by Kira Van Ittersum
An Original Story ©2008
Once upon a time in a shire of old, a lovely young maiden set about her day as she usually did, making her porridge and brewing her tea in anticipation of her daily morning visit with friends. Each day the woodsmen would rap on her door and come gaily to sit about her cozy table sharing hearty laughs and endearing camaraderie, discussing in detail the colorful turns and times of their good lives. And so it was that she now eagerly prepared to accept them.
Soon, as she expected, a rap was heard, and she ran gleefully and swung open the heavy door to her cottage. There on her doorstep stood the rumpled heap of a man, wearing a hooded garb of filth and fray. Momentarily she was astonished and stumped. And then he spoke, “Could thou please provide a little sustenance for a poor old beggar? I have traveled far, and am in need of food and rest. Would thee be so kind as to allow me entrance here?’’
“Oh, dear me,” she said, catching her balance. “Indeed, come forth and I will gladly feed thee, sir.” And with that he gained his place about her table. Reaching into the cupboard, she found a special, highly prized cup, the one she saved for honored guests. She rinsed it well and filled it to the brim with warm tea and set it before her shabby guest. “There now, do drink!” she pronounced gladly. “And let me fill a bowl of porridge for thee also. I have made it very hearty. I feel thee shall enjoy it!” And she served him up a portion of the steamy, tasty delight.
Soon other rappings were heard and other guests were seated, though talk and laughter felt stilted on this awkward morning, and wary looks were exchanged, as her friends did not know what to make of this strange new visitor among them. She cast frowns of displeasure to every stammering, but familiar guest, and before long they were gently made to understand that her new guest deserved better of them.
In little time they were all offering him smiles and the welcome banter of their wee club, and he then became animated and joyous in their presence. They were all quite amazed at the knowledge he possessed about their small kingdom, and delighted in the colorful tales and adventures he shared. Most of them could remember the names and figures he recollected, and the lore he presented in detail certainly pointed to the fact that he had more than a passing knowledge of the area, and the tales often told in the shire. His methods of reintroducing these events were intimate, detailed, and spiked with humor, bringing about gales of laughter! Everyone present was impressed with his language and manner, despite his rough looks. After a bit the new friend took his leave with jolly handshakes and abundant thanks.
Once she had led her new guest to the door and bid him farewell, the others turned to their hostess imploringly. Things had turned out well enough. Even so, one after another summoned her answers to the questions they couldn’t help themselves from asking. ”Wherever did you find such a man? An interesting character indeed! Why is it that none of us have ever heard of him? And we noticed right off that you had offered him the special cup you save for fine visitors!”
“It turned out well indeed, yet, in all honesty I must tell you that I knew him not at all, “ she said, looking at them and blushing rather impishly. “And, yea, I must admit that for a slight instant, considering his state, I knew not what to say to him when he showed up at my doorstep asking my assistance. But then I thought of each of thee, and I knew that should any one of thee ever be in such need, I should only hope that someone like me, who had more than enough, would be willing to provide for thee. Then of course, my choice was wisely made, and I set about doing what any one of us would do for each other. It was no choice at all really. As for the cup, he had the greatest need, and so I gave him the best I had to offer. But, as for the content, every cup I served contained the same degree of love and nourishment; of that thou may be assured.”
Everyone had to agree that a blessing had occurred there that day, for each had made a new and wonderful acquaintance. Her friends then headed into their day, well fed, and happy with her decision.
The very next day a proclamation went forth from the palace that read thusly, “Your once miserable and miserly old king has just returned from an anonymous excursion into his shire. He is now a much wiser and nobler creature, having felt the good nature of his neighbors. Therefore, let every frail or hungry one among us now come forth to the palace to be fed, cloaked, and warmed. We are a good people who have plenty. Let it be known by those in need that our cups runneth over with kindness and nourishment for all.”
And so it is, in that far-off shire, to this very day!
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