FFH: Chapter 11 - The Festival

“Okay, so, there’s Loki, Einar, Ankou, Mahuta, Iansa, Asthore, Dao-Ming.” I counted out, hoping I wasn’t butchering the pronounciations too much. “Quetzal and Tezcatl are the twins, Pualani gets extra offerings on festival days because she’s the patron of parties.”

“Celebrations an’ Revelry.” Colm corrected.

“Oh, same damn thing.”

“Then ye have the King an’ Queen a’ the gods, Ca-!”

“Caduceus and Kismet. Right.”

The temple was an immense structure that sat on a hill overlooking the city, colossal even to the Giants themselves. Built in the same style as ancient Greek temples, large white columns supported the open-air building and curved along the exterior. Hundreds of Giant citizens occupied the temple and more ran up and down the immense stairs. Some sat on the steps, waiting for others to arrive or to finish paying their tributes or just to catch their breath. It was worth sitting exposed on Colm’s shoulder when he walked through the bustling city streets just to catch a glimpse of the building, let alone the interior. The hub of the temple took my breath away: immense statues on pedestals lined the walls, each one representing a member of the pantheon. Various fruits and vegetables were placed before each statue, though each god or goddess seemed to have “preferred” items. A multitude of chocolate bars and strawberries were stacked in front of Asthore, the goddess of Love and Desire.

In the center of it all, one statue in particular stood. Taller and more imposing than the rest was the shape of a commanding man. The simple circlet carved on his brow and over plaited hair was set with an onyx. He was in Greek-style dress: a regal toga I’d expect of the Olympic gods like Zeus, Poseidon, or Hades. Though imposing, the statue wore a small smile as it seemed to wave at those beneath him. Whoever sculpted this statue had to be a true artist: the figure seemed daunting but tender at the same time. There was a familiarity to some of his features, though I couldn’t quite place them. Where had I seen those marks before?

“Makes sense that the King of the gods gets the biggest statue.” I commented before Colm offered an open palm. He set me on the floor beside him while he knelt in prayer. The basket he brought was almost empty, the remaining tribute sitting at the bottom. He finished praying, placing an orange before the statue. With a nudge, Colm set an orange beside me as well. “What’s this for, Scruffy?”

“I was thinkin’ maybe ye should make an offerin’ tuh Caduceus tuh. With all yer close calls, I’d say he’s been keepin’ an eye on ye.”

“Shouldn’t I leave something for Dao-Ming instead? She’s the one in charge of pure, dumb luck, right?” I quipped, rolling the orange back his way. He pushed it back, stopping it before it could crash into me. “Besides, I really don’t think I should.”

“Just ‘cuz yer human? I doona think the Gods would mind tuh much…”

“Did it ever occur to you that it might go against my own beliefs?!” I asked, ready to kick the orange his way this time. Even I knew better than to go against one of the Commandments…not that I was what you’d call a good Catholic. Or even a practicing Catholic. Belief in God became hard over the years, until eventually it wasn’t worth making the attempt. Though I did believe enough to use His name to thank and/or blame Him for whatever might happen to me. Present situation included. Besides, a lifetime of Catholic guilt just wouldn’t allow it no matter what. “Pretty sure worshipping other gods besides your own isn’t well-looked upon in any religion.”

“Who says ye have tuh worship ‘em?” Colm asked with a skeptical look. “Would yer gods-?”

“God.”

“-mind if ye just thanked one fer spells that’ve helped heal ye the last couple a’ days?”

“Considering Magic’s a big no-no in the Good Book too? Yes, yes I think He would mind.” I said, a new thought coming to mind. “Why are you so calm about me having only one God anyway? You went off on that Platonio guy for only believing in Loki!”

“That’s…that’s different!”

“How?”

The question seemed to throw Colm for a loop. I wasn’t exactly upset that he needed time to answer. The fact that he had to think about it showed he knew the answer wasn’t simple. It was a philosophy I hoped he’d remember in the future.

“‘Cuz…‘Cuz ye doona believe in me own gods an’ I doona believe in yers, so it doesne matter if ye believe in only one god or all uv’em.”

“Yet you still want me to give tribute.”

“Just…in case Caduceus decides tuh look the other way from now on.” Colm admitted, swallowing hard. “I doona wanna take that chance.”

“…You’re lucky I’m one for trying new things, Scruffy. Let’s give it a shot.”

Colm watched as I rolled the orange towards the other fruits, making sure it was in place before I stepped back to “pray”.

“Caduceus, god of Health and Healing, King of the Tergaian gods: I bring an orange as tribute. Well, technically Scruffy here brought it, but you know what I mean. It’s way bigger than the ones back home and there’s no way I could lift it by myself. Didn’t know you could get them around here or that they were even in season. They probably import them from somewhere else, I don’t know. Haven’t bothered to ask yet. Anyhoo, I’m supposed to be thanking you for using yer ‘divine’ power to heal me the last couple days. So, thanks for…I don’t know, not letting me bleed to death? Twice, I think? Really appreciate it. Even if you may or may not be real. So long and thanks for all the fish. Uh, you may not get that reference, but trust me dude, it’s hilarious. The end.”

Colm was about to have a heart attack when I finished. He looked around, hoping no one had heard us, before he lifted his hands in prayer once more.

“Caduceus, please fergive’er what’s she said, she dinna mean-!”

“DON’T LISTEN TO HIM, I MEANT EVERY DAMN WORD!”

It came as no surprise when Colm scooped me up and raced out of the temple before I could say anything more. I closed my eyes and held on tight as he sprinted down the temple steps. Colm had to catch his breath once we reached street level again, ducking into a side street to avoid the main road. Fewer people used the sidewalks, but a handful of vendors were setting up their wares for the day.

“I said ‘offer’, Runt, not offend!” Colm gasped, leaning against the closest building.  

“Are you kidding me, Scruffy? That was GREAT!” I said between laughs. His reaction to the whole thing had been worth it, even if it wasn’t my original intention. “Probably the most sincere prayer I’ve said in…years, come to think of it.”

Suffice to say, the walk to the park was a quiet one. Colm barely acknowleged people when they waved or greeted him. I did my best to return the gestures in his stead, but my arm grew tired after awhile. It was a relief when he found the park and claimed the first open bench. There were people still setting up for the celebration, but many were open for the most part. The smells of cooking food wafted through the air, enough to make even the toughest stomach rumble in response.

“Hey Scruffy, what kind of-?” I began to ask, only to see Colm pointedly look in the other direction. Futile as it was, what with me sitting on his shoulder right next to his ear, I knew what the gesture was supposed to mean. “…Look, if you want me to apologize-!”

“Did ye really have tuh mock’em, Runt?! Right in front a’ his own statue?!” Colm interrupted with an irritated huff. “Anythin’ coulda happened! Caduceus coulda struck us down DEAD, right then an’ there, fer yer blasphemin’!”

I had to bite my lip to hold back a giggle fit.

“You’re assuming he’d ‘deign’ to listen to the prayers of a ‘lowly human’ like me, Scruffy.” I said, once I was sure I wouldn’t burst out laughing again.

“Ye called his name, ye left a tribute. He was listenin’ tuh ye.”

“Then I think we’re in the clear, Scruffy. If Caduceus was going to smite us, I’m sure something would’ve happened by now. Come on, I think I smell chili somewhere.”

Colm’s reluctance disappeared the moment his own stomach growled in encouragement. As we waited in line at a concession stand, I looked around from my perch on Colm’s shoulder. Most of the decorations were simple, but they reminded me of the Irish and Scottish fairs I’d seen back home. There were a few bands and dancers in what I assumed were traditional Fathish clothing performing for the crowds. The designs were so familiar that I couldn’t help smiling. It was bittersweet to see something so recognizable in a whole different world. I’d always hoped to visit the Emerald Isle someday. Yet another reason to get back and soon I thought to myself as Colm finally reached the front of the line.

“What’ll ye be havin’ tuhday, M’Lord?” the Giant behind the counter asked with a smile. The heavy accent was starting to endear itself to me. Everyone here had an Irish/Scottish burr, but many didn’t seem to slur their words as often as Colm and Liam did. The man wasn’t much older than Colm, maybe in the middle of his thirties at the most. He kept his dark hair short and messy, his Hazel eyes bright and cheerful. Freckles dotted his cheeks that held a warm smile.

“I’ll take one a’ e’erythin’ if ye doona mind.” Colm replied after taking a look at the small menu on the counter.

“Only if ye doona mind waitin’ a few minutes fer yer order, M’Lord! Anythin’ tuh drink while yer at it?”

“Tuh uv’yer coldest lagers, if ye please.”

“Comin’ right up, M’Lord!” the man said as he brought a pair of chilled bottles up from underneath the counter. Colm placed the bottles in the basket, and gestured the man to follow suit with the items from off the grill. I noticed at least three different burgers and just as many hotdogs with various toppings placed alongside a large heaping order of chili cheese fries and onion rings. “I coodne help noticin’ yer lil’ friend there, M’Lord. Have ye had’er long?”

“Bridget’s only been ‘round fer a few days.”

“‘Bridget’, eh? Nice, strong name. I’m sure it suits’er.”

“T-thanks…” I replied nervously, not entirely sure if I wanted to be in this particular conversation.

“Ye know, I ne’er thought much a’ the Wee Folk ‘til a few years back.” the man continued retrieving things from the grill. “Doona get me wrong, I always thought they were fine ‘nuff in their own fashion. They just werne somethin’ tuh garner any interest from me, if ye get me.”

“So what changed yer mind?” Colm asked, splitting an onion ring with me.

“One day I brought me oldest daughter tuh this here park. She was a wee lass at the time an’ she liked tuh explore on her own at that age. Hadne turned me back fer more’n a second an’ she disappeared on me. Thought fer sure she got ‘erself lost an’ I went lookin’ fer’er. Worried outta me mind, I was, thought I’d ne’er see’er ‘gain! Next thing I knew, she’s walkin’ outta some bushes, tears down’er face an’ happy as a clam tuh see me! When I asked’er what happened, do ye know what she tells me?”

“What’d she say?”

“Julia –me daughter- said she went chasin’ after a squirrel an’ wound up on the other side a’ the park. Started cryin’er eyes out when she coodne find me. Tells me a lil’ human came outta nowhere an’ led’er back where she started!” the man finished, placing a box of fried dough in the basket. “E’er since that day, I consider’em tuh be good luck. I hope yers brings ye as much luck as that lil’ one did me Julia.”

“Heh. I think she’s some sorta luck, that’s fer sure.” Colm chuckled as he claimed his basket. He dropped a few coins into the tip jar on the counter. “Thanks fer the food. Happy Spring’s End!”

“Happy Spring’s End, M’Lord!” the man replied before taking the next customer’s order.

Colm found a spot under a tree and settled down before we dug into the basket. We almost called it a day then and there from all the food we ate. There was plenty left over even after we were stuffed to the gills. That said, we still picked at the extras when we walked through the crowds. There were plenty of booths selling knick-knacks, books, crafted items, and some had toys. There was even a pet stand, with mice and lizards on display. My stomach did a few flips when the seller called out to Colm, hoping he’d stop by to look at something. Thankfully, he chose to stop by one of the game stands instead.

A little old lady ran the game, sitting on a stool just behind a wooden trough. There were kids and some adults kneeling down in front of it with miniature fishing poles, their lines and hooks in the murky water. I couldn’t figure out what kind of game they were playing until one of the kids pull out their line: a bronze toy fish flailed on the hook. The lady handed him a teddy bear keychain as a prize. A green, orange, and white striped bow was tied around its neck. She unhooked the fish and sent it back into the cloudy water.

“Wanna give it a try?” Colm asked as he knelt down before the water.

“Yeah, why not?” I replied as Colm offered me his palm and set me on his knee so I was close enough to the trough’s edge. There was movement in the basin, but shapes were impossible to see.

“Tuh poles if ye please, ma’am.” Colm told the old lady, thanking her when she handed them over.

The pole Colm handed me was a simple enough: a thin stick with thread knotted through a hole at one end. It was no bigger than a pen to the Giants, but to me it was a decent-sized fishing pole. It wasn’t incredibly heavy, but it weighed more than any rod I was used to before.

“Okay, all ye gotta do is cast yer line an’ wait fer a bite. Need me tuh show ye how tuh cast?”

“It might surprise you to know that I’ve gone fishing before, Scruffy. I know what I’m doing.”

There really was no reason to cast the line, at least not in the traditional way. I was close enough to the water that all I needed to do was make sure the hook made it into the trough. Estimating the distance, I tossed the hook out and watched as it sunk below the surface of the water. From the corner of my eye, I could see Colm do the same thing. He pulled his line out a few seconds later with a silver fish dangling on the hook. He was all smiles when he showed me his catch, handing his pole over to the old woman. A bow-wearing teddy bear the size of his hand was his prize. Colm handed his prize over to a little girl who passed by. A grin appeared on her face as she thanked him. I was wondering about the colors for the decorations and prizes, whether they were were for the festival or were the colors of Fathach, when I felt my pole getting heavier.

“Hey, I think I got one!” I exclaimed, trying to “reel” the line in. It was far easier for the Giants to play this game since all they really had to do was pull on their pole slightly to retrieve their line. For me it was just a little bit more difficult. I had to back up a little on his knee for leverage, doing my best to reel in the now extremely heavy fish.

“Think ye may need a lil’ help there, Runt?” Colm asked with a chuckle.

“Pfft. No mere fish is going to get the better of me-EEEEEE!” I tried to reassure him just before the fish tugged too hard on the line. Colm grabbed me by the back of my shirt just as I was about to topple over his knee and into the water. “Nice save, Scruffy! Thanks!”

“Heh. Any time.” Colm said, relaxing his grip on my shirt after I braced myself and reeled in the line. The fish dangling from my hook gave off a golden glow. I gave the pole over to Colm so he could claim the prize.

“Oh my! The first Golden Guppy of the day!” the old lady exclaimed with a smile and clap of her hands. She handed Colm a Giant-sized teddy bear, similar to the others, but with a golden tag on its ear. “I hope she enjoys it, M’Lord.”

“I’m sure she will, ma’am.” Colm replied as he stowed the bear away in the basket and set me on his shoulder once again.

We continued on our way and took in the sights. I was surprised and amused to see many of the attractions you would find at a carnival or on a boardwalk. Colm stopped at more game booths, though I wasn’t able to participate in all of them. It was enough to watch everyone else try while I stood on the sidelines. The few games I had a chance to play were enjoyable. At one booth, I catapulted a toy frog into a tank of water and only just missed the lily pad target. The heaviest hula hoop I’d ever lifted -a simple plastic ring to the Giants, of course- bounced off the rim of empty milk bottle at another stand. Colm played many of the games and gave away his prizes to whatever child was passing by at the time if he did win.

There were several times during the day where Colm, being the consummate public official, would take time to have a conversation with people. They’d all share a drink, asking questions or just shooting the breeze the whole time. I didn’t mind staying quiet during these as I still had no idea what they were talking about for the most part. Not that my involvement in conversations was any deeper when other Giants wanted to hold me. Colm, thankfully, would gently tell them they could just talk to me directly if they wished. Few took him up on his word, preferring instead to just give a nod or, in some cases, actually offering to “shake” my hand and welcome me to Arcadia. Some even went so far as to ask how I was enjoying the festival. It was a relief to know there were decent people here who didn’t see me as some critter. I did have to admit, however, there was a chance they were tipsy from all the free ale.

I like to think it was genuine though.

It was a few hours later when we finally made it to the end of the temporary midway. Colm had visited all of the game booths and even some of the souvenir stands as well. As much junk food as our stomachs could handle was enjoyed along the way. Cotton candy, popcorn, corndogs, frozen bananas, and candy apples were just some of the items on the tour. We stopped to listen to a few music performances, though I had to keep my hands over my ears so my eardrums wouldn’t blow out. Some of the music had a Celtic ring to it, yet still had its own distinct sound. Hell, there was even a rock group playing songs along the way. I couldn’t believe how much fun I was having despite my size.

I even found the nerve to join a street magician’s act when he spotted me on Colm’s shoulder after asking for a volunteer. The magician made a big deal about how dangerous this trick was before making me “disappear”. Most of my time was spent hidden in one of his pockets, but the audience didn’t know that. It certainly showed on Colm’s face when I reappeared at the end, popping up in the middle of a bouquet of blue-tinted roses the magician pulled from his hat. I was rewarded with one of the flowers for my “bravery”.

“Heh. An’ here I thought he really did turn ye intuh a flock a’ doves…” Colm laughed nervously, standing still when he felt me stand on his shoulder. “Oi! What do ye think yer-?”

“Just putting this in a safe place, Scruffy.” I said, placing the rose behind his ear. He gave another soft chuckle after I secured the rose and accidentally brushed his earlobe again. I gave it another playful, slow swat for good measure and waited for his not-so-manly giggle before resigning myself to the perch that was his shoulder. “You can give it to Annie when you see her tonight.”

“Gods ‘bove, I almost fergot! Thanks fer remindin’ me!” Colm exclaimed. He ran through the crowds, doing his best to make his way past people without bumping into anyone. “I just hope she doesne try tuh kill me when we get there!”

A comment about slowing down so he didn’t get himself killed came to mind, but never made it past my lips. Something clicked before a bright flash went off in front of us. It made Colm stop and blink for a second, and I was nearly blinded myself.

“Ye coulda just asked fer a photo, ye know!” Colm growled in irritation.

Most of the light disappeared with a few shakes of my head. I caught sight of something from the corner of my eye and recognized the man running off with his camera in hand. The man looked just like Platonio. He disappeared into the crowds, his black braid swinging behind him, before I could identify him for certain.

“Ye okay, Bridget?” Colm asked as he avoided a baby stroller.

“Yeah, just…thought I saw-!”

“COLM!” Annie’s voice rang out over the crowd. We turned to see her frantically waving at us from a booth. The smell of fried fish and french fries wafted through the air as we got closer. There was a long and impatient line waiting in front of her. “GET OVER HERE! QUICK!”

“What’s wrong, Annie?” Colm asked as he approached. Annie motioned for him to come into the booth.

“I’m short-handed, that’s what!” Anastasia explained, tossing a few fish into a basket beside one full of fries in a fry cooker. “Audrey went on break with Daniel, and the jackass from the Inn who was supposed to cover the afternoon shift never showed up! The man will be damn lucky if the only thing I do is fire him next time I lay eyes on him!”

“What do ye need, Annie?”

“I’ll slice the fish and serve the customers. You take care of breading and frying everything!” Anastasia ordered as she threw him an apron. Colm retrieved a bandana from one of the pockets and tied it around his head. “Audrey and Daniel will be back soon, you won’t have to do this for long!”

Colm set me down on the counter beside a tub of decorative flags and empty fry containers, both items emblazoned with the Relax Inn’s insignia. I watched as he put on his apron and followed her orders. Annie packed the food into the cardboard tubs, sprinkling salt and placing a cocktail flag into each one before handing them to a customer.

“Is there anything I can do to help?” I asked after watching her salt and flag three orders of fish and fries at once.

“No, Sweetie. I mean, I’m glad for the offer but it really wouldn’t feel right to make you do any work.” she replied.

“But I can’t just sit here while you guys-!”

“Yes, you can. Seriously Bridget, it’s alright! We’ve got this covered!”

A lifetime seemed to pass as I sat there and waited. There was nothing much I could do but watch Colm and Annie work to satisfy an unending line of customers. Guilt came over me as I watched the pair dart back and forth. I thought I’d be able to do something despite my size. Then again, the smell of potato and fish was overpowering and making me queasy. All the junk food from earlier in the day was trying to make me regret eating at all. I recognized the voice that ordered a moment later.

“Good afternoon, Miss Anastasia. Might I have some of your finest fish and chips?” James asked as he stood before the counter. It was a surprise to see him wearing something other than his butler uniform. He looked like a typical grandfather in his civilian clothes. He noticed Colm at the grill trying to juggle two things at once. “Are you quite alright? Do you require any assistance?”

“We’re alright, James. Think we’ve got it covered. No need tuh worry ‘bout us!” Colm replied, glancing in my direction when he reached for some more fish filets to throw in the fryer. He gave me a concerned look when we made eye contact. “Are ye feelin’ okay o’er there, Runt? Yer lookin’ a lil’ on the green side.”

“Huh? Oh, um, yeah…” I replied, my stomach turning at the smell of fish. Annie might take it personally if I told her I couldn’t stand the aroma for much longer. It was all I could do to keep my stomach from performing somersaults. “…I just need some fresh air or something I guess, Scruffy…”

“I wouldn’t mind keeping her company while you finish up, sir.” James suggested, pulling out a handkerchief and wiping the counter down in front of him. His butler instincts were kicking in and I understood the feeling. I worked as a “Custodial Hostess” for the Magic Kingdom years ago and the instinct to clean and tidy up popped up from time to time.

“James, yer supposed tuh be enjoyin’ the festival! I doona wanna cause ye any trouble by-!” Colm tried to explain, only to be interrupted by James.

“It’d be no trouble at all, sir. Besides, I can still enjoy the festival while looking after her, can I not?” James reasoned.

“Heh. I s’pose ye can. What do ye say, Runt? Mind hangin’ out with James fer a lil’ while?”

“If it’s alright by Mr. Livingston, it’s alright by me, Scruffy.” I said, stretching out my sleeping limbs.

“I really do ‘preciate this, James.” Colm said as he handed James his order. “Audrey should be back soon ‘nuff, ye woona have tuh wait fer long.”

“We’ll be right over here when you’re finished, sir.” James informed him, motioning to the empty picnic tables by the booth.

“Be good fer James now!” Colm said as I climbed into James’ empty hand.

“Just for that I’m going to annoy the living Hell out of him, Scruffy.”

Colm smirked, offering a small wave before he returned to the deep fryer. I held on tight as he walked, only to have James hold me against his chest anyway. He maneuvered through the crowd, keeping me, as well as his food, in mind to avoid bumping into people. We made it the table safely, and I was set down beside the food before James took his own seat.

“Are you well, miss?” James asked after he settled on the wooden bench. “You do look a little pale…”

“I’ll be fine, really.” I replied. Taking my own seat on the table top, I inhaled deep and slow to settle my stomach. “Just needed to get away from the smell of all that fish…”

“Not a fan, I take it?”

“It’s not that, just have a full stomach and the smell wasn’t helping. That’s all.”

When he asked how I was enjoying myself so far, I told him about everything I’d experienced that day. He had the same troubled look Colm had when I recounted the “incident” at the temple, but James was quicker to dismiss it. Talking about all the games and items I saw throughout the park helped distract me from my aching stomach.  

“I was worried for your safety but I’m glad to hear you’ve had nothing but fun.” James said in a genuine tone. “So many people and one of the most popular times of the year… the gods only know what could have happened today.”

“Thank you for your concern, James.” I answered with a smile. “I really do appreciate it.”

“Think nothing of it, miss. I used to be the same way around Robert when he…excuse me, forget I said anything.”

“Is Robert your son? Your brother?”

James looked conflicted for a moment. I was about to let the whole thing go as he asked when James cleared his throat and spoke.

“Robert was not my son, but he was as dear to me as any brother I could have had.” James explained in a quiet voice. He took a deep breath to steady himself before he continued. “Robert…was my human friend.”

Why was I so surprised to hear those words? Humans as pets wasn’t unheard of here in this world. Maybe I just didn’t expect someone like James, who seemed so kind, to be a part of the “tradition”.

“You…you had a…”

“A human friend, yes. I was only a teenager when we met. He couldn’t have been much older than you, I think, at the time. We found each other on the edge of the forest in Rosecrest.” James recalled. He looked out into the crowd, lost in his thoughts. “He was dazed and confused, newly Crossed Over. I was looking for plants as part of a homework assignment. He nearly fainted when he caught sight of me.”  

“Do you really blame him?”

“Not at all. Goodness, I nearly fainted at the sight of him. But it was the start of a friendship I treasure to this day. We’d meet in the same spot at the same time every week for years. It was rare for either of us to miss a day, even more so for him to want to come into town or my home. Robert did eventually meet my wife and son, though I think Tim was too young to remember him. I suppose you could say I know a little bit about how you must feel about all of this, miss.”

“What…what happened to him?” I asked, fearing I already knew the answer. The wistful look in James’ eyes told me there was more to his story than he was letting on.

“…What happens to all living things, miss.” James said, his voice cracking at the memory. “At least, that’s what I always assumed happened. He didn’t show up one day and I thought nothing of it. But he wasn’t there the next week, or the week after that…he never told me where he lived, I didn’t know where to find him. My family and I were moving to Arcadia soon to work at the mansion and…and I never saw him again.”

James turned away from the crowd then and set aside his food, no longer hungry. A weary smile appeared after he took his handkerchief again.

“Forgive an old man his rambling. It’s just…the way you and Lord Colm bicker about names reminds me so much of Robert.” James said, wiping away a tear. “He hated being called ‘Robbie’ as much as I despise being called-!”

“Oi! Jimmy!” a voice called out, bright and chipper as can be.

“I prefer ‘James’ or ‘Mr. Livingston’, as you very well know Miss Rivendale.” James said when the woman took a seat.

“Oh come on, you’re off the clock! There’s no reason you have to act so professional!” Ridley countered with a smirk. It wilted when she saw his expression didn’t change and turned her attention to me instead. “Oh hey, it’s Lord Colm’s human!”

“I have a name, you know.” I stated through gritted teeth. It wasn’t the first time I heard the phrase that day and it was getting on my nerves.

“Oh, of course you do. What’s she doing here? Where’s Lord Colm?”

“He’s helping Miss Malone at her stand. He asked if I could keep her company while he-!”

“That can’t be right, there two are practically inseparable!” Ridley interrupted in a high-pitched tone. The look on her face was one of unbridled excitement, and it sent a shiver down my spine to see it. “Here, I’ll bring her back. You can sit here and relax, Jim-!”

“NO!” I shouted, taking a side-step away from her approaching hand. James was quick to use his own hand to block Ridley, but I didn’t want to rely on him alone. If there was one thing I wasn’t going to tolerate while I was stuck here, it was being grabbed by complete strangers. Krugerrand and his attempt was more than I cared to remember. “I’m FINE where I am, thank you very much!”

James and Ridley started yelling at each other in an instant. I had to clap my hands over my ears but I kept as far away from Ridley as I could. She kept glancing over in my direction every once in awhile, keeping an eye on my movements. Her expression changed from excitement to frustration and, unless I was mistaken, desperation. Considering James was giving her a piece of his mind, I don’t think I could rightly blame her. For a moment I thought the altercation would turn to fisticuffs at any second. Instead, a booming voice interrupted the shouting match.

“OI! WHAT IN CADUCEUS’ NAME IS GOING ON HERE?!” Colm yelled, silencing both parties in an instant. James tried to explain but Ridley kept interrupting him, and they started arguing with each other all over again. Colm gave up trying and just asked me what happened. After he heard all I had to say, he took a deep breath and turned his attention to Ridley. “I’m feelin’ mighty gen’rous right now, so yer only suspended. Fer tuh weeks. Without pay.”

“What?! You’re going to listen to her but not me?” Ridley asked in disbelief.

“Ye had yer chance an’ ye blew it.”

“B-but what about Mr. Livingston?! He was-!”

“Was doing what I asked’im tuh do, if ye’d bothered tuh listen.” Colm growled. “Now, are ye gonna be on yer way or do ye wanna make it a whole month?”

Colm offered an open palm and let me settle on his shoulder as soon as Ridley disappeared into the crowds.

“Ye alright there, Bridget?” Colm asked, waiting to feel my grip before moving again.

“Nothing I couldn’t handle. I’m a big, tough girl, Scruffy. I can tie my own shoelaces and everything.”

“My apologies, sir. I was only trying to-!” James began, only to stop when he saw Colm’s raise his hand and shake his head.

“Ye did fine, just…less screamin’ next time somethin’ happens, alright?” Colm said. “Make sure the staff knows not tuh let’er on the property when ye get back. It goes without sayin’ that I doona wanna see’er face at the castle either.”

“What castle, Scruffy?” I asked as we started to walk back towards Annie’s booth. Audrey kept a lookout at the front counter while a man, who I assumed to be Daniel, was busy at the fry cooker. Colm claimed an order of fish and chips before he started walking the main path out of the park.

“Castle Scáth. It’s where we hold Grievance Day e’ery…I dinna tell ye any a’ this, did I?”

“Not a damn word, Scruffy.”

“I’ll explain it all on the way back. It’s ‘bout time we started gettin’ ready fer the ball.”