An Ancient Secret (a photostory, with apologies to Tolkien)
Originally posted on July 28, 2007
Eron: I don’t like to bother you, but I’m looking for my brother. Last I heard from him he was heading here.
Laurelin: That would be Eli, I presume?
Eron: Yes, he’s here then?
Laurelin:: I am afraid you have missed him. He was in and out very quickly – he only took time to gather Cassandra up and they have headed off on a trip somewhere. I didn’t meet him myself, but my sisters assure me this is the case.
Eron: Hey, thanks anyway, I’ll just have to find him some other way or wait for him to return. I apologize for my intrusion and…for my manners too. Never introduced myself. My name is Eron.
Laurelin: And I am Laurelin. Pleased to make your acquaintance.
Eron: Laurelin, really? (teases) And does Telperion live here as well?
Laurelin: Yes, but I never see him – he has the night shift. So you know the legend? (to herself) …or what most humans believe to be legend…
Eron: Some of my favorite reading material. Laurelin, the golden tree, shining her light during the day, and Telperion, representing the light of what we now call the moon, illuminating the night skies. I can see where you got your name.
Laurelin: Why thank you, Eron. But I too am suffering from a lack of manners. Would you like to sit down? Have some wine? A glass of water? The least I can do is offer refreshment before you must again depart.
Eron: That would be appreciated, as long as it’s no trouble. But I’d better stick with the water.
Laurelin: No trouble at all, none whatsoever.
Laurelin: It just occurred to me – you are the gardener, are you not?
Eron: Yes, that would be me. How did you know?
Laurelin: Just between you and me and the rosebushes, I have been hearing much talk about you. Indeed, some of the local ladies have recently discovered a sudden and all-encompassing interest in all things horticultural. Now that I have met you I can understand.
Eron: (a little embarrassed) I’m sure you’re mistaken. I would bet they’re interested more because it’s growing season than any…
Laurelin: Deny as you like, Eron, but these ladies would be fascinated by compost if that was your forte. Buds and blooms hold some appeal, but I am quite certain it is you that holds their most rapt attention.
Eron: Let’s hope whoever they are, they don’t find out I’m around, then. It’d be pretty uncomfortable having to deal with….
Laurelin: Oh, but I am afraid my silence on the matter will come at a cost, Eron.
Eron: (realizes she is teasing but goes along) And what could I possibly have to offer in return for your…. discretion?
Laurelin: I believe you must have the key to something I thought was …. lost…. forever. An ancient secret - something I have been seeking most of my life.
Eron: Surely all of your life can’t have been very long.
Laurelin: But my dear Eron, it most certainly is. You see, I’m elven, as are my sisters Draculina and Avenyon. So I am hundreds of years older than you. And yet, I am convinced that somehow you have discovered that which I seek.
Eron: (less comfortable, as he thinks she may be a little tipsy) And what is it you seek?
Laurelin: All my life I have wanted to know the secret of how to create…. Ent draught…. And now looking at you I am sure you have the information I desire. After all, you have grown very tall…
Eron: Simple genetics, all the men in my family are tall….
Laurelin: And there is all that curly hair of yours….
Eron: Inherited that from my mother’s side.
Laurelin: You possess intimate knowledge of growing things, and respect their life and its importance more than most humans.
Eron: Really, that’s just a longtime interest. I….
Laurelin: It all adds up. I’ve figured it out, have I not? Don’t be stingy, Eron. It is a valuable and irreplaceable bit of knowledge you possess. I must know who it was that entrusted it to you!
Eron: (pauses, looking for a way to leave politely) Yes, despite my attempts to hide it, you’ve discovered my truth. Let me go to my car for my notes, and I will bring them back to discuss with you.
Laurelin: (a muffled giggle)
Eron: Good one, Laurelin.
Laurelin: I’m sorry – I thought it was pretty funny!
Eron: Ent draught. That’s a new one.
Laurelin: Now might be a good time for you to meet everyone. I guarantee they are not all lunatics, even though I never could resist a good joke!
Author’s note: To anyone for whom the references to Laurelin and Telperion were too confusing, they refer to a story in Tolkien’s work, The Silmarillion.