That's What Friends Are For

“I’m not sure what we’re going to do,” the old wizard said to his elfin friend Milric. “The mystic magnet in the tower doesn’t seem to draw the young in as it used to; they have too many distractions today. Its power to lure seems to be waning.”

“True enough Elrest. But we need to find a way to get the children interested in magic once again and the classes back in place; the instructors are getting rusty. Even I had trouble shape-shifting yesterday, I had only one shoe when I was done.”

They were commiserating over a rare single-malt that Elrest had retrieved from the little known caves of Lochness where his brother taught workshops for sorcerers and enchanters alike.

Elrest poured them another. “I don’t understand. I know some are not naturally inclined towards the arts, but they all have a special niche that just needs to be discovered. What child wouldn’t want to conjure up a snow day now and again, or have a new puppy land on the doorstep? Most of their parents have been here over the years, it shouldn’t be that difficult.”

Milric took a sip of his drink. “Most of their parents get busy and don’t think about it.”

Elrest nodded, “We need a marketing plan. We’ve got to get their attention again.”

They turned at the sound of Leura, Head of Witchcraft as she flew down the dark spiral staircase.

“Santa,” she said.

Elrest’s eyebrows went up. “Santa?”

“Santa. He’s your marketing plan. He’ll help. The parade is next weekend; he can throw charms with the candy. Besides, he owes us one for that Jack Frost issue we took care of two years ago. I’ll fly up tomorrow and talk to him. But first,” she pointed at the table, “a glass?”