December Festivities

Three weeks away from Mellowdene and we'd had a wonderful time. Coltsfoot and Celandine Ivory had made us welcome at their home and with our strong friendship it was as if we'd never been apart.

I'd always got on with Colt. When he first came to Mellowdene, he gave Cecile some red faces by revealing things about her childhood that she'd purposely kept quiet. All done in fun, of course, and - when Cecile realised these little revelations only made me love her more - it brought us all closer together.

The mild rivalry between Beverley and Colt's daughter Anise was a thing of the past, and it was lovely seeing them whisper to each other, giggling like they were much younger little girls.

Brendan had grown a little since he'd last seen Chervil, so the nickname 'Squirt' no longer seemed appropriate. That didn't stop the good-natured banter between them.

Even our tinies seemed happy in each other's company. Maybe not as much incomprehensible jabbering as when Russell played with Nugget, but there were sufficient happy noises shared with Honeysuckle to demonstrate their contentment.

Despite all this, once our holiday reached its end, I was looking forward to going back home.

Once we left the temperate zone of the calm strip, it was clear winter was upon us. The journey was uneventful, and thanks to the internal car heating, we were protected from the colder temperature outside.

It was late afternoon when we arrived back in Mellowdene. Thankfully the village had escaped the snow. We turned off Dandelion Lane onto the track running down the side of Butterglove House - the one that led to The Field separating us from my cousins' house. 

Soon after leaving the car, it soon became clear that we had been seen.

Orton's voice rang out. "They're back!"

o 0 O 0 o

Reaching the side gate we looked through the high hedgerow to see Orton - who had been joined by Merlin and Eliza - standing outside Butterglove House. There we witnessed part of the winter preparations we had missed. Christmas lights. The December festivities had begun.

Orton waved wildly at us and Brendan responded in kind. As we walked to the welcoming committee everyone was smiling and it felt so good to greet each other.

We separated and I heard Orton address Merlin in a loud whisper. "Are you sure I can't tell them yet?"

Merlin smiled, patting the eager lad's head in affection. "Let them settle. There's no rush. We told you that you can break the news. I'll tell you when. For now, let's just help them with their luggage."

Catching Merlin's attention I mouthed, "What?", but he merely grinned, nodded towards Orton, then mouthed back, "Later."

o 0 O 0 o

 

My brother had prepared some finger food to satisfy any hunger we might have had from our journey. Comfortably full, we had put Russell to bed and were relaxing in their living room when we learned the news that Orton was bursting to tell us.

"Uncle Jack. You've been on TV!"

Cecile showed mild surprise. Brendan and Beverley looked at each other. I tilted my head and adopted a gentle tone of voice.

"I think I'd know if I'd been filmed, Orty."

"He means that you were being discussed, Jack."

Orton's head snapped around to look at Merlin. "Aw, Uncle. I'm telling."

Merlin laughed. "So you are. But tell them the full story."

"Sorry, Unky. I will." He turned back to me. "I was at Lucky's telly party last week. We were waiting for our programme and an interview came on with that famous singer Corbert Mulligan. You know the one? He was interested in being in your musical because you and Mister Chris did it."

Corbert Mulligan is famous. His rich tones make this bear probably the best-loved baritone singer in Sylvania. Orton wasn't quite right about it being "my musical" but I knew what he'd meant - Chris Snow-Warren and I had written the songs. What confused me was how Corbert had come to hear these songs. My involvement wasn't a public matter. Auditions don't start until next year.

Orton continued. "He said he'd liked the songs you did on Lionel Grand's record and was thinking of doing his version of one. After talking with Mister Grand he heard about the musical and went to see the... is producer the right word?"

I nodded. "Grant Foxworth. The producer is Grant Foxworth."

"Well, Corbert Mulligan really liked your songs and things moved on from there."

I scratched my ear. "Grant gave him a preview?"

Merlin spoke up. "Apparently. I suppose he couldn't pass on the potential of free publicity. Go on, Orton."

"Yes. Well, in the interview, both you and Mister Chris were mentioned a lot. They played a bit from Mister Grand's record and even mentioned your toothpaste jingle."

Brendan laughed. "You're famous, dad! Wish I'd seen it."

I mused.

"What's wrong, Jack?" said Cecile.

"I'm trying to imagine Corbert Mulligan singing my music."

"And?"

"If he goes for the role of Anton the Woodsman, I think I'll need to change the key of a couple of songs to better fit his voice range."

She rolled her eyes. "I don't know, Jack. What are you like? You hear something like this..."

Orton looked concerned. "Is it not good news, then?"

I looked at the earnest expression on the young rabbit who'd effectively become my nephew. I smiled.

"It is good news, Orton. Brilliant news."

 

o 0 O 0 o

The good news helped raise our spirits further so that Christmas and the December festivities were enjoyed even more than usual.

The truth is, we have plenty to celebrate from this year. 

Having been given the contract for the musical, we'd benefited more than financially. By raising our profile - even if Corbert didn't take a role - there was the potential for getting further work based on the publicity.

Because of our actions, the stability of Orton's home life was more certain. I could already see how Merlin and Eliza had relaxed since I saw them three weeks ago.

I had a closer understanding of my brother-in-law Rowan after my unusual subterranean adventures.

My nephew Figwort was at last opening up to his extended family. Maybe it's because it's a new experience for him - he rewards us with a big smile each time we meet. I don't know how long that will last, but for now... It warms my heart.

Beverley had learned a life lesson from a bad decision, and coming through the experience she'd had her painting displayed in the mayoral chambers.

The entire family had benefited by reconnecting with Cecile's cousin Coltsfoot and his family.

Yes. Plenty to celebrate. December festivities to enjoy. And afterwards? A new year of opportunities? Maybe. The continued love of our family and friends? Certainly.

o 0 O 0 o

 

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