Flutterella
Once upon a time, there was a girl called Fluttershy. And she saw the world not always as it was, but as perhaps it could be, with just a little bit of magic. To her mother and father, she was a princess. True, she had no title, nor crown, nor castle, but she was the ruler of her own little kingdom, whose borders were the house and meadow on the forest's edge where her people had lived for generations, with Angel and all their animal family.
Fluttershy: Hello, there. What do you think you're doing? Let the little ones have their share. We don't want you getting an upset stomach. Oh, Gus-Gus, you're a house mouse, not a garden mouse. Isn't he, Jacqueline? And you mustn't eat Angel's food. Isn't that right, Mummy?
Mother: Do you still believe that they understand you?
Fluttershy: Don't they mother.
Mother: Oh, yes. I believe that animals listen and speak to us if we only have the ear for it. That's how we learn to look after them.
Fluttershy: Who looks after us?
Mother: Fairy godmothers of course.
Fluttershy: And do you believe in them?
Mother: I believe in everything.
Fluttershy: Then I believe in everything, too.
Her father was a merchant who went abroad and brought tribute back from all of Fluttershy's subject lands. Fluttershy missed him terribly when he was away. But she knew he would always return.
Fluttershy: Papa, welcome home!
She give her father a huge welcome back hug, then he was holding out a beautifully wrapped gift.
Fluttershy: What was that?
Father: Oh, this? I found it hanging on a tree. I think there may be something inside.
He give it to Fluttershy, as she unwrapped it, inside was the most beautiful and marvellous toy butterfly she has ever seen.
Fluttershy: Oh, it's so pretty.
Father: In French, that is un papillon.
They were speaking in French, then father smoothly swept her into his arms, and they began to waltz their way up the rest of the drive to where Fluttershy's mother waited, with a happy smile on her face. All was just as it should be. They knew themselves to be the most happy of families to live as they did and to love each other so. Later that night, Fluttershy lay tacked in her bed, while her mother sat on the covers as she began to sing a familiar lullaby.
Lavender's Blue,
Dilly dilly
Lavender's Green
When I am king
Dilly, dilly
You shall be queen
Lavender's green
Dilly, dilly
Lavender's blue
You must love me
Dilly, dilly
For I love you
But sorrow can come to any kingdom, no matter how happy. And so it came to Fluttershy's home, for her mother grew very ill, Fluttershy made her way to her mother's bedside, carefully placing her hand on her mother's hands.
Mother: Fluttershy, my darling. I want to tell you a secret. A great secret that will see you through all the trials that life can offer. You must always remember this. Have courage and be kind. You have more kindness in your little finger than most people possess in their whole body. And it has power, more than you know. And magic.
Fluttershy: Magic
Mother: Truly. Have courage and be kind, my darling. Will you promise me?
Fluttershy: I promise
Mother: Good, Good. And... I'm sorry I must go very soon, my love. Please forgive me.
Fluttershy (in tears): Of course I forgive you.
So Fluttershy and her father share a tearful embrace as her mother pass away. Time passed, and pain turned to memory. In her heart, Fluttershy stayed the same. For she remembered her promise to her mother. Have courage, and be kind. Father, however, was much changed. But he hoped for better times. After Fluttershy reading a story to her father, he had big news to say to her.
Father: Fluttershy I have come to the conclusion that it's time, perhaps... to begin a new chapter.
Fluttershy: indeed father.
Father: You'll recall that some time ago, in my travels, I made the acquaintance of Sir Francis Dazzling.
Fluttershy: Yes. The Master of the Mercer's Guild, is he not?
Father: Was. The poor man has died, alas. His widow, an honorable woman, finds herself alone, though still in the prime of her life.
Fluttershy: You're worried about telling me. But you mustn't be. Not if it will lead to your happiness.
Father: Yes. Happiness. Do you think I may be allowed one last chance, even though I thought such things were done with for good?
Fluttershy: Of course I do, Father.
Father: She'll merely be your stepmother. And you'll have two lovely sisters to keep you company. So I will know, as far away as I may be that you are safe at home, cherished and protected.