BitterMint
Chapter 8
Author Notes: Can we talk about how much fun it is writing my character? She is a joy to have since she tortures people. It's not too often I write the crazy types without Sen involved to give me a hand.
3rd P.O.V
It was truly a terrifying sight. "Am I truly witnessing this?" There were several soft murmurs of agreement to Karma's bewildered question, though Jurien couldn't bother. More focused on sighing while shaking her head.
She knew this was going to happen. "Garlan..." She had made sure after the first day to warn Garlan, Fritz and anyone else that were unfamiliar with the newest guests of the Marchen. They were simple warnings, rules more so for the sake of any poor soul that walked in.
The main two being don't insult Lucette, and great fates forbid-don't come into the Marchen with dirty feet. "HELP!" The fact that Garlan still forgot about the latter was just sad. "How dare you track your muddy boots everywhere! The princess JUST finished cleaning!"
Seeing a grown man running for his life from a tiny bunny would've been a hilarious sight if the rest of of the individuals residing in the little Tavern either didn't know the extent of how dangerous the furry mammal could be or didn't get chased themselves...
"Prepare to become my latest chew toy you pathetic excuse for a knight! I'll show you just how 'cute' I can be!" At least Pepper was getting her exercise. "At least the Marchen is well protected..." Who needed knights to protect the place when Pepper was by far the most dangerous thing there.
And she wasn't even using magic. "Pepper...that's enough. Leave Garlan be." If it wasn't for Lucette there would be bodies littering the floor for sure. "Fine." Offering the male one last silent hiss, Pepper hops back to her companion.
Easily picked up and petted without concern. "There's no need to scare everyone Pepper. You told me you would try playing nice." She did say that didn't she? "I am. But I refuse to 'play nice' when people don't listen or don't have manners." A snort escaped the red head as Garlan rushes behind Jurien.
In turn making the blond warrior sigh again. It was a good thing no one could hear Pepper...probably would've made them more scared. Who would've thought? "What did she say Princess?" Gold eyes flicker to the knights.
"She said she refuses to play nice when people don't listen or lack manners. Garlan this is the fifth time this has happened..." He offers her a shaky grimace. "My apologies Princess...I'll take better care of the mud I bring in." A huff escapes Lucette's companion.
This wasn't the first time he made such a promise. "Why are all the male knights here such airheads? Clearly Jurien is the one keeping this place standing." It takes everything in the red haired royal to not snicker at THAT particular comment.
No doubt Pepper still hasn't forgiven Fritz for her humiliating cold bath..."Looks like our chat will have to continue later Pepper. Can you please try to behave yourself until I finish sweeping the floor?" She made no such promises.
Narrowing her eyes at the group before her. There were very few of them she liked and cared for. Rumpel, another new addition to the list of cursed victims was a flirt. Fancied pretty words to any female in his vicinity(thank goodness he never saw her shift forms.)
Karma well...the fact that she is a he was a shocker, and though isn't as flirtacious as the previously mentioned amnesiac was still an annoying eccentric. Garlan and Fritz weren't bad...but their airhead tendency and Pepper's first impression biasness didn't do them any favors.
Delora...well, whenever the two females meet, sparks fly for obvious reasons, especially since Pepper has made it her personal goal to make the witch pop blood vessels whenever she can. So immediately the snarky elder woman makes a beeline out of there. Hehe...
Coming up with some excuse that the four legged cursed animal honestly couldn't be bothered to listen to. Annice was...ok, but Pepper wasn't allowed in the kitchen, where the young girl often was.
Remembering the chestnut haired maiden Pepper made a mental note to somehow make it up to her, since she was the one who released Pepper all those weeks ago. But again she was in the kitchen currently as per usual.
Leaving Pepper with the last two. Jurien, though is very competent and frankly refreshing compared to the rest of this cast of...characters, probably wasn't too happy that Pepper was chasing around her partner the last five to ten minutes.
Which of course left one possible candidate for Pepper to reside with until Lucette finishes. "Waltz it is I suppose." Lucette chuckles as her friend sighs, as if reluctant to spend time with the young witch.
And it wasn't the case(for once) as Waltz was kind and respectful, even if he had no clue what Pepper was saying-like everyone else. But hey, unlike the others he tried. He tried understanding what the little furball wanted when interacting with her.
Though the fact that he was a witch was bringing back some sad memories for her. She missed a lot of her old friends...and seeing his little spells of fluttering flowers or lights reminded her of when she was younger. Of happier times.
Still...Lucette said that unless there was trouble it would be better with if both of them tried getting along with them. Weeks have passed after all. Suffice to say that the two of them were here for the long hall since there was no new addition to Lucette's necklace.
"Waltz? Would you mind watching over Pepper? I have work to do." Again. Garlan winced as both females shot looks his way. "My apologies again." In unison both sigh as the younger boy nods with a smile. "Of course." As Pepper gently leaped into his arms, a familiar...animated broom appeared.
Making Lucette groan in disdain. "Yes yes. I know! Don't you dar-whoa!" There was nothing no one could do as the crowned princess was dragged away to clean the now dirty wooden floor. Leaving Pepper depressed...she was looking forward to finally chatting with her adopted sister.
Tonight was a special night and plans needed to be made. "She'll be finished soon Pepper. Don't worry." She felt small fingers gently flutter about on her scalp, making her nudge her head back. "You're a brave man Waltz." Red eyes blink in surprise as Karma takes a seat at an unoccupied table.
"Why? Pepper's not so scary once you get to know her." That's what he thinks? The poor boy is terribly mistaken. A mistake Karma could only shake his head at as the others take a seat around him.
Garlan making sure to stay a few extra feet away. Respectful distance of course. "Darling were it not for the Princess most of us would be full of chew marks. Were it not for the fact that Delora has confirmed she was cursed-I'd have assumed she was a trained guard rabbit."
There was a sense of smugness as Pepper took her place on the table, stretching her limbs before comfortably laying down. Karma waves his hand. "Just look at poor Garlan, the man's been in her sights for the last two weeks now." She huffs in response to that.
Smacking her front paw to make a somewhat loud thud. "If he wasn't such a moron I wouldn't have bothered chasing him." Waltz raises an eyebrow, amused. "Considering how much she cares for Lucette and now is losing chit chat time because of him...it's not a surprise." Glad someone understood.
"And anyways it's not just me she hangs out with. She likes Annice and sir Fritz. Sometimes she even hangs out with Lady Parfait." At the mention of her mother Pepper deflates. She was still hiding her identity from the woman...but honestly she had missed her.
Parfait despite it all was still as wonderful as she remembered. Plus...seeing her just so frail and weak...It was heartbreaking. Though no one wanted to admit it, it was clear to everyone that the kind Lucis Bearer was very, very sick. And only getting worse as time went on.
So if she could allow for a small cuddle session while Parfait was reading in the lounge or let her give a pet without a hiss or cringing away, then it was fine. Pepper could live with her mother never knowing the truth.
"Annice works more than Lucette and due to her shedding issue, Pepper is banned from the kitchen." Thanks Karma...another excuse for Pepper to mess with his hair next time he gets up close and personal with her.
Just wait you lazy ass for a noble. "And Fritz doesn't spend that much time with her either since he's on patrol duty so much." The man in question smiles nervously. "Personally I don't think Pepper likes me very much regardless." That wasn't true. Well...not entirely true.
And to prove her point she rises, hopping his direction before lifting her paw out before him. "I think she disagrees Fritz." Everyone watches with nervous energy as the white haired swordsman extended his hand. As if he were about the shake hers.
She gives two soft pats onto his gloved back, before smacking it a bit harder. "?" She marches away, confusing everyone. "Any ideas what that was all about Waltz?" He could only shake his head. Not too sure himself.
But then he furrows his brows in concern. Her ears perked up, and her furs standing up with her claws out. "Oh dear..." It was NOT a good sign as she glances around. His gaze caught sight of the situation just seconds before her and he reached.
"No Pepper. Don't!" It was a reckless thing grabbing her the way he did. A wince forms on his face feeling her claws dig and push into him. "That man is insulting her! He's dead!" He bit his lip as he turned to the personal(human) guard. "We need an interference sir Fritz."
Immediately he follows his gaze before nodding. Making swift steps before Lucette backhands the rude customer or Pepper decides to go on a frenzy. "Calm down Pepper. Sir Fritz will handle it alright?" It most certainly wasn't alright!
However no matter how much she silently fought and protested...she was stuck, being held like a stuffed animal. "You're lucky they were here to stop me you bastard!" The rude customer felt eyes on his back, making him shudder as he left. Spewing profanities.
"My goodness...if looks could kill." The rage emanating from her could literally be seen, yet she stays completely still. Which was even more worrisome than if she struggled out of Waltz's grip. "Pepper?" However that destructive aura evaporated the moment she caught gold eyes looking in concern.
Though her ripping herself out of the street performer's hold revitalized with success. Returning to her proper place. Right in the arms of her favorite person in the world. "Are you alright Princess?" She better be.
Pepper would go on a manhunt otherwise. "Yes. The gentleman...just had some choice words to say about me." It was more than that. She heard more than enough to warrant a murder. "Well lucky us you had a knight in shining armor to come to your rescue." A blush forms on Lucette's face.
"Er...yeah." And though Rumple was teasing, it wasn't meant to be malicious. So it would be ignored...even if the suspicious gazes Jurien and Garlan made were not. "I think I'll be retiring for the rest of the night. Excuse me." It was time for chit chat.
Though Pepper was curious...would the conversation be light hearted? Be full of teasing remarks over the fact that Lucette very much appreciated her knight to come to her aid...or would it be heavy in discussing the cruel words the man stated towards her.
'It serve you right being here. For the crimes your mother has caused it's only right her heir take the share of her responsibilities as well. Wretched witch!' So much for talking about tonight's long awaited plans...
to be continued
Author Notes: Dropping it there. Some small hints of trouble are forming as the girls try to adapt to the Marchen life. For better or worse Pepper is a menace to society...hell hath no fury like a rabbit scorned.
We'll see if anyone lives to the next chapter. But that is it for now folks. Thank you all so much for reading the story guys. If you like please feel free to fav/follow/review as it would mean so much to me.
