This story is a what-if. What if Maleficent was invited to the party of Aurora's birth? What changed would have been made, what gift would Maleficent give and what would have Merryweather have given if Maleficent had not cursed the newborn baby?
Let us begin if these small changes have been made to this tale:
Our story begins as it does in the original. In a faraway land, long ago, where there lived a king and his fair queen. Many years had they longed for a child and finally their wish was granted. A daughter was born, and they called her Aurora. Yes, they named her after the dawn for she filled their lives with sunshine. Then a great holiday was proclaimed throughout the kingdom, so that all of high or low estate might pay homage to the infant princess. And our story, again, begins on that most joyful day. All of those who could come did, with a song in their hearts as they made their way to the castle for the celebration.
"Joyfully now to our princess we come,
Bringing gifts and all good wishes too.
We pledge our loyalty anew.
Hail to the princess Aurora!
All of her subjects adore her!
Hail to the King!
Hail to the Queen!
Hail to the princess Aurora!
Health to the princess,
Wealth to the princess,
Long live the princess Aurora!
Hail Aurora!
Hail Aurora!
Health to the princess,
Wealth to the princess,
Long live the princess Aurora!
Hail to the King!
Hail to the Queen!
Hail to the princess Aurora!"
Good friends of the King and Queen were of course invited to the party; their royal highnesses, King Hubert and Prince Philip. Fondly had these monarchs dreamed one day their kingdoms to unite for many years. And thus today would they announce that Phillip, Huberts' son and heir to Stefan's child would be betrothed and so to her his gift he brought, and looked, unknowing, on his future bride.
With much rejoicing among two friends, the royal announcer made his voice known of three that were long awaited with the royal court. Three that would give some of the most useful gifts any baby could be given to by their parents or by anyone else. These gifts parents would love for their children to have or would have for themselves in their lives at one point or another.
"The most honored and exalted excellences, the three good fairies. Mistress Flora, Mistress Fauna, and Mistress Merryweather." He called out to the crowd. His voice ringing clears and bold as he spoke.
Each of the three fairies made their appearances as they were called. Despite being more of the large set, Flora was fair skinned with grey hair that was pulled in a grey bun, and brown eyes. Her color was red and her wings were a clear red that almost matched her red dress and hat.
Next was Fauna, also fair skinned more of the larger set, and had her brown-grey hair in a bun with brown eyes. The big difference with her that set her apart was in her face, slightly more angular if open. Her predominant color in her dress and wings were green.
Last, but not least was Merryweather. Like the other two she was fair skinned and large set, but with black hair and blue eyes, wearing a blue dress with matching clear blue wings.
The trio landing on the floor gently from a beam of light after their announcement and almost immediately went over to the baby Aurora and started cooing over her. With various versions of 'Oh, the little darling!' as they looked her over, forgetting their manners with the King and Queen adding 'Your Majesties' and giving a curtsey to the two of them. Flora taking the first step with her speech as the trio's unofficial leader.
"Each of us the child may bless with a single gift. No more, no less." Flora told the King and Queen. Then she turned to the small baby in the cradle. "Little princess, my gift shall be the gift of beauty."
A wave of her wand and her blessing started. The magic shone a pale red and went onto the cradle as the blessing took hold on Aurora. Once Flora was done, Fauna took a step forwards preparing her wand and spoke.
"Tiny princess, my gift shall be the gift of song."
Waving her wand and giving her blessing with a pale bluegreen light to give it to her. Stepping down from the cradle for Merryweather to give her blessing to the sleeping Aurora.
"And my gift shall be the gift of knowledge and political prowess." Said Merryweather. Waving her wand for her blessing with a pale blue glow shining on the baby.
Once her blessing was done, a gust of wind blew through the palace court with the palace doors blowing open. With some lightning and thunder announcing her presence, all who were in the court turned to see who was causing such a scene. It was the only one fairy that most did not expect to be there; Maleficent.
"Why, it's Maleficent!" Flora said out loud.
"What does she want here?" Merryweather asked
"Ssshh!" Fauna told the other two.
" Well, quite the glittering assemblage, King Stefan. Royalty, nobility, the gentry, and even the rabble." Maleficent said a smug smile was given to the trio of fairies in front of the steps leading to the King and Queen.
King Stefan frowning at that last remark, Merryweather wanting to charge at Maleficent, but was held back by Flora. If Maleficent saw Stefans' face, she didn't seem react to it.
"What are you doing here? You were not invited!" She shouted at her.
"Not invited? I believe I was very much invited." Maleficent replied.
"By whom?" Flora asked
"By your very King." Replied Maleficent
The three fairies looked at each other in shock as the glanced at the King. Who gave a small curt nod to the black fairy in front of him and his Queen and baby.
"I presume you are here to present your gift?" He asked.
"I am indeed." She replied
The looks of dread from the other three fairies were clear on their faces as they let Maleficent pass and walked up to the crib with the still sleeping Aurora. Merryweather regretting giving her gift as early as she did, thinking on what will be given that will not be reversed if the 'blessing' turned into more of a curse.
"Listen well, all of you! The princess shall indeed grow in grace and beauty, beloved by all who know her." She announced to the crowd before turning back to the crib. "My gift young one shall be this; the gift of magic. You shall gain powers beyond any mortal has seen in this time or ever in the future, and you shall be very skilled in such an art as you grow in the years."
Again the winds picked up in the palace and a dark purple light came across Aurora. Only a small stirring coming from the baby once the winds died down and went away. The gift was given to her and was not what one expected from Maleficent.
"My gift is given and I shall make my leave my King." Maleficent said giving a curt bow to the two in front of her. Gracefully walking down the hallway and the shock of all but the King and Queen, both knowing that this type of gift would be something given by one such as her. Some worry with the both of them did arise with the two with such a gift.
The doors opening for Maleficent and the sound of the massive doors closing behind her rang loud and clear. Silence falling onto the crowd for several minutes from the shock of her appearance and gift that was given by her.
"King Stefan! Do you know what could have happened if Maleficent changed her mind and gave a curse rather than a gift?" Merryweather spoke, finally breaking the silence of the court.
All eyes went to King Stefan, looking for an answer from their king.
"My Queen and I knew very well the risks of one such as Maleficent could have given." King Stefan told her "But as you can see, things have thankfully gone smoothly with her presence."
"But why invite her." Fauna asked. Most in the room would find that a valid question to be asked at the time.
"Why not? Is she not a fairy as well?" The Queen replied "She deserves to be invited to an event such as this as you three were. Not giving her an invitation would be rude. Am I not right?"
"I suppose you are right." Flora admitted to the Queen.
"And now that all of the gifts have been given by all of the fairies, the feast shall now begin." King Stefan told the royal court in attempts to change their moods to something more positive. "This is still a joyous day and we should be celebrating!"
A few murmurs and nods of agreement went through the people of court. It was a day to be happy. The child was safe and happy and they should be happy as well. The day should be a joyous one and not one filled with fear and dark hearts. People turned to each other with conversations and gradually louder voices filled the room as they grew more confident in talking with each other. Leaving the palace's court to the grand hall that was set with several kinds of meats, breads and fruit from all across the country as well as several from distant countries for such a day.
