Sisters - a Sofia the First fanfic
Sisters (Chapter 2)
Notes: this chapter is set between "First Day" and "A Day in Dunwitty". This chapter, while focusing on Lydia, will also be the first time that Lucinda meets Aunt Serafina (from "Changes"), and Aunt Tilly.
A Wassailia surprise
It was now the winter after Lydia had visited, and Wassailia was approaching. At Enchancia Castle, in Sofia's bedroom, a fourteen-year-old Sofia and a fourteen-year-old Lucinda were making out Wassailia cards.
"I love Wassailia" Sofia smiled. "It's such a wonderful time of the year".
"I always look forward to Wassailia" Lucinda smiled back. "And this is my first Wassailia here at the castle".
"Your in for a treat" Sofia smiled. "We hold a big Wassailia party every year".
"Oh, that sounds wonderful!" Lucinda smiled.
At that moment, Sofia and Lucinda heard a knock at the door.
"Come in" Sofia invited.
The door opened, and in walked Queen Miranda.
"Mom" Sofia greeted. "What can we do for you?"
"Actually, I have a surprise for the two of you" Miranda smiled.
"What?" Lucinda asked.
Miranda went back to the door, and motioned somebody to come in. In a few moments, in walked ... a 25-year-old Lydia with Eezeyal on her shoulder.
"Lydia!" Sofia exclaimed with glee as she raced over and gave Lydia a hug.
Lucinda stood there smiling, watching the touching scene.
Lydia looked at Lucinda. "Come here, you" Lydia smiled.
Lucinda walked over, and joined in the hug that Sofia and Lydia were sharing.
"It's so good to see you again, Lydia" Sofia smiled.
"It's good to see the two of you again" Lydia smiled back.
"Lydia is going to be with us for the holiday" Miranda smiled. "I'll let the three of you get reacquainted". Miranda then left the room.
"Happy Wassailia!" Eezeyal announced. "Were yew surprised?"
"Very much surprised" Lucinda smiled.
"A wonderful surprise" Sofia smiled.
"I have another surprise for you" Lydia smiled. "Aunt Serafina, and Aunt Tilly, will also be with us for the holiday".
"You'll love them, Lucinda" Sofia smiled. "Aunt Sarafina is Mom's older sister, and Aunt Tilly is Dad's older sister".
Visiting Dunwitty
After lunch, Lydia, Sofia, and Lucinda decided to take a royal carriage and go into Dunwitty for the day. Once in Dunwitty, the three split up to do some shopping for last minute Wassailia gifts.
A short while later, Lydia was buying some wrapped gifts at a local store.
"Thank you, my good woman" Lydia smiled at the female store clerk.
"Happy Wassailia, Princess Lydia" the female store clerk smiled.
"Happy Wassailia to you as well" Lydia smiled back.
Lydia carried the wrapped gifts to the royal carriage, and placed them inside. Lydia then noticed in the distance two people from her past - a teenage Ruby, and a teenage Jade. Lydia snuck up behind them, and gently placed her hands on their shoulders.
"I hope you two young ladies are staying out of trouble?" Lydia said with a grin.
"Lydia!" Ruby and Jade exclaimed with glee as they hugged Lydia.
"It's so good to see you again" Ruby smiled.
"Your looking good" Jade smiled.
"It's good to see you two again" Lydia smiled.
"So, how long are you here for?" Jade asked Lydia.
"I'm staying at the castle until two days after Wassailia" Lydia replied.
"Know who would like to see you?" Ruby started. "Mom. She's at home right now".
"Then, let's go" Lydia smiled.
Lydia, Ruby, and Jade walked to Ruby's house. The three went inside where Ruby's mother, Mrs. Hanshaw, was working in the kitchen.
"Mom" Ruby called out.
"Ah, your home" Mrs. Hanshaw smiled.
"Jade and I have a surprise for you" Ruby smiled. Ruby and Jade then motioned Lydia to come into the kitchen.
"Lydia!" Mrs. Hanshaw smiled as she hugged Lydia. "It's good to see you again".
"It's good to see you too, Mrs. Hanshaw" Lydia smiled.
"Don't you think it's about time you started calling me Helen?" Mrs. Hanshaw smiled. "Afterall, we're both adults".
"Okay ... Helen" Lydia smiled back.
"Please, let's all sit down" Helen said as she brought everybody into the living room. "So, Lydia? What have you been up to?"
"Being the Official Royal Sorceress for the Kingdom of Lacorinth keeps me busy sometimes, but it's a good busy" Lydia started. "King Graham is a kind man, and it's a pleasure to work for him". Lydia stopped for a moment, then continued. "You might be interested to know, Helen, that I've started my own Buttercup troop in Lacorinth".
"You were a Buttercup, Lydia?" Ruby asked.
"Yes, she was" Helen smiled. "And I'm proud to say she was in my troop".
"Those were good times" Lydia said with a smile. "And I wanted to pass along such good times to a new generation".
Back at the castle
It was now late afternoon, and Lydia, Sofia, and Lucinda had returned to the castle. The royal family was gathered in the main hall. The door to the courtyard opened, and Baileywick stepped forward.
"Serafina Rosario" Baileywick announced as a woman entered the main hall. The woman was Serafina, Queen Miranda's older sister.
"It's so good to see you, Serafina" Miranda smiled as she hugged Serafina.
"It's good to see you too, Miranda" Serafina smiled back.
"Nice to see you again, Serafina" King Roland smiled.
"It's nice to be here, King Roland" Serafina replied.
"Serafina" Miranda started. "This is Lucinda".
Serafina walked over to Lucinda, and gave Lucinda a warm hug. "It's very nice to meet you, Lucinda. Miranda has told me a lot about you".
"It's a pleasure to meet you, ma'am" Lucinda responded.
"We're family now, Lucinda" Serafina started. "Please call me Aunt Serafina".
"Thank you ... Aunt Serafina" Lucinda smiled.
"Welcome, Aunt Serafina" a teenage James and a teenage Amber greeted.
"It's nice to see the two of you again" Serafina smiled as she hugged James and Amber.
"Aunt Serafina!" Sofia and Lydia exclaimed with happiness as the three hugged.
"It's so good to see both of you" Serafina smiled.
At that point, the door to the courtyard opened once again.
"The Duchess Matilda" Baileywick announced as Aunt Tilly walked into the main hall.
"Roland, Miranda" Tilly smiled as she hugged the two of them. "So nice to see you again".
"It's our pleasure, Tilly" Miranda smiled. Miranda then looked at Lucinda. "And this is the newest member of our family, Lucinda".
Tilly walked over to Lucinda. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Lucinda" Tilly smiled as she hugged Lucinda. "You're even prettier then your portrait".
"Thank you, Duchess Matilda" Lucinda smiled bashfully.
"None of that now" Tilly started. "We're family. I'm Aunt Tilly to you".
"Thank you ... Aunt Tilly" Lucinda smiled.
"This is my older sister, Serafina" Miranda said to Tilly.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Serafina" Tilly smiled at Serafina.
"Of course, you know Lydia" Roland said to Tilly.
"So nice to meet you again, Lydia" Tilly said. "Could I speak to you later on about something?"
"Of course, Aunt Tilly" Lydia answered.
"And, of course, you know Sofia, Amber, and James" Miranda said to Tilly.
"Very nice to see the three of you again" Tilly smiled.
With that, everybody walked around talking to each other. At one point, Tilly and Lydia walked over to each other.
"What can I do for you, Aunt Tilly?" Lydia asked.
"Well, dear" Tilly started, "I want to surprise Roland with some apple pies. But considering it's winter, apples are in short supply".
"I could always conjure up some airabella apples like I did a few winters ago" Lydia smiled.
"Oh, Lydia" Tilly smiled. "That would be lovely. Thank you".
"My pleasure" Lydia smiled back. "Of course, we'll have to cut some slices for Eezeyal. He just loves those apples".
"I wouldn't have it any other way" Tilly smiled.
An awkward situation
The next day, Roland called Miranda, Lydia, Sofia, Lucinda, Amber, and James into his study.
"We have what could be called an interesting invitation" Roland started. "We've been invited to a holiday party by Hildegard's parents. It will take place at their castle".
"Oh, boy!" Lydia thought in dismay. The last time Lydia was in the presence of Hildegard's parents, it almost ended in a knock down drag out.
"Protocol dictates that we attend" Roland said. "Although, after what happened during Lydia's duel with Cedric years ago ..."
"If I may?" Lydia politely said. "I'm not the same person I was back then. No matter what happens, you may count on me to keep my cool. Afterall, I have not one, but two, kingdoms to represent - Enchancia, and Lacorinth. You may count on me to be at my diplomatic best. I give you my word".
"That's very gracious of you, Lydia" Miranda said. "It's very kind of you to make such an effort".
"It is no effort" Lydia started. "I love this family very much, and I would do nothing to embarrass any of you. To me, it looks like Hildegard's parents are trying to mend fences. And I for one won't throw cold water on it. I say we go".
"Then it's settled" Roland smiled. As Roland looked at Lydia, he couldn't help but think if those against Lydia could have heard what Lydia had just said, they'd be eating their words right now. Lydia had grown to be a fine woman. Roland could not have been prouder of Lydia at that moment.
The next night, Roland, Miranda, Lydia, Sofia, Lucinda, Amber, James, Serafina, and Tilly arrived at the holiday party being hosted by Hildegard's parents. As the party started, everybody had a good time ... until Prince Hugo and his parents showed up. Before long, Hugo and his parents couldn't help themselves, and started talking among themselves about the commoners in the room, and how they had no place in royal society.
A teenage Hildegard started overhearing their disparaging remarks about Miranda, Serafina, Lydia, Sofia, and Lucinda. And other people started hearing what Hugo and his parents were saying.
"How dare they!" Hildegard thought to herself. Her parents were trying to mend fences, and Hugo and his parents were tearing that apart. With each disparaging remark, Hildegard was getting angrier and angrier. She was also seeing that her parents were becoming dismayed at what was going on. Finally, Hildegard could take no more.
"ENOUGH!" Hildegard shouted at Hugo and his parents. The room fell silent. Nobody had ever seen Hildegard blow up like this before. "How dare you!" Hildegard continued. "Your insulting my friends! And your insulting my parents! You have no right!". Hildegard then ran from the room with tears in her eyes. A teenage Cleo quickly followed Hildegard out of the room.
"I suggest you teach your daughter some manners!" Hugo's father barked at Hildegard's father.
"I suggest you teach yourselves some!" Hildegard's father snapped back.
Hugo and his parents stormed out of the room. At that point, Lydia quietly took Roland aside. "Considering the situation, it might be best if we quietly left" Lydia said sadly.
"I have to agree with you" Roland sadly replied.
As Roland and the rest of the family started to quietly walk out of the room, Hildegard's father quickly walked up to them.
"I am so sorry, Roland" Hildegard's father started. "It was never my intention to have something like this happen. I am most embarrassed by what Prince Hugo and his parents did tonight. I offer you and your family my most sincere apologies".
Lydia could see that Hildegard's father was very sick over what had happened. Her heart went out to him. She walked up to him and extended her hand in a gesture of friendship. "I for one am willing to let bygones be bygones" Lydia started. "Let's say we start fresh".
"Most kind of you, Princess Lydia" Hildegard's father said as he shook Lydia's hand. "I would like that very much".
Everybody in the room clapped at the touching scene. Roland, Lydia, and the rest of the family stayed at the party, and everybody at the party had a very enjoyable time. As for Lydia, she won herself many admirers that night. She would have had every right to be boiling mad. She instead defused the situation with diplomacy. It was something that didn't go unnoticed.
Up in Hildegard's room, Cleo entered to find Hildegard on the bed, sobbing.
"I'm so sorry" Hildegard sobbed. "I couldn't take it anymore!"
"It's alright" Cleo comforted Hildegard.
"I don't want to be known as a stuck up snob" Hildegard sobbed. "I promise you, and everybody, that you will see a change in me immediately. I want to be normal. And that's what you'll get from me from now on".
At that point, Hildegard and Cleo looked up to see Amber standing in the doorway.
"I recently took a long look in the mirror myself" Amber commented, "so I know what your going through, Hildi. Cleo and I will stand by you".
Hildegard, Cleo, and Amber hugged each other. As for Hildegard, she was true to her word. Her new persona was welcomed by many, and she became a much beloved Princess in the process.
Wassailia Day
In Enchancia Castle, it was now Wassailia Day. That morning, Lucinda was in her bedroom getting ready for the day. As she got ready, she happened to look on the wall at a portrait of her birth parents.
"Happy Wassailia, Mom and Dad" Lucinda said to herself while looking at the portrait. Lucinda soon found herself lost in thought, thinking about past holidays with her birth parents.
"Lucinda?" a voice came from behind Lucinda. Lucinda looked to see Lydia standing there. "You okay?" Lydia asked.
"Sorry" Lucinda smiled. "I was lost in thought".
Lydia looked at the portrait, and then back at Lucinda. "This is your first Wassailia without them, isn't it?"
"Yes" Lucinda answered.
Lydia walked over and hugged Lucinda in a kind, caring way. "I imagine it must be hard for you?"
"Yes" Lucinda then answered. "But I'll be okay, Lydia".
"How would you like to come down to the kitchen and help us make airabella apple pies with Aunt Tilly?" Lydia asked.
"We have airabella apples?" Lucinda asked.
"Well, I conjured some up" Lydia answered with a smile. "We want to surprise Dad with some airabella apple pies".
"Sounds nice" Lucinda smiled. "I'd love to help".
As Lydia and Lucinda walked out of Lucinda's bedroom, Lydia put her arm around Lucinda's shoulder as Eezeyal flew up and perched himself on one of Lydia's shoulders. Soon, Lucinda, Lydia, and Eezeyal reached the castle kitchen where Sofia was already helping Aunt Tilly get things ready.
"Good morning, you three" Sofia smiled at Lucinda, Lydia, and Eezeyal. "Happy Wassailia Day".
"Happy Wassailia" Lucinda and Lydia smiled.
Aunt Tilly brought out a small bowl of sliced apples and placed it on a side table.
"Eezeyal" Tilly called out with a smile. "Here are some apples for you".
Eezeyal came down on the side table and started eating the sliced apples with a very satisfied look. Lydia smiled seeing Eezeyal enjoying himself.
Tilly, Sofia, Lucinda, and Lydia then started making the airabella apple pies. In a few minutes, Amber walked into the kitchen.
"Would you mind if I helped?" Amber asked. "Sofia and Lucinda have been teaching me how to cook, and I'd like to get in some practice, if you don't mind".
"Come on in, dear" Tilly smiled. "The more, the merrier".
As those in the kitchen worked on the pies, Sofia turned to Amber.
"What if Dad walks in while we're doing this?" Sofia asked Amber.
"I wouldn't worry about that, Sofia" Amber smiled. "Mom, Aunt Serafina, and James are keeping him busy while we're in here".
That afternoon, the airabella apple pies had been finished and were now ready to be served at that night's Wassailia party at the castle. A little while later, as Lucinda was walking down a hallway, Amber walked up behind her.
"Would you come with me, Lucinda?" Amber asked. "There is a surprise for you in your bedroom".
"Okay" Lucinda said, being taken a bit off guard.
Lucinda and Amber walked to Lucinda's bedroom. Lucinda opened the doors to the room, and standing inside were Roland and James.
"Hello, Lucinda" Roland greeted. "Happy Wassailia".
"Happy Wassailia, Dad" Lucinda responded.
"Amber, James, and I have a special Wassailia gift for you" Roland started. "The three of us know this is your first Wassailia without your birth parents, and we know what you must be going through deep down inside. We've been there. The Wassailia after I had lost my first wife, and Amber and James had lost their mother, was rough for the three of us".
Roland stopped for a moment, then continued. "This year, the three of us decided to do something that might bring you some comfort this Wassailia. We had a special portrait painted ... just for you, Lucinda".
Roland stepped aside to reveal a long portrait covered by a cloth cover. Roland removed the cloth cover to reveal a wonderfully painted portrait. In the middle of the portrait was Lucinda's birth father, Lucinda, and Lucinda's birth mother. Standing next to Lucinda's birth father was Roland, Amber, and James. Standing next to Lucinda's birth mother was Miranda, Lydia, and Sofia. Everybody that Lucinda held dear were on one portrait.
Lucinda fell to her knees, with tears of happiness.
"This has to be one of the most thoughtful, most caring, gifts I have every received" Lucinda said with tears of happiness streaming down her face. "I'll treasure this always. Thank you so very much".
Lucinda got up, and Roland, Amber, and James hugged her.
Wassailia Night
It was now Wassailia Night at Enchancia Castle. In the main hall, the royal family was gathered, along with Aunt Serafina and Aunt Tilly. Everybody then sat down at a long table to have Wassailia dinner.
There was a variety of delicious food at the table. Aunt Serafina had even cooked up some Spanish favorites, including Beef Tamale Pie, Fajitas on a Stick, and Margarita Beef with Orange Salsa.
"These are delicious, Serafina" Tilly commented. "Any chance of me getting the recipes for these?"
"It would be my pleasure, Tilly" Serafina smiled.
After dinner, it was time for dessert. As Tilly's airabella apple pies were brought out, Roland was completely surprised. Slices of the pie were dished up and passed out to everybody seated at the table.
Roland ate a piece of the pie and smiled. "This is delicious, Tilly. Your best pie yet".
Tilly smiled, happy that Roland was pleased.
Everybody at the table enjoyed the pie, and agreed it was the best dessert ever. After dessert, everybody got up and went to the table which held the Wassailia candle.
"Lucinda" Roland started. "Since you are the newest member of the family, we've decided you should have the honor of lighting the Wassailia candle this year".
"Thank you, Dad" Lucinda smiled as she stood over the candle with a lighted match. Lucinda then lit the candle. "By the light of this candle, we wish good tidings upon all Enchancia" Lucinda started. "Those we've just met, and those we love dearly".
Lydia then stepped forward, and started singing. "The firelight is shining bright, while the snow blows cold outside". At that point, others started joining in.
(Miranda/Amber)(while hugging each other) "Friendly faces, warm embraces, surround us all tonight".
(All) "So we make this one simple wish, meant for every girl and boy. May the holiday bring you peace and joy".
(All) "From those that you love, to the stars up above. May the holiday bring you peace and joy".
(Eezeyal)(in rafters above the room) "Peace and joy".
(Lydia and Sofia hug each other)(Roland, James, and Lucinda hug each other)(Serafina and Tilly hug each other).
(All) "From those that you love, to the stars up above. May the holiday bring you peace and joy".
Everybody then went over to the large holiday tree that was in the middle of the hall, and started opening the presents that were under the tree. A grand time was had by all.
Two days later
It was now two days after Wassailia, and it was time for Lydia and Eezeyal to return to Lacorinth.
"It was wonderful having you here for Wassailia" Sofia smiled at Lydia as the two hugged.
"It was wonderful being here" Lydia smiled back. "And I have a surprise for you. Dad told me this morning that Aunt Serafina, Aunt Tilly, Eezeyal, and I are invited to the next Tri-Kingdom Picnic".
"Oh! Wonderful!" Sofia exclaimed with glee. "We're going to have so much fun, Lydia".
"I'm looking forward to it" Lydia smiled.
Lydia then said her goodbyes to everybody in the family, and she and Eezeyal stepped aboard the carriage that would take them back to Lacorinth. As the carriage and it's winged horses took flight, everybody waved goodbye.
Sofia and Lucinda smiled at each other. It had been a Wassailia that would be remembered always.