Once Upon a Time in Enchancia Chapter 30: A January to Remember, a sofia the first fanfic

Once Upon a Time in Enchancia

Welcome to Chapter 30 of "Once Upon a Time in Enchancia".

Chapter 30: A January to Remember

January 16, 1869

It was a Saturday afternoon in the Village of Dunwitty, and everybody was gathered for the Dunwitty Winter Carnival. In the village square, Mayor Napier stood on a temporary stage and addressed those gathered.

"I want to welcome everyone to this year's winter carnival," Mayor Napier started. "Our snowman building contest will begin here in the village square in a half hour. Our carnival rides and games are set up nearby. And for those interested in Quidditch, I am proud to announce that a special exhibition game between the Holyhead Harpies and Puddlemere United will take place at four this afternoon in our village Quidditch arena. Meanwhile, let our winter carnival begin."

Everybody clapped as the winter carnival began. Meanwhile, Lucinda, Dorrie, and Candice were looking off toward the village Quidditch arena.

"I'm really looking forward to the exhibition game," Lucinda smiled. "Dunwitty was lucky to be chosen to host a game connected to the professional Quidditch exhibition tour."

"And we got two of the best teams out there," Dorrie happily added. "The Holyhead Harpies, and Puddlemere United."

"Who are you rooting for, Dorrie?" Lucinda wanted to know.

"I've always been a big Puddlemere fan," Dorrie answered.

"What about you, Candice?" Lucinda asked.

"Puddlemere is a fine team, but there's something to be said about the Holyhead Harpies and them being an all female team," Candice smiled.

"I'm torn," Lucinda admitted. "I'm actually a fan of both teams."

"Well, one thing is sure," Dorrie happily pointed out. "Whoever wins, it's going to be one exciting game."

Candice and Lucinda smiled in agreement.

That evening

At Enchancia Castle, Candice was in her room after eating supper. As she was sitting in an overstuffed chair in her room, Candice was admiring a banner of the Holyhead Harpies she had bought at that afternoon's Quidditch game. It had been an exciting game, with the Holyhead Harpies winning at the last moment when their Seeker had caught the Snitch.

Elsewhere in Enchancia Castle, in eight-year-old Timothy's room, Gwen and Wallace were smiling at Timothy who had just fallen asleep for the night. It had been a busy, but fun, afternoon for Timothy. He had won the junior division of the snowman building contest at the winter carnival, with Sofia having won the teenage division of the snowman contest. Timothy and Sofia had each won a trophy for their efforts. Timothy's trophy was now proudly displayed on a shelf in Timothy's room.

"He's out like a light," Wallace happily whispered to Gwen. "Timothy had a wonderful time this afternoon."

"Bless his heart," Gwen whispered back with a smile. "I think I'll take a bath before going to bed."

"I'll see you in a little while, then," Wallace whispered as he and Gwen quietly left Timothy's room.

In a little while, in Gwen and Wallace's room, Gwen was in the bathroom taking a relaxing bath. As she relaxed in the tub, Gwen suddenly felt a strange sensation go through the lower part of her body. Gwen then looked down at the lower part of her body.

"What on Earth?!" Gwen cried out in panic.

Wallace raced into the bathroom to find Gwen panicking in the tub. As Wallace looked into the tub, he was shocked to see that Gwen had now turned into a mermaid.

"I didn't know you could turn into a mermaid," Wallace remarked, stunned.

"Neither did I!" Gwen exclaimed in shock, totally taken off guard. "Get Marie in here. Perhaps she can help, somehow."

Wallace raced out of the bathroom, and in a few minutes returned with nine-year-old Marie, followed by fifteen-year-old Oona.

"Oh, my!" Marie gasped as she looked into the tub, and saw Gwen's mermaid tail.

"I didn't know you could transform into a mermaid," Oona said in shock.

"Neither did I, Princess Oona," Gwen said, still stunned by what was going on. "How do I change back?"

"I usually just concentrate, and I change back to my human form immediately," Marie instructed.

"Same with me," Oona concurred.

"Okay," Gwen acknowledged, nervous, as she concentrated, and changed back into a human. "That's better," Gwen said in relief.

"Mama!" Timothy shouted out, worried, as he tried to enter the bathroom, but was stopped by Wallace.

"It's okay, my precious one," Gwen reassured Timothy.

"Your mother will be out in a few minutes," Oona explained to Timothy as she and Marie got Gwen ready.

"What's going on?!" Chef Andre wanted to know as he entered Wallace and Gwen's bedroom.

"Gwen changed into a mermaid," Wallace told Andre. "She's changed back into a human, now."

"That's impossible!" Andre exclaimed in shock. "Sarina never had that ability!"

"What was that about Mama?" Gwen asked Andre as she walked out of the bathroom wearing a bath robe.

"Well, I don't know exactly how to begin," Andre started. "You see, your mother was from Mermardia."

"Mama was from ... Mermardia?" Gwen asked, not believing what she was hearing.

"Your mother was from Mermardia," Andre confirmed. "However, she wasn't born with the ability to transform intro a mermaid. It's something like in the magical community where, on rare occasions, a magical couple gives birth to a non-magical child. Your mother was the merperson version of this - she was born without the ability to transform into a mermaid. So, she lived her life as a human."

"But, if Mama didn't have the ability to transform into a mermaid, how do I have that ability?" Gwen asked, confused.

"I've heard of this," Oona explained. "In some cases like this, while the person can't change into a merperson, the person is able to pass on the ability to change into a merperson onto their offspring. That must be what happened here."

"Why didn't you ever tell me Mama was like this?" Gwen wanted to know from Andre.

"In Mermardian society, this condition is looked upon with shame," Andre started. "Your mother, when she became eighteen, was encouraged to live in the human world. It was thought to be kinder than to have her live in merperson society, having to constantly be reminded of something she was not. I met her a few years later, and the two of us fell in love and got married. She later gave birth to you. After a few years, when you didn't exhibit any signs of being able to transform into a merperson, we thought you were a normal human, and we decided not to say anything to you about your mother's heritage."

"I should have been told, Papa," Gwen said to Andre, disappointed.

"I know," Andre quietly acknowledged. "Your mother died a few years later of an illness, and you and I were both grieving for the longest time. After that, the time was never right to tell you the truth. I should have said something, and for that I apologize. You loved your mother so much, and I didn't want the truth to complicate matters."

"I guess I can understand that," Gwen said, still disappointed. "What can you tell me of Mama's past?"

"Not much, I'm afraid," Andre confessed. "When I met her, she was calling herself Sarina Johnson. She later confided in me that Johnson was not her real last name, but a name she had adopted to make life easier. She never would tell me her real last name. She said that was a part of her life she had left behind. I came to respect her privacy on that, and I let the matter drop. She was my wife, and I loved her dearly. In the end, that was all that mattered."

"Mama must have felt so alone," Gwen sadly theorized.

"Yes," Andre quietly confirmed. "However, you and I made Sarina very happy. She had a normal life for the first time in her life. You should know that in spite of the illness that took her, she died happy, knowing that she had led a happy life with you and I."

"What happens now?" Gwen thought out loud.

"Marie and I will train you how to transform from human to mermaid and back again," Oona offered.

"And I'll help, too, Mama," Timothy smiled.

"Then, I accept your help," Gwen smiled back at Oona, Marie, and Timothy.

"And I'll be there for moral support," Andre said.

"As will I," Wallace smiled. "You're the same Gwen I fell in love with, the same Gwen I married. The only difference now is that you have something new. That's just one more reason to love you."

Timothy, Andre, Marie, and Oona smiled at the touching scene between Gwen and Wallace.

January 17, 1869

It was a Sunday morning at Enchancia Castle. In the castle's indoor pool area, Gwen was with Oona, Marie, Timothy, Wallace, and Andre. As they gathered, fifteen-year-old Sofia walked up.

"I hope you don't mind," Sofia started, "but I heard what happened last night, and I'd like to show my support."

"That's very kind of you, Princess Sofia," Gwen smiled. "Thank you."

"You're very welcome," Sofia smiled back.

"Now that we're here, what do I do first?" Gwen asked Oona.

"Why not sit on the side of the pool, and see if you can transform into a mermaid on command," Oona suggested.

Gwen sat down on the edge of the pool, and concentrated. In a few moments, Gwen transformed into a mermaid as those around her clapped in approval. Oona, Marie, and Timothy sat down on the edge of the pool, concentrated, and turned into merpeople.

"Let's say we get into the water, and we'll teach you how to maneuver as a mermaid," Oona said to Gwen.

Gwen, Oona, Marie, and Timothy went into the water, as Gwen started slowly swimming in the water. Oona, Marie, and Timothy soon taught Gwen how to use her tail to swim through the water. In a little while, Gwen was swimming as a mermaid as if she had been doing it all of her life.

"Way to go Gwen!" Sofia said in encouragement.

"Looking good, Gwen," Wallace smiled.

"I'm so proud of you, Gwen," Andre said, pleased.

Gwen smiled at the support she was receiving.

"Princess Sofia," Andre started, "why don't you join them?"

"I think I will," Sofia smiled as she sat down on the edge of the pool, held her amulet, and said "I wish to be a mermaid" as she transformed into a mermaid. Sofia then entered the water, and started swimming with Gwen, Oona, Marie, and Timothy.

As Gwen, Oona, Marie, Timothy, and Sofia were swimming in the pool, Dorrie and Candice walked in, each carrying a tray of drinks.

"We thought we'd bring you some drinks," Dorrie said to everybody.

"Fruit juices, and soft drinks," Candice added.

"That's most kind of you," Andre smiled.

"Thank you," Wallace said in gratitude.

"Gwen," Oona started, "let's get up on the side of the pool, and have you transform back into a human."

Oona and Gwen climbed onto the side of the pool, as Gwen concentrated. In a few moments, Gwen transformed back into a human.

"That was excellent, Gwen," Oona praised.

"I have to admit, that was easy," Gwen said, impressed.

"Dorrie, Candice," Sofia started, "why don't you come in and join us?"

"We think we will," Dorrie said on behalf of herself and Candice.

"Dorrie and I have our swimsuits with us," Candice smiled. "We'll get changed, and be right with you."

As Dorrie and Candice each went into a changing room to put on their swimsuits, Gwen looked at the water. "I think I'd like to do that again," Gwen smiled as she concentrated, and transformed once again into a mermaid. Gwen and Oona then dove back into the water.

In a few minutes, Dorrie and Candice came out of their changing rooms. Dorrie was wearing a light blue one piece swimsuit, and Candice was wearing a lavender one piece swimsuit. Candice put her glasses on a nearby table, and she and Dorrie dived into the water.

As everybody had a good time swimming in the pool, Andre and Wallace sat down at a table.

"It's wonderful seeing everybody having a good time," Andre smiled.

"It is," Wallace smiled back.

January 18, 1869

It was a Monday morning at Hexley Hall. Between classes, fourteen-year-old Lita Mizuki was looking at a painting of Kathleen "Kate" Kennicot, one of the founders of Hexley Hall. Kathleen had also established Kennicot House at Hexley Hall, the same house that Lita belonged to.

As Lita looked at the painting of Kathleen, Lita noticed how much in youth, Kathleen looked like Lita's mother.

"I wonder?" Lita thought out loud.

"Do I hear a question?" a woman's voice came from behind Lita.

Lita turned around to see the ghost of Kathleen Kennicot standing there.

"Kathleen Kennicot!" Lita exclaimed in awe. "It's an honor to meet you."

"And it's an honor to meet a fine student from my house," Kathleen smiled. "And please, call me Kate. I've always preferred it to my more formal name of Kathleen."

"As you wish, Kate," Lita acknowledged.

"What has your interest, young lady?" Kate asked, curious.

"My name is Lita Mizuki," Lita introduced herself. "I couldn't help but notice that in the painting, you look a lot like my mother, Kathleen Mizuki. Hey! The two of you even have the same first name!"

"Ah, yes!" Kate smiled. "I've been keeping an eye on you, Lita, and for good reason. You see, in life, I had an older brother named Kevin Kennicot. Kevin married an Angeloran villager named Vivian Welsh. The thing is, Lita, your mother is descended from the union between Kevin and Vivian."

"My mother has Kennicot blood?" Lita asked in awe.

"Oh, yes," Kate happily confirmed. "And you have Kennicot blood, thanks to your mother's side of the family. I was very pleased when you started attending Hexley Hall."

At that moment, a bell rang, signaling a five minute warning before classes started.

"You've better get going," Kate smiled at Lita. "You don't want to be late for class. I'll see you later."

Kate then disappeared into thin air.

"Wow!" Lita thought to herself, impressed. "I'm a Kennicot on my mother's side of the family!"

"Lita?" a woman's voice asked.

Lita turned around to see Miss Elodie standing there. Miss Elodie had recently started teaching part time at Hexley Hall.

"Sorry, Miss Elodie," Lita apologized. "I was lost in thought."

"Nothing wrong with that," Miss Elodie smiled. "Are you ready for class?"

"Yes, Miss Elodie," Lita confirmed. "I love that you're now teaching Great Witch War Studies here at Hexley Hall."

"A part time opening became available here at Hexley Hall, and I jumped at the chance," Miss Elodie happily revealed. "My daughter, Lisa, takes Great Witch War Studies. It allows me to spend time with her during the school day, as well as at home."

At that moment, ten-year-old Lisa walked up. "Good morning, Mom," Lisa smiled.

"Good morning, my precious one," Miss Elodie smiled back as she hugged Lisa.

Lita smiled at the touching scene, as ten-year-old Lynn Greythorn walked up.

"Good morning, Miss Elodie," Lynn greeted.

"Good morning, Lynn," Miss Elodie smiled.

"I'm looking forward to class today," Lynn announced. "I'm very interested in hearing about the Battle of Howling Hill."

"One of the major turning points in the Great Witch War," Miss Elodie announced, "when the forces of good managed to turn back the forces of evil. The forces of evil were never quite efficient after that. Let's say we walk to class so we can get started?"

As Miss Elodie, Lita, Lisa, and Lynn walked to class, the four had a pleasant conversation. It was a wonderful day at Hexley Hall.

That afternoon

School had ended for the day, and Lita was back home at the Satu embassy in Summerset Village. Lita had decided to go up to the attic of the embassy. Once in the attic, Lita went for a box which contained records for her family. As she went through the box, she came across a family tree. As she studied the family tree, Lita discovered that she was one of many generations descended from the Kennicot family on her mother's side.

As Lita looked through her family tree, the ghost of Kate Kennicot appeared next to Lita.

"Kate," Lita smiled.

"I saw you looking through your family tree, and I thought I'd pop in," Kate smiled back. "I couldn't help it - you looked so happy looking through your family tree."

"It's enjoyable finding out about the family I have on my mother's side," Lita happily commented.

"I have a fact you won't find on your family tree," Kate started. "The truth of the matter is, before Hexley Hall was founded, many of the Kennicots attended Wandlight Academy. Wandlight, you see, is an older school than Hexley Hall and Royal Prep, so it was built long before those two schools."

"Wow!" Lita exclaimed in awe. "I went to Wandlight Academy before my parents and I moved to Enchancia."

"I know," Kate happily acknowledged. "It's wonderful that another Kennicot has experience with Wandlight Academy. I loved Wandlight so much that when I helped establish Hexley Hall, I made sure that many of the Wandlight classes were duplicated at Hexley."

Lita and Kate continued to happily talk to each other as Lita went through her family tree. It was a wonderful way to spend an afternoon.

At Enchancia Castle, Dorrie and Candice were finishing up their afternoon duties when Constable Miles raced up.

"I'm afraid I have some disturbing news," Miles began. "Miss Nettle has been found unconscious in the Peppertree Forest. She's being brought here as we speak."

"Oh, my!" Candice gasped in shock. "I've better go and meet her when she arrives."

"I'll come with you," Dorrie said as Candice raced off. Before leaving, Dorrie turned to Miles. "Thank you for telling us, Constable."

"You're most welcome, Lady Dorrie," Miles acknowledged as he bowed.

In a little while, a wagon carrying Miss Nettle arrived in the courtyard of the castle. Some of the guards helped Miss Nettle get down from the wagon. She was conscious, but dazed.

"Thank you, gentlemen," Nettle said in a weak, but grateful, voice.

"Miss Nettle!" Candice said with concern as she approached. "Are you all right?"

"I've been better, dear," Nettle managed to smile. "But, I'll survive."

"What happened?" Candice wanted to know.

"Some of Lovisa's witches jumped me," Nettle reported. "They knocked me out. When I woke up, they were gone, and I had a cut on my arm. I was picking myself up when some children from the village came across me. A few of them ran back to the village for help, while the rest of them stayed with me."

"Was anything taken from you?" Constable Miles asked Miss Nettle as he walked up.

"No, which is strange in itself," Miss Nettle answered. "They could have taken my spell book, or my wand, or the magical powder I was using to grow my newest plant creation - Miranda Lilies."

"Miranda Lilies?" Miles asked, curious.

"A special all weather flower I've been working on in honor of Queen Miranda," Miss Nettle explained. "A flower with a brilliant shade of pink. Queen Miranda has been quite kind to me ever since I turned good, and I wanted to show my appreciation."

At that moment, Miss Nettle started to get light headed.

"Take Miss Nettle to one of our finest guest rooms," Candice directed the guards. "See that she's made comfortable, and send for the royal doctor."

"At once, Lady Candice," one of the guards acknowledged as the group of guards helped Miss Nettle into the castle. Candice walked with Miss Nettle as the guards helped Nettle into the castle.

"You'll be okay," Candice gently reassured Miss Nettle. "We'll get you comfortable, and have the royal doctor look you over."

"You're quite kind, dear Candice," Miss Nettle said gratefully. "You have a good heart."

"As do you," Candice smiled.

As Candice and the guards helped Miss Nettle into the castle, Dorrie and Miles smiled at the touching scene.

"Your sister has a good heart," Miles said of Candice.

"She knows the joys of turning good," Dorrie acknowledged. "When Miss Nettle turned good, Candice was one of her first supporters. Candice even managed to get the headmistresses of Royal Prep to give Miss Nettle a teaching position there. To show her gratitude to Candice, Miss Nettle created a bright yellow carnation that now grows across Enchancia - Candice Carnations."

"A fine flower, too," Miles admitted, impressed.

A little while later, in a far away forest, Scarlett started walking toward Lovisa. Scarlett glared at the witch before her as Lovisa gulped.

"You have no idea how angry I am with what you did to Nettle," Scarlett said.

Lovisa shivered with fear at the warrior queen advancing towards her. "Who's Nettle?"

"Don't play dumb with me! Nettle's the fairy that you ordered your witches to attack!" Scarlett barked.

"I didn't order my witches to attack her. They probably went out on their own and attacked her knowing that she was a friend of yours," Lovisa explained, worried, putting her hands to her chest. "I know that we're enemies, but you have to believe me!"

Scarlett then glared and put her hands to her head as she focused on the witch in front of her and read Lovisa's mind with a glare.

"You're telling the truth," Scarlett said as she let Lovisa back off a bit and Scarlett started breathing heavily.

"How did you?" Lovisa asked, stunned.

"I read your mind," Scarlett revealed.

"Wow, I didn't know that you could do that!" Lovisa gasped, stunned.

"Yeah, there's a lot of things you don't know about me, Lovisa," Scarlett acknowledged. "I'm a riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma. Now get out of my sight."

"As you wish," Lovisa complied as she quickly reached for her wand and vanished in a puff of smoke.

"That woman's wand is going in my vault one day," Scarlett said to herself as she turned and walked away.

Back at Enchancia Castle, in the guest room where Miss Nettle had been taken to, she was being checked over by the royal doctor.

"With the exception of the cut on your arm, and the fact that you were knocked out, everything else about you appears to be normal," the royal doctor reassured Miss Nettle as he finished examining Nettle. "I'll leave you with some ointment for your arm, and some pain pills for your head. A few days in bed, and you should be as good as new."

"Thank you, doctor," Miss Nettle acknowledged, grateful, as the royal doctor left.

"You just get some rest," Queen Miranda gently said as she held Miss Nettle's hand. "If you need anything, just ring the bell next to your bed, and a servant will see to your needs."

"You are most kind, Queen Miranda," Miss Nettle smiled. "Thank you."

"Anytime," Miranda smiled back, before turning to Candice. "King Roland wants to see you in yours and Dorrie's workshop. You can give him a report on what has happened here as well."

"Yes, ma'am," Candice acknowledged, before turning to Miss Nettle. "I'll be back later to check on you."

"I look forward to that, dear Candice," Miss Nettle said in a grateful voice.

As Candice and Miranda left the guest room, Dorrie and Violet saw to Miss Nettle's needs.

"Let me adjust your pillow for you," Dorrie offered as she fixed Miss Nettle's pillow.

"And I'll pour you a nice cup of tea," Violet said as she filled a tea cup with tea.

"The two of you are most kind," Miss Nettle smiled at Dorrie and Violet. "I'm very glad I created the Cooper Carnations for the two of you, and the Candice Carnations for Candice. The three of you are so very worthy of my floral tributes."

"Dorrie and I were so very pleased with the blue Cooper Carnations you created in our honor, and the yellow Candice Carnations you created in Candice's honor," Violet gratefully said. "The three of us were really quite touched."

Meeting with King Roland

Meanwhile, in Dorrie and Candice's workshop, Candice walked in to find King Roland waiting.

"How is Miss Nettle?" Roland asked, concerned.

"A little banged up, but on the mend, sir," Candice informed Roland.

"I'll visit her a little later," Roland informed Candice. "Miss Nettle is a good person. She deserves better than to be attacked by those connected to Lovisa."

"I'll be checking in on Miss Nettle after our meeting," Candice said. "Perhaps you would like to come with me?"

"I'll do that," Roland agreed. "Meanwhile, about the new magical security enhancements?"

"The chimney here in this workshop that connects to the Floo Network has been magically enhanced," Candice started. "For anybody to use it to enter the castle, a password must be spoken upon arrival. If a password is not spoken, a magical force field comes into play, trapping the person within the chimney until somebody comes to let them out."

"Excellent!" Roland approved. "And what of the front door of the castle?"

"Sofia, Lucinda, Dorrie, and I have come up with a magical detector that detects anybody trying to enter the castle under disguise using Polyjuice Potion," Candice answered. "If such a person is detected trying to enter the castle, the detector will automatically emit a magical burst nullifying the Polyjuice Potion. The chimney here also has such a detector."

"An excellent job," Roland said, pleased. "The castle has been well equipped for a while to defend against non-magical threats. Now, the castle is able to defend against magical threats as well. I know Dorrie is with Violet taking care of Miss Nettle, but shouldn't Sofia and Lucinda be here?"

"They send their apologies," Candice informed Roland. "They were summoned to the village to attend to the winter greenhouse. Some of the plants were in need of emergency care."

"I see," Roland acknowledged. "The two of them are doing quite well as the royal sorceresses."

"Quite well, indeed," Candice agreed. "Is that all, sir?"

"Yes," Roland smiled. "Let's say you and I visit Miss Nettle?"

"Sounds good," Candice smiled back.

In a little while, Roland and Candice arrived at the guest room where Miss Nettle was resting. Candice then knocked on the door.

"Enter," Miss Nettle invited.

Roland and Candice entered, and found Miss Nettle laying in bed.

"Oh! Your Majesty!" Miss Nettle exclaimed as she saw Roland. "I'll get up immediately!"

"You just lay down," Roland gently said. "You're recovering, and you don't need to stand in my presence."

"You're most kind, Your Majesty," Miss Nettle smiled.

"How are you feeling?" Roland asked, concerned.

"Weak, but better," Miss Nettle answered. "Although, this has set back my efforts to perfect the Miranda Lilies I was working on. Your wife's birthday is coming up, and I wanted to surprise her with something special."

"I'm sure you'll be up and about before you know it," Roland reassured Nettle. "I know you are most dedicated to your work. You and Candice are much alike in that respect."

"Dear Candice and I are cut from the same cloth as it were," Miss Nettle happily acknowledged.

"I have an offer to make to you," Roland began. "You have such a way with flowers. Miranda and I enjoy the Regal Roses you created for us, and our children enjoy the Royal Carnations you created for them. With your skill in creating new flowers, I'd like to offer you a unique position ... Royal Floral Mistress of Enchancia. The position would include your own workshop here at the castle, and the prestige of being a floral ambassador to all other kingdoms."

"Oh! Miss Nettle!" Candice happily exclaimed. "A royal position!"

"I don't know what to say, Your Majesty," Miss Nettle said as a tear of happiness formed in one of her eyes.

"Please say you'll accept," Roland requested. "We'd all love to have you here. And, the position would be set up so you would still have time to teach at Royal Prep."

"Then I accept your most gracious offer, Your Majesty," Miss Nettle accepted. "Thank you."

"You are most welcome," Roland smiled. "I'll make arrangements for you to have living quarters here at the castle as well. If there is anything you need, all you have to do is to ask."

"You're most kind, Your Majesty," Miss Nettle smiled back.

At that moment, Baileywick walked in.

"Sir," Baileywick started, "your five o'clock appointment is coming up."

"Of course, Baileywick," Roland acknowledged, before turning back to Miss Nettle. "Thank you for accepting my offer. I hope you feel better soon."

"Thank you, Your Majesty," Miss Nettle acknowledged as Roland left with Baileywick.

"Is this what it's like to be accepted?" Miss Nettle asked Candice.

"It is," Candice happily answered.

"Such a wonderful feeling," Miss Nettle smiled. "I don't know when I've been happier."

At that moment, a knock came at the door.

"Come in," Candice invited.

The door opened, and in walked fifteen-year-old Sofia.

"I heard what happened," Sofia said, concerned. "I would have been here sooner, but Lucinda and I had some official business to take care of in the village."

"That's quite all right, my dear Sofia," Miss Nettle happily said. "You and Lucinda are the royal sorceresses of Enchancia, and very good ones at that."

Sofia smiled at Nettle's praise.

"Is there anything I can do for you?" Sofia asked.

"I'm being well taken care of," Miss Nettle answered. "I couldn't ask for more."

"That's good to hear," Sofia approved. "I'm just sick over what they did to you."

"It takes more than a group of second rate hags to do me in," Miss Nettle joked.

"Sofia, we have news," Candice announced. "Your father just offered Miss Nettle a royal position ... as Royal Floral Mistress of Enchancia. Miss Nettle will have a workshop here in the castle, and will be a floral ambassador to all other kingdoms."

"I hope you accepted?" Sofia eagerly asked.

"It was an offer too good to refuse," Miss Nettle smiled. "So, yes, I accepted."

"That's excellent!" Sofia smiled back.

"Miss Nettle will also be living here in the castle," Candice informed Sofia.

"You'll like it here," Sofia cheerfully said.

"I'm looking forward to it," Miss Nettle said with a smile.

Candice and Sofia sat on Miss Nettle's bed, and the three had a pleasant conversation. It was a wonderful way to spend the afternoon.

Hell have no fury like a witch wronged

At that same moment, Lovisa arrived at her lair. After getting her witches together, Lovisa glared at all of them with a fury nobody had ever seen before.

"Who among you attacked Miss Nettle?!" Lovisa demanded to know.

Nobody responded.

"Well, nobody has anything to say?!" Lovisa asked in disgust as she turned to a portrait of a well dressed witch. "Let's ask her. Maybe she knows? What say you there, fussy britches? Feel like talking? Aw. Guess not. Why should she be any different? This is a conspiracy. That's what this is. One ... big ... damned ... conspiracy! And everyone's in on it!"

Lovisa then raised her wand, and started firing into the crowd of witches, stunning a number of them.

"Wait!" one witch begged as she and four other witches stepped forward. "We're responsible."

"Well, finally!" Lovisa exclaimed. "I'll have you know Queen Scarlett had a holy fit over this! What were you thinking?!"

"Well, we saw Miss Nettle out doing her goody-goody thing, and we couldn't resist," the witch explained.

"Couldn't resist?!" Lovisa barked. "Couldn't resist?! First Marlene goes all rogue on us, and now the five of you attack a friend of Queen Scarlett's. So much for us keeping a low profile!"

"We didn't come back empty handed," the witch countered.

"Explain yourself!" Lovisa demanded.

"We got a skin sample from Miss Nettle," the witch revealed as she held up a small vial. "We could use it to make an evil clone of Miss Nettle. Imagine such a being working for us."

"Well, you just may have saved yourself," Lovisa said with a wicked grin. "Put the skin sample in a safe place. It could come in handy at some point in the future."

"Yes, my mistress," the witch complied.

January 19, 1869

It was a Tuesday morning at Enchancia Castle. As Gwen was working in her workshop, Suzette (Marie's adoptive mother) and Marcy walked in.

"Suzette, Marcy," Gwen smiled. "What may I do for you?"

"In light of your recent discovery, the two of us thought you should know something about us," Suzette started. "The fact is, like Marie, my mother is from Fairyardia, and my father is from Mermardia. Because of my mixed heritage, I can transform into a fairy, and also transform into a mermaid, just like Marie can."

"Oh, my!" Gwen exclaimed, taken off guard. "Does Marie know?"

"Yes," Suzette answered. "I confided in her what I can do. The two of us occasionally take flight together, and occasionally take swims together."

"Why I am only hearing about this now?" Gwen wondered.

"It was just easier to keep my mixed heritage between me and Marie," Suzette explained. "I wasn't really hiding anything ... it just never came up here at the castle."

"I have a similar story," Marcy added. "You see, the truth is, my parents are Angeloran, and because of that, I can transform into an angel."

"Wow!" Gwen exclaimed, impressed.

"Since your ability to turn into a mermaid was thrust into the limelight, Marcy and I thought we should make our abilities public, too," Suzette said. "The two of us have told King Roland and Queen Miranda, and the two of them were quite accepting of our abilities."

"I'm glad," Gwen smiled. "King Roland and Queen Miranda were most accepting of my ability as well."

"I've best be getting back to my duties," Marcy announced. "I have bed sheets to change."

As Marcy left, Suzette turned to Gwen. "Sometime, at your convenience, we should take a swim together as mermaids. I'm sure there are questions you have about being a mermaid, and I'd be happy to answer them."

"I'd like that," Gwen happily accepted. "Thank you."

Later that morning, at Hexley Hall, sixteen-year-old Amber, and sixteen-year-old James, were heading to the Hexley Hall lunch room. The lunch room was an informal setting, unlike the great hall with its long tables and grand atmosphere. A number of Hexley Hall students chose the lunch room for lunch because of its informal, cafeteria-like, atmosphere.

Amber and James had been going to Hexley Hall on Tuesdays and Thursdays since the previous school year. Amber and James had both wanted to improve their magical skills, and it was decided that going to Hexley Hall part time was the best way to do that.

As Amber and James entered the lunch room, and got their lunch, they saw Lita sitting at a table with Mrs. Hauntley.

"May we join you?" Amber asked Lita and Mrs. Hauntley.

"Please," Lita smiled.

"That would be delightful," Mrs. Hauntley agreed as Amber and James sat down. "Lita here has some fascinating news."

"What news?" Amber asked, curious.

"I found out yesterday that I'm a Kennicot on my mother's side of the family," Lita smiled.

"Wow!" James exclaimed in awe. "Brilliant!"

"That's wonderful news," Amber smiled back. "Here, James and I thought that we were the only ones here at Hexley Hall to be related to a school founder."

"That's right," Lita remembered. "You and Prince James are Peppertons on your birth mother's side."

"We could have our own little club," James smiled. "The being related to a school founder club."

As Amber, James, and Lita happily exchanged information, Mrs. Hauntley looked upon the scene and smiled. It was nice seeing three students getting better acquainted with their family history.

January 23, 1869

It was a Saturday morning at Enchancia Castle. In the ballroom, a special ceremony was taking place.

"Ladies and gentlemen," King Roland started as he stepped forward. "We are here this morning to honor somebody whose work has benefited this kingdom and other kingdoms. Miss Nettle, please come forward."

Miss Nettle approached, and curtsied.

"Miss Nettle," Roland smiled, "your work on creating new flowers has brought happiness and beauty to Enchancia and other kingdoms. It is my honor, as King of Enchancia, to name you Royal Floral Mistress of Enchancia."

Everybody clapped as Roland and Nettle smiled at each other.

"I will strive to always be worthy of this honor, Your Majesty," Miss Nettle said to Roland, grateful. "Thank you."

"You are very welcome," Roland happily acknowledged.

As everybody enjoyed some food and drink, Baileywick walked up to Gwen, Suzette, and Marcy.

"Ladies," Baileywick started, "the three of you have been invited to meet with Queen Scarlett of Cinnibar at one this afternoon. She asks that the three of you meet her in Gwen's workshop."

"We'll be there," Gwen acknowledged on behalf of herself, Suzette, and Marcy.

When the trio of castle workers had gathered in Gwen's workshop, Scarlett appeared in a red flash and smiled.

"Ladies," Scarlett said with a smile and a bow.

"You always did have a thing for making big entrances," Gwen smiled at Scarlett.

"Indeed," Scarlett acknowledged. "Now on to why I'm here. I have a message for the three of you from the Mystic Isles. Vega has requested that the three of you are to meet with the Protectors at the Mystic Isles since the three of you are some of the only known halflings in the world. We're interested. In fact, two of the Protectors in our ranks are more particularly interested in Gwen and Suzette."

The trio's eyes widened as Scarlett smiled.

"We're giving you an opportunity," Scarlett started. "Aside from Marie, there hasn't actually been a halfling Protector since we were formed. And there's never actually been an angel as a Protector, Marcy. Interested?"

The trio of service workers eyes looked upon each other and they all smiled and nodded.

"My wings could use some exercise," Marcy noted.

"Then I'll make the arrangements," Scarlett happily agreed. "Meanwhile, lets drink to a prosperous future."

Scarlett waved her hand, and four glasses with champagne magically appeared on a workshop table.

"To the future," Scarlett toasted as Gwen, Suzette, and Marcy raised their glasses.

(End of Chapter 30).

Behind the scenes

In this edition of "Behind the scenes", an updated look at ideas I have for future chapters of "Once Upon a Time in Enchancia" (in no set order).

- A birthday party for Queen Miranda.

- A royal visit to Castlehaven by King Roland, Queen Miranda, Sofia, Lucinda, Amber, James, Violet, Dorrie, Candice, Scarlett, Faith, and Colette (with some ideas suggested by Luiz4200).

- A royal visit to Enchancia by Queen Elsa, Princess Anna, Kristoff, and Olaf from "Frozen".

- Abby gets a cat of her own named Luna who is a stray cream and black female cat (and, like Creamy in Chapter 11 of "Once Upon a Time in Enchancia", Luna is treated with a potion for ridding a cat of cat allergens it would emit so Luna can live in Enchancia Castle) (a request from Brigade701).

- Clover, Robin, Mia, Whatnaught, and Hexie return from the dead to live a new life (as originally told in my story "Reunited").

- Gwen, Suzette, and Marcy being trained as Protectors (continuing a request from Ben10Man).

- Sofia, Candice, and Timothy attending a dragon Roast N Toast.

- Sofia meeting Going on and on and on's character of Makayla at a festival (a request from Going on and on and on) (this would be a separate story that would be completely different from Jolly Roger Brat's and Going on and on and on's story "The Lost Memories").

- Violet, Dorrie, Candice, and Amber (as Voyagers) having an adventure with Madam Vastra, Jenny, and Strax from the Matt Smith episodes of "Doctor Who".

- Violet, Dorrie, Candice, and Amber (as Voyagers) traveling to the Walt Disney Animation Studios in 1957 during the making of "Sleeping Beauty" to watch Frank Thomas and Ollie Johnston animate Flora, Fauna, and Merryweather (a request from Gabriel Snyder).

Also, a look at other "Sofia the First" writing ideas I have planned (in no set order).

- A separate "Once Upon a Time in Enchancia" story featuring Sheynok (from Chapter 29 of "Once Upon a Time in Enchancia"), along with Dorrie and Candice, and also featuring the Jodie Whittaker Doctor, Graham, Ryan, and Yasmin from "Doctor Who" (a request from Brigade701).

- Doing an ending to my story "Enchancia Castle" (a request from allyrwhitney).

Author's notes

Castlehaven is from "Nella the Princess Knight".

Creamy is a character created for Candice by Jolly Roger Brat. Creamy is used in this story with the permission of Jolly Roger Brat. Readers of "Once Upon a Time in Enchancia" will remember that in Chapter 11, King Roland is no longer allergic to Creamy, and Creamy is now allowed in the castle.

Floo Network, Polyjuice Potion, Quidditch, Seeker, and Snitch are from "Harry Potter".

For more about Amber and James being related to Alex Pepperton (one of the founders of Hexley Hall), see Chapter 17 of "Once Upon a Time in Enchancia".

Having Gwen transform into a mermaid was the idea of MisuteriTenshi / SailorWednesdayMercury.

Having Lita find out she is a Kennicot on her mother's side of the family was the idea of MisuteriTenshi / SailorWednesdayMercury.

Having Lovisa and company planning to make an evil clone of Miss Nettle would explain why there is an evil version of Miss Nettle in my story "The Quest".

Kathleen Mizuki, Kevin Kennicot, Marie Perkins, Timothy O'Toole, and Vivian Welsh are characters created by MisuteriTenshi / SailorWednesdayMercury, and are used in this story with the permission of MisuteriTenshi / SailorWednesdayMercury.

"Let's ask her. Maybe she knows? What say you there, fussy britches? Feel like talking? Aw. Guess not. Why should she be any different? This is a conspiracy. That's what this is. One ... big ... damned ... conspiracy! And everyone's in on it!" - in case this line sounds familiar, it is the same line that was used by the Warden in "The Shawshank Redemption" when Andy Dufresne escapes.

Lita Mizuki was created by MisuteriTenshi / SailorWednesdayMercury and myself.

Makayla is a character created by Going on and on and on, and will be used in "Once Upon a Time in Enchancia" with the permission of Going on and on and on.

Marcy and Suzette having transformation abilities was the idea of MisuteriTenshi / SailorWednesdayMercury.

Mrs. Hauntley is an earlier version of Mrs. Hauntley from "Vampirina". As readers of "Once Upon a Time in Enchancia" will remember, this earlier version of Mrs. Hauntley teaches at Hexley Hall.

Puddlemere United and the Holyhead Harpies are actual professional Quidditch teams from "Harry Potter" (Puddlemere United having been established in 1163, and the Holyhead Harpies having been established in 1203).

Sheynok is now a character created by myself and Brigade701.

The Great Witch War is originally from Chapter 13 of my story "Witch Tales". Great Witch War Studies is a course being taught at Hexley Hall.

The Kingdoms of Angelor and Mermardia were 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.

The scene with Lita, Amber, and James talking to each other while having lunch at Hexley Hall was the idea of MisuteriTenshi / SailorWednesdayMercury (I threw in Mrs. Hauntley to give the scene a little added flavor).

The scene with Lita and Kate talking to each other at the Satu embassy in Summerset Village was the idea of MisuteriTenshi / SailorWednesdayMercury.

The scene with Scarlett and Lovisa was the idea of Ben10Man (who also provided the dialog for the scene).

The scene with Scarlett, Gwen, Suzette, and Marcy was the idea of Ben10Man (who also provided the bulk of the dialog for that scene).

Wandlight Academy is from SailorWednesdayMercury's story "From Villager To Princess Book 2", and is used here with the permission of MisuteriTenshi / SailorWednesdayMercury.

Disclaimer

Creamy and the other original ideas from Jolly Roger Brat are the property of Jolly Roger Brat, and are used in my stories with the permission of Jolly Roger Brat (under an agreement that the two of us may use things from each other's "Sofia the First" fan fiction stories).

"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.

Kathleen Mizuki, Kevin Kennicot, Marie Perkins, Timothy O'Toole, Vivian Welsh, 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.

Makayla and the other original ideas from Going on and on and on are the property of Going on and on and on, and will be used in "Once Upon a Time in Enchancia" with the permission of Going on and on and on.

"Nella the Princess Knight" and everything associated with it © Christine Ricci, Brown Bag Films, Channel 5, and Nick Jr.

"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 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.

"Voyagers!" and everything associated with it © James D. Parriot Productions, Universal Television (MCA), and Scholastic Productions.

I only own Candice Carnations, Candice Cosmarune-Cooper, Cooper Carnations, Dorrie Cosmarune-Cooper, Dorrie and Candice's workshop in Enchancia Castle, Kathleen "Kate" Kennicot, Kennicot House, Lisa Elodie, Lovisa, Lynn Greythorn, Marlene, Mayor Napier, Miranda Lilies, Pepperton House, Regal Roses, Royal Carnations, Sarina Johnson, the Battle of Howling Hill, the Dunwitty Quidditch arena, the Dunwitty Winter Carnival, the Dunwitty winter greenhouse, the Enchancia Castle indoor pool, the Great Witch War (and Great Witch War Studies), the Kingdom of Fairyardia, the magical detector that detects anybody disguising themselves using Polyjuice Potion, the magical force field that protects Dorrie and Candice's Floo Network chimney, and the title of Royal Floral Mistress of Enchancia.