Wandering through the dense forest, foraging for food, Nori stumbled upon a narrow path that seemed to have been created by something large, but unseen. The dirt was smooth and devoid of any foliage, as if something had been moving along it for years. Curiosity getting the better of her, Nori decided to follow the path.
As she walked, the sound of her footsteps seemed to echo louder than normal, almost as if she was walking through a tunnel. The trees surrounding her grew thicker and the light from above grew dimmer. The path continued, winding and twisting until it led her to a gargantuan tree. The trunk was wider than any she had ever seen before, with bark that seemed to shimmer in the darkness like diamonds in the sky. But the most striking feature was the small door at the base of the tree, glimmering with a faint golden light. She approached it hesitantly, wondering what could be inside.
As Nori pushed the door open, she was greeted with a burst of light that nearly blinded her.
When her vision cleared, she saw she was standing in a large cavern that was lit by hundreds of tiny glowing mushrooms. The air was thick with the sweet scent of nectar and the sound of bombinating insects filled her ears. There was a sudden movement to her left and that is when she saw the strangest thing she had ever seen.
Before she could comprehend what was occurring, a decrepit looking garden gnome darted towards her. Without warning, it pounced over her and landed on her back and in the same moment, thousands of tiny gnomes swarmed around her, chanting and singing. “All hail Queen Nori!” they all chanted in unison.
Nori was stunned and confused, unsure what to make of the strange situation, she flicked the young gnome off her back and stood up carefully. “I’m sorry, I must be on my way, and who in the infinite forests are you guys?” Fear bubbling inside of her, a gnome stepped forward and took her hand; “Queen Nori, or whatever you prefer to be called, we are the Alzu Clan– and we believe you are our queen.”
The Alzuan gnome spoke slowly, “I am Youthous Genenedele, this is Zalmin Rilwuseromp and Yosrick Darkhide, our leader.”
In that instant a dusk coloured, tall gnome appeared through the fuliginous mist, covering one large corner of the tree mansion. Burningly bright lights coruscated behind Yosrick illuminating his silhouette more and more. Extravagantly long cords lay bound to his chest as Sir Darkhide stepped forward dragging four gargantuan, sluggish beasts behind his prolonged cloak. “Please my queen, you are heir to the throne!” Yosrick Darkhide thundered his booming voice still hollering through Nori’s tired-out eardrums. Despite her protests, the gnomes refused to believe that she wasn’t their queen. But Nori knew she couldn’t stay. She had to get back into the forest to gather food for her family, before the harsh winter set in. After much begging and pleading, tears and tummy gurgles and rumbles, Nori was plopped in an oakwood chair, seated behind a table, stocked and overflowing with food and tasty, plump mushrooms.
“Help yourself,” Yosrick had offered, beckoning her to one of the many tables stacked to its brim. With a pleading hand extended, damp with tears, Nori explained how she had come across this little door, as it appeared from the outside, illuminating tree house, while searching for food to feed her poor and hungry family.
Nori wept between emotional voice cracks and imploring, downturned, lip mourns. At last, after much convincing, the keeper of the dwarf-Alzu tribe gave in and allowed Nori to leave, promising to always keep a lookout for their beloved ‘queen’.
As Nori climbed down the ladder, escorted by Zalmin, to the bottom floor, she couldn't help but smile at the bizarre encounter. With much effort and grunting, Nori pushed the door open as Zalmin ushered her back inside and into a secret compartment. He led Nori to a vine coated doorway and pulled the vines apart. Stepping inside and lifting an object, Zalmin held his hands out.
“Dear Nori, please take these mushrooms as a gift for your family.” After many thanks Nori left the Alzu tree and went on her way. She knew that she would never forget her time in the treehouse and the peculiar gnomes. She looked down at her basket of mushrooms - a departing gift from the Alzu clan and smiled.
