If you have a story idea or suggestion, you can tell me , I'm taking them.
"Says stories are under 3,000 words; makes two stories over 3,000 words, hmmm oops" Anyway, you know the song the 12 days of Christmas, this story is based on that. The hard part was trying to figure out how the heck to get in 8 maids a milking and on (because these gifts are weird) but, I did it. I hope you enjoy! Until next time!
Story 2: The 12 Days of Christmas
Prompt/ Premise: Based on the 12 days of Christmas song, Princess Lola gets lavished with gifts
King Lynn and his wife, Queen Rita, had two twin daughters Lana and her younger sister: the highly popular princess Lola. As customary in the kingdom of Royal Woods the King would set up times for suitors to get pre-arranged for a marriage later for marriage. He had decided the best idea was to have Lola find a husband, thinking that Lana wouldn't even take up the idea. Christmas was the perfect time to have suitors come to the castle and present their best gifts to Lola. Christmas was a 12-day affair, the lucky ones would be able to come back often, if Lola liked them. King Lynn didn't mind if his daughter picked her own suitor.
Meanwhile on the countryside, a country boy, named Skippy was working on his family's farm. He was the only boy the family with 5 sisters named, Lynda- Who went by Lynn, Mollie, Linka, Lilly, and Paula. He was younger than everyone but Lilly, but the family's sole heir. His mother came from the market and she found her son working with the family's goats.
"Skippy, we have a chance," she said.
"A chance for what?" Skippy asked.
"Princess Lola wants Christmas gifts from suitors and if she likes the gifts, she'll marry the lucky boy; God knows our family needs it," she explained.
"What does that have to do with us?" Skippy questioned.
His mother smiled like she was a Cheshire car, as she looked down at her son.
"Skippy, the only son of Gerald and Joanna, you are our ticket to a better life beyond meager farmers scrapping by," she said.
"But we do pretty well."
"Please, give it a chance, do it for your pa, he's getting older, do it for Paula, so she may be able to walk correctly one day, do it for me."
Skippy was annoyed by her guilt trips; she was always wanting to do some get rich scheme. Her delusions of grandeur messed up her logic, why would Princess Lola want a farmer boy, when she could marry a prince, a duke, or a dragon? He removed his green hat and scratched his brown hair and decided his answer.
"I'll do it," he said.
His thought was that he would not make it and she'd put it aside for another dumb scheme in the future.
"But what should I give her?" he asked.
His mother looked around their immense land and pointed in the western direction.
"Give her a pear tree," she said.
"A, pear tree?" he asked.
"Yes, a tree the grows pears on it," she replied.
"Don't we need those?" he questioned.
"We have 526 Pear trees; I'm sure we could spear one," she replied, "That was a dumb plan; invest in pears they said, they're the new apples, then they came out with granny smiths."
Before it got dark, Skippy went to the family's pear tree orchard, and found one of the trees with red pears. He started to dig it up when a bird flew into the tree. A partridge, 'twas, in the tree. He thought the bird would move when the tree shook but it was stubborn. He placed the tree in dirt in a pot in the back of his wagon.
"Move stupid bird, do you not see there are 525 other trees to rest upon?" he asked.
The partridge looked at him but did not move. It was getting dark so, he decided to leave it and go inside, the bird would be gone in the morning.
On the First day of Christmas…
The bird was not gone in the morning. There was a partridge in a pear tree. After finishing the family gift exchange, he went to wagon that he hitched an ox too and saw the bird hadn't moved. Instead of fighting it, he started the wagon and rode the castle.
"Wow, I should have gotten here earlier," he replied.
There were tons of boys wanting the princess' hand in marriage. They seemed to have from far and wide. Ornate gifts were with them: gold statues of Lola, fancy clothing, and at least one horse. Skippy looked nervously, everyone's gift was better than his, he felt strange there with a pear tree with a bird that didn't leave in it.
"What the heck is that?" a boy in front of him asked.
"It's a transmitter," Skippy said.
The boy rolled his eyes and turned around to check on his gift of portrait of Lola, he had made. Lola was standing on a balcony to judge the boys and their gifts. Some were seen crying as she rejected them.
"Oh great, another portrait of me, and it's so basic, at least the last one I saw was made of feathers," Lola said.
"But… I…" the boy started to say.
"Yeah, we are done here, next!" she called.
Skippy snickered under his hand at the boy crying as he ran out with his portrait. He rolled his pear tree up with him. The bird made a noise. Lola was befuddled, he wasn't the first farm boy she had seen that day.
"He does look somewhat cute," she whispered to her maid.
The gift, on the other hand, was something she hadn't seen before at all.
"What's your name, boy?" she asked.
"It's Skippy," he said, bowing and holding his hat to his chest.
"And what is that?" Lola asked.
"It looks like a partridge in a pear tree," Lana said.
Lana had decided to watch what was going on with some slight interest.
"Yes, this is a pear tree from my family's pear orchard," Skippy remarked, "The bird flew into the tree, and has decided not leave."
"Well, this is the most unique gift I have seen this entire day; you get my gratitude, I'm not rude, I hope the second day's gift will be just as good," Lola replied.
"Yes, I hope so, as well," he said.
He was kind of hoping she would have rejected him, because now he had to find a second day's gift. He wondered through Royal Woods' largest city known as Waltburg to figure out what the next gift he could get her would be. There was a girl, a fortune teller, giving fortunes to lonely desperate people. Her idea for gift certificates for Christmas gifts seemed to work as a crowd a formed a line to her stand. Skippy bumped into one of the people waiting for her.
"Watch where you are going, rat!" an angry woman yelled.
"It's not like I planned to bump into you," Skippy said, annoyed.
As he walked past, he heard a voice say,
"You, farmer boy, come here." It was a deep, almost somber moaning voice. He looked around and stared at the girl. She was wearing all black, even her hair was black, and he couldn't see her eyes.
"Me?" Skippy asked.
"Yes, you come here," she said, "Let Madame Lucy, talk to you for a moment."
"Hey! I was next!" A man yelled.
"Keep your stockings on, it's an urgent matter, I'll get you," she said
Skippy walked over to the strange girl and sat down on her chair she had patrons sit in.
"Do I have to pay for this?" he asked.
"Nah, this one is free; just don't go around telling everyone," Lucy said.
"Alright," he replied.
"You must go down the road and stand there for 10 minutes; what you seek, will land on your shoulders," she said.
"What?" he asked.
"Just hurry up," she said.
"Ugh, fine."
Skippy ran out of that place, he hoped she wasn't getting him into something stupid. He stood there for six minutes after taking four to get there and then two birds landed, one on each shoulder, they were turtle doves. He tried to shoo them away, but they didn't leave. He walked the road back to Lucy's stand, but she had gone for a late lunch. The only thing he could do was get back on his wagon and ride back home.
"What the heck is that?" Mollie asked.
"Turtle doves," he replied.
"Move stupid birds, get off him!" Mollie yelled.
The birds did move, but they decided instead to just hang around. Mollie really didn't like them, she already had to take care of the family's chickens, and more birds hanging around would be a pain. That evening, after dinner, Skippy still had to think of what to give Lola for the second day of Christmas. There was a visitor at the door.
"It's you again," he said to Lucy.
"Yes, I had a vision, a vision that you gave the birds that landed on your shoulder, to the princess, tomorrow," she said.
"Then she beheads me?" Skippy asked.
"Not sure, but you can tell me both ways," she said.
"Uh, thanks."
She starred at him, expecting payment.
"What do you want?" he asked.
"Payment," she muttered.
"I didn't ask for advice, you came her like a door to door broom salesman," Skippy said.
"Do you have food?" she asked.
"We do have pear soup," he said.
"Eh, rather have granny smith apple soup," she said.
There was a loud scream in the distance.
On the 2nd day of Christmas ….
"You aren't really giving the princess, two turtle doves, are you?" Lynn asked.
"Sssh, before he changes his mind and we have to take of the things," Mollie said.
It was dark still; the farm boy had decided to be early and get it over with. That and the family was planning to play a Christmas game of soccer later, and he wanted to join in. By the time he had made it, the sun was rising. He waited outside the castle until the guards opened the door, he was the first one there. The crowd was slightly smaller than the day before. In the distance, he saw Princess Lana, herself, planting the pear tree. He'd never seen a princess, not wear a dress, and do some task herself. She had smiled at him.
"Well, it's Skippy, and what have you brought me today?" Lola asked.
"Merry Christmas, Princess, I bring you two turtle doves," he replied.
She looked at the two white birds.
"I don't see any turtles," she replied.
"Lola, they turtle doves are birds," Lana shouted.
"Fine!" Lola yelled.
"They make great pets," Skippy said.
She rubbed her chin and thought for a moment. Was he done? Was he done for? The birds flew over to Lana, she smiled at them as they seemed to like her.
"I guess it was a unique gift, and they knew not to fly at me," Princess Lola said, "I'll see you tomorrow."
"Thank you, Princess, and again, Merry Christmas!" the boy said.
He wasn't headless, but the other problem was he now had to find another gift for the third day of Christmas. This time, he went back home to play soccer with his family. Soccer was the only sport his father allowed his daughters to play since all you had to do was kick a ball. Lynn was a strange case to the family she acted the most boy like even more than Skippy, the boy.
"You're alive," she said in a tone that was disinterested.
"I'm glad you weren't eaten by rats," he said in a sarcastic tone.
"Don't take it such a way, little brother, I would kill for you If I had to," she said.
"I think that makes sense," he said.
"So, are you getting married yet?" she asked.
"She wants another gift," he said flatly.
Mollie was listening and thought of an idea. She ran over and grabbed her younger brother in a surprise attack. They made it to the family chicken coop. After catching his breath and coughing he looked at his sister.
"What the heck?!" he shouted.
"I heard your problem, and I have an idea," she said.
"What?" he asked.
He coughed again.
"Give her three of our hens from France; people love things from France," Mollie said.
"There's no way Mom and Dad would allow us to just give away three of our hens, without payment," he said.
"Actually, mother said it was alright, she thinks it would be a good investment into the future," she said.
"An investment?" he asked.
"Yes, If the princess likes the hens, then we are on the train to a good life, if not, then it's three less hens to pay to care for," she said.
"That sounds like Mom," Skippy replied.
On the 3rd day of Christmas…
Skippy didn't know how to present to Lola three French hens, but he had to find out quick. He wheeled a cart up and breathed out as she called his name. He smiled, bowed, and held his cap to his chest. He looked up and saw Lola and Lana sitting in two large chairs on the balcony.
"I present you… from France… three healthy hens," he said.
"Oh, great more birds," she said.
"Yes, but they provide free eggs, and when they get past that mark, they make great food," he said.
"From France, you said?" Lola asked.
"Yes, your highness," he replied.
"Very exotic, you know great quality," she said.
He smiled, but underneath he was glad she didn't get angry. She told him to come back the next day. That feeling of dread returned to him like an unwelcomed guest. He walked away and heard another farmer boy named Liam present the princess with chickens; they weren't from France.
In the town of Hazeltuckeyburg, Skippy went to find some fresh fish for the family's third night dinner. At the same time, he thought to find a gift, it had to be unique. He wished he had known more about the princess. All he knew was that she had a twin sister, was a princess, and had a temper. There was a woman selling books, he was lucky he knew how to read. Surprisingly, he couldn't find any books written about the princess.
"So, you are looking for a gift for the princess, huh?" a man asked.
Skippy looked over and saw the man. He had dark skin, wore strange things on his eyes, and exhorted a confident smile. He was also wearing a cape, that must have meant he was rich.
"Yes, sir, I wish people would stop eavesdropping," Skippy said.
"You are smarter than the average farm boy," he said, "My name is Clyde, I'm a noble from the Netherlands."
"That's a different country," Skippy replied.
Clyde tapped the boy on the had with his cane.
"Very smart, anyways, I know something about Princess Lola, that would help you," Clyde replied.
"Yes?"
"She likes music, and I have something prefect for you."
He waved his cane, and a girl came over, she was holding a cage with 4 birds inside.
"Thank you, Stella, that will be all," Clyde said.
"Birds?"
"Yes, calling birds, they sing beautiful music, let me demonstrate."
He tapped his cane on the cage and the birds started to tweet a joyful tune. Skippy wasn't that impressed; he was sure the princess would want music a different way.
"I'm sorry, I don't a lot of money," Skippy said.
"Good news, I don't want… do you have granny smith apple pie?" Clyde asked.
"No, I might be able to get you some pear pie."
"Nah, but I really don't want these birds anymore, so you get them free."
Skippy rubbed his ears; he could swear he heard a woman scream somewhere.
"Why? Are they going to croak?"
"No, No, frogs croak, and sometimes peasants."
"It's because Queen Lori of Spain, didn't want them, and threatened to be head him if he showed up again," Stella said.
Clyde grimaced at his assistant's words.
"Isn't she married to King Roberto II of Spain?" Skippy asked.
"Don't bring that up, take the birds before I change my mind, "Clyde said.
On the 4th day of Christmas…
Four calling birds. The farmer boy had to think this was a stupid plan. No way would the princess want 4 birds who could only sing one song, she'd get bored. He stood in line, and saw Lana eating some boiled eggs, there was a dog sitting up and starring at her, hoping for a bite. She smiled at Skippy before giving the dog one of her eggs.
"Next!" Called Lola.
"Happy 4th day of Christmas, your Highness," Skippy said.
"Ah Skippy, what do you bring me, today?" she asked.
He nervously looked that the sheet covering the cage and gently pulled it.
"I present you, four calling birds," he said.
"Oh, more birds; at first it was unique but now, it's getting a little stale," she said.
"These birds can sing," he said with no conviction in his voice.
He opened the cage and let the birds free, they seemed like they'd hadn't been freed in a long time. Then, they gathered, one of the birds got in the lead and then he started to sing.
"Lovely, don't ever change, keep that breathless charm, won't you please arrange it? Cause I love you, just the way you look tonight." The other birds whistled a melody to fit the words.
Skippy was surprised, Lola was speechless. They had never heard such a thing before. After the birds finished singing, Lola clapped.
"Well, well, well, that blows that Beethoven out of the water," Lola replied.
"Yeah," Skippy said, rubbing the back of his head.
Though he had lucked out that time, it was time to try something different than more birds. He first, had to visit a cousin of his to give her a gift. Sam was a carpenter, doing the job of her late father, she was wearing purple trousers instead of a dress, and had blue stuff in her hair.
"Hey there, Skippy, Happy Christmas," she said.
"Happy Christmas; I brought you a gift," Skippy replied.
"Thank you, I have a gift your family as well," she said.
They sat together and enjoyed some apple pie. Skippy had told her the news about trying to get the princess to marry him. She figured it was her aunt's plan.
"Here's an idea, get her some nice jewelry; I'm sure princesses like jewelry," Sam said.
"I'm not sure, she seemed interested in things that other boys weren't giving her, and other boys probably have given her jewelry," Skippy replied.
"Oh, could you go to a stand? I need more root drink," Sam said.
"Sure," Skippy said.
He walked down the street holding a container of root drink, when he saw a girl wearing purple singing a jaunty tune. It was something interesting enough to make him want to visit. He noticed she was selling different trinkets.
"Hello there, mate," she said in a British accent.
"Are you from England," he asked.
"Why, yes, South Hampton, I am from," she answered, "The name's Luna, how may I help you?"
"I need an interesting and unique gift," Skippy said.
"Hmm, how about this?" Luna asked.
She was holding up a set of 5 gold ring bracelets. Skippy thought for a moment and wondered if the princess would really be interested in those, and if he could even afford them.
"I don't think I can afford them," he said.
Luna rubbed her chin and smiled like spider looking over a freshly caught fly.
"I saw you walking out of that girl with the blond hair's house, is she your wife?" Luna asked.
"No, she's my cousin," Skippy said.
"So, is she your wife?" Luna asked.
"No, we aren't married."
"Here's an idea, if you can get her to talk to me; I'll let you have them for free."
"Why would you want to…"
Luna's face was red, and she was rubbing the back of her head. Skippy thought for a moment and figured out that maybe there was something more than a just a chat she wanted. He nodded and wondered if his cousin would agree.
"Only if you want to," he said to Sam.
"We've been starring at each other back and forth for months and she finally decided she wants to talk to me?" Sam questioned, "That's great, let's go!"
On the 5th day of Christmas…
"5 gold rings? You've been holding out on me, Skippy," Lola said.
The princess with her long flowing yellow locks was impressed with the gift that the farm boy had brought. Skippy swore that her eyes had stars in them. Maybe it was a mistake to give her those, she would be expecting more extravagant gifts. In The background, Princess Lana had entered the balcony to talk to her sister.
"Hey Lola, I got a little haircut," she said.
The calling birds had seemed to form together to sing together, they had done a new form a music called barbershop quartet.
"Lana, could you not interrupt me while, I'm doing something important," Lola said.
"Can I say something, to your sister, Princess Lola?" Skippy asked.
"Sure, I'm done for today, anyway, you come back tomorrow," Lola replied.
Everyone who was waiting after Skippy whined as their chances to be with the princess were just killed.
"Princess Lana, I like your hair cut," Skippy said.
At home, Skippy smelled fresh bread being baked. His sister Paula was working in the kitchen as she did. It considered the only job she could do with her leg being the way it was. Skippy smiled as he liked the smell of bread being baked.
"Hey Paula," he said.
"Hello, little brother," she said.
"You made bread?" he asked.
"Yep," she replied.
"You do make the best bread," he said.
"Thank you, you are always kind."
He sat down on one of the oak chairs and wondered in his mind what to get the princess for the sixth day of Christmas.
"How did it go with the princess?" Paula asked.
"She liked the golden rings, now, I'm worried about trying to please her," he said.
"You should make her something to eat, a way to someone's heart is through their stomach," Paula said.
"I don't know, I'm not very good at that," he said.
"I'll help you."
"Are you helping me, because you want me to be the Princess' husband too?"
"I'm not really into Mother's ridiculous ideas; I just want to help you."
Early the next morning, they worked together and made a fresh loaf of bread to present to the princess.
On the Sixth day of Christmas…
Due to 43 ½ cow pile up (don't ask about that half), Skippy had to take a different direction. He passed a lake where geese were doing whatever geese do. As he passed on, he felt he was being watched. Following him, were at least six geese. They wanted his bread. He didn't panic. Instead, he continued and hoped they'd get tired on the long trip; they didn't. He stopped his wagon a few miles away from the castle and got off with his bread.
"Go away!" he yelled at the geese.
Geese don't listen to human commands, for they are geese and don't care about human demands. They surrounded him, and he gulped. The only thing he could do was… run! He hopped over goose and ran until he stumbled at the castle gates. The birds laughed as they grabbed his loaf, he started to fight them, and they attacked him. Feathers and bread were everywhere.
"Come on, you didn't have to do this," he said to the geese.
The geese did not care, for they were geese who didn't care. He sighed, there was no gift for the princess now. Before he could leave, he was called by Lola who spotted him. This was bad, he was going to the princess and had no gift, she would surely banish him.
"I see you brought geese," she said.
He looked behind him, the six geese were laying down beside him. He gulped and decided to tell her the truth.
"I'm going to be honest, I made you bread with the help of my sister, but these geese ate it before I could present it to you, on this the sixth day of Christmas," he explained.
"You made me bread?" she asked.
"Yes, I expect many don't make you something good to eat, and I wanted to present you with a kind treat," he said.
"Ah, too bad they ate that bread," Lana said from behind her sister.
"I understand," Lola said.
"You do?" Lana and Skippy asked at the same time.
"Yes," she answered, "These geese shall make a nice replacement gift; dinner will be wonderful."
Skippy looked at the geese, they understood that. He felt it in their eyes, their worry and fear. He was mad at them for eating his bread but executing them wasn't the answer.
"Princess Lola, I'm sorry, but you can't do that, they are poor like me, and just were hungry, they meant no wrong," he said.
The princess was surprised, he was willing to lose everything just to defend some geese. She rubbed her chin. Lana decided to interject in the conversation, a quick well-thought out idea.
"Sis, those geese are no way in shape to be eaten, their meat would be a bad quality; I say we keep them for a while and fatten them up," she suggested.
"Hmm, you are wise elder sister," Lola said.
The geese seemed somewhat relived that they were given a stay of execution. Lola raised her glove covered right hand to make a declaration.
"No harm shall come to these geese, if they get out of here right now!" she declared.
The geese flew off.
"Skippy, I shall see you again tomorrow; you seem to be a semi-finalist," she said.
"Thank you and Happy Christmas," he said.
"One more thing," Lola said.
"Yes?"
"No more birds."
At the farm, he sat in one of the barns carving some wood. He was thinking about what the next gift should be. He'd been lucky the past few days, but he didn't know how long that luck would last. He started whittling figures into the wood, and did that for a few hours until his sister, Linka, walked in the barn.
"Skippy, do you want to…" she started to ask, "Uh, what are you doing?"
"I'm thinking about the next gift for the princess," Skippy replied.
"You're going to give her wooden swans?" Linka asked.
"Wooden swans?" he asked.
"You made like 7 wooden swans," she said.
He did indeed make 7 swans made of wood from his hours of whittling. Linka picked one of them up and she put it in a bucket of water, it floated.
"It looks like it's swimming," she said.
"Hmm," Skippy replied.
Linka pushed back her white hair behind her ears and looked at her little brother think intently about what he created without thinking.
"You think I should give them to the princess?" he asked.
"You did say she liked unique gifts, and these are something I bet nobody else thought to give her," Linka replied.
"I need something to make them look like they are swimming, they look better when the are moving," he said.
"Hey, maybe we should make something together," Linka said.
"Really?"
"Duh, I came to ask you if you wanted to do something with me."
On the seventh day of Christmas…
Skippy presented to the princess, a diorama made of wood, with strings holding the wooden swans up to go in a circle, with them floating on water. He turned the lid with the strings and the swans started to go around in a circle as if they were swimming.
"Seven swans a swimming," he said.
"Did you make this yourself?" Princess Lana asked.
"Well, yeah, my sister helped with the strings, she better at tying things than I am, and I'm good at woodwork," he explained.
Lola was quiet, almost mesmerized by the gift. She didn't even hear her sister and Skippy talking about the woodwork and how he made the thing.
"So, what do you think, Princess?" Skippy asked.
"Huh, what?" she asked, getting out of her daze, "Ah yes, I am impressed, thank you for the fine gift, see you tomorrow."
It was strange reaction, but he did make it through. He did notice the lines had gotten shorter as many boys either weren't allowed back, had given up, or just didn't make it again. He had made it a full week.
On the eighth day of Christmas…
It was a cold morning, he waited at the castle gates with a few other boys, he decided to get there early. All he had with him this time was a pear pie. His mother suggested that he bring one of her pies to show how good the farm was, also he had glass bottle of milk with him. Another boy was eating bread while he waited.
"Hey, you, give me some milk," he said to Skippy.
"No, it's not for drinking," Skippy said.
"I don't want the whole thing; just let me drink some!" the other boy yelled.
"No, you should have brought something if you were going to eat the old dry bread," Skippy replied.
The boy lunged at him, Skippy had to protect the pie, so the milk had to lose the fight. Skippy released the milk bottle and turned away to protect the pie. The boy grabbed the bottle, but it slipped out of hands, broke on the ground, and splashed on his feet. At least, the pie was safe.
After a couple hours, Princess Lola had started, apparently, she wanted to sleep in. After 17 boys, it was Skippy's turn. He held up the pie in its plate one of the royal assistants took it and walked it up to the princesses' balcony.
"Oh, Skippy, another apple pie; I'm surprised you went with something so boring," Lola said.
"Lola be kind, it might be the best apple pie," Lana replied.
"Actually, it's a pear pie, made from our own pears trees, like the pear tree I gave you," he explained.
"Hmm, interesting, I need milk, did you bring milk?" Lola asked.
"Well, uh, the boy waiting behind me, broke the bottle," Skippy said.
"Of course," Lola replied.
Lola took off her pink gloves for a moment and clapped her hands.
"Alright, get me the maids, I want milk!" she called.
Lana has already started eating some the pie.
"Hey! Save some for me!" Lola squawked.
Then the royal dairy maids came over with eight cows. Skippy was confused on why they would bring eight different cows just to get some milk. The maids set up stools and sat down next to each cow. They had buckets ready for the milk.
"Alright, the maid's cow that gives milk that I find the best, I shall give that maid an extra gold coin," Lola said.
"Not this again," Lana complained.
"Don't you have some mud to work with?" Lola questioned.
After the eight maids finished milking the cows, they presented cups to Lola, she took a sip of each one. Then passed her judgement.
"Alright, I think maid number 6's milk was the best, so she wins the extra coin, I'll take that, and you gals dump, the rest," Lola said.
Finally, it got to the part that Skippy was waiting for: Lola to eat his pear pie. She took a bite and let it move around her mouth. She ate delicately, he'd seen it before when his mother would teach his sisters to eat the proper way. She took a cloth napkin and dabbed he face, before turning her attention to Skippy.
"That was a great pie, Skippy, I was so tired of apple pie, everyone was making apple pie," she said.
There was a random cheer that was heard in the far distance.
"Those are the pears we have on our tree?" she asked.
"Yes, princess," he said.
"Thank you for the great pie," Lola said.
"Yeah, Skippy you knocked it out of the park," Lana said,
So, he was going to be able to go for the ninth day of Christmas. Snow started to fall lightly as he rode back home. Back to the process of thinking of what to do for the ninth day of Christmas. His cousin Sam was playing her flute along with Luna who was playing a violin. They had come to visit.
"Sam!" he said with happiness.
"Hey Skippy, Happy Christmas, day eight," she said.
"Where were you?" Luna asked.
"Oh, I was giving a gift to the princess," he said.
"You have made it to day eight?" Sam asked.
"Yes, and now I have to figure out a gift for day nine," he replied.
They looked at each other and smiled.
"Whatever you are doing is working, do you have any ideas?" Sam asked.
"No, I just gave her a pear pie, my ideas are running on what's left," he said.
"You'll think of something," Luna said.
They started to play a Christmas tune and his family started to dance. Lynn danced holding the youngest member, Lilly in her arms, Mollie and Linka danced together. His parents were dancing with each other. He saw Paula sitting there, kind of crestfallen and he walked over.
"Paula, do you want to dance?" he asked.
"Your asking me because you feel bad for me, aren't you?" she asked.
"Do I do anything for guilt?" he asked.
She smiled and stood up and they started to slowly dance together. Skippy wasn't a good dancer anyway; he and Paula didn't have to worry too much. At that moment, he got an idea.
On the Ninth Day of Christmas…
It was an early morning; Skippy had brought Luna and Sam with him to the castle. The guard standing there was quiet and calm and that made him seem more intimidating. Skippy took a chance to ask him a question.
"Can I talk to Princess Lana a second?" he asked.
"No, I can't allow that?" he said.
"It's important," he replied.
"If you can write, then write her a note, and I'll get it to her," he said.
He took that slightly as an insult but wanted to prove the man wrong and took a piece of paper and wrote a note to Lana.
"Give this to her," he said.
The man wasn't pleased, but he somewhat admired Skippy's tenacity. About 35 minutes later, he was given a note. Princess Lana wanted Skippy, Luna, and Sam to meet her on the south side of the castle.
"Hello, Princess, thank you for reading my note," he said.
"So, you need some people to dance while your cousin and her friend play music?" Lana asked.
"Yes, Princess," he said.
"Sure, I think I get you some ladies to dance; and you can just call me Lana," she said.
"Really, I can do something so informal?" he questioned.
"Well not in front of my sister and stuff, but otherwise, yes," Lana replied.
She had the trio follow her inside gates and wait.
"I think that princess likes you, Skip," Sam replied.
"What?" Skippy questioned.
"She said you can call her by first name and not by title; that's not something you see happen," Sam explained.
"I call you by your name."
"But I have not title, and we are family."
Lana opened the door and allowed Skippy to enter a special room. It was a ball room where ladies were meeting, and they were the nobility type of ladies. It wasn't busy, just nine of them. Lana walked over and said.
"Ladies, Skippy is here to impress my sister, and needs your help, you must dance the music his cousin and her friend play," Lana said.
It was interesting to hear Lana speak more formal than he heard her speak before.
"If it's for the princess, then I guess we can't refuse," one of the women said.
"Yes, princess, if me must," the second lady replied.
A third lady walked over to Skippy, she had brown hair in a long braid, wearing a long gold colored dress, and blue gloves.
"Hello, I am Lady Jordan, 'tis nice to meet you, I wish you good luck with the princess Lola," she said.
"Nice to meet you," he said.
In the distance they heard someone angrily grumbling, it sounded like Lola.
"This better be good, Lana, I only brushed my hair 18 time…oh, Skippy is the ballroom, why?" Lola said.
"He's here to present gift number 9; nine ladies dancing, with the music played by his relatives," Lana replied.
Lola sighed and then said, "Fine, you are up to something, but I'll go along with it."
Sam and Luna started to play "Here we come a Caroling" Skippy sang as good as he could, which wasn't that good, but it was earnest. The ladies started to dance. When they were done, Lola was nodding but still apprehensive.
"You know this would have been slightly better with some men dancing along with the women, it'd look more regal," she said.
"It would have been good to have my husband, the Lord Zachary, be here with me," Lady Jordan said.
"Maybe, for tomorrow, you could do this again, Skippy, and his friends, go and have music played while I invite the Ladies' husbands to appear," Lola said.
Skippy looked at his cousin and Luna to see what they wanted; they nodded, and he turned his head back to the princess.
"Yes, your majesty, we shall do this again," he said.
He realized that Princess Lola likes performance more than anything else, each thing he did so far was done with a slight performance to it. That's what enthralled her. He saw Lana looking bored as one of the ladies were talking to her. He gathered that Lana wasn't into the formalities of princess life as her sister was.
"Excuse me, but can we have something to eat?" Sam asked.
"Fine, whatever," Lola said, "I'm going to brush my hair."
Skippy watched Lana talk for a bit, then a lady walked up to him.
"You're first boy I've seen take an interest in Princess Lana," the lady said.
"Huh? I'm not taking an interest, I'm just not sure what to do, I'm not a duke or anything," he answered.
"Let me guess, you are a farmer boy?" she asked.
"Yeah, that's correct, how'd you know?" he questioned.
"Your hands show the hints of being used for work," she said.
He looked at his hands that had some scratches and marks from farm materials. The lady took off her power blue glove to show her right hand. It had some scars on it.
"I once lived on a farm, my father arranged my marriage to a lord, I accepted, because it helped my family dearly," she said.
"Oh, do you love your husband?" Skippy asked.
"Interesting question, I guess I'm not truly in love with him, I'm what they call a free spirit, but he wouldn't have been my first choice."
"I think I understand."
"I'm guessing you are trying to do the same for your family."
"Well, my mother suggested it, but yes."
"I lady Sid, should give you some advice; it might be better to follow your heart, just give that a thought."
Her statement ran through his head the rest of the day, but he didn't know what she meant exactly. He also wasn't sure if he loved princess Lola or not; they barely knew a lot about each other. He went to talk to his mother, who was cleaning some clothes in a wash tub.
"Ah, my dear son, how'd it go?" she asked.
"I get to go back tomorrow with Sam and Luna," he said.
"That is good, the princess is really impressed with you if she's allowing you back on a tenth day," she said.
"Mother, would you still love me if I didn't end up with the princess?" he asked.
It was a shocking question to his mother, if the dropping the brush into the water was a sign of that. She looked at her son, her only son. She was quiet for a moment, thinking about his question.
"Such a shocking question, but I guess it's warranted; My dear son, I love you truly, I love my family truly, I'm sorry if I made you think different. I just think my family deserves a better life, I think I deserve a better life, but it doesn't work out, we'll still have each other," she explained.
Skippy didn't mention anything else; he wanted his mother to say something like that. A reassurance that he needed, somewhere that if it didn't work out, he'd still end up in another strange scheme his mother thought up to advance the family, but at least she was honest of her intentions.
On the Tenth Day of Christmas…
There were nine ladies and ten lords.
"Lord Rusty, this isn't suitor's night," Lola said.
"I heard there would be ladies here today, but apparently they are all married; unless any of you want to flip to lord Rusty," he said.
The nine ladies looked at him with disgust.
"I guess he can stay," Skippy said, "He kind of seems like someone who can dance."
"Proceed," Lola said.
Lola watched as nine ladies danced and the ten lords also danced, they seemed to be leaping more than dancing though.
"Alright what's going on?" Lola questioned.
"What?" One of the lords asked.
"What's with that weird dancing?" Lola asked.
"Oh, get with the times, that's how they are doing in Wales, your majesty," he replied.
"Remind me to ask father to invade Wales after the Christmas holidays," Lola said.
"Oh, he's not going to that, after that mess you did in Russia," Lana replied.
"How was I supposed to know that Russia gets cold in winter," Lola said.
"Everyone knows that" said another lord.
On the Eleventh day of Christmas…
Lola seemed to like the music and dance show Skippy had been able to put together, so instead of him having to go and wait in line with a new gift, she asked him to bring Sam and Luna to a ball she was having on the eleventh night, but she also wanted more music. There was a catch: no trumpets, horns, extra flutes, oboes, trombones, and things like that.
"There's this one instrument from Scotland, it's amazing," said Mollie.
"What is it?" he asked.
"Bag pipes!" she exclaimed.
"Are they a kind of trumpet?" he asked.
"No, they are bag pipes," she said.
"Where do I find bag pipes?" he asked.
He and his sister went to the largest city together to find a big pipe player. There was one person who knew almost everything, she was known as "the wise one". She was the most informed person in the country, her name was Lisa. The girl was short, wore trousers, and something she called glasses on her eyes. She spoke with a strange accent. Skippy and Mollie went to her office.
"So, you want to know what bag pipes are?" she asked.
"Yes, that's what we just asked you," Mollie said.
She walked over to a set off books and grabbed one with the letter b on it. It was a book of instruments starting with B. She thumbed through the pages and turned it around.
"These are bag pipes," she said.
"Hmm, it says they are a woodwind instrument, like a clarinet, that uses reeds and a bag full of air, to make music," Skippy said.
"Ah, you can read?" Lisa asked.
"Mother wanted him to be able to read to advance in society," Mollie explained.
"Anyway, do you know how to play one?" Skippy asked.
"Surely, I could learn to play one in a few minutes, but why?" Lisa asked.
"We need some for the princess Lola, by tonight," Mollie said.
"I didn't know she used farm workers for delegation now," Lisa replied.
"She doesn't, I am doing for her gift," he said.
"Ah, you must be that Skippy boy, the city has been talking about you; one of the few to possibly capture the princess' heart,' Lisa said.
"I'm well known?" he asked.
"Ah yes, they are hoping you will marry the princess, and hopefully be a kind person, because of your farming roots," Lisa said.
"Skippy wouldn't hurt a fly," Mollie said.
"I'm sure I'll be able to round up some bag pipers by afternoon's end," Lisa said.
"Thank you, how much do we owe you?" Skippy asked.
"It's Christmas, I'll let you slide," she said.
Later, that afternoon, he returned to Lisa's building. He heard what sounded like the cries of wounded animals. Sam, Luna, and Mollie looked concerned. Lisa had been known to do strange experiments. They walked inside and there were 9 people holding bagpipes, there was another one on Lisa's desk with the girl standing on a chair.
"There he is," Lisa said, "This is Skippy, the boy who is trying to capture the princess' heart."
Skippy awkwardly waved. Mollie was intrigued by the people holding the bag pipes. There were 6 men with thick red hair and thick beards. 3 women also holding the instruments. She was slightly amused at how they were dressed.
"So, uh which one of us are you going to pick?" one of the men asked.
"I uh," Skippy said.
Then he heard the noise of one them playing, everyone in the room turned their attention to where the noise was coming from; it was Mollie trying to play one of the extra ones.
"This is kind of fun," she said.
Skippy got an idea; he went with his gut.
"It's the eleventh day of Christmas, why not all elven of you," he said.
"He can read, but he can't count, amusing," Lisa replied.
"I mean these nine people, plus you and my sister," he said.
"What?" Lisa questioned.
"Really?" Mollie asked.
"Sure, why not?" Skippy said.
"I'd go with it, he's been having some great luck," Sam said.
"There's no such thing as luck, but it would have been a waste to learn this instrument and not put it to use," Lisa said.
In the ballroom, Skippy, the eleven pipers, Sam, and Luna, were all gathered ready to play music for the ball. The sound of one bag pipe would fill a ball room well, the sound of eleven was the loudest noise that could possibly happen. At first, he thought maybe he made a mistake.
"Skippy what is that instrument?" the princess asked.
"Bagpipes," he said.
"Maybe I should have…."
"Princess Lola, what are these musical instruments?" a Duchess asked.
"They are bagpipes, Dutchess Lindsey," Lola replied.
"Interesting, I've never heard such an interesting exotic sound," she replied.
"They're instruments from Scotland," Skippy said.
"Oh, now that's classy," she said.
As the duchess walked away, Lola had a strange dark smile on her face. Skippy wondered what that even meant.
"Good work, after all, you made her seethe with jealousy, she couldn't even bash it," Lola said.
"I hope that's not why you wanted me to come back for the eleventh day," Skippy replied.
"Oh no, that's not it all, that was just an added bonus," she replied.
Skippy didn't know her well enough to tell if she was lying or not. He could tell if his sisters were lying, his parents had a tells as well, but he couldn't see what hers was. He thought he was screwing up his chance for the final day of Christmas to convince the princess that she should marry him.
"So tomorrow, is the final day of Christmas, I think the band was a great idea, but we need some drummers, drums are best instrument," he said.
"Huh?" she was taken aback by his comment, "I guess, drums might be a good addition."
"Good, tomorrow, I shall bring you twelve drummer and we'll end Christmas with a big bang," he said.
Lola seemed to be looking around the room before she gave her response. Skippy pretended not to notice this but watched her starring at Lana for a moment before she gave an answer.
"Fine, you are a finalist anyway, I only saw 3 other boys today," Lola replied.
He asked Luna if she could make a song for them to play as a grand finale; she got one quickly. He asked his mother and father, Paula, Linka, and Lynn if they could play marching drums the next day, they agreed. Sam found seven more drummers named Chandler, Darcy, Joey, Leni, Rocky, Margo, and David.
"Hey, Skip, what happened on the eighth day of Christmas again?" Luna asked.
"Uh, there were like 8 maids-a-milking the cows," he replied.
"That's good, have to cut out some lines, but I got it," She said.
The next morning, they were ready, Skippy was in front, of a long marching line. With twelve drummers, 11 pipers, 1 violin player, 1 flute player, 1 toddler on his mother's back, he was ready to go.
"Why is Paula in front? I should be in front, "Lynn said.
"Actually, no, Lynn, you are in the back because your pacing is wrong for the beats, I need someone with a steady pacing, that's Paula," he said.
Everyone was quiet as he spoke.
"Linka's second, because she can copy the beat and pace well, then so on, with you in the back of the drummers, you can drum how ever you want, and not be distracting, the pipers are on their own timing, and can complement," he said.
They made it to the castle and waited for Princess Lola to show up, this time she wasn't in the balcony but near the gates. On the balcony were the king and queen, while Lana was also at the gates on the right-hand side. Skippy turned around and started everyone off.
"On the twelfth day of Christmas, I gave to Princess Lola, twelve drummers drumming."
The drummers started to drum.
"11 Pipers piping!" the lead piper sung.
Then, the lords showed up inside the gates and sung, "10 lords a leaping,", "nine ladies dancing" Sid sung with the other ladies missing their que, "8 maids a milking," the maids sung.
"Seven swans a swimming," skippy sung.
"Six geese a laying," Skippy's father sung.
Skippy looked around and prompted everyone to sing the next verse. He pointed at the gold rings on Lola's fingers.
"Five golden rings!" the crowd sung.
"Four calling birds!" the calling birds sung.
"Three French hens," Lynn sung in her deeper voice.
"Two turtle doves, I think," Leni sung.
Skippy pointed at the pear tree and that was planned in the courtyard and prompted everyone to sign
"And a partridge in a pear tree!"
Lola, Lana, King Lynn, and Queen Rita clapped as the show finished. After twelve days of work, Skippy hoped it was all worth it. He removed his hat and looked at the princess, not saying one word. The princess looked around and thought for a while as she formulated what she was going to say. And finally, she spoke.
"Skippy, you put in a lot of work to impress me, but there's something you must know," she started to say. It was quiet enough to hear everyone's breath. "To say it the easy way, I'm not really into the idea of marrying you."
There was the sound of booing from the crowd. Skippy was quiet, he was more stunned.
"Oh, come on, you put him through all this, he tried his hardest in to impress you, and you reject him?" Lynn cried out.
"Lynn don't say anything that could harm you," Skippy replied.
"But she…"
"Before you turn into a mob, I have a good reason for this, allow me to explain," she said.
It was quiet again.
"I was at first impressed by what Skippy was doing, but I figured quickly he wouldn't be my type and I would have rejected him after the third day, but I noticed something. I had some suspicions, so I let him come back two more days, and it was confirmed."
She turned her attention to her sister who was quiet and wondering what her younger sister was doing.
"Lana is not like me, she doesn't really express her feelings in outward motion as much as I do, but I think if you don't say it now, you'll live a life's regret to the grave," Lola said.
Lana sighed a relief of air from her mouth. Lola had put her on the spot, it was quiet and cold, yet she felt like there were drum beats in her ears and like it was hundreds of degrees warm. She gave a nervous curled smile.
"Alright fine, I know," she replied.
Skippy didn't move he was still watching from the closed gate, but Lana walked closer to it and put her hands on the bars.
"I don't know, but it was when I saw you, Skippy, you made me laugh. I liked how you thought out your gifts, and I think I like you," she said.
Skippy smiled, his face was slightly red. It made a little more sense now, in hindsight. She was always there just as he presented gifts to Lola, and she helped him a couple times without question. He thought for a moment, he kind of liked her too!
"Lana, I like you too! It would be great to get to know you," he said.
It had been an interesting Christmas holiday, the news of the princess Lana finding love was the talk of the nation. Over the next few months, Skippy and Lana go to know each other and found they had many similar interests. The story of Skippy's gifts was passed down through the country and eventually made it to other countries around the world, the song had become a new Christmas hit. Lana and Skippy got engaged and Lana had decided to live with Skippy at the farm, preferring to let Lola do all the so-called boring princess stuff. The king and queen agreed, they also decided to get Paula help for her leg, and make sure Skippy's family didn't struggle any more. The next Christmas, Skippy and Lana got married on the fifth day. Skippy was given the tile of Duke Skippy of Hazeltucky, and he and Lana were happily together for a long time.