Landsbyen -Into the North- An Epic Poem 82

“Thank you again for your hospitality, Raðulfr.” Joulupukki stood and lifted Jessica to her feet. “Do not argue with me child,” Raðulfr knew he was starting a battle when his mouth first opened. “You must go with Joulupukki. You have been given to him.” “Father I will not leave you alone. You know you need me...” she started when she realized what his last words were. “Given to him!” she demanded. “I am not a bauble from your store, father!” The flash of red from her long tresses seemed to burn like fire raging in a tree top, hot and intense. As she whipped it from her face to glare into his eyes a single thin braid slashed across Joulupukki's face. He took her arm and turned her toward him. “I am no man's beast. I will not supply you with wool from my hair nor will I be the goat that you chase through the fields.” She glared in his eyes, her anger reddening the alabaster of her cheeks. “But I will be your goat if you will have me,” Joulupukki returned. She thought of her words and her face turned an even deeper crimson. “I did not mean...” “Shhh,” he said. “Walk with me and Lumi back to the sleigh,” he requested. I will not force you to leave, but we need to speak.” She glanced back at her father. “Lumi,” Joulupukki nodded to him and he nodded back. Lumi took Raðulfr's hand and shook it. “It has been a pleasure, Raðulfr. I hope I have the honor of spending more time with you in the future.” “I also, Lumi, you have lightened my heart with your presence.” Joulupukki leaned over and hugged his friend. Using his magic he sent a healing spell into him, “I will return with Jessica as soon as I can,” he whispered to his host, and Raðulfr collapsed in his arms. He lifted the man and carefully carried him to his bed. Then turning to leave he saw the alarmed expression on Jessica's face. “Do not be alarmed my love, he is only sleeping. When he awakes in a day or two he will be a new man.” The three of them left through the fire pit end of the house, passing through the dried skins. “Lumi took the liberty of restocking your fathers food stores,” the half elf said. Jessica looked around her and saw the pantry bulging with nuts and bread and honey. A smile spread across her face as she thanked the elf. They left the house and made their way back to the plateau where they found the deer lying around, having stuffed themselves on the supple tender shoots of the new grass that had sprouted on this unusually warm, late harvest day. They spoke throughout their walk and when they finally reached the plateau, Lumi busied himself harnessing the deer to give his friend some privacy. “I wish for us to be together for the rest of our lives, Jessica, but if you feel you need to be with your father, I understand.” “What did you do to him,” she asked? “I gave to him a tiny bit of my magic. A part of me. It will extend his life, but more it will make him whole again.” “I do not know what to say, what a generous gift.” “No, he was the generous one my love. He offered to me the most precious of all gifts,” he hesitated before continuing, “you.” She blushed and wrapped her arms around him. “You know I am yours, but I worry about him.” She explained to Joulupukki. “I know. He will sleep for a day or two and awaken very hungry and his mind will be clear and alert like in his early days.” “I didn't even say goodbye.” “I left a note. I told him we would return as soon as possible.” “You knew I would come with you, didn't you?” “No, I just hoped. It is your decision.” Jessica thought about what he said. Her father would sleep for some time and when he awoke he would have ample food to eat. For the moment he had no need of her. “Well, I guess this will be an adventure.” Jessica concluded as she mounted the sleigh.