Finding a Way (4) - Reflection

Once Xenophon had left and we were were alone, Cecile sat me down and snuggled next to me.

"I should tell you about the Dreamstone, my love. Although you didn't seem quite as surprised at its existence as I thought you would be."

"Maybe that's because Darcy says he touched it."

"Oh! You already knew it was real!" Cecile regarded me quizzically. "So both of us have been closed-lipped about it. What about you? Have you seen it? Touched it?"

I shook my head. "As you've already said, I'm not the most spiritual of rabbits. I don't want to confuse myself with visions."

"That does sound like you. I found my vision comforting. It linked in with what our children have been taught. Seeing the Snow Queen, just like her statue. I actually brought me closer to Mellowdene - almost like I'd been born here."

 

I wondered what had come first. Had a vision inspired the sculpting of the statue? Or had the statue and the associated myth influenced what Cecile and Darcy had seen, affected by the energies within the Dreamstone? I almost voiced my uncertainty, but stopped when I saw my love's face. She was content in her belief. As I was content in my scepticism. 

"I'm delighted for you, sweet wrinkle. I'm a Mellowdenian by birth and you are one in spirit."

"Maybe that's as it should be. You keep me grounded and..."

 

"You lift me out of the mundane. In effect you are my breath of fresh air."

"Aw, that's nice." She kissed my cheek. "You make me happy, you know."

 

"Likewise, my love. And I want to keep you happy. Are you sure you're okay with this Treefellow thing?"

"If you are. In any case I think we can put it out of our minds until we're well into the new year. If daylight is a factor, the longer the expedition is delayed, the longer the days you'll have to do whatever you have to do."

Cecile. Practical as ever. The Dreamstone hasn't changed that.

o 0 O 0 o

(To be continued)

Finding a Way (3) - Xenophon Treefellow

On one morning recently we received a telephone phone call from one of our relatives. I was the one who took the call.

"Hello? Is that Jackson Butterglove? It's Wester. Can you hear me? I'm using the Post Office phone."

The telephone booth by the sub post office has been a welcome facility to those living at the other end of the county where there are less public services. To my knowledge, this was the first time any of the Cornflower family had used the booth to contact Butterglove House.

 

"Yes, Wester. You sound nice and clear. Is everything okay?"

"Ah. Yes thank you. I'm calling to tell you about a visitor we had. One of the Treefellow owls."

"Who? Aristotle?"

"No. It's the one that's using the tree house in the woodland near you. Calls himself Xenophon."

 

Situated in the woods separating Butterglove Lodge from the village green, the tree house belongs to Aristotle and Arabella Treefellow. It is used infrequently these days as the family has a larger family home across the river. This was where I visited Aristotle earlier in the year. I'd heard rumours that the tree house was in use again, but this was the first time I'd been given a name for the occupant.

"Xenophon? What did he want from you?"

"It wasn't me he wanted. He wanted to talk to my boy."

"Brady? Why?"

 

"It was about his interest in Tall Tree Forest. Do you remember how we told you Brady was mapping the odd way paths loop in the Forest? This Xenophon said he'd heard about Brady from Aristotle."

"Now I think about it, we did mention Brady when Aristotle was talking to us about the Forest. Was it a problem?"

"Oh no, but that explains it. Xenophon spoke with Brady for a while and then congratulated him on his work, asking to borrow his notebook to make a copy. I admit I'm curious why there's an interest." He paused. "Although it is an unusual place. Maybe that's why."

"Could be."

Wester continued. "Anyway, you're probably wondering why I wanted to tell you this."

"I thought you just wanted to find out how Aristotle heard about Brady..."

"No, but as I said, you've explained that. I mainly wanted to let you know that Xenophon is planning on visiting you."

o 0 O 0 o

Both Cecile and I wondered what the owl newcomer would be like. I guessed he would be following up on the crystals and a way to reach the Chunglewood community. I had expected Aristotle would be the one to take this forward but, I realised, he didn't claim he would do this personally. 

"Well," said Cecile, "I think we should get something for his perch. I don't want him to stand on the coffee table like Aristotle did. His feet weren't as clean as he thought."

 

We chuckled and found a solid container from the shed that would serve the purpose.

When Xenophon arrived, his manner showed he was a different sort of owl to Aristotle. For a start, he seemed a jollier Treefellow, his eyes sparkling as if there was a huge joke he wanted to share. His clothing was a little unusual too. From his oddly shaped hat to the chunk of shiny rock he wore as a medallion he presented a unique style. 

 

He gratefully hopped onto the pseudo-perch we had provided and waited as we settled.

 

 

"I thought I should introduce myself," he said. "I will be leading the expedition that we hope - with your invaluable help - will open a path to Chunglewood. There's still some organisation to do but I felt that I should explain why the job has brought me to Mellowdene." 

The owl fixed me with an unwavering stare, but his eyes still sparkled with humour.

 

"Before I start, I believe it would be to our mutual advantage if you understood my motivations, Mister Butterglove," he said in an almost confidential tone.

"We go by first names here. Please call me Jackson. And my wife is Cecile."

 

"As you wish. What I want you to appreciate, Jackson, is that I have a longstanding connection to Mellowdene. Although I haven't lived here long, my ancestors played a significant part in its early history."

"Like Aristotle?"

"In a way. Aristotle's heritage includes a long line of teachers and mentors that helped shape Mellowdene society. Mine is more connected to the land itself. Some of my ancestors had an interest in the valley long before the rabbits came here in search of a place to settle."

I held back from questioning Xenophon at this point; I could see he wanted to tell his tale in his own way.

"At that time, the valley only had stunted growth. It wasn't really suitable for settlement. Unlike most of Sylvania, the magic didn't have sufficient strength here. I use the word 'magic' because I don't have an alternative word. Normally, Sylvania is enfused with energies that enhance nature and growth, the spark that makes the entire land the home that we critters inhabit. Something was preventing the valley from getting its quota. We didn’t know at the time, but much of the energies were being diverted to somewhere within Tall Tree Forest."

I started to speak but he raised a wing to forestall me.

"No, please let me continue. My ancestors wanted to make the valley whole but had not thought of a solution. When the rabbits came, my Treefellow forebears expected them to bypass the valley to seek out another home but they persevered. It appeared they wanted to stay and were searching for a means to do that. They needed sustenance and a decision was made to guide them to the mountain lake - the one now known locally as Sweetwater Lake."

A smile crept onto Xenophon's face. "By chance, Sophocles Treefellow heard a remark by one of the rabbits - that it was a shame that waters from the lake could not be used to irrigate some of the valley. That chance remark was the solution we had been seeking, in ways the rabbits did not know. That is because of the depth of Sweetwater Lake and what lies beneath. The energies down there infuse the water with the magic that makes Sylvania. By allowing those waters into the valley it would not only provide a degree of irrigation; if it could supplement the existing subterranean water courses it would invigorate the entire valley.

"By subtle guidance and by offering practical help co-opting moles from beyond the valley, we were able to help the rabbits achieve our dream. Making the valley whole and an integral part of Sylvania's nature.

"Mellowdene is the culmination of my family's ambition. I am proud of being a part of this."

He inclined his head towards the doorway. "I understand your brother is a knowledgeable local historian. I'd be happy to give more details to him at some point. Anyway, now you know why I'm invested in the valley."

We waited expectantly for him to continue.

 

"Ah, of course. To the point," he said. "Regarding the expedition, so far there's only a little I can tell you. Firstly, I have a copy of a handy notebook that young Brady Cornflower put together. Clever lad. I hope that, after some analysis, we can use the book to choose the optimum entry point into the forest." 

"You won't be using the route Ricardo Porcini used before it was blocked?"

"No. It was quite circuitous, having evolved naturally. It took over three hours to pass through. Not a route to take without good reason. Ricardo was unusual in that respect. We want to open a more direct pathway. It is my hope we can do that. In any case, given our resources, I doubt we could reopen Ricardo's route. It's only thanks to your lady wife that we were able to locate those resources at all."

Cecile, who had been uncharacteristically silent to this point, reacted upon being mentioned.

"Me? Do you mean me suggesting the shiny stones Morwenna uses?"

"Exactly.  Arabella Treefellow took me to see Morwenna Deerheart and I was able to persuade her to lend us one of her proto-crystals. She's apparently very fond of her collection and didn't want to part with any but Arabella put her mind at rest. Fortunately I was able to identify the best one; most were flawed. Perhaps that's how young Ricardo was able to gift her so many. I do hope the one I chose will be enough for our purposes. It might be if your ear is as musical as your reputation dictates, Jackson."

I smiled weakly. "One can always hope."

"Ha! Modesty!" he laughed. "I have spoken with both Aristotle and Tara Lapine-Frost.   They give me every confidence in you." 

Cecile had clearly been thinking about Xenophon's words more than I. "Something you said," she began. Xenophon shifted his gaze to her.

"When you say some of these crystal things were flawed, how do you know? Are they safe for Jackson to use?

 

"Oh yes," he smiled, "you need have no fears on that count. All are safe. You see this?" - he indicated his medallion - "It's not purely decorative. It allows me to test the integrity of the proto-crystals. Most of the ones Morwenna possessed had an imperfect structure so would have limited range when affecting the energy portals. Please be assured that the one I borrowed is the best one she had and promises to be the easiest for Jackson to manipulate."

"Good," said Cecile. "And another thing. I was looking at your medallion. It reminds me of..."

She paused, looking at me before continuing. "...of the Dreamstone."

I stared at her. I had suspected that she had encountered the mysterious rock that was in the care of the Reverend Kelvin Waters, kept beneath the chapel, but this was the first time there was apparent evidence to confirm those suspicions. I didn't follow up on this because I became aware of Xenophon chuckling.

"You are a delight, my dear Cecile. This is indeed a tiny fragment from a chunk of Dreamstone that the Owl Collective holds. I didn't expect anyone to recognise it. Most believe it to be a myth. I'm able to use the energies within this particular fragment to activate proto-crystals and see how they might be channeled."

 

Cecile smiled at me. "Sorry, my love. I know you're not really into the spiritual side of the Snow Queen story. That's the only reason I haven't mentioned me seeing the Dreamstone."

Xenophon regarded us both before again indicating the doorway. "Something for you to discuss perhaps, but I've taken up enough of your time. I shall leave you and be in touch when we're close to being ready to proceed. Much will be dependent upon daylight and the weather."

He moved to leave. "I will let myself out. Farewell, Jackson Butterglove. Cecile."

"No, I'll let you out," said Cecile, rising to join him. Maybe she had further questions.

I sat a while after they had left, wondering how long it would be before I would be the one leaving - on Xenophon's expedition. Expedition! I wondered who else would be going?

o 0 O 0 o

(To be continued)

  

The Christmas Elves

Hi. Darcy here. Jackson is preoccupied with something else so you've got me. That works well as I've a slightly unusual tale to tell. I have my own opinions about it but I'll refrain from sharing them; see what you think.

It all started when I heard that Santa's Grotto would be open in time for the Christmas Holiday. This is the place that my cousin Alonso told us about last year. It was under construction then, a sort of distribution centre for a group known as the Santa Society. Lionel Grand's brother - Lennox Murr-Grand - was in charge of this new Mellowdene branch. Well, before the doors opened, Lennox contacted me so that it could get some publicity in my newspaper. My daughter Una heard about it and announced that she would also attend on behalf of the school newsletter. Why not? 

 

We walked along the expanded defile into the foothills and at our destination we were welcomed into a foyer area by Lennox and his son Lawrence. Other than ourselves, there was only Cheery Snowdrift present, preparing to take out a delivery. As for our hosts, the lions were dressed in their festive clothes as per usual. 

"Good merriment, Darcy," said Lennox. "And Una, isn't it?"

Una nodded. "That's me, yes. I'm here to ask questions..."

I interrupted her. "In good time, Una. There's no rush." I scanned our surroundings, noting the ice effect on the walls, the sparkly decorations and an artificial tree.  "Looking good, Lennox."

"It will look even better when we use the snow generators that Paul Polaris set up for us outside. It all adds to the Christmas atmosphere."

"I heard the whole Christmas thing was a human invention," said Una.

 

Trust my daughter. I still need to reign her in at times. "Una! That is inappropriate when we are guests here!" 

Lennox and Lawrence both chuckled.

 

"I'm sorry," Una faltered.

"No, no," said Lennox. "You may be right, Una. And it's refreshing to know that there are some people around here who believe that humans exist. You're in the minority in this region. As for Christmas, it may have its origins within human myths, but it embodies our Sylvanian way. Family values. Thinking of one another. Doing things for each other, whether that be by providing thoughtful gifts for those near and far - or by kind deeds."

 

"And it's nice," said Lawrence.

"No arguments here," I said. "You probably know there are some here who think Mellowdene's Snow Queen is purely a fairy tale - but all appreciate the underlying meaning. Myth or not, it embodies our Sylvanian way, as you call it."

"I like to think it's real," said Una, "but you're right, dad. I know the Snow Queen isn't familiar to the rest of Sylvania, so I shouldn't judge stories about Santa Claus." She smiled at Lennox. "Why not tell us about your Grotto, Mister Murr-Grand? And about Santa."

 

"That's why you're here," Lennox said, moving towards a door at the back of the foyer area. "If you'd like to follow us..."

 

 

o 0 O 0 o

The guided tour was as pleasant as I'd hoped. There was an area where young children could see Santa - represented by Lennox (he showed us where he would sit when talking to the young children) - but we were also shown beyond. 

 

There was a workshop where Jolly and Elm Snowdrift were busy sorting out stocking-fillers. Egbert Highbranch was about to leave after delivering some toys he had made. He paused to greet us then went on his way.

 

The surprise was within the distribution centre where Christmas gifts were processed. In there we saw a group of young Sylvanians in fairy-like dress, assisting Tamara & Tomas Grimalkin and Lennox's step-children, Claudia and Caesar Murr-Grand.

"Who are these little cuties? I asked.

"Our Christmas elves," said Lawrence.

 

Una stared at the lion cub and his solemn face broke into laughter. His father smiled.

"Lawrence is teasing. They're our children," said Lennox. "Leona and I adopted them. They were entranced by the concept of Christmas and we agreed that we could provide them with a family. That's partly why we took so long to finish the grotto. We had to build a living area. We couldn't live permanently in Leonard's home. With Lawrence, me, Leona and her two - we were already taking up a lot of room. Adding seven more children forced our paws to move."

"But where did they come from?" I asked. 

 

"No one is sure. They turned up at one of the other grottoes and they couldn't explain how they got there. Sylvanian Children's Services were called but they were having difficulty finding somewhere where they could stay together - which was what the children wanted above anything else. We volunteered to take them, yet it took some discussion before SCS were completely happy."

"Is that because there is such a variety of young critters?"

"That was the main issue. Some thought that they should have a connection to their birth race, but that seemed at odds with them all staying together. My wife offered a solution." 

"That they can have two families," Lawrence added.

"In effect," acknowledged Lennox. "They would live with us all together as one family, but each would have a second family to whom they could go for advice on their critter-specific needs. Almost an aunt/uncle relationship. "

"It's almost sorted," said Lawrence. "Hey, let them say hello to you." Before anyone could respond he turned and called to the seven youngsters. "Elf roll call!"

 

They stopped any tasks they were doing and ran towards the young lion, laughing.

"I'm Marriott!" said the small elephant.

"His second family are the Bubblebrooks," said Lawrence.

"Pumpkin here," said the small raccoon, smiling widely.

"Mulberry," said Lawrence.

"Canberra," said the small koala, "and I'm an Outback."

"And I am Brooke," said the kitten.

"One of the Keats' families."

The young deer said, "Emmy," in a shy voice.

Lennox leaned towards her. "And mummy Leona is sorting out your second family, isn't she? Probably the Buckleys."

Emmy nodded.

"I might be a Wildwood," said the small brown rabbit, "and I'm called Hickory."

"And that just leaves our bouncy little mouse," said Lennox, referring to the seventh 'elf' who was hopping from leg to leg. "Leona's looking into that, too."

"I'm Clip," trilled the little mouse.

Una's eyes shone and I could almost read her mind.."Clip?" she said. "My little brother's called Clop."

"Fancy that," said Lennox with a straight face.

 

"Dad...," wheedled Una, "Clip and Clop? It would be a great example of Christmas spirit."

 

"We can't do anything without consulting your mother and the rest of the family," I said, trying to ease her excitement.

"I do hope that you don't think that's why we invited you here," said Lennox. "They love living with us and we don't want them to leave..."

"But you'd be happier having a family where Clip could visit and discuss mouse things if need be," said Una, addressing Lennox but pointedly looking at me.

 

"We'd all be one enormous extended elf family," said Lawrence.

 

"Well," I said, "it's something to think about."

 

 

o 0 O 0 o

It emerged that Lawrence's stepmother, Leona Murr-Grand, had already spoken with my wife Bridget about Clip and she had thought about it. Another family member, albeit part-time, seemed to her a welcome idea. Going by Una's reaction, the children would like it. Something to investigate, definitely. Of course, Clip would need to be happy with the arrangement and the way he smiled at Una hinted that wouldn't be a problem. 

 

Me? I wasn't against the idea; in fact, it was growing on me. I admit it would be nice for Clop to have someone nearer his own age to play with. It was also an intriguing idea - being part of Lennox Murr-Grand's extensive 'elf' family!

 

 

As I said: an unusual tale. Now. Have you an idea where these Christmas elves came from? I have a suspicion but... no, I won't say. Previous stories might offer an explanation. I'll leave you to ponder.

Darcy signing off.

 

o 0 O 0 o