Princess
In
Their Hands
Moving on.
xxx
Goodwin's flare exploding in vibrant arrays signaled the start of Lydia's test. The throne room was briefly flooded by her turquoise smoke. Lydia disappeared and reappeared in her room. She grabbed her satchel and scrambled through her things to discern necessity. A shame Rex ate her hiking boots. She'd love to have those. To compensate, she packed away packages of dehydrated caplets. The day was going to be long so she packed in her canteen. She found particular herbs perfect for first aid. A compass, a map of Mistbow Mountain - kept in the atlas her geography teacher leant her. The final piece to complete her set: Eezeyal atop her shoulder to meet this test head on with her every step of the way.
"I trust you will not divulge answers or help her to cheat, Sir Eezeyal." Ubos reprimanded the bird before Lydia had a chance to strap on her satchel.
"O'Course not!" Eezeyal was disgusted Ubos would suggest he would cheat for Lydia. "I'm the moral support!"
If Ubos had hands he would raise them in remorseful surrender. He holds absolute confidence in Eezeyal and Lydia's character. He happens to know Lydia removed her earrings during a segment of her duel with Cedric. An unfair advantage that she can fluently speak animal. "Fairwinds and Godspeed to you both." Ubos wished warmly.
"I wish you could come." Lydia ran a hand along his spine. "Won't be the same not taking you on a huge adventure like this."
"I'll be there at the top waiting for you." He promised with a wink.
"I'm sure you and Master Goodwin have 20 conversations planned to pass the time." Lydia crooned. Ubos arched his brow perplexedly, feigning ignorance of her insinuations. "The first time I heard you say Goodwin's name there was nostalgia in your voice. The way friends who haven't seen each other in a while would refer one another." Ubos was in awe of her astute observation. He wasn't aware he was transparent. Or that his pupil was so observant. "Did you tell Goodwin about my headband?" There was a note of aggression in her tone.
The question caught Ubos off guard. Thinking back, Goodwin stroked her headband and remarked on it. No surprise Lydia is perturbed. "You have safeguarded my secret thus far. I would never relinquish yours." He swore from the bottom of his heart. By Lydia and Eezeyal's hard stare, they demanded to know how Goodwin knows about the headband. "Goodwin learned through word of mouth from teachers at Hexley. He took an interest in you." Unease gripped her spine. Knowing the teachers talked about her with a stranger bothers her. It makes her wonder what else they spoke of when it regards her. At the same time she's flattered Goodwin the Great took an interest in her. Honored, if one were to be so bold. "Being an Inheritor shouldn't not burden you with shame, Princess Lydia. Or usher a wave of fear. There is no warrant for it."
"Are you a Skipped Inheritor, Ubos?" The hostility in her voice unnerved Eezeyal. "Have you ever shaken someone's hand and end up electrocuting them? Blew out a candle and caused a Hurricane?" Ubos's despondent sigh, and eyes drifting to the floor, answered her question. "Then do not pretend to understand." She would really appreciate it if the ignorant masses stop trying to console her. They could never understand. Ubos realized the carelessness in his statement, but felt he was correct. Lydia does not have cause to be ashamed. She must be made to see that. Before he could reconcile, Lydia picked up her things and darted to the door. "See you at the top."
"LYDIA!" Ubos called after her. She was already out the door. The door roughly bounced off the wall, swinging to a close. Eezeyal winced, feeling the unbridled and unintentionally provoked anger waft from the closing door. Ubos sank somberly. "I'm sorry."
"Don't take it personally, Ubos." Eezeyal reassured him, stopping the door with his foot. "Her quirk has always been a hot button."
"Eezeyal...I am being profoundly honest," He poured his heart to Lydia's oldest confidant. Through him Lydia will no he meant no offense, "Lydia is the last one who should feel ashamed of who and what she is."
"I've told her that for years, Book. The girl won't listen."
"But why?"
"That's the one thing I don't know. And she refuses to tell me." He breathed remorsefully. "But I respect her wishes."
"As do I, Eezeyal." Ubos dislikes not knowing the intricacies of Lydia's trauma involving her magic. The difficulty of understanding her increases. "Take care of our girl." He implored.
"I will."
xxx
Cedric and Lezard sat in suffocating silence in a carriage. They packed bags with essentials for a hike. Tents, food, water, first aid - typical gear, minus the hiking clothes. Challenge and obstacles is part of being a sorcerer.
Lezard was casual and calm, engrossed by the splendor and magnificence of the castle's exterior. The view gifted to him from the take of stretch was breathtaking. As if forever and ever was his to see. The horizon curving before him. Were it he had the time, he take a couple of extra seconds to admire the interior more thoroughly. With Lydia when she isn't on a time clock. He chose an opportune day to visit his best friend after so long. Right on the day of her exam. Adelea always said he had a knack for perfect timing. When he thinks about it, meeting Lydia on her exam day could be a perfect circumstance in itself. He can see if his school competition has improved while he was away. Lydia had a terrible habit of letting her work slip when she got too far ahead of herself. He let a chuckle slip when he thought of her scrambling fits to get caught up. She at her most adorable then.
Lezard's chuckle perked Cedric's ears, furrowing his bitter brow. A miracle he hasn't developed wrinkles by now. What is he laughing about? He demanded to know in his mind. Wormwood squawked a discomforted groan when he pet him too roughly. Cedric apologized, but can't be as relaxed, ardent, and casual as the boy across from him. Cedric hasn't forgotten his proficiency exams when he was Lezard or Lydia's age. He was a nervous wreck. He failed the first time. Worked tirelessly for the second. Lydia is skilled, but he refuses to allow this boy to diminish her discipline and tact. Is the Princess what's making him so giddy? It's enough to make his stomach collapse in on itself. He swears to Zeus, if he didn't know better - or would care to toss the idea about a while longer - he'd guess they were...were...romantically involved. There's the feeling of his stomach collapsing. What does the Princess see in someone like this? What does he have that I don't? Cedric bit his tongue in realization of what he said. NOT THAT I WANT ANYTHING THAT WOULD ATTRACT HER! EW! He twisted in revulsion. She's too young for him anyway.
"Is all well, Master Cedric?"
"NONE OF YOU BUSINESS!" Cedric inadvertently, yet eagerly, snapped. Lezard smirked dismissively, relaxing in his seat. Cedric folded his arms, turning to face anywhere but in Lezard's direction. He still can't place what it is about this boy - his demeanor and persona - that aggravated him to no comprehensive end.
Panting and fervent running caught their ears. "SORRY I'M LATE!" Lydia jumped in beside Lezard, tossing her bag on Cedric's side. Eezeyal landed to her lap, buckling himself in for the trip. She caught her breath before bellowing, "Argus! To Mistbow Mountain, please!"
"Yes, Princess!" Argus situated himself in his seat, ready to snap the reigns as soon as the horses were ready.
Sofia, James, and Amber raced to the carriage just as the horses were about to be given orders to take off. Roland, Miranda, Miles, and Baileywick strolled on scene, wearing confident smiles for Lydia's success. "Good luck, Lydia!" Sofia beamed.
"We'll be waiting for you at the top!" James pumped a fist.
"Please don't be reckless like you were in your duel!" Amber begged, massaging the same arm Lydia injured.
"Thanks guys. And I won't." Lydia pat Amber on the head. She turned and waved to her parents and the others, "See you all soon!" The carriage started to move.
"TAKE CARE, LYDIA!" Miranda called.
"FAIR WINDS TO YOU!" Roland wished. Miles and Baileywick waved animatedly.
The wind caught the horses' wings. Argus pulled a lever, extending the carriage's wings. Cedric, Lezard, and Lydia braced themselves. The carriage lifted on the winds, soaring to the clouds and for the ominous looking Mistbow Mountain. The Royal Family, Miles, and Baileywick released their held breath. She was off, and it's too late to tell her to turn back. Not that they would. The peak of Mistbow Mountain the goal to begin the next chapter of Lydia's journey.
"That's funny…" Baileywick hummed, hand to his brow as a visor. He squinted hard.
"What's wrong?" Miles asked.
"I don't recall reading about a storm." Baileywick was unnerved by the rolling clouds. The carriage was heading straight for them.
xxx
Mistbow Mountain was approaching fast. Argus curled into a tight position, shivering and sniffling. The winds were growing chillier by the second. Lezard, Lydia, and Cedric felt the drop in temperature and sat on the insulated floor. Eezeyal and Wormwood could get warm. Lydia disrobed her coat and draped it to them. Wormwood was taken aback by her generosity. Not that he wanted it. Lydia spread the map out, putting her her finger at the base of the peak. "We'll touch down here near the Crystal Forest. From there," Lezard and Cedric followed her finger, "We'll follow the trail to the peak. I'll bet Master Goodwin, Winifred, and the Fairies are along that root."
"They might divert you off course for giggles." Lezard partially joked. The Fairies are notorious for sending their pupils on the intended root in place of the wanted route.
"Good thing I'm not easily surprised by them anymore." Lydia laughed.
"The same will not be said for my mother and father." Cedric forewarned. "They are notorious for unwanted surprises."
"Such as…" Lydia trailed off. Cedric had to get his sneakiness from somewhere. She's not sure she likes that BOTH parents are capable of surprises.
"PRINCESS LYDIA!" Argus cried. Lydia shot to her knees. He fought the reins to keep the horses on track. The strengthening wind jostled the carriage. "The winds are picking, Your Highness! There's a storm rolling in fast!" Lydia climbed past Cedric and to Argus. The dark grey clouds creeping swiftly on the paling blue sky rumbled forebodingly. Lydia showed the same confusion as Lezard and Cedric. Today's forecast didn't call for a storm. Sunny all day with a few clouds. And Eezeyal..."Your Highness, I suggest that we land! The storm will be too dangerous to fly through.
"No! Keep flying until the base of the mountain." Lydia ordered. Something wasn't right.
"Your Highness?!" Argus trembled.
"Lydia…" Lezard rested a hand on her shoulder, "Perhaps we should-"
"Eezeyal's beak isn't hurting." Lydia interjected abruptly, glaring at the clouds passing overhead. Curious eyes shifted to the bird stroking his beak. "Eezeyal has a quirk. When bad weather is coming, his beak hurts depending on the ferocity."
"What's that got to do with now?!" Cedric snorted, missing her point.
"This isn't a real storm! It's fake!" Wormwood gaped, glancing between Eezeyal and Lydia. Cedric silenced his skepticism, awaiting further elaboration.
Before Lydia could explain herself, a drop of water startled Lezard. Lydia felt on touch her cheek. Another drop after another dropped to Argus and Cedric. Wormwood and Eezeyal lifted the blazer, shielding the ran. Lydia held up her hand. A mass of rain poured from the dark clouds. The air grew colder the closer the they drew to the mountain. Hot breath was seen on the air. A strange surge crossed the carriage, shooting jolts through Lydia, Lezard, and Cedric. Hard pellets pelted their heads. Hail the size of small rocks attacked them
"STILL CONVINCED THE STORM IS FAKE?!" Lezard bellowed, casting a shield above him, Cedric, and Argus.
"Goodwin started my test back at the palace! This has to be part of it!" Lydia stated confidently. She peered over the edge of the carriage, holding a hand up in defense of the hail. She focused her sight long and hard. The mist created by the hail was thick. Nevertheless, she saw it. "The ground isn't wet." She muttered. The trees weren't being hit, the dirt wasn't darkening. "This isn't a storm. It's a spell! The Fairies, Goodwin, or Winifred are behind this!"
"How do you intend to deal with a hailstorm?" Cedric snarled. A valid question seeing as how Lezard and Cedric are at a loss.
The storm progressively worsened the closer to Mistbow Mountain they drew. Conjured or not, fighting mother nature is a dangerous idea. Using a wind spell might deflect the hailstorm long enough for them the land at the base of the mountain. The spell she's familiar with is too small. Anything too big will wipe her out before the test even really starts. Flying through the storm was a suicidal idea. Unless...
"Take us into the clouds!" The coachman stammered, questioning her plan. "Just do it! Hurry!" The coachman snapped the reigns. The horses climbed, breaking into the dark grey clouds. Lydia stood, defiantly facing the stormy clouds. "A storm...with no lightning or thunder. STOP!" The coachman pulled. Lezard and Cedric flew forward on the stop. "This is perfect."
"For what?" Lezard groaned dizzily.
"This…" Lydia extended her arm. Eezeyal fuzzy, sharp ears erected. He shot to her arm, perching with his feet and wings spread. Lydia held up a black bean. Cedric and Lezard recognized the bean. Lydia popped it into Eezeyal's mouth. He chewed and swallowed smoothly. "You may want to cover your ears." She wiggled her brow. Lezard and Cedric clamped hands to their ears. Argus as well. "There's a particular sound Sorcerers hate! No other creature or being can hear it." Lydia bellowed to the open clouds. Lezard, Argus, and company weren't sure who exactly it was she was talking to. Eezeyal's stomach gurgled, pressure swelled and stopped in his throat. "NOW!" Lydia launched Eezeyal in the air, covering her ears.
Eezeyal took a deep breath. He opened his beak, unleashed his voice. Strobing ripples cascaded the clouds as a shrill, pulsating screech echoed across the air. Propellers grazing chalkboards beating the air. Growing louder and louder as Eezeyal's breath left him. Cedric, Lezard, and Lydia felt the noise burrow into their skulls, driving them to the brink of madness. Argus confusedly relieved his ears from his hands, darting his eyes to search for the sound he was to be prepared for. Odd sounds came from Eezeyal, but nothing torturous. He was concerned for the three sorcerers in pain. Meaning what Lydia said was true. Only the sorcerers can hear what Eezeyal is screeching.
"AAAHHH...STOP IT! I CAN'T STAND IT!" A wailing voice nipped Eezeyal's scream in the bud. Lydia, Cedric, and Lezard wearily removed their hands, shaking their hazy heads of the buzzing. An orb of light shot up from the clouds beneath them, hovering above the horses. The orb spanned and Winifred materialized, cradling the worst migraine she's had in decades. "By the sisters of fate, I despise that sound!"
"MUMMY?!" Cedric gasped dumbfounded. Lezard blinked in disbelief. Lydia smirked victoriously. "Good guess, Princess." Cedric whispered. Lydia winked at him.
"UGH…" Winifred wiggled a finger in her ear. "What on earth possessed you to use your bird to locate me?"
"I don't know any spells for countering a storm." Lydia shrugged nonchalantly. She's not too proud that she can't admit her shortcomings in the presence of a master. "That aside, I know who I'm up against, and know that if I countered, you'd just use another spell to counter me. It'd never end." She snapped her fingers. Eezeyal perched to her shoulders, receiving a congratulatory scratch under the chin. "So I used the one thing I knew would stop any sorcerer in their tracks." She showed Winifred the bean she used. "Special brand of shriek bean - depending on the dosage ingested - meant to immobilize Sorcerers. Eezeyal ate one, so all it did was hurt yours ears."
"I don't know what unnerves me more." Winifred chuckled. "How indifferent you are about nearly blowing my ears off my head. Or that you brought those heinous beans along as a resort." Lydia was only able to shrug again. Being honest with herself, she was surprised she used the beans herself. They are far from her favorite. For more than one reason. "Very resourceful nonetheless, Princess Lydia! If not crude for such a pretty face."
"Hasn't Cedric told you?" Lydia put hands to her hips, "I can be a sadist when pushed too far." Cedric and Lezard shuddered at the undying truth behind her tease. "Will the others be as violent as you, Master Winifred?"
"Not at all, My dear. They swore to be gentle." She chuckled. She floated off to the side, gesturing to the mountain appearing from the clearing clouds. "The next stage of your test is at the base of the mountain. Don't keep you instructors waiting. They be as anxious to meet you as I was." She whirled her hands to the air and transformed into a ball of light, dashing for the mountain peak to await Lydia.
"Cool!" Lydia cupped her flushed cheeks. "I won your mom's approval!" She teased Cedric.
"Don't get too excited!" Cedric rumbled. He motioned a hand to Argus, getting the carriage moving again. "She approves of anything with a diabolical side. You just made the cut." Lydia shoved his face into the seat, not approving of the downgrade. "Can't handle the truth, Your Highness?" He teased.
"No. I just realized how annoying you can be!" She pushed his face down harder.
"You're just now realizing that?! You are slow!"
"Shut up!" Lezard arched a put off brow by their banter. They sounded...chummy. Too chummy.
"Admit it!"
"I hate you!"
"I know you mean love!"
"LOVE TO HATE YOU!" Lezard's brow knit sharply. A glowing bitterness caught Wormwood's eye. Lezard looked ready to kill someone.
xxx
Goodwin, nestled comfortably to a chair he conjured, frequently peered from his thrilling novel to admire the view Mistbow Mountain offered. The crisp, clean air bringing a natural aroma to his nose, freeing his soul, and bringing a sense of youth to his old body. The musical smoke geysers a cliff below were an unwanted intrusion on the serenity. At the same time, they added a peculiar ambiance. The glistening valley was enough to bring a tear to his eyes. Until now, he hadn't realized how much time he has spent at Mystic Meadows. To not visit his homeland is an error on his part. He leisurely watched the storm clouds begin to part. Golden sun rays glazing the kingdom in its warmth. Such a romantic setting to admire. And how convenient that Winifred arrived to enjoy it with him.
"How's your hearing, my dear?" Goodwin mocked Winifred as she hobbled to him. The high altitude building pressure on her ears and the constant ringing left her with no patience for her husband's bad jokes. She may need to have someone check her eardrum when she's done. "Eezeyal was said to pack a powerful set of lungs. I am pleased you've taken the initiative to-" Three pies appeared and splattered Goodwin face, stomach, and chest. Winifred angrily huffed her past her teeth. If Goodwin dares to remark on her sinister tendencies, she will remember to regale him on this day. Goodwin reached for his wand inside his sleeve. A couple of smooth swirls and the pies peeled off, leaving their creamy fillings stained to his robe and facial hair. He slurped the confections, humming blissfully. "Banana Cream! My favorite!"
"Enjoy that dessert, Goodwin!" Winifred roared, storming for a nearby cave. "Because I am going to ensure Lydia gives you yours when she gets here!"
"I look forward to it!" Goodwin beckoned, laughing at his wife's adorable disgruntled fluster. He conjured three wardrobe guards and started to disrobe and clean the pie off his robes. As he pulled his robe off over his head, he spotted Lydia's carriage descending to the base of the mountain through a small slit. He smiled excitedly, sensing a good trial on the horizon. "I certainly look forward to it."
xxx
"Thanks for the ride, Argus." Lydia praised him. Lezard offered her his hand, helping her off the carriage. Cedric, waiting at the Mountain's Trail, sneered in revulsion of the gesture.
"My pleasure, Princess." Argus tipped his hat. "Would you like an escort?"
"No thanks." Lydia twirled and looped her arm to Cedric's and Lezard's. "I've got two of the best here." Lezard was charmed by her faith. Cedric blushed angrily, growling under his breath. "Go ahead and head back home. I'll see you soon." She began her ascent. Lezard and Cedric in tow.
"Good luck to you, Princess!" Argus wished. He snapped the reins and guided the horses the opposite way.
The forest was less dense near the mountain than anticipated. The Horrid Hills have a thicker wilderness up and down the mountain. A peaceful walk in the wild before work got in the way and stresses everyone out. Cedric let the whispering breezes tease his ear, walking with his eyes closed to enjoy the full effect. Lydia stretched her arms above her head, folding them behind her. Lezard glanced side to side to watch the scenery pass him by. Eezeyal was loving the minute sounds playing in an orchestra around them. Reminds him of the oasis's of his old desert. Before he wound up at Hexley. Wormwood took in the serene surroundings as well. The castle was far too stuffy. He should make an effort to get out more.
"I must admit, Lydia," Lezard started off passing the trip with a congratulatory pat to her back, "Utilizing Eezeyal to weed out Master Winifred was quite clever on your part." Lydia ignored that surreptitious stab at her cunning.
"Like I said, Winifred was too powerful for me to counter." Eezeyal perched to her head, basking in his small glory. "That sound was the one way I knew we'd be able to make it to the starting line."
"It also speaks volumes to your unorthodox and outside the box methods." Cedric spoke up with a note of pride in her actions. The wrinkle in Lezard's brow returned. "Those will be your key to passing this test. Don't sacrifice them for meaningless marks."
"I won't." She promised.
"You both baffle me." Lezard shook his head. "One minute you fight. The next you are tranquil." He shrugged his hands, wishing they would clarify the nature of their relationship. Eezeyal and Wormwood have become unwitting victims of their bipolar association. "What is the story behind you two?"
"Nothing that need be divulged with a stranger!" Cedric snapped abruptly. Lezard was offended by his dismissal. As someone who is consorting with his close friend, he felt he was entitled to an answer. Cedric cleared his throat, recomposing himself, "While I appreciate your desire to understand, understand that the journey that's brought us here is less than amicable." To put it more bluntly, Cedric and Lydia have left quite a bit of damage to reach a nexus where they can stand in the same hallway and not nearly blow it up. Not being mentioned - as well - are the unforgivable actions Cedric has taken against Lydia. And she's ignorant of them. That wasn't a good enough answer for Lezard.
"In his own curt and obnoxious way," Lydia playfully elbowed Cedric in the arm, "Cedric is right. This isn't a topic we take lightly. And while you and I are friends," She pat his shoulder, "This is something that stays between the two of us." Cedric edged closer, closing the loop Lezard was trying to weasel in.
"As you wish." Lezard gave up the chase. "Forgive my bluntness."
"Don't be sorry. Everyone asks. Some less polite than you." Cedric knows the truth on that one. Wormwood and Eezeyal shared disgruntled sneers at one another. While others are complacent in Cedric and Lydia's cat-dog relationship, those two would appreciate their masters reaching some sort of conclusion. The boundaries they claim to have are starting to get on their nerves.
Shimmers caught the trio's eyes. The ground to the treetops sparkled like diamonds. The greenery of the forest gradually shaded to an aquamarine. What was believed to be dew that has yet to dry was discovered to be crystallized droplets hardened to the trees and grass. The crystals distorted the natural colors and coated them in. Trailing the glistening crystal to the road ahead, mouths dropped in awe and eyes widened in a daze of the crystallized archway greeting them at the path's first trek. The dirt road was cut and solid glass replaced it. The pines and plants alive in abundant and vibrant blue, white, and aqua sheen, completely coated in a fine mineral.
"Whoa…" Lydia breathlessly marveled.
"You can say that again…" Cedric touched his heart. Eezeyal and Wormwood looked as if Shangrila was before them.
"The wonders of nature never cease to amaze." Lezard ran a hand over the smooth crystal, savoring the feel of the rougher stones that grazed his gloves. "It is said this forest is so fragile that a feather falling can cause it to shatter."
"Still one for exaggerating, Lezard!" Lezard nearly jumped out of his skin, darting behind Cedric and Lydia. Merryweather laughed behind her hand, growing from her fairy size to human size on a boulder. Cedric and Lydia laughed at Lezard, snorting when they tried not to laugh too hard. Eezeyal and Wormwood were rolling on the floor. "But you are correct about one thing, Lezard," Merryweather had to breathe before proceeding. She glided a hand to the awe-inspiring forest stretching a moderately stunted way, "The Crystal Forest is one of nature's most mysterious, beautiful, and fragile of creations. So I'm afraid a supersonic scream will guarantee failure, Lydia." She teasingly put a stake in Lydia's famous reckless behavior.
"I know, Miss Merryweather." She didn't need to be told. With the forest's fragile state in mind, Lydia plucked a fallen pine and gazed at it thoughtfully. "Since you're here, am I supposed to get across the forest?" Sounds too easy when she says it.
"Correct. However," The trio and animals saw the rub a mile away. Merryweather whirled her wand over her palm and threw a handful of dust. Featureless figures sprouted, "In order to pass this test, you cannot walk or run through," One figure walked, while the other ran. Their no substance bodies hadn't disturbed the forest an inch. "Nor can you go around the forest." The last figure scoured for an alternate route, shrugging and giving up on a way around. "You have to make it THROUGH the forest without disturbing it." Lydia and Eezeyal stared wide mouthed at the ridiculous rules. Lydia took a subconscious step back from the forest. "Meet me on the other side when you're done." She crooned.
"Merryweather!" Lezard called. Merryweather already shrunk to a fairy's size, flying above and over the forest before Lezard's call caught her. Lydia had an epiphany. "No walking, running, or going around?" Lezard remarked to Cedric, hoping he isn' the only one who thought that was a crazy request.
Cedric pensively tapped his wand at his chin, humming loudly as he pondered the predicament. "Perhaps she can slide across. She knows slip and slide spells. But wait…" Cedric puffed a breath and a crystal flower crumbled. "If that hurt caused that, sliding will cause worse."
"So many ways to damage the forest." Lezard cringed.
"But less hazardous as the bird flies." Lydia announced slyly. "Or should I say fairy." Eezeyal caught her drift and nodded firmly. Lezard, Cedric, and Wormwood mumbled confusedly at her statement. "Follow my lead." Lydia winked. Eezeyal hovered at the forest entrance. Lydia took a deep breath and closed her eyes. Raising her hands, she tickled the air, coating herself in a plither of glittering dust. Slowly her feet relaxed as she rose from the ground. Lezard, Cedric, and Wormwood felt the answer wash over them in a tidal was as she folded her legs in midair. Eezeyal, however, whistled excitedly at how flawless her levitation started. Lydia poked an eye open, and then smile triumphantly. "Merryweather said no land means or avoiding the obstacle," She grabbed Lezard and Cedric by the hand, rousing a blush to their cheeks, "So why not follow her lead and fly on through." She swung her legs down, hoisting the boys an inch off the ground. Wormwood was startled off Cedric's shoulder, hovering with Eezeyal. Lezard and Cedric relieved her and levitated the rest of the way.
"Flawless…" Lezard purred, tightening his hold on her hand. Lydia shied glossy eyes to the ground.
"Flawless. Right…" Cedric saw his hand still clenched in Lydia and snatched it back, blushing madly. "But not perfect! Or done!" Cedric snapped a finger to the finish line. "You've yet to reach the finish. Never celebrate before victory is certain!" He reprimanded both Lydia and Lezard for their foolish exuberance.
"Yes Cedric!" Lydia exasperated.
"Forgive me, Master Cedric." Lezard bowed. He gazed dreamily to Lydia, still hanging onto her hand. "Shall we?"
"Let's." Lydia returned the squeeze. Cedric's cheeks puffed at the public display of affection. Lydia led him by the hand. Eezeyal flapping after them. Cedric rolled his eyes, muttering derisive comments under his breath at the pair. Wormwood shared his disgust. Not with Lezard. But with Cedric obsession over the Princess.
As Lydia, Lezard, and Cedric played tortoise, using a steady and cautious pace to weave between the deceiving sharp nature, music was in the air as she and Lezard never let each other's hand go. SHe'd forgotten how big his hands were. How strong they felt. His arms were the same. She always felt safe in his arms. She'd wanted to stay in those arms - with him - for the rest of time a long time ago. Who knows? After the test, she might be able to.
A hollow breeze whistling in the cavern kind of ruined the mood. Lydia was put off by the sound, wiggling a finger in her ear. It sounded shrill. Abnormally loud. Must be a side effect of Eezeyal's shriek. Passing an arch serving as the halfway mark, Lydia let her gaze fall to the ground. Hers and Lezard's reflections brought a bliss to her heart. Her hand in his held a certain magic the was glowing radiantly to the contrasting glass. Unusually bright. Looking at their hands, Lezard caught her gaze and smiled wolfishly. Lydia played sheep and gazed back at the ground. No glow there. Or in the reflection all of a sudden. She must have been seeing things. Or she was tired. Really tired. She wasn't this tired earlier. Head head felt light. Her body felt so heavy. Am I...falling asleep?
Hands viciously squeezed her shoulders and jerked her out of Lezard's hand. There was a ping. Lydia was jolted alive, finding Cedric protectively holding her against his chest. His closeness made her blush. A stern and harsh stare locked to the path ahead. Fervent thumping beat against Lydia's chest. Is that...Cedric's heart beat? Lydia twisted to see what had him worked up. Horror gripped her in an icy cling. Had Cedric not grabbed her, spikes protruding from a boulder would have impaled her. Lydia's own heart was racing. She opened her mouth to thank him. Cedric put a finger to her lips, shaking his head. He pointed to the exit a short distance away. Lydia nodded and slowly separated from Cedric. This time he was holding her in case she fell. Lydia nodded that she was fine and proceeded forward. Lezard was about to follow when a snag at his cloak stopped him. Cedric flew ahead, casting him a hateful glare as he passed. Lezard swallowed nervously, waiting for the gap to widen before trailing after them.
Cedric was the first to land to the fresh, soft soil. Whether she wanted it or not, Cedric tenderly led Lydia to a graceful landing by her hands. A wave of dizziness hit her. She stumbled a bit, catching herself by his shoulders. "Are you alright?" Cedric fret. Eezeyal landed to Cedric's shoulder, wanting to inspect her. "You seemed to doze off inside the forest!" Cedric tentatively cupped her cheeks, quickly looking her over. This wasn't natural.
"I'm fine! Really!" She smiled bravely, stopping his unwarranted check up. Her color was vibrant, offering some closure. Wormwood and Lezard brought up the rear, throwing bitter glares at the rather comfy pair. "I just...got really tired all of a sudden. Must have worked too hard the day before." Cedric accepted that. Lydia does push herself too hard. But she's become adept at levitating. This shouldn't have taxed her more than a jaunt through the castle gardens. "Thanks for the save, by the way."
"Oh! It's...not a problem!" He bashfully welcomed. "King Roland would have my head if anything happened to you under my watch." Regardless. Lydia's glad he came.
"Lydia?!" Lezard rushed to her side. "Are you alright?" Cedric removed his hands, backing away as Lezard - once again - put his clingy hands to the Princess. "You almost crashed!"
"I'm fine, Lez. Really!" She REALLY wished people would stop fussing.
"No thanks to you, Lezard!" Cedric barked. Lydia and Lezard were stunned by his 180. "Had I not been here, your trip to La-La Land would have left the Princess dangerously maimed! If you insist on accompanying her, you have to possess better foresight!" Eezeyal wasn't as angry, but he shared Cedric's view.
"Cedric! That's not called for-"
"No. He's right." Lezard acquiesced, sighing shamefully. He stared dreamily into her eyes, "I was thinking of our first date across the lake." DATE?! Wormwood, Eezeyal, and Cedric's heads exploded. That's right. This is news to Eezeyal. "Remember the flying swan boats that we borrowed. The stars reflecting off the lake."
"And dolphin size coy fish leaping out of the water…" Lydia melted in his arms, throwing herself to the memory. "That was my favorite…"
"Mine too."
Cedric couldn't' stomach it anymore. He clapped his hands loudly. "OKAY! OKAY! BREAK IT UP!" He shoved them apart. "If you want to daydream and get all lovey-dovey, do it on your own time!" He cursed them both. The very idea made him want to duck behind a tree and vomit. "You need to focus and meet Merryweather!" He pointed up the trail. Ahead was a sign marked trail pointing upward. Lydia grudgingly nodded and moved on. Leave it to Cedric to ruin a good moment. "And you!" He jabbed a finger in Lezard's chest. Lezard stiffened nervously. The heat of Cedric's glare reduced his spine to ash. "The Princess falls to danger under your watch again, I will personally see to it you are kicked off this journey! Do-I-make-my-self-clear?!" He huffed through grit teeth.
"At the risk of a pun - Crystal, Master Cedric." Lezard said with seriousness. Cedric nod warned him to hold himself to that. As the elder sorcerer trailed after Lydia, a dark glower hued Lezard's brow. A strong desire to remove the one irritating thorn - three actually - that dares to intervene on him and Lydia pulled at him. He stared at his palm, opening and closing the fingers to the gaping hole that wasn't there. "Absolutely crystal clear," He closed a hand around Cedric, imagining him being crushed to dust, "Master Cedric…"
To be continued.
Sorry if it isn't much, but I felt I needed to end it here for now.
And, updates will come later or less now. I have more hours at work now.