She vanished just as the year ended, just as she always had. She knew it was just how it had to be...didn't she? Noel, a Spirit of Renewal, had always dreamed of more.


Most people don't believe that Spirits of Renewal exist so they choose not to see them. They're often nicknamed New Years Babies because they begin each year appearing as babies and grow to adulthood each year before restarting once again in January. They watch and help the world grow in one way or another every year. The more they help the world to grow the more they themselves appear to grow in return. There's even a bit of a competition on which of them will grow the most, though, they insist it's more about helping.


Noel does quite well in these competitions every year and usually wins but lately she's gotten bored. She longs to continue for once and not restart, to experience a full life. Is this even possible she wonders?


Late in December one particularly long year, the beautiful spirit sat by a sparkling frozen stream dreading the change she knew was soon to come. She watched a solitary cardinal sing in a nearby tree, the bright red a stunning contrast to the white surroundings. It had been a long year but full of growth as the longer and rougher ones tend to be. She was tired and didn't want to restart again.


Noel sat lost in thought blankly staring at the beautiful still scene around her wondering what it would be like to grow old and live a peaceful life with no competition or responsibility just adventure, love, and peace.


The somber spirit didn't notice the beautiful glowing creature hovering in front of her face. A tiny powder blue snow sprite had noticed her troubled face and took an unusual interest. Fae like her are normally quite reserved and prefer observing the world out of view. They love the peaceful quiet stillness of winter and will not normally interact with others but this day was going to be quite different.


Fancie sat bored by the water when she noticed a Spirit of Renewal approach and sadly sit along the icy water lost in thought not far from where she was. The spirit appeared as a pale middle aged woman with creases starting to form around her stormy green eyes. Her face showed a mask of nostalgia, longing, and even a deep sadness not common for spirits of her kind. The curious and concerned sprite finally decided to ask her what was troubling her.


Noel hadn't realized she was being watched or that she'd had a visitor and was momentarily startled when she heard the tiny voice in front of her. While taken aback briefly she paused before spilling out her entire story as if she was venting to a long lost friend. It was nice to finally get it off of her chest even though she couldn't imagine anyone would ever understand her feelings of loss and loneliness.


The honesty and openess took Fancie by surprise. She wasn't used to speaking to others and especially with that much depth. It moved her in a way she hasn't been moved in many millenia and she realized that not only did she want to help... she knew how!


After Noel finished her story she ended with saying that although she knew it was her place in the world she would like forat least one year to be human, to truly live a full life, to fall in love and grow old. Fancie took several moments to gather her words before explaining to the enchanting spirit in front of her that she has an amulet that grants one wish but that it is permanent so to be sure of what she wants before making the wish.


The tiny sprite pulled an amulet out of thin air almost as big as she was. It was glowing an enchanting midnight blue and if you looked carefully you could even see stars swirling like a mini universe in your hand. Her mother had given it to her millenia ago before she was reabsorbed by the veil at her chosen time. Fancie missed her mother dearly and Noel reminded her so much of her mother. She promised she would use it to do good and this felt like a very good reason. Something she could understand herself.


Noel was in awe. Never in her life did she feel her silly thoughts were ever possibilities, just dreams but now here it was laying at her feet. The chance at a life beyond a year. To fall in love, get married, and just enjoy the experience. She happily plucked the captivating little magical trinket out of the air and without another thought made her wish "I wish to grow old as a human."


January 1st baby Noel was born. A fresh and tiny pale baby girl. A baby human girl. She had no idea that the wish would mean she would be reborn yet again but here she is. Her new mother and father were overjoyed to be parents after a several years of trying for a baby. She was perfect in every way. She even had her Irish father's sparkling emerald green eyes.


Noel lived a long life full of love. She never remembered little Fancie or the wish but the tiny sprite stayed by her side and watched her grow. Fancie protected Noel like a guardian angel as she went through every stage of life, the many ups and downs.


Even though she didn't remember what form she had started as, she never strayed from who she truly was. She lived to change the world in the most wonderful ways making life better for all around her simply by existing and being her loving, caring self. In fact, she was the mother to a long line of helpers permanently changing our world for the better for many generations to come.


Noel traveled the world, loved, lost, experienced joy, pain. passion, and at times even boredom but she would never change it even if she had known. This is what she was made for and sheadored every single moment of it.