Chinese fairy in a Lotus Pond
In the heart of a shimmering lotus pond, where jade-green leaves cradled the morning mist, lived a spirited little fairy named Lan. Unlike her sisters who danced with butterflies in sunlit meadows, Lan had a fondness for the tranquil waters and the majestic water lilies that bloomed upon them. Her favourite spot was atop the largest lily of them all, a flower whose petals were as wide as a small boat.
Lan possessed a beautiful, intricately painted Chinese fan, almost as tall as herself. It was a gift from a wise old willow spirit and depicted scenes of soaring dragons and blossoming plum trees. More than just a cooling breeze, the fan held a touch of magic. When Lan gently waved it, she could stir the water into swirling patterns, summon playful water sprites, or even create soft mists that danced in the moonlight.
One sweltering summer day, the pond grew still and the air heavy. The other fairies wilted in the heat, but Lan remained cool and content on her lily pad, gently fanning herself with her large fan. As she waved it, a playful gust of wind rippled across the water, causing the other lily pads to sway.
Suddenly, a small, distressed voice reached her ears. A tiny water beetle, usually so swift, was struggling in the thick algae near the edge of the pond. The heat had made the algae dense and sticky, trapping the poor creature.
Without hesitation, Lan unfurled her large fan and directed a series of gentle but focused gusts towards the trapped beetle. The wind stirred the water, pushing the thick algae aside. The little beetle, finally free, scurried onto a lily pad and chirped its thanks to Lan.
Inspired, Lan continued to use her fan. She created swirling currents that cleared the stagnant parts of the pond, and gentle breezes that cooled the wilting flowers along the banks. The other fairies, refreshed by the cooler air, fluttered back to life, their laughter echoing across the water.
From that day on, Lan, the little fairy with the big fan and a heart full of kindness, became known as the guardian of the lotus pond. She taught the other fairies the importance of caring for their surroundings and showed them how even a gentle breeze, guided with intention, could bring relief and joy to those in need, all while perched gracefully upon her giant water lily throne.
