Landsbyen -Into the North- An Epic Poem 105

The next event to be held for Joulupukki was the coronation, which followed closely behind his parent's burial. He was very wary of what he would say at this event. Virtually every elf on the island was present. It was the most joyous of days and a happy party atmosphere prevailed. He did not want to destroy the frivolity of the moment, but, more, he did not want to create a fissure between the progressive younger elves and the more conservative older elves, especially the Village Elders. Of course he did have Gwaldon, Bréagán and most of all DynDoeth on his side. They had agreed to back his decision to eliminate the throne and the líne of ascension throughout the elfin kingdoms except as an advisor to the Elfin Council with the power of an equal vote if at some point a decision was met with a tie at council. With Seileach's backing and blessing the document that Joulupukki had requested of the council had been prepared to make his intentions official and binding. He began his long speech with a heartfelt greeting to the elves of the Village and with a thank you for their support during the unpleasant events that had unfolded surrounding the association with the former council member Brian and his band of Dark Elves. He almost broke down when relaying his feelings about what he saw as he ran through the cobbled streets from the Keep to DynDoeth's cottage during the battle. How his elfin brothers stood by him and helped him all along the way. The coronation began as usual and he was indeed crowned as King of the Village Kingdom. As they placed the crown on his head Seileach introduced him to the gathering as King Klaus the First. He stood and stopped the ceremony. “Greetings my brothers and citizens of the Village Kingdom,” he began. “You may have heard a rumor that the Great King of All Elves, King Erlenkönig has been returned to the Village. That is true. I am sorry that we could not fit you all in the Keep's courtyard for the ceremony but he and his beloved Queen, Aisling, were re-interred there just a few short days ago. Our council scribe has written a beautiful account of the events and will be posting them throughout all of the elfin kingdoms as the copies are available. We encourage you to visit them in the courtyard of the Keep when you have a chance, for they both loved each and every one of you.” He continued with recollections of the deeds of the great king and of the importance of his many progressive policies, many of which have been reinstated since the demise of Brian. His focus slowly narrowing to the advantages of being governed by an elected council as opposed to being ruled by a sovereign whose only claim to govern was his right to rule by succession. “Erlenkönig was indeed a great king, but who am I to say that I will be able to follow so closely in his footsteps.” The crowd who had been up beat and screaming with joyous affirmations for the new king all day, suddenly became quiet, their attention fully focused on the king's speech. “I believe the elfin people should have their own views considered when important decisions are made that have a direct effect on their lives. For this reason I must allow the Council of Six as we all know them to be the governing body of all of the citizens of the Village. I have already made arrangements to have councils created by their citizens to rule locally in each of the six kingdoms with the final word to be given by vote of the Council of Six if there are disputes within or between councils. I will become permanent counselor to the Council of Six, and will hold equal voting power as each councilman but only if a tie in votes are cast. The order of succession will remain for this position for the foreseeable future. So, with this having been said, I renounce my right to be king and the right of royalty for all of my progeny and hereby dissolve the monarchy of the Village Kingdom.” He removed the crown that so many before him had worn and laid it beside the formal document that, upon signing, would bring forth a new era for the elves. Seileach handed him the inked quill and whispered, “Are you sure of this, My King?” Joulupukki looked him in the eye and then to Lumi and DynDoeth. Ceridfen sat on the stage as well, as one of the elders. She smiled at him. His roving eyes finally returning to Seileach's. He bent over the table and he signed the document. Touching the crown for a moment, he scanned the crowd which had become deathly silent. He saw elves that he recognized and elves that he didn't. He looked at their faces, filled with hope but also with apprehension. He straightened himself to his full height and yelled out.” “Long live the Village!” There was an almost immediate response from the crowd. “Long live the Village!” They chanted “Long live the elves!” He responded. “Long live the elves!” They repeated. Then Joulupukki called to the crowd to quiet them, seeing smiles touching each of their faces. “I wish each of you long lives and prosperity, but mostly I wish you happiness and peace, and, please, from this day forward I will be known as Joulupukki.” A roar of laughter enveloped the crowd as Joulupukki laughed along with them.