Hi everyone.
I'm hoping that you are all safe and well.
As we potentially face another dark winter together,
I'm hoping that this third installment of Eel Stories brings some light and comfort to your hearth.
I'm wishing you bright solstice blessings as the sunlight returns to us in the northern hemisphere.
But if you are in the southern hemisphere,
Then I wish you a very happy summer solstice.
Star and the Winter Fairy by Olivia Statler Hurry up,
Grumbled Yaga,
As she tied a picnic basket to her broom handle.
Star watched as steam rose from the basket into the crisp air outside of Baba's hut.
She could smell the dumplings smothered in fried onions and other delights emanating from within,
And her stomach growled as she hopped onto Owlcat's back after he had shifted into his owl form.
He leapt high into the air above the evergreens,
Spreading his great snowy wings.
Baba rose with them into the starry sky on her broom,
Just behind them.
She was surprisingly agile in flight,
Something Star would not have expected from the old witch's girth.
Where are we going in such a hurry?
Star complained,
Pulling her dear skin coat tightly around herself.
I was looking forward to playing some games in front of the fire,
Especially after that fiasco that was last Yule.
Mother Holly has asked for an audience with the Winter Queen,
Demanding that I'm punished for stealing her wand.
Yaga replied,
Rising higher into the brisk night air,
Owlcat keeping pace with her.
But she stole yours in the first place.
I cannot dismiss a summons from the Queen.
It was she that cut each wand from Yidrisom and gifted them to us,
Making us Winter Witches.
Star fought eerily with her dark tresses in the wind,
Wishing she had a leather hair tie.
Then,
Shivering,
She tried to avoid the wind altogether by nestling into Owlcat's downy feathers.
She recalled her last flight with Owlcat and how they had narrowly escaped Mother Holly last Yule,
When they had managed to steal Baba Yaga's wand back.
Star hadn't been able to tell the two wands apart,
So she had taken them both.
A heavy guilt settled on Star as they journeyed further north.
I'm sorry,
Yaga.
Hush.
Think no more on it,
Slanishka.
You saved Yule.
They flew in silence until Star could make out the dark silhouette of a massive tree against the inky star-filled sky,
And Baba began to descend.
Almost there she called over her shoulder as they flew down towards a giant twisted root with a large crystal door set into it.
After landing,
They approached the glittering door and Star could see an elaborate snowflake had been etched into its surface.
She traced it with a gloved finger as Owlcat returned to his cat form and jumped upon her shoulders,
Wrapping himself under her neck like a fur mantle.
Star was glad for his warmth,
But she wished Baba had let her at least eat.
It was so much harder to keep using her magic to keep herself warm when she was hungry.
Where are we?
She asked Baba.
The Gate to Niflheim,
The World of Mists Strange that it would be unguarded,
Star said,
Frowning.
Not so strange,
Yaga said,
Tapping the door with her wand.
The only things that can open this gate from the outside are the Winter Witch's wands and the Winter Queen's own scepter.
These are sacred lands and you are a rareghast,
Said Baba,
Beckoning her inside.
The door opened onto a frozen vista of towering icy mountains.
Misty rivers cut through vast shimmering white plains of snow below the peaks as dark stormy clouds roiled overhead.
There was a small dock at the mouth of a nearby river,
Where a silver bell hung from a post.
Baba walked to it and rang it impatiently.
It tinkled like icicles breaking.
Owlcat looked with interest to the river from Star's shoulders.
Who did she call?
Star whispered to Owlcat as she scratched his head.
Snagorochka,
The Winter Queen's assistant.
Just then,
Star saw a bright light in the distance.
It began winding its way down the Serpentine River,
Growing brighter like an approaching comet.
As it drew closer,
Star could see that it was a crystal gondola,
And it looked like it was made from pure starlight.
Huge crystalline butterflies were pulling it through the steamy waterway,
Their gently flapping wings sounding like jingle bells.
The winter fairy guiding the boat's course from the rear was bedecked in a dazzling embroidered robe and a beaded headdress that looked like a crowned star.
And indeed,
She thought the blond beauty looked every bit as regal as a queen.
She smiled sweetly at them and invited them all to step into her boat.
You are most welcome here,
Baba Yaga,
The most senior of the Winter Witches.
She inclined her head towards Owlcat.
As are you,
Owlcat.
He began to purr loudly.
And then she asked,
And this is?
Star,
Supplied Yaga,
As she let Snagorochka give her a hand into the narrow boat.
She is the one who fetched my stolen wand back from Frau Holla.
You are most welcome here,
Too,
Star,
Said the winter fairy,
As she offered a respectful nod along with her hand,
Now that the old Winter Witch was settled in with broom and basket.
Not wanting to look feeble in front of the regal fairy,
Star declined her hand and hopped in lithely,
Looking smug when the boat didn't rock at all.
Owlcat chided softly into her ear.
This is why you're hardly invited anywhere.
Star narrowed her eyes at him,
Hissing and howling.
Owlcat blinked,
And then pretended to sleep.
Looking slightly perplexed,
Snagorochka turned the gondola in the opposite direction and let the tinkling butterflies pull them towards the Winter Queen's castle and the upcoming tribunal.
The gondola glided through the meandering river,
Past craggy,
Jutting rocks.
Star was finding it harder to see the landscape as more steam rose off of the water.
Ticking off her glove,
She dipped a finger into the water,
Finding it was hot.
Eventually,
The river took them into a massive cavern,
Shrouded so thickly in a veil of mists that she could barely see the opening until they had already entered.
The crystalline butterflies wove the gondola through the upcropping stalagmites of the cavern lake to another dock,
The twin of the one they had departed from.
Star jumped out,
Marvelling at the rock face at the back of the cavern.
There were doors and windows carved into it.
The intricacy of the lace-like stonework was like nothing she had seen before.
As Snagorochka helped Baba out of the narrow boat,
She caught the look of amazement on Star's face and said to her,
And this is just the basement.
The winter fairy then led them up an inclining stone pathway to a great arching entranceway.
As she followed Snagorochka up many marble staircases towards the throne room,
She began to hear bickering voices.
Star recognized Mother Holly's voice.
Overreacting,
She sent an assassin into my castle to steal my wand and kill me in my sleep,
Said the shrill voice,
Just as they came upon a motley crew of witches who were standing in a cluster just outside the throne room doors.
Baba strode towards them indignantly,
While Star wisely hung back with Awakat and Snagorochka.
Hold your tongue,
Baba snarled at Holly,
Pointing a twisted finger in Mother Holly's face.
It was she that had the audacity to steal my wand in the first place.
Don't leave that part out.
Who are they?
Whispered Star.
The Winter Witch's owl's cat whispered back.
Most you don't want darkening your door,
But some are nice.
Who's who?
You see the one with twisting horns and a beak-like nose,
Said Snagorochka.
Star nodded.
That one is Koliada.
You want to stay away from that old harpy.
She's dangerous.
And you of course know Mother Holly already.
She collects souls to torture this seasoned bleak cold.
Looking with interest at the group,
Awakat started to purr and his eyes dilated.
You see the one opening the cloud-grey bag behind Mother Holly?
Star nodded again,
Seeing a young red-headed witch about her own age crouching behind the imperious Mother Holly,
Who was still trying to persuade those listening that she was indeed the victim.
That's Gout,
Birch's niece.
She's a hellion.
You would like her.
Star watched the young witch,
Wondering what she was up to,
And was startled to see her coaxing apparitions out of Holly's bag.
They crept their way along the floor to another witch's open cloak and climbed inside.
After they had all scrambled in,
Star could still see the tips of their fingers clutching the edges of the witch's thick woolen cloak.
The tall one with the red cloak and the mask hanging from the back of her head is Bircha.
What are they doing?
Stealing Mother Holly's souls,
Replied Awakat.
Star covered her laughter with a hand.
My kind of witches.
Snegorochka interjected.
Not if Bircha dons that mask and becomes Percha.
She is the most feared of the Winter Witches,
Even more than Koliyata,
Who is said to impale misbehaving children with their horns before devouring them.
Star grimaced at the thought as the Winter Fairy continued.
There are some lovely ones,
Too.
The kindly old woman with a colourful scarf tied around her rosy cheeks is Babushka,
And she is exactly what she seems.
The one garbed in red and green wearing a pointed hat made from tree bark is Bafana.
She has a measured temperament,
Handing out rewards and punishment according to how you behaved the last year.
Awakat rumbled a laugh at Star.
So you might want to steer clear of her,
Then.
Star narrowed her eyes at him and hissed.
His eyes widened and he added a mewling.
Kidding!
Just before their attention was drawn back to the arguing gaggle of witches.
Things were quickly becoming heated and wands were being drawn.
Snagorochka tugged at Star's leather coat sleeve.
You'd both come with me.
Not in agreement,
Star followed her back down the towering hallway lined in marbled columns.
Awakat nestled Star's neck,
Tickling her chin with his tail as he curled into her four toes.
Where are we going,
Star asked the Winter Fairy,
As Snagorochka led her through a maze of hallways.
To the orchard,
She replied.
I have to get the shipment of apples ready for the moon.
How does anything grow here?
It's so cold and barren and the light is so dim.
These are special apples that can only be grown here in the bleak,
Cold and steamy humidity of the volcanic rivers,
Snagorochka said,
Pushing open some glass doors embellished in leafy silver metalwork.
Star stepped outside with her into a large,
Open-aired courtyard where there were about fifty trees with leaves all the colour of blue frost.
Each tree was heavily laden in sparkling silver apples.
Star walked over to the nearest tree,
Touching the shiny skin of one of the fruits as Owl Cat leaned out to sniff it.
They're beautiful,
But why are you sending them to the moon?
Snagorochka picked up two baskets,
Smiling as she handed one to Star,
And started picking some apples before answering.
They are quite magical.
They help the moon mounts like dragons and pegasi fly back and forth through the earth in a blink of time,
Compared to what it would take them on their own speed.
As the pair filled money baskets,
Star waited for Snagorochka to turn her back before pocketing two of the sparkling fruits.
Owl Cat hissed at Star.
Put those back!
Hush up!
Have you no sense of adventure?
I want to see the moon.
Don't you?
Owl Cat flattened his ears to his skull,
Opening his mouth in rebuke.
Just as a pair of rainbow pegasi flew into the orchard,
Towing an empty cart behind them.
The Winter Fairy went to them and fed them both a couple of silver apples while stroking their long noses,
And cooing to them,
Before bringing a basket load over to the cart and dumping it in.
Star went over and helped her,
Insisting that Snagorochka did not lift any more of the heavy baskets.
She steadfastly ignored Owl Cat's imploring stare as she filled the cart.
When Star had finished,
The pegasi flew back into the misty sky,
And Snagorochka said,
The tribunal must be well under way.
The Winter Fairy led them back to the throne room,
And they slipped in quietly,
Listening at the back of the room.
The Winter Queen sat upon a silver throne,
Resting on a crystal snowflake dais.
She was wearing a dour expression as her fingers tapped irately on the arm of her throne.
She rose abruptly,
Pushing long blonde locks of hair behind her shoulders as her shimmering skirts rustled around her.
If you cannot choose a game to play between yourselves to decide if spring will be an eternally fixed date,
Then I will flip a coin and the winner will decide the game.
The queen blew into her palm and a large crystal coin formed in her hand.
She held it up,
Showing everyone both sides.
One bore a snowflake and the other a raindrop.
Fine,
Said Yaga resignedly.
But,
But,
Stammered Mother Holly,
Unable to get what she wanted out,
Before the queen flipped the coin high in the air and receded herself upon her throne.
Call it,
The queen demanded.
Snowflake or raindrop?
Yaga shouted,
Raindrop!
When it hit the floor,
Bafana scurried forward and looked apologetically at Baba.
It's a snowflake.
Mother Holly and Koliada crowed in delight as they did a merry jig.
Then they bent their heads together conspiratorially.
When they raised their faces,
They both bore sly smiles.
And Mother Holly said to the queen,
We will have a broom race.
Holly and Koliada cackled as Baba looked dismayed,
For it was well known that Mother Holly was the fastest witch on her broom by far.
Star's heart sunk.
Now every winter would be long and harsh.
Her heart sunk further,
Thinking Yaga might not invite her to spend yule with her any more,
Since she had caused so much trouble.
I would have picked a fair and evenly matched game to play against you,
Frowholla,
Said Yaga in even bitter tones.
Holly looked down her straight,
Narrow nose at Baba and sniffed.
I won the coin toss fair and square.
I followed the rules set out by the queen.
Then she sneered at Baba Yaga.
You could ride Thor's own lightning and not beat me.
Finally Star had an idea and went before the queen,
Bowing humbly,
Her long ebony hair hanging around her face.
Your Majesty,
To make the odds more even,
Could Baba ride something else?
The queen leaned forward,
Boredom evaporating from her visage as rich amusement twinkled in her eyes.
What did you have in mind,
Child?
I think she should ride Owl Cat.
There was a stunned silence before the whole room erupted in surprised laughter.
Clearly,
From all the things Star could have suggested,
No one had expected her to say that.
Perhaps,
Star thought,
No one has seen him in his owl form?
Quiet down,
Shouted the Winter Queen.
She studied Star for a long time before saying,
I'll allow it.
Owl Cat blinked back and forth between the queen and Star.
And where shall they race to,
Child?
Asked the Winter Queen,
An amused smile playing across her lips.
To the moon and back.
The queen threw her head back laughing,
And peals of cackling laughter joined her as filling the room.
Yaga began thumping Star on the head with her broom,
And Owl Cat leapt to the floor bristling.
Apparently having enough,
The Winter Queen demanded,
Silence!
Everyone quieted instantly as she rose again.
Follow me to the celestial courtyard and we will begin the race.
Star saw Snagorochka's face pale as she raced from the room.
Fear niggled at Star as she wondered now if her plan wasn't as smart as she'd first thought.
The entire group buzzed as they followed the queen.
They wound their way ever upwards,
And Star wondered if they were entering the realm of sky.
Walking slower than the rest,
Star quietly fed Owl Cat chunks of the stolen silver apples,
Cutting them with a small knife from her pocket.
In bites Owl Cat said to her,
You're a wily creature,
Star,
Worthy of being a cat.
Star beamed inwardly at the compliment that said,
Less talking,
More eating.
Then she shoved another chunk of apple into his mouth.
By the time they reached the entrance to the courtyard,
Owl Cat had eaten every bite,
Seeds and all.
As the witches milled about the courtyard,
Star heard rushing footsteps behind her.
Turning,
She saw Snagorochka running up the steps leading to the courtyard.
She halted on the top step,
Beckoning to Star with her head as she clutched her skirts around her.
Star moved towards her,
Seeing the winter fairy held silver apples in her skirts.
Star instantly felt ashamed as Snagorochka offered the apples to her.
Owl Cat jumped from Star's shoulders and transformed into his owl form,
Blocking the doorway from view.
He nudged Star with his head.
Tell her what you've done.
Star looked sheepishly at Snagorochka.
I stole a couple of apples earlier.
I already fed them to Owl Cat.
I know,
Said Snagorochka breathlessly.
I thought you would explore the moon and find more.
It takes eating at least two apples for a one-way trip.
Star's mouth fell open in horror.
How am I going to get these to Yaga?
The winter fairy gave the apples to Star and took off her embroidered peaked hat and stuffed the apples inside.
Then,
Taking the blue ribbons that had fastened the crown like hat under her chin,
She tied the hat upside down like a basket deep within the feathers of Owl Cat's neck.
She looked imploringly at the gigantic owl with Cat's eyes.
Owl Cat,
You must explain to Yaga what's going on in flight and eat the apples as soon as you can when you land before attempting in a return.
Owl Cat turned his great head all the way around to look at the spot where the apples were hidden.
He turned his head back around to nod at her.
Koliada started towards them with a sinister grin,
Saying,
Come on,
You big chicken,
It's time to fly.
Star knew immediately from the look on Koliada's face that her and Mother Holly had their own tricks up their sleeves.
As the trio joined the clump of witches on the rooftop courtyard,
Star gulped as she spied a silver charm poking out from the bristles of Mother Holly's brow.
It was a silver lightning bolt.
Star's guts clenched and she thought,
Thor's own lightning.
Star elbowed Snagorochka pointing.
She gasped with concern when she saw it too.
The Winter Fairy pursed her lips,
Face pensive,
Whispering something skyward before wiggling her fingers in the direction of Mother Holly's broom.
A frozen cloud enwrapped the lightning charm,
Then solidified.
Snagorochka whispered to Star and Owl Cat,
Hopefully we can slow her down a little.
Owl Cat blinked worriedly at both of them before approaching a much displeased Baba.
Star moved forward with him to wish Yaga luck,
But the whizzing twitch thumped her on the bed again before dropping her broom and basket at Star's feet.
Luscious mouth still emanated from the basket as Star's mouth watered until Baba snapped her fingers haughtily and the basket immediately cooled.
The Winter Queen cleared the mists so that they could see the full solstice moon before starting the countdown.
Star felt soft,
Cold fingers creep into hers.
Looking down,
She saw that Snagorochka's delicate hand was in hers.
Her worried face looked skyward,
And Star sawed her face more beautiful in its intensity.
Star sent an extra pulse of her gin warmth to her palm trying to comfort the Winter Fairy.
She looked up at Star,
Blue eyes glistening,
And gave her a watery smile just as the countdown ended.
They squeezed each other's hands tightly as both witches streaked into the sky with an alarming speed.
The pair flew so fast that streaks of light trailed behind them.
Star cheered Owl Cat and Yaga on loudly while darkly wishing that Mother Holly's broom would disintegrate into matchsticks.
They all watched open-mouthed as both streaks of light reached the moon in record time.
One was a little slower than the other,
But from that great distance there was no way to tell,
Babba from Holly.
After a few moments,
One of the streaks of light started back towards Niflheim.
After long moments,
It was followed by another.
The courtyard held its breath collectively as they waited to see who was in the lead.
As the Winter Witches approached,
Star was dismayed to see that it was Owl Cat and Yaga who were lagging behind.
Star's shoulders slumped.
Yaga was behind Mother Holly by about half a mile.
It had taken too much time to eat the apples and Star felt a cold prick of fear growing in her stomach that she would never see Babba or Owl Cat again.
Snagorochka dropped Star's hand and Star felt even colder inside.
Mother Holly was almost there and her gloating face said that she knew she had won.
Star saw Snagorochka clench both her fists tightly and hurt her utter something she didn't understand.
A cold wind blew through the courtyard and Star saw silver shards break away from Mother Holly's broom bristles.
Holly's broom slowed so fast the witch pitched forward and tumbled off,
Barely managing to hold onto the broom shaft with one hand.
There was a loud gasp from those gathered below as Owl Cat caught up.
Instead of barrelling towards the courtyard to win the race,
He hovered under Mother Holly,
Letting her climb up behind Baba Yaga.
There were some mutterings of confusion as they landed.
Everyone wondered who had won.
Both witches slid off of Owl Cat's back,
Their cheeks rosy from all the excitement.
Well,
Said Yaga,
Well what snapped Mother Holly smoothing her skirts and schooling her face to pinched again?
Wasn't that fun playing for an early spring?
Mother Holly tried looking even more stern until finally she threw her arms in the air.
Fine,
Maybe it was.
Baba laughed,
Reaching up to pat Mother Holly's shoulder.
You work too hard,
My dear.
Sometimes you have to let your hair down and have some fun.
Yaga turned to Star,
Smiling.
That is what this dear one taught me not so long ago.
Baba beckoned to Star and she came forward slowly,
Worried after so many head thumps,
But Baba crushed her in a fierce hug.
I think we get lonely as old women and get crotchety,
Telling ourselves we'd rather be alone.
Maybe it's easier than feeling sorry for ourselves that the world has forgotten us.
All of the gathered witches,
Even Koliata,
Began to look around at each other,
Sharing a knowing look between themselves.
Yaga continued.
Why don't we get together once a year?
We could even make up teams to play for an early summer.
Mother Holly tried looking indignant at this suggestion,
Then sighed,
Holding up her empty bag of souls,
Shaking it.
Want to start now?
It seems someone has relieved me of all my duties this year.
Everyone started laughing,
And the Winter Queen insisted that they all celebrate Yule at the Winter Palace.
All wands were raised,
And they began decorating together.
The palace was filled with sumptuous smiles and sounds of music,
And the witches danced long into the growing of the light.
Star and Snagorochka danced too,
Albeit slower than the witches as they shared their first kiss under the mistletoe.
The end until next year.
Solstice blessings.
