Ch 5: Leprechaun Encounters With Elvish Delights

Chapter 5

Outside of London there is a hidden wood. I hope someday to return.

Humans think it but a park, a fine place for picnics, punting on the river or ponds, or large family gatherings. But at at night ...

The woods thicken and grow wild. Strange creature emerge into now expansive woods and meadows, occupying the niches they have comfortably enjoyed since time began. Here they will stay, until time once more unites with eternity.

The humans have left, being uncomfortable in the soft woods of eventide, and the elves and faerie creatures emerge in central meadows of delight. It is a joyful place then, elegant dinners, orchestrated dances, lively conversations. Through the nite the gaiety continues, until just before dawn the magic elvish wood reverts to a human park; organized, comfortable, and just a little dull.

If humans knew they would zone the park duel use. But only small children, and those that refuse to grow up, are aware of the wondrous affairs that ensue. Humans are seldom invited. There is a sadness in being an elf friend, experiencing joys that can not be shared with the unbelieving. They become part of two worlds -- belonging to neither one.

It was a lovely soft night that John appeared, clutching a tea cozy with dancing fauns embroidered upon it. A few light clouds drifted fore the moon and countless bright stars, a mist that was not quite fog drifted through the trees. Twas but a sparkling of dew on grass untouched by dancing feet in quiet corners of the meadow.

It was with surprise that Shirker John looked at the throne before him, it was empty, with a bough of holly resting on the seat. Next to the throne was a beautiful elf that John recognized, he had seen her talking to his mother at the party of twenty and four advisors. He had hoped to talk to her then; but matters of great import, his future, had weighed on him and diverted most of his attention.

She smiled.

"Welcome John of the Two Kingdoms, to what on the morrow will become my kingdom. The period of mourning for my father will be past at midnight, the holly will be removed with honor, and I will ascend to the throne carrying oak leaves. I am the princess Ellse."

John is experiencing a minor miracle, he is finding it hard to speak. To cover his ill ease he bows deeply and clumsily, bowing is not something a leprechaun is prone to do. He manages to say something as he rights himself, "I had hoped to talk to you at the party."

"I know the concerns that weigh upon your brow John. As a prince of two kingdoms your responsibilities exceed even mine."

"You're not one for small talk are you?"

"I must avoid it this time John, perhaps the future will offer another chance. But I will mention one small thing. Big G has sent word that he is missing his salt and pepper shakers, porcelain with solid gold twist on caps."

"Ouch." Was the enough? thought John No. "My first thought was of the beautifully wrought gold, especially when shrunk to fit my table; but his runes would spell out the theft. My second was the surprise on my guests faces when they sampled the potency of the shrunken herbs, but that was too dangerous. I thought to leave them, even as I considered how at full size they would look like primitive urns flanking my fireplace. I left them, but not without a backward glance."

"And what is that souvenir you have vested yourself in?"

John checked the pockets of his striped vest, knowing stripes and checks don't go together. "Ah, well, it seems there are a pair of miniature shakers in my vest's watch pocket. If I had conveniently forgotten, how did you discover them?"

"It was my magic that transported you, I was aware of the many encumbrances you carry, some only of the soul. You seem to acquire souvenirs and samples wherever you roam. They burden you John. Each makes it harder to complete your next venture."

"But it is my nature to appreciate beauty, it is but one reason why I do not wish to leave you."

Ellse sighed, "I look into your eyes and I can see the way to a pleasant future, it it be shared with you. But you must become the prince you were created to be, not a hollow fantasy character."

"I am but a child, my reasoning trained but ill applied. I will leave what physical loads I can discover here, if you will return them to their owners for me. "Tell me true: Is there hope that someday I may prevail against the call of immediate whim, and not endanger what I want to achieve?"

"That's not small talk either. Life is balance John, we must weigh the satisfying of our passions against the need to keep them from dominating us. There will be a time for acquisition, but only if you continuously dedicate yourself to what is most important. Today we must control our passions, so tomorrow we may be fly them at our command. It is the paradox of freedom. To fully experience freedom -- we must limit ourselves and simultaneously risk our freedoms. Find and maintain your own balance."

John tried to look burdened, and found he already felt that way. "I shall look forward to the marrow, subordinating fickle desires till then. Tell me if you know, what is most needed of today; besides my need to shed childish covetousness."

Princess Ellse smiled, "I shall start with a gift. Toed Ya So may have been a light hearted play club, But The Dagda had more than a cauldron in his possession. His own club was famous, known for killing six with one blow, and then restoring them to life. Although like many such items it had many names and none. Dagda the father treated it as one of his many children. I have had a splinter of that club carved with runes, leaves, and vines of elvish enchantments. It has been fashioned into a walking staff, for you, by our wizards. It's very nature is power of life and death, to this were added spells of protection for Shirker John of Two kingdoms."

John was almost as spellbound upon seeing the staff as he had been with Ellse's eyes, almost. It was beautiful. A little crooked perhaps with a natural shape of a tree branch, capped and footed with silver metals, a central band of metal for ease of handling in a fight. The runes and carvings provided grips for it's entire length."

John accepted the staff, twirled it over his head, then spun it to strike a pebble on the earth at full extension. "it is better balanced than any staff I have ever handled, the grips have obviously been created just for me, it feels like an extension of myself."

Johns excitement shone large, "I would name it after you Ellse, but I shall be wandering dangerous paths leaning on it's strength, fighting evil foe. I would not have your memory exposed to such threats. I shall instead call my marvelous staff -- Dagda's Get -- to remind me both of the love he held for his club, and that I must be to getting his cauldron."

"I am enraptured with your pleasures in the crafting, it does suit you well.

"Suited well? Dagda's Get is like the finest of armor in the lightest of weights. It is a grand hospitality gift. I had not time to prepare a greeting gift, and do not know of anything I own that could match. Ask a boon of me, I shall strive to provide it."

Ellse smiled,"Were it more, I should be pleased. For now, there is a problem with marauding trolls. If you are able to recover either Sword Findas or Spear Gorias you can free my people from this terror. There is great risk, will you try, as my champion -- fighting at my side?"

At his choking ascent, Ellse continued, "I have a human to accompany your quest, one who has the scars of many failures, but retains an undimmed hero's heart. She will not desert you. To her aid you may call on your friends at need, and your giant fighting team will be brought to you, This will work but once, so be sparing of it's use. Come, let me show you the path you must follow. Tonight we celebrate, tomorrow you begin."

"Aye," my gloom raising from the deeps, "Once more a grand party, and out of sad wisdom, I'll not be touching the ale."

To be continued ... (perhaps by you?)




You can recall John from his travels, if you are sufficiently committed comments to assure him he has an audience.

if you want to read some web-fiction, try The Hackers End Game - it's complete, just awaiting a little editing and a rewrite.





John has new adventures to live. Talk him into once again relating his Faerie stories, he wants writers to enjoy sharing his stories. He said something about the chicken or the egg coming first, but he will settle for an omelet.

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