A Mad Engineer's
Wintermass
A Veetu Industries Tale
Twas the
night before Wintermass and all through the theatre, the bannisters
were decked and the hall was filled with cheer.
The
grandest theatre in all of Svenfur was celebrating the season. In the
lobby of His Majesty’s Theatre, a tree stretched from floor to
ceiling, decorated in fine red and gold ornaments. On its branches
sat gas filled safety bulbs, the glow warm and welcoming. The golden
bannisters were wrapped with greenery and ribbons, the rich red
carpet dusted with snow. Modern marvels to enchant the festive
audience.
Within
the auditorium, the crowd roared and cheered, fuelled with the spirit
of Wintermass. They sang and danced as the night engulfed the city,
the magic hour close at hand.
And
sitting proudly at the top of the bill was one Cedo Reilly, his name
emblazoned on the marquee in black, foot tall letters. On this snow
filled night, he stood astride the stage, dressed in a suit of claret
red velvet, gold thread picking out a design of delicate snowflakes.
Bathed in the warm light of the limes, he wove a story for the night
before Wintermass, telling the audience of long dark nights, roaring
fires, and a cloaked being who delivered gifts in the dead of night.
“You
must keep your kitchen window unlocked,” Cedo's voice projected to
the crowd, “for this is how Saint Nicholas shall enter. He is a
lowly man and much prefers to use the tradesman's entrance to the
front door. Do not forget that he is a lover of the poor, so leave an
offering upon the table of the kitchen. Food, wine, and a small
amount of money are his favoured offerings. In return, he will bless
you with gifts, gifts which you shall find under the tree come dawn.”
Throughout
the auditorium, decorations hung. Collections of red and gold
decorations dangled from the heavens, catching the light from the
stage and sending a million twinkling dancing around the house. As
Cedo prepared his final speech, he glanced heavenwards and smiled. He
knew what was to come, the final surprise before the clock struck
eleven. For they all needed to be home before the clock reached
twelve. If not, then Saint Nick would not visit.
“There
is one final thing you must not forget,” he whispered loudly.
Before him, the audience strained forward, their ears and eyes on
him. “Saint Nick comes to us upon a sleigh pulled by six white
horses. If you wish to receive gifts, you must remember to leave them
a little something too.” Gazing around the full theatre, he smiled
before stretching a hand above his head. “A Merry Wintermass to
all, and to all a good night!”
With
a snap of his fingers, the snow began to fall, slowly descending on
to one and all. There were gasps and cries of glee, faces lighting
with joy as it settled over the auditorium. Sweeping his hat from his
head, Cedo smiled and bowed, quickly making his exit before they had
noticed he was gone. It was time for the real magic of Wintermass to
begin. The decorations had already been hung at the Witheybrooke
house, trees, large and small, sitting in every room. The normally
sombre house, one which was reserved for the coming war, was alive
with Wintermass joy. The staff were happy, exchanging gifts and
creating meals large enough to feed the ever growing army. Billy had
disappeared for a number of days, citing Wintermass, before returning
bearing brightly gift wrapped boxes, the thick paper held in place by
string. They had been promptly deposited beneath a tree and nothing
more said. No amount of pleading and whining from himself was going
to make Billy reveal their contents.
And as
for his Master... Cedo grinned as he walked through the winding
corridors of the backstage. Erus had taken on a whole new persona in
the days leading up to Wintermass. Not only had he assisted them in
hanging the decorations, but Cedo could have sworn he'd heard the
flame haired engineer humming Wintermass tunes to himself. His jolly
mood had even lead him to forbidding the servants from working on
Wintermass Day, ordering them to have left the house by midday so
that they could travel to their families.
Reaching
the door to the loading yard, Cedo pushed it open and...
Nothing.
All that
the yard contained was a growing drift of snow, thick flakes floating
down from the quiet sky. Beyond the walls of the large yard, he heard
the sounds joyous celebrations, of people singing and being merry. Of
people relaxing from a world which, in previous months, had shown
them nothing but hardship. Soon it would become even harder and, for
a few hours at least, they could forget it all.
Forgotten.
That was how he felt. After the excitement of the past weeks, Cedo
suddenly felt cold. Wrapping his heavy coat closer to him, he watched
the snow, wondering where his Master and lover could have gotten to.
They had accompanied him into the city, Erus making for a luxurious
restaurant to celebrate Wintermass with the Patron, while Billy had
made for his Mother's, eager to spend time with his family before the
following day. A day when they would do nothing but relax and feast.
Yet they seemed to have forgotten him.
Looking
at the snow, Cedo tugged his collar up. He would have no option but
to walk. It would take all night but he would be home by dawn, safely
tucked beneath the piles of bedding. He would be frigid by the time
he returned, but it would be worth it to celebrate Wintermass with
the people he had come to call his family.
Cedo was
just about to step into the snow when he heard it. Carried on the
gentlest of breezes was the sound of bells. They could just be made
out amid the countless voices and songs.
As if by
magic, it appeared, sliding in to the yard on long, upturned golden
skids. Behind the skids, he noticed six wheels, drawn up from the
ground, obviously ready to be dropped should the terrain become free
of snow. Pulled by six snowy white iron horses, the sled was just as
white, intricate designs painted along its sides. Bells and Obtainium
fired lamps dangled from the four corners, filling the air with a
warm light and gentle sound. Open to the elements, the sled could
carry a number of people, yet only one sat at the rear, huddled
beneath blankets and furs. At the fore sat another fur covered being,
a large hood pulled up around their head, the reins gathered in their
hands. A long, slender whip was clutched in one hand, ready for use.
The
excitement rose, his cheeks tinting red as he strained to look over
the ornate creation. Was it a dream? Or was it real, his story come
to life?
The
being holding the reins turned and swept the hood from their head.
Flame red hair tumbled around their shoulders, a stark contrast to
the grey and snowy garments they wore. A grin broke his Master's
normally stony face and he gestured to the sleigh behind him.
“Well?
What are you waiting for? Your ride home awaits!”
Cedo
laughed and stepped from the theatre, the snow cascading in to his
boots. Grasping the edge of the sleigh, he pulled himself up,
settling himself beside the single rider.
His
happiness grew, the spirit of the season once more filling him, as
the other occupant turned to him. Bright blue eyes sparkled from
beneath a hood, a warm hand reaching out to briefly touch his face
before it disappeared back in to the depths of its muff. Collecting
cloaks and blankets from the seat, Cedo wrapped himself against the
biting cold before leaning against Billy. Balmy breath touched his
cheek, lips following in its wake. He smiled, eyes on the powerful,
prancing horses. Steam poured from their nostrils and they tossed
their heads, straining against the harness.
“'e
came and got me from 'ome,” Billy murmured. “Couldn't believe it
when 'e pulled up.”
Cedo
chuckled and pressed himself closer to his lover's warm body. “You
are not the only one.”
“My Ma
made these for us.” Reaching in to a bag at his feet, Billy pulled
out three knitted stockings. Each bore one of their names, and had
already been filled with small gifts.
Smiling,
Cedo reached for his. Quickly it was snatched away, a mischievous
grin on Billy's face. “No touchin' 'til tomorrow.”
Kissing
Billy's cheek, he chuckled. “You are such a tease.”
“Aye,
an' don't you know it.”
From the
fore came the cry of, “Walk!”, and the sled smoothly pulled away.
Turning
from the yard, they slid along a snow covered road. From the
pavements, people watched, their attention caught by the jangling of
the bells. Cedo heard himself laugh, a sound which mixed with that of
the city around them. Beside him, Billy pressed himself closer,
enjoying the ride.
Cedo
felt elated. Erus, his Master, had stepped from a place where he felt
comfortable to create a unique and beautiful gift. For him to be at
the helm, driving it through the icy streets, was another great
stride for a man who considered himself to be above all others. For
him to be serving another was nothing short of a splendid shock.
Slipping
his hand from beneath the blankets, he reached in to the muff and
wrapped his cool fingers around those of his lover's. Against his
cheek, he felt Billy smile.
Around
them, the city was alive. People spilled from gin houses and
theatres, singing, arms linked around one another. Colourful
decorations hung in windows, a million candles guiding them home. The
air was filled with the smell of mulled wine and hope. Hope for a
better life, for one where war did not hang over them. Songs of joy
reached their ears, the words touching Cedo's heart, causing his own
voice to reach to the citizens they passed. Beside him, Billy also
began to sing, his voice a low, and delicious, baritone.
They
rounded a corner and found themselves on Svenfur's main thoroughfare,
the wide and steep West Road. Here the snow had been cleared, leaving
bare cobbles. As they touched it, the sled paused and jolted. Leaning
out, Cedo laughed as the skis retracted and the wheels touched the
cobbles. Only an engineering genius could have devised such vehicle.
With the wheels down, they joined the throngs returning to their
homes, the road saturated with hansoms, steam-carriages and the
brightly coloured, multi-storyed omnibuses. Horses and steam engines
jostled for space, coming and going, the noise a delight to hear. For
it was the sound of people returning to their loved ones for a day of
merriment.
People
stared at the six massive horses, their iron hooves ringing against
the ground. They tossed their heads, wire manes rippling in waves,
their metallic whinnies calling to their blood brothers along the
road. Yet Erus barely appeared to guide them, the man-made beasts
knowing the route they needed to take.
Between
the Terminus and the subterranean railway station sat a tall
Wintermass decoration. Made from red, green and golden wood, the four
tiered carousel was alive with children, all riding one of the
dazzling horses. Steam belched from the roof of the tall structure,
joining the downy snow-filled clouds, jangling Wintermass music only
amusing the children and watchers more. Wintermass decorations hung
from the roof of the carousel, the sparkling lights turning them into
strings of stars. The smokestack, Cedo noticed, was in the shape of a
dragon's claw with a mouse sitting at its heart, the carousel a gift
to the city from Veetu Industries. He could not help but smile.
Above
the noise, people called Wintermass greetings to them, children
shouted with delight as the sled powered on up the road, happiness
alive and well amid the coal-scented night. They returned the wishes,
laughing and waving as people chased after them. A banner hung from
the Terminus, The Svenfur Terminus wishes all our citizens, both
young and old, a very merry Wintermass.
They
continued through the city, passed the Terminus and toward the city
boundaries. Every building they rolled by was festooned with the
trimmings of Wintermass, with the scents of roasting chestnuts and
figgy pudding floating from a million chimneys. They rode in silence,
enjoying the bite of the cold air, and the feeling of falling snow
against their faces.
The
sleigh swung out of the city and on to narrow country lanes. Pitching
to the left, the streets and lanes disappeared to be replaced by
rolling hills of freshly fallen snow, the full flickering from behind
the heavy clouds, its light glistening from the fallen flakes. With a
jolt, the skis were lowered and they raced across the Downs. The
horses panted and chomped at their bits, the mechanical parts
whirring and clicking.
Sweeping
over the rolling ground, Cedo and Billy cheered with exhilaration,
the wind tugging the hoods from their heads and catching their hair.
“This
is extraordinary,” Cedo cried above the wind.
Beside
him, Billy laughed, a fur warmed hand reaching to grasp him, pulling
him in to a tight embrace. Onward they raced, the horses seeming to
never tire, their endurance going beyond anything Cedo could have
ever imagined. They never faltered, forever pulling them toward their
home.
They
careered through trees and over a frozen river, the thoughts of what
was to come blown from their mind by the speed, the sleigh coasting
easily over the snow, the bells wildly jangling. The lights lit their
way, the bright flames catching the snow and the bare skeletons of
trees. Amid them, Cedo swore he could see the shadows of Wintermass'
past, their childlike hullabaloo only fuelling the one which was to
come, the one which lay only a few moments away. For some, it would
be their last Wintermass, their lives lost in the coming war. But
they did not think of that. All they thought of was the present, of
the bright day which would dawn, of gifts, of friends and family, of
the love it would bring. The war was another day, in another time,
and, for now, it was banished to nothing, the thrill of Wintermass
chasing it to nothing. For if they could cling on to such feelings
then perhaps it would not come. Perhaps the enemy would catch news of
what they could do and retreat back to their icy lair.
Skimming
over the brow of a hill, the Witheybrooke house came in to view. Its
windows were alight with Wintermass lanterns, the warmth drawing them
in. The sleigh swung down over the frozen stream and in to the
garden, sliding to a halt beside the small yard.
For a
moment, they sat and stared at the house, stunned in to silence.
“If
you dally, you'll miss the magic hour,” Erus called.
Unwilling
to break the spell, they slowly stepped from the sleigh, both giving
it longing glances as their boots crunched through the heavy
snowfall. It was the only noise which broke the thickness of the
night, their thoughts still turned to the enchanting ride.
The
house was warm and aglow with the welcoming light of gas and paper
lamps. Heavy layers of furs were shed and left beside the door, the
snow fading away. His Master was dressed in a suit of white, fur
lining the cuffs and collar, a stark change to his normal black
attire, his hair almost glowing against the bright colour. Walking
past the empty servants quarters, they entered the study, Cedo and
Billy murmuring with delight at the transformation. It was the one
place they had not decorated, Erus refusing to let the spirit of the
season permeate
his sacred
work space.
Intricate
wax-paper lanterns adorned the shelves and desk, fashioned into
five-pointed stars, trees, and the fantastical sleigh. Boughs of fir
tree weaved their way around the fireplace, bows and baubles peeping
from beneath the sharp scented needles. The room was filled with the
delicious fragrance of cloves and mulled wine and a fire was burning
in the grate. And there, beside the window, was a large pine tree
adorned with ornaments.
Cedo
turned to Erus. “Did you-?”
His
Master leaned against the desk, a smile lighting his face. “Indeed
I did.”
“You
did not attend a meal, did you?”
Laughing,
Erus shook his head. For once it was not a malicious sound, but one
filled with love and happiness. “You are correct, I did not. But I
shall not tell you how it was done.”
Placing
a hand against one hip, Cedo playfully frowned. “And why not?! I
demand to know the secrets of Wintermass Eve. I demand to know how
this-” He gestured around the room. “And the sleigh, came in to
being!”
“Then
keep demanding for you shall never know.” The smile remained on
Erus's face and, knowing he was not going to get any further, Cedo
returned his attention to Billy.
His
lover, hair wind ruffled around his face, stared in wonder at the
richly decorated room. “Never 'ad anythin' like this when I was a
young'un.”
He
leaned close, an arm going around Billy's waist. “Yes, but you have
a family, and that is what Wintermass is about.”
“True.
But doesn't always mean it was good. 'specially with my father
around.”
Feeling
the love of Wintermass wash through him, Cedo placed a gentle kiss to
Billy's cheek. “He is gone now. You do not have to worry. Your
family are happier now that they are free. Do not worry, just enjoy
the moment.”
Billy
looked to him, a wistful smile curling his lips. Gently he slid a
hand along Cedo's jaw, drawing their lips into a soft kiss. Closing
his eyes, Cedo let himself melt against his mate, fingers dancing
through his hair.
A hand
brushed over his own head and he leaned back to look up into the
emerald green eyes of his Master. Cradling the back of his head, Erus
kissed him, and Cedo felt his heart swell with the affection from the
two men who loved him. And he loved them just as much, blessed to
feel safe and wanted. For one day, they could lay aside their
jealousies and differences.
Behind
them, the fireplace clock began to chime midnight. With it, came the
gentle whirr of clockwork and they moved to look at the tree. Cedo
and Billy gave cries of delight as it came to life, the small
ornaments moving and stretching. Fairies fluttered their wings,
horses and reindeer shook their heads, and tiny children swung on
swings. A top the tree, the star unfolded its points and, with a
shake, dispensed golden glitter across the room.
As the
clock sang its final call, a flight of small, golden angels burst
from inside the tree, taking flight around the room. Whirling around,
their tiny voices joined to sing the praises of Wintermass, before
settling back on the boughs of the tree.
Mulled
wine was poured and Ma Burton's stockings were hung before the
roaring fire. The lower boughs of the tree began to shake and, a
moment later, and Misty bounded out, a clockwork frog caught in her
jaws. Erus laughed. “It looks as though someone has already found
their Wintermass gift.”
The
laughter rose in Cedo and he picked her up, placing the white cat on
his shoulder. She curled around his neck, dropping the frog in to his
outstretched hand, purring as it gave a metallic ribbit.
Draining his glass, Erus ushered them to the door.
“And
now to bed. Because if you don't, then good Saint Nick will not
come.”
With the
thrill of Wintermass in his heart, Cedo allowed himself to be chased
to bed, he and Billy curling around one another as the door was
carefully closed behind them. Jumping onto the bed, Misty curled
herself between them, deep, rumbling purrs shaking the bed.
What
they did not see was Erus, the smile on his face, and finger raised
to his lips. From beyond the door, he quietly shushed the young
lovers before sweeping back down the stairs. Pulling the fur-lined
hood over his head, he silently stacked the paper wrapped gifts
beneath the tree, a glass of mulled wine at his side.
As the
last gift was placed beneath the tree, he leaned in to the window and
stared at the snow covered lane beyond the glass. Large flakes still
drifted downwards, the gas lamps beneath the tree catching them and
turning them, briefly, into floating stars. He was happy and he did
not want the feeling to die.
“A
Merry Wintermass to all, and to all a good night,” he softly
whispered.
~~ The
End ~~
~~~~~
