Sisters - a Sofia the First fanfic
Sisters (Chapter 3)
Notes: this chapter takes place a month after "A Day in Dunwitty". I want to thank jakevoronkov1 for giving me an idea that evolved into a back story on how Lydia and Scarlet first met.
Arriving early
It was one day before the annual Tri-Kingdom Picnic. King Graham of Lacorinth had given Lydia a few days off so she could attend the Tri-Kingdom Picnic, and have some time with her family afterward at Enchancia Castle. Sofia and the rest of the family were expecting Lydia to arrive a day later. Lydia's time off included a day before the picnic, which meant she could arrive a day ahead of schedule and surprise everybody.
The flying carriage carrying a 26-year-old Lydia, and Eezeyal, soon arrived in the courtyard of Enchancia Castle. As Lydia and Eezeyal got off the carriage, Baileywick ran up.
"Princess Lydia" Baileywick started. "If we had known you were coming a day early, we would have had a proper welcome set up for you".
"Relax, Baileywick" Lydia smiled. "I thought I'd surprise everyone".
"Most of the royal family are away on various business today" Baileywick said. "Sofia and Lucinda, however, are in their workshop".
"I think I'll go up and surprise them" Lydia smiled.
"Very good" Baileywick smiled. "And Lydia ... it's good to have you here".
"Thank you, Baileywick" Lydia smiled back.
Lydia and Eezeyal walked into Enchancia Castle, and soon found themselves at the door that led to Sofia and Lucinda's workshop. Lydia then knocked on the door.
"Come in" Sofia's voice invited.
Lydia and Eezeyal walked through the door.
"Lydia!" a 15-year-old Sofia exclaimed as she raced over and gave Lydia a hug. "It's good to see you".
"Good to see you too, Sofia" Lydia smiled.
Lydia then looked up to see not only a 15-year-old Lucinda, but also the Scarlet Warrior.
"Lucinda, Scarlet" Lydia greeted as Lucinda and Scarlet walked over and hugged Lydia.
"It's good to see you, Lydia" Lucinda smiled.
"Good to see you, Lucinda" Lydia smiled back.
"Nice to see you again, old friend" Scarlet smiled at Lydia.
"And you too, Scarlet" Lydia smiled. "If I'm interrupting something, Eezeyal and I can come back later".
"Your not interrupting anything, Lydia" Scarlet reassured Lydia. "I just wanted to drop by and spend some time with Sofia and Lucinda. And now I get to spend time with Sofia and Lucinda, plus you and Eezeyal".
A flashback
Sofia, Lucinda, Scarlet, and Lydia sat down at a table in the workshop to talk, while Eezeyal flew up and perched among the rafters.
"So, how did you and Scarlet first meet anyway?" Lucinda asked Lydia.
"Lydia and I met shortly after Lydia had first come to the castle, when Sofia was still a child" Scarlet started. "Everybody, take my hands. I can show you how we met".
Lydia, Sofia, and Lucinda took a hold of Scarlet's hands, and soon a flashback from the past played in each of their heads.
Lydia was in bed, recovering from her duel with Cedric (seen in GradGirl2010's story "My Sister's Keeper"). The muscle in Lydia's arm had been damagedduring the duel, and needed time to mend. As Lydia lay in bed, she saw from the corner of her eye a mist enter the room. In a few moments, the mist changed ... into Scarlet.
"Please don't be alarmed, Lydia" Scarlet gently said. "I'm a friend. I'm here to help. I am the Scarlet Warrior. You may call me Scarlet".
"Sofia has told me about you" Lydia started. "She has good things to say about you".
"Sofia has good things to say about you as well, Lydia" Scarlet smiled. "She loves you very much. She beams every time she talks about you".
"I love her, too" Lydia smiled. "I'd do anything for her".
"I know" Scarlet remarked with a smile. "That's why I'm here, Lydia. Your so loyal to Sofia, and that deserves a reward". Scarlet then touched Lydia's damaged arm. Lydia's arm glowed for a few moments, then went back to normal.
Lydia moved her arm, and discovered there was hardly any pain. Her arm had been strengthened!
"Thank you, Scarlet" Lydia responded in a very grateful tone of voice. "That feels so much better".
"Your welcome, Lydia" Scarlet smiled. "In a few days, you'll be back to normal. And that's not all I can give you".
"What do you mean?" Lydia asked.
"I would like to further your magical knowledge, to teach you advanced magic" Scarlet said.
"You would do that? For me?" Lydia asked.
"In a second" Scarlet smiled. "I see in you a special talent, a talent that should see it's full potential. I'd very much like to be your teacher. I can teach you things that no school could".
"What's the catch?" Lydia asked.
"Fair question" Scarlet started. "There is no catch. For me, I simply get the satisfaction of knowing that I've taught somebody truly deserving".
"Then I accept" Lydia smiled.
"Excellent" Scarlet smiled. "I will teach you well".
For the next two years, during Lydia's free time, Scarlet taught Lydia everything she could. By the time two years had passed, Lydia had become very powerful in using advanced magic, almost as powerful as Scarlet herself.
One day after those two years had passed, King Roland called Lydia into his study.
"What can I do for you, Dad?" Lydia asked.
"Please, sit down" Roland said. "I've received a letter from King Graham of Lacorinth. His sorcerer is retiring in two months time. King Graham has heard about you, and he wants to talk to you about being his royal sorceress. He wants to see you next week". Roland then handed Lydia a piece of paper. "Here is the day and time of the interview. Transportation to and from Lacorinth Castle has already been arranged. This is a great opportunity for you, Lydia. I'm so proud of you".
"Thank you, Dad" Lydia smiled.
Afterward, Lydia walked into her bedroom where Scarlet was waiting.
"I heard the news" Scarlet smiled. "Lacorinth is a fine kingdom, and you'll make a great royal sorceress".
"... it's just an interview" Lydia remarked.
"It's your time to shine, Lydia" Scarlet smiled. "This is what you have been working toward".
"But Sofia still needs me" Lydia pointed out.
"Allow me to look after Sofia and the family" Scarlet said. "I promise you I will serve them well. They will be well protected under my watch".
The following week, Lydia met with King Graham. What came next was a complete surprise.
"It's very nice to meet you, Princess Lydia" King Graham smiled. "Please, sit down".
Lydia sat down.
"I should tell you this is not an interview, Princess" Graham started. "The simple fact is you already have the job, all you have to do is to say yes".
Lydia was taken off guard by the offer. "I could ask way?" Lydia asked.
"I'm very impressed with you" Graham started. "You made a very good showing two years ago when you dueled a seasoned sorcerer like Cedric. You handled yourself very well. And then you've spent the past two years receiving finishing training from none other than the Scarlet Warrior herself. Your exactly what I'm looking for. I need not look any further. I'd be honored if your would say yes".
"Then by all means, yes" Lydia smiled. "Thank you".
"Your very welcome" Graham smiled back. "It will be an honor having you as my royal sorceress".
With that, the flashback ended. Scarlet, Lydia, Sofia, and Lucinda spent the rest of the afternoon having a pleasant time talking to each other.
This year's Tri-Kingdom Picnic
The next day was a sunny day in Enchancia. At a large outdoor area near Enchancia Castle, servants from Enchancia, Kaldune, and Wei-ling were getting everything ready for the annual Tri-Kingdom Picnic.
"Here they come!" Baileywick announced as four flying carriages came into view.
The first carriage landed.
"I present the royal family of Kaldune" Baileywick announced as the royal family of Kaldune stepped off of their carriage.
The second carriage landed.
"I present the royal family of Wei-Ling" Baileywick announced as the royal family of Wei-Ling stepped off of their carriage.
The third and fourth carriages then landed.
"I present the royal family of Enchancia" Baileywick announced. From one carriage, King Roland, Queen Miranda, Aunt Serafina, and Aunt Tilly stepped onto the ground. From the other carriage, Lydia with Eezeyal on her shoulder, Sofia, Lucinda, a 16-year-old Amber, and a 16-year-old James stepped onto the ground.
This was Lucinda's first Tri-Kingdom Picnic, and Sofia and Lydia were eager to introduce Lucinda to it. The three were walking when Lydia suddenly stopped Sofia and Lucinda.
"This could take a minute" Lydia observed as a line of servants walked past carrying platters of food.
"Wow!" Lucinda exclaimed. "I've never seen this much food in one place before".
"It is impressive, isn't it?" Lydia responded.
Eezeyal started licking his chops over the wide variety of fruit available. Sofia then turned to Eezeyal. "I've made sure there will be plenty of bowls of sliced fruit just for you" Sofia smiled at Eezeyal.
"Why, thank ya, Sofia" Eezeyal smiled back, pleased.
At that time, Lydia, Sofia, Lucinda, Amber, and James gathered together, waiting their turn to greet the other guests. During this time, Lydia went around to see if her sisters and brother looked presentable. Lydia adjusted Sofia and Amber's tiaras, then smoothed Lucinda's hair a bit, then made sure that James' collar was straight. Miranda smiled as she saw Lydia doing these things. It was classic Lydia - being a loving big sister, making sure everything was just right.
As Sofia, Lucinda, Amber, and James were greeting the other guests, Emperor Kwan of Wei-Ling walked up to Lydia.
"Princess Lydia" Kwan started. "It's nice to see you again".
"It's nice to see you, Emperor Kwan" Lydia smiled.
"And I see you brought your wonderful owl with you" Kwan remarked. "May I pet him?"
"Of course, Emperor Kwan" Lydia said with a smile.
Kwan gently petted Eezeyal. Kwan had a gentle touch, and Eezeyal enjoyed it very much. Lydia smiled at the touching scene.
Everybody having a good time
It was soon time to start having the picnic games. Since the children were now teenagers, they had graduated to grown up games, and now played with the adults. There were a variety of games available to play, so those at the picnic were able to pick and choose what they wanted to take part in.
"Hello" a friendly voice said from behind Lucinda. Lucinda turned around to see a teenage Princess Leena from Kaldune.
"Hello" Lucinda smiled back. "Your Princess Leena, right?"
"Yes" Leena smiled. "And I've been looking forward to meeting you, Princess Lucinda".
"Just call me Lucinda" Lucinda smiled.
"Okay ... Lucinda" Leena smiled back. "And just call me Leena".
"Deal!" Lucinda grinned.
"I hear your into fencing, Lucinda" Leena started. "So am I, and I was wondering if you would like to do a bout?"
"I'd enjoy that, Leena" Lucinda smiled. "I was told to bring my fencing outfit, and my blunted foil, just in case. I'm really glad I brought them now".
"I brought my fencing outfit and blunted foil too" Leena smiled back. "I'll go get them".
"See you in a few minutes, Leena" Lucinda cheerfully said. Lucinda and Leena then went to get their blunted foils and fencing outfits.
At the archery area, a teenage Princess Maya of Kaldune, along with a young teenage Prince Jin from Wei-ling, James, Aunt Tilly, and Aunt Serafina were gathered.
Princess Maya took the first shot. She raised her bow, pointed it at the target, and fired an arrow. The arrow landed in the red ring of the target, earning her eight points.
"Nice shot, Maya!" James smiled.
Prince Jin was next. He raised his bow, pointed it at the target, and fired an arrow. The arrow landed in the red ring of the target, earning him eight points.
"Well done, Jin!" Maya smiled.
James had the next turn. James raised his bow, aimed it at the target, and fired off an arrow. His arrow landed in the red ring of the target, earning him eight points as well.
"Nicely done, James!" Aunt Serafina commented with a smile.
It was now Aunt Tilly's turn. She raised her bow, carefully aimed it at the target, and fired off an arrow. Tilly's arrow landed in the second yellow ring of the target, earning her ten points.
"Nice shot!" Jin smiled.
Next was Aunt Serafina. Serafina raised her bow, slowly aimed it at the target, and fired off an arrow. Her arrow landed in the center of the target, earning her fifteen points.
"That was an excellent shot, Serafina!" Tilly smiled.
A fencing bout
Meanwhile, Leena and Lucinda were ready to start their fencing bout. Since fencing was rarely carried out at the picnic, everybody stopped what they were doing to watch.
Leena and Lucinda stood facing each other. Each of them raised their blunted foils as a salute to each other. The two then started the bout.
Leena and Lucinda carried out sword play which lasted for a few minutes. After a few minutes, Lucinda managed to touch the left side of Leena's torso, giving Lucinda one point. After about a minute of continued sword play, Leena managed to touch the right side of Lucinda's torso, giving Leena one point.
The fencing bout continued. During the bout, Leena and Lucinda managed to touch each other's torsos three more times, giving each of them four points.
The sword play then continued. After a few minutes, Leena saw an opening and was able to touch the left side of Lucinda's torso, giving Leena five total points. Since five points were needed to win the bout, the bout ended at that point with a final score of five (Leena) to four (Lucinda).
Lucinda walked over to Leena and shook Leena's hand. The two then hugged each other.
"That was a great bout, Leena" Lucinda smiled. "We should do this more often".
"I'd like that, Lucinda" Leena smiled back.
"Hey! I just thought of something" Lucinda started. "Enchancia Castle has it's own gym. You could come over every so often and we could fense there".
"Oh! That would be wonderful!" Leena beamed.
Lucinda and Leena then walked to the tents to get changed, having a happy conversation as they walked along.
Queen Anya of Kaldune, Leena's mother, walked up to Queen Miranda.
"Leena is usually quiet around other people" Anya observed. "This is the first time I've seen Leena really open up around somebody outside of our family. It's very nice to see that Leena has made such a good friend".
Anya and Miranda smiled as they watched their daughters walk together, enjoying each other's company. It was the beginning of a close friendship.
The rest of the picnic
A little later, at a canal located along side the picnic area, Lydia, Sofia, a young teenage Princess Jun of Wei-ling, and a young teenage Prince Calif of Kaldune, had decided on a friendly canoe race. Lydia and Sofia would be in one canoe, while Jun and Calif would be in the other canoe.
Lucinda and Leena walked up as Lydia and Sofia stepped into one canoe. At that time, Eezeyal perched on Lucinda's shoulder.
"Who's owl?" Leena asked.
"His name is Eezeyal" Lucinda started. "He belongs to my older sister, Lydia".
"He's very handsome" Leena commented. "May I pet him?"
"She may" Eezeyal whispered in Lucinda's ear.
"Go ahead" Lucinda invited.
Leena then petted Eezeyal with a very gentle touch. Eezeyal leaned into the pet, enjoying Leena's gentle touch very much.
In the canal, the canoe carrying the team of Sofia and Lydia, and the canoe carrying the team of Jun and Calif, were ready to race. In a few moments, Baileywick blew a whistle, and the two canoes moved forward, with each team putting much effort into paddling.
Almost to the end, it was a close race, with both canoes neck to neck. Suddenly, Sofia and Lydia found an extra bit of strength and managed to pull ahead just enough to win the race. The two teams then got out of their canoes, walked over to each other, and hugged. It had been an enjoyable race.
A variety of other picnic games also took place that day. King Roland, Queen Miranda, Emperor Kwan, and Kawn's wife Lin-Lin played Blazing Badminton, and had a very enjoyable time. Meanwhile, Amber, James, Queen Anya, Prince Jin, and Aunt Tilly played Musical Thrones and enjoyed themselves very much.
As the day continued, everybody took advantage of the food that was available. There was a wide variety of food to choose from, and everybody at the picnic had a good time eating old favorites, as well as items they had not tried before.
As the day was coming to an end, the picnic was coming to an end as well. As those attending the picnic said their goodbyes, everybody agreed that this year's Tri-Kingdom Picnic was one of the most enjoyable events they had ever attended. Roland was very pleased that everybody had enjoyed themselves.
After the picnic
Back at Enchancia Castle, Lydia spent the next few days with her family. It was a pleasant time for Lydia, spending quality time with those she loved.
In a few days, it was time for Lydia and Eezeyal to return to Lacorinth. On the morning that Lydia and Eezeyal had to leave, the royal family gathered in the courtyard of Enchancia Castle to say goodbye to Lydia and Eezeyal.
"It was good having you here, Lydia" Miranda smiled as she hugged Lydia.
"It was good being back, Mom" Lydia smiled back.
Lydia and Sofia then walked over to each other, and hugged.
"I'm going to miss you, Lydia" Sofia said.
"I'm going to miss you too, Sofia" Lydia started. "See you on my next vacation".
"See you on your next vacation, Lydia" Sofia smiled.
Lydia then walked over to Lucinda.
"You take care of yourself" Lydia smiled as she hugged Lucinda.
"I will" Lucinda smiled back.
Amber and James then walked over to Lydia, and the three hugged.
"Take care of yourselves, you two" Lydia smiled.
"We will" James smiled back.
"Love you" Amber said with a warm smile.
Lydia then walked over to Roland. The two then hugged.
"It was a pleasure having you visit, Lydia" Roland smiled. "We're all very proud of the fine woman you've become".
"Thank you, Dad" Lydia smiled back.
Lydia and Eezeyal then boarded the carriage that would take them back to Lacorinth. In a few moments, the carriage and it's winged horses took flight. Everybody on the ground waved until the carriage was out of sight.
Back at Lacorinth Castle
In a few hours, Lydia was in her sorcery workshop at Lacorinth Castle. Lydia was putting some things away when she heard a knock at the door.
"Come in" Lydia invited.
The door to the sorcery workshop opened, and in walked King Graham. Graham was a handsome man who was 39-years-old. Age wise, he was only twelve years older than Lydia.
Graham looked around the workshop to see if anybody else was around, then he shut the door. Graham and Lydia then walked over to each other, and Graham put his arms around Lydia.
"I've missed you, Lydia" Graham smiled.
"I've missed you too, Graham" Lydia smiled back.
Graham and Lydia held each other for the longest time. Graham was a single man who had never been married. Over the past few years, Graham and Lydia had developed feelings for each other.
"Lydia" Graham started. "I've been thinking over the past few days. The simple fact is that we love each other. I was thinking, actually hoping, that we could become husband and wife".
"Oh, Graham!" Lydia said with a mix of being taken off guard and of joy. "But what will people say?"
"They'll say how wonderful it is that two people in love want to get married" Graham smiled.
Graham and Lydia hugged each other again.
"Of course, I want to do this the proper way" Graham started. "I'd like to see your parents and get their permission. I'll make the arrangements for a meeting".
Graham and Lydia smiled at each other. It was a moment of true happiness for both of them.