Is it too much to ask?

"Another fill o' the black stuff, boyo." The Leprechaun called, pushing his glass down the bar.

"You celebrating, something there, fella?" The fresh drink appeared, and the bartender leaned on his hands in front of his customer.

"Are you happy in your life, my friend, or is it like your establishment here . . . empty?"

"It's life. We work with what we have. Why?"

"Because it could be different? I'm not one to brag, mind you, but for a favour I could change that for the better."

The bartender smiled grimly, and with a brief wipe of the bar top, started to move away.

"I'm serious, boyo - what's your name, anyway?"

"Ted and I are not in the market for your sales pitch, whatever it is."

"Hear me out, and I guarantee you will change your mind. What do you have to lose? It's not like you're too busy."

Ted considered the strange little man a moment then ambled back but leaned against the wall across from him.

"Guarantee, eh?"

"One wish, but it can't be undone."

"And what's the favour?"

"Let me tell you a story first." The Leprechaun dropped some coins on the bar and smiled. "Another of these while we're at it, please."

Ted set another glass in front of the little man and leaned back again. "I'm listening."

The Leprechaun sipped his drink and wiped his mouth, and with a weighty look, he began his tale. He told a fantastic tale of the badlands in a place called Destiny where a female vampire controlled everything and everyone.

He related how he had been granted a wish if he could steal the symbol of the vampire's strength - her tiara. He explained how he was gripped by the prospect of a free wish and accepted the dare.

"What happened?" Ted asked, his interest piqued.

The Leprechaun leaned closer, his head twisting on its axis, checking to see they were not overheard.

"I haven't tried yet. I probably only have one chance in a trillion since I need this cane to get around!"

"I don't understand then. Why don't you just use the wish you said you'd grant me?"

"Doesn't work that way, it has to be given by someone else. If it was that easy I'd have winged my way there, grabbed the tiara, and come right back."

He sat back up and sighed, taking out a mauve handkerchief and blowing his nose.

Ted scratched his head looked annoyed. "Well, I don't get it. You say you grant me a wish for a favour. What favour could you possibly want from me?"

The Leprechaun held out a pleading hand.

"The favour is that you'll use your wish to wish me good luck."

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