The essence, formerly known as Illillitl, was drifting dizzily in a nameless Nowhere, when he felt a

Tug ...tug ...tug

The essence became aware of the sensation that led out of the Nowhere to a Somewhere

Tug ...tug ...Pop!

The essence, known as Illillitl had a terrible hangover and some tiny glowing insect was pulling on his moustaches!

"Ow! That hurt!"

Sparkl said, "I'm soooooo sorry. I didn't mean to break your whiskers, friend brother monk Illillitl. But, I need your help. Please, please, please, please wake up!"

Illillitl rubbed his eyes, then his neck, and was quite surprised to discover that (unlike the last several thousand times he had awoken) he did not feel bad -- no headache, no dizziness, no nausea. One of the side effects of the super-potent wine is that it cures hangovers.

Cheered by this revelation, he happily greeted his little glowing friend, "Of course, I will help you in any way I can," he said a little too loudly, "Who are you and what may I do for you?"

"I am Sparkl", the floating ember replied, "and I need some more of those wine fumes. The fumes made me go Pop! That was fun! More, more, more! I want more!"

WIthout further fanfare, Illillitl gracefully jumped to his feet and strode off toward the cellar calling "Follow me, little Sparkl, and I'll join you in a toast." He chuckled to himself (something about a glowing ember and the word "toast" just seemed humorous).


-- BG