Once Upon a Time in Enchancia Chapter 18: A Change in the Air, a sofia the first fanfic

Once Upon a Time in Enchancia

Welcome to Chapter 18 of "Once Upon a Time in Enchancia".

Chapter 18: A Change in the Air

May 6, 1868

It was a Wednesday morning at Enchancia Castle. In Sofia's room, Dorrie was helping Sofia get ready for the day.

"Did you have a good sleep last night, Sofia?" Dorrie asked.

"Yes, once I got to sleep," Sofia answered. "I was thinking back to what happened with Vor a few years ago."

"Candice and I are sorry we weren't here to help defend the castle," Dorrie apologized. "We were out of the kingdom at the annual gathering of young royal maids."

"You and Candice were here … in a sense," Sofia revealed.

"How so?" Dorrie asked, taken off guard.

"When Vor pulled me into my amulet, it came down to a showdown between me and Vor," Sofia started. "At the height of the battle, the princesses who had come to me in the past appeared in a show of support. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw standing near the princesses, an older version of you, and an older version of Candice … as princesses of Ornburgh."

"Well, I'll be," Dorrie remarked in awe.

"I'm glad I have you and Candice in my life," Sofia smiled.

"And we're glad to have you in our lives," Dorrie smiled back as she and Sofia hugged in friendship.

At that same moment, in Lucinda's room, Candice was helping Lucinda get ready for the day.

"Ready for a Wednesday at Hexley Hall?" Candice asked Lucinda.

"Always," Lucinda smiled. "I'm looking forward to meeting the Hauntleys. Timothy, Nonya, and Molly seem to like them."

"I'm looking forward to meeting the Hauntleys as well," Candice admitted. "I hear their vampires."

"Vampires?!" Lucinda exclaimed in shock.

"I hear they are good vampires," Candice assured Lucinda.

"… well," Lucinda said, in an unsure voice.

"You and I both know not to judge a book by its cover," Candice gently reminded Lucinda. "You were the village hexing witch, and I was created by Maleficent. Yet look at us today."

"We have come a long way, you and I," Lucinda smiled. "People have trusted us in spite of our past. I need to be trusting as well. After all, I need to set a good example as a good witch … and a princess of Enchancia."

"That's the spirit!" Candice smiled back, before turning quiet.

"What is it?" Lucinda wanted to know.

"Well, today is my first day at Hexley Hall since getting glasses," Candice pointed out. "I don't know how people there will react."

"The only one who might have said something nasty is Derek Von Schroedor, and word through the grapevine is he got expelled for two weeks for bullying," Lucinda informed Candice. "Even when he comes back, chances are he's gonna lay low for a while."

At that moment, Baileywick knocked on Lucinda's door.

"Princess Lucinda," Baileywick announced through the door. "The flying carriages are ready to take you and the others to Hexley Hall."

"I'll be right there," Lucinda informed Baileywick. "Thank you."

"We've best be going," Candice said to Lucinda. "We can be thankful we have our Baileywick alarm."

"He's always there for us," Lucinda smiled.

Lucinda and Candice, dressed in their Hexley Hall school uniforms, walked out to the flying carriage launching and landing area where two flying carriages were waiting. One carriage had Sofia, Dorrie, and Abby aboard, and the other carriage had Calista, Timothy, Marie, Nonya, and Molly aboard. Lucinda and Candice boarded the carriage that had Sofia, Dorrie, and Abby aboard. The two carriages then took flight on their way to Hexley Hall.

At Hexley Hall

In a little while, both flying carriages landed in front of Hexley Hall. As everybody got off of the two carriages, Faith, fourteen-year-old Ruby, and fourteen-year-old Valentina Androcasia walked up.

"Good morning, Candice," Ruby smiled.

"Good morning, girl," Valentina happily said.

"Good morning, Candice," Faith started. "The truth of the matter is … we wanted to see your new look."

"You're now wearing glasses," Valentina pointed out. "And I've got to say, you rock in them, girl!"

"Really, they look good on you," Ruby smiled in approval.

"They do look good on you, Candice," Faith assured Candice.

Candice smiled at Valentina's, Ruby's, and Faith's kind words.

As Candice, Ruby, Valentina, and Faith walked into Hexley Hall together, having a pleasant conversation, Dorrie smiled in happiness. It was nice to see Candice's new look being accepted by her friends.

After having breakfast in the great hall, Sofia, Lucinda, Dorrie, and Candice headed off to their first class of the day, which was Divination. As they stepped into the classroom, they saw a man with blue skin and pointed ears standing there.

"Hello, Ladies," the man said in a welcoming way. "I'm your new Divination teacher, Boris Hauntley."

"It's nice to meet you, Mister Hauntley," Sofia smiled. "I'm Princess Sofia, and this is my sister, Princess Lucinda."

"Well … royalty," Boris said in awe. "I'm honored. And who are your friends?"

"I'm Dorrie Cosmarune-Cooper, and this is my sister, Candice," Dorrie responded.

"We all live at Enchancia Castle," Sofia informed Boris.

"Wait!" Boris said, remembering something. "Not only do I get two princesses in my class, but I also get two ladies from the House of Cosmarune. I am truly impressed."

Sofia, Lucinda, Dorrie, and Candice smiled at Boris' complement.

"Please … just treat us as you would any other students," Sofia suggested. "The four of us really don't stand on ceremony."

"I understand," Boris acknowledged.

"May I ask a question?" Lucinda requested.

"Of course," Boris agreed.

"Is it true that you are a … vampire?" Lucinda asked.

"Yes," Boris answered. "Me, my wife, and our young daughter are all vampires. But I can assure you that we are good vampires."

"Then that's good enough for me," Lucinda smiled. "I was just curious."

"I understand," Boris acknowledged.

At that point, Candice took off her glasses, rubbed her eyes, then put her glasses back on.

"Anything wrong, my dear?" Boris asked in concern.

"It's nothing," Candice assured Boris. "It's just that this is my first full day wearing glasses, and I'm still getting use to them."

"Of course," Boris said as he took out a pair of glasses from his pocket, and put them on. "I remember when I first got glasses. It took me a day or two to get use to them. They will become old friends before you know it."

"I'll remember that," Candice smiled. "Thank you, Mister Hauntley."

"You're most welcome, my dear," Boris happily responded.

At that point, Timothy walked into the classroom.

"Mister O'Toole," Boris said, delighted. "Are you in this class?"

"Yes, sir," Timothy answered. "Are you our new Divination teacher?"

"Why, yes, I am," Boris smiled. "And it's nice to have a familiar face here."

Other students started walking into the classroom. After the students had sat down at their desks, Boris introduced himself, and then started teaching the class.

"I understand you were about to learn about small crystal pendulums," Boris started. "Please bring out your crystal pendulums, and we'll get started."

Each student brought out a small crystal attached to a string.

"The idea is to get your crystal pendulum to give you a yes or no answer," Boris explained. "It will move one way for yes, and one way for no, as you can see by the chapter in your textbooks. Now I want everybody to concentrate on their crystal pendulums, ask a question, and see what kind of answer you get."

As Timothy concentrated on his crystal pendulum, it had a strange, unexpected effect on him. The more he concentrated, the more sleepy he felt. In a few moments, Timothy was asleep. As he slept, he started mumbling a spell: "Twist of hand and twist of fate, leave the ground and levitate!"

Before anybody knew it, Boris started floating slowly upward.

"Oh my God!" Candice exclaimed to herself, before turning her attention back to Boris. Candice then quickly recited a counter spell: "Deleviosa!"

Boris gently floated to the ground.

"I'm so sorry about this," Candice apologized. "Timothy must have been hypnotized by the motion of the crystal, and recited a spell in his hypnotized state."

"No harm done," Boris happily remarked. "But it is interesting that a young man of Timothy's age has such powers."

"It happens from time to time," Dorrie explained to Boris, "on those occasions when Timothy gets a new power."

"Perhaps Dorrie and I should take Timothy to the Pepperton House common room for a little while, and let him recover?" Candice suggested.

"Of course," Boris agreed. "Take all the time you need. I'll make sure the three of you are given notes for what we cover in class today."

"Thank you for your kindness," Candice said to Boris in appreciation.

"It is my pleasure," Boris smiled. "Make sure young Timothy is okay. I rather like him. He has potential … and that should be nourished."

Dorrie and Candice helped Timothy from the classroom, and gently led him to the Pepperton House common room. As Timothy rested on a couch, Dorrie and Candice quietly talked to each other.

"You don't think Timothy got a peek at my copy of Maleficent's spell book, do you?" Candice asked Dorrie, concerned. "That's the only place I know of where that spell exists."

"I don't think so," Dorrie reassured Candice. "Remember, you used that spell on Timothy's first day at Hexley Hall."

"Oh my God! You're right!" Candice remembered. "But Timothy only heard me use that spell just that once."

"Maybe his new power is that he remembers any spell by only hearing it once?" Dorrie suggested.

"Interesting," Candice remarked, intrigued. "Something like a photographic memory … with magical overtones."

At that moment, Timothy got up from the couch.

"I'm sorry," Timothy apologized to Dorrie and Candice. "I don't know what came over me. And I floated poor Mister Hauntley."

"It wasn't your fault," Dorrie pointed out. "You were accidentally hypnotized. Your mind must have focused on something from the past."

"But still, I made Mister Hauntley float," Timothy said in concern.

"Don't worry about it," Candice reassured Timothy as she gently held his hand. "Mister Hauntley isn't mad. He understands it was an accident. The truth be told, he likes you. He's nothing like that stuffed shirt Snively Sage."

Candice, Dorrie, and Timothy chuckled at the reference to Snively.

Lunch

At Hexley Hall, in the lunch room, everybody was sitting down enjoying lunch. At one table, Sofia, Lucinda, and Calista were talking.

"So, where's Dorrie and Candice?" Lucinda inquired.

"Their out in the park that connects Hexley Hall to Royal Prep," Sofia answered. "They are having a picnic lunch with Frederick and Everett."

"That's nice," Lucinda smiled in approval.

"Dorrie and Frederick, and Candice and Everett, make ever so nice couples," Calista happily said. "I'm glad for them."

Sofia and Lucinda nodded their heads in agreement.

"I got a letter from Uncle Corbett yesterday," Calista announced. "He says he's doing well in Cariza."

"That's good to hear," Sofia happily acknowledged. "King Joaquin got himself a fine royal sorcerer in Corbett."

Calista smiled at Sofia's complement.

Meanwhile, on the Mystic Isles, specifically on the Isle of Protectors, Scarlett stood looking at the Protector's Castle. Scarlett then walked inside and made her way to Vega's chambers.

"Vega, old friend," Scarlett said with a bow. "You wanted to see me?"

"Yes," Vega acknowledged, while taking a bow. "You've been working with us a long time now. I truly believe that the time has come for you to learn the truth."

"I'm listening," Scarlett responded, sitting down as Vega sighed.

"I am not the leader of the Protectors," Vega admitted. "We are actually a force that inhabits multiple dimensions. Some of them are stationed in other dimensions, doing undercover work for us."

"And the true leader of the Protectors is one of them?" Scarlett asked, raising an eyebrow as Vega nodded.

"As far as we know, she is the last one of the original Protectors remaining. She was my teacher since I was a little girl," Vega announced. "Her name is Celestia."

Back at Hexley Hall, ten-year-old Lisa Elodie (Miss Elodie's adopted daughter) was spending the lunch hour in the great library. Lisa loved books, and loved looking through Hexley Hall's great library. As Lisa climbed up a ladder to reach a seldom used row of books, a black leather book with silver lettering caught Lisa's attention. She clutched the book, climbed down the ladder, and returned to the table where her lunch was.

As Lisa sat down, she looked at the cover of the book.

"The Diary of Vanessa Ophelia Roskella," Lisa thought to herself as she read the cover.

Lisa opened the cover of the diary, and started reading.

"This diary is the property of Vanessa Ophelia Roskella," the diary began. "I am a sixteen-year-old student at Hexley Hall."

As Lisa read the diary, a strange sensation came over her. Lisa was now under a spell that controlled her mind. Lisa slowly closed the diary, and carefully placed it in her book bag. As soon as Lisa put the diary in her book bag, the spell released its grip on Lisa, and she returned to normal. Lisa, however, lost all memory of ever having seen the diary.

"What was I doing again?" Lisa thought to herself. "Oh, yes! Having lunch."

As Lisa ate lunch, a teenage girl smiled deep within the diary.

"My diary now has a reader," the teenage girl thought to herself in evil glee. "Before long, I'll be free!"

Magician Arts class

It was now after lunch at Hexley Hall. For Sofia, Lucinda, Dorrie, Candice, Calista, and Timothy, it was time for Magician Arts class. Sofia and Lucinda had chosen the class because they were now the royal sorceresses of Enchancia, and wanted to increase their magical knowledge. Dorrie, Candice, and Calista, as the royal magicians of Enchancia, chose the class to keep their magician skills fresh. Meanwhile, Timothy had chosen the class because he wanted to find out more about the entertainment side of magic.

As the six stepped into the classroom, they were greeted by a woman with pointed ears and blue skin.

"Welcome," the woman smiled. "My name is Oxana Hauntley, and I'm your new Magician Arts teacher."

"It's a pleasure to meet you," Sofia smiled. "I'm Princess Sofia, and this is my sister, Princess Lucinda."

"As in the two royal sorceresses of Enchancia?" Oxana asked, impressed.

"Guilty as charged," Lucinda chuckled.

"It's a pleasure to have royalty, and high ranking sorceresses, in my class," Oxana happily said. "And who are your friends?"

"This is Lady Dorrie, Lady Candice, and Calista," Sofia started. "They are the royal magicians of Enchancia."

"Oh, my!" Oxana exclaimed, impressed. "Not only do I get the royal sorceresses of Enchancia, but I get the royal magicians of Enchancia as well. This is a banner day. And who is your young friend here?"

"I'm Timothy O'Toole, ma'am," Timothy introduced himself.

"Ah, yes!" Oxana smiled. "My husband has told me about you. A young man of great magical ability. I look forward to helping you learn more about magic."

"Thank you, ma'am," Timothy smiled back.

"Who is this sweet thing?" Calista happily asked as she noticed a one-year-old girl with blue skin sitting in a stroller.

"That is my daughter, Vampirina," Oxana proudly answered.

"Oh!" Sofia smiled as she walked up to Vampirina. "She's adorable!"

"So sweet," Lucinda said as she smiled at Vampirina.

"Hello, little one," Timothy smiled at Vampirina.

"Such a cutie," Dorrie happily said as she gently tickled Vampirina under the chin, as Vampirina let out a giggle.

Candice then walked up, and gently put her palm on Vampirina's cheek. "May you be blessed, always."

"A blessing," Oxana smiled in joy. "From Lady Candice of the House of Cosmarune. I'm very touched."

"You know about me? And the House of Cosmarune?" Candice asked.

"I should say I do," Oxana happily acknowledged. "You're known for your goodness. And the House of Cosmarune is well known in Transylvania. When an evil warlock tried to take over Transylvania, the House of Cosmarune came to Transylvania's aid. The House of Cosmarune, and its descendants, are hailed as heroes in Transylvania."

Dorrie and Candice smiled in gratitude at Oxana's complement.

The rest of the students for the class soon arrived, and Oxana started the class.

"Today, students, we will learn about levitation," Oxana started. "There are many spells that allow one to levitate. However, since this is a magician's class, we need a spell with some showmanship. Allow me to demonstrate."

Oxana concentrated, then said "spirits of air, I wish to bare: the power of levitation, so that I may float in air." Oxana then gently rose in the air in front of the students who gasped in awe.

"Is there anybody in class who knows how to bring me down?" Oxana asked as Timothy raised his hand. "Yes, Master Timothy?"

Timothy raised his wand, pointed it at Oxana, and said "Deleviosa!" as Oxana gently floated to the floor.

"Very well done, Master Timothy," Oxana praised, pleased.

"How did I remember that spell?" Timothy asked himself, puzzled. "I only heard it this morning and one other time before that, and I certainly didn't have time to memorize it."

"Candice and I were discussing that when you were resting in the Pepperton common room," Dorrie informed Timothy. "We figure it is a new power you have – the ability to instantly remember any spell you've just heard or have heard in the past. Sort of like having a photographic memory, with magical overtones."

"Wow!" Timothy exclaimed in awe.

"An impressive gift," Oxana said to Timothy. "It will serve you well."

Timothy smiled at Oxana's praise.

The class continued. Soon, it was time for the class to end. As the students left the classroom, Oxana motioned Dorrie and Candice over to her desk.

"What may we do for you, Mrs. Hauntley?" Dorrie asked.

"I understand the two of you serve as maids at Enchancia Castle," Oxana said to Dorrie and Candice.

"Yes," Candice acknowledged. "It's a great honor serving a royal household."

"And you get to see many visiting guests," Dorrie added.

"Which brings me to what I wanted to talk to the two of you about," Oxana started. "King Roland and Queen Miranda have invited Boris, Vampirina, and me to Enchancia Castle for dinner tonight. The thing is … we're not acquainted with dining with royalty. What are the, how do you say it? Protocols?"

"King Roland and Queen Miranda are very easy going people," Dorrie assured Oxana. "You'll find them very easy to get along with. Just be yourselves, and everything will go well."

"That's good to hear," Oxana signed in relief. "However, the three of us aren't accustomed to being served by servants. How does one act in such a situation?"

"Think of the castle servants as if they were servers in a restaurant," Dorrie politely informed Oxana. "You may thank us when we hand you something. A nod in acknowledgment is also acceptable."

"What about conversation between guests and servants at the royal dinner table?" Oxana wanted to know.

"There is a protocol to that," Candice started. "We'll answer your questions when you ask us something. However, full blown casual conversation between guests and servants at the royal dinner table is something that doesn't take place – it's simply royal protocol that has worked for ages. We're here to serve you, and we stay in the background when not needed."

"I see," Oxana acknowledged. "Thank you for answering my questions. You've helped put my mind at ease."

"Anytime, Mrs. Hauntley," Dorrie smiled.

After school

At Enchancia Castle, Dorrie and Candice had just changed into their maid uniforms, and had just entered the servants area of the castle. As Dorrie walked over to the assignments board to see what she and Candice had drawn for the afternoon, Dorrie suddenly got a smile on her face.

"Candice!" Dorrie exclaimed in glee. "Come over here, quick!"

"What is it, Dorrie?" Candice asked.

"Our request for enhanced duties has been approved!" Dorrie happily announced. "We'll be serving the royal dining table this evening."

"Yes!" Candice yelled happily as she and Dorrie high fived each other.

At that moment, Violet walked into the servants area.

"I'm so proud of the two of you," Violet smiled as she happily hugged her daughters. "You've earned this ten times over."

"Thank you, Mom," Dorrie beamed.

"We won't let you down," Candice promised.

"I know you won't," Baileywick said, pleased, as he entered the servants area. "Your mother and I both agreed the two of you were ready for this step up."

"We thank you so much, Mister Baileywick," Dorrie said gratefully.

"From the bottom of our hearts," Candice happily added.

At that same moment, in Cinnibar at Scarlett's palace, Faith was at her desk as she put her hands under her chin as Adira walked in.

"You wanted to see me, Princess Faith?" Adira asked.

"I did," Faith responded. "Since you told me of the portal in the Forest of No Return, I did some research on you. The numbers just don't add up. You said that you were there when the black rocks started popping up in Corona all those years ago, and were there when Rapunzel and her friends found their destiny at their source. Stories say that you were still looking very youthful back then. And then Mom tells me that you served about twenty years in service to Cinnibar, adding even more time taking your two children into account. And you don't look like you've aged a day, Adira. I want to know what's going on. Even taking into account the years you skipped by passing through the portal, you'd have to be a century old at least by this point. There's no way that you could've lived all those years and not shown any kind of age."

"Who ever said I did?" Adira said as she paced around Faith's office. "You thought you were the only one?"

"The Resurrection Gauntlet," Faith whispered to herself as Adira smiled at her and nodded.

"Well, one such Resurrection Gauntlet," Adira confirmed. "There's more than one out there. And one was used on me once … after a battle I was in where I was heavily wounded."

"Then … you're immortal," Faith concluded.

"Yes," Adira acknowledged.

"But if your immortal, then what about Simon and Caitlyn?" Faith asked, curious.

"Funny thing about Resurrection Gauntlets," Adira smirked. "While they have an effect on those healed by them, that effect doesn't seem apply to offspring. Simon and Caitlyn are aging normally."

"Interesting," Faith said in awe as she stroked her chin.

That evening

At Enchancia Castle, in the royal dining room, King Roland, Queen Miranda, Prince James, Princess Amber, Princess Sofia, Princess Lucinda, Boris, Oxana, and Vampirina were seated. In attendance as servers were Violet, Dorrie, Candice, and a few male servants. Baileywick was standing near the table in a supervisory capacity.

In a few moments, the food and drink had arrived, and Violet, Dorrie, Candice, and the few male servants present started serving the royal family and their guests. After the food and drink were served, King Roland started a conversation with Boris and Oxana.

"I want to thank you for accepting Miranda's and my invitation to have dinner with us," Roland smiled at Boris and Oxana.

"We thank you for inviting us, King Roland," Boris said in a formal way. "We're pleased to be here."

"And we're pleased to have you here," Roland happily said.

"And what a lovely young daughter you have," Miranda smiled as she looked at Vampirina.

"Thank you, Queen Miranda," Oxana said with pride. "Boris and I think the world of her."

"How old is she?" Miranda asked of Vampirina.

"A few years old," Oxana answered. "You see, Queen Miranda, we vampires age differently than humans. We live a longer lifespan, and age more slowly. That's why our Vampirina only looks about a year old."

"I see," Miranda acknowledged, interested.

"I have a question, Mister Hauntley," James said to Boris. "If it is too personal, I'll drop the matter."

"I'm always happy to answer questions, Prince James," Boris agreed. "What did you want to know?"

"Well, I was wondering if it's true that vampires drink blood?" James asked.

"James!" Amber admonished.

"That's quite all right, Princess Amber," Boris said in a reassuring tone. "It is through asking questions that a stranger becomes a friend. I'll be more than happy to answer Prince James' question."

Everybody sat back as Boris started answering James' question.

"In the old days, it is true that we vampires drank blood," Boris started. "Over the years, we came up with a substitute for blood that is made from proteins found in nature. It serves our bodily requirements nicely, and it's far more civilized than biting people. Vampires have become a cultured people over the years I'm proud to say."

"Just out of curiosity, do vampires just drink blood, or do you eat meals as well?" Roland asked in a diplomatic way.

"We enjoy a good meal like everybody else, King Roland," Boris happily answered. "Food is, after all, the spice of life. A blood substitute for us is like humans taking vitamins – nothing more."

"I understand," Roland smiled.

"Is it true that vampires can't be out in the sun?" Amber spoke up.

"There are some vampires who have problems with sunlight, Princess Amber," Oxana answered. "But, a lot of us can be out in the sunlight without any problem. I think you'll find that we have more in common with humans than you would think."

"I agree completely," Roland happily acknowledged.

"This is an excellent wine, King Roland," Boris commented as he took a sip. "A pleasing vintage."

"Thank you, Mister Hauntley," Roland acknowledged, pleased. "I can put you in touch with our wine merchant if you like. He carries a fine assortment of such wines."

"I'd like that, King Roland," Boris smiled. "Thank you."

"Dorrie, Candice," Roland directed, "would you please refill our glasses?"

"Yes, King Roland," Dorrie acknowledged as she and Candice refilled everyone's drinking glasses.

As Dorrie and Candice refilled the drinking glasses, Baileywick observed them from where he was standing. Dorrie and Candice were doing a very professional job, and Baileywick was very impressed.

As Candice refilled Oxana's drinking glass, Oxana said "thank you" as Candice nodded in acknowledgement. Dorrie and Candice then stood off to the side awaiting further instructions.

The dinner went well, with everybody enjoying a fine meal, and having a pleasant conversation. As the dinner wrapped up, Roland raised his glass in honor of Boris, Oxana, and Vampirina.

"To new friends," Roland smiled at Boris, Oxana, and Vampirina.

"To new friends," the royal family said as they raised their glasses in honor of Boris, Oxana, and Vampirina.

As King Roland, the royal family, Boris, Oxana, and Vampirina left the royal dining room, Violet, Dorrie, Candice, and the few male servants present started cleaning up the royal dinner table. As this was being done, Baileywick walked over to Dorrie and Candice.

"The two of you performed well here this evening," Baileywick praised. "You've made me quite proud. You may expect more enhanced duties in the future."

As Baileywick walked off to take care of some castle business, Dorrie and Candice smiled at each other in pride.

After dinner

After Dorrie and Candice finished helping clear the royal dining table, they walked to the servants area. As they walked into the servants area, they found the area to be pitch black.

"I guess the staff figured nobody would be here after royal dinner," Candice theorized.

"Let's get the lights on in here," Dorrie suggested. "I'll light the gas lights."

"I'm still getting use to the castle having gas lighting," Candice remarked.

"The village had gas lighting put in last year, and King Roland thought it was time for the castle to follow suit," Dorrie pointed out as she started lighting the gas lights.

As the gas lighting lit up the servants area, Dorrie and Candice heard "congratulations!" come from behind them. Dorrie and Candice turned around to see Sofia, Lucinda, Amber, and James standing there with smiles on their faces.

"We wanted to surprise you," James smiled at Dorrie and Candice.

"And congratulate the two of you on your promotion to enhanced duties," Amber happily added.

"The two of you never cease to amaze me," Lucinda said to Dorrie and Candice in awe. "I bet your mother is very proud."

"I am very proud," Violet beamed as she walked into the servants area. "My daughters have graduated to castle duties usually reserved for adults."

"We're all very happy for the two of you," Sofia smiled as she hugged Dorrie and Candice. "This is a big step up for you."

Violet smiled at the happy scene.

Meanwhile, in the village, Lisa Elodie was in her bedroom getting ready for bed when the spell of the diary once again came over her. Walking in a trance, Lisa went over to her book bag, took out the diary, and started reading it.

"Keep reading, young Lisa," a sixteen-year-old girl within the diary thought to herself with evil glee. "The more you read, the more I'll come to life."

(To be continued in Chapter 19).

Behind the scenes

In this edition of "Behind the scenes", some observations I made while watching "Forever Royal" (the series finale of "Sofia the First").

When Sofia and Miranda go to the village at the beginning of "Forever Royal", they are in the same royal carriage they used to go to the castle in "Sofia the First: Once Upon a Princess".

In the song "A Big Day", at one point, Sofia sings "I want to rise and shine but still there is a little doubt" while riding with Miranda in the carriage. When you think about it, the term rise and shine is a nod to "Sofia the First: Once Upon a Princess" and Ariel Winter's song at the end.

After capturing Prisma, Sofia hands Chrysta her Enchantlet and says "here, this is yours". Chrysta then hands Sofia the Necessi-Key and says "and this is yours". This exchange could be considered a nod to "Disney Descendants" where Mal hands Fairy Godmother back her wand and says "I believe this belongs to you", while Fairy Godmother hands Ben's ring to Mal and says "and I believe this belongs to you".

Lucinda, in "Forever Royal", has gone back to wearing her original witch outfit she wore in "The Little Witch" and "Mom's the Word". Also in "Forever Royal", while Lucinda uses her broom from "Cauldronation Day", that broom is now missing its wooden owl piece.

When Sofia and company are hightailing it out of the village with Vor and her forces in hot pursuit, Lucinda's witch hat for a few moments is white.

Before Vor and her forces burst into the castle ballroom, the castle ballroom is decked out the same way it was in "Sofia the First: Once Upon a Princess".

In the Secret Library sequence of "Forever Royal", we discover the fate of Sofia's birth father (he was lost at sea). We also discover what wish King Roland made at the wishing well (he wished for children, which came true, but his first wife died of an illness).

When Sofia and Amber arrive at the castle to fight Vor, they land on James' boat tree house which was seen in "Baileywick's Day Off".

The end scene of "Forever Royal" is identical to the end scene of "Sofia the First: Once Upon a Princess", only without Cinderella's carriage.

Author's notes

Adira is originally from "Tangled: The Series" and "Rapunzel's Tangled Adventure".

Boris Hauntley, Oxana Hauntley, and Vampirina Hauntley are younger versions of Boris, Oxana, and Vampirina from "Vampirina".

Catilyn is a character created by Ben10Man for this story, inspired by a character seen in the "League of Legends" video game.

"Candice and I are sorry we weren't here to help defend the castle," Dorrie apologized. "We were out of the kingdom at the annual gathering of young royal maids" - the annual gathering of young royal maids (those under 18-years-old) would be an event for young royal maids in which such maids could attend workshops, receive the latest rules and regulations regarding their service, and get together and share cleaning tips. Dorrie and Candice would have attended the annual gathering along with Abby Murphy.

Cariza, and King Joaquin, are from "Elena of Avalor".

Deleviosa: a counter spell I created based on Wingardium Leviosa from "Harry Potter". Deleviosa reverses levitation spells. To those who have read my story "Dorrie: Book Two", you'll remember that Deleviosa was first introduced to readers in Chapter 20 of that story.

Derek Von Schroedor, Marie Perkins, Snively Sage, and Timothy O'Toole are characters created by MisuteriTenshi / SailorWednesdayMercury, and are used in this story with the permission of MisuteriTenshi / SailorWednesdayMercury.

Faith is an earlier version of Faith seen in the "Torchwood" episodes "Dead Man Walking" and "Fragments".

Having Adira be immortal was the idea of Ben10Man (who also wrote the bulk of the dialog for that scene).

Having Oxana teach levitation in Magician Arts class, Timothy remembering the spell Deleviosa, and Dorrie explaining to Timothy about his new gift during Magician Arts class was the idea of MisuteriTenshi / SailorWednesdayMercury.

Maleficent, as mentioned in this chapter, is the Maleficent of old from "Sleeping Beauty". In regard to Maleficent, readers of my stories might recall that Maleficent of the Moors is mentioned in Chapter 2 of my story "A Royal Rift". To clear things up, we'll consider Maleficent from "Sleeping Beauty", and Maleficent of the Moors from "Maleficent", to be two separate characters. To further clear things up, Maleficent in "Dorrie" and "Dorrie: Book Two" is mostly the "Sleeping Beauty" version, but also has some elements of Maleficent from "Disney Descendants" added in (such as Maleficent with child).

Molly (Red) and Nonya (Angry) are originally from "Tangled: The Series" and "Rapunzel's Tangled Adventure".

Scarlett and Vega having a meeting was the idea of Ben10Man (who also provided the dialog for that scene). This is an idea Ben10Man had when working with Smoking Wrecker on his Wicked Nine story.

Simon (the Royal Constable of Cinnibar) is an original character created by Ben10Man for this story.

"Spirits of air, I wish to bare: the power of levitation, so that I may float in air" - a spell based on something I read on the Internet.

The Diary of Vanessa Ophelia Roskella: yes, I'm going all "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets" here. I wanted to bring a younger Vor into play via a Horcrux (Vanessa Ophelia Roskella, using the first letter of each name, spells out Vor).

The House of Cosmarune: as readers of "Dorrie" and "Dorrie: Book Two" will remember, the House of Cosmarune is the magical house that Dorrie, Candice, Violet, and Scarlett's Royal Steward (Colette) belong to. The House of Cosmarune was originally created by Skyrimfan for Skyrimfan's stories "Lucinda the First" and "Rise to Power: Queen of Corona". Skyrimfan has given me permission to use the House of Cosmarune in my stories, and I have given Skyrimfan permission to use Dorrie and Candice in "Lucinda the First" and "Rise to Power: Queen of Corona".

The Resurrection Gauntlet is originally from "Torchwood".

The Scarlett Warrior (A.K.A. Scarlett) (A.K.A. Queen Scarlett) (A.K.A. Queen Scarlett Katherine Felchenerow) is a character created by Ben10Man, and is used in my stories with permission from Ben10Man. Meanwhile, the character of Colette is a character that I and Ben10Man created, and is based on Bayonetta from the video game "Bayonetta" (please note that Colette, and Madam Collette of Enchancia Castle, are two different characters who are not related in any way, shape, or form).

The term Baileywick alarm is from the "Sofia the First" series finale, "Forever Royal".

Timothy falling asleep and using a spell to make Boris levitate was the idea of MisuteriTenshi / SailorWednesdayMercury.

Vor is from "Sofia the First".

"Twist of hand and twist of fate, leave the ground and levitate!" is from "Descendants: Wicked World"

Disclaimer

Derek Von Schroedor, Marie Perkins, Snively Sage, Timothy O'Toole, and the other original ideas from MisuteriTenshi / SailorWednesdayMercury are the property of MisuteriTenshi / SailorWednesdayMercury, and are used in this story with the permission of MisuteriTenshi / SailorWednesdayMercury.

"Elena of Avalor" and everything associated with it © Craig Gerber, Disney Television Animation, Team TO, and Disney-ABC Domestic Television.

"Harry Potter" and everything associated with it © J. K. Rowling, Bloomsbury Publishing, Arthur A. Levine Books, Little Brown, Heyday Films, 1492 Pictures, Patalex IV Productions, and Warner Brothers Pictures.

"Sofia the First" and everything associated with it © Craig Gerber, Jamie Mitchell, Disney Television Animation, Toiion Animation Studios, Team TO, and Disney-ABC Domestic Television.

The House of Cosmarune, and everything associated with it, is the property of Skyrimfan, and is used in this story with the permission of Skyrimfan.

The Scarlett Warrior and the other original ideas from Ben10Man are the property of Ben10Man, and are used in my stories with the permission of Ben10Man.

I only own Abby Murphy, Candice Cosmarune-Cooper, Corbett, Dorrie Cosmarune-Cooper, Lisa Elodie, Pepperton House, Prince Everett, Valentina Androcasia, and the Enchancia Castle servants area.