Nogdorf was pleased to see the badgers taking initiative, cleaning up after the battle. “What a fine idea, Sarge. How do you feel about a victory celebration? Everybody has worked so hard to protect our creatures, I was thinking it would be a fun reward.”

  Sarge said, “I think it will be very well received. Do you need some help? It is not my forte, but I could help round up some helpers.”

  “Could your wife, Millicent help us plan and decorate?” Nogdorf asked.

  “I will ask her. Millicent, come over here a minute,” Sarge asked.

  Over strode a honey badger, dressed to the nines. She had dressed like a big, old bumblebee this morning. Millicent had a yellow and black shorts set on with her hair done in a beehive bubble and tiny bumblebee earrings on. She always took great pains with her outfits and was well known as the best dressed badger around.

  Nogdorf asked Millicent, “How would you like to help put on a victory celebration, a cotillion for the good creatures?”

  Millicent started laughing, she was so happy. This is what I was born for. Sarge was born for protecting and I love helping him, but this makes me so happy, Nogdorf.”

  Nogdorf could see she was the one for the job and would organize the females to make a successful cotillion. He sat down with her, promptly and the two of them shared ideas until they were both satisfied this would be the best party the forest had ever seen.

  Nogdorf went to find JJ. They took a long walk and talked about their next move. Nogdorf had an idea of a project he needed to teach Lester about after they did their part for the cotillion. They found themselves at the great forest flats. These flats had been formed many years ago back in the days of the dinosaurs. They were the breeding grounds for the triceratops dinosaurs and held in great reverence by the forest creatures. “Why are we here, Nogdorf?” Lester couldn’t wait to hear what Nogdorf would say about what they would do this time.”

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  “I had thought about laying cement down on this whole big flat area, but I am having second thoughts now, Lester. Do you think the natural dirt floor would be better for dancing?” Nogdorf asked.

  “Dancing?” Lester. “Is that what a cotillion is? I thought we were looking for a place to have a cook out.”

  “Ha ha ha,” Nogdorf roared. “Lester, you really crack me up. Of course you would think that. You rabbits are always eating. Well we do need to have refreshments for the cotillion so you weren’t totally wrong. I wonder who we should ask to be in charge of the refreshments? Hmmm.”

  Lester said, “You know my wife just might be the one for the job, Nogdorf. She does a fine job of cooking and has several recipes that could be used for snacks at a gathering. I think she could gather some other ladies who are great cooks to help. What do you think?”

  “As long as she agrees, I say sign her up. Will you let me know what she says? Lester Now, we need to get Merina and some others sewing ballroom gowns for the ladies and nice suits for the gentlemen. I will speak to them while you take care of talking to the ladies about the cooking. Should we fix a make shift kitchen here on one corner of the great forest flats?”

  “That sounds like a fine idea, Nogdorf. Maybe off to the side, under that big group of trees we could make the eating area?” Lester offered. “Yes, I can see it now. I can’t wait!. When should we have the celebration?”

  “What do you think about 2 weeks from today?” Nogdorf asked.

  “Sure,” Lester readily agreed.

  Nogdorf felt a sudden weight on his shoulder. “Misser Noggy, whachyou doin at dinosaur place? Why you come so far away? I looked and looked for you. What we doin today?” A curious little squirrel chittered away at Nogdorf until he gave him his full attention.

  “Why Sammy Squirrel, where did you come from? Are you here to help us?” Nogdorf asked.

  “What you makin?”

  “We are going to have a cotillion and a feast here to celebrate our great victory,” Nogdorf explained. “Remember we talked about the cotillion and food?”

  “Oh, yeah. But Misser Noggy, you aren’t going to have it here, are you?” And Sammy’s eyes got really big.

  “Yes, there is a big flat area that will be perfect for dancing. Look how large it is. And we can eat over there by the shade trees. What kind of food should we have, Sammy?”

  “No, misser Noggy, not here. It’s scary. Do you know what happens here?” Sammy asked in a whisper.