261 - A God, Rebuilding

Lin

We're going to Albert's Tower today.

The fey there asked for us to fix the staircase, as the energy there becomes unbalanced during the summer.

For clarity, Albert's Tower is close to the Snaefell Mountain Course, used for both the Isle of Man Tourist Trophy and Manx Grand Prix motorcycle races. As a result, certain pathways near the tower in summer get inundated with tourists watching the races.

You can imagine the conundrum the sudden energy change causes, particularly with non human folk and wildlife, as a result of there being so much densely packed technological and human energy centred in one place.

Repairing the staircase would mean that not only could Mannin generate more tourism in Rhumsaa, but also more offerings to the fey and non humans of the area, as respect for their hard work in upkeeping the land.

Essentially, it's a win win situation for everyone involved.

As we depart for the tower, I smile.

Somehow, I know I'm going to enjoy this.

The Albert Tower was built for Albert, Prince Consort of England, during Victoria's reign.

It was built to commemorate his and Victoria's visit to Mann, which frankly, gets less attention than it should.

Despite this, I want to be careful - too much sudden attention, and this whole thing may fall through.

I consider it to be the same as anywhere else that deserves more attention, and better care - it's important to do enough healing work before opening the doors to outsiders looking in.

This is also part of the reason why there are certain modalities I want to learn.

Psychic work can help me with this.

Hiking up the hillside, I sense the strong presence of magic in the air.

No wonder the energy here gets massively displaced when huge events involving technology go on. This area feels like an interdimensional portal...

I sigh.

This place is in need of a serious overhaul, balance wise.

Knowing that, I know how I can help now. Shrugging off my jacket, I pass it to Manny, who nods, smiling, as I spread my wings for the second time in two thousand years. 

I glide up to the roof, landing at the very top of Albert's Tower, marvelling at the view.

To think that they'd close it off after World War II due to the safety of the staircase. It feels like such a waste...

Before its closure, the tower was used as a lookout post by the Home Guard, who were stationed as one of the last lines of defence in the event of an invasion. Unfortunately, it seems that whilst they definitely did use the tower, its upkeep wasn't well invested into.

Maybe I can help cleanse and repair the surrounding area, too...

Shutting my eyes, I press my hands to the floor, taking in all the memories that the building holds. In the midst of it all, I get a clear picture of the staircase, which I pull out of the memories, letting its existence seep through my hands and into the tower.

Once I'm done, I open my eyes and realise - the tower looks good as new! And the staircase is now fit to use again.

Manny! Come and look!

From where I am in the tower, I notice Manny ushering in Terrence, Douglas and what looks to be a warden of the local area. 

Sucking my wings back in, I float down the stairs, beaming. Upon getting a look at me, the warden lifts his hat off in shock.

If it is who I think it is...

Then I realise it, and everyone else seems to as well.

You're a lycanthrope.

He grins.

Wolf's out of the bag, my lord.

We titter at his small joke, and he continues.

I'm surprised you haven't already looked further afield than Rhumsaa. After all, there's only so much here...

I shake my head, holding up a hand.

Far from it. Rhumsaa is beautiful - and I daresay underrated because its tourist spots are few and far between.

This place especially has a huge concentration of magic, and should be maintained by somebody to ensure the balance of the area. 

I think it could attract more non humans, wildlife and tourists to the area, if we can get the balance right.

Do you have a name?

The man nods.

Tommin Erispek. It's nice to meet you all.

Wonderful. Well, if the people wouldn't mind it, I think we ought to build a nemeton here.

Tommin smiles.

Of course. Especially if it's for you-

It's not for me.

I smile, as I hear Manny call for Desmond.

Donn?

I nod. Tommin glances between us in surprise.

How did none of us know?

I pause.

Let's just say that we had to hide.

He sighs, nodding.

Aye. So many of us have had to.

Uncle Des casts me a questioning look.

So the nemeton here will be for me?

I nod.

You've lived here for more than a thousand years helping Ellan Vannin and her people with no complaint or thanks for it. You ought to have the nemetona to show for it.

Whilst Desmond does have another nemeton in Ireland, he's been unable to venture to Ireland for a long time since Christianity became rife in Western Europe.

Gura mie ayd, lad. I'll make it worth yer while.

You don't have to.

He shakes his head.

I want to.

We'll get slushies. My treat.

When my face lights up, everyone laughs, and Des ruffles my hair.

Taking that as a yes.

We step out, and Tommin splits off from us.

I'm going to tell those I can about all of ye. Consider yourselves as having a few more followers.

He winks.

Hee'm oo reesht!

Hee'm oo reesht!