The Magician's Birthday

In a corner of the universe sits a tiny planet. It is so remote, that only seven stars can be seen in its sky. On this planet lives the magician, and every year, beings from around the universe are invited to participate in the magician's birthday. It is a great honor to be invited. This year, my dear friend Dreamsearcher received news of an invitation for two.

The Dreamsearcher was surprised at this, for although he knows of the magician, they are not friends, and in fact, have never kept counsel. When the Dreamsearcher responded to the invitation, he inquired as to why this year he was invited. "The magician knows all, Dreamsearcher," he was told. "And he knows of the love you have for your Queen. This is a love rarely found, and the magician, quite frankly, is in awe of it. He has searched for eons for that kind of love, but has not yet been successful. I believe he would like to talk to you about it, and learn how he can find the same."

Dreamsearcher was silent for a moment. The magician, one of the most powerful beings in the universe, was in awe of him. It defied explanation, he thought. The magician can have anything his heart desires, just by wishing it. "I shall, indeed, speak with the magician, if that pleases him," said the Dreamsearcher.

On the day of the celebration, a horse-drawn carriage was delivered to the Dreamsearcher and his Queen for their ride to the magician's planet. Two enormous, beautiful, white stallions pulled the carriage. The magical horses needed no driver; they were created solely to transport people to and from the planet. As the Dreamsearcher and the Queen settled into the carriage, the horses spread their majestic wings and took flight.

During the journey, which took some time as the planet was so remote, the Dreamsearcher and his Queen made love three times. Each time, the beauty of their love caused the horses to weep.

After a time, Dreamsearcher and the Queen noticed a light in the black. Most stars had long since left them; only a handful remained in the sky. As they got closer, the glow began to take shape and brighten. It was circular at first, but soon they could see that it was, in fact, the shape of a tear. The glow came from within, for there was no external source from which to light the planet. The planet sparkled brilliantly, a white-hot tear crying in the black of eternal night.

The carriage finally entered the planet's atmosphere, and the dazzling beauty of the inner glow shocked them. Flashes of colors shook and shivered and danced and quivered on the planet's surface. Many were colors Dreamsearcher had never seen before. He and the Queen were speechless. They sat and stared while the horses made their way to the magician's castle.

When at last the journey was complete, the Dreamsearcher and his Queen had once again found their voices. And just in time, too, for the magician himself was coming out to greet them. "It is an honor and a pleasure to meet you both," said the magician as he greeted them. "Your love for each other has become quite well-known throughout the universe."

The Dreamsearcher and his Queen thanked the magician for his kind words. They were then escorted into the castle and announced to the crowd. There was hushed silence as everyone stopped and stared at the two who had attained true love. The crowd parted as they were escorted to the magician's table for dinner.

Dinner was remarkable, as was the entertainment. The Dreamsearcher and his Queen danced the night away, and delighted the magician and his audience with a splendid performance of the most difficult of dances, the purpendicular waltz.

Eventually the magician, the Dreamsearcher, and the Queen found time to talk.

"How do I find what you have?" asked the magician of the Dreamsearcher.

"That is something I truly cannot answer," said the Dreamsearcher.

"Can I find it, too?" asked the magician. "Can I create it?"

"You may be able to find it. And although it is magical indeed, you cannot create it," answered the Dreamsearcher. "I believe all things are capable of loving, but not all are capable of finding it. A few know where to look, and some stumble upon it, but most never find it. They may think they have, but perhaps only because they are unaware of true love."

"But my Queen and I are soulmates," continued the Dreamsearcher. "And although I was not searching for love when it happened, I knew instantly what it was when it did."

They talked then, at length. The Dreamsearcher and his Queen sat close, touching each other. Sparks flew from the contact. The magician saw every nuance of their body language, and marveled at how every action demonstrated their love for the other. When the party finally ended, the magician summoned for the carriage to return Dreamsearcher and his Queen to their land.

"I truly thank you for attending my celebration," said the magician. "Your actions, your words, your love has affected all here, and has inspired a few as well. My castle, indeed, this tiny planet, is the better from your presence here tonight. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to you, and also a personal invitation to return whenever you so desire. My home is yours."

"Wizard, my Queen and I thank you for the invitation, and the chance to talk. You have a lovely planet, and a lovely castle, and we would be delighted to return and meet with you again," said Dreamsearcher. "Wizard," said the Queen, "I do so hope you find that for which you are searching. It is indeed the most precious of emotions."

"I shall never give up," said the magician. And with that, the Dreamsearcher and the Queen took their leave.

I am The Traveler, and this is but one of my tales.