The Fairy Cloth

Legend has it that this cloth was waulked by the original inhabitants, the fairies of the island, when they considered that the first islanders had come of age and could take care of the island on their own. It is kept safe, only to be cut when the island is under the greatest threat and no other cloth is broad enough.   It's impossible to tell how big The Fairy Cloth actually is, since it is tightly rolled in the traditional manner, and kept in a glass box. Nevertheless, legend has it that this cloth will accommodate exactly what needs to be cut in order to save the island and her people, no matter what that is.   Some are certain that the magical fabric could be cut into strong sails for their longboats. Others believe that it could be used to fashion shelters against the strongest storm.   Some simply think that it would allow everyone to cut what they most need, and everyone has their own thought about what that would be. The Fairy Cloth has traditionally been caretaken by a seventh child, this being a magical number on the island for reasons long forgotten. Several families have held the honour of being Caretaker of The Fairy Cloth.   Occasionally, over the marshy land, Will-o’the-wisp’s are seen. These, they say, are the fairies watching over the islanders - or, depending on who you listen to, the fairies coming to check up on them.   To the islanders, the fairies are not gods, but simply the original inhabitants. If the island has a religion, it is a belief in their connection to the island itself - and the fairies are a manifestation of this, so The Fairy Cloth is as close as they get to a sacred object.