But First, We Drink!

Using the night as a cover, Annika vanished into the depths of the forest. Often enough she had been warned by her fellow servant hands and Miriam that the forest was not a place for a young woman. Yet, even her encounter with the huterbar did not deter her today. She was stubborn she knew, and for once in her life she hoped that stubbornness could lead to good. She walked through the forest at a fast but silent pace. She kept her gaze trained ahead, which was her second mistake, the first being that she walked into the forest at night. As she walked she felt her foot catch on something, the next moment, Annika found herself face first sprawled onto the floor. "Wunderbar." Annika whispered sarcastically, for that was her second fall onto the forest floor, only this time, she had no handsome prince to help her up. Grunting in a very unladylike Annika pushed herself up off the floor and sat on her knees. She pushed back her blonde mussed hair and sighed. Looking around her setting, Annika realized for the first time, she really had no clue as to where she was going.

"Maybe this was all one large mistake." Annika sighed.

"Now that is no way to raise the spirits lass." A light voice squeaked through the forest.

"Hello?" Annika called out. "Is...anyone there?"

"Of course someone is here...you don't honestly believe that air would engage in a conversation with you do you?"

"Well no I guess-"

"What is it with you mortals and your simple-minded questions...?" The voice stated irritably.

"I am not simple minded."

"All this, does magic exist? Is anyone there? Are you a real Wendolen? Of caurse I am a real Wendolen, of caurse magic exists, and someone is defiantly speaking to you when you ask "if anyone is there." Do they teach you how to be stupid?"

"First off, show your face to me. I do not wish to speak to a voice."

"Ah but what would the fun be in that lass?"

"Well...none, but it would stop you from wasting my time."

"Ah...time. And I suppose you have a place to be rushing off to."

"Not exactly..."

"Then what time is wasted in playing a game with a lonely sole."

"Who are you?"

"That I will answer. Yorkturns the name."

"Hello Yorkturn, you mentioned a Wendolen...what exactly is that?"

"A Wendolen, one step up from a fairy, and two steps down from what you mortals call a genie."

"So you grant wishes?"

"If I feel the inspiration."

"Could you tell me where I am exactly?"

"You mean to tell me lass, that you haven't a clue in that pretty head of yours where you are?"

"Yes."

"Do you always go gallivanting off into the forest? It isn't safe, not all creatures are as welcoming to your kind as we are."

"Please tell me."

"I will...for a price."

"A-a price?"

"Yes, I sense in you the gift of song, sing for me, and I will tell you exactly where you are."

"And if I refuse?"

"Continue on your blind path." He stated mockingly.

"What would you have me sing?"

"In den Westen"

Annika sighed, thoroughly annoyed by this obnoxious voice and began to sing. "Lay down,

Your sweet and weary head.

Night has fallen,

You have come to journey's end.

Sleep now,

Dream of the ones who came before.

They are calling,

From across a distant shore.

Why do you weep?

What are these tears upon your face?

Soon you will see...

All of your fears will pass away.

Safe in my arms,

You're only sleeping.

What can you see?

On the horizon.

Why do the white gulls call?

Across the sea,

A pale moon rises.

The ships have come to carry me home.

And all will turn,

To silver glass

A light on the water,

All souls pass.

Hope fades,

Into the world of night.

Through shadows falling,

Out of memory and time.

Don't say,

We have to come to journey's end.

White shores are calling,

You and I will meet again.

And you'll be here in my arms,

Just sleeping.

What can you see?

On the horizon.

Why do the white gulls call?

Across the sea,

A pale moon rises.

The ships have come,

To carry you home.

And all will turn,

To silver glass,

A light on the water,

Grey ships pass into the west." Annika broke off softly.

"Beautiful."

"Danke."

"And here is your location as promised." In front of her appeared a brown parcel of paper. When she opened it, she found silver lining and a mark in the woods to where she was standing.

"You wouldn't by any chance know what I'm looking for? Would you?"

"I'm afraid not lass, but I send with you the guidance of Schutz ."

"Of who?" Annika asked.

"Schutz." Annika was about to repeat her question when a beautiful black stallion walked up to her. "Schutz will protect you, he has the spirit of the Wendolen in his muscles."

"I can't thank you enough."

"Good bye lass."

"Auf Weidersehn Yorkturn." Annika began to walk, and Schutz began to follow. She looked down at the map she had been headed and followed what seemed to be a trail marked but a spirit unknown.

Day soon broke, and Annika was exhausted, yet the two continued to journey. Twice Schutz nuzzled Annika to keep her awake. As they followed the beaten path, voices began to grow louder. Annika stopped to listen, and then grinned. Gnomes. Not many people saw them, but if you listened, you could always hear them. They were about knee size and were always clad in blue or black tunics while the woman wore blue or green tunics. They were always a joyful bunch, if you knew how to speak to them. Annika passed a door at the stump of a tree and knocked. A drunken gnome threw open the door.

"Eh whaddya want?"

"Some help sir."

"What kind of help?" The gnome asked curiously.

"My name is Annika Terich, I am the daughter of Sir Petar Terich, I need a place to rest, and perhaps some guidance."

"Your Petar's daughter? Of course you are welcome here. Come in, come in." Annika pointed at the height of the stump.

"The stump widens and grows with height. Just walk in." Annika followed him down the steps and was surprised by the grandiose ness of the room. All around people were cheering and drinking, and up on a slighted platform supposedly a stage, men were singing and playing instruments.

"This is..."

"Not your vision eh of gnomes eh?" The gnome asked, guiding them to a table.

"Well to be honest, no." Annika stated as she sat down.

"Tis alright, not many men walk into our midst, so the ones that do are quite surprised. So tell me fair Annika, why have you stumbled unto the city of Gnomes?"

"I really don't know. I was following a map that a Wendolen gave me, he said it would guide me."

"Guide you where?"

"Another question I do not have answers for. I left my deceased father's estate, the one currently occupied by Lady Giselle and her two daughters, Brigitte and Hedwig, because I could no longer stand to be a servant in the home that is mine more than theirs."

"Why leave now?"

"The Prince visited, and well..."

"Ah, say no more, you care for this Prince ja?"

"Well yes..."

"And you know of your rightful nobility, the nobility he knows not of?"

"Ja..."

"And because of that nobility, you believe you could make a fair spouse to this charming man?"

"I had not really thought about."

"Lady, your eyes reveal it all. You care for him."

"Much."

"Do you love him?"

"No."

"How can you be so sure?"

"We spent a few hours together, that miniscule amount of time cannot possibly allow my heart to reveal its love."

"Then why does this matter so?" Annika only shrugged and the gnome nodded rubbing his shortened brown beard slowly.

"Sir, I do not even know your name..." Annika stated.

"By the green beards you don't!" The gnome exclaimed, slapping his knee. "Pardon my rudeness miss, I am Michael. Michael Doriae." The gnome said, extending his hand. Annika only looked at it curiously. "Pardon me, I forgot. We do not bow or curtsey, we acknowledge each other through contact, a hand shake or an embrace. Hold out your hand." Annika obeyed. "Good, now grasp my hand and move it up and down slightly." Annika obeyed and smiled. "You're a quick learner Miss Terich, that you are."

"Thank you, now that you know of my journey and reasons, could you tell me where to go?"

"Miss, not only will I do that, but I shall show you." The gnome said standing up proudly. "But first, we drink!"

A/N: Like it? Yes? No? Please review, school starts again. Oh yeah, I finished my RENT fanfic, three chapters in two nights, I was happy with myself. Please review! I love you all!

Oh yeah: "In den Westen" oder, "Into the West"- Annie Lenox- Lord of the Rings, Return of the King.

TO the Reviewers:

Rey-Rey-3: Thank you for the review! And yes, Annika would be a lady, but unfortunately she has to make her title known, seeing as how her lovely Step-mother basically shoved her into the closet.

Hdshdsfh: I'm glad you like my story, I like your reviews!

Aliesha: Thanks for taking the time to review, it makes me happy, and I'm glad you like the German theme, I tried to do something a little different.

Abbeygirl06: Thank you, and I hope that from here on out I don't rush the events, but feel free to tell me if they are becoming that way.

Aerinha: Thank you, I love your reviews! ï