Seeing Who We Are

Alright! I lied. This isn't the last chapter. MUAH-HA-HA! Good thing.

And as for the song "Never say Goodbye," mentioned in the reviews, No, I've never heard that one.

Song:

Bring My Best Friend Back

By:

Sofia and Clover from Disney: Sofia the First

(Goes without saying)

xxx

"Your Majesties! There you are!" Baileywick raced into the Family Room. Roland and Miranda parted from their books, and the children from their boardgames. Baileywick patted the sweat from his brow, catching his breath. "Please pardon the intrusion!" He bowed, remembering his station.

"Calm down, Baileywick! What's wrong?" Miranda pacified the hyperactive man.

"Violet told me she saw Princess Lydia heading for the stables! And that she packed a bag for a long trip!" Miranda and Roland gasped, and exchanged perturbed stares.

xxx

The royal pegasi neighed and skipped their hooves excitedly at the stable doors being opened. Lydia meandered in with Eezeyal and a bag on her shoulder. Ubos hid himself inside the bag. Constable Miles was outside, standing nervously as Lydia searched for a horse. A jaunt to the stables roused questions from the Captain of Guard. Lydia gave him her abrupt cliff notes while adamantly marching for the stables. She merely explained that she would be going on a long journey and possibly wouldn't be back until the next day. Unable to accept that, Miles stalked her to the stables and eventually learned of her intentions. He can't say he approves of her decision to go alone, but he knew there was no way he could stop her.

The hood was a bit sinister to the mares and stallions. Lydia shushed them, humming soft words so the horses would recognize her. A good thing she spends her time in the stables as well. The horses quieted almost immediately. She doesn't need the entire castle knowing she's there. In spite of one member of the castle lingering anxiously outside.

"Spirit?! You here?" She bellowed.

"OYE! Cimarron kin! You ain't sleepin' standin' again, are ya?!" Eezeyal obnoxiously taunted.

"Hey! That's a stereotype!" Spirit snapped, rubbernecking his head from the last stall. "I kneel when I sleep, thank you!" He huffed angrily through his nostrils.

"Ignore him, Spirit! We don't have time anyway!" Lydia opened his stall, ensuring she didn't break the receiving walls this time. "You ready for another long trip?" She wiggled her brow.

"You call our last trip long?" Spirit scoffed at the notion. Khaldune is a stone throw compared to where he's traveled before. "I could have traveled twice as far without breaking a single half sweat!" He boasted, puffing his chest and fanning his wings.

"Glad to hear it!" A simple yes would have sufficed.

"Princess Lydia!" Miles jogged to her. Lydia muffled the animal talk. "While I respect your decision to track down Cedric - admire, really," Lydia appreciates his flattery, but would rather he get to the point of his protest, "I still advise you let myself and the knights search for him. Who knows where he's gone, or how far he's traveled." The dangers of Enchancia may not pronounce themselves vehemently, but they do exist. A princess has no business tempting them.

"Which is why I'm the one going after him." Lydia argued strongly. "I sent him away, so I'm the one bringing him home. And besides," She waved Ubos at him smugly, "I'm the only one here with a surefire way of finding a SORCERER." Miles disliked the merit in her statement. Cedric can use a number of tricks to elude Miles and the knights. The overall likelihood is they will journey in circles without realizing they crossed him. And with how firm Lydia was being, there's a small chance she'd provide the means of locating him without going herself.

Lydia situated Spirit's saddle, and attached the feeder on the side. She was serious about this mission of her. "Lydia!" Miles braved the lack of honorifics. He contradicted his plight by helping her secure the saddle. "As your friend and bodyguard, I implore you once more," He cupped her hands, bouncing them in prayer, "Please trust me to find him."

"Miles…this isn't about trust." She thanks him for his loyalty to her, and she's happy he wants to help. She certainly doesn't lack faith in him. "If I don't go after Cedric myself, I won't be able to forgive what I've done." She touched her heart, "I sent Cedric away thinking he was hated. Having others bring him back in my stead...that rift won't fade. I can't have that."

"I understand." Miles sighed, acquiescing to her choice. He still wishes he could go. But he sees she needs to make these amends herself. Regardless if Cedric chooses to return or not. He interlocked his fingers. Lydia stepped on then swung her leg over. "Just please come back safe."

"Don't I always." She winked. Miles rolled his eyes. Lydia clicked her tongue. Spirit moseyed on his way. Miles' last chance to plead her down went out the stables with her.

Lydia guided Spirit to the start of the landing strip. She pet his mane encouragingly. She's counting on him with this. Somewhere on the horizon, Cedric was wandering to a destination all his own. Whether or not he'll agree to return is a bridge to cross when it gets there. Finding him is her priority. What she'll say to him...that will be the factor that either sends her running, or makes Cedric run instead. She won't know until she finds him...and recites what she'll say.

"LYDIA!" And the moment was killed. "LYDIA WAIT!" Roland, Miranda, and her younger siblings were out of breath from sprinting to meet her. She can already guess what's brought them huffing and puffing to her. "WHERE ARE YOU GOING?!" Miranda cried breathlessly.

"I'm bringing Cedric home!" Lydia declared. And they won't have any better luck than miles trying to stop her.

"You what?!" Amber gasped.

"He risked a lot to save me from Lezard and I stabbed him in the back for it!" She eviscerated him. "I'd be a poor example of human if I reward him by letting him leave!"

"But you said he betrayed you!" Roland animatedly reminded her. "You said he's done unforgivable deeds in the past!"

"I know what I said, and I don't care about what he's done in the past!" The past is that. The past. It may carry what someone's done in their shadow, but it doesn't definitively label them. Cedric was no exception to that. "It's what he does in the future that will determine who he is!"

Roland was moved by her steadfast decree. Her eyes burned with determination. The loyalty she extends to Cedric was inspiring to him. She's clearly weighing Cedric's past deeds on mind, ascertaining if he was worth the effort. And for her sake, if no one else's, she was set on patching things up with him. And she won't stop until she's cleared her conscious.

Now…? Roland clutched the brooch in his breast pocket. He thought back to the mountain top on Mistbow. How he was confused on how the test was going to determine if Lydia was worthy of being named Novice, and rising to her goal of being a Royal Sorcerer. What were the qualifications a sorcerer must meet, he wondered.

Flashback

It was shortly after Lydia was reported to have neared the ending stretch of her trail. Goodwin was admiring the Fantasia Brooch, relishing in the honor the accessory bestows to the owner. Succeeding and predecessing. No words would describe the pride it will bring him to pass the brooch to King Roland's Daughter.

"This test Lydia is taking…" Roland approached the pensive man, folding his hands behind his back, "This is traditional, yes?"

"One of the oldest traditions of sorcery, Your Majesty." Goodwin nostalgically. He hasn't forgotten his Novice days. He's glad those are over.

"I take it making the hike and passing the trials are only part of it." Roland built a suspicious assumption. The hike seemed more like a three ringed circus to him. A natural response, considering he isn't a sorcerer. However, as a former prince, he recognizes ulteriors in the general tests. "This trial is mostly to define Lydia's character, correct?"

Goodwin threw his head back in proud laughter. "As wise as you are justice, My Boy King! Yes!" He bowed to Roland's clairvoyance. "The trials are important. But the real trial is how the Sorcerer responds and behaves. That is what they are meant to draw out."

"They determine if Lydia is worthy to become a Novice."

"Exactly."

"What exactly are the...attributes procters search for?"

"One," Goodwin raised a finger, "A sorcerer must be resourceful and steadfast. They cannot simply avoid an issue. They will have to face it head on in order to yield the best results." There are three paths. Hardest, easiest, and the middle. It goes without saying, the other two are preferable, but are longer and don't guarantee they will lead to the wanted destination. Sometimes, it's the hard way that takes one to the goal. "Two: A sorcerer must be open to other means. Magic cannot solve all problems. There come a time where it's not available." A swordsman and an archer are the best in their profession. Although, when the swordsman is forced to wield a bow and the archer a sword, neither prepared themselves and are helpless. "Three: Sorcerers must discern illusions from reality. Simply accepting what is at first blush can be costly." A rock and a gold chunk. Many would choose the gold chunk without realizing it is a prank for the fools. The real gold lied within the unimpressionable rock. "And three: A sorcerer must show loyalty, integrity, and compassion. Without those, they fall prey to themselves." It goes without saying, dishonorable sorcerers give the honorable bad names, and twist public opinion against them. Regardless of what is done to them, they must never abandon their honor.

Flashback End

Roland gazed upon the G-Clef brooch, feeling the weight of its responsibility, and the spirit of its past owners.

The easiest course would be for Lydia to put Cedric and the rift forged between them in the back of her mind, pretending like it never happened. Also, alternatively, she can allow the knights to retrieve him. Play that all is well when Cedric is brought back. She and Cedric can create the illusion there is no more bad blood between them. That all is forgiven and they've gone back to normal. Vice versa, Lydia can convince herself that Lezard wasn't himself. That the leaching caused his mind to be warped, and that he and Cedric can become friends in time. Practically erase everything that has happened. In other words...a bold faced lie can be coerced and twisted to a truth to suit them.

"And what sorcerer...or princess...would willfully choose to do so?" Roland muttered.

"Dad?" Lydia retorted to the incoherent muttering.

Roland strode to her, taking her by the wrist. She braced herself, almost falling off. He clamped his hand to hers, squeezing tightly. "Sometimes, Lydia, you seem to grow another year wiser right before my eyes." He praised. It baffled Lydia. When Roland slowly removed his hand, Lydia gawked at the Fantasia Brooch in her hand. "Goodwin left its entrustment to me in his absence. He told me I would know when to award it to you. I choose now."

"But…" Lydia's honored, but confused. Lezard interrupted her test. "I didn't pass the test. I didn't even finish!"

"No one is ever truly done being tested. That is a lesson my father and Goodwin taught me." The test follows all throughout their life. The roads they take, the mindsets they manage, and the decisions they make along the way. "But, in light of what I've seen, and the mission you've tasked yourself with," Roland reached and clipped it to her headband. A perfect fit, if he says so himself. Adds a little flare to the blank accessory, "There is no time I can think of when you'd more deserving." Lydia caressed the jewel. Her fingers tingled. So much power in such a small item. Much like Sofia's amulet, she will assume. "Besides, I think it will help you to find Cedric."

"Thanks, Dad." She'll wear it with pride, and wield it with honor.

"Just make sure you and Cedric come home safely. Now get going!"

"Right!" Eezeyal secured himself in her lap. "HYAAH!" She snapped the reins. Spirit neighed flamboyantly. He broke into a mad sprint, beating his wings and soaring high into the air. Sofia, Amber, and James raced at Spirit's side, chasing Lydia until the strip's wall impeded their path. The trio pressed their hands to the wall, standing on their tiptoes as they waved her off.

"GOOD LUCK, LYDIA!" Roland animatedly waved, praying for fair winds on her journey. He lowered his voice to a whisper, "Come back safe."

xxx

Lydia twisted around to see the castle shrinking in the distance. "Coast is clear." She alerted Ubos. He gasped his first breath of fresh air from the satchel bag. He'll never become accustomed to how stuffy it gets in there. He's just lucky Lydia didn't try to stuff him in her other bag. "I've been thinking…" Lydia helped him to her lap, "Everyone in the castle knows my secret, and Cedric and Wormwood are wise to you, why not show yourself to my Mom and everyone else?"

"With all due respect, Princess, your secret was heinously exposed and therefore under duress to be revealed." He makes it sound so scandalous and cruel. Lydia felt like one of those victims in the tabloids that spin wild rumors. "Cedric and Wormwood were unfortunate circumstances. I don't feel comfortable being in the spotlight of dozens." On another note, Ubos is finding it to be a difficult task to shed light on his transformation from the other night. It would inevitably mean discussing how he was changed from a man into a book. And why. He isn't ready. "I know you must think me selfish-"

"I hid behind a headband for seven years because I was scared my family would disown me!" Lydia firmly interrupted, running a hand along his cover. "I had my own reasons hiding the truth. Just as Eezeyal has his reasons why he doesn't want others knowing about my earrings." Eezeyal nodded affirmingly. "When you're ready, Ubos. Until then, don't call yourself selfish." She winked. Ubos blushed a tint of pink. "Now I need a way of locating Cedric. Flying in circles isn't very appealing." Wild guesses can be made as to where Cedric headed first - Dunwitty. Afterwards, he could literally be anywhere.

"I assume you are familiar with Locator Wisps."

"One of my favorites when I played hide and seek with Sofia."

"Then that will be the key to finding Cedric. Though you will need something of his to act as a catalyst." Lydia had the perfect item. Something Cedric let her borrow during her test. A bottle of eel saliva, daisy nectar, and bat guano. Also known as the world's most disgusting bottle of sunburn cure-all. "This is good. The wisp has a catch. Unless Cedric wants to be found, the wisp will only show us where he's gone."

"That's fine with me." Lydia cupped both hands to the bottle. "Whether her wants me to or not, I will find him." She brought her lips to the bottle, whispering the incantation sweetly, "That which is lost, not yet to be found, seek he of Royal Sorcery, be he on air, sea, or ground." A bright fuzzy light shrouded the bottle. Lydia parted her palms. The bottle wisp fluttered to the air. It embraced its bearings, acquiring a sense of direction as it isolated Cedric's presence. Then, in an instant, the wisp gained a burst of speed. A drizzling trail left in its rapid wake.

"QUICKLY! BEFORE THE TRAIL VANISHES!" Ubos hollered.

"SPIRIT! FAST AS YOU CAN!" Lydia kicked his sides.

"You call that a challenge?! HOLD ON!" Spirit bucked his front hooves, spread his wings as far as they would go. He threw himself forward and kicked off the air, tearing the clouds in half. Ubos and Eezeyal held on for dear life, flapping wildly from Lydia's shoulders.

"I'm coming, Cedric! I'm coming!"

xxx

Cedric poured a small bowl of water and set it to the ground. Wormwood guzzled the refreshing liquid, gargling to moisten his parched throat. Eating half a bag of nuts filled him to the brim. The salt was a bit much, slightly murder on his throat, but the sweetness made it worthwhile. Cedric adoringly stroked the bird as he hydrated himself. He was glad someone was enjoying himself. Because Cedric was sinking in a slum of an abyssal pit. The farther from the castle he retreated, and the closer the border drew, the tighter he felt the noose on his neck. No. He felt it on his heart. All he's ever known - Enchancia, The Royal Family, prestigious gatherings, fame, power, and the occasional friend or two - was in the opposite direction.

Why do I feel so horrible about this, He pleaded to his inner mage of wisdom. Why do I feel like a failure? Is it because he is a failure? He's the greatest sorcerer in the world who can't claim a necklace from a seven year old. He's constantly under the thrall of children and their father. He's always outsmarted by a girl and her pet. Or...is the sense of failure deeper than that? Because...he was banished? Lydia told him to leave. Lest his betrayal and treachery be exposed, and he be hung for his crimes. She would exhaust herself to see me gone. He's had the pleasure of experiencing Lydia's determined wrath first hand. Once she or those she cares about are wronged she will stop at nothing to right it. Not that...I tried to fight to stay. He then cursed himself. And Lydia, she...she's been wise to me for months. Many times she could have exposed me, but she found it in herself to forgive me. It was because of Lezard she was being unreasonable. And why not? She's head over heels in love with him. Unfortunately for her, the one person she loves despises her. And all because she is a Skipped Inheritor. A being she had no choice in becoming. Still...he knew in his heart she had every right to be furious with him. Maybe that's why he feels torn.

'When others called us friends...I believed them.' She believed him her friend, and he betrayed her. Years serving the King, equally long hungering for his throne, and his ambitions bring him here. Wallowing in the middle of a path, drowning in his own misery. He's heard of the numerous roads that life paves before the wanderer. Cedric never anticipated such a U-Turn.

"The winding roads, they've brought me here." He gazed lost to the woods around him. "But I wish my motives were more clear." He flicked a bug off the rock. "And just how long do I plan to roam," He peered to the road he traversed, imagining the castle at the end of it, "Until I call a place my home…?" The King, The Queen, The Princesses and Prince, Baileywick, and others - everything he's known, back in the direction he dared not go.

"I had to go! I didn't know..." He shuffled for the familiar sights. One face in particular was the most daunting, and wrenched at his heart. "I never THOUGHT I'd miss IT SO!" He reached inside his sleeve for his wand, gazing sadly upon the item. "My mood to cast spells is down the sack." He cast it aside, sickened by the sight of it. "No friend to send the spells...right...back…" He crouched by a tree, burying his face in his arms.

xxx

"When you've never made a friend that's true," Lydia pet Spirit. Eezeyal, and Ubos flew close to her side, "There is a wall that surrounds you." She waved a hand, casting a thin wall around her. Faceless shadows appeared around her, offering her a hand. "Extended hands you swiftly slap away," The figure spun on their heels, fading in the distance. "But in your heart you wished they'd stay!" She reached out to them. A retreating figure transformed into Cedric.

"I let him go. I didn't know," She clutched at air, staring woefullyat the empty palm, "That I would EVER miss him so!" She wrapped her arms around her. "I'll search to the end of the world and back." The curving horizon unraveled Enchancia, opening possibilities of revealing Cedric. "I'll never stop till my best friend's back…"

First stop: Dunwitty. The wisp circled the homestead from the air, assuring Lydia that's where Cedric might be, or was. She knows a large handful of people. She hopes at least one of them will have the answers she seeks.

"He's about yay tall," She guesstimated Cedric's height to a cobbler who is famous for recognizing new faces, "Long nose, has a Raven on his shoulder?" She quizzed.

"Sorry. I haven't noticed anyone like that." Strike one. Onto the next. Cedric would have needed to rest or gather supplies. There is an inn that also moonlights as a convenient store. The innkeeper was a good friend of Miranda's.

"He would have had an evil sneer." Lydia frowned mockingly, earning a chuckle from Mrs. Liam. "The man as well." Lydia painted her best picture.

"Yeah! I saw him. He left for Rouge village."

Dunwitty was abandoned in an instant. Rouge village emerged below, confirmed by the wisp to be a destination of Cedric's. Lydia's not too familiar with the village. She wasn't sure where to ask for help first. The best place to start would be local eateries, and other lodges. To her great fortune, a local officer was patrolling close by.

"I'm looking for someone." Lydia pleaded the ear of the officer. "Have you seen a tall man in a purple robe? White and black hair?"

"Purple robe...White and black hair…" That sounded familiar. But the officer can't think...wait. "YES! Yes I have! He left in the early afternoon two days ago." He pointed her in the right direction. "He would have left for Sunset village." It was the nearest village.

"THANK YOU!"

From Rouge to Sunset, Lydia drove Spirit near his limit to catch Cedric's waning trail. He welcomed the race, relishing in the proof of his amazing endurance. Lydia thanked him for his speed, but wished it was enough to catch an on foot Sorcerer. If he was on foot. They seem to get closer, then fall miles behind.

Arriving to Sunset, Lydia found someone managing a stand at the entrance. She asked him if she's seen someone matching Cedric's description. He remember seeing Cedric paying for a room by at a Lodge next door Travel-Lots Diner. He knows because he checked in at the same time.

Lydia found the Lodge, and went to the front desk manager. Instead of a description, she gave up his identity. "He's the Royal Sorcerer to King Roland. I was wondering if you've seen him. Long nose, black and white hair, scary bird..." He has to ring a bell. How many people have birds on their arms? The irony will not be mentioned.

"I think so...yes!" The woman slapped a fist in her palm. "He asked where the closest village was and I sent him on the road to Little Village Italia. Or he could have changed course for Agrilla Village. Just one mile further." Cedric's a lazy person, even when he's determined to do something. He'll take the shorter route.

"Thank you!" Lydia flew onto Spirit and kicked his sides. "Village Italia. Spirit! Fast!" Spirit darted into the air, flapping at top speed for their next destination. "How far will he run till I find him?" Lydia watched the road, hoping to spot him below. "And what will I say when I do?" Ubos and Eezeyal feared her words won't be enough to mend this travesty. "What can I do to remind him...of all the good times we've been through…"

xxx

"I HAD TO GO!" Cedric cursed himself, shooting to his feet. "But I didn't know..." He swung around a tree, "I never knew I'd miss HER SOO!" Cedric hugged himself, able to feel her hugs.

xxx

"I'll search from Khaldune, Wei-Ling, and back." Lydia tossed a map to the wind. "Under every pond," Spirit brushed ponds with his hooves "Until he's back."

xxx

"I've gotta mend things back on track." Cedric retrieved his wand, cradling it lovingly. "And somehow find a way…" He snuggled his cheek to it.

xxx

Lydia stared adoringly to her wand, "I'll keep searching night and day." She hugged it to her heart.

"Until I win/bring my best friend…" Cedric and Lydia raised their wands to the sky, igniting a glow to the stars they know the other can see, "Back…" The light at the wands faded, and the pair sank somberly. To have let their rivalry build to this boiling point - what if neither of them can bring themselves to let the other get close? It seemed like a distant memory now. A dream. Pure fantasy for the hopelessly foolish.

Wormwood cawed remorsefully to Cedric. In the beady eyes, Cedric could see the guilt racking in Wormwood for his actions. Because of him wanting to see Cedric and Lydia at one another's throats. It was entertaining. But he didn't imagine Cedric would be so torn.

"The hours draw late." Cedric pet his loyal companion. Funny how mornings fade to the afternoon before one can blink. "Let us continue on our way. There should be another rest stop outside the border." He gathered the bowl and secured his pack. There's still a long road ahead of them. It won't get any shorter by him standing around thinking.

"Ahem! Excuse us, Good Sir. Might you help us." A Spaniard accent crooned.

Cedric rolled his eyes. Wormwood wanted to peck the eyes out of the imbecile that bothered them. At the most inopportune of moments are when others decide to ruin his dramatic moment. "Yes! Yes! What do you-" Cold metal of a curved axehead touched his nose. A bald, sinister looking man whose twisted smile scrunched his mustache chuckled maliciously. The knight's helmet of his partner obscured the cynically victorious smirk no doubt stretching underneath. Sweat ran to Cedric's nose, being sliced in half at the axe blade. As if snared by the gorgon herself, Cedric dared not move a single muscle. "Uhh...was there-" Utter terror cracked his voice, "THERE something you needed, m-m-my good s-s-sirs?!" He managed to choke out.

"You've got quite the fancy garments there…" He purred, running the axe down and toying with the bowtie. "Not a bad looking bird, either." The helmeted man slurped hungrily. Wormwood swallowed nervously, clutching the back of Cedric's head. "Guess we shouldn't expect anything less from King Roland's little Sorcerer~" He chimed mockingly. Cedric's eyes widened. They know who I am? This a rare moment Cedric dreaded someone knowing his name. "How much do you think the wand and bird will fetch?"

Wormwood felt chills scroll his spine. He and Cedric lost track of the helmeted thug, who was holding a sword at Cedric's bak. The blade barely touched Wormwood's tailfeathers. "Not as much as the whole thing." The deep voice heathen boasted. "Be best if we take the whole thing."

"THING?!" Cedric's pride could no longer stand the insults. "My good man! I am Cedric the Great! I will not be referred to as-" The axe and sword pressing at his chest and back hitched his protests. A fire burned in Cedric's stomach. He growled rabidly, squeezing his wand tightly. Common thugs! A cliche ambush! He did not travel miles upon miles to escape on doom to meet another at the hands of lowbrow neanderthals. HE'LL NOT HAVE IT! Cedric's eyes flared open pure grey. "VENTUS REPELLAT MINIS!" (Wind Repel The Threats) The spell echoed thunderous from his lips. His body was outlined by a pearl glow. The two men felt strong breezes swelling near their feet. Cedric stamped a foot and pushed his arms outward. The thugs were sent flying by a sudden gust, left to the bushes surrounding them. Cedric dusted himself off. Ordinary men were no match for him. Although, he can admire their tenacity. They were already getting up, and they weren't dizzy with joy. "LET'S GO, WORMY!" Cedric broke into a sprint. Wormwood was right behind him. As were the thugs.

xxx

The hour was drawing late. Little Village Italia was on the approach below. Spirit started to lose stamina a ways after they left Rouge Village. He was pushing himself on fumes he long exhausted. He heaved arduously. Saliva foamed at his mouth. He was slapping wings he lethargically dragged to an arch. His legs couldn't gallop on the air much longer. And the name LITTLE Village Italia was a misnomer. It was the size of a small city. Spirit was in no condition to scour the village with them. Then again, Ubos and Eezeyal were starting to look weary as well. Lydia wasn't feeling any better.

"We've been flying for hours!" Eezeyal whined, dropping abruptly like his wings and rising just as tumultuously. "Liddy! I wanna find the Varmint just as badly…" Not really. That was the fatigue talking, "But I'mma gonna lose mah wing if don't roost soon!" Ubos was too out of breath to vocalize his agreement.

"Agreed." Lydia nodded. She didn't want to stop, but there's no sense in running her friends ragged. She drew Ubos and Eezeyal in, letting them sit at her lap. "Spirit, go down. There's a lodge near the entrance we can rest up at."

Spirit held no arguments. In fact, the descend downward was possibly his favorite part of the flight. Nevermind his staggering landing that worried a few passing by. Lydia put water in Spirit's mouth to give him a second wind. Staff at the lodge raced to help support Spirit into a stall. Lydia paid them in advance to feed and water Spirit. The poor thing threw himself on his back, legs up, he was so exhausted. He was in good hands.

"Guess we're stopping here for the night." Lydia giggled. Eezeyal and Ubos in her satchel held no arguments. "I'll ask the innkeeper for a room."

Because a festival Little Village Italia held was coming to a close, Lydia was able to get a good room for a fair price. The room she entered was cozy and homey. She'd swear she was being housed by a noble. Little Village Italia is known for its extravagance in every aspect of its homestead. No expense withheld in the making of their fair home. The complimentary chocolates on the pillows were a nice touch too.

"Lunch is over, but I'm sure I can convince our chef to whip something up for you if you like." The innkeeper winked mischievously. She seemed like a woman who could convince a knight to get kittens from a tree.

"Thank you…" It wasn't necessary, but Eezeyal looked like he was going to pass out if he didn't eat something other than nuts. Ubos was in the same boat. "What are your specials here?"

"Our bowtie pasta with marinara tomato sauce with meatballs!" She kissed her fingers, salivating at the tangy, rich texture the sauce will bring. "And for dessert, we have a variety of pies!" Eezeyal and Ubos prayed in unison, Apple and Pumpkin, Apple and Pumpkin… "Do you happen to have either Apple or Pumpkin?"

"We have both!"

"Then I'll take two plates of pasta, and both pies." Ubos and Eezeyal died happy hearing her say that.

The innkeeper's eyes flew open. Looking at Lydia, she doesn't look like she could eat that much. When Lydia handed her the room and food fee, plus a handsome tip, she let Lydia's ingestion habits go. "We'll have your food to you in half an hour, Ma'am!"

"Thank you so much! Umm…" Lydia's hum halted the woman at the door. "I don't suppose you've seen a man in purple robes." She arched a perplexed brow. "Long nose, black and white hair, a raven on his shoulder."

"No. Sorry." Sorry, sorry, sorry - Everywhere Lydia has gone she hears sorry. Another miss...on top of a series of misses. "But maybe someone else has." One more false lead on this foolish journey of hers. Who is she kidding. She isn't going to find Cedric. If he wanted to be found he would have let the wisp find him by now.

"Thank you…again." Lydia hid her woe well. The innkeeper bowed on exit, going to see about Lydia's food. Lydia threw her cloak aside and flopped miserably to the bed. She hung her head in failure, gripping either side as she fought to not scream.

"Liddy…" Eezeyal pranced to her, setting a wing on her thigh. "You alright, Sweetie."

"NO! I'M NOT! I feel like the worst person in world right now!" Her outburst toppled Eezeyal to the comfy sheets. "I shouldn't have sent him away!" She shook her head, clawing at either side of her scalp. "He was right the whole time! But I was too blinded by my own personal feelings to see it!" She began questioning every action she'd taken before sending Cedric away. Roland and others were always praising her for her insight to others. Where was that insight when Cedric - the man she advocated for on many occasions - needed he benefit of the doubt? It was being sucked dry along with her magic by Lezard. THAT'S WHERE! "What if I never find him?"

"You will, Lydia." Ubos reassured her. He won't have this quitter talk from his prized pupil. "You mustn't lose heart now. Not after coming so far!"

Coming so far. So far where? To the border?! Or at least close to it. And for what? Someone who doesn't want to be found? SOMEONE who has made it his lifelong goal to ruin Enchancia with an ironfist? "PFFT! Why am I even looking for him?! He'll just do it all over again! Cedric's no better than Lezard!" She scoffed rancorously. "Two sides of the same coin, they are! The difference being I was wise to one while in love with the other!" That's a 180 Ubos and Eezeyal hadn't expected. "Pah! Guess I sure know how to pick 'em!"

"Lydia…" Ubos moved to stop her self loathing.

"No, Ubos! It's over!" Lydia declared. "Once morning comes, we're getting on Spirit and going home!" That's it. Fin! Final! End of story! "I'm not wasting my energy on another liar!"

Eezeyal and Ubos found themselves completely at a loss for words. No witty remarks or nostalgic anecdotes to comfort their distraught friend. No magic in the world will help her find Cedric. Maybe...because...in the back of her mind...she doesn't want to find him. But if she doesn't try...she'll never be able to look Winifred, Goodwin - ANYONE - in the eye. Hope seemed lost for Lydia. She curled her knees to her chest, burying her face in her folded arms, hiding the sorrow dripping to her thighs.

As the light seemed to dim to a dower glow, as Ubos and Eezeyal caught Lydia's dwindling spark, a new light pierced the melancholy. Glistening rays that would make priceless jewel weep in envy projected, scrolling the room, lifting Ubos and Eezeyal's heads and spirits. The pair animatedly spasmed and choked, their throats suffocated on words to properly capture Lydia's attention. Their noises caught her ear. She eyed them oddly. Then the strange light amazed her.

"Huh?" Her eyes radiated in the light. It was beautiful. But where was it coming from?

"Lydia!" Ubos squeaked a gasp.

"You Brooch!" Eezeyal pointed feverishly at his and Ubos's heads.

Lydia felt her head. Warmth brushed her palm. Removing her headband, she was taken by surprise. Her brooch was glowing. And it was familiar. "Hey. This is what happened to Sofia's Amulet when Ariel appeared."

"PRINCESS ARIEL?!" The pair gasped. The mermaid who became human? They didn't hear about that part.

"The same…" Does that mean-

A hand delicately touched to Lydia's shoulder. None of them noticed someone enter. The trio jumped out of their skin, falling off the bed with a THUD! Cautiously they peeked past the queen sized bed. Wonder gripped them in its thrall. A beautiful woman - a goddess by her glowing eyes - stood on the other side of the be. Her tender smile and flowing, long blond hair glimmered like precious stones. The simple gold band to her forehead blending gorgeously to her emerald green gown. A relaxed gown of simple design, but beautiful nonetheless. In her hand, erected parallel to her torso, was a shimmering red rose yet to blossom.

"You…" Lydia slowly came from hiding, entranced by the woman. "I know you." Ubos and Eezeyal climbed to the bed, equally transfixed by the woman. He small smile encouraged them to approach. Lydia's seen paintings of this woman. Heard stories. The similarities were too great to be a coincidence. "You're the Enchantress! The one who turned Prince Adam into a Beast."

"Hello, Princess Lydia." The Enchantress curtsied. Her voice was soft like an angel's wing, yet powerful like a warring drum. "It is a pleasure to meet you."

"I don't...understand. How...WHY are you here?" Lydia's mind was drawing a blank.

The Enchantress lightly stroked Lydia's headband, cupping the brooch. "Your Brooch summoned me to your side." She admired the deceivingly powerful trinket. "The Fantasia Brooch will call upon sorcerers' past to guide you."

"But...this isn't a magical problem…" Goodwin said the Brooch would call on the wisdom of Sorcerers to help her when she's in a bind. Somehow she didn't picture it being literal, but she doesn't see how The Enchantress found now to be a good time to show herself. "I'm just...having a hard time finding someone."

"Someone close to you." She placed hands to her chest. Lydia tilted her head. She wasn't sure where she was going. "Did you know there's more magic in the world than what is channeled through you?" The Enchantress sat to the bed.

"There is?" Lydia joined her.

"Indeed." The Enchantress curled her palm. Another rosebud appeared. "The bond between two people is possibly the most powerful of all. Be it love, friendship, family - the bonds forged will test all resistance." She crossed the roses at the stems. "It is through trials that the bonds blossom…" The rose petals flourished open one by one, "Becoming something beyond compare." The roses melded into one, a fully opened bloom of radiant crimson.

"I guess that makes sense. But why would the Brooch call you?" Lydia put her headband back on.

"Because you are battling to see who Cedric truly is. A beast or your friend." She lightly tapped the rose. Dew gathered to the petals, projecting an image of the young prince who would come to love and web Belle. "The Prince who history knows as the beast was one in the same circumstance as Cedric." The young man shouted at his staff, cursed anyone that past him, and sneered disdainfully at all. "He said harsh words, and performed heinous acts that made him the monster I manifested his form to be." The image rolled to another, showing Prince Adam change into the beast everyone saw him to be. The Enchantress capped a palm to the rose, ending the image. "Your friend, Cedric, he's done terrible things. Similar to your old friend, Lezard, correct?" Lydia bobbed her head somberly. Both of them fooled her. "In your eyes, both are monsters. But in your heart…" She touched Lydia's chest, igniting a loving warmth in her, "You can see past Cedric's beastly form. Just as Princess Belle saw past the Beast."

"Belle's love stopped him. The two became close...and everything he did since then was moot." She waved off. There's nothing similar here.

"Not true at all, Princess." The Enchantress turned her chin. "The Prince, from the day Belle chose to love him, had to EARN his way back into the graces of others." She stared nostalgically at the rose. Much was recorded by the petals. Most of which many would be despondent to see. "The stories of what transpired in that castle are horrendous. But Princess Belle and Prince Adam braved them all."

"Prince Adam was mean to Belle? He hurt her?" That's not the fairytale she heard.

"He did."

"Did she ever forgive him?"

"She did."

"Why?"

"Because she saw the real person underneath. Just as you see the real person in your friend." I see...the real Cedric? The bumbler. The insecure sorcerer. The conjurer living in his father's shadow. The victim of many misconceptions. The generous person willing to help...when he is in the mood. The man...who...who...made Lydia feel...normal. Complete. Happy, even. "What he does from this point on is what will determine if he is a beast or a man. Do you understand?"

"I…" Ubos and Eezeyal moved to her lap, giving her encouraging smiles. Roland, Miles, and the others came to mind. Claiming adamantly that Lydia was not the monster everyone saw her as. Because of something so simple as her character. People who care about her saw her for WHO she is rather than what she's done. Roland never would have entrusted the brooch to her if he didn't see the Lydia he's grown to love as his own. "I think I do." She pet her two friends. She has her answer. "Thanks, En-" The Enchantress was gone. Eezeyal tapped where she was sitting. It was as if she was never there. Ariel and Cinderella disappeared the same way. "So that's what it's like."

To be continued.

The Enchantress came to mind only because the Beast was awful to Belle and she was willing to forgive him enough to love him. Besides, I never said the Sorcerers had to give their own personal experiences like the Princesses do. Also...I couldn't think of anyone else who had trust slash betrayal issues like this.