After saying goodbye to Holly, the boys headed to the elves’ house. Maybe they could come out to play.
The climb to reach the house was tricky, perched as it was atop a pile of fallen, moss-covered logs. But that was half the fun.
They were surprised when they finally got there to discover that the front door was closed and the place was so quiet. Usually peals of elfin laughter rolled from a wide-open door.
But when they knocked, the elves’ mother opened the door and greeted them with a happy smile.
“Come in, boys! I’ve just finished baking wintergreen muffins. I’m sure you would enjoy one after your long climb.”
She poured cups of fragrant tea and set out the berry-studded treats for them to enjoy.
After politely thanking her, they asked, “Where are the elves? We thought they might want to come out and play.”
“Oh, there’s no time for play for them right now!” she laughed. “Elves have a lot of work to do to get ready for the Festival of Light.” Today, she said, they were out decorating the drums down by Holly Trail.
“I’ll tell you what,” she said. “I’ll make up a bundle of muffins, and you can deliver it to them for a lunchtime surprise. They’ll be easy to find. You know how they whistle when they work.” She piled the muffins in a bright, woven sack and handed it to the boys.
As they climbed back down the mossy slopes, they could hear Mother Elf singing. Everything the elves did, it seemed, they did with laughter and joy.