Jaal mentioned that I haven’t actually been writing much about gnomes. A little less about the universes and a little more about gnomes, she requested. As usual, Jaal is correct.
The story of gnomes goes back to the beginning of the first universe, back to before suns and moons and stars existed, even before time itself had been conceived of as a handy method to judge progress.
Our cosmic Creator knew that there were many worlds to design but there was not yet anyone able to take care of those worlds. There had to be caretakers with a kind and gentle manner, but also with unshakeable willpower. These caretakers also had to work as designers and quality control experts, having the ability to set into motion all the subtle details of final planning. These beings needed intelligence and discipline, creativity and foresight, all combined with compassion and patience to care for the new flora and fauna.
With all these requirements in mind, the great Creator of All made gnomes specifically to guide and caretake new planets.
It was not the creator gods who designed us. No, those divine beings are very wise but they can be shortsighted. We were too important for their sly intrigues and alterations. Instead, the great Creator of All gave gnomes life.
All magical beings are formed from the natural elements of earth, water, air or fire. Gnomes are elemental spirits formed from the bountiful earth. This means that the gnome life force is concentrated in caring for the growing things on a planet, including trees, flowers and all living beings.
Gnomes were born to do this work. We seek out the natural area where we want to live. Although most gnomes prefer gardens or woodland or even dense forests, some gnomes live in extreme areas like volcano summits, windswept seashores and bare deserts. Once we choose our homes we stay there as long as possible.
We laugh at the cartoonish portrayals of gnomes in many parts of the universes, but it can be a bit hurtful. I do admit that in the distant past gnomes were a disorganized group of individuals who hid in the woods and devoted themselves to their own small acreage. Nowadays we are sophisticated citizens in orderly societies. We are proud to use our skills to help guide planets into the future.
Contrary to uneducated opinion, gnomes are not made too short to be effective in our work. No, we are the perfect size. Plants and animals love that we match their heights and can get so close to them. We can whisper to the animals and hear their replies. Our short, sturdy stature and lovely nut-brown colorings allow the beings in our care to quickly recognize us as friends. We can be inconspicuous and easily stay hidden within a hedgerow if necessary. We can become large in order to alter the wind and weather in local areas as needed, protecting our beloved plants and wild creatures.
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I have mentioned previously how gnomes are closely involved with reclaiming damaged or ruined worlds. We make sure that planetary councils realize that any neglected solar system can become a troubled place where planets will be plundered and left destroyed, open to any scavenger or bandit. The planets themselves cry out in pain and grief at this degradation. Repairing and reclaiming these planets is emotionally difficult to those involved in the project. It’s also time-consuming and very costly.
Our schoolchildren learn about reclamation projects, and we discuss various completed projects. Personally, I enjoy teaching students about planetary reclamation and the difficult work of planning and terraforming. It makes our children realize how much easier and joyful it is to set up a new planet and keep it in good order.
This type of discussion is not only educational but a good way to determine which students are interested in traditional gnome occupations. Our teachers and parents are always surprised to find that now and then a student wants to seek an alternative life.
As you know, most gnomes want to work with plants and animals. It is why we were created and it is our destiny. Yet every now and then a gnome is born with a restless nature. Not all gnomes enjoy forests and meadows and gardens and seashore. In fact, working with plants bores them to tears. They also don’t like being around animals, may even be afraid of them.
We know this type of gnome will not be content to stay in their woodland garden. You can see in their eyes that they will keep looking until they fulfill a different calling.
Developing an unusual or unique occupation is acceptable for gnomes, but finding that occupation requires self-knowledge, creativity and hard work. Students may end up finding satisfaction in an occupation as down-to-earth as a blacksmith or government administrator or land surveyor. Or they may end up in an out-of-this-world occupation like space shuttle pilot, logistics specialist or even assistant to a creator god.
Gnomes admire other gnomes who have the audacity and imagination to succeed in unusual occupations. However, some gnomes combine the longing for new and different careers with another odd trait: a desire to work with beings beyond the level of plants and animals. These gnomes often decide to start taking care of humanoids instead.
Most regular gnomes find this decision to be odd and puzzling. To be honest, it puzzles me too.
I don’t know why anybody would want to become a specialist in humans and humanoids. You become part of a team of celestial advisors, all working in the background to advance each soul. The angels and guides set the rules for everything that must be done. A gnome devolves into more of a daily monitor to see how things are going rather than a manager or planner. And you must be so careful that the humanoids don’t sense you helping, and you must be even more sure that you don’t help beyond a certain point. Either mistake would violate cosmic rules by infringing on their free will.
The entire work environment is stifling. Who wants to make a career of that drudgery? No, having to work with ungrateful and spoiled humanoids is too challenging for me. Plants and animals are so much better.
Anyway, that’s enough of gnome history and our professions, whether traditional or unusual. I realize that gnomes seem like they labor at their careers constantly and above all else, but truly we don’t. The next chapters will explain a bit about how we enjoy our lives: family, music, parties, and weddings.