Trollstopia Special: A Troll's Valentine

Chapter 5

Barb found Riff hanging with his new crowd of women in a love tent.

They were waiting on him hand and foot.

And fortunately, the love potion didn't affect Barb thanks to her strong will and independence.

Barb said, "Wow, dude. This is really something."

Riff held up one of the cards the girls gave him.

"Can you believe these cards? I didn't think they could find a word to rhyme with 'magnificent', but they did!"

Barb was a little disturbed by all of it.

But, she just kept her cool and said, "Yeah, well, speaking of 'cards', I still haven't given you yours for being the best friend/right-hand Troll ever."

But, Riff just said, "Great. Throw it on the pile."

"Oh, how could I have missed the pile?"

Barb put her card on the huge pile of cards.

She then prepared to leave, "Well, I guess I'll be going then. Unless there's something..."

Riff was in the middle of a massage, "Oh, yeah. That's the stuff."

Barb decided it was no use.

Riff asked, "You say something, Barb?"

Barb had already left.

Riff was befuddled, but was then distracted by the twins playing the harp.

They asked, "Any requests, Riff?"

Riff requested, "Free Bird?"

***

Barb was a little frustrated.

Just then, something caught her attention.

Poppy was with Guy and Tiny.

They were trying to make her some more love potion.

But, Poppy said, "I don't know, Guy. This doesn't look like the one Branch made."

Guy just responded, "Don't worry, Poppy. It may not look the same, but who's to say it'll fail?"

Barb interfered, "Pop Squeak, not you, too."

Poppy responded, "What choice do I have? I might be losing Branch."

Barb said, "Look, I know how you feel. I feel like I might be losing Riff, but I wouldn't go this far."

Poppy just started to walk away, "I don't know what to do anymore."

Barb turned to face Guy, "This is your fault, you know."

Guy asked, "How is it my fault?"

Barb responded, "This stupid love potion stuff is making everyone crazy. Now, it's gotten to your queen."

Tiny interfered, "Come on, girl. There's no harm in trying a little something new. Maybe you ought to try it."

Barb was a little insulted, "What's that supposed to mean?"

Guy said, "Well, it's just that ever since your right-hand man tried some of our love potion, you seemed to end up as...second-best."

Barb thought for a minute and thought he might be right.

Tiny then said, "But...one spritz of this and who knows? You could end up...back on top."

Guy then said, "Just imagine the crowds. All that chanting. 'Barb! Barb! Barb! Barb! You're so amazing!' So...what do you say?"

Barb finally caved in.

***

Later, some Trolls were hanging out by the lagoon.

They all then caught whiff of something.

But, it wasn't the smell of a love potion.

If anything, it seemed to be the exact opposite.

"Ladies and gentlemen! May I present to you...Queen Barb!"

Barb started playing her guitar.

But, the awful smell drew everyone away.