Chapter Text
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A week passed after the princess and the knight's second outing had occurred. As promised, Tobey was able to obtain the necessary materials for them to start rebuilding their mechanical helper. He and Becky agreed that not every day they should travel out of the castle, for about three days a week at most. Even Bob had a chance to go with them for one of those days.
Right now, however it seemed that today was going to be a normal indoor day for the princess and his knight. After completing his usual morning activities he immediately went to secretly work on the mechanical helper using the study. The noise of his work would have been noticeable if it wasn't for the fact that he had Bob on his harpsichord playing over him. Tobey did have to admit how reliable Botsford's chimp can be.
Enjoying the surprisingly well-played music from Bob with the tinkering on the machine, Tobey was at peace. Or he would be if the door to his room wasn't immediately opened to the sound of Becky greeting them. “I'm back! And I have a visitor!”
Tobey, almost dropping his screwing tool from the unexpected entrance, as he turned his head to Botsford entering the room. Behind her was another person, the quiet daughter of the palace's official groundskeeper, Violet Heaslip.
Seeing the appearance of the unwelcomed Violet, Tobey tried their best to hide his work. While Bob left the instrument to approach them.
“Have you gone mad Botsford?! You can't just invite anyone in here, it's my chamber after all!” grabbing his bed sheet cover, Tobey opted to use it for covering his whole study.
“Violet isn't just anyone, she's my best friend. And you don't have to worry about hiding any of your inventing stuff, I told her everything.” Becky shook her head nonchalantly. The quiet blonde girl stayed behind her friend, looking at the princess with worried eyes.
“What?! Why?” He didn't take shy quiet meek Violet as the snitching type, so the fear of her outing him wasn’t there, yet her relation to his and Botsford's ruse wasn't necessary.
“Because that's what best friends do? They don't keep secrets from each other, ever.” Becky looked at her friend, giving a wide smile.
Violet smiled back, with hesitation, her presence in the princess's room was still jarring.
“Ah yes, the concept of best friends, never understood it.” He said, removing the blanket as there was no use to hide his work anymore.
“Hmm… yes I suppose that makes sense.” Becky said, avoiding eye contact.
Violet noticed the sadness in Tobey's words and Becky's expression, it was probably as good a time as any to speak up. “Becky, didn't you want to ask Tobey about something?” She rocked her clogs, hoping to lighten their moods.
“Hm? Oh yeah! Violet and I came up here for a reason. We got a note from our other friend about going over to my village. Something is going on there and he wants us to come, and I want you to join us.”
Tobey almost sat himself down again, only stopping by Botsford's request. “You want to sneak out today with a party of three or four? And to your village? That sounds risky, are you okay Botsford? You wouldn't usually make such a suggestion…”
“Yes, strange I know, but…I just miss my village and hanging out with my friends like I used to.” She nervously chuckled. Letting her hand grab onto Violet's.
Tobey thought upon it. This arrangement with her knightly duties has put a pin in her personal life, hasn't it? He even recalled the whole reason why he was able to escape in the first place after Botsford was put upon him; she chose to visit her friends.
Was this guilt he was feeling? He first thought Botsford was the nuisance, the roadblock in his plans. However, hearing her eagerness to visit her village, Perhaps he was more the annoyance. She has a responsibility to him, sacrificing all her previous personal free time to follow these knightly duties in watching over him. He was tempted to leave with her, spending time with Botsford in a location he hadn’t been to before was fascinating, but he would feel out of place being with her unfamiliar friends in her unfamiliar home. He would only burden her more in joining, she just admitted that she missed her old way of life…she can have that for the day as long as Tobey didn't come.
“I appreciate the offer, Botsford, but I must decline. If you want, you can leave with Violet to your village. I would rather spend the day working on my invention.” They sat themselves down, turning their body from the two girls.
“Tobey? No, I can't leave you here by yourself.”
“Why not? You would only be gone until supper time, I won't dare to do anything devious, as I said, I want to spend this time on the mechanical helper.”
“Hmm, I'm not sure I guess Bob could at least stay here too–”
“Becky, I think you and Bob should go, I can stay here with Tobey.” The unexpected voice of Violet's instance had both Becky and Tobey in shock.
“Violet? huh? You don't have to do that! Not coming along with me would defeat the whole purpose of going.” Becky quietly said to her in the blonde's ear.
“Oh Becky no it won't, it's your and Bob's home village. You should enjoy going back to it as much as you can. And Scoops is still going to be there with you, don't worry.” Violet responded into Becky's ear.
Becky still had her hand entwined with Violet's. The soft-spoken tone makes the brunette think about her friend's choice.
She didn’t want to spend another week without her best friend, but this was Violet’s choice and her quick instance to stay with Tobey probably had another motive. (There was also that last sentence Violet said…Scoops and her would-be technically alone, she now has a chance to have some quality time with him…
(“Ah! Not the time me!!)” She mentally kicked herself, forcing that giddiness down.
“If that is what you think is best…then yes you can stay.” Becky sighed, Violet, let go of her hand.
The docile blonde walked over to the harpsichord where Bob was, deciding to sit in place. Tobey didn't know what to say, his confusion as to why the gardener girl wanted to stay here was baffling.
“Alright then, I and Bob are going to leave using the usual route, we'll try and be back before supper time, if anything happens that we run late, cover for me. My village isn't too far, only outside the capital, so I won't take long.” She and Bob made their way to the door.
“Are you sure you two want to stay here?” She gave a stern stare. The two blondes nodded, both with a different level of enthusiasm.
“Okay, uh see you then…Uh, wait Tobey?” She paused, stopping herself from fully exiting the door. Hearing their name the princess turned around.
“Yes?”
“Be nice to Violet, if I come back and you've offended her in any way then we're not going out for macarons anymore.” She glared at him, she had to at least give him a warning before she left, his reputation when it came to interacting with others (especially Violet) wasn't a smooth one.
“Fine. I won't say anything to upset her Botsford, McCallister's honor.” He raised one of his hands to his chest.
Becky hummed, she hasn't heard them ever make a promise before with his family name. But it was enough to let her leave the room, slowly closing the door to keep her eyes on the two blondes as much as she could.
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Once the door had closed shut, Tobey went back to looking at his study, not letting his attention be focused on the guest he had. However, her presence was immensely intrusive.
From the corner of his eyes, she sat still on their harpsichord's stool, humming and looking around his room. She appeared to be her usual absent-minded and peaceful self. Strange for the princess. How can she be calm being in a room alone with him? Even after years of the two of them not communicating with each other.
He didn't have that many personal opinions about the girl at the moment. At a very young age, when they were playmates, he loathed her. Drastic to say, but he was a toddler at the time. Whenever Violet bested him at a game he exploded in a fit. Her exhausting affection, her loud singing, and her constant instance of bringing him poorly picked flowers from the gardens (dropping dirt all over his chambers) were activities she did that made him dislike the gardener's daughter. However, it's been years since then. Presumably, after Violet was no longer obligated to play with them, she seemed to find her attention somewhere else. Spending all her time outside either on the castle grounds or out of it. He didn't know how long she and Botsford had known each other, but their titles of best friends indicated that they were together for a while. (Perhaps if he begrudgingly continued to be acquainted with Violet he would have met Botsford sooner).
“What are you working on?” Violet said, her soft voice breaking Tobey's thoughts. He was surprised she even managed to say something.
“Oh, well… I would have told you that it is none of your business, however, I know Botsford has told you about my invention already, and I don't want to waste an opportunity to discuss my genius…”
Violet raised her brows, both out of curiosity and confusion.
“It's called the mechanical helper, a self-moving contraption powered by magical energy like the rest of our technologies in this kingdom, except this time the energy will remain inside the mechanical helper at all times. Its moving limbs can be instructed to do all sorts of tasks.” He adjusted his glasses, giving a prideful smile from describing his plans to the other blonde. Leaving out the part where he already had built it before (and where it exploded.)
Violet smiled, she knew very little of the kingdom's sciences and technologies, being more of an earthy girl, but she was glad Tobey at least liked talking about it. “Ooh, sounds interesting, when do you think it'll be done?”
“Hopefully by next fall. It has been difficult to get started on truly assembling it however there have been many distractions from making huge progress.” He said going back to his blueprint.
Violet looked down. “Ah I see, I'm distracting you right now aren't I?”
Tobey shifted his gaze, he didn't mean to say that as if was subtly trying to hint something to her, but…“I don't exactly mean that…it's just…well, strange? I wanted to spend these free hours I had on my invention, you and Botsford had the perfect time to go have some fun outside, yet you offered to stay?”
“Becky didn't want to leave you alone, and she was going to offer Bob to stay, which wasn't fair…so I volunteered to stay instead.” She clasped her hands together, putting them down on her dress.
“Is that it?” the princess raised a brow.
“... Hmm, no, there is another reason, I don't know if you'll like it though…” she said, her voice getting softer.
“Oh please, you can't think I'll be offended so easily by your choices Violet, go on and say it.”
“Um, alright. You see I didn't think you would say no to going out with me and Becky to her village. I thought you coming with us would be a perfect opportunity to catch…up? Or at least for me to see you again. So I had to take this chance by staying here…to talk.” The hesitation in her voice made Tobey focus on her. She sounded shy as she always did, but more so.
“You…just wanted to check up on me?.... I'm not offended by that, if anything I'm more confused. What would be the point of wanting to converse with me now? After all these years.”
“Becky.”
“I don't see what–”
“From how she talks about you. I was shocked to hear that you have acted differently than before, that you were willing to let her help and spend time with you. And of course this whole ordeal of sneaking out of the castle. I was just interested in knowing how you changed when we were kids because I still think of you as a friend, Tobey.”
“Oh.” Tobey's mind went blank, he didn't think at all Violet saw him like that. His treatment of her in the past was one out of spite, how could she consider him a friend after years of her possibly realizing his actions. Surely she had to know that he didn't enjoy her company? Was she just that blissfully ignorant? Despite that he still felt slight guilt from her words, she saw him as a friend…he didn't know what to say to her, so instead his genius mind went somewhere else, focusing on another part of her admittance.
“You say you've heard about my behavior from Botsford? What else…has she said about me?” They hoped not to sound rather meek asking Violet that.
The blonde girl was probably expecting something else to come out of the princess's mouth, the expectation on her face changing into one of bewilderment. “Hm? What Becky has said?...Oh! I see. *Ahem* well she mostly has discussed with me the time you spent together. What things you did and how at first she thought you were all snobby and rude until you weren't!” Violet said in joy, liking the change in topic.
“That does sound like something she would say, especially during our first days…anything else? The opinions of Botsford are tantalizing to hear.”
“I can't share everything with you Tobey. Becky's talks and thoughts with me are private ones, it wouldn't be very polite of me if I just told you without Becky being here.”
It was worth a shot…”
They sat in a bit of silence again, both thinking of another thing to discuss before boredom overtakes them.
…
“I've noticed that you call her only by Botsford,” Violet said, finding their next topic.
“I do, any problems?”
“It's nothing, I just find it weird that you just refer to her by last name, seeing as you don't for me.” she almost giggled.
“I am a princess, it's formal to refer to a knight like her as such. Plus, I've only known her for weeks now, while we've known each other since nappies.”
“I know, but it's clear that you appreciate her company more than anyone... I mean sure the first impressions she had with you were…not great– but you turned it around with the way you two act with each other. You allowed her to leave the castle for today without you and insisted I go with her, not because you just didn't want me here, but because you wanted her to have a good time…right?” She beamed, she felt like she was onto something.
This made the princess almost choke on air. How can someone as dense as Violet figure that out? He didn't even want to admit that to themself, were they that obvious?
“Err–I–It was only a small gesture of courtesy.” the smile on Violet's face persisted, taunting Tobey with how she could see right through that minuscule excuse.
“Ugh, look! I don't know much about friends or friendships, but…I think I might see Bec– Botsford as one. She's been constantly prioritizing her duties with me instead of her own. I would be giving her that normalcy if I didn't go.” He slightly blushed, opening up about these things that will not feel embarrassing to him.
Violet's eyes shone, or at least they looked like they did. That smile was still on her face as she gave a sympathetic laugh. “That's very un-Tobey of you, I do have to say.”
“That's not a word. Believe me, you can ask Botsford. My, she has such an excellent way with her lexicon.” He sighed, resting his cheek on one of his palms. Then in a second, they straightened themselves up, forgetting that he was indeed in Violet's presence. “I–mean—it's alright I guess. I'm not constantly thinking about her or anything–even if we were talking about her now…” He looked the other way, not wanting their childhood acquaintance to see their discomposure.
Violet didn't know how to exactly process Tobey's strange attitude. However, she now had a suspicion. And sitting here in the princess's dull room was not the place to prove her suspicion.
“Tobey, I know what I'm going to suggest would be very inconsiderate ("Becky taught me that one") to your priority on building the invention…buuut you wouldn't mind going to the gardens with me?”
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Becky and Bob did their best in finding clothes that would properly disguise them. The run-in with Victoria last week has opened Becky's eyes that she too has to hide in public, not wearing her knight outfit wasn't going to cut it as a disguise anymore. She and Bob are going to her village, if there was any place to hide their identities it was there. Hopefully, Scoops didn't open his mouth and yell about her return, it would mortify all of them if they discovered that their prized bright Becky Botsford was deliberately relinquishing her duties. The shame she could bring to her family name. So she and Bob needed to pick the perfect linen for their espionage.
After digging more into her closet Becky came across something that would work.
“Ah-Ha! I can't believe I completely forgot about this! Bob, look.” She said, grabbing the garment and showing it to her chimp friend. Bob, looking at what Becky pulled out, gave him the emotion of nostalgia.
The clothing was of a cloaked cape, the material looked similar to Tobey's cloak, however, the design of this one was truly different. Unlike Tobey's it wasn't long, going only a little further to the elbows. It had a golden chained button and sewed patterns on the ends, resembling stars, balancing well to the piece's rose red hue. The hood is more concealing with its longer surface. It looked slightly big for her, but, after all these years of hiding it, she supposed it would fit her now.
“I know you probably don't want me using it, after all…It's the clothing you found me in. And what remains of our…” Becky spoke with sadness. She and Bob didn't like talking about their secret, as it only brought terrible memories to her companion. In truth, Becky was not born into the Botsford family, she and Bob were from somewhere else according to the chimpanzee, he found her abandoned and remaining in this clothing, the only two survivors from their home. Traveling until they encountered their new home in Fair Kingdom. Bob finding the best couple that could take her in. Becky knew of the truth ever since she was a baby, miraculously her parents and the rest of the village truly believed that she was their birth child. It was Becky's ultimate secret, one she doesn't dare tell as Bob has employed her not to say, not even to her friends…
She didn't want to think about it anymore….
Bob seeing the discomfort forming in Becky gave a reassuring squeak. Saying how it'll help disguise herself, he also felt it was time that should wear it.
With his permission, Becky puts it on, draping it over her shoulder so she can properly get inside it. She palms it over, trying her best in ridding herself of dust and wrinkles. She looks at Bob to see how it looks on her. The chimpanzee smiled, giving a prideful nod. While it didn't fit her perfectly, the previous wearer was probably taller than her.
“A little bit big in some areas but I think it's fine, you found your disguise, Bob?” She said, her partner deciding between two pieces of cloth, of course, it was almost impossible to hide Bob as a chimpanzee, however when it comes to the people of the kingdom they embarrassingly get fooled over Bob's appearance anyway.
The Chimp thought for a bit, saying a little chirp as he grabbed the tabard (one of blue and yellow) and red Gugel, making his decision.
“That's a fashion choice…” Stifling her laughter over how goofy Bob looked. The monkey huffed and proudly proclaimed how he made it work.
“Sure, Bob. C'mon, let's not waste another second, it's time to go back home.”
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Standing over a bush of white fresh Gardenias, Tobey was starting to regret their agreement in joining Violet. He was currently in her favorite section of the castle gardens, the place where most of the flowers were kept for testing in variation reproduction. Rare beautiful stalks of blooming flowers engulf the princess and Violet.
“Did you want to leave my room that badly? Or is there something you want to show me?” He asked, eyeing the crouched gardener as she inspected a stalk of multicolored roses.
Her eyes not leaving the roses, Violet responded. “Oh no, I only thought a change in scenery would be nice, not that your room isn't great on its own…it's just a bit..?”
“Cramped? Confined? Restricted?”
“Hmm, I only know what one of those words means.”
“Don't worry they all mean the same thing, I've picked up the habit of saying rather redundant words together from an acquaintance.” The image of the tavern's bartender flashes into his mind.
“Cramped… does that mean you feel trapped in your home? Is that why you did all that sneaking off? I know also because of your forbidden inventing and being caught hanging around criminals, but…did it all start with that?” The girl took her eyes from the roses a bit, examining the dry expression on the princess.
“Yes? Hasn't Botsford already told you that?”
“Nope. We might be Best Friends for life, but I don't think even Becky has the right to share all your stuff with me.”
“Oh.”
“I…I always suspected it too. Whenever the queen comes to talk with my mom she mentions you all the time. Talking about how she's worried about you or if she needs more security at the castle.”
“Typical. I don't understand her. What is she so afraid of in the outside world for me to encounter? I've hung around criminals and survived an explosion, at this point why be worried.”
“I don't know…if my child admitted to any of that I think I would be.” Violet smiled.
“...I think we should get back to observing your uninteresting flowers, Violet,” Tobey grumbled, crossing their arms.
“Observing them is supposed to be refreshing, Tobey. Making a person relaxed enough to share deep emotional feelings.”
“Oh no thank you, I'm emotionally exhausted for today right now. Talking with you has been nothing but feelings.”
“I see. Tobey, today I was hoping we could talk about all our things in the past, but I realize that kind of talk doesn't do you any good, so let's talk about the present.”
“There's nothing for me to share beyond that then. You already know what I'm doing, sneaking off with Botsford, inventing behind my mother's back. Well, the sneaking off is also an activity that goes behind my mother's back–”
“I guess I could share about me then…recently I tried painting nothing but animals in yellow hues. I changed the lily bushes on the south side to daisies. I made my mother a new pair of shoes…let's see what else… Oh! Right! I think I might have a crush on someone.” After listing all she could think of Violet came to her most important one, putting her arms behind her with a bashful expression. Despite planning in changing their discussion to one of this caliber.
Tobey almost mentally checked themselves out from all the activities Violet was recounting, until the last one, which greatly piqued his interest. “You? A crush? Pray to tell on who?”
“Well, I haven't told anyone this yet, not even Becky! So you have to keep it a secret for now.” She whispered to the royal.
“Of course, I'm anything but a loudmouth.” He said the amorous aspects of people were always interesting to him, being a deep secret romantic.
“You haven't met him personally yet but he's a good friend of Becky and me, we've known him for years.”
“Name?”
“Todd Scoops Ming”
“Hold on…The young Town Crier?! That Scoops?”
“You've heard about him?” Violet asked, happy to discuss her friend.
“Becky has mentioned him in passing before. I'm guessing he's the third member of your annoying friend triangle. The one who sent that invitation?”
“Yup! He's the one who has struck me with the inspiration of creating a painted piece of soft reds and passion.”
“Wow, poetic.” He said dryly.
“Thank you.” Violet still needed to push the topic more. “And you?”
“Me…?”
“Yes, do you have a crush on anyone?” Getting closer to the genius, resituating herself in just downright asking him about a certain someone.
“I–I no…I-I've never had a crush on anyone before and still don't, that I can assure you. Unfortunately no juicy secrets to tell.”
“Are you sure?”
“...”
“There hasn't been anyone recently that has caught your eye? No one that has been a positive influence on you? Someone you had more time to spend with than usual?...”
“What are you getting at Violet?”
“Maybe you have a crush on someone and you don't even know it yet. Perhaps someone that has been pretty close to you these past two months.”
“Wait for a second…Are you insinuating that I have a thing for Botsford?! Because if you are, what a preposterous accusation!”
“I never said that I was talking about Becky.”
“Oh, but you were heavily implying it! Why?"
“I don't know…it's just that I noticed that your aura becomes different when you're around her.”
“Aura? Great, you're bringing up unscientific energy readings. Why am I not surprised? Well, you better get your sensing checked out because you are off.”
“How about that strange unfamiliar smile that appears on your face whenever we talk about her. I've never seen you grin like that before.”
“Wha– I–I ugh, since when could you know my smiles? You probably haven't seen me smile until today!”
“Okay, sure. Maybe you don't have a crush on her…but you have to admit that she has a distinct effect on you.”
“Eugh, please how could–.”
“Becky thinks your freckles are cute.” Violet quickly lied.
“…SHE DOES?!” He squealed, grabbing his face with an excited grin. Tobey continued his giddiness, stopping himself when he looked at Violet's smug expression.
“Uhh…I mean…*cough* She has? Quite interesting.” He tried hiding his face, but even he knew it was too late.
“You can't fool me, Tobey.” The girl giggled, a terrible sound for the embarrassed princess.
“...Oh poppycock,” Tobey grumbled, turning away in shame.
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Becky knew it wouldn't be long until she and Bob entered their village grounds, everything remaining as it was when they left for the palace.
Woodview Village was what they call their home. It was fairly small, compared to the capital where most kingdom citizens made their homes. More open and traditional, trees and dirt roads tracing the fresh flat plains. Homes are all separated in their style of decor, and stores and market stands are seemingly dull yet full of life. Many would call it old-fashioned and boring, but Becky would define it as comfortable and charming.
Riding in with Sparkle Trousers and Bob, Becky hastened to get her horse into a stable, the less attention is drawn to them, the better. As much as she would love to embrace the return to her town with fully open arms with everyone she's known since infancy, she couldn't. Even if she did tell a few of her arrival it would spread to everyone in the village.
When she and Violet received Scoops' note, she wasn't too sure. Yes, she trusts Scoops to keep her arrival on the low, but he had a terrible tendency to not silence his mouth when it came to secrets. She sincerely hoped that he hadn't told her parents at least, there are the ones she wants to make sure about this the least.
…
Finding the village's stable with no other humans around, Becky stationed her steed, removing any royal symbol on him. Luckily the people usually working the stables are known slackers, letting anyone use them for putting all kinds of mysterious animals without proper permission. Her father even used them to station himself for a day when he heard another of Bampy's scary stories.
Saying a quiet goodbye to her steed, Becky and Bob with their disguises, went off to look for their questionably nicknamed friend.
…
It didn't take long to find him. The boy was outside his home, writing on a single sheet with an inked feather, sitting on his front chair. Becky and Bob casually signaled him, hoping that he could at least know that it was the two of them. After a couple of minutes of trying to get the boy to notice he made his way toward them.
“Becky is that you?” He said, getting closer to his cloaked friend.
“Yes. Bob and I are just covering up, you know disguising ourselves. We don't want anyone to know that we left our duty at the castle.”
“Oh right, anyone here could recognize you. If the paper we have here wasn't so proportionally small I definitely would have warned you to be undercover.” He grinned sheepishly.
Becky in her selfishness couldn't help but stare at him with big sparkling eyes, admiring the boy she's harbored feelings for since they met. His attire was the same as it ever was, however with blotches of ink noticeably smudging him. That didn't matter, it was mostly his attitude and charming smile that did it for her anyway. Spending her free time with him alone felt like a dream, heck she probably had dreamt this exact scenario before. She could have continued the awkward long staring if it wasn't for her companion yanking on her cape, deliberately snapping out of her trance.
“Hey wait a second. Where's Violet? I wanted you both to come.” Scoops whined. The grin on his face left, as he looked in each direction for the absent soft-spoken blonde.
“Oh. Right, Violet! Uh, she stayed behind, volunteered to help me by looking after the princess while I'm gone.” Becky wouldn't lie if she didn't feel slightly bitter from how disappointed Scoops looked from the news.
“Darn, I wanted you both to investigate with me, especially Violet, we need her natural friendliness.”
“…Huh? Wait–what exactly did you invite us today? I mean you said that something was going on in the village. I expected a festival or party.”
“Again if the paper wasn't so short I would have specified. It's not something going on, it's someone. New people have moved in, and I've heard not from the capital but from outside the kingdom! Isn't that exciting! We never get outsiders here. And I want us to investigate.”
“Woah Woah. You wanted us to come with you just to interrogate these people?” She looked at Bob, both of them giving an unimpressed hum.
“Yes, you might never know who they can be if they're from the outside~ What if they're magic! Like secretly a family of warlocks or wizards. *Gasp* or even orcs.”
“Haha settle down "Sir conspiracy" you know that magical creatures like those have been long extinct, so I doubt our village is suddenly going to have wizards running amok. I bet they're just nice normal people wanting to settle down in a new place and we're going to scare them with these claims and questions. Or well at least you are.” She crossed her arms, amused by her friend's speculation.
“Hmm. There's only one way to find out then–!” With a wink he rushed out of the way, jogging from the knight and her chimp.
“Ah! Scoops wait!” She slightly giggled, running after him with Bob jumping onto her shoulders.
…
Running past a couple of buildings to near the edge of town. Becky, Bob, and Scoops stopped outside at a simple abode, one decorated on the outside with rose vines that clashed with its yellow accent.
“This is the place. Last time I checked they were moving all their items inside, I guess they finished.”
“Scoops I'm still not too sure about this. Remember when we thought that old sir Rupert was a minotaur?”
“ *shudders* Of course! I think I still have some tomato in my ear, that old sir sure can throw.” He chuckled, fear showing in his eyes from the memory. “But this is different! I haven't decided yet on what they could be, so we're just investigating, you know, confirming before we say anything.” Quickly he went back to his usual attitude, pulling out a small parchment paper with an inked feather pen (it dripped over his already inked clothes).
Becky palmed her face. She knew there was nothing to talk him out of this. This amused her however, it felt like old times, when they would always get into mischievous situations like this.
Scoops not wasting time quickly knocked on the framed wooden door. Waiting for the newcomers to hopefully let them in.
…After a few more knocks from Scoops, no one responded.
“Oh would you look at that, they're not home right now. I guess we'll try another time.” Becky said, turning around and trying to walk away. That is until Scoops catches her by the end of her cape, preventing her from moving even more forward.
“Not so fast Becky. I haven't seen them outside the village yet, I would know if they weren't home. Hmm, either they're shy or there is something unusual about them!” He gleamed, Becky, smirking as she and Bob turned back around to the house and Scoops.
…“ Or maybe they just don't want to be disturbed?” …
Becky, Bob, and Scoops all jump in fear at the unfamiliar surprising voice behind them. All of sudden there was someone, a girl. Even with Becky's great hearing, she knows how or when this girl appeared.
“Gah!” Scoops shouted, almost dropping his feather pen. “Who are you?”
“The person who lives here now that's who.” The unfamiliar girl crossed her arms.
Both young teens now got a look at her. Tan skin and half-lidded green olive eyes staring at the both of them. She had long dark brunette hair, with streaks of lighter strands adorning the top of her head with a notable felt dark beige brimmed cap. She wore a dark red jerkin, common brown leggings going down all to her enclosed tied pattern footwear.
All things considered, she looked completely normal. Possibly too normal for Scoops. Of which the boy eagerly stepped closer.
“Is it just you?... young lass?” He asked, she looked about their age, but Scoops was pretty terrible when it came to guessing age…somehow.
“No. I'm with my father. My name is Rosalina Franklin or Rose. My father, Henry Franklin, moved us here since he's a salt trader. We've come pretty far from here, more coastal.” She said, speaking with such precision, giving away details that Scoops hasn't asked yet, almost as if she was expected to be "interviewed".
“Woah, you're pretty great at giving details!” Scoops said.
“...” Rose didn't respond, continuing to look at the both of them with uncertainty and frustration. Becky noticed it and just had to speak up before Scoops made another accidental enemy in the village.
“Uh– This is Todd Scoops Ming, and I'm uhh…” Becky was in a dilemma. She wanted to introduce herself to the new girl, but was she still risking her identity by revealing herself to this new stranger?
“Mecky! Her name is Mecky and the small hairy thing on her shoulders is her cousin…Dob!” Scoops interjected. Quickly trying to save his friend's sentence and introduction.
Becky grimaced at the names he's given them. It was moments like this when she wondered why she had a crush on him.
“O-okay…?” Rose relaxed her features a bit, sounding confused by the names and Bob. “ What purpose do you two have then?”
“Oh no, we just came here to see the owners of the abode-”
“So we could meet you so.. uhh…yup! Only here really to give you a warm welcome.” Becky almost shouted as she attempted to cut off Scoops. Hoping to start at least nice small talk with the girl.
“Actually! Bec–I mean Mecky and I came here to ask a few more dozen questions too!”
“Scoops!” Becky Scolded, tempting to nudge her friend into silence, as he couldn't help himself.
“What? I'm trying to get answers.” He said in a hushed voice, not noticing how Rose rolled her eyes. She could hear them and…
“Yeesh, you two are not good at investigating are you?” The girl said, getting closer to the both of them. Becky and Scoops averted their gazes, both sensing that they might have been caught.
“I mean I heard everything when you both came here. So I know that your name is not Mecky, it's Becky, and you think there's something up with me.” She pointed her finger at them, a smirk appearing on her face.
Becky and Scoops were indeed caught.
“Wa-wait! How did you hear us? When we came up to this house we didn't see you at all?” Scoops questioned.
“Well if you want to properly get information on someone you have to be stealthy.” She sarcastically remarked, making Scoop's cheeks puff up.
“Oh, because you're suddenly an expert?” Scoops pulled closer his parchment paper, putting his inked feather pen back into his…pockets?
“Uh, I am an expert kid. Back where I came from, I was known as a great sleuth-hound! There wasn't a mystery I couldn't solve or intel I couldn't gather.”
“A sleuth-h hound what now?” Scoops turned to his linguistic friend, his confusion immediately tipping her off.
“Oh! A sleuth! It means an individual who is great at figuring out a mystery, or discovering unknown information.” She smiled and gave a sigh, it felt good to define again, explaining unfamiliar words to a confused person in need made Becky incredibly happy, getting the chance to flex her word knowledge. Back at the palace she barely or at all. Tobey was already a heavily educated person, so there were very rare opportunities in defining a word for him. Sure there was Bob who gave her ample time to do so, but it felt more achieving with another human.
“Hey, thanks, Becky.” Scoops grinned, giving an appreciative pat to the cloaked knight. Becky was ever thankful that the outfit covered most of her face, as she felt her cheeks slightly burn.
Scoops turned his attention back to the new girl. “I guess that also explains why you gave such great details about yourself.” He looked down at the ground, slightly embarrassed.
Rose hummed. “Well sorry to disappoint…Scoops? But there's nothing up with me or my dad. Especially nothing worth you writing in that parchment of yours.”
“Hey…look we didn't want to come off as intrusive or weird with this. Honestly Scoops just gets pretty ahead of himself when it comes to him hearing anything new. But we're glad that you and your father moved in. You're going to like it here, that I promise.” Becky stepped forward before Scoops could say anything again. Getting closer to the other girl and extending her hand.
Rose's face softened. Her smugness and hostility faded from Becky's introduction. She pursed her lips and extended her hand too, their hands meeting in a mutual short shake.
“Thank you, Becky? Have to say, what’s with the disguise and fake name? I would feel more welcomed if my new home wasn’t immediately visited by an ink-stained amateur sleuth and hooded girl carrying around a horribly dressed animal.”
“Uh...I, well let’s just say…I’m not exactly supposed to be here right now.” Becky forced a smile, her palms getting a bit sweaty. Bob looked at her with a frown, he didn’t want her to say too much.
“Sneaking off from home? Let me guess, your parents don’t exactly approve of sir ink here?” Rose joked, causing Scoops to lean in confusion as Becky flushed red. She knew what the stealthy girl was trying to insinuate.
“Ah! No no definitely not that! Scoops are just one of my good friends. I am sneaking off from…somewhere–but not to be with him!” Becky was far too embarrassed to give eye contact, however, she knew that Scoops looked lost and Rose was smiling.
“I’m just pulling your leg, Becky, it wasn’t a serious guess,” Rose reassured, a teasing smile still on her lips. “You do have me intrigued though.”
Becky nervously laughed. She only meet Rose a couple of minutes ago, yet the way they talked–it felt like they knew each other well. Or maybe Rose was just that charismatic? Despite that, she also feared the girl, it was clear that she knew her stuff when it came to secrets and basic lying. Why did the new girl have to be a keen one? Why couldn’t be as oblivious as the rest of her village? Darn Scoops for dragging her into this.
“Heh, Uhm, that’s just who I am, intriguing Becky!” She grabbed onto Scoop's arm, guiding him past Rose as they began walking. “We would like to stay and chat more Rose, but I can see that Scoops and I have taken up your time too much, so we’ll be off then, hope to visit you another time…” She said cheerfully, as Scoops slightly protested.
Rose stayed in place, looking behind at her two escaping guests. Disappointment in her heart that they couldn’t stay more for chatting, well at least for Becky to stay.
Then all three felt a rumble.
Becky and Scoops stopped in their tracks as the vibrations in the ground got louder, a distinct sound of running coming in their direction. Becky’s hearing picked up on the source, horse hooves. Looking forward as well, Becky could see a faint cloud of dust approaching. From the sound, it was only a couple of horses, but still disruptive as she also heard the yelps and panic of people.
“Becky?” Scoops said, he knew of Becky’s excellent hearing and wanted an answer.
“Horse stampede it seems. Someone must have opened the stables and scared the horses…Oh, no Sparkle Trousers!” Becky instantly remembered her steed. And in perfect timing, the dust cloud making its way to them had the horse front and center.
Becky with her speed ran to the stampede. Bob clung to her the best he can, as she was now nearing the horses and Sparkle Trousers. Fierce determination shone in her eyes as her steed recognized her, he tried his best in stopping, digging in his hooves, yet his body was about to tower his rider. But in a spectacle, she flipped herself over onto the horse, his entire being shielding the girl and the monkey from the other stampeding horses. She and Sparkle Trousers gave themselves a bit to settle down, the girl and chimp dusting off the small dirt clumps that has landed them, and her steed snorted, steadying himself.
“Good boy, Sparkle T. Now let's round up those other horses before they make a bigger mess.” She grabbed on his reins, the horse nodding as they went off to the stampede.
Scoops and Rose witnessed the whole thing, fear spiking as they saw the girl callously run into a literal stampede, and impressively jump onto her horse in a nick of time. Scoops knew of his friend’s skills but he still couldn’t help letting out a scream. Rose, on the other hand, had her mouth open agape, amazement at what she saw. The two then realized the impending movement of the ground and the sight of horses that they should move, both scurrying to Rose’s house door.
Becky narrowed her eyes as she and Sparkle Trousers catch up to the other horses, she had to calm them all down, possibly the only way to do that was being at the front to control their route. Patting her steed, Sparkle Trousers went faster, finding another path in the road to catch the horses by the front. Succeeding at this, the steed forced himself into the horses' view, neighing as loud as he can and standing on hind legs for extra intimidation.
This caught their attention and they all stopped themselves with clouds of dust everywhere, all frazzled but at least still. Taking this opportunity, Becky and Bob come down from Sparkle Trousers, gathering the horses in one clump.
“There there, you're all safe.” Becky stroked some of the horse’s manes, keeping them as pacified as she could. Counting them, six horses were present including her own. She had to find out the source of their distress and bring them back to the stables before anything else happens. Turning around Becky sees Scoops running to her, as he shouts her name.
“Becky!”
“Scoops, are you and Rose okay?”
“Hm? Oh, don’t worry we're fine! Are you?”
“Yes, I’m good. Luckily I stopped them before they trampled someone on accident. Though now we have to bring them back to stables and find out who's responsible.” she said, noticing Rose also coming to her. The tanned girl catches her breath as she looked at Becky in shock.
“Now you have me intrigued! How did manage to do that? I mean I could barely follow you when you ran!” Rose huffed. Becky was too caught up with the horses that she did forget about her secrecy in her knighthood, even her hood had fallen revealing her full face.
“Uh…I’m just at good at wrangling horses…?” Becky cringed, she was technically only half lying.
Rose of course didn’t seem convinced, putting a hand on her hip and moving her gaze to the horses, as she knew Becky wasn’t going to say much yet. “Any idea on who would let them out?”
“No. But I might if I go back to the stable. These fellas have to go back there anyway–”
“Waaiiitt!” A familiar voice ringed into Becky's ears, and the shout slightly flinched all three young teens and Chimp. Someone was coming and Becky had a feeling about who. Quickly putting her hood over her head, Becky stiffened as she did see who the shout belonged.
It was her father. He was joined by the usual stable workers as they ran to the horses.
“Thank goodness they stopped! Oof my back is killing me.” Timothy Botsford pants, putting his hands on his knees and taking more breaths. The stable workers did too, as they began checking each loose horse.
“Ah, Sir Botsford, what are you doing here?” Scoops said, moving in front of Becky to give his friend more cover.
“Scoops my boy! I was chasing these horses! Because I accidentally gave them a scare when I went into their stables.” He chuckled.
Becky almost bit her tongue as she quickly shut her mouth, her lips slightly parting from wanting to ask her father if he got spooked by another Bampy story. She desperately wanted to talk with her father face to face, it's been two months and while they did exchange letters, she missed her mother and father's infectious liveliness.
“Well, no need to worry about that Sir Botsford! They have been stopped and are ready to go back.” Scoops said trying his best in getting the middle-aged man to move along.
One of the stable workers after checking a horse stands next to Tim. “Who or what stopped them? They were trotting pretty fast when they escaped!” He asked, the other guys shrugged looking perplexed.
“The one responsible is right here,” Rose said, catching everyone's attention as she grabbed Becky and pushed her forward. “ She was amazing at stopping them! You should have seen her!” Rose praised, smiling as Becky and Bob were close to a nervous breakdown.
Tim and the stable workers gave bright smiles. Tim patted a hand on her shoulders. “Oh thank you, stranger! If it weren't for you then us bozos would have been trying for hours trying to catch them as they made a mess.” Tim sighed in relief, the others giving their thanks and praises.
Becky looked at Scoops, hoping he could help in responding for her, however, he could only give a thumbs up, his mouth in a thin line. Becky thought as fast as she could about this, it seemed there was only one choice for her.
“I–It was nothing! Haha! Only trying to help!” She said in a deeper shaky voice, hoping that she sounded distinct enough for her father.
Both Rose and Scoops raised a brow, as her father didn't question it.
“Aw, thank you, young lady! Know that today you were a hero to me, we need more of those here in this kingdom.” He gave a warm smile. Becky held in all her might to not hug him.
Tim lifts his head a bit, focusing on Sparkle Trousers, and the furry individual on the red hooded hero, brows furrowing. “Y'know, that horse and the hairy guy next to you remind me of some animals I know…”
Becky's eyes widened. “These two? Haha, why good sir I think that's nonsense, I bet they're completely different from the animals you must know…I mean the hairy guy on my back is actually my cousin…Dob!” She began sweating, praying to whoever that her lie would–
“Bah! You're right, I was mostly referring to my daughter's animals. Your horse has way different colored reigns and Bob, our chimp can't be a hairy cousin!” Tim chuckled, shaking his head. “My apologies, how silly of me.”
Scoops and Becky forced out laughter, both internally sighing relief. Rose didn't speak up to any of this, confounded about exactly what was happening.
“Thank you again, kiddo, I'll make sure the village knows what you did… but I don't know your name.”
“ I'm–I uh…am… the…Stellar Hood…” She said with no confidence, the idea of the name only coming to her when she looked at her clothing, the star patterns in her red cloak standing out. She didn't know why she just didn't say a fake normal name, going for instead a title that would be more akin to the knight tales she reads. It was better than "Mecky" she supposed.
“Ooh, nice title! Well…hope to see you again, The Stellar Hood.” Tim waved, going to the stable workers as they began departing, taking the horses with them.
Becky, Scoops, and Bob all waved back, keeping a tired smile. They felt comfortable to completely breathe as the sight of the stable workers and Tim faded away.
“That was close! But hey cool name right?” Scoops nudged his friend, slightly laughing as Becky gave him a blank stare.
“Eh, I tried. I'm just glad he didn't recognize my voice or suspect anything with Sparkle Trousers and Bob. The last thing I need is for me to explain to mom how I ditched my job and stopped dad's horse stampede.” Becky and Bob looked at each other, knowing if they were ever caught it would be a potential Botsford family trial ceremony.
“Seriously, what is up with you?” Rose's confused voice brought back Becky's attention once more, she forgot that the girl was here too. Moving forward, Rose adjusted her hat.
“Are you just constantly undercover here? And what job? What are you doing that you have to lie to your father under a hood?” Becky was now directly staring into Rose's olive eyes. She wanted answers.
“I know that it's not my business, however, I do think I have a slight right to know. I'm new here and I need to know if there's some weird thing me and my father have to worry about then I can ask someone else–”
“Rose, wait! You can't tell anyone that I'm here!”
“Why not?”
“I–I uh…listen…if I do tell you…would you promise to keep it a secret?” Becky put her hands together, her voice coming out pleading, hoping the other girl would understand.
Rose paused, she shifted her eyes to the left, thinking to herself as Becky waited.
“I don't know…when I know a secret or a truth I feel like I have an obligation to reveal it…” Rose said with a frown.
Becky deflated, she had to think of something quick…maybe she could lie again and hopes Rose would buy that? No, she already knows a bit too much about her…maybe she could–
“Well, I think this time you have to cease that obligation.” Startling Becky from her thoughts, Scoops beside her joined in the conversation, a glare directed at Rose.
“I too feel like there's an obligation to discover and expose the secrets and truths of our kingdom, but even I know some secrets are meant to be…well…a secret! It's basic trust, and you owe Becky to keep her secret.” He huffed, earning a surprising wide stare from Rose and an enchanted silent gaze from Becky.
“I do?” Rose said.
“Yes, Becky is the one who wanted to welcome you, become friends even if it meant blowing her cover. Then she saved your block and us from that horse stampede, if she didn't, what damage do you think those horses would have done?” He finished. His glare flattered as he changed to be more serious.
Rose blinked more than she should, biting her lip and looking at the ground taking in Scoop's words. Becky looked at her friend with lidded eyes, a dopey grin forming until Bob slightly nudged his leg at her back, bringing her to her senses.
Rose breathed out. “You're right. You have been nice Becky, and you jumped over a damn horse! I personally want someone cool like you to trust me…back in my old home I didn't have many friends because I couldn't keep my mouth shut, I-I don't want to make that same mistake again…so yes. I will keep your secret!” She smiled, her eyes one of genuine honesty, which delighted Becky.
“Thank you, Rose. If you don't mind that we go somewhere else to discuss this?”
“Oh? Yes! Let's go over to my house, my Dad is asleep and he's pretty knocked out so no chance of him hearing us.” Rose walked, the others following as they went back to her home.
“Great! You see…the reason why I'm not supposed to be here…” Becky began explaining, a bemused Scoops and hungry Bob listening to her as the steed opted to eat some outside grass on the property.
≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈
“I don't fancy her! How many times must I tell you?” Tobey screeched, holding onto his head as the calming flora around him and Violet swayed in the wind.
“Until I believe it…and I don't,” Violet said, braiding two stems of clipped daffodils, sitting on the grass as the princess insisted too as well.
“Augh.”
“Tobey, why are you so persistent in denying it? It's just admitting to a slight crush that's all, some kids our age get them, nothing to be ashamed of.”
“It's still an embarrassing and private matter.”
“Oh, so I can tell you that I have a crush on Scoops, but you admitting to liking Becky is completely different?”
“That's not what I mean and you know it! Because that would imply that I like-like her already…which I don't…” Their voice cracked, lying to a person feverishly after almost 30 minutes does not do good for a person. Especially one as socially awkward as they.
“Hmm…okay *sigh* if that's what you believe…I guess I was wrong…”
“Finally!”
“It should make Eldric happy then…I mean with that there's officially no potential competition for him.”
“...Yes–Wait what–who??” Tobey almost laid completely down on the grass by his hands slipping, what she said came out of nowhere, confusing the hell out of him.
“Oh, it's nobody. Just someone that used to be in the same station as Becky where she trained, he's a year older than us but still a decent fellow. He's admitted to wanting to date Becky for a while, specifically when she's done doing her duty here.” Violet said with no emotion, finishing her braiding and placing the trinket flower on her head.
“...” Tobey looked forward with his eyes open, glasses slipping off from hearing what Violet had just told him. Was he just questioned by Violet to see if it was okay for another bloke to pursue Becky?? And Eldric…? What a debilitated name…who does he think he is? A squire? A bubbling imbecile young knight who couldn't even hold a candle to Becky? Tobey's chest began to tighten and he didn't know why, but the imagery of Becky's luminous smile adorning her as she grabbed onto the arm of a possibly random attractive chiseled boy made him nauseous.
“Is he… good-looking?”
“He's quite the looker, not exactly my type but maybe Becky's. He's almost like a typical fairy tale hero.” Violet grinned, Tobey didn't like that.
“Intelligence?”
“Hmm, not the brightest…but it's what is inside his heart that matters.”
“Pssh, I beg to differ, Botsford is far too much of an intelligent girl for only that, she deserves someone who could meet her at that level.”
“I don't know why that–”
“I mean what can this Eldric guy do? Just give her a simple bouquet and demand that she go out with him because he's attractive? Wouldn't be surprised, boys are often brutes. Hmph! Botsford needs someone much better! No one would deserve to see her glorious warm smile every day…her glossy wavy hair that perfectly bounces even when she walks. Her cute freckles and adorable snort… her ruby lips–”
“*AHEM*…. Tobey…?” Violet said, her eyes widening and eyebrows lifted. She expected a response such as this from him, but it was…
Tobey stopped, forcefully biting his tongue as they realized what just came out. “I-I…” Their face seared with heat. Saying those things about Botsford out loud…how could he? He kept those certain thoughts deep inside ever since he laid eyes on the knight. Denying even admitting her beauty and charisma to themself alone.
“You heard nothing, Heaslip!” Tobey rose from the ground, glaring at the blonde.
“Wait, Tobey!”
“Don’t want to hear it, I have already embarrassed myself beyond belief.” Tobey closed his eyes, wanting to do nothing more than to run for his room, yet he couldn’t. Wondering why he looked down and saw Violet grab his leg. “Violet let me go.” He grumbled.
“No! We have to talk, now that I know.” Tobey rolled his eyes, allowing himself to remain as Violet let go and got up as well.
“I do have to admit that most of what I said has been lies into deceiving an answer out of you…Becky didn't say anything about your freckles and there is no Eldric…I only said those things because I knew you would never say the truth out loud…I’m sorry.” Violet clutched her dress.
“That is…very un-Violet of you, but it has been years, so I should have anticipated change…but not to the level of you becoming a sneak.” Tobey took off his glasses for a moment, wiping them on his gown, and quickly placing them back.
“I’m not normally like this, It was only simple teasing…I didn’t mean for you to get upset.” Violet gave her best puppy eyes, she was truly sorry, and after years of not speaking, she hoped that she didn’t cause a rift once more.
“Hmph!” Tobey turned his head away.
“Are you angry?”
“Oh, I’m furious, however, I do have to respect it. And I’m not going to hold a grudge.”
“That’s good to hear.” Violet gave a small smile.
“Also…if you want me to not be as angry with you, I absolutely demand that you keep what we discussed between us!”
“I was planning to.”
“–AND! That you don’t bring up it with me either! I’m not exactly comfortable with how I feel about it…at the moment.”
“I understand.” Violet gave him a pat while she giggled. Annoying the princess, Tobey flinging her hands away.
“Yeah, yeah whatever… can I leave your silly flower garden now?”
“We can, or…”
“Augh, no–”
“We can make apology flower crowns!” The blonde cheered, grabbing the royal’s arm forcefully and making their way to the countless flowers that have been around them.
“Agh! No! Picking flowers means dirt! You know I hate dirt–” Their protests weren’t heard, the gleeful Violet begging to carefully select as Tobey remained helpless. So much for hoping to continue his invention…