A/N: I'm still alive! Yeah, I decided that I ought to update before people start coming after me with torches and pitchforks. To all of you Silverspark Fans, (Team Silverspark as I affectionately call it) this is for you! :) Also, I have no clue how much time I'll have to update, what with AP tests and prom approaching all to quickly. (But I have my dress and it is amazing! I love it! I feel like a princess in it. :) Okay, girly rant done!)
The week before the ball was complete madness. I did so much work, mostly in the area of dresses. Now, I loved dresses; they made me feel so pretty! But fluffy pink dresses with ridiculous amounts of bows and glitter on them were simply ridiculous. It was just too much. Evangeline would certainly attract attention at Leo's birthday celebration.
Finally, the night of the ball arrived. My dress was simple, purple, and beautiful. Despite this, I still had to make sure everything was perfect for Evangeline, Lady Millicent, and Bridget. I sighed. They looked so beautiful, even with all of the bows.
Right before we were ready to leave, Evangeline pulled me to the side.
"Thank you for making me look so beautiful. But we both know how the prince feels about you, and we can't let that get in the way, now, can we?" she asked. I tried to stammer an answer, but I was too confused. Before another word came out of my mouth, Evangeline tore off the sleeves to my dress, then shoved me inside the cellar and locked it.
"Let me out! Your mother said I could go! Let me go, Evangeline!" I protested. She just chuckled evilly.
"She was just being nice. She doesn't know all about you. But I do, and I won't let you ruin everything. The Prince is mine!" she sneered. I shook my head in exasperation and confusion.
"But how would I ruin everything?!" I asked desperately. What was 'everything' in the first place?
"You really are dense, aren't you? You can rot in there for all I care!" She left, and I fell to the ground, sobbing. It was my one chance to reconcile with Leo, and it was suddenly gone. Everything that I held dear was slipping through the cracks. I felt so alone!
Without warning, the outside door to the cellar, which was usually locked, burst open, and part of the ceiling fell. A large, furry snout poked through.
"Silverspark!" I exclaimed, running up to him. My pet grabbed me by the collar, dragging me out of the cellar.
"What are you doing?" I exclaimed. Silverspark tossed me up onto his back.
Something I should have done a long time ago! And now that they're gone, I finally can! Come on! Let's fly! I had no protests to that. I missed flying on Silverspark! I smiled as we soared around the outskirts of town and to Allodia's house. Once we landed, Silverspark nudged me inside. Not so much nudged as shoved. I, of course, had no protests to this. I was so happy to be back in the presence of friends!
"Hello?" I ventured. Allodia came out of the living room; she had clearly been crying.
"Ella!" she exclaimed. "I was so worried about you! I was afraid that the fairies had gotten to you. It was only because of Silverspark's messages that I knew you were safe. I would have visited and saved you, but I've been rather…detained with my diplomatic attempts with the fairies. But fortunately, they're marginally pleased with my presence, but a few of them still want to kill you. But I'm working on it." Allodia embraced me. It was still so weird that she was my grandmother. I wasn't used to having so much family.
"I understand, Allodia. I've missed you so much! I'm safe, marginally. Evangeline and Lady Millicent are planning something for tonight, something diabolical at Leo's celebration! I was going to go anyway; but now I have to go, particularly since Evangeline shoved me into the cellar saying she didn't want me to ruin everything," I explained. Allodia gave me a quizzical look.
"The cellar?"
"Yes, I've spent much of the past few years down there. Only because I punched Evangeline once! Her nose wasn't broken. Much. I can't stand her! I don't particularly like Lady Millicent, but Evangeline is just plain cruel!" I continued. Allodia's eyes opened wide.
"You nearly broke her nose?! Goodness, Ella, dear! Although I'm sure she deserved it. She does seem cruel, as you stated. But I can't show too much pride in your actions. What sort of behavior would that encourage? But I'm proud of you for defending yourself." She paused and smiled. "Well, the important matter is that you're here now, and I can help you get to the party!" she stated. I frowned.
"But how? My dress is torn. I don't think I have any here that would still fit. I have no ride there," I sighed. Allodia smirked.
"Yes, you have lost weight and grown up quite a bit. My, if I had been able to keep you, you would have gained weight! That woman doesn't deserve to have children, the way she treats them. The dress shouldn't be a problem, though. Don't underestimate me, Ella. I am a fairy, in case you've forgotten," she stated, the corners of her mouth twitching up. I nodded.
"My fairy godmother, yes." Allodia shook her head.
"Fairy grandmother. Now hold still. Let's see if I still have the hang of this!" she said excitedly. For a moment I was scared. I had never seen Allodia work magic before…it was weird. A cloud of purple surrounded me, and I didn't think I could breathe for a moment. I closed my eyes, unsure of what was about to happen.
"You can breathe again, dear. You may also open your eyes. Look in the mirror," she ordered. I did so, and was shocked at what I saw.
Instead of the dirty servant girl, I was clean; my long blonde hair was curled perfectly and put up in such a lovely way. My dress was no longer ragged and purple. Instead, I wore a bright blue dress that matched my eyes exactly. It was large, but there were no bows and minimal amounts of glitter. A girl does have to have some shine to her dress. I smiled.
"Allodia…it's beautiful!" I exclaimed, almost speechless. Allodia grinned contentedly.
"You're not done yet! I still have to give you the shoes," she said, handing me a pair of clear heels, most likely made of glass. I raised an eyebrow.
"Glass, Allodia? Come on, you know how I'll probably break them and spread blood all over the floor!" I exclaimed. Allodia laughed and shook her head.
"This isn't ordinary glass! First of all, these are made especially for you from fairy glass. Fairy glass doesn't break, and it is much prettier than regular glass. Besides, fairy glass makes everyone look good. Real glass would not help anyone's feet. That's just ridiculous. These will also fit you and only you," she explained. My mouth dropped open in amazement. This was incredible!
"But what about a carriage? Can I borrow yours?" I asked.
"Of course not! I'll make you something better!" she exclaimed. Oh dear, she really was on a kick using her magic! She walked outside.
"Silverspark!" she called. Silverspark was my ride?
"Now, I'll be turning Silverspark into your carriage and horsemen. But be back before midnight, otherwise your stepfamily might get home and the spell might break. I don't want you looking shabby in front of your true love!" she exclaimed. She then turned to Silverspark.
Does she have to change me? I snickered.
"Silverspark, at this rate, I'd just agree with her so she doesn't turn me into a frog!" I replied. Allodia glared at me.
"Don't give me any ideas!" I laughed, realizing how much I missed Allodia during my time in the cellar. A purple mist surrounded Silverspark, and he spluttered, coughing in the presence of such strong magic.
When the clouds cleared, I saw a majestic black carriage with the design and shape of a dragon. The horses were, well, sort of horse-ish, but they still had wolfish features. Out of the carriage stepped a tall, strong man with jet-black hair and silver eyes.
"Silverspark?" I asked. The man nodded. He was quite handsome.
"She separated me into my three main components: dragon, wolf, and soul. I guess this is me as a human," he remarked. It was incredible.
"That's…that's amazing!" I replied. It was time for Allodia's final instructions.
"Watch over her, Silverspark! You'll turn back into a Yethid at midnight. Keep a close eye on her! I know how easy it is for her to get into trouble!" she ordered. Silverspark nodded, ready to escort me into the carriage. I hugged Allodia one last time before I left.
"Thank you, Allodia. Thank you so much!" I whispered. Allodia smiled.
"Thank you, Ella. It is your life that has made mine worth living. Now off with you! Go get your true love!" I nodded, stepping into the carriage. That was one order I would not have trouble obeying!
Wintereon: I think Lady Millicent does have a heart in there somewhere. Deep, deep down, she's still a human being with feelings. Hope you liked Silverspark in this chapter!
Arista Everett June: Sad to say, she doesn't get her husband back. He's kind of dead, and I'm not really going to go into the whole realm of undead...ugh. And resurrection just wouldn't fit. There's only one way I'd do that, and it just doesn't fit here, sorry. I love all of your ideas! They make me smile, and are really good! I'm kind of shuffling the plot around a tiny bit, but I'm still trying to figure out how to do everything in the same amount of chapters...it's going to get very interesting very quickly! Next chapter is the ball, by the way.
Tiger Lily21: Leo's back in the next chapter! Hooray! :) Thanks for reviewing!
jyushi girl: All will be explained in good time, never fear!
Ashabagawa: You actually have every right to be annoyed with my characters. They're all flawed in some way or another. Leo can be a dolt, Mari's rash, Allodia seems to need to be everywhere at once and, well, you get the picture. I guess I'm just a little biased because they're my characters and I know what happens to them next. :) I'm glad you're still reading my story, though. Some of the reactions are just the dangers of writing a Cinderella story. I've tried to get out of the cliche Cinderella characteristics, but there's only so much I'm capable of doing.
Mockingbyrd's Tune: Bridget's also under a curse. I feel sorry for her. Kind of a tragic character. And I wouldn't put it past Evangeline to stick her in the cellar. I know if I were a heroine in a fairy tale and I were kept in a treehouse, I would have way too much fun pretending I was on an adventure. Besides, there's always a good chance of escape to the trees. Towers. You forgot towers. The highest room in the tallest tower! Lol. Silverspark is growing up, and I have a hunch he'll be okay with Mari being with Leo. Eventually. :)