In the following months, David hired a private tutor to come and help educate young Sil on the elements of planet Earth. Learning to read, do math, write, type. Many things that he would need to learn to do here in this lifetime.
The gargoyles taught him the principles of being part of a gargoyle clan. How to respect life and honor your elders and clan members. To protect those of your clan and in the city. He was also taught combat skills too. Training of that degree took place in the dojo inside on the mats.
Little Sil learned much about science from Lexington, leadership skills from Goliath, strategy tips from Brooklyn, cooking from Broadway, about a magical island from Angela, old ways and about tv from Hudson. Sil also became friends with Bronx. He liked to throw sticks with him out in the courtyard. But all the clan taught him gargoyle fighting skills, like how to trip people with his tail.
David and Fox also taught him about martial arts. Training was also done in the dojo. But it was kept from him about Owen being Puck, and Alex being able to have magical powers. It would be revealed one day, but it needed to wait longer.
Brooklyn wasn't sure if he remembered how old exactly his friend had said he was, but he remembered Lord Sil telling him Skeksis were long lived beings. Young Sil would outlive all of the gargoyles. He would be around for a long time. He could be part of the gargoyle clans in the far distant future, at least as long as some ignorant human didn't come along and do harm to him. Brooklyn pictured gargoyles of his bloodline being alive in the distant future, but it remained to be seen for whenever he found himself a mate.
And would this Skeksis even be able to reproduce when he got older? But likely, he would end up being alone. Even if he couldn't reproduce, Sil would be one unique creature to live among the gargoyle clans. Like an ambassador of sorts. The longer he was alive, the more stories he could tell.
….
While his education was going on, there had been one thing that hadn't gone on for a long time. It was getting little Sil to take a gliding trip around the city with his clan.
In truth, little Sil was really afraid of heights. He didn't want to leave the castle. But Brooklyn was the most insistent that he needed to learn to leave the safety of the castle sometimes.
"I don't want to get in the air, Brooklyn." Sil admitted. "It was too scary for me the first time!"
"Chamberlain, I know you're reluctant to do this, but there might come a time where the castle might fall under attack and gliding away might be our only ticket out, aside from you riding in Xanatos' helicopter. The more you practice getting the feel of riding with us in our arms or on our backs, the more you might learn to feel at ease. It takes a while to get used to, but after doing it for a long time, you never notice how scary it seemed before." Brooklyn explained. "That's how it was for us when we were younger, and how it is for Elisa."
"Can we practice with it around here first, not jumping off the high edges yet?" Sil questioned.
"Of course. I just want you to feel ready and comfortable to go gliding with us. Especially me." Brook told him. It would come in handy in the future.
Starting on the edge of the rooftop that overhang near the kitchen area, Brooklyn and Sil started to practice going off the rooftop there. It startled the young Skeksis at first to get the feel of the air being on him and the feeling of being in the air. Brooklyn made sure that his friend would say yes before he jumped off the roof.
Eventually, little Sil started to feel more at ease going off the roof, either in Brook's arms or on his back. Sil would wrap his arms around Brook's neck but not to where he was choking him when he was on his back. He would also wrap his legs around his belly. It might have been okay right now while Sil was small for him to ride in Brook's arms, but he would more than likely have to just ride on his back when he got older.
Soon, little Sil felt comfortable enough to let Brooklyn take him off higher towers of the castle too. All of young Sil's education was taking the course of over his first year there at the castle.
After several weeks, Sil soon felt ready to want to try going on a gliding lesson with Brooklyn for the first time since he had been brought to the castle. Sil was glad that Brooklyn had been tolerant of him and taking his time getting him used to the feel of everything first.
Brooklyn got the okay from Goliath that he could take Chamberlain to the park that was close by. It was a good location late at night for gargoyles to go, and hardly anyone would see them.
Sil looked over the edge of the battlements overlooking the city. It was beautiful just watching it from above. But it seemed scarier when he was considering taking off from it for the first time since being brought here. He swallowed. He made sure that he didn't eat anything so he wouldn't get sick. His stomach would most likely feel weird just from this experience.
Brooklyn was glad that he and Sil weren't eating before this experience. They would eat sometime when they returned to be on the safe side. He came up beside his young friend. "You ready?" he asked.
"Still nervous about it." Sil replied.
"Remember all that we have practiced. I'll go slow down there." Brooklyn assured him.
"Okay." Sil replied. He then went behind the red gargoyle. Brook lowered himself down so he could get on his back. He wanted to be holding on.
Brooklyn then stood up, lifting Sil up off the ground. He put one hand on Sil's right leg. The Skeksis had both legs wrapped around his waist and his arms around his neck. They stood on the edge for a few moments.
"Ready?" Brook asked.
Sil took some deep breaths before he said okay.
Brooklyn then gently jumped off the battlement. Sil closed his eyes on takeoff. He buried his face in Brook's neck. He really didn't like takeoff. He didn't like the feeling it gave him in the head. But it wasn't long before Brooklyn descended downward.
Soon, they were on the ground again. "It's alright, Sil. We're on the ground again." Brook announced to him.
Sil opened his eyes and he saw they were on the ground in the park. This was his first time seeing it on the ground. He let go of Brook's neck and waist and went looking around. "This is Central Park." Brook stated.
"Wow. It's beautiful." Sil declared.
"Yep. One of the best places to hang out." Brook said.
"So, what do we do?"
"I can show you around the park if you want."
"Sure." Sil replied.
Brooklyn showed him the lake first. Little Sil got curious and started playing in the water too, splashing at Brooklyn. It got Brook laughing too and he also splashed at Sil. It was a hot summer night as it was. It felt good to get wet. But they stayed out of the water for swimming.
Then Brooklyn took him on a walk around a trail in the park. It was really nice. Sil liked it here.
After the park tour was done, it was time they went back home. Brooklyn would take him out on more tours around the city in time. Sil had enjoyed his first time out since he got out of that lab so long ago.
….
Once back at home, little Sil asked Brooklyn how he met his father.
"I was transported to another dimension or another world through a magical portal. Only ones who are immortal can touch it without it opening up. Mortals like us will make it open up." Brooklyn explained. "Anyway, I was transported to a world called Thra. There were definitely no humans there and it seemed like there was barely any life there. Your dad was the first life form I met that didn't run away from me or hide from me like other critters did. Of course, I also got to meet the Skeksis big, bad Garthim soldiers too. Chamberlain stopped them from coming after me and he and I met shortly afterward."
"We had a little chat and I told him about my turning to stone in daylight and he stayed with me all day, sleeping. Then when I woke up, we worked on getting back to the castle. Eventually, we got there. He wasn't all that crazy for gliding either, but he got used to it. Then he introduced me to the other Skeksis. I don't remember them all right off the top of my head. I remember one in particular called the General that he said he hated the most. Your dad had lost a fight to him to lead their clan and SkekSil was banished, hence, coming after me."
"He used me to get back his position as Chamberlain in the castle. We hang out and I showed them how I glided. The General proclaimed me as a guardian of the castle at night." Brook described. "Soon though, I was summoned with help to return here, and your dad came with me. It was here he tried to make a new life for himself. He was a big help to the clan in various ways. Like saving us from the Quarryman and protecting Elisa and Alex from Demona."
"So, I have much to learn to catch up to my dad?"
"Yes. You're still a child. I'm barely out of my teen years but I am the clan's Second in Command. I'm supposed to take over if Goliath was ever killed or disappeared." Brooklyn explained.
"Have you ever led the clan by yourself?"
"Yes. I led them for six months when they mysteriously disappeared on us." Brook replied. "And it ended the night they came back, and we risked ourselves to save baby Alex from the head boss of Avalon himself, Oberon. And it turned out that Titania, his wife, was Fox's mom." Brooklyn declared.
"Will I ever get to meet this Titania or Oberon?" Sil asked.
"Let's hope that you don't. Even when Oberon's kind are just kidding around with us, it's more than enough to cause us trouble." Brook said.
"What sort of trouble?"
"Like Soul Transfer and turning gargoyles and humans into the opposite. Such as when we were humans, and the citizens of New York were all gargoyles." Brooklyn stated.
"Wow. Sounds interesting."
"Way too interesting and something not to be messed around with." Brook declared.
"Where is the magic object now that transported you to other world?" Sil asked curiously.
"It was locked up in a secure location that even I don't know where it is now. Don't get any ideas about finding it, Chamberlain." Brooklyn warned him. "I know you're curious to learn about our world, but there are just things that we aren't meant to tamper with for our own good. There are plenty of other things to keep you entertained."
"Wish could go out there and interact with others now that more used to real world." Sil said.
"There is one day of the year that you can do that. Even we do it. It's called Halloween." Brooklyn stated. "It's the most fun day of the year, or night."
"When is it happening?"
"It's still not happening for about three more months. But there's still more time to get used to the outside world too." Brook said. "There is so much that you have to learn."
"Want to learn it all." Sil proclaimed.
Brooklyn knew this kid was going to be a handful at times. But then, all young ones could be. To think, one day he would likely be raising his own kids. Brooklyn remembered growing up that he and his rookery kin definitely were rambunctious rascals for their parents. Alex certainly could be too.
It was possible that little Sil and Alex were going to end up playing games together, depending on their ability to get along and such. Even though Brooklyn could hang out with Sil a good majority of the time, there were still adult responsibilities that he had to do. But that's when another adult could step in for him when it came to communal raising of a child.
…..
Little Chamberlain wanted to start preparing for Halloween. During the day when he was awake, he went to Fox and David and talked to them about what he could be for Halloween.
"We also host an extravagant party on Halloween too, Chamberlain." David said.
"Really? Can kids come to the party?" Sil asked.
"Yes. People of all ages can come. The gargoyles will all be there. They love Halloween since it allows them to be able to socialize with the humans in the city." David explained.
"Do I need a costume too, or can I go as I am?"
"If you want a costume, I would be happy to help you make one. Or order you one." Fox declared in a motherly fashion.
"What is Alex going as?"
"Alex is going to be a little pumpkin." Fox replied. "I can show you a catalog of certain costumes. But we also need to take measurements of your body to know what will fit you."
"Will measurements hurt me?" Sil asked.
"No, they won't." David said. "How about we go ahead and get those measurements, so we'll know what size to order for you when you do decide?"
"Okay."
The couple led little Sil to a special dressing room. There, his arms, legs, neck, and middle body were all measured. He found it a bit nerve racking, but David and Fox made sure to tell him it was necessary. He would be growing, and he would outgrow his clothes too. Likely, little Sil would one day be about 6' tall, like his dad had been.
After the measurements were done, Fox gave Sil a catalog of Halloween costumes to choose from. He still had yet to fully know how to read but he was learning.
"You can take the catalog with you and tell us what you decide you want." Fox said.
"Thanks." Sil replied. He took it to his room and looked through the catalog more on his own terms.
He soon came upon a black raven's costume. He went to find Fox. He found her in the nursery. "Here, Fox. I found the costume I want!" He exclaimed excitedly.
"Shh! Calm down." Fox scolded him.
"What?" Sil asked.
"I was trying to get Alex to sleep for his nap." Fox stated.
"No nap!" Alex stated.
"Great." Fox grumped. "Fine. What did you decide on?" she asked.
"I like this one." Sil held the catalog open to the page and pointed.
"Wow. A raven costume. Good choice. It'll suit you perfectly." Fox declared.
"What's a raven anyway?" Sil asked curiously.
"It's a type of black bird. The feathers will compliment your looks." Fox declared. She took the catalog from him, and she marked the page. "It'll take a little time to get here so I need to get it ordered. They have to pick the right size for you."
"I can't wait to see it!" Sil shrieked happily. He left as Fox had to coax Alex back to his tired state.
…..
When the gargoyles awoke that night, little Sil excitedly told them what he was going to be. "I'm gonna be a raven for Halloween!"
"Sounds like a good idea." Brooklyn smiled, agreeing.
"What are you going to be?"
"I'm not sure yet. Perhaps whatever's in the wardrobe." Brooklyn said.
"Broadway and I are going as the lion and Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz." Angela declared.
"You could go as the Scarecrow, Lex." Brooklyn said. "Since you're the smart one."
"Yeah, I could, but I think I want to be a Frankenstein instead." Lex countered. "You could go as a devil for sure."
"Ha ha! Very funny! I have enough problems with that out in public." Brooklyn retorted.
"What about a red bird?" Sil asked.
"That's kind of you but no. Don't worry, little buddy. I'll find something." Brook smiled.
"Elisa said she was dressing up like Jasmine, the princess from Aladdin." Angela declared.
"Don't know what Goliath is doing yet." Broadway said.
"He's not always usually into dressing up to go to Halloween." Brook stated.
"Maybe you can use the catalog that Fox gave me to look up a costume just as she let me use it." Sil advised.
"Yeah, it would be a good idea." Brook agreed. Together, the two of them went to ask Fox if Brook could use it too.
Fox gladly let them have it back. They went to Brook's room to look through it. Going page by page, they looked. Brooklyn finally caught a fancy to a Sherlock Holmes costume. "I think I'll take that one." He smiled.
"Not what I could see." Sil said.
"We all have our preferences." Brook stated and he went to tell Fox. She would have it ordered in his size.
Measurements were also taken for him. Brooklyn's body size was one of the smallest in men's, not counting his wings or tail. He was going to be Sherlock Holmes for Halloween.