Ralph and the Pixie

Ralph caught up with Pran where he and several other Elves were splitting timber into building material. When Ralph told Pran what the girls had said, he remained doubtful until Ralph reminded him of Theuli’s words concerning Deborah’s ability with mirrors. And as to sending a message . . .

‘It may be done,’ said Pran faintly, setting down the handled wedge and sledgehammer he had been using. ‘It will require much from the one sending the message, but it may be done. Let us hope the message is not false, or disaster could result.’

When Pran and Theuli, along with Ralph and Malina and the children arrived home a while later, they found Deborah and Éha asleep on the couch where Ralph had left them. They didn’t waken as Ralph and Pran bore Deborah and Éha back to bed. They were placed together in Deborah’s bed, and clung together though asleep.

With a sigh, Ralph said, ‘You were right about one thing. Deborah wouldn’t be able to recognize herself. I think she’d sprout wings and disappear amongst the Pixies if she could. How did you know?’

‘I could see something of her spirit,’ Pran replied. ‘I knew that if she found what she lacked in this world, she would be changed in ways that were beyond her ken, though who could have foreseen this? For despite being a Human woman, she hears the Dance of Life as acutely as any of our Faerie kindred. Until now I would have said that such a thing was not possible.’