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Chapter 19d: A Farewelcome Party With The Groove Grooves Part IV

12/21/2016

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Mr. Feathers from Brightly is a name very few will ever have heard, but it is in fact an alter ego that Casey the Cardinal becomes when he's had too many Minute Meads. And he's very stubborn about it when he's drunk. And Mr. Feathers wears a monacle--just a monacle--with a long golden chain that attaches to where I'm not sure. My reason for opening this chapter with this explanation will be clear very soon.

We left Chapter 19c with Casey the Cardinal and Cousin Eddie the Raven wreaking havoc in the long hallway of the Sacred Pub from the front seat of the remote control patrol jeep. They were both quite drunk, as you might suspect, and dear Caesar Emeritus, the Baloo-eyed Akita, and Ptolemy, the gentle Boxer were unable to stop the remote control patrol jeep, despite the two canines running on all fours. At one point, even, Cousin Eddie managed a clever 180 on a dime beneath dear Caesar's belly, and zipped back down the other way. Crowds had gathered along the walls of the hallway to see what the commotion was, but I remained hopeful the situation would soon be resolved since The Groove Grooves were due to perform in the banquet hall any moment now. I placed my hands on my kids' shoulders and pulled them closer, and Weasel noted that the Groove Grooves were gone from behind the table. "It must be very close to show time," I told them.

When I saw Casey the Cardinal stripping down and removing his flare gun from the utility belt while hood-surfing upon the patrol jeep, I lost all hope for a quick and painless resolution. And rightly so, for the monacle was now in place and Mr. Feathers from Brightly had arrived...complete with flare gun held high as his wing could reach. You might guess that Mr. Feathers fired that flare gun, and you'd be right. If you read Chapter 19c you might guess that it turned out okay though, since Cousin Eddie made him empty out all his flares, and watched Olga the bartender fairy put them safely away. You'd be wrong about that. Whether on purpose or by overlook, there was a single flare left in the chamber. A single flare that was soon wedged into the boards of the rafters of the Sacred Pub, as we all looked on stunned, and the roof caught fire. The remote control patrol jeep finally came to an abrupt halt, and Mr. Feathers went tumbling across the floor. Cousin Eddie stepped sheepishly out of the driver's seat, dropped the servo upon the floor with shame, and looked up at the rafters in disbelief. The hallway fell silent...until Olga the bartender fairy entered and brought hell's fury with her--in the form of words I can't repeat here.

Let me just say, we all would have been 86'd from the Sacred Pub then and there had Andrew not emerged from the dressing room in a fuzzy bathrobe and entered the long hallway. He extended his index finger so that Olga could hop upon it, and he placed her gently upon his shoulder, and smiled, and charmed her, and assured her he could fix this with no trouble at all. He was so charming, in fact, that Olga even left the hallway while her roof was on fire, and she retrieved two flagons of After Ale--both flagons for Mr. Feathers of course--who was soon to be Casey the Cardinal once again. Thank Olympus! [After Ale, may the reader know, is Tick Tock Doc's least popular product in Interterrestria, for it is seldom requested. Most inhabitants view it, in fact, as something to be used only in an emergency, though I've always found that a bit unfair. It's actually very pleasant on the palate. After Ale's purpose, of course, is just as the name would imply: it's meant to be drunk when one has drunk too many other beverages, and has become drunk. It's not an energy drink, nor quite a coffee or a tea, though the secret ingredients do seem to have effects similar to those experienced from the consumption of caffeine. After Ale does actually contain trace amounts of alcohol, I'm told, despite its intended purpose. It is called "After Ale," after all. I just stumbled on to a wonderful slogan for Tick Tock Doc, I believe! "After all, it's an After Ale." Yes, Tick Tock Doc will like that. I digress. Back to the story]

While Mr. Feathers was downing his After Ales and returning to his Casey the Cardinal form, Andrew called for Really Groove and her magic drumsticks. Really Groove appeared in the long hallway and first created thunder--and then lightning--with her magic drumsticks. My kids and I looked on in wonder, as did everyone present, and I told Butterfly and Weasel that it seemed the show had already begun on accident. They smiled at me and seemed to agree. A ways down and to the right, I saw that Cousin Eddie, my lovely gatekeeper Raven, sweet Madeleine, dear Caesar, and gentle Ptolemy had formed a huddle, and Cousin Eddie was in its center trying to convince them he shouldn't be blamed. My lovely gatekeeper Raven responded by handing Cousin Eddie a flagon of After Ale and insisted he drink it all down. He did, of course. I couldn't see from my angle, but I'm quite sure my lovely gatekeeper had also distributed a patented blank stare or two. Olga the bartender fairy confiscated the remote control patrol jeep, and its servo, drove it back behind the bar and locked it away in a cabinet. 

Andrew then called for Crazy Groove, who promptly appeared and tossed some magic seeds into the flaming rafters. The magic seeds almost instantly grew into thick layers of ivy which continued to fatten and expand horizontally until the entire roof above the long hallway was thoroughly covered. The flames were very soon after completely extinguished, and everyone present cheered. I knew, of course, that Andrew could have extinguished the flames by himself, but I adored that he gave The Groove Grooves a chance to show off their powers. Andrew then called for Casey the Cardinal to hop upon his shoulder, winked at my kids and I, and disappeared back into the dressing room. I told the kids that was our cue to head into the banquet hall. Weasel volunteered to round up the rest of our family which was still huddled further down the hall, and he proudly did so. Very soon after, all of us--even dear Caesar and gently Ptolemy--were gathered right in front of the stage, awaiting another great show. And none too soon! Critters began flooding the banquet hall en masse, many of them now wearing The Groove Grooves t-shirts, hats, and bandanas. 

My lovely family and I huddled closer in front of the stage as the banquet hall filled and the air became thick. There was a lovely sequinized purple curtain as a backdrop behind the stage, only a single keyboard and separate microphone stand visible in front of the curtain. The last of the Eagles songs faded completely into the moon-greeting, and the lights began to dim. Unanimous excitement swelled, and all voices fell into a hush as smoke breathed softly and crawled down from the ceiling (not from flare gun flames, thankfully!). My kids and I smiled at one another, and sweet Madeleine and I exchanged pleasantly knowing winks. 

A beautiful melody began to play, presumably from the keyboard on the stage, though no one could be seen playing it. Andrew drifted slowly to the center of the stage, adorned in striped leggings that left less than little to the imagination, a low-cut soft purple pirate shirt, sparkling gloves, and a faux fur cape draped elegantly over his shoulders. Then Andrew began to sing "As The World Falls Down," and many hearts melted, and many fairies fainted and fell to the floor. There was not a single eye in the banquet hall that didn't rest upon him. While Andrew was singing, he removed a banana and two lemon wedges--from where I did not see--and began juggling them and balancing them in strange ways upon both sides of his hands, slowly and gently, in a mesmerizing fashion. Weasel and Butterfly looked at me just long enough to see that I was mesmerized too, then all our attention was directed toward the stage after that. 

When the song ended, Andrew called for a spotlight, held the banana and lemon wedges in one palm, and spoke much louder than was necessary for a room that size, "Good evening fabulouses and fabulousettes! How are we tonight?!!!"

The entire forest shouted and shook in the most beautiful of ways.

Andrew lowered his voice and continued, "Tonight, good, people, is a very special night. Am I the goddess of love fire, babies? Yes I am, but not tonight, no, no, no.  No...tonight, lovelies, I am your love-master of ceremonies--straight down from Olympus--the beloved Glo-blin King." Then Andrew raised his voice to a shout again, and lifted his palm to the sky, "Can you hear me, good people?!!!"

All hands present lifted up the imaginary sky, and the forest shook beautifully. It was so beautiful to see Butterfly and Weasel raise their hands to the sky so enthusiastically. They didn't even look back to see if I had also raised my hands to the sky (I had, of course). 

Andrew lowered his voice again and spoke almost softly, "Some of you might wonder why your beloved Glo-blin King entered the stage with a banana and lemon wedges." And he held them up into the spotlight for emphasis, and went on, "I might even wonder that myself. And I just might suggest that we ask the fine and sometimes clever ladies that are here to play tonight."

The hush of the audience became a bit more than a hush--perhaps a soft, inquisitive murmer, and many heartbeats in the banquet hall became audible. Andrew asked the audience if he should ask The Groove Grooves about the banana and lemon wedges, and the crowd agreed unanimously that he should, though the forest didn't shake this time.

"Show yourself, Bella Groove!" Andrew shouted, and the lovely river otter magically materialized behind the keyboard, and waved awkardly at the audience. Andrew spoke softly as he could--which is not so soft--and continued, "Lovely Bella Groove--keeper of the most fabulous keys--I'm told  you would know something about this banana...and these lemon wedges." Then he removed the peel off the banana, bit the end off of it, and balanced it upon her keyboard, sticking straight up, and placed the lemon wedges on either side of it. Bella Groove was visibly blushing, but Andrew wasn't quite finished. He went on, "I know very well your band has a song called 'Banananade,' and, to be honest, this seems a bit suspicious to me. What have you to say for yourself now?"

Belle Groove stuttered and stammered a bit before squeaking out, "Well, we thought it would be fun. A silly prank, you know." 

Andrew smiled softly, embraced Bella Groove, and kissed her upon the cheek. Then he glided to the center of the stage, and the Glo-blin King spoke more loudly to the audience, "Pranks have consequences, now don't they?" The audience agreed, but the forest didn't shake. Then Andrew shouted, "Fabulouses and fabulousettes, I am happy and proud to bring you the musical talents of...(he paused to listen to myriad heartbeats, and for the curtain to rise) The Groove Grooves!!!"

The room exploded and all of Interterrestria shook. Andrew glided off to the side of the stage to reveal the band that was now huddled in the middle of the stage in a perfect circle. As the crowd shouted in anticipation, The Groove Grooves placed their paws and wings upon each other's in the circle's center, then flung their paws and wings into the air in an explosion (that I later learned is called "the Power Bloom"), and the entire banquet hall was filled with flowers and glitter...much to the delight of everyone present. In seemingly no time at all, Really Groove was behind her drum kit, clicking her magic drumsticks together making thunder and lightning. Betta Groove blew a kiss at the audience as she strapped on her paisley Les Paul, then kissed the sky and entered her classic Flaminga pose. Pretty Groove emitted quite a light show from her magic Rainbeau Leopard spots while she finished fine-tuning her guitar, and Crazy Groove tossed magic seeds into the crowd. Bella Groove was back at her keyboard, not liking the phallic reference that stood upon it, but knowing well she dare not remove it. A few kicks from Really Groove's bass drum, and all the banquet hall was entranced in a wonderful and powerful groove. Yes, of course they opened the show with "Banananade." After that, The Groove Grooves went into "The Grow," "Empathy Flex," and "Fertile Valley," all songs enjoyed by all present. I noticed Butterfly and Weasel pointing at the stage a couple times and discussing with each other what they were experiencing, but mostly they were just enjoying an incredible show. Sweet Madeleine and I exchanged smiles and knowing winks a couple of times, but mostly we were just enjoying the show too. 

After The Groove Grooves finished their song "Glambeau," the Glo-blin King glided back to the front center of the stage, and began to speak. "I'm sorry to interrupt this wonderful performance, my lovelies, but we have with us tonight a few special guests this moon-greeting that we must honor." Crazy Groove and Really Groove held down a very soft and quiet groove as the Glo-blin King continued, "Captain Leo the Starmapper, beautiful Butterfly, and most handsome and clever Weasel...if you'll kindly groove your sweet little butts up to the stage!" The room cheered but did not shake. Butterfly and Weasel looked at me as if to ask if it were okay, and I laughed proudly and waved my arms toward the stage to hurry them along. Bella Groove added some soft accents from her keyboard, and Pretty Groove silently tuned her guitar again in the background, as Captain Leo and my children hopped up onto the stage. The Glo-blin King lined the three of them up in front of him, and Butterfly and Weasel smiled proudly at me, just as Captain Leo did at my lovely gatekeeper--his space helmet proudly tucked in his arm. Sweet Madeleine used the opportunity to draw closer to me, and I was glad for that. My hand very subtly held the tip of Madeleine's wing, and dear Caesar and gentle Ptolemy seemed to be discussing the technical aspects of the stage's arrangement and lighting. 

Once the Glo-blin King had said some kind words about each of them, and presented them with special gifts, Butterfly and Weasel returned to my side, and Captain Leo returned to Raven's side. Then it was time for Casey the Cardinal and his flare gun, which we all prayed would start no more fires. Casey stood subtly off to the side, to the left of Bella Groove's keyboard, so as to be noticed by only a very few present critters. "Before The Groove Grooves resume their fabulous performance," The Glo-blin King almost shouted, "I believe it's time we all knew them by name." And then he did shout, "Don't you agree, good people?!!!" 

The room cheered loudly, and the forest shook.

"On the drums!..." the Glo-blin King began, then Casey the Cardinal fired a flare center stage--a safe fireworks display that took the shape of a Rainbeau. "Reaaaaaalllly Grooooooove!" the Glo-blin King announced, and Really Groove played a short drum solo. Weasel seemed to pay particular attention to that. And the audience cheered. Next was "Prettyyyyy Grooooooove!" with a safe lemon wedge fireworks display, and she played a short guitar solo. Butterfly seemed to pay particular attention to that, and the audience cheered. After that was "Craaaaaazzzy Groooooove!" with a beautiful iris-shaped safe fireworks display followed by her fabulous bass solo which I seemed to pay particular attention to, and sweet Madeleine seemed to pay particular attention to the fact that I had paid particular attention to it. "Bellllllllaaaa Groooooove!" followed with a banana-shaped fireworks display, and she played something kind of like the Phantom of the Opera as her short keyboard solo...and the audience cheered of course, though they also snickered a bit. The Glo-blin King concluded with "Bettttttaaaaa Groooooooooove!" and the band went straight into their song "Blending Machine Yarn." The audience roared and grooved carelessly in a state of bliss. 

Fabulous songs continued well into the very special moon-greeting, and The Groove Grooves were certain to be a hit in the Xanadu Forest for ages to come. 

To be continued in Chapter 19e in the near future.

Thank you all for being out there, and for being a fabulous part of a fabulous journey. Let's rock!

Lovely of lovelies.
​XX









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Chapter 19c: A Farewelcome Party With the Groove Grooves Part III

12/14/2016

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When large groups of fairies swarmed into the Sacred Pub, I knew that Andrew would soon be making his grand entrance. I knew this of course because of the time he lived with us in my Sacred Garden along with his companion Casey the Cardinal (who was at that time head of garden security, and constantly patrolled the garden in the remote control jeep). Security was actually needed in my Sacred Garden in those days, due mostly to Andrew's presence there. Andrew was by far the most fabulous and charming critter in all of Interterrestria--at least in the eyes of the fairies--and so the fairies were often caught trying to fly over the gate to catch a glimpse of the gorgeous son of a god of Olympus. It was so bad at one point that we  got Casey the Cardinal a remote control patrol chopper, which was a great help. And yes, Casey was quite capable of flying without a helicopter. Why he chose not to, we never asked him. Some might also remember that Mongoose and Weasel used to shoot Nerf darts at tresspassing fairies from the crow's nest atop the treehouse. And they always hit their mark! If one looks closely enough, dozens of super tiny cigarette butts can still be found along the northern side of my Sacred Garden which were left there by Andrew's groupie fairies. I digress. Back to the story!

As expected, Andrew made his grand entrance into the Sacred Pub, and Casey the Cardinal was faithfully upon Andrew's shoulder. They were both in full grand entrance regalia. Andrew was adorned in his classic sparkling purple spandex jumpsuit, faux rabbit fur coat, and glowing hi-top sneakers. Casey the Cardinal was in what we in the Sacred Garden used to call his "Gardenista get-up," which consisted of star shaped sunglasses, black feather boa, utility belt, and glittery gold heels. Andrew greeted as many fairies as he could--many of the fairies had fainted upon touching his garment, and others were too timid to fight their way through the crowds to reach him. 

Casey the Cardinal spotted Cousin Eddie at the bar and hopped off of Andrew's shoulder to join him. "Oh my, Casey," Cousin Eddie exclaimed, "full on classic Gardenista regalia tonight I see! It's about to get live, huh?" Then Olga the bartender fairy delivered flagons of Minute Mead to the two birds, and they toasted and shotgunned them. Then Cousin Eddie asked Casey, "Did you bring the flare gun?"

Casey was already chugging a second Mintue Mead when he lifted his wing to reveal his utility belt. "You know it!" There was also a Hello Kitty walkie-talkie, a tube of purple lipstick, and a set of earbuds wrapped into a coil as though it were a rope. Then Casey asked Cousin Eddie, "Did Mitzy deliver the special flares we requested?"

Cousin Eddie had asked Olga for another flagon of Minute Mead, but she served him an Almost Ale instead, which was fine because he was too drunk already to notice the difference. He chugged it down and told Casey, "Yes, indeed. The flares are in a special case in the third drawer down in the dressing room. You must use them in order, as they are arranged to coordinate with the show. Do not mix them up! And actually you better empty out your regular flares now and give them to Olga for safekeeping; it would be a total disaster if you fired one of those off inside the Sacred Pub by mistake!" 

My kids and I waved over to Andrew from our picnic table, and he smiled and blew us a kiss once we caught his eye. He was still quite busy greeting the fairies and signing their wings, so the kids and I knew we would catch up with him later on. I suggested to the kids that we should start heading toward the banquet hall so we could get a good spot near the stage before all the fairies flooded the room. Butterfly and Weasel agreed, and we drifted in that direction. Sweet Madeliene said to save a space for her in the banquet room and she'd be in a little later. She wanted to spend some time with Raven and Captain Leo at the jukebox apparently. As we made our way toward the hallway, I caught Weasel air-drumming with the drumsticks Really Groove had given him, and we both smiled at each other. Butterfly had given her drumsticks to Madeleine to hang on to for safekeeping. I found that interesting, and a bit comforting for some strange reason. Songs by the Eagles began to play on the jukebox.

The children and I didn't make it very far into the hallway, however, because we stumbled onto a fun and fabulous table of merchandise--and the last Groove Groove we hadn't met, seated behind it, smiling. A most fabulous ibis she was! She stood and hugged me while Butterfly and Weasel picked through the merchandise on the table. Then she walked up behind my children, knelt down, placed her wings upon their respective shoulders, and asked them if they saw anything they might like. The children turned to face her, and Weasel's Adam's apple had enlarged again and prevented him from speaking...for this fabulous ibis  was very fair to look upon. Butterfly said she saw many things that she liked, and the three of them embraced each other tightly. Weasel was visibly blushing, and I was visibly happy.

"I'm Crazy Groove," she finally told Butterfly and Weasel. "I play bass in the Groove Grooves. And you two must be the very special guests of honor I read about on the front door!" 

"Yep," Butterfly proudly proclaimed, and pointed and continued, "That's my brother Weasel, and my dad. You're very pretty. Are you really crazy or do they just call you that?" Weasel looked over at me and smiled, and I smiled back. 

Crazy Groove stood back up and went back to sit down behind the merchandise table as she laughed and answered Butterfly's question, "Well I think I might be a little crazy once in a while, but no, that's not why they call me Crazy Groove. They call me Crazy Groove because I lay down crazy grooves on my bass. And thank you, you are a very pretty Butterfly!" Then Crazy Groove turned to Weasel and said, "And you are a most handsome and precious Weasel!" I could feel my son melting proudly. He thanked the fabulous ibis. 

Weasel was finally able to speak again, and he was holding a t-shirt up in front of him to see if it might be his size. "For Your Glitter Nation? Is that a song?" he asked Crazy Groove.

The fabulous ibis smiled and said, "No, that's  the name of our latest album. I think that t-shirt would look perfect on you. Try it on!" Then she turned to Butterfly and suggested she try one on too. I picked up two copies of the "For Your Glitter Nation" record album and paid Crazy Groove for them, plus a few extra acorns and pumpernickel slices. I tried to pay the fabulous ibis for the kids' t-shirts but she wouldn't let me since they were the moon-greeting's guests of honor. So I picked out a few t-shirts for myself and she did let me pay her for those. Butterfly and Weasel suggested I put on one of my new Groove Grooves t-shirts too so that we would all match. I did so, of course, and we all looked fabulous, we thought aloud. 

Butterfly asked Crazy Groove, "Do you do any tricks like the other Groove Grooves?"

"Well I'm pretty good at pranks when I want to be," the fabulous ibis replied.

Butterfly clarified, "No I mean special tricks...Iike super powers...like Really Groove can make thunder and lightning and stuff, and has magic drum sticks. And like Betta Groove can stand on one leg forever, and hypnotize people while she plays guitar."  Pretty Groove walked up behind us and sat down behind the merchandise table next to Crazy Groove. 

Crazy Groove responded, "Well, I can see inside hearts. And I can heal people. And I can make things grow. Wanna see?" Then Crazy Groove removed some tiny seeds from a pouch we hadn't noticed she had with her, and she placed a few seeds in each of my kids' outstretched hands. She folded their hands shut with the seeds in them and asked them what sort of flowers they liked. 

"Pink roses," Butterfly said, then opened her hand, and right before her eyes, the seeds grew into several beautiful pink roses.

Weasel, thinking he was being cheeky answered, "Stinkweed," and he opened his hand and sure enough a tall, healthy stem of stinkweed grew right there in the palm of his hand. "I didn't think there was a real stinkweed," he exclaimed to Crazy Groove. "But of course I don't know much about flowers," he added. 

"Oh stinkweed is very real," the fabulous ibis replied to Weasel, "and it really doesn't stink so much as the name would imply. And in case you ever want to sound smart in front of the young ladies, that stinkweed in your hand is properly called 'artemisia tilesil.'"

Butterfly stood next to Crazy Groove and touched the flower that was in the fabulous ibis' hair. "Did you grow this flower with your magic seeds?" she asked.

"Indeed I did," Crazy Groove answered, and removed the flower from her hair and placed it in Butterfly's hair. "That flower is an iris. It is a very sacred flower in the land where I come from. It brings good luck." Then the fabulous ibis pulled out a single seed and closed it in butterfly's hand. Butterfly thought of an iris--though she didnt' say it out loud this time--and opened her hand, and sure enough a most lovely iris bloomed instantly, and Butterfly placed it in Crazy Groove's hair. "There," Crazy Groove exclaimed, "now we match!" Butterfly smiled proudly, and so did I. Then Pretty Groove joined in the girls' conversation, and all three of them began bonding. Butterfly spun around and showed them how beautiful she looked in her new Groove Grooves t-shirt, even though it was covering the top part of her lovely dress that was made by Betta and Bella Groove's river otter aunts.  

Weasel started chuckling, nudged me, and pointed out toward the bar in the main room of the Sacred Pub. Andrew and Casey the cardinal had disappeared along with many of the fairies by now, but Cousin Eddie was still there, perched upon his bar stool chugging another Almost Ale (though he thought it was a Minute Mead of course), and dear Caesar Emeritus and Ptolemy the gentle boxer were now happily slow dancing and stumbling with each other to the Eagles songs that were  playing on the jukebox. Cousin Eddie began waving his empty flagon in the air behind them as if to guide the drunk and dancing canines. Cousin Eddie was also singing along with the Eagles songs very loudly, and mostly off key. It was actually more fun and pleasant since he had forgotten many of the lyrics, and was sort of making them up as he sang. ["When we get crazy, up all night, tearing your head apart; weren't we the same two people who get lonely too..."] Weasel wisely wondered aloud whether dear Caesar and Ptolemy weren't more holding each other up rather than dancing. And we both laughed. Sweet Madeleine and Raven very soon approached the bar and began slow dancing with each other too--only they weren't stumbling! Captain Leo the Starmapper--and now certified Diminsion-hopper--looked on upon them and clapped and whistled. 

Weasel and I returned our attention to the merchandise table once again, and Weasel reminded Pretty Groove that her and Bella Groove ran off so fast before soundcheck that we never found out what sort of tricks they could do. Butterfly seconded Weasel's statement.

"Well," Pretty Groove, the Rainbeau leopard began, "I have a talking sneaker." She stood up from her chair and came out from behind the table. Her sneaker looked up at Butterfly and Weasel and said with a silly and gravelly voice, "Hello Butterfly. Hello Weasel. I'm Pretty Groove's talking sneaker, It's nice to meet you." All of us present laughed a hearty laugh. Then Pretty Groove sat down next to Crazy Groove again and continued, "And also, Rainbeau leopards are special in that we actually CAN change our spots. My spots glow and change shapes when I want them to...they form moving pictures and words and tell stories."

Butterfly and Weasel seemed genuinely impressed. Butterfly asked, "What kind of stories?"

"All sorts of stories," Pretty Groove answered. "Anything my heart desires. Could be my stories, could be someone eles's stories. When I'm playing guitar on stage, I often have my spots form lyrics to the songs we're playing, as we play them, and I mix in pretty shapes and designs."

"Wow, that's really cool!" Weasel exclaimed, and then he reminded us that we never got to find out what tricks Bella Groove could do. Butterfly nodded in agreement and looked at both Pretty and Crazy Groove.

"Why don't you ask her yourself?" Crazy Groove suggested.

"But we haven't seen her since she ran off for soundcheck earlier." Butterfly replied.

Pretty Groove smirked at Butterfly and said, "She's sitting right here next to me!"

At that, all of us heard laughter coming from the empty seat next to Pretty Groove, then Bella Groove magically took form seated in the chair and said, "I can make myself invisible...which makes me very sneaky of course!" Then she looked at Weasel and said, "Even sneakier than a weasel, I bet." 

"I don't know about that," Weasel replied proudly, "I'm pretty sneaky. I can't make myself invisible, but I can move quickly without making a sound. And I know how to do things at the right time so people never notice when I'm doing something. If I don't want them to, I mean. And I'm pretty good at pranks too. Like, for instance, did you see me just put that under there?"

Bella Groove turned her head for only a second toward the direction Weasel had just pointed and asked, "Under where?" We all snickered, but Butterfly and Weasel's snickers were more like laughs.  Pretty loud ones. 

"That's pretty good you got me to say 'underwear'--I don't usually fall for that one," Bella Groove said, then added, "but that's not really that sneaky you know." 

"Oh really," Weasel stated proudly, then asked Bella Groove, "Then perhaps I could borrow your marker for a second and show you something?"

"Well of course," Bella Groove replied, then reached into her pocket. Then she reached into her other pocket. Then she looked on the chair and on the floor around her. 

Then Weasel smirked and held up the marker, raising his voice a bit, and proudly stated, "Oh, nevermind, I seem to already have your marker in my hand. I wonder how THAT happened?" In a rare moment of unforced sibling bonding, Butterfly high-fived Weasel and told him that was pretty cool. I gave Weasel a sideways look, knowing he had stolen the marker from Bella Groove much earlier when we were all in the main room of the Sacred Pub. Then I winked at Weasel so he knew I had no intention of ratting him out. 

All three of the Groove Grooves that were seated behind the merchandise table congratulated Weasel, and even clapped for him. Then Crazy Groove winked knowingly at me, and Pretty Groove said to Weasel, "But you know, Bella Groove can also walk through walls and doors or even any kind of barrier at all." Bella Groove said nothing, but put her paws together, and bowed her head toward Weasel solemnly from her chair, and told him he could keep the marker since he was so clever. Weasel thanked her and tucked the marker into the pocket of his little space suit, the top half of which was covered with a "For Your Glitter Nation" t-shirt, of course. I felt happy and comforted that my son could enjoy such a moment he would always remember and remind us of.  

Weasel proudly replied, "That IS pretty cool. I can't do that. But still, I can always find my way into any room without people knowing it if I want to--even if the door is locked." Butterfly confirmed the truth of Weasel's statement and offered an example or two of times he had done just that. Then Butterfly began explaining to The Groove Grooves how hard she had been working on her telekinesis skills, and how she had actually gotten really good at it.  

I'm certain that a fabulous demonstration of Butterfly's telekinesis skills was about to occur, but she never had the chance since we were all interrupted when the remote control patrol jeep came zipping down the hallway, crashing into critters and merchandise table legs alike. Both Casey the Cardinal and Cousin Eddie the Raven were riding in the front seat of the remote control patrol jeep, and Cousin Eddie was driving. The merchandise table didn't stop them for more than a second though, as Cousin Eddie flicked the joysticks on the servo, spun the patrol jeep around backwards a few times, and they peeled off down the hallway shouting, "Long live the Gardenista!" Dear Caesar Emeritus and Ptolemy the gentle Boxer were now on all fours, chasing after them, barking for them to stop before someone would get hurt. If that were the extent of the disturbance, we certainly would have returned to our conversation at the merchandise table, and a fabulous demonstration of Butterfly's telekinesis skills. But no, it didn't end there. In fact, it was really only beginning. 

To be continued in Chapter 19d.

Thank you all for being your fabulous selves, and for always playing along.
Lovely of lovelies
​XX









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Chapter 19b: A Farewelcome Party With The Groove Grooves Part II

12/10/2016

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As Butterfly and Betta Groove placed a proverbial bow upon their momentary connection, sweet Madeleine and I exhanged small pleasantries. Weasel was content sipping upon his second Second Soda and watching critters scattered here and there around the room. At a point, he tapped my shoulder and pointed over at the billiards table, where Cousin Eddie was racking balls and seemed to be explaining to Caesar Emeritus and Ptolemy the Boxer how to play the game. "Oh, this should be interesting," I said to Weasel, and added, "I have a feeling some of those balls are going to end up somewhere besides inside the pockets." Weasel snickered. I looked around the room and saw that my lovely gatekeeper was present, so I simply replied to Weasel's snicker with a faux-glare and a pseudo-firm, "You know what I meant." 

By the time our attention had returned to the table where we were seated, Betta Groove had already skipped off someplace unnoticed. "Flaminga said she had to find her friends before they started looking for her," Butterfly informed us, and continued, "and she said to tell you she will point special for us during her pose during the show. She's nice. I like her." Then Butterfly suggested we play a board game, since we still had time before the show started. We all thought that sounded like a great idea, including sweet Madeliene, whose response was very closely monitored by both Butterfly and Weasel. With that, Butterfly was off to the bar to have Olga open the board game closet so she could choose our favorite game from years past.

I noticed Led Zepellin songs had begun playing on the jukebox, which caused me to turn and confirm that Raven and her lovely Captain Leo were now enjoying their command of the aforementioned machine. Weasel began laughing and nudged me again, pointing over toward the dart boards. Dear Caesar Emeritus was hunched over one of several fat squirrels that had apparently been knocked down by billiards balls gone astray. The fallen fat squirrels of Walnut Street would have none of Ceasar's sincere apology, however, and instead shouted things I'll not repeat here. The fattest of the fat squirrels of Walnut Street, self-appointed Mayor Reginald III, had entered the scene by then, and threatened dear Caesar with a fine if it happened again. It was then, I believe, Cousin Eddie confiscated the pool cues and suggested they try their hand at a good game of darts instead. 

Butterfly returned with our favorite board game, and happily set up all the pieces for us. She placed the pieces quite strategically, to assure that sweet Madeleine would have to move to the other side of the table from me. "Clever girl!" I thought to myself, and I smiled a proud and knowing smile. We were all well into enjoying our board game, when Olga the bartender fairy appeared with fresh flagons: Tick Tock Doc's moderately known Almost Ale for sweet Madeleine and I, and third Second Sodas for the little ones. I told them to enjoy them slowly, for that would be their last Second Sodas for the moon-greeting. As the board game progressed, I noticed Madeleine making a couple of strange plays, suggesting to me she was intentionally keeping herself out of the lead. "Clever lady!" I said to her in my mind when she looked at me and winked. For my part, I showed no mercy at all, but still couldn't find my way into the lead. 

Just as it seemed Butterfly was warming up to Madeliene, our game was abruptly interrupted by a lovely Mockingbird with ancient spirals painted over her eyes. She snuck up behind sweet Madeleine and tapped her upon the shoulder, shouting, "Holy crap! Maddie?!!!" 

Madeleine jumped out of her seat and embraced the lovely Mockingbird excitedly. "Rockingbird?!!! I had no idea! Just look at you!" Madeleine nearly shouted. Then she adressed my kids and I and said, "This is my old friend Rockingbird. We went to school together at Atherton. Weasel seemed intrigued by Rockingbird's beauty, and Butterfly's expression was a blend of mild annoyance and semi-suspicion. Madeleine convinced Rockingbird to sit with us for a few moments, though Rockingbird explained she had only a few minutes since it was almost time for soundcheck.

Weasel said to Rockingbird, "So you must be one of the Groove Grooves...I saw the ancient spirals painted on your eyes." Butterfly reminded Madeleine that it was her turn to take a card. 

Rockingbird smiled warmly at Weasel and said, "Yes, indeed, you handsome youngling! I am the drummer, Really Groove." And Really Groove pulled out a pair of drumsticks--from where I did not see--and air-drummed for a moment as if to offer proof. Then she handed the drumsticks to Weasel and he observed them as though they were precious artifacts. Sweet Madeleine completed her turn, and spoke reassuringly to Butterfly. Madeleine really is such a clever lady! Led Zeppelin songs continued to play happily in the background, and Cousin Eddie was well into explaining the game of darts to dear Caesar Emeritus and Ptolemy. 

Butterfly then completed her turn, proudly took the lead, then addressed Really Groove, "So do you do tricks like Flaminga? I mean Betta Groove?" Then Butterfly told Weasel to stop staring at the pretty lady and to draw his card. 

Really Groove stood tall, smiled at butterfly, and produced another pair of drumsticks seemingly out of thin air. Rockingbird replied, "Well, I have magic drumsticks...does that count? I can throw them anywhere I like and they return to me like a boomerang. And also I can make thunder. And lightning. And I know when a storm is coming long before it arrives. Is that good enough?"

Butterfly tried hard not to let on that she was impressed, but her guard fell significantly when Rockingbird sat down next to her and held her wing. "I can do telekinesis," Butterfly told her, and continued, "I'm pretty good at it now, but I'm still kind of slow if the objects are really big. Watch." Then Butterfly closed her eyes and concentrated and delivered a rainbow-glitter-frosted sugar cookie to Rockingbird's lips. Rockingbird laughed and took a playful nibble from it without ever using her wings to hold or guide it. She proceeded to eat the entire cookie without ever holding it. We all enjoyed that moment, and Weasel and I even clapped. Butterfly laughed and was genuinely impressed...and proud!

We had all forgotten about our favorite board game by that time, which was a good thing since two more critters with ancient spirals painted over their eyes rushed to our table and harmonized, telling Really Groove they had been looking everywhere for her--that it was time for soundcheck. The two critters politely introduced themselves to my children as Bella Groove, the keyboardist, and Pretty Groove, the guitarist respectively, though it was clear they didn't have much time to chat. Weasel immediately asked them why they were holding a rotten banana and lemon wedges. They both snickered, and Bella Groove struggled to explain. Butterfly correctly surmised aloud that Bella Groove was Betta Groove's sister, since she was also a river otter. Weasel and I discussed aloud that neither of us had ever seen a Rainbeau Leopard before--which Pretty Groove was one, of course--and that we were both honored and happy to have now met one. Rounds of hugs ensued, Rockingbird and sweet Madeleine's the longest, and they agreed to catch up with each other after the show. And just like that, three-fifths of The Groove Grooves were off to the banquet hall for soundcheck. Butterfly reminded us of our board game we had forgotten about, but was satisfied when we all unanimously decided to just declare her the winner. 

My lovely gatekeeper and her lovely Captain Leo found themselves back at our picnic table, and Butterfly gave them a full report of everything they had missed...including the fact she was unanimously declared the winner of our favorite board game even though we didn't finish it. I nudged Weasel and pointed over toward the dart boards. "Holy crap!" he exclaimed, and he did his very best not to snicker, not knowing whether or not finding humor in what he saw was appropriate. Weasel's exclamation was sufficient to direct everyone's attention toward the dart boards. I tried my best to hold in my snicker too, since Raven was now seated at our table, and I was trying to be on my best behavior. I failed, of course, and burst out laughing even to the point of tears. I just couldn't help it, even if I might be chastised for it later. The sight was well worth many a patented blank stare, if warranted. I will leave it to the reader to decide if any of the others joined me in laughter, for I am sometimes not so unlike my son Weasel. 

You see, quite a commotion had erupted by the dart boards: an extremely angry mob of fat squirrels had now surrounded Ceasar Emeritus, Ptolemy, and Cousin Eddie...many of them having darts sticking out of their fur. One fat squirrel, in particular, Butterfly noted, looked like a voodoo doll. Even dear Ceasar Emeritus, in all his Xanadu Forest naivety, knew their was no point in attempting more apolgies, though Ptolemy continued to hand the wounded fat squirrels bowls of now famous Ptolemy-ce cream--bowls which were summarily slapped to the floor, one by one, of course. And many, many more words were shouted by the fat squirrels which I cannot repeat here. Reginald III, the self-appointed Mayor, of course made his way to the center of the angry mob, and Cousin Eddie didn't argue with the fattest of the fat squirrels of Walnut Street even a bit. You see, Cousin Eddie is a very shrewd Raven (aren't they all?) and knew when it was best to say nothing at all. No, instead Cousin Eddie started slapping slice after slice of pumpernickel into Reginald III's grubby paws, who began distributing the pumpernickel among the wounded fat squirrels. The angry mob subsided almost instantly as the fat squirrels rushed to stuff the pumpernickel into their respective briefcases. Many fat squirrels sat upon one other's briefcases so they could close and latch them. When every briefcase was stuffed and latched, the no longer angry fat squirrels placed their hats upon their heads and happily exited the Sacred Pub. I am grateful for Cousin Eddie all the time for many reasons, and times like this convince me further that the magical Xanadu Forest could never survive without his presence in it. 

The exit of the fat squirrels of Walnut Street came none too soon, by the way, as a moment later another mob of critters rushed into the Sacred Pub, and every square inch of space would be needed as it turned out. Yes..fairies...and more fairies...and still more fairies. I knew well this could only mean one thing. Oh, what a night! Indeed the magic of the moon-greeting was to become more magical still. 

To be continued in Chapter 19c. 

Thank you all for being out there, and for being a part of this lovely journey. 
Lovely of Lovelies! 
​XX




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Chapter 19a: A Farewelcome Party With The Groove Grooves Part I

12/4/2016

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Households and their respective dynamics can be strange things, both on Earth, and also in our precious Xanaduvian Forest. Truly the family dynamic can do so much to shape the futures of little ones raised in their various environments...for better or for worse. And yet, to a degree, children will simply be children, despite all one's efforts at guiding them. And it's always those "little" things that seem to stick with us all. For all the distinctions our sacred forest holds from Earth, even we are not immune to this rule of existence. There is always that bird that refuses to fly, or that canine that refuses not to. 

This was the gist of what I felt after my children and I received a round of patented blank stares from my lovely gatekeeper, followed by lovely stories from her own upbringing. I tried to imagine Raven as a young, silly Raven while she spoke, but  was unable to.

Cousin Eddie and Captain Leo were several steps behind us discussing the necessary rocket parts Mitzy the arctic fox had delivered earlier, and confirmed that Captain Leo and my children, the Junior Starmappers, would be off to far away places in less than two greetings of the sun. 

Not wanting Butterfly and Weasel to dwell on the fact that we'd soon be separated again--and also not wanting myself to dwell on it--I told them to hurry now and get ready for their wonderful surprise. I instructed Butterfly to use her keen telekinesis skills to bring Weasel's space boots down from the highest tree in my sacred garden, and to put on her fabulouness new dress we had just purchased from sisters Sadie and Sally Otterman. I instructed Weasel to return his shovel to the treehouse and to put on some deodorant. They both carried out their instructions with only a very small amount of bickering, as Cousin Eddie fired up the remote control patrol jeep and zipped off to the Sacred Pub, the pink remnant of Weasel's prank still circling his raven eyes. Edwin the Bee looked on seemingly disinterested from upon His lotus flower, and said nothing. My lovely gatekeeper powered down her laptop, smiled at me, and told me she'd see us over there shortly. I acknowledged, and headed off to the Persian rug to check on Butterfly and Weasel. My heart looked back and smiled as I saw my lovely gatekeeper happily walking off with her lovely Captain Leo by her side. 

A nip here, and a tuck there, and Butterfly was most satisfied with her shimmery new dress, and even said as much. I smiled and reminded her how beautiful she was and how proud of her I was. As if to confirm that he was also beautiful and that I was also proud of him, Weasel approached me--space boots beaming and blinking--and offered for me to smell his armpits to prove he had used deodorant. Honestly, I was afraid to sniff his armpits, so I simply told him that I trusted him. And I told him how handsome he had become, and also how proud of him I was. With that, we were off to the Sacred Pub. Edwin the Bee actually smiled at my children and I as we passed by, and He told us to have the most wonderful time...and that He could possibly be there to join the festivities at some point. We all thanked Him. 

On our way to the Sacred Pub, Butterfly pulled a handful of glitter-glo bracelets out of her purse and handed some to Weasel and I. We all slid a few glitter-glo bracelets over our wrists, and I reminded them of the things my lovely gatekeeper had just told us, and asked them if maybe just for tonight we might refrain from any sort of bathroom type humor. They both nodded in pensive agreement, and there we were at the Sacred Pub almost before we realized it. Butterfly and Weasel seemed both honored and excited to see a large poster on the door of the Sacred Pub that read,

"A Farewelcome Party to honor Captain Leo, and Junior Starmappers, Butterfly and Weasel! One Moon only! With special performance by The Groove Grooves, and hosted by Landrew the Glo-blin King, and his lovely assistant, Mr. Feathers. All ages. 1 pumpernickel or 5 acorns cover charge kindly requested."

Butterfly, of course, was very proud to see her name upon a poster upon the door of the Sacred Pub, while Weasel was more intrigued about who The Groove Grooves were. I told him I had heard good things about them, and that I believed two of them were otter sisters related to the Ottermans, whom we had purchased Butterfly's dress from earlier that sun-greeting. I placed my hands gently upon Butterfly and Weasel's shoulders before we pushed the door open and entered, and reminded them once more about our no-bathroom-type-humor-tonight agreement. They actually harmonized "We knooow!"

So of course the very first thing we noticed (aside from the fact that there were already a fair number of critters present) was dear Caesar Emeritus over by the dart boards asking random critters if they happened to see the whoopie cushion he had placed "under there."  To dear Caesar's credit, one of the critters did ask, "Under where?" but none of the critters--even Caesar Emeritus himself--snickered. Butterfly and Weasel giggled, of course, as they looked at me. I rolled my eyes and tried my best not to giggle, but failed miserably. I scanned the room and was grateful to see my lovely gatekeeper was nowhere to be seen. Butterfly found it even funnier that dear Caesar had managed to make someone say "underwear" and yet he still didn't understand the juvenile bathroom type humor. And Weasel was very proud, of course, that he had outsmarted the most wise Caesar Emeritus. "The gift that keeps on giving," I heard Weasel say. 

Before I could remind my children about our agreement again, the three of us were assaulted in the most lovingly of ways by Olga the bartender fairy. "There's my little guests of honor!" Olga shouted, and gave us all very tight finger hugs. "My how beautiful and handsome you've become," she continued, and told Butterfly how she remembered when she was just a small, hungry caterpillar. Both kids greeted Olga warmly, and were genuinely happy to see her. Then Olga guided the three of us over to the bar, seated us, and served us up happy flagons: Tick Tock Doc's famous Minute Mead for me, and his much less famous Second Soda for Butterfly and Weasel. Both children looked around the room, as did I, happily sipping our beverages, chatting nonchalantly, and absorbing the atmosphere. Caesar Emeritus and his now dear friend Ptolemy (maker of the almost famous Ptolemy-ce Cream) were now over at the jukebox, selecting songs as though they were solving the mysteries of the universe. Numerous Bachman-Turner Overdrive songs soon began blaring throughout the Sacred Pub, and a smalll group of fat squirrels from Walnut Street were deeply engaged in a game of darts off to the side--all of them keeping one eye carefully upon their respective briefcases. 

The children and I hadn't quite emptied our flagons when, out of nowhere, Edwin the Bee came buzzing through the Sacred Pub and cleared an area around a large picnic table near the center of the room. And right after that entered my lovely gatekeeper, wearing her shimmering white apron decorated with images of garden-fresh tomatoes, and carrying a very large pot of what I imagined contained her Dragon Stew. And it was! And behind Raven was my boss, sweet Madeleine, the albino peacock, simply stunning in the dress Butterfly had picked out for her from the costume closet in the county clerk's office earlier that sun-greeting. Madeleine placed a large silver tray of rainbow-glitter-frosted sugar cookies upon the picnic table, and her and I smiled at each other. Butterfly took notice, and Weasel glared subtly at Butterfly as if to remind her not to say anything. Nothing was said. And right behind sweet Madeleine emerged Cousin Eddie--pink circles round his eyes and all (including his baker's hat)--and he began adding loaves of bread to the large picnic table's top--not pumpernickel of course, since it was still the Xanadu Forest's primary currency at that time. Bachman-Turner Overdrive songs continued to play throughout the room, though at a lower volume now. Yes, it was time to feast. 

Captain Leo appeared before us almost magically and told the children and I we should be seated at the picnic table. And then Captain Leo sat down at the table on Butterfly's left. Caesar Emeritus and Ptolemy arrived at the large picnic table, and sat down directly across from us. Sweet Madeleine and I smiled at each other once again--perhaps a bit longer than we should have--as she fluffed her dress and sat down on Weasel's right. My lovely gatekeeper, Raven, was ladling her now famous Dragon Stew into wooden bowls, and Cousin Eddie took them, one by one, and delivered them to everyone now seated at the large picnic table. Once everyone had a bowl of Dragon Stew in front of them, Raven took off her shimmering apron, and sat down on Captain Leo's left, with a bowl of Dragon Stew for herself. Cousin Eddie removed his baker's hat, tossed it into the ceiling fan, and sat down on Ptolemy's right.

Edwin the Bee hovered above us all, and delivered a great Farewelcome to Captain Leo and the Junior Starmappers, and a special blessing for all, before any of us began to eat--though I had to nudge Weasel because he was already breaking his bread. Also before anyone began to eat, Olga the bartender fairy joined us at the large picnic table...at Butterfly's insistent request! The dart-playing fat squirrels of Walnut Street looked on as we enjoyed our meal and pleasant conversation, then they continued on with their games--and keeping an eye on their respective briefcases. Many compliments were given my lovely gatekeeper, of course, regarding her fantastic Dragon Stew. Raven pretended very well to be humbly embarrassed, though, secretly, I felt, she was feeling a bit more than proud and honored [Please don't tell her I told you this]. I overheard Cousin Eddie, at one point, explaining (read, boasting) to Ptolemy his skill at crafting nearly anything out of beer cans. Also a squadron of fairies had supplied us all with freshly-filled flagons, and Bachman-Turner Overdrive songs continued to play in the background. My children seemed especially to enjoy their second Second Sodas, and there was no bickering or bathroom type humor at all...and I most certainly enjoyed my second Minute Mead. 

As we all finished our Dragon Stew and rubbed our bellies pleasantly, a squadron of fairies returned and cleared the large picnic table of all but the sugar cookies we were munching on by then. Ptolemy and dear Caesar Emeritus mysteriously excused themselves briefly, then returned moments later with large tubs of Ptolemy-ce cream, and enough clean wooden bowls for all of us. Many kind compliments were tossed Ptolemy's way, and that is, in fact, the night that Ptolemy-ce cream became famous. Even the dart-playing fat squirrels of Walnut Street abandoned their games (and their respective briefcases) and joined us. Yet another squadron of fairies supplied them with clean wooden bowls, of course. It was truly becoming a magical evening. My children agreed, as did sweet Madeleine.

I had discovered a third flagon of Minute Mead in front of me at some point, and enjoyed that one even more than the first two. I overheard my lovely gatekeeper discussing Jimmy Page's adorable ponytail with Captain Leo as the elixir trickled down my throat. Junior Starmappers Butterfly and Weasel were discussing constellations at length with me--in a competitive sort of way--when we all heard quite a ruckus behind us and turned to see a squadron of critters entering the door to the Sacred Pub. Truly they were flooding the room, and the fat squirrels of Walnut Street scurried back over to their briefcases, leaving their Ptolemy-ce Cream only half-finished. Many of the entering critters were river otters, but there were also others: birds, insects, canines, and even a feline or two. And there was Mitzy the arctic fox! And there was the fattest of the fat squirrels of Walnut Street, the self-declared mayor of the Xanadu Forest, Reginald III...arguing with a beautiful Mockingbird about some sort of parking violation. Butterfly and Weasel looked up at me, hoping for an explanation. I sort of shrugged my shoulders hesitatingly and told them I suspected the band must be here. My suspicion was very quickly confirmed when Cousin Eddie leaped onto the large picnic table, shotgunned his fifth flagon of Minute Mead, raised his empty flagon to the sky, and shouted, "Hell yeah! It's The Groove Grooves!" 

Indeed, the main room of the Sacred Pub was almost about to become completely overrun by chaos, as bodies struggled to find space; and, for a second, I was even pressed into the Junior Starmappers, and no longer had any doubt as to whether Weasel had actually put on his deororant. He had. I congratulated him on that, and didn't have to raise my voice for him to hear it. Thankfully, the almost chaos subsided as many of the critters made their way to the banquet hall down the hall, where the main stage was to be found, and we were able to breathe again. "Holy crap!" my children harmonized, as they looked up at me, as though they had just survived a close call. I told them The Groove Grooves are even more popular than I had realized, apparently. 

"Your father's quite right," came the voice of a lovely river otter out of nowhere, with a paisley Les Paul guitar slung over her shoulder, as she knelt and extended her paws toward us. She looked deeply into our eyes, and continued, "I am Betta Groove...but my friends call me Flaminga. And who might you lovely younglings be?" 

Weasel's adam's apple enlarged immediately, I suspected, for he was completely unable to speak. Butterfly took command, grasped Flaminga's paw, and replied, "I am Butterfly, and that's my brother Weasel. We're Junior Starmappers, under the command of Captain Leo. And that's my dad. But he's not a Starmapper. Why do your friends call you Flaminga? And why do you have ancient spirals painted over your eyes?"

Betta Groove smiled and snickered a bit, and kissed a guitar pick, and placed it in Weasel's paw using both of her own. Then she turned to Butterfly, held her wing, looked deep into her eyes, and replied, "The ancient spirals are symbols of the cosmos--all of The Groove Grooves wear them. It expresses our committment to universal unity. And dimensional unity as well." Then Betta Groove lifted the hem of Butterfly's dress and examined it closely. Then she continued, "I know this dress. Its stitching holds many secrets. My aunts Sadie and Sally made it."

All three of us were highly intrigued, but only Butterfly had the nerve to ask Betta Groove, "How did you know?" And then Butterfly reminded Betta Groove that she still hadn't answered her first question.

Flaminga stood tall, then spun her paisly Les Paul around so it was in front of her, and stood upon one leg, and rested her other foot upon the knee of the standing leg. Then she shut her eyes and extended one arm straight out pointing at her attentive audience, while her other arm wrapped itself around the neck of the guitar. Then Flaminga opened her eyes, looked at Butterfly (still balancing on only one leg), and said, "The Otterman women are the finest seamstresses in all of Interterrestria for good reason. There is always more to our garments than meets the senses." Flaminga slung her paisley Les Paul back over her shoulder, knelt again, and took both of Butterfly's wings in her paws so warmly, saying ever so softly, "In the silence of space, it's a common mistake to cling to what's clever, my dear." 

Weasel and I looked at each other knowingly, but saying nothing at all, knowing well that a very special connection had just occurred--something that hovered well above our heads. Sweet Madeleine edged closer to me, placing her wing softly upon my thigh, and Butterfly took no notice at all--though Weasel did, and he smiled at me. And I smiled at him. We all knew that night that the magic had only begun.

And that is how The Groove Grooves first entered our lives. 

So much more to come.

Thank you all for being out there. Lovely of Lovelies.
​XX




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    Author

    KeV Atomic was Xanadu Dead and is now both of them. 

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