The Severis Tales 4: The Winder Sheds of our Discontent

The Severis Tales

4: The Winter Sheds of Our Discontent

©2019.4 Patrick Rivers

The month of Deceller is often the snowy one for the people of Caldore. The last month of the calendar year, most regions in the northern hemisphere see tremendous amount of snow, just when the temperature turns cold. At mid-month, the sleighs come out from their year-long slumber, and are sent down large hills, helmed by happy children and adults alike. The winter is often an excuse to exercise the vocal cords and sing, much to the annoyance of others.

The month of Deceller also marks an important occasion: Erandor. A tradition traced back to at least a thousand years, then adopted from ancient rituals, Erandor celebrates the year-long survival of the individual and is celebrated on the twenty-eighth. The twenty-seventh of Deceller, the Eve of Erandor, is often celebrated with friends and family with a large feast. Erandor tends to be a private holiday, where the following days are meant for internal reflection and reminiscence. Then, the First of Jalis comes, and the world begins a new chapter.

Of course, no well-celebrated holiday goes on without decorations and fun. Carollers sing in the park, while children skate on the frozen ponds or play hockey, while the most festive of people sling garland and other colorful decorations across tree trunks and lamp posts.

~ # ~

For Franklin “Jok” Ferguson, the Severises next door farmer and family friend, he has no family in Barlett. Instead, he chooses to go on holiday mid-to-late Deceller to the eastern Maritimes, where is family resides. He returns the second week of Jalis, ready to start farming again.

Xiveer and Franklin are childhood friends. They grew up in Peyton Sound, in the Maritime county of Providence Bay. It was Franklin who introduced Xiveer to Leena because he was too scared to go on a date. Although they grew apart as they matured, they eventually found themselves on the merchant trails, eventually settling in Barlett as neighbours.

For services rendered to him and being dear friends (such as having Larry grudgingly help with his harvests), he offers the Severises his home to use while on holiday out east. Such a big house with only one person, he would hate to see the dishes and kitchen not used.

Xiveer and Franklin get up to a lot, even as they hurtle towards middle age. Their adventures often end badly, resulting in a lecture from Leena, or Elcra, or pub landlady Mila. Even Brackneed Vendyor lectured them, something Xiveer found very humbling and deeply patronizing. But, as the adage goes, children who grow up together will be children for the rest of their adult lives.

~ # ~

The twenty-fourth of Deceller. Young Reena MacTavish idly sweeps the floor of Severis General Goods with her corn broom while wearing a heavy coat. The roaring fire in the back provides great warmth to the shop, but every time the front door opens, the freezing cold air fills the shop, removing all that warmth. She would simply pull her wool hat down further onto her curly brown hair, tighten her coat, and get on with the sweeping detail. At least it was bright and sunny outside.

Franklin stepped into the shop, quickly closing the door shut. “God dammit it’s cold…” he muttered to himself, rubbing his hands fiercely to warm them up. He then looked at Reena and smiled. “Good afternoon!” he said, suddenly sounding cheerful.

“Good afternoon, Mr. Ferguson,” Reena replied. “Off on your holidays soon, then?”

“Just about,” he replied. He picked up a shopping basket from the stand and began throwing various consumables into it. “I leave tomorrow, so I need to get a few things; and of course, I got to hand over the keys tomorrow. Long journey, eh?”

“Sounds like it. Where about’s you from, then?”

“Peyton Sound, Providence Bay,” Jok said, shifting through cans of food. The names rolled off his tongue, as if they were always there.

Reena was curious. He sounds so seasoned when it comes to travel, much like her employers, Leena and Xiveer. What she knows of Caldore is the smattering of townships and villages that she passed through when she docked at Dorington, southeast from Barlett, and one of Caldore’s major ports. From the prairies of the west, to the Maritimes of the east, she only knows what she reads or hears from people passing through town.

However, Jok was waiting for an answer. “I suppose winter is the best time to go,” she ended up saying. “With the downtime, I would think it makes it easier on you.”

Franklin chuckled. “If only it were that easy. On any farm, there’s no downtime—you still need to tend to the horses, make sure your grain stays unspoiled, check market prices, and prepare for the next season. And that’s just a sampling of the huge list of tasks,” He briefly lamented the career choice of farming maize, given his sizable plot provides Barlett with much of their corn supply. He has very few helpers and does most of the work himself. Nonetheless, he smiled. “If you’re like me—on your own, I mean—then yes, it’s hard work, but well rewarding.”

As the two chatted away, Leena came from around the corner. She saw Reena’s left hand idly tapping the bread shelf. Quietly, she picked up a cream-filled treat in the shape of sausage, using the can grabber tool to place it stealthily on the shelf. From the back room, she watched Reena’s hand dance around the treat, holding in the giggles.

A few seconds later, she grabbed it. The sudden appearance of the cylindrical-shaped desert made her scream in terror. The broom went up into the air, and the treat flew like a missile into the back corner of the store, landing up in the rafters over some cupboards.

Leena used the door frame for support, for she feared she would collapse on the floor from laughing. “Oh god!” she wheezed, calming down to get her breath back.

Reena turned around sharply, clutching her chest. “For god’s sake, Mrs. Severis—are you trying to give me a heart attack?” she screamed with panic.

Behind her, Franklin let out a slow and sinister laugh. “I almost gave it away. I was tempted to laugh, but I just managed it,” He looked around for the treat. “Say, where did it go?”

“I think it landed up on the cupboard over here.” Leena said, shrugging her shoulders.

“And I’ll have to be the one to find it one day…” Reena said. She picked up the broom from the floor and continued sweeping.

Franklin brought his basket to the counter. As he took each item out, Leena punched the price into the mechanical cash register. It rang out pings and clockwork business-like noises as it tallied up the subtotal of his items. When she was done, she hit the red Tax key, and the register calculated the total. Fifteen dollars and thirty-five cents. She wrote it down on a receipt. Franklin handed over the proper amount of change and took his copy of the receipt after Leena signed it. She then pulled a few large paper bags from under the counter and bagged his items. Customer service with a smile, always the attitude at Severis General Goods.

“Here you go, dear.” she said to him, pushing the bags over.

Franklin held the grocery bags against his chest. “Thanks again, Leena. I’ll be around tomorrow with the keys,” He danced around Reena and the broom, careful not to trip over it. “Take care yourself, now!” he said to Reena.

“Bye, Jok,” Leena said as he left. A moment later, the bell rang again. “Forgot something, Jo—” Leena turned around. Brackneed Vendyor stood at the counter, smiling. “What the hell do you want?” she barked, her mood turned upside down.

The bold and arrogant shopkeeper flung his large cloak behind him and put his hands on his large waist. “Happy Erandor, Mrs. Severis! Can’t a fellow shopkeeper come in and say hello? And how are you today, Ms. Reena? Still got you sweeping the floors, I see?”

Reena put her hands on her thinner waist “Well, I could always use the help. Want to know how?”

Brackneed stuck his nose up. “How?”

Reena moved in. “Let me shove my broomstick up your arse. That way, while you run around like a chicken, the shop sweeps itself, and I can get on with other things at hand. So, what’ll it be?”

The door opened again. Xiveer walked in and promptly tapped Brackneed on the shoulder. He turned around and pouted. “Oh, it’s you!” he said, startled.

“Lovely day, isn’t it?” Xiveer said. “What’s the matter, Mr. Vendyor? Got lost? Looking for scraps this Erandor? Did Barnaby and Vera take your shop away from you?” were just a sample of the questions he relentlessly queried.

“Of course not,” Brackneed said quickly. “I’m just out for a stroll!”

“Come on, Joyce, you try harder than that,” Xiveer said. “What’s gotten up your big bum this time?”

Brackneed pouted. “Alright, straight to the point: why is that son of yours bothering my niece?”

Xiveer raised an eyebrow. “What? Larry talks to girls now? When did this happen?” Brackneed glared at him, and he took the hint. “Look, it’s not my problem. If he wants to talk to your niece, then that’s fine by me. What’s this all about?” It took him a moment to figure out. Then, he laughed. “Oh, I see! You don’t want her to be warm and cuddly. You don’t want to her to be nice to people! A Vendyor in true colour…”

Leena wiped the counter top with her rag. “That explains a lot.” she muttered under her breath.

“I don’t want her getting any ideas, Severis,” Brackneed said coldly. “She needs to be strong and learn the ways of this cruel world!”

Xiveer opened the door and stood to the side. “Well, I see you have three options. One, go and argue with Janessa about this. Two, mind your own business, and leave them in peace. Three, sweep it all under the rug, and pretend this conversation didn’t happen. But before two comes three. Get it?”

Brackneed squinted. “What the hell are you on about, Severis?”

Xiveer winked at Reena. She shoved the broomstick handle up Brackneed’s backside. He squealed like a little girl, jumping up in the air. He ran out of the shop holding his buttocks. He stepped outside and waved at him as he ran down the street. “Thanks for stopping by Severis General Goods! Hope to see you spring back someday!”

“I’ll get you for this, Severis!” he squealed. He ran past Mila’s pub, who laughed at him as he passed by.

Leena held her hands to her face, desperate to silence the laughter. After a minute, she calmed down and recovered. “What’s this about Larry and Janessa?” she finally asked Xiveer as he closed the shop door.

“Brackneed’s under the assumption that Larry’s causing her brain to melt like soggy butter. Have you ever heard such rubbish?”

“What’s so wrong with that?” Reena asked.

“She’s a Vendyor,” Xiveer explained. “Every Vendyor I have met is self-centred, arrogant, egotistical, greedy, condescending, and assertive. Once a Vendyor, always a Vendyor. He doesn’t want her to be otherwise. I think its more the fact that Larry and Janessa run into each other more often these days. I don’t know why, she hates his guts.”

“People can change in surprising ways,” Leena said. “Take Mila Daruginna, for instance. She was a bad girl, spending a lot of time in jail. One day, she re-evaluated her life, and now is a successful businesswoman.”                                   

Xiveer furrowed his lips. “And the point of this story is?”

“I think she’s saying that Ms. Vendyor is becoming more anti-Vendyor-ish than her uncle is led to believe,” Reena said.

Xiveer laughed. “Rubbish! Horse-hockey! That’ll be the day when I see that—Larry and Janessa, walking hand-in-hand…almost makes me shudder when I hear her voice…”

Leena changed the topic. “Oh, by the way, Jok was just in here…” she said.

“Yeah, I met him on the way here,” Xiveer replied, scratching his horns. “Apparently, he’s got some big project that’s being delivered to his house while he’s away, but he won’t tell me what it is until tomorrow. I wonder…”

Curious, Reena asked them both a question. “Why do you both call him Jok?“

“It’s a nickname he inherited in his youth,” Leena said. “Xiveer and I are the only two out of a very small handful of people who know why. He’s banished everyone else from using it.”

“Really? Why?”

“To be honest, I have no clue,” Leena replied. “It’s a secret that we’re honour-bound to. He’s just a quirky cat, to tell the truth,” She hung up her shop apron, put on her coat, scarf, and hat. “Time for me to go. I’ll see you tonight.” She kissed Xiveer on the cheek and left the shop.

Reena looked on and frowned.

Xiveer tilted his head sideways. “Something the matter?”

“Oh, don’t worry about it,” Reena said, shaking herself out of the trance. “Just thinking, that’s all.”

“Oh, okay.” he said. As he went on to tend to his own duties, Reena stared out of the front shop window, reminiscing, and feeling lost.

~ # ~

The twenty-fifth of Deceller. The day has brought very heavy snowfall to the town of Barlett. People went out to celebrate the snow, of which several feet had fallen. It was an event that physically stopped traffic until the snow could be plowed from the main roads.

With nothing to do, Larry wanted to go outside and get some air. Instead, Leena made use of his time off to perform a task: shovel the walkway, a straight route from the house to the sidewalk. It would be a most challenging task, as the four-foot snowbanks on either side of the canyon-like path would make discarding the snow difficult.

Although the sky was clear, the temperature plummeted to a biting chill. The sun, while warm, reflected off the snow, making it difficult to see. Larry swore he could see his breath freeze to the ground. Looking like a plump snow-dragon with a knitted garment to cover his tail, he set off.

The first problem was getting the shovel, which was in the storage shed at the back of the house. Forgetting how much the elevation dropped on the side of the house, Larry took a step onto the deceiving flat snow, and he fell through. He sunk right down, where the snow went right up past his waist. “God dammit!” he roared, squirming to get free.

From the second floor above, Leena opened the window and looked down. “What’s wrong, dear?” she asked.

Larry looked up. “I’m stuck in the fecking snow!”

“Oh.” Leena said. She closed the window and disappeared.

“Mother! Mother?” he cried. No answer.

It was clear he would have to get himself out. He tried jumping, beating his wings, and jiggling. He only made it worse, and soon, he couldn’t move at all.

The answer came from an unlikely and painful source. Michale, Larry’s tormenting younger brother, was playing around in the snow nearby. Although he did not know it, his tail was sticking out of the snowbank where he was stuck. As Michale leapt about, he unknowingly jumped on Larry’s tail, causing him to jump out of the snowbank.

Of course, Michale paid no attention to this, and bounced along merrily. Larry tried to swat him but ended up tripping over himself.

Attempt number two. This time, he flew across the danger zone. As typical, the lock was frozen, but this did not bother him. Surprisingly, his fire breath did not upset his digestive system. He turned the key with little difficulty, opened the door, and grabbed the iron shovel.

Leena nearly squawked when she saw the shovel flying past the window, hovering like a ghost in mid-air.

Now, the real question: start from the house, or start from the street? Larry decided it was easier to begin at the porch. He heaved each load carefully over the large snowbanks. As he got on with it, he felt confident in his shovelling abilities. This should be a breeze! He began to look forward to having some time to himself, maybe go to Felgar Hill and overlook the wintry forests and iced rivers.

However, he realized he had spoken too soon. The snow became increasingly wet and dense. After twenty minutes or so, he began to sweat and pant—two things that are deadly in a cold and dead winter. In a fury, he breathed flames from his mouth. While burping, he hit upon an amazing discovery: fire melts the ice! So, he took it in baby steps, shoveling away, burping small flame, shoveling some more, and repeating. Within minutes, he cleared a pathway to the gate and road. Maybe not so bad after all!

However, as typical of poor Larry’s luck, the last breath of fire gave him gas. Frustrated, he cursed aloud, and stomped in anger. He slipped on a clean patch of ice, freshly frozen over, sending him and the shovel into the air. He screamed as he landed on his back. The shovel came down on top of him, delivering a fresh load of cold snow onto his face, followed by the familiar ding of the shovel hitting his face.

Michale came bouncing along to the twisted and pained Larry. “Ha-ha! You funny!” he shouted, giggling.

Larry poked his head up through the load of snow. “Shut up! Get mother, right now!” he commanded.

Moments later, Leena came out and stood over him. “Dear, if you want to be dependant, I cannot keep coming to your rescue.” she said simply.

“What?” Larry shrieked. “I just got a shovel in my face. I can’t feel my wings or tail! Help me!“

Leena gasped. “Oh, dear,” She carefully pulled Larry up, wedging her feet between the snowbanks. “Are you okay?”

He stretched painfully to ease his muscles. “I think I may have pulled something. I hit the ice hard. I think I need to go soak before I loose my legs to frostbite, or something.”

“Let me help you inside,” Leena said. She felt bad about Larry’s plea for help. As they passed Michale, he pointed and laughed again. Cross, Leena squinted at him. “This is not funny, Michale. Your brother is hurt. We do not laugh at those who are hurt!” she told him.

Michale held his head low. “Yes, mum…”

As they entered the house, Franklin knocked and went inside. “Hello,” he greeted them. “you left quite a death trap out there, eh?”

“Yeah, lovely to see you to.” Larry said sarcastically as he slowly made his way up the stairs.

“Larry took a flip shovelling the snow. I bet he thought he could get away with melting the snow with his breath.” she said to her puzzled friend.

“Xiveer asked me to meet him here around now,” Franklin said. “After I give him the keys and a request, I’ll be off,” Behind him, he heard a barrage of angry sounds. He chuckled. “Here he comes now.”

Xiveer cursed and swore as he tumbled up the hazardous path into the house. He tripped over Larry’s sideways shovel, slipping all over the icy path. He hung onto the door frame for support. “Darling, I think I’m broken!” he wept. “Who left a shovel and hidden ice down the walkway?”

“Oops!” Leena yelped. Xiveer leaned on her as she guided him to the sofa. “Larry had a bad accident. He’s gone to soak right now.”

“Is he alright?”

She nodded. “I think so. He landed on his tail pretty hard, plus he got a shovel in the face.”

Xiveer cringed. “Ouch. Ouch!” he yelped, holding his neck in pain. “Don’t mind me, Jok. Please sit.”

Franklin sat down. “Well, ready to take over Ferguson Farm once again?” he asked him cheerfully.

“The fourteenth year. Ready and willing,” Xiveer said. Leena gave him a hot cloth to hold onto his shoulder. “So, what’s this big project you have coming? What’s this big request?”

Franklin handed him a piece of paper. “Well, since revenue has been up the past few years, I’ve been putting some away to get some new equipment. Remember that shed I put in a request for last month? Well, I completed the purchase! It’s due to arrive tomorrow. I’m wondering if you could sign for it and put it in the barn for when I come back?”

“Absolutely, old friend,” Xiveer said. Then, he had a thought, looking up towards the bathroom. It occurred to him that it has been a few years since he and Larry had done anything father-and-son-like. Perhaps this Erandor is a good time as any to try again. “I have a better idea. Since you lend us your home so many times, how about I build that shed for you?”

“Really? You would do this for me?”

Xiveer laughed. “Sure, why not!”

Jok turned to Leena. “Are you okay with this? I know how you feel about these things…”

Incredulously, she looked at them both. She knew what Xiveer had in mind, so, she put on a fake plastic smile, and replied “Yes!”

“Well I say, I cannot thank you enough!” Franklin shook Xiveer’s hand and handed over the keys. “The gods be with you, friend!”

Xiveer limped to the door to see him off. “Well, take care of yourself. Say hello to the folks back home for me.”

“Take care,” Leena added. “I’m sure Larry would like to see you off.”

Franklin smiled. “Stuff happens, eh? Well, I’m off. I’ll see you all in the new year. Bye!”

They watched him on his horse and cart disembark from the street and disappear down the road. Leena closed the door, and pinned Xiveer to it. “You, mister!” she said, suddenly angry. “What are you thinking this time? Are you serious about building that shed with Larry?”

“Yes, of course!” Xiveer said, whimpering.

“You can’t even build an ashtray without breaking your face into it,” Leena said. “Are you sure you know what you are doing?”

Xiveer rested his hands on her shoulders. “Relax, will you? This will be a good time for me and Larry to do something together. Besides, he’s a bit of a changed man now, and I want to see how much he’s grown. Don’t you trust me?”

Leena sighed, and smiled. “I trust you. Since you’ve ruined yourself, I’ll go and help Reena out,” She kissed him on the lips and scratched the scruffy hair by his horns. “Don’t go breaking yourself anymore, okay?”

Xiveer rolled his eyes. “I’ll try not to.”

~ # ~

Deceller the twenty-sixth. All of Barlett is covered in decorations welcoming Erandor and the new year. From both ends of Pine Street, carollers are singing to groups of passing families. All the lamps are covered in red and white striped scarves. Festivities and the Barlett Erandor parade marched around town all day. A merry end to the year 1103.

Alas, it would not merry be for Janessa Vendyor. Brackneed, like most business owners, keep their stores open only until noon, where on Erandor Eve and Erandor Day, the shops are closed. As he had Janessa with him, he sent Barnaby and Vera home early, so he can perform a yearly tradition: the Vendyor lecture.

It is this time every year that Brackneed reminds her of her obligation as a Vendyor, and to not become one of the “lower classes.” It is a lecture she has increasingly had reservations for since she was sent to Barlett by her parents a few years ago. Every year, she argues with him over values and morals, and this year was no different.

As he wiped down tables and cabinets, Brackneed continued his lecture, finishing with the words, “You must learn to keep your place in the Vendyor family, or our family falls apart. Do you wish that grief upon your parents back home, and shame their parents as well?”

“How are they relevant to this conversation?” Janessa argued back. “Why am I not allowed to have my own life? Why do I have to live by your rules?”

“Because your parents wish it, that’s why! They aren’t my rules—they are the rules every Vendyor has lived by! They want you to be smart, frugal with your money, highly sociable, and of course, rich, with a husband that will stand by you!”

She shook her head, forcefully moving items around. “You just want me to be like you, so you have someone to run your damn shop when you’re gone. After all the years I’ve been here, do you even care what I want or need? What about my friends?”

“I’ve given you plenty, young lady,” Brackneed said, casually closing doors on cabinets, and latching them carefully. “I pay for your own lodgings as a request from your father. They were quite surprised—and a little disappointed, if I may say—that you chose not to go into business, but to study law instead. I had to explain to them that there’s good money being a lawyer, and they took that at as an acceptable answer.”

“Oh no, I didn’t go into business, the world is going to end!” she mocked. “I’m not you, nor am I my parents. What is your problems with acquaintances that aren’t up to your standards? That isn’t for you to decide!”

Brackneed pointed at her with his walking stick. “You hang around with people who don’t have good sense. Your late aunt, of course, what have said otherwise, but—”

Janessa went to open the front door. As she listened, it dawned on her what he was trying to say. “Are you…annoyed at me because of someone?” she said, opening the door to the shop.

Moody, Brackneed followed quickly. “Look, it’s just—”

“Someone who looks a little freakish, with a tail, wings, and socially inept?” The long look on Brackneed’s face immediately gave it away. She slammed the shop door. “What is with you and this obsession with the Severises? They’re not bad people! Oh, wait, they’re lower down the social ladder. They live in the east end of town, with all the poorer people. I see. Is that all you think of people? If they don’t have expensive clothing, then they’re not worth it?”

“That Severis kid is going to set your mind askew if you keep hanging ‘about him!” Brackneed said. He pushed Janessa outside, and locked up the shop. “Your parents, as well as me, are worried people like him are going to distract you from your family obligations. They are concerned. That Severis kid is going to soften you up, and they know it! Stop socializing with him!”

“Who said I was hanging around with him? It’s not like I’ve gone out dating him, or something!” Janessa said, shaking her head. “I don’t understand you, Uncle. I’m not any less of a Vendyor than I was before; and as for that Severis kid, if I want to hang around with him—which I don’t—then that is my business, not yours!”

Brackneed noticed a few people watching them as they argued. Slightly embarrassed, he moved over to Janessa. “For the last time, young lady—I don’t want you hanging about that Severis boy! Now, let’s continue this elsewhere, people are watching us!”

Janessa stood on her toes in an attempt to overshadow her uncle. “You’re just going to write me off like that? Are you that paranoid that I’m not going to be like the family, all because of that ‘Severis kid?’ You don’t see anything else beyond the end of your till, do you? You were right about Auntie—she would have said otherwise. She had more sense, and she’s dead!” She marched off, leaving the red-faced Brackneed at his shop door.

Brackneed cried out to her. “Janessa! Come back, please!”

“Leave me alone!” she barked back as she walked away.

Brackneed looked on. Janessa…dammit! The people on the street staring at them met his eyes. “Don’t you have someplace to go?” he yelled at them. Promptly, they continued on their way. For poor Brackneed, however, he grumbled sadly, hitting his head against the door. “Well, Vasira, I did it again,” he said to himself. “It seems I can’t ever get it right.”

~ # ~

Meanwhile, a large wagon pulled up to the Ferguson farmstead. The wagon contained several wooden crates marked Eshgröben Industrie, a company based in Gwellfaire, halfway across the world. Xiveer waited from them at the sidewalk, excited.

The wagon pulled to a stop, and the driver got out of the cab. He carried with him a clipboard, some carbon paper, and a set of pens. The young man looked at him, then at the form on his clipboard. “Are you…uh…Ex-ai-veer Severis?” he asked awkwardly.

Xiveer’s lips flattened in disappointment. “The ‘Xi’ is pronounced Zai. It’s pronounced Zai-veer Severis. But that is me…wait, what? Am I the recipient? Should not that be Franklin Ferguson?”

The driver looked at the waybill. “It says here that you are the delegate under the recipient Mr. Franklin, sir. “

Xiveer laughed. That sly old fox. He knew I would say yes before even asking me. He nodded appreciatively. “Alright then,” he said, taking his wallet out of his back pocket, and showing the driver his identification card. “Should be all in order.”

“Thank you, Mr. Severis,” the driver said, scribbling down the details on his form. “Now, where would you like us to drop off the shed?”

Xiveer thought about where Jok would like the shed to go. H never did say exactly where, but he had an idea. The driveway extended all the way to the back of the house, where there is enough room for cart and carriages to do to ship out and accept deliveries. “Come this way, please.” he said, guiding the carriage around towards the back of the house.

Four more men came out of the carriage afterwards and unloaded the cargo to the spot Xiveer pointed to. Ten minutes later, the driver came back with the clipboard. “Alright, Mr. Severis—one more thing before we pop off for the day: the delivery fee.”

Xiveer’s eyes widened. “A delivery fee?”

The driver nodded. “It says here that Mr. Ferguson was to instruct Mr. Severis that, upon delivery of cargo, Mr. Severis is to settle the delivery fee of twenty-five Caldorian dollars, payable immediately in cash.”

“Twenty-five quid?!” Xiveer grumbled incoherently as he fished out a twenty-dollar bill, along with a five-dollar bill, and handing it to the driver. “Here you go…”

The driver deposited the money into a special black bag. After a few signatures on the form, the driver gave him a duplicate copy to give to Franklin. “Well, thank you very much for your custom, Mr. Severis. Happy Erandor to you and your family.” he said cheerfully, getting into the cab. The wagon pulled away out of the farm driveway, and down the street.

Xiveer saw them off on the sidewalk. “Twenty-five dollars. You could’ve said something about that, Frank. Ah, well…” he said to himself, scratching his horns. Either way, he was giddy. He rubbed his hands together vigorously and smiled to himself. Whatever. It’s time to build a shed!

~ # ~

Across town, Elcra trotted down the main road through town. With all her work done on Winterbottom Farm, she had nothing to do. Every Erandor Eve, the Winterbottoms join the Severises at the Ferguson farmhouse, and are Leena’s three mandatory guests. Today, however, she would go out and sample the various festivities around town. The long walk from the farm to Grave’s Park near the west end took her nearly three hours in the cold. Nonetheless, she felt comfortable and high-spirited, not to mention well bundled up.

The centre of the park contains a large pond that evenly freezes over every winter. A plethora of people, from children up to the elderly, ice skate on the pond. Elcra does not ice skate herself—instead, she found a bench to sit and watch.

Among the laughter was a minor squabble which caught her attention. In the middle of the pond was Toln Faresteed, who was being taken away by police and park staff because he was pushing bipedal dragons down to the ice. Everyone laughed at him as he was cuffed and taken away. “Typical.” she said to herself.

A young man took notice of her and approached. He had a short and scruffy beard that matched his curly brown hair. It was Terrence, one of Janessa’s friends and an acquaintance of Larry, although she did not know this.

“Howdy!” he simply said.

Elcra looked up, startled. “Um, hello!” She seemed to have taken interest almost immediately.

“Pardon the intrusion, but I believe you know Larry Severis and Janessa Vendyor?”

“Y…yes?” Elcra stammered. “Can I help you?”

He stuck his hand out. “I’m Terrence.”

“Oh, I know you!” Elcra said, shaking his hand. “No intrusion. Please sit,” Terrence sat down on the bench, and Elcra continued. “I guess you met them both on registration day?”

“Yeah. Larry’s the odd one, but he’s a good guy,” Terrence said. “I’ve pretty much met all of Janessa’s friends, posh and all, but Larry’s reluctant to say about his friends…”

“He’s a private person,” Elcra said. “I’m glad you don’t see him as how others do, at least. I know him through and through. We’ve been friends since we learned to walk. Tell me, does he talk about the stars and everything else to no end?”

“Of course,” Terrance said, laughing. “Me and him both. I only found out the week after that he was taking the same programs as I am.”

“Oh god,” Elcra said, holding her head down in her hands. “Well, at least he has someone to banter with. What do you think of him?”

“Certainly dragonish,” Terrence said. “There’s a few like him at home. “

Elcra smiled. “Very true,” She shifted in her seat. “There are others like him where you’re from? What are they like?”

“Much like how poor Larry is treated—looked down upon for looking different. It’s kind of sad, really.”

Elcra’s smile reversed itself into a full frown. “It is.”

Terrence got up from the bench. “Well, I must be off. Got to go back home before I get in trouble. Nice to meet you,” He shook her hand one more time. “Tell him I said hello!”

“Will do,” she said. “Maybe see you around?”

“It’s a small town. I’m sure we will. Byes!” he said, waving behind him.

The bizarre encounter left Elcra puzzled but strangely satisfied. What a nice young man. I wonder if he’s… Her thought was interrupted by the crunching of snow behind the bench. She looked behind her. Janessa was standing against the tree. “What the f…have you been there the entire time?” she asked.

“Is that all I am to everyone—posh, with posh friends?” Janessa shouted at her.

Elcra blinked. “What?”

“Answer me!” Janessa roared. “Is that all that I am to you?”

“Of course not,” Elcra said. “He just said—”

“I don’t want to hear it! No one else thinks me as different around here, do they? I’m just like my uncle. All about the money and class. Why is it so hard for you people to understand that I am not him? I don’t want to be like him!”

“Well, for one, you’re talking to me, so I understand clearly,” Elcra said. “What the hell has gotten into you? Sit your arse down before you self-destruct into an angry ball of puberty!” Elcra patted the seat next to her, firmly repeating the words, “Sit down!”

Janessa sat down but looked away from Elcra. “There. I’ve sat down.” she said grumpily.

“What the hell happened to you?” Elcra said brazenly. “What have you done this time?”

“I didn’t do anything this time!” Janessa roared back. She went silent, falling into repose. After a long pause, she told her. “I had my yearly argument with uncle Brackneed. This time, I yelled in his face, and I ran off, like, just now…”

“Oh no,” Elcra said. She rubbed her forehead, easing the pain in her temples. “I’m sorry.”

“He thinks I’m softening up because I’m not associating myself with the proper people. You know, those of high social status. I have no control over anything, it seems. Once a Vendyor…”

“That isn’t true, and you know it,” Elcra said. “Not all of your friends are posh. For what it’s worth, Terrence said he met all your posh friends. That doesn’t mean he met all your friends. ‘Posh and all’ is what he said.”

Janessa’s broken, high-pitched voice strained with emotion. “That apparently is of no concern. My parents want me to be like them, like my uncle. You know what he thinks? He thinks that I’m warming up to the lower classes because I’m, in his words, hanging around with that Severis kid. Can you believe that I would do such a thing?”

Elcra’s eyes flattened. “Does he really think that? What kind of stupid reason is that? It’s that archrival relationship between him and the Severises that has warped his mind. He’s always antagonizing them in some way. It’s rude!”

“I told him off by telling him Auntie would have agreed with me,” Janessa said. She pulled her scarf across her face to stop the tears freezing on her skin. “I actually said that to him. I’ve never seen him look so ghoulish and embarrassed at the same time. I thought he was going to faint.”

Elcra hugged Janessa. “It’s alright. Whatever happens, you still have friends. If you want honesty, however, you crossed a line yourself.”

“I did? What do you mean?”

“You know how close he was to his wife—your aunt, I mean. I’m no fan of your uncle, but you essentially insulted him real good. That has to not feel well with you.”

“Thanks for your observation, Captain Obvious,” Janessa shouted. “Why do you think I’m crying? I hurt him, and I don’t think I can go back!”

Elcra sighed. “Alright, alright. Well, what are you going to do now?”

Janessa sniffed. “I don’t know. I feel so alone. I’m not sure what to do. I can’t fathom being a greedy merchant, standing all day counting change in a till. I want to be my own person, with friends that care. Apparently, it’s rare for a Vendyor to venture in something other than business. Says everything there is to say about my family.”

“Then don’t be like him,” Elcra said. “You still have to be respectful of your uncle and your parents, however. That doesn’t mean you can’t be different,” She got up from the bench, and stretched. “Do you want to come with me?”

Janessa looked up. “Where?”

“The Severis house,” Elcra said. “I want to see this major project that Larry and Mr. Severis is working on.”

Out of habit, Janessa immediately groaned. “No thank you! I mean…I mean…not this time…”

Elcra laughed. “You’re weird. Just admit you’re curious about him, and you’re afraid of being seen in public with him!”

“I’m not weird, nor am I curious about him!” Janessa said defensively. She folded her arms in and sat back. “You go on by yourself. Enjoy your holidays, because I think I won’t be.”

Elcra sighed. “Fine, very well. If you’re not going to enjoy Erandor by yourself, then consider spending it with those who do care. I tell you what—if you’re not going to see your uncle, then keep tomorrow open.”

“For what?”

“You’ll see later. Now, go and get coffee or something. With that makeup running down your face, you look like a distressed, seasick clown.” Elcra waved at Janessa as she walked off, leaving her on the bench.

She walked a short distance away, then looked behind her. Janessa sat alone on the bench. She had a brilliant idea to bring up to Severises and went on her way. Always looking after her friends…

Janessa watched her walk off. Grumbling, she got up from the bench, and walked the other way.

~ # ~

Deceller the twenty-seventh. The Eve of Erandor. All businesses and shops are closed for the next two days as families and friends feast during the celebration of survival of the year. Compared to the festive mood of the past few days, the town has become dead quiet. The only sounds you could hear are the harsh, cold winds, and the grumbling of the police patrolling the streets, miserable they cannot be at home on Erandor themselves.

It has also been a brutal Erandor Eve in terms of the weather. Snow fell in thick waves, and the wind gusts have knocked down most of the snowmen the children made on the front lawns of their houses. It is also incredibly cold. So, a perfect time for Xiveer and Larry to build the shed.

Wrapped up in as many layers of clothing as possible, the father and son team set out to continue where they left off: disassembly of the cartons. Yesterday, the evening rang out with the sound of crowbars and hammers pulling apart the wooden crates. They spent a great deal of time verifying all the parts, and spend even more time trying to understand the instruction manual, which was presented in Gwellish, and not English. All they can do is rely on the pictures printed on the pages and hope for the best.

All of this went on while Leena prepared her annual Erandor dinner, busying herself in the kitchen while keeping an eye on Michale. As always, she makes too much food in anticipation of guests. For some reason, she was in a very irritable mood this year. She grumbled impatiently at her husband and son, who she knows will make fools out of themselves, and embarrass her as usual.

Outside, Xiveer located the spot where he thought Franklin would place the shed. It would sit right against the back of the house, near the chimney, on an elevated, flat surface.

Unfortunately, a family of winter geese have made a nest nearby, and they are determined to keep anyone who isn’t Jok Ferguson out of their territory. Larry would swat them away with his tail, and they would run away, only to come back some time later. Another thing Franklin forgot to tell Xiveer. How many more things has he forgotten? It continued to play on his mind, fearful of other surprises he would not anticipate.

Over the course of the morning, the two built the shed’s foundations and walls, while swatting away the geese. The two discussed many things together, such as Larry’s studies of the stars, the people he’s met, and his future career choice. Conversely, Xiveer found himself talking about his own life before Leena, and all the things he got up to as a young adult. It was exactly what he wanted: father and son bonding while doing something meaningful. It made him realize how much he really didn’t know his own son, the slacker and socially awkward college boy who has gone all-out nerd on these new sciences. It instilled in him a recollection of the things he couldn’t do back home. That is, if you wanted to do something more with your life, you had to travel far for it. Maybe he raised his son right after all, and maybe Larry is starting to grow out of his eighteen-year-old shell.

The conversation then turned to Franklin. Hammering in the supports for the roof, Larry suddenly asked, “Father…Dad…how do you know Mr. Ferguson so well?”

“Eh? I thought you knew, son,” Xiveer said. “Franklin and I grew up in Peyton Sound. All there was to do there was fish and farm potatoes, lots of potatoes. When we matured, we went our separate ways. Little did I know he made the same career choice I had done—merchant caravanning across Caldore. A few years after we both left, we encountered each other somewhere in the north. Ah, those were the good ol’ days…”

“So, you really have been everywhere?” Larry said. “Is that how you met mother, just by travelling around?”

Xiveer hammered in the last of the nails into the gable end. “Well, not exactly. To tell you the truth, your mother has known ol’ Jok longer than I have. She also was a fellow merchant caravanner. She happened to be crossing in a town out west where we were, and we got to know each other. Ah, those were the good ol’ days…”

“After all this time, I didn’t even know,” Larry said, frowning. “I suppose that is my own fault for not paying more attention. Will you ever tell me why Mr. Ferguson’s nickname is Jok?“

Xiveer shook his head. “I’m afraid not, son. I know, it’s just a nickname, but hey, people are rather protective of secrets. Anything else?”

“Aye,” Larry said. “Why did you name me after a middle-aged advertising executive?”

Xiveer rested the hammer upon the roof beams and laughed. “You’re suddenly so full of surprises, eh? We wanted to call you Arendor, but in what I found out was a rare move, the Deacon minister at your fire-birth suggested that as your middle name. Did you know that?”

“No, I didn’t,” Larry said, shaking his head wildly. “Why would the minister do such a thing?”

“I haven’t clue, son. Maybe he didn’t want to sound insincere. You are more dragonish than elvish, and perhaps he saw the opportunity for you to have a mix of both cultures, and, in that rare occasion, suggest you have a less dragonish name as your common name,” He took the hammer and scratched the back of his head with it. “I’m surprised you didn’t know this. Do you also know why you’re called Larry?”

Again, Larry simply shook his head. “The only person I know closely called Larry is grandfather, Larrynton Severis. Is that it?”

Xiveer smiled and snapped his fingers. “Eighteen years later, he finally gets it!”

Larry rolled his eyes. “Yeah, thanks.”

“Your granddad approved, but he suggested to shorten the name to Larry, because he thought his name sounded too upper class. Can you believe that? Bless your granddad, wherever he may be…”

Larry rested his head against ladder. “I feel so terrible now. I thought…”

“Don’t worry about it, son. You’re at that age where everything scares you: girls, pimples, what shaving soap to use on a night out, your voice croaking.”

“Oh yeah, my voice…” Larry said, groaning. “That broke as soon as I could talk. I sound forty years older than I should. I’m certain I was born into puberty,” Larry flattened his lips. “So, what do I do, then?”

Xiveer shrugged, and nearly fell off the ladder. “Crap yourself, actually. If you use the name Larrynton, then surely snobby people will take a liking to you. Janessa, perhaps.”

Larry’s ears folded in on themselves. “Where is she?!”

“Calm your tail, son! That was just an example. I’m sorry if you feel like it’s a disadvantage, but we honoured the wishes of your granddad. If you’re asking how to proceed in life, then run with what you have. Don’t stick your tail between your legs—a phrase I mean literally and figuratively. Your voice, well, I’m sure that’s the dragonish part of you.”

Unexpectedly, Reena came around the corner. With little to do on Erandor Eve, she decided a walk around town was in order, and she wanted to see how they were getting on. “Hi, guys!” she exclaimed in a loud, cheerful voice.

Startled, Xiveer jolted his head up. “Reena?”

“Huh? What?” Larry looked behind him. Reena popped her head about the crates and snowbanks. The slight brownish tone of her hair contrasted sharply with the white snow. “Hello, Mrs. MacTavish!” he said, waving. “What are you doing out here on the Eve of Erandor?”

“I was bored, so I wanted to see how you two were coming along with this project of yours.” she replied.

“We’re three quarters the way there, ” Xiveer said. “We’re about to break for lunch, then onto finishing the roof and door off. You’ve come a long way for being bored, eh?”

Reena shrugged. “I don’t have anyone to spend Erandor with, so I’m busying myself with a fun-filled afternoon. After which, it’s a small chicken and a can of creamed ale.”

“Aw, that’s sad!” Larry said with a frown.

“Well, we need to finish up here,” Xiveer said suddenly. “Leena’s in the kitchen. Feel free to go inside and say hello!”

“I will. Thanks!” she said. Upon going back around the corner, she smiled and winked at Larry.

Puzzled, Larry turned around. “What was that—”

“You never mind, son—she’s twenty-six years of age—much more than what you can handle!”

Larry put his hands up in protest. “I wasn’t asking for a date, or anything! I mean, what was that all about?” he said, stretching his wings to keep his balance on the ladder.

“She’s lonely,” Xiveer said. “It’s been what, two years apart from her family? It’s a bit sad, yeah. I suppose the right thing to do is to send her to your mother and let her take care of it. I can’t do those emotional things. It is Erandor, however, so…”

“I suppose she’s going to be number four on mother’s unexpected guest list for dinner?” Larry’s stomach growled, and he frowned yet again.

“Aye, I hear yer stomach!” Xiveer said, coming down the ladder. “We’re just about there, son. Let’s go see what your mother’s made for lunch.”

~ # ~

By mid-afternoon, Xiveer and Larry had the structure intact. The two sat up on the roof, hammering away the nails, putting in place the final shingles. The last item for the roof was the skylight window, which Xiveer found curious. Why have a skylight window in a shed? It was a question that perplexed them both for the entire length of the project Either way, they patted themselves on the back for a job well done.

Then, the wind picked up, and the ladders fell to the ground.

Xiveer peeked over the edge. “Oops.” he wept. He looked up at the roof of the farmhouse, scratching his chin.

“What are you going to do?” Larry asked him.

Xiveer scratched his horns, then looked at the roof of the farmhouse. “I’m going to climb up on the roof, and saddle down the other side. I’ll get the ladder, and all will be good. Easy, eh?”

“But father, I can—”

“No worries! Just watch your dad!” Xiveer jumped off the roof of the shed, and into the roof of the Ferguson farmhouse. Loaded with snow and ice, it was slippery as hell. Slowly, he clawed his way up to the crest of the roof and hung on. “Almost there!” he shouted back.

Larry, meanwhile, simply flew down off the shed, landing softly and safely onto the ground. He put the ladders back up and waited for his father to come back.

Xiveer, however, was in real trouble. He lost the grip on the crest of the roof. He slid down the barn-like roof at frightening speed. With luck, he grabbed a piece of ice stuck to the roof, and climbed back up, laughing at his own fate.

In the house, Leena stared out of the kitchen window while doing the dishes. She smiled at the scene that presented itself: a winter storm where the snowbanks are indistinguishable from the road. She watched Reena march her way down Pine Street, and into the storm. What a courageous woman, to be hiking around in hard, draining weather like this. Must remind you of home…oh, yes…home…

Xiveer’s screaming body fell past the window, landing in some frozen bushes below. “Holy crap!” she screamed, dropping the saucer she was washing into the hot soapy water, rushing outside with her large coat.

She walked casually up to Xiveer, who twitched upon the twigs in pain. If it wasn’t for all the snow, he would have been in right trouble. As he brushed the snow off his face, he looked up, meeting the face of his cross wife. “Hello, dear!” he said in a dopy manner.

Leena folded her arms. “Well, isn’t this a surprise! Trust me, he says, I can build this shed, no worries! What the hell has gotten into you? How the hell did you end up on the roof of the house?”

Xiveer tried to explain. “Well, the ladders fell down, and I had to act, you know…”

“Your son has wings, you know?” she said sarcastically. Larry came around the corner and remained silent. Without looking, she pointed a finger directly at Larry, which surprised him. “He got down safely. He knows what he’s doing!”

“Mother, maybe you should help him up,” Larry suggested. He walked over and helped to pull his father up out of the twigs. “Father, I did try to tell you…”

“I know, son, I know,” He looked up at Leena’s still angry ace. “Can we—”

“No!” she shouted. “Both of you get back out there and finish up that shed!” She snorted, walked back inside the house, and slammed the front door shut. They watched her return to doing the dishes. When they still did not move, she showed them a large fork through the window, and mimed stabbing her throat with the utensil. Fearing she may actually kill them both, they scampered back to the shed.

~ # ~

It was nearly six in the evening and dark when they finished the shed. It looked taller after the roof was completed. The skylight in the roof looked like it would do a magnificent job illuminating the contents, while the trap door in the bottom of the shed door would provide excellent ventilation. Still, something nagged them both about that minor detail. It was in the manual, after all, so it must be correct.

The two stood back to see the shed in its entirety. “Well, son, there it is—finished,” Xiveer said. “I knew we could do it! Jok will be so proud when he sees it next month!”

“I agree,” Larry said, nodding. “That’s a great lock as well. Do you have the key for when he returns?”

“Hahahaha…yeah?” Xiveer looked around him, frantically searching his pockets. He looked at his son with eyes of bewilderment. He gritted his teeth, and said in defeat, “Oh, bollocks.”

Larry clapped his hands together rather sarcastically. “Well, he’s certainly sure to enjoy his new shed now, isn’t he?”

“Don’t get sassy with me, young man!” Xiveer said coldly. “Look around, it can’t be in the shed. It can’t be! Right?”

He was wrong. After several minutes of searching, Larry poked his head through the small double-door vent in the bottom half of the door. “I see them!” he announced. Bravely, he stuck his arm through. They must have fallen off the shelf and onto the floor, where Xiveer thought he had taken it with him prior to locking the shed. However, Larry could not reach it. “Even with my claws, my arms are too short,” he said, crawling back out. “Piss off!” he groaned, flapping his wings at the winter geese.

“Here, let your old man have a try,” Cautiously, Xiveer got on all fours, and tried to swipe at it. Nothing. He got up and scratched his head. “Maybe we can use a tool to drag it towards us. Where’s that crowbar we used to open the crates?”

As they searched for it, Xiveer slipped on it unexpectedly. He went barrelling into the shed, his head forced through the vent door. “Oh, shite.” he said grimly. His head went so far, the vent doors wedged firmly into his neck, and he was unable to move them with his hands. He was stuck.

Larry gasped. “Hold on, I’ll go get mother!” he shouted, running off.

“No, no, no, Larry—don’t get Leena! Anything but that, please!” he whined. Xiveer knew what was coming. Like a dog stuck in a door flap, he stood on all fours, whimpering.

Larry returned with the irate Leena, once again interrupting her cooking. “You utter moron!” she yelled. “What the hell have you gone and done that for?”

“For god’s sake, Leena—I didn’t actually do this on purpose!” Xiveer yelled back. “I can’t break free! I’m in a considerable amount of pain! Find the tools and help get the door off!”

“Um…” Larry said.

Xiveer cursed out loud. “Yes, Larry, I see the tools in the damn shed!”

To vent her frustration, Leena took two steps back. She ran up to Xiveer and kicked him in the backside. He howled in pain, but he did not protest. After all, he deserved it.

Suddenly, Larry’s elvish ears folded in on themselves, and his eyes crunched up like a turtle hiding in its shell. “I hear Janessa.” he simply announced.

Xiveer shuffled uncomfortably.

“How can you know that?” Leena said. She looked at their home next door. Elcra dragged the reluctant Janessa up the path with her, unbeknownst to them that the Severises are next door. “Elcra’s a farmwoman! She’s very handy, she might know what to do! Go and fetch them, dear.”

“Why me?” he protested.

“Because you’re responsible for this as well!” she snapped.

Larry lowered his head. “Yes, mum…”

~ # ~

---

“Do we have to do this?” Janessa whined. “I don’t like to be here! Xiveer doesn’t like me, and I don’t like Larry!”

“Too bad,” Elcra barked. “I’m going to teach you what it’s like to not be your uncle and teach you the friendliness and hospitality of a working-class family!”

“But why the Severises?” Janessa squeaked. “Why does it have to be people that my uncle hates?”

Elcra gave her a snarky smile. “All the more for him to realize there’s more to the world than money.”

Without warning, Janessa pulled Elcra down onto the porch. “Duck!”

Larry came swooping across them, landing next to them. Elcra shot daggers with her eyes at him, yelling, “For feck’s sake, Larry—don’t do that!”

“Hey, Elcra! Hey…Janessa…” Larry said. “Um, what are you doing here?”

“Like you care!” Janessa said gruffly. “She’s making me come here!”

“I’m sorry to hear that, but that can wait until later,” Larry said. “Elcra, mother and I need your assistance.”

Elcra leaned inward. “My assistance? Why?” Embarrassed, Larry avoided making eye contact. She slapped her face. “Oh god, what has he done now?”

Back at the Ferguson farmhouse, Xiveer managed to turn around to make himself more comfortable. Leena, rather thoughtfully, brought some blankets out to keep his back from freezing. As the three came around the corner, Elcra burst out laughing, while Janessa simply blushed.

“What the hell happened here?” she said. “What manner of eejit sticks his head through an inescapable hatch?”

“For the last time, I didn’t do it on purpose!” Xiveer said. “Just help me!”

Leena glanced at Janessa, puzzled by her attendance. “Mrs. Vendyor, what are you doing out this way on Erandor Eve? Shouldn’t you be back home with your uncle?” she asked her Janessa’s head sunk down, and she looked away. Leena looked at Elcra, who simply frowned and nodded. Leena sighed. “Oh, my.”

Elcra went to the shed to analyze the situation. She rubbed her chin and announced her verdict. “I see the problem here. First, the door is on upside down. Second, the skylight is supposed to be in the door. Third, the vent shaft is installed backwards and should be in the roof. You do realize this is a smoking shed, right?”

Larry frantically shook his head. “No, ma’am—we didn’t!”

Leena let out a sinister chuckle. “That explains a lot. Did you even read the instructions?”

“Yeah, but they’re all in Gwellish.”

“You did this?” Janessa croaked. “There are pictures, aren’t there? It can’t be that difficult to read!” She found the booklet in one of the crates, and opened it, much to her amusement. “Oh, never mind. Are these instructions, or a lad’s magazine? “

“Janessa Vendyor!” Leena screamed, ripping the book out of her hands. She then read the manual herself, looking at the confusing diagrams.  “Oh, dear—I’m sorry!” she said to Larry.

“Don’t worry about it, mother,” Larry said. “I’m surprised we even built the thing without having too many accidents.”

“Accidents?” Elcra said.

“He fell off the roof of the house.” Larry said.

“Um, ladies and gent,” Xiveer whined. “There’s a problem, I think.”

“Just a minute, honey,” Leena said. “Elcra, can you get him out of that thing?”

“Shouldn’t be a problem,” she replied. “A wedge and a hammer should do the trick to at least get the frame off. Mr. Severis will be free of the door, at least.”

“Seriously, folks!” Xiveer said.

“Just a second, Xiveer!” Leena shouted. “And you, Janessa—I see you don’t want to be here. Just don’t hiss about it!”

“I’m not hissing!” she said. “That’s just my normal voice!”

Larry’s jaw dropped. “Oh, bollocks, literally!”

They turned around. The two winter geese they fended off the entire day slipped by, with the female taking umbrage to Xiveer’s groin area. The male went towards the others.

They stepped away quickly. “Mr. Severis, kick your feet around as much as you can!” Elcra shouted. “Winter geese, ferocious little bastards! We have them up on the farm all the time,” Without thinking, she bent down to the male goose. Gently, but with a grip demonstrating her authority, she grabbed the goose by the neck, pointing at it, and shouting, “Get out of here, now!“

Frightened, the goose backed off, hissing.

“That was impressive,” Janessa said. “You know how to handle men well,” Larry sniggered, and without any emotion, Janessa said to him, “Be careful what you wish for.” Just as quick, Larry rolled his eyes the other way.

Unfortunately, Elcra could not fend off the female goose attacking Xiveer. It weaved through his legs and bit him in the groin. A mighty chomp. The sight was so traumatic, everyone cupped and turned away, as if they felt it. Leena heard in her head a comedic horn as the goose made contact.

Xiveer screamed so loud, the goose flew off to the nest. The shock of the pain caused him to rip the frame out of the door, freeing himself. He rolled around the ground, like a broken unicycle with a square wheel, trying to ease the pain. “My plums! My freaking plums!” he cried.

Eventually, he got up. In a bit of cold rage, he got himself out of the frame for the vent, swearing and cursing as he trotted away, and into the house. Franklin was right to choose this shed, because the frame and vent weren’t even damaged.

“Oh, my…” Janessa said.

“Well, that went well…” Larry said, rubbing his hands together. “I reckon we’ll get this fixed up eventually.”

“I’ll go tend to your father,” Leena said, turning to Janessa. “You look quite cold and down, dear. Come on inside and make yourself comfortable.”

Janessa cleared her throat. “That’s gracious of you, Mrs. Severis, but—”

“It’s Erandor Eve, and it’s dark out. I insist,” Leena said. “You look miserable enough as it is. It’s the least I can do.”

Janessa glanced at Elcra, who cracked a faint smile and nodded slightly. She was putting on such a fuss about being there, she suddenly became her rude uncle. Perhaps rebelling against the family tree won’t work; and although she knew Elcra was trying to show her compassion and friendship, she would not accept it at face value. Perhaps stubbornness is a permanent personality trait, but it was too late to leave now. So, she cracked a smile herself. “Thank you, Mrs. Severis.” she said.

Leena smiled back at her. “Elcra dear, go and take her inside. Feel free to make tea or whatever. Dinner’s nearly ready. As it’s getting late and very cold out, why don’t you stay for the night?”

“Me?” Janessa said frantically.

Leena nodded. “Elcra’s family is coming over for Erandor Eve, as is Ms. Daruginna and Ms. MacTavish. It’s supposed to be a time when people get together as it is. Since you’re on friendlier terms with my son, you’re welcome here. Hell, even your uncle Brackneed may someday sit at the table…like that will ever happen…oh, god…”

“It’s not like I want to, um, intrude, but…but…” Suddenly, Janessa had no words. It was the last thing she expected a Severis to do. It certainly is something her miserly uncle would never do. The seemingly-forced hospitality seemed all too much, but she did not want to upset more people with her progressively bitter mood. Instead, she just moved her lips about, simply saying the word “Okay.”

~ # ~

The smells of mashed potato, carrots, and turnip filled the kitchen, and made its way throughout the house. It was followed soon after by the smell of a roasted turkey so fantastic, it would make another turkey’s mouth water. It was all done by Leena. The sole efforts and hard work makes herself feel proud. If only her idiot husband would not have ruined himself building that shed! It was more difficult this year, as she has other things on her mind. It danced unhelpfully in her mind as she tried to keep focused, which played into her sour mood.

There was not much time until the dinner guests arrive, but that did not stop the others. Michale ran around the house, and Larry fended off his torturous hands at every attempt. Elcra helped to clean and prepare the table. Xiveer, his mood spoiled by the accident with the shed, spent his time alone by the fireplace, smoking his pipe. He apologized to everyone after they went inside, including Larry, then kept to himself.

However, the most downtrodden was Janessa. Despite the outgoing warmth and hospitality, she could not shake off her miserableness. She sat alone at the dining table, resting her head on her hand, looking depressed. She knows what Elcra is trying to do, take her mind off Brackneed, his influence, and her hurtful words to him. So was in such strange territory this time, it instead made her even more depressed.

Leena noticed her while cooking. With some time to spare, she sat down next to her. “Having a crap time, aren’t you?” she asked.

“I’m sorry, Mrs. Severis,” Janessa said after a pause. “I can’t accept what I said to him. I just broke. I know everyone here means well for me—maybe except Xiveer—but I ruined Erandor for myself and my uncle,” She put her head down on the table. “I do appreciate this. I really do. It’s just…”

“You’re afraid your uncle will find out?” Leena said. Janessa lifted her head and gave her a slight nod. “Honestly, you could have ended up in a worse place,” She looked over at the stove, watching the cast iron pot boil away. Janessa replayed the conversation with Brackneed a few days ago, much to Leena’s disgust. “You see why he winds me up so much? It’s a terrible thing to push onto someone so young!” she concluded.

“There are a lot of reasons to dislike my uncle,” Janessa said. “Anytime someone hears the name ‘Vendyor,’ they snide in disgust. It’s taken a toll on me.”

“Yet you don’t want to be here,” Leena said. The pot on the stove began to shake, and Leena got up. “For what it’s worth, I’m glad you came here instead of spending Erandor Eve alone. Dinner’s nearly ready, however, and I need to go. Can you fetch my husband for me?

“Sure,” Janessa said lowly. “He doesn’t like me, either.”

Leena frowned. “Don’t worry about him. He just needs warming up. Anyhoo…” She darted back to the stove and continued with dinner.

Janessa lethargically slung herself out of the chair and moved slowly towards Xiveer. “Um, Mr. Severis?” she asked shyly.

Xiveer took the pipe out of his mouth and tilted his head over. “Yes, what is it?” he asked rather firmly.

“Mrs. Severis requires you in the kitchen.” she said.

He nodded. “Alright then,” he said. As Janessa turned back, he called out to her. “Hey.”

Janessa turned around. “Yes?”

“Before I go, I want to talk to you,” He pointed with his pipe to the seat next to him. “Come and sit,” She obeyed, and sat down, twiddling her thumbs. “I hear you had some family problems. I thought this would be the last place for you to be. After all, you haven’t a high opinion of my own son. Then again, I don’t have a friendly one for you, either.”

She grumbled. “I suppose she told you what happened between me and my uncle.”

Xiveer nodded. “I’m surprised at you. I thought you would have done what he would have—find an excuse to piss off and spare everyone the embarrassment. Be honest and tell me the truth. Why are you here?”

“Because!” she unexpectedly yelped, then lowered her voice. “Because…I really don’t know why. I told him how Auntie Vasira would have defended me if she were here today. I feel very ashamed. I must have hurt him terribly,” Another moment later, she looked up. “I thought you would celebrate something like that. You know, misfortune of one another…”

“Of course not!” Xiveer said, sitting up. “Leena doesn’t like him for the obvious reasons. To me, he’s another person. He may be a complete douchebag, but he still has feelings, emotions and pride. Even Leena wouldn’t go as far as that, and I did use the word douchebag because I’m seventeen years old, apparently.”

“Then, why do you put me in the same group as him?” Janessa asked him directly. “Every time we encounter each other, you come out with some comment directed at me or my uncle. You just don’t like me, do you? What is it that makes me so obnoxious to you?”

Xiveer grumbled. “You do share a lot of your uncle’s personality. You know that, right? You were raised a Vendyor by him, by your parents. I don’t think you realize it, but you do often come off very standoffish, and you judge others against yourself, to see if they measure up. That’s Brackneed in a nutshell. You do it out of habit, like instinct.”

Janessa grumbled, and she lowered her head. “That’s all I have, apparently,” she said, sniffing.

Leena called out from the kitchen. “Xiveer! I need you over here!”

“Just a moment!” he yelled back.

“Go, and just leave me alone.” Janessa said.

“Not until I get my answer,” Xiveer said. “Why are you here?”

“Because I’m alone, that’s why!” She looked away from him. “I don’t have any place to go, other than sit at home and alone. The only person who has cared about what I think is Elcra. She’s been there the entire way. That’s my answer, alright? Is that good enough for you?”

Xiveer suddenly smiled. “So you do have a heart and soul.”

“What do you mean by that?”

“You remind me a lot of Franklin Ferguson, my dear friend. Sure, we’ve been through some crap times together, but we’ve always balanced each other out in some way. Elcra is such a good friend to you, because she knows how to handle you. She found your soft spot. I was having a lot of second thoughts today about him, but sometimes I need reminding of why he’s such a good friend to me. Now, put that in terms of you and your uncle.”

Janessa’s eyes flattened, and they teared up. “I think I know where this is going…”

“You and Brackneed have a unique relationship. He loves you dearly. You’re the only close family he has since his wife died. He certainly cares about you, and below the surface, you certainly care about him. Just because you disagree with his views does not necessarily alienate him. He obviously has a lot to learn about you. I know you dislike my son, but—”

“I never said I disliked him!” Janessa protested. “Well, okay, I’m not friends with him. He used to annoy me quite a lot, just with his habits and his personality. He still does, but not as bad as before. I felt a little bad for how I treated him,” She managed to crack a smile. “I still have my opinions of him, but they’re different,” She paused for a moment, then nodded. “I think I can answer your question.”

“Go on.” Xiveer said.

“I don’t want to admit it, but I like being here. It’s warm, and everyone is friendly. Elcra taught me that it’s okay to acquaint oneself with others that don’t fit your ideals, and that upsets my uncle. I think he knows that it’s alright, but he doesn’t want to lose me, his only family around.”

Xiveer snapped his fingers. “Very good. I know Brackneed very well. He hates change, but you need to show him that it’s alright. He’ll still be a miserable sod, but at least he’ll be content that he won’t be alone.”

Without warning, Janessa hugged him. “Thank you.” she whispered into his ear.

“You’re welcome!” he wheezed. “Janessa, I’m eating your ponytail! I’m eating your ponytail! It’s like slick pasta! Gross!” He pushed Janessa back, spitting out bits of hair. “What the hell do you put in your hair? Is that…olive oil? Who the hell does that?”

Suddenly, Leena’s angry voice rang through the house. “God dammit, Xiveer—I said get your sore nuts and tattered arse over here now!“

“Yes, dear!” he said, jumping out of the armchair. He tamped out his pipe and rested it on the coffee table. “Well, that was an interesting chat. Must dash!” he ran off quickly into the kitchen, profusely apologizing to his wife while she smacked him behind the head with a rolling pin.

The guests started to arrive. Mila Daruginna brought several bottles of wine, taken from her pub cellar. Reena, thankful for the invitation, hugged Leena and Xiveer. Soon after, Elcra personally greeted her parents, Berton and Clara, who brought freshly baked bread.

Larry thought the entire town was coming to the Ferguson farmhouse for dinner. He looked around at everyone busying themselves. Janessa was socializing with Reena in the living room. The talk with Xiveer has indeed done her a world of good. It certainly seemed quite busy and energetic this Erandor. It did make him uncomfortable, but strangely, it was Janessa herself who said to not concern himself with it, a statement he found quite curious. It must be said, however, he has been oblivious to Janessa’s plight.

Then, another knock at the door. This time, Xiveer answered the door, and was surprised at who it was. He was even more shocked when Leena confirmed who was the last guest to arrive.

“Janessa,” Xiveer called out.

Both her and Larry looked at him. “Yes?”

“You ain’t gonna believe this, but there’s someone to see you.”

She looked at Larry, who shrugged his shoulders. She walked into the enclosed porch. She was stunned to find Brackneed waiting for her. He looked sickly pale and very sad. He hunched over his walking cane, something he only ever does when depressed. “Oh my god.” she whined.

“It took a lot of convincing on Elcra’s part for Leena to allow this,” Xiveer said. “This whole dinner party was a bit of an excuse for him to come here, so you two can settle this. To be honest, I think she did the right thing. Remember what I said. Come join us when you’re ready.” He smiled and closed the door.

Brackneed took off his top hat and placed it gently on the end table. “Hello, Janessa.” he said.

Janessa immediately broke down in tears. “Oh my god, Uncle. I’m so sorry! I didn’t mean to demean you like that, I mean, in front of others!”

He sat down in a wicker chair. “It is I who should apologize. You were right about your aunt, and she would have given me hell if she were here today,” He sat up straight, grunting. “Your parents wanted you to be a Vendyor, but Vasira had her vision of you. After she died, it was up to me to raise you right. If she saw my work, she would have been mortified. I didn’t want you getting mixed up with questionable characters. You do mean a lot to me. Do you forgive me?”

Janessa wrapped herself around her uncle. “I forgive you,” she sniffed. “I can still be a Vendyor, but you must let me do it my own way. Promise me you will?”

“I promise,” Brackneed said. “Do you really still have to hang around that Severis kid, though?”

“Yes, just to annoy you.” Janessa said. “Are you uncomfortable being here?”

Brackneed nodded silently.

“Good,” she said. “Now, let’s go inside. They’re waiting for us.”

The two went inside the house. The words “What the feck?!” rang out from everyone who did not know he was coming. The concept of a humbled Brackneed Vendyor was a shock to them all. Mila was flabbergasted that Leena would allow him into the household, but, after learning the reason why, she took a more understanding attitude.

With the dinner prepared and laid out, Xiveer, in a joyful mood once more, stood up and said a few words. In particular, he noted Brackneed and Janessa, and how people can come together despite their animosity, much to the hesitation of the others. As it was Erandor, and as he was a little more emotional than usual, everyone got to see Brackneed’s softer side.

The year 1103 has proven to be an interesting one. It was only a few days after Erandor that Xiveer learned just how much convincing on Elcra’s part was needed for Leena to invite Brackneed. Larry has grown so much since Septela. The only person Larry hasn’t encountered this holiday season was Tarla Wilfellow, who, under better circumstances this time around, returned home.

As for Franklin’s shed, Larry and Xiveer promptly completed it, with humbling and embarrassing oversight from Elcra. Xiveer personally presented the shed to him when he returned in mid-Jalis of 1104. He was quite ecstatic about putting his new smoker into operational use, and he held a private feast for him and the Severises. Then, it was back to work, planning his year out of harvests, checking up on those market prices, making sure his grain survived the long winter, ticking off each item in an endless list of tasks.

And so, the world of Algenon celebrates one more year together. Some are looking forward to the bright prospects of the new year. Even Larry, still his social-anxious self, is looking forward to the future…

Which went bleak almost immediately.

Once again, while shovelling the snow, he wiped out on the walkway. He sprained his tail and wings and took a heavy iron shovel to the face. Suddenly, the new year wasn’t looking so fruitful.

Happy Erandor, everyone.

~ END ~