The purpose of this collection is to name the gifts given to the infant Sleeping Beauty and show why each fairy gave the gift she did.


First Gift: Beauty

My gift to you is Beauty.

You wouldn't understand now, but I took a lot of criticism for my choice of gift. Maybe when you are older and able to think about such things you yourself will wonder. Will you ask questions? Will you doubt yourself?

Will you ask, "Why, in such an imperfect world, would you give me Beauty?" It is my prayer that vanity will not take you for its own and that you will have the wisdom to ask that question. I pray you have the confidence in yourself to accept that the answer is you. Do not reject this gift, for countless others desire it and as mild it is in the grand scheme of things it will bless you. Accept it, now and in the future.

Is it vain of me to grant you this? I am the first fairy in line. What is it I wish to show? Do I wish to dazzle the court with the gift of fey loveliness? Do I wish them to look upon me as the most gracious? Do I wish my sisters to hang their heads in shame, unable to beat my generosity?

We are centuries old. Mortals should not doubt our character.

Some judge me of this gift, I'm sure, never understanding just what Beauty is. They wonder why I do not put upon you a good heart, a charitable spirit, an opened mind. These saints among men, walking above the world in knowledge of their humility, they wonder this.

Others delight in this gift. They cry, pleased, ready to worship a newborn. Silly.

Forgive me. I judge.

Those qualities aforementioned… those are the qualities of angels. They are not what I can give. I cannot tell you and your soul to be what you and your soul are not.

I only cherish the wish those things will define you.

And I only give you Beauty. Not a pretty face, hair neither flaxen or the color of a raven's wing or any of that nonsense. I do not give you perfect features. When such things fade away by the sunlight of Time what will remain is your Beauty.

Be prepared for your life. You are a princess and you will be seen. Know their jaws will drop and their eyes will stare. You will be desired, you will be envied, and you will be liked. Because Beauty will be recognized. They will see your face and they will see your body and they will also see something more, something pure and right and in all ways beautiful.

Remember, baby princess, despite what is said, true Beauty is more than skin-deep.