Chapter 20
Throughout the Christmas holiday, Meinrad and Ishild traveled around Europe in the sleigh. Ishild loved the new sights and sounds she experienced with Meinrad. They stopped to see fireworks explode over Vienna on Christmas Day.
They also witnessed a Christmas parade in a village where men were dressed as Saint Nicholas or Krampus. Ishild chuckled under her breath when she saw the numerous Krampuses. "They look ridiculous, they look like your goats," she said to Meinrad.
"Well, I do look like a goat," he points out and Ishild blushes in shame.
"I'm sorry," she replies, but Meinrad holds her tight in his arms. They then crossed the ocean to North America, as Ishild had never seen the ocean before and the lands beyond her mountain home. There were pockets of German communities where the people believed in Krampus and the creature was becoming a popular holiday icon in American culture.
"Tis a strange land," Ishild said to Meinrad when they stopped in the city of New York. She had never seen skyscrapers that reached the heavens, but they were unusual to her. In North America, the two of them and the dwarfs punished only a few of the children, but they only punished the ones who believed in Krampus. North America was a melting pot of cultures and Alpine culture was one of them.
Afterward, they returned to Europe, as it was now nearing the end of the holiday and the New Year was fast approaching.
"I don't want you to go," Meinrad said when they were in the forest of Salzburg, where they first met.
She looks around the frozen landscape, taking in the familiar sight of her beloved sanctuary. "I know, but in 900 years we will be together," Ishild replies, but he holds her tight in his arms.
"I don't want to wait for 900 years, I want you to stay with me forever," Meinrad said and some of the dwarfs begin to sniffle, trying to control their emotions.
Ishild embraces Meinrad and hides her teary face in his hairy neck. "I want to stay with you forever, too, but..." she trails off when they hear the tolling of a church bell. It rang eleven times, it was 11 o'clock at night. In an hour, the New Year will toll and Ishild will return to the afterlife.
"Ishild," Meinrad whispers his love's name, "I love you so much." Ishild tightens her embrace and more tears fall from her eyes.
"I have an idea," Helmold said, "Why don't you two run away? Hide from Saint Nicholas, he will probably give up on both of you."
Everyone looks at the dwarf and some of them sneer. "It is a terrible idea, Saint Nicholas will find them in no time," Runa replies and the other dwarfs nodded.
"I have something else in mind," Hartwig said and they look at him. He takes out two gold rings and hands them to Ishild and Meinrad. "It is a silly idea, but I thought you two get married. The rings will remind you of one another, that way you will remember the good memories," Hartwig explains and the two look at him in surprise.
Ishild's face turns a soft pink and she looks up at Meinrad. "I think it's a splendid idea," she said and Meinrad nods.
"What is Saint Nicholas' other name? Santa Claus? He is said to have a wife. Krampus should have one, too," Runa replies and Ishild gives a smile and takes Meinrad's clawed hand.
"What do you think? I am actually at a loss for words. As Saint Nicholas said, our love is stronger than our hate towards the many evils in this world," Ishild said to Meinrad.
"Yes Ishild, I want this, I want to remember the times we had together and you being my wife will make me the happiest being in the world," Meinrad replies and they share a kiss.
Then, a bright light appears above them and Meinrad sees the silhouette of Saint Nicholas. He looks at the two and Meinrad holds Ishild tight in his embrace. "It is not time yet, is it?" he asks his counterpart.
"Indeed, it is not, but I advise you two to hurry, the midnight toll is fast approaching and a wedding ceremony takes a lot of time," the saint insists and they hear the tolling of the bells, but they were playing a melody, instead of ringing the hour.
"Saint Nicholas, would you do the honors and marry us?" Ishild asks and the blue-eyed saint chuckles.
"It would be my pleasure," he replies and the dwarfs gather around the couple. The saint begins to ceremony, his holy light illuminated the forest, and it shined bright. Ishild and Meinrad held hands the entire time, refusing to let go.
They then exchange rings and it was official for both of them. They shared a kiss, but then, the church bells began to toll the hour and fireworks explode, the New Year had arrived.
"I'm sorry to say this, but it's time," Saint Nicholas said to the two.
"NO!" Meinrad cries out and holds Ishild tight. "I don't want her to go!" he adds and begins to sob. Ishild and the dwarfs began to cry, too and the dwarfs gather around them.
"Meinrad, do not be sad, I'll always be near," Ishild said, wiping away his tears. She leans in to whisper, "I'll persuade Nicholas to let me visit you every Christmas." Meinrad gives his best smile and nods.
"You will see her in your dreams while you sleep," the saint informs the creature. Meinrad gives Ishild one last kiss, just as the bells reached the tenth toll.
"I love you so much Meinrad," Ishild said to him and she joins Saint Nicholas, her hand releasing Meinrad's.
"I will always love you Ishild," he replies and watches them go.
Ishild and the saint vanish in the holy light and they were gone. Meinrad looks at his ring on his finger and rubs it. It was as if by magic, the memories of him with Ishild over a thousand years ago appear in his mind. Hartwig was right, the ring did remind Meinrad of the good times he had with his love.
Ishild would remain the only person he would truly love for all eternity. Meinrad and his dwarfs then return to their hideaway, preparing themselves to hibernate and be ready for next Christmas.
Meinrad shuts his eyes, he was tired, but he was ready to dream. In at least 900 years, he would be reunited with Ishild in Heaven, and his task with Saint Nicholas would be complete.
Right now, however, he wanted to dream of her and his wish was granted. Outside, the wind howled as the snow blanketed the forest, and then, a blissful silence fell upon the earth once again.
From the author: Hello my fellow readers, I am sorry for not updating. I went on vacation and when I got back, I got real sick, so I had no energy to do anything, except sleep.
Anyway, it is very sad that Meinrad's time with Ishild is over for now, but at least he will see her in his dreams.
A reviewer asked if I am following the movie. I will not as I have not seen it, but I wanted to, mostly because it is my favorite piece of folklore. However, as I mentioned in the beginning, I have a feeling that the movie did not accurately describe the legend.
I think I will do one more chapter and then the epilogue, still have not decided yet. Thank you for your patience and see you around!