Landsbyen -Into the North- An Epic Poem 94

They made a smooth grounding outside of the stable behind Dyndoeth's cottage. As they did Rådyrvokter heard them and came out of the stable to greet them. “It is good to see you, Rådyrvokter.” Joulupukki said as the group stepped one by one from the sleigh. “Lumi,” the Stable Elf nodded, acknowledging the the young elf. Lumi smiled and nodded back. “I do not know if the two of you have met, this is Bréagán,” Joulupukki introduced him to Rådyrvokter, “Bréagán, Rådyrvokter.” “The Great Bréagán, I'm sure you do not remember me but we did meet once a very long time ago, just before you left.” “Indeed I do remember you. Dyndoeth tried his best to keep me from leaving, but when he saw my determination he asked you to arrange for a couple of deer to guide me on my way. Thank you for that. I don't know if they returned to you but I released them as soon as I found a suitable place to live in the mountains.” “They did, and Gwaldon and Dyndoeth were happy to receive your note and to know that you were well.” “Oh my, I had forgotten about that note.” Lumi stood by, only half listening, not wanting to be rude but fidgeting the whole time. “Lumi,” Joulupukki tried to get his attention, when the elf finally looked, he said, “don't you have more important matters to attend to then wasting your time waiting for us.” With a quick smile, Lumi sprinted through the back door of the cottage shouting, “Ceridfen, Ceridfen as he made his way past the pantry, “is she still here, how is she?” As he entered the eating hall he heard Dyndoeth call back, “Quiet down boy.” “Is she OK...?” His voice trailed off as he entered the room. Sitting across the table from Ceridfen and Dyndoeth was Chroí, her back toward him. She turned and with her soft, sweet voice answered him. “Yes, Lumi she is here, and, yes, she is is quite well, almost back to normal.” He stepped over to her and gave her a long hug. Dyndoeth stood from the table and started toward the back door. “I will make some broth for them to drink,” Ceridfen rose following her husband. “I will help you,” Chroí said, but Ceridfen waved her back into her chair insisting that she keep Lumi company. As the two humans exited the sleigh, Joulupukki introduced both of them to the Stable Elf, who was a bit surprised to see two humans standing in front of him. He had met Aisling, even become somewhat of a friend to her when she and Erlenkönig lived in the cottage, but he was not expecting Joulupukki to bring two back with him. Dyndoeth shouted out upon seeing his old friend. “Bréagán, my friend! It has been so long since last I saw you.” He gave him a hug. “And who are these two,” he was taken off guard by the presence of humans but plowed through his hesitation, “friends of yours Joulupukki?” Joulupukki introduced them. “This is the man who took us in when first we arrived at the hamlet of Nordgrend. He helped us and fed us and was most kind to us, much like you were with me when I first arrived here. If ever there was a truly compassionate human, he stands before you now. Dyndoeth it is my honor to present to you Raðulfr.” “And this lovely young lady,” Dyndoeth prompted him as he took her hand in his. “This is Jessica, daughter of Raðulfr, and, I hope, soon to be my mate.” “Your mate! What a wondrous day my son. You have returned home to us safely, and re-united me with a friend I thought I would never see again, and perhaps, brought with you the mother to a future king.” Dyndoeth leaned close to Joulupukki, “What of Aisling and Erlenkönig?”