Alternative Preparations

Editor's note

I'm happy to say Jackson's back and he has written something for us. The break seems to have done him good.

Darcy Fielding

Alternative Preparations 

Winter preparations. These are the jobs that I would usually have done at this time. With recent events, things didn't turn out that way.

It started when I returned home from my underground adventures. I was distinctly unsettled from my experiences and the knowledge I'd gained, and yet I was more concerned about Cecile. Her worries about my fate had affected her, and she wanted - possibly needed - to do something to celebrate my return. Her initial idea of following her brother's old habit of practical jokes was short-lived and she was thinking more of a family holiday.

When we mentioned to the children our intentions to take an unscheduled holiday I was expecting more joy.

"I can't go, mummy," Brendan frowned, "I'll miss school."

I lifted one brow and regarded him  but his unexpected response was supported by a nod from Beverley.

"It would be lovely," she said, "but I'm in the middle of my project for Mellowdene Day."  

Cecile pondered. "Well, we wouldn't be going this week. How long would you need?"

"If I worked a little longer each day after class I could probably finish by Friday. Helen Fielding says her sister is doing some research in the library. Maybe Uncle Merlin would let me do some of my work there."

"That wouldn't do for me," said Brendan.

"What do you mean?" said Beverley, "Didn't you say you'd finished your project early so that you could..."

"I've got other schoolwork!" Brendan said, somewhat hurriedly, I thought.

Cecile stepped in before the discussion became too confrontational. "Now, calm down, you two. If you can clear your projects - I know that's a matter of pride - I can have a chat with Mrs Hamilton and Miss Wildwood about your other schoolwork."

Brendan stuck out his lip, silently signalling his unhappiness, but Cecile reached out a paw and pushed it back. "It will work out fine, I'm sure, Brendan."

o 0 O 0 o

I had jobs to do myself before I'd be comfortable leaving Mellowdene for a break. First of all, I wanted to document my quest, figuring it would give Darcy three stories to publish on his Interwebby thing. This I did, and as the words flowed, it was as if I'd released a burden. I was able to put my thoughts in order, putting events into perspective. By the end, I didn't consider a holiday as high a priority as I had. Not so Cecile. She'd been busy making plans. 

I found out early one evening as we were relaxing. Beverley was in her room following up on the research she'd gleaned from the library and Brendan was playing with Orton, so apart from little Russell, Cecile and I were alone.

"I thought about asking Rowan if we could borrow his campervan," she said, "but I scrapped that idea."

"Oh? No faith in my driving?" I smiled.

"Oh, you'd be driving, my love. We'd hire a car. It wouldn't take long for you to get back your skills. No, I thought it wouldn't be much of a holiday for me, cooking and such. And I'd want a proper bed."

"It's a good point."

"It is. Funnily enough, the initial rejection of the campervan wasn't my idea. It was Brendan's."

"Is he still pulling his face about missing school? It seems out of character."

"There's something on his mind. I'm going to have a proper talk with him about it. Unless you want to?"

"I think you'd have more success, although both of us should be present. About the schooling - did you get a chance to speak with their teachers?"

"I did and their schoolwork isn't an issue. According to Hilda Hamilton, Beverley is ahead and there are no concerns that she'd drop too far behind. More of a surprise was the word from Eve Wildwood. She gave me a preview of Brendan's report card. He was second top of the class in maths, his story writing  is highly regarded, and Eve is prepared to give him extra tutelage to catch up in any other subject. I think she still feels a little guilty about accusing him of being reckless beneath Van Dyke's waterworks. In summary, there's no problem with them going on holiday with us in term time."

"I suggest we don't make too much of the extra tutelage part when we talk to Brendan."

She laughed. "My opinion exactly. What about your work? Can you leave things with Chris?"

"Oh yes. We're at a good break point."

The songwriting project for the musical was essentially over. The material had been given to the show's organiser and as Chris Snow-Warren had been heavily involved in the communications, he was more than capable of managing any issues.

"So that just leaves your concerns about winter preparations."

"I suppose I can prevail upon Merlin. It depends on how long you're thinking of us being away. I need to have a word with him anyway."

She slid forward from the settee. Normally Cecile would have picked up upon my last comment but her mind was directed towards her holiday planning. I couldn't postpone my discussion with Merlin and Eliza much longer, but Cecile came first.

"Okay, my love. If I'm supposed to be driving, presumably you have a destination in mind?"

 

She beamed at me. "I do."

o 0 O 0 o

I hadn't been looking forward to confronting Merlin and Eliza with the rest of the information I had about Orton's parents*, but it had to be done. I hadn't told them everything originally because I wanted to pace things, but I'd left it long enough. Another reason for my reticence related to Cecile. She would accompany me and I hadn't told her either.

*See Routes of Sylvania

o 0 O 0 o

Eliza's mouth formed a perfect circle as I related the information. Merlin's face didn't move. And Cecile stared at me. I wasn't surprised who spoke first.

 

"He's a gorgeous little boy! How could they abandon him?" said Eliza, indignation dripping from every syllable.

"They're not like us," Merlin said in a quiet voice.

"I don't care. The trouble is, neither do they. They could have come back but they didn't."

From things Orton had said, I had always thought his upbringing to be unconventional. It was to his credit that he endured and his strong will supported him. I'd seen how Figwort had been affected by his relative isolation, but Orton hadn't suffered to the same extent. 

Merlin summarised my feelings but tried to placate his wife. "They are dedicated to conservation - it is their vocation and has been for most of their lives. They did care for Orton - just not in the same way as most. They included him in their work rather than leave him behind. And yet their concern for his health meant they didn't take him on that boat trip. The thought of Orton in a shipwreck is too awful to contemplate."

Eliza breathed heavily. She wanted to respond but held back until her husband has made his point.

"From what Jackson said, it was some months before they were in a position to return. They must have realised that Orton would be settled, and to pull him away - when that meant months or years on an island, separated from other Sylvanians - would do him no good whatsoever. By keeping away, perhaps that's the best way they could to show their love." 

Eliza looked at him, at me, then at Cecile.

 

Cecile shrugged. "Don't ask me. This is news to me too. Jackson didn't think to mention it."

"Cecile," I said, looking down before raising my eyes to meet hers, "I'm sorry. I thought it best to tell you all together. It wasn't an easy subject to raise..."

She reached out to me. "No, I'm sorry. Obviously we can't go away now. It wouldn't be fair on Eliza and Merlin."

Eliza tore her eyes away from Cecile to look at me. "I'm being selfish. You've been dealing with this on your own, dear Jackson. You went to the caves, did all this for us. If you need to go away, then you should. Both of you." She smiled. "And what we should take away from this is that Orton is here, with us, and it doesn't look like he's going anywhere."

My sister-in-law is such a sweet woman. A perfect match for my older brother. With the news I'd given them, anyone would think they'd be totally unsettled. But no. Eliza's shock was gone, like a single lightning strike. Merlin was pragmatic, steady as a slab of concrete. And now they were concerned about me.

"There's the winter preparation to do..." I began.

"We've already made a start," said Merlin. "Orton wants to help, and once the Beastie Hunt is out of the way, we'll enjoy getting the house sorted."

That's when everything became clear to me. "The Beastie Hunt! Brendan will miss it..."

Cecile rolled her eyes. "That's why he's objecting to going away! He doesn't want to abandon Orton."

 

Merlin smiled. "Funny thing is, Orton has a concern about Brendan and the Beastie Hunt too. They need to talk."

"I'll sort that," said Cecile, "then I'll give him something extra to occupy his mind."

 

"There's still the garden work..." I continued. 

"Don't concern yourself," said Eliza. "I've been doing a lot of babysitting of the quads for my brother and Sam. I'm sure Denzel will be happy to do something for me in return. After all, as a groundkeeper, tidying up our garden will take him less time than it would for any of us."

 

"She's right," said Merlin. "We'll deal with any winter prep for Butterglove House. Eliza, Orton and me. You both need to take family time."

o 0 O 0 o

 

True to her word, Cecile had managed to get Brendan to reject the Beastie Hunt as if it was his idea.

"I was only thinking of Orton, but he has plans with Sherman Clearwater," he explained, adding with a chuckle, "and he was worrying I'd be left out!"

About this time, Cecile confirmed that her arrangements were complete. Accommodation was in place provided I was agreeable. She'd also checked with Mellowdene Van Hire (who also rent out private cars) to see what vehicles were available. 

 

"Thanks, sweet wrinkle," I said. "Now, isn't it time you told me where you want us to go?"

"Well, it's somewhere they won't be preparing for winter," she said, eyes teasing me.

 

"Cess..."

"Oh, alright. It's cousin Colt! They've been inviting us to stay even since they moved out of the village. I've been in touch and they'd be delighted if we went."

"Oh! That's great. It'll be nice to see them. Is that why Brendan isn't so sad about the Beastie Hunt?"

"Highly likely. Are you happy to go, then?"

I nodded. "Definitely."

 

She settled back, happy at her accomplishments. 

You don't know about cousin Colt so I should explain.

Coltsfoot Ivory grew up with his cousins Cecile & Rowan and they were, by all accounts, quite close. They lost touch when the siblings moved to Mellowdene, but that wasn't permanent. A few months after Rowan went missing, Colt actually moved to the village with his wife Celandine and their babies Chervil and Anise. 

With Beverley a newborn and Brendan making his debut less than two years later, our two families regularly enjoyed each other's company. Brendan treated Chervil as a big brother. 

 

About two years ago, Celandine's father became unwell, requiring home care. Because of the stability of the climate there compared to Mellowdene, it wasn't practical for her parents to move here. Their solution was for their family to move there, Colt taking a contracting job. They were to leave Mellowdene, supposedly temporarily, renting out their home. 

 

Brendan was crestfallen at the news. Chervil gave Brendan his skateboard to try and raise his spirits.

"Look after it for me," said Chervil. 

"You'll want it back when you return," said Brendan hopefully.

"Maybe. But if you find you like it, it's an excuse for me to get a new one, eh? Take care, Squirt."

 

When Rowan returned to Mellowdene, he was unaware that his cousin had been a villager. Cecile elected not to inform him, thinking it would be a nice surprise when Colt returned. She didn't expect the separation to last so long, but Rowan was still in ignorance.

Cecile's comment about Colt's family not preparing for winter was accurate. Throughout Sylvania there are narrow regions where the climate barely varies. These "calm strips" are the boundaries between Sylvanian regions where the seasons appear - unusually - to be six months out of phase with the rest of the land. Celadine's parents lived in such a calm strip. and the Ivory family moved nearby to assist with care. 

 

Reportedly, the patient has recently made a full recovery, but the family were still not in a position to return to Mellowdene. The main reason was that Colt had renewed his work contract and this still had some time to go. By way of compensation, they took more day trips - sometimes as far as the beach - but Cecile reported that they were looking forward to coming back to Mellowdene. It sounded as though they would enjoy our company as much as we would theirs.

 

And that was the extent of our preparations. Preparing to visit our dear friends and relatives out of town, avoiding the encroachment of winter for a little longer, escaping some of the more mundane annual tasks. Upon our return it was our intent to treat Merlin and Eliza for their kind consideration. 

 

Could I have a better family? I am lucky.

o 0 O 0 o

Living with a Myth

Last time, I left you with a comment about my experience with the Dreamstone. Afterwards I wondered if that was wise. Darcy Fielding is supposed to be... well, not exactly cynical, but a practical businessman running a newspaper based on facts, not known for his spiritual side. And I say I've seen the Dreamstone. What would my fellow villagers think? 

That thought didn't last long. For a moment I'd inexplicably forgotten that Mellowdene villagers don't read this blog. Jackson's unfettered writing relies upon this. My reputation is safe!

So. How to explain?

Well - to begin with, I was born in Mellowdene and I was introduced to the whole Snow Queen mythology in school. You have to appreciate how it becomes second nature for children to follow the family tradition, forming a strong connection to a story that, on the face of it, is a magical fairy tale.

Maybe it's that magical element that appeals to children. And all the while it reinforces Sylvanian values - a love of nature, caring for each other. Why wouldn't children lap this up? Their parents see the benefits, irrespective of whether or not they themselves were Mellowdene born.

It was perfectly normal that the young Darcy should enjoy the story and the related traditions. But I've always been a bit different. As I grew older my curiosity kicked in. You see I'm not one to take things on faith alone. I'm a mouse that thrives on explanations. Maybe part of that is due to my family running a newspaper for generations. I suppose reasons don't matter. On the face of it I accepted the mythology but a tiny part of me held back. Until I was older.

My curiosity in this matter was awakened when my own children became of school age. Not by them, oddly enough. I started to wonder why some newcomers to Mellowdene became more than supportive parents. Some became true believers.

It couldn't simply be the enjoyment of the Melting and Beastie Hunt events. What was the trigger? And then I started to question the tradition itself. How did it start?

As a reporter, these questions niggled me so I decided to investigate. Casually I asked a few villagers who seemed affected.

"It's a comforting story." This was a common remark. As was, "It's nice to know where we came from. This explains things."

It didn't really satisfy my curiosity. Only when two or three villagers smiled knowingly and suggested I speak to Kelvin Waters did I feel I'd made progress.

o 0 O 0 o

From the Mellowdene Examiner archives: Jackson and Cecile Butterglove's wedding

The Reverend Kelvin Waters is our spiritual leader within Mellowdene. He presides over weddings and other such occasions and is,  significantly, knowledgeable in many faiths and belief systems. Yes - the Snow Queen myth may dominate in Mellowdene, but Sylvanians have settled in our village with different beliefs. That is one of Kelvin's strengths. He is always able to incorporate new ideas into an integrated way of thinking. He is the embodiment of Sylvanian thinking. Whilst he doesn't have a wife and children of his own, if you had a conversation with him for any significant time, he feels like a member of your family.

Once those villagers had recommended I speak with Kelvin, it seemed obvious. If anyone was qualified to delve into deeper meanings of spirituality, Kelvin Waters was the one most likely to satisfy my curiosity. 

When I called to see him, he regarded me pleasantly.

"Oh hello Darcy!" he smiled toothily, "What brings you to my door?"

As I didn't want to waste time unnecessarily, I came to the point. "I have questions about the Snow Queen."

"Ah. It's usually those not native born that come to see me in this respect, but your appearance is not totally unexpected. If anything, I'm surprised you didn't come to see me sooner."

"Why?" I frowned. "Am I so predictable?"

He laughed quietly. "Have you truly forgotten how long I've known you? How old were you when you came to play with Wade?"

It was true. Kelvin used to look after his little brother whilst his parents were busy at work. He was always there. Wade and I would be in the den we'd made at the edge of their garden but Kelvin was nearby in the shade of their cabin, reading or relaxing. He'd referee our friendly wrestling matches, making sure we didn't get over excited. I was momentarily distracted with the memories.

"So, what do you want to know?"

Back in the present, I summarised. "When did it start? Why only in Mellowdene? Why do some newcomers commit so strongly?"

"Whew. Not much, then."

"Are there answers?"

He fixed me with a suspicious stare. "This isn't something for an article in the Examiner, is it? It's not something to be trivialised."

"Kelvin. I do have ethics."

He waved a dismissive paw. "Of course you do. I'm sorry. Very well. Come with me."

 o 0 O 0 o

 Kelvin took me to a small room via a door to the side of the altar, and in one corner there was a sealed display case. Within, there was an ancient book.

"I keep it here because it is protected from dust, sunlight and handling by the curious. It is our earliest history of Mellowdene. The handwritten journals of our first settlers."

"Shouldn't it be in the Hansel Museum?"

"Possibly, but it is incredibly fragile. It was coming apart before one of my predecessors decided it was no longer safe to touch. I'd be wary of moving it."

"Then how can we read it?"

Kelvin smiled. "The contents were copied exactly into a new book. Every few years, that copy is copied again. The chapel will always preserve the information in this way. I maintain the tradition."

I nodded, then had a thought. "How does this differ from the Early History of Mellowdene book in the library? I thought that documented the settlement."

 "You're right," said Kelvin with an air of approval, and before continuing he indicated that I should be seated. "In fact, all the information in that marvellous book is based on this journal."

"And yet I don't recall any discussion of the Snow Queen in that book."

"No. There won't be. It was thought that..." - there was a hint of a curled lip - "... only factual information should be recorded. Spiritual experiences being subjective, apparently."

"And you disagree?"

"Originally, but now only partly. I've come to realise that some information should be reserved for those who seek it."

"Like me."

"Like you."

I relaxed and rewarded Kelvin with one of my best smiles. "So. What can you tell me? Do you need to refer to your copy of the book?"

Kelvin shook his head. "Not for your question. I'm completely familiar with that part." He shifted his weight and at first I thought he was going to deliver a sermon - but he was merely planning his words.

"It goes back to the time of the original settlers," he began.

"A group of them decided to divert some of the run-off from Sweetwater Lake to help irrigate the valley. You may recall there was a presentation as part of Mellowdene Day last year, but that only dealt with the technicalities. This is a story of those rabbits who did a lot of the work."

Tobias Brighteyes, Josiah Butterglove, William Dappledawn, Roderick Babblebrook, Francis Babblebrook

"They were digging and using pickaxes to dislodge some rocks to create a channel. It was hard work. Lengthy work."

"They were a few weeks into the task when they shifted a large boulder and found something beneath. An unusual fragment of rock."

I raised a brow. Surely he wasn't going to say... But I remained silent and allowed him to continue.

"One of the workers was going to attack it with his pickaxe but he was interrupted by one particular rabbit. This rabbit was in charge of the work gang. 'Hold, brother Brighteyes,' he said, 'that's an unusual rock. See how it catches the light. Maybe we could use it as the foundation stone when we start to build the village.'"

Kelvin touched the side of his head. "You see? Thinking ahead. This rabbit was none other than Roderick Babblebrook. I see your recognition of the name. Yes. He would become our first mayor in later years. He suggested that the workers try and remove the rock in one piece. As it wasn't immense, he thought two or three should be able to drag it free. They proceeded on that basis and when they came to move it they were surprised to find it wasn't as heavy as its size suggested.

"So they put it to one side and carried on with their work. Later, at the end of the afternoon when they were finishing the day's toil, Roderick sat down by the rock to eat his sandwiches.

 "He lay his paw on the shining facets and remarked, 'you would have liked this, my love.' Reportedly, he was thinking of his late wife when he said this. It was then that something happened. He had a vision. He learned of the Snow Queen. For the rock was, as you've probably guessed, the Dreamstone."

o 0 O 0 o

I had put my earlier inkling down to having an overactive imagination. Hearing an unambiguous declaration about the settlers finding the Dreamstone... well, it threw me. My face must have given me away for Kelvin looked amused. He carried on with the story.

"Of course, the name came later. Roderick wasn't sure how to react to his vision. He thought he was overtired and said nothing until he spoke to his sister. 

"A few weeks later she heard someone else had had a similar experience, and thereafter the news spread about this magic stone that gave rabbits a common dream."

I found my voice.

"But what exactly did they see?"

Kelvin reached out and patted my arm. "You know the story of the Snow Queen. Their experiences are the source of that story."

"It's hard to bel... Wait a minute. What happened to the Dreamstone?"

"Ah. The key question. Well, the settlers knew something so special needed to be kept safe. Once the construction of Mellowdene began they took the decision to build a dedicated chamber for its storage."

 
"Where?"

"Underneath the chapel."

"Here? The Dreamstone is here?" To his credit, Kelvin didn't react to my squeaky voice.

"We don't publicise it. Experiencing the Dreamstone is now limited to those who seek the knowledge."

"Like those newcomers?"

"Yes. Like them." He scrutinised my face. "I expect you want to see it."

"May I?"

"Of course. You're a seeker."

 

o 0 O 0 o

Stone steps led down to the chamber. I hadn't known such a room existed and I doubt many did. It wasn't a large room. A desk and chair, a bookshelf. And by a single settee there was a shallow platform surmounted by a glinting rock.The Dreamstone.

"Take a seat, Darcy," said Kelvin, indicating the settee.

I complied, looking at the Dreamstone. It did look special, somehow. And then I decided that I should find out if it could give me a vision.

"May I touch it?"

"That's why the settee is there. For seekers. Go ahead."

I reached out my paw, resting it on the cool, uneven surface.

Nothing happened.

"You will need to think of someone you love," said Kelvin, "Bridget, your children, for example."

"Oh."

I thought of Una on her first day of school; a cutie staring at me with wide eyes. With a warm heart I reached out for the Dreamstone.

Then everything went white.

 

o 0 O 0 o

I hadn't expected anything like that. Later, I reflected on the day.

I could at last understand how those newcomers to the village became such avid adherents to the Snow Queen mythology. The Dreamstone experience was so intense it made it personal. Witnessing the events that led to the creation of Sylvania.

Or did I?

As I said before, I'm not one to take things on faith alone. I don't dispute that the Dreamstone is an extraordinary item. It did trigger a waking dream where I saw the Snow Queen. But consider this.

I already knew the story, and Kelvin had reminded me shortly before he revealed the Dreamstone. Is it possible that this unusual rock affected my thoughts and imagination, amplifying what was already there?

Afterwards, logic persuaded me that this was a more likely scenario. Straight thinking Darcy, that's me. I'd always remember the Dreamstone effect but I didn't think it should affect my way of thinking. Extraordinary things don't really happen.

At least that's what I thought until Jackson told us about the speed tunnels beneath Sylvania. I'm no longer sure.

I think you should form your own opinion. After all, I deal with facts.

o 0 O 0 o

Oh, whilst I remember, Jackson is back in Mellowdene; I saw Cecile with Brendan and Beverley at the village store and we passed the time of day. From what she said, he's looking forward to getting back to work. I hope that includes some writing for me.

o 0 O 0 o