(All characters and places from Sofia the First do not belong to me. They're property of Disney. Songs mentioned belong to their respective writers. OC's are only mine!)
The Sorcerer and the Gardener
Chapter One
Miss Lilah
"So I'll continue to continue to pretend. My life will never end and flowers will never bend with the rainfall."
–"Flowers will Never Bend with the Rainfall" by Simon and Garfunkel.
"Down the road outside of Dunwiddie, turn at the wooden sign and into the woods. Right."
Sofia was on the right track as she carefully stepped over a small log within the wood. It was early Sunday morning. The sunshine still rose against the sky which was turning blue and little rays gleamed through the branches. Sofia liked to sleep an extra hour on Sundays unless Clover hopped onto her bed and ready for breakfast. Today was different. Dressed in one of her purple traveling outfits, Sofia stifled back a yawn. She was told it was best to go early and she was on her own mission.
Her Buttercup Troup leader, Mrs. Hanshaw had mentioned there was a person who lived on the outskirts who had beautiful gardens. Every time someone came around to the cottage, that person would always order them off her property. Sofia figured perhaps if she went early, maybe that person would be more willing to listen.
On she went through the wood where tiny flowers covered the ground and a thrush flew by with a twig for her nest. Some chipmunks scattered up the tree trunks with hardly a noise. The birch and pine became more scarce. Sofia hadn't gone too far when she found large bushes, taller than her, around two trees with exposed roots. She pushed the branches aside and spotted a whole clearing, wide and green. In the distance, she could see a fence and a small building.
"I found her," Sofia thought excitedly as she hurried across.
Indeed, there was a beige fence for a huge yard and the woods ran all around the clearing beyond. There was a small cottage with a grey slanted roof. Pink roses and white daisies were planted along the white walls and around were several lilac bushes. To the east, there was row of large barrels lined up and each had a bucket perched on top. An empty clothesline seemed to peek from behind the cottage while there were decorative pots filled with multicolored pansies. To the west was an average size garden of various herbs. Kneeling over, with a small spade in hand, was a woman.
She was wearing a white blouse, a grey-blue bodice and a dark green skirt. Hands in grey gloves were steadily digging. A straw hat decorated with light blue ribbon and sprigs of baby's breath was perched upon her head. Sitting on her heels, she wore a pair of brown boots.
"Hi," Sofia said cheerfully peeking over the fence. "Are you Miss Lilah?
The lady flinched and turned. She seemed puzzled, but removed her hat. Her features were fully revealed. She had a tiny snub nose on her fair face and steel-blue eyes. Her lips were thin and pale pink. Perhaps the most striking was her red hair. Not a carroty orange or auburn like Sofia's own. It was dark red and pulled up in a messy bun. Wispy locks dangled over her ears and pressed against her temples, damp from sweat.
"Yes?" she questioned as she walked to the fence. "I'm her." She didn't seem aware that a princess was visiting.
Sofia slipped past the opened gate and noticed two things. The first was that the lady wasn't wearing a bodice, but a vest! It had the collar and buttons, yet it fitted nicely. Secondly, beyond the freshly dug garden, were purple, white and yellow crocuses, already blooming in their own flower bed.
"I'm Princess Sofia," she introduced herself and curtsied.
"I haven't heard of you," said Lilah. She wasn't trying to be rude; just surprised. Her voice seemed to climb and drop on her words.
"I was told you're new here," continued Sofia almost bouncing on her heels with excitement. "And you have beautiful flowers."
"I do," Lilah replied who seemed cautious of the child who entered her property.
"I know this may seem weird, but my dad is looking for a new gardener and Mrs. Hanshaw mentioned you."
"Who?"
"She's my Buttercup Troop leader."
"Who's your father?"
"King Roland the II of Enchancia. If you like, maybe can come to the castle and meet him. If he saw your garden, he'd be impressed."
It was becoming all too clear that Lilah was very distant from society. She just stood there, looking at Sofia, still holding the spade and hat. Her fingers sometimes tapped as if in thought.
"I'll be declining," said Lilah before any more offers were made. "My garden is my job."
"It's okay if you don't want to," Sofia said understandingly. "Maybe you could come to the castle and just see the gardens. Maybe you know someone who can do it if you can't? The castle staff has more than enough to do. Dad and Mom would love to have flowers as terrific as yours!"
"Really?" Lilah seemed curious. Sofia hoped she would speak more; Lilah's voice was sort of funny, but it was silvery like wind chimes. "Perhaps not," Lilah added suddenly.
She turned and dropped to her knees, back to work. She dug twice more and looked over her shoulder. Sofia was smiling, sky blue eyes beaming. Lilah's lips twitched from amusement, but she huffed and paced for the house. Sofia watched her push open the dark blue door and disappear. She returned with a small crate, secured under her arm, carrying rosemary.
Lilah was hoping that if she kept working Sofia would leave, but the princess didn't move. Not even when Lilah began scooping the skinny greens, one by one into the previous holes she dug. Finally she rolled her eyes and twisted on her knees to young girl.
"You're not going to leave until I say I'll come along right?"
"Maybe," chuckled Sofia. "It doesn't seem fair you should be all alone out here too." It did seem a little sad for someone to be miles away from civilization.
"Head back to your castle," sighed Lilah. "I'll come over later in the afternoon."
"You really mean it?" asked Sofia excitedly.
"Expect me around 2:00 o'clock," said Lilah quickly. She got up and started nudging Sofia away. "Off you pop."
"Do you need directions-"
"If a castle's tall then I can find it," said Lilah who was getting annoyed. "Head on back. Tell your father and mother a gardener will show up. Then we'll talk about everything."
"Thank you Miss Lilah," said Sofia gratefully. "Maybe I can come back and help your garden someday?"
"When the grass turns purple. I'll see you later!" Lilah quickly closed the gate as Sofia hurried back into the wood. She heaved a sigh. "I'm rammed enough as it is," she muttered to herself. "I don't have time for a garden party! That's the last time I forget to lock the gate!"
To be honest, she wasn't that busy as she convinced herself. She had been up long before sunrise and already accomplished enough; turning over dirt for the herb garden, watering, pulling the only two weeds that snuck in and planting the sage, thyme, parsley and basil. She could do whatever she wanted later, particularly a good breakfast. She went back to the rosemary, with part of her conscience nagging. Just because she didn't trust people as easily as she did at Sofia's age, didn't mean she had to break her word.
"Or I could go off and refill the barrels from the stream," she thought. "I don't have to because I already did that, but…"
Lilah finished her task and retreated indoors to her cottage where she planned to brew her tea and have three butter scones. While she ate, the last thing on her mind was that she wasn't going to leave her space to discuss botany with a king she never heard of, no matter how sweet the princess was.
Sofia had gone home and spent the rest of her morning playing with Clover, feeling positive about Lilah coming. Clover seemed excited since he wanted her to dig a large vegetable patch. Yet by the time the sun was over the clouds and shadows growing dark, Sofia felt doubt.
Miranda had some quiet time with her outside, having some tea under the gazebo. Amber was out with friends and James was busy with his dog Rex. It was always great to have time alone with her mother, but Sofia couldn't enjoy it as much.
"So did you find the lady Mrs. Hanshaw mentioned?" asked Miranda while she poured Sofia another cup.
"I did," Sofia perked up. "Her gardens were ah-mazing! She had a little cottage with roses! You'd love it Mom!" She glanced around hoping to see her strolling up. "I asked her to visit, but I'm not sure if she will," she finally added.
"Why would you say that?" asked Miranda gently.
"I think I bothered her," admitted Sofia. "She didn't seem too happy when I showed up. I guess she wanted to be left alone. I didn't want her to make her feel pressured, but maybe I did."
"Some people like being alone, but don't take it personally Sweetie." Miranda brushed a lock of her child's hair from her cheek. "If she doesn't-Oh! Baileywick?"
Sofia smiled seeing her favorite castle steward, all sophisticated as usual with a bow.
"Your Majesty," announced Baileywick. "We have a visitor; may I present Miss Lilah."
Much to Sofia's joy, there was the lady walking past Baileywick without thanks. She was wearing a light green dress, very simple and long sleeved, but the color complemented her red hair. Speaking of which, it was in a loose ponytail tied with a dark green ribbon. This time, Sofia could see it was long, exactly waist length and the locks in layered cuts. Bits of hair frizzled around her forehead. She had on the same pair of grey gloves which had been cleaned.
"Miss Lilah," called Sofia excitedly. She hopped from her chair and rushed over. "I'm glad you're here!"
"Of course you are," said Lilah trying to give her best smile. She bowed her head to Miranda who was joining Sofia. "Your Highness?"
"Pleased to meet you Miss Lilah," said Miranda. "Sofia said you have beautiful flowers at your cottage."
"It took years of practice," chuckled Lilah making more of an effort to be polite. "I'm only here to see what you have, not critique."
"It's just that the servants have enough to do and the castle hasn't had an official gardener in years," explained Miranda and led her past the gazebo. "My husband would like to have someone keep track of it."
"And where's your husband?" asked Lilah.
"He's in a meeting, but he'll be out soon. How about we give you a tour?"
"Lead on Your Majesty."
"I could show her my secret garden if she stays," thought Sofia. She liked having that little space to herself and didn't reveal it to everyone unless they were friends. Lilah just might be one if all worked out.
She really hoped Lilah would take the job. She liked her already, mainly because her voice was fun to hear. Lilah didn't speak much while Miranda led them through all the gardens. She'd nod her head and mumbled in thought. Past the different flowers, bushes, trees and fountains, she listened intently to the queen. They were just leaving the apple orchard, when Sofia pointed to a certain wide tower overlooking.
"Mr. Cedric lives up there," she replied. "He's the Royal Sorcerer and my good friend."
"Hm…" muttered Lilah. "I'm sure he's nice."
"He even taught me magic for school," continued Sofia. "I got a gold star thanks to him and he helped up save Royal Prep from pranksters." Sofia had been silent as Lilah during the walk, but wanted her favorite sorcerer to get some attention.
Lilah didn't seem to care. She was imagining a man in his seventies who was very short, balding and missing a few teeth with the two fronts fully bucked like a rabbit's! She honestly didn't pay attention to magic since she preferred nature.
"We don't get that many weeds," said Miranda who had been enjoying the walk. "Only when there's been a long rainstorm. I remember pulling those in our old yard and how tiring it was."
"Old yard?" asked Lilah.
"Before Sofia and I moved here," explained Miranda. "We used to live in Dunwiddie before the king and I were married." She smiled fondly about that first meeting with King Roland.
"Romantic I'm sure," chuckled Lilah. "However, Your Highness, everything seems fine with your gardens. I believe your servants have done well enough."
"They do," agreed Miranda leading her out of the orchard. "It's just time for a change."
"That's why I asked you," Sofia replied. She kept her pace right with Lilah's brisk stride.
"Did you just move to Dunwiddie?"asked Miranda looking kindly at the lady.
"I travel from place to place every couple of years," Lilah answered. She wondered if she had offended Sofia by not knowing of the royal family and told her mother. "Sometimes I want a change, but I prefer life as a hermit. Does that bother you?"
"No," reassured Miranda. "Sofia told me where you live and how you seem alone out there."
"Actually I'm not alone," said Lilah. She was surprised with how more talkative she was becoming. "I have my-"
"Your Majesty!" Baileywick was coming towards them, almost out of breath. He straightened his vest. "Your Majesty, King Roland is ready to meet Miss Lilah. We'll head for the throne room."
Lilah didn't seem nervous at all as Baileywick and Miranda led her away. She did cast glances back and forth down the hallway out of interest.
"Your Majesty," announced Baileywick when the doors were opened. "Miss Lilah from Dunwiddie." He gestured a hand to her.
Something different came over the lady. Sofia couldn't put her finger on it, but it seemed as if Lilah had been trained to specifically greet kings. It wasn't just a curtsy or simple bow. Lilah did bow, though in a different fashion. She slid one foot far behind the other and one hand to her chest. She completely bent her waist and half closed her eyes.
"Miss Lilah?" Roland stood up from his throne and descended down the steps to her. "A pleasure to meet you."
"Your Highness," said Lilah solemnly still in her position. "It's an honor to meet you, the King of Enchancia." Now she stood upright, hardly a slouch.
"No need to be formal," Roland chuckled modestly. "I take that Queen Miranda has shown you around?"
"She has Sire," replied Lilah still keeping her manners firm. "Your home is beautiful and well attended. You have an excellent staff."
"We certainly do," said Roland who was pleasantly surprised by Lilah's behavior. "Now I have some questions for you, if you don't mind."
"You may ask."
"How long have you been gardening? In fact, what's something you would always suggest for the job?" Roland started leading her back down the hallway. Miranda and Sofia followed, hoping Lilah would accept.
"I like her Mom," whispered Sofia.
"I do too," chuckled Miranda taking her daughter's hand with a playful swing.
"To be honest Sire," Lilah explained. "I have been involved with nature for the past seven years I was taught by no one. I would read books about botany and I was interested. If you will, such of my success has been to trial and error. Not every flower I owned bloomed perfectly. Still, I keep a watchful eye for the bugs and animals. Also, I keep track of the good seasons and have studied how much care a certain plant needs or not. I do not just take care of my gardens to appeal the eye, but also for nature. Since for example, good flowers will attract bees to pollinate and create honey. If you did hire me and I should accept, I will not be one to fiddle around. I take it all seriously. Now if I would suggest anything, it is to keep learning. Without lessons, there is no progress for anything even if it comes to flowers."
"That's quite impressive," exclaimed Roland pausing their walk. "I didn't even mention a figure yet for your services if you accepted."
"Thank you Sire," Lilah repeated her bow, but only as a slow bob of the head and quick touch to her chest. "Yet I'm sure you would have more wise people enter these doors than me. As for pay, I would do it out of servitude. Not for money."
"Now don't be modest," said Roland. "I'd say you're wise beyond your years!"
"If I may be so bold Sire, I'm thirty-two."
"Really? I would've guessed younger."
Younger indeed. Lilah didn't look like she would've approached her thirties. Miranda actually considered her to be twenty-five! Yet wise beyond her years seemed true. Lilah spoke prim and proper which was a contrast to how she was when Sofia met her. Even with her funny accent, she sounded like she attended a high-class academy for speech.
"By the way," continued Roland. "Do you know anything about enchanted flowers?"
"Enchanted?" asked Lilah. "I apologize, but I do not. I have no involvement with any sorcery or witchcraft."
"I wanted to know because maybe Mr. Cedric would," interjected Sofia. "Sometimes he needs them for his potions."
"This Cedric can go eat bad apples if he asks me for any," thought Lilah sourly. "Maybe some with worms wriggling inside!" She cleared her throat. "No Princess Sofia," she said aloud. "I would not know the first thing. Perhaps he should consort with another gardener if that is what he desires."
"Rolly," said Miranda. "I think we're all impressed with Miss Lilah and we'd be happy to let her work here, but would she accept? I understand if you wouldn't feel comfortable about leaving your home," she added to Lilah. "So we can let you decide."
"Ah yes," said Roland. "If you're alright with it. You don't even have to be here everyday." He smiled warmly and put his arm around his wife.
"We'd love to have you," piped up Sofia. "I could even help you."
"With all due respect Princess Sofia," said Lilah. "I would not need assistance and I am sure your life is busy enough with schooling. As for the job, would you let me consider it Your Majesties? If you will, please allow me one day?"
"Of course," agreed Roland. "Oh, but we didn't discuss the pay. Everyone is-"
"With all regards Sire," interrupted Lilah. "I will accept what you feel is best…that is if I take the job. Now, if there is not anything else, I do need to go back home."
"You may," said Roland. "We'll escort you out. Why don't you come back tomorrow afternoon to give your answer?"
"That would be fair," agreed Lilah. "And I will let myself out if you please." She fully bowed again. "Thank you King Roland the II, Queen Miranda and Princess Sofia."
Then out she stepped, to the front steps and out the gate. Unaware to the family, she was feeling sick. The moment she was down the path, she dodged off into the trees and panted.
"Royalty always makes me stiff," she said to herself. "Always!" She leaned against one of the tree trunks and sunk down. "Can't believe I went there! All because that princess had to act adorable! Well, at least she's not jarg. None of them seem to be. That old Cedric sounds enough like a divvy. Probably a meff too! Sorcerer! Hah!"
Catching her breath, she trekked away. She convinced herself that she wouldn't respond to the king. That would say enough! When she arrived back home, she locked the door and dove her hands into a jar of cookies. She guessed she needed a strong drink as well. All the while, her conscience seemed to wrestle with her.
It wasn't fair for her to judge someone she hadn't even met. Neither was it to lie and never come back with an answer. She just didn't like the idea of being so proper. She could only take so much speaking to the king until she bolted. All day? Every single day? She leaned against the kitchen counter, peering out the window to the fresh herb garden. She didn't want to leave her quarters again if she could help it.
"Well," said a voice within her mind. "It may be exhausting, but you can't stay alone forever. Humans were made for companionship and pets can only cover so much. Maybe if you accept, something good will come out of it. Something you never dreamed of, but needed the whole time. Besides, don't worry about being formal. This isn't your old home. Just be yourself."
That voice. Young, always kind and never far away. It made Lilah push back her negativity like warm breeze on the first day of spring. By the time the sun lowered past the wood and colored the sky golden-red, Lilah made her decision.
Author's Note: So many unfinished fanfics and yet this one has been gnawing at me for weeks! Not to mention, I've read fanfics that have a song lyric for the introduction and wanted to try it. That song will have more meaning later on. Lilah is supposed to have a Liverpool accent, giving the British accents on the show some range. Some of the terms she says actually are Liverpool slang. Divvy: stupid person. Meff: badly dressed person. Jarg: fake. Rammed: busy. We'll get more into her character as time goes on…and meeting a certain sorcerer. ;)