Queen Lydia the First
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AANND we have another highly requested chapter. BAKER KING! Have fun.
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"CHEERS!" The unified clanking of tea cups was succeeded by a plethora of laughs. A splendid morning this was turning out to be. Best friends Adelea, Gwen, Alauna, Astrid, and Lydia, sitting under one of the garden pagodas, sipping their mountain dew tea. Enjoying one another's company, and really taking the time to appreciate one of Autumn rare jewel days. The garden they gathered in wasn't just gorgeous because of the little pond trickling around the pagoda, or the flowers and diverse exotic plants adding to their sisterhood atmosphere. Or the view of the harbor past the hedge wall. That was beautiful, but none of it could top how lifted the group of women felt being amongst one another, and being able to relax and take in what has been blessed to them. Not handed. Blessed. A divine entity has allowed them to be together on such a beautiful day. And they are going to be grateful to it. And after that whole thing with Nettle, Lydia really needed to be surrounded by friendly faces.
Now, as for the mountain dew tea, it's a new blend Astrid brought with her when Lydia sent her the invite to a tea party yesterday. The tea has a carbonated tingling finish to it that startled the girls and had them laughing like crazy. Gwen and Adelea accidentally burped and that really got their sides splitting. Good thing the pagoda had cushioned benches and was pretty wide. With how rowdy they'd get, they needed to lie down every so often. What can they say? A laugh among friend is the best feeling in the world. As for why having a wide pagoda is a good thing. It'd be a wonder how the table of snack assortments wasn't knocked over whenever Adelea or Lydia kicked their feet, and how the tea set Alauna borrowed from her mom would still be in one piece. Astrid and Gwen tend to lose their grips when they laugh too hard. And boy were they laughing their hearts out. Telling stories from back in the day, regaling one another on the weeks they've had, sharing very bad jokes that had them reeling from how bad they are. A truly splendid morning indeed.
"And then...and then…" Alauna panted hard to calm her laughing long enough to finish her story, "When the guard came in for his stomach medication...he was rolling up his sleeve…" She dipped a strawberry in sugar, taking a huge bite. It calmed her giggles for her punchline, "And when I told him it was a rear end medication…" Yeah, she couldn't hold it in any longer. She clamped a hand to her head, doubling over, "He jumped out the window into the poison ivy bush, only having to be sent back to me again for ointment and the rear pill!" Astrid and Adelea fell back to back, setting their tea down as they laughed loudly. Lydia and Gwen smothered their laughs with pillows. "I tell you, I never knew a guard could scream like that! With everything they face, a tiny pill scares him!" The irony is rich.
"You think that's funny?!" Astrid hooted, a hand at her chest to ease her breath. "My father is able to brave the Amazon on a Safari for blood diamonds, yet he screams like a little girl if he's anywhere near a worm!"
"Hey, now! Worms are evil!" Adelea playfully defending. "They burrow, they're slimy, and the get everywhere!" She gagged just thinking about them.
"You can be such a chicken, I swear!" Lydia mocked.
"Says the girl who runs from geese!"
Gwen and Alauna choked on grapes. "You're scared of geese?!" They exclaimed gobsmacked.
"You try not being scared when they attack you for bread when you're five!" She blushed madly.
"Aw, Lydia…" Astrid stroked hair behind Lydia's ear, "I didn't think you could be embarassed."
"Heck yeah, she can." Adelea boasted, sliding closer to drape her arm to Astrid. "There was a time in school where she farted while trying to say yes to being asked out by Lezard." Astrid gasped aloud, clamping her hands to her mouth.
"That's it, you two are forbidden from being together!" Lydia decreed. She took a slosh of frosting on her finger and touched their foreheads. Alauna and Gwen were blue in the facing. "I don't think the two who gave Constable Miles hives and the mumps should be laughing." And thus they stopped on a dime, bashfully sipping their tea and embarrassment into their stomach.
Smiles spread as they all relaxed in silence. Everyone's stomachs were hurting from this jolly good time. Even with the insults. What friends don't insult each other. Today was actually a little more special because Lydia has been wanting to introduce Astrid three of the handful of women that keep her steady and honest. Needless to say, Astrid fit right in. "Lydia, really, thank you so much for calling me here!"
"Thank you for coming, Astrid. Sorry it was short notice." She grinned bashfully.
"Are you kidding?! I would have teleported to be here today." She exuberantly replied. She folded her hands in her lap, trying her hardest to keep herself composed. She loves the children of her Mom and Dad's friends, but this crew was on a different level. "Lydia tells me about you three all the time in her letters. Finally I get to put faces with names." And they are all much more beautiful than she anticipated. "I have to admit, Lydia, when you sent me that letter inviting me here to meet your friends, I was really nervous they wouldn't like me." She winced at the aghast girls. Adelea had a cream puff hovering at her open mouth as she gawked in confusion. "I know, I know, that's a shallow perspective! But it's one of my lesser attributes that I have."
"I guess that puts us in the same boat, Princess Astrid." Alauna piped up, setting her tea to the table. "I was honestly worried you wouldn't approve of myself or Gwen. Some royals and nobles see us with Lydia, talking as equals, and sneer."
"I hear that." Adelea raised her cup in agreement. "But I wasn't worried. I have a good taste in friends, and I taught her well." She leaned back with her elbows propped to the little wall, exuding pride. Lydia rolled her eyes. She's never going to pass up to brag about that. "Now then, has she said anything good about us?" Gwen and Alauna leaned in, batting their eyes.
"Let's see…" She pretended to think, turning away and watching Lydia cringe. Adelea, Gwen, and Alauna were ready to pounce if Astrid didn't speak soon. "Adelea, you're training to be a Nature Sorceress which also has you dabbling in medicine. You're one of the best in your field." Adelea absorbed the praise, fanning herself smugly. Sometimes Lydia wonders where that big head come from. "Gwen, I heard you are a pretty gifted inventor, and a hard worker." Gwen's cheeks turned pink. "And Alauna is on track to being recognized as the youngest physician in your region by the Enchancia Health Commission for developing a treatment to severe allergic reactions." Alauna massaged the back of her head, emabrassed by the drawn out honor. Lydia was in the clear. She can sing praises.
"We've heard a lot about you too, Princess Astrid." Gwen replied excitedly.
"Please. You can call me Astrid. We're all friends now." She insisted.
"Thank you…" Gwen touched a hand to her chest, honored by the privilege. "Anyway, we heard you're the regional Enchanted Figure Skater in Frezenberg."
"Sure am." She smiled rosy cheeked. She won the trophy last year, and planned on winning it again this year. "The competition promises to be extra fierce this year. I have to be at the top of my game."
"You'll do great." Alauna reassured her. "I've been following your progress since your competition two years ago." She's a fan of figuring skating. She's kind of embarrassed by it, but she loves the artistry, and how the skaters convey their stories in their dance. It's beautiful. "The real trick is maintaining loose and limber muscles so you don't affect your balance during your tricks." She finds when a skater isn't worried about injuring themselves, or pulling muscles, they are more efficient in their routines. "You'll also want to work on your breathing when performing. Build stamina through cardio. Don't worry too much about building muscle."
"Hmm. You know, that's not a bad idea." And it will free up her workout times. "Thank you, Doctor Alauna!"
"Please, just Alauna." She blushed. Lydia sat back to admire the growing circle of gal pals. Seriously, today could not be any better if it tried.
"Pardon me, Ladies." Baileywick so eloquently announced himself, one arm folded behind his back. "Sorry to interrupt what appears to be a great party." He beamed. The girls smiled to one another. Great was putting it mildly. "Princess Lydia, I do apologize, but King Roland is asking for you at breakfast."
In those few short words, the glorious sun filled day was tainted. Her glee faded into nothing. She felt the sky tear asunder with black cracks, spilling an abysmal ink to her head. Adelea, Baileywick, and the others shuffled away. The malice oozing from her peeled their skin. "Tell him he can stop worrying." She poured herself a fresh cup of tea. "No magic, no drugs, no thieving - no problems." She took a nonchalant sip. All present heard what happened at the ball a couple days ago. Precisely why none of them stopped Lydia. Not that they agree with her, but she isn't in the wrong.
"That's not what he meant when he sent me." He was hurt she'd even assume so. "He wants his family with him." Baileywick pleaded with her better senses. Good terms or not, a family should at least have breakfast together.
I'm not his damn family! Her waning heart snarled. "Then he'll have to be disappointed." She declared, stuffing a piece of cake in her mouth.
"Lydia," Gwen reached around, placing a hand to her lap. Her big eyes pleading from behind her cute glasses, "Please, be with your family at breakfast. It won't kill you."
"No it won't. But I won't be able to swallow my food either." Being in the same room as him and that silent trophy wife. They disgust her. Everyone disgusts her!
"Lydia." Astrid spoke up curtly. "Go eat breakfast with your family right now!" She ordered. Lydia choked on her cake, totally stunned she was just ordered by another princess. And she was compelled to obey. Adelea was liking her already. "I have to go myself anyway." She stood, smoothing her dress. "I need to help prepare for our ball tomorrow."
"Oh yeah. You're having your own villagers ball. Tell me how it goes." Lydia and the others stood with her.
"Only if you tell me how yours goes." She countered. It was a deal.
Lydia stood with her. "You're still coming to my birthday, right?"
"Of course. That's in a four days, right?"
Yep."
"Roland still not going to name you Crowned Princess?" Adelea cringed to ask.
"Don't know, don't really care." She shrugged off. She doesn't want some superficial title anyway.
"We should go too." Gwen nudged Alauna. "We have to get back to work. We'll see you around." They waved, heading inside. Gwen lowered her voice, leaning in close to Alauna, "Think they'll ever get along again?" Lydia, Miranda, and Roland she means.
"That I can't answer. I can only hope like you." Alauna rubbed her arm.
"Oh, hey!" Lydia called to them. They turned into deer in torchlight. Stiffly they turned, praying that she didn't hear them. "Gwen, those tools you asked for are in your room. And Alauna, I gave you my extra bottles of celery juice are in your inflammations cure all cabinet."
"Thank you so much!" Gwen gleamed and was already gone for those tools.
"You're a lifesaver!" Alauna was gone just as quickly.
Adelea laughed at them. She'll never get enough of those two. "I should get going too." She chimed in next. "Dr. Merr needs me to help him reorganize his research." Which is code for he plans on doing a little Fall Cleaning.
"Then I'll walk you two out." Lydia volunteered.
"I can do that!" Baileywick insisted, edging her the other way. "You have a breakfast to get to."
Lydia glared daggers at him, actually scaring him. Oddly enough it didn't bother her too bad. She was just too annoyed to really comment. "I'll catch you guys later." She acquiesced with a light smile. Reluctantly she headed inside, a dark hue masked half her face, her sapphire orbs glowering.
Baileywick sighed despondently, shoulders sinking. "I thought for sure they'd be past this by now."
"They will be." Adelea promised him, fixing him up straight. "Lydia doesn't stay angry at anyone for long." She said...with skepticism knocking in the back of her head.
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Roland and Miranda were engrossed at length about the villagers ball tomorrow, and how excited they were to be celebrating it together this year. Miranda, Sofia, and Lydia were villagers for years whenever they came. Now they're royalty this year, and are going to celebrate with the family they love so much. Amber, Sofia, and James were sure excited. Villagers' balls are usually more fun than any gathering of Enchancia's elite and stuffed shirt. Villagers know how to cut loose, have fun, and never worried about impressions. It is a party celebrating them and their friends, after all. What's the point on putting on airs for people who already know them inside and out?
"Morning, Family!" Lydia announced herself as she jogged in chipperly. Roland and Miranda stared grimly, while the royal trio were glad she made it. "Sorry I'm late!" She kissed Sofia on the head, fist bumped James, and placed a hand to Amber's head. "Lost track of time with the girls. By the way, James," She leaned to Amber's chair, "Adelea says trade Frido's pomegranates for mangoes for a couple weeks and it should help with his stomachache."
"Brilliant." James jotted that down. Frido's been having bad gasp problems lately. Turns out it's been due to his pomegranate obsession.
"Hello, Lydia." Roland gruffly greeted, directing the frown glued to his brow to his breakfast muffin. Chocolate chip-Macadamia Nut - delicious, nutritious, and goes great with milk. Lydia meandered around his chair. "Planning on joining us this time?"
"Nope!" She plucked the muffin right out of his hands, taking a huge bite into it. "I've got some work to do. And besides," She chugged it down with Miranda's glass of milk. Sofia, James, and Sofia gaped at her like she was insane. Miranda and Roland, on the other hand, were debating whether they should get mad or just get refills. She smacked her lips satisfied, and then leered at Roland, "I know where I'm not wanted." She sauntered off with the milk and muffin. The door swooshed open. Lydia stopped in mid stride, rubbernecking at a maid who came in with a full tray of fresh muffins.
"Lydia, I would appreciate it if you would join us!" Miranda practically demanded of her.
"And I would appreciate two nights ago never happening." She slyly slapped Miranda's demand back in her face. She whispered in a maid's ear about another tray of muffins. They were going to be for Gwen and Alauna. Gwen was going to lend Alauna a hand for a while. "Guess we're both not getting what we want." She crooned darkly.
"Lydia, that's enough!" Miranda slammed her hands to the table, shooting to her feet. The maid darted out before shots started flying.
"You're right, mom. So I'll just excuse myself." Right on cue the maid returned with those muffins. Lydia thanked her and took the muffins off her hands. "Oh and Roland, give me a heads up if you don't want me at this ball. I can go visit Astrid instead." Sofia, James, and Amber can hardly believe what they were seeing. Miranda and Roland were seriously letting her leave. And they're still angry with her! The nerve!
"LYDIA, STOP!" Amber bellowed. Lydia was pushing the door with her back, stopping in the arch with a raised brow and a muffin in her mouth. She and the other two urged their parents to stop her, to speak up and end this already. Roland didn't face her, and he resisted reacting to her. He simply glared at the table, hands folded so tight the circulation was cutting off. Miranda was silent as well, refusing to look in Lydia's direction. "Mom?! Dad?!"
Lydia snorted with a contemptuous curl of her lip. She wasn't surprised. "Don't be upset, Amber." She retorted with a disdainful chortle. "I'd hate to admit I was WAY in the wrong too. Make me feel even more STUPID!" She spat venomously. Roland and Miranda were about to tell her to knock it off. Baileywick entered with a thick scroll. "Ooh, Roland, your daily issues are here. Don't worry, I won't be on it. Toodles!" She crooned. Baileywick saved the door with his foot before it slammed. He glanced from it to the very damper atmosphere around the table. He can take a wild guess that things didn't go well...at all.
Roland slumped forward, burying his frustration in his palm. "Rolly…" Miranda touched the hand clawing at the table cloth.
"She called me Roland…" He moaned. He means she called him Roland...AGAIN. She's been doing that for days.
"What do you expect?!" Amber snarled. "You embarrassed her after treating her like a criminal!" She stabbed at her grapefruit viciously. "She isn't going to be crowned princess, and now she feels unwanted." The daggers in her glare made Roland flinch. "If I were her, I wouldn't even say your name." The wound Roland sustained was widened three fold by James and Sofia agreeing with her. Roland beckoned Baileywick closer. He planned to drown himself in work to bypass this.
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Lydia dropped the muffins off at Alauna's office. She wasn't there, allowing Lydia to leave without her asking why she seemed more frustrated than when she last saw her. Roland and Miranda have the affect on her lately. She took that frustration and stormed around the castle with it. The servants parted like the dead sea when she got close, scattering like cockroaches exposed to light. One maid got so scared she threw the fresh laundry into the air. Lydia broke the rule again and cast a levitating and folding spell on the laundry. She asked the maid where it was going and instructed the work to head there. The maid thanked her in the long run. It freed her up to start her dusting. Lydia was happy to be of service to her. Her work is thankless. Maybe Roland can take a page and realize it isn't wrong to be a little humble. How 'bout a lot! Yeah! He needs a good piece of humble pie! Miranda too! Just thinking about them infuriates her. Those two can be in the same room as her for a second and Lydia has this overwhelming urge to send them to the moon. Or at least remove their faces so she doesn't have to see them. "Those two have the absolute nerve to toss me an attitude, get mad at me for being mad at them, when they're the ones who started all of this!" Roland and his hypocritical standards, Miranda the ever diligent trophy wife! By the gods, they are as irritating as The Fairies.
She was wearing a trench into the corridors, leaving cold stone footprints too. Ironic seeing as she boiling over. The servants that weren't ducking into potted plants were amazed she didn't light the hallway on fire. She glanced in one staff hand's direction and he wet himself. This tiff with Roland, and her newfound aggression was making them really think twice before being in the same room as her. Let alone the same eyesight. They were becoming scared of her. Or scared of what she was going to do. She doesn't care. If anything, this was piling on her shoulders and rolling down her back like water on an oiled surface. She wants everyone to stay away from her. It's healthier for them. And safer. She's scared she might hurt them if they happen to cross her path on the wrong day. It's a possibility. After all, they're silently shunning her because of Roland. Because she was so desperate to end her own suffering she found an easy way out. And now she's...unworthy.
Roland told her two days ago that he wouldn't name her Crowned Princess. That's perfectly fine. She doesn't want to be Crowned Princess for the nation that treated her like an outcast as a child. She doesn't want to be their queen anymore. They will hang this drug thing and accused thief thing over her head until she's old and grey. The morons performing the Tribunal's dirty work will surely lap this up and throw it at her. Everyone's gonna be little whiny brats about her making a small mistake, then she'll just keep to her magic studies and leave her tiara to collect dust. Like she should have done when she first arrived at the castle. She never should have agreed to Roland's deal. He doesn't deserve to have her succeed him. How easily double standards come to those who barely have the capacity to light their own candles at night. These pathetic humans and their tunnel visioned biases. They do so love to make a scapegoat for all their problems. She becomes Queen, those floodgates will open and out comes the tsunami.
Not that I'm scared of a little water. She grinned inwardly. Anything they throw at me, Her curling fingers surged with lightning, I can send back tenfold. There is no one in that castle that can stand up to her. "NON TANGERE!" (Can't touch this) The cry made her stop. Lydia was struck in the back, knocked flat on her stomach. The wind was smacked clean out of her lungs. The fall connected her forehead to the tiles, knocking her out of her rant. A good thing. In spite of just being knocked off her feet, she was starting to calm down. Whatever she was hollering about in her own head was gone from her thoughts.
A hand took her by the shoulder and flipped her onto her back. The first thing she sees as her vision steadies is Cedric standing over her, ogling her like a specimen in one of his beakers. "Cedric?! What in the world, man?" She groaned winded. Spiking pain between her shoulder blades floored her. That shot might have hurt a little.
"Hold that thought!" He stuck a finger to her lips. He was grinning as he spotted servants aimlessly entering the hallway. He placed a foot on Lydia's stomach. He stirred his wand. Ribbon like streams circled the floor around them, lifting them 10 feet into the air.
Lydia was still a bit disoriented and was frightened by the lift. "Cedric!" She growled.
"Almost!" He silenced her. He raised his wand. "Bouncy bounce and springy," He flourished his wand and hand like an orchestra conductor, "You walk in and upsy daisy!" He spelled the floor. The hard marble jiggled like pudding, rooting the servants in fright. They tried their hardest to remain still, maintain their balance so they would fall or drop what they were holding. They don't need anymore messes on top of what they already have to clean up before the ball. A butler braved a step. A big mistake that had Cedric smiling. That one step sent the butler hurtling into the air. He flipped around crazily, screaming as the ground came right up under him. Instead of a hard BOOM everyone was cringing to expect, the butler was sprang back into the air. A ricochet ripple was sent through the floor, shooting everyone else in the hallway into the air. They'd fall only to be sprang back up again. "Trampoline floor a success!" Cedric hooted, very proud of himself. Lydia was really missing the point of all this. Until Cedric started grinning evilly down at her, and she was scared out of her wits. "Now for the piece de resistance!"
"Cedric, I hate TRAMPOLINE FLOORS!" She had to scream her protest. Cedric removed his foot and dropped her. However, THUD, "ACK," She didn't bounce like the rest. The floor solidified right on impact, robbing the wind from her for a second time. She'll be shocked that she isn't being bounced when her head catches up to the fact the bouncing she was feeling was just the trauma. She'll be fine.
"YES! It worked!" Cedric pirouetted with glee, skating on midair with surprising grace. He was making Lydia very dizzy. "It worked, it worked, it BEAUTIFULLY WORKED!" He flew into a rapid spin, stopping instantly in a flamboyant pose.
Lydia propped up on her elbows, sucking heavily on recovering air. She waved Cedric's attention from his spotlight a second. "Before I ask what worked, can you turn the floor back to normal?" The bouncing people aren't helping her vertigo. Cedric shrugged without argument. He was in a good mood. He snapped his fingers, and everyone bouncing landed on their rumps. Cedric gave his wand another swish and flick. There were numerous puffs of smoke swallowing the servants, leaving Cedric and Lydia alone for a while longer. "Okay." She rolled onto her knees, steadying herself onto her feet. She grunted boorishly, clearing the buzzing from her chest. "Now what worked, why wasn't I bouncing, and why am I not sucker punching you for that cheap shot in the back?"
"The answer to all three of your questions is my new De-spell spell!" He fluttered his feet on his descent like a fairy's wings. "Or, as I so stylishly titled it," He flipped his hair, "The Can't touch this!" He struck up some music, putting on a little dance for effect. Weird footwork taking him side to side. Lydia was impressed, and approved of the music, but she doesn't have the patience for it right now. She folded her arms, sneering with a pouting lip. "Yes, yes, alright. You're no fun lately." He snaked an arm around her shoulders. "Can you please take your daddy-drug issues and throw them away when with me?" He sarcastically implored. Lydia hissed toward the floor. Cedric pinched her chin, making her look back. "I'm possibly the only one outside of your siblings who has forgiven you." He whispered.
"Adelea did." She tried to move out of his grasp. Her back touched the wall.
"Okay, second. Either way," He placed his hand beside her head, keeping the other to her shoulder, trapping her in his serious gaze. She was amazed that her throat was clenching, "The mistake you made is in the past. Stop beating yourself up, and stop channeling your personal disgust onto others. It's not cute at all." He cooed baby like, tapping her nose.
"I'm doing that?" She exclaimed.
"A lot." He groaned.
"Oooh…" Now that she thinks about it...she's been a terrible person for the past week. She owes people apologies. Later, though. "So…the can't touch this thing?" She hoped to divert the conversation.
"Yes, right!" Cedric clapped his hands, getting back on track. He gave her some space, all the while parting his hands to set a scene for her. "I was thinking, all of the de-spells or dispelling charms in the known magical realms and not a SINGLE one of them is able to be used BEFORE a spell takes place. They are a bandage applied after the damage is done."
"There are a couple for the before effects."
"Yes, but do they offer full protection from every variety of spell, curse, or magical article." Lydia cocked a brow. Cedric erected his wand as the perfect example. "A curse put on the land and it's people? This spell should protect you." He gestured to her. "A genie wish for everyone to walk on ceilings? This spell should protect you. A trampoline spell-"
"Should." She didn't mean to steal his thunder, but he was speaking in hypotheticals. And her back was still hurting for her shot and falls. "You keep saying should. As if you're not even sure it if will-" Her lips sucked into an aghast pucker. She clamped her hands to her head. A very irritating conclusion just dawned on her. She cast her glare straight into his core. The sorcerer suddenly lost the will to look at her. Lydia's brow did that twitching thing that signaled she was going to punch him. "Cedric son of Goodwin, you did NOT use me as a guinea pig for a possibly unreliable, newborn spell?!" She screeched. Cedric squeamishly confirmed it was a chipmunk laugh. She latched onto his collar. "I am so going to punch you now!"
"Now, now, before you do that, there is a fact that you need to consider!" He raised his hands, staying her brutish retort. She knit her brow. He has five seconds. "The trampoline floor. You weren't bouncing." Lydia wasn't going to consider that concrete evidence, but she wasn't going to deny it either. She'll give him another five seconds. "This is the beginning of an experiment that will change how spells are cast. The future of sorcery is with the new spells we develop."
Lydia silently, if not very grudgingly, considered what he said. No spell she's ever cast hasn't gone through an extensive trial period. Not many people know this, but the most common element spells - levitation, ice, fire, and such - are constantly under scrutiny for side effects, misfires and backfires, and the list goes on. So, as much as it kills her to admit it...Cedric has a point. She lowered her fist, fixing up his collar and his robe. "What's the duration of the spell?"
"That is unclear. Sorry." He winced.
"Don't be. But why me? Dad grounded me from-"
"USING magic! Being an accidental guinea pig?" He shrugged innocently, bouncing that brow of his with an impish grin. Lydia couldn't help giggling. He's cute when he's sly. "There's the smile." He hummed adoringly. The lump in his throat begged to reconsider what he was about to do next. He swallowed it and moved in. Lydia broke into a blush when he caressed her cheek. She stared doe eyed up to him. Was it nerves keeping his face straight? Or something else? "I...I miss your smile." He brushed his thumb under her eye.
Her heart was pounding, and skipping a few beats. Is the hallway spinning, or did she get hit harder than she thought? "Funny how you're the one making me smile." She croaked, her nerves getting the better or her. "Guess my head is more unstable than I thought."
"Mine too." He mumbled, glancing to the side. Lydia touched her hand to his, letting him keep his palm in place a while longer. He blushed lightly, indulging her and himself. Part of him didn't want to stop just yet. It was...comforting. He was taking the tension off her, and she was unintentionally making him feel confident. He should hit her with spontaneous spells more often. Voices drawing near their positions made them part in a panic, clearing their throats in cold sweats. The smart thing would be to break apart before anyone saw them. Cedric had a better idea. "Listen, you and I are having rough weeks. And being alone isn't the best option, especially when you and I have our own shorthand banter, followed by flying spells stress relief." Lydia bobbed her head in agreement. They have developed that bipolar relationship. "That being said, how about some experimental spellcasting, shall we? To test my new spell. Gotta cover all bases." He crooned.
Lydia went grey as stone, her insides twisting themselves. "I am suddenly not smiling anymore, and am running before-" She turned on her heels.
"NOPE!" Lydia really needs to find out where he works out because the man just picked her up and tossed her over his shoulder. That's when she saw the glittering under his robe at the forearm. Strength spell. She'd say she hates them, but that spell let her smash Nettle's face in. "Come forth, lovely guinea pig! We shall make magical music together!" He announced in a sing-song voice.
"That's a lame spin and put me down, you twig!" She thrashed violently, not kneeing and punching him too hard.
"I've been working out!" He flexed his muscles, kissing a bicep.
She doesn't have the heart to point out she noticed the spell. "Twig with sap fat!"
Oh, that's crossing a line! "Now I shall be merciless!" He declared with a finger in the air.
Alauna was escorting Gwen back to the kitchens, a couple of muffins left, when the two saw Cedric carrying Lydia off. "Lydia…?" Ogled them strangely.
"Gwen! Launs! I gave you guys breakfast muffins! NOW SAVE ME!" She demanded.
As appreciatively as they are, the two found this was much funnier. And it would be good for Lydia. Cedric has the ability to cleave Lydia's bad moods like cooked meat off a bone. "Sorry, Lydia! But our hands are kind of full!" Gwen showed her the muffins, stifling a laugh in a snort.
"You and hubby don't get too crazy!" Alauna didn't bother stifling hers.
Veins protruded in Lydia's forehead, her face going red. "HE'S NOT MY HUBBY!"
"Now, now, Dearest! We can be honest amongst friends!" Cedric chimed in, turning to wink at the ladies. They were happy to help.
"Don't encourage them!" That's it! She's going to kill them. She's going to kill them, bury them, dig them up and clone them, then kill all their clones...and not speak to them for a week!
xxx
A week must have come and gone since yesterday morning because Lydia was back in the garden with three out of four of her best friends having tea. Astrid left behind some Mountain Dew Tea for them. Alauna brewed it up without hesitation, adding a pinch of peach powder. Before they became too engrossed in the usual quips and tales, Lydia exacted her revenge upon Alauna and Gwen by sneaking a burping agent in their tea. It was a whole five minutes of burps, gurgles, Adelea's side splitting as she fell on the floor laughing and Lydia admiring her revenge playing out flawlessly. Once it was done and over with, the girls moved on into the real topic of discussion. The Villager's Ball Tonight. Lydia's not sure if she's invited or not. Roland hasn't made that clear. Then again, she doesn't plan to go for him. She's going to be with old and new friends. She did ask Lucinda to come. But Marla swept her away to a Witch Retreat in Haven Wood.
Lydia yawned long and loud, rubbing the burning sand in her eyes. Her body was in knots, her head throbbing. Her eyelids felt heavy. A strange tingling was running up and down her body. "Man…" She groaned exhausted.
Gwen touched fingers to her lips, turning pink. "You and Cedric have a crazy night too?" She chirped. Adelea choked on her tea, absolutely sure she missed something. She was grinning like a cat.
"Clam down, Lea, nothing happened." She moaned. She jabbed a vengeful finger toward Gwen, promising to make her pay for that. "No, Cedric invented a new spell and needed a test dummy." Lucky her, she was around. "It only lasted for a couple hours. I just spent the rest of the day with Amber and James." Sofia was with Roland, helping him out. For what reason? Lydia doesn't really care. Sofia kept him out of her hair.
"Then why so tired?" Alauna asked from a physician's standpoint.
Lydia rubbed her shoulder. "Some time last night there was this weird shift." Shift was a kind term. It felt like a giant rampaged through the castle and flipped everything upside down. The whole place shook. "It woke me from a dead sleep." It woke up Ubos too. "I ended up wandering the the whole castle trying to figure out what caused it." They both did. "Everything was just so. Save for decorations set out, and that mirror mom put in the hallway." Ugly thing that should have stayed in the back of the attic. "But nothing stood out.
"A shift?" Gwen questioned. "I didn't feel anything."
"You didn't?!" She gasped. It was an earthquake, how did she not feel it?! She could have imagined it. But then Ubos would have written it off too. Something happened last night, she's sure of it. In fact she can still feel it right now. The castle was off kilter. More than usual. Something's...missing.
"Can we change the subject to something a bit less ominous?" Adelea so charmingly interjected. "I can't believe we're going to celebrate our first villagers ball together!" She announced exuberantly. Alauna, Gwen, and Lydia cheered loudly, clanging their tea cups together.
"I remember coming to these when I was in the village." Lydia stated. Those were good memories. Dancing with Sofia and Miranda. Just the three of them. Very good times. "They were out of this world." Beyond out of this world. There was one year a food fight broke out. Completely planned. Balloons were filled with different flavored meringues and sent flying. Sweet, sweet war. "I'm so happy three of my best friends will be there." She wishes Astrid, Junjie, and Ahlii could come, but they have their own parties to deal with.
"And we are going to show these lame-o's how we animals party!" Adelea boasted. She has dance moves that will sweep every woman off their feet. And no, she isn't shy about her preferences. What do the opinions of complete strangers matter to her when her best friends accepted her.
"Cheers to that!" Gwen took a sip. There was just one more issue. She gawked at her work clothes. "What are we going to wear?" She doesn't exactly have the latest fashions. She's worn the same thing to every ball so far.
"Feel free to raid my closet." Lydia welcomed them, earning glistening stares. "Seriously, I don't mind. There are dozens of dresses in there I don't plan to ever wear. I can free up the space."
"AND WE HUMBLY ACCEPT!" The trio rocketed to their feet.
"Geez, no hesitation." Lydia rolled her eyes. Bloodsuckers - a favored type that she seems to attract. And she loves them. Speaking of people she supposedly loves, she's amazed she hasn't seen Roland with his marching band of toadies yet. It is eight in the morning. The man is usually being run ragged by now. She hasn't seen Miranda, Sofia, James, or Amber either. Where is everyone?
"You and Roland are still fighting, huh?" Adelea assumed that wrinkle in her brow was her looking for The King.
"Fighting implies there are two people engaged in hostilities." Yesterday notwithstanding. "I'm not in a room with him long enough." Her one saving grace is that Sofia and James didn't tell him about what happened at the school in the other day. She sincerely doubts he'll give one lick that Nettle was going to hurt everyone if he heard she used magic against his orders. Roland is so consumed with himself and his pride that he'd never give her the time of day if he heard she defied him. Not that he can really do much to stop her. What's a man who has to rely on others to fight his battles for him going to be able to do against 130 pounds of Ancient Arcane Arts!
"You two should make up, Lydia." Gwen insisted. "He counts on you when things get too hectic for him."
"Guess he'll have to find someone else." Lydia scoffed, swirling her tea. "I'm the last person anyone comes to for help these days." She was about to take a sip.
"PRINCESS LYDIA! PRINCESS LYDIA!" A curdling scream stopped the liquid in her mouth. She and the others looked toward the castle's open walkway. Baileywick came running in a sprint with Miles right behind him.
"PRINCESS, WHERE ARE YOU?! PLEASE ANSWER!" Miles begged.
Lydia shot to her feet urgently, moving from under the pagoda where they would see her. "Miles?! Baileywick?!" She waved them over.
"Oh thank the stars!" Baileywick ran down the ramp, throwing himself to her. "You're still here!" He pat her down, assuring himself that was her.
"Of-course…" She wrenched herself from him, "I'm still here! I live here!" She arched a brow at Miles who was fresh out of breath. The guards at the ramp were out of breath too. "What's going on? Why do you guys look like you ran a marathon?" Alauna was already checking on them, making sure no one hurt themselves.
"Because we have been all morning!" Miles managed to blurt out. Adelea and Gwen meandered over, steadily becoming concerned.
Baileywick worked on getting his breath back before continuing. He needs to get himself to the gym more often. "King Roland, Queen Miranda, and the children are missing!" Adelea, Gwen, and Alauna shared horrified expressions.
"Missing? What do you mean missing?" Lydia pressed. Alauna eased Miles into standing. He and Baileywick explained.
Roland and the others were all seen last night. After getting the order for a cake done - a 100 layer strawberry cake with whipped cream and chocolate chips - Sofia volunteered to ease Roland's workload by paling around with him. Amber and James were finishing a school project, as Lydia was well aware. She spent the whole day helping them finish, and pick out what they'd wear for tomorrow. Miranda was with the servants bringing a mirror downstairs from the attic. The ugly one Lydia mentioned. From there it was just Roland and Sofia working on his list of menial tasks and they all went to bed as usual. But when Baileywick and the servants went to wake everyone up for breakfast, no one could find them. Or Lydia for that matter. She was sleeping in her closet to hide from Cedric. Amber was right. Gowns are comfy. Then she met up with the girls so they can babble on about whatever it was they planned on talking about. They weren't able to get very far before Baileywick and Miles caused their small riot.
"Plans for the Villagers' Ball are already far behind, and there is still much left to do before those!" Baileywick took the liberty of unrolling the ridiculously long - literally hopped the hedges - lists that were meant for Roland. Adelea and the other two joined Lydia in nearly fainting. "If none of this is done before the night ends…" Baileywick doesn't even want to think about what will happen. Lydia resisted rolling her eyes. Baileywick tends to overreact when it comes to going an inch of course in scheduling. One of the many reasons he's so reliable.
"And you're telling me NO ONE can find Dad?!" She stressed. Hard to believe an entire castle of people who depend on Roland can't find him. "Are you sure him and Mom didn't just go somewhere? Maybe they're taking care of an issue."
"The exception of King Roland's schedule, both are clear." Baileywick said with certainty. "They should have been here getting ready."
"Are we sure James, Sofia, and Amber aren't at school?" There could have been an assembly that was called that they had to go to.
"I checked their schedules. There is nothing going on at school, and none of them have playdates with friends scheduled."
"In other words…" Lydia pointed drearily at herself. "I'm the only Royal in the castle." She slapped the palm at her face. "This is just fantastic."
"Do you know where they are?" Miles asked hopefully.
"In case you guys aren't keeping up, I'm not exactly spending a lot of time with the family. I don't even know if they had lunch yesterday." She's pretty sure they ate. James was making potato sculptures. "But I don't need to be present to know that 90% of the royal family missing before a big party does not bode well."
"You think this is bad?" Miles groaned.
"Please don't say it gets worse." Lydia begged. She and the others were taken to the throne room. They were smacked full force by reality's stick. "Oh yeah. It's worse." She deadpanned. The throne room was filled wall to wall with arguing people on the verge of throwing punches. Servants, party planners, Chef Andre and his staff in an uproar. Some folks from the village were there too. The mayor, the Head of Education, other public figures, - all gathered in this one room demanding answers, wondering where Roland is. There was a joke or two about old man Jenkins in the arguing. The rest was about The Ball, a school opening, the new playground set, the dying garden, and so on and so on and...so...on! And they were only getting louder.
Cedric was amongst the crowd, being shoved around and bumped into others. He was there for similar reasons. He was told last night he was needed for a growth powder, but not where it needed to go. He was losing his patience with all these people. He spotted Lydia and the others in the corridor. He muscled his way from the crowd, rushing for her. He and the others went back outside the door, closing it off and silencing the shouting. "Nice of you to show!" He frothed at the mouth.
"How long has everyone been here?!" She shrieked.
"The past two hours." Cedric said with a rasp. "And the crowd is only getting bigger."
Lydia growled in the back of her throat, massaging the bridge of her nose. A growing crowd of incompetent neanderthals waiting for King Roland to come and solve all their problems. Wipe the milk from their lip, decide what they should wear, tell them if they should eat watermelon or honeydew. How pathetic people are. Like those brats who rely on mom and dad for everything instead of finding the will to do it themselves. And now they are all on the other side of that door, arguing and spitting at one another because they need help, someone thinks their needs are more important, and they just really want King Daddy to do everything for them. Make it all better. She rested her back to the wall, her head throbbing. The door did very little to muffle them.
"Oh my goodness...so annoying!" She snarled, crouching low. She put hands over her ears, feeling her sanity about to shatter. They were getting louder. "I do not have the patience for this right now." She rumbled. I should turn them all to stone. Shut them up for an hour. Or for good. That one sounded fun.
"I suggest you find the patience because preparations fall onto you." Baileywick warned her.
"Not just preparations. The kingdom too." Miles remarked.
"Say what?" Lydia's head shot up. Miles clamped his mouth closed. That was a slip. "What's he talking about?" Lydia pressed him. Adelea, Gwen, and Alauna wanted to know that too. He fumbled with his words, trying hard to figure out how to word this. She glared to Baileywick and Cedric, making them wince sheepishly. "One of you speak up!" She screamed.
Miles suddenly found his voice, "It's a very old, unwritten - technically it's not a real rule-"
"MILES!" Adelea and Gwen roared. No more dancing around it. He needs to spill it.
Miles exhaled resignedly. He looked to Cedric and Baileywick, wanting reassurance this wouldn't be a mistake. Doesn't matter if it's a mistake or not. At this point, Lydia has the right to know. The pair nodded firmly. Miles reluctantly acquiesced, standing at attention with his hands behind his back, "By the laws of Enchancia in the matters of succession - Written by King Roland the First and passed by King Roland the Second's coming of age," Lydia showed patience with his formalities. But it figures Roland is the reason she's about to have her world turned upside down again. She braced herself, "In the event the King and or Queen are unable to perform their duties - in this case are absent without cause or word - the next in line - sibling, child, or close relative - shall undertake the role of leadership until the King and or Queen return." Adelea, Gwen, and Alauna's mouths dropped in utter shock.
"Someone please sum that up before my head splits." Lydia demanded.
"How do I put this gently?" Adelea breathed in through her nose, angling clapped hands at her. "You are Queen until your mom and dad turn up again." Lydia went blank, and she went pale. Queen, Queen, Queen echoed off every wall in her head, battering her like a pinata. She's Queen. She's been named Queen...on a technicality. The kingdom...is...hers. There was a gurgling in her stomach. She put a hand to her mouth. She wasn't feeling good. Alauna was already prepared with a bucket. Lydia ducked behind a wall and emptied her stomach into it. "She's taking that well."
"Better than I thought." Cedric muttered.
"I'M QUEEN?!" She cried, her voice cracking. "I...AM...THE QUEEN?!" And down comes the dizziness. She threw up again.
"For the time being!" Baileywick bounced his hands, fanning some sort of silver lining to her not too dark of a cloud. "Once we find King Roland and Queen Miranda-"
The bucket was slammed hard, silencing that optimistic drivel! "And how do you plan to do that?!" She marched back on scene, wiping her mouth off. Baileywick's voice hitched in his throat. "Baileywick, you and I don't have the faintest clue where they are, and we are the only ones here who know where they are every single second of the day!" It's true. Baileywick and Lydia are able to keep tabs on everyone. No, they don't spy on them. They just know them very well. "Cedric, did you try a locator spell?"
"All 75 of them. Not a single one picked up a trace of them."
"Miles? Did you assemble the guards?"
"I assembled the guard before day break for King Roland's inspection. He never arrived." He ominously informed.
"And we have a room full of people waiting for Dad to tell them what to do, how to do it, and where to make it happen!" Lydia swiped Baileywick's lists for Roland right out of his hand. "And there's apparently a whole side list of things he has to do today?" The main list was long enough. That second list was even longer. And not a single one sounded like it was remotely close to being done. "Well ain't this just perfect." She shoved the lists into Baileywick's chest. She was crouching again, coming apart at the seams. "I...do not...have...the patience for this!" She was hyperventilating. It isn't about not having the patience. She isn't Roland! The whole kingdom is on her shoulders, and during one of his busiest days. "I have no clue what to do! I don't lead! I sit, watch, and then chime in! And occasionally lead a charge already halfway through!" That's if she hasn't made a mess already. "I'm not even a real princess! The people don't follow me! They follow dad!"
Cedric choked on this pathetic pity party. He honestly can't believe what he's seeing. What he's HEARING! "Are you honestly giving up before you've even tried?" He scolded with noteable venom in his tone.
"Haven't you heard, Cedric? Apparently I'm good at taking easy ways out!" She snarled. Adelea was the one out of patience now. These mood swings of Lydia's are hard enough to tolerate. Now she's throwing in the towel, before even trying, because...NUH-UH! She drew her foot back to give her a swift kick in the hind.
Cedric stopped her with a hand extended in front of her. Adelea was about to tell him to move. She was stunned silent. He leered harshly to the cowering Princess. He looked ready to strangle her. This is the same girl that's been thwarting her after all. "Then consider this part of the divine karma you preached while sick!" He took her roughly by the arm and yanked her to her feet. He pounded his knuckles into her head. "You went against witches TWICE when others were happy with cowering in their homes or behind others! Your inspire those being chastised to stand up for themselves!" Lucinda, Cedric, Adelea, Sofia, Vivian - the list goes on. "You faced goblins and managed to peacefully negotiate with them! And please remind me who it was that saved all of us from an evil sorcerer with a grudge, and helped save a realm of mermaids!"
"How do you know she helped save mermaids?" Baileywick asked. He doesn't remember seeing Cedric at any point during their summer vacation.
"Long story." Lydia and Cedric replied. "And this is different, Cedric." She whimpered, losing her nerve gradually. "If Dad and Mom can't be found, a whole country has to look to me until they come home." If they come home. She still can't put her finger on where they would have disappeared to like this. Does it have something to do with that shift from last night?
"Then they're going to have to suck it up and get used to the change in management." Adelea declared.
"She's right!" Alauna chimed in strongly. "Whether they like it or not, you're the one who has to lead us."
"And you won't be alone when you do." Gwen promised her. "We'll be right here with you." Baileywick and Miles nodded firmly. Lydia blinked astonished.
Cedric smirked proudly, folding his arms. "See what I mean." He hummed. He placed a hand on her shoulder. "You can lead people, Lydia. You inspire others to take that first step."
"But I…"
"Yes, you messed up. But how many times have you messed up and just came back wiser than before." She's not sure there's enough paper in the world for that list. "Witches sabotaged your tea party, you kept your cool and defeated them. Lezard was stealing your powers and you found a way to conquer your weakness and beat him." Before she nearly killed him. Cedric shoved his wand into her nose. "Mention one negative aspect of those wins and I will tongue tie you again." Miles and Baileywick blushed, their minds running amuck elsewhere. "Hush!" He thwacked the pair on the head. "You've done so much in your own unique way that has brought a new light to those around you. All the naysayers - you turn them to yay sayers." He will ignore Alauna and Gwen's snickers. He knows how lame it sounded, but he was on a role. "The doubt - you make it into belief. No, you aren't King Roland. You're future Sorceress Queen Lydia. You rise from mistakes, and grow wiser with your success." A warmth flowed through her veins, a smile stretching to her lips. An imaginary crown was set to her head.
"Wow. I feel like I could rule." Miles boasted.
"Sorry, Miles. That's my job." Lydia stated with a new, if not a slightly wavering, confidence. She can't avoid the room full of people now. Not after that moving speech. "Time to go address my people, I guess."
"Alright." Baileywick cringed opening the door. The yelling sounded like it took a notch down. He can hear himself think. "After you, Prince - I mean - QUEEN Lydia." The others lined the hallway, bowing on her entry.
Lydia sauntered in, a little embarrassed by the formality. "I won't let that go to my head." A couple of them chuckled. She said try, not that she wouldn't. The room was full of pushing, shoving, and hollering individuals wanting to be near the front of the room, their own issues heard before everyone else's. Threats to see if a person can fly were heard, putting the guards even more on edge. They weren't sure if they can contain a riot if it broke out. Seeing Lydia walk up to Roland's throne somewhere eased their concerns. The hope that she will calm things down was high. "How are you guys holding up?"
"We aren't sure how much longer things will stay civilized, Princess." One guard said. "Everyone's on edge. Tell me the King is on his way."
Lydia wished she could tell him that. "Not yet."
"N-Not yet?!" His voice broke.
"With all due respect, Princess," A second guard came up, "We need him."
Don't I know it. Why would they want her? Too bad for them she lives for disappointing others. And she has an entire room waiting to be sore that they don't get the King they're waiting for. "Hold that thought a sec." She moved to center stage, getting a handful of people to turn to her. The rest were still engrossed in their bickering. The guards were baffled by her ascension. Miles urged the guards to wait a moment. Baileywick and the others stood behind her, nodding for her to proceed. Lydia took a deep breath, steeling her nerves, then roared, "EVERYBODY QUIET!"
Room falls silent. Lydia did not expect that to work so well. Literally pulling an explanation out of thin air. "Here goes nothing." She whispered to her entourage. "Alright, so, in spite of what everyone has heard…" think think think, "Mom, Dad, and my sibs are not - ARE NOT - missing!" She cannot stress that little lie enough.
"Then where are they?" The Mayor challenged.
A very good question. She faltered faster than she would have liked. Good thing Baileywick is always around. He seems to have what someone needs when they need it. She plucked a letter from his back pocket. He gasped at the personal space violation. She wordlessly apologized. "A letter from Dad arrived to me about an hour ago." It was actually a letter Baileywick got from Nigel. "Dad got called away on royal business. What that business is, he was not at liberty to say to me or anyone else." She craftily covered before anyone could ask. She was half expecting them to press her anyway. Miraculously, they bought her lie hook, line, and sinker. Time to keep the rouse up. "Mom is meeting with a close family friend who has fallen ill." That earned her a few apologetic moans. "James, Amber, and Sofia are running an errand for me." Nothing out of the usual there. Everyone knows the Royal sibs work together. Even Amber will dirty her hands for her family. "All of them promise to be back by the time the ball starts." Though an ample explanation was meant to ease their worries, the crowd muttered perturbed at the royal family's poorly timed getaways. With the ball so close, and other matters in need of King Roland's attention, they need to know who's going to do it all. This is where Lydia drops a momentous ball on them. More like a bomb. "Until then...according to Constable Miles…" She braced herself, "I'm in charge." A dead silence engrossed the throne room. No one meant to look so uncertain. And they didn't mean to not vocalize some sort of support. But...Lydia as acting Queen? She's barely been a Princess for the past few months. Now she's Queen? "I know. I'm not thrilled either. But plans do not change!" She decreed, sauntering to the edge of the steps. "We finish preparations and we make this Villagers Ball the best one since last year with the dragon fireworks. Not counting how one of them breathed spicy candy drops that had everyone breathe candied fire for two days." She fanned her tongue. She got a few laughs on that one. The room lightened, making her feel a bit more confident. Baileywick and the others were impressed. This was starting to go good. "Alright, so, we need to get back on track - if we were." She added to herself. Baileywick caught it and gave her a contrite bite of his lip. Yeah, they haven't started. "Chef Andre?! The banquet?"
The Chef was ready with the banquet list. Actually his sou chef was ready, and he just read from it. "We have finger food for the appetizers. Vegetables, nuts, baby shrimp, baby corn, and such." Nothing impressive. Rather boring when he thinks about it. But with any good show, there's always the opening act. "For the main course," Which he had the crowd pinning to hear, "Danish Baguettes, assortments of fruits from the Tropics, Frezenberg Corn on the Cob, Corinthian Mash potatoes, Italian pasta, Ghetsis Tan Ham and Roast Beef." Adelea and Alauna were going to faint from hunger. Miles and Cedric were ready to catch them. Gwen was fine. She got to taste test everything. Chef Andre wasn't done yet. "For dessert we have the cake being made by the baker in town, as well as cookies, pudding, varieties of fudge, and so on." And down went Adelea and Alauna, suffering from dreams of eating Chef Andre's world changing food. Miles and Cedric rolled their eyes, moving them to Amber and Sofia's thrones. "All of the prep is done, we merely need to finish cooking it. We just need the dates for a filling, but they haven't arrived yet."
"Dates…" Lydia tapped her chin. She gaped at Gwen. She mentioned this during their tea party this morning. "The Arabian Night Dates from Agrabah?"
"The same ones."
Easily remedied, and easily going to get her in trouble when Roland finds out. Oh well. It was a matter of life and death for these people. Or not. "Hold that thought." She turned to Cedric, asking with her eyes if he can help. She asked her closest friends, and confidants, for their help. Why keep the spotlight to herself when she can share it? Cedric was glowing, nodding with his wand patting to his palm. He dipped his wand, running it up in a spiral like he was stirring a pot. He gave it swish, sending a glittering stream toward Chef Andre. The stream split into two, taking the shape of a cube. Wooden planks uniformly materialized with hammer and nail sounds, and the whole shipment of dates piled inside. The guy who was supposed to deliver them popped in too, absolutely confused and covered in dirt and cactus needles. He gradually recognized he was in a castle, but wasn't sure which one or where. "Hi there." Lydia approached him. "Sorry to pop you into Enchancia like this." He hummed baffled, holding up his roster. He's sure he was supposed to be in Enchancia, but he had another dozen stops before the palace. Lydia signed for the dates, handing the roster back. "Thank you." She nodded to Cedric and he sent the merchant back where he came from. "There you go. I will leave the maestro to his work." She curtsied, then swept her hand for Chef Andre and his crew to resume their work. Chef Andre hooted excitedly, and his and the team resumed their work. Gwen joined him, ready to get to work. Next on the list of problems, "Baileywick, decorations?"
"Brought down and ready to be arranged." He responded quickly.
"Adelea, help with that?"
"Yes, My Queen." She giddily replied, rushing off with the party planners to get a headstart.
"Anything else for the party?" Lydia checked with Baileywick's list.
"Just the usual cleaning, guest room preparations in case anyone can't make it home, and…" He went down, checking off what was was being tended to, "Ride arrangements for those without transportation."
"Violet, Suzette, and Marcy," The three ladies crossed their feather dusters to their chests, awaiting their orders, "Get a team of your best and handle the cleaning and guest rooms. Benjamin." The second steward bowed to her. "Contact the taxi services we have on retainer."
"Yes, My Queen!" Benjamin and the maids were off. That's another check off the list.
"Constable Miles, I believe you said the Royal Guard are due for an inspection?"
"Yes, Your Highness." He smiled brightly.
"Then make the guards look pretty and ready for an inspection. We have an image to uphold."
"Consider it done, My Queen." Miles excused himself and ordered the guards in the room to follow.
The party planning was wrapping itself up. Time to put on the finishing touches and get to the next list of issues. "As for the rest of you who work in the castle, finish your work and get ready." She opened her arms to the Enchancian Crowd, "Today is about all of you. You who make Enchancia what it is, and who me and my family are eternally grateful for. And we plan to throw you a party that shows how much." That inspired the troops in one swoop. The servants dispersed, eager to finish their work and excited for the ball to come. Once the servants cleared from the Throne Room, Lydia weeded the crowd down to the Mayor, The Head of Education, and some other villagers. The room wasn't empty, but it was getting there. "I'm never going to get down from here." She groaned.
"Relax." Baileywick pat her on the back. "You're doing fine."
And yet she feels a little sick. She clapped her palms, breaking out of the slump she almost brought on. "Mayor, and I believe your name is Mrs. Henderson, yes?"
"Yes, Your Majesty." The fair skinned woman bowed. Her golden curls dangled by her rosy cheeks.
"How may I help you?" She asked, meandering down the steps to her.
"That's why both of us are here." The Mayor chimed in. "The new schoolhouse is ready and needs to be officially opened."
"And we need authorization on these learning materials." Mrs. Henderson handed her a booklet of the criteria she hoped the children and future generations could be privy to. It was pretty thick.
"I will give this a once over and give you my seal of approval at a later time today." Lydia assured her. "At the same time, Mayor," She looked over the schedule Baileywick had. Roland agreed to open the new school house that afternoon before the ball, "I will be by to open the new schoolhouse. A couple hours before the ball sound good?"
"Perfect, Your Majesty!" The Mayor gleamed. Mrs. Henderson bowed in agreement. "There is also one more matter. The new playground set."
Lydia arched a brow. She heard nothing about a new playground set. Baileywick was already there with a list of what was needed. She's beginning to appreciate him always being on Roland's heels. "Swings, see-saw, and a dragon shaped slide."
"Yes. We just need a signature and we can begin unloading them." The Mayor showed her the paperwork. Baileywick gave Lydia a quill, she gave it a quick skim, and she signed the authorization. "Thank you, Prin-Queen Lydia!" The Mayor caught himself. He and Mrs. Henderson turned on their heels and excused themselves. Lydia felt this going smoothly, and also felt a drop of sweat going down her back.
Next were a couple of farm hands. "Gentlemen?"
"We actually came to thank the Royal Sorcerer for his help with the community garden." The first farmhand humbly stated, twisting his hat in nerves. Cedric gasped with a hand to his chest, utter shocked that someone wanted to appreciate him.
"Is this the same one Lucinda helped with?" Lydia seems to remember pouring an entire sticky substance in order to clear the pesticides killing a garden. Lucinda was remarkable.
"No, Highness. That's the reserves garden. This is the garden we rely on for daily nourishment." The second man corrected. "And thanks to you, Sir Cedric, we can feed our families. Thank you!"
"Oh-oh! Um...you are quite welcome!" Cedric was flustered, bowing his head to them. His head was spinning from the praise. That doesn't happen often.
"Feeling good?" Lydia teased.
"Very." He boasted.
Lydia's smile widened, then faded when the appreciative faces changed into hostile glares. The last handful and she was feeling the burning from the bitterness suddenly choking the room. For their sakes, those glare better not come with threats or punches. She won't hesitate to send them somewhere on the opposite side of the country. "What do we do from here?" She whispered to Baileywick.
"This is where you solve everyone's problems," He showed her that long list, "And finish all this before the ball."
"Well whoopee!" She sarcastically snarled. If only something would fall and crush her. Oh well, no sense in complaining about it. And no real sense in listening to everyone's problems in the same room as those who think their problems are bigger. That's when she got an idea on how to deal with this fiasco. "Baileywick, let me see this for a second." She took the complaints and issues list from him. Yeah, he had that tucked with the chores list. Names, issues, and those who have issues with other names were listed and dated. The top was issues dating back to years leading up to weeks. The top on that list are two feuding family names she recognized right off the bat. All she could say was, they still haven't killed each other? "Alright everyone, here's how we'll do this." She managed to ease the anger into intrigue. "Mr. Lloyd Weller and Mrs. Jessamine Couler, please join me on a walkabout to discuss your - ancestral - issues." The tan skinned, aged individuals sneered at one another, but acquiesced to her request. Lydia ran down the list, naming off the parties and where they can wait until she can get to them. She sent one family to the petting zoo with their children, another couple were escorted to the pagoda in the garden overlooking the bay, academics were sent to the library - etc, etc. Baileywick caught on to her plan and instructed reserve servants to tend to their guests. Why keep everyone in the same room they've already been waiting in? "Please…" She headed out of the throne room, and in the general direction Miles would be holding the inspection. Two birds with one stone, and hopefully she'll be done with the Couler and Weller issue before they reach him.
xxx
No such luck. The inspection was being held in the courtyard. Miles had the guards running marching drills in preparation for the inspection - for the fifth time in a row. Lydia was on a walkabout with the Mr. Weller and Lady Couler, running very low on patience for their constant bickering and talking over one another when either tried to explain their side of their everlasting feud. It dates back to when Miranda was in diapers, and further. Baileywick informed Miels that Lydia was being held up by the feuding Family Heads and that she'd try to get to him and the guards are soon as possible. Miles and the Guards could hear Weller and Couler from the other side of the courtyard. Not only are they not in a rush, they don't expect that issue to settle itself any time soon. Neither did Lydia.
The Weller and Couler Families are considered Dunwitty Village's living monuments of history. Their families began the groundwork that would lead to Dunwitty growing and prospering into the Urban Utopia that it is. Unfortunately, somewhere along the way, the two families started butting heads and have been engrossed in an all out war for generations. And for the life of everyone who's ever been dragged into this heated grudge match of insults, sabotages, and lawsuits, no one can explain why these two families hate each other. Or why it seems to have gotten worse in the past five years. Lydia intended to drag that out of them. That is when either found the maturity to show some courtesy and let the other say their peace. Not that it isn't the same song and dance Lydia's heard since she knew what words were. The Wellers keep growing their land onto ours, the Coulers are stealing our shipment of supplies, the Wellers poisoned our water, the Coulers put laxatives into our flour. The Wellers and Coulers the Dairy Ranches that survived the test of time, and the torments of being neighbors. It would have been easy for either to pick up and move. Too bad pride is the leading factor in any feud. And boy are these two full of it.
By the tenth walk about in the courtyard, Lydia had finally had enough. The conversation went from serious issues such as crumbling rooftops, land becoming infertile, and misplaced supplies and vandalism, to Weller and Couler engaging in an all out match of childish insults and petty threats. Couler was called fat, Weller was called stupid. Lydia hasn't heard arguing this idiotic since the fight between Decathlon kids at Hexley and the Junior Knight's Academy. That's a bad memory. Lydia entertained these two for an hour. The second she heard hypothetical threats of harm to each other, or promises of a decrease in farm animals, is when she put her foot down. Nothing shook except those two.
"Alright, I have heard enough!" She whipped around, her expression just marred with irritation. She massged her temples, her brain was throbbing and the pain was running down the spinal cord. "I've listened to you both, heard what you've had to say, and now I'm declare that you two are absolutely ridiculous!" Their jaws dropped in offence. Baileywick winced fearfully, reaching out to keep her from imploding. Too late, and he wasn't going to stop her. She isn't going to sugarcoat or hold back. Not for these two. "When I was a kid and the village was being turned upside down by your bickering, all I ever wanted to know was what caused it!" She still wants to know and is willing to beat it out of them. "But now I heard from others - who are next on my list of logged complaints - that your feud has gotten worse in the last five years!"
The two pointed at one another, "It's their-"
"HUSH!" She split her hands, putting a stop to that blame game right there. She then stretched a hand back at Baileywick, wanting him to wait a bit longer. She isn't done. "I am going to ask both of you a simple question! One or both of you will give me a straight answer! No insults, no diverting off to building your already wavering case - a single sentence response!" That's that. No if's, ands, buts, or they started its. Couler and Weller glanced to one another, their disgust oozing from their cheeks. They already have a good guess on what she's going to ask. She erected one finger, signaling this was her first question, "Why do your families hate each other?!"
"My grandpappy told me…" Lady Couler began steadily, assuring Lydia with hand motions that she was minding her rules, "That our families got along well in the beginning, then a healthy rivalry became what is."
Lydia astonished those around with her understanding huff. She took a couple of seconds to ponder it, then folded her arms. "That makes perfect sense. People unintentionally make friends into enemies and forget that they were friends to begin with." Happens all the time, and blows after. Years or days - depends on the person. The friend remark had Weller and Couler pausing, glancing to one another. It sounds weird now, but yeah, their families were the best of friends. Now for Lydia's second question. "What happened five years ago?!" And she will remind them of her rules.
Weller sighed resignedly, curling his fingers into tight fists. "My son...and her daughter…" He was struggling to not vomit, "Eloped and started a family. Gradually did members of the family go to join them. They conjoined the names to be Coul-Well." He snarled.
And that ended Lydia's understanding, and she was gawking utterly dumbfounded. "Let me get this straight…" She had to triple clarify this, pressing on the sides of her skull, "You two...have raised Hellfire...for the past FIVE YEARS," She had to scream that with a show of fingers. It has to be made absolute clear how ridiculous is sounds when said aloud, "Because members of your family decided to be mature and bury the hatchet?!"
"They betrayed us!" Weller howled, forgetting himself. He will not stand here and be lectured by a child.
"It's not a betrayal! It's called progress!" Lydia argued back. "They chose happiness with one another over fighting for another six generations!"
"They were selfish!" Couler hissed. "They were selfish and obviously weren't raised properly!" The Romeo and Juliet Taboo, or so it was called. Members of fighting, prominent families falling in love. The difference here is they didn't take poison to escape this world and their families.
"Which is the very comment where I hold ground to end this meeting here and now!" She stated with her hands behind her back. Couler and Weller gawked confusedly at her. Lydia inhaled through her nostrils. She's heard the complaints about these families for years, and has a fresh new complaint waiting for her inside. Time to nip this in the bug. "Henceforth your families are on notice!" She declared heatedly, and with an authoritative tone that sent chills down Baileywick's spine. "I cannot convince either of you to pick up and leave, but I can bar you from interacting with one another since you and those who live with you can't get along!" Weller and Couler's jaws hit the floor. She wasn't done. "One more complaint, one more incident, one more hostile transgression between you two or anyone associated with you, and random members will be chosen for community service in which you will be forced to get along to complete the task!" Which will be a punishment worse than packing. "Your children and those that went with them are the bravest and smartest people I've had the privilege to hear about. My only hope is that more in your family see similar sense and leave too."
"What did you just say?!" Weller buffed up, towering over her.
"How dare you!" Couler joined, rolling up her sleeves. Baileywick lost his nerve and was about to call for Miles. The Constable and the guard were already ready to respond. Neither needed to intervene.
Lydia's sapphire orbs flared with a barrage of daggers, rooting the feuding Heads in place. Sweat beading down their brows, shiverings in their bones. They were compelled to remain where they were. Their voices - protests and shouts - were hitched in their throats. "You two are dismissed! Have a safe trip home." She turned her back to them, sauntering off with her own fists behind her back. They were purple from resisting punching them. Baileywick walked behind her to obscure the fists. His adrenaline was buzzing.
The guards arrived to escort the two out. Not before Weller got the final word. "You think you're so great because your momma married the King!" Weller's horse choking bride forced him to bark. "You'll always be that spellcasting rat from the village! You'll never be the real Queen! You're not even a real Princess!" That last comment caused Lydia to stop. Her heart was pounding. Baileywick became scared. Weller wasn't done. "The King sees it too, DRUG QUEEN! You're not worthy of the crown!"
Lydia lowered her head, her hair masking her face. She should be furious! She should be screaming at him. She was silent. A nasty smile showed to her lips. How easy it would be for me to turn the stone beneath your feet into quicksand. To watch you drown! Baileywick swallowed a large lump. Miles and The Guards were still. Lydia raised her head, she turned to the proudly smiling Weller, and she said with her biggest smile, "One final notice." Weller's victory at believing he wounded her was pricked and popped. His whole bravado went undone. Couler was equally appalled by Weller's remark, as well as shocked at how Lydia responded. That wasn't like the kid they knew. "Please see to it Mrs. Couler and Mr. Weller make it home." She ordered.
"Yes, Queen Lydia!" The guards resounded. They dragged Weller by the arm. Mrs. Couler was able to walk on her own. She showed a small smile of delight to Lydia. She's grown.
"Not sure if that was the best way to handle that." Baileywick meekly remarked on both Lydia and Weller's parts.
"I'm sorry, but I don't really care." She said straight forward, and ensured he knew she wasn't saying it to be rude to him. "I've been dealing with their nonsense for 13 plus years. It won't be another 13." She can still hear the makeshift catapults their other kids made to send dung balls flying. Ugh, the smell made her sick. "Maybe this scare will force them to behave." She meandered to Miles as he was preparing the squad of guards for inspection. "We ready, Constable?"
"Yes, Your Majesty!" Miles saluted with his sword erected parallel to him. His seriousness softened to concern. He and everyone heard what Weller said. "Are you alright?" He felt the sting from there.
"Miles, if I was anymore fine I think I'd be one of Amber's Tiara jewels." A poor joke, but one that got light laughter. "I've been called worse anyway. People like him don't bother me." It's true. She wasn't rattled at all. How can I be mad at the truth? "Now, shall we get this inspection going?"
xxx
The day dragged on at a torturous pace, eventually coming into the early afternoon. Only hours left before the ball, and Lydia was becoming disheartened that only half of Roland's to do list was barely finished. Guard inspection - done. Rooms of complaining and disconcerted citizens - emptied. She relayed to the family complaining about the Coulers and Wellers that they were on notice to behave or be punished. They were her only five second appointment. Ball preparations on the verge of completion. She can't forget to check on the playground set, or that the schoolhouse wants to be opened. She almost forgot about that stupid cake Amber, Sofia, and James put an order in for. 100 layers of a sugar induced coma. Only Amber would be so outrageous. Part of her charm. On top of all that, the King of Khaldune lost the Royal Tool box he borrowed in a card game with King James of England. Why those two were playing cards is beyond her? How those two even met is a bigger mystery. All she knows is now she has to write a letter asking for it back and hope he doesn't challenge her to cards.
As if that wasn't enough, the Royal Horse Veterinarians were going on strike, demanding higher wages and access to better medicine and supplies. Apparently they already got a wage increase and already are privy to the most efficient medicines and supplies. They have Merr's seal of approval. That isn't good enough. And because they are on strike, other veterinarians in the area were rushing to be in line to replace them. A whole 'nother problem for Lydia to solve. Replace the vets or check the budget. Taxes were climbing, tolls on bridges fluctuating depending on who was coming from where. Added tax for any and all cargo - big or small. Trade partners considering pulling out, new ones coming in. Nobles who wanted to meet with Roland whose appointments hadn't been set in accordance with Roland's schedule. Cats in trees, dogs pooping everywhere, fish not gold enough - IT NEVER STOPPED! Funding cutbacks from construction while demolition teams are getting pay increases. There was even a matter where sports players are mad they aren't being put in the spotlight as much as soldiers in wars.
The Elf Situation from last night arose again. Street performers blocking roads. Businesses wanting incentive pays for acting as vendors for other businesses. On and on and on it went. All of sounding more ridiculous than the last. Lydia couldn't keep up. She was being pulled in every direction. She nearly snapped when she was asked which color napkins matched the white banquet table cloth. Ivory or seashell. They were both white for crying out loud. Librarians were requesting assistance with obtaining more reference guides, and adding children sections. Lydia was all for that one. Make sure the new generation enjoys a good book. Requests to expand borders in certain towns and villages, requests to stop expansion from taking away from animal habitats. Custodial issues, wishes for a larger port, and the ever popular - if not mundane - who gets what in the ugly divorce. Lydia couldn't handle it anymore. It was too much. The pressure...was killing her. She took off.
"PEACE AND QUIET!" Lydia screamed at the top of her lungs, retreating into the dungeons. The one place she knew no one would come looking for her. Baileywick followed dutifully, allowing her this retreat. But sooner or later she will have to get back out there. She paced rampantly, wearing a trench into the stone. "I need this, I want that, what can't we have this, why is this like that - GRAH!" She roared, Baileywick wincing at the echoing ringing in his ear. "How does Dad do it, Baileywick? He makes it look so easy!" So easy that it irritates her even more.
"Because he's been doing it for a long time. With time, and patience, it will become second nature to you as well." He reassured her.
"I don't know. I don't think I'm right for the job." She crouched at the wall, holding her skull. "I can't do this."
"Doubt comes with the position. But I have faith. As do the rest of the servants. The Kingdom is in good hands." Good, temporary hands. Roland and the others can't get home fast enough. Cedric left to try and find a new spell that will root them out. Since he isn't back, he isn't having any luck. "Now…" Baileywick just had to take that long list out. Is it wrong Lydia wanted to strangle him with it? "The gunnery sergeant doesn't have the proper powder to put into the cannons on the Gallion. Emperor Quan wants to know if he can divert his trade routes through Enchancian waters to avoid marauders. And researchers in the Big Foot Canyons are being barred by activist advocating for peace for the creatures living there." Her nails clawed into her scalp. "How do you want to proceed?"
"Baileywick, I don't know know how to proceed!" She exclaimed, really fed up with it. The room was spinning. Activists, marauders, and powder for cannons? What next?! The lions and tigers and bears are revolting! Somewhere in the world, lions, Tigers, and bears got the feeling they were being talked about. "I'm not qualified to make these sort of decisions! I'm barely qualified to send Cedric to give the dying gardens some growth powder!"
"You're doing fine." He knelt to her, fanning her with his hands. "For your first day, you're not doing half bad!"
"Yeah, for day one!" She shoved a finger in his face. She was shaking. She hates this. She hates it all. "But what about day 2, or day 3, or three months from now?" They can't find Roland, so she might as well think about the long run. "I...don't...have the mentality to keep this up! I can't make all these decisions, give people answers that I don't even know a question to!" She can't even decide if she wants to eat or not because she knows Baileywick will be right there hounding her with more chores. "I can just see it! I am going to crack under pressure!" She's already cracking. She can only break now. "Everyone in this entire village is counting on me right now to make sure this party goes well! Not to mention the panic people are feeling because we still can't find my family!" She curled her knees to her her stomach, burying her face in them.
"Lydia…" Baileywick hesitated touching her. He gaped at her uncontrollable shaking. "Are you sure this is you talking...or because you're recovering?" She tensed up. He hit it. Turns out what Weller said did get to her. "Lydia, that was a mistake you made in desperation. Everyone makes them."
"But not everyone is me, Baileywick!" She flared glossy eyes at him. "Not everyone is a tatters to tiara princess who is suddenly made Queen because her fake Dad isn't around!" She frothed. "I can't make mistakes like that one because it will look bad to the public, or my reputation and Roland's will be ruined! Every single damn move I make is under scrutiny!" Who is she kidding? It was already under scrutiny. Everyone always threatening to run to Roland every time she said or did something she did something they didn't like. "Did you not hear half these people?! They're all doubting me - and everyone's sanity - as to whether or not I'm qualified for this!" Those conversations with the complainant weren't free of skeptical leers and sneers. Weller wasn't the only one to hear what happened in the palace. "I can do good all week long, but the second I slip THAT'S what I'm going to be remembered for!" No one cares about success. Failure is a human being's bread and butter.
"Then if you slip you get back up and try harder!" Baileywick roared, getting tired of her self pity. His brow furrowed, "And King Roland is as much your father as you are his daughter."
"Do I need to give you a biology lesson?" She rumbled ominously
"Biology does not equate to parenthood."
"Yeah well it does confirm one thing."
"What's that?"
"I really need you and everyone else to leave me alone for five minutes!" She balanced to the wall, climbing to her feet. "Just let me breathe for FIVE-MINUTES!" She threw her hand down. An explosion of turquoise smoke consumed her, and she was gone.
Baileywick huffed impatiently, sinking in place. "Maybe she can't do this."
xxx
Lydia appeared at the waterfront, dropping to her knees in the sand. She listened to the crashing of the waves to the shore, using the pleasant fizzling of salty water to file down the needles growing into a cape on her shoulders. "I can't do this much longer!" She moaned, sitting with her legs folded. She leaned to an elbow, drowning in her misery. "I don't...want to do this much longer." She admitted to her deep seated discontent. Then the brooch began to glow. "I don't have the temperament for this. The know-how! I can't make all these decisions! I don't even know what these decisions will do in the long run!" She put her cheeks to her knuckles. She wished those waves would carry her away. "I'm not...I'm not sure I'm meant to do this." She moaned raspily.
"Man oh man, do all princesses give up when things start to not go their way?" Lydia blinked blankly. She tilted her head up. A very tall, very muscular man with curly black hair and an entire body of tattoos stood over her. He wore nothing but a grassy skirt, and a not so debonaire smile. He lifted a large hand and said, "Hiya!" The man in his chest tattoo waved at her with a big grin.
"YAH!" Lydia threw herself forward, tripping over her own feet and splashing into the water.
The Islander man and his tattoo companion flinched at her splash, snickering at her adorable reaction. "I never get tired of that." He snorted. Humans in such awe of him they get scared by his awesomeness.
Lydia spat up water and a clam, gawking while heaving at the enormous man. "Uh...what...who...when…" Her brain collapsed into itself. "How long have you-when did you-" She needs to settle on a topic fast before she completely crashes.
"While you get your words in order, let me continue going on about how you really stupid you're being." Lydia's voice hitched, her lips closing as her head tilted. The man laughed at her, march to her. "I mean, seriously," He picked her up by the head, standing her up in the dry sand, "I thought Moana had self-esteem issues with the whole heart of Te Fiti and become Chief thing." He took his hands that circled her whole body twice. In one downward swipe her squeezed the water clean out of her clothes. "But you, sister, take the cake!" The tattoo thing held out the cake.
"Umm…" Lydia's brain was able to comprehend the person before her, and managed to squeak, "Who are you?"
"Me?!" He gasped in disbelief, large hands to his person. The tattoo person was astonished too. "I'm Maui! Demi-God Extraordinaire!" He posed, getting a confetti rain from the tattoo companion. Lydia raised a baffled brow. "You know? The guy responsible for the tide, the sun, the sky? Raised islands?" He shook his hands, wondering if any of this rang any bells.
"Uh-huh…" Lydia's eyes darted. She had to think if she's heard of him or not. He sounds familiar. "What's a Demi-God doing...in my backyard?" Not really the backyard, but pretty close it.
"Oh boy, you're slow! Come on!" The smack to the back of her head almost shot her head off. "A person of incredible power shows up with no real explanation and you don't know how I got here?! You've had, like, three of us appear!" He fanned three thick fingers into her face. He drilled one into her head. "Think about it!" He growled. He'll wait. Lydia found it hard to think with him pushing on her head. When it dawned on her, she touched her brooch. She gaped in awe. "That's right!" He lifted her hand high. "It's Maui's turn to pass some sagely advice." He gave her spin into a seat onto large rocks. Propping a foot beside her, he leaned in and said, "You're welcome."
To be continued.
HA!
OKAY! I did plan on making this a longer chapter, but I had to go get some supplies for the new job I just got! YAY! I got employed after I resigned from my other job two weeks ago. Anyway, enough about that. The next chapter will come. I don't know when. But I will try and get it out this week, if I can.
