Welcome, dear listeners, I'm so glad you're here tonight.

In this episode, I'll be reading the Nixie of the Mill Pond,

a traditional tale collected by the Brothers Grimm.

This will be a gently adapted bedtime version,

rewritten to soften the edges, ease the mood,

and help create a peaceful, dreamy experience as you drift off to sleep.

Before we begin, I'd like to offer a reminder that you can support the podcast and help keep Drift Off ad-free and distraction-free by joining Drift-Off premium.

Premium members enjoy bonus bedtime stories, audio books, and early access to upcoming episodes.

And your support truly helps me continue to create this soothing listening space for you. You'll find the link in the

show notes if you'd like to join. Now, let's take a little time to ease the body and quiet the mind.

Go ahead and settle into a comfortable position.

Whether you're lying in bed or nestled somewhere cozy.

Allow your shoulders to soften.

Your jaw to release your hands to rest easily wherever

they've landed take a slow gentle breath in through your nose and exhale softly, letting the breath carry away the weight of the day.

Again, a soft inhale and a slow, unhurried exhale, as though you're quietly sighing in to rest.

Feel yourself supported by whatever you're resting upon.

Held securely with nothing to do and nowhere to be but right here. Now imagine above you a peaceful moonlit sky. The moon glowing softly,

casting a gentle, silvery radiance over everything, like a soft, hosy blanket.

Let that moon glow drift down over you now, settling across your shoulders,

your chest, your arms and legs.

Feel it soothing you, easing every muscle,

...