My Sister's Acceptance

by GradGirl2010

One year down, so many more to come. Sofia and Lydia are fitted into their crowns and can't wait to see what their future holds. However, with the new comes a change that is hard for everyone. Boundaries are pushed, bonds are tested, and trust is a double edged sword. Secrets will come to light, and the past will catch up. Will the Royals ride the flow or be drowned by it?

1. New Year

Happy New Year

One year down, so many more to come. Sofia and Lydia are fitted into their crowns and can't wait to see what their future holds. However, with the new comes a change that is hard for everyone. Boundaries are pushed, bonds are tested, and trust is made into a double edged sword. Secrets will come to light, and the past will catch up. Will the Royal Family ride the flow or be drowned by it?

You guys have waited patiently, you've been an amazing and supportive audience, now it's time to reward you for your patience! Welcome to My Sister's Acceptance! The third installment of my Sofia the First My Sister Series. Expect drama, jealousy, adventure, and laughs! Hope you guys enjoy chapter 1.

xxx

Song:

Summer Belongs To You Parody

By:

Phineas and Ferb Cast

From:

Disney Channel's Phineas and Ferb

xxx

How many decades have passed, he wonders, since he last made this trek through this gods forsaken forest? Perpetually plagued by rain...rain...and more rain. Not a single shroud of sunlight able to pierce clouds thicker than the miasma spewed by geysers on Mistboe mountain. The magnificent trees running higher than any palace woefully beginning to bend under the ocean of moisture that has battered them for so many centuries. Their pine needles petrified like surgical sutures, impaling terrifyingly firm into the soil beneath. Poor critters meandering this forest whilst these needles fall...have fallen victim to this hazardously dealt hand of fate. The soil, so battered by neverending rain was evolving into a sinkhole that has been gradually swallowing the forest. Signs to guide other wanderers were now right at their necks. Bushes, massive boulders, tall mounds were no better than a swimmer trying to stay afloat...only to eventually succumb to the swallow of the land. The land was constantly shifting. Mudslides, avalanches of the wood happening without warning, and without fail, eliminating roads and causing many to back track. He was not such a weak spined man to let nature get the better of him.

With his ankle high rain boots he sloshed in ankle high mud, unopposed by his legs sinking right at his knee. The fine slacks he donned were protected from the filth to a point, but not from the frigid typhoon of wind that resounded like disembodied moans of lost travelers. A torrential breath ghosted the trees. Their needles ripped from their branches, flying for the travelers like darts from a weaponized blow stick. His grey eyes shimmered from behind his glasses. The needles were reduced to ash by a curved, invisible shield, added immediately to the mud beneath him. The increasingly thickening tarp draped to the figure's fineries repelled the heavy rain, and was bewitched to keep him warm. The mask covering only his mouth...didn't really serve a purpose. He just doesn't want the palm sized wasps, or any other bugs landing on his face.

The vibrations of the thunder quaked him to the bones as the thicket of forest trembled around him. Their canopies bobbing like bouys in the ocean graced by sharks. Vicious strikes of lightning split the taller trees down the middle. The bark tearing asunder at the virulent whip exploded like a confined hurricane. From afar it was another sound of Mother Nature voicing her outrage for this particular reach of her bounty. Up close it was a direct assault wanting to remove it from existence. The traveler was undeterred by the proximity of the strikes. The heavens decided to test his mettle and sent one hurtling towards him. Erecting two fingers like a blade he sliced them at the bolt. A blue-white crescent beam split the blot right down the middle. The whips exploded at the base of trees in fiery sparks doused by the water. The hood of his tarp was blown off partially, revealing his grey hairs to the rain. He quickly pulled it back up, huffing angrily at how feeble an attempt that was. He had his arm lifted. He used the tarp as a curtain, defending the icy droplets from drenching his glasses and eyes. A fog was rolling in, obscuring the trail all the more with the splash ridden haze of the rain. Again, he was not deterred. In fact, he was all the more determined. The arrival of the fog meant he was close to where he needed to be.

At a point, the forest converged in on itself, creating an impervious wall of vines and thorns that did not match the portion of forest he trekked. Using a gloved finger he pulled his mask down. His breath showed on the cold air. He gazed up the towering wall of vines interwoven in the trees and said, "I, Gehts, do return." Nothing more than a whisper, yes, but his rich accent carried in a gentle echo that was shared through the flora. Down the middle did the vines curve in, peeling apart and revealing a grey stone tunnel littered with moss. Hands folded behind his back he entered the tunnel, a smirk stretching his cheeks as the vines closed again. From the outside, it is nothing more than a wall of impassable forest. Within takes the travelers to a place that shouldn't exist within the realm of possible. Sorcery - The variable defier of what is possible and plausible. A realm where the impossible becomes otherwise.

The dirt lining the tunnel morphed into solid, course rock. The hissing patters of the torrential rain disappearing from earshot the further in he went. The splashing of water vacated his rain boots. He snapped his fingers. The rain boots came apart like ribbons, freeing the shiny loafers and bronze slacks. The tarp unraveled like twine, freeing a similar colored four button vest. He used his black gloved hands to fix the puffy sleeves of his white undershirt, and retucking his puffed white scarf back into the vest. He shined the decorative opal, bothered the elements touched it. He smoothed his grey, triangular beard and thin mustahce. He smoothed hands to his long, wavy grey hair, returning it to the ponytail.

"Much better." He sighed. "These tarps are handy, but so heavy." Proceeding further down the tunnel, a smell he was none too fond of wrinkled his nose. Cuing him to his arrival was an acrid, humidity doused decaying mulch scent that makes tears come to his eyes in nausea. "Ah yes, the sweet smell of an impending demise." Ironically, his stomach has become accustomed to this loathsome smell. It is what lies beyond that smell that will turn his stomach.

Reaching the end of the tunnel, he pinched two fingers at his head and a bowler hat appeared. the rough winds that greeted him on his exit whipped his ponytail. An aura shaped to his shoes, grounding him in place. he meandered to the edge of a cliff, a staggering drop in to jagged rocks below him. He raised his head, growling to what awaited him. Though the rain had not crossed with him, the storm remained in the form of dark grey clouds. A full moon bathed in blue pasted dead center in the sky. Lightning illuminated the storm ridden sky, casting its half second blinding flash to a vast winding, looping, interwoven valley of disturbed rock formations. Nothing alive could be seen for miles in any direction. The forest he traversed wasn't even behind him by any capacity. All that could be seen...was a ruin...and a horrifying mountain nestled in the middle of it. The blackened mountain was shere black rock that ripped itself free of the earth, the peaks so sharp they literally tear the air to tatters.

He took a long breath in, groaning loudly that he wasn't able to turn back and pretend that this horrible day wasn't about to get worse. He pulled a ticket stub from his breast pocket. Imprinted on the beige strip were gaelic letters and a crude drawing of a griffin. He blew on the ticket. A blue flame wafted in loops, snaking in a spasm to the rocky cliff edge. The blue flame erupted in a wall, the traveler oblivious to the brushes of heat teasing his skin. His sole focus was beamed on the mountain ahead. The wall shrank, its shape being repurposed into the form of an animal. From the back, the shape of wings did sprout. As if someone had blown out the flames, the blue hue disappeared and a griffon appeared. It screeched loudly in aggravation of its summoning. It turned to the man, saliva dripping from its beak venomously. It's beady eyes boring holes in him in rage. The second the man locked his glare to it, the griffin became pertfied and shrank submissively. It whimpered in plight to not be hurt. The man moseyed to the griffin, getting onto its back. He kicked it in its sides. The griffin screeched again, taking off in a near perfect 90 degree angle. The griffin pushed its wings, darting head first into a charge, heading for the forlorn mountain ahead. It's massive wings beat on the air, riding the constantly shifting currants. The man clutched to the scruff, leaning himself forward to beat the resistance of the high powered winds. He was still not disturbed by nature's tantrum, nor was her frightened riding bareback on a winged beast. Nothing in this world terrifies him more...than what lied within the mountain. Where is it he could be going to elicit such a fear, many would question. The answer is a simple one only to those who practice magic, or dabble in similar craft. The Sanctum of Sorcery.

The Sanctum of Sorcery is a fortress of a fortress carved and built within the vast mountainous region of the Taboo Mounds. A sister region to the infamous Forbidden Mountain, Maleficent's home and final resting place. The heavens constantly weep in aggravation of these horrendous, sky grazing peaks. Precisely why a storm always ravages the land, and the prison in which the worst offenders are kept. In order to prevent Mother Nature from decimating the sanctum, a powerful enchantment said to only be known by the five members of the Tribunal is cast. From the bewitched entrance to throw off the wandering traveler, to the horizon bathed in dense fog, a dome prevents the storm cursed upon this land from showering upon it. Only the clouds and the rumbling thunder are present. The dome also serves to obscure the Sanctum from those who pass by in the air or an ground. No one would ever know there is a barrier there. The only way to get past it is through the entrance. Not an easy feat without being permitted. It repels all uninvited guests. Still, it is unclear why this Mountain is forever cursed with such gloomy weather. Not even the Tribunal themselves know what brought about this barbaric tundra. It does serve to convince the unworthy and unwilling to turn back. Even if they make it past the entrance, none can reach the Sanctum without aid of a winged beast. Travel by winged beasts or horses is the safest, and most primary, of means of reaching the Sanctum. Ironically.

The griffin changed its trajectory, ascending highers as the ragged peaks drew nearer. Typically, animals cannot sweat due to lack of glands, but this griffin was creating a rainstorm of sweat as he was coerced to go closer to the mountain. Its rider refused to let the griffin acquiesce to its plight to flee. He dug in his heels, tugged dangerously at the scruff, and thrust his weight to the griffin to keep it going forward. He wanted to run himself, precisely why he won't fault the griffin. In the back of his mind he pleaded with himself, "Turn back now, you fool! There is nothing they can do while inside the dome." His time to turn back had come to a close the moment the griffon passed one of the peaks, and from there he was overcome by misery.

From the air, still able to make Ubos's stomach breed pits of anxiety, was the true face of the mountain. You see, the Sanctum is, by every meaning of the phrase, a man made - sorcery fortified - sanctuary located in the center of the massive mountain. No more different than a giant bowl from which there is no escape. Save for flight. Around the ridge of this so called bowl was a walkway not unlike the Great Wall's. Handfuls of sentires every quarter mile. Their heads may be down and hidden by their navy hoods, but they remained vigilant of those who would trespass, and were aware of their visitor above. Safeguarding the Sanctum within is their sole obligation.

What many do not know, what history will refuse at every turn to be permitted for public knowledge, is that the hollowed mountain is a crater. It hangs open like a rotting wound, never healing and never waning. A seemingly bottomless crater that never fills, crumbles, or is shaken by natural causes.

The man guided the griffon in a long, winding spiral inside the mountain, heading for the auspicious temple awaiting him. The deeper inside her went, the harder it became for him to breathe. Pressure was mounting on him like an assault, making his weary heart pound in order to keep him conscious. He groaned sickly, lying to the griffin in a daze. His head felt lighter than a balloon. Weakness struck him, bringing him to the brink of toppling from the brid. But he held on. He had to. He rasped with labored breath, keeping it slow in order to preserve the oxygen being strangled from him. he was too starved for breath to care about the flickers of light coming from the arched holes in the walls. Hives to obscure the Tribunal's soldiers, and bring some semblance of light into this dank, stark hole.

Relief was his when the griffin landed to a platform. He dismounted, having to hug himself to the griffin to prevent himself from falling. He pet the griffin in thanks for his help. He awarded the magnificent beast with a rodent. Do not ask where he was keeping it or where he got it. He won't tell. The griffon howled, then regressed back into the flame that gave it life. The man stood to the platform, gazing up and sighing at the temple awaiting him. From there it is a trek up wide, steep steps suspended to the still plummeting bayss to an archway illuminated by goblet torches wielded by gargoyle protectors. Do not let their common place, if not intimidating, position fool you. The moment a threat is perceived is when they shed their stone skin. The teeth sticking out from their underbite can bite through elephants.

He crossed into the threshold, heading for the towering doorway. It was impossible to see any further than a few feet inside the halls, only adding the ominous aura. "HOLD!" twin ogre guards bellowed with a cross of their clubs, prompting the man to stop a good ways from the door. Again, he wasn't bothered, nor fearful of them. He didn't look them in the eyes, just stared angrily to the dark corridor. "Who approaches these hallowed halls?" The ogre asked in sync.

"It is I," The man matched their borish bellowing with his own, "The Grand Sorcerer Ghetts the Gracious of Galdeez!"

The ogres remained silent as a glow consumed their eyes. The ogres' eyes returned to normal, their clubs were retracted, and they stepped sideways. "Proceed!" They gestured inside. Ghetts nodded in scathing thanks, pressing his way inside.

Ghetts exhaled tediously, his shoulders sinking miserably. "I just want this to be over." He groaned. Just a quick jaunt inside, a chat, and then he can leave. Maybe even return to...to… ...tears almost came to his eyes when he touched warm hands to a lovingly gifted medal hiding in his breast pocket. "Please...permit me back to her."

"UBOS! HOW WONDERFUL TO SEE YOU AGAIN!" For the first time since arriving to the mountain...Ghetts now known to be Ubos, was terrified right out of his skin. He ripped his hand from his pocket, whipped around with wide eyes. Then a disdainful glare wrinkled his face, a shine of pure malice reflected on his glasses. The baritone chuckle was enough to make him lose his composure. "Oh, where is my head." Black slippers visible from flaxen colored puffy pants barely made a sound strutting forth. "We are shied from the public eye now, aren't we." The cape of a offset flax long, buttoned down the waist coat flapped in what little breeze there was. The two rows of buttons shimmered with the bumblebee colored lining. "There is no need for your pseudonym here." A pale aged man stopped a good five feet from him. The smug smirk that drank up Ubos's abhorrence was widening. Made all the more irritating by his green grey bowl head cut of hair. The man swept a bell sleeve hand, bowing so low it was making Ubos's back hurt. "Allow me to welcome you back to your home, Grandmaster Ghetts. FORMER lead seat of the Tribunal."

Ubos - Ghetts - refused to grant this man the satisfaction of reacting to the blatant stab at his removal. He is not here for petty insults, or by his own will for that matter. Therefore, he refuses to stand on ceremony or grant this pathetic parasite too long of his time.

"Councilman Hirsch…" Yes. This man is Councilman Nigel Hirsch. Second in command to the Lead Seat - the Magistrate of the Tribunal - Lexi Lunara, master of combative and distortion arts, and the Uncle of the imprisoned Lezard Hirsch. "You and I need to have an extensive talk." Ubos demanded curtly of the man, folding his hands behind his back so he wouldn't be tempted to strike him.

"About what?" He feigned ignorance with a croon, tilting his head.

"About the witch hunt you authorized on my student!"

xxx

"AH!" Lydia fell out of her work desk chair in the second wing of her room. The loud THUD scared the living daylights out of Whatnaught who was sleeping soundly on her couch. He went stiff as a board, landing on his head. "Oh, Watnaught! I'm so sorry!" She rushed to him, cradlign him in her arms. He chittered at her angrily, wanting to know why she scared him! Prank day isn't for a few months and its way past Hallow's Eve. "Sorry about that, Little Buddy. I just had a bit of a scare, that's all." More than a scare. She could have sworn she just heard Ubos scream about something. But that's impossible since he left for the Sanctum just after Wassalia a week ago.

Wow, it's only been a week. She thought it was longer. I hope he's alright. Some time during the this past year, Ubos was given an order to return to the mountain by the Tribunal stating he was going to...be transferred to another student. An investigation has been opened on Lydia due to her displaying a flagrant lack of discipline with her powers. To make it more realistic and to stress the bias felt by the Tribunal, that meant because Lydia is a Skipped Inheritor who has a record of three times she's nearly killed people that Ubos was too incompetent to keep her under control. Skipped Inheritors, also known as Generation Arcanists, are magic users - witches, sorcerers, alchemists and the like - who inherited the dormant powers of their parents. One or both. When the magic of a parent or parents does not awaken, that power passes into the child. That magic then merges with their own doubling, tripling, even quadrupling their powers beyond immeasurable lengths. Their powers are ranked just beneath that of a god. Their powers devastating in their execution, but a true work of nature in the craft. Peace and chaos walk hand in hand with Inheritors, and will do their bidding at the flick of a finger. That being said, fear born of ignorance of rumors of Inheritors is widely known and not often shadowed. Rather than learn of Inheritors, people would rather keep them away or have them destroyed. Precisely what the Tribunal is seeking here. With her past incidents with her powers flaring out of control, the Tribunal felt UBos was ineffective as Lydia's teacher...and that she is too dangerous to be allowed to roam free. Exactly what they hope to prove with their investigation.

Whatnaught pursed his bucked teeth wondering if her scare had anything to do with that fact that she was still in her pajamas. "I know, I know, I should be getting ready." She rolled her head irately, setting him back onto her couch. "Everyone's here for the countdown, after all." She went to reach for her wand to get ready, only to have her fingers stiffen at the feel of air. Her wand wasn't there. Nor would it ever be. "Oh...right...I keep forgetting." She mumbled somberly.

On the night of her crowning, which was also her 18th birthday, Boswell attacked her, her family, and guests. He was empowered by an Ix Box - a crafted chunk bred from the famed Crystal of Ix - gifted to him by Lezard. The box let him absorb all the magic within his reach, and he reached a level on par with Inheritors. He petrified the guards, the knights, the pets, and others to limit who could get in his way. He stole the magic of nearly everyone, bringing their bodies to the brink of ruin and shattering like glass. Ubos among them. He took his onslaught too far...almost killing Sofia and Miranda...which is what made Lydia lose control. But that is another story for another time.

To get back on track, Lydia's wand ended up getting destroyed and she's been without it ever since. She often forgets its gone after she's reached for it out of habit. A weight would press to her heart. She'd open and close her fingers, sad that another piece of her had been lost. That was her first wand when she was at Hexley. It's not her only one, of course. Every sorcerer worth their salt has spares. But that one was special. The memories engraved in that wand are ones she never wanted to lose. The spells she messed up, the explosions she's caused, the duels she's won, enchantments she's mastered, and the all around abuse leading to her becoming Crowned Sorceress of Enchancia were all in that wand. And now its gone. Just like Ubos.

"Guess I have to get dressed the old fashioned way." She shrugged. Nothing says she has to use magic for everything. To be honest, she hates using magic for everyday things. It just saves her time when she's behind. "Go meet up with the others. I'll be down later." Whatnaught saluted and left her room through one of the hidey holes in the wall.

Lydia rode the railing down, skipping over to her closet. She slipped on the high V neck black silken unitard first, reveling in how soft it was to her skin. It's really flexible and breathes nicely, perfect seeing as how she tends to get caught on in messes that demand her to be flexible. Her laced up knee high brown boots, and the middle finger slip of the gloving helped it stay neatly in place. She whisked her ruby red dress robe on, fussing to ensure the off shoulder collar didn't go as low as her paranoia thought. The brown at the collar popped nicely with the black. She fastening the loops at her torso right to where they ended at the waist, tugging the mid way parted skirt straight. The brown studded belt was secured to her waist, letting the skirt pop out. She finished up accessorizing with the choker, a normal earring to match her Thornberry earring, and polished the Chakra Crest on her forehead. Usually there would be special lines that come from the crest. Instead Lydia took a simple reddish-brown elven tiara band with split wires that had a dip that fit perfectly underneath the chakra, and had a framing connecting at the tips. She isn't really accustomed to tiaras. It kind of bugged her. But she can wear one every now and then. Especially since it still kind of unnerved some people that a rock is imbedded in her forehead. Oh yeah! She couldn't forget the Fantasia brooch! It needs to sit right...there center stage on her chest. She can never let that out of her sight.

She was ready. She looked the part. Now she just needs...to work up the nerve to head down. Tonight isn't just any random night. This was New Year's Eve. The night before they ring in the New Year and make promises of a better future for themselves. For Lydia, though, this will be a New Year not like any of the others. Not even close.

xxx

(Brief Lydia POV)

As I sit in my window sill, eyes locked to the full moon on this winter's night, I am able to look up at the stars and see the past YEAR transpire as it has. Not really a year-year till my mom and dad's anniversary. But just...being able to hale in the New Year with my family type of year. And, in all honesty, it has me worn out, yet bustling with relief. Me, my sister, my mother - just one year here in the castle, beginning our new lives, and so much has happened that would make others believe we've been here for ten. Goblins, witches, evil sorcerers, holidays, parties, drama, talking books, battling birds, best friends coming back into my life, Knights, jerk-forsaken-kiss you on the forehead knights, and so much more. Not to mention...my magic flaring out of control not once, but twice, in one year...and my new family being there to help me through it. And I survived it all.

I thought being an Inheritor was a task in of itself. Becoming a Princess was no walk in any sort of park. My gosh were my preconceptions of royal life wrong. They are free and trapped at the same time. While the royals may rule the land, it is not without conditions. They cannot do as they please on a whim, but there is very little anyone can do to stop them when they have their minds set on something. Public opinion is the leading factor in the morale and health of a country, while at the same time Royals cannot be bothered by every single opinion. A catch 22 that multiples ten fold each time. The duties and pressures and responsibilities that come with the crown are nothing small. Mountains would cave if they had to shoulder this burden.

Let me tell you, though, regardless if I knew their state of affairs, becoming royalty was nowhere on my bucket list. Becoming a royal sorcerer of the ages - now that is an aspiration of mine. It still is. Dad...Huh...ha-ha. Funny. It's still weird to call him that. Funny...in a really good, makes my heart flutter sort of way, funny. Anyway, I'm getting off track. Dad may have named me as Crowned Sorceress of Enchancia, but that doesn't make me a Royal Sorceress. Unfortunately. One day...one day. It's conveying to Enchancia that their new Crowned Princess is also a Sorcerer, and that I will be allowed to rule as one. That is...if anything happens to Mom and Dad. See, I recently learned that Enchancia's throne goes to the first born son, so James will become King of my home, while I have to get married and live with some other schmuck in some other land. Can't say I'm looking forward to it. BACK TO THE TOPIC AT HAND! I have a long way to go before I'm remotely close to my goal. Even if I do get married to some Prince or swaggering peacock from across the borders, I won't stop in my pursuit to become the first Inheritor Royal Sorceress. I will do it. And I know my family - old and new - will be there with me when it happens.

Speaking of my family, if it weren't for them...I don't think you'd be seeing this new, confident, self adulation side of me. Remember, I went through a trying time of self loathing, isolation, and doubts of my person. Closing myself off so much, bottling up my feelings for so long, that I caused Dia to be born and explode onto the new friends I had made. This was started because my biological father Birk Balthazar abandoned my mother, sister, and me because...he hated me. Still does. It broke me. And from there...I didn't want to let anyone else in. Not even Dad, Amber, James, Baileywick, Miles, or Cedric. ESPECIALLY NOT CEDRIC!

To think when I first got here, I kind of kept Dad, Amber, and James at arm's length. Baileywick and Miles I just played by ear. They didn't really jump out at me at first. Cedric...you all know that story and I will not go back down it. My heart can't take that much romance. But, to make this short...I didn't trust them. Calling them my dad, brother, or sister was not an option. Seeing anyone in the castle as a friend...or boyfriend...was not anywhere close to being my priority. But it happened. Looking back, I see what an idiot I am. I can search for the next thousand years...and I'll never find anyone as lucky as I am to have gotten these three. With them came Baileywick, Miles, Alauna, Gwen...Ubos...Cedric. And with them came many more friends. I reconnected with friends from the past. I helped a young witch be proud of who she is! My teacher, who disguised himself as a book, had his trust in others reinvigorated.

The blessings and changes that have come from this years are only the blueprints for the grand architectural marvel that awaits. This new year approaching will be jam packed with more adventures, more friends and enemies waiting to be met. Let's be real. Not everyone is going to want to be friends with us. Whatever form it comes in, my family, friends, and I will face it head on. Eezeyal is always ready to scrap.

Eezeyal...my one true partner in crime. I don't think I can ever thank him enough for being there for me when I need him. I saved his life ONCE and he's put his life on the line for me so many times...I feel as if he should be the sorcerer and I his avian companion. I thank my stars every single day that I have him. I don't think I could have survived without him.

I know I haven't covered everything I've done, everyone I've met and reunited with, or mentioned everywhere I've been. But cut me some slack. It was a lot. The most iconic of them all was...was...recalls kiss with Cedric. Yeah...red in the face much? That just gives you something to look forward to. What? You don't think my first year wearing this crown was going to be the highlight, do you? NUH-UH! There is much more that will come to pass this New Year. And I'm going to cover it all.

If there's anything I've learned this year, its that: No matter what comes my way, I'll be stronger than I was yesterday in order to face it. And I'll never be alone when I'm struggling.

Now, enough ruminating. The time to ring in the New Year is just minutes away. TIME TO PARTY.

(POV End)

xxx

"There you are, Liddy!" Lydia's dutiful friend, and dessert owl companion, Eezeyal ambushed her the moment she came out of her room. Around his neck was the medal she made him for Wassalia. He wore it nicely. "You ready to party?"

"You know it." She bumped a fist with his little foot. They moseyed along for the ballroom, rounding a corner where her family was strolling up from.

"There you are!" Sofia blurted, rushing to her and hugging her legs.

"It's almost time for the count down!" Amber scolded her, pulling her by her hands.

"Easy, you'll make your tiara crooked." Lydia teased her, fixing her tiara. Then she snuck a kiss to her forehead. "Don't worry, I'm not missing this for the world."

"You better not!" James warned her playfully. "Dad and I already called on the pudding, and found it in our hearts to leave you some." Roland hummed hungrily, licking his lips in anticipation of the jiggly-wiggly pudding.

"You better save me some!" Lydia boomed. She will have their heads if that pudding it gone.

"Now that we're all here," Miranda pried them apart with a giggle, "Let's go be with everyone."

"Yes, lets, before the New Year chimes in without us!" Roland led her by an arm. Lydia and Amber walked arm in arm, and Sofia and James too.

xxx

The ballroom was filled to the brim with friends and family. An exaggeration. Most of the friends the Royal Family made and had were celebrating New Years with their friends and family. Not to worry. The room was already packed with those near and dear to their hearts. Cedric's family dropped everything to be at the palace tonight. Cordelia and Callista included. Baileywick managed to wrangle Nigel from a fishing trip. Tilly scooped up Mrs. Henshaw, Jade, and Ruby on her way over. Literally scooped them up. She was flying with her umbrella and pulled out a giant scooper that abducted them. Lucinda twisted her mom's arm to come. Adelea and Chris weren't going to miss this for the world. Wormwood reluctantly placed himself with the other critters of the castle to partake in the buffet they absconded with. Clover had already eaten half of it in a rigged contest against Whatnaught. Eezeyal stole some aside for Mia and Robin. It was amazing that bunny doesn't burst. Chef Andre, Alauna, Gwen, Miles, the Knights, the guards, and the servants themselves were all in attendance as both guests and hands. Standing room only with family and companions. And all of them were anxious to begin counting down.

11:50pm on the 31st of December - nearly there. This year...woof. What an arduous ride just jam packed with high velocity, tumultuous ups, downs, and curves that would peel the flesh from a lesser man's bones. The patience and determination absolutely required to make it this far was not so easily maintained. A handful gave up on ever seeing a New Year arrive, or expecting it to be any better than the previous one. Just a restart on the year, and just another day to wake up and hope your house doesn't burn down. Yeah, that guy can go sit in a pickle barrel somewhere and be alone while the rest of them look to the ticking hands with eager anticipation. The majority were ecstatic to see this year come to a dramatic and flamboyant close and could hardly contain themselves for the new year approaching. The adventures that came hurtling liek bolts from the blue, those who were once enemies are now the best of friends, fears and adversities were conquered, uncertainties bred newfound confidence, and the best of all was that by the end of the day loved ones were able to reconvene and be in each other's embrace. Nothing tore them apart for long this year. Though it did try. Adamantly did the forces that be try to tear a wedge between them. And every time that force was soundly defeated and the bonds grew ever stronger. It was time to begin that journey once more. And this time it will be faced head on. No more running. Time to come to terms and have fun with it. This New Year will be the time to really make their mark and show everyone that the people they were last year created someone new.

Oh yeah! You're probably wondering who these cryptic pronouns are. Them, they - three guesses! That's right! I'm talking about the Royal Family of Enchancia and all of their friends. King Roland and Cobbler Miranda getting married, Sofia getting used to her new brother and sister and Royal School, James and Amber coming to grips with the fact that they need to cop to their mistakes, Lydia finally dropping her guard and defeating her inner demons...and falling in love with the Royal Sorcerer. So much more happened, but there is too much to write about. Just know that they will walk hand in hand into the New Year stronger, wiser, and more confident. After all, the same force throwing all of these challenges their way was the same one that allowed Miranda and Roland to meet and have their happily ever after. Time to make their marriage one that will last throughout the ages, and let it be etched into the history pages. They've faced the worst their land and those beyond had to offer in order to remain a family for a year, they're ready to do it again. Adelea, Gwen, and Alauna never knew what to expect with this crazy family, but they aren't surprised by the plethora of insanity. And they can't wait for more of it. Cedric, Miles, and Baileywick have been in Roland's service for a grand junction of their lives, and never have they've been privileged to this sort of escapade. It aged them a decade or so. Who knew three women could bring so much trouble and excitement to their lives? What awaits them as they continue their support of the Royal Family? Only time will tell.

What sort of surprises await Enchancia? What accomplishments will the Royals, common folk, and those in between meet? What challenges will they face? Will they make new friends or new enemies? Both would be exciting! All they know for sure is this: It is going to be one wild ride! Time to ring in the New Year!

"IT'S ALMOST TIME!" Jade, Ruby, and Lucinda cheered at the top of their lungs, clashing their goblets of juice together. The entire ballroom quaked. Pops in the window panes had the butlers nervous. Five more minutes and the confetti and balloons cleverly trapped at the ceiling by a tarp would be let loose. The servants were anxious to pull those cords. Tilly, Mrs. Henshaw, and Marla laughed at the girls. To be that young and full of energy again.

"EVERYONE, HURRY!" Roland wasn't able to contain his inner child herding everyone to the massive grandfather clock in the middle of the ballroom. He dragged poor Miranda - who was laughing at him - on over. It was brought down from the attic only at New Year's to sound the nell of their fresh start.

It was down the last minute. The anticipation was killing them. Lydia rushed over with Amber and Sofia holding her hands, and James riding on her back. All of them had eclairs stuffed into their mouths. Adelea conjured ice skate blades to hers and Chris's shoes and they glided on over, mesmerizing all with the glistening stream of crystal ice and snow. Alauna and Gwen had their souls scared out of them when Lucinda and Marla scooped them up on their brooms. Tilly, Mrs. Henshaw, Jade, and Ruby double fisted the punch, joining everyone in the spanning circle. Miles, Baileywick, the Knights, and Guards were sitting on tables, standing on the scaling ladders, and climbed on one another's shoulders to see the impressive clock. Cedric meandered over with his parents, Sister, and Niece. He unintentionally found Lydia. The two blushed and smiled sheepishly. Something that didn't go unnoticed by the parents at all.

"Here we go!" Miranda giddily squealed, squeezing Roland's arm on the final 11 seconds. "10…"

"9…" Roland snuggled close to her, shaking feverishly.

"8…" Tilly, Mrs. Henshaw, and Marla furrowed their brows with mischievous smirks.

"7..." Miles, Baileywick, and Cedric chimed with big, goofy grins.

"6..." James and Amber's small hands crushed the life out of their goblets.

"5..." Callista, Jade, Ruby, and Lucinda squeaked, their heads about to explode.

"4..." Winifred and Cordelia huddled into Goodwin's arms.

"3..." Adelea had Chris climbing on her shoulders.

"2..." Sofia and Lydia were hugging each other tightly.

"1…!" The Knights, Guards, and Servants roared, raising amply shaken bottles of Champagne

GONG...GONG...GONG...GONG - IT'S FINALLY HERE! The entire room jumped, raised one another on their shoulders, and screamed as loud as they could, "HHAAPPYY...NEEEW...YYEEAARRR!" Champagne bottles popped and were drizzled onto everyone. Bottles and multiple facets of fragile appliances were thrown. Thankfully there were a number of wand wavers in the room and they turned to confetti on their shattering and reconfigured into their original states. Safely away from the brouhaha. The castle leapt miles off from its foundation, rolling and booming with howling cheers ringing in the New Year. The balloons and confetti came raining down with a pull of the ropes. The cheers were so loud the windows and doors all blew open, and half the decorations went onto the lawn. Husbands and wives kissed, siblings hugged, friends joined arm in arm and did the can-can - everyone just poured their hearts out screaming that they survived yet another year in their lives.

"WE DID IIIIITTTT…!" Miranda, Mrs. Henshaw, Tilly, and Winifred hooted, hooting loudly with goblets overflowing with champagne. Party hats were smashed to their heads, noise makers were blown and popped.

"YYEEEAAAHHH!" Adelea, Alauna, Gwen, and Lydia picked up a younger sibling, supporting them on their shoulders. James and Chris got Adelea and Alauna to bump heads while trying to soak each other in juice. Sofia, and Amber had Gwen and Lydia doing the two step with a cake war waging.

"DESSERT CANNON, FIRE!" Chef Andre bellowed, and he let the cannon rip. The Knights and Guards caught the desserts in their mouths like dogs. Wormwood, Eezeyal, Clover, Mia, Robin, Watnaught, Rex, and Serena swooped up those desserts and began chowing down. In the spirit of the New Year….Wormwood and Eezeyal exchanged a cupcake and donut with one another. Doesn't kill them to be nice to each other for one night.

"Cheers, Gents!" Miles raised a glass with Cedric and Baileywick, enjoying the camaraderie. Nigel snuck up behind Baileywick and smashed ice cream to his nose. Jade, Ruby, Lucinda, and Callista danced in a circle, throwing rice at each other. Marla and Cordelia...it was an awkward clink of their champagne with their backs to one another. No need to make friends, just be pleasant. Winifred and Goodwin were delighting the servants with a glider spell on their shoes, letting them skate about in merriment.

Roland threw out his decorum and climbed onto one of the tables. "ALRIGHT, LADS AND LASSES!" His booming call echoed throughout the ballroom, getting the rowdy crowd to turn to him with goofy grins! "THE WAIT IS OVER! LET'S PARTY!"

Fists were thrown into the air with a hearty, "HURRAH!" The band kicked up, and the harolding of the New Year commenced.

"It's been a long, long year," Roland strutted like a suave swimmer with his drink in hand, "And there were moments when I doubted…" He stopped and paused to show his worries.

Miranda glided a hand to his one shoulder, gracefully slipping to his other side, "That we'd ever reach the point where we could laugh and sing about it." She snuggled her cheek to his shoulder. A warm smile was on his lips.

"Now the sun is set on this," Lydia hooked to the shoulders, jumping between them, "Another extraordinary day!" She squeezed them close.

"And when it comes around again," James, Amber, and Sofia came dancing in a ring around, "You know I'll say…" They spread apart before their parents and big sister, raising their hands and voices. The band kicked up the tempo and all started to join in the song. Lucinda, Chris, and Ruby beat on the drums, backs pressing together in their smooth transition.

Lydia and Adelea, sitting on table, had Gwen and Alauna hooked by the waist. "Tell me what'cha wanna do today…" They bounced to the music, arms around shoulders and hips with the biggest goofy grins on their faces. "All we need is a place to start!" Chef Andre, Miles, and Harold came sliding in by the ladies arms to shoulders, "If we have heart, we'll make it!" The girls giggled at them, dragging the boys in and singing along, "'Cause we're not messing around!"

A large group of maids came out of nowhere to the group, "We're not messing around," Power sliding into dips by the butlers like smooth cats.

"Yes we can dream it!" Tilly and Mrs. Henshaw clapped their hands together, doves came flying from behind them.

"Do it!" Miles and the guards raised their swords and goblets.

"Build it!" Cedric, Chef Andre Nigel, and Baileywick stood shoulder to shoulder with quills and paper in hand, the gifts stacked behind them.

"Make it!" Adelea, Winifred, Goodwin, and Chris crossed wand and sword, creating an arch to the massive chocolate fountain.

James jumped onto Lydia's back, "I know we can really take it..." Amber and Sofia grabbed her hands and were propelled around.

"To the limit!" Marla and Cordelia levitated the knights like they were in hammocks, clanging their large goblets of frothy drinks.

"Before the sun goes down…!" Roland waltzed with Miranda into a group of their friends, lowering her into a dip. She pulled him into a deep kiss.

Yes, the castle was abuzz with merriment and brotherhood. The energy erupting from their howls reining in the New Year had the entire castle hopping. Literally. People could see the place bouncing, spinning, and bobbing from miles away.

Tilly jumped up onto the table with a tambourine."As soon as you wake up you gotta make your move…" She twisted and wiggled her hips, slapping the tambourine in tune to the drums. The crowd clapped to the beat, matching her dance.

Mrs. Henshaw jumped onto the table across from her. "Don't miss the beat, just get into the groove!" She mimicked Tilly's moves, throwing in her own kicks and skips for added flare.

The servants joined in on either side of the women and threw themselves in the dance. "The sun is shining," The groups came in at the center, a dance off to hale in the New Year, "There's a lot that you can do!"

"A lot that you can do~..." The maids harmonized.

"There's a world of possibilities outside your door," Cedric, Goodwin, Cordelia, Callista, and Winifred twirled their wands, snapped the tips at a point. Glittering lights erupted to the ceiling, spreading along the decorations.

"Why settle for a little?" Jade, Ruby, and Lucinda blurted merrily.

"You can get much more!" Miles balanced the girls in his arms and on his shoulders, singing with the Knights and Guards.

"Don't need an invitation, every day is new~...~" Baileywick sang with his big brother Nigel, teasingly being handed a card.

"Yes, it's true…" Sir Maxwell sprouted from nowhere, dramatically throwing himself into the tune. Sir Bartleby was about to unleash a solo of amazing proportions...no he wasn't! He threw the spotlight to the kids.

Adelea, Chris, Lydia, and Sofia flung into cartwheels, evolving into full blown handsprings, and flipped into the air and landed on the table. At the top of their lungs they sang, "THE NEW YEAR BELONGS TO YOU!" Adelea and lydia raised and bashed their mugs of highly potent drinks, dousing their sibs and getting a fit of laughs!

"The New Year belongs to you!" The knights came riding in on hexed pinatas by a winking Lucinda., bursting open bottles of shaken champagne, soaking everyone in their path head to toe. Miles and Finnegan had their mouths wide open for it.

"The New Year belongs to you~~...!" Amber and James sang, cupping each other's hands together, shimmying in a dance.

Miranda and Roland materialized, hoisting the twins into the arms. "The New Year belongs to you!" The twins were smothered in hugs between them.

Sofia on a table for height, and Lydia standing across from her, sang into spoons as a duel, "New Years belong to ev-ery-one," They shook their hips, bobbed their shoulders, and shimmied, "So have-some-fun!"

Adelea and Gwen joined either girl, turning the dual into a tag team,"There's nothing better to do!"

Winifred, Cordelia, Tilly, and Mrs. Henshaw broke into a can-can on the long dining table, "THE NEW YEAR BELONGS TO YOU~..." The chugged down their goblets, falling just as servants slid vats of whipped topping underneath them.

The trumpets, they played their melody so loud the audience couldn't help but succumb to their urge to dance the night away. The laughter at Tilly and her friends wasn't remotely drowned out. Especially when tilly pulled triple decker msores from inside. Must have had her bag on her.

But the tone did come down as Lydia took to center stage with her family and friends. "Alright, I'm taking a verse."

"Be my guest!" Roland bowed with a sweep of his hand.

"I've gone my entire life hiding from myself," She pulled up her hood, a shadow of Dia standing back to back with her, "Being ashamed!" She crouched low, wrapping her arms tightly to herself. Amber and James pat her on the back as a sorry. Lydia startled them shooting onto her feet, snaring them into a snug hug. "But you helped me get my courage back!" The shadow whirled around, wrapping an arm to her shoulder, "So now I've got to say!" She squeezed her beloved twins, then sent them spinning into Roland's arm. He picked them up, with his amazing strength, and laughed at how dizzy they were."At first I was resistant, only wanting Sofia and my mother." She snuggled Sofia to her hip, and kissed her mom on the cheek. She smiled warmly to Roland and the twins, skipping over to them. "Today I can't imagine having a better sis, bro, or father!" The trio blushed honored, tears coming to their eyes."And you've gotta believe in something…" Lydia led Sofia and Miranda in a march around the three. "So this last year I believed in you!" Lydia had the spotlight on her family. "And you came through! We made it!" She threw her hand up, loving the hour still chiming on the New Year. "I'VE NEVER BEEN SO FREE!" Hands to her heart she floated off the ground, spinning ardently with tears in her eyes.

"Never been so free!" Miranda, Roland, and the kids hummed. Dia's shadow smiled at peace, turning on her heels and leaving.

Lydia drifted over to the next three people that helped make this possible. "Baileywick, it all seemed so implausible." She shook his hand. "Cedric, we accomplished the impossible." She hugged him and he snuck a kiss to her cheek. With a sheepish blush she moved to Miles, "Now, Miles, there's something that I've gotta say out loud…" He twirled her by the hand. Chris, James, Lucidna, and Callista pounded their little hands on the drums. Jade, Ruby, and Sofia blew on the trumpets. "Time is what you make of it, so take a chance…" Lydia chimed in the middle of a crowd.

"That's it!" Tilly cheered.

"Life is full of music, so you ought to dance." She let Roland lead her in a small waltz, loving the spin he put her through. The feel of her newly elongated hair whipping about was amazing.

"She's got it!" Mrs. Henshaw applauded.

"The world's a stage," Amber popped up in the middle of their waltz to be on that stage, "And it is time for our DEBU~U~UT~" Amber harmonized with her on the last word, being scooped up into Lydia's arms to be smothered in a hug.

"By Jove, I think she's got it!" Winifred and Goodwin shouted.

"I won't waste a minute living in fear." She promised with a hand to Miranda and Sofia's shoulder. They touched her hand, believing in her completely. "I'm gonna wake up each day and scream," Adelea wrapped an arm around and shouted with her, "I AM HERE!" The crowd threw their hands up and cheered loudly. "I can see forever," She twirled and extended a hand to the full moon just outside the ballroom window, "So my dreams are all in view…" Her sapphire eyes sparkled to the starry night, her fingers tracing the moon.

"Yes it's true…" Adelea, Sofia, Amber, Miranda, and Tilly came close to her, proud to hear she's lifting weight from her shoulders.

James, Lucinda, Chris, Jade, and Ruby climbed onto the tables, then climbed onto the shoulders of the knights. "THE NEW YEAR BELONGS TO YOU!" They exploded mini cannons packed with confetti.

"The New Year belongs to you!" Cedric and his family tapped their wands at the floor. Gravity's bond were removed from everyone and everything, letting them drift gently into the air.

"The New Year belongs to you!" Miles, Baileywick, Nigel, and Tilly performed a four way riverdance. The kids zipped and flew about, spinning and swirling merrily. Nothing stopping them from gliding along the ceiling.

"The New Year belongs to you!" The knights came up behind them sliding on their knees, breakdancing in the background.

Marla had Miranda and Mrs. Henshaw on her broom, cruising along and dropping pieces of cake to people's faces. "New Years belong to e-very-one!"

Winifred, Goodwin, and Chef Andre smashed pies in their faces. "So have some fun!" The ladies were knocked off, landing in floating nets stretched by the servants.

"THERE'S NOTHING BETTER TO DO!" Lydia, Adelea, Amber, and Chris cartwheeled through the air.

"THE NEW YEAR BELONGS TO YOU!" Maids and butlers touched cheeks, shouting at the top of their lungs.

"The new year belongs to you!" Lucinda and Marla hexed the furniture floating about, transforming them into slides, loop de loops, hoola hoops, and pools of fudge, ice cream, and the like.

"The New Year belongs to you!" Cedric and his family returned the gravity. Adelea and Lydia gave everyone a little glide to their slide with a sweep of their hands.

"The new year belongs to you!" People cheered being sent launched off the slides, flying through the hoops and loops to bean bag chairs, trampolines, and the dessert pools.

"New years belongs to boys," James and Chris pumped fists from a net they landed in, "And girls," Came Jade and Ruby from a cheesecake pool, "All around the world!" The guards and knights droned dazedly, tangled in the decorations.

"We wouldn't say…" Lydia was thrown for a loop on her slide, knocked off course by Sofia, crash landing onto Cedric on a giant marshmallow, "It if it wasn't true." The two gazed into each other's eyes, blushing madly as they sank. He pulled her into a deep kiss. "The New Year belongs to you!"

"The new year belongs to you!" The band abruptly stopped, bringing the light to their jazz bassist. "BABY, BABY, BABY, BABY!"

Everyone burst from their dessert, bean bag, streamer, marshmallow traps and screamed, "THE NEW YEAR BELONGS TO YOU!" James and Chris fired at will, throwing food and drink soaked napkins at people.

"The New Year belongs to you!" The knights lifted their shields against the heavy fire of cake. "The New Year belongs to you." The guards kicked over tables and chair for cover. "Whatever you want to do," Gwen built a small catapult that Lydia loaded with balloons packed with dye and let them loose, "You make the rules!" The dye filled balloons splatted to Cordelia, Amber, and Adelea. They...were mad! The wands were raised. "You've got the tools to see it through!" Cedric, Nigel, and Tilly made the mistake of laughing and had chocolate milk soaked cotton candy clouds dropped on them. "The New Year belongs to you!" Roland ducked for cover with Miranda, flinging pudding - and eating it - at the enemy. "The New Year belongs to you!" Miles claimed his victims with timed slingshots of fudge clumps, taking out Baileywick, Winifred, and Callista. "The New Year belongs to you!" Marla with Jade, and Lucinda with Ruby flew over head, dropping sacks of flour on everyone. "The New Year belongs to you!" Everyone choked on the flour, then started throwing it at each other. "Just remember that you can do it," Lydia and Cedric had semi automatic glyphs arranged. Sofia fed them cupcakes that were launched like a barrage of arrows, "And when you're through it," Winifred and Goodwin came from behind, taking out Mrs. Henshaw and Tilly with pies to the backs of the head. "It will change your point of view!"

"THE NEW YEAR BELONGS TO YOOOUUU!" All who wielded a wand levitated high into the air, spinning their wands so fast glittering gusts of dust grew. They swept their wands with all their might, transforming their meager breaths of dust into a violent twister of colors and streams that spanned to the entire room. The band, the servants, the guests, and royal family were all swept up within it, laughing and screaming in the spin. The band kept up their will until the final note. Once those trumps ended with the drums, the twister dissipated with those final notes. A sparkling clean ballroom was reborn. Everyone stained by confections were cleaned spotless. The furniture and food were back into their original shape.

A purpose that was absolutely defeated when glasses of champagne, mugs of ale, and cups of juice were clashed and spilt everywhere! No one cared really. It was a party, and they were cheering so loud the village could hear them.

"Happy New Years to all!" Roland hollered to the roaring room from atop a table, a goblet raised in honor of them. "May your year be even more fruitful and full of laughter, adventure, and love than the last!" Smiles were shared and laughs rumbled in promises to make it happen. "HAPPY NEW YEAR!"

"HAPPY NEW YEAR!" They toasted, and then swallowed their brews in one sip. The Knights and guards hooted like drunkards at a tavern, getting the crowd riled up again.

Chairs had been arranged for those with weary feet to take a load off. The crowd dispersed into groups mingling about their plans for the new year. There was also some laughs about what happened last year, and how hilarious it was that they survived. Some of them honestly found it amazing they did survive. The knights have been swarmed with requests to venture further than their borders to apprehend neerdowell traitors to the cloak. One such traitor being Sir Jaxon, the disgraced knight of Brazendale. The guards and local authorities have been on the prowell for masked rogues who assaulted a family on Wassalia. These assailants have gone back to the holes from which they were born. They won't be able to stay hidden for long. Miles and Sir Finnegan shared information they have, wanting both halves of Enchancia's defense to be prepared.

Lucinda and Callista showed off their magical juggling skills, adding new and random items each round. Teapots, books, chairs, cats, and...Chef Andre's kitchen sink?! He wasn't too happy about that. The girls tried to throw the stuff at him before running for their lives. It didn't slow him down. He just caught the items and chased after them, throwing them right back. Gwen and Alauna chased after him, telling him to put the cannon away. Marla and Cordelia shook their heads, pretending to be disinterested that their daughters are causing such a ruckus. Truth be told, they were loving seeing their daughters breaking out of their shells.

Goodwin was boring people with tales of his success and how he continues to win sorcerer of the year. Winifred livened up the tales by having James and Chris act it out. She enchanted them to trade up outfits for each story, and they would make fun of him with funny faces and clumsy movements. The crowd doubled over laughing. Goodwin was baffled by their reaction...and then saw his wife and the boys mocking him. James and Chris froze, then took off after throwing Winifred under the double decker cart.

Mrs. Henshaw and Miranda relished in Sofia, Ruby, and Jade's creative hand clap, watching them turn it into a catchy two step. Meanwhile, Adelea was playing with Amber's hair, working a French that came down the side of the head like Queen Elsa's. Amber returned the favor by lending Adelea one of her Tiara's. It was last year's tiara as of...20 minutes ago, so she have no further use for it.

Lydia managed to escape the bombardment of friends, finding a corner to obscure herself in. Or so she thought when she felt a shoulder bump into hers. She looked to see who it was. A blush broke across her cheeks seeing Cedric smirking from the corner of his eye at her, sipping his champagne. "It is a pity for such a lovely lady to be alone on New Years Day, wouldn't you agree?" He faced her, winking charmingly.

Lydia put her cup in both her hands like a little shield, fidgeting with a mad blush. "I'm not alone." She squeaked. She playfully frowned to the side. "There's this really annoying snake always lurking around me."

"A snake with fabulous taste, mind you." He smoothed a hand through his hair, bouncing his brow. The light reflected perfectly off that ego of his. He tapped his glass to hers, getting her to smile. Victory was his. Placing one hand to the wall he leaned in close, touching his nose to hers. He could hear her heart skipping beats, and he loved it. "Happy New Year, Lydia." He whispered.

Lydia quickly glanced, making sure no one was paying attention to them, then said with a smile, "Happy New Year, Cedric." And their lips met in a passionate kiss.

From afar, however, Roland managed to see past a group of people...and spot Cedric and Lydia breaking from a kiss. His expression...was blank.

xxx

An hour hadn't even passed since the New Year rang in and already the castle was freed of a dozen people. The party was more wild than any of them expected. Tired them out faster than anything they've experienced. And there wasn't some overly dramatic incident or party crasher, so that was very winding. Nevertheless, guests began to take their leave, while some kind of just sat anywhere and passed out.

Lucinda and Marla gave Mrs. Henshaw, Ruby, and Jade rides back home. Tilly pulled out a tent from her bag and camped out in the gardens. Chef Andre and Gwen passed out in the infirmary with Alauna. They had a bit too much to drink. It backfired on them. The Knights and Guards occupied the ballroom and kitchen, mouths agape with food hanging out, and their mugs spilled. Servants laid blankets and pillows to them, only to pass out on top of them in exhaustion. None of them cared if they were yelled at. They'll deal with it in the morning. Though it is prayed that someone of them don't get hurt when they wake up. See...when they wanted to removed the more...not so ground level decorations….yeah. There are people in the ceiling. Their safety is prayed for.

Miles coordinated with Baileywick to make sure none of their subordinates catch a chill. After Cedric saw his family off, he helped in the effort before retiring to his tower. He chained the ceiling sleepers in place. Easily removed when they wake up. Retrieving Wormwood from his sugar induced coma in the rafters was fun. He got his robes all sticky. Baileywick laids out a guest mattress in his room for Miles to sleep in so he wouldn't make the long trek home. Nigel was fast asleep inside his closet. No real reason why...or explanations to how he was sleeping upside down like a bat. He just was.

Roland was carrying a very dazed Miranda on his back to their room. Lydia was his support in order to lay her down gently. She gave a quick snap of her fingers, transforming her dress into a nightgown. Roland wiped sweat from his brow, exhaling in pride that he made it. He was burning the candle on both ends himself. "This was quite the party." He whispered.

"It sure was." Lydia has yet to come down from the high. She doubts she'll get any sleep. Roland pulled the covers over Miranda, kissing her good night. He would come to bed later once he's certain all is well around the castle. He and Lydia adjourned to the hallway, smiling at the corpses scattered about. Eezeyal was among the corpses, but was passed out on Lydia's shoulder. Too bad her other shoulder wasn't occupied as well. She sighed heavily in sorrow. "I sure wish Ubos could have been here. It would have been our first new year."

"I know. I'm sorry he's not here too." Roland hugged her close. He may have barely known Ubos, but he became very enamoured by the man - book - that has been teaching his daughter, and taking care of her where he fell short. Although, it was still very had to accept that the book she cared around tirelessly was a man in disguise. Magic continues to impress him. "Maybe you can write to him? Let him know you're thinking about him?" It isn't the same as having him, but at the very least it might grant her some form of closure.

"Yeah...yeah!" She beamed, adoring that idea. It was perfect. While the Sanctum doesn't have an address for her to send it to, enchanted pigeons can find anyone anywhere. The bottom of the ocean or above the clouds, nowhere is out of their reach. "I can do that! And I...will…" Her eyes fluttered open and closed lazily. A loud yawn, and a big stretch of her limbs, gave away how exhausted she was.

"Perhaps you should wait till morning." Roland insisted. She was barely able to walk straight.

"It is morning." She cheekily responded. Roland scrunched his nose at her smartalec response. She knows exactly what he meant. "Alright, alright, I'll wait." She waved her hands, apologizing for her wit. Though she will be adding this to her wins in their riveting banters.

Coming to the throne room, Roland and Lydia had to hold in laughs spotting the kids, Adelea, and Chris passed out in the chairs. They were drooling, snoring, and kicking in their sleep. Sofia had her bunny, birds, and squirrel in her lap. "I swear, they will sleep in graves in you let them." Roland chuckled, stroking Amber's cheek. "Ooh. I'd better not give them any ideas." He mostly glanced to James on that one. He WOULD sleep in a grave.

"I'll take the kids to my room." She offered. She has plenty of room for them. "They can sleep there tonight."

"Good plan." Roland nodded. Lydia first walked up to Sofia's pets. She gently blew a turquoise mist to them, making them disappear back into their homes. "Good night, Lydia." Roland took his leave, seeing she had this covered.

"Night, Dad." She said dismissively, preparing to teleport them all back to her room. "Oh! Dad!" She nearly forgot.

"Yes?" He turned.

He was ambushed by her bear hug, burying her rosy cheeks into him. "Happy New Year. I love you." She hummed.

Roland felt such a warmth inside of him he nearly caved. Trying to match the love oozing from Lydia, he embraced her so tight that he would never let go. "I love you too, Lydia." He ran a hand down her head, kissing her forehead. "Happy New Year."

Their hug only seemed to grow tighter, neither one planning to let go at all during the night. They didn't want to. To have come this far, both strangers in every aspect, was a miracle neither one expected to land in their laps. I never want to lose this. Both begged to the heavens above. I'll do whatever it takes to protect it. Nothing will tear them apart. The fights they had, the barriers they placed, the distrust that rotted them from the inside - they are all to remain in the past, never to be used as fodder against them. This year...their bond will become stronger than ever...and they will never let anyone or anything take it from them.

xxx

Adelea and Chris were placed to the couches. Thankfully, Adelea and Chris can fit Lydia and James's nightwear. Saved Lydia a lot of trouble with the switcheroo, and prevented her from waking them up. She had a small laugh hearing them talk in their sleep. It was adorable. She then cast a growth spell on her bed, placing James and Amber to one end and she and Sofia to the other. She arranged the pillows for Amber and James so they wouldn't roll away. Then she climbed into bed beside Sofia, not bothering to get in her own nightgown. She was too tired. The moment her head hit that pillow...she was out. She and Sofia unconsciously hugged to one another.

As sleep consumed the two sisters, bringing them to the wonderful land of dreams, shades of pink and a sort of blue would alight to their faces...and then dim. The glows appeared again, skipping in random intervals, then would vanish. Where were these lights coming from? What are they? Fireflies? No. Nothing of the sort. It was the Amulet of Avalor, a jewel entrusted to Sofia by Roland when she arrived to the castle, and the Fantasia Brooch, a G-clef accessory bestowed to Lydia when she proved herself a worthy sorceress. The Amulet flickered in a strange rhythm. A rosy light shading the purple in beats. Fuzzy buzzing emanating from it. As if it registered the Amulet's strange behavior, the Brooch responded with its own flickering, resonating in a brilliant bright turquoise. This match of flickers went on for a while, not at all disturbing either of their slumbering princesses. Below what the human ear can detect...the tiniest of...whispers...whistled...between...the jewels. The flickers would often become heated and rapid, their lights becoming so bright the girls nearly stirred. A couple of whispers barking in full voices. A man...and a woman. Realizing their mistake, the jewels would cool, and proceed with their morse communication. After another few seconds, they both simultaneously illuminated, coming to an agreement of sorts. From the center of the amulet, three fuzzy pink threads slithered out like tiny works, spiraling to one others. From the brooch, three teal threads miminck the amulet's. Once these thread met, they gracefully woved between one another, becoming entwined as an indestructible rope. The threads tightly entangled all the way to the base, slipping into their opposing jewels. The little rope amicably come apart, the mismatched strands retreating into their respective jewels. The threads blossomed to vines, spreading within the brooch and amulet, then faded. The jewels returning to their pristine forms.

"And now we wait." Came a tender female voice.

"Their destinies are nigh." Replied a gravelly male voice. The lights faded, the brooch and amulet calming to slumber.

Over Sofia and Lydia's heads, roosting to the pillows on the thick headboard, Eezeyal was rooted in fright by what he witnessed. His eyes so wide they would fall from the socket, and his beak hanging agape with no words to describe this. "What was that?" He muttered under his breath, quivering in shock. How did the girls not wake up? Just now...he saw...he heard...that couldn't have been possible? It has to be a delusion from the food. He stuffed himself crazy. The amulet and brooch...they spoke! He has to be going crazy! He hopes he's going crazy! He's seen enough magical mishaps to know that...things like that are never a good sign. "Ubos, wherever you are, there's trouble brewin'. We might need you soon, buddy."

AND THERE'S CHAPTER 1! Hope you guys enjoyed it! Now, to fill you guys in on what's happening. Recently, I've renters writing contests on Inkitt and have been working on random stories, as well as fanfiction's I can submit. I want you guys to pick from my fanfics you think are the best and the one with the most votes will go into the fanfiction contest.

Next up, the chapter I have in mind for after this one is The Flying Crown - which had amazing ideas proposed by you guys, after that it will be The Enchanted Feast - where you guys get a jealous Lydia. I plan to do princess ivy early. Not sure how early, but it will happen pretty early. That's all for now, hope you guys continue to be fans!

Later!