Saint Nick Report
General Summary
The motley watches as the mysterious stranger approaches, still arguing loudly with the Herald of Winter. The herald is expressing doubts about whether it really is time for the changing of the seasons, but the stranger insists that it is indeed time. When the stag continues to protest, the child's eyes darken, and before the motley's eyes, this chimera begins to ripple and twist, hide turning to fur, teeth growing long and sharp, claws replacing hooves. The stag roars, it's transformation into a polar bear complete. Skulde Hjörvarðr ni Aesin and Francisco Reyes ap Scathach recognize the kid's abilities as the art of Naming, and George Callahan is able to recognize that the kid is, in fact, fae. The polar bear that was once a stag lumbers up into the cave, where Josh Bunderson's trap springs! The door comes down, slamming into the ground and trapping the chimera inside. Surprised and on guard, the boy whirls to look at who just attacked him, and his eyes catch every single one of his assailants. Skulde points her yardstick at him like a spear and cries out, "stop right there!" as her sovereign birthright begins to swirl, magic spinning around her. George also attempts to call upon his fae-given abilities, cracking his knuckles and giving the meanest redcap glare that he can. The Dragon's Ire begins to build, illusory scales glowing on his bare arms. Frank, however, steps forward. He swings his sword lazily around and comments lightly, "you know, I really don't like what you just did. Who are you?" The boy scowls. "Wouldn't you like to know, butterknives?" The insult echoes out, and Frank realizes that his sword is suddenly dull and useless. Skulde's Sovereign releases as she demands that Nick (for that is his name, he bites out) undoes the nickname - the curse - affecting Frank's blade. Unfortunately her magic is too weak to change his mind and George steps in to try and intimidate the childling. It works, but Nick bolts instead of bending, his flight response kicking in. Both Frank and George try to tackle him, but Frank misses. George, however, lands a solid hit on the fleeing child and they both go down. This time, Skulde lords over Nick, demanding once again (coldly) that he release all his magic. With no where to go, Nick reluctantly does. Frank's sword becomes sharp again, and the motley hears rustling in the cave. Lifting the door trap, a large black vulture chimera flies out of the cave, circling lazily in the sky. Using magic to allow themselves to understand the bird, they attempt to determine its origin, powers, and feelings on being used in Nick's nearly disastrous attempt to disrupt the flow of the seasons. The vulture, however, is simply too dumb and food-driven to have much thoughts at all, let alone outrage. Giving up on the chimera, the motley decides to take Nick to see Baron Vasquez, and they arrive at Ashby Manor just after dark. Baron Vasquez listens to the story with some concern, and then takes Nick into his gardens alone. As he and the young clurichaun talk, George attempts to listen against the door, but to little avail. The most he hears is that Nick lives with his grandmother, deep in the Marianna Woods outside of Roseland and doesn't visit the town much. His grandmother is his caretaker and teacher, as he is homeschooled, and his mother is out of the picture. His dad is a trucker who only comes home for the holidays... Christmas. When the baron and Nick return, Frank invites everyone, including Nick, to his parents' restaurant for dinner, which Nick reluctantly joins them for. As they sit at the table, eating leftover tamales and quesadillas, the conversation turns to Samhain, which is quickly approaching. Skulde is quite excited for the activities and celebrations, as an Unseelie fae, while the other children are far more excited for the Autumn holiday of Halloween - much to Skulde's chagrin. But before she can comment on it much, the conversation turns yet again. The Reyes family is warm and welcoming, making sure that all the children have enough food and giving them all extra to take home with them. It's past twilight when the children leave the warm golden glow of the restaurant and set out in the gathering purple dusk. Hilda, when she gets home, sets the meal on the countertop. She slowly walks up to her room and lays down on her bed... and cries.
Missions/Quests Completed
- An Early Winter plot completed!
