Once upon a time, long ago, a mountain afflicted bysolitude wept in silence. All around, the beeches, firs,oaks, rhododendrons, and periwinkles looked on inastonishment. Yet none of the plants could do anything,for they were bound to the earth by their roots. Thus,not even a flower could bloom amidst its rocks.Up in the sky, the stars also noticed. One night, whenthe clouds had flown away to play hide-and-seekamong the branches of the tallest pines, one of themtook pity on that hopeless weeping and descendedswiftly from the sky. It slid through the mountain’srocks and crevices until it came to rest tired onthe edge of a precipice. Brrr!!! ... It was cold...It had been quite mad to leave the serene tranquilityof the sky! The frost would surely kill it... Butthe mountain took action, grateful for that act offriendship from the heart. It wrapped the star with itshands of rock in a soft white fur. Then, it embracedthe star, binding it to itself with tenacious roots... Andwhen dawn broke, the first Alpine Star was born.
