Once Upon a Time in Enchancia Chapter 43: A Time of Surprises, a sofia the first fanfic

Once Upon a Time in Enchancia

Welcome to Chapter 43 of "Once Upon a Time in Enchancia". Song in this chapter: a brief rewritten version of "True Sisters" from "Sofia the First: Once Upon a Princess".

Chapter 43: A Time of Surprises

November 13, 1869

"Violet," Abby called out.

"Oh my, girl," Violet said to Abby. "You look like you've just ran the hundred yard dash."

"It's Duchess Tilly," Abby explained. "She's ready to give birth. Mr. Baileywick is spreading the news through the castle, and I came looking for you. The Duchess is in her guest quarters."

"Thank you, Abby," Violet acknowledged as she gently patted Abby on the shoulder. "I'll get there immediately."

Violet quickly went to the room where Tilly, Dorrie, and Candice were. As Violet entered, she saw Tilly already experiencing labor pains.

"It's all right, Duchess," Violet gently reassured Tilly. "The three of us are going to get you through this."

A short while later, in the small red brick one room cottage in back of the castle, 9-year-old Timothy was in deep meditation, honing his powers, when 16-year-old Ruby walked in.

"Where are Sofia, Lucinda, James, Amber, Dorrie, Candice, Jade, and Jade's cousin Luna?" Ruby asked, not seeing anybody else around but Timothy.

"Change of plans, I'm afraid," Timothy apologized. "I know you were all suppose to get together and hang out, but Duchess Tilly is giving birth. I volunteered to wait here and tell you about it. Dorrie and Candice are with Violet helping to deliver the baby, and Sofia, Lucinda, James, Amber, Jade, and Luna went to the castle sitting room to wait for word on the birth."

"Oh my goodness!" Ruby exclaimed in joy.

"Too bad Elizabeth isn't here," Timothy remarked. "She would have been excited as the rest of us. She's spending the weekend with her Aunt Louisa and Uncle Alexander."

"Let's say we go to the sitting room and join the gang," Ruby suggested.

"Sounds good," Timothy smiled.

A little while later, in the room where Tilly was giving birth, Tilly was in the final stages of giving birth.

"You can do it, Duchess," Violet gently urged. "We're almost through. Just one more push."

Tilly mustered her strength, and pushed, as her baby came into the world. Violet, after helping to deliver the baby, gently placed the baby in a blanket, then gently brought the baby over to Tilly.

"Duchess," Violet smiled. "You have a daughter."

"A daughter," Tilly smiled back in acknowledgment, before experiencing a pain in her stomach.

Violet gently placed the baby girl in a waiting crib, then came over to Tilly. After looking over Tilly, Violet turned to Dorrie and Candice. "This isn't over yet. At the ready, girls."

Outside of the room, in the hallway, Sir Bartelby, and fifteen-year-old Madeline, were sitting on a couch. Laying on the floor was Madeline's dog, Genevieve.

"I heard a baby crying a few moments ago," Bartelby remarked to Madeline. "Now everything is silent. I hope everything is going okay?"

"I'm sure it is, Dad," Madeline said in a reassuring voice, as Genevieve got up and rested her head in Bartelby's lap in a show of support.

In the room where Tilly was in, Tilly was laying on the bed as Violet, Dorrie, and Candice looked after Tilly.

"Duchess," Violet explained, "you have another baby in there wanting to see the world."

"Another one?!" Tilly exclaimed, taken off guard.

"We'll do this as we did before," Violet gently said to Tilly. "Dorrie will support your head, and Candice will wipe the sweat from your brow. And I'll deliver the baby."

"Whatever you say, boss," Tilly said half in jest, and half in pain. "I didn't realize childbirth could be this painful."

"You can do this," Violet reassured Tilly.

Back in the hallway, sixteen-year-old Abby arrived with some tea for Sir Bartelby and Madeline, and some water for Genevieve.

"I wish I knew what was going on in there?" Bartelby asked, worried.

"Your wife has the best midwife in these parts, and is being helped by the two finest assistants you could ask for," Abby gently reassured Bartelby.

"You're right, of course, Lady Abby," Bartelby agreed, grateful. "Forgive me."

"There's nothing to forgive, sir," Abby happily acknowledged. "You're a husband and an expectant father. It's expected."

Bartelby and Madeline smiled in gratitude at Abby's kindness. Meanwhile, back in the room where Tilly was giving birth, Tilly was in the final stages of giving birth to the second baby.

"That's it," Violet said in encouragement. "You're almost there. Just one more push."

Tilly mustered the last of her strength, and pushed as the second baby came into the world. Violet, after helping to deliver the second baby, gently placed the baby in a blanket, and then gently brought the baby over to Tilly.

"You have a son," Violet cheerfully announced.

"A son," Tilly smiled in happiness. "A son and a daughter."

Violet gently placed the baby boy in the same crib as the baby girl. Violet, Dorrie, and Candice then cleaned up Tilly. Afterward, Violet went to the doors leading to the hall, opened them, and walked up to Bartelby, Madeline, Genevieve, and Abby.

"You may come in now," Violet invited the four.

"How is my wife?" Bartelby asked Violet.

"She's fine," Violet reassured Bartelby. "And the babies are fine."

"Babies?" Madeline asked, taken off guard.

"A girl and a boy," Violet smiled. "Twins."

Bartelby, Madeline, Genevieve, and Abby walked into the room to discover Tilly sitting up in bed, lovingly holding both babies.

"Bartelby," Tilly happily announced. "Meet your daughter and son. Madeline, meet your sister and brother."

Bartelby and Madeline walked over, and smiled at the sight of the two babies, as Abby walked over to Dorrie and Candice.

"New life," Abby smiled at Dorrie and Candice. "What a wonderful thing."

"Sir Bartelby, Duchess Matilda?" Violet asked. "Any idea of what you'll be calling them?"

"Bartelby and I had a boy's name picked up, and a girl's name picked out," Tilly answered. "We wanted to cover all bases. For our daughter, she will be called Roxanne Lynne, or Roxy for short. As for our son, he will be called James Timothy, or JT for short."

"Those are fine names," Dorrie remarked in happiness.

"Indeed," Candice added with a smile as she walked over to Tilly and the babies. "May I?"

"Of course, Candice," Tilly agreed as Candice placed one hand on Roxy, and one hand on JT.

"May the two of you be blessed now and forever," Candice happily said to Roxy and JT.

"Thank you, Candice," Tilly said, touched.

"Maleficent went around cursing people," Candice remarked. "I, on the other hand, get to go around blessing people."

Everybody smiled at Candice.

"I've better be spreading the news about the babies," Abby joyfully announced as she left the room. In a short while, Abby came across Baileywick in his office. "Sir," Abby began. "Duchess Tilly has given birth. She's fine, and her babies are fine ... a girl and a boy."

"That's wonderful news," Baileywick smiled as he and Abby hugged. "I'll go and tell the royal family."

November 20, 1869

It was a Saturday afternoon at Enchancia Castle. It had been a week since Tilly had given birth to a girl and a boy. Tilly, Sir Bartelby, and Madeline sat in the castle ballroom with the baby girl laying in one crib, and the baby boy laying in another crib. This was a special afternoon. Guests were due to arrive to officially meet the babies, and to present them gifts.

"The guests are waiting outside," Baileywick announced to Tilly, Bartelby, and Madeline.

"Then please show them in," Tilly happily requested.

Baileywick opened the doors to the ballroom, and the guests formed a line as Baileywick announced each guest.

"Prince Liang, Princess Emma, Princess Jade, and Princess Luna, representing the Kingdom of Satu," Baileywick announced.

Jade's father Liang, Jade's mother Emma, seventeen-year-old Jade, and nine-year-old Luna stepped forward.

"Congratulations on the birth of your daughter and son," Liang said to Tilly as he, Emma, Jade, and Luna bowed. "On behalf of His Royal Majesty, King Toshi of Satu, we present gifts to your babies, and the wish that they may have a long and happy life."

"Thank you, Prince Liang," Tilly gratefully said as the gifts were placed on a nearby table by a male servant. "Where are your babies?"

"They are at the Satu embassy in Dunwitty," Liang explained. "Matilda Honey volunteered to babysit them while we are here."

"Ling Wei, Kim Lin, and Yue Lan enjoy having Matilda Honey babysit them," Emma smiled, talking about her and Liang's babies. "Matilda Honey is a Minder, and she uses her power to move objects around. The babies just eat it up."

"Sofia once introduced me to Matilda Honey," Tilly fondly remembered. "An impressive young woman."

Liang, Emma, Jade, and Luna happily nodded their heads in agreement. As Liang, Emma, Jade, and Luna moved along, Baileywick announced the next people in line. "King Ashton, Queen Jules, Prince Milo, and Princess Maddie of Castlebury."

The royal family of Castlebury stepped forward: 33-year-old King Ashton, 30-year-old Queen Jules, 16-year-old Prince Milo, and 10-year-old Princess Maddie.

"On behalf of all of us in Castlebury, we wish the five of you all the happiness in the world," Ashton smiled.

"And, we've brought gifts for the babies," Jules happily added.

"Ashton, Jules," Tilly smiled. "Thank you so very much."

At that moment, Dorrie and Candice walked up.

"Dorrie, Candice," Jules smiled. "It's so nice to see you again."

"The two of you get lovelier with each passing year," Ashton said in praise.

"Dorrie? Candice?" Tilly asked. "I didn't know you knew Ashton and Jules."

"Oh, yes," Candice happily acknowledged.

"King Ashton, Queen Jules, Prince Milo, and Princess Maddie are close friends of the Ornburgh royal family," Dorrie proudly announced. "There have been a number of times when Candice and I have visited Frederick and Everett, and we've had royal dinner with King Ashton and his family when they've visited Ornburgh."

"Dorrie and Candice helped Milo and Maddie fit into Royal Prep when Milo and Maddie first started there," Jules happily reported. "Ashton and I have never forgotten Dorrie and Candice's kindness."

Dorrie and Candice smiled at the praise.

"Candice and I just wanted to say hi," Dorrie started. "We have to get back to work. Food and drink will be available in a few minutes."

As Dorrie and Candice walked over to a table to start setting up the food and drink, Jade walked up.

"I couldn't help but hear your conversation," Jade revealed. "You two get around."

"We've had our share of travels," Candice revealed on behalf of herself and Dorrie.

"I've heard of Queen Jules," Jade started. "Is it true she's of commoner roots like the three of us?"

"Oh, yes," Dorrie acknowledged. "Her, Prince Milo, and Princess Maddie. The three of them originally came from Buffalo City in the Kingdom of Niasia. Jules worked in a shop, and was given custody of Milo and Maddie when their mother - Jules' sister - and Jules' sister's husband, who was Ashton's brother, died in an accident. Jules, Milo, and Maddie were invited to Castlebury by Ashton's father. Jules and Ashton met, got to know each other, fell in love, and eventually got married. When Ashton's father died a year ago, Ashton and Jules became King and Queen of Castlebury."

"A fairy tale ending," Jade smiled.

Back where Tilly, Bartelby, Madeline, and the babies were, Baileywick announced the next guests. "Princess Sofia and Princess Lucinda, the royal sorceresses of Enchancia."

Sixteen-year-old Sofia, and sixteen-year-old Lucinda, happily walked up.

"Congratulations, Aunt Tilly," Sofia smiled. "Lucinda and I have a gift for each of you."

"Something very special," Lucinda happily added.

Sofia reached into a small velvet bag, and brought out five pendants, each containing a white alabaster gem stone.

"Lucinda and I enchanted these pendants with a special skill," Sofia explained. "Each pendant gives the wearer the ability to talk to animals."

"Oh, my!" Tilly exclaimed in awe as Sofia handed out the pendants to Tilly, Bartelby, Madeline, and then put the two remaining pendants around the necks of the babies.

"A very precious gift," Bartelby smiled, pleased.

"Does this mean I get to talk to Genevieve?" Madeline asked.

"Yes," Lucinda happily answered.

"Wow!" Madeline exclaimed in awe.

As time went on, more guests gave their well wishes to Tilly, Bartelby, Madeline, and the babies.

"Sir Finnegan and Sir Maxwell, Knights of Enchancia," Baileywick announced.

Finnegan and Maxwell walked up to Tilly, Bartelby, Madeline, and the babies.

"Bless their hearts," Finnegan smiled as he looked at the babies, then turned to Tilly, Bartelby, and Madeline. "You've got yourselves a fine family here. You can be very proud."

"Indeed," Maxwell happily added. "Family is everything."

"Maxwell and I have some gifts for the babies, from the two of us, and from the other knights of Enchancia," Finnegan announced as some male servants put some nicely wrapped packages on the gift table.

"Thank you," Bartelby said gratefully to Finnegan and Maxwell.

From a distance, King Roland was watching as Violet walked up with two women dressed in maid uniforms.

"King Roland," Violet started. "These are two new maids I've just hired. This is Madge who is originally from Cinnibar but grew up in Accordia."

"A pleasure to meet you, Madge," Roland smiled.

"Thank you, Your Majesty," Madge acknowledged as she curtsied.

"Madge has a variety of useful maid skills, and will make a good Between Maid," Violet explained. "And this is Adella who is from Avalor."

"A pleasure to meet you, Adella," Roland greeted.

"Thank you, Your Majesty," Adella acknowledged as she curtsied.

"Chef Andre has been looking for a good baker, and Adella will fit the bill nicely," Violet informed Roland. "Adella has an impressive background. She was trained by Carmen Guzman of Cafe Angelica, located in the capital city of Avalor. She also served as a bread and roll maker in the royal palace of Avalor."

"Then you must know the royal family of Avalor," Roland remarked to Adella.

"Yes, Your Majesty," Adella smiled. "Fine people."

As Roland and Adella talked, Madge looked over at Tilly, Bartelby, Madeline, and the babies.

"Sweet babies," Madge thought to herself. "If only I had such babies as my own."

December 17, 1869

It was a Friday afternoon at Enchancia Castle. In King Roland's study, Roland was meeting with Admiral Hornpipe, and Gwen. Hornpipe was now the Admiral in charge of the Enchancian Navy.

"The HMS Repulse is now built," Hornpipe reported to Roland. "It is a steam powered broom carrier designed to launch and land attack brooms ridden by witches and warlocks serving in the Enchancian Navy. I dare say it is the largest most powerful vessel in the water today."

"Excellent, Admiral," Roland responded, pleased.

"We really have to thank Inventor Gwen here," Hornpipe praised. "She helped design a steam engine large enough and powerful enough to power the Repulse."

"A fine job, Gwen," Roland thanked Gwen.

"Thank you, sir," Gwen said in appreciation.

At that point, a knock came at Roland's door. "Enter," Roland invited.

The door opened, and in walked Baileywick

"Pardon the interruption, Your Majesty," Baileywick apologized. "You asked to be notified when it was time to begin the Wassailia preparations."

"Ah, yes!" Roland smiled, excited. "I've been looking forward to taking part in decorating the castle."

"Just to let you know, sir," Baileywick started, "Dorrie and Candice will be late this afternoon."

"Yes, I remember," Roland recalled. "They have after school Quidditch practice. They are Chasers on the Pepperton House Quidditch Team, and they've helped the team carry out a fantastic winning streak so far this school year. I told them they can pitch in with Wassailia preparations when they get back."

"Very good, Your Majesty," Baileywick acknowledged as he left the room.

A little while later, Roland was in the great hall of the castle helping Queen Miranda and some of the maids decorate the hall. As they were working, nine-year-old Elizabeth West-Chadwick, and ten-year-old Marie Perkins, walked into the great hall after coming home from school.

"It looks wonderful in here, Uncle Roland!" Elizabeth exclaimed in delight.

"Thank you, Lisa," Roland smiled, using Elizabeth's home as well as Royal Prep nickname.

At that same moment, Marie noticed some invitations on a nearby table. "Who are those invitations for, Your Majesty?"

"These invitations are for Queen Skyla of the Sky Kingdom, also known as Dame Skyla of High Hope Dance Academy, as well as her students, Jade, Breeze, Slam, Camille, and Angelica," Roland happily answered.

"Wait a minute! Sofia's friend, Jade, has the same name! What are we going to do?" Marie asked, concerned.

"When Skyla and her students, along with the Chens are here, we'll call Jade Chen Princess Jade, and Queen Skyla's Jade we'll call Lady Jade. That way, confusion will be avoided," Roland explained.

At that same moment, in another part of the castle, the ghost of Queen Melinda was walking down a hallway when a strange magical portal opened up in front of her. In a few moments, a white skinned woman with dark hair emerged from the portal. The portal then disappeared, leaving the woman behind. As Queen Melinda looked at the woman, it became obvious that the woman was a ghost like Melinda ... although, Melinda had to admit the woman's clothes were like nothing Melinda had seen before.

"Hello," Melinda smiled at the woman. "Welcome to Enchancia Castle. I'm the ghost of Queen Melinda of Enchancia."

"So, this is where that portal comes out," the woman remarked. "It has appeared around Christmas for the past few years, but I kind of ignored it up to now. This year, I decided what the heck, I'd give it a go."

"Christmas?" Melinda questioned, before remembering. "Oh, yes. Christmas is what Wassailia is called in some parts of the world. Who are you, anyway?"

"Oh, my manners!" the woman apologized. "I'm Megan Cooper. This place looks old fashioned. What's the date here?"

"December 17th of 1869," Melinda answered. "Megan Cooper. You wouldn't happen to be Violet Cooper's sister, would you?"

"Why yes, I am," Megan happily declared. "You said Enchancia Castle. Is Violet still working here?"

"Indeed, she is," Melinda smiled. "Dorrie and Candice are still here, too."

"Excellent!" Megan happily exclaimed.

"How can you be here?" Melinda asked Megan, puzzled. "You're from the future from what I understand."

"How do you know that?" Megan wanted to know, taken off guard.

"Violet has told me that she is a Voyager," Melinda explained. "In doing so, she told me about you."

"Ah, I see," Megan acknowledged. "That portal must be a gateway through time. It must be something that was left over from a few years ago when Queen Scarlett used her magic to allow me to visit Violet, Dorrie, and Candice during that Christmas."

"What exactly are you wearing?" Melinda asked Megan, curious.

"Oh, its a nursing uniform from the year 2018," Megan acknowledged. "I was wearing it the day I died in a car accident."

"Car?" Melinda asked, not knowing the term.

"I guess you would call it a horseless carriage that runs under its own power," Megan explained.

"Such wonders where you come from," Melinda remarked in awe.

"Since I'm here now, I might as well stay here," Megan announced. "Since I'm a ghost, there's nothing for me back where I came from. At least here, I would have Violet, Dorrie, and Candice."

"Well then, welcome to your new home!" Melinda smiled. "We will, of course, have to take care of your clothing. Its not exactly what you would call 1860s. Have you been taught how to change your appearance?"

"Taught?" Megan asked, taken off guard.

"By other ghosts," Melinda answered.

"I haven't really had contact with other ghosts until now," Megan revealed.

"Ah!" Melinda acknowledged. "Time for a crash course in ghosting. As a ghost, you can change your appearance simply by thinking about it. You can change your entire appearance, or you can simply change your clothing style. Let's just stick with a change of clothing, shall we?"

Melinda walked Megan over to a portrait of Queen Miranda as Miranda appeared in her commoner days.

"How about that white blouse, only with a dark blue shawl?" Melinda suggested to Megan. "And those same shoes? And that same skirt, only in dark blue?"

"I like that," Megan smiled as she concentrated. In a few moments, Megan's nursing uniform changed into a white blouse with a dark blue shawl, a dark blue flowing skirt, and a black pair of shoes."

"Wonderful!" Melinda exclaimed in glee.

"I can get use to this," Megan smiled.

"I have an idea," Melinda announced. "Wassailia is coming up. I'm inviting a bunch of ghosts over for the holiday. I'm inviting you as well. You would be a wonderful Wassailia surprise for Violet, Dorrie, and Candice. Meanwhile, we could spend the next few days getting you acquainted with the castle."

"That would be fantastic," Megan happily agreed.

December 18, 1869

It was a Saturday morning at High Hope Dance Academy. Five of the students there (teenage female students Jade, Camille, and Angelica; and teenage male students Slam and Breeze) left their dormitory bedrooms just in their sleepwear.

"That's the music boxes!" Jade exclaimed while yawning, as Slam and Breeze stretched, as the music boxes sounded.

"And I was having such a good dream too!" Breeze admitted. "I was a valiant knight questing for the hand of the fair dame, Jade."

"You? A valiant knight?" Slam laughed. "Breeze, you're more like a dreaming knight!"

"Not fair, Slam!" Breeze protested. "That was Jumble, Muddle, and Snarl, not me!"

"Cut it out, boys!" Camille demanded, annoyed.

"That's right, we need to go see what Dame Skyla wants," Angelica reminded them.

Jade, Camille, Angelica, Slam, and Breeze made their way to the music room where Dame Skyla was waiting for them.

"You all made it, very good," Skyla observed.

"What's wrong, Dame Skyla?" Slam wanted to know.

"Is Sky Clone attacking us?" Camille asked, concerned.

"Actually, we all have been invited by my good friend, King Roland the Second, to spend our Christmas vacation in the Kingdom of Enchancia," Skyla announced.

"Yes! A real vacation!" Breeze and Jade exclaimed in glee.

Meanwhile, in the rear of Enchancia Castle, Madeline and Genevieve were playing in the snow. Madeline, Genevieve, Bartleby, Tilly, and the babies were staying at the castle for the Wassailia holiday. Madeline made a snowball, and playfully threw it at Genevieve. In a few moments, Genevieve grabbed the snowball with her mouth.

"Hey! This is fun, Madeline!" Genevieve exclaimed in glee.

Madeline made a few more snowballs, and threw them as Genevieve ran to catch them. Afterward, Genevieve happily walked up to Madeline.

"I'm happy to have this time together with you," Genevieve smiled at Madeline.

"And I'm happy we get to talk to each other, now," Madeline smiled back.

Genevieve happily licked Madeline's face, as Madeline hugged Genevieve. The two of them went back to playing with snowballs as Queen Miranda watched from a distance. It was nice seeing Madeline and Genevieve happy.

Inside the castle, Dorrie and Candice were doing some dusting in a hallway when a maid passed them, and turned down another hallway.

"Candice?" Dorrie asked. "Any idea who that maid was?"

"I haven't seen her before in my life," Candice responded.

"We've better check this out," Dorrie suggested.

Dorrie and Candice followed the path of the maid, and soon saw the maid walking toward a flight of stairs.

"Excuse me," Dorrie called out.

"Yes?" the maid responded.

"Are you new here?" Dorrie asked.

"Oh, yes," the maid smiled. "I'm Maura. I was hired yesterday."

"Ah, yes!" Candice acknowledged. "You must have met Mr. Pearson, then."

"Yes," Maura answered. "A pleasant man."

"Wrong answer!" Dorrie and Candice both exclaimed as they pulled out their wands.

"We don't have a Mr. Pearson," Candice informed Maura.

"Who are you?!" Dorrie demanded to know. "One of Lovisa's witches?!"

"Well, you two are smart, I'll give you that," Maura smiled with a wicked grin as she pulled out a wand. "I'll be leaving now."

As Maura started slowly backing up, Candice concentrated with her mind, and caused a small table off to the side of the hallway to slide to the middle of the hallway, blocking Maura's escape. At that same moment, Dorrie magically produced her Werewolf Staff, and pointed it at Maura. Dorrie then shouted "Moonbeam", and a magical blueish gray beam shot out at Maura, knocking Maura into a wall. Before Maura could respond, a few guards ran up, grabbed Maura, and placed Maura under arrest as a crowd gathered.

"What's going on here?" Constable Miles asked as he walked up.

"Somebody who claims to work here," Dorrie answered. "Candice and I have never laid eyes on her before."

"I haven't laid eyes on her before, either," Violet acknowledged as she walked up. "And since I'm in charge of hiring new maids, I would know her if I hired her."

"Who are you, woman?!" Miles asked Maura in a stern voice.

"I'll never tell," Maura laughed in an evil way.

Candice picked up Maura's wand, and examined it. "Dark Dog Oak," Candice announced. "The kind of wand you would find sold in the darker corners of the magical world, such as Knockturn Alley. We have intelligence that it is a wood favored by Lovisa and her witches."

"You're not fit to speak her name!" Maura spat at Candice.

"So, you are one of Lovisa's witches," Candice acknowledged as she handed Maura's wand to Miles.

"Lock her up!" Miles ordered as the guards escorted Maura to the dungeon. "Lady Dorrie, Lady Candice," Miles started. "A fine job. The two of you are a credit to the castle."

"Thank you, sir," Dorrie and Candice acknowledged, grateful.

As the crowd dispersed, Madge (the new Between Maid) was lost in thought. "Time to move up my plan," Madge thought to herself. "I'll have to take the babies ahead of schedule."

After the crowd dispersed, seventeen-year-old Amber, who had been among the crowd, walked up to Dorrie and Candice. "Nice job, you two," Amber praised.

"Thank you, Amber," Dorrie smiled.

"That Werewolf Staff of yours is amazing, Dorrie," Amber remarked. "And, Candice ... I had no idea you were a Minder."

"You saw then, huh?" Candice asked, realizing she had unintentionally revealed a power she normally kept hidden.

"Yes," Amber smiled. "Everybody saw. You're just full of surprises. Candice Megan Cosmarune-Cooper ... Minder."

"Well, that cat is out of the bag," Candice acknowledged, nervous.

"You should be proud," Amber said in an encouraging way. "We only have two other Minders in the Dunwitty area: Sofia, and Matilda Honey. Are you a Minder, too, Dorrie?"

"Me?" Dorrie questioned. "I've never really thought about it one way or another."

"Well, the truth be told, I knew Maleficent to be powerful, magically speaking," Candice admitted. "But, I never knew her to be a Minder. I had to get it from somewhere. If not from Maleficent, then ... from you, Dorrie."

"But, I've never shown any indication of being a Minder," Dorrie pointed out.

"Perhaps something buried deep inside of you, Sis," Candice theorized. "Something you haven't tapped into, yet."

"Oh, my!" Dorrie exclaimed, not quite believing it.

"I'm sure it will all come out in the wash sooner or later," Violet commented as she walked over, before turning to Amber. "I always knew my daughters were special."

"Indeed," Amber happily agreed.

That night

Dorrie was in her bedroom getting ready to go to bed. As she looked at her desk, she saw a coin laying on the desk.

"I wonder?" Dorrie thought to herself.

Dorrie concentrated on the coin with her mind, willing the coin to move. However, nothing happened.

"I didn't think I was a Minder," Dorrie said to herself.

"Don't give up," a female voice came from behind. Dorrie turned around to see Candice standing there. "Try again, Sis."

"Okay," Dorrie agreed as once again she concentrated on the coin with her mind. In a few moments, with a lot of effort, Dorrie was able to move the coin about an inch.

"Well done," Candice praised.

"But I hardly moved it," Dorrie pointed out.

"But, you did move it," Candice said in praise. "Your first step. It will get easier with time."

Dorrie smiled at Candice's praise, as Candice started happily singing. "We are true sisters, together evermore. True, true sisters."

"Sisters," Dorrie added with a smile, before her and Candice ended the song together. "And forever we'll be ... friends."

Dorrie and Candice hugged each other in happiness as Violet watched through Dorrie's opened door. Violet smiled at the touching scene. These were her daughters ... her bricks and mortar. And she couldn't have been prouder.

(End of Chapter 43).

Behind the scenes

In this edition of "Behind the scenes", some news of interest.

For those wanting to see an illustration of the HMS Repulse mentioned in this chapter, please see my Niagara14301 account over at Deviant Art.

We're starting to approach the 50th chapter mark of "Once Upon a Time in Enchancia". Normally, with most fan fiction stories, the 50th chapter is traditionally the ending point for a story. However, I've been thinking about it, and I've decided to go beyond that and take "Once Upon a Time in Enchancia" to at least 60 chapters.

Now onto another subject. Some of you have noticed that for the first part of any given month, I'm usually not posting any fiction. The truth of the matter is that for the first part of the month, I have other obligations I have to take care of, obligations that get in the way of writing during that time. I wish it were different, but it is what it is. I thank you in advance for your understanding in regard to this first part of the month down time.

Author's notes

Admiral Hornpipe is originally from the "Sofia the First" special "The Floating Palace".

Angelica, Breeze, Camille, (Lady) Jade, Jumble, Muddle, Sky Clone, Skyla, Slam, and Snarl are from the "Sky Dancers" TV series, and appear here by request of MisuteriTenshi / SailorWednesdayMercury (who wrote her own "Sky Dancers" fan fic story called "New Romances Blossom Book 1" under her SailorWednesdayMercury pen name).

Ashton, Jules, Maddie, and Milo are based on Ashton, Jules, Maddie, and Milo from the movie "A Princess for Christmas", but adapted for the "Sofia the First" universe.

Attack brooms first appeared in Chapter 26 of my story "Dorrie". An attack broom has a wand mounted into the nose of the broom, and by simply touching the broom while in flight, the witch or warlock is able to attack a target while concentrating on flying. Before attack brooms existed, a witch or warlock would have to pull out their wand, fly with one hand, and hold their wand with the other hand while attacking. With an attack broom, all the witch or warlock has to do is to point their broom at the target, and fire, while having total control over the broom.

Between Maids: maids who have a variety of skills, and can work in the castle or kitchen or the outside grounds as needed. This would be the category of maids that Dorrie, Candice, and Abby belong to.

Bricks and mortar: Cockney for daughter (or, in this case, daughters).

Cafe Angelica and Carmen Guzman are from "Elena of Avalor".

Dark Dog Oak is a wood I came up with for this chapter.

Elizabeth West-Chadwick, JT, Lady Louisa Windsong-Pepperton, Ling Wei Chen, Kim Lin Chen, Marie Perkins, Princess Luna, Roxy, Sir Alexander Pepperton the Second, Timothy O'Toole, and Yue Lan Chen are characters created by MisuteriTenshi / SailorWednesdayMercury, and are used in this story with the permission of MisuteriTenshi / SailorWednesdayMercury.

Elizabeth's Aunt Louisa and Uncle Alexander were first introduced in Chapter 35 of "Once Upon a Time in Enchancia".

Having Adella previously working in the royal palace of Avalor, and knowing the royal family of Avalor, was the idea of Brigade701. Meanwhile, I came up with the idea of Adella having been trained by Carmen Guzman.

Having characters from High Hope Dance Academy appear in this chapter was the idea of MisuteriTenshi / SailorWednesdayMercury (who also supplied the dialog connected to those characters).

Having Elizabeth being away visiting her Aunt Louisa and Uncle Alexander was the idea of MisuteriTenshi / SailorWednesdayMercury.

Having Madge want the babies was the idea of Brigade701.

Having Roland, Elizabeth, and Marie talking to each other in the great hall of Enchancia Castle was the idea of MisuteriTenshi / SailorWednesdayMercury (who also supplied the dialog for that scene).

Having Sofia and Lucinda give Tilly, Bartelby, Madeline, Roxy, and JT each a pendant that allows them to talk to animals was based on a suggestion made by Gabriel Snyder. As readers of my stories will remember, such pendants were first introduced in my story "Incident at Royal Prep".

Having the ghost of Megan appear in this chapter was the idea of Jolly Roger Brat, while I came up with the idea of the magical portal which allowed Megan to travel to Enchancia Castle.

Having Tilly give birth to twins and naming them Roxanne Lynne (Roxy) and James Timothy (JT) was the idea of MisuteriTenshi / SailorWednesdayMercury.

Having Tilly inquire about Liang and Emma's babies, and where the babies were at, was the idea of MisuteriTenshi / SailorWednesdayMercury. I came up with the idea of Liang and Emma's babies being at the Satu embassy in Dunwitty, and having Matilda Honey babysitting them.

Having Timothy tell Ruby about Tilly giving birth was the idea of MisuteriTenshi / SailorWednesdayMercury.

Knockturn Alley, and Quidditch, are from "Harry Potter".

Madeline and Genevieve are based on Madeline and Genevieve from the "Madeline" book series, but adapted for the "Sofia the First" universe. Madeline has also appeared in stories written by Sofia2017 planning, as well as my stories "A Royal Rift", "Enchancia Castle", "Getting To Know Tilly", "Sofia and Lucinda the First - Twice Upon a Princess", "Sofia and Lucinda the First", and "Tales From The Castle". The versions of Madeline and Genevieve seen in this chapter are based on Madeline and Genevieve who appeared in my story "Getting To Know Tilly", with that Madeline and Genevieve now adapted to be a part of "Once Upon a Time in Enchancia".

Madge is a character created by Brigade701, and is used in this story with the permission of Brigade701.

Matilda Honey is based on Matilda from the "Matilda" children's book and movie, but adapted for the "Sofia the First" universe. The version of Matilda in my stories has retained her powers, and currently attends Hexley Hall as a student. Matilda's adopted mother is Jennifer Honey, who teaches at the local school in Dunwitty.

Midwife: a woman skilled in aiding in the delivery of babies. Readers of my stories "Dorrie" and "Dorrie: Book Two" will remember that Violet is a midwife, and that Dorrie and Candice are training to be midwives.

Minder: the term Minder first appeared in Chapter 31 of my story "Dorrie", and is a term used to describe somebody who has the ability to move things with their mind. As readers of "Dorrie" will recall, Sofia and Matilda's ability to move things with their minds is revealed in Chapters 12 and 13 of "Dorrie" (with the term Minder coming into play in Chapter 31 of "Dorrie").

"Oh, my!" Dorrie exclaimed, not quite believing it - "Oh, my!" in this case is something I borrowed from Emily, a British girl seen in "Molly: An American Girl on the Home Front". Emily had a habit of using "Oh, my!" when something took her by surprise.

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

The Kingdom of Accordia is a kingdom created by Brigade701, and is modeled after the Kingdom of Accord from "Vitruvian H.A.C.K.S.".

The Kingdom of Castlebury is not to be confused with the Kingdom of Castlehaven from "Nella the Princess Knight".

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

The Kingdom of Niasia is originally from my story "Flashbacks".

The Kingdom of Ornburgh is the kingdom where Prince Frederick and his brother, Prince Everett, and their family hail from. Frederick's kingdom never had a name in "Sofia the First", so I named it Ornburgh.

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.

Voyager is from the "Voyagers!" TV series.

"You saw then, huh?" Candice asked, realizing she had unintentionally revealed a power she normally kept hidden - Candice would have been nervous about revealing herself as a Minder because of events in Chapter 27 of "Once Upon a Time in Enchancia".

Disclaimer

"A Princess for Christmas" and everything associated with it © Castlebury Investments, Lions Gate Entertainment, and Hallmark Channel (the movie was shown in the United States on Hallmark Channel as "A Princess for Christmas". In Canada, the movie was shown as "Christmas at Castlebury Hall ". In England, the movie was shown as "A Christmas Princess").

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

Elizabeth West-Chadwick, JT, Lady Louisa Windsong-Pepperton, Ling Wei Chen, Kim Lin Chen, Marie Perkins, Princess Luna, Roxy, Sir Alexander Pepperton the Second, Timothy O'Toole, Yue Lan Chen, 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.

"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.

Madge and the other original ideas from Brigade701 are the property of Brigade701, and are used in this story with the permission of Brigade701.

"Molly: An American Girl on the Home Front" and everything associated with it © Valerie Tripp, American Girl, and Warner Brothers Entertainment.

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

Queen Melinda 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).

"Sky Dancers" and everything associated with it © Galoob, Abrams Gentile Entertainment Inc, Gaumont Multimedia (now Xilam Animation), and Play Along Toys.

"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 Abby Cosmarune-Murphy, Adella, Candice Cosmarune-Cooper, Dark Dog Oak, Dorrie Cosmarune-Cooper, Dorrie's Werewolf Staff, Lovisa, Maura, Megan Cooper, Moonbeam, Pepperton House, Prince Everett, the HMS Repulse, the Kingdom of Niasia, and the Pepperton House Quidditch Team.