Think Pink: A Seeker's Valentine

     ******

     The eager scratching of a quill was the only sound emanating from Professor Lambert's desk as he finished the first draft of his most recent P3 biology manuscript. The famous Seeker and professor of Brightvale was in his element here and completely engaged in his most recent writing. He adjusted the small gold spectacles perched on the end of his pink nose as he continued writing in a flourishing script of black ink. Like many other Seekers, Lambert sought the quiet and reclusive desks found in the ancient Brightvale Library to work on his documents. Here he could easily reference textbooks from the dusty shelves if he needed to look up something.

     The Pink Gnorbu was just about to go over the draft and make edits one last time before he was interrupted by an earsplitting squeal in the next row of desks.

     "OH, you shouldn't have!", squealed a Pteri down the row, clutching a frilly, pink valentine to her chest before hugging the gifter, a bashful Chomby.

     Oh dear, Lambert thought to himself, is it already Valentine's Day again?. He huffed and pulled out his pocket watch to check the time and date. He didn't even notice what day it was today. This was about to make his work day much more difficult.

     He rolled his eyes as the Pteri continued lavishing her thanks, disturbing his peace. Valentine's Day was for fools - imagine celebrating such a frivolous thing when there was important work to be done. Lambert kept his nose to his manuscript and made a few more edits, hoping to not have to move from his comfy writing spot in the library.

     Unfortunately his wishes were in vain. Every 15 minutes or so, there was another exclamation from some region of the library.

     "You're so sweet, I love chocolates!"

     "What a beautifully designed card!"

     "Did you write this poem yourself? I'm so flattered!"

     "EEEEE! This Pink Cybunny Plushie is my favorite!!"

     The Gnorbu flattened his diminutive ears as one eye began to twitch. How was he going to work in these conditions? His manuscript was due to the Brightvale P3 Journal of Biology by this evening! He began packing his things in haste, to look for somewhere else, somewhere with a bit of peace.

     On his way out, a young Scholar stopped him.

     "Oh Professor, you must really love this holiday, since you're painted Pink and all!" the young Techo exclaimed innocently.

     Lambert felt that a blood vessel may burst in his head. He huffed through his nostrils and stuck his nose in the air, choosing to ignore that comment.

     ******

     The depths of the Coffee Cave, with its extensive seating options and easy access to caffeine, were the ideal spot to work for many a Neopet. Lambert entered and paused, checking how busy the establishment was. Seeing nothing too amiss, at least no squealing Neopets, he made his way to the back to choose a table. Draped over one was a garland of pink paper hearts, which he shoved out of the way as he made room for his bag and papers. Even here, he couldn't escape from the commercial holiday.

     Lambert decided to risk it anyway, and sat down to continue working. After having at least an hour of blissful quiet working time, he felt his stomach growling like the Esophagor. His eyes were beginning to droop a bit as well - he did stay up late last night working on the methodology section of the paper. Time to take advantage of the cafe's real business, then.

     Lambert made his way to the counter and browsed the appetizing selections through the clear glass. He hoped they had his favorite, a Tigersquash Iced Bun.

     Instead, there was an assault of pink and glitter to his eyes. Heart Crepes, Heart Petit Fours, Red Heart Macarons, Valentines Muffins, Piece of my Heart Gingerbread Cookies. Everything covered in pink and red icing, with heart shaped sprinkles. Disgusting.

     "Can I get you something, sir?" asked the Shoyru barista.

     "Those hearts aren't even anatomically correct, you know. With no aorta and left ventricle, there's no way to pump blood to the rest of the body," he answered icily.

     "I-I'm sorry...?"

     "Nevermind. Just a normal latte, please."

     Lambert continued with his writing, waiting for his liquid caffeine to be delivered. The barista approached and placed a large, streaming mug at his table. "One latte with extra expresso, just for you, Professor!"

     The Seeker held the mug to take the first sip of the warm coffee. On top of the latte, the milk foam was in the design of an intricate and beautiful heart.

     ******

     Lambert decided a walk outside would clear his thoughts instead, as he made his way down the cobblestone streets of Brightvale. He organized his paper in his mind as he walked, making mental note of the things he needed to change. A comma here, a new citation there...Might want to reformat that one graph, it was looking a little wonky...

     Eventually his feet led him to a large cart full of flower bouquets. A Korbat merchant was selling beautiful bouquets to the passing Neopets, with the flowers made up of red, pink, and yellow roses, and beautiful carnations and lilies. Nearly half the Neopets that walked by decided to buy a bouquet or two, gladly handing over their Neopoints and taking a whiff of the freshly cut flowers.

     Lambert paused in front of the cart.

     "Care to buy a bouquet, Professor? It's the perfect gift for a loved one in your life," the Korbat offered as he raised the flowers up to the Gnorbu's nose.

     Lambert took one sniff, and let out a massive ACHOOOO, sending the flower petals flying every direction. He sniffed and pulled out a patterned handkerchief.

     "No thank you, I'm quite allergic to pollen." He turned on his heel to continue the search for peace, as it clearly wouldn't be found here. The Korbat seller was left covered in petals and flowerheads, looking very disappointed.

     *****

     Professor Lambert strained to climb the tall spiral staircase, carrying all his papers, notebooks, and several reference textbooks in a multitude of bags. Some inkwells and pencils escaped and bounced down the staircase, the sound echoing through an empty building.

     "By Fyora, I will find the peace and quiet I need even if it destroys me!" Lambert mumbled in between catching his breath on the steep stairs.

     Finally, he made it to the top. Here was a very secluded and very forgotten study in a remote tower of Brightvale University. It had not been used for many years. Thankfully, a worn wooden desk was supplied, along with a chair, and the remaining ends of some candles. The Gnorbu swept some pink confetti from his cravat - who even knows where that came from - and sat down to finally begin working again.

     He opened an inkwell, dipped his quill, and paused, hovering over the page, and listened. Finally. Not a single noise. Not a single presence of another Neopet. He could even hear the Spyders rustling in their webs in the eaves of the secluded room.

     Several hours later, the moon rose above Brightvale University as Professor Lambert finished the final edit of conclusions on his extensive manuscript. It was done. The title was written in his characteristic flourishing script: Saliva secretions and jaw strength measurements of the native P3 Mootix in Brightvale, Neopia, author: Professor Lambert.

     Extremely pleased and very tired, the Pink Gnorbu gathered his precious manuscript in his bag and made his way downstairs to submit it directly to the journal offices.

     ******

     Having finally completed his quest, the Seeker made the long way back up the staircase to his new favourite writing spot. No one would be taking this spot from him now. Lambert wanted to bask in his achievement a bit before going to bed, and decided to have a cup of tea at the old desk.

     As he opened the door to the old study, he was greeted by a mysterious package on the desk that was not there before. He perked his ears with curiosity: it was tied in pink ribbon and addressed to Professor Lambert. He couldn't help but open it.

     First was a note stating "From: The Seeker's Guild". His fellow scholars must have snuck in while he was out. Inside were a pair of pink earplugs that could surely block out even the loudest Grarrl roar. There was also a brand new glass inkwell, just his favourite brand to work with his favourite quill. Lambert held up the inkwell to the candlelight and smiled: the swirling ink inside was pink.

     The End.