'Well yes, yes, yes, we were on an escapade....the call was irresistible, oh it is wonderful to see you Archimedes - seems an age since we last met, how are you?' Archimedes chuckled, 'very well Archibold, very well indeed, are you going to introduce me to this young apprentice of yours?' Archibold had to push Stephanotis forward rather hard, so poor Stephanotis who was feeling a bit shy, almost bumped into the older gnome. 'Proud to present Stephanotis, my new apprentice, Archimedes - Stephanotis, Stephanotis - Archimedes'.
Poor Stephanotis tried very hard to say something polite but all that came out of his mouth was a sort of snuffle, he was finding all too much to take in and desperately wanted to sit down and recover his breath after the climb. 'Perfectly alright, just take your time, I am so pleased to have made your acquaintance, I've known Archibold a long time so we have much to discuss! If you wouldn't mind it would be most helpful if you could make the tea, everything that you need is all over there in the chest'.
Archimedes gestured to an old wooden chest pushed against the side of the tree house. Stephanotis felt much better, making tea was something he knew how to do, and as everyone knows all things look better after a good cup of tea. 'It is my own blend - a bit of this and a bit of that, very good for the damp in the joints you know, not that you need any help at your age'. Stephanotis smiled at the so obviously kind venerable gnome, he had a feeling today was going to be the most extraordinary day of his life. Just wait till he told Isabel, he had been asked to make tea in the presence of one the most legendary gnomes of all time - Archimedes Bonaparte.
As Stephanoits rattled about in the chest finding the tea things, Archibold and Archimedes sat together by the fire. Stephanoits couldn't hear much, but the others seemed to be having a very serious conversation. 'So many changes so fast now....... new homes needed......... we need to hold steady more than ever........... the deep music is the only way forward............. the forest is a last haven......... keep listening, keep listening, your feet will always guide your way.'
So as the little kettle began to whistle and the leaves rustle all around, the three gnomes settled down by the fire, Archimedes was most appreciative of his large slice of Hortensia's cake (gnomes never travel without a selection of tasty supplies), though Stephanotis found the tea a bit sour to taste and much to the others amusement, at his first sip started to burp!
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