Once Upon a Time in Enchancia Chapter 25: Holiday Time (Part One), a sofia the first fanfic

Once Upon a Time in Enchancia

Welcome to Chapter 25 of "Once Upon a Time in Enchancia". Before we get started, a note about Queen Melinda (Amber and James' birth mother, created by Jolly Roger Brat). Even though we now know Amber and James' birth mother's name (Lorelei, thanks to "Sofia the First: Forever Royal"), both Jolly Roger Brat and myself have decided to continue using Melinda as Amber and James' birth mother for consistency in our stories.

Songs in this chapter: "Wassailia" from the "Sofia the First" episode "Holiday in Enchancia", and "A Million Dreams" (Reprise) from "The Greatest Showman".

Chapter 25: Holiday Time (Part One)

November 7, 1868

It was a Saturday afternoon in the Kingdom of Cinnibar. In Scarlett's palace, Scarlett was in her study thinking back to September.

Flashback to September 5, 1868:

Scarlett paced around her room in the palace as she sighed as Faith walked into her room and smiled.

"Faith," Scarlett said as Faith approached. "I'm sorry I didn't fill you in on all the details. I know I tortured Neila, but I had to. If you never talk to me again for keeping you in the dark on something this big, I understand."

"No, Mom," Faith said as she smiled and put her hand on Scarlett's shoulder. "Just the opposite. You did what you thought was the right thing to do with Neila. I would've done the same thing myself."

End of flashback, and back to the present.

As Scarlett was thinking back to September, Colette walked into Scarlett's study.

"Scarlett," Colette announced. "Dorrie and Candice are here. They are here on official business from King Roland."

"Please show them in, Colette," Scarlett instructed.

In a few moments, Dorrie and Candice walked into Scarlett's study.

"We bring an official invitation from King Roland," Dorrie announced and she handed the invitation to Scarlett.

"You, Princess Faith, and Aunt Colette are invited to attend the upcoming Enchancian Day of Thanks dinner at Enchancia Castle," Candice added.

"I hadn't realized it was that time already," Scarlett confessed. "The Enchancian Day of Thanks is an important holiday in Enchancia."

"Yes," Dorrie confirmed. "In the late 1600s, Enchancia was at war with another kingdom. It was a long, drawn out affair that took many lives on both sides. Eventually, both sides realized that the war was too high a price to pay, and a peace agreement was reached."

"In Enchancia, on the first anniversary of the end of the war, it was decided that an Enchancian Day of Thanks was in order," Candice continued. "It has been an annual event ever since."

"Please tell King Roland that Faith, Colette, and I would be pleased to attend," Scarlett said to Dorrie and Candice.

"Good," Dorrie smiled. "Candice and I will tell King Roland the good news."

"It's good to see the two of you again," Scarlett happily said to Dorrie and Candice. "It's been a while since you've come here."

"We didn't know what kind of reception we'd receive," Candice revealed.

"Candice and I did, after all, interfere with your plans for Neila," Dorrie gently pointed out.

"Oh, girls," Scarlett said as she hugged Dorrie and Candice. "I'm so sorry for giving you the impression that I might be mad at you. That's the last thing I wanted."

"Well, that's a relief," Dorrie said, grateful.

"Then, we're forgiven?" Candice cautiously asked.

"There's nothing to forgive," Scarlett reassured Dorrie and Candice. "Although, I need to ask your forgiveness for my actions."

"Well, Candice and I both see where you were coming from," Dorrie diplomatically said.

"Most kind," Scarlett said, grateful. "I would be interested to know, however, what the two of you and your mother did with Neila."

"Well, the truth is ..." Dorrie started.

"... we sent her to 21st Century Auradon and the Isle of the Lost," Candice continued.

Scarlett thought for a few moments about what she had just been told. Scarlett then started laughing at the top of her lungs.

"Oh my god!" Scarlett laughed. "You Coopers are geniuses! Trapping Neila somewhere with no magic, and no way to escape. That's far worse than any torture I could inflict on her."

"It seemed like the best course of action," Dorrie explained.

"You should know, Scarlett, that we saw Mal as a six-year-old while we were there," Candice announced.

"You did?" Scarlett asked. "How did she look?"

"She looked well," Dorrie answered.

"That's good to know," Scarlett smiled. "Please, sit down, and I'll have some refreshments brought in. We haven't talked in a while, and the truth be told ... I've missed the two of you."

"We'd like that, Scarlett," Dorrie accepted. "We've missed you, too."

As Scarlett, Dorrie, and Candice sat down, they had a pleasant conversation as they enjoyed some refreshments. As the three talked, Faith peeked into Scarlett's study, and smiled. It was nice seeing things returning to normal.

November 12, 1868

It was an early Thursday morning in the Village of Dunwitty. It was the Enchancian Day of Thanks. At the local butcher shop, people came and went as they bought meat for their holiday meals. Some bought turkey, and others bought chicken, depending on their needs and wants. People were also visiting the village bakery, and buying a variety of pies available for sale.

On a street in Dunwitty, Miss Elodie and her ten-year-old daughter, Lisa, walked along after buying a pie at the bakery.

"Gloriana," a woman's voice called out to Miss Elodie from across the street. Miss Elodie looked over to see Mrs. Hanshaw standing there with fifteen-year-old Ruby.

"Helen, Ruby," Miss Elodie smiled as she and Lisa walked over. "Happy Day of Thanks."

"And a happy Day of Thanks to you and Lisa," Mrs. Hanshaw warmly greeted.

As Miss Elodie, Mrs. Hanshaw, Lisa, and Ruby had a pleasant conversation, a wagon from Enchancia Castle passed by. As the four watched, the wagon stopped in front of the local orphanage, and Dorrie and Candice stepped off of the wagon.

"Lady Dorrie, Lady Candice," Mrs. Tweedle, the director of the orphanage, happily greeted Dorrie and Candice.

"Good morning, Mrs. Tweedle," Dorrie smiled. "We've brought everything you, the children, and the staff will need for a fine Day of Thanks dinner."

"Oh, thank you so much," Mrs. Tweedle said, pleased. "The children will be so pleased."

"And here is a little something extra ... from King Roland himself," Dorrie announced as she handed Mrs. Tweedle an envelope.

"Oh, my!" Mrs. Tweedle exclaimed in awe as she opened the envelope, and saw a sizable amount of money.

"King Roland appreciates the work you and the staff do here," Candice smiled. "He wanted to make a donation to the orphanage. He knows there are always needs at the orphanage, and he wanted to help out."

"Oh, bless him," Mrs. Tweedle said with tears of joy in her eyes. "He's such a fine man. Please thank him for me."

"We will," Candice promised.

At that moment, the staff and the children walked outside. The children looked inside the wagon, and were awestruck at the amount of food that was inside.

"For us?" a girl asked.

"Oh, yes," Dorrie happily answered. "All of you are going to have a fine Day of Thanks dinner."

The children cheered at the news. As Mrs. Tweedle, Dorrie, Candice, the staff, and the children carried the food into the orphanage, they were watched by Miss Elodie, Mrs. Hanshaw, Lisa, and Ruby.

"What a wonderful sight," Miss Elodie smiled.

"It is," Mrs. Hanshaw happily agreed. "King Roland is always so gracious to the orphanage, and I know that Dorrie and Candice love being the delivery people."

"That's right," Miss Elodie remembered. "Dorrie was an orphan before going to Enchancia Castle."

"Yes," Mrs. Hanshaw acknowledged. "I know it gives Dorrie special pleasure to help give back to a place that was there for her when she needed it."

"The orphans are a good bunch of kids," Lisa happily said. "I occasionally play with them."

Miss Elodie, Mrs. Hanshaw, and Ruby smiled at Lisa. The four then talked for a few minutes. As they were getting ready to go off on their separate ways, the empty wagon with Dorrie and Candice pulled up.

"Good morning," Dorrie smiled at Miss Elodie, Mrs. Hanshaw, Lisa, and Ruby.

"Happy Day of Thanks," Candice happily added.

"And a happy Day of Thanks to the two of you," Mrs. Hanshaw smiled back.

"What are your plans for today?" Miss Elodie asked Dorrie and Candice, curious.

"We'll be having a Day of Thanks dinner at the castle this evening," Dorrie answered. "The staff, as well as a variety of guests, are invited. Meanwhile, Candice and I are heading back to the castle. We're helping to prepare the dinner."

"Jade and her family are invited," Ruby volunteered. "Mom and I have been invited as well."

"Lisa and I received our invitations yesterday," Miss Elodie announced. "We're eagerly looking forward to it."

"It's going to be a grand affair," Dorrie proudly said. "Candice and I are proud to have been selected to help with the dinner."

"I know you two are more than up to the task," Mrs. Hanshaw praised.

"We've better be heading back to the castle," Dorrie started. "Have yourselves a wonderful Day of Thanks."

"You as well," Miss Elodie happily said as Dorrie and Candice drove the empty wagon back to the castle. Miss Elodie then turned to Mrs. Hanshaw. "I know Lisa and I are guests at tonight's dinner at the castle, but I was always taught that a guest brings something to a dinner as a show of respect. Lisa and I decided to bring an apple pie."

"I see you had the same kind of upbringing I had," Mrs. Hanshaw smiled. "Ruby and I were just on our way to pick up a pie for tonight's dinner. I was thinking of picking up a cream pie."

"That sounds wonderful," Miss Elodie happily approved. "Lisa and I will see you and Ruby tonight at the castle."

"We'll see you there," Mrs. Hanshaw said as she and Ruby made their way to the local bakery.

In a little while, Dorrie and Candice arrived back at Enchancia Castle. As they parked the wagon, and climbed down from it, King Roland and Baileywick walked up.

"How did everything go?" Roland wanted to know.

"The food, and your gift, have been delivered to the orphanage," Dorrie informed Roland.

"Mrs. Tweedle wanted us to thank you for everything," Candice added. "She was really quite pleased."

"I'm glad to hear it," Roland smiled. "The orphanage is such a worthy cause, and I'm always happy to help out where I can."

"Excuse me, King Roland," Baileywick started. "We should be going over the preparations for the Day of Thanks dinner."

"Yes, of course," Roland agreed.

"Dorrie, Candice," Baileywick said. "Please report to the auxiliary kitchen. You'll be helping Violet, Suzette, Abby, Marie, and Timothy make pies and desserts."

"Yes, Mr. Baileywick," Dorrie acknowledged.

As Dorrie and Candice headed to the auxiliary kitchen, they happily talked among themselves.

"We get to help make pies and desserts," Dorrie happily remarked.

"I love making pies and desserts," Candice gleefully added.

Dorrie and Candice walked into the auxiliary kitchen to find Violet, Suzette, fifteen-year-old Abby Murphy, nine-year-old Marie Perkins, and eight-year-old Timothy O'Toole already at work.

"Ah, good!" Violet smiled at Dorrie and Candice. "The two of you are just in time. Dorrie, please start the pumpkin pies. And Candice, please start the cherry pies."

"Yes, Mom," Dorrie and Candice happily acknowledged.

"Timothy, Marie, and I have already made the pie crusts," Abby informed Dorrie and Candice. "If you need any help with the pies, the three of us will be over there making cookies."

"Sounds good," Candice smiled.

Dorrie and Candice got to work making the pies. As they worked, they looked to see Violet and Suzette working on a large fancy cake. The auxiliary kitchen was now in full swing, and would produce some fine desserts for that night's Day of Thanks dinner.

As everybody in the auxiliary kitchen was working, a fifteen-year-old white skinned girl with blond hair wearing a green gown walked in. The girl was ... Princess Oona of Merroway Cove. Just as Oona had turned fifteen, her mother (Queen Emmaline) had confided to Oona what powers Oona's comb had. One of the powers gave Oona the ability to transform from a merperson to a human and back again.

"What may we do for you, Princess Oona?" Violet asked.

"I was wondering if I could lend a hand?" Oona wondered. "I'm learning about cooking, and I want to get as much hands on experience as I can get."

"Tell you what," Violet smiled. "Help Dorrie and Candice with the pies. Baking is always a skill in high demand."

Oona walked over to Dorrie and Candice.

"It's nice to have you here, Oona," Candice smiled.

"We can use all the hands we can get," Dorrie happily added.

As Oona, Dorrie, and Candice worked, a fifteen-year-old tanned skinned girl with brown hair wearing a blue dress walked into the auxiliary kitchen. The girl was Princess Isabel. She had arrived with her family the night before.

"Isabel," Dorrie cheerfully greeted, before turning to Oona. "Oona, this is Princess Isabel of Avalor."

"A pleasure to meet you, Princess Isabel," Oona said as she curtsied.

"Just call me Isabel," Isabel smiled at Oona.

"Then Isabel it is," Oona smiled back.

"What kingdom are you from, Oona?" Isabel asked, curious.

"I don't come from a kingdom," Oona confessed. "I come from more of a territory ... the underwater territory of Merroway Cove."

"Then you're a merperson?" Isabel wanted to know. "But how can you have legs?"

"My comb is magical," Oona explained. "Among its powers is the ability to have me transform from a merperson to a human and back again. I'm attending Royal Prep to prepare me to be an ambassador between my kind and humans. My mother, Queen Emmaline, decided it was time to live in harmony with humans, having made friends with the Enchancian royal family. It's a very close friendship. We provide certain sea products to Enchancia, and Enchancia helps defend Merroway Cove."

"Then you're a princess," Isabel said in awe.

"Yes," Oona smiled. "I'm living here at Enchancia Castle while I attend Royal Prep."

"I know merpeople," Isabel revealed. "They live off the coast of Avalor, and are called Sirenas."

"I'd like to hear more about them sometime," Oona requested.

"I can tell you about them at dinner tonight," Isabel offered.

"I'd like that," Oona smiled.

"It's good to see you again, Princess Isabel," Violet happily said. "What may we help you with?"

"Well, my abuela ... my grandmother ... is making tamales for tonight's dinner," Isabel started. "I was wondering if I could lend a hand here?"

"I don't see why not?" Violet smiled. "As I remember from the trip that Dorrie, Candice, and I took to Avalor to help train your castle staff, you were rather good at baking cookies. You may help Abby, Marie, and Timothy make cookies for tonight's dinner."

"Thank you, Lady Violet," Isabel said gleefully as she walked over to Abby, Marie, and Timothy.

As everybody worked in the auxiliary kitchen, the air was full of happiness, and a fine time was had by all.

Leading up to the dinner

It was now early evening at Enchancia Castle. As the guests started arriving, they were greeted by Baileywick, Violet, Dorrie, and Candice. As the four greeted the arriving guests, Elena, Isabel, Francisco, Louisa, and Esteban (who had arrived the night before) watched from a distance.

Among the first guests to arrive was Scarlett, Faith, and Colette.

"Welcome to Enchancia Castle, Queen Scarlett, Princess Faith, and Lady Colette," Violet greeted the three. "Happy Day of Thanks."

"To you as well, Violet," Scarlett smiled before whispering in Violet's ear. "Nice job with Neila, sending her to the Isle of the Lost. A perfect way to handle the situation."

"I'm glad you approve, Scarlett," Violet whispered back.

Next to arrive was Jade and her family, Mrs. Hanshaw, and Ruby.

"Welcome to Enchancia Castle," Baileywick greeted. "Happy Day of Thanks. Princess Sofia has requested that all of you be seated at the same table she is at. She wanted her best friends to have a place of honor tonight."

"Wow!" Jade exclaimed in awe.

"Oh my goodness," Ruby remarked, pleased. "Sofia, even though she's a princess now, is still the same kind person she's always been."

Boris, Oxana, and baby Vampirina arrived, and were greeted by Dorrie and Candice.

"Welcome to Enchancia Castle," Dorrie greeted.

"Happy Day of Thanks," Candice happily added.

"Thank you for inviting us," Boris smiled.

"We're looking forward to taking part in your Day of Thanks," Oxana said, pleased. "Around this time of year, in Transylvania, we have our own celebration called the Blood Moon Festival. Since we're away from home, we look forward to sharing your holiday."

"We're glad you could attend," Dorrie smiled. "And we look forward to hearing more about your Blood Moon Festival."

"We'd be delighted," Boris smiled back.

Meanwhile, Miss Elodie and Lisa arrived, and were greeted by Violet.

"Welcome to Enchancia Castle, Gloriana, Lisa," Violet smiled. "Happy Day of Thanks."

"And a happy Day of Thanks to you, Violet," Miss Elodie smiled back. "Lisa and I have brought an apple pie for the dinner."

"Excellent," Violet happily approved. "Some other guests have brought pies as well, including Helen and Ruby. When you walk into the ballroom, let one of the maids there know you have a pie, and she'll direct you to where you may place it."

"Thank you," Miss Elodie said, pleased, as she and Lisa walked into the castle.

As guests continued to arrive for the dinner, the Mizukis and the Hamasakis walked up to Baileywick.

"Welcome, Ambassador Mizuki," Baileywick greeted. "A happy Day of Thanks to you, your wife, your daughter, and your friends."

"Thank you, Mr. Baileywick," Ambassador Mizuki happily acknowledged.

As Elena, Isabel, Francisco, Louisa, and Esteban watched the guests arrive and be greeted, they talked among themselves.

"Oh my!" Elena exclaimed in awe. "Enchancia Castle is such a well oiled machine."

"Indeed," Francisco agreed, impressed.

"We would be wise to take note of what we see here," Esteban suggested. "Those here at Enchancia Castle have honed greeting and serving guests into a fine art. We could learn new things by watching them at work."

"That is an excellent idea, Esteban," Louisa approved.

As they watched, Queen Annora and Princess Fidelia walked up to Dorrie and Candice.

"Welcome to Enchancia Castle, Queen Annora, Princess Fidelia," Dorrie greeted. "Happy Day of Thanks."

"Blessed Be, Queen Annora, Princess Fidelia," Candice further greeted.

"Thank you both," Annora smiled at Dorrie and Candice. "Thank you for your Day of Thanks greeting, and your witch and warlock greeting. You've made Fidelia and I feel right at home."

Dorrie and Candice smiled at Annora's praise. Annora and Fidelia then walked into the castle as other guests arrived.

Inside the ballroom, as guests were seated, a sixteen-year-old James and a sixteen-year-old Amber looked in awe at the tables containing all kinds of food.

"Wow!" James exclaimed, impressed. "Brilliant!"

"This has to be one of the best displays of food I've ever seen," Amber observed, pleased. "This dinner is going to be excellent."

At Sofia's table, the guests there were happily talking among themselves. Isabel was telling Oona more about the Sirenas, while Lydia started performing some magic to entertain those around her.

"Sofia," Isabel spoke up. "Lydia is quite the gifted sorceress."

"We're all quite proud of her," Sofia smiled.

"And I'm proud of the fine young woman you've become," Lydia praised Sofia.

Meanwhile, Jade gently tapped Oona on the shoulder.

"Hello," Jade smiled. "I'm Princess Jade of Satu."

"And I'm Princess Oona of Merroway Cove," Oona introduced herself. "I understand you recently arrived back from Wuton."

"Yes," Jade acknowledged. "My parents were posted there. Then, my mother's father ... my grandfather ... died, and we came back to Enchancia."

"I'm sorry for your loss," Oona gently said.

"Thank you," Jade said, gratefully.

"That's a nice bracelet you're wearing," Oona complemented.

"I got it from Lucinda when we were kids ... before she was a princess," Jade revealed. "That's a nice comb you are wearing."

Oona smiled at Jade's complement. Oona and Jade then started happily talking to each other, finding out more about each other in the process. As Oona and Jade talked, Sofia smiled at the scene. It was nice having two of her best friends getting to know each other better.

At another table, Lucinda was seated with a number of guests, including Indigo and her parents, Lily and her parents, and the Hauntleys.

"I'd love to know more about your Blood Moon Festival," Lily requested of Boris and Oxana.

"It is a festival in Transylvania where families come together," Oxana explained. "We celebrate family by coming together and enjoying a special meal together."

"We have all kinds of food," Boris added, "including screaming potatoes, shrieking tomatoes, and a gravy boat that grants your wishes."

"We also have a special bowl that everybody screams into," Oxana further added. "It's really quite fun."

"I wouldn't mind trying out that screaming bowl sometime," Indigo smiled.

"It does sound fun," Lucinda agreed.

"Perhaps I could bring our family screaming bowl to Hexley Hall sometime, and all of you could try it," Oxana suggested.

Lucinda, Indigo, and Lily smiled at the thought.

The Day of Thanks dinner

In a little while, King Roland stood up, and addressed the guests gathered.

"I thank all of you for attending our Day of Thanks dinner," Roland greeted. "Even though this dinner is being held here in the ballroom, it is much more of an informal affair where everybody walks up to the tables where the food is at, and serve themselves. The castle staff have cooked a fine selection of foods to choose from. Also, Lady Louisa of Avalor has cooked up her famous tamales, and many of you have brought foods and desserts here. So, lets get this dinner underway."

Everybody walked up to the tables containing the food, drinks, and desserts, and started serving themselves.

"Miranda," Annora smiled as she walked up. "It's good to see you again."

"It's good to see you too, Annora," Miranda happily said as the two hugged in friendship.

"I'm loving the informal nature of this dinner," Annora admitted. "It reminds me of when I was a child in the Village of Wendarby. Every Friday night, the entire village of witches and warlocks would gather together for such informal dinners. There would be food, and dancing, and everybody there would have such a good time."

"I remember those Friday nights," Eric Androcasia, who was attending the dinner with his daughter, Valentina, remembered. "They were such happy times."

"Lucinda has told me about Wendarby," Miranda revealed. "She has happy memories of the village."

"A fine place, Queen Miranda," Eric smiled, before turning serious. "It was, until the scourge of Neila came to be. Many villagers were forced to flee because of her efforts to recruit followers. Now that she's no longer around, perhaps many of the village residents who fled will return."

At another table with food, Dorrie and Candice spotted Louisa's tamales.

"There's nothing like Lady Louisa's tamales," Dorrie smiled.

"What exactly are tamales?" Miss Elodie asked as she walked up with Lisa.

"A tamale is a corn and cornmeal dough stuffed with a meat mixture, then wrapped in a corn husk and steamed," Candice explained.

"They are really quite delicious," King Toshi of Satu, who was attending the dinner with his brother, Prince Soji, happily remarked.

"My brother and I were really quite taken with tamales when we visited Avalor," Soji added. "I think you would enjoy them very much."

"Then I think I'll try one," Miss Elodie said. "How about you, Lisa?"

"I'll try one as well," Lisa responded, looking forward to the experience.

"I think I'll try one, too, Uncle Toshi, Uncle Soji," Jade said as she walked up with Ruby and Oona.

"Sounds good," Ruby smiled.

"I'm looking forward to trying this," Oona happily said.

At still another table with food, James and Amber eagerly approached.

"I think I'll have some turkey and cranberry sauce," James smiled as he started cutting some turkey.

"And I think I'll have some roast beef," Amber announced, pleased.

As everybody dished out food for themselves, the ghosts of Sir Dax and Queen Melinda watched from a distance.

"I say, Queen Melinda, this brings back delightful memories," Sir Dax smiled.

"It does," Queen Melinda smiled back. "I remember when James first tried turkey and cranberry sauce as a young child. He was absolutely hooked, and he had cranberry sauce all over his face. It was just like his birthday when he would get chocolate cake all over his face."

After a while, everybody sat down, and enjoyed a fine meal. At one table, Lita Mizuki and Taiki Hamasaki ate together, happily talking and holding hands. Everybody smiled at the touching scene.

"Bless them," Kathleen Mizuki, Lita's mother, joyfully thought to herself.

At one point, Violet, Suzette, Dorrie, Candice, Abby, Marie, and Timothy observed everybody enjoying the meal. They smiled, knowing they had helped with the food, and seeing everybody enjoying it.

"It's times like this when one gets a true sense of job satisfaction," Violet said, pleased.

"Yes," Suzette agreed, as Dorrie, Candice, Abby, Marie, and Timothy nodded their heads in agreement.

At a table reserved for royalty, King Roland, Queen Miranda, and other royal guests had a fine time eating and talking.

"This has to be one of the best Day of Thanks dinners I've ever attended here, Roland," Scarlett remarked, impressed.

"I agree," Roland smiled. "Our staff does an excellent job each year. And, this year, they really outdid themselves. We're blessed having them."

Scarlett smiled, hearing Roland's praise of his staff. Roland was a kind man, much beloved by his staff. He always treated his staff well, and events like this was the staff's way of repaying Roland for his kindness. It was really quite a touching thing to behold.

The dinner continued on into the night. Everybody agreed it was one of the best dinners they had ever attended. It was a Day of Thanks that would be always remembered.

December, 1868

November became December. It was now the morning of December 25th - Wassailia. That morning, after Sofia had got herself ready for the day, she started singing as she walked down a hallway.

"Oh, Wassailia Day is here. The most magical time of the year. When all are filled with cheer."

Dorrie, who had come up behind Sofia, joined in.

"It's Wassailia. Happy Wassailia".

"Good morning, Dorrie," Sofia happily greeted.

"Good morning, Sofia," Dorrie smiled. "Happy Wassailia."

"Happy Wassailia," Sofia smiled back. "You're in a happy mood."

"I am," Dorrie happily acknowledged. "Wassailia is a very special time for me. During my first Wassailia at the castle, Mom adopted me. It is a moment that holds a special place in my heart."

"I know," Sofia said with a smile as she gently put her hand on Dorrie's shoulder. "The two of you were filled with a special happiness that Wassailia."

"A while later, Candice joined us," Dorrie remembered with a smile. "The three of us became a right little family. Each day, I'm so thankful for Mom and Candice. I can't imagine a life without them in it."

"Family is everything," Sofia agreed, as she became lost in thought.

"What's on your mind, Sofia?" Dorrie asked, curious.

"I was thinking back to shortly after Candice came to the castle," Sofia revealed. "You, Candice, and Violet were outside looking up at the stars, and the three of you looked so happy."

"That was one of those moments I'll cherish always," Dorrie happily remembered.

"As I recall, the three of you were singing a song," Sofia commented.

"Ah, yes," Dorrie recalled as she started singing. "Every night I lie in bed. The brightest colors fill my head. A million dreams are keeping me awake. I think of what the world could be. A vision of the one I see. A million dreams is all it's gonna take."

Candice continued the song as she walked up. "A million dreams for the world we're gonna make."

"Good morning, Candice," Dorrie smiled. "Happy Wassailia."

"Happy Wassailia, Dorrie," Candice smiled back as the two hugged.

Sofia smiled at the touching scene - the close bond between two sisters. It reminded Sofia of the close sisterly bond she had with Amber and Lucinda.

"The wagon is ready," Candice informed Dorrie.

"Ah, yes," Dorrie happily acknowledged. "The Wassailia delivery to the orphanage. Presents and holiday food to deliver. You ready to go?"

"Ready," Candice smiled.

"We'll be back after our delivery to the orphanage," Dorrie informed Sofia.

"Has anybody seen Oona?" Sofia asked. "It's her first Wassailia in the castle."

"She's down in the indoor pool," Candice answered. "She's swimming with Marie and Timothy."

"I think I'll head down there," Sofia happily announced.

"Have a good time, Sofia," Dorrie wished as she and Candice walked off.

In a few minutes, Sofia made her way down to the indoor pool, located near the castle gym. As she walked into the pool area, Sofia noticed Queen Miranda sitting in a poolside chair.

"Happy Wassailia, Mom," Sofia smiled as she hugged Miranda.

"And a Happy Wassailia to you, Sofia," Miranda smiled back. "I thought I'd keep Oona, Marie, and Timothy company while they took a Wassailia swim. I'm glad we have this indoor pool. It can even be warmed in the cold weather months."

Sofia looked to the pool and saw Oona, Marie, and Timothy swimming in their merperson forms. Oona's comb allowed her to transform back and forth from merperson to human and back again. Marie and Timothy had ties to Mermardia, and had the natural ability to transform back and forth from merperson to human and back again.

"Come join us, Sofia," Oona invited. "The water's fine."

"I think I will," Sofia smiled as she took off her shoes, and sat down next to the pool. Sofia then clutched her amulet. Ever since the incident with Vor when Sofia was a child, the power of Sofia's amulet had become common knowledge to those in the castle. As Sofia clutched her amulet, she concentrated, then said "I wish to be a mermaid."

Sofia then transformed into a mermaid. As Sofia went into the water, and joined her friends, Miranda smiled. It was nice seeing Sofia and her friends having fun swimming in the pool. At that same moment, a maid walked up.

"Your swimsuit, Queen Miranda," the maid announced as she handed Miranda the swimsuit.

"Thank you," Miranda acknowledged as she went into a changing room to change.

As Sofia, Oona, Marie, and Timothy happily swam in the pool, Miranda came out of the changing room, and gently dived into the pool.

"I thought I'd join you," Miranda smiled as she kicked her legs to propel herself through the water.

"You're a good swimmer, Queen Miranda," Oona noticed.

"Thank you," Miranda acknowledged. "I was pretty good during my school years, enough to earn me some school medals."

Miranda, Sofia, Oona, Marie, and Timothy had a fun time in the water. It was a wonderful way to spend a Wassailia morning.

Meanwhile, in the village, Dorrie and Candice arrived at the orphanage with the wagon full of food and presents. Dorrie and Candice climbed down from the wagon, walked up to the door, and knocked. In a few moments, Mrs. Tweedle answered the door.

"Happy Wassailia, Mrs. Tweedle," Dorrie smiled.

"We have a wagon outside filled with Wassailia food and presents," Candice happily added.

"Oh, thank you!" Mrs. Tweedle exclaimed in joy and she called for the staff. "Please unload the wagon."

As the staff unloaded the wagon, the children in the orphanage watched with excitement.

"Where's Santa?" a nine-year-old boy asked.

"He has a busy schedule," Dorrie gently explained. "He spent all of last night delivering presents across the world. He's taking a well deserved rest this morning."

"In order to ensure that every boy and girl receives their presents," Candice continued, "Santa employs agents like Dorrie and me. We help make sure that local presents arrive on Wassailia morning."

"Santa's delivery service - Dunwitty division," Dorrie smiled.

"You've met Santa?" an eight-year-old girl asked in awe.

"Oh, yes," Candice happily added. "A fine man filled with love and cheer."

"And he wanted Candice and me to pass on his best wishes to you," Dorrie announced. "And, he's pleased to say that you've all made the nice list."

The children cheered at the news, as Mrs. Tweedle and the staff smiled in happiness. The staff and the children then carried the food and the presents into the orphanage, as Dorrie turned to Mrs. Tweedle, and handed her a bank book.

"What is this?" Mrs. Tweedle asked, taken off guard.

"A special bank account for the orphanage," Dorrie explained. "King Roland, Queen Miranda, Mr. Baileywick, some of the local business owners, and the House of Cosmarune got together and created the account."

"And, its tied to high paying investments," Candice further explained. "Thanks to those investments, there will always be money in the account for times that the orphanage needs it. Mr. Baileywick will oversee the account and the investments, and will provide you with regular bank statements."

"Please thank everybody for me," Mrs. Tweedle said with tears of happiness in her eyes.

"We will," Dorrie promised.

Meanwhile, back at the castle, Violet was walking with a new blond haired white skinned maid in her 20s.

"You'll know your way around here before you know it, Marlene," Violet smiled.

"I'm sure I will, ma'am," Marlene smiled back. "Thank you for your kindness."

"You're welcome," Violet happily acknowledged as the two walked into the sitting room. "I'll leave you here in the sitting room to tidy up. I'll be back in a little while."

"Yes, ma'am," Marlene acknowledged as Violet left. As soon as Violet left, Marlene looked around the sitting room. "I'll get the lay of the land, and then ... I'll attack," Marlene thought to herself with a wicked grin.

(To be continued in Chapter 26).

Behind the scenes

In this edition of "Behind the scenes", we look at some of the shops that are located within the Village of Dunwitty.

Apothecary shop: a shop where medicines are sold (an old fashioned version of a pharmacy). The apothecary shop in Dunwitty also sells magical potions and ingredients. The apothecary shop has been featured in my stories "Dorrie", "Dorrie: Book Two", "Getting To Know Tilly", "Once Upon a Time in Enchancia", "Tales from the Castle", and "Witch Tales".

Bakery: a shop where baked goods (bread, rolls, pies, and pastries) are made and sold. We first saw the village bakery in the "Sofia the First" episode "The Baker King".

Barber shop: a shop where boys and men may get their hair cut.

Blacksmith shop: the shop of the local blacksmith, who forges, shapes, and sells iron products (horseshoes, nails, tools, utensils, pots, pans, farming equipment, ect).

Butcher shop: a shop where various meats are prepared and sold.

Carpet and rug shop: a shop that sells carpets and rugs.

Dunwitty Printers: a shop that prints business cards, flyers, stationary, and other custom documents.

Dunwitty Wines and Spirits: a shop that sells a variety of liquor.

Furniture shop: a shop that sells household furniture.

General Store: a shop that sells groceries, fabrics, general merchandise, school supplies, sewing supplies, and other items of interest to those who live in and around Dunwitty. The general store appeared in Chapter 8 of my story "Dorrie: Book Two".

Gift shop: a shop that sells a variety of gifts. This is the shop that King Roland and Baileywick visited in the "Sofia the First" episode "Holiday in Enchancia".

Go carriage shop: a shop that sells parts used in making go carriages, seen in the "Sofia the First" episode "In a Tizzy".

Gun shop: a shop that sells pistols, rifles, and ammunition.

Greythorn's: a shop that sells a wide variety of magical merchandise, including wands, brooms, cauldrons, crystal balls, books, tarot decks, and clothing. Greythorn's is also the official supplier of magical supplies to both Royal Prep and Hexley Hall. Greythorn's appeared in Chapter 11 of my story "Witch Tales".

Hair Styler: a shop where girls and women may get their hair cut and styled.

Pillow shop: a shop that sells a wide variety of pillows. This is the shop where Sofia got Clover a new napping pillow in the "Sofia the First" episode "Bunny Swap".

Robert Morrissey - Custom Jeweler: a shop that makes and sells jewelry. Is also the jeweler for the Enchancian royal family.

Seamstress shop: a shop that makes and sells clothing for girls and women.

Shoe shop: a shop that makes shoes for those living in and around Dunwitty, which was originally owned by Miranda before she became Queen.

Tailor shop: a shop that makes and sells clothing for boys and men.

Thomas Sanderson - Bookseller: sells new and used books. Also sells the latest newspapers and magazines.

Wade's: a shop that sells women's fashion accessories such as purses. This was the shop that Dorrie was looking for to buy a gift for Violet in Chapter 24 of my story "Dorrie".

Wheelwright shop: a shop that makes, sells, and repairs wagon, coach, and carriage wheels.

Author's notes

Ambassador Hiro Mizuki, Kathleen Mizuki, Marie Perkins, Taiki Hamasaki (and his parents), and Timothy O'Toole are characters created by MisuteriTenshi / SailorWednesdayMercury, and are used in this story with the permission of MisuteriTenshi / SailorWednesdayMercury.

Auradon and the Isle of the Lost are from "Disney Descendants", "Descendants: Wicked World", "Descendants 2", and "Under The Sea: A Descendants Story".

Blessed Be: a standard greeting used by witches and warlocks when meeting other witches and warlocks. It is a greeting that wishes good things upon the person or people being greeted.

Boris Hauntley, Oxana Hauntley, and Vampirina Hauntley are younger versions of Boris, Oxana, and Vampirina from "Vampirina". Readers of past chapters of "Once Upon a Time in Enchancia" will remember that the younger versions of Boris and Oxana are teachers at Hexley Hall.

Brigade701 came up with the idea for having a Thanksgiving-type story, and from there I came up with the concept of an Enchancian Day of Thanks.

Elena, Isabel, Francisco, Louisa, and Esteban are from "Elena and the Secret of Avalor" and "Elena of Avalor".

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

Having Dorrie and Candice telling Scarlett about seeing six-year-old Mal was based on a suggestion by Brigade701.

Having Oona and Jade get to know each other better was the idea of MisuteriTenshi / SailorWednesdayMercury.

Having Oona appear in this chapter, and having her have the ability to transform, was the idea of Brigade701. As readers of Chapter 4 of my story "Getting To Know Tilly" will remember, it was there that we first learned about Oona's ability to transform from a merperson to a human and back again. Back then, that ability to transform was the idea of Brigade701. Since Chapter 4 of "Getting To Know Tilly" is now considered an alternate universe story, Brigade701 and I decided to reintroduce Oona's ability here in "Once Upon a Time in Enchancia".

Having the royal family of Avalor appear in this chapter was the idea of Brigade701.

"I say, Queen Melinda, this brings back delightful memories," Sir Dax smiled. "It does," Queen Melinda smiled. "I remember when James first tried turkey and cranberry sauce as a young child. He was absolutely hooked, and he had cranberry sauce all over his face. It was just like his birthday when he would get chocolate cake all over his face" - the item about James and chocolate cake is a reference to the "Sofia the First" episode "Two Princesses and a Baby".

"I was thinking back to shortly after Candice came to the castle," Sofia revealed. "You, Candice, and Violet were outside looking up at the stars, and the three of you looked so happy" - this is a reference to a flashback originally seen in Chapter 6 of "Once Upon a Time in Enchancia".

In regard to Miss Elodie, her first name of Gloriana is taken from Chapter 3 of Jolly Roger Brat's story "The Missing Memory Mystery", and is used here with the permission of Jolly Roger Brat (under a joint agreement that we're allowed to use things from each other's "Sofia the First" stories).

Inviting Mrs. Hanshaw and Ruby to the Enchancia Castle Day of Thanks dinner was the idea of Brigade701.

King Toshi and Prince Soji are originally from the "Elena of Avalor" episode "Model Sister".

Lita Mizuki was created by MisuteriTenshi / SailorWednesdayMercury and myself.

Lydia is from GradGirl2010's stories "My Sister's Keeper", "My Sister's Teacher", and "My Sister's Acceptance", and is used in my stories with the permission of GradGirl2010.

Mal is from "Disney Descendants", "Descendants: Wicked World", "Descendants 2", and "Under The Sea: A Descendants Story".

Oona is originally from the "Sofia the First" special "The Floating Palace", and the "Sofia the First" episodes "Cool Hand Fluke" and "Return to Merroway Cove".

Queen Melinda is a character created by Jolly Roger Brat, and is used in this story with the permission of Jolly Roger Brat.

Sirenas are from "Elena of Avalor", and were first introduced in the "Elena of Avalor" special "Day of the Sirenas".

"That's a nice bracelet you're wearing," Oona complemented. "I got it from Lucinda when we were kids ... before she was a princess," Jade revealed - this is a reference to events in the "Sofia the First" episode "The Little Witch".

"That's right," Miss Elodie remembered. "Dorrie was an orphan before going to Enchancia Castle" - this is a reference to events in Chapter 1 of my story "Dorrie".

The flashback scene in this chapter with Scarlett and Faith was the idea of Ben10Man (who also provided the dialog for that scene).

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 Kingdom of Cinnibar is a kingdom created by Ben10Man, and is used in my stories with permission from Ben10Man.

The Kingdom of Mermardia was created by MisuteriTenshi / SailorWednesdayMercury for my stories.

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 (A.K.A. Lady Colette Cosmarune) 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 trip to Avalor that Violet talks about in this chapter is a reference to events in Chapter 6 of my story "Dorrie: Book Two".

"What exactly are tamales?" Miss Elodie asked as she walked up with Lisa. "A tamale is a corn and cornmeal dough stuffed with a meat mixture, then wrapped in corn husks and steamed," Candice explained. "They are really quite delicious," King Toshi of Satu, who was attending the dinner with his brother, Prince Soji, happily remarked. "My brother and I were really quite taken with tamales when we visited Avalor," Soji added. "I think you would enjoy them very much" - Toshi and Soji are referring to their visit to Avalor, which took place in the "Elena of Avalor" episode "Model Sister".

Disclaimer

Ambassador Hiro Mizuki, Kathleen Mizuki, Marie Perkins, Taiki Hamasaki (and his parents), 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 and the Secret of Avalor" and everything associated with it © Craig Gerber, Disney Television Animation, Team TO, and Disney-ABC Domestic Television.

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

Lydia is the property of GradGirl2010, and is used in my stories with the permission of GradGirl2010.

Miss Elodie's first name of Gloriana, Queen Melinda, and the other original ideas from Jolly Roger Brat are the property of Jolly Roger Brat, and are used in this story with the permission of Jolly Roger Brat.

"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 Greatest Showman" and everything associated with it © Chernin Entertainment, Seed Productions, Laurence Mark Productions, TSG Entertainment, and 20th Century Fox.

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, Dorrie Cosmarune-Cooper, Dunwitty Printers, Dunwitty Wines and Spirits, Eric Androcasia, Greythorn's, Lisa Elodie, Marlene, Mrs. Tweedle, Neila, Princess Fidelia, Queen Annora, Robert Morrissey - Custom Jeweler, the Enchancia Castle auxiliary kitchen, the Enchancia Castle gym, the Enchancia Castle indoor pool, the Enchancian Day of Thanks, the Kingdom of Wuton, the Village of Wendarby, Thomas Sanderson - Bookseller, Valentina Androcasia, and Wade's.