Chrissy - The wood nymph

Defying the Odds 

 

Linda Brown, Librarian to most of the fae, peered down the entry lane, the cinnamon coffee exploding on her tongue. Spring was evident by the riot of color lining the road. Mist settled gently on the new foliage stretching to greet the sun.She sighed, a contented sound followed by a slow-forming smile. Her keen hearing picked up the subtle flutter of tiny wings.

Chrissy, the resident wood nymph, languidly made her way to the edge of the chair and, back-winging furiously, settled on the arm.

“Librarian?”

“Yes?”

“Would you like a refill?”

“Thank you, no. I’m doing fine. Your new coffee drink is heavenly. I think we need to create a name for it. What about Cinnamon Chrissy?”

There was a quick flapping commotion as the little nymph moved to face the librarian. Her deep violet eyes were wide with excitement.

“Really?”

“You did suggest and create it.”

The nymph flew a loop-de-loop.

“Whohoo!” She buzzed around settling once again on the arm of the chair humming a tune the librarian recognized as an ancient Celtic song of celebration.

“Librarian?”

“Hhmm?”

“What are we going to do about May Day?”

“I’m not sure. What do you normally do?”

“We have a celebration of several days with dancing and feasting.”

“I’ll let you handle the planning. Just tell me what you need and I’ll do my best to provide it.”

Silence stretched between the unusual friends.

“Chrissy?”

“Uh-huh?”

“You okay?”

“Uh-hum. Just trying to figure where to start.”

Librarian smiled. The nymph had come such a long way from their first meeting when she’d tumbled into the library, disoriented and trembling in fear. The coffee shop and restaurant portion of the library ran smoothly under her guidance. A faint rustle of wings interrupted the librarian’s thoughts.

“I think I’ll start setting things in motion. If you need me, I’ll be in the kitchen.” The tiny figure zipped through the door disappearing into the building.

Linda opted to stay on the porch and enjoy the sweet smell of the valley as the spring showers commenced to lightly sprinkle the earth. Through the mist, she spied a figure hiking up her driveway. Something familiar about the gait tickled her memory; the stride so confident, head held high.

Night elf?

Heat rushed to her cheeks, coloring the fair complexion. Stirring from her chair, she stood and stretched her legs. Her view of the traveler was better from a standing angle. There was no doubt as to the identity of the lanky man who assuredly strode to her front porch.

“Beautiful day, Librarian. Don’t you think?”

“Yes, it is.” Her cheeks glowed a healthy pink. “How’ve you been, Uther?”

“Well. I have a great hunger and thirst. Have you bread and drink available?”

“Let me speak with Chrissy. Please…” she indicated one of the chairs near a table, “…rest your feet. I’ll be back soon.”

Uther allowed a smile to cross his lips. This lovely woman whom the fae community had taken to their ranks so loyally made his heart pound. Removing his cape, he lowered his tired frame into the offered seat and leaned back to admire the scenery. His eyes threatened to close and would have had Linda not brought him a glass of water and several slices of fresh made bread. He could smell the delight before she placed the plate in front of him.

“Oh, my. It has been some time since I sank my teeth into the likes of fresh bread.”

“You can thank Chrissy. I don’t know why that little wood nymph is so determined to learn all the human tasks there are to living, but it’s been a blessing in disguise. She really does make the best bread in the valley.

Uther slathered butter on the still warm slice and bit into the concoction. His moan of appreciation tickled Linda’s heart. Sensations long forgotten started to make her uncomfortable.

“Would you like to try one of her coffee drinks? They’re really quite good.”

He held up a finger and slumped against the chair. “How anything can be as heavenly as this bread I don’t know, but I’ll try one of her coffees.”

Linda noted the relaxing of his shoulders and settling of his body.

Good. Maybe, he’ll stay longer than a day or two. Wait! Where did that come from? She hurried to the kitchen, slowing as she neared the door. A gentle knock to alert the nymph to her presence was given.

“Yes, Librarian?”

“Could you make one of your Cinnamon Chrissy’s for Uther?”

The little fae buzzed to face Linda. “Uther’s here?” Her violet eyes danced with delight.
“Yes. He just arrived and is tired and hungry. I thought he could do with a tasty pick-me-up.”

“Where’s he staying?” Her wings shook with excitement.

“I… I hadn’t asked him.” Linda’s brows knit together. “Why?”

“He used to stay with the Saun’s when he came to visit. But he can’t stay there now.”

“Hhmm, you’re right. I suspect the welcome mat wouldn’t be set out for him.”

“I’d offer my tree but I don’t think he’d fit.” Chrissy tapped her finger on her chin, forehead crinkled in thought

Linda burst into laughter.

“What?” Chrissy frowned.

Shaking her head, the Librarian settled into a warm chuckle. “The picture of Uther trying to squeeze into your home just hit me as funny.”
The little wood nymph tried hard to hold her serious look but was soon giggling.

“It would be funny, wouldn’t it?”

Linda nodded. “What say we brew up some of your magical coffee for our night elf?”

Chrissy set to putting her talents to use whipping up her cinnamon specialty.Linda carried the steaming mug to the front porch. Toeing open the screen, she headed toward the table Uther occupied.

Legs stretched in front of him, the night elf sat with his head against the building. His arms were folded and his platinum eyelashes rested on his tanned cheek. Linda stopped in her tracks and sucked in a deep breath.

He’s magnificent; so long and muscular. She set the steaming coffee cup on the nearest table and retrieved his cape from the back of a nearby chair. Gently, she covered her sleeping visitor.

He stirred and blew out a deep sigh.

Linda froze. When Uther shifted and his breathing deepened, she backed away.

“What am I going to do? You can’t sleep on the porch for the next couple days. There’s a real possibility of the temperatures dipping.” She muttered gazing at the form of the man whose looks made her heart pound. Wait a minute

The cup of coffee trailed cinnamon scented steam into the library.
“Didn’t he like my coffee?”

Linda recognized the hurt tone of the wood nymph. “He didn’t even take a sip.”

“What!”

“Hold on, Chrissy. I went out to give him the coffee and found him sleeping in his chair. Who knows how many days he’s been traveling? I didn’t see a vehicle or horse so I can only assume he was walking. I’ll bet he’s just exhausted.”

Chrissy winged to the window and peeked out at the slumbering night elf.

“Too true. Where’s he going to stay?”

“When Donald, my husband, was alive we used to go camping in the Three Sisters Wilderness area. Somewhere in the shed out back I think I still have some down filled sleeping bags he brought home with him from his time in the service. I can air them out and provide some comfort from the elements for Uther. He’ll be able to use the floor of the library after we close up at night.”

Chrissy winged to face the Librarian. “What if he says no?” 
Linda shrugged her shoulders. “I don’t know.”