TFebruary: Mushroom Circle

Model: Elka

My grandmother always told  me to stay away from the heart of the forest. Young men that lingered there came to regret it, she warned me. If they came back at all.

Of course, I didn't listen. I had no time for her old wife's tales not when the hunting there was so good.

I paid for my arrogance when, caught out by a sudden storm, I was forced to stay the night sheltering in the lea of a huge oak. 

In the morning I woke to learn all my grandmother's stories were true. My shelter had been in the middle of a fairy ring, a gateway between worlds, marked by a circle of mushrooms. While I slept mischievous fae had robbed me not only of my clothes and equipment but also my body! 

I was left shivering naked and entirely female.

Huddled against the chill and facing a new life I made two promises to myself. First, I'd apologize to my wise old grandmother when I made it back to her, and second, if I ever became an old wife myself I'd make sure my wayward grandchildren would believe my tales.