Chapter 5

After the laughter had died down, the three of them began to slowly scramble to their feet, shrugging off their aches and pains they reoriented themselves “let’s get this door closed!” Kay said as he pushed the door too and slid the bolts home. Brownie felt positively bedraggled, dusty and damp she cast her eyes around the hall it wasn’t too much different to the stately houses on earth, marble floor, columns, Grand Staircase, it seemed more spacious inside than it did from the outside. The hall was softly incandescent; Brownie could see that there was a plant in the corner, there was something strange, about the plant,it was red and reminiscent to coral, it had small fluffy white polyps emerging from its stem, but no leaves. Alongside, there was an odd-looking hat stand; it didn’t have any hats hanging on it, in fact, it had two masks, how odd she thought, the one looked Vulpinous, the other was distinctly birdlike.
There was a great mirror that was lavishly carved and a rack for shoes or boots. Brownie looked into the mirror, she barely recognized herself. Eulin meanwhile stretched out his wings his span was quite impressive, even though he seemed heron-like his wings looked more like that of a bird of prey, he flapped gently there was a strong updraft, and he ascended to the upper levels. A skylight above them, showed the weather outside was still very much overcast, a large window was adjacent to the top of the staircase it had had a balcony that led to a roof terrace.

Kay waved his hand in a follow me gesture, “you and Eulin can share a room, let me show you to your quarters!” He said as he walked down the corridor ahead expecting Brownie to follow him.” be mindful of Eulin he talks in his sleep !” He mumbled as He tutted ” you’ll get used to him” he paused and stopped dead in his tracks ” now you’ll need a new uniform!” Brownie interjected, ” you mean clean clothes!” She asked with a grin on her face ” yeeees!” he said as his answer was distracted, and his reply tailed off to almost not finishing his responses at all ” you’re doing that thing with your eyes again!” ” what thing!” replied Brownie bemused ” how do you even do that anyway???” He said intrigued ” What!! Thing? ” she asked even more confused ” making your eyes big, is that Sprite trickery?” Before she could answer he continued “I’m afraid we don’t have many female clothes, you may have to make do with what we have. ” “that’s alright!!” She answered,” I wasn’t doing anything, honest!” She asserted unknowingly as if butter wouldn’t melt in her mouth. She was still blissfully unaware that her eyes were still immense. This time she was fluttering her eyelashes too.” is there somewhere I can get cleaned up? ” she said as she straightened the contents of her book bag, she smiled, showing the dimples in her rosy cheeks, the Martian sighed and nodded.
Kay took brownie and Eulin
To their room, it was not what she was expecting; her face was broadcasting loudly in vision and reaction as she saw the fantastic architecture, it was as if a door had been opened onto an Aladdin’s cave. There were three levels joined by a spiral staircase in the center.
The middle tier was minimalist it had an odd looking bed that appeared lower than what she was used too. It was fabricated out of oblong cushions, in the room, there was a type of chaise lounge and a large window to look through.
The top level had lots of items some boxes, and then racks and then more racks of clothes boots, etcetera, the upper level had a very eclectic feel to it.
The bottom level Was a fusion of the outdoors and the indoors it had a small Indoor garden cultivated within it. Assorted Small plant pots filled with plants helped break interior lines. There were candles in colourful jars dotted around the place, there was a paper screen patio wall, a bench and what looked like a giant dove coat, and at the center, there was a large copper cauldron, that reminded Brownie of an old temple bell turned upside down. Oddly, it was accompanied by a patch of long red pampas grass which seemed to be strategically placed to give you privacy, maybe for you to crouch while you were naked as if it were some type of modesty screen.
kay said, ” here I’ve been getting this ready for you for a while!” He said looking at Eulin ” I didn’t think I’d have more guests I’m sorry this Is the junk room!” Brownie had never had anything this grand before she pinched herself, it wasn’t a dream, she let out a shrill of delight and hugged the Martian jumping on him and squeezing him, with a surge of euphoria, ” I love it thanks!” Kay stood like a statue as if he wasn’t familiar with this type of affection; he wasn’t sure how to process it he slowly patted Brownie on the head awkwardly and said: ” that’s ok, I’m glad you like it too!”
“Now how do I get this thing filled with warm water,” she asked as she was looking forward to a long soak in the copper cauldron.
Kay replied, “The house A.I will sort out those sorts of things for you!”
He raised his voice and summoned the system to respond ” ourainne” he called which was the name of the operating system ” I’d like to enact special protocols, for the Sprite here, please don’t be divulging anything about her visit under the orders of Grand Marshall Li Kay – and the Kalithia accords.”
Brownie wondered why the secrecy, but shrugged it off as she was a stranger and an alien, and a time traveler to boot she’d seen what happened to aliens on the late night tv, reruns on BBC mars.
A female voice responded ” Yes my lord, as you have instructed the Sprite is now allowed into the system with access to use the controls of the villa” thank you Ourainne !” Kay replied ” happy to be of service my lord ” The voice responded.

Later after bathing Brownie ventured upstairs to the top of the spiral staircase she had put on an old tunic of Kay’s which was way too big, it was red with a gold embroidered collar, it went down to her calves, all she would need is some type of belt to accentuate her waist. The upstairs was a cornu-copia of delights to Brownie she could get lost just playing dress up, and invariably she did, trying on this thing and that thing, a pair of boots, checking herself out in the grand mirror, that stood in the center of the room, putting on her lipstick “ourainne! What do you think!” She asked as she posed and swished her tiny waist around but ourainne could not answer in the way Brownie wanted ” it would simply say “mistress I am incapable of thinking!” Eulin had gone to sleep, and left her to her own devices kay had told them to get settled in whilst he prepared something for supper, it was to be a dish called mek~Turiah
It was then she felt it? It was like an invisible cord that was tugging at her Navel. In a forgotten corner of the attic, there stood a mannequin with a dress uniform; it was the gem in a pile of pebbles, it stood out, a beautiful purple coat that was long and had a bodice of grey.
The hairs on the back of her neck stood up, it was then a voice behind her startled her it made her jump a little bit, “ah I see you’ve found the finest piece in my collection, do you like it?” “Yes!” She replied, ” it’s, well it’s gorgeous !” “Would you like to try it on for size ?” He asked already knowing the answer “why, Yes I would!” She jumped up and down with excitement, He took the jacket off the dummy and helped her into it, she did up the bodice ” “obsidian bones spun in spider silk, to make it light and as hard as wyvern skin!” He said He opened a chest next to the dummy, and he took out two shoulder spaudlers they were slatted gold and had a lining of purple velvet he slid her arms into them. Next, he took out a pair of red trousers that had a dark red streak running down the side ” finest ruhide leather pantaloons impervious to cold and heat ” she slid her legs into them and pulled them up
Underneath her tunic, finally, he tossed her a pair of the most exquisite military boots she put them on they were a bit stiff, and she had to wiggle a bit, but she got into them, she stood their swooning, animating like a catwalk model ” oh!” Said Kay “Y’know I have missed this! ” with a genuine look of contentment ” I remember, I used to do this with my daughter!” He sighed and shook his head Brownie asked: ” used too?” Kay replied “a story for another time Sprite!” She could see the faraway look upon his face, That it was a thing of tragedy & sadness .” something is missing still!” He puzzled” I know you need a sword!” , he went away for a moment to the other end of the attic, he left Brownie standing forlornly and returned with a saber.The saber had A blue ornately decorated scabbard, a gold hilt that curved into a knuckle bow the grip was wound in black leather, and the pommel had an eye at the end for two silk pieces of cloth. The silk kerchiefs were crimson, it was like no other sword she’d seen on earth, and it had swashbucklers feel to it.
He drew the sword genuflected And offered it to Brownie, it was heavy, kay could see that she’d never held a sword in her entire life, but he indulged her ” now you look like a woman at arms !” He said massaging her ego ” Yes !” She cried out sticking out her chest,”I’m a -” she was going to say Amazon but decided to say “I’m one of the Valkyrie .” He smiled and said “take a knee, brave Sentinel” Brownie got down on one knee he waved his hand over her head like he was giving her a blessing, and he declared ” arise Bronwyn of the Valkyrie -Captain of the Guard.”
“And now the armor and the sword belongs to you !” He sheathed the sword and clipped the cleat on-to her back ” that’s how you wear it in Mercia. ”
Brownie thought for a moment ” Oh! I can’t accept this kay; it’s too much !! It was your daughters; I’m not sure that I’m worthy of it!!” Kay replied, ” you are, I can tell these things!” As he nodded his head ” and besides it won’t fit me, and I no longer have a daughter, I think she’d want someone like you to have it !!!
” Alright !” She said ” for the meantime, I think we should wear our lounging about clothes and have supper ” Brownie nodded in agreement, as she asked, ” what is this Mek~turiah, does it taste like chicken!!!?”

It didn’t taste like chicken; it was a bowl of oats and milk, it was deceptively fulfilling and creamy and sweet, and it tasted better than it looked.
In the dining room, it was just Kay and Brownie, under soft lighting, candles in colourful jars littered the table, there was a roaring fire that was keeping the room warm, it would have been weird to dine with a great big whitebird, Brownie thought to herself.
The dining area was Picturesque; it had chairs, a table, and curved architecture. They sat, eating together, Conversation was not one of kays weaknesses as he always found, a theme or anecdote or, just some small humorous nugget to talk to about.
Kay awkwardly let out a large belch, He put a napkin to his mouth, Underneath his breath Brownie thought she heard him say “manners!”. Kay held it there for a moment, “excuse me” he said em-barrassed “I’m sorry sprite, I find Biebers milk a bit gassy!” Brownie looked at Kay oddly; she almost didn’t ask “what type of animal is a Beibers” scratching his head he responded, “well that’s a good question!?” He paused for a moment” she is my Governess, but I think that she’s a Parliamentarian Spy” he said Brownie had a look of shock on her face, “I have a past, I’m not sure you’d like me if you knew the old Li Kay!” Her face was now scrunched up as if she wanted to hit something “you mean you drink your own milk! ”

” why yes, don’t you??”
“Nooo!!” She replied mortified, but she had enjoyed it, it definitely was one of the nicest things she’d ever had in her mouth, “Why don’t you drink milk then?” we drink cows milk or goats milk ” Brownie replied with contempt ” not your own then?!?” From an outsider looking in it must’ve seemed that Kay had the stronger argument why wouldn’t you drink your own milk I mean realistically it made perfect sense instead of drinking milk from another animal…
It was then they heard it three loud knocks on the front door !”
Both of them sat there in silence looking at one another as the thought crept into their head who could possibly be standing at the front door in this weather in Tempest Retreats where the wind was howling, and the dust was billowing.
“Are we expecting any visitors Ourianne?” Ourianne replied, ” no my Lord, it is impossible for anyone to visit after the curfew for Tempest Retreats!” He replied “I knew that! ”
“Ourianne is there anyone standing at the front door?” Asked brownie ” no mistress!” The A.I voice replied
” I’d better go and check it out!” Said Kay.
When they got to the front door, Eulin was sitting there perched on the bottom of the stair rail..”I’ve got a horrible feeling about this !” He said as they could hear his words in their minds. Kay moved the red plant out of the way; there was what looked like an umbrella stand behind it, with various weapons sticking out of it casually as if they were just brollies, he drew a Sabre, looking at Brownie he waived his hand as if to motion them to stay put.
He slid the viewing window open Brownie could see the light coming through lattice cascading diamond shapes onto kays face shedding light on to the Bridge of his nose and the seam that ran horizontally across his face, his eyes seemed a bit more luminous in the dim light of the grand hall.
Brownie held her breath as Kay gripped the sword and was preparing to unsheathe it.
Suddenly he stopped relaxed his grip on the Sword opened the door to see nobody was actually there.
Just the wind whistling, and the dust stirring up, Kay pushed the door closed and secured the door shut.
Eulin flew onto Kay’s shoulder; he looked like something out of Pirates of Penzance or some such old film, She once had seen in art & media history studies.
Lingering behind she decided to take a peek through the viewing window, she looked outside she could see the counterpanes shaking violently in the wind, it was difficult to see, the orange dust of mars was seeping through the gaps in the wind-breakers, but aside from that, there was nothing there. She tried to take a panoramic view of just what she could see, it was then for a split second Brownie thought she saw a silhouette of a little girl, she blinked, and it was gone, it must be her eyes playing tricks on her she thought to herself And closed the viewing window. She followed kay back to the dining area.
Kay was cleaning the table, Eulin was perched upon his shoulder.
” don’t you think that’s strange ?!” Li kay looked at her and said ” Yes, but there’s been a lot of weird stuff happening around the village of late” he paused ” you appearing for one” he looked at her ” but there must be a reason!”
He widened his eyes ” there’s always a reason!”
Brownie wondered about the cryptic message she had read on the note -find the keeper.
It occurred to Brownie the little girl she saw was somewhat like the one she had dreamed about, she looked down and awkwardly asked without making eye contact ” dreams can’t harm you can they?!” Kay looked at her ” what’s brought that on? ” he Asked, trying his best to give her the support she cherished. ” my folks used to say nightmares can’t harm you!” She paused ” it’s one of those things that’s impossible, like tickling yourself,” she said trying to sate the struggle she was having within herself, Eulin answered,” that’s not right!” Brownie replied “huh!” Kay agreed, ” yup, it’s not true, you can tickle yourself!” He looked at Brownie she looked lost ” just slowly run the tip of your tongue around the inside of your gums !”
” I will not lie to you Sprite, here knightmares can harm you,” he reached into his boot and took out a shiny black and grey Obsidian dagger, it looked very old.” If you ever see a knightmare do not hesitate, he handed her the dagger. It seemed to have an animal carved into its handle ” my old dagger will protect you ” he thought for a second ” perhaps you should give it a name he said!” Brownie somehow felt better, ” I’m going to call it …Vixen!” Kay smiled “a good name !” He leaned forward and quietly said ” I’ll look after you, no harm will come to you, I promise. ”
He handed her a crystal glass of liquid that looked like some type of glucose drink “Now try this ” she drank from the glass it tasted good- there was no way she could describe the taste “what is it ?” She asked, “sweet moonflower cider, just a couple of glasses for you because you are rather young!”

Just like that, it was time to retire to bed. Time had flown, Brownies eyes were heavy, and it was late, Eulin perched on her shoulder, as the couple walked down the corridor to their quarters, what a sight they must have made the girl in the red dress tunic and the whitebird. Brownie had enjoyed the camaraderie of the evening, but now it was way past her bedtime. It felt strange, but somehow she felt safe. She climbed into bed, covered most of herself with the blanket, she could see the peculiar Whitebird, sitting at the bottom of her bed, he began to sing a soothing, melody, Brownie felt secure & safe the little Sprite was content and started to sleep soundly.