Winter Weather (Part 2)

From her wheelchair Tara Lapine-Frost continued her story, seemingly oblivious to our shocked reaction.  

I was lucky, I guess. In more ways than one. My foot had caught in a V-shaped rock and halted my descent before I'd dropped more than waist height. And Nikolaj and Kristian had seen my fall. They came to my assistance. 

The Snow brothers hauled me back and onto safer ground. A quick check and it appeared that the worst I'd suffered was a painful sprained ankle. As I said, I was lucky. It was fortunate that we didn't have far to go. 

 

 

Nikolaj and Kristian helped me back to their cabin. As expected, there hadn't been any significant snowfall there.

 

  

I am prepared for many eventualities, so I had medication to dull the pain. Kristian advised me to rest, but I wanted to get home. The brothers eventually agreed to accompany me to the portal, loaning me a stick to aid my walking. 

 

They left me with guardians from the Mist Cat Tribe, and after an unpleasant journey limping through the speed tunnels, they escorted me to my house. 

I had a restless night, but hoped the sprain would be improved the following morning. Shortly after dawn, I knew I'd been mistaken. It wasn't a sprain. My leg was swollen. 

 

I needed to get to hospital. Even with a walking stick I knew I couldn't get there alone. 

 

With effort I hauled myself down to the phone.

 

 

As I dialled I looked through the window. Overnight, my part of Mellowdene County had been covered in a blanket of deep snow.

 

 

o 0 O 0 o

"What did you do?" asked Cecile.

"I spoke to Maisie Meadows on reception. She's an efficient worker, kind with the patients, but I hadn't appreciated how calming she can be. Multi-tasking too. Whilst we were talking she had managed to send a note to Nigel. He was already on the move."

I guessed. "On his skidoo?" 

"His pride and joy, yes," smiled Tara. "You do know that, even in the summer, he transports it up past the Polaris's coolsalt factory to zoom about on the permanent snow up there?"

"Oh yes. Chris keeps us informed."

"Of course he does. Well, Nigel must have travelled at some speed to get to my house so fast. I was never so happy to see him as I was just then."

"And he brought you back to the hospital on the skidoo?" said Cecile, engrossed in the tale. 

 

"Yes, and both Henry Bearbury and Terence Murdoch were waiting - and Emily Nightingale with a wheelchair. Nigel carried me in to the hospital. I felt a little embarrassed..."

"But nice too?" prompted Cecile.

"I suppose so. Anyway, the doctors sorted me out. It was a fracture - fortunately not too bad, but there had been a little bleeding into a muscle causing some internal swelling that in turn put pressure on a blood vessel, affecting the circulation."

"That sounds awful!"

"I suppose it does, Cecile," Tara nodded, "but I'll make a full recovery. Provided I follow medical instructions and keep the leg rested."

"I bet Nigel will make sure you behave." 

"He is doing." She sighed. "It's been an eye-opener staying with the Snow-Warrens. I know Nigel and I have a... relationship... but it's not just his home. I didn't expect Charity and Christian to be so generous, making me feel so welcome. And young Lisa is so attentive."

"You've been part of our little lunch group for some time, Tara," said Cecile, "and Charity likes you - as do we all. Of course she's happy for you to recuperate with them. She knows you well enough."

"Ah, but she doesn't. You both know that she is unaware of a large part of my life. Nigel too." 

I noticed Tara's eyes appeared damp. She wiped them before any tears dared to emerge, then made a statement we didn't expect. 

"It's made me think I should break up with Nigel."

  

o 0 O 0 o

Cecile and I exchanged glances.

"Why say that Tara?" said Cecile, "He loves you." 

"I know. He's... a lovely bunny. But I'm not good for him."

"He would disagree," I said. 

"Explain to us why you think that," said Cecile.

Tara sighed. "I've been thinking about Erika Butterglove."

"Orton's mother?"

She nodded. "I've always thought she was an inspirational rabbit. Her work on zoology and conservation as Erika Burroughs was unparalleled. When she married Martyn Butterglove she found a soulmate and their work continued."

"Okay..." I said, unsure of the relevance, but Tara was to explain.

"Her work was the most important thing in her life. And I've always identified with that. I believe I play an important role with my knowledge of biochemistry and geology. I seek out those rare ingredients that the Greybear Clinic and the associated Institute use for medicines. I go out in the field - even into the human world - to fulfil that role."

Cecile frowned. "I understand that. I'm sure Jack does too. How does this relate to Nigel?"

"Nigel isn't a Martyn Butterglove. I don't expect him to be. I don't want him to be. I love him just the way he is. But if I told him about my other life, I'd hate for him to be put in a position where he might uproot himself simply to be with me. There's Lisa to think about. I could never treat Nigel's daughter the way Erika treated Orton."

Cecile stared at me, then turned back to Tara. The tears were again on the brink. Nobody spoke for a full minute. Cecile broke the silence.

"I don't know what to suggest," she said, "I just know that Nigel adores you."

I had to say something. Whether or not it would be good advice remained to be seen.

"He's sensible and a very logical chap. Think about it. You know he's dedicated to his job as hospital pharmacist. He's proud that he has a purpose. It may not be as adventurous as your life style, but so what? And you know in your heart that he would never neglect Lisa. Do you really think he would abandon her to accompany you on your treks?"

Tara bit her lip. "No, you're right. He wouldn't. But if he asks me to stop going on my... treks, as you call them..."

"He wouldn't. At least I'm fairly sure he wouldn't. And you said yourself that you love him just as he is. Shouldn't you trust him to make the right decision - one that would suit both of you? What would you lose by telling him?"

Cecile's mouth had dropped open and she was staring at me again, even more wide-eyed.

Tara wiped her eyes again. "Cecile, you've got a good one here." She smiled at me.

"I know." Cecile was smiling at me too.

I tried not to blush. "Yes. Well. Right." I gave myself a little shake. "You've got time. Never mind Nigel - I doubt Charity will allow you to leave whilst this winter weather persists, even if the snow melts down your way. In all that time I'm sure you'll find a way to tell Nigel about your trekking. He won't overreact. After all you're quite a frightening woman."

"Aw, Jack. Now you've spoilt it," said Cecile, laughing.

Tara considered the description. "Hmm. I've been described as formidable, but never before as frightening. I think I like that."

With that, the conversation shifted to more mundane matters. It would have been a shame if Tara and Nigel had drifted apart. I knew (via regular reports from Chris) how happy Nigel was with his lady friend. According to Cecile, it was clear that Tara was happy too. 

And don't forget. Sylvanians are all in favour of happiness.

o 0 O 0 o

  

Winter Weather (Part 1)

A few months ago I was prompted by a heatwave to explain how it was unusual that Mellowdene experienced extreme weather. I implied it was rare for snow to encroach into the village, and that if we did see it, it was towards the north of the county where the break in the mountains had more influence. Well, guess what? We've had snow.

Although deep at the northern boundary of the county, there was only a smattering within the village, melting away in two days but staying long enough to have an effect. Whilst the temporary layer of white comforted a few villagers with thoughts of the Snow Queen myth, was a source of fun for the children, delighted others with a more pronounced variation in the climate, there were some negative aspects. Highlighted by some visitors.

Chris Snow-Warren and his brother Nigel came to Butterglove house, and Nigel was pushing a third visitor in a wheelchair. Tara Lapine-Frost. 

 

 

o 0 O 0 o

Cecile fussed over the invalid - an invalid who wasn't too happy at her situation.

"Don't be too kind with me, Cecile," said Tara, "as I don't deserve it. I've been clumsy and I'm angry with myself."

Nigel rubbed her shoulder. "It was an accident, Tootle. It could have happened to anyone."

 

Tara's lips compressed in irritation. "Yes, but it was me, Niggy. Don't go on."

Nigel and Chris exchanged smiles out of Tara's line of sight. I assumed that this was typical of Tara's reaction, hating to be dependent upon others. She let out an extended breath.

"Don't be late for work, Nigel. Cecile and Jackson will keep me company."

"Alright, Tootle. I'll be on my way. I'll be back this afternoon." He kissed her on the cheek, bade us farewell and left. 

 

Cecile tried not to laugh. "Tootle?"

Tara glared at her briefly before relaxing and providing us with a begrudging smile. "I only allow Nigel to call me that."

"You mean Niggy," said a straight-faced Chris.

That did it. Tara laughed. "Oh, I'm sorry. I know I'm a bad patient. I'm so used to being in control; I don't know why Nigel puts up with me."

"He probably realises you're an extraordinary person," I said.

"And he loves you," said Cecile. "It's obvious. And sweet."

"He's always been a bit odd," said Chris. 

Tara sputtered with laughter. "I think you'd better leave too, Christian. My arms are perfectly functional."

"Fine," he said with a grin. I'll see you later, Jack. Charity is expecting me back to help with Susan's birthday preparation for tonight."

This left the three of us alone.

"Right," said Cecile. "I'll make us a cuppa and you can tell us what happened."

 

 

o 0 O 0 o

Tara had no problem talking to us. In fact, I suspect it was comforting for her to be open with someone in Mellowdene who had knowledge of her more unusual activities.  And those activities still felt unusual to us - how could they not? Taking excursions around Sylvania via underground routes - speed tunnels compressing journey time to a fraction - contradicts any school science we learned. That said, this aspect of her story didn't surprise us unduly. We were more interested in the details of how Tara Lapine-Frost became injured. 

This is what she said.

I was visiting the hospital on business and Henry Bearbury happened to mention that they were low on blue feathermint. In case you don't know, it's an ingredient of a natural antiseptic ointment. Henry introduced it here after seeing its benefits at the Greybear Clinic. He can get supplies from there, but prefers it if Nigel makes it freshly in the hospital pharmacy.

 

I would normally provide the feathermint for them but the weather last year meant that growth had reduced in the usual places I'd go. I only harvest so much, so I needed other sources. Somewhere with snow.

Henry said that it might be worthwhile chatting with Avril Husky. Blue feathermint had cropped up in conversation when he was treating her son Hayden. Apparently there were times they'd use the unprocessed plant where they used to live.

 

I thought I'd get more information and the precise location of the plants from Avril to see if it was a worthwhile visit.

I called at the Husky residence. Avril told me that they used to live in the snowfields high in the South Atlandian Mountains, and described to me an area where an abundance of blue feathermint grows. It didn't concern me that this wasn't on the Sylvanian mainland. In fact I have some rabbit contacts in that general area. 

 

 

"We'd crush it, then apply it to wounds with a snug bandage," Avril explained, and whilst that works, I know it's a little wasteful of the plant. Nevertheless her words implied there could be a good supply. 

That led me to use a particular speed tunnel taking me to the slopes of the southern mountain range on the Island of Atlandia. 

 

The portal is hidden in a cave not far from the cabin where my contacts live - the brothers Kristian and Nikolaj Snow. 

 

The cabin is on the edge of one of the calm strips that marks seasonal boundaries across Sylvania. It is ideally placed as a base camp for treks into the snowfields - a plateau of ice and snow nestled within the peaks of the mountain range. Snow rarely falls near the cabin, unless the weather in the snowfields is on the bad side. Even then, the snow doesn't remain for long.

 

After a catch-up of recent events I told them where I wanted to go.

"I remember the Husky family," said Nikolaj. "Vincent used to bring his brood down from the snowfields to socialise at South Camp. We'd share a drink whilst the children would zoom about on their tandem. The place you mentioned is a little difficult to find unless you've been there. Do you agree, Kris?" 

"Definitely. It's off the main trails in an area that few visit other than polar bears and huskies. We should come with you, Tara."

And that's what happened. Which was just as well...

 

Light snow had begun to fall near the cabin suggesting that the winter weather in the snowfields had taken a turn for the worse.

 

The brothers told me that it should have taken around twenty minutes after leaving the established trails but it took us the better part of an hour to find the area where the feathermint grew. The good news was that I found a significant crop there. I only needed to harvest a tiny fraction of it to get what I wanted.  

Nikolaj watched me gather the winter herb with interest. "It's always rewarding when you discover something you're seeking. Especially when it's a sustainable crop that you can revisit."

"That's a fact," confirmed Kristian. "We're still looking for diamond berries. They're getting hard to find on the lower slopes. Maybe we should search the snow fields to see if the hardy variety has established itself up here."

 

"It's a thought, brother. But you know how they tend to grow."

It was nice to be working alongside fellow field-searchers. I hadn't seen diamond berries for a few years but had successfully found alternative plants in more temperate zones. "I can bring you sootwort if that's any use, Kris."

"Sootwort? That would be useful."

 

Nikolaj agreed. "It would be preferable." He saw me fasten my bag. "Are you ready to go back, Tara?"

 

I was. We retraced our steps. Although the blowing snow had obliterated our trail, the surrounding peaks were familiar indicators to my companions. I looked forward to the warmth of their cabin, or better still my own cottage in Mellowdene.

 

We had nearly completed our trudge out of the snowfields when I caught sight of something glistening on a nearby slope, not too far from our trail. Could it be? I moved to get a closer look. Yes, it looked like the dark foliage of the plant the Snow brothers sought, laden with diamond berries.

 

I turned to call to Kristian, but his name turned to a yelp when the snow beneath me gave way and I lost balance. I fell forward and started to slide down... down towards the dark opening of a narrow crevice...

 

 

(To be continued)

o 0 O 0 o