Landsbyen -Into the North- An Epic Poem 8

He awoke to the sound of lightly crunching ice. As he opened his eyes the boy stood looking at him, then with one fluid motion he stepped forward and stretched out his hand, “I am Lumi, formerly Il, of the Clan Of The Village. Forgive me but I have only a rudimentary familiarity with your customs. Am I correct in extending my hand to you?” The man sat up and looked at the boy. “Yes, that is appropriate,” he returned, extending his own hand and shaking the other's. “Please call me...,” he thought for a moment considering what name he chose to give the boy. “Joulupukki.” The boy giggled before catching himself in his disrespectful act. You find my name funny,” the man inquired seriously. “Oh no!” The boy replied with an apologetic tone. "I meant no disrespect." “Do you know what it means?” probed the man. “It likely means something different in your mother tongue, but in many northern languages it refers to the goats of Odin especially during the winter Yule festival.” Lumi attempted to give as much respect to the name as possible. The man smiled then let out a gut wrenching laugh, “Yes, I am but a mid-winter goat, or so my mother told me.” He saw the confusion in the young man's eyes. “It is a long story that perhaps I will tell you someday, but for now Joulupukki will suit me just fine. In fact it is rather,” he thought for a moment, “endearing to me.” They gathered their belongings and set off again. The older man, liking a good story, inquired of Lumi why he referred to himself as, formerly, Il. They traveled at a pace that was much more relaxed and at ease on this day. A beautiful midnight blue sky lay before them with little wind and seemingly warmer temperatures. The boy explained, “Il was the name given to me by the council of six. Each child born in my society is named by the council, but at maturity they are given the right to change that name for one that better suits who they have and will become. Il means Mist. I always thought that I would retain it for life. It is a proud name,” he said. Then a cloud seemed to cover his eyes as his speech became more deliberate and his tone lowered. “After what has occurred I have been reborn,” he looked at the man, “thanks to you.” His look was sincere. “So now, I choose to be called Lumi, Snow, for now and in the future.” The man looked at him thoughtfully, “I understand,” was all he said. Looking back at him, Lumi replied, “I believe you do. I'm sure Joulupukki is but one of many names you've known.” They walked along in relative silence for several hours. The breeze gently pushing them forward. Joulupukki, observing his surroundings, found this place to be peaceful and very beautiful. The snow of the purest white and ice like crystal, clear and smooth, set against a cloudless indigo sky. The sound of the waves gently lapping against the shore was hypnotic as the never ending swirl of reds and greens dancing across the sky brought life to this austere world. He was almost beneath the lights now and they swirled patterns across the entirety of his vision. “How much farther?” He inquired of Lumi. The boy chuckled, “We are here. Can't you see it?” The man followed the boy's gaze and beneath the northern lights, seemingly from out of a mist, across from a blue infused glacial wall, he saw a bridge stretching over the water. The bridge arched high above them and was almost invisible. It appeared to be made of the most transparent of ice, clearer than the clearest of glass. It extended to a large island that also appeared to be made of ice. He could see buildings in the distance and fountains spraying water high into the air, the spray falling back to earth as sparkling ice jewels. There was movement of animals and locals traversing the streets. He was amazed that he had not noticed it before. It was so plain to him now. He looked down at Lumi, “You do see it,” the boy whispered as his grin widened into a delighted smile. “You are the one.” “The what?” The man inquired, but Lumi had already grabbed his arm and was hurriedly pulling him forward. Several steps from the end of the bridge they met a relative of Lumi's. He was short and gently heavy set with a long gray beard and cherubic cheeks. He greeted them eagerly and to his nephew he spoke for a moment in a language that the man did not understand. His expression was that of joy. “Il, I am grateful for your return.” “Lumi,” the boy corrected, and the bearded man's eyes grew large as a look of pride spread across his face. He patted Lumi on the shoulder and reverently whispered his name. “I am happy the deer made his way to you, Uncle.” “Yes, very wise of you to send him. He is enjoying the company of his friends in the stable. They have much to catch up on.” Turning to the man he expressed his gratitude for the life of his nephew. He offered his name, DynDoeth. The man spoke his in return and the old gentleman stifled a giggle until Joulupukki began to laugh as well and all three found themselves giggling and laughing all of the way across the bridge. When they reached the other side, Lumi excused himself and said he would make things ready for the arrival of their visitor.