Landsbyen -Into the North- An Epic Poem 96

“I thought you were asleep,” Jessica questioned? “I forgot the presents that I brought for Chroi. I left them in the sled.” “Do you have a moment,” Joulupukki asked Lumi, “There is a very important bit of information I would have my best friend and my wife know before it is made public.” “Please, go ahead, Chroi is asleep now and I can't give her the presents until later.” Joulupukki let them both know about his plans. Lumi was a bit surprised but not really, and a tiny bit disappointed. Jessica listened closely, not interrupting. “That is a very difficult decision to make, my Love, and I wish that I could, in some way, help you make it, but I'm afraid it is yours alone to decide. I will be with you no matter what you chose.” She clasped his face with both hands and kissed him. Lumi turned his head looking embarrassed by this show of affection. “What's wrong, Lumi?” He looked at Jessica trying to find the words to express his feelings. “I have dreamed so many times of kissing Chroi as you just kissed him, but I am too shy to do it.” “Have you not kissed her?” Jessica asked with surprise. “Yes, yes, we have kissed, but not publicly.” “Oh,” she said with understanding, then “Oh,” she repeated, this time with concern. “You have shared your feelings for each other, have you not,” she inquired. “Yes, we have and we both love each other.” He felt strange saying this to someone he had known for such a short while. He also awaited a sarcastic comment from Joulupukki, but when he looked at the King, his expression was of concern. “I know this may be difficult for you my friend, but I would strongly suggest that the next time you are with Chroi and there is company around, give her a kiss, not on the cheek like she's your sister but on her lips. If it is a natural kiss that seems to belong to the moment, all the better, but if not find a reason. A woman needs to know that the man she loves, loves her, and he is willing to share that knowledge with the world.” She patted his arm as they headed back to the cottage. “You may be surprised with her reaction.” She reminded herself to very discretely share this little conversation with Chroi when she got the chance. When they were back in the house, Lumi excused himself, saying he would like a couple of hours of sleep before they visited the council the next day. Joulupukki escorted Jessica to her room and kissed her good night before returning to the eating hall. He poured himself a glass of wine and sat down to go over what he would say to the council the next day. There would be no sleep for him. Joulupukki sat at the table for several hours changing from wine to water. He had thought through the just of what he wanted to convey to the Clans Counsel. Now he simply awaited the group that would accompany him. He wanted Lumi there to start learning the ways of the chamber. He hoped one day that Lumi might wish to be a part of it. Dyndoeth was essential, he was one of the most respected elves in the Village. Bréagán had to be there to make claim to his cottage and he hoped Gwaldon would show as well to support Bréagán's claim if there were any questions about it. He knew, as acting king, he did not have to go through all of this trouble, but wanted the backing of the council so that they would share the responsibility of the these decisions with him. Ceridfen was the first to show.