The Waystation Ch.45 (Patreon)

Chapter 45

A busy few days II

“Oi! Oi!” A woman yelled through the open doorway as Jerry sat with Bert and the crew for breakfast the next morning. She was dressed almost exactly like Jerry, and her auburn hair was tied back into a high ponytail. She also shared the same autumnal storm-looking pupils. “Ya beat me, you bastard!”

“Crissy! I wondered what was taking you so long,” Jerry laughed. “Get lost, did ya?”

“Get fucked, ya knob.” She laughed. “Hey all, I’m Autumn’s Embrace, but everyone calls me Crissy.” She grinned.

“Hi!” Bell waved. “Welcome to the Waystation!”

“Want some breakfast?” Bert offered, holding out a plate of eggs and venison sausages.

“See, this is why I like going to see family!” She grinned, grabbing a plate. “They always know the best way to say hello.” She pulled up a chair next to Jerry and dug in with gusto. “How did you beat me here?” She elbowed Jerry.

“Skill, daring, and mastery of me craft,” Jerry said confidently.

“You cheated?” She guessed.

“Yup!” They both laughed.

“Seen any of the others yet?” Crissy asked between mouthfuls of eggs.

“Not yet; I’d bet they got lost.” Jerry shrugged.

“Why?” Bell asked. “Don’t the Storm Riders for each court have guides?”

“Well, they do…” Jerry looked embarrassed.

“Two of 'em,” Crissy laughed. “But as we are both here, they are shit outta luck!”

Bert couldn’t help but chuckle. “Did you ask yet?” She looked at Jerry.

“No, I had to calm some local gods first,” Jerry grinned.

“Any deaths?” She asked, unconcerned.

“No, they got the message pretty quickly.” Jerry chuckled. “I think their War god has possibilities.”

“Ask what?” Bert couldn’t contain his curiosity. Both Fae pushed their plates away and did their best to straighten up and look serious.

It looked like a real struggle.

“How do you like being a Fae?” Jerry asked.

“It’s great, why?” Bert asked. In truth, he hadn’t thought about it as much as he probably should.

“The Spring and Winter Courts were dispatched to Earth, and we are hearing there are a lot of problems,” Crissy said, frowning.

“Well, there would be.” Bert nodded. It made sense.

“Why?” Jerry asked. “We are welcoming them home?”

“Ah, right.” Bert hesitated.

“Don’t hold back; we’re family.” Crissy pressed.

“Did they launch the nukes yet?” Bert asked.

“Yes!” Jerry said. “It was fucking rude, in my opinion!”

“Okay,” Bert sighed. “This is gonna take a minute to explain…”

“They have no idea who you are,” Bert started. “And what is more, if they did, half of them would run screaming or attack you on sight.”

“That’s what they do!” Jerry said. “Even when there is no chance of winning.”

“Of course they do,” Bert said. “You terrify them.”

“Why?” Crissy asked. “What have we done?”

“Your existence in itself will shatter the way people think.” Bert shrugged. “Add in magic, classes, and the rest? They won’t want to believe you.”

“But the fact of us is right in front of their eyes!” Jerry snarled.

“And they will do mental backflips to deny that,” Bert said. “Did you try and help them, make their lives better?”

“Of course,” Jerry stood and paced. “We offered healing, training, everything we could!”

“They even held great gatherings at points all over the globe,” Crissy sighed. “They were attacked.”

“Stop trying to help,” Bert shrugged. “Take land by force, and then offer incentives to anyone who comes to your land.”

“What incentives?” Jerry asked.

“The same shit you offered for free.” Bert shrugged. “People will trust it more if they have to do something to get it.” He snapped his fingers, “And try and get stuff that used to work without magic up and running with it.”

“That’s what the Advisor said as well,” Jerry sagged. “She even claimed we should demand oaths and stuff.”

“Hey, that’s a great idea,” Bert said. “Long ones, with lots of binding rules and shit.”

“You’re all cracked, ya know that?” Jerry laughed.

“We want to give stuff for free and peacefully. And you demand we make it cost stuff and have all these rules.” Crissy chuckled. “Is your whole planet insane?”

“Yes,” Bert nodded vigorously. “We are batshit crazy. Remember that.”

“So, what’s the answer?” A voice said. “What is the actual way to get these people to stop fighting us?”

Bert looked around to see a man in rumpled clothes in blue and grey. He looked tired, but his eyes were kind.

“Honestly?” Bert thought for a second. “Fight a war, take most of the planet… then let people push back. Give them rights and such slowly until you deliberately lose a revolution.” He nodded. “Give them the things you offered for free at the negotiating table. If they didn’t fight for it, they wouldn’t believe it.”

“That’s just fuckin sad,” Crissy said.

“Aye,” The man in the doorway smiled. “But it makes sense of what we’ve heard.” He shook his head. “The Lost Court’s final revenge.”

“Hi, by the way.” Bert held out his hand. “I’m Bert; that is Bell and Bud,” He gestured.

“Karl,” The two shook hands. “I got a present for you.” He waved a hand, and two things appeared on the table. A jar of coffee and a living plant in a pot.

“Now that’s a present.” Bert beamed and laughed. “I’ll get a pot going!”

“Breakfast?” Bud offered the man a plate. He took it and dug in.

The bitter-sweet aroma of coffee was drifting above the cup as Bert sipped it lovingly. It had really been too long. The first sip alone had him lost in happy bliss. He came back just in time to catch the tail end of a conversation.

“...and since you two buggered off so fast, I had to do it.” Karl was saying.

“Sorry, Dad,” Crissy said.

“Yeah, sorry,” Jerry said distractedly. Crissy gave him a glowering look, and he straightened. “Sorry.” he did his best to look contrite. “Where’s Mum?”

“Oh, she went to check out the Hudson Express.” He grinned; I think she just wanted to get a go at driving it.”

“What?” Bert asked.

“Don’t worry; she’s a peach,” Crissy said. “Wouldn’t hurt a fly.”

“They might not react well,” Bert hedged. “Especially Scruff.”

“You’re too hard on the girl; she’s lovely!” A woman simply appeared at the table. “They gave me a tour of the vehicle, and I got to play with the plants as well,” She sighed. “I’m Myrtle; pass the coffee!”

“They are okay then?” Bell asked. “That’s a relief.”

“Oh, they are great.” She laughed. “They are on their way back now.”

“Is it safe?” Bert asked. He was slowly getting used to the Fae just arriving. He would admit to a little more sympathy for Bilbo dealing with the dwarves… but he thought he was adjusting okay.

“No place safer in this world,” She grinned. “The amount of Fae crawling all over this place is getting higher by the moment.” She gave a look to Jerry and his sister. “The Riders made it, by the way; no thanks to you two layabouts!”

“Sorry, Mum.” They chorused.

A roar rent the air.

“Slothy!” Bert, Bell, and Bud all shouted.

They arrived at the Barn in time to see a figure picking herself out of the water around the tower's base. A large hole in the Barn door was slowly repairing itself as Slothy pushed her way out of the door.

“Sorry! Sorry! My bad, I startled her.” The woman brushed herself off and wrung out her black hair.

Slothy looked grumpy but unhurt.

“Come on, little one… I’m sorry.” She cooed at Slothy as she slowly approached.

Slothy huffed.

“Just a little cuddle?” The woman asked, stopping a distance away and holding out her hand. She let Slothy come to her.

Slothy gave her a few sniffs before letting her slowly stroke the top of her head.

The blond woman beamed.

“Our aunt,” Jerry sighed. “She is always trying to pet something fluffy.”

“Hello, pretty.” She said as she kept stroking Slothy. “I’m Auntie Brenda!”

“She tends to forget actual people exist,” Karl shrugged. “She only really notices animals.”

More and more Fae turned up over the next few hours. Several of them came in with the Orcs as they returned. Another group came in, riding on top of the Express and cheering loudly.

It turned into quite the party over the next few hours, and the food and drinks flowed freely. There was never any lack of hands to help out in the kitchen, with Myrtle, Karl, and others all taking a turn.

When night set, the Fae waved their hands, conjuring fairy lights they renamed pixie lights for the duration of their stay in deference to Bell. She beamed and blushed at the attention.

As time wore on, Bud found himself a rare moment alone with Bert and sat down at the base of the tower with him.

“Have you noticed anything about the Fae?” Bud asked.

“They seem great, mostly.” Bert shrugged.

“They are basically.” Bud shrugged. “But have you noticed there are no nobles here?”

“Maybe they come later?” Bert sighed.

“Will they?” Bud asked. “For all their talk about Courts and Lords and Ladies, these people just don’t seem the bowing type… you know?”

Before they could talk more, another group came over to chat, and the night wound on.

Bert did the rounds, checking on everyone as the party went late. Wendy was having the time of her life with Scruff. Scruff even smiled about something other than plants. She was carrying the coffee plant around with her protectively.

The Orcs were in the thick of the partying, having apparently bonded with some of the younger Fae in the city.

Slothy was still getting cuddles from Brenda and enjoying the discovery of pampering that lasted for hours.

Tim was riding on people’s shoulders and cheering in his strange language, which several Fae spoke.

Bert headed back to the kitchen again to give Bell a hand and make some more Tacos. They were a big hit.

Bert found Bell chatting away with Karl and his family and joined them. He was showing Karl the secrets of a good taco when silence fell outside. They all headed out to check what was going on, finding the Gods standing on the drawbridge.

It was a strange sight. The Fae so welcoming, relaxed, and cheerful a minute ago were now a silent mass of hard faces staring at the interlopers.

Karl walked forward with Bert as he dried his hands on a kitchen towel.

“What can we do for you?” Bert asked.

“We have been waiting for the arrival of the Court!” The Great Mother snapped.

“And?” Karl asked. “Would you like to join the party?”

“No!” She snapped. “I do not ‘party’ with mortals!”

“Mortals is stretching it when it comes to the Fae,” Someone called from the back to general laughter.

Bert looked at Myrtle in confusion, but she said she’d tell him later.

“Still, we are GODS. We have the right to audience with your Lord and Lady!” Great Mother drew herself up.

“And you insist, do you?” Myrtle sighed.

“I do!” She snapped. “And I would make my request to the NOBLES, not some kitchen maid.” She said haughtily.

There was a collective wince.

“Oh, aye? Is that right then, ya chubby bi–” Someone stifled the speaker before he could finish.

“I am eternally pregnant! Not CHUBBY!” She growled. “And I insist on meeting the Court right now!”

“Ah, fuck!” Crissy snapped. “Parties over, all!”

“Yeah,” Jerry sighed. “Time to do the boring bit.”

“When do you wish the audience to begin?” Karl asked. “Now?”

“No, In an hour.” She sniffed. “I wish to make a good impression.”

“That ship fucking sailed,” Someone giggled from the shadows.

The Fae began to file down onto the land next to the Waystation.

“Mind if we do the actual audience here?” Karl asked as he pointed to the area next to the Waystation.

“Feel free,” Bert said. “Can we help?”

“Kind of you, child,” Myrtle said. “But we’ve got this covered.”

The assembled Fae began to dance in circles; they interwove with each other, and the circles expanded and contracted as a riot of colored mana began to flow between them.

Beneath the stars, a grove of delicate trees grew in moments, with flowering vines winding around it until, at last, the dancers spun to a stop, leaving behind an amphitheater of wood, vine, and flowers. Mushrooms with big red caps marked with white spots made the seating and formed a ring around the area.

A small raised dias held four thrones. The middle two were bigger than the ones on either side, but not by much.

“Come chat after we’ve done with the Gods, yeah?” Karl called as they walked down the Drawbridge.

“This way, you lot, sit with us!” The other Riders of the Court pulled them along into places near the thrones.

Bell looked very nervous.

“What’s wrong?” A rider asked.

“Bert doesn’t get on well with nobles,” Bell fussed.

“Don’t be silly,” The rider grinned. “They’ve been getting on like a house on fire all night!”

Bert watched, open-mouthed, as the change rippled over the Fae. Their simple armor and weapons were transformed into ornate, glimmering pieces that radiated power. Gone were the messy hair and the relaxed smiles. In their place were the neatest and most noble-looking people Bert had ever seen. He gaped at the rider next to him; the man had been lying under a keg of beer an hour ago but now looked as intimidating a person as he had ever seen.

Bud jabbed him in the side and pointed.

Karl, Myrtle, Jerry, and Crissy strolled into the circle and up to the thrones. As they sat, their clothing changed, flowing robes of ornate detail replacing their more comfortable clothes. Detailed armor covered them from the waist up a second later.

He was starting to feel distinctly uncomfortable until Karl looked directly at him and smiled. The smile was the same.

They were the same people, just putting on a formal show. He settled back onto the mushroom and watched. He saw Bell visibly relax when he did.

A chime sounded, and the Gods arrived.

They came in a long procession, power radiating off them as they put on their own show of nobility. It was quite something to see.

At the head of the procession was the Great Mother and a very elderly man, hook-nosed and bent over a walking stick.

“Lords and Ladies of the Fae,” Great Mother intoned in a voice that rippled with confidence. “I bid you welcome to our world. May the Fae ever be friends with us and us with them.” She spoke with sincerity and grace. At that moment, Bert could really see the capital G in Goddess, and he was surprised at the contrast to her normal behavior. All the Gods and Goddesses had kept their eyes downcast as they paraded into the circle before the throne.

They bowed and then raised their eyes as they stood.

Myrtle quirked an eyebrow at her.

The Great Mother paled as she looked at the thrones, recognizing the ones there.

“It would be a shame to start this audience on such a bad note,” Myrtle said, her voice carrying hints of anger. “So I suggest we forget the incidents leading up to it and be friends.” She smiled kindly.

Bert blinked in surprise. So did the Great Mother.

“I am sorry-” She started to say.

“It is forgotten,” Myrtle said.

“Forgotten.” The collected Fae said in a single voice.

Well, most of them, Bert, Bell, and Bud, didn’t get the message and just kind of looked about.

“I see.” The Great Mother recovered. “In that case, I present our compliments to the Court of the Autumn Winds. I hope you will carry our compliments to your own Gods as Well.”

“Of course,” Karl said warmly. “It will be done.”

“I thank you.”

“And what can the Fae do for the Gods of this world?” Jerry asked.

“We ask that the Fae return and rejuvenate this world.” They bowed.

“Hmm,” Karl looked thoughtful. “Is their need of us here?”

Tru’nal pushed up from her seat and spoke hurriedly. “The orcish people would be grateful for the return of your people!”

Myrtle waved her down.

“Lord Hudson, do you think this world is in need of more Fae?” Karl asked, his eyes boring into Bert.

“I do,” Bert nodded, standing. He could vividly remember the things he had seen about the loss of the Gnorks. “There are many who allied with the Fae that were injured in the time since they left.” He thought for a second. “Our very presence will invigorate the world itself.”

“Then it is done,” Myrtle said with a smile. “The Fae will claim the nearby city and begin to repair the land.”

“What was corrupted by hate and pain, we shall make whole with love and joy!” Karl stood.

The Fae cheered.

“Is there anything more, Great Mother?” Crissy asked.

“Nothing but our thanks.” The Gods bowed.

“Then, please excuse us,” Karl said. “There is a Fae matter we must discuss.”

The gods bowed and faded away.

“Bert?” Myrtle asked. “Front and center, lad.”

Bert did as they asked.

“Sorry about all that,” Karl said, “We hoped for a longer time for you to get to know us before we did this bit.” He grinned.

“No problem,” Bert said suspiciously.

“We have a gift for you, Lord Hudson.” Myrtle grinned. “A visitor.”

“Thank you,” Bert said automatically.

“Gods above, you’ve managed to teach him manners!” A voice said from behind him.

Bert turned and stared.

“Hi, love!” Gwen waved. “Miss me?”

Bert covered the gap between them in a single leap.

She was in his arms again, and he lost all thought for a while.