Landsbyen -Into the North- An Epic Poem 104

As Joulupukki was talking, Seileach used his own magic to probe the tree, “Ah, very interesting,” was his response. “Yes, by all means lead the way.” The three of them made their way into the vestibule. And proceeded to the second floor where the Royal Chambers were located, where Rian once held sway over many aspects of the operation of the kingdom, where Erlenkönig once lived with his Queen. They entered the suite. They immediately saw the limb of the willow snaking its way through the open door of the bed chamber where a large window was located behind an ornate railing, surrounding a balcony. To their surprise it seemed to delicately grow around tables and chairs through the handle of one water jug and across the floor to the large desk located not far from the door. Upon examining the desk top, the branch seemed to have attached itself to the side of it. As they looked more closely they found a large portion of wood had been added to that section of the desk. “Fascinating,” Seileach's attention was solely on the limb and desk. As they watched they could see images developing on the desk. One appeared to be a scene of Erlenkönig fighting Rian in the courtyard with toys laying all around them. Another was his death with the stately willow tree growing from his remaining magic, but this one seemed unfinished. The intricacy of what appeared to be carvings was beyond description and the three of them stood watching the wood morph and change into recognizable patterns. After the initial shock began to lessen they explored the bas-relief images which told the entire life of Erlenkönig from when he was born to his untimely demise. The Erlenkönig section of the desk was completely out of portion to the rest of table. Only the great deeds of the ancestral elves were depicted, but Erlenkönig's seemed to show everything from beginning to end: his birth, his childhood, his marriage, where there began an offshoot to show Aisling's heritage, many aspects of the beautiful years before the return of Rian. Then there was the birth of Klaus which began a new extension to the desk, following Joulupukki's exploits including finding Lumi, his life with his mother and their travels and the beautiful life they shared in Nordgrend. The willow continued its work showing Jessica and all of the elves and even a few humans who played rolls in Erlenkönig's and Joulupukki's lives. No one knew how the desk was created. "This is truly a sight to behold, Joulupukki. This may be the last that my Willow friend will engrave in the history of the Elves. He is old and his magic is waning, but have you noticed the young Oak that grows beside it? Perhaps it will have something to offer as it grows older and wiser. The Willow is not the first to stand here.” Seileach's words trailed off as he saw the glisten in Joulupukki's eyes. Jessica was speechless and simply stood watching with her arms wrapped tightly around the king's. Joulupukki reached out to touch it then withdrew his hand as if he was scared of damaging it. The last image they watched before leaving was the ceremony that just ended. The image was still being created as they walked out of the room. “Joulupukki, you do realize that this is the Royal Suite and it is yours to use as you wish. I know you and DynDoeth have become very close over the last year, but you will be Joined soon,” he looked at Jessica, “to a very beautiful and intelligent woman. You may find you will have more privacy here in the Keep.” Joulupukki and Jessica looked at each other and he responded, “We will keep that in mind. Thank you.”