Universal Chance
By Rachel
In a million different universes one scene played out a million times. It was always exactly the same except for one difference. One key detail that would change the entire course of one crone's life.
In one universe there was your typical fairytale ending. Esmeralda Weatherwax sat down one night after the wedding of Magrat and the King and had a long heart to heart with Mustrum Ridcully. It was full of jibes and quips at each other as can be expected. In the end, though, he'd asked if he would return with him. Perhaps give him another chance. And though reluctant she had agreed--through the constant coaxing of Gytha Ogg-- to give Ankh-Morpork a try.
In one she overthrew the elf Queen and took her place bringing a whole new regime to the Elves. They weren't quite sure whether to think Granny was better than the old queen or not. There were no longer world dominating crusades and threats of iron (unless you got on Granny's bad side, which was entirely too easy to do), but the long winded lectures on how perfect they weren't got old.
There was the universe everything went right in. The one that if all Granny's had a choice they would pick and be content, or as content as a Weatherwax could be. The one where the elves were banished once again and Granny just barely escaped Death. He hadn't been coming for her after all. And she'd finally connected with the bees. What a feeling, what an accomplishment. Oh, she'd never be doing it again. Ever. She didn't have any heart to heart with the Wizard Archchancellor. It was more like a This-coulda-been-but-isn't-so-bugger-off kind of deal.
And there was the one thing went wrong in. The one where Esmeralda "Granny" Weatherwax died. Because according to Gytha Ogg, Esme did not die. Of course one day she would die, but she didn't die. There was always a chance. Always the barest hope that she would make it. It was just as good as assurance. But she didn't come back. And she wouldn't. Death had come for her.
ESME? OR WOULD YOU PREFER MISTRESS WEATHERWAX?
"Granny's fine. You're here for me aintcha?"
THAT WOULD BE CORRECT.
"So it's not her. She'll be relieved. Well Gytha will know what to do. I left her instructions just incase. There's not going to be any fancy hooba-what is there?"
NOT PARTICULARLY. THERE COULD BE. IF YOU ASKED REAL NICE I MIGHT BE DRAMATIC FOR YOU.
"I'll refrain thanks. I think I'm ready to move on finally."