don’t know…) and told it that I was happy to give it safe passage. It crawled immediately onto the leaf and turned its head to look at me.
here it is before it turned around.

I swear this on my ancestor’s name.

I carried the leaf to a mossy spot on the roadside and wished it a happy life. Sitting it down in a safe place.

And that’s what one must do when one encounters a fairy.