The Skylark Bell

In today’s episode we read the chapter 7 – Marius’ Disappearance, where we relive the terrible events of the winter of 1925, this time from Farfalla’s perspective.

This week's podcast partner is Generally Spooky: linktr.ee/generallyspooky

The Skylark Bell official website - http://www.theskylarkbell.com

The Skylark Bell on Instagram: @theskylarkbell

Author/Producer: Melissa Oliveri - http://www.melissaoliveri.com

Join Melissa's Patreon for early access to podcast episodes, music downloads, and more: http://www.patreon.com/melissaoliveri

The Skylark Bell on Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/theskylarkbell

All music by Cannelle: http://www.cannellemusic.com

Cannelle on Instagram: @cannelle.music

Official Merch Shops: http://www.melissaoliveri.com/store

The Skylark Bell is brought to you by: Phaeton Starling Publishing and Things with Wings Productions.

FULL TRANSCRIPT:

Things with Wings Productions presents: Chapter 7 of The Skylark Bell, Skyedive. I am your host, Melissa Oliveri.  

In last week’s episode, Marius gifted The Skylark Bell to Farfalla.

In today’s episode we read the chapter 7 – Marius’ Disappearance, where we relive the terrible events of the winter of 1925, this time from Farfalla’s perspective.

Today’s podcast partner is Generally Spooky, also a member of The Boopod Network! If you’re interested in learning about the often spooky and haunting history of Scotland, you won’t want to miss this one! Hosts Eilidh and Kieran sprinkle just the right amount of humour in each episode. Just check the show notes for a link to the Generally Spooky podcast. 

Now, it’s time to settle in… grab a blanket, and a warm drink… and let’s get started.

February 13th, 1925

Winter has come. 

It has been the most brutal, devastating winter anyone can recall. The snow simply won’t stop falling, and it has been bitterly cold. 

Over the holidays Marius asked Papa for my hand in marriage and Papa graciously accepted. We announced our engagement to everyone just after they’d opened their holiday gifts. Mama was so happy she set aside her usual decorum and let out a loud whoop! Paloma clapped and cheered, and Papa held us both in a warm embrace for a very long time. 

Marius has been living with us since the Carnifex family moved away last month. James told Gordon Starling his parents are thinking of moving to Europe, but they may return once winter is over. I was surprised at the news; James didn’t even say goodbye to me. Still, I am so happy to have Marius living with us and our engagement no longer a secret. Despite the cold I feel warm and loved and full of hope for the future!

Not everyone has been so fortunate though. There was a fire at the Tanager’s farm, and Earl Tanager was killed. I can’t imagine how devastated his wife Phoebe must be, and their children Charlie and Marie. They were trying to keep warm with candles, having run out of firewood for the fireplace. Many families have run out of firewood. Papa cut down the trees in the apple orchard and distributed wood to as many people as he could, but that was weeks ago, and now we’ve almost used all of it. I cried and cried as he and the Starling boys hacked at the trees, there will be no fragrant blossoms this spring. Mama has promised to pull seeds from the few apples we still have in the root cellar, but it will take years for them to grow into the blooming, bountiful orchard we once had.

This morning when I came downstairs Papa was standing at the front window staring at the Oak Tree. I knew what he was thinking before he even said anything, and right away I cried “Papa, no!”. I can’t bear the thought of the Oak Tree being felled. My Oak Tree. I have heard its song, felt its heartbeat. It is a living breathing thing and I feel like if it were to die, I would die too. Marius ran into the room when he heard me shout, and Papa explained that we were out of firewood, and he was thinking of cutting down the Oak Tree. I wept and wept and begged Papa not to do it, so Marius offered to go out to look for firewood. 

I didn’t know what would happen then. 

I didn’t know Marius would never come home…

~~~~~~

Farfalla stares out at the Oak Tree from her bedroom window, relieved that it is still standing, and grateful to Marius for offering to find another source of firewood so her father wouldn’t cut it down. She places a record on the victrola and winds it. Music fills the room, and she begins dancing to keep warm. She gets lost in the sound as it wraps around her like a warm blanket, and subconsciously starts humming along, eyes closed, swaying from side to side. Finally, the victrola winds down and the music stops, but Farfalla doesn’t seem to notice and keeps dancing. Her humming turns to the song of the Oak Tree, the one she heard that day when the tree seemed to be singing her name, “Fallalala Lalalalala”. Outside her bedroom window the wind picks up and the Skylark Bell begins to ring.

In the mirror of Farfalla’s vanity a mist slowly appears, and a woman’s face gradually fades into view. The woman’s piercing blue eyes are filled with worry, and her mouth moving as if she is trying to shout a warning of some kind, but no sound comes out. Farfalla, still dancing and singing with her eyes closed, is blissfully ignorant of the woman in the mirror. 

Finally, Farfalla stops moving as the last notes of her song fade from the room. She opens her eyes and see it is beginning to get dark out. Where is Marius? Farfalla furrows her brow and hurries downstairs as the woman in her vanity mirror fades away.

“Mama, has anyone heard from Marius?” she asks, walking into the kitchen.

Mrs. Shearwater grabs a wooden spoon from a drawer to stir the stew. “Not yet, but I’m sure he’ll be home any moment now. Why don’t you sit at the table, I’ll bring you some food,” she says, shooing Farfalla from the kitchen.

Farfalla sits at the table, pushing the stew around her plate with her fork, unable to eat because her stomach is too tight with worry. She remains perfectly still in her chair for what seems like an eternity, silently staring off into space. Darkness fell on Meadow Lane hours ago, and still Marius has not returned. Farfalla may be still on the outside, but on the inside her heart is pounding and her stomach is clenched with worry. Worry and guilt. He wouldn’t have gone out if it weren’t for her. Her thoughts keep swirling in an incessant spiral that gets darker and darker by the minute. Mr. and Mrs. Shearwater and Paloma are sitting in the living room with layers of blankets over their shoulders, the small fire in the fireplace barely providing any warmth.

A loud, insistent knock at the door startles all of them. Farfalla turns to look toward the door, hoping with every fiber of her body that it is Marius on the other side. Mr. Shearwater walks to the door and cracks it open so as not to let the cold air in. He nods his head, closes the door, grabs his coat and boots and walks out.

Farfalla’s heart sinks. If it had been Marius at the door, he would have come in. Where has Papa gone? Who is at the door? “Don’t worry, Falla,” says Paloma, walking over to her and laying a blanket over her shoulders, “Papa will find Marius, and everything will be fine, you’ll see.” Paloma’s comforting words do nothing to ease Farfalla’s anxiety, she can feel deep in the core of her being that something is deeply wrong. 

At long last Mr. Shearwater comes back inside, a grim look on his face. He slowly takes off his coat and boots before walking over to the dining room table and taking a seat next to Farfalla. He takes her hands in his and heaves a sigh before speaking. “That was Gordon Starling, he was with a man I’ve never met before. They came to tell me they found Cormorant by the side of the road,” he begins. Farfalla feels tears stinging at her eyes already. They found Cormorant. That means they found only Cormorant. She hears a ringing in her ears that drowns out her father’s words as he tries to reassure her that they will go out looking for Marius as soon as morning comes and bring him home. “The man says he thought he saw him out by Mirror Pond, we’ll start our search there…” his voice trails off.

Farfalla can feel a crack spread across the expanse of her heart. She gets up from the table and wanders to the front window. She can’t see the Oak Tree in the darkness outside, but she knows it is there. How could she have been so childish? So foolish?! Suddenly, Isadora Finch’s warning echoes in Farfalla’s mind. She had said something about the tree, then the words “Beware the dark horse in the snow”. Somehow, Isadora knew, and somehow, deep inside her, Farfalla also knows. Marius is never coming home.

Thank you so much for listening.  Join me next week for Chapter 8 – The Silence – in which we learn how the silence at Meadow Lane was sparked, and what lead to the house being abandoned.

The Skylark Bell is brought to you by Phaeton Starling Publishing and features original music by Cannelle. If you are enjoying this story, please consider leaving a rating on spotify or a review on apple podcast, they help give the skylark bell visibility so others can find and enjoy the story. 

If you’d like to connect, you can find me on Facebook, Instagram, mastodon, or on the contact form on my official website, the skylark bell .com. You can also support my work by subscribing to Patreon where you get early access to ad-free episodes as well as digital downloads of the music, and more! Just check the show notes for all necessary links.

Once again, thank you for listening – I’m Melissa Oliveri, writer, host and producer of The Skylark Bell Podcast.  

In today’s episode we read the chapter 6 – The Skylark Bell – in which the mythical object finally makes its grand entrance

This week's podcast partner is Dark Tales from the Road:https://linktr.ee/darktalesfromtheroad

The Skylark Bell official website - http://www.theskylarkbell.com

The Skylark Bell on Instagram: @theskylarkbell

Author/Producer: Melissa Oliveri - http://www.melissaoliveri.com

Join Melissa's Patreon for early access to podcast episodes, music downloads, and more: http://www.patreon.com/melissaoliveri

The Skylark Bell on Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/theskylarkbell

All music by Cannelle: http://www.cannellemusic.com

Cannelle on Instagram: @cannelle.music

Official Merch Shops: http://www.melissaoliveri.com/store

The Skylark Bell is brought to you by: Phaeton Starling Publishing and Things with Wings Productions.

FULL TRANSCRIPT:

Things with Wings Productions presents: Chapter 6 of The Skylark Bell, Skyedive. I am your host, Melissa Oliveri.  

In last week’s episode, Farfalla encountered Marius for the first time while sitting on a tree branch in the apple orchard at Meadow Lane.

In today’s episode we read the chapter 6 – The Skylark Bell – in which the mythical object finally makes its grand entrance.

Today’s podcast partner is fellow Boopod Network member Dark Tales from the road. Host Kayla covers weekly episodes traveling to find the weird, haunted, macabre, morbid, criminal & more – if you love the eerie atmosphere of The Skylark Bell you definitely won’t’ want to miss this! Check the show notes for a link to the Dark Tales from the Road podcast.

Now, it’s time to settle in… grab a blanket, and a warm drink… and let’s get started.

August 1st, 1924

We are in love.

Oh gosh, to see the words written down makes my heart flutter!

Last spring Papa told Marius he could use the shed behind our house as a workshop. He works there nearly every day, joining Mama, Paloma, and I for lunch most days. I bring him tea and biscuits in the afternoon, we sit on bales of hay in the barn to drink our tea and talk about everything and nothing.

For my birthday he gifted me the most amazing treasure. He kept it a secret for months, never telling me what he was working on in that shed. My heart almost stopped when I saw it. A Skylark carved out of wood, its head twisted toward its back, a blackberry held firmly in its beak, with a vine curving all around it then down between its clawed feet. At the end of the vine hangs a small silver bell. He must have spent countless hours working on it, all for me. It’s hanging in my window right now; I can hear its sweet sound floating on the breeze. 

Marius says the bell came with him from Europe, and that it’s very old. There are larks swirling all around it in an infinite spiral, and words written in a foreign language. Mama told me she thought the words looked familiar, but she couldn’t remember where she’d seen them before. Finally, after several weeks she came running into my room one day, unnaturally agitated, holding The Skye Lark Belle book in her hand. She whipped it open to the spot where she’d left her bookmark and pointed to the page. “Here it is!” she said, “It’s Scottish Gaelic, the words engraved on the bell, they’re the same as the words in my book!”

I remember staring at her, stunned at the unbelievable coincidence. I asked Mama what the words meant, and she read from the book, “The Skylark Bell rings only for The Skye Lark Belle”. We looked at one another and shrugged then, neither one of us understanding what that was supposed to mean. Mama had owned that book for years; it was her mother who had brought it back from a trip overseas. She’d found it in a tiny bookshop and liked the etching of the siren on the front. For years Mama had read us only the first part of the book. The happy part. It was only recently that she let me read the final few chapters. Chapters that made me feel devastated and angry. I had grown up with The Skye Lark Belle; admired her, emulated her, grown unnaturally attached to her. It broke my heart to learn how her story ends. My story will not end that way. 

Papa and Mama have organized a big celebration tonight. It’s going to be the talk of the town, they’ve invited absolutely everyone, even Cousin Bruno and Auntie Freda! Mama has been cooking nearly non-stop the past three days, and Paloma convinced Papa to let her go to the city to get her hair cut into one of those modern bobs for the occasion.  I am going to wear my prettiest dress, the blue one that Mama got me for my birthday last month. I’ve been saving it for a special occasion, and I think that will be tonight. I have a feeling this will be a night to remember for all time…

~~~~~~

Farfalla stands in the corner of the room, twirling a strand of her hair around her finger. The house at Meadow Lane is filled to the brim with guests. Music floats through the main floor from the Victrola in the sitting room and people weave in and out of the dining area with plates and drinks. Farfalla hears loud laughter to her left and turns to see Paloma and Willy Bunting by the fireplace going through an old photo album. 

At long last, she sees Marius walk in the front door and her heart starts pounding. Mr. Shearwater pulls him into the house, and she sees Auntie Freda thrust a plate of stew and glass of beer at him. She giggles to herself as he tries to navigate the crowded room with his hands full. Finally, he reaches the dining table and unloads the food and drink. He looks up and realizes she is watching him. She smiles as his cheeks turn pink, and he gestures for her to meet him in the kitchen. She follows him, but moments later Cousin Bruno bursts in and insists they let him take their photograph. 

From across the room James Carnifex watches, his eyes narrowed. If Farfalla had looked his way she would have seen his jaw set in anger and his knuckles turn white as his grip on the empty glass in his hand tightened, but she is too distracted by Marius’ presence to notice. James finally puts down his empty glass and walks toward the front door. He grabs his coat off the rack, and heads home heavy-hearted.

Once the photo is taken, Farfalla and Marius sneak out the back door of the house and skip to the apple orchard, lanterns in hand to light the way in the darkness. They stop, breathless, under the branches of the tree Farfalla was sitting in when they first met. Marius takes Farfalla’s hands in his and begins, “There’s something I have to tell you…” Farfalla’s heart starts beating a little faster, could it be…?

Marius gets a faraway look in his eye and pauses, like he is focused on something in the distance. Farfalla leans over so her face is directly in his line of sight. “You what…?” she asks.

Marius looks at her then like she is the only thing in the world that truly matters. He slips his hand into his pocket and takes out a small silver ring shaped like a feather. Farfalla gasps at the sight of it, both because of its beauty, and because of what it must surely mean. Marius proceeds to ask her to be his wife, and she says yes without a second thought. She feels her heart soar as Marius picks her up and spins her around.

They agree to keep their engagement a secret until Marius can ask Mr. Shearwater for her hand, as is customary. Farfalla slips the ring on the silver chain with the tree charm that Paloma gave her for her sixteenth birthday. She can almost feel warmth radiating from it and spreading through her entire body. Nearby, Cormorant lets out a loud whinny. “Are you feeling left out old boy?!” Asks Marius, cheerfully. Farfalla suggests they go for a celebratory ride. He lifts her up into the saddle and hops on behind her. She feels like they are flying as Cormorant goes galloping through the fields by the light of the silvery moon. At long last, her prince has arrived. 

At the bottom of Meadow Lane, a figure stands watching, blurry through the veils of time that separate them. Another figure appears behind it and pulls it away from the lane, then they both fade away. A breeze picks up, sending the old creaky branches of the Oak Tree swaying back and forth as the ringing of the Skylark Bell echoes in the night.

Thank you so much for listening.  Join me next week for Chapter 7 – Marius’ Disappearance, in which we relieve the terrible winter of 1925, this time from Farfalla’s point of view.

The Skylark Bell is brought to you by Phaeton Starling Publishing and features original music by Cannelle. If you are enjoying this story, please consider leaving a rating or a review, they are both greatly appreciated. You can also support my work by subscribing to Patreon or Ko-Fi, where you get early access to episodes as well as MP3 downloads of the music, artwork, behind the scenes videos and more! You can also find The Skylark Bell exclusive merch on my website, www.theskylarkbell.com. Just check the show notes for all necessary links.

Once again, thank you for listening – I’m Melissa Oliveri, writer, host and producer of The Skylark Bell Podcast. 

In today’s episode we read the chapter 5 – Marius – in which Farfalla and Marius finally meet for the first time.

This week's podcast partner is The Nightcap Nebula: https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1672430903?ign-itscg=30200&ign-itsct=lt_p

The Skylark Bell official website - http://www.theskylarkbell.com

The Skylark Bell on Instagram: @theskylarkbell

Author/Producer: Melissa Oliveri - http://www.melissaoliveri.com

Join Melissa's Patreon for early access to podcast episodes, music downloads, and more: http://www.patreon.com/melissaoliveri

The Skylark Bell on Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/theskylarkbell

All music by Cannelle: http://www.cannellemusic.com

Cannelle on Instagram: @cannelle.music

Official Merch Shops: http://www.melissaoliveri.com/store

The Skylark Bell is brought to you by: Phaeton Starling Publishing and Things with Wings Productions.

FULL TRANSCRIPT:

Things With Wings Productions presents: Chapter 5 of The Skylark Bell, Skyedive. I am your host, Melissa Oliveri.  

In last week’s episode, Farfalla had a strange encounter with a mysterious woman who seemed to avenge her after years of mistreatment at the hands of her schoolmates.

In today’s episode we read the chapter 5 – Marius – in which Farfalla and Marius finally meet for the first time.

Today’s podcast partner is The Nightcap Nebula – If you’re a fan of the eerie and inexplicable, be sure to check out fellow Boopod Network member The Nightcap! The name may sound familiar as we’ve worked on a collaboration in the past which yielded my story Mrs B’s haunted Trinket Shoppe and their fantastic episode about haunted objects. Check the snow notes for a link to their podcast.

Now, it’s time to settle in… grab a blanket, and a warm drink… and let’s get started.

June 12th 1923,

It has finally happened.

The rest of the school year went by faster than I would have thought. Priscilla’s hair eventually grew back but she was so ashamed of how she looked she mostly kept to herself, and Sadie was sent home after “the incident” and never returned, so I didn’t have to put up with their rude comments and mean pranks. I graduated from The Aviary just last week and am so relieved I never have to see those cold stone walls again. Mama and Papa came to my graduation ceremony. Mama says I’m a lady now. Maybe she’s right, we’ll see…

But that isn’t the big news. I had a fitful night last night. I don’t remember if I had any dreams, I haven’t hung up Isadora’s dream catcher since I got back from school, but something prevented me from getting restful sleep. Then I woke up this morning knowing today was going to be the day. I don’t know how I knew; I just knew. 

As the sun began to set I started feeling nervous, so I took a walk out to the apple orchard and climbed my favourite tree. I sat for a long while watching the sky turn from lilac to pink to deep yellow and orange, then closed my eyes and let my thoughts drift, quietly calling out to him.

I heard him before I saw him. The thud of hooves on the dirt path between the trees. I was smiling before I even opened my eyes. I watched him for a moment before he got close enough, then I simply said hello. I think I startled him. He looked up at me with wide eyes, then said something about a Magpie. I thought it was strange in the moment, but I didn’t give it too much thought.

I didn’t know then that it was a name. 

I didn’t know that it was her name. 

Farfalla hops down from the tree with expert agility. “There are no Magpies around here,” she says as the man dismounts his unusually large horse and walks to her. She feels butterflies take flight in her stomach at the sight of him. “My name is Farfalla,” she says, her eyes running over his perfect features, dark curls, and gray eyes, “and I’m guessing you must be Marius?” Her father had mentioned the mysterious Marius several times throughout the week and had told her he would be their dinner guest earlier in the day. She didn’t think much of it in the moment. At the time, she didn’t realize it was going to be… him.

Marius stands in stunned silence for a moment and Farfalla worries perhaps she has done something wrong. There is a strange look on his face, like a mix of sadness and… recognition? Finally, he nods and clears his throat before sticking his hand out toward her. “Yes, Marius… Marius Corbeau,” he says, smiling. Farfalla shakes his hand, a smile teasing the corner of her mouth.

“It’s very nice to meet you at last, Mr. Marius Corbeau,” she says. “I’ve heard a lot about you, my father has taken quite a liking to you and your work.” 

“Your father has been very good to me since I came here, I am very grateful to him,” he replies. They stand in silence for a moment, then Farfalla suggests they make their way toward the barn so his horse can get settled in before they head inside for dinner.

“What is your horse’s name?” she asks, noting the huge animal’s unusual colour combination. It has a velvety smooth black coat with a striking white mane and tail.

“This is Cormorant, my loyal and trusted friend,” says Marius, running a hand down the horse’s neck. Farfalla gets a pleasant shiver watching his hand glide on the horse’s smooth coat. “I hear you have just returned from boarding school,” he says, making conversation.

Farfalla tells him about Priscilla and Sadie, and they laugh and laugh. Then she tells him how much she disliked being at the school and how much she missed running through the fields at Meadow Lane. “I used to love exploring as well,” says Marius, “I missed class on more than one occasion to go check out the ruins at the old mill!” he laughs.

“The mill here in town?” asks Farfalla, confused. The mill is still operating and is definitely not in ruins.

Marius gets a strange look on his face, then shakes his head, “Oh, I meant the ruins of the mill in the town where I grew up,” he says. 

Farfalla nods and smiles at him. They’ve come to the barn door, and she pulls it open, heaving it to the side. She leads Marius to an empty stall, and he walks Cormorant into it. She stands back and watches as Marius whispers to the horse before stepping out of the stall. “I’ll be back soon, old friend,” he says, then turns toward her and smiles. “Shall we?” he asks, extending an elbow toward her. Farfalla does her best to temper her nerves as she grabs hold of his arm to walk back toward the house.

They sit across from one another at dinner, and she spends the entire meal fixated on him. A couple of times she feels Paloma’s foot kicking at her under the table when her interest in Marius becomes a little too noticeable, causing her to blush and stare down at her plate for a few minutes.

At the end of the evening Farfalla walks him back out to the barn. “You have a lovely family,” he says to her as she swings the barn door open to let them in.

“Yes, I’m very fortunate,” she replies. “My dream, someday, is to have such a family of my own.” Farfalla catches herself then and blushes profusely. She hadn’t meant to be so forward. Somehow, she feels so comfortable with Marius she tells him things she’s never told anyone else. He replies kindly and puts her at ease, then invites her to go for a ride the next day. Farfalla watches as he disappears down the lane into the darkness then heads back inside to help her mother wash up before going upstairs to her room. She sits in front of her vanity brushing her hair while staring dreamily at her reflection. A soft knock at her door brings her back to reality.

“Come in Paloma,” she says, already having guessed it is her sister on the other side of the door.

Paloma rushes in giddily and plops herself on the edge of Farfalla’s bed. “Oh Farfalla, isn’t he just dreamy?!” she asks, clutching her hands together and batting her eyelashes. Farfalla can’t quite tell if she’s being serious or if Paloma is teasing her.

“Who are you talking about?” asks Farfalla, a mischievous twinkle in her eye. 

Paloma rolls her eyes at her and drops to the floor at Farfalla’s feet. “Marius!” she exclaims, “I am entirely convinced he’s quite smitten with you,” she adds, taking both Farfalla’s hands in her own. Farfalla smiles and feels heat rise into her cheeks. The truth is, she fell in love with Marius the moment she laid eyes on him.

“Okay girls, time for bed!” shouts Mrs. Shearwater from the bottom of the stairs. 

“Goodnight, Falla, sweet dreams,” says Paloma in a teasing voice. She kisses her sister on the cheek and skips down the hall to her own room.

Farfalla finishes brushing her hair then blows out her candle before climbing into bed. She lays in the darkness replaying the evening in her mind. Marius appearing on the path below her perch in the apple tree, the moment they stood face to face for the first time, his smile as they told funny stories, the way his hand ran down the side of Cormorant’s neck. 

The thought of him creates a flurry of emotion in her; excitement, joy, warmth, love… and something else. Something that she pushes to the deepest recesses of her mind. Fear.

Thank you so much for listening.  Join me next week for Chapter 6 – The Skylark Bell, in which the infamous bell finally makes its first appearance.

The Skylark Bell is brought to you by Phaeton Starling Publishing and features original music by Cannelle. If you are enjoying this story, please consider leaving a rating on spotify or a review on apple podcasts, they help give the podcast visibility so others can find and enjoy the story. 

You can also connect with me on facebook, Instagram, mastodon, or Patreon, and you can find more information as well as  Skylark Bell exclusive merch on my website, www.theskylarkbell.com. Just check the show notes for all necessary links.

Once again, thank you for listening – I’m Melissa Oliveri, writer, host and producer of The Skylark Bell Podcast. 

This week's podcast partner is The Activity Continues: https://www.podpage.com/the-activity-continues/

The Skylark Bell official website - http://www.theskylarkbell.com

The Skylark Bell on Instagram: @theskylarkbell

Author/Producer: Melissa Oliveri - http://www.melissaoliveri.com

Join Melissa's Patreon for early access to podcast episodes, music downloads, and more: http://www.patreon.com/melissaoliveri

The Skylark Bell on Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/theskylarkbell

All music by Cannelle: http://www.cannellemusic.com

Cannelle on Instagram: @cannelle.music

Official Merch Shops: http://www.melissaoliveri.com/store

The Skylark Bell is brought to you by: Phaeton Starling Publishing and Things with Wings Productions.

FULL TRANSCRIPT:

Things with Wings Productions presents: Chapter 4 of The Skylark Bell, Skyedive. I am your host, Melissa Oliveri.  

In last week’s episode, Farfalla celebrated her 16th birthday and was gifted a Dreamcatcher by her friend Isadora.

In today’s episode we read the chapter 4 – The Aviary Finishing School for Girls of Distinction, in which Farfalla must return to boarding school and face her nemesis.

Today’s podcast partner is The Activity Continues, which started out as a recap of the television show The Dead Files, but has expanded into other areas of the wild and wonderful unexplained phenomena. You may recognize their name as they are also members of the Boopod Network and have participated in collaborations which The Skylark Bell was part of in the past. Be sure to check the show notes for a link to their podcast.

Now, it’s time to settle in… grab a blanket, and a warm drink… and let’s get started.

September 3rd, 1922

I don’t want to go. 

I’ve been dreading the end of summer, not because I don’t love autumn, but because it means I have to leave Meadow Lane to go back to boarding school. Mama insists we get a proper education so Paloma and I can become “ladies”. I don’t want to be a lady; I want to be a mystical being like The Skye Lark Belle! I want to sing with the birds and run with the deer and play with the foxes. I don’t want to be in a building learning how to sit properly and how to sew and how to write letters… I know Mama and Papa had long discussions about this in the beginning, Papa thought I could stay at the farm and help him out with chores, but in the end Mama won.

There is no Mirror Pond at boarding school, no apple orchard, no Oak Tree, no fields to run in. Only a large stone building with a wrought iron fence all the way around it. Inside, the building is filled with fancy wood trim and stained glass and the floors are always pristine since no one here ever plays in the mud or gets dirty. Sometimes we go on “excursions” which means we walk to the museum or the library. I’d rather walk to the creek and find some frogs to catch. 

Paloma is excited, she loves boarding school because it’s on the outskirts of the city. She sits in the window and watches the streetcars go by. “Someday I will ride on one of those to get to work!” she says almost every day with that goofy dreamy look in her eyes. I wish I enjoyed this as much as she does, time wouldn’t go by so slowly.

The only time Papa stepped in was when they headmistress suggested I cut my hair into a short bob like some of the other girls, she said it would make me look more “presentable”. Papa said I was perfectly presentable as is. He then bought me a fancy comb and told me to do my best to tame my hair while I’m at school and that I could let it run wild again when I came home in the spring.

Spring seems so far away now. Time cannot go by fast enough…

~~~~~~

“Falla, did you pack your shoes? I don’t see them in here!” says Mrs. Shearwater, digging through Farfalla’s travel case.

“I have them right here, Mama,” says Farfalla, her voice indicating she is not happy to be packing. Mrs. Shearwater ignores her tone and grabs the shoes from her hand. She expertly slips them into the case and places the dresses and slips back in their place before closing the case and latching it.

“I’m all packed up!” comes Paloma’s chipper voice from the doorway. “Falla, isn’t this exciting! I can’t wait to see the library, I heard they added a whole new wing!” Farfalla forces a smile, she doesn’t want to put a damper on her sister’s joy, even if she doesn’t share her excitement.

“Okay the horses are ready to go!” Papa’s voice floats up the stairs. 

The girls make their way outside with their travel cases, Mrs. Shearwater following closely behind with a picnic basket. “I’ve packed you some lunch for the road, be careful not to spill on your dresses!” she says, handing Farfalla the basket once she has settled into the horse cart. “I love you! Be good girls now and I’ll see you at holiday time!” she says, waving as they start heading down the lane.

Farfalla takes one last longing look at the Oak Tree, its branches have already lost most of their leaves, and it looks like it is waving goodbye at her. Her heart feels heavy as they turn down the road toward the train station.

“Chin up Falla, you’ll be back home in no time, and that tree’s not going anywhere,” says her father with a wink. She leans her head on his shoulder. They ride in silence most of the way, stopping for lunch at the halfway mark to enjoy the sandwiches and fresh fruit Mrs. Shearwater packed for them. Finally, Farfalla and Paloma board the train. Farfalla feels tears pricking her eyes as the train pulls away from the station, its piercing whistle like a sword plunging into her stomach. They arrive at their destination and walk a few short blocks to the school. Farfalla’s heart sinks even deeper when she sees the sign at the end of the long, gated driveway: The Aviary, Finishing School for Girls of Distinction. “I’d distinctly like to be finished with this school,” she mutters under her breath. 

“Well, well, well… if it isn’t the rural folk,” says a high-pitched nasal voice behind her. 

Paloma spins on her heel, her fiery eyes filled with anger. “Well, I see you haven’t gotten any nicer over the summer, Sadie Rhodes,” she seethes.

“Now, now little one, don’t be so sensitive, she didn’t mean anything by it,” says another girl, her perfect blonde hair pinned into a fancy twist at the back of her head.

“Hello Priscilla,” says Farfalla, too sad to put up a fight. Priscilla Ponceroy and Sadie Rhodes are her nemeses. They’ve been going out of their way to make her time at The Aviary even more miserable than it already is. Her first year there they locked her in a bathroom, getting her in trouble for being tardy. Then there was the time the hid her shoes, so she had to spend the entire day in her stockings, earning her a meeting with the headmistress about “how to be responsible for one’s belongings”. Try as she may she has never been able to get the girls off her back.

“Come on, Falla, let’s go,” says Paloma, confidently grabbing her travel case and marching through the gate to the main entrance.

On the first day of school the students settle into their rooms and unpack, then go to a general assembly where Headmistress Tangella-Newsome gives the same speech about her expectations and how each of them will have arrived a girl and will leave a lady. Then they go to the hall for dinner before retiring for the evening. Farfalla feels relief wash over her as she steps back into her room. Priscilla sat behind her at assembly and kept kicking her chair, trying to get her to react so she would get in trouble. Farfalla was able to ignore it for the most part, but it made her stomach tighten with anger. Then at dinner Sadie put a worm in Farfalla’s soup, causing her to shout which earned her a glare from the cafeteria attendant and a sharp “Ladies don’t shout!” from the headmistress. 

Now Farfalla stretches on her bed and closes her eyes, picturing the Oak Tree and the fox cubs at Meadow Lane. She looks up at the dreamcatcher that Isadora made for her hanging from the headboard of her bed, she hasn’t had the water dream since it was given to her, so she brought it with her to school, just in case. Farfalla’s eyes get heavy, and she lets herself drift into a peaceful sleep. She has no idea how much time has gone by when her eyes open suddenly, as if something has caused her to wake. She feels her heart pound, but she doesn’t know why. The room is completely dark save for the bit of moonlight shining through the window. There it is again, a soft footstep in the hallway outside her room. Farfalla creeps out of bed and places her ear on the door. Nothing. She carefully turns the knob and eases the door open. She peeks her head out and sees a woman stepping out of Priscilla’s room. The woman turns to look at her, smiles, and puts a finger to her lips. Shhh. Before Farfalla can process what is happening the woman vanishes into thin air. 

Farfalla steps back into her room and quickly closes the door. Her heart feels like it is going to beat right out of her chest. How did the woman just… vanish?! “I must be dreaming,” says Farfalla out loud, her voice sounding strange in the silent room. She walks back to her bed on shaky legs and gets under the covers. She pulls the blanket up to her chin to try and dispel the chill that is going through her. Finally, she falls asleep again. 

The next morning Farfalla is woken by a scream. She can hear commotion in the hallway and the headmistress’ voice shouting “Who is responsible for this?!” Farfalla eases her door open and steps out into the hallway. A hand flies to her mouth when she sees Priscilla, her hair has been shorn within an inch of her head, and she is standing in the middle of the hall, weeping. 

Suddenly Lillian Merle comes running down the hall waving her arms in the air. “Headmistress! Headmistress! It was Sadie! Sadie Rhodes! I found the scissors a big pile of hair on the floor of her room!” 

At this Sadie’s eyes grow wide, “I didn’t do anything! It wasn’t me!”.

“Miss Ponceroy, go to your room and do your best to make yourself presentable. Miss Rhodes, follow me,” says the Headmistress sternly, tapping her walking stick on the ground. 

Farfalla lets herself back into her room and closes the door behind her. She sits on the edge of her bed replaying the events of last night in her mind. There’s something familiar about the woman she saw last night, but Farfalla’s mind is foggy from lack of sleep, and she can’t figure out it. She pours some water from the pitcher by her bed onto her hands and taps her cheeks to help wake herself up. 

Farfalla lets her thoughts swirl as she paces back and forth on the hardwood floor on the small room. Finally, the school bell rings, indicating it’s time for her to head downstairs. She stops and looks in the mirror to make sure she is “presentable” and lets out a gasp as realization hits her. The woman, the one who seems to have taken revenge on the girls who have been so unkind to her, who smiled at her before disappearing into thin air, the woman’s face looks familiar because it is practically identical to her own!

Thank you so much for listening.  Join me next week for Chapter 5 – Marius, in which Farfalla and Marius finally meet.

The Skylark Bell is brought to you by Phaeton Starling Publishing and features original music by Cannelle. If you are enjoying this story, please consider leaving a rating or a review, they are both greatly appreciated. You can also support my work by subscribing to Patreon or Ko-Fi, where you get early access to episodes as well as MP3 downloads of the music, artwork, behind the scenes videos and more! You can also find The Skylark Bell exclusive merch on my website, www.theskylarkbell.com. Just check the show notes for all necessary links.

Once again, thank you for listening – I’m Melissa Oliveri, writer, host and producer of The Skylark Bell Podcast. 

In today’s episode we read the chapter 3 – The Dreamcatcher, in which Farfalla celebrates her 16th birthday.

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The Skylark Bell is brought to you by: Phaeton Starling Publishing and Things with Wings Productions.

FULL TRANSCRIPT:

Things With Wings Productions presents: Chapter 3 of The Skylark Bell, Skyedive. I am your host, Melissa Oliveri.  

In last week’s episode, we learned about a strange and frightening recurring nightmare where Farfalla finds herself under water.

In today’s episode we read the chapter 3 – The Dreamcatcher, in which Farfalla celebrates her 16th birthday.

Today’s podcast partner is Something, Rather Than Nothing. Host Ken Volante does a phenomenal job of bringing art philosophy to the forefront and finding unique perspectives through his roster of guests. You can find an interview with me on the Something Rather Than Nothing podcast on my website, just check the link in the shownotes. 

Now, it’s time to settle in… grab a blanket, and a warm drink… and let’s get started.

July 8th, 1921

Today is my birthday! 

Not just any birthday, today I am sixteen years old! Sixteen years seems like such a long time, doesn’t it? Sixteen whole years on this earth… I think Paloma is envious, she can’t wait to be old enough to move away to the big city, she says it’s not fair that I’m always two steps ahead of her. 

I’m wearing my prettiest burgundy dress, and Mama has done my hair up in braids, she says I look “sophisticated”. That’s only because she didn’t see my muddy feet before I slipped them into my shoes. I’ve invited some friends from school to come celebrate. All my closest friends; Willy and Eleanor Bunting, Isadora Finch, James Carnifex, Gilly Starling, and Audrey Tourtereaux who said she will bring a cake from her parents’ bakery. Papa insisted I also invite Gordon and Emma Starling even though they’re younger than me, he said Paloma should have some friends at the party too.

Mama has already stretched colourful streamers across the front porch, and I climbed into the Oak Tree and wrapped some around it’s trunk. I can’t be sure, but I think The Oak was smiling.

~~~~~~

Farfalla walks to the small vanity in the corner of her room. She sits on the stool and stares at her face in the mirror, squinting at the corners of her eyes and the shape of her lips. She licks her fingers and sticks a rebellious strand of hair back in place before standing up and pressing the creases out of her dress with her hands. She can feel her heart beat with anticipation, the party is about to start!

“My darling, you look quite lovely,” says her mother as Farfalla comes down the stairs.

“A beautiful young lady,” adds her father, a proud smile on his face.

Farfalla blushes. “Thank you,” she whispers. Just then she hears a knock at the door and jumps up with delight. “Our first guest!” she squeals. She races to the door and swings it open. “Hi Gilly!” she shouts, throwing herself into her friend’s arms, her enthusiasm nearly knocking the girl over.

“Happy birthday!” says Gilly, handing Farfalla a box wrapped in brown paper and decorated with a bright yellow satin ribbon.

“Hi Gordon, hello Emma,” says Paloma from behind Farfalla’s shoulder. 

The twins wave sheepishly and hand Farfalla a bag decorated with tissue paper before skipping over to Paloma.

Behind them comes James Carnifex, who hands Farfalla a small package. “This is for you,” he says, blushing.

“Thank you, James,” she says, noting how the sun is reflecting off his blond hair and turning it almost white. Farfalla blushes slightly and waves him into the house. She glances down the lane and sees Willy and Eleanor Bunting making their way toward the house, Audrey Tourtereaux walking with them and carrying a large box with bright blue ribbon. Farfalla, unable to contain herself, races down the lane, the wind loosening several strands of hair from the grip of her mother’s braids. 

“Happy birthday!” shout Willy and Eleanor in unison. 

“Bonne fête,” says Audrey in her usual quiet voice.

“Thanks everyone, I’m so excited to see you! Please, follow me!” she says, leading them up to the house. She gets her guests settled in and peeks out the window, Isadora Finch is finally coming up the lane. Farfalla races out to greet her.

“Hello Farfalla, happy birthday,” says Isadora in her calm, even manner. She hands Farfalla a contraption like Farfalla has never seen before. “This is a dreamcatcher,” she says, before Farfalla has a chance to ask, “you hang it above your bed. Our people say it catches the bad dreams in its net and only lets the good dreams through.”

Farfalla is stunned, the gift couldn’t be more timely, just two nights ago she had the water dream again. She holds up the dreamcatcher to take a closer look. It is made with a hoop of wood through which grass and string has been threaded in an intricate pattern to form a net. From the bottom of the hoop hang several strings of turquoise beads strung on strips of leather with white feathers attached to the bottom. “Isadora, this is beautiful! Did you make it yourself?” she asks in awe. Isadora nods shyly. “Thank you so much,” says Farfalla, pulling her friend into a warm embrace. “Come on, everyone is here already,” she adds, taking Isadora by the hand and leading her to the house.

“Let the festivities begin!” Mr. Shearwater’s booming voice bounces off the walls. “My darling Farfalla, let me present you with our gift before we do anything else, I think it will make a wonderful addition to your party,” he says, a secretive gleam in his eyes. 

“Close your eyes and turn around,” says Mrs. Shearwater, a teasing smile on her face. Farfalla puts her hands up to her eyes and turns around. She can hear shuffling behind her and hears her friends gasp and giggle. “Okay, turn around!” says her mother. Farfalla turns around and feels her stomach do a flip of excitement. On the dining room table is a wooden box with a large horn stretching up from the side of it. 

“A victrola! Mama, Papa, this is such a wonderful gift!” she breathes.

“I was only able to buy two records for it, but I believe you’ll enjoy them,” says her father. He places a record on the victrola and turns the crank. Like magic, music fills the room. William Bunting grabs Audrey Tourtereaux and begins dancing around the living room. Within moments Gordon, Gilly and Eleanor are joining in. Isadora and Paloma sit shyly in the corner, talking about the latest Agatha Christie novel.

“May I dance with the birthday girl?” asks James Carnifex, holding a hand out to Farfalla. Farfalla nods, hoping he hasn’t noticed the pink rising in her cheeks, and takes his hand. The pair swirls around the room, everyone bumping into one another and laughing madly. Finally, Mrs. Shearwater claps her hands and announces that dinner is ready. Everyone makes their way to the table, their loud chatter trailing behind them. They eat merrily while discussing their plans for the summer. 

At long last Mrs. Shearwater carries the box that Audrey Tourtereaux brought, sets it on the table, and opens it so everyone can see the contents. Farfalla gasps in amazement. “Audrey, this is the most beautiful cake I’ve ever seen! I almost don’t want to cut and eat it… Almost!” she emphasizes, laughing. The cake is iced in white frosting and decorated with garlands of flowers and brightly coloured birds all around. In perfect cursive the words “Happy 16th Birthday Farfalla” are written on the top in pale blue icing, the “i” in birthday dotted with a small flower. 

Mrs. Shearwater serves everyone a slice of cake. It’s as delicious as it is beautiful. Once everyone has finished eating Mr. Shearwater announces it is time for Farfalla to open her gifts. “This was sent in the post from your cousin Bruno,” says Mrs. Shearwater, handing Farfalla an envelope. Farfalla opens it carefully and pulls out a photograph of she and her cousin when she was visiting last summer, he had been very excited to explain the inner workings of his camera. Farfalla smiles warmly at the memory. 

Next, she opens the gifts that the Starlings brought over, starting with the box from Gilly which contains a beautiful dark blue leather sketchbook with a hummingbird etched on the front in gold. The bag from Gordon and Emma contains a lovely bouquet of dried flowers in a small glass vase with a yellow satin ribbon tied around it to match the box that Gilly’s gift was wrapped in. The package from Willy and Eleanor contains an intricately illustrated book of native flowers and birds. Next, she opens the small box from James Carnifex and finds a brooch in the shape of a swallow, its eyes encrusted with a bright blue stone. “Oh James, this is beautiful!” she says, pinning it to her dress. James blushes and smiles warmly at her. 

Finally, she opens Paloma’s gift and finds a long silver chain with a charm on it in the shape of a tree. “It’s supposed to be the oak in our front yard, the one you love so much,” says Paloma, leaning in to gauge Farfalla’s reaction.

“Paloma it’s absolutely perfect. Thank you so much everyone!” she says, her voice filled with gratitude. “Oh, let me show you what Isadora brought!” she adds, suddenly remembering the dream catcher. She runs to the coat rack by the front door where she left it hanging and scurries back to the sitting room. She holds it up proudly and explains how it works. She and Paloma give one another a knowing look when she gets to the part about the dreamcatcher filtering out bad dreams.

“How curious!” says the ever-practical Mrs. Shearwater.

“I think it’s lovely,” says Audrey softly, walking over to take a closer look. 

The sun begins to sink below the horizon and Farfalla’s guests start to leave one by one. Isadora is the last to go and Farfalla walks her down the lane. They get near the Oak Tree and Isadora stops in her tracks, tilting her head to the side like she is listening intently to something only she can hear. Her brow furrows, and she closes her eyes. Farfalla stands next to her, perplexed, but not daring to disrupt whatever is going on by speaking. Finally, Isadora opens her eyes and turns toward the tree, a look of worry on her face. “There will be a long silence,” she says, her gaze unwavering, “beware the dark horse in the snow.” 

“What do you mean?” asks Farfalla, her voice quivering. Her hand instinctively goes to the tree pendant on the silver chain Paloma gifted her earlier. 

“I don’t know any more than that, I’m sorry,” answers Isadora, turning to face Farfalla. “My people believe all things have a spirit in them, including trees. This one is… different. I can’t explain it. Just be careful,” she ends, lacing her arms around Farfalla in a warm embrace that does nothing to dispel the chill going down Farfalla’s spine.

“Are you sure you’re okay getting home in the dark? I could ask Papa to give you a ride,” suggests Farfalla as they part ways at the bottom of the lane.

“I’ll be fine, I’m well acquainted with the night creatures,” smiles Isadora. She takes a few steps down the road before stopping and turning around. “Sweet dreams, Farfalla,” she shouts. Farfalla waves goodbye then turns and walks back toward the house, the silhouette the Oak Tree towering above her against the indigo sky.

Thank you so much for listening.  Join me next week for Chapter 4 – The Aviary Finishing School for Girls of Distinction, in which Farfalla and her sister Paloma return to boarding school, to Farfalla’s great chagrin.

The Skylark Bell is brought to you by Phaeton Starling Publishing and features original music by Cannelle. If you are enjoying this story, please consider leaving a rating or a review, they are both greatly appreciated. 

I also love to connect with listeners on social media, you can find me on Instagram, Facebook, and Mastodon as well as the contact form on my website. If you’d like to support my work you can also join my Patreon, where you get early access to ad-free episodes as well as MP3 downloads of the music, artwork, behind the scenes videos and more! Just check the show notes for all necessary links.

Once again, thank you for listening – I’m Melissa Oliveri, writer, host and producer of The Skylark Bell Podcast. 

In today’s episode we read the chapter 2 – The Nightmare, in which we learn more about Farfalla’s strange and frightening reoccurring dream.

Paranormal Exposed: https://linktr.ee/paranormalexposed

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Author/Producer: Melissa Oliveri - http://www.melissaoliveri.com

Join Melissa's Patreon for early access to podcast episodes, music downloads, and more: http://www.patreon.com/melissaoliveri

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The Skylark Bell is brought to you by: Phaeton Starling Publishing and Things with Wings Productions.

FULL TRANSCRIPT:

Things with Wings Productions presents: The Skylark Bell, Skyedive. I am your host, Melissa Oliveri.  

In last week’s episode, we were introduced to Farfalla as a child growing up at Meadow Lane back when it was a magical, vibrant place.

In today’s episode we read the chapter 2 – The Nightmare, in which we learn more about Farfalla’s strange and frightening reoccurring dream.

Today’s podcast partner is fellow Boopod Network member Paranormal Exposed – you may recognize the name from our past collaboration about haunted objects released for Halloween of 2022. Paranormal exposed takes a look at eerie and unexplained events from a sceptic’s point of view. Be sure to check the show notes for a link to their show.

Now, it’s time to settle in… grab a blanket, and a warm drink… and let’s get started.

November 11th, 1920

It happened again. The Dream. The Nightmare. It’s the same one every time. I close my eyes and fall asleep and within minutes I’m under water. At first, I panic, thrash around and whip my head from side to side, as if looking for someone, anyone, to help me. Then comes the peaceful feeling. It’s very strange, but all of a sudden, I look up through the water and see the sun shining, its light undulating as it filters through the water. I let myself sink deeper and deeper, the water wrapping around me like the comforting embrace of a blanket. I drift all the way to the bottom, stretch out my hands, and feel the sand run through my fingers. That’s when I find it. I don’t know what it is, but first the tips of the fingers on my right hand brush against it, then I manage to grasp it. I clutch it tightly and pull it to my chest, and just as I’m about to hold it up to see what it is, everything goes dark.

I don’t always wake up at this point, which is the most frightening part. Often, I’m aware that I’m dreaming but everything is complete darkness. I battle and plead with myself to open my eyes, to make sure I haven’t drowned, to make sure I’m still me and I’m still safe at Meadow Lane, but sometimes it takes what feels like an eternity. I fear one of these times I won’t wake up at all…

~~~~~~

“Falla! Falla wake up!” Paloma can feel the panic rising in her voice. It’s never taken so long for Farfalla to wake from her dream, and she’s never wandered this far from the house before. Thankfully the full moon provides plenty of silvery light, and Paloma was able to see Farfalla wandering across the vast field in front of the house. They are both standing outside now, Farfalla barefoot, as a gust of wind swirls dry autumn leaves around their feet. Paloma can feel the slickness of the frost that is nipping at the grass under her boots, and she shivers, her nightgown not offering much protection against the blustery cold. “Falla, please!” she cries, tears threatening to spill down her cheeks.

At long last Farfalla’s sightless eyes come into focus. “Paloma? What… where are…?” She stumbles, confused, and catches herself on the trunk of a tree. Farfalla immediately recognizes the deep grooves in the bark of the Oak Tree at the front of Meadow Lane and instantly feels relief. Her protector. As she leans her head against the tree, she swears she can hear its heartbeat.

“Falla, are you okay?” asks Paloma, her voice shaky as her teeth chatter from the cold.

“I am now, thank you,” replies Farfalla, holding an arm out to embrace her sister. Paloma leans in and rests her head against Farfalla’s shoulder. 

They stand in silence for a moment before Paloma steps away and tugs on Farfalla’s sleeve. “We need to get inside, it’s cold and you’re barefoot, you’re going to get sick,” she says.

“I don’t feel cold at all,” replies Farfalla, a faraway look in her eye. It almost feels like there is warmth emanating from the Oak Tree, like it is a warm, living body. Paloma’s brow furrows, is Farfalla back in her dream state? She’s on the verge of shaking her sister to get her to come to her senses when Farfalla blinks and looks toward her. “Oh, my dear, you’re shivering! Let’s get you inside,” she says, suddenly appearing wide awake.

The girls quickly walk back to the house hand in hand and sneak through the back door into the kitchen. Farfalla drops into a chair while Paloma fills the kettle and puts it on the stove. She grabs two cups and saucers from the cupboard and places a teabag and spoonful of sugar in each. The room remains eerily quiet until a few minutes later when the silence is broken by the kettle’s piercing whistle. Paloma quickly removes the kettle from the heat and pours steaming water into the cups. They wait in silence once again as the tea steeps, then Paloma discards the teabags and pours a splash of milk in each cup. She carries the cups to the small kitchen table, then grabs a tin of biscuits from the pantry before sitting down in the chair across from Farfalla.

“Was it the same dream?” she asks, carefully taking a small sip of the hot tea. Farfalla nods and reaches for a biscuit. Paloma smiles, her sister has always had a sweet tooth. Paloma waits patiently for her sister to finish a bite of her biscuit then asks, “were you able to see the object this time?”

Farfalla shakes her head, takes a sip of tea, and looks up at her sister. “I don’t know why it keeps happening, it’s horrible!” she says, a single tear spilling down her cheek. “The worst part isn’t the part where I’m underwater, it’s after, when everything is dark. I can’t tell if I’m awake or asleep or if I… if I’ve died!” she whispers, horror in her voice.

Paloma pushes the biscuit tin across the table. Farfalla grabs a second biscuit and dips it in her tea. “Maybe you’re in some kind of in-between state, not quite asleep but not fully awake yet,” says Paloma, trying to sound calm and reassuring. Farfalla nods and takes a few sips of her tea. “You walked a lot further than the other times tonight…” begins Paloma tentatively, not wanting to upset her sister any more than she already is.

“It’s the tree…” says Farfalla, “there’s something special about it. I swear sometimes I can hear it sing, I can feel its heartbeat-” Farfalla stops herself, she hadn’t meant to reveal these things to Paloma, who surely wouldn’t understand. Farfalla looks up at her sister and see’s Paloma’s brow is furrowed in concern. “It was probably just part of my dream,” she adds clumsily, hoping this will end the conversation.

“What on earth is going on here?!” Their mother’s voice makes them both jump.

“I had a bad dream and Paloma is helping me feel better,” says Farfalla quickly.

“It’s the middle of the night! You two should get back to bed, you’ll be exhausted in the morning,” says Mrs. Shearwater, decisively placing the cover back on the tin of biscuits before carrying it back to the pantry.

“Okay, Mama,” says Paloma, gesturing for Farfalla to follow her. The girls get up and quickly head upstairs to their rooms. 

Mrs. Shearwater tidies up the teacups in the sink and checks to make sure everything is in order before heading back upstairs. Just as she is about to exit the kitchen a small object on the floor near the back door catches her eye. She bends down to pick it up and holds it near the light of her candle to get a better look. An oak leaf. She looks at it quizzically. She cleaned the kitchen floor after dinner, how did it get in here? Suddenly the leaf disintegrates in her hand, turning into a small pile of fine dust on the floor, which is quickly dispersed by a gust of wind that seemingly comes out of nowhere, blowing out her candle and washing the room in darkness. 

Mrs. Shearwater stands in stunned silence for a moment. “I’m imagining things,” she rationalizes. She laughs quietly at herself, shakes her head, and heads back upstairs to bed.

Thank you so much for listening.  Join me next week for Chapter 3 – The Dreamcatcher, in which we celebrate Farfalla’s 16th birthday.

The Skylark Bell is brought to you by Phaeton Starling Publishing and features original music by Cannelle. If you are enjoying this story, please consider leaving a rating or a review, they are both greatly appreciated. You can also support my work by subscribing to my Patreon or Ko-Fi page, where you get early access to episodes as well as MP3 downloads of the music, artwork, behind the scenes videos and more! You can also find The Skylark Bell exclusive merch on my website, www.theskylarkbell.com. Just check the show notes for links to Patreon, my website, and social media accounts. 

Once again, thank you for listening – I’m Melissa Oliveri, writer, host and producer of The Skylark Bell Podcast. 

In today’s episode we read the chapter 1 – The Fabric of Nature, in which we are introduced to Farfalla’s vibrant childhood at meadow lane.

The Haunted UK podcast: https://linktr.ee/hauntedukpodcast

The Skylark Bell official website - http://www.theskylarkbell.com

The Skylark Bell on Instagram: @theskylarkbell

Author/Producer: Melissa Oliveri - http://www.melissaoliveri.com

Join Melissa's Patreon for early access to podcast episodes, music downloads, and more: http://www.patreon.com/melissaoliveri

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Melissa on Mastodon: https://mastodon.social/@melissaoliveri

All music by Cannelle: http://www.cannellemusic.com

Cannelle on Instagram: @cannelle.music

Official Merch Shops: http://www.melissaoliveri.com/store

The Skylark Bell is brought to you by: Phaeton Starling Publishing and Things with Wings Productions.

FULL TRANSCRIPT:

Things with Wings Productions presents: The Skylark Bell, Skyedive. I am your host, Melissa Oliveri.  

Skyedive is the third and final book in the Skylark Trilogy, and in it we will be revisiting the story from the perspective of Farfalla, and gaining insight on her life, and her motivations.

In today’s episode we read the chapter 1 – The Fabric of Nature, in which we are introduced to Farfalla’s vibrant childhood at meadow lane.

Today’s podcast partner is fellow Boopod Network member The Haunted UK podcast – you may recognize the name from collaborations we have done in the past.  The Haunted UK is now in its 3rd season of exploring a variety of fascinating, and sometimes terrifying topics. Be sure to check the shownotes for a link.

Now, it’s time to settle in… grab a blanket, and a warm drink… and let’s get started.

June 24th, 1919

Papa’s name is Nathaniel Shearwater. He’s a large, loud man, and I think sometimes people are a little bit afraid of him, but once they take a moment to get to know him, they realize he’s kind and fair. He loves Mama and Paloma and Me more than anything in the world. Papa is a hard worker; he’s gone before we wake up most days and comes home just as Mama is serving dinner. I’m sure he’s tired when he comes home, but he always takes the time to ask about our day and tell us a funny story. My favourite thing about Papa is his big, strong hands. His skin is rough from years of handling construction materials, but when he holds my little hand in his I feel safe and loved, like nothing bad could ever happen.

Mama’s name is Evelyn Anne Shearwater. Such a pretty name, isn’t it? Papa says Mama is a sensible and practical woman. Even her straight, dark brown hair is sensible. Not at all like my wild wavy bright red locks, those are about as sensible and practical as I am! Mama grew up near the city, she doesn’t love nature and animals like I do, I think she just doesn’t understand. She loves to cook and entertain, throw parties, and have guests over for dinner. She likes to make everything perfect, cooking elaborate meals and lighting the candles just so, placing the pillows on the couch in exactly the right spot. I think that may be why she likes to volunteer at the library, too, because everything is so organized. Mama and I are very different, but I love her dearly.

Then there’s my sister, Paloma. She is two years younger than I am. Paloma is a dreamer; she wants to be an artist and move to the big city. She’s not so interested in the beautiful world outside, the leaves, the animals, the clouds… she’s more interested in the world inside her head, or inside whatever book she’s reading. We don’t play together all that much, but we do love sitting by the fire while Mama reads us stories, or hopping on Papa’s lap when he comes home from work and telling him all about our day.

Then, of course, there’s me, Farfalla. Farfalla means butterfly. Did you know that already? Papa says I was aptly named since I flutter about outside all day. Mama says I muddy up my skirts too much. Paloma just rolls her eyes at me then sticks her nose back in her book. It’s fascinating how butterflies transform from caterpillars. People transform too. It’s hard to understand what happens inside the cocoon for the caterpillar to change so completely, just like it’s hard to understand sometimes how someone can go from a happy, innocent child to… something else. 

Perhaps by the end, you will understand.

Summer is my favourite season. Every morning I wake up before sunrise so I can listen to the birds. The Redwing Blackbirds are my favourite, they have such beautiful voices. Papa says I have a beautiful voice too, he says it’s “hypnotic”. I’m not sure what he means by that but I think it’s a compliment. He laughed when I told him it was the Redwing Blackbirds that taught me how to sing. I don’t tell him things like that anymore. I don’t tell anyone. Not people, anyway. Now I only tell my secrets to the birds, they don’t laugh.

Today I’m going to sit under the lilac bush and finish making my crown. The first time I tried to make one it fell apart, but now I have it figured out. I found some old bare vines that were climbing up the oak tree in the front yard, and when I tugged to get them loose a few twigs broke off the tree. I’ve been twisting the vines together and working the twigs into the spaces between them. It’s a work of art! Now I’m going to add some of the wildflowers I collected before breakfast. Daisies, buttercups, violets, I even managed to get a wild rose without pricking my finger! Maybe I’ll add some more, they smell so beautiful.

Mama has been reading me a book called The Skye Lark Belle. She always stops reading about two thirds of the way through. She says things get too sad after that part. But in the beginning, it’s happy and beautiful. The Belle wears a crown made of vines and twigs. Hers is silver, but I don’t know how to turn mine silver. They say The Belle has a beautiful voice, too, and that she is friends with the birds and animals, just like me! I wish I was The Skye Lark Belle. Mama read the book to Paloma and I last winter as well, we sat by the fire downstairs and listened to her long after the sky went dark, begging for one more chapter each time she would stop to tell us it was time for bed. Paloma didn’t want Mama to read it again, she didn’t like that Mama wouldn’t finish the whole story. So, Paloma just goes up to her room to read her own books and Mama and I sit in the rocking chairs while she reads the first part to me over and over.

Sometimes I skip over to Mirror Pond and pretend I am The Belle, walking out of the ocean. It’s such a romantic idea, isn’t it? That a beautiful woman with magical powers would walk out of the ocean one day and everyone in the village would fall in love with her? Well, at least they loved her for a little while…

Today the sky is the most dazzling shade of blue, with puffy white clouds here and there. I think Papa would say Mirror Pond is aptly named as well, since the blue sky and puffy white clouds are perfectly reflected on its surface. Sometimes I sit out on the large rock in the middle of the pond and stay perfectly still. For some reason I feel like a prince will appear on his big, brave horse and take me away to a magical land. So far it hasn’t happened, but today I’m wearing a crown, so I feel like my chances may have improved slightly.

“Falla, it’s time for lunch!” 

Somehow Mama’s voice can echo to the ends of the earth if she needs it to. No prince again today. One day he will appear, I can feel it in my bones. But for now, I should probably go home and get some lunch before Mama gets upset. She’ll already be cross that the bottom of my skirts got wet in the pond. Maybe I’ll walk through the apple orchard on my way home and see how the fruit is coming along. Then I can hide my crown inside the old shed so Paloma doesn’t get a hold of it. 

“Falla! Lunch!” 

I’d better go. 

~~~~~~

The girl races across the quarry, her long red hair trailing behind her like a flag. She skips through the fence poles into the field behind her house and races to the apple orchard. There, she slows down to a walk, closes her eyes, and inhales the sweet perfume. The blossoms dropped weeks ago, but her memory of them is vivid, and if she closes her eyes it’s like travelling back in time to spring. 

“Falla! Lunch! Now!” her mother’s voice carries on the wind, startling her out of her reverie.  The girl groans and picks up the pace until she reaches the back door of her house. She lets herself in and is immediately greeted by her mother’s exasperated face. “Farfalla Isabella Shearwater! Look at those skirts! I told you not to wade into the pond!”

“But Mama, it’s the only way to get onto the rock! And the rock is the only place to sit where I can watch the turtles and frogs and birds. When I’m on the rock it’s like I’m invisible, they act like I’m not even there. It’s magical!”

Mrs. Shearwater rolls her eyes but a smile curls the corner of her mouth. She turns away from her daughter lest she notice. “Alright my little magician, why don’t you vanish up to your room and go change out of those dirty wet clothes, then hurry down, you’ll be lucky if your lunch is even lukewarm at this point!”

The girl races up the stairs and down the hallway to her bedroom. She opens up her wardrobe and hastily slips into a new dress before heading back down to the dining room.        

“Hi Falla! I already ate all my lunch, but I’ll still sit with you,” says her younger sister.

“Thanks, Paloma,” says the girl, lowering herself into her chair. She smiles at her sister and digs into the plate full of freshly roasted corn on the cob.

“Oh Farfalla, you eat like a wild child!” says her mother, walking into the room, “I think you’ve been spending too much time outside with the animals!”

Farfalla looks up at her mother, pieces corn stuck to her face. She sheepishly takes her napkin and wipes her mouth. “Sorry Mama, I’m just very hungry.”

Her mother’s face softens as she leans in and kisses the top of her daughter’s head. “Perhaps next time you’ll come home on time for lunch so you’re not so hungry,” she says with a wink.

Farfalla sheepishly finishes her food and brings her plate to the sink. She and Paloma do the washing up and she heads back outside. The fox cubs come out of their den to play in the afternoon, and she doesn’t want to miss it. She runs to the front yard and climbs up the big oak tree, the perfect perch from which to watch the foxes frolic and play. 

Farfalla leans her head against the trunk of the tree. It has been a steadfast friend her whole life, always standing guard. A protector. Sometimes, if she sits very still, and stays very silent, she swears she can hear a haunting tune emanating from it, like it is singing her name.

“Fallalala Lalalalalaaaa…”

Thank you so much for listening.  Join me next week for Chapter 2 – The Nightmare, in which we learn more about Farfalla’s strange and frightening reoccurring dream.

The Skylark Bell is brought to you by Phaeton Starling Publishing and features original music by Cannelle. If you are enjoying this story, please consider leaving a rating or a review they both greatly appreciated. You can also gain access to ad-free episodes of the Skylark Bell by supporting my work on Patreon – you’ll also get early access to episodes as well as MP3 downloads of the music, and more! Just check the show notes for all necessary links.

Once again, thank you for listening – I’m Melissa Oliveri, writer, host and producer of The Skylark Bell Podcast.

Skyedive is the third and final book in the Skylark Trilogy, and I am so excited to share it with you starting today!

In today’s episode we read the prologue to the story – For the first time, again -   which, if you’ve been following along, will feel vaguely familiar, but with a surprising twist!

Cozyland: http://www.cozylandpod.com

The Skylark Bell official website - http://www.theskylarkbell.com

The Skylark Bell on Instagram: @theskylarkbell

Author/Producer: Melissa Oliveri - http://www.melissaoliveri.com

Join Melissa's Patreon for early access to podcast episodes, music downloads, and more: http://www.patreon.com/melissaoliveri

The Skylark Bell on Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/theskylarkbell

Melissa on Mastodon: https://mastodon.social/@melissaoliveri

All music by Cannelle: http://www.cannellemusic.com

Cannelle on Instagram: @cannelle.music

Official Merch Shops: http://www.melissaoliveri.com/store

The Skylark Bell is brought to you by: Phaeton Starling Publishing and Things with Wings Productions.

FULL TRANSCRIPT:

Things with Wings Productions presents: The Skylark Bell, Skyedive. I am your host, Melissa Oliveri.  

Skyedive is the third and final book in the Skylark Trilogy, and I am so excited to share it with you starting today!

In today’s episode we read the prologue to the story – For the first time, again -   which, if you’ve been following along, will feel vaguely familiar, but with a surprising twist!

Today’s podcast partner is a new podcast I created with my friend Amy from The Activity Continues and Volsteadland. It’s called Cozyland and features amy and myself discussing our favourite cozy movies from hallmark holiday films, to films that feature food and travel... be sure to check the show notes for a link.

Now, it’s time to settle in… grab a blanket, and a warm drink… and let’s get started.

June 12th, 2015

“Phew, I think this is the last one!” says Mrs. Phaeton, setting a large box on the dining room table.

“We did it!”  says Magpie, her bright blue eyes twinkling and a proud, excited grin on her face.

“I’m bushed,” says Mrs. Phaeton, flopping onto one of the kitchen stools. She kicks off her sneakers and brushes a strand of copper coloured hair off her forehead before adding, “what do you say we order a pizza and call it a day?”

Magpie giggles, “Mom!  We live in the middle of nowhere, they don’t deliver pizza here!”  they both get caught up in a laughing fit before Magpie offers to walk into town to grab some food to go.

“Here’s some money, see what you can find and make sure you’re back before it gets dark, ok?”  says her mom.

“Will do!  See you in a bit!” shouts Magpie over her shoulder as she walks out the front door. She steps out into the early evening sun, a gust of wind ruffling her hair. It’ll be her first time venturing into the town of Pocket, again…

Magpie makes her way down the road, gravel crunching under her feet. This time, she remembers everything. It took her several lifetimes to figure it out. The endless loop. The Ouroboros. In the beginning she thought she was having psychic visions;     premonitions, contact with the past. Now she understands everything. They weren’t visions at all. They were memories.

Magpie reaches the bottom of the driveway leading to the house next door to hers, and notes the name Starling on the mailbox. She turns to look across the road at the house on Meadow Lane and waits, expectantly. This time, she hears the footsteps come up behind her, and she smiles. 

“I wouldn’t go there if I were you,” says a voice behind her.

Magpie turns around to face the boy. “Hello Lucas,” she says. The boy’s gray eyes get wide and his black curls bounce back and forth as he shakes he his head.

“How… how do you know my name? Are you psychic or something?” he asks, stunned.

Magpie smiles, “Something like that,” she replies with a wink. “As for Meadow Lane, I’ve already been there. Many times.”

Magpie basks in Lucas’ stunned silence for a moment before grabbing his arm. “Come on, I’m heading out to grab a pizza, you can give me a tour of the town.”

Thank you so much for listening.  Join me next week as we truly embark on the journey with Chapter 1 – The Fabric of Nature, in which we discover a young and vibrant Farfalla living at Meadow Lane in its glory days. 

The Skylark Bell is brought to you by Phaeton Starling Publishing and features original music by Cannelle. If you are enjoying this story, please consider leaving a rating on Spotify or a review on Apple Podcasts, they help give the podcast visibility so others can find and enjoy the story. You can also support my work by subscribing to my Patreon where you get early access to episodes as well as MP3 downloads of the music, artwork, behind the scenes videos and more! Just check the show notes for links to Patreon, my website, and social media accounts.

Once again, thank you for listening – I’m Melissa Oliveri, writer, host and producer of The Skylark Bell Podcast.  

The Skylark Bell is brought to you by: Phaeton Starling Publishing and Things with Wings Productions.

The Skylark Bell official website - http://www.theskylarkbell.com

The Skylark Bell on Instagram: @theskylarkbell

Author/Producer: Melissa Oliveri - http://www.melissaoliveri.com

Join Melissa's Patreon for early access to podcast episodes, music downloads, and more: http://www.patreon.com/melissaoliveri

The Skylark Bell on Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/theskylarkbell

Melissa on Mastodon: https://mastodon.social/@melissaoliveri

All music by Cannelle: http://www.cannellemusic.com

Cannelle on Instagram: @cannelle.music

Official Merch Shops: http://www.melissaoliveri.com/store

FULL TRANSCRIPT:

Things with Wings Productions presents: A special episode of The Skylark Bell. I am your host, Melissa Oliveri.  

In today’s episode we will hear a quick recap of Seasons 1 and 2 as we prepare to for SkyeDive the third and final book in The Skylark Trilogy.

So get settled in… grab a blanket, and a warm drink… we’re getting started.

SEASON 1 

Margaret Phaeton, better known as Magpie, lived in the city with her mother until the day they moved into the old farmhouse on the outskirts of Pocket. The day they moved in she met her next door neighbour, Lucas. That was also the first time she laid eyes on the mysterious abandoned house at Meadow Lane. 

It took some time for Lucas to open up about Meadow Lane, but he eventually told Magpie the stories handed down through generations about a mysterious silence hanging over the farm, and that no one who set foot there ever spoke or heard again. 

Magpie found herself fascinated with the property, and began to notice connections between her mysterious visions and the house at Meadow Lane. One day she encountered an old woman named Farfalla, who was rumoured to have been the last resident of Meadow Lane, and, by some accounts, the one responsible for cursing it with the silence.

Over time Magpie put more and more of the pieces of this odd puzzle together until she finally realized the silence at Meadow Lane was spreading to the entire town. Farfalla sat down with Magpie at The Early Bird diner and told her the unbelievable history of the house at Meadow Lane and the mythical Skylark Bell. Farfalla told Magpie the only way to end the silence was to find the bell, hidden within the confines of the house at Meadow Lane, and ring it loud and clear. 

Magpie successfully swallowed her fears and braved the silence at Meadow Lane in search of the bell. She was successful in her quest and did indeed end the silence, but the celebrations were short-lived as she and Lucas learned of Farfalla’s passing the following day.

As Magpie and Lucas were gathering Farfalla’s things from her tiny house, they heard impossible footsteps behind the closed door of an empty room. When they re-entered the room they found a sketch that hadn’t been there earlier. On the back of the sketch were four words that turned everything they thought they knew about Meadow Lane upside down. I AM NOT FARFALLA.

SEASON 2

Season Two, Wingspan, saw Magpie, Lucas and Mrs. Phaeton flying to London for Mrs. Phaeton’s art exhibit. From there, Magpie and Lucas continued their voyage across Scotland to the Isle of Skye and Magpie’s ancestral family property, Carnifex House.

Still plagued by visions that seemed increasingly real, Magpie slowly settled into life on the outskirts of the small Scottish town of Pocaid, but a visit to a local Festival throws her for a loop, as she feels increasingly connected to the very first Belle of the Lark Festival of Skye – also known as the Skye Lark Belle. None-the-less, things were relatively quiet and enjoyable at Carnifex House until Lucas went missing. Unbeknownst to Magpie, he had been transported back in time to 1920s Pocket, living under the assumed name of Marius Corbeau, and being cared for by Charlotte and Edward Carnifex in the farm house that Magpie and her mother would eventually move into nearly 90 years into the future.

Meanwhile, back in modern times on the isle of Skye, The caretakers of Carnifex House, Alfred and Manon Sarcelle, finally tell Magpie about the stories permeating the community for generations, about a mysterious druid woman named Dealan-de, who is said to be the cause of multiple Vanishings.

Magpie and Lucas pine for one another for a time, but eventually move on. Lucas connects with Nathanial Shearwater, and eventually falls in love with and becomes engaged to his daughter, Farfalla. Magpie meets Alfred and Manon’s son, Julien, and they marry. 

In the terrible winter of 1925 Lucas is inexplicably transported back the forest near Carnifex house and rushes home to Magpie, only to discover he has travelled into the future, and Magpie is now twice his age. They devise a plan to repair this glitch in their timeline and pick up where they left off, but the plan fails, and Magpie finds herself in 1960s Pocket, where she assumes the identity of Farfalla and lives out her days.

A mysterious letter summons Magpie to the convent in Brighthaven, where she discovers a 90 year old Lucas who explains he was sent back in time to the 1800s. He explains that he was the one who sparked the silence at Meadow Lane when he crossed timelines with his younger self, after which he tragically breathes his last breath.

Magpie devises a plan to warn her younger self not to go to Scotland in an attempt to spare herself the heartache of the criss crossed timelines and losing Lucas, but her plan is thwarted by the mysterious Dealan-de. 

We end Wingspan with a note from the mysterious woman herself, who appears fixated on ensuring the sequence of events remains unchanged.

We will explore her story in this third and final book, SkyeDive.

Thank you so much for listening.  Join me next week as we begin the third season of The Skylark Bell podcast by reading book 3, Skyedive, where we will explore the life of Farfalla, from her happy, ideallic childhood at Meadow Lane through the sequence of events that will transform her into something else entirely...

The Skylark Bell is brought to you by Phaeton Starling Publishing and features original music by Cannelle. If you are enjoying this story, please consider leaving a rating or a review, they’re both greatly appreciated. You can also support my work through a one-time donation via your podcast provider or by subscribing to Patreon where you get early access to ad-free episodes as well as digital downloads of the music, artwork, writing, recipes, and more!

Once again, thank you for listening. I’m Melissa Oliveri, and this is The Skylark Bell podcast.

Teaser Trailer for Skyedive - Season 3 of The Skylark Bell podcast.

The Skylark Bell is brought to you by: Phaeton Starling Publishing and Things with Wings Productions.

The Skylark Bell official website - http://www.theskylarkbell.com

The Skylark Bell on Instagram: @theskylarkbell

Author/Producer: Melissa Oliveri - http://www.melissaoliveri.com

Join Melissa's Patreon for early access to podcast episodes, music downloads, and more: http://www.patreon.com/melissaoliveri

Melissa on Mastodon: https://mastodon.social/@melissaoliveri

All music by Cannelle: http://www.cannellemusic.com

Cannelle on Instagram: @cannelle.music

Official Merch Shops: http://www.melissaoliveri.com/store