It was BlinkenKnob, the elvish Festival of Lights. The wandering streets of Brocken were trimmed with the traditional purple lala flowers and twinkle lights. Elf children dreamt of sugar cookies shaped like flames. Elf grownups wished each other well. There were parties and parades all leading up to the arrival of the wish lanterns. Everyone everywhere was happy except for Mr. Inkling.

Inkling hated the fuss and the noise and the false sentiments of the Festival of Lights. Grumbling through the streets, Inkling tucked his head deeper into his cloak ignoring the elvish merriment bouncing all around him.

Balancing his food sacks with one hand, Inkling searched for his key to open his round door. He planned to eat soup and drink ale until all the joy was over. That’s when it happened. First there was the ringing of celestial bells, then the air was scented with sweet magic, and then it happened. Crystals and flames, the wish lantern fluttered around Inkling’s head then with a jaunty tune it landed at his feet.

“Vex!”

Inkling cursed. He opened and slammed his door but he knew how enchanted wishes worked. Inkling made his soup and the wish lantern appeared among the onions and potatoes. He drank a few steins of ale and the wish lantern twinkled behind his comfy chair. Finally pulling his Nanny’s quilt over his head to sleep his wish lantern hummed by his laundry basket. Frustrated Inkling tossed his pillow at the basket. The lantern disappeared and reappeared in his bed. Once a magic wish is asked for the wish must be fulfilled. That is the magic of the lights.

He picked up the lantern. Its crystal petals unfolded unveiling the wish, his wish to fulfill.

“Okay let’s get this over with,” Inkling shouted at the wish lantern that danced with delight.

He read the wish, once, twice, thrice. It said, I wish you to find your true love. He was stunned. He was well and truly stuck, Inkling was enchanted and he had to fall in love to break the spell. Eventually Inkling fell asleep tossing and tangling as the wish lantern danced a jig in his bedroom’s corner.