Landsbyen -Into the North- An Epic Poem 98

The Council room, back on the fifth floor of the Keep, was quite busy upon their arrival. They stood just outside of the door waiting for the councilman to complete the business at hand not wanting to interrupt. The process was efficient with Seileach leading the proceedings and they did not have to wait for long. Noticing the group waiting outside of the doorway, the Elder councilman addressed them. “Your Highness, please come in, you have no need to wait,” he bowed as Joulupukki entered and the rest of the counsel stood and bowed as well. “I was informed that you would be visiting the council for official business today, but I was not enlightened as to the nature of this business?” He said this in such a way as to turn the statement into a question for Joulupukki to answer. “Thank you, Seileach. We have several requests for the council to consider, but first may I acknowledge the respect I have for each of you who agree to sit on the this esteemed assembly.” He looked into the eyes of every counselor as each nodded to accept his adulation spending an extra moment when he reached the Erin councilman. “First, may I introduce to those of you who do not already know him,” the king stepped aside and motioned for the elf to move forward, “one of the legends of the Battle of the Keep, and friend to King Erlenkönig, Bréagán.” The council stood and clapped in recognition of the great elf. “He would like to petition the council for his rightful claim to the cave and cottage set aside for him by Erlenkönig located on the top of the hill overlooking our village.” Just as Joulupukki's words left his mouth, a strong but aged hand squeezed Bréagán's shoulder. He turned to see Gwaldon standing behind him. They embraced with strong arms as tears began to flow freely down each of their cheeks. “My friend,” Gwaldon began, “it has been so long. By Oden's breath, it is good to see you.” They mostly ignored the proceedings surrounding them and talked in hushed voices, catching only the occasional word. “This should not take long,” Seileach was saying to the group. “As per the known wishes of Erlenkönig when the cave and land were set aside, if any councilman wishes to debate the validity of Bréagán's claim to this land please let it be known now.” There was silence from the council. “All that wish to deny his claim?” Again silence. “All who uphold the claim?” Every councilman raised his hand and yelled out with his most enthusiastic yes, “Aye!” “The proposal has been carried.” Seileach said with enthusiasm. “Bréagán, Bréagán? Please accept my apology for interrupting your reunion,” Seileach drew Bréagán's attention from his friend with a few words and a smile. “Forgive me,” Bréagán said meekly. “No need to apologize to me, as per Erlenkönig's wishes, the land and cave specified by the fence atop the hill is yours to do with what you wish from this moment forward, and we all wish to welcome you home after such a long absence.” Joulupukki stood back as the councilmen offered personal greetings and invitations to the long bearded elf. He glanced at Joulupukki once and smiled in his direction before Gwaldon wisp him away from the crowd. “As for other business,” Joulupukki continued. “Lumi and I have been away from the Village for some time now.” There was a rustling in the room as he finished his words. “Before you make comment about this, please, allow me to finish explaining what purpose caused this departure. One reason was to convince Bréagán he was needed in the Village. As you can see, we were successful in that venture.” All of the councilman nodded their heads in agreement. I, also, wanted to bring the remains of my mother, Aisling, and my father, Erlenkönig, back to the Village to be re-interred here.” The council's attention was directed solely at Joulupukki at the mention of his father's name. “And did you succeed in this as well,” came from the Erin Elf's lips. “Indeed we did,” was Joulupukki's response. “The death boxes for both my mother and father are being stored, for now, in DynDoeth's stable. I would like to request that the council make arrangements for them to be interred in the courtyard of the Keep by the old Willow Tree against the wall beneath the window of the King's Suite with full regal adornment and honors.” “Would you not prefer King Erlenkönig to rest with his father and grand father in the Royal Plaza at the head of the Court of Kings?” Seileach's question was understandable. The ascension of the regal line of kings of the Village could be traced along the pathway that led through the Court of Kings. For Seileach to offer Erlenkönig to be placed at its head was a great honor, but Joulupukki felt that his father would more likely prefer to be laid to rest in the shade of an old friend along side his truly beloved wife. “Thank you for your kindness, Seileach,” Joulupukki responded, “but I believe my father would prefer the eternal company of my mother over that of his stodgy father, if you know what I mean, and if the counsel is so inclined to grant this request.” The counsel laughed at Joulupukki's joke. “Yes, Joulupukki, if that is what you wish, your request will be granted. Any need for further discussion?” He asked the council. No one responded. “Then those in favor?” Everyone raised their hands.” Seileach looked at Joulupukki. “Consider it done.” He smiled at Joulupukki and continued. “I will see to the arrangements myself.” “Thank you,” Joulupukki sincerely expressed his gratitude.