Party music could be heard throughout Darkwood Hollow, environmentally friendly streamers leading deep into the woods to the Sprites’ domain, where the twins, Prince Arman and Princess Aislin, were surrounded by cheerful celebrators on their birthday. They eyed up the ever-growing stack of presents eagerly, but still remembered to be gracious hosts. Their guests and subjects were more important to them than any new material possessions.
Both of them would agree that it was the feeling of togetherness and cheer from the crowds around them that they cared for. The desire for that feeling which was so prevalent at Mistmas was the exact reason they had agreed to this party in the first place!
Now if only they could get everyone into the Mistmas spirit, but who to start with? Who to ask? It wasn’t as if it was possible to bring the holiday forward a few months early unless a freak snowstorm showed up.
----
Gordon showed up ‘fashionably late’, flanked by Erika and Clayton. He was displeased with his companions, to say the least, especially considering Erika and her “shortcut” were the main reason for their tardiness, and she had the nerve not to be at all embarrassed by it. He did, however, take a small bit of pleasure in seeing just how fidgety and uncomfortable friendly rival Clayton was, tugging awkwardly at a poorly fitting suit that was somehow already dirty, despite being pristine when Gordon loaned him it this morning.
They worked their way towards the birthday pair, making small talk, or rather, little arguments, about what kind of dish they should prepare for the celebration. Gordon and Erika were both set on creating a light, vegetable-based feast with a delicious, spongy dessert, but Clayton was arguing for disgusting, out-of-season appetizers, certainly nothing fit for royalty or the season.
But ultimately it was up to the twins themselves.
---------
“A stew?” Gordon was horrified. Stews were, as they had said, a winter meal, perfect for Mistmas but not anything in season for the beginning of summer. He knew the twins were royalty, but who wanted a thick, hearty, heated stew while the temperatures were rising steadily?
One look at Erika and Gordon knew she was just as skeptical as he was, but unfortunately, the ever troublesome Clayton was beaming, seeming to have forgotten about his “offensive” suit for the opportunity that just arose. Gordon needed to act, and act fast.
“My apologies, your highnesses,” he bowed slightly in reverence, “but stews aren’t really appro-”
“How about a gumbo?” If the twins had been deflating in disappointment, Clayton’s interjection brightened them right back up. Gordon glared, his mouth hanging open, dissent dissolving in his throat.
Erika, his former ally in the argument against stews seemed to have taken one look at Gordon’s reaction and made up her mind. “What’sa matter, Gordy? Scared? The great chef can’t figure out a summer gumbo?”
“Of course I can.” He snapped. Gordon bowed to the twins, then stormed away as politely as he could manage. “And I can make a better one than either of you!”
Erika grinned, and when Gordon shouted back “And I want my suit dry-cleaned, Clayton!” Clayton smiled too. The two chefs high-fived, bowed to the twins and followed their grumpy fellow faction leader.
Looks like something is definitely cooking!
~Mistic Team
|
