Post by Admin on Aug 1, 2020 2:45:52 GMT
Learning is Forever-Part I of V
(Hogsmeade Village, Madam Puddifoot's Tea Shoppe)
(OOC: Because a problem with Archived Threads this thread was moved in combined form)
(OOC: Characters: Florence (Flo) Jane Richards, Marshall Smith, Darik HouseElf, Sara Puddifoot)
FLO RICHARDS
It was the first day free from classes and Flo was planning on taking full advantage of it. She planned to go into Hogsmeade for some supplies. Marshall would be coming with her on this trip, because she wanted to try and strengthen the bond between him and Darik, Sara Puddifoot’s Head House Elf. Her father-in-law, Tarik, was helping Marshall understand his family heritage and the Medjai ways, but Flo knew Darik was also trained. Darik had accompanied Tarik, when he was a young man to all his classes, so he knew the ways of the Old World.
Flo had told Marshall to meet her in the Great Hall early because she planned on walking and wanted to be at the Shoppe shortly after it opened. She had also reminded him this trip was for her and him alone. She loved having Mika and his sister Silvia along but she wanted some quality time with just her son. It was always a pleasure to start the day with a cup of Sara’s special tea and homemade biscuits. With any luck they would make it on time for Marshall to see some of Darik’s menagerie he feed every morning. They were a sight to see.
It had been a busy week at the school and Flo was planning on using the trip to town to pick up some supplies for class and just relax. As she entered through the open Great Hall doors she spied Marshall sitting at the end of the Ravenclaw table. For a moment she just looked at him. He was getting older before her eyes. There seemed to be a maturity taking hold of him. Even with no one else around, he was like most of the other children and always gravitated to his House table. “Hi Marsh, you ready for our adventure?”
Marshall Smith
Cally, Marshall’s cat had proven to be a good alarm clock. It had not taken her long to learn when he normally got up during school days. It made no difference to her when he could sleep later, there was still one set time to rise and start the day. It had been hard for him to convince her she was not going on the trip with him. She finally went into her closed off, floor to ceiling area, which Marshall had designed for her comfort. He was awakened in plenty of time to get dressed and still beat his mother to the Great Hall. Just before he left his dorm, he checked his pocket to make sure he had the list of what Mika and Silvia wanted him to try and pick up.
Although he heard voices in a couple of the halls, no one had been in the Great Hall when he arrived. The morning snacks had been set out on the tables for early risers. Making his way to the Ravenclaw table he grabbed one of the breakfast rolls and waited for his mother.
“Hi Marsh, you ready for our adventure?”
Marshall turned as he heard his name. “Hi Mum, I sure am. Would you like a roll or something to take on our walk? Is there anything special you think Darik or Madam Puddifoot would like to have?” Marshall knew the Tea Shoppe could get anything they wanted but there may be something special at the school they would like.
Flo Richards
Marshall turned as he heard his name. “Hi Mom, I sure am. Would you like a roll or something to take on our walk? Is there anything special you think Darik or Madam Puddifoot would like to have?” Marshall knew the Tea Shoppe could get anything they wanted but there may be something special at the school they would like.
“That is sweet of you to ask. I have a thermos with some tea in it, but I will take one of those breakfast rolls.” Flo took the muffin which Marshall offered her, and continued, “Come on, we better get started. I want to see if you can see some of Darik’s morning visitors.” With that said, they headed out the front door of the castle. Before long they were through the main gate and headed for town.
At first they walked in quiet, just enjoying each other’s company and looking at the morning mist as it rolled back from the countryside. Flo loved this time of the morning because it was like a curtain was being pulled back on a land of mystery and adventure. She turned to Marshall and watched as he looked around him. “What do you see when you look around, son? Is there anything special which catches your attention?” She took a sip of her tea and a small bite of her biscuit.
Marshall Smith
Marshall had not expected to feel such crispness to the air. He spent the first few minutes just looking around. He had been to town once before during his first year, just after he had discovered his mother. It turned out to be much different when they walked though. The landscape was misted over in several spots and the trees sparkled with the morning dew. The air had smelled sweet and clear.
“What do you see when you look around, son? Is there anything special which catches your attention?” She took a sip of her tea and a small bite of her biscuit.
Marshall’s mother’s question pulled his mind to the walk. He answered while still scanning the countryside. “I want to take it all in at once. There is so much to see. The colors are so bright and they seem to constantly be changing.” He pointed to a group of trees off to the left. “Look at the birds over there. With the formation they are flying in there must be two groups. I wonder why the blue flowers grow over there and the same flower, or it looks like the same flower, is purple on the other side of the road.”
The town had slowly been coming into view. His attention was being drawn in that direction. Smoke slowly curled up from the chimneys and the sounds of morning were becoming louder. He had started to think of what he wanted to do and see in Hogsmeade. His mother told him she needed to stop by the Tea Shoppe, but he would be able to go to any of the other shops, even if it was too look around. The list he had gotten from Mika and Silvia would mean a trip to Dervish and Banges and of course Zonko’s Joke Shoppe. Mika had even given him some money so he would not have to ask his mother for any.
Marshall had been hoping he would be permitted to shop on his own without his mother standing over his shoulder, so he asked, “Mum, can I go into the shops by myself, or do you have to go with me?”
Flo Richards
As they reached the town, Flo spent some time looking about to see who was up and moving. She was not really worried for their safety, but with things that had happened in the past, she was always on her guard. Most of the shops had their front blinds open or were showing signs of being ready for customers. Their first stop was the Tea Shoppe.
Marshall had been hoping he would be permitted to shop on his own without his mother standing over his shoulder, so he asked, “Mom, can I go into the shops by myself, or do you have to go with me?”
Flo had stopped and looked her son in the eyes, when he asked his question. She knew it was not safe for him to be wondering around by himself, but she also knew she needed to help build his sense of independence. An idea came to her, “I really do not want you wondering the street and shops unattended, Marshall, even though you are getting old enough to not have me around every second. If I can talk Darik into accompanying you, would that be ok? You would have to promise me you would not try and loose him in the crowd though.” Flo knew if she could get the promise from Marshall to stay with and listen to Darik, he would not go back on his word. His grandfather, Tarik, had started his lessons on truthfulness and being trustworthy to keeping your word. Marshall took the lessons very seriously.
Marshall Smith
When Marshall’s mother had stopped so abruptly, he had continued to take a few more steps. Finally stopping, he turned and walked back the couple of feet to where his mother had stopped.
Flo had stopped and looked her son in the eyes, when he asked his question. She knew it was not safe for him to be wondering around by himself, but she also knew she needed to help build his sense of independence. An idea came to her, “I really do not want you wondering the street and shops unattended, Marshall, even though you are getting old enough to not have me around every second. If I can talk Darik into accompanying you, would that be ok? You would have to promise me you would not try and loose him in the crowd though.” Flo knew if she could get the promise from Marshall to stay with and listen to Darik, he would not go back on his word. His grandfather, Tarik, had started his lessons on truthfulness and being trustworthy to keeping your word. Marshall took the lessons very seriously.
Marshall Smith
When Marshall’s mother had stopped so abruptly, he had continued to take a few more steps. Finally stopping, he turned and walked back the couple of feet to where his mother had stopped.
Flo had stopped and looked her son in the eyes, when he asked his question. She knew it was not safe for him to be wondering around by himself, but she also knew she needed to help build his sense of independence. An idea came to her, “I really do not want you wondering the street and shops unattended, Marshall, even though you are getting old enough to not have me around every second. If I can talk Darik into accompanying you, would that be ok? You would have to promise me you would not try and loose him in the crowd though.”
Marshall had looked up at his mother and thought before he answered. His grandfather had told him to consider his answers to questions, even the simple ones. He had told Marshall, quick answers based on emotions could put you into positions you could not honorably get out of, so he had been practicing. He did not know Darik very well, but having him along would be like having a friend instead of your mother. As they started to walk again he answered, “Yes, I will agree to that Mother. I would like to get to know Darik better anyway.”
Just as he had finished his answer they reached the Tea Shoppe. Opening the door he heard the bell ring. Waiting for his mother to enter first, he saw Darik standing nearby, as a greeter.
Darik HouseElf
Darik had unlocked the door about 10 minutes earlier, after he had everything prepared in the kitchen and Mistress Sara was sitting at her special table with everything she need for the morning. Just as he was about to head out back to clean up after his animal friend’s visits, he heard voices outside the front door. As he reached the door, it opened and Mistress Flo and Master Marshall entered.
Darik bowed slightly, “Good morning Mistress Flo and Master Marshall. It is very pleasant to have you here. If you would like to choose a table I will bring tea and buns.” He gave them the best smile he could and motioned toward the interior of the Tea Shoppe.
As they entered, he looked at Marshall and asked, “Master Marshall, I was just about to head out back and check to see if my friends have finished their breakfast. They are usually pretty messy and I like to have everything cleaned up for the day. Would you like to come out and help with the chore?” He again bowed to Mistress Flo and started toward the back of the Tea Shoppe, where they would walk through the kitchen and out the back, never looking back to see if Marshall was following him. Darik wanted to find out how curious the boy would be about the world around him.
Marshall Smith
Marshall had looked up at his mother and thought before he answered. His grandfather had told him to consider his answers to questions, even the simple ones. He had told Marshall, quick answers based on emotions could put you into positions you could not honorably get out of, so he had been practicing. He did not know Darik very well, but having him along would be like having a friend instead of your mother. As they started to walk again he answered, “Yes, I will agree to that Mother. I would like to get to know Darik better anyway.”
Just as he had finished his answer they reached the Tea Shoppe. Opening the door he heard the bell ring. Waiting for his mother to enter first, he saw Darik standing nearby, as a greeter.
Darik HouseElf
Darik had unlocked the door about 10 minutes earlier, after he had everything prepared in the kitchen and Mistress Sara was sitting at her special table with everything she need for the morning. Just as he was about to head out back to clean up after his animal friend’s visits, he heard voices outside the front door. As he reached the door, it opened and Mistress Flo and Master Marshall entered.
Darik bowed slightly, “Good morning Mistress Flo and Master Marshall. It is very pleasant to have you here. If you would like to choose a table I will bring tea and buns.” He gave them the best smile he could and motioned toward the interior of the Tea Shoppe.
As they entered, he looked at Marshall and asked, “Master Marshall, I was just about to head out back and check to see if my friends have finished their breakfast. They are usually pretty messy and I like to have everything cleaned up for the day. Would you like to come out and help with the chore?” He again bowed to Mistress Flo and started toward the back of the Tea Shoppe, where they would walk through the kitchen and out the back, never looking back to see if Marshall was following him. Darik wanted to find out how curious the boy would be about the world around him.
Marshall Smith
As they entered, he looked at Marshall and asked, “Master Marshall, I was just about to head out back and check to see if my friends have finished their breakfast. They are usually pretty messy and I like to have everything cleaned up for the day. Would you like to come out and help with the chore?” He again bowed to Mistress Flo and started toward the back of the Tea Shoppe…
Marshall watched as the HouseElf started toward the back of the Shoppe. He really wanted to go but his mother had said she wanted to spend the day with him. If he went with Darik, his mother would be left alone. Again he looked at Darik and then at his mother, “Mum, can I go and see the animals, please? I will not stay longer than Darik needs me to help, I promise.” Marshall tried to steel himself in case his mother said no to his request.
Darik had disappeared into the kitchen, by this time. If he did not go soon, the HouseElf would think he did not care to help.
Sara Puddifoot
Sitting quietly at her table near the back of the main serving room, Sara had watched the exchange. She was very glad to see Flo, so she could catch up on the news. She also wanted to find out how the term break had been, between the newly reunited mother and son. Finally catching Flo’s attention she waved and motioned to the other chairs around the table.
“Good morning, Flo. Let the boy go with Darik. I know the HouseElf could use the help. His animal friends are growing in number. Come sit with me until they finish. Good morning, Marshall.”
Sara liked the boy; he resembled Tarik just around the eyes. He was smart and naturally inquisitive. Darik would be a good influence on him. She poured another cup of tea for herself and one for Flo.
Flo Richards
Flo had listened to Darik’s question to Marshall. It was almost like he had been reading her mind. She was not really surprised, because she had learned a long time ago the HouseElf was very intuitive. She had only smiled which she realized would show her consent to the question. Now it would be up to Marshall on whether he wanted to go.
Flo’s smile became broader and she looked at her son. Out of the corner of her eye she saw Sara motioning to her. She waved back as Sara said…..
Sending a smile in the direction of her friend, she turned back to Marshall, “Yes, you may go with Darik. Listen to him though Marshall. Some of the creatures, who come to visit for their breakfast, can be dangerous. He has them trained enough they will not attack, but even a simple movement can be miss understood. Darik will not let you get hurt. Learn what you can. Remember every lesson counts. I will be sitting over there,“ she motioned to the table where Sara was sitting, “with Mistress Sara. Do you want me to have anything special waiting for you?”
Marshall Smith
Marshall watched as the HouseElf started toward the back of the Shoppe. He really wanted to go but his mother had said she wanted to spend the day with him. If he went with Darik, his mother would be left alone. Again he looked at Darik and then at his mother, “Mum, can I go and see the animals, please? I will not stay longer than Darik needs me to help, I promise.” Marshall tried to steel himself in case his mother said no to his request.
Darik had disappeared into the kitchen, by this time. If he did not go soon, the HouseElf would think he did not care to help.
Sara Puddifoot
Sitting quietly at her table near the back of the main serving room, Sara had watched the exchange. She was very glad to see Flo, so she could catch up on the news. She also wanted to find out how the term break had been, between the newly reunited mother and son. Finally catching Flo’s attention she waved and motioned to the other chairs around the table.
“Good morning, Flo. Let the boy go with Darik. I know the HouseElf could use the help. His animal friends are growing in number. Come sit with me until they finish. Good morning, Marshall.”
Sara liked the boy; he resembled Tarik just around the eyes. He was smart and naturally inquisitive. Darik would be a good influence on him. She poured another cup of tea for herself and one for Flo.
Flo Richards
[Darik] “Master Marshall, I was just about to head out back and check to see if my friends have finished their breakfast. They are usually pretty messy and I like to have everything cleaned up for the day. Would you like to come out and help with the chore?”
Flo had listened to Darik’s question to Marshall. It was almost like he had been reading her mind. She was not really surprised, because she had learned a long time ago the HouseElf was very intuitive. She had only smiled which she realized would show her consent to the question. Now it would be up to Marshall on whether he wanted to go.
“Mum, can I go and see the animals, please? I will not stay longer than Darik needs me to help, I promise.” Marshall tried to steel himself in case his mother said no to his request.
Flo’s smile became broader and she looked at her son. Out of the corner of her eye she saw Sara motioning to her. She waved back as Sara said…..
“Good morning, Flo. Let the boy go with Darik. I know the HouseElf could use the help. His animal friends are growing in number. Come sit with me until they finish. Good morning, Marshall.”
Sending a smile in the direction of her friend, she turned back to Marshall, “Yes, you may go with Darik. Listen to him though Marshall. Some of the creatures, who come to visit for their breakfast, can be dangerous. He has them trained enough they will not attack, but even a simple movement can be miss understood. Darik will not let you get hurt. Learn what you can. Remember every lesson counts. I will be sitting over there,“ she motioned to the table where Sara was sitting, “with Mistress Sara. Do you want me to have anything special waiting for you?”
Marshall Smith
[Sara] Good morning, Marshall.”
Waving in the general direction of the table where Sara sat, Marshall waved and said good morning back.
Waving in the general direction of the table where Sara sat, Marshall waved and said good morning back.
“Yes, you may go with Darik. Listen to him though Marshall. Some of the creatures, who come to visit for their breakfast, can be dangerous. He has them trained enough they will not attack, but even a simple movement can be miss understood. Darik will not let you get hurt. Learn what you can. Remember every lesson counts….
Marshall’s grin widened, before his mother finished her statement, he started to back toward the kitchen door. Suddenly remembering his manors he stopped and turned toward his mother. “Thank you Mum I will remember. This is going to be so much fun. I cannot wait to tell Grandfather I helped his friend Darik.” He again headed toward the back almost at a run.
Do you want me to have anything special waiting for you?”
Over his shoulder he yelled back, “No thank you Mum, I am fine.” With that he was through the kitchen door, with only a short distance to travel to the backyard.
As he pushed the last screen door open, he stopped. The place looked a mess. There were bowls everywhere. A few still contained the remains of what did not look to Marshall as something very appetizing. Several of the bowls were laying upside-down. There was a strange odor to the area, not bad, but definitely strong and something Marshall had never smelt before.
“Hi Darik, how can I help?”
Darik HouseElf
As he picked up a piece of uneaten meat, Darik took a quick glance at the young one and smiled. Before he said anything, he stood up straight and with all his might through the piece of meat high in the air. It never had a chance to even start its return trip to Earth before it was snatched up by one of Darik’s very special visitors.
Turning toward Marshall, and putting his folded hands on hips, he looked for a moment. “I am glad you came to help Master Marshall. Most of the animals have left. I think there are still a few lurking around, waiting to see if I will bring anything else out. They will leave as we clean up though.”
Saying not to anyone in particular, Darik added, “They know there is only one serving here per day.” Focusing back on Marshall, he continued, “If you will collect the bowls near the fence, I will start raking here. With both of us working together it will not take long.” Darik picked up the rake and in no particular tone asked, “How was your term break? Did you learn anything new?”
Marshall Smith
Marshall’s grin widened, before his mother finished her statement, he started to back toward the kitchen door. Suddenly remembering his manors he stopped and turned toward his mother. “Thank you Mum I will remember. This is going to be so much fun. I cannot wait to tell Grandfather I helped his friend Darik.” He again headed toward the back almost at a run.
Do you want me to have anything special waiting for you?”
Over his shoulder he yelled back, “No thank you Mum, I am fine.” With that he was through the kitchen door, with only a short distance to travel to the backyard.
As he pushed the last screen door open, he stopped. The place looked a mess. There were bowls everywhere. A few still contained the remains of what did not look to Marshall as something very appetizing. Several of the bowls were laying upside-down. There was a strange odor to the area, not bad, but definitely strong and something Marshall had never smelt before.
“Hi Darik, how can I help?”
Darik HouseElf
As he picked up a piece of uneaten meat, Darik took a quick glance at the young one and smiled. Before he said anything, he stood up straight and with all his might through the piece of meat high in the air. It never had a chance to even start its return trip to Earth before it was snatched up by one of Darik’s very special visitors.
Turning toward Marshall, and putting his folded hands on hips, he looked for a moment. “I am glad you came to help Master Marshall. Most of the animals have left. I think there are still a few lurking around, waiting to see if I will bring anything else out. They will leave as we clean up though.”
Saying not to anyone in particular, Darik added, “They know there is only one serving here per day.” Focusing back on Marshall, he continued, “If you will collect the bowls near the fence, I will start raking here. With both of us working together it will not take long.” Darik picked up the rake and in no particular tone asked, “How was your term break? Did you learn anything new?”
Marshall Smith
…..Before he said anything, he stood up straight and with all his might through the piece of meat high in the air….
Marshall watched in awe as Darik tossed the meat high over his head. As it continued its climb, a very large bird, which to Marshall looked like one of the ones in his book on prehistoric animals, swooped down and grabbed the chunk. Then it made a short circle in the air and headed off for the hills, which were still mostly covered in mist. “Wow, that was fantastic,” he said almost under his breath.
Looking around cautiously, Marshall wondered what animals were still hiding in the many spots available. His mother had been right, he needed to listen and learn.
Marshall watched in awe as Darik tossed the meat high over his head. As it continued its climb, a very large bird, which to Marshall looked like one of the ones in his book on prehistoric animals, swooped down and grabbed the chunk. Then it made a short circle in the air and headed off for the hills, which were still mostly covered in mist. “Wow, that was fantastic,” he said almost under his breath.
Looking around cautiously, Marshall wondered what animals were still hiding in the many spots available. His mother had been right, he needed to listen and learn.
“If you will collect the bowls near the fence, I will start raking here. With both of us working together it will not take long.”
The scene at the fence was not too bad. There were a few bowls and a couple of flat saucers. There was also what looked like a tree limb leaning against one to the lower rungs of the fence. If it had held leaves at one time, there was no clue to that now. The branch did not even have any bark on it. Marshall looked at the pole and decided to see if he could save it as a walking stick. He continued to stack the saucers and bowls and pick up scraps of shredded parchment, cluttering the ground in very small pieces.
Picking up the not so nicely stacked plates, Marshall looked around on where to sit them. There was a wash tub set up on a couple of planks of wood, being held up by two sawhorses. Marshall set them in the tub. “We had a great time. Mum rented a flat in London so we have a place other than school to call home. Its small, but all we need, and I have my own room all to myself.”
“We visited several art galleries and a couple of museums, because Mum said I needed the education and she needed the research. It feels strange taking her class, but it is a way for me to learn and also as she puts it a way for me to see how magical people react to Muggle things. It is hard for me to not use magic, and I have only been using it for a little over a year. It must be really hard, for my friends.” Marshall had stopped cleaning and had leaned against the table with the wash tub. He watched Darik slowly and methodically raked the yard. “Darik, why do you do the clean up by hand? You know magic and still you take the hard way to complete a task.”
Darik HouseElf
Getting the last little bit into the pile, Darik scooped it up and placed it into the bucket. His garden was doing great, especially with all the add nutrients in the left over’s. He was very careful to remove the meat products. Putting the rake in the open shed and the bucket on the outside wall near the rain barrel, he walked back to stand by Master Marshall.
“That is a very good question, young Master.” Darik thought for a moment on how to answer. If the boy was older he could give a more detailed explanation, but at this age the young humans learned by example. “You have many mussels in your body. Your brain is one of the more complex. When you learn you use the brain, so it stays active. When you do manual work you use other mussels in your body so they stay active and serve you when needed.”
“Doing the work by hand also lets you learn about the natural world around you. If you pick up a pile of dirt you may find creatures you would have not normally seen. If you shovel compost you will learn how to recognize smells. Your grandfather says you like Mr. Holmes also. Do you think he would be able to solve some of the cases, if he did not know about the natural world?”
Marshall Smith
Darik did not immediately answer Marshall’s question. First he took the time to put his tools away. This registered with Marshall as a proper thing to do. As Darik walked toward him, Marshall knew he was thinking about the proper answer.
“Doing the work by hand also lets you learn about the natural world around you. If you pick up a pile of dirt you may find creatures you would have not normally seen. If you shovel compost you will learn how to recognize smells. Your grandfather says you like Mr. Holmes also. Do you think he would be able to solve some of the cases, if he did not know about the natural world?”
Letting this information sink into his brain, Marshall scanned the horizon. Someday he would walk into those hills and really discover what was out there. There was so much he wanted to do; he was impatient to grow up. Once he had told this to his mother and she had told him to never wish his time away. The experiences we have growing up are what make us the person we are.
“I understand what you mean Darik, but it seems to take so long sometimes to complete projects without using magic. I will admit doing things by hand, can be fun, I have found.”
“Grandfather has a much bigger library than I do. I think he has everything written by Mr. Dole even some things not about Mr. Holmes.” Marshall thought about some of the cases. Footprints in mud, could tell you a lot of things, such as weight of the person, height, sometimes by their stride and how long it has been since they were there, by how dry the dirt was when discovered. “I hope to someday be as good as Sherlock Holmes in discovering things.”
Not wanting their time to end, Marshall asked, “Darik, tell me about some of your animals.”
Darik HouseElf
Darik was learning all over again about the human youth. Master Tarik had been the same way when he was young, inquisitive and impatient. If everyone could keep him from following his Uncle, he would be a good hunter someday. Sometimes the need to know and experience things could send the youth off onto roads which did not need to be traveled.
Smiling Darik realized the boy was changing the subject and stretching out their visit. This was a good thing, because it would allow him to slip in some training. If he was needed inside Mistress Flo or Mistress Sara, would send for them.
“Let us try and see what skills you have already. Instead of me telling you about the animals, you tell me what you can figure out, by just looking around. Take your time. If we are needed inside they will call for us.” Darik leaned against the same table, Marshall stood in front of, standing straight and tall. From the look the boy had on his face, he was looking forward to the puzzle. ”Yes, he would make a fine hunter someday,” Darik thought to himself.
Marshall Smith
The scene at the fence was not too bad. There were a few bowls and a couple of flat saucers. There was also what looked like a tree limb leaning against one to the lower rungs of the fence. If it had held leaves at one time, there was no clue to that now. The branch did not even have any bark on it. Marshall looked at the pole and decided to see if he could save it as a walking stick. He continued to stack the saucers and bowls and pick up scraps of shredded parchment, cluttering the ground in very small pieces.
Darik picked up the rake and in no particular tone asked, “How was your term break? Did you learn anything new?”
Picking up the not so nicely stacked plates, Marshall looked around on where to sit them. There was a wash tub set up on a couple of planks of wood, being held up by two sawhorses. Marshall set them in the tub. “We had a great time. Mum rented a flat in London so we have a place other than school to call home. Its small, but all we need, and I have my own room all to myself.”
“We visited several art galleries and a couple of museums, because Mum said I needed the education and she needed the research. It feels strange taking her class, but it is a way for me to learn and also as she puts it a way for me to see how magical people react to Muggle things. It is hard for me to not use magic, and I have only been using it for a little over a year. It must be really hard, for my friends.” Marshall had stopped cleaning and had leaned against the table with the wash tub. He watched Darik slowly and methodically raked the yard. “Darik, why do you do the clean up by hand? You know magic and still you take the hard way to complete a task.”
Darik HouseElf
Getting the last little bit into the pile, Darik scooped it up and placed it into the bucket. His garden was doing great, especially with all the add nutrients in the left over’s. He was very careful to remove the meat products. Putting the rake in the open shed and the bucket on the outside wall near the rain barrel, he walked back to stand by Master Marshall.
”Marshall had stopped cleaning and had leaned against the table with the wash tub. He watched Darik slowly and methodically raked the yard. “Darik, why do you do the clean up by hand? You know magic and still you take the hard way to complete a task.”
“That is a very good question, young Master.” Darik thought for a moment on how to answer. If the boy was older he could give a more detailed explanation, but at this age the young humans learned by example. “You have many mussels in your body. Your brain is one of the more complex. When you learn you use the brain, so it stays active. When you do manual work you use other mussels in your body so they stay active and serve you when needed.”
“Doing the work by hand also lets you learn about the natural world around you. If you pick up a pile of dirt you may find creatures you would have not normally seen. If you shovel compost you will learn how to recognize smells. Your grandfather says you like Mr. Holmes also. Do you think he would be able to solve some of the cases, if he did not know about the natural world?”
Marshall Smith
Darik did not immediately answer Marshall’s question. First he took the time to put his tools away. This registered with Marshall as a proper thing to do. As Darik walked toward him, Marshall knew he was thinking about the proper answer.
…When you do manual work you use other mussels in your body so they stay active and serve you when needed.”
“Doing the work by hand also lets you learn about the natural world around you. If you pick up a pile of dirt you may find creatures you would have not normally seen. If you shovel compost you will learn how to recognize smells. Your grandfather says you like Mr. Holmes also. Do you think he would be able to solve some of the cases, if he did not know about the natural world?”
Letting this information sink into his brain, Marshall scanned the horizon. Someday he would walk into those hills and really discover what was out there. There was so much he wanted to do; he was impatient to grow up. Once he had told this to his mother and she had told him to never wish his time away. The experiences we have growing up are what make us the person we are.
“I understand what you mean Darik, but it seems to take so long sometimes to complete projects without using magic. I will admit doing things by hand, can be fun, I have found.”
“Grandfather has a much bigger library than I do. I think he has everything written by Mr. Dole even some things not about Mr. Holmes.” Marshall thought about some of the cases. Footprints in mud, could tell you a lot of things, such as weight of the person, height, sometimes by their stride and how long it has been since they were there, by how dry the dirt was when discovered. “I hope to someday be as good as Sherlock Holmes in discovering things.”
Not wanting their time to end, Marshall asked, “Darik, tell me about some of your animals.”
Darik HouseElf
Darik was learning all over again about the human youth. Master Tarik had been the same way when he was young, inquisitive and impatient. If everyone could keep him from following his Uncle, he would be a good hunter someday. Sometimes the need to know and experience things could send the youth off onto roads which did not need to be traveled.
Smiling Darik realized the boy was changing the subject and stretching out their visit. This was a good thing, because it would allow him to slip in some training. If he was needed inside Mistress Flo or Mistress Sara, would send for them.
Not wanting their time to end, Marshall asked, “Darik, tell me about some of your animals.”
“Let us try and see what skills you have already. Instead of me telling you about the animals, you tell me what you can figure out, by just looking around. Take your time. If we are needed inside they will call for us.” Darik leaned against the same table, Marshall stood in front of, standing straight and tall. From the look the boy had on his face, he was looking forward to the puzzle. ”Yes, he would make a fine hunter someday,” Darik thought to himself.
Marshall Smith
“Let us try and see what skills you have already. Instead of me telling you about the animals, you tell me what you can figure out, by just looking around. Take your time. If we are needed inside they will call for us.”
Marshall proceeded to step out near the center of the area where the feeding had taken place. He thought back on the books he had read. Most of the small clues could be missed if you were not careful. Squatting down to the ground he examined the area near his feet. There were birds, small by some tracks and at least one very large, by other tracks. The larger one liked meat because it was only next to where that bowl had been. The smaller ones pecked at the ground shown by the holes or swooped down and flew off again, by the single set of tracks here and there.
At least one animal crawled on its belly, evidenced by the rubbed area coming from the woods and returning to the woods. There were prints with three toes, four toes, six toes and no toes. By the depressions, the six toed creature was very light and the no toed creature was very heavy.
Marshall stood back up and walked over to the fence. His future walking stick had been stripped with short strong claw marks. They did not look like teeth, and it gave Marshall a little shiver when he thought of the strength of the creature that had made the marks.
Turning back toward Darik, he told his friend what he had found. He was sure at the time he could discover more, but he was getting hungry and the smells from the kitchen were drawing his attention in that direction. “Can we go in now, Darik? I am getting hungry and I want to find out from Mum if I can do some shopping for some friends,” Marshall asked. Stopping just before the door, he asked if he could retrieve the limb for a walking stick.
Darik HouseElf
Darik watched the progress of the young Master through the area. He wondered how many of the clues he would pick up on. He especially wondered if he would discover the one clue which proved the existence of one of the long forgotten creatures of Earth. Listening he was only slightly disappointed; Marshall did not discover the one hidden clue. He would have to wait for some future time for that lesson.
Darik stood up straight and stretched. It was time to go in; after all he had not had his morning bowl of buttered spaghetti yet. The lesson had been a good one; he would have much to tell Master Tarik about the protégée in training.
Taking one last look around, he motioned for the young one to follow. “I think you are right Master Marshall, I too am getting hungry. You may take the stick. I have enjoyed our time together. Before you leave I will show you how you can summon me anytime you need assistance. It is to be used sparingly, but if you think I should come do not hesitate.” Darik made sure Marshall was following him into the kitchen.
CLOSED
Marshall proceeded to step out near the center of the area where the feeding had taken place. He thought back on the books he had read. Most of the small clues could be missed if you were not careful. Squatting down to the ground he examined the area near his feet. There were birds, small by some tracks and at least one very large, by other tracks. The larger one liked meat because it was only next to where that bowl had been. The smaller ones pecked at the ground shown by the holes or swooped down and flew off again, by the single set of tracks here and there.
At least one animal crawled on its belly, evidenced by the rubbed area coming from the woods and returning to the woods. There were prints with three toes, four toes, six toes and no toes. By the depressions, the six toed creature was very light and the no toed creature was very heavy.
Marshall stood back up and walked over to the fence. His future walking stick had been stripped with short strong claw marks. They did not look like teeth, and it gave Marshall a little shiver when he thought of the strength of the creature that had made the marks.
Turning back toward Darik, he told his friend what he had found. He was sure at the time he could discover more, but he was getting hungry and the smells from the kitchen were drawing his attention in that direction. “Can we go in now, Darik? I am getting hungry and I want to find out from Mum if I can do some shopping for some friends,” Marshall asked. Stopping just before the door, he asked if he could retrieve the limb for a walking stick.
Darik HouseElf
Darik watched the progress of the young Master through the area. He wondered how many of the clues he would pick up on. He especially wondered if he would discover the one clue which proved the existence of one of the long forgotten creatures of Earth. Listening he was only slightly disappointed; Marshall did not discover the one hidden clue. He would have to wait for some future time for that lesson.
Turning back toward Darik, he told his friend what he had found. He was sure at the time he could discover more, but he was getting hungry and the smells from the kitchen were drawing his attention in that direction. “Can we go in now, Darik? I am getting hungry and I want to find out from Mum if I can do some shopping for some friends,” Marshall asked
Darik stood up straight and stretched. It was time to go in; after all he had not had his morning bowl of buttered spaghetti yet. The lesson had been a good one; he would have much to tell Master Tarik about the protégée in training.
Taking one last look around, he motioned for the young one to follow. “I think you are right Master Marshall, I too am getting hungry. You may take the stick. I have enjoyed our time together. Before you leave I will show you how you can summon me anytime you need assistance. It is to be used sparingly, but if you think I should come do not hesitate.” Darik made sure Marshall was following him into the kitchen.
CLOSED