The Fox, Red

034 - The Arrival of Uncle Thomas

The days seem to just fade by now and again. I sit at my desk reading for hours just indulging my mind in the books from Madam Odette's library. They cover topics from simple mathematics of magical theory to a few things I could not even begin to try and comprehend at this stage. The bar was set pretty high for me from Madam Delula's visit. Madam Odette is keeping tabs on what I bring out and finish. There's now a sheet I have to fill out with what I take. And when I return it, I read what part of it I read. She's using it to check in on my progress. I feel like I've stalled a bit though. I can't figure out what I'm missing but just something isn't piecing together.

My eyes hurt. I've been staring at the text for too long and need a break. Anne is off doing her other chores for the day so I get to wander around unsupervised for a bit. The air is getting so crisp it's starting to burn at my nose. The winds are starting to come consistently from the north bringing the cold air with it. It's fall now and winter isn't that far behind. I've never really checked where we are so I'm not sure how harsh to expect this winter to be. Or even what kind of winter to expect. Firewood will be a need. My cabin may have electricity but there's no heating or air conditioning. It's small enough that the fireplace will work just fine.

The grass even feels sharper. I'm going to need to start wearing boots soon if this continues. Right now it's great! It'll wake me up a bit more to help refresh my mind. Nothing gets you back on track like a quick distraction. And maybe a snack... Is the kitchen still running?

Recently, using a book has been my pass to get in and out of the house. I just wave it so the doorman knows where I'm going to let me in. I step up and they do what they do and step in slightly. I smile with a wave, "Food run!" Just like that, they step back to the side getting the massive door for me. All this going in and out has gotten me used to the environment that the house has. It's a dull mumble that echoes through the halls as the work gets done. I start to head to the door I want when I hear the all too familiar voice that snaps me upright, "Red, glad you're here." It's almost instinct at this point. My back straightens, I relax my face, and answer in a polite tone that I have been trained to give, "Yes, Madam Odette?"

She's leaning on one leg resting her head on her paw supported by her arm around her waist, "I was just about to send for you. You have a visitor." She motions to a man standing beside and behind her. The tufts on his face are starting to grey from age. His body still looks strong though but I know that man. Even if I only see him once a year. "Uncle Thomas? What are you doing here?" This is extremely strange to see. How did he find me?

He passes Madam Odette slightly bumping her on his way by with his arms open. Throwing them around me I look over his shoulder at her. She looks offended at his actions and frankly, I'm offended he's hugging me. He's never acted like this at any family gathering towards me. So why now? As he steps back he keeps his paws on my shoulders, "How is my favorite nephew?" Now I'm just uneasy. "I'm doing fine. How are you?"

If it hasn't become glaringly apparent that I am not comfortable with him here by now then it's only going to get worse. No matter where or how I move he will not get his paws off of me. He is in constant contact. Madam Odette has gotten the hint that he is not wanted here, signaling one of her guys to come over and at least be near. He's still jostling me around trying to be playful, "I spoke with your dad and he told me you were whisked away."

"How did you find me?"

"Our whole family knows about this place! Well, for the most part."

"I sure didn't."

He swings me around a bit as he starts to move and pace with me under his arm. I do what I can to keep myself steady which seems to be throwing him off. He keeps trying harder and harder to move me where he wants me to be. "You learn about it when you have kids of your own just in case they turn out like you." I see him look behind me with an odd grin, "Already at two tails huh? That is impressive. I never thought I would see the legend in person in my lifetime but honestly, I had hoped it would have been my son."

Right, his son Reed. Kind of a prick when we were growing up. It was probably a good thing he and I never saw one another that often. If I remember, there's only about a three-month age difference with him being older. "Well, he can have it if he wants." I try to laugh it off. I just want him to leave. Looking over to Madam Odette for help, she can already see that this is bad for me. She tries to intervene, "Thomas, it's been a pleasure but young Red here is rather busy."

"Keeping up with his studies and training right? What do you have him doing? Theory? Practical application? I was really looking forward to seeing what goes into making the legend."

In an attempt to calm herself down she lowers her nose with a sigh, "He is very busy and unfortunately, you are distracting him at the moment." Finally! He lets me go. "I am so sorry. I just wanted to catch up with him. I know his parents miss him and I want nothing more than to let them know that he is OK. Would it be alright if I stayed a few days to catch up so I can let them know how he's doing? Besides, your family isn't just indebted to him. I am part of his family too."

Stepping back I look at the back of his head. Where is that coming from? That is some suspicious behavior right there. Madam Odette looks to be struggling to say no as well. I understand part of the situation but not the whole ordeal. Her teeth grit as she answers, "Sure, I'll have a room prepared for a two-night stay." That forced smile she wears hurts me.

He claps his paws together with a grinning smile, "Excellent! I wouldn't mind if I got to see what he's been learning as well. I think it would just be fascinating."

"We shall see."

She dismisses him as best she can before walking away. One of her butlers bowed before showing him away. His eyes lit up as he was escorted to an off-the-main hallway. Madam Odette stood still in the hallway watching him leave until he was out of eyesight. I tip-toed up to her side looking with her, "Pardon me for dropping the formalities, but did you notice how weird that was?" She peers out of the corner of her eye before looking back, "Exemption granted, and yes. That was very strange." Her paw goes to my shoulder forcing me to look at her. She never makes contact with me without some type of provocation. "I want you to keep an eye on him when he is anywhere near you."

Oh, she is serious. "Yes, Madam Odette."