Reassurance

Madam Odette excuses herself. She's had enough of focusing on this problem. It's been made clear that I will be in charge of this one. It will ultimately be my decision on how to handle him. Hopefully, he'll understand and just walk away. Even though I hope, I can kind of tell that it probably won't be the case.

Finding him should be the easiest part of this whole ordeal. He's been creeping around constantly watching me since he arrived. I have no doubt he still probably has eyes on my cabin right now. The next thing he will probably ask about is why Madam Odette was there. That will give me the perfect opportunity to bring up that he's not really welcome here.

I'll give her some time after she leaves before I step out myself. I need to get my fire set up anyway. It's going to start getting cold at night. Some warm embers would be nice to keep the place toasty when I get up in the morning.

Focus! The main problem now, the minor problem later. There's no telling how Thomas is going to react. He's not known to be the most gentle of guy either. There have been a few holidays that the screaming match turned into someone getting punched. I give it a few minutes before I step outside. The breeze is carrying that autumn chill with it that cuts to the skin. Might be worth it to bring out a coat soon.

All the walking back and forth from the house has made a beaten path in the grass and dirt. It no longer grows along the way I and many others have taken time and time again. It might be worth asking to lay down a small brick path to prevent further damage to the lawn. I could see it with a dark red, maybe a few solar lamps along the way to light it up. Might make the trip a bit more homely and less of a drudge into the dark corner of the yard. More and more of these little things come to my attention which makes me wonder if I can do these projects. I don't want to take over but it might be nice to add some life.

Even with the sun starting to set over the treetops the ground has turned dark. There's a bit of a fog from the lake nearby that just hovers over the grass. With a shiver, I spark a small flame in my palm to try and provide myself with a little heat. At least my paws are warmer. I walk along the beaten path sending out a small ping now and again trying to find where Thomas is. I dread having this conversation with him but it's a must. The place is beginning to settle down for the evening. Most of the others are taking refuge in their warm cabins. I can see and smell the smoke of wood fires burning away. It gives the whole place a sense of warmth.

Until there's the chilling strike down my spine.

From the shadow of the house, I see him descend the stairs to the small stone landing before heading down my beaten path. The flame is a dead giveaway of where I am. He approaches with his usual smile which is still just as off-putting as it was when he arrived. As his mouth opens I can already feel the smug that's about to come out of it. "Look at you! Using that basic spell like a professional." My contempt is slowly going into a seething rage. I can tell as the flame flickers with a brighter blue core starting to form.

Fire is focused on the joints, strongest on the knees, elbows, and fingers which is why it is regarded as the element of anger. When you begin to feel angry you tense your muscles forming a fist exposing the joints in the fingers that one would use to inflict strikes and blows on someone. I miss Badger. He went into so much unnecessary detail about hurting people. Thinking about it now, it is kind of refreshing. Or maybe that's the thought of punching Thomas in the nose…

There's no sense in losing my head right away. He takes a few steps back to give a little bit of distance getting his paws up to the flame. "It is a bit brisk out here isn't it?"

"It's only going to get colder too."

"You all taken care of out here? You have suitable lodging right?"

"Yes, the cabin I reside in has plenty of shelter."

"Good, good. I'd hate for my nephew to be out in this cold."

He puffs into his palms as he snuggles close to the fire. He's focused on it as he starts to dance in the forming frost to keep warm. I roll my eyes as I start trying to talk to him, "Don't you think you would be warmer inside?" His attention focuses back to my face, "I know I would but I wanted to see how you were doing."

"And what I was doing?"

He stops a bit before I address him again, "I can see it in your eyes. You have a strong curiosity towards me. It's coming off rather strong to where it's very disturbing." Maybe that will be the hint he needs that he needs to back up a bit. "Red, I didn't mean it that way. You'll have to excuse me. I'm just very interested in the man, the myth, the legend comes to the life of the nine-tailed fox."

"I've gathered. You've done nothing but clammer on about it since you arrived. Listen, I understand your interest as an inquisitive mind but as Madam Odette informed you, it's becoming an intrusion on my studies and learning."

"Which I think is odd if you ask me. I haven't seen her try to teach you anything since I got here. In fact, I haven't seen either of you together since I arrived. Has she actually taught you anything?"

"Yes. She's put together my training with a knowledgeable group of individuals who have helped me learn by leaps and bounds in a subject I didn't know existed a few months ago. After that, she granted me access to her private library of books and learning tools that I have been just devouring everything between the covers."

"Ok, OK, so you've learned a lot I'm sure." He glances at the simple fire spell, "But has she taught you anything? Has she worked with you personally to further your skills? You're a nine-tailed fox but you're only at two. If the one you were born with can be counted as one."

What is he getting at? The flame I carry fades to nothing. Thomas lets out a small whine as it goes. It being his only heat source. "Uncle Thomas, I think you should leave."

"But I just got here."

"And you have already overstayed your welcome. You can insult my abilities, you can insult me. You will not insult Madam Odette. She has helped me in ways you will never see. Now, I respectfully ask that you pack what things you brought and please leave. I will pay for a hotel room if needed."

"Red! I'm sorry OK! I didn't mean it like that! She's a good teacher, I know this. I worked with her to try and see what she would be able to do for Reed so I'm just wondering if she is sticking with the plan we had created."

"I'm unsure if she has or not but the plan she has executed is working as is."

"See? That's all I needed to hear! I'll back off and let you work, ok?"

This was a quick change for him. Why is he suddenly just so meek? "How about this? I'll leave in the morning when it's brighter and everyone is better rested. It is a long drive back to town and even longer to the airport." I hate to agree with him. I hate to have him stay but I give, "Fine. Please make sure you stay out of everyone's way though."

His stupid smile still weirds me out. He seems sated for now at least. He should keep to his word or if not I'll have him walking back to town. His silhouette disappears as the door to the main house closes behind him. I'm given a chance to breathe again. The moon hides behind a series of clouds moving in from the west. They look rather dark. Maybe it'll bring snow early. A light dusting would be nice to see around this place. It's not that late and I am worn out. An early bed might not be a bad decision. Well, food first then bed.

As I head towards the main house the two at the door let me through. In the main foyer, I see Madam Odette looking rather relaxed as she seems to be winding down from the day. I go to pass by giving a proper greeting, "Good evening, Madam Odette." with a nod. She holds up a paw to stop me, "Red, did you talk to…" She trails off but I know who she means. "Yes, he said he will leave in the morning. I explained as best I could that he is being a nuisance." She seems rather pleased and a little relieved. I take that as my sign that I can head back to the kitchen.

Dinner is long since over but they have a few scraps they're willing to throw my way. Penny gives me a little wink. I still owe her for teaching Anne. I nod to her remembering this but with how my studies are going it may still be a long while before I can make good. And by "make good" I mean dodge it yet again.

Nothing like meat scraps that are a bit burnt, too thin to use, and just off enough that they can't be used for a full meal. I love these bits. The flavor is different than what they serve giving it character. With something in my stomach to work with I head back down that beaten trail to my comfortable bed. With one last look outside as the fire turns to warm cinders, I can see the falling of some light flakes against the window. It should be a quiet night now.