(All characters and places from Sofia the First do not belong to me. They're property of Disney. Songs mentioned belong to their respective writers. OC's are only mine!)
Chapter Seven
Reverso
"I don't know what you do, but you do it well. I'm under your spell. You've got me begging you for mercy. Why don't you release me?"
-"Mercy" by Duffy.
"We'll have dinner ready before you know it," announced Lilah. "I'm hungry and you're hungry too."
Cedric's mouth watered. He hadn't eaten since breakfast and after the long eventful day, he was starving. When Lilah swung the door open, it revealed a different atmosphere than what he was used to.
The first thing Cedric noticed, was a thick wooden pillar as if it held the ceiling, which started as regular cedar until it suddenly opened up to where it slanted like the roof with dark beams. The original designers had intended for two floors and the second would be the bedrooms. If it had gone accordingly, there would've been another pillar for support and going straight through the second floor! Instead, there was a loft with a dresser and bed. It had a skylight which explained why Lilah never climbed the rain pipes in the front. A small staircase led to the bedroom and parallel was a mirrored hutch. It contained stacked papers and quills, all that Lilah borrowed from Cedric. (He didn't notice these.)
The whole first floor was designed for areas to represent dining and living. The kitchen aligned the whole wall. From the foyer, it started with a wooden counter with a large sink and pump. Trailing along was more counter space with the oven and stove in between. Two large boxes of neatly stacked logs were at the end. There were cabinets and railed shelves above. Each area was organized with kitchen tools; a canister of spoons and whisks: a knife block: a cutting board: a tea kettle: pegs for towels: jars labeled for flour, sugar, yeast, and confectioneries.
A small table with three chairs was arranged in the center. A living space was by the far corner with a simple couch and coffee table. There were books and a decorative bowl on top. A dark polished rocking chair stood alone and had a crocheted seat cover. In one corner, nearest to her kitchenette, was a small fireplace as a triangle shape. It had small guard rails that were designed to look like pine trees. A short hallway had one door on each side. There were no pictures or artwork. Cedric counted three windows; the large one with white panes by the entrance, a medium sized by the sink and one in the back near the rocking chair. The cottage had enough natural light so she rarely needed candles or lamps. It wasn't colorful, grand or unkempt. It was simple and that's what she preferred.
Meanwhile, Lilah opened up the upper cabinets and started organizing her dinner. She took a loaf of rye bread, cheese slices, some carrots, a bowl of covered strawberries and a cookie from the confectionery jar. (It w as a mix of candy and cookies.) Not what Cedric expected, but he was too hungry to complain. He nearly slipped from her shoulder as he tried to peer into the jar.
"Hold on boy," Lilah said as she cradled him in her palm. "Stay here." She put him on the table and went back searching for two saucers. Taking a small knife, she quickly chopped her findings. Hiding on the top shelf and hidden inside her biggest mixing bowl, was a jar of pumpkin and sunflower seeds. (If Kipling found them, it'd be impossible to pry them away.) She took a pinch of these and put them on the saucer with the small slices of carrots and strawberries. The other she filled with water from a small jug.
"There we go Kipling," she said. "Your favorite."
"That's all?" Cedric said disappointingly. He forgot that gerbils had a particular diet. Not that they looked bad, but he wanted something more fulfilling. This was snack food to him! Lilah only chuckled and playfully scratched his ears. She returned to the counter and started making herself a sandwich.
With a sigh, Cedric dug his claws into a thin strawberry slice and nibbled. He forgot his letdown realizing how sweet it was. Lilah took a seat next to him with her cheese sandwich and cookie, a gingersnap to be precise, and a mug. It was quiet, but nothing awkward at all. To his surprise, Cedric was becoming full from the small portions he received. Lilah paused from eating and stacked some wood into the fireplace. (She used the smaller logs, particularly birch, for a light fire since it wasn't too cold for spring.)
After a while, it was completely dark outside and the fireplace provided a warm glow. Lilah heaved herself up from the chair and went towards the pump. Inside the large sink, were two large buckets that she used for washing. She heaved the pump handle up and down as it creaked and spluttered cool water. When full, she carried them towards the hallway. Meanwhile, Cedric rubbed some water over his face from the saucer. Automatically, he ran his claws over and around his whole head like a real gerbil.
Out of his view, Lilah hiked upstairs, unhooked the jewelry that she wore underneath her blouse and fished through her dresser. Cedric rolled in what was left in the saucer, feeling fresh. He shook himself, causing the inky black fur to ruffle. (He would've been shocked that Kipling rolled in sand for his baths.) Eventually, he noticed Lilah come back down with something tucked her arm. Off she went into the left room and locked the door. Cedric swallowed nervously knowing full well she was bathing. Hearing water slowly being poured, he grew uneasy. He wasn't experienced with women and didn't know how to handle this. Lilah was fully exposed on the other wide of the wall, not knowing the man she favored was there! What if she came out in a tight sheer nightgown so that little was covered? Where did Kipling sleep? On her pillow? He wouldn't be able to do it! He covered his ears when he heard splashing.
"How would I be able to speak to her again?" he dreaded. "She'll probably think I did this on purpose to spy!" Admittedly, he was concerned on how people saw him. The last thing he wanted to be known was as a pervert, especially when he guessed what type of suitor Lilah briefly mentioned. Probably some man who wanted a night's fun and then shoo her away!
After perhaps an hour, Lilah returned with her damp hair in a tight braid. She was wearing a cream colored nightgown, which was not hugging her body. It was thick so that her skin couldn't be seen. The sleeves were long and much to Cedric's puzzlement, she still had her gloves!
"You're not wearing those to bed are you?" he asked. "I take off mine!"
"Now no bedtime snacking," said Lilah picking him up, oblivious to his question. Her spare hand had her green ribbon spun around her palm. "You know we like a good night's sleep." She carried him upstairs.
The staircase was narrow and had a railing into the top floor to prevent her stumbling over. The bed was a full mattress with two pillows, white coverlet and an olive green blanket. She had a night table with an oil lamp and a pocket watch. The wood pillar came right through her loft, but the tiny wall space had something interesting. Due to the slanted roof, it only had a peg rack. Hanging were three objects.
The first was a long chain with a rusty key. When Lilah wore it, it hung past (and between) her chest. The second was a golden locket with intricate detailed edges, hanging by black cord. Part of the cord was ragged, as if it was bunched up once and the knot looked new. Perhaps Lilah had previously untied it and made it the right length for her. The third was a compass on a gold chain, but it was very small. It was no bigger than a coin with its tiny gold arrows pointing north.
Lilah dangled her green ribbon over one peg since her braid was secured with loose elastic. She slipped Cedric into a large teacup -Kipling's bed for upstairs-which was decorated with red roses and stuffed with crumpled paper. Cedric didn't like feeling the cold porcelain on his body or the noisy paper as he shifted around. Lilah crawled under the blankets and opened the single drawer to her nightstand. She slipped out a brown leather book. Some leaflets were loose and dog-eared. Inside was a stump of pencil and Lilah immediately scribbled inside. Cedric averted his eyes.
"I need to forget a lot after this," he decided.
She wrote for a long time. What he didn't know was what Lilah had inside. She called it her Memory Journal. It wasn't just writing, she had pressings of flowers inside from special days and scribing of good memories. She was writing about the day and how beautiful the butterflies were.
"No stars tonight," she said glancing to the skylight. She finished writing in her notebook and placed it on her nightstand. "Hopefully we can get some sleep right Kipling?"
"Not near you," replied Cedric. He truly felt he was invading her privacy.
"Sleep tight boy," Lilah yawned giving him a loving stroke over his ears.
"It's not even 9 o'clock," he noticed. It was around 6 when they were on the roof and 7 when she went for her bath.
Lilah yanked the covers to her chin and her eyelids slowly drooped. Maybe after five minutes, she snored and Cedric remembered it from her drunken morning. The familiar growly snore rumbled in her throat and he sighed. Despite the comforting glow from the fireplace, a full belly and feeling clean, he couldn't rest.
If one thing hadn't changed, it was his insomnia. It had been fun spending the day with Lilah, but it couldn't change his potion mistake. He might as well have Morgana put a spell on him and toss him in a cage where he couldn't reach his wand to undo anything.
"There has to be something," he contemplated. "Something in my books to change us back. No, I'll try the switcherwitchitus switcheroo. That could work."
More and more he twisted around with thoughts of the whole day. The teacup was a poor substitute for his bed. He kept rolling onto his back, side or stomach, but he couldn't get comfortable. This went on for almost two hours, but he wouldn't have noticed because the sky was still pitch black. He went onto his back and stared at the ceiling. The moment he did, he heard a whimper. His gerbil ears twitched as Lilah whimpered again and he heard the creak of her bed as she rolled over.
"No," mumbled Lilah. Cedric peeked over the teacup rim. In the dark, he could notice her. "Don't," she continued with more force. "Don't hurt him! Please!" The more she muttered, the more her voice rose and her fists clenched.
"Lilah?" Cedric inquired nervously. He creeped to the table's edge and rubbed his paws anxiously. "Lilah, it's just a bad dream!" His squeaks were to no avail.
Lilah continued muttering and tossing. Her breathing quickened as she flipped to her back. Just when Cedric thought he should leap to her pillow and try waking her, that's when it happened! With a defensive yell, she bolted up and stretched her arm out as if she was ready to choke somebody! Her eyes opened in bewilderment and her breathing labored. She frantically twisted the oil lamp for light only to reveal her damp, red face. She flopped backward and rubbed her eyes. Cedric felt a new sort of awful. What kind of nightmare could plague her sleep to the point she would be wailing?
On her back, Lilah shut her eyes. She was contemplating on going downstairs, but she knew what would happen, wasn't the best idea. Apparently, her frustration got the best of her because she kicked the covers off and stumbled down the stairs. From his perch, Cedric noticed she was in the kitchenette, searching around in a cabinet. She slipped out a square bottle and small glass. The liquid, whiskey, sloshed into the cup and she gulped it down. She slowly breathed and stared out the kitchen window.
Cedric watched her silhouette for the next half hour. He was numb and didn't know how to help her. She paced around the whole bottom floor, still having another drink. She must've had about three helpings. Slowly, drink after drink, she trembled, always running a hand over her damp hair. This was a time she dreaded; the nightmares galloping into her mind like an army of horses and showing no mercy to the point she was afraid to sleep again. She would get up and drink to calm her, lull her to drowsiness even if it meant feeling sick the next morning. It wasn't working this time.
This was the kind of nightmare that made her want to cry. Ones where she could see it all too vividly; Ephraim's lifeless body, her child voice screaming in grief, her mother's sobs and the chilled February wind nipping her skin. The worst was her thoughts in those dreams, always thinking "it's your fault." In those nightmares, she couldn't hear her conscience as clearly; Ephraim's voice was silenced. She couldn't tell anybody though. It would lead from one thing to another. That was something she didn't know how to handle with Cedric, if he returned her feelings.
Cedric. Her mind trailed away from her cottage to the sorcerer. Usually, she had a sour opinion of sorcerers, yet Cedric kept crossing her mind. She thought of him several times throughout the day. She might've dropped by that morning, but she didn't want Kipling to wait too long. In their "talks," Kipling would squeak with excitement when she mentioned going to the butterflies. Years before, when she first moved into the cottage, she had stumbled upon that wood and figured she saw something above the branches. She recalled staring at the butterflies, amazed by how close they glided. She wished Cedric could've seen it with her, but he didn't seem outdoorsy.
"Probably the stay-indoors-read-books type," she considered. "Not that it's unappealing."
Lilah blinked towards the hutch with the paper and quills. It was beyond juvenile to drop by and ask for things she never needed, but she liked to see him. Especially since their talk over the hocus crocus, she felt a little less weight in her heart. Something about Cedric had made her open up about her brother and she spilled more details than she had since she first left her childhood home. She couldn't reveal everything; the burden of grief, the guilt or her brass choices as a younger woman. Yet the happy memories had tumbled from her lips and she wanted to tell more of those good times. Perhaps even learn more about Cedric whose soft brown eyes and voice caused pleasing jitters.
"If I'm under a spell," Lilah thought. "I don't mind too much." She smiled a little. Seeing the whiskey was almost gone, she put it away and went back to bed.
"I hope she's alright," Cedric said to himself when she patted his head affectionately and mumbled goodnight to him.
Lilah seemed less anxious as she flipped her pillow around. She squirmed around to feel comfy, only to lie on her side. All Cedric could see was her head, with her long braid trailing along her back. He sighed and readjusted himself in the teacup. Before long, he finally managed to sleep and Lilah dozed away imagining Cedric offering her a bouquet of white roses.
What woke Cedric up was the smell of strong coffee. His eyes fluttered open to the skylight. It was early morning and the clouds above were tinted pink. His keen ears picked up on the warbling birds outside. Sitting up and peering over the teacup rim, he could see beams of sunlight across the wooden floor.
"I'm almost sorry to leave," he thought.
The cottage had a gentle atmosphere all around and he could understand why Lilah preferred outside of the village. Right on cue, she came upstairs with hardly a patter from her stocking feet. Pulled over the right shoulder, she had wavy locks and tied them together with her ribbon. She had twisted the hair around her ears to be sophisticated. Her olive green dress had brass buttons down the front.
"That's a nice look," complimented Cedric knowing she wouldn't comprehend.
"I know you're hungry," Lilah chuckled and scratched his head playfully. "I'll get started. Looks like you'll be a lefty today." She lifted him to her opposite shoulder so he'd stay out of her ponytail.
Cedric waited patiently at the table as she stacked dry oak logs (for a high heat) into the stove and slid the kitchen window ajar so it wouldn't be too stuffy. She fried sausages and eggs in a pan. As they sizzled, Cedric, guessed he wasn't getting those; it would be "gerbil food" again. It wasn't so bad, considering Lilah gave him decent portions and the strawberries were still delicious. Lilah ate her meal and sipped her coffee while skimming through an old gardening book. Cedric tried peering over the pages to see rough colored sketches for botany. She wasn't looking at anything in particular; she just enjoyed reading it again since it got her interested in gardening. After she scrubbed the breakfast dishes, she lifted her little companion up.
Cedric organized through his plan as Lilah locked the door. He had to get to Sofia. He figured her amulet gave her powers to understand animals and certainly she would hear him. She could translate to Lilah what happened and they could find a counterspell together.
Lilah was planning something herself. After "talking" with Kipling, she decided to maybe tell Cedric she was growing fond of him. Maybe she could invite him over for supper? "If I can cook something other than porridge, sandwiches, eggs and stews," she thought. "I don't even know what his favorite food is."
For some reason, when Lilah shut her gate, she looked at a different direction. Maybe she was feeling more upbeat than usual, but she cut through the forest and onto the road for Dunwiddie. Cedric didn't find anything out of the ordinary as Lilah carried him under the shady trees and onto the dusty path into the village. They could smell the mouthwatering aroma of fresh bread from the bakery and hear the rattling hay wagons. Some people said hello as they passed them or waved. Lilah only politely smiled, revealing how much of a lone wolf she was to Cedric. Eventually they entered the village square, where some children were playing dazzleball. An older lady was plucking a large, ripe orange from a tree. She already had a basket full of grapes, but she reached up again and took an apple from the same branch... Lilah cocked an eyebrow.
"What?" she muttered in disbelief. She paced in front of the tree and the older lady smiled as she carried away her basket.
"It's still there," Cedric thought happily. How could he forget conjuring that fruit tree? That day he finally stole Sofia's amulet, but ended up having a day of good deeds with her. While it wasn't all pleasant then with the amulet cursing him, he looked back on that day fondly.
That's when he glanced up to see her reaction. She was staring at the fruit tree with distaste. She could tell it wasn't planted, watered and pruned. Grapes grew on vines and watermelon in patches. "It reeks of magic," she critically thought. Cedric was surprised and confused on her frown, but Lilah shoved her hands into her pockets and briskly walked away.
Nothing seemed different to Cedric when Lilah arrived at the castle. The servants were still bustling about with Baileywick giving instructions; Amber hurried with a new book about astronomy; James was getting Rex prepared for a walk; but there was no sign of Sofia. He hoped she was already in his workshop, reading for a solution. With a steady pace, she followed her familiar route to Cedric's tower. On the steps, she heard the thump of her boots until something hard under her foot made her gasp and step back. It was a small black key. She and Cedric examined it.
"Odd," he muttered to himself. "How did it get out here?" In the past decade of being the Royal Sorcerer, he'd never dropped his keys.
"I better take it," Lilah announced. "Someone will be looking for it."
After hiding it in her left pocket, she finished the last twenty steps until they were at the familiar platform. Lilah tapped her knuckles to the door. Unsurprisingly, there was no answer. She tried again, but Cedric was growing impatient. Clearly Sofia wasn't inside.
"Cedric?" Lilah called out. "Are you there?"
"I'm right here," he thought bitterly. "Where's sofia? She would've-" Then he perked up remembering his familiar. "Wormwood," called Cedric aloud. There was a scuffling and rattle from inside. "Wormwood? I'm here with Lilah!"
"Cedric," Wormwood replied sharply through the door. "That dratted mouse locked me in the cage!"
"Locked you?" inquired Cedric as he leaned further out onto Lilah's shoulder. "Why would he do that?"
"Forget why!" yelled Wormwood. "Just get the gardener to open the door!"
"How? She doesn't understand me!"
"She won't understand me either! Just find the key or we're waiting for Sofia!"
Lilah refrained from knocking when she heard the disgruntled croaks from the raven. Her eyes narrowed. Hesitantly, she tried one more time, even calling for Cedric. She tried the small key, but only put it back seeing it was too small for the keyhole. She stood back, looked up and reached on her tip-toes. Stretching the best she could, she scattered her fingers over the ledge. She was looking for the right key! Eagerly, Cedric tapped her neck and pointed to one of the gargoyles. Lilah only flinched and sunk down to her heels. She sighed and traced the cracks and crevices in the wall as if she expected a fake brick to loosen with the key hidden. She was leaning towards the statues, still feeling her way.
"Yes," encouraged Cedric. "It's that one! Yes!"
Finally, Lilah noticed the loosened toe of the gargoyle and flipped it open. Sure enough, there was the brass key with its twisted design and blue gem. Cedric was flooded with relief as she unlocked the door and pushed it aside. The only thing was that the door was never locked! However, Lilah didn't think that. Indeed, Wormwood was in the cage and all the contents from the potion still out. Lilah eyed the whole room.
"Glad to see you Wormy," greeted Cedric happily.
"You've looked better," said Wormwood dryly, but even he had a small grin.
Cedric spotted the family portrait and knew what to do. He had to get his book of counterspells. He had to jump ahead without Sofia. When Lilah was near enough to the desk, her pet scampered down her arm and onto the woodwork.
"Cedric?" she called. "I'm sorry for intruding, but your door was locked and your bird sounded upset."
Cedric climbed up the desk the best he could until he was near the portrait. He panted from his climb and tried finding the loosest spot where he could pry. Lilah turned to see him looking up and then she fully noticed Goodwyn and Winifred. She raised an eyebrow.
"Huh," she said to herself. "I guess the nose runs on the mother's side." Right then, she saw Kipling point to the picture. He reached up, but only scratched the frame. "No Kipling," she chided while carefully pushing him back with her palm. "That's not yours." Cedric scrambled back and nearly jumped to grab the corner.
"Kipling! No!" Lilah pulled him back. Cedric squirmed and leaped from her grip. He dangled on the edge of the desk and pulled himself up, but Lilah was quicker. "Bad boy!" she said firmly. "If you can't behave you can stay in here!" Though gentle, she slipped him into her pocket and Cedric growled in frustration. Meanwhile, Wormwood could see his master wasn't accomplishing his goal.
"Hmm…but maybe there's something I can do," he thought. "Play to the emotions of the fair sex." He hunched over and gave a miserable croon. Lilah's blue eyes averted to him. Wormwood shook, making his feathers ruffle. He moaned again. As much as Lilah disliked ravens, she wasn't fully heartless.
"Is that all?" she said softly. "You want to be let out?" She reached for the cage and Wormwood nodded enthusiastically. "Or maybe Cedric wanted you in there," she added. Seeing Wormwood's sad frown, which he played to tug at her heartstrings thinking she was only a woman who couldn't resist a depressed corvid, she slowly examined the cage. She fished out the small key and tested it to the latch. Sure enough, it clicked and she cautiously opened the cage door, hoping he wouldn't attack her.
"At last," Wormwood cried and he flew out. Lilah gasped and jumped back in defense. He glided to the frame and tugged at it. Puzzled, Lilah came closer. The portrait creaked open and there on its shelf was the counterspell book. Wormwood swooped and grasped it by the talons. Right on time, came familiar footsteps.
"Wormwood! We need to hurry!" In rushed Sofia, wearing her usual pink and lavender dress. "He's-oh! Miss Lilah!" She instantly smiled, pleased to see her again. "Glad you're back!"
"What?" teased Lilah with a quick tap to Sofia's nose "You didn't think I left forever did you? I just had the day off."
"Not that," exclaimed Sofia. "Where's Kipling?"
"He's in my pocket," answered Lilah. "Why?"
"Miss Lilah we need to tell you something or maybe we should show you!" She took her hand and dragged her like she would with Cedric. "Can you please get Kipling out?"
"Why?" Lilah braced with her heels. "What for?"
"Mr. Cedric is in trouble and Kipling needs to help him! He's in the kitchen!" Sofia continued leading her down the stairs while Wormwood followed behind with the book.
Cedric had never been so happy to hear his apprentice's voice. He bounced in Lilah's pocket until her gloved hand reached in. Tucked safely around her fingers, he watched Wormwood fly ahead and Sofia cling tightly to Lilah. Down the long stairs, through the passages, and then into the kitchen they hurried. The cooks and servers were sitting with annoyed expressions. Everything was half made for breakfast, but they were all eyeing the large pantry.
"Here he is," panted Sofia as she let go of Lilah and pointed inside. "They just found him."
"Merlin's mushrooms!" Cedric cried. For what he saw was a huge mess.
Jars, barrels and crates were open with scattered fruits and vegetables, all half eaten with teeth marks. Grains of sugar, drizzles of honey, and milk were spilled. One of the barrels of mead had a huge puddle at the tap. The loaves of fresh bread were torn apart and the newly baked strawberry cake for tea was smashed into a pile of pink frosting. Right in the middle of it all, was Cedric, half lying and half sitting on a crate of carrots with a mug in his hand, but already asleep. His clothes were smeared with honey, crumbs, and spilled mead. Hands and shoes were coated with the cake icing. It looked like Kipling had the time of his life eating all the human food he couldn't have before.
Lilah was dumbfounded. She never expected the sorcerer to look like this which was worse than under her influence of wine. Wormwood was appalled. He loathed Kipling now, especially for locking him in the cage. Sofia was embarrassed for her close friend and worried about what her father would say. Cedric though was outraged!
"What have you done?" he snapped. "My good robe! My shoes! My gloves! I'm ruined!" He squirmed and angrily squeaked in Lilah's grip as if he would rush at Kipling.
"Kipling," Lilah said sternly. "What's wrong with you?"
"O-oh," Kipling moaned and rolled to his side. He fell to the floor on his belly adding more crumbs and smudges to Cedric's attire. He sat on his heels and rubbed his eyes. That's when he saw his owner. "Lilah," he gasped with glee.
"Yes," she said hesitantly. To her, Cedric was drunk. Then to her surprise, Cedric jumped up, raced over and embraced her tightly!
"Oh missed you!" he said. "You should see all the food they have! Oh, and I can hug you like a person!" He actually lifted her up and pressed his cheek to hers like a child would with a doll or pet. Cedric leaped from Lilah's hand to escape the crushing blow and Sofia caught him.
"Are you okay?" she whispered.
"I'm alright," he said trying to catch his breath. "I'd feel better if I was back to myself."
"I'll help you," promised Sofia.
"I knew you would," he replied softly and his apprentice smiled reassuringly.
Kipling kept squeezing tightly to his friend, but Lilah was shocked by the hug. "Hello," she managed to say. "Uh…glad to see you Cedric." Blush rose on her cheeks with a pleased look in her eyes, much to Cedric's embarrassment.
"No," said the human shaking his head, but still smiling. "I'm Kipling."
"I think you've had too much from the tap," chuckled Lilah.
"No it's me," said Kipling earnestly. "I'm your gerbil and you're my best friend. We do everything together!"
"Miss Lilah," interrupted Sofia. "Mr. Cedric had an experiment yesterday and it didn't go right -"
"So I see," grunted Lilah trying to pry from his grip. "He thinks he's my pet."
"I am your pet," insisted Kipling. "I ride in your pocket, your shoulder, your head and I've never been able to hug you until now! I can hold your hand!" Despite Lilah being able to push him back, he wasn't letting go of his human. He warmly held her left hand.
"Foolish rat," muttered Wormwood and he dropped the book to a table.
"Cedric," Lilah replied and tugging her arm. "I don't what you did, but I know my pet anywhere! You're not him!"
"Yes I am," said Kipling so desperate to prove himself. "You never take off your gloves and never let your hair loose!"
"Miss Lilah," Sofia said tapping Lilah's arm. "The potion Mr. Cedric made had a plant called switch mint and he used the licorice root with it. Remember, the plant you gave him? Kipling had chewed on some and it caused him and Mr. Cedric to change into each other. Kipling has been human and Mr. Cedric has been your gerbil. We have proof that-"
Lilah seemed to be in disbelief. Her eyes darted between the two. Finally, she snapped away from Kipling's hold and took a deep breath. Then she folded her arms and stared into Cedric's eyes that made her feel butterflies in her stomach.
"What's something only Kipling would know about me?" she enunciated. "Tell me one thing that I've never shown or said to anyone except Kipling! That will be proof!"
"On your last birthday," reflected Kipling. Then he leaned and whispered to her. "You were baking a cake and just when you were about to frost it, you sneezed twice and complained that you didn't want a germy dessert. So you angrily smashed it and put it in your compost pile even though you would never put baked things with it. You only use eggs shells and old vegetables and fruit."
Lilah's eyes were as big as saucers and she backed away nervously. Sofia kindly patted her arm. Cedric sighed, knowing what was coming next and he was certain she wouldn't react well.
"Lilah?" asked Kipling gently. He unwittingly copied Lilah's finger tic, showing more proof. "You tell me everything because you always say I can't tell anybody else."
"But if he's my…" interrupted Lilah. She pointed to the sorcerer. "I mean, Kipling…then…" Her eyes popped in shock at the gerbil in Sofia's hand and she turned bright red in realization.
"This is Mr. Cedric," concluded Sofia with an uneasy smile. "We can switch them though!"
"Go ahead," Lilah said quickly. Her eyes started to water and she backed away. "I'll be in the garden. I have work-excuse me!" She rushed out feeling humiliated, only wincing when she bumped into one of the tables and out the door.
"But Miss Lilah," called Sofia and started after her.
"Sofia," Cedric began and gripped her thumb for attention. "Just leave her alone for now. It's a lot for her."
"Now that she's gone," Wormwood announced. "Let's get everything back to normal."
"Without Lilah?" asked Kipling innocently who was sad to see her run away.
"Come on," beckoned Sofia. "I actually have an idea on how to fix this. Mr. Cedric?" she added to her mentor. "What if we used the switch mint extract with the licorice root, but this time Kipling chews it as you?"
"Then he will have made Cedric look like a fool again," Wormwood said dryly.
"No," Cedric replied to Sofia. "It might work unless we try the switcherwitchitus switcheroo spell."
"I tried that," admitted Sofia yet she perked up. "Maybe if the potion doesn't work, we can try that."
"Anything at this point," thought Wormwood. "If I have to see that rodent again, I'll make sure he becomes friends with a broom!"
When arriving to the tower, Sofia perched Cedric on her shoulder so he could check over the ingredients. Kipling stared out the window, pressing his dirty hands to the glass. Wormwood lowly cawed at him.
"Don't touch anything," he hissed.
"I was just looking for Lilah," Kipling said softly and backed away.
"We'll find her," reassured Sofia. She watched Cedric climb through the cloth bag for the licorice root. "Right now, we need your help. Mr. Cedric is getting a licorice root for you. Bite it a little and I'll get the rest of the potion."
Cedric found a longer root and hobbled on three legs to carry it from the bag. It was difficult to drag it with a tiny paw, but Kipling knelt down and took it between two fingers. Kindly, he put Cedric back on Sofia's shoulder while she stirred around the switch mint extract. Wormwood was reading over a counterspell for backup. Kipling immediately chewed on the licorice root like a child would with a candy stick. He sat on the floor and leaned his head back to the desk. He didn't bother closing his mouth.
"Gerbil drool," Cedric groaned in disgust and turned his head away.
"Kipling?" Sofia noticed and held out a small bowl. "You don't have to nibble too much."
"Sorry," Kipling said meekly. "It's just so tasty."
Sofia snickered and starting mincing the root. After sprinkling it into the cauldron, she tipped in some gargoyle oil and watched it swirl black and dark green. Cedric's heart pounded as it changed into grey and lime green. One second passed and then another.
"Nothing's happened," commented Kipling.
Just when Sofia turned for Mr. Cedric to ask what went wrong, a sudden blinding light shot from the cauldron. Sofia fell back and Cedric tumbled from her shoulder. She coughed and fanning her hands, tried to clear the looming smoke. On magical accord, the windows flung open.
"Mr. Cedric?" she cried. "Kipling?" She got on her knees trying to find the gerbil, no matter which was who.
"Cedric?" Wormwood asked.
Kipling and Cedric were lying on the ground. The gerbil rolled into his paws and he squeaked with joy. To Sofia, she heard him say "I'm me again!" Cedric opened his eyes and sat up on his knees. He smiled, relieved to see his own hands again.
"Finally," he said as he stretched his arms. "So glad to be me again."
"Me too," said Sofia. She gave him a quick hug while he kept his hands up to not ruin her dress thanks to the frosting. "I'll take Kipling back to Miss Lilah," she added. "I'll explain everything to Dad. I'll make sure you don't get in trouble."
"Thank you Sofia" Cedric smiled warmly at his apprentice. "I'll have to clean up anyway." When Sofia left, he noticed Wormwood frowning. "What's wrong?" he asked.
"That goody-goody rodent and his owner," answered Wormwood. "If that gardener had never come here, none of this would've happened. She's the one who gave you the roots that her pet gnawed on. I can't stand them!"
Cedric glared and sighed. Lilah felt bad enough, she didn't need to be blamed. He decided that after bathing, he would check how she felt. Then afterwards, he needed a nap after sleeping in a teacup!
Sofia kept wandering around the gardens looking for Lilah. She tried down the pathway with the zelkova trees where she found Lilah on her first day. She realized though, Lilah could be anywhere. It wasn't like she would stay in one place if she took a break.
"Miss Lilah?" she called. "I have Kipling. Miss Lilah!"
"I don't think she can hear you," admitted Kipling.
"Maybe not," sighed Sofia. "Kipling? You know better I do. Where was she supposed to be today? What area around the castle?"
"Oh she mentioned something yesterday," he said slowly to get his thoughts in order. "I think she was supposed to make a new flower bed-no that's right! It was by some fountain and then add some pansies around it."
"Do you remember which one?" asked Sofia. "There are a lot of them."
"Uh…um…" Kipling brushed his paws over his head. "It was down a stone path with hedges...some fountain with a gold bird on top?"
"Of course," gasped Sofia in realization. "Hold on Kipling!" She ran for gold swan fountain; the place where she originally planned her first tea party with the swan theme and floating tables. As her little feet clacked over the walkway Kipling bounced in her palms.
She and Kipling were right. Lilah was sitting on the fountain edge with a sketch, the one she showed to Roland a week before. She had one leg crossed over the other and one of her fingers twirled a lose hair from her ponytail.
"Miss Lilah," Sofia hollered and rushed over. "Kipling's back to his old self."
Lilah quickly glanced up and dropped her sketch. Her hands eagerly held out for Kipling like a mother reuniting with their lost child. Sofia tenderly placed the gerbil into her hands and Lilah caressed him to her cheek.
"Oh," she sighed happily. "My little guy. I'm so glad you're back." Kipling smiled and rubbed his nose to her skin. "Thank you for helping him Sofia," she added.
"We just had to reverse the potion," explained Sofia. "Everything's back to normal. I'm sure Dad will understand why the pantry's a mess." She giggled as Kipling bashfully covered his eyes. Lilah didn't laugh. She ran her forefinger over Kipling's back and Sofia noticed her eyes looked a little red. "Are you okay Miss Lilah?" she asked. "You seemed upset in the kitchen."
"I was," Lilah cleared her throat. "I was upset that I couldn't tell that I didn't have Kipling the whole time." This was partially true, but the other half was that she was embarrassed from Cedric hearing her silly crush on him and how she mentioned a bad romance before.
"Everything's okay now," reminded Sofia as she kindly touched her arm.
"It does," agreed Lilah. It really didn't, but she smiled as Kipling yawned, ready to nap in her pocket. He was growing tired after his fun. When Sofia left, Lilah reexamined her sketch and prepared to shovel. For another hour, it was just her and nature. She had nothing to discuss until someone would intrude. It wouldn't last for too long.
After a thorough wash and conjuring his clothes clean, Cedric quietly walked to the garden. Hands behind his back, he tried figuring what to say. He couldn't find her for a long time until he heard a scratching noise. Following it, he found her smoothing out a new flower bed. She leaned the rake down and got on her knees with a spade.
"Busy?" Cedric said to break the silence.
Lilah sighed upon seeing him. She was anticipating he would talk to her. Any other time, she would've been pleased, but now she was dreading what he'd say. She felt annoyed at him.
"What is it?" she asked bluntly.
"Lilah," Cedric said nervously. "I wanted to see-"
"Its fine," interrupted Lilah. She held up a dirty glove with hardly a glance. "You don't have to worry."
"No," Cedric chuckled uneasily. He tugged at his cravat while deciding his words. "I wanted to apologize for-well, invading your privacy-though I didn't see anything or-I mean I heard what you said about me and…uh while I don't see you the same way…" Lilah sat up on her heels. She hoped she wasn't going to blush; admittedly Cedric was very sweet when nervous. Even though her conscience (coming like usual as Ephraim's voice) told her to not rush her answer, she ignored it while Cedric kept babbling. "I mean you're a nice lady, but I don't like you that certain way, but I like-"
"Really," she interjected. "You don't have to say anything. You don't have to return my feelings. They're just a passing fancy."
Cedric swallowed. Even if Lilah was brushing it off, he was sure she was pretending so he wouldn't fuss. Awkwardly, he tapped his fingertips together. He tried thinking of a good way to end the conversation, keep it easygoing, but he couldn't help asking one question.
"Lilah," he asked. "Were you not impressed by that fruit tree?"
"No chance they would all sprout on one tree," she analyzed. Her tone came with an edge.
"That's because I conjured it, "explained Cedric. "It was a good deed." He was pleased the tree was still there and genuinely happy now that people benefited. Lilah's glare said otherwise. "Is there a problem?" he inquired with a raised eyebrow.
"You're just like other sorcerers," she scoffed.
"What does that mean?" asked Cedric feeling confused.
"You just wave your wand," continued Lilah waving her hands. "Then presto, you get anything out of thin air!"
"That's sort of the point," frowned Cedric. "We use spells, magic-"
"So nothing is difficult," interrupted Lilah as she stood up. "You don't have to put in effort! What else? Does King Roland have you put magic on vegetables to help them grow fast instead of nurturing them?"
"As a matter of fact, I have!" Cedric put his hands on his hips in frustration. "I didn't think you were stingy about magic!" Lilah raised a clenched fist and gritted her teeth. Along with her frustrated mix of emotions, her pent up annoyance towards sorcerers was freeing itself.
"Everything comes easy," she hissed. "Have you ever worked so hard that sweat dripped over your eyes, your fingers cramped or until your muscles were burning? I don't think so!"
"I'm the Royal Sorcerer and I've worked all my life to keep everyone appeased," snapped Cedric. He whipped out his wand from his sleeve and pointed it to her. "You haven't been here long and you're being hailed for flowers! It took years for anyone to appreciate me!"
"Sure," scorned Lilah. "A sorcerer having a difficult time with anything? I'll eat my sunhat if I'm proved wrong! Oh and don't conjure one up! I can dash home and get it! I'll even put salt and pepper on it!" She noticed Cedric was clenching his wand, half expecting he'd destroy her work.
"You-you" he gasped. "What do you know?!" He huffed and stormed away. He was so tempted to put a spell on her garden.
"Jarg," Lilah scoffed again. "I knew it! Should've known you were just like them all back home!" She heaved up her shovel and started scooping away more dirt.
Cedric marched his way back into the castle. Unknown to him, Wormwood had watched the whole thing with a wicked glee in his heart. Lilah was muttering to herself and feeling a flurry of emotions: angry, insulted and mortified. "Can't believe I fell for this. Can't believe I went up to his tower asking for paper just to see him! I'm such a divvy!"
"Right," she could hear Ephraim wryly say. "We should call you Lilah Ashbrook the Divvy for having an interest in a nice man who hasn't seen you as quick roll in the hay…unlike your previous beau! Face it! Your pride will be downfall again if you're not careful!"
Author's Note: Ooh! Now what?! ;) So when Lilah's conscience is debating I will just be calling it Ephraim since she clearly hears her dear brother as her voice of reason. So yes, so sorry for this long update! Since February, I had pneumonia, got in to a car accident with whiplash, endured tough work schedule and helping family with some rough things.