36

(Previous Post: 35)

You rub your knees as you speak--sitting down has only made you feel more tired.

"I'd like to see it. But if I could rest for a bit and have some food first, I'd feel more up to the task, and make a better assessment. If that's alright with you?"

With the smallest motion, Kihawahine orders Laitaino to grant your request. He rushes out, and in moments you are brought stacks of pillows of blue, red, white and Tyrian purple. You lay back on the soft cushions, the soreness in your body quickly evident. Plates of food and bottles of wine soon follow, but you're so tired... your eyes so heavy. The last thing you see before falling asleep is the polar star, shining in the afternoon sky.

Child of the pure unclouded brow
And dreaming eyes of wonder!
Though time be fleet, and I and thou
Are half a life asunder,
Thy loving smile will surely hail
The love-gift of a fairy-tale.

But oh, beamish child, beware of the day,
If your Snark be a Boojum! For then
You will softly and suddenly vanish away,
And never be met with again!
You will return by night or morning,
and remain alive if yet heed my warning.

You crack open your your eyes slightly, and the day is once again night turned to day. A camp fire blazes, and you can hear the voice of Micaja:

"Once upon a time there was a Boojum--" he begins, but stops suddenly. "I forget the rest of the Fable," he chuckles. "And there was a lesson to be learned from it. I'm afraid I forget that, too."

The group surrounding the fire laughs, but Roisin cuts in.

“I have a story.” Roisin interrupts. “It's one of Aiden's. I'm sure he'd tell it if he was awake,” her voice lowers, “and if he remembered.”

• If you close your eyes and listen to the story, go to 37
• If you do something else, place your next action in comments below and your story will continue as soon as possible.