The night air was crisp and he could feel the end of his beard stiffening in the night wind. The stars slowly dotted the ever darkening dusk sky as the light of another day disappeared beyond the mountains. The Holly King breathed in the cold air and shivered. His time was drawing nigh and the cold settled in his bones, despite the warmth of his cloak.
The stillness of the dark was disrupted by a slow metallic creak, and then the cold crunch of boots on fresh snow. Wisps of smoke wafted before his eyes and he could smell the cinnamon and sweet highlights of the Oak King's pipe tobacco. The two men stood together silently for a time, each wondering who would speak their thoughts first.
"Nice night," rumbled the husky voice of the Oak King.
"'Tis," replied his brother. His voice was softer, but still carried the weight of endless dark nights and forgotten years.
"It's been a dark and difficult couple of years. So many people have traveled to the Summerlands, seemingly before their time." Both men sighed through their sorrow.
"And yet, hope continues to rise with the coming dawn." The Holly King gripped his brother's shoulder with a gnarled hand. "It's time for the Oak King to lead the people out of the dark and into the light."
The Oak King reached out to take the ancient staff from his brother. "Yes. I'm ready to walk with them again." He admired the endless knots and swirls in this wood grain, and yet they all felt smooth to his touch. "They never cease to inspire me, our people. Faced with this incredible challenge, they met it with grit in their courage, grace in their grief, and compassion in their character."
"Their generosity of spirit is what amazes me," mused the Holly King. "Even as the darkness threatened to consume them, they reached out to each other to share their light."
"Do you think we will hear from them this year?" asked the Oak King. "I do so enjoy the beautiful art they create."
"If the Gods will it, we surely will. Have the Postal Elves found a suitable location for the mystical mailbox?"
"WE HAVE!" squeaked a dozen shrill voices.
The sudden shriek shattered the silence of the evening so badly that both men practically lept into each other's arms. The ice patch that hid itself beneath their feet sent their sense of balance in different directions and the Solstice Regents found themselves flat on their backs and covered in elves.
"Odin's Beard!" shouted the Oak King, struggling to sit up. "Where did you come from, you diminutive dimwits?"
"First Officer Buttons, at your service sir!" A tiny elf adorned in green and red stood at attention upon the belly of the Holly King. The Solstice King adjusted his crown with one hand and propped himself up with the other as the elves bounded away. He gently picked up Buttons the by the scruff and deposited him in the snow.
"What did I tell you about sneaking up on us like that?!" The Oak King angrily shook the snow out of his cloak and pulled himself to his feet.
"Erm... that we're the best at it?" Buttons grinned.
The Oak King shot a look at his brother who was chuckling beneath his beard and snarled "Report Buttons!"
"We have found the finest piece magical piece of property to host the mailbox! It literally hums with an ancient energy and bears the mark of the Gods. It's perfect!" The tiny elf squeed with delight. Everything is ready to receive the Solstice mail, we are only waiting upon your word."
Under the soft light of the rising moon, both Kings stood proud and beaming. They embraced heartily and laughed, "Indeed, my friends. It is time."
===========
IT'S TIME FOR THE SOLSTICE DISPATCH SERVICE! It's been a rough year, but hope continues to rise throughout the world. We are once again offering the Solstice Dispatch Service so that you can send your greetings and well-wishes to the Oak King and the Holly King.
We are going back to the hand-written letter format and we have a NEW POSTAL ADDRESS where you can send your Solstice correspondence.
c/o The Solstice Dispatch Service
11397 County Rd. 3,
Inkerman, ON, K0E 1J0
Pull out your writing papers, dust off your quills, and write your letters. We read every letter than comes in, we ensure that all the proper deities are revitalized with your good solstice energy, and we do our best to reply as quickly as we can.
Happy Solstice to you all! Remember to wash your hands, wear your masks, get vaccinated as soon as you can, and do you your best to keep everyone safe. We will all get through this challenge together.
