Hey there! Well why not start the new year with a new story? Since I'm close to finishing my Rapunzel story, I might as well start a new story. So happy new year and enjoy!


The land of Etia was a prosperous land. Ruled by a kind king and an equally loving queen. The people would go about there day, working hard and long. Yet when the sun would rise over the horizon, most liked to stay in bed until the sun was well in the sky. Yet at the Blackwood estate, two girls were already up. Well, one woman was, and was trying to get her younger sister up.

"Anne, come on wake up," urged the elder sister

"Five more minutes, Gen," whined Anne.

"The last time I gave you five minutes, it took until noon to get you up. I had to do almost all your chores," said Genevieve, trying in vain to pull her sister out of the small pile of hay, they called a bed. "Up!"

With a groan, Anne just rolled over and continued to sleep.

"Fine, I'm getting the water bucket," said Genevieve, as she began to walk out.

At the words "water bucket", Anne's eyes had shot open and leapt up exclaiming "I'm ready!"

"Good," chuckled Genevieve "Now get dressed, we need to start breakfast soon."

"Why do you always use that water bucket threat?" whined Anne, as her sister helped her into an old faded maid uniform. That was a dark brown shirt, with sleeves that came down to the elbows, covered by a bodice type brown shirt and black skirt that came down to their knees, with a white apron.

"Because it's the only way to get you up," explained the elder sister, as she began to brush out Anne's short black hair. "How do you get so many knots in your hair?"

"I don't know, I just do," was the only answer she received.

With a sigh, Genevieve just gave up and pulled the hair back with a ratted green ribbon.

Both maids had straight black hair and dull blue eyes. Both were tan, yet Genevieve was leaner and more built from the years of work. When they would meet new people, they would often think that Anne was her daughter. What with the way she would protect her.

"There, now go get started on breakfast, while I get the water," she said, heading for the door that lead to the gardens. "Oh, and just so you know I will use the water if necessary."

It was an empty threat, but it got Anne moving none the less.


As she exited the large chateau, she looked out at the land she had lived on since birth. The chateau itself, was like many manors or large houses. It had its main room for greeting guests, parlors, dining rooms, bedrooms, studies, and sitting rooms galore. At the very top of the house was an old attic that no one ever ventured into, and the base was a kitchen that lead to the gardens.

It was in a small room off of the kitchen, meant to be for storage, that the two sisters slept. It was cold, dark and dingy, but it was better than sleeping outside or up in the attic.

A long time ago, when Genevieve was a child, there was a large servants room off the side of the house. Yet as time passed, more servants were let go, and the room was changed into another sitting parlor.

The garden was a simple garden, bordered by a stone wall and gate. Oaks, roses, and an assortment of exotic plants littered the garden. Though the only plant that had any meaning to Genevieve, was a hazel tree next to the gate. Each morning she would rub the trunk and mutter a quick "morning, mother,"


When Genevieve returned, she was pleased to find Anne sweeping the floors of the kitchen.

The kitchen itself, was rather small. It consisted of a fireplace for cooking, a table in the center, and a few counters with cupboards overhead. Hanging on the wall were three brass bell, each leading to a different bedroom. It had everything they needed, so who were they to complain?

"Are you going to do the magic, today?" asked Anne, dropping the broom after spotting the bucket of water.

"How many times have I told you, one it's not magic, and two I can't!" exclaimed Genevieve

"But we can move water, why can't we use it?" asked Anne

Genevieve just sighed and pinched the bridge of her nose, a nervous habit she had developed when she started working.

It was true that both her and Anne could move water at will. They were called Elementals, a group that was feared by many. Now there were few that actual did any harm, but when they did then the destruction was overwhelming. So, many Elementals just kept their powers hidden.

"Because if we're caught then we'll be on the street, no money, no food, nothing," explained Genevieve "I explained this to you just last week!"

It was true. At least once a week, her sister would ask, or even try to control the water herself, only to be scolded. She didn't like having to yell at her sister, especially if was for something that should have been a gift. But knowing that the people they worked for, wouldn't bat an eye at listening. She knew they had to stay in secret.

"I still don't get it," she muttered

"You're young, you'll understand when you're older,"

"I'm old enough," huffed Anne

"You're six," said Genevieve

"And a half,"

"Sweep" she ordered

"No, I won't sweep until you do the magic," commanded Anne, dropping the broom and crossing her arms.

"Fine, if you won't sweep then I'll just have to get the tickle monster to force you!" yelled Genevieve, chasing Anne around the table.

After a few minutes, she managed to catch her.

"No! No, no I'm too old to this, Gen!" complained Anne, as she tried to wriggle out of her sister's grasp.

"What? Too old for tickles? Never!" exclaimed Genevieve, as she began her devious torture.

Yet before either could begin to have fun, the large pot in the fireplace began to hiss and bubble.

"Shoot!" hissed Genevieve, dropping Anne. "Sweep, please."

Sighing, Anne picked up the broom and continued sweeping.


"Gen?"

"Hmm?" asked Gen, turning away from the pot and her thoughts, to see Anne holding a small yellow pan.

"Please?" begged Anne

"Anne," warned Genevieve

"Please! I promise we'll be careful. And there's still time, PLEASE!"

Looking into her's sister big eyes, Genevieve felt her will start to slip. She looked up at the bells, then pot. Anne had a point, the bells hadn't rung, meaning that the family hadn't woken up yet. Breakfast was almost done, and the trays were laid out. There was time.

"Okay," caved Genevieve "But if those bells ring, then we stop."


"Ready?"

"Yeah!" exclaimed Anne, jumping up and down on her stool.

Placing a finger on the surface of the water, Genevieve traced an arch over the pan. As the water droplets fell, they morphed into dolphins. They jumped and flipped around, making Anne giggled. Smiling, Genevieve began to create more sea creatures, including a whale.

Anne then placed her finger in, copying Genevieve's movements. Though she was only able to create goldfish.

They giggled and laughed, watching the fish and mammals flip and jump across the water. But just as they were having fun, the first of the bells rung, followed quickly by the other two.

"Anne, get the teapot, quick," ordered Genevieve, stopping the water.

Together they finished preparing breakfast and loaded their hands with the four trays.

"Remember, go slowly and try not to drop anything," said Genevieve, before they ascended the stairs.


"Good morning Miss Elizabeth," greeted Genevieve, as she entered the first bedroom.

The Williams household, consisted of four members. Duke Williams, a hard working man. Duchess Williams, a proper lady, known for expecting nothing but the best. Their two daughters, Elizabeth and Victoria, two very beautiful but vain women a few years older than Genevieve.

Elizabeth had short gorgeous blond hair that always seemed to stay neat and in place. She had full luscious lips, pale skin and sky blue eyes. Victoria also had the same eyes, full libs and pale skin. But she had a soft hazel color, instead of blond.

To most they were a well to do family. To Genevieve, they were the people that denied her birthright to the family and had forced her into servitude. To little Anne, they were just the people she and her sister worked for.

"Well, it's about time you got here Cinder," huffed Elizabeth, as she brushed her hair. "I must have been ringing for at least five minutes."

"Apologies miss, I'll try to get here sooner next time,"

"See that you do," said Elizabeth, not taking her eyes off the mirror. "Just put the tray on the table and be sure to get back here to help with my dress. And be quick, e wouldn't want mother to through you or Ashpet out, now would we? "

"Of course not miss," bowed Genevieve.

Cinder, a name given to her by the sisters. Her and Anne were always covered in soot and ash. So the sisters thought it appropriate to give them proper names. Anne became Ashpet, and Genevieve became Cinder.

Exiting the room, she saw Anne exit the room next to her.

"Did you give her tray?"

"Yes, she said to be quicker next time and to come back to help with her hair,"

"Did you spill anything?"

"No,"

"Good," sighed Genevieve "Why don't you give me that tray and you can start on the hallways downstairs."

Balancing both trays on her hands, Genevieve made her way down the hall stopping at the last door.

"Come in," came a response after she knocked.

"Good morning Mistress," greeted Genevieve, entering a dark yet well lit room. In the bed was a woman well into her forties. Despite her age, Genevieve could she why her former father married her. She was beautiful, with short blond hair like Elizabeth, full lips, and piercing blue eyes.

The Duke and Duchess's room was dark but cozy. It had heavy drapes cover the windows. There was a bureau and vanity on one side of the room, with a desk on the other. Opposite the door, stood a large four poster bed with matching curtains.

"Has the master already woken up?" asked Genevieve, spotting the empty side of the bed.

"Yes, he's in his study," answered Duchess Williams "You can bring his tray in there."

"Of course, Ma'am," said Genevieve turning to leave

"Oh and Genevieve?"

"Yes, Ma'am?" asked Genevieve, forcing a smile before turning back to the Duchess.

"I hope you haven't forgot about the shopping trip tomorrow,"

"Of course not, Mistress," said Genevieve struggling to keep the smile on her face. Of course she hadn't forgotten, she was the one who did the shopping every month. "I could never forget the trip."

"Very good, you may go,"

"Thank you Ma'am,"

Once outside, the smile melted off.

"Ooh that woman! Thinking I, of all people, forgot about the shopping trip," she muttered, making her way through the manor.

She was so wrapped up in her thoughts that she didn't realized she had the reached the Duke's study.

"Come in,"

Taking a deep breath, she pushed opened the large oak doors. The study, like the Duke and Duchesses's bedroom, was dark yet very crowded. The walls were lined with bookshelves, stuffed to the brim. The only desk was littered with papers and books. The only sources of light were a candle on the desk, a fireplace on one wall and the two large windows behind the desk.

"Good morning sir," she said in a low tone to try and mask the fear. "Your breakfast,"

Without uttering a word, the Duke pointed to a portion of the desk all without looking up from his work.

Quickly she placed the tray down, and scrambled out of the room.

Shaking her head clear of any fear, she finished the demands of the older sisters. Taking up the better part of the morning. She then went to check on Anne, hoping to see her at work, only to find her starting out the window.

"Anne, I asked you to start on the floor,"

"Gen, come look!"

"Anne..."

"Look, look!" she exclaimed, pulling Genevieve over to the window "See, look the palace is sparkling."

In the morning light, the kingdom looked as though it was made of crystal.

"It's beautiful," agreed Genevieve

"Wouldn't it be fun to live there?"

"Sure, if you like having a lot of rules and decisions,"

"I'd give anything to live there," sighed Anne "What about you?"

"Nothing. I wouldn't give up you," said Genevieve, leaning down to finish the floors. "Or mother's tree, and definitely not my powers."

"But it'd still be fun to live there,"

"Nah, too stuffy,"

"Genevieve!"


When the day had finally ended, Genevieve was ready to pass out. Trying to satisfy those brats, that were somehow considered treasures, was tiring by itself. Whoever ended up marrying either girl was going to need a never ending supply of gold and something to plug their ears with.

While slipping on the thin nightgown, all she could think about was collapsing onto her pile hay and never waking up.

"Gen look, a shooting star!" exclaimed Anne, tearing her from her thought

Sure enough, from the small little window that was no wider than a quill, was a shooting star. Bright and shining, streaking across the sky.

"I wish I could live in a big palace with lots of friends," sighed Anne, closing her eyes.

"I wish we had more money," muttered Genevieve, patting down her pile of hay.

"You're no fun!" whined Anne, jumping down from her pile.

"I'm your sister, it's my job," winked Genevieve, tucking a thin blanket around Anne.

"Goodnight," said Anne

"Goodnight," whispered Genevieve, thinking about the wish before settling down in her own bed.

She did want money, for then they wouldn't be living like they were. But more than anything, more than money or even a castle, was to be able to get away. She wanted to be able to find a home for her and Anne, a place they could be safe and never need to worry again.

But then again, it was only a wish. And when did those come true?


I've been struggling with this beginning for a while. I would keep changing parts and changing my mind. Plus I wanted to finish my first story, before I started another. Hopefully I didn't add too much detail and still got the message across. I wanted to do a Cinderella retelling as my next fanfic, but had a little trouble starting it. And for those of you waiting for the next chapter of my rapunzel fic, be patient it's coming. I hope you guys enjoyed this and give me your opinion. Good, bad, I don't care. Thanks!