Chapter 16. Goodnight sweet Prince
Sarah awoke to the feeling that something was wrong. She placed a hand on her slight baby bump and drew a sigh as she assured herself that the child she was so newly aware of was alright. Pulling on a robe she got out of the bed, opening the door she found her mother in the hall also looking as if she were aware that something was wrong. The women huddled in the dark hall for a moment, jumping apart when the phone rang.
Jeremy's voice was on the other end. "Papa's gone." He said.
"When?" Linda asked with a sob.
"Not long," he answered. "I just got word… we're gathering at the theater, I'll be by in an hour to pick you and Sarah up."
Linda turned to Sarah, tears brimming in her green eyes. "Papa's gone." Both women held each other, weeping freely.
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The essence that had been the director known to his subordinates at Papa floated free of the mortal body that had breathed its last. There was weeping in the room, but he could do nothing about it. No one seemed to be aware of him. He looked at the other mortals left behind and worried about them for a moment. A voice called to him, and he followed the sound. The walls of the room he'd died in seemed to melt away.
Puck stood with his hand extended, a peaceful smile on his face. "Come Papa, come." He invited with a tone that said there was nothing to fear.
The essence took form, once more he was the dynamic man that had taken Broadway by storm. He was robed in something long, flowing and creamy colored. "Peter Hobbson?" He asked hesitantly.
The other snickered; "To some," he assured the man. "Most call me Puck."
Papa grimaced at first then seeing the irony chuckled softly. "Puck," he nodded and accepted the offered hand.
Puck tucked Papa's hand into his elbow crook. "Come, we've a long way to go."
Papa took one last look about the place. "Alright," he followed the steps of the other.
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Everyone who had ever worked with Papa and was in town was gathered in the theater. Stage hands, costumers, actors and anyone else whose life he'd touched. Sarah sat with Jeremy and Linda, tears falling freely. Magda and Dido sat down with them, each giving support and comfort in the only way they knew how. One by one actors and actresses stood up and told some little tale of how Papa had changed them as performers. Linda moved forward, and tearfully told of how he had honed her skills, giving her confidence to perform. Jeremy told of how Papa had taught him to go beyond being just a pretty face.
Sarah listened quietly. Magda held her hand, and watched her face, knowing the other girl would not stand up.
Dido moved forward to speak. "I had the honor of working with him perhaps longer and closer than most. He was a good friend, and honest. May we honor him always."
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The mists cleared, revealing a garden. Standing on a bridge was the Fae High King and his Queen. Papa looked at Puck, a growing smile on his face. "Where are we?"
"Avalon," Oberon said calmly as he crossed the bridge to welcome his guest; "The hallowed isle where I keep court."
Papa, knowing he was in the presence of royalty gave the man a slight bow. "Avalon?"
"Not all myths are just myths my dear sir." The High King made a grand gesture with his hand. "Behold, this is all that is left of the once great kingdom of the legendary King. We who are blessed with magic in our being reside here." Papa looked as the mists parted and showed hills, orchards and a grand palace. Oberon motioned for the newcomer to follow him. "This land is within your world, and yet apart. Magic lives and breathes here. When the world of man abandoned that which the mist hides, we found refuge here. It is from here I rule the Fae Kingdoms, and I offer you a place here."
"A place?" Papa shook his head, "I don't understand."
"Yours is a spirit that is unique among men these days. As a Fae you would be able go guide others who are of the same fabric." Oberon came to a stop before a great waterfall. "You could keep the flame that was yours going in others."
"For how long?" Papa asked quietly.
"Time does not mean much to us… we live long lives and are called immortal." Oberon explained. "Your mortal life ended much too soon, we offer you a Fae life to make up the difference."
"But this is not heave, is it?"
Oberon chuckled softly. "Some would think it heavenly." He looked at his home. "No, it's not heaven, it's still earth… and we are not creatures of Heaven… we are Fae."
Papa looked at the surroundings. "And I could continue my work?"
"We'd like for you to, yes." Oberon said.
"Alright," Papa sighed. "I accept… what do I have to do?"
Oberon touched the man's forehead. "You've already done it," he felt the form take solidity under his touch. "I can not give you a mortal body, but I can give you one made of Fae energies." He removed his hand. "Come, my friend. I will show you your new home."
Side by side they walked, High King and new born Fae.
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Sarah walked with Jeremy and Linda though the park, stopping to gaze up at the sky. Something in her told her Papa was happy. "Good night sweet prince…" she whispered then moved on with her mother.
