Landsbyen -Into the North- An Epic Poem 68

Joulupukki knocked on the door before entering the room. In the center of one wall was a bed that was large enough for two humans to fit in comfortably. The young elf lying there looked like a doll in the middle of over sized doll house furniture. Lumi sat in a chair that was also too big, the soft cushions looked to be swallowing him. Beside the bed was a beautifully carved bed table. The rest of the room was sparsely decorated with only a dresser on one wall and a wardrobe slid up against another, both carved to match the bed table. Lumi stood as the big man entered the doorway. “How is she,” Joulupukki asked? “She is resting,” was Lumi's response. “Ceridfen asked me to bring some broth for the two of you in case she awakens.” He arranged the two mugs on doilies that Lumi quickly placed on the bedside table. “She will be fine, Lumi.” He reassured the fidgeting elf. The worry on his face gave new dimension to Lumi's personality. Usually so confident, Joulupukki had never seen him so vulnerable, so 'Human'. He smiled at the thought of this as he laid is hand on the other's shoulder. “We are here, Lumi. If you need anything you have but to ask.” Lumi smiled back at him and mouthed, thank you. The half elf turned after a moment and started toward the door. “Ah, Joulupukki?” Lumi stopped him. “Forgive me, but I don't think I will be able to accompany you on your journey tomorrow.” Joulupukki turned and replied, “If circumstances allow, you are welcome to come, but I understand if you can't.” As he was speaking his eyes fell upon a locket that was laying on the dresser. He stepped over and looked closely at it. “This was the room that Aisling used before she and Erlenkönig were wed and where they stayed before they left the Village during the Dark Times. The furniture was hers but it was too large and heavy to move when they fled to the Southern Clan. Ceridfen has left it the way they had it.” Joulupukki rubbed the locket slowly between his finger and thumb, feeling the etching on the top and the smoothness of the back. He opened it and found two very young painted images of his father and mother facing each other inside. He looked at them for several moments before closing it. “That was Erlenkönig's engagement gift to your mother,” Lumi explained. “She thought she had lost it. She spoke about it on several occasions and wanted me to have it.” He placed it back on the dresser top and whispered the words engraved on the back of it, 'Forever, My Aisling, My Love'. As he turned to leave, his eyes looking down, he added, “I miss her so much.” Opening the door he turned back to Lumi. I'm going to make a simple small smorgasbord, if you get hungry, please, come join us.” “Thank you,” Lumi replied. Joulupukki was tired and went straight to the pantry when he arrived down stairs. He lightly touched Ceridfen's shoulder as he walked past her. Gathering several plates he arranged an assortment of cheeses on one and dried fish on another as well as various meats and fruits, mostly dried, except the figs. On a third, he placed small cups of condiments of jellied berries with bread. The Garden Elf made certain to always have fresh figs growing in the garden. He wondered how the elf was fairing after such a stressful ordeal. On a side table he found a pitcher, both lovely and functional in it's design. He filled it with hot broth and carried all he had made into the Eating Hall. He refreshed everyone's mugs before sitting down and filling one for himself. The broth was hot, the food cold and the conversation and emotions were warm and inviting. Each elf commented on the food, saying it was the perfect combination for an evening snack. They talked and joked and listened to the tranquility of the quiet house, but mostly they just enjoyed each other.