Blue Ribbon Ezee
Moving on!
Songs, peeps, songs!
Blue Ribbon Bunny
By: Clover
Blue Ribbon Bunny (Reprise Parody)
Also by: Clover
Performed by: Lydia
xxx
The pie Lydia was baking for Eezeyal was nearly done. Another half hour and he'll forget about the verbal lashings she gave him that morning. Ugh. Maybe, for once, Wormwood was right and she was trying to buy his love back. Oh well. It's worked so far. In the meantime, Lydia skipped over to Sofia's room to see if she managed to win Clover over about the pet contest. In hindsight, only Sofia and Lydia know that Clover is more her friend than a pet. But they have the best time together, and are an amazing team. To not join would be a crime. Ooh. Maybe I shouldn't join Eezeyal. Clover might make him look bad. Not likely. But the thought makes her shiver.
Knock, knock, knock. Lydia poked through the door. Imagine her surprise to find Sofia with her animal friends at her window seat. "Hey there guys!"
"Hi, Lydia!" Mia and Robin harmonized. Whatnaught waved excitedly. Clover actually parted from his food to wave at her.
"Great news!" Sofia grasped Lydia's hands, bouncing up and down. "Clover said he'd be my pet in the pet contest!"
"Ha-Ha! I knew he would!" No way Clover would pass up a chance to help Sofia. Or the adoration of a crowd, and a parade to show off how great he is. "You guys are going to be great. You'll take home the ribbon, no doubt!"
"Don't encourage him too much, Lydia." Robin forewarned her. "This is a best PET in the KINGDOM contest! Not an eating contest!"
"HA-HA-HA! Bite my cotton tail!" Clover was not amused by her witty remark. He had half a mind to pounce on her right now.
"Oh, Robin, don't be so hard on him." Lydia took him in her arms, scratching him behind the ear. "Whether or not Clover wins isn't the point. He's already the best bunny in the kingdom to Sofia."
"That's true!" Sofia took him next, cuddling with him. "I just know we'll win.
"I'm rooting for you both." Lydia pumped a fist.
"You won't have to root too hard, Lydia!" Clover assured her with noteable cockiness. "Because the second I hit that stage, everyone is going to see what I've known to be true for years!"
"What's that?" Robin droned.
"That I'm already a Blue Ribbon Bunny, Baby! HIT IT WHATNAUGHT!" That musical squirrel dropped a sick beat on a pair of walnut bongos. Lydia's hips and arms got into the jive. "You know, Princesses! I'm no ordinary rabbit! NO-NO-NO! HE~RE WE GO!" He ran in too powerful a power slide, faceplanting to the crown molding. "Check it out!" He hopped up to Sofia's makeup station. "When I hop through the garden, they stop and stare! Plain to see that I got that flair." He twisted and grooved, pop, lock, and dropping his bunny tail. "A little somethin' called savoir faire." He moonwalked to perfume and flaunted his stuff in the strong scent.
"He's no common hare!" Mia and Robin accompanied.
"I dig up a tasty gourmet lunch," He kicked a full lunch box from a curtain, "And I serve it on china," Rolling a plate of jelly spread toast across his shoulders. "'Cause when we're talkin' about food, my friend," He caught one carrot from thin air, and then was buried under a bunch, There's nobody FINER!" He sprouted from the pile, jumping onto the window seat with his background dancers, and musician. "Y'all give it up cause I got the moves
And I got the hops!" He sang into a carrot, dancing to his little heart's content. "I'm telling you look out below! 'Cause I'm the tops!" Lydia dove her hands, springing him back into action. "I'm a blue ribbon bunny, And don't you know?" He dove under the bed, pulling out another mic-carrot. "A blue ribbon bunny! I'm the best in show!"
Mia and Robin hovered close, earning the light, "He's a blue ribbon bunny,"
"And I'm all the rage!"
"A blue ribbon bunny!"
"When-I-take-the-stage!" Clover spun on his head, leading into a tail shake. "Uh, break it down! Uh! Go Clover!" Sofia and Lydia were in giggle fits watching him shake his cottontail.
"He's a Pro, look at him go, stealing the show!" Mia and Robin joined again.
"What other rabbit can nap all day, then polish off a whole buffet?" He flipped off of his comfy bed, pulling an entire buffet from within the silk linings. "Right from the salad and the pate?"
Robin and Mia from the top of Sofia and Lydia, "To the last buffet!"
"I'm king of the woods…! Without a doubt," He danced on Sofia's trunk, "There is no equal!" Clover lept for the small stage, grasping at the ledge. "You see me once and then you'll shout,
"Hey," Lydia gave Sofia a spin and dip, "I want a sequel!" The curtains opened and he showed off his moves. "Y'all give it up cause I got the moves, and I got the hops!" His hops caused a miniature earthquake. "I'm telling you look out below…!" He jumped off and was saved by Sofia and a small.
"Cause he's the tops!" Robin and Mia chimed in.
Clover sprouted with a blue ribbon around him, "I'm a blue ribbon bunny..."
"Yeah and don't you know!"
"I'm a blue ribbon bunny…"
"He's the best in show!"
Sofia and Lydia pressed their palms, "He's a blue ribbon bunny…"
"At the pet contest…" He sprang onto the window seat.
"A blue ribbon bunny…"
"You're gonna see who's BE~E~EST…" He carried the note for the whole breath.Robin, "Blue…"
Mia, "Blue…"
Sofia and Lydia, "Blue…"
The four got in close to the bunny, "RI-BBON~..." "Blue ribbon bunny!"
"Blue ribbon bunny Don't you know!" Robin and Mia carried on. Whatnaught's little paws on fire.
"I'm your bunny!" Lydia and Sofia flipping their arms, and kicking their feet, singing along.
"Blue ribbon bunny! He's the best in show!" The bird fluttered and flipped.
"BLUE RIBBON BUNNY~..."
Sofia and Lydia parted in spins, taking Mia and Robin in a palm. "Blue ribbon bunny, At the pet contest!"
Clover backflipped to the top of the bed. "You-know-who's-the-best! ME!" He laughed, then toppled over exhausted.
Sofia and Lydia applauded him. He was a ham when it comes to singing and dancing. "Well, after that, there's not a doubt in my mind you guys will win." Lydia pat Sofia on the back. Suddenly her eyes ghosted over a clock, and she gasped at how close the big hand was to the half hour mark. "Uh-oh! I have something in the oven! I have to go! See you at dinner?"
"Yep! See you then!" Sofia waved at her sprinting sister. This settled it. She was entering Clover and no one was going to stop her.
xxx
A while later, Lydia returned to her room, peeking her head inside to see where Eezeyal was. He was on her bed, staring at the window with that longing woe. She felt so sorry for him. Hopefully what she has will cheer him up. She hid the small, cherry and whipped cream topped pie behind her back, tiptoing in with rosy cheeks. She knows Eezeyal heard her because his scruffy ears twitched. He was purposefully ignoring her. He must be mad if his nose didn't pick up the smell of the pie.
"Hello, Grumpy-Gus!" She cooed impishly. She leaned a wide smile in from the side, wanting to butter him up. "You look like you could use some cheering up!" These standard, obvious statements always get a smile out of him. Imagine her shock when he dismissed her with a curt grunt, pouting to the wall away from her. That's not like him. Even if he's injured, he'd never turn her away. Unless she forgot about something. "Hey! Is something the matter?" She came around, hiding the pie under the bed. She still wants it to be a surprise.
"NO, no…" He groaned cynically, waving a wing at the silly idea. "Why would anythin' be wrong?!"
"Be...cause...you're...upset?" She trailed with uncertainty. He definitely upset. But at what? For her not visiting?
"Nah-Nah, Princess! I'm not upset at all!" That sarcasm she hears is just part of her wild imagination. "Why would I be upset?! The sun is shinin', Mia and Robin were singin' not too long ago! Mah day is JUUST...PEACHY!" There's fire breathing on those words. Lydia inched back in case she was burned. Her skin almost shed under his austere glare. "It's not like you spent the ENTIRE DAY with another person and totally forgot about me!"
Lydia's brow quirked irately. She scowled insulted, leaning on her elbows and matching his glare. "Is that supposed to mean something?!"
"I dun' know! Is it?!" He challenged, moving in closer.
"That's why I'm asking you!" She pressed her forehead to his. "Why are you acting like this?!"
"Actin' like wuh?!" He twisted his head away, turning his back on her again. "I'm not actin' like nuthin'!"
Lydia blew at her bangs, slowly losing patience for his mood swings. And she was so excited to give him his gifts too. It might not be too late. "You know what, nevermind. I'm not here to argue with you. I'm here…" She turned him around against his will, setting him up on a pillow, and reached under the bed, "To give you this!" Eezeyal's eyes blew up like fireworks, drool spilling in a stream from his gaping mouth. A perfectly golden crisp of a fruit pie, topped with a cherry and whipped cream...with SPRINKLES! Colorful Sprinkles! And it smelt amazing! In his daze he pointed to the pie, too aghast to ask. "It's an apology for being gone all day, and for punishing you like this!" And to think she was worried it wouldn't work.
"Oh...my...Thank you, Liddy!" He gave her a huge hug.
"Of course!" She giggled. She stuck a fork in and started feeding him. A berry melody in his mouth. He could die right now. After a few bites the tension seemed to dissipate. All was normal, leaving Lydia to ask, "Now why were you so mad at me?"
"Oh...uh...it's nothing!" He almost choked, blushing madly. He showed his injured wing and foot. "Just a mood I'm in because I can't fly. Nothing important."
"Okay. I was worried I forgot your birthday." That was an awkward day, and he won't let her forget it. Speaking of birthdays! There's something in her pocket for him. "That reminds me! I have something else for you!" She checked her pockets for it knowing she had something else.
Heated flapping at the window startled the pair. "Princess!" Wormwood dove in, clutching to her face. "There you are! Come with me! It's urgent!" He yanked on her bangs.
"What's he doing here?!" Eezeyal's stomach churned at the sight of him.
"Long story." She groaned.
"No time! COME!" Wormwood hooked her hair, dragging her along.
"OW! STOP IT! HEY! I'M COMING! Sorry, Ezee!" He protests went unheard by the adamant raven. "Just keep eating! I'll be back later!" She had to kick the door closed since Wormwood took to dragging her.
The slam shook the room, killing whatever appetite Eezeyal mustered. "Still think it's my imagination?" He moaned. Ubos, who had hid himself on the bookshelf to give Eezeyal breathing room, floated to him somberly. "Hmph. A pie in order to buy my love back. How sad, Liddy." He picked up that pie and headed for one of the secret tunnels in the floor. "If she still cares, I'll be in the garden."
"Eezeyal, please!" Ubos's pleas went on deaf ears. Eezeyal squeezed in with the pie and was gone. The book sighed resignedly, shrank himself down to size, and followed after him. With the state he's in, he's likely to hurt himself.
xxx
Lydia growled rubbing her tender head. Wormwood yanked her three hallways. He might have created a bald spot. "I swear if you ruined my bangs!" She's going to fry him. "What's do you want Wormwood?!" She thought Cedric was back and he was finished with her.
"Cedric sent a message through his crystal ball!" He groaned, perched on a bust of the late king. "Turns out there's bad weather where he is and he will be delayed until tomorrow evening!"
"Great!" That means she's stuck with him until tomorrow. Lucky her. "What else did he say?"
"He said, and I quote," He cleared his throat, smoothed his feathers to bangs, and put on his best Cedric impression, "Dearest, Princess, know that there is no one in this world who appreciates you more than I!" Lydia deadpanned grumpily, coaxing Wormwood to skip over the mushy parts. "You are possibly glaring and want me to get to the point. Here it is." Lydia won't lie. She's flattered he finds her so predictable. "The weather turned for the worst and I won't be home till tomorrow. Please continue to look after my Wormy. Thank you, I knew I could count on you. End Message."
"Guy sure knows how to butter you up." Lydia mumbled with pursed lips. She can't possibly deny him after that. He did say please, after all. "Oh well. I have to head to dinner soon. How about I feed you and we go our separate ways for the day?"
"Sounds marvelous! I've spent enough time with you for ten lifetimes!"
"Trust me! I've aged ten years, thanks to you." She headed back to her room to inform Eezeyal that she was stepping out for dinner. When she got there, the room was empty. "Huh. I wonder where he went." Now that she thinks about it, Ubos wasn't there either. So she shrugged and assumed the pair left somewhere. With the pie in tow. She wishes they would have taken the crumbs with them. "Weird…" Eezeyal is acting weird lately.
xxx
At dinner, the Royal Trio and Lydia filled Roland and Miranda in on their day. Talks of the pet contest raged at the table, followed by Lydia explaining Cedric's absence. James and Amber were already claiming victory before the contest began. Baboon vs Peacock - should make for an interesting show.
"Frido and Praline are both gorgeous animals. They'll do great!" Roland praised. "I don't think I've ever seen involved with pageants."
"That's because this will be our first one." Sofia gleamed. That'll make it all the more special.
"Good luck to all three of you." Miranda wished.
"I won't need luck." Amber boasted. "Praline and I are already guaranteed the win."
"Speaking of wins, I'm sorry Eezeyal won't be able to take part." Roland shifted the conversation. "How is he?"
"His ego took the worst of the punishment." Lydia snickered. "He should be fine in a couple of weeks."
"I guess Wormwood is going to be your new friend for the time being." Miranda laughed, knowing full well her relation with Wormwood isn't the best.
"He wishes! Cedric should be back tomorrow, and Wormwood out of my hair."
"Are sorcerer's really suspended if they miss an evaluation?" Roland questioned it. Sounded silly to him.
"Most who don't go end up getting sick and causing trouble. They'd rather suspend us, than have us walk around like time bombs."
"When do you have to get yours?" Miranda asked.
"Not until I reach apprentice level. Possibly sooner." She sipped her sparkling water. "Apprentice level sorcerers are considered at the peak of their craft. No limits or boundaries. Inheritors, however…" She sipped her water again.
"Break the boundaries the moment their magic arises." Roland finished grimly. Lydia touched her nose. He's learning. Roland began to fear what it would mean if she missed one.
"That's off topic. We're talking about these guys." She winked at her siblings. "We should hurry up and finish. You guys need to get your rest for tomorrow. Big day!" James didn't need to be told twice. He was shoving three mouthfuls of food, and chugging it all with apple juice.
By the time Lydia finished, she felt ready to drop dead asleep in the hallway. It's been a long day. When she got back to her room, she was dismayed that it was still empty. Ubos and Eezeyal were still out somewhere. Why does she get this feeling they're avoiding her? "What is going on today?"
xxx
Amber and James were up bright and early to prepare for the contest. The palace playground was as good a place to practice. James decided on a routine that would be exciting, daring, and reckless. Just his and Frido's style. Enchancia would be amazed by his grace, his precision, and be too stunned to clap or cheer when he's done. The idea is for Frido to backflip and land on his shoulders. If they can stick their landings, Amber picked the perfect routine for Praline. One that would flaunt his brilliant, kinetically aesthetic figure, and show off the pristine beauty of his colorful feathers. A quick strut across the stage, Amber leading with Praline capturing the audience's attention in tow, and a pose with a span of her fan and his tailfeathers. Sofia, who was slightly late to the party, wanted to groom Clover a bit before the contest. He...wasn't exactly having it. A couple of brushes and he already wanted a snack break.
"Ohh…" Sofia groaned. Clover hopped into the garden, drooling over the carrots.
"What's the point of giving great advice if no one listens?" Amber boasted, snorting at the bunny in the garden. She couldn't stand by and watch. Her sister needs her. "Sofia, if you want even a CHANCE at winning, you can't bring an ordinary bunny like Clover! You need a pet with a special talent!" That's where Praline comes in. "Praline, show her The Shimmer." Praline fanned his tail, and the sun captured the glossy feather, literally making them shimmer like hundreds of jewels.
"Whoa…" Sofia gasped. Praline was dazzling.
"Does Clover have a talent? Besides eating?!" Said Bunny was digging for more carrots.
"Oh no! He's going to get dirty now!" She sighed defeated. Why can't Clover be have like the other pets and let her groom him? She just wants to make him look his best for the contest.
"Come with me, Sofia." Amber plucked the brush from her hand, leading her along.
"Where are we going?"
"If you want to bring a bunny, I'm going to show you the best bunny in the kingdom." At the castle zoo where Amber wanted Sofia to look.
xxx
Meanwhile, in the castle courtyard, Constable Miles was preparing the Royal Guard for inspection. Baileywick was giving them a once over before Roland arrived to review them.
"Baileywick, Constable Miles!" Lydia ran to them.
"Princess Lydia! A-TEN-SHUN!" Constable Miles bellowed, crossing a fist to his chest. The guards stamped a foot and their lances, saluting Lydia as she entered on scene.
She stumbled on her stop, stammering bashfully. She forgets the guards salute the Royals when they pass by. She'll never get used to it. "At ease, Gentlemen, this isn't an official visit." She hid that it was a plea. Once Miles returned to a relaxed pose, the guards followed with one hand behind their backs. "I'm sorry to bother you before work, but have any of you seen Eezeyal? He wasn't in my room last night or this morning." Neither was Ubos for that matter.
"I'm afraid not." Baileywick replied apologetically.
"Sorry, Princess." Miles bowed his head. The guards dropped their heads one at a time.
"Oh...okay. Thank you." She waved, turning on her heels.
"Is everything alright?" Baileywick remarked on his somber sigh. "I know he hurt himself. He can't have moved too far."
"You'd be surprised how far he gets!" She chuckled dryly. Then cast an angered glare away from them. "And how deep he can be buried!"
The pet contest was going to start soon. She wanted Eezeyal and Ubos to go. She's been all over the castle, to the harbor, and now the courtyard. Now sign of them anywhere. Why are these guys avoiding me?! Seriously? Did she do something? Did she forget something? WHAT?! UGH! She'll ask once she finds them. Her sibs should be at the playground training for the pet contest. Maybe they know where Eezeyal is.
xxx
Hearty commotion roared from the playground. James, Amber, and Sofia must be more excited about the contest than Lydia originally thought. She rounded the arch, rosy cheeked at the Royal Trio playing with their pets. "Morning guys! WHOA!" Lydia barely took two steps into the playground and had to dodged a teenage elephant. Rolling on a...ball? "And that's an elephant! On a beach ball? With Zandar on top?!" Zandar, the daring Prince of Tangu, was doing handstands and flips as his elephant miraculously drove around the playground on that ball of hers. Amazingly it wasn't stressed at all. And she thought she's seen everything.
"What do you think, Lydia?!" Zandar cartwheeled front to back as the elephant spun rapidly. "Pretty cool, right?"
"I think you're going to give me a heart attack!" She pat her pounding heart. "Don't hurt yourself!"
"No problem!" He almost said no promises. She always knew there was a reason he and James got along.
"Hi, Lydia!" Vivian animatedly waved her hands.
"Hi, Vivian!" Lydia carefully entered, giving the Princess of Zumeria a big hug. "It's great to see you again!"
"Same here!" She blushed happily. This was a treat. Vivian was so shy she'd jet off to the farthest side of wherever she was and talk to someone from there. Having Vivian initiate a warm greeting, and even hugging her, brightened her day. She's night and day from the last time. "By the way, my mom says thanks for those seashells you sent! She hears both the waves and under the water."
"I'm glad she likes them!" Cecily rarely makes it to the coast. Lydia recalls seeing a collection of seashells in her room, and sent her shells from Enchanted Beaches. Those beaches have sand that won't cling to the feet. Heavenly.
"LYDIA!"
"OOF!" A rapid blur of blue tackled Lydia to the hedges. She swears a set of ribs cracked. Tiny wings flapping and a tail wagging hyperly with huge, beaming dragon eyes ogling her. "Ouch…"
"HI, LYDIA! REMEMBER ME?!" The dragon panted like a dog.
"Hi...Crackle! Yeah...I remember..." He ribs sure remember. Crackle has a mean ram. Of all the pets Vivian could have chosen, it was a dragon. Cecily, Vivian's mom, explained the reason to her when she last visited. The madness eludes Lydia. But, seeing as Lydia has a good standing relationship with Cecily, she won't question it too much.
"Where's Eezeyal? I wanna see him and Ubos right now! I'm so excited to see them, I could just-" She hiccuped fire. Lydia flinched sideways. "Sorry!"
"Yeah...I'll get to that in a second! I'm sure they're dying to see you too. " She turned Crackle away from her. "In the meantime, go see Clover!" He was right there, helpless, in the garden.
"CLOVER!" She tackled the poor bunny. He glared and vowed vengeance at the soon to be dead princess.
Lydia laughed, waving apologetically. It was a matter of self preservation. "Hmph! And here I was hoping I wouldn't see you today!" Lydia didn't have to look to know who that was. The ever so eloquent, lack of filter, twin to Amber, Princess Hildegard of Freezenberg.
"Hello, Hildegard. HI, LULU!" She stooped low, scratching the mink behind the ear. Lulu snuggled to the scratching, practically purring. "Oh, you are just so soft and cuddly! Who's being brushed daily? You are! Yes!" She cooed, kissing the lovely snow mink. Hildegard's cheeks tinted pink. She was astonished by Lydia's gushing over Lulu. She wasn't even sure when Lydia became acquainted with Lulu. Although...she appreciated her appreciation of Lulu's grooming. "Lulu looks amazing, Hildegard. Snow capped herbs from pines?"
"Ugh...y-yes." She stammered, jolting back to reality. She cleared her throat, smoothing her dress to smooth her flustered mind. "Of course! It is standard if you want your pets looking their best! No that I expect someone like you to know that!" She pursed her lips.
"Love you too, Hildy!" She clapped hands to her cheeks and planted two kisses on her forehead. Hildegard screeched disgusted, shoving her away. She spat the taste of that girl off. Using her handkerchief she burned a hole in her head trying to rub it off.
Amber gave Lydia a scolding glare. Lydia raised her hands. She couldn't help herself. "What's everyone doing here?"
"I told our friends about the pet contest in Dunwitty!" Amber announced. That explained a lot, including the elephant. "Praline and I plan to win it. Don't we, Praline?"
Praline's response was a disdainful growl at Lydia, making her flinch. The peacock was sharpening needles to change her into a pincushion. "Praline...I've apologized!" She whispered. "I didn't mean to land in you pen!"
"Doesn't matter! I'll never forgive you!" The peacock spun and fanned his tail.
Touchy! Just like his owner. Lydia rolled her eyes. She smirked up at the Tangu Prince showing off on his pet. "Why am I not surprised an Elephant is your pet, Zandar?"
"Because you know that I go big or bigger!" He posed in the obscure praise.
"Anyway, sorry to bother you all during practice-"
"In that case, we'd be ever so grateful if you'd go back the way you came!" Hildegard snapped.
"Hildy!" Amber elbowed her.
"Leave it, Amber. I've dulled her to a minor mumble." Lydia shooed. Hildegard scoffed at her pitiful insult. "Have any of you seen Eezeyal? He wasn't in my room this morning." She went to bed and woke up with her favorite owl missing.
"No. We haven't seen him." James shook his head. Amber hasn't seen him, neither have the others.
"I haven't seen him since yesterday." Sofia replied. "Has something happened?"
"No! It's just I wanted to take him to see the pet contest today." He's really going to great lengths to avoid her. Maybe Wormwood's seen him. "Thanks, guys. I'll see you all at the fair." The others waved as she departed.
Hildegard's elbow brushed a folded paper in her pocket. She'd nearly forgotten about it, glancing between it and Lydia in hesitation about what to do. She groaned loudly in self loathing. "Ugh! Hey!" She stormed to Lydia as she left the ground. She shoved the folded paper into her stomach. "Astrid (formerly Rochelle) asked me to give this to you! Don't know why, and don't really care!" Astrid? Lydia remembers her. That's Hildegard's older sister, the one she met at Royal Prep while washing Minimus. The letter was legit. Freezenberg's seal was stamped n the front. "She said it was urgent! So don't keep her waiting with a reply!"
"Oh...um...thanks, Hildegard. I'll read it later." One problem at a time, she thinks.
xxx
Wormwood was brooding on his bird swing, whining at how bored he was. Cedric wasn't going to be home until that night, and Wormwood's played every boardgame - emphasis on bored - that he has. Playing by one's self isn't fun. Lydia's already fed him, so there's no reason for her to come back. Not that he wants to, but he wants something - anything - remotely stimulating to walk through that door. He'll settle for a meteor striking the castle. Until then, he silently admired the jewel Lydia won for him. For a child she certainly knew how to strive for quality.
"WORMWOOD!" Wormwood shot up at his name, wondering if he's gone insane. "Wormwood, you there?!" Nope, he was still sane. He put the jewel under his bed.
Looking out the window, he spotted Lydia waving urgently to him. He huffed displeased. I did say anything, didn't I? He sighed resignedly and flew down to her. He perched onto her wrist, giving her his most bland look. "What do you require now?"
"And a good morning to you too." She sneered. "I don't suppose you've seen Eezeyal."
"I don't keep track of him." Was his sarcastic response.
Lydia wasn't in the mood to argue with him. "Ugh. I was hoping you had. I wanted him to come with me to the pet contest." She's looked everywhere she can think, even called out for him. Nothing. "Oh well. Guess he's more mad at me than I thought." Doesn't mean she'll give up. "You want to see that pet contest with us?"
Wormwood masked his glee. Granted, he doesn't approve of this sort of distraction. BUT it's not like he's doing anything remotely...diverting. "Not really. But, it's as you've said, I have nothing else better to do." He shrugged.
Roll her eyes, scoff, or say nothing? Lydia chose nothing. Wormwood's only putting up a front now. "Well, it doesn't start for another couple of hours. Take a walk with me through the gardens?"
"Why not?" He shrugged again. "Maybe we'll find your feathered friend along the way."
"Here's hoping."
xxx
An empty pie dish, scattered pits from berries, and a pile of crudely crafted toothpick lying in a pile. Eezeyal pouted in the midst of thick bushes, hiding himself deep within the Castle's yard. The area he was in was favored only by Cedric and Lydia for when they need herbs for their potions and what not. Seeing as the festival is capturing everyone's attention, and Cedric did his herb shopping for the month, no one would come strolling by and finding him. Not even...Lydia.
"You're being silly about this!" Ubos scolded him. He was the miscalculation in Eezeyal's ploy.
"I don't plan on movin'! Yew can leave, ya know!" He demanded. He wasn't in the mood for Ubos's wisdom or wise cracks.
"If I leave you'll injure yourself further." Ubos is too old to be dealing with things like this. Unfortunately, Eezeyal and Lydia are his friends. "Just ASK HER why she was with Wormwood! What's the harm?!"
"I'll ask her, Book!" He waited a moment, cringing under Ubos's scrutinizing glare. "After she comes and finds me!"
If he had hands he'd throw them up. Ubos cannot believe the level of immaturity. Before he could further berate the bird, distance chatter caught their ears. And it was coming closer. One was easily identified as Lydia. The other, as it drew closer, made Eezeyal's stomach churn. WORMWOOD! Ubos and Eezeyal parted the bushes, scanning the stone path up and down for the girl and her new pet! They nearly leapt from their skin at the boot stepping down. Lydia was moseying on her merry way, laughing incoherently with Wormwood about...that time when Cedric died his hair pink? Wait! They're reminiscing now!
"Oh...no! No, no, no! This is not happening!" She's reminiscing with HIM?! Eezeyal's head erupted like ten volcanoes excited by drums of war. "First she doesn't come looking for me, now she's takin' a stroll with that chimney sweep?!" No-no! This will no longer stand!
"Eezeyal, please, things can't possibly be what they-" Eezeyal took off, leaving Ubos choking on a cloud of dust. The bird went bye-bye. "Oh dear. Owls. Quick tempers, short minds." He could just turn around and walk away. Er, float away. Pretend like nothing is happening. Nah. He can't do that."
xxx
"BAH! THAT BIRD OF MINE!" Lydia plopped to a bench, lying down in dire need of a shrink. "What is his issue?! He knows I hate hide and seek!" She draped an arm over her eyes.
Wormwood landed to the bench arm at her head. "Trouble in your paradise?" He teased. "Would you wike some miwk and a tummy wub?" He cooed in baby talk.
Lydia grabbed him by the neck, not looking up from her arm. "Can you not be pleasant for a few seconds? Just a few."
"I could, but it's too tedious." He pat his foot on her arm, impassive to the hand on him.
"If Cedric hadn't said the words take-care I'd be strangling you right now!"
"Idle threats from an idle child." He shoved her hand off, and then flew onto her stomach. "We all know you'd never truly ruthlessly harm someone."
"Hey! I backup my threats when it suits me!" She warned, propping up on her hand. Cedric, Lezard, and Adelea have engraved that fact into their heads.
"I'm aware. I'm also aware this owl of yours is more trouble than he's worth." He stated irately.
"Eezeyal's worth every ounce of my energy." She folded her arms behind her head, lying back and staring up at the sky. "What might drain that energy is how immature he's behaving lately." First he snaps at her, and now he's avoiding her.
"He does strike me as someone who can be very childish at times." Wormwood rolled his eyes.
"Because he is." Lydia blatantly admitted. Wormwood was taken aback by the honest response. "Eezeyal's stubborn, always creating messes for me to clean up, leaving his feathers all over my bed, he snores like a walrus, and he's always starting fights with the Clover." The list can reach Weiling if she decided to spill all of Eezeyal's secrets. But this is venting, not gossip. "I tell you, I'm so fed up with his antics. This latest one has me shocked The Fairies didn't lock him in the aviary."
"Then why don't you cast him aside?" Wormwood purred menacingly. Lydia's muscles tensed. "Get a new bird. A better bird! One whom you can rely upon and not fret over." He enticed, stalking closer until he was over her face. He winced at her glare.
Lydia's blood boiled, a dangerous aura rippling in his sharp leer. Wormwood's gone too far. "Wormwood-"
"ARE YOU FUR REAL?!"
"Eezeyal?!" Lydia catapulted forward, launching Wormwood into a water bowl. He spat up, growling at his ill timed bath. Eezeyal came storming into the garden, fuming like a heated teapot. Ubos was hovering close by like a mother hen. Lydia groaned in irritated relief, shooting to her feet. "There you two are! Where have you-"
"I cannot buh-lieve what mah eyes are witnessin'!" Eezeyal's roar stopped her in her tracks. "Yew tradin' me up fur the enemy!" He grit his beak at Wormwood. The soggy raven plopped to a mess on the ground. Pebbles and twigs sticking to his feather would be a nightmare to wash out.
Lydia's face scrunched at the odd accusation. She looked to Ubos for answers, but he mimed that he wasn't in this mess. "First of all, I haven't traded you up! Second, Wormwood isn't an enemy!" She drew her wand, blow drying him off. His feather are air dry only, so he poofed into a ball.
"Well he sure ain't our friend neither!" Eezeyal snarled.
"Eezeyal! Calm down, and I'll explain!"
"What's to explain? Yew like him more than me! It's clear as day!"
"You honestly believe that!" She shrieked. She's never heard something so ridiculous fall from that little mouth of his.
"Well, since you're so fed up with my antics, what else am I supposed to believe?!" Not his best impression, but he got his point across.
Lydia put her hands to her hips. "That I've given you that speech so many times and should be aware of it by now!"
"That's between us! Not shared with...THE ENEMY!" The dangerous enemy who looks like he could grant wishes if blown on.
"That's enough, Eezeyal!"
"Yer dang right it's enough!" He wasn't blind. He can see what's happening. She's defending Wormwood while chastising him, and then has the gall to try and explain it away. And saying he's not their enemy? Has she truly been swept up by him? Well he won't join her. "I won't be betrayed by you, and then lied to for another second!"
"Betrayed?" She breathed. A pang of sadness pulsated in her chest. Is that what he thinks I did? Wormwood and Ubos were thoroughly engrossed, neither daring to breathe or look away as the silence enveloped the garden.
Eezeyal's wings stooped to the ground, his head and feathers sinking. "You said it yourself, Lydia. I'm not but trouble for you. Always have been, always will be." His lower beak trembled. Welling tears reddened his Heartbroken eyes.
"What...what are you saying?!" Lydia hesitated. The pit lodging in her throat was throbbing under the pounding headache of her heart. The acids in her stomach bubbling viciously.
"I...I don't know…" His wings drooped. His head and feathers sinking miserably. What am I sayin'? He angrily interrogated himself. The words coming from that raging beak, are they his? Or are they from somewhere else. A personal battled what's between his heart and mind. His mind screamed, you know what you've seen, what you've heard, and what you've come to discover. She is with Wormwood. But in his heart...in his heart he knows she wouldn't choose another over him. Why am I feeling like this? Eezeyal turned his back on her, grinding his beak as he rasped, "I just...don't want to see you right now."
Thin glass holding Lydia broke under her, sending her to that dark place. Wormwood and Ubos were backhanded by disbelief. Pieces of them felt the pangs of sorrow curdling between them. Lydia's hands dropped limply at her sides in defeat. "Fine. Then...I'm going to the pet contest, and yes, I'm taking Wormwood." Eezeyal tensed. Lydia picked up Wormwood, solemnly placing the stammering Raven on her shoulder. Finally, her glare found Ubos. "You've been awfully silent, and absent! Don't tell me you're cross with me too!"
"I have no personal feelings in this endeavor. I'm merely ensuring he doesn't agitate his wounds." Ubos responded like a textbook, vying for his innocence to be heard. Not that she was surprised. He at least could have spoken up. He's been there the whole time. How like an instructor.
"Princess Lydia!" Baileywick called. Ubos hid as the steward entered the garden. "There you are! It's time to go! The others have already gone ahead of you!" The carriages flying ahead confirmed as much. Crackles was flying alongside them. She seemed to glance back saddened at the playground, then turned her attention to where Baileywick was.
"Thanks, Baileywick! I'll be along soon!" He bowed and exited.
Ubos came out of hiding, watching Lydia and Eezeyal do one final stand off before she turned on her heels and left. She had nothing left to say, and neither did he. "Princess Lydia, please do not be cross with Eezeyal." Ubos begged, chasing her down. "You see, last night he saw the both of you together and… after your argument…" He timidly trailed off.
"Then why didn't you ever take a second to explain why he's in such a bad mood?!" Her voice trembled to stay leveled. "Maybe if you had this could have been avoided!"
"Or, perhaps, if you had been forthcoming of your spending time with Wormwood!"
She stopped suddenly, whirling around. "That wasn't a secret, and I'm not spending time with him!" Wormwood bobbed his head drolly. Spending time with someone entails enjoying yourself. He wasn't. Not entirely anyway. "Cedric is out of town, and asked me to look after him."
"Why didn't you say something sooner?!" He gasped.
"Because Eezeyal left when I was going to explain." Last night when she stepped out. Ubos felt dread snake his spine. She must have come back in to see him. Ubos suddenly felt ridiculous. Her question bothered him. Why didn't I ask her? "Cedric was supposed to be home yesterday, but got held up by bad weather."
"You should go back and-"
"Didn't you hear him? He doesn't want anything to do with me." She turned to begin her walk again. "And I'm not in the mood the to argue with him anymore." She sighed dismally.
Ubos stopped following her, in utter dismay a misunderstanding was allowed to get this far out of control. "Oh what fools we can be."
xxx
Lydia climbed into the carriage with Baileywick, giving the word to take off. Just as the carriage left the ground, Crackle came darting past, diving into the gardens. Wonder what she's doing. Lydia pondered. Not that she really cared right now. She nestled in the corner, subconsciously stroking Wormwood's feathers in deep thought.
Wormwood hummed under the gentle strokes, pleasant chills scrolling his little bones. He understands now why Eezeyal sits in her lap a lot. This is heavenly. The enjoyment was stunted when he turned to see she was still crestfallen by the unfortunate turn of events. It might just be the light or her expression, but she doesn't look quite...right when she's upset.
Huh. There's a lump in his throat. It's kind of making his chest tighten. And there's this nausea in his stomach that seems to intensify whenever he looks up at Lydia. What is this awful sensation, he pondered. Every time he looked in her direction he wanted to say something. What that something is isn't clear, but he wanted her to stop frowning. It isn't becoming. What sort of affliction has come over him? Whatever it is, he wished he could stop it.
Wormwood cleared his throat uncomfortably. "I'm...I don't...ugh...Look...what is it?!" His tongue was in ten different knots. What on earth is it that's driving his tongue? "What happened in the garden...I'm really uncomfortable with it...and...and I really hate that look on your face! It's disgraceful!" Lydia was lost between confused and REALLY confused. Was he really trying to cheer her up? Or is he trying to insult her? Bright pink shaded Wormwood's cheeks, What are you doing, Feather Brain?!
"I think you're looking to apologize." She giggled. Wormwood's blush deepened as she pet him again. "You don't have to say anything. But thanks for trying, Wormwood. Really." She smiled tenderly. Wormwood's cheeks puffed as he mumbled frazzled under his breath. That pounding in his chest was driving him mad.
xxx
Back at the garden, Crackle was heartbroken by Eezeyal's current state. He looked terrible. Like a pinata that was broken and then put back together again. Eezeyal spared her the full story and summed it up with how idiotic he is. He changed the subject to something a little less depressing.
"I appreciate ya comin' tuh see me, Crackle. But how come yew aren't at the pet contest?" He's due most grateful for her not tackling him. Probably explains why Ubos is hiding so far away. Crackle can be… dangerous when she's excited. Fire-breathing, full body tackles, and there's that time she bowled Clover over in the kitchen.
"I saw you as we were leaving and wondered why you weren't coming."
"Lydia doesn't want me to." He moaned, lying sadly to the grass. "She'd rather have Wormwood with her."
"You mean that stuffy back bird on her shoulder?" The one that could make marshmallow rot by just looking at them.
"Yep. That's him! No way am I goin' while he's palin' around with her!" He'd rather molt every feather he has. "Besides, Liddy doesn't want me anymore. I'm too much trouble."
"That's not true!" Crackle's never heard something so ridiculous. "Lydia would never trade you for another bird. She can't." She pat him on the back. "You're her special owl, just like Clover is Sofia's special bunny."
The way she said that made Eezeyal's brow twitch. "Somethin' happen with Sofia and Clover?"
"Clover got left behind too." Now that Crackle thinks about it, both of her good friends were ditched by their princesses. And she's going to find out why, or fry their butts trying. "Listen, I have to get back before Vivian misses me. Clover and I are going to have a cookout then. Wanna join us?"
"Yeah. Sure." That's if he hasn't slipped into obscurity by then.
"Alright. See you soon." Crackle hovered a moment, wishing Eezeyal would let her take him with her. She doesn't think it would do much good. Not with how things are left. She wasn't going to have it! No sir! Time for those princesses to start talking.
xxx
The contest was still a half hour from starting and the crowd was already stretching to the fairground limit markers. People sure do enjoy watching pets perform. So much, half of them skipped breakfast and were making the vendors wealthy with each purchase. The contestants were lining up by the handful. The Royals included. Last minute preparation were being devoted to making the animals look their best. Amber feeding Praline his favorite appleseeds, James playing with Frido to excite him, Hildegard and Vivian swooning over their pets, and Sofia brushing the dust from a snow white bunny named Ginger. Word is, she's the most talented bunny in the whole kingdom. She whistle's a hearty tune, and looks remarkble while doing it. And her southern accent - only heard by Sofia - gives her a particular charm.
Sofia was ready for the contest, excited to win and have the most fun in her life. That is until Ginger dampened her mood by remarking on how serious competitions are. Sofia agreed, but was a little put off by her tone. She tried to shake it off by watching everyone else with their pets. Watching them have so much fun together, Sofia felt a little jealous. And guilty. She could be having that much fun with Clover right now. Spying a small basket of blueberries, Sofia thought she might still be able to. She explained to Ginger that she and Clover have a special game. She throws a blueberry, and Ginger is supposed to catch it in her mouth. Instead, Ginger let the blueberry bounce right past her and to the ground. She never eats before a performance, but was thankful all the same. Suddenly, Sofia wasn't feeling so hot about Ginger.
"Hey, Sofia!" Lydia sprang from the coach, running to Sofia waving. Wormwood waited for her to stop before perching on her shoulder. "Sorry I took so long! Did I miss anything?!"
"Nuh-uh! The contest hasn't started yet!"
Lydia exhaled with relief. Whistling caught her ear, raising hers and Wormwood's brow at the sparkling white bunny on the barrel. "Isn't that Ginger from the Castle Zoo?" Lydia met her when she crashed into Praline's pen.
"Yeah. She's my partner in the contest." Ginger snootily waved, batting her long lashes.
"Partner? What about Clover?"
"He...didn't want to come." She fiddled with her hands. Her natural tell. Lydia frowned, knowing she did something.
"Beggin' yer pardon, Princess Lydia." Ginger interjected before she could press on. "I am sorry to interupt, but might I trouble you for room temperature, fresh sparkling water from the Mountains of Carinthia. In a crystal bowl, if ya wouldn't mind." Lydia,Wormwood, and Sofia mouthed her request in dumbstruck awe. Very specific and...fancy. "Skimmed lemon, lime, and a sprig of peppermint would be appreciated. The combined minerals are wonderful for my fur, and will help my parched mouth."
"Umm...sure. Coming right up." Lydia rested her wand long ways, giving it a quick twirl. Recalling Ginger's outlandish requests made her dizzy, but a crystal bowl with fresh water, lemon, lime, and peppermint appeared. She set it down, earning an impressed hum from Ginger.
"Darling, absolutely stunning! Thank you!" She took quick sip, fawning over the water. "Oh yes!"
"I have just lost all respect for you!" Wormwood drew the line.
"You mean you had some?" She scoffed. He gave her that one.
"THIS...is who you PICK...over CLOVER?!" Crackle snarled venomously at Sofia, climbing onto a box. Steam was roaring from her snout. Lydia and Wormwood were ready to tuck and roll.
"Oh! Hi, Crackle…" Sofia waved nervously.
"Don't Hi, Crackle, me! You really hurt Clover's feelings! And if you hurt Clover's feelings, you've hurt mine!" Lydia crossed her arms, shooting a cross stare from the corner of her eye. Wormwood took a breath, erecting a feather to say something really snarky. Lydia clamped his beak shut, shushing him.
"I didn't hurt his feelings!" She swore to Crackle and Lydia. "He said he didn't wanna go!"
"He was just being nice because you told him you wanted to bring Fluffy over there!" The Whistle wondering herself paying no mind.
Lydia didn't hear this part of the story. Or any of it. "You told Clover you were bringing her instead?!" She snarled disappointed. "Why bother inviting him then?!"
"I…" She fiddled with her hands again. Crackle was boiling mad. "Please don't be upset. I didn't mean to hurt him."
"Sofia, she's right to be upset with you!" Lydia advocated. "Clover was really looking forward to this, and you took it away from him."
"Well I'm certainly proud of you!" Wormwood crooned, applauded her. "I didn't think you could be so callous." Sofia gawked heartbroken.
Lydia plucked a donut from a passing vendor, slipping it over his beak. "Not now, Wormy!" Curses were muffled as he fought with the donut. At least it was glazed. He liked glazed. "Sofia, Clover's your best friend! Why didn't you bring him?!"
"Well, I just thought, since Clover doesn't like to wear bows, or have his fur brushed, and doesn't really…" Her eyes kept sliding over to the other exotic pets her friends brought. Her head sank in her shoulders, "I thought it'd be better if I brought Ginger."
"Uh-huh." Bows and fur brushing. Really. Lydia studied the stiff competition she was facing. A peacock, a dragon, a snow mink, an elephant, and a whistling bunny. The common denominator in them all? They are impressive to the eye. Clover, in comparison, was ordinary. "Sofia?" Lydia knelt down, turning Sofia's ashamed expression towards her. "Is the reason you didn't bring Clover because of how amazing the other's pets are?" She used amazing loosely because it's relative to the beholder.
"No...maybe...a little." She winced, blushing shamefully. Lydia released a disappointed breath. She was afraid of that. Peer pressure strikes again. "I wasn't being mean! Honest! It's just...the other's have amazing looking pets with amazing talents and I...I don't know. Clover isn't…" She doesn't want to say he's not amazing. But then what is he?
"Clover's filthy, a glutton, relatively lazy, and only moves when it suits him." Lydia listed his flaws from worst to tolerable.
"Yeah!" Sofia beamed, thinking Lydia understood.
"But he's also always there for you when you need him, is willing to brave the ocean for you, and is the only bunny in the Kingdom who brings a smile to your face."
"Yeah…" There's that misery again. He's embarrassing at times.
"Trust me. Eezeyal emabrasses me sometimes too." She storked Sofia's curling hair. "But if there's anyone I want beside me when I wake up, it's him." Sofia heard what she was saying, and began to seriously reconsider her choice in partner. Seeing a boy with his dog coming near, she noticed him amazed by Ginger's whistling and went to talk to him. Lydia hopes Sofia will come to her senses. If she's really Clover's friend, she'll see he's more amazing and talented than any animal in the world. Taking pity on Wormwood, she finally took off the donut and fed it to him. He'd make her pay, but after he's finished.
"Pretty words to say when you have a different ornament on your shoulder!" Crackled blew the steam in her direction.
"Huh?"
"Where's my Eezeyal?" She demanded.
"At home. He didn't want to come. He even said so himself!" She folded her arms. Crackle put her paws to her waist, stamping her foot with an incredulous glare. "I was going to invite him!"
"Really?! Because, the way I heard it, you just up and abandoned him!"
That's why she flew back to the castle. She saw Eezeyal and wanted to talk with him. A lot apparently. "He's the one who sent me away! He's been acting strange since yesterday! Yelling at me, barking at me, then he doesn't want anything to do with me!"
"Maybe because he doesn't want the third wheel along!"
The sharp talon in Wormwood's face made him choke on his donut. "Excuse me!"
"You heard me!" She blew steam in his face. The fumes choked him, throwing him aloof to the ground with a thud. Lydia was impressed. "Eezeyal doesn't like Wormwood! That's clear! He's watched you spending so much time with him THAT he can't stomach being around you!" Wormwood was still twitching at the foul breath stuck in his nostrils. "Do you have any idea how hurt he must feel?"
Crackle was hitting the nail on the head every single time. She's more intuitive than Lydia gave her credit for. And it was starting to make her feel really crummy. "I...I didn't mean to. I've tried to explain but…" Her hand brushed against her pocket. Inside was the charm she wanted to give Eezeyal...for being such a great friend and confidant all this time. A token to show that, no matter what, he would always be special to her. No matter what.
A bell riled up the crowd, drawing attention to the stage. "Contestants! The show is about to begin!" The manager cheered.
"Oh man! Baileywick!" She ran up to the steward and shoved Wormwood into his arms. "Can you watch him? I have to get back to the castle! I'LL BE QUICK!"
"SO WILL I!" Sofia ran up and handed Baileywick Ginger.
"What's going on?! The pet contest is about to start?!" Baileywick warned them.
"We know! It's just…" Sofia trailed off.
"We've both made terrible mistakes that we need to fix!" Lydia helped Sofia into the carriage.
"BACK TO THE CASTLE PLEASE! We need to find our friends!" Sofia announced. Lydia couldn't have put it better herself.
As the coach took off, Wormwood found himself astonished...and slightly warmed. The only time he's seen such devout affection from a human was from Cedric.
xxx
Eezeyal lugged his sorrows to the koi pond by the castle obstacle course. Ironically, it was the second quietest place on the grounds. Ubos, the literate shadow that he is, was lurking nearby on the pinwheel, sighing heavily to the grass. Some time after Lydia left, the secret behind her spending time with Wormwood was revealed. She was only babysitting until Cedric came home. Why didn't she say so? Eezeyal moaned mentally. Why was it so hard for her to speak up? Then again, when he thought further, did Eezeyal really give her a chance to speak up? If he did, he has selective memory on top of a poor attitude.
"I thought I'd find you here." Eezeyal was startled, almost falling into the pool. Lydia's gentle hand saved him, her warm smile prickling his chest. Ubos waited silently, not wanting to intrude on their moment.
"Liddy...I…"
"Let me explain first." She touched two fingers to his beak, sitting beside him. "Yes, I have been spending time with Wormwood. Cedric's gone to an evaluation and asked me to watch Wormwood." He bobbed his head, sneaking a glance to Ubos. He heard as much. "I took him to the fair to meet up with Sofia, and then we made a bet as to whether or not he'd enjoy himself."
"Did you win?"
"Yes, but Wormwood won't admit he lost." Their first shared laugh in what felt like an eternity. "The point is, one thing led to another and Wormwood and I started having fun."
"A lot of fun." He groaned.
"Yes, a lot of fun. But that doesn't mean I'll stop having the best fun with you." She tilted his chin, wanting him to see the sincerity in her. Strings tugged at his heart. "I'm sorry that I didn't tell you about Wormwood. I knew what you'd say, and try to do, if you knew." The images were terrifying. Eezeyal cackled evilly, reading her mind. "And I know you hate him, so I didn't want you to feel like you're being forced to endure him." Now she was done.
"I...owe you an apology too." He admitted. "Yesterday morning, I was so furious with myself that I turned it on you. Made it appear, in my own twisted mind, that you're this evil person." He placed his wings to her lap. "Which you aren't, Liddy. You are the most beautiful hearted girl I've ever come to love. But when I saw you with Wormwood...it sent me over the edge."
"Eezeyal, I'm always going to meet new animals, or be seen spending time with others. But that doesn't mean I've replaced you. No one could ever replace you." She placed a kiss to his head, rubbing her forehead to him. "You're my Ezee. My partner, best friend, and number one pet in the entire kingdom." Eezeyal lit up like a star, joyous tears hanging to the corner of his eyes. "You're my blue ribbon, Ezee, that's joke." She snuggled her cheek to him. "Without you, my Ezee, my heart would be broke." She caressed fingers down his spine. "My blue ribbon Ezee, there is no contest." She gently picked him up. "My blue ribbon, Ezee, you're...the...ve~ry...be~st..." She wrapped her arms around him, bringing him to her heart where he was already imbedded.
"Aw, Liddy! I'm so sorry." He buried his face into her chest, sobbing heavily. Lydia held up the collar the vendor helped her make, watching Eezeyal beam even brighter. "Is that a...topaz?"
"I won it at the fair yesterday, and asked the vendor to make something for a special friend." All this talk of leashes, it was amazing he adored that sleek black collar. "Here...let me." She fixed it to his neck. It fit like a charm. "There…" She admired it. "You look like a winner now."
"Then let's go see another winner!" Eezeyal blurted. "Sofia's enterin' that contest, yeah?" Lydia bobbed her head. "Then let's watch her give 'em HECK!"
"YOU BET!" She sprang to her feet. "Come on, Ubos! You're coming too!"
"But I-"
"No buts!" She snapped her fingers and he was in her hands. "Just change into a squirrel or something and let's go!" She dashed into a sprint, making it hard for Ubos to complete that transformation. Of course he picked a squirrel.
Lydia and Sofia met up at the carriage, their respective friends in their hands.
xxx
The pet contest was nearly done. Two more contestants left to set the bar. Crackle and Vivian completed their unicycle routine with a show stopper. Crackle's little wings and paws acting as her balance and rudder, gliding her across the stage. She made rings of fire, soaring through them. She spun like a top, never losing her smile. Vivian ended the number, and Crackle showboated on her back, huffing flames like a steamboat. The crowd adored her. Then Amber strutted on stage with Praline, executing their brief strut and pose. Praline's feather drew in the crowd, and she let them have The Shimmer. The crowd definitely ate it up.
As the contest manager entered on stage to bring the show to a close, Sofia and Lydia's coach was flying above it. The crowd was enormous, able to be heard from the air. Meaning the show was going on.
"The show's not over! You still have time!" Lydia cheered.
"COACHMAN! Get us in as close as you can!" Sofia asked. He tipped his hat.
"Wait a minute!" Lydia swallowed a nervous lump. "Your name is Georgie, right?"
"Yes, Princess!"
"HOLD ONTO YOUR BUTTS!" Lydia wrapped everyone close, bracing themselves. "This is gonna be close!" Georgie dove the carriage.
xxx
"Since that was our last contestant…" The manager clapped his hands to dull the cheering crowd, "It's time to-GAH!" He plastered himself to the wall. Georgie stopped the carriage on a dime. Sofia and Lydia poked their heads up, animals on their heads.
"That's close." Clover approved.
"Seriously…" Lydia held her lunch down, "I'm talking to Dad about your stunt flying." Georgie laughed impishly.
Mouths and eyes gaped at the carriage. It was quite the entrance. Once Sofia and Lydia were off, Georgie vacated. The manager cleared his throat, laughing off his fluster. "It seems we have last minute entries."
"Entry." Lydia corrected. She slid into the audience, relieving Baileywick of Wormwood. "Thanks." She put him to her shoulder. Squirrel Ubos - why he chose a mustache of whiskers is beyond her - sat on her other shoulder. Eezeyal was cradled like her baby.
"Decided to join us, Scruffy?" Wormwood teased.
"The castle ran out of places to brood." He winked.
Wormwood rolled his eyes, then arched a brow at Ubos. "Another pet?"
"No. Another friend." Lydia giggled. "You know, Ubos." Ubos waved, and Wormwood bobbed his head. He should have known the book could change shape. "Now SHH!" She directed their attention to the stage. Sofia and Clover were ready to start.
"HIT IT!" Clover shouted. Sofia translated for him. A Blue Ribbon Bunny beat dropped. Clover started off by stamping his little foot, letting the music take over. He sprang and leapt high into a quadruple flip, landing with a spin on the paw, taking of the whole stage with amazing tricks. The crowd was eating out of his paw with cheers, the music bobbing their heads and swinging their hips. "GO, CLOVER! GO, CLOVER! SPLITS!" He went freestyle.
"YEAH, CLOVER!" Sofia cheered for him.
"WOO-HOO!" Eezeyal shouted. Ubos and Wormwood had to admit, the bunny was good. Lydia was lost in the music, swinging an arm and her hips to them usic.
"Hey, he's pretty good!" James clapped with Frido.
"And he makes the cutest noises!" Vivian gushed.
Ginger watched Clover unleash his inner animal, unable to stop the groove from taking her. "Well…" Crackles wings were fluttering animatedly, steam puffing from her nostrils as she was hypnotized by Clover.
Clover wasn't going to hog all the spotlight. He grabbed Sofia, bringing her center stage. A couple of finishing steps as the music drew to a close, and a grand spin brought their number to a halt. Sofia spinning Clover by his cottontail on her finger. The crowd burst into roars of praise, shrill whistles reverberating the stage. But Sofia and Clover weren't done yet. One more stunt to set the bar even higher. Coincidentally, a villager was eating blueberries near the stage.
"Alright, Princess, time for the finale!" Sofia winked at him. Clover hopped to the villager who was happy to let him have the berries.
Clover was ready when Sofia was. She threw one high, and Clover jumped and swallowed it whole. The next went far right. Not a problem. He could have gotten that in his sleep. Sofia bounced three in her hand. One went high, the other low, and the last went far. Clover slid to a pose, catching the last berry with his ear. The crowd went wild. And with that, the contest was drawn to a close. Although, the manager checked the skies before entering on stage.
The crowd was itching with anticipation as the judges deliberated. Contestants had their fingers crossed and were on their toes, praying that it was their pet that would take home the ribbon, and star in the parade. Amber and Praline weren't worried in the least. They had already declared themselves the winners. And there is no one can compare to the Elegance, grace, and beauty of the Princess's peacock. They need only hear the judges results to prove it.
There were many amazing entries, and many talented pets and owners. The judges were wrapped in a tizzy, at a complete loss as to who should be named the winner of the pet contest. A couple wished that they could pick more than one, seeing as how more than one amazed them beyond belief. But, as they reviewed the pets and routines witnessed, the judges eventually came to unanimous decision as to which pet and owner stood out the most.
"OOH! I'm so nervous!" Sofia fidgeted, rubbing the bumps on her arms.
"Don't be!" Lydia knelt and wrapped her arms around her. "You both were amazing!" Sofia relaxed, touching the arms around her. The two were then baffled by a seething Crackle huffing at Ginger. Clover a nervous wreck in the middle. "Wonder what's wrong with them?"
"Dunno." Sofia shrugged.
"ALRIGHT, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN!" The manager bellowed. The breathing simultaneously stopped. "The judges have reached their decision! The winner of the pet contest is…" The drum roll squeezed eyes closed, crossed fingers, and had Lydia and Sofia strangling each other. "CLOVER THE RABBIT!" Sofia and Lydia shot into the air as the crowd roared for the win. There wasn't the slightest doubt, but boy did that decision feel good. Wormwood, Ubos, and Eezeyal hooted gleefully. That was a tense moment, but their hard work paid off in the end. James cheered the loudest for his little sister. Amber, however, was a bit heartbroken. Nevertheless, she was proud to see her sister and her bunny win the blue ribbon. They earned it. All that was left now, to conclude the festivities, was a parade ride through the the village.
xxx
The villagers gathered to the main street, tossing confetti high into the air as Sofia and Clover passed by on the float. This moment was for her and her blue ribbon bunny, a moment they almost lost because she'd forgotten what makes Clover so special. Something she'll never do again. And they might not be able to use that float again if Clover doesn't stop eating it.
Meanwhile, up on the rooftops, Lydia watched the parade March through with Wormwood, Eezeyal, and Ubos. They were far enough from sight that Ubos could be in his normal form. Even in Wormwood, there was a sense of pride shared as Sofia and Clover basked in their glory. The trial they both had to face in order to reach this point made it all the more glamorous. Lydia certainly couldn't be prouder. Especially because her dissolution with Clover helped her realize her own with Eezeyal. Mutual teachers these two are.
"Good on them!" Eezeyal hooted.
"Indeed!" Ubos chuckled, clapping animated hands.
"Egh. They were satisfactory." Wormwood, living up to his pride nature, tried to shrug indifferently.
"Can't ya say somethin' positive fur our girl?!" Eezeyal snarled.
"Oh, leave it! We're here for Sofia and Clover!" She drew the three in, embracing them closely in her warm arms.
That perpetual blush returned to Wormwood as he heard her rampant heart strumming for Sofia. He was beginning to understand now why Cedric… admired her so vehemently. The girl is… pure, in a sense. "Ahem...Princess! Ugh, Lydia…" Hearing her name caught her off guard. She gawked at Wormwood. He swallowed and smiled, "Thank you for...you know…thank you." Blast that tying tongue of his.
Lydia giggled at his flustered words. She snuggled her cheek to him. "You're welcome, Wormy."
TO BE CONTINUED!