Episode 9: Part 1
It had been several weeks since the last monster attack on Somerset Valley and all had remained quiet. Thanksgiving had been celebrated with families and the knights had even gotten a chance to spend some extra time making new friends with the Ocean Rangers of Hawaii who had visited. By now, the Fall semester of classes for the university's students had begun to wind down and everyone was preparing for a well deserved Christmas vacation.
On that particular day, a white frosty layer of snow had covered the ground blanketing Somerset Valley in a pristine white veil which reflected the colorful festive Christmas lights that were now being hung over town. As she walked into town that morning, Noelle Moreau couldn't help but smile while admiring the holiday atmosphere. She loved the lights, the smells of cinnamon baked goods, and the generally happy moods of people this time of year. She couldn't be quite sure if this had anything to do with the fact that her own name meant Christmas in French, but she had always thought it was appropriate considering her heritage.
After turning a corner and passing by some carolers, she walked into Kristen's warm inviting antique shop and was greeted by the sight of her three fellow knights who had been waiting for her. They had all been called by their mentor for a bit of an impromptu meeting and were curious what it was about. As Connor finished his own work and updated price tags on items behind the front counter, Quinton stood with Laura near the fireplace asking for her help. "Come on Laura… I really need your help here. Please?"
"What's up everyone?" Noelle asked as she removed her orange winter hat and shook off the snow.
Quinton shrugged sheepishly, "Hey Noelle, I was just talking to Laura about getting a Christmas gift for Kayla and I needed some help… you know, get a fellow female's opinion?"
"Oh Quinton… I don't really know about romantic gifts," Laura grimaced, "Is it really necessary that I be the one to do this?"
The Spring Knight thought for a moment and decided to opt for tact and diplomacy, "Well… I figured since you've got such great fashion sense and taste, you'd be the best candidate."
Laura smirked in amusement and sighed, "Appealing to my vanity, eh? Flattery will get you everywhere Quinton. All right, I'll help."
Noelle shook her head with a laugh and hung up her coat before the three turned to see Connor produce a box from an out of the way shelf.
"Whoah... check these weird items out," Connor said while rummaging through some labeled items in the first small crate, "Star Indigo Seeds, Rain Sticks, Snake Oil, and Bottled Twilight? What is this stuff?"
"That would be a stash of magical sundries for official Druid use only," came Kristen's voice as she walked into the main room giving the four students a pointed look. It wasn't a look of anger, but rather one that was similar to a parent catching a child with a hand in the cookie jar, "Now if you'll please put those away and out of sight?"
"Wow Kristen... we didn't know you actually had magic items lying around the shop," Noelle remarked as their mentor joined them.
The young Druid sighed, "Of course... but I keep that stuff hidden and safely locked away. Those sorts of things are not for regular customers."
"Still... where do you get things like that?" Laura asked curiously, "You Druids don't make it yourselves, do you?"
Kristen shrugged, "A few things yes, but we mostly trade for it with agents of the Four Fey Courts."
Quinton's eyes went wide, "Really? You guys even do business with the Elves?"
"Not as frequently as you might think, but we try to maintain relations with some of their merchants," Kristen smiled, "And that's actually part of the reason I called you all here today. I'm going to need your help."
The knights exchanged curious looks as she continued, "My Druid order has assigned me to negotiate a trade deal with a new up and coming merchant lord of the Winter Court by the name of Elidyr. My job is to procure some items and chief among them is something this merchant specializes in... cockatrice venom."
"As in the mythical cockatrice? Is it something that's going to be weaponized?" Laura asked.
Kristen shook her head, "I have no idea. The venom in small doses has a property that temporarily petrifies organic matter. I know it's often used by Druid sculptors, potters, and artisans to help set the clay work quickly."
Connor crossed his arms and sighed, "Gee, negotiating a trade deal... sounds like a ton of fun. Where do we come in?"
Kristen finished tidying up her store's front counter, "I would like the four of you to come with me as bodyguards and representatives of our mortal realm. If we make a good showing here, it could open doors for you and eventually lead to an audience with the Winter Court."
"Hold on a second, where is this taking place?" Noelle asked hesitantly.
"It's a small chateau on the edge of Winter. We're going to take a little field trip to the Faerie Realm and it might take a few days so I suggest you dress warm," Kristen replied with amusement.
The four friends exchanged another incredulous look before Connor cleared his throat, "This is crazy... we're going to dimension hop or something?"
"Technically it's more of a plane shift but you get the idea," Kristen shrugged, "Just stay near me, keep out of trouble, and you'll be fine."
Admittedly, the idea of it all was fantastical, thrilling, and a little bit terrifying all at once. Eventually, Quinton stopped and frowned slightly, "I just realized... if we go on this little trip, I won't have time to go Christmas shopping for Kayla."
Kristen patted his shoulder gently with a smile, "Not to worry Quinton. Lord Elidyr is a new merchant lord who is aggressively courting our business. I'm sure you might be able to find something good there. If there are no other questions, I'll see you four bright and early tomorrow morning."
The next day, the knights met Kristen at her shop and she led them out into the nearby forest preserves toward the base of a high snow covered hill lined by evergreen trees.
As they stopped and waited, Kristen reached in one of her bags to pull out her ceremonial green Druid robes and summon her staff. After pulling the robes over her, she waited and looked around prompting Laura to cross her arms.
"Uh Kristen? I thought we were going to be traveling to the Faerie Realm? Why are we standing out here in middle of the snowy woods?"
Their mentor smiled and gestured with her staff toward the sun's reflections off the glittering ice in the canopy of trees above them, "We're waiting for the right conditions to trigger the fey crossings. All over the world, there are numerous places in nature which touch and overlap with the Faerie Realm. When conditions are right such as a certain time of day, or a particular time of year, or the way the light reflects through the trees, pathways open up. It can be a bit finicky, but they're one way the fey cross over into our realm... or how people from our world get lost when they accidentally cross over there."
The knights exchanged an uneasy look before the sparkling reflected light created a shimmering portal in a nearby mound of snow. Kristen gestured forward, "All right everyone... follow me."
The five companions walked through the portal and found themselves in a similar looking place, only the wintry forests around them were more primeval and majestic. No longer could anyone hear the sounds of cars or trains, or any other signs of modern human civilization. Now they were standing in a parallel, yet unfamiliar world.
Kristen gestured forward down the path where a steep snowy incline led up toward a magnificent stone manor that looked like a small castle in the distance. "Welcome to the edge of Winter in the Faerie Realm. Let's get a move on to Silver Peak Manor before we freeze, okay?"
Upon reaching the gates of Silver Peak Manor, the five travelers ambled into the outer courtyards of the grand estate, lined by evergreens and tastefully arranged walkways.
"Wow… look at this place," Quinton said marveling at the beauty and ornate architecture of the snowy courtyard.
As they stopped to look around, Kristen and Laura noted the many sculptures adorning the grounds. Guarding the place from above were fierce looking stone gargoyles while the gardens were adorned with statues of what looked to be both humans and elves.
"Look at how beautiful they are," Noelle commented as she walked over to get a closer look at a statue of an Elven woman in a serene pose. "She seems so peaceful… and real."
Connor walked over with her and looked at the statue giving a dismissive shrug, "I don't know… I think she looks kinda unhappy."
The Autumn Knight gave a mild frown, "Oh, how could you say that Connor? You're not looking hard enough or trying to understand this art."
"I'm glad someone is taking the time then to really stop and appreciate the art I created," said a figure who entered the edge of the courtyard. The knights stopped to see a handsome young Elven man in fine blue robes approach while being escorted by a pair of heavily armored house guards carrying spears. By their clothes and features, they all looked to be Winter fey.
The elf had fair skin and long pale gold colored hair tied back neatly. He looked to Kristen in her green Druid robes and raised a gentle yet gracious hand, "Do not be alarmed. I am Elidyr, merchant lord of Silver Peak Manor and you must be the delegates of the Juniper Order Druids. Welcome to my home."
Kristen bowed her head slightly and lowered her staff in respect, "My lord, I am Sister Kristen Bloom and these are the Tuathan Knights... mortal representatives of the Fey Courts."
Elidyr looked them over with a kind smile and extended a hand, "Yes, I've actually heard some rumors of late about you all. And to whom do I have the honor of addressing?"
Connor stepped forward first but Elidyr passed right by him to address Noelle.
Noelle blushed slightly and gave a shy smile as the noble took her hand and kissed it. The Autumn Knight stammered for a moment before regaining enough of her senses to reply, "My name is Noelle."
"Noelle… a beautiful name for an equally beautiful maiden," Elidyr smiled. "And your eyes… I couldn't help but notice... has anyone ever told you how striking and unique they are?"
The Autumn Knight giggled again and slightly shook her head causing Connor to roll his eyes slightly and clear his throat. Noelle absently waved toward the other knights, "That's um… Laura, Quinton, and um… Connor."
"A pleasure to meet you all," Elidyr said kindly to the others, "I look forward to negotiating some trade with you and having you as my guests for the next few days. Please... come along with me."
Kristen gave a diplomatic nod as the others followed behind and they toward the front doors of the large manor, "Thank you Lord Elidyr. You are most kind."
Soon enough, the five were escorted into the palatial mansion which was equally lavish and architecturally ornate on the inside. Here and there, lesser Elves who were attendants and servants of the Winter Court made their way past, busy with their chores like washing, cooking, or cleaning.
Elidyr gestured for some maids to come and greet the knights, "I'll have my servants escort you all to some guest chambers. Dinner will be served later and I hope you will be able to join me to tell of your adventures against the Fomorians. Until then."
He gave Noelle's hand one more gentlemanly kiss before heading back down the hall with some of his other guards. As they watched him go, Quinton and Laura exchanged an amused look while Noelle gave a swooning wave goodbye.
"You know… there's something about that guy that just doesn't sit right with me," Connor muttered quietly.
"Well for starters, he's handsome, cultured, polite, and apparently knows how to treat a woman... of course you'd hate him," Laura chuckled quietly giving him a little elbow in the side before heading off down the hallways with Noelle and Kristen.
Quinton laughed and clapped the Summer Knight's shoulder to try and cajole him along while another maid gestured toward their own guest rooms.
Later that day, the five made their way into the grand dining room of the faerie style chateau where an elaborate meal was laid out along with expensive silverware and finely crafted china.
"Wow... now this is what I call living," Laura remarked with an impressed smile and a low whistle while they were seated. "Lord Elidyr, this is all so tasteful and truly remarkable."
"Thank you Lady Laura," Elidyr replied graciously from the head of the table, "I think you can see that as a merchant and an artisan myself, I seek to surround myself with beauty and things that elevate the spirit. That is where I find my inspiration."
While he turned to Kristen nearby and began to discuss some matters of opening trade with the Druids, Noelle looked over and saw two small gargoyle servants scamper up to the table carrying trays and assisting the Elven wait staff. They were really no larger than house cats and unlike the fearsome looking gargoyles on the outside of the manor, these were much cuter and more innocent looking. One was taller and leaner albeit with sharp angular features while the other had shorter and more roly poly appearance.
As they scampered about, the little gargoyles jabbered in their own unintelligible language while bumping into each other and making a ruckus. The Autumn Knight smiled kindly and patted the taller one's head as he refilled her water glass, "Aww, you guys are so cute. Thank you."
Elidyr glanced over and caught sight of the other chubbier gargoyle trying to pilfer a dinner roll from the table before he cleared his throat sharply and gave the two creatures a stern look. Glancing back to his guests, he wore an apologetic expression, "Please forgive my other minor servants. Scratch and Yum-Yum here are gentle and curious creatures... but they tend toward mischief."
He waved his hand and called in a commanding voice, "Now, away with you two!"
As the two little gargoyles slunk away sadly, Kristen looked about thoughtfully, "Elidyr, you did say you were a bit of a sculptor. Seeing as how we are working out a deal for some cockatrice venom, surely you've mastered some techniques for using it in your art."
"Of course," Elydir answered proudly before scratching his chin and turning to the Autumn Knight, "Lady Noelle, perhaps you could do me the great honor of letting me craft a sculpture in your likeness, to capture your radiance for the ages."
Noelle nearly choked a moment on her food feeling very timid from all the attention, "Oh... I uh, don't know what to say."
Elidyr laughed gently and rose from his chair, "Perhaps if your saw my other pieces, it would reassure you of my skill. Lady Kristen, perhaps you could come along too and we can finish striking a bargain."
"We'd be honored," Kristen said standing up with Noelle.
"So would I," Connor added quickly as he rose too, "Lord Elidyr... I'd love to see more of your work."
Noelle shot the Summer Knight a pointed look but Elidyr didn't notice and shrugged, "If you wish. Would any one else like to come too?"
"No, no... I think we're fine finishing dinner right here," Quinton said contentedly while eating with Laura, "Thank you."
As they retired from the dining hall, Elidyr led the three down some corridors into a grand gallery lined with beautiful statues like the ones in the outer courtyard. He gestured toward the rows of marble figures and sighed, "These are where I keep my very greatest works."
While Kristen and Connor paced around some of the statues, Noelle glanced around and noted some of the decor of that particular wing of the chateau. Like the decorations around Somerset Valley, she spotted some distinct touches of Christmas with some garland, ornaments, candles and evergreens.
"Wow... it's like having Christmas in France right now," she remarked idly.
"Yes," Elidyr replied gently while looking over, "In the course of my trading, I've picked up on some things I enjoy from the mortal world, some of which being the idea of your Christmas holiday and even the French language as well. It's really quite nice, don't you think? Voeux de Bonheur pour un Joyeux Noel." (Happy wishes for a Merry Christmas)
"Meilleurs Souhaits por le Nouvel An," Noelle replied in French with an impressed smile.
The little moment was broken up as Kristen examined one of the statues with her keen appraiser's eye, "Lord Elidyr, I couldn't help but notice... you must have an amazing hand. I don't see the mark of a chisel on any of these sculptures."
Elidyr walked over and cleared his throat, trying to lead Kristen away, "Thank you for the compliment. Now, shall we be off?"
This time, Connor cut in with a veiled hint of suspicion in his tone, "What about your studio Lord Elidyr? Where do you keep your tools or do your work?"
The Elf gave Connor a patient smile and led his guests from the gallery, "My studio is at the end of the hall Sir Knight, but I don't just let anyone in there. We artists need our space and privacy too. You understand of course?"
Connor glanced down the hall and spotted the two little gargoyles Scratch and Yum-Yum hiding in the corners of the corridor gesturing as if they wanted him to follow them into the studio. He paused a moment before looking back to Elidyr and following along, "Of course... thank you for the tour."
Later that evening after dinner, the four knights retired to a warm and cozy common room before bed while Kristen stayed behind at the table talking business with Elidyr. As the four friends relaxed by the fireplace, Connor again raised his warning about what he saw in the hallway and the sight of the two strange little gargoyles. "I don't know you guys... I kinda feel like something weird is going on around here and that those two little guys were trying to tell us something."
To everyone's surprise, Noelle crossed her arms and spoke with a degree of annoyance in her voice, "Connor, ever since we've gotten here you've had a negative attitude about everything and you're acting weird on top of it. Don't you realize that could jeopardize Kristen's trade talks with Elidyr? What will he think of us?"
"Or are you more worried about what he'll think of you?" he retorted causing Noelle to frown even more.
"And just what is that supposed to mean?"
"Oh, I don't think she has to worry about Lord Elidyr thinking badly of her at all. I think he's quite taken with her," Laura interjected with an amused smile earning a dirty look from Connor.
"Maybe it's just nice to enjoy a little attention for once from someone who's mature and cultured and appreciates some of the same things I do," Noelle fired back at the Summer Knight before walking out of the room in a huff, "If you really want to make a fool of yourself and poke your nose where it doesn't belong then be my guest Connor. Just don't drag the rest of us into your mess."
"Yeah? Well, if Mr. Pretty boy artist is as innocent as he says he is, then he'll have nothing to worry about!" the Summer Knight called after her angrily but she closed the door behind her effectively shutting him out.
Connor gave another exasperated huff and Quinton and Laura exchanged another look before the three heard a soft scratching at the other door of the room leading to the main hall. The three fell quiet and looked to one another before carefully walking to the door. As they opened it slowly, they looked down in surprise to see the two little gargoyles Scratch and Yum-Yum. They had worried expressions on their faces and jabbered with uneasy voices while trying to pantomime and communicate with the humans.
"Huh... this is weird," Quinton said as he ushered the two little creatures in, "What do you suppose they're trying to tell us?"
Laura took a look down the hallway before carefully closing the door and looking to her other two companions, "I'm really not sure, but I'm starting to have a feeling that if what Connor said is true, then it can't be something good."
A/N:
To answer a Guest question from the last chapter, Vanguard's Professor Bishop will be making an appearance along with a veteran Ranger or two later on down the line. I'll also be doing a mini crossover in the future with another fellow author who's a good friend of mine so we'll have plenty of craziness to look forward to later in the series. Until then!