Nesselrod and the Keepers of the Sun

As Nesselrod sat looking into the sky, “Where does that Sun go to sleep?” seemed to be the question that lingered in his mind. It was one of the many mysteries of Enz he had not yet figured out. Not that he didn’t have the time. Time seemed to stand still in Enz, the land he calls his home.

The people of Enz live a calm, peaceful existence. Nothing is urgent, no need to hurry. Well, not for Nesselrod anyway. Of course there are mysteries and questions and mischievous characters in Enz. It just takes a little longer to notice them and even longer to figure them out.

It was the beginning of a new day and Nesselrod realized (as usual) that he had been sitting on his favorite stool thinking about the sun long enough. Slowly stretching out his legs, he placed his feet back on the ground to stand. He pushed his arms out straight and then folded them back, almost touching his elbows behind him. His back relaxed, he took a deep breath of fresh air and went along to start his day.

Standing about three feet tall, Nesselrod had scruffy, long, reddish-brown hair, which hung loosely over his dark brown eyes and covered his ears. Despite the wisdom he had gained from his many journeys, he was quite youthful looking with his round nose and peculiar smile that hooked up to the side when he was thinking.

 As a belt, he used a thin string tied in a simple knot to hold up his long brown pants: nothing fancy for him. Dingy white long johns served as his shirt and covered his legs. Nesselrod liked to keep things simple, and it’s easier to put on one piece of clothing, which buttons down the front and keeps him warm on cool nights. Nesselrod was most uncomfortable without his old brown hat; he was seldom caught without it. Like a stocking cap, it fit loosely on his head and hung to the side. Guess he feels his hat is a part of his personality.

“Must tend to my mushrooms,” he muttered as he headed for the cave.