The King of the Woodland Realm
An unusually cold wind blew across the snow-covered mountains and into the valley where the village of Lyndelby resides. There I were workin' in the garden when I became chilled to me very bone. Unfortunately, I were far too late in heedin' me daughters' pleas to come indoors. As a result, Daidí Beag, that's meself, took ill for several days.
Me daughters Ériu, Banba, and Fódla did their best to nurse me back to somethin' resemblin' me previous health and vigour. I passed the time sittin' in me rockin' chair by the fire wrapped in warm woolen blankets whilst I sipped cups of hot nettle tea. It weren't like me to sit still for more than a few minutes let alone a few days, but on this occasion I had no say in the matter.
'You're sittin' there 'til you're well, and that's all there is to it!' scolded Ériu. 'Aye, and we'll keep a close eye on ye to see that you do!' added Banba. "Hmm!" Fódla added for emphasis. As I said, I had no say in the matter.
By the time I'd regained most of me health me grandkids Dooli, Daibhidh, Darowva, Diolun, and Beacha were more than anxious for me to resume me bedime storytellin'.
'The Wood-elf scouts escorted Beannaithe to stand before the King,' I says. 'He were tall and fair with bright golden hair. On his brow he wore a crown of green leaves.
"I am King of the Woodland Realm," he said to the lass. "Although I am an Elf of the Twilight, my folk are Silvan Elves, that is, Elves of the Woods. Those not of my folk often find my name difficult to pronounce so I will say to you that in the Common Tongue my name means 'Vigourous Spring'."
Beannaithe gave no response. The King's countenance darkened.
"Who are you and why have you come into my realm?" he asked somewhat sternly.
Beannaithe did her best through expressions, gestures, and her own peculiar sounds to answer the Woodland King's questions; she were unsuccessful. Unlike a few others found in this tale, the Wood-elf king could not read her thoughts.
The King stared at the lass in wonder. Finally he commanded his chamberlain, "Bring this Halfling a glass of wine. Can you not see that she thirsts?" His command were immediately obeyed.
While his servant were fetchin' the wine the king noticed the marvelous sword that Beannaithe had strapped upon her back.
After his guest had a few sips of wine the king said to her, "What a fine sword you have, little one. It shines so brightly! Wherever did you get it?"
Beannaithe pantomimed a woman and swimmin' then spread her arms wide and made a circular motion.
"The sea?" the King guesseed.
Beannaithe made a fist, extendin' only her thumb and forefinger. Then she narrowed the distance between thumb and finger indicatin' somethin' smaller.
"A lake?" the king guessed again.
Beannaithe nodded her head to confirm his guess.
"A woman in a lake then?"
Beannaithe nodded again.
The King smiled and chuckled to himself, not believin' a bit of her fanciful story.
"Stole it from some forgotten dragon hoard I warrant, or perhaps from one of those miserable Dwarves. Serves them right, the wretches!" the King thought to himself before sayin', "You had best take care of it then. It is obviously of great worth."
Beannaithe smiled and vigorously nodded her head.
The King then remarked on her strange snail-inspired armour, "Did this Lake Lady also provide your armour?"
Beannaithe seemed surprised and a little confused by the King's question. She shook her head indicatin' that she had not.
"Never the matter," replied the King. "You should be properly attired while you remain in my realm. I would be greatly saddened if one of my scouts pierced your beautiful armour because they thought you were a goblin."
Beannaithe was not pleased at all that the Woodland King thought she resembled a goblin, but she did not express her displeasure to him.
The King called for his armourer to make Beannaithe some suitable woodland gear durin' her visit. Later, when the King saw how fine Beannaithe looked in the armour of his people, he also granted her a slender woodland bow from his weapon hoard.
"I have one final thing to show you, little one," the King said proudly. He escorted her through the gate and across the bridge to where one of his folk stood holdin' the leash to Beannaihe's elk friend.
"Behold!" said the King.
To Beannaithe's surprise and delight it had been equipped with the saddle and gear of a proper mount.
"Do you like what you see?" said the Elf-king.
Beannaithe vigourously nodded her head once again.
"I have given you not one, and not two, but three gifts, young Halfing!" boasted the King. "Have you anything you'd like to give me in return?" he asked, glancin' at the sword strapped across Beannaithe's back.
The lass felt uneasy, but did her best not to show it. Instead, she innocently reached into her pack and drew forth a small object wrapped in beech leaves. Beannaithe then placed it into the King's hand.
He opened the packaged and slowly peeled back the leaves. "What is this?" he asked, disappointedly.
Beannaithe motioned that he should eat it.
The Elf-king gingerly took a small bite. Although he would not admit it, it was delicious. Again he asked, "What is this?"
The elf holdin' the elk steed's leash bent at the waist to examine the object.
"Lord, it appears to be a honey-cake," the Elf answered. "It is said that it is very rare indeed that the Beornings give these to strangers. To receive one is a great honour."
The Elf-king, forcin' a smile, thanked Beannaithe for the cake. Clearly he had his eyes on a larger prize. "I will have that sword!" he said to himself but for now he'd bide his time until another opportunity presented itself.
Beannaithe, movin' quickly before the Elf-king could snatch her sword, mounted the elk, waved good-bye, then rode away.'
'That were some story!' said a delighted Darowva.
'Aye, quite strange but entertainin' nonetheless,' said Daibhidh with a chuckle.
Dooli and Diolun looked at each other and shrugged.
From the corner of me eye I could see me daughters comin' to claim their sons and daughters.
'Oíche mhaith, me wee darlin's!' I said to me grandkids as their mothers led them away to their beds.
