(advent) Day 1 – December 1

[vg_ford]

Thursday, December 1

“This is going to be the worst Christmas EVER,” Lily Barrett said dramatically, throwing herself down next to Schrodinger on his bed by the wood stove. “EVER.”

Why? Schrodinger asked, moving over to give her some room. What’s happened?

“Because Zoey’s gone,” her little sister Kaylee said, flopping down next to them, Jack right behind her. “All winter.”

Lily scowled at her. “You don’t have to sound so happy about it. This is my BEST FRIEND.”

She’ll be back, Schrodinger said soothingly. It’s just for December, right?

“And January,” Lily said. “She’s not back until February.”

“My best friend is still here, though,” Kaylee said. “Gideon said he’s never moving again.” She snuggled up next to Schrodinger. “And you and Jack are my best friends, Schrodinger. We’ll have fun this season. Right?”

“I won’t,” Lily said, rolling over on the pet bed and staring at the ceiling. “I won’t have fun until Zoey comes back.”

Well, then, you’ll be very bored, Schrodinger said. And besides, I hear the Snow Queen is sending us a gift today.

That remark grabbed everyone’s attention, as Schrodinger had known it would. “The Snow Queen?” Lily said, all moroseness gone. “Really? What is she sending us?”

Molly said that she has another Advent calendar for us to do! Schrodinger said. He didn’t say that they were going to be doing actual protections for the Cove – he’d tell Jack later, maybe, but Molly had said that the kids didn’t need to know about everything that was going on, and he sort of agreed with her. He did, however, reserve the right to tell them later.

Especially if Caliban showed up in person.

“Kaylee! Lily! Jack! Schrodinger! Hi!” Gideon came running in and crashed to his knees next to them. Aunt Margie had wisely put a partition around the word stove this past year, so there was no chance of them getting too close to it and burning themselves, but the warmth still spread to his bed.

“Hi Gideon! The Snow Queen is bringing us an Advent calendar!” Kaylee said, giving her best friend a hug. “Isn’t that awesome?”

“Awesome!” Gideon agreed. “When is it coming?”

They all turned and looked at Schrodinger. Molly said it would be delivered today, the CrossCat said. She didn’t say when.

“Maybe we should ask her?” Lily said, but as she went to get up, the front door to CrossWinds Books opened, and Captain Pavel Chekhov, the captain of the pirate ship The Heart’s Desire, stepped in out of the cold.

“Pavel!” Lily and Kaylee squealed, getting up and rushing over to him. “You’re back!”

Gideon hung back as the pirate captain swept both girls up into his arms. “Did you think I would miss Christmas in the Cove? Don’t be silly! I beat the crew until they got us here.”

“Really?” Kaylee asked him, her eyes wide. “You beat them?”

“Not really,” Pavel said, laughing a little. “I just pointed out that if they were in the Cove for December, Molly might bake for them. That was incentive enough.”

I would go almost anywhere for Molly’s cookies, Schrodinger agreed, leading Gideon over. The little boy was watching Pavel with huge eyes. Not that the CrossCat could blame him – the pirate was a bit overwhelming. Today, he was dressed in a long black captain’s coat (still slightly dusted with the snow that was falling outside in fitful bursts), his big black boots, and his hat with the white and dark blue feathers. Underneath the coat, he wore a white shirt that had lace at the cuffs and collar.

“Is that Captain Hook?” Gideon whispered to Schrodinger.

No, it’s Pavel. He’s a good pirate, Schrodinger assured Gideon. Pavel, we have a new friend!

“So I see!” Pavel set Kaylee and Lily down and leaned over to offer Gideon his hand. “Who is this fine young sailor?”

“This is my best friend Gideon! He just moved here around Halloween!” Kaylee said excitedly. “His dad runs the radio station!”

“Welcome to Carter’s Cove, then, young Gideon! I am Pavel, and I invite you to come on my ship any time!” Pavel said, shaking Gideon’s hand. “Any friend of Kaylee’s is a friend of mine.”

Schrodinger looked around. But where is Brynna?

“She gets in next week,” Pavel said, standing up. He winked at the CrossCat. “But where is Miss Molly? I have gifts for her.”

“Do you have gifts for us?” Lily demanded, with Kaylee a half a breath behind her.

Pavel grinned. “Maybe,” he said, making his way into the kitchen. “What will I get for it? You know I always have to make a profit.”

“I will give you five kisses!” Kaylee said.

“I’ll give you ten!” Lily said.

Pavel considered that as Molly came out of the pantry with a mug for him. “Hmm, that means fifteen kisses. What do you think, Miss Molly? Is that enough for presents from me?”

“Well, you know, they’re very particular about who they offer kisses to,” Molly said gravely, but Schrodinger saw the twinkle in her eyes. He loved Molly’s sly sense of humor. “That means their kisses are particularly valuable.”

“Particularly valuable, eh?” Pavel pretended to ponder that while he sipped his tea. “So, twice what they’re worth?”

“At least,” Molly agreed.

“Then that means it’s actually thirty kisses I’m being offered. That’s definitely worthwhile.” Pavel turned and looked at Lily and Kaylee. “For kisses, I will be happy to trade the presents in my pocket.”

They swarmed up into his arms, plastering kisses all over his cheeks. Then he set them down and reached into the pockets of his coat, pulling out four packages. He gave one each to Lily and Kaylee, then looked at Molly. “And what do you have to trade for a present?” he teased.

“Tea,” Molly pointed out. “And scones, if you’d like.”

“That’s all?” Pavel looked comically dismayed.

“I’m a married woman now,” Molly reminded him, trying very hard not to giggle. “My husband might be upset if I give you anything else.”

“Fine.” Pavel laughed and handed her the packet. “I think you will like this.” Then he turned to Schrodinger. “And you?”

My undying respect, Schrodinger said. I don’t give kisses, sorry.

“A CrossCat’s respect is worth its weight in gold,” Pavel agreed, handing down the package. For the next couple of moments, the only sound in the room was the opening of paper.

Pavel’s gifts were always fun. For Lily, there was a book on sea creatures that they had found in one of the ports they’d hit. Lily, who loved books and sea creatures, sat down on the floor and began to read as soon as she’d hugged Pavel in thanks.

Kaylee’s present was a small toy horse. Pavel showed her how to hold it in the palm of her hand and, to her delight, it began to prance in place. Gideon came up next to her and they watched it run, fascinated.

He’d brought Molly tea, of course – he always brought her tea and spices from the far places he’d been. This time, it was a black tea that smelled spicy and tart, and a smaller package of long beans that Schrodinger had never seen, but Molly seemed delighted by. “Where did you find such large vanilla beans?” she asked, turning the package over in her fingertips.

“I cannot divulge my sources, but I will say that if you need more, I will be happy to get them for you,” Pavel said. “They looked robust, and Mother said that if you were making sugar, she would love some.”

“Not just sugar. I might make some of my own vanilla with these,” Molly said. She looked at Schrodinger. “What did you get?”

I don’t know, he admitted. What is it, Pavel?

The wrapping paper had disgorged a dark wooden box, and now Schrodinger nosed it, trying to open it. Pavel picked it up and turned it over. “My apologies – it was wrapped upside down,” he said, holding it out to the CrossCat. “Do you see the button now?”

I do! Schrodinger reached out and touched one claw to the little wooden button. The top popped off and he gasped. This is for ME???? Is it…is it really a scrying crystal???

Lying in the box was a crystal ball, just like the Librarian had in her library at the Den. Schrodinger had lusted after the scrying crystal for as long as he’d been able to remember, but had only been allowed to use it on a few occasions. To have one of his own…

“It is, and it is,” Pavel confirmed. He set the box down and took the crystal out carefully. “You will need to talk to the Librarian about where she got her stand for hers, for I was unable to find that. But I saw this and thought that you needed it.” He held out his hand. “Do you want to try it?”

The others gathered around as Schrodinger concentrated on the crystal ball. The only other times he’d used a scrying crystal had been with the Librarian, and for a long minute, he was afraid that it wouldn’t work. Most CrossCats didn’t have the magical skills necessary to work the magical tools. And then the clear crystal clouded over.

Schrodinger concentrated harder, and after a moment, the clouds coalesced into a scene he knew: the Librarian, sitting at her desk in the library at the Den, a scroll spread out before her. She looked up, her green eyes calm and proud at the same time, and said, Well done, Schrodinger. I’m pleased to see that you’ve kept up with your lessons. Now, please go away. I have things to do.

The image dissolved, and Schrodinger blinked. Then he looked up at Pavel. I did it!

“You did!” Pavel carefully set the crystal ball back in its box. “Which tells me the gift was the right one.” He closed the cover. “Be careful with it, though.”

I will! Thank you, Pavel! Schrodinger picked up the box carefully in his mouth and went to put it in Molly’s backpack. Then he came back, just in time to hear Pavel say, “And now, for my final gift.”

“Another gift?” Molly said. “You’re turning into a regular Santa Claus. Are you looking for a new gig?”

“Well, I did happen to pick up a large package at the Gate Station when I stopped in to see Drew,” Pavel admitted. “And since it was coming here, I said I would bring it.” He got up. “Wait here, and I’ll go get it.”

Pavel never used a car – he preferred the carriage that he kept in town. Now, Schrodinger went with him to hold open the doors as the pirate lifted a large box from the carriage and carried it in.

On top of the box was written, “Please deliver to CrossWinds Books. For Lily, Kaylee, Gideon, Jack, and Schrodinger.” Underneath that, the silver snowflake of the Snow Queen was intertwined with the autumn leaves of Jack Frost.

“What kind of Advent calendar is THIS?” Lily asked, her eyes huge.

“Let’s open it and find out!” Gideon said, and six eager hands reached for the tape holding the box closed.

“Be careful!” Molly reminded  them. “We don’t know what’s in there, or if it’s breakable!”

They slowed down, and together managed to open the book, while Jack and Schrodinger watched anxiously. Finally, the sides of the box fell down, and….

“It’s a CASTLE!” Gideon said. “She sent us a CASTLE!”

It was. Not just any castle, though – Schrodinger realized that immediately. It’s HER castle, he said. It’s the Snow Palace.

Towers of white stone rose from the four corners of the castle, and each tower had a flag that held the intertwined leaves and snowflake on them. The gate glittered, clearly meant to be ice, and there was a garland of evergreens around it.

“How does it work?” Lily asked, looking up at Pavel.

He shrugged. “I am but the messenger. Is there a letter with it?”

Schrodinger had already nosed the envelope from the remains of the packaging, and now he handed it to Lily, who opened it.

“Dear Lily, Kaylee, Gideon, Jack, and Schrodinger,” it read. “I’m sorry that Zoey will not be around this year for Christmas, and I know you will all miss her. While this cannot replace her, I hope that you will enjoy it. Every day, one of the windows will need to be opened, and there will be a new adventure to take, and another corner of the Cove to explore and decorate. This is a big job, and I know I can trust you to do it.

Love, Jade and Jack”

Lily looked up at Molly. “What does she mean, another corner of the Cove to decorate?”

“Why don’t you open the first window and see?” Molly suggested.

Kaylee had already been looking around the castle. “Here!” she said. “I found the first one!”

Then you get to open it, Schrodinger said. But be careful!

Reaching through the spires gently (and Schrodinger blessed Pavel for putting the castle on the floor), Kaylee flipped the latch on the shutters and the window opened. For a moment, nothing happened, and then light shone out.

Through the shutters, they could see what looked to be a kitchen, kind of like Molly’s kitchen back at the farmhouse. This kitchen, if it were in the real world, would be huge, and it was filled with bakers, all rolling out dough and cutting out cookies on long wooden tables. One of the cookies, a star with elaborate designs cut out of it, jumped off the table and sailed out through the open window, growing larger and silvery as it did so. Schrodinger was reminded of the snowflakes that had come out of their other Advent calendar.

The cookie, now a shining silver star, spun in the air above them, and then burst into stardust that rained down over their heads. As it touched his fur, Schrodinger felt it change, and a baker’s hat dropped onto his head. Looking at the others, he saw they had similar hats, and the children had aprons, all decorated with leaves and snowflakes, around them.

One last bit of stardust had turned into a note, and it landed in Kaylee’s hand. She gave it to Molly, who read it aloud: “The first day of the Advent season usually means baking! So here are some tools for you to help Molly with her decorating!”

“Decorating?” Kaylee asked, eyes wide. “Did you bake cookies today, Molly?”

“I did!” Molly said. “Special cookies! Come on, and I’ll get you all set up out here!”

She picked up a large tray that had been on the counter, and led them all out into the tea room. “I made special cookies last night,” she explained, setting the tray down. “These are not to be eaten, but decorated and hung up at your homes for the season. Jade said they used to do this back when the Cove was new, and I thought it would be neat to try it.”

Lying on the tray were five large stars, just like the ones the bakers in the castle kitchen had been making. Molly had also put several tubs of color on the tray, in bowls, as well as beads and glitter. She set each cookie in front of each of them, and said, “Now, you guys will have to help Jack and Schrodinger decorate theirs. Once you’re done, I’ll help you finish them when they dry. Okay?”

“Okay!” they all chorused, and got down to business.

“I’ll help you,” Gideon said to Schrodinger. “Let’s do yours first. What do you want to do with it?”

I want it to match Molly’s decorations for the house, Schrodinger said. We’re using the lights that Phoebe gave us, so it needs to be golden and green. He looked at Gideon. What do you think?

The little boy frowned, looking at the colors. “What if we make it a dark green, and then put golden snowflakes on it? Molly gave us some.”

I like it! Let’s do it!

<><>

“And just how did you know what they were going to do today, Miss Molly?” Pavel asked quietly, once they were back in the kitchen. Molly  had picked up the castle (which was surprisingly light, considering how large and intricate it was) and put it in the pantry, where it wouldn’t be accidentally bumped or broken.

“Jade sent me a list last night,” she admitted. “Did you get her message?”

He nodded, his dark eyes solemn. “That was the biggest reason for hurrying back. My crew is on guard and mingling through the town, just in case Caliban tries anything.”

“Do you really think he will?” she asked, finally voicing the concern.

“I don’t know,” Pavel said heavily. “I would hope not. He was once a good and true man. But he has changed.”

Molly picked up her tea and sipped it, then said, “Could he have run into an eidolon?”

“It’s possible,” Pavel said. “It would fit in with what we know about him. And if that’s the case, perhaps you can work your magic again. Perhaps not. It might just be his own jealousy, you know. Not everything can be blamed on the eidolons.” He finished his tea and got up. “I will be around. Right now, I have one more appointment to make.”

“Let me guess,” Molly said dryly. “You have a bottle for Mick.”

“You must be psychic,” Pavel said, winking. “Maybe I should have gotten the scrying crystal for you!” And then he bowed himself out of the kitchen.

Molly shook her head and turned her attention back to the list she’d been working on before Pavel had shown up. The Carter’s Cove bake sale was coming up, and she was still trying to decide what kind of cookies and goodies to make for it. Gingerbread, of course, and her candy cane cookies – those were traditional. But she liked to try out a new recipe or two every year. Her eyes strayed back to the vanilla beans Pavel had brought her. Vanilla. Perhaps it was time to go simple. Vanilla shortbread was something she hadn’t done in a while.

“Molly! We’re done!”

She looked up to see Lily, Kaylee, and Gideon coming in, carrying the star-shaped cookies. “Wow,” she said. “Look at those!”

They were amazing. Lily had gone with a purple and gold theme, painting her star in deep purple and then putting gold and purple gems on it. Kaylee had gone pink, with silver snowflakes and green stars. Gideon had painted his star deep green, and then marched silver snowflakes and gold gems around the edges, before putting a “G” in gold in the center. Schrodinger’s matched the decorations they’d planned for the farm: dark green, like Gideon’s, but his star had golden snowflakes (and one silver one, she noticed) scattered across it. Jack had chosen to honor his two favorite girls: his star was half purple, half pink, and had snowflakes in both gold and silver scattered on it.

“Now what do we do?” Gideon asked.

“Now, watch,” Molly said, and held her hands over the cookies. She closed her eyes and concentrated, and as they watched, the cookies hardened, the colors seeping into the dough. When she opened her eyes again, they were fully baked, as if they had gone into an oven, but the sparkling stars and snowflakes were unmarked.

“Wow!” Lily said, picking up her cookie. “That’s amazing, Molly!”

“I wish I were a kitchen witch,” Kaylee said.

Molly hugged her. “You will find your own gift, Kayleebug,” she said. “Give it time.” Then she handed each of them a long ribbon. “See the hole in the top of the cookie? This goes through it, so you can hang it up at home.”

“This is so cool,” Gideon said. “Can we open another window?”

Not until tomorrow, Schrodinger said. That’s the way the Advent calendar works. He nosed the little boy. Which means you get to come here every day until Christmas!

“Yay!” Gideon said, and ran out to show his mother his star.

> Activity: Make a cookie decoration for your home! Here’s a similar recipe to what Molly used, thanks to Allrecipes.com:

1. Preheat oven to 300 degrees F (150 degrees C).
2. Combine 4 cups flour, 1 cup salt and 1.5 cups water; mix well and knead for 10 minutes. Roll out on a lightly floured surface.
3. Cut into desired shapes and make holes for hanging. Bake for 30 minutes; allow to cool.
4. Decorate with poster paints or tube paints. Allow to dry and spray with clear polyurethane on both sides to preserve. Use ribbon or yarn pieces to hang.

Originally published at The words of Valerie Griswold-Ford. You can comment here or there.