Orton - From Lizards to Potatoes (1)

If you've been reading this blog for a while you hopefully will have gained an impression of the Sylvanian character. That we love family, friends and nature. It is the last of these I'd like to cover today.

Our love of nature can be shown in different ways. At one extreme we have critters like my nephew Orton's birth parents. Their dedication to conservation would seem to be paramount in their lives. 

I'm probably placed towards the other end of the spectrum since I'm not quite so "paws on". My morning walks through the local woodlands continue to be a delight; I like to soak in those natural elements. I'm convinced this connection with nature helped to inspire my music for the "Sylvan River" musical. My songwriting partner has notebooks full of poems dedicated to flora, fauna and the changes of seasons.

Other Sylvanians have a more practical relationship with the land. Some have allotments to grow their own vegetables, the excess supplying friends and shops. Those not having the time to work on such a scale often reserve a small patch in their own gardens. You see, we're not totally reliant on farms (such as that owned by the Timbertops) and small holdings within the county.

In my youth, our garden was kept neat by Mookie Dappledawn (*1). As young children, Merlin, Newton and I helped him a little - but Merlin was the most dedicated. These days, most of our garden maintenance is performed by Merlin's brother-in-law Denzel Dandelion, but we still maintain a small vegetable patch. Merlin grows his own herbs, and both he and Eliza like to grow their own root veg. A couple of years ago Orton, as their foster son, decided he would like his own even smaller patch, resolving to grow his own potatoes, fresh from the garden.

He is not always successful but he is a determined young bunny.

o 0 O 0 o

Since Orton Butterglove arrived on our doorstep, having been discovered as a stowaway on Captain Seadog's boat, he has become a solid, valued and much loved member of our family (*2).

From the wary little boy hiding in his hooded coat, searching for his relatives, he has become a confident young lad and he has become well-liked and appreciated by the greater community.

I'll give you a particular example as told to me by Merlin.

o 0 O 0 o 

Butterglove House had a visit from a member of the Sheriff's Department in the form of Constable Bobby Roberts. He had come to see Merlin with the hope of seeking his expertise as librarian. Specifically, this was to find out about an unusual creature that had been found in the rough ground near to the Spark Farm (*3). He had brought a photograph.

"It is wary of anyone approaching it," explained Bobby, "and I was hoping to find out what type of animal it is and how best to gain its confidence. It's not the best photograph as the creature seems to continually be changing colour."

Neither Merlin nor Constable Roberts had noticed Orton enter fresh from the garden, his friend Kimball Bayer trailing behind.

"May I see?" asked Orton.

Bobby regarded the two children for the first time, smiling. "It's police business, lad, but I don't see why not."

Merlin chuckled. "Orton probably knows more about rare creatures than anyone in Mellowdene."

"Really?" said Bobby whilst turning the photo over for Orton to see. The boy reached out and angled it to get a better look.

"You say it changes colour," said Orton. "If that is happening as I suspect, most people wouldn't recognise the creature for what it is."

"But you do?" said Merlin, proud at his boy's confidence.

"Yes. It's a schismasaur. A type of lizard. They're normally a single colour but if the colour is constantly changing it is preparing to split."

"Split?"

"Yes. When they are born they tend to be very pale but when they reach maturity they get to a point where they split into two siblings of different colours. When that's about due the skin starts to vary between those colours. The thing is - the actual split can only happen if the schismasaur is calm. If it is troubled, the colour changes become wilder. It shows how distressed the creature is. This photo is not a good sign. You'll need to calm it down."

"How do you know all this?" said Bobby.

"My mamma helped raise some in a sanctuary. I watched."

"How would you calm it down, Orton?" said Merlin.

"It needs to feel loved. It would be easier if I took Snorker to help with that."

"Snorker?" said Bobby, clearly feeling confused with all this information.

"A Snodgrass-Hepple Hog," said Orton, which didn't do anything to reduce Bobby's confusion. .

"It's our pet mountain hog," said Merlin. "He creates a sort of empathy, a sense of calm. He sort of 'spreads the love.'"

"Whilst making kissy noises," said Kimball Bayer, deciding he wanted to be part of the conversation.

 

 "May we go?" said Orton. "It's been a while since I've seen a lizard split."

Bobby Roberts shrugged. "I don't know what's happening here but you clearly think you know what you're talking about. Is it safe, though?"

"It's safer than if we did nothing," said Orton.

Merlin came to a decision. "Go wash the soil from your paws, collect Snorker and we can be on our way."

o 0 O 0 o

The four found the schismasaur easily enough. Its skin seemed to be undulating, changing hue in waves, alternating between green and the darkest of blues. It was clearly an agitated creature, walking in tight circles.

"Aw, it looks poorly," said Kimball.

"It shouldn't have got into this state," said Orton. "I'm taking Snorker to it straight away."

Constable Roberts was about to object but Merlin assured him that the lad knew what he was doing.

"Well, I'm accompanying him," said Bobby.

"Me too," said Kimball.

"In that case we all will," said Merlin, "but let Orton take the lead."

Snorker was already moving slowly towards the lizard, periodically glancing back to check Orton was nearby. Extending his snout the kissing noises began. They were more rapid than usual. The schismasaur paused in its pacing and gave the mountain hog a sideways glance as it approached.

Bobby Roberts would later report how he was enveloped with a feeling of calm, a gentle happiness and confidence that all would be well. The lizard was similarly affected. The skin changes became less rushed and erratic until they settled to a regular rhythm. The waves of colours would remain static for five or six seconds, then resume movement for a similar amount of time. Snorker moved even closer and extended his snout to touch the schismasaur. 

Something must have happened as both creatures briefly shuddered and separated. Orton moved to retrieve Snorker.

The schismasaur then gave a little shiver and sank to the ground with a happy sigh. Although its eyes remained open and unfocused it appeared to fall asleep.

"Isn't it lovely?" remarked Kimball. 

"I'd have to agree," said Bobby. "It is a handsome beast. Or at least, it would be if it stayed one colour."

"It will," said Orton, taking hold of Snorker and hugging him. "Great job, Snorks."

"What now?" said Kimball.

Orton inclined his head slightly. "I think we should move back. Do you hear that snoring? The schismasaur is about to split."

"Okay," said Kimball although he couldn't resist reaching out and touching the sleeping beast. "Good luck, Schizzy."

Bobby Roberts took hold of Kimball's paw and in so doing also touched the schismasaur. "You heard Orton. He's been right so far. We need to move back."

No sooner had they turned and started to move away the snoring stopped with a shudder. The silence was filled almost immediately with a short popping noise. A wave of air passed over Kimball and Bobby, like a vanilla-scented gust of wind, causing them to overbalance. 

They looked back. Where there had been one lizard there were now two lizards, side by side, still prone but stirring. 

They scrambled to their feet. One schismasaur was green and it watched Kimball with obvious interest. The other was dark blue and, as Bobby had commented, a handsome beast. One that showed a similar interest in the Policeman from the Sheriff's Department.

"Oh," said Orton. "You didn't touch it, did you? I just remembered. They might imprint on you. Sorry about that."

"Imprint?" said Kimball as the green schismasaur rubbed against him affectionately. "What does that mean?"

"In this case think it means that they will treat you like family."

"Oh! Might it want to come home with me?" said Kimball. "My mum and dad finally agreed that I was responsible enough to have a pet."

Bobby nodded. "I wouldn't mind a police lizard to accompany me on jobs. The colour's right..."

Merlin looked at his foster son. "Orton. Tell me what just happened."

"I think Snorker's kissy noises might have also affected Kim and Constable Roberts. Genuine mistake, pappamerle. They would be extra happy and it's possible the lizards might pick up on that once they'd been touched."

"Are you telling me that Kimball and Bobby Roberts are now emotionally linked to these creatures? Is that why they seem inclined to take them on as pets?"

"It's possible," said Orton. "They'd have to say, but it looks like they'd be happy about it."

o 0 O 0 o

They were happy about it. 

For their new family pet Kimball Bayer decided to stick with the name Schizzy. With his home adjacent to the grasslands Kimball has found Schizzy to be an adept runner and a great assistance in stopping the tiniest puppies from going astray or getting lost in the long grass. 

Bobby Roberts named his new companion Boysin Blue (foreshortened to Boyce). I suspect the wordplay was to reinforce the intent to use the schismasaur as a police lizard. Bisto Wildwood was amenable subject to Boyce's behaviour. 

Orton continues to visit both schismasaurs and their owners.

If you're wondering why I chose this particular example of Orton's expertise I will explain.

The lad doesn't have much opportunity to demonstrate his zoological knowledge. That had made him realise he wanted to develop other areas where his knowledge would be valued. When Merlin and Eliza had commented that they were unable to grow potatoes in their vegetable patch, Orton determined he would try to succeed where his foster parents failed.

The satisfaction he felt helping with the schismasaurs further inspired him. Despite his botanic failures to date he would grow those potatoes!

The question was - where could he find the advice he clearly needed? 

 

o 0 O 0 o

To be continued

* Notes:

1. See Time Capsule (January 2020)

2. See Welcome Autumn (September 2019)

3. See When the Sun Goes Down (September 2022)

Sunshine Daydreams

Hello my friends. Darcy here with some more scribblings for you. An amalgam of my thoughts and snippets about Mellowdene. Ah, you know the sort of thing. Unless you're new to this blog, in which case, welcome!

I've been pondering Jackson's recent tale about Morwenna Deerheart and Kurtis Gribbit. After reading it I was in a quandary. Briefly. Whilst my investigative side urged me to go and speak with these two extraordinary people, I took Jackson's words to heart. Morwenna and the boy deserve to have their abilities kept secret so I have exercised some self restraint. Nevertheless, it has opened my eyes to possibilities I could not have imagined. Do superheroes live amongst us?

Whoa, Darcy. 'Superheroes' is hyperbole. What do I really mean? I suppose 'unusual abilities' covers it. How would we detect them? And there's the crux if it. At their heart, Sylvanians don't differ too much from each other. Put personalities, likes and dislikes aside and at our core we are the same. The same values and physical attributes. We recover well from injuries and infections, treat each other with kindness and respect... where would we get an opportunity to see anything outside normal behaviour?

You see how my mind works? No? The investigative journalist part of me will now be watching people more closely. Watching for any odd attributes. Oh, Jackson. What have you discovered?

o 0 O 0 o

Speaking of our resilience against injuries and infections, I'm reminded of a particular exception. Someone with a connection to one of my employees, my good friend Harry Hawthorne. The wife of my head reporter has a nephew who was very ill indeed. Huckleberry Hamilton and his family moved to Mellowdene for three reasons. One - to get additional support from his father and sister, two - to live in a kinder climate and three - to consult with Doctor Henry Bearbury. Young Georgie Hamilton suffered from a blood condition that was reportedly life critical. The expectation was that he had two years of life left to live.

Henry Bearbury is an important part of Mellowdene and he is dedicated to keeping us well. That goes beyond his medical skills. He used his ancestor's resources to develop an apartment complex that, initially, was intended to provide homes for hospital staff. I'm speaking of Minestrone House. These days, whilst some medicos still live there, there are other occupants too. With regard to his medical skills, our dear Doctor Bearbury is not only the lead General Practioner in Mellowdene; he periodically spends time at the Greybear Clinic learning of alternative treatments. 

That brings us back to the Hamiltons. Huckleberry was hoping that Henry could suggest a different treatment for his boy, one that might change his fate. That hope was fulfilled.

I always remember a quotation from my younger days. I was spending a little time with my chum Wade Waters, and his brother Kelvin - recently ordained - said, "Sylvania is all about balance. If something bad is about to happen, good will rush in to smooth things out." I thought of this when I was told how the Packbat was diverted from evil deeds after an encounter with the Dreamstone. Was Henry Bearbury the 'superhero' that rescued Georgie Hamilton from that rare life-threatening condition? 

Harry shrugged when I tentatively raised the subject. "Tillie said that Huckleberry is quite open about it. Henry's treatment was completed when he brought Georgie to the Sunny rabbits."

o 0 O 0 o

I knew a little about the Sunny rabbit family, imparted to me on one occasion when I was with Kelvin and Wade Waters, relaxing after lunch.

Rhona, like her sister Emily Nightingale, was born to the Oswald family. She left Mellowdene after forming an attachment to a visiting rabbit Edy Sunny. They married and settled in the small hamlet where Edy was raised - a place called Sedesolis - but returned to Mellowdene a few years later with a young son. Their family has grown since then.

I learned that most of the inhabitants of Sedesolis were also Sunny rabbits and they tended to share a spiritual belief, variations on a creation myth that related to the sun. There was a core belief but unusually there was also encouragement to develop variations upon it that suited the individual. It transpired that Edy and Rhona (she was known as Rooney there but wasn't keen on this) had decided that their spiritual "solar connection" was better suited elsewhere. The Nightingales and Oswalds were delighted when they returned to Mellowdene. In turn, Rhona was delighted to be re-united with her sister who was now head nurse at the hospital.

When asked about their return, Rhona was quite open. "Oh, I liked it there, mispronunciation of my name aside", she laughed, "but Edy had only settled there out of a sense of obligation. As his beliefs evolved, his family insisted he should go wherever his solar daydreams led him, that he could always visit. And that led us back here. He even wants to be called Eddie so that he feels more of a Mellowdenian."  

It emerged that the reason Edy/Eddie wanted to feel more of a Mellowdenian was prompted by Rhona's upbringing. She had been raised with stories of the Snow Queen and our creation myth. He wanted to know if he could reconcile the two myths and this resulted in him talking with Kelvin Waters and subsequently encountering the Dreamstone. Clearly his encounter went beyond mine. I only had sketchy details (one's experience with the Dreamstone tends to be a private thing) but I gather his daydream showed his Sun King assist our Snow Queen in her desire to melt herself and create Sylvania.

This might be evidence that the Dreamstone tailors its visions to the individual. Does it really show the truth or does it adapt to help consolidate Sylvanian values? After all, it apparently had an affect on the Packbat. But I digress. This isn't about the Dreamstone. It's about the Sunny family.

You're probably wondering how the Sunny family figured into the treatment of Georgie's condition. As a doctor, Henry Bearbury wouldn't discuss details (of course) but the Hamiltons - and by association the Hawthornes - were so delighted with the results that they were quite effusive about the treatment.

The last stage of that treatment was marked by the time Henry took Georgie and his parents to the Solarium where the Sunny family worked.. 

o 0 O 0 o

"What do I have to do?" said Georgie, looking around at his parents, Henry and most of the Sunny family.

They were in one wing of the the Solarium. This building has many windows and it lies adjacent to the Sunny's home, set back from Sundew Terrace, both nestled in a  sandy clearing surrounded by an extensive growth of short golden-leafed shrubs.

"Not much, Georgie," said Henry. "If you try and relax in this recliner chair, Mister Sunny and his family will attempt to help you. The medicine you've been taking over the past week gives our rabbit friends a chance to see if their treatment works."

"It won't hurt, Georgie. That's right, isn't it Eddie?" said Rhona, encouraging her husband to explain what would happen.

"No," said Eddie. "It might feel a little uncomfortable for a short while. You'll feel hot but you shouldn't feel any pain. We will hold your hands throughout. Close your eyes and tell me when you can taste roast vegetables."

"Roast vegetables? Sounds weird but okay," said Georgie. "And this will make me better, mum?"

"We hope so, darling," said Hilda Hamilton.

"But we don't know until we try," said Henry. "As we explained, it might leave your head sensitive to bright sunlight for a while..."

"But I can wear a hat like you do," Georgie said, a weak smile on his open face.

"Maybe not as big," Henry laughed, 'but yes. That's a good idea."

Huckleberry Hamilton later described what had happened next. He had moved back, together with Henry and Hilda, to sit on the benches within the Solarium. The Sunny family formed a circle around the chair in which Georgie sat, Eddie and Rhona taking the young hamster's small paws in theirs.

Minutes later, when the sun reached its zenith over the Solarium, the young hamster was bathed in sunshine and the rabbits appeared to glow faintly.

"Dream of what you'd like to do if you were well," said Eddie.

"Okay," said Georgie. "I'd like to... ooh, my arms are tingling inside!"

"It isn't hurting, us it?" called Hilda.

"No, mum. It feels like warm water is running through me. It does feel odd but it doesn't hurt."

"Keep daydreaming, Georgie," said Eddie. "Thinking how you will be better helps the treatment."

The process took no more than five minutes although it seemed longer to Georgie's concerned parents.

 

"I can taste hot peppers," said Georgie, smacking his lips.

"Hold," said Eddie and both he and Rhona released Georgie's paws. "You can open your eyes now, Georgie."

Georgie's parents joined their son, Henry following them. The Sunny rabbits stood back. The apparent glow had disappeared when the parents had broken contact..

"Well?" said Henry.

"I didn't detect anything unusual," said Eddie. "If you run your medical tests you can check whether we were successful."

"It's very bright," said Georgie.

"Yes," said Rhona. "Let's get you out of the sun."

o 0 O 0 o

As it was explained to me by Harry, the infection was burned out of Georgie's body without any physical damage being incurred. The only side effect was a sensitivity to sunlight but that was expected to disappear in time. Some years have past and that diagnosis has proved accurate - although Georgie has become attached to his floppy hat.

My earlier comment about Sylvanian resilience and there being only rare exceptions: Georgie was one of those, but it seems Sylvania compensates by creating crittizens who have the skills to smooth the way. Maybe the Sunny rabbits - with their ability to heal with their sunshine daydreams - are further examples of Sylvanians with extraordinary abilities. Not quite the same as Morwenna Deerheart and Kurtis Gribbit, but individuals who can help preserve the balance of our beloved land.

o 0 O 0 o