A/N: So, I've been thinking of republishing Tale of Callathain 😊 I'm doing more planning for it than I did originally. It might be a while before it's fully rolling, cos I still need to iron out details and rewrite what I originally had; in the meantime, I will mention characters that will appear in it. Marcail is a Scottish tank engine, same class as Duncan, making them brother and sister- more will be revealed in TOC.
I also have a headcanon that, seeing as Lexi and Luke both share a strong, positive relationship with Geoffrey, they consider themselves brother-sister' by bond. They tease each other a fair bit, but they won't stand for anyone making fun of the other.
…..
Skarloey listened in silence as Lexi, Sir Handel and Rusty all spoke their turn. He adopted a solemn expression when they concluded their tirades.
"Thank you," he said kindly. "I'm sorry to hear about your mishaps, I really I am. But I'm afraid I can do very little in that regard."
"That's fine," Replied Rusty. "Sorry for that, old friend; we're just happy you listened."
"Yep," Added Lexi, "Especially since you're in such a pickle yourself. God, I think Victor's going to need an apprentice working up here!" She joked.
"Perhaps," Replied Skarloey thoughtfully, noting that Luke had not yet spoken. "And what about you, Luke?" He asked gently, as Lexi hopped off his footplate to resume polishing Sir Handel… for the second time that day. "You look very pensive; and that's usually a look I see on Rheneas," He joked, though he was still worried. "Are you ok?"
"Actually Skarloey, while we're on the subject of Rheneas, have you seen him anywhere?" Asked Luke. The older engine faltered, casting back his memory to the day.
"Sorry Luke, I haven't seen much of him today," Skarloey sighed, his Welsh accent laced with sympathy. "Though," he added, brightly, "I did see Freddie earlier; he told me he was meeting Rheneas at the Wharf for work. Is it important you see him?"
"I can wait," Luke answered reluctantly. "I can't ask anyone else to pull this train, it's too last minute to arrange another engine; besides I promised Duke I'd take it for him today."
"Say, what's happened to good old Granpuff, anyway?" Sir Handel questioned his human companion curiously. "I haven't seen much of him over the past two days, nor has Peter Sam. He hasn't disappeared again, has he?"
"He has, but not as far, or for as long," replied Lexi wryly. "He's been sent to work at Callathain Yard," she explained, looking at her watch. "An engine Marcail came by, saying that they needed another engine to cover for her friend, Melody. "By God, that's her, Skarloey and Rusty! You guys are dropping like flies!"
"We'd appreciate it if you didn't make such a grotesque comparison," Skarloey answered sternly. "They're associated with death; either they feed on the dead, or they die themselves."
"I'd argue with that, but I haven't got any," the teen threw up her hands in mock surrender. "You win, Oh Great Little Engine of the Lake." She chuckled as his face reddened. "That's his new tribe chief name," the teenage girl explained to the others, chuckling. "I learned what his name meant earlier."
"The young must be educated on the past," Said Skarloey, slowly. "But unfortunately, it's true what you humans always say, knowledge is the greatest weapon of all."
"Not today it isn't." Lexi sighed. "I think nowadays that the greatest weapon is ignorance."
"So, whit else was Marcail saying, Chimney-Sweep?" Asked Duncan curiously, before the subject of Skarloey's new nickname, or the current political climate could be discussed further.
"She said she's hoping you're staying out of trouble, Duncan." Lexi recalled airily. "Don't know why you're so concerned to know."
"She's ma big sister, ya ninny!" Duncan bellowed, steam wheeshing out of his valves. "She works at Callathain Yard!"
"Ah. Sorry Duncan. I'll shut up now." Lexi jabbered, her rag dancing over Sir Handel's funnel. Unfortunately for him, a corner of the rag was tickling his nose, and he was too distracted to ask her to stop; until it was too late.
"ATCHOO!"
….
Lexi and Sir Handel were both covered in coal dust. The former blinked once, twice; then wiped her eyes on her sleeve without comment; whilst the latter blushed sheepishly.
"Dude, really?! I was almost halfway!" Lexi protested.
"You were tickling my nose!" Sir Handel protested defensively, still embarrassed about giving in to temptation. "I didn't mean to sneeze!"
"I'm warning you, mate, I'll toss a bucket of water over your boiler next time you get dirty," Lexi sighed, exasperated at this point.
"Oi, don't be so harsh, lass," said Skarloey sternly. "I'm afraid what I saw corroborates with Sir Handel's testimony."
Lexi merely let out a vile curse under her breath for her misfortune and reminded Luke he really needed to get going; otherwise he'd be ten minutes late.
Luke, realizing she was right, gasped. "Thanks for your help, Skarloey," He said, "But I really must be going now. I'll speak to Rheneas when I get back; hopefully if he's still there at the Wharf."
"Alright, boyo," Skarloey answered magnanimously. "If I see Rheneas before you, I'll mention you were looking for him. We'll see you later then; but do be careful, won't you?"
"Yes, of course I will be, Skarloey," Luke answered politely, though he was a little irritated at the well-meaning reminder. "Bye, everyone." He said, as he steamed out of the Depot.
"See you later, Luke! Bye!" The others answered, whistling and tooting briefly in farewell, whilst Lexi waved goodbye to her friend and brother by bond.