A Holiday Tale
A Chronicle for Changeling: The Dreaming
Chapter 1, Turn 8 Summary

(At Kelia's house)

Tess nods, as Chris answers her phone. Closing the door to the SUV behind her, she watches as Keighvyn and the girls drive up.

"Guten morgen, Fräulein." Dr. Schmidt says in answer on the phone. "Ve have received your email. You must come to corporate office this afternoon. Noon. There were some problems with your report."

Chris listens for a moment, her brow furrowed, then says into the phone, "Certainly, Sir. What sort of problems?" She motions for Tess to follow her inside the house.

Tess follows Chris in, and looks about the room as Chris talks.

Keighvyn trots in behind Tess, turning around for a moment or two to see Brighteyes and Chely following. "What's up?" he mouths to Tess, looking curiously at Christine talking on the phone.

"Phone call," Tess answers with a shrug.

"Just come to the meeting." Dr. Schmidt answers, "For vat ve are paying you that should be sufficient."

Chris steps to the side to allow her guests to pass. "Yes, Sir," she replies to the phone, rolling her eyes. "I'll be there at noon."

Once the conversation was over, she flips her phone closed and drops it back in her briefcase. "Asshole," she mutters, setting her briefcase on a small table near the door. The door from the garage was between the kitchen and den. The den contains a couch, a comfortable-looking but fairly old recliner, end table and coffee table, all arranged around an entertainment system. There are three remotes on the coffee table, as well as several magazines. A shelf unit is against one wall, containing numerous CD holders, some candles that look like they're more for show than for burning, a wine rack and a few other assorted nick-knacks. The furnishings have a definite southwestern flavor. There is one incongruous item on the shelf, a stuffed tiger about a foot in length, but bent into a sitting position. It looks old, but well-cared for.

Chris turns to Tess and the others and says, "I'm afraid my plans have been changed for me. I've gotta go over to Dublin. Gotta leave in about..." she looks at her watch, "hmm, little less than an hour."

Tess stops her examination of the room, and turns to Chris. "Dublin? May I inquire as to why?"

"Dr. Schmidt wants me over at the corporate headquarters at noon," Chris replies, looking annoyed. "Said there were problems with my presentation this morning. I was there giving my monthly update," she explains. "I suspect he's going to change the timeframes on me. I work for Avalon; they're paying me while I work on my project, in conjunction with the University. They pay me and they pay my tuition and buy my equipment, and I give silly presentations and come running when they call." She sighs and manages a smile. "So I'm afraid this chrysalis thing will have to wait."

Chris motions toward the den. "Have a seat. You want some coffee? I've got come Co'Cola in the 'fridge, too, or some juice or tea, if you want." She walks into the kitchen, depositing the mug from the car in the sink. The kitchen is neat, but not weirdly so. The appliances all appear to be less than a decade old. There's a vase with fresh flowers, the sort of mixed bouquet found at supermarkets, sitting on the table.

"Actually, if you don't mind, I could use some fresh air for a moment," Tess says smiling. Rummaging around in her pack, she pulls out a lighter and a pack of cigarettes. "Wouldn't want to stink up your house."

"That's hardly fresh air," Chris replies, smiling at the joke. "There's an ashtray out there, I think, on the table next to the dryer." There is; a red glass ashtray, dusty but otherwise clean, with a running horse and the letters "SMU" on it.

Tess steps back out through the garage, and lights up a cigarette. She inhales deeply as she looks around at the surroundings of the house.

Chris piddles around with a coffee-maker, the kind that grinds the beans itself. When she turns it on, the grinder starts up with a loud, somewhat surprising noise. Half a minute later, the grinder shuts off and soon after, a stream of coffee flows into the carafe.

Having caught the offer of drinks, Keighvyn says, "Tea would be great... do you have some honey?"

"Oh, hot tea," Chris says, "yeah, I can do that." While the coffee brews, she fills an electric kettle and plugs it in. "Earl Grey okay?" she asks.

"Sure," Keighvyn returns.

Tea selection made, Chris retrieves two cups and saucers and drops the teabag into one. When the water's ready, she fills the cup with the bag and sets it, spoon on the saucer, on the table. She fishes out a smaller spoon from the drawer apparently containing silverware and grabs a covered sugarbowl. She dumps a spoonful of brown crystals into her cup, then sticks the spoon in and sets it on the table as well. The sugar looks like the unrefined sugar she used at Starbucks. Chris filled her mug with the now-ready coffee, stirring it and leaving saucer and spoon on the counter.

After several minutes, Tess comes back in, the slight stink of smoke clinging to her. "So, you work for Avalon? What do they do? If you don't mind my asking."

"Yeah," Chris replies, "I work for Avalon. It's a joint project with the University. I hadn't really thought that much about getting a doctorate, but the deal was too good to pass up. And," she added, "I wanted to get away for awhile." One side of her lip twitches slightly.

"You want some coffee or something?" Chris asks Tess, getting her whatever she wanted if anything. "I don't mind if you smoke in here," she adds conversationally. "Won't bother me. I used to live with a smoker." She digs around in a drawer and produces another ashtray, identical to the one in the garage save it isn't dusty. "Trophies," she says wryly, setting the ashtray out on the counter.

Chris sips her coffee. "I'm working on an AI project, programming. I work from home quite a lot, actually. Just as easy and fewer distractions. Besides," she adds with a small smile, "the coffee over at Baker sucks. I mostly work there when I need the other machines going to debug." She finishes her cup and prepares a second. "I was at Baker delivering a status report. I'd hardly finished when I started seeing weird shit, bugs and stuff, really big bugs. Maybe Schmidt things I'm losing it. One of those dipshit techs probably called him, told him about that damned bird," she muttered. "But regardless, I've gotta be at the corporate office at noon. He's either going to tell me how important the project is and how he thinks I'm not taking it seriously, or he's going to change my timeframes. I think, anyway," she adds with a shrug.

Tess nods, the look on her face showing her thoughts are intense. After a moment, "Well, I don't know Schmidt. Could be he's harmless." Tess looks to Christine and asks, "Have you ever met Loren Wickham?"

"He owns Avalon," Chris replies, "but no, I've never met him personally."

Tess nods her head as Christine answers. "Well, at least you had the decency to be sidhe," she says, almost to herself. "So Christine, how open minded are you regarding races?"

"Other races?" Chris asks, a bit confused. "Fine, I suppose. Never considered myself biased, anyway. Used to live with an Hispanic. She couldn't make nachos worth a damn," she adds with a grin. She motions them to the den. "Let me get another chair." She walks down a hallway off the kitchen.

The den is fairly neat, but obviously lived-in. Three of the magazines on the table look to be journals on computer science; high-level programming stuff, not the sort of magazines found at the local grocery store. Another is the current issue of something called "D Magazine." Given the various SMU logos and her accent, not to mention the flying horse logo on the cover, the "D" most likely means "Dallas." It looks like one of those magazines produced primarily to sell over-priced nick-knacks and atrociously gaudy jewelry to people with far too much money, with a few restaurant reviews scattered in-between ads. There is also a magazine entitled "The Advocate," but the cover is partially obscured by an opened, upside-down copy of "TV Guide" magazine.

Chris returning shortly with a rolling chair, a generic leather office chair. She rolls it into the den and sits, after reclaiming her coffee. "Isn't this something," she murmurs, a wry smile playing across her lips. "Drinking coffee with Big Blue Chick and Mr. Spock. And here I thought Lower Greenville was weird."

Keighvyn blinks a little at the "Mr. Spock" reference, and then chuckles wryly. "I'm afraid I haven't mastered the absence of emotion thing... or so my colleagues keep telling me."

Chris shrugs. "You have the ears. Just look grave." She flashes a slight smile.

Tess spends the next 45 minutes or so talking to Christine. With Keighvyn, Chely's and Brighteyes help, they attempt to fill Christine in on the basic's of fae life, though most of the information is superficial, due to the amount being piled on the confused woman. Whenever Christine seems confused, Tess slows down, and attempts to explain it in an easily digested bit.

Keighvyn lets Tess take the lead, occasionally breaking into the conversation to either elaborate on or clarify her explanations.

"So," Chris asks slowly, "those giant bugs I saw..." The questioning tone disappears from her voice. "They were real. And Dr. Schmidt, he looked... He had wrinkled, red skin. Nocker..?" Her brow furrows in confusion. "How'd I..." She shakes her head as if shaking off a strange feeling. "And he was old, really, really old, and, well, it sounds melodramatic, but he seemed... evil." She shudders and looks at her watch. "Got only about a half-hour before I need to go," she says with a grimace. "Uhm, would you excuse me for a moment? Please, make yourselves, uhm, at home..." She rises and retreats down the hallway. Running water can be heard. Several minutes later, she has still not returned.

Keighvyn sips thoughtfully at his tea, his blue eyes opaque as he seems to be turning things over in his mind. "We'd better tell her to be careful around this Dr. Schmidt, I think." He looks at Tess and the young ladies for confirmation.

Tess, half paying attention to Keighvyn and the girls, half paying attention to the hallway, nods in reaction to Keighvyn's question, though it isn't obvious whether she is actually paying attention. Tess stands after a few moments of waiting for Chris to return. "Pardon me, I think I'm gonna go use the restroom."

Tess makes her way down the hallway, glancing in every doorway. Coming to a stop at the doorway with the sound of water coming from it, Tess knocks gently, and slowly opens the door a crack.

Walking down the hallway, Tess passes a guest bath, unoccupied, and a smallish room with a desk and several shelves of books. At the end of the hall are two more rooms, the smaller of which contains a modular computer workstation and a fair amount of computer paraphernalia. The sound of running water comes from the largest of the room, which is furnished as a bedroom. The decor is muted pastels; feminine but not 'girly.' The door to the master bath is not closed, just pushed to, and opens easily as Tess pushes it.

Inside, Chris is staring at the mirror, her back to the door. Her face is visible in the mirror. It's wet; she's washed off her makeup. Her expression is one of confusion and distress. She stiffens as she sees Tess' reflection and turns, straightening up. Her expression becomes neutral, perhaps even slightly challenging as she turns toward Tess. Some of the water on her face, a line of it under her each eye, are clearly internal in origin, even if her current expression would deny it. She waits for Tess to speak.

"Sorry, I was just wondering if you," Tess's voice trails off. "Oh, I'm sorry Christine." As comfortingly as possible, Tess smiles. "I'll let you be. I know its pretty weird." As she starts to close the door she stops and adds. "If you need anything..." Tess lets the sentence trail off.

Stepping back out the master bedroom, Tess stops and shakes her head wearily. "Poor kid."

Christine dries her face and walks out. With a sigh she says, "This really wasn't in my plans for today." She manages a slight smile and reaches for the grey blazer she'd tossed on the bed. "Then again, neither was having to haul my ass over to see Doctor Nazi instead of lunch, either." She sighs again, grimacing a bit. "Oh, geez, I hope I didn't splatter," she says suddenly, moving to a mirror to inspect her blouse for water droplets. There were several. "Dammit," she growls and tosses the blazer back on the bed. "'Scuze me," she mumbles, walking into a closet. Chris comments as she removes her blouse, not really within line of sight, "Schmidt has a big bug up his butt about what's 'proper.' I always make sure I'm in my 'corporate drag' for him and wearing makeup. I'm pretty sure," she adds, sounding vaguely amused, "if he knew me better, he'd wholly disapprove." She emerged, the maroon blouse replaced by a dark blue silk blouse. Chris breezes back past Tess, into the bath, door left open. "Is your boss like that, got a big stick up his butt about how women oughta behave? 'Course, Schmidt prefers the term 'girls.' He kinda gives me the creeps." She speaks as she quickly applies minimal makeup. Luckily, she really doesn't need any.

"Speaking of Schmidt, " Tess says, as she moves to the doorway. Leaning against the frame, she half stares into the bedroom, giving Christine some half-privacy. "I think you should cancel this meeting."

"I can't do that," Chris objects with a frown. "He's my boss. This project's important."

Tess nods her head, "I know you think its important, and that Schmidt is a hard ass. But I can guarantee that we can get Wickham to make him cut you some slack for this. One of our friends has a bit of influence with him. Besides, what do you think Schmidt might think if you have a problem with the bugs or the bird when your in there with him. If Schmidt is a norm, he'll think your having a breakdown, and if he is a Nocker, he'll understand about this."

Chris looks confused for a moment. "I... I think Schmidt knew what was going on. I mean, he looked all strange, red-skinned, all wrinkled, ancient-like. And not just creepy, but, well, evil. Hmph. God, but that's melodramatic," Chris sighs. She reaches for her jacket. "I think I need another cup of coffee," she says with a quick glance at her watch. "Can I get you one, too?"

"Sure," she says, following Chris back down the hallway. As they enter the kitchen area, Tess stops, leaning against the counter. "If he is awakened, then the Countess can give you some protection from however he reacts." Glancing around to see what the others are doing, Tess leans forward. "I hate for this to sound like a threat Chris. I think we've started to trust each other. But if you felt that Schmidt was malevolent, then he probably is. You're extremely sensitive to things right now, and people will be trying to take advantage of you during this time. The Unseelie can be harsh at times, if not strictly speaking evil. They are dangerous enough, but there is also the matter of the prophecy that came with the warning of your emergence."

Handing her cup out to Christine to be refilled, Tess continues, "I REALLY think you need to skip this meeting, and come with us." Tess sips at the scalding liquid.

Keighvyn enters the conversation, "Even if you can't cancel the meeting, milady, please be careful. After all, if he gives you the creeps, as you say, there's probably a reason." His finely-drawn black brows draw together. "Would it be all right if we waited for you at OSU?"

Chris shrugs and says, "I doubt I'll be going back to my office today. I usually work here, for that matter."

---------------------

(At Herbium Castellum)

Sebby drives around to the visitor entrance, temporarily parking the car right near the doors. He opens his door and runs around to the door nearest Jubair. He gently opens it, quickly placing his hand under Jubair's shoulders to prevent him from shifting out of the car. He looks over to Sylvana and says "Run inside and inform them that we've got an injured man out here. Oh, and don't do too much shouting. There might be norms around."

Jubair helps Sebby get himself out of the car. "Thanks Sebby," Jubair says. "I don't know what my uncle's going to say when he finds out what happened to me, and I don't think I'd want to be there to hear it."

The nocker girl jumps out of the car and hurries inside. She heads back towards the main throne room area, where she might best find other members of the court to aid the eshu. Jogging into the palm room, she quickly looks around to see if anyone she recognizes is about.

In the Palm Room Sylvana finds Gwalchamai mulching an orange tree.

Sylvana quickly walks over and says in a quiet whisper, "There's a young man outside who needs help." She then moves towards the door that leads back to the parking lot, motioning for him to follow.

Gwalchamai looks up at Sylvana for a moment, then stands and wipes his hands on a rag. Then he follows her out.

Finding Jubair and Sebastian outside, Gwalchamai just nods, and then leads them around to the employee exit. Once inside, he leads them to the same small door which had led them to the Countess' council.

Once Jubair is resting in that small room, Gwalchamai finally speaks, "Wait here." Then he leaves.

When he returns, Countess Miriam herself is with him. She hushes all attempts to explain. Instead she bustles about feeding Jubair honeyed herbal tea and plastering his wounds with poultices of strange, fragrant leaves. As she works glamour rises about her like the scent of a summer breeze, and when she has finished Jubair's wounds have eased away as if they had never been.

Only then, with the eshu resting comfortably, does she sit herself, having poured tea for everyone else.

"Now," the Countess says firmly, "Tell me what happened."

Sebastian shifts slightly in his seat, "Well, Your Excellency, perhaps it would be most accurately and ably told by Jubair. His gift with words will certainly do the story more justice than my telling."

Jubair smiles at Sebby's remark, settles back, sips his tea and speaks: "I assume that you are busy, Your Excellency, so I shall endeavor to make this explanation as swift and informative as I can. It was through a cantrip of Sebby's that we managed to find Miss Logan - she was in the 5th floor of the computing building at OSU. She was understandably confused at our arrival, so we explained a few things to her before we encouraged her to come with us for a more detailed explanation. The main thing we got across to her there was a basic explanation of what she has become and why she has two names - she also answers to Kelia ap Eiluned."

The Countess frowns, "Eiluned."

Jubair takes another sip of tea before continuing. "It was when we were preparing to leave with her that Tess spotted three large, black, furry shapes lumbering toward the building. She presumed that they were after Kelia and so we hastened our plans. Tess, Sebby and myself remained on the 5th floor to fend off the beasts, while Sir Keighvyn, Chely, Brighteyes and Rajabal - the only sensible one out of the two of us at the time - left in the lift with Kelia. It was a tough battle, as my wounds attested, but after a time the lights went out in the building, which was when Sylvana found us," he concludes, gesturing to the Nocker. "We managed to escape downstairs where the others were. Sebby, Sylvana and I came back for obvious reasons, while the others have gone with Kelia to continue to tell her about her nature. I have no idea as to their current whereabouts or how they are getting on, Your Excellency." Jubair concludes his tale with a polite nod to the Countess and a sip of his tea.

Once Jubair has finished telling the story, Sylvana addresses the Countess and Gwalchamai. "Is my father around, Your Excellency? I was hoping he and I could forge a weapon for Jubair. Perhaps someone around the court could also arrange a weapons lesson?" She smiles as winsomely as a nocker can at the Sidhe guardsman, batting her big blue eyes at him.

"I'm certain your father is about his own affairs, most likely at his brewery." the Countess answers. "You may call him and ask later, if you wish."

Gwalchamai gives the eshu a considering glance, "Your Excellency, With your permission, I shall have Sir Keighvyn provide this recently bloodied warrior with instruction."

The Countess nods, "Yes, when there is time. For now he must rest." She turns to Sebastian, "Sebastian, Sylvana. I want you two to contact the others and have them bring her here."

"We'll see what we can do, Your Excellency." Sebastian then turns to address Jubair. "You wouldn't happen to have kept Chely's cell phone number, would you?"

Jubair smiles and rattles off Chely's phone number from memory. "I've still got Tess's as well - do we want that too?"

Sylvana pulls out a notebook and quickly scribbles the number down. "Sure, if you've got it. I'll go make the call. Thank you, Your Excellency." She then stands and bows gracefully before moving towards a phone. She dials Chely's cell number and waits for the girl to pick up.

Once she gets an answer, she puts on her most personable attitude, her voice slightly brighter than before. "Hello, Chely? It's Sylvana, from the computer lab. The nocker with the furkin' lighting gun who saved your friends upstairs. Anyway, where are you guys? We need to get Chris or Kelia or whatever the furk we're calling her back to the Herbium Castellum as soon as possible. Countess' orders." She then stops, takes a breath, and waits for Chely to respond.

"Hold on a second." Chely says brightly.

--------------------

Chely and Brighteyes come into the kitchen, and Chely quickly relates Sylvana's message. Tess takes the phone and quickly explains about the meeting with Dr. Schmidt. Sylvana thanks Tess, then hangs up and passes the explanation to the countess.

A five minutes later Christine's cellphone rings."This is Dr. Schmidt." the accented old voice rasps through the phone. "The meeting has been changed. Come instead to the Conservatory this evening, vhen ve shall meet vith the rest of the relevant parties. Guten Tag."

Chely, speaking on her own phone, says, "The Countess is sending Sebastian, Jubair, and Sylvana back here. She says we are to explain as much as we can, and bring her to Court tonight. The Baron will be there!"

About twenty minutes later, the missing trio arrives.

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