It was a beautiful day, the sunlight streaming down on the vibrant reds and yellows of the fall leaves and lending a bit of warmth to the air. The village centre was abustle with activity, and it had been for the last couple of days. There was no butcher in the village, and so when time came to thin the herds, everyone lent a hand. After all, the more people you had working, the less likely it was that the meat would lie around too long and spoil. A man hummed cheerfully to himself as he walked down the path, having just put up a few sides of bacon in the smokehouse. Just outside the village proper he spotted something out of the corner of his eye and turned around with a smile. “I was wondering if I’d be seeing you again. It must be, what, ten years now?” “Something like that.” The strange man agreed with a nod, the leaves on his coat rustling faintly in the breeze. The man stepped closer and regarded the man critically. “I say, you don’t look a day older than last time.” “Well, I can’t say the same about you. You’re really growing up.” “Hey now!” The man chuckled. “I’d dare say I’ve done all the growing up I need to. If I ‘grow’ any more, my Ellie’s gonna call me fat.” “Your Ellie? You’ve found yourself a young lady, then?” “That and more, old friend. We’ve been married for the last four years now. Got a baby girl and another on the way. Ellie’s hoping for a boy this time, but I wouldn’t mind either way.” “Really now? You really are all grown up, then. I suppose you don’t need an old fairy like me around anymore.” “Nonsense! A man is never too old for fairies. Now, why don’t you come along? I’d love to introduce you to my Ellie, and I’m sure our little girl would love you.” “That sounds lovely, but I’m really no good with crowds. Perhaps another time?” “Now that’s a shame. Oh well. Another time, then.” The two men spent another few minutes chatting, mostly about family, but there was still work to be done down in the village so they couldn’t delay for long. With a smile and a wave, they went their separate ways.