Ever Realm Chronicles Chapter 17: Ready For Whatever May Come, a sofia the first fanfic

Ever Realm Chronicles - a Sofia the First fanfic

Chapter 17: Ready For Whatever May Come

April 10, 1872

"I'm Headmistress Gayle Lovegood," Gayle introduced herself to Doc and her mother. "Welcome to Hexley Hall."

"Thank you, ma'am," Doc acknowledged.

Gayle then turned to Dorrie and Candice. "Nice to see you, Princesses."

"Headmistress," Dorrie and Candice acknowledged.

"If the four of you will follow me, we'll get Doc's testing underway," Gayle announced.

In a few minutes, the five had made their way to Gayle's office. Gayle then brought out a special wand.

"Please touch the wand, Doc," Gayle requested.

Doc touched the wand. The wand then glowed until Doc let go of it.

"You do indeed have additional magical qualities," Gayle smiled at Doc, pleased. "If all of you will follow me, we'll go to the medical wing where further tests will be carried out."

Doc, her mother, Dorrie, and Candice followed Gayle to the medical wing where a series of magical tests were administered to Doc. After the tests, Gayle walked up to Doc's mother, Dorrie, and Candice.

"Young Doc here has a degree of magical ability beyond her toy doctor skill that qualifies her for entry into Hexley Hall," Gayle happily announced. "Mrs. McStuffins, do I have your permission to enroll Doc here?"

"Yes," Doc's mother agreed as Gayle turned to Doc.

"Doc," Gayle started. "Would you like to attend school here? You would be most welcome here."

Doc thought it over for a few moments, then decided. "I would like to attend school here, Headmistress," Doc smiled.

"Excellent," Gayle responded, pleased. "Let's go back to my office and we can fill out the necessary paperwork."

As Doc's mother and Gayle filled out the paperwork, Dorrie, Candice, and Doc sat out in the hallway outside of Gayle's office.

"I can't believe it," Doc said in disbelief. "I'm going to go to Hexley Hall."

"You'll be in good company," Candice smiled at Doc. "The castle kids also attend Hexley Hall."

"Wow!" Doc exclaimed, impressed. "I hope I'm worthy of attending school here."

"You'll be fine, Doc," Dorrie said in a reassuring voice. "Hexley Hall will teach you everything you need to know."

"Princess Dorrie is correct," Gayle said as she and Doc's mother stepped out of Gayle's office. "She and Princess Candice both attended Hexley Hall, and look at the two fine women they are today."

Dorrie and Candice smiled at Gayle's praise.

"We're having lunch in the Great Hall shortly," Gayle announced. "The four of you are invited to join us. In fact, during lunch, we can have a Sorting Hat ceremony for Doc."

"Sorting Hat?" Doc wanted to know.

"A magical hat we use to place new students into their houses," Gayle explained. "The Sorting Hat will read your mind and will decide what house to place you in. Your house will be like a school family to you. Since you live nearby, you won't live here at the school, but you'll still need to be sorted into a house to earn points that will go toward your house."

"I understand," Doc acknowledged.

"Then let's make our way to the Great Hall," Gayle invited as she carried the Hexley Hall Sorting Hat with her.

In a few minutes, Gayle led Doc, Doc's mother, Dorrie, and Candice to the Great Hall where they were seated at a guest table. Gayle then stood before the students seated in the Great Hall.

"Students and staff, I'd like your attention please," Gayle announced. "We have a new student joining us today. Please give a warm welcome to Doc McStuffins."

Everybody rose and clapped in honor of Doc as Gayle brought up a chair and motioned Doc to sit in it. Gayle then put the Sorting Hat on Doc's head.

"A powerful young lady," the Sorting Hat noted of Doc. "I see her growing up to become somebody great. And what house will lead her to that greatness? Pepperton!"

Everybody seated at the Pepperton table clapped and cheered at Doc joining their house. Gayle motioned Doc to sit at the Pepperton table.

"A great house," Dorrie said with pride to Doc's mother. "Candice and I were in Pepperton. Doc's going to do fine there."

At the Pepperton table, Doc recognized some familiar faces - twelve-year-old Timothy, thirteen-year-old Marie, and eleven-year-old Elizabeth.

"It's good to have you here, Doc," Timothy smiled.

"And in the same house as us," Marie happily pointed out.

"You're gonna love it here at Hexley," Elizabeth added with a smile. "Calista, Kiera, and Catalina are here at Hexley as well - over at Stryker House."

Doc looked over at the Stryker House table where fourteen-year-old Calista, eleven-year-old Kiera, and eleven-year-old Catalina happily waved at Doc. Meanwhile, Gayle joined Doc's mom, Dorrie, and Candice at the guest table.

"I'll send an owl to Greythorns in Dunwiddie after lunch with a list of supplies Doc will need," Gayle informed Doc's mom. "You can also get Doc's school uniforms there."

"Any idea how much this will all cost?" Doc's mom wanted to know.

"Oh, I thought you knew," Gayle started. "I was contacted by King Roland this morning. He said if Doc was accepted into Hexley, he would cover the cost of her supplies and uniforms. He said it was all part of the employment agreement you signed, under miscellaneous expenses."

"Oh my!" Doc's mom exclaimed in awe.

"Our King Roland is a generous employer," Candice smiled. "He greatly values the castle staff and their families."

"Which leaves only one more thing to bring up," Gayle announced.

"And what would that be?" Doc's mom asked, curious.

"Picking out a helper animal for Doc," Gayle answered.

"A helper animal assists a magical student," Dorrie explained. "The helper animal brings magical ingredients to the student, brings other magical supplies to the student, whatever the student needs while the student is busy doing a magical assignment and cannot leave it. My owl Arnan was my animal helper when I was a student, and Candice's cat Creamy was her animal helper when she was a student."

"Doc just has her toys which she brings to life," Doc's mom pointed out.

"I was thinking that one of those animated toys could act in place of a helper animal," Gayle suggested.

"I'm sure Doc would be thrilled at the idea of one of them serving in such a role," Doc's mother smiled.

"Then we'll leave it up to Doc as to which one to choose," Gayle smiled back.

Meanwhile, in Satu

Scarlett, Sofia, Lucinda, Amber, Abby, Vivian, and Crackle had arrived in Satu on their mission to find the Dragon Talisman. Crackle had managed to use her senses to track down the talisman to an area in the countryside.

"You have any ideas, given the danger of this particular talisman?" Sofia asked Scarlett.

"Considering what we may be up against, I think you could use a little extra firepower. Literally," Scarlett said as she handed Sofia a little something and she looked to see the Pig Talisman in her hands.

"Thinking things through," Sofia smirked. "And that's what I love the most about you, Scarlett."

"You don't know how to give up, do you?" Lucinda asked, jabbing Scarlett's shoulder.

"No, I do," Scarlett answered. "Trust me, I do. I know exactly how to give up. You wanna know what scares the crap out of me, Lucy? It's that it's easy."

"Queen Scarlett," Vivian announced as she walked up. "Crackle is sensing something, but it appears to be underground."

"An underground chamber?" Abby asked.

"Perhaps," Scarlett pondered.

"One way to find out," Lucinda said as she brought out her wand. "If there's some kind of door in the ground, I can make it open. It's sort of a play on my birth mom's trick of making islands rise into the air."

"Your birth mother was quite the powerful witch," Scarlett commented to Lucinda. "Are you capable of doing this?"

"Yes," Lucinda said in a reassuring voice. "A lot of my birth mom's abilities have manifested themselves in me over the past few years. Also, the fact that I have her spell book memorized also helps."

"Then go for it, Lucy," Scarlett approved.

Lucinda raised her wand and concentrated. Lucinda then read off a spell in her head. In a few moments, the ground started to gently shake until a piece of ground sprung up as a door would.

"That's my sister!" Amber exclaimed in pride as she hugged Lucinda.

"We've better check this out," Scarlett suggested. "Princess Vivian, Crackle - stay here, just to be safe."

"Yes, Queen Scarlett," Vivian acknowledged on behalf of herself and Crackle.

Scarlett, Sofia, Lucinda, Amber, and Abby made their way through the door and went down some steps.

"Be ready for anything," Scarlett warned. "If this place contains the Dragon Talisman, there could be all kinds of booby traps in here."

The five started down a very wide passageway. As they made their way down the passageway, a series of torches on the wall magically lit up.

"Duck!" Lucinda shouted as everybody scrambled onto the floor. At that same moment, a series of spring-loaded spears shot out of the walls. As soon as the spears stopped firing, everybody rose to their feet.

"That was close," Abby remarked to Lucinda. "How did you know?"

"I heard some clicking coming from the walls," Lucinda explained. "I thought it was better to be safe than to be sorry."

"Good instincts, Lucy," Scarlett praised.

The five cautiously continued down the passageway until they came to a large chamber at the end of the passageway. Everybody then walked into the chamber as a bright red glow lit up the chamber.

"Who dares enter the Chamber of the Dragon?!" a male voice demanded to know.

The five looked around the chamber but saw nobody but themselves.

"I say again, who dares enter the Chamber of the Dragon?!" the male voice rang out.

"I am Scarlett, Queen of Cinnibar," Scarlett declared. "These are my associates."

"More thieves come to steal the Dragon Talisman!" the male voice barked. "You will suffer as thieves in the past have suffered!"

At that moment, a large male dragon appeared out of thin air, shooting fire at Scarlett and her companions. The five managed to duck out of the way, barely missing being hit by the fire.

"Sof!" Scarlett yelled. "You're on!"

Sofia raised the Pig Talisman as the large male dragon shot another jet of fire. Sofia concentrated and soon she was shooting beams of fire from her eyes at the male dragon. The male dragon, surprised at Sofia's ability, jumped out of the way.

"Way to go Sofia!" Amber cheered.

"You won't defeat me that easily!" the male dragon barked.

"Stop!" a female voice shouted from behind them.

Everybody looked to see Crackle and Vivian standing there.

"My Mistress, Princess Vivian of the Kingdom of Zumaria and heiress to the House of Revargia, wishes to speak to you," Crackle announced, using dragon speak.

"And why should I speak to her?!" the male dragon demanded to know, also using dragon speak.

"Because the House of Revargia is a signatory to the Treaty of Dramance," Crackle answered, again using dragon speak.

"Very well," the male Dragon relented in dragon speak, before switching back to English. "Princess Vivian, you may step forward."

"Thank you, sir," Vivian acknowledged. "These are good people, not thieves. They have been collecting talismans to keep them safe, to keep them from being misused."

"That's easy to say," the male dragon countered. "How do I know you're not lying?"

"Can you read minds?" Scarlett wanted to know.

"Yes," the male dragon admitted. "That is one of my abilities."

"Then read my mind," Scarlett suggested. "See for yourself whether or not Princess Vivian is telling the truth."

"I accept your offer," the male dragon said as he extended one of his paws and pointed it toward Scarlett. A reddish glow then surrounded Scarlett as the male dragon read Scarlett's mind.

"Satisfied?" Scarlett asked.

"Yes," the male dragon confirmed. "I can see you and your companions are honorable. I surrender the Dragon Talisman to you."

"Thank you," Scarlett acknowledged, grateful.

"Then I wish you a safe journey," Scarlett said as she bowed in respect.

In a few moments, the male dragon turned into a large puff of red smoke. The large puff of red smoke then rose toward the ceiling of the chamber. The large puff of red smoke stopped for a moment, then disappeared into the ceiling of the chamber.

"Well, that's all for that then," Abby commented.

"And we have the Dragon Talisman," Scarlett smiled, before turning to Vivian and Crackle. "I thought the two of you were supposed to wait outside."

"I know," Vivian apologized. "My curiosity got the best of me, and Crackle insisted on coming along."

"It was a good thing the two of you arrived when you did," Lucinda commented to Vivian and Crackle.

"The two of you got us out of a real jam," Sofia happily spoke up.

"I'm impressed how the two of you handled yourselves," Scarlett praised Vivian and Crackle. "If you like, there's a place in my army for the two of you."

Vivian and Crackle spoke to each other for a few moments, then turned to Scarlett. "Queen Scarlett," Vivian started, "Crackle and I accept your offer."

"Excellent!" Scarlett exclaimed, pleased.

"You've come a long way, Vivian," Sofia smiled.

"I guess I have," Vivian smiled back.

"Let's say we get going," Scarlett suggested. "We have a talisman to get home."

Back in Enchancia

It was now early afternoon. In Dunwiddie, at Greythorns, Dorrie, Candice, Doc, and Doc's mom walked into the shop where Mrs. Marcella Greythorn was standing behind a counter.

"Good afternoon, Commander Greythorn," Dorrie greeted.

"Good afternoon Princess Dorrie," Marcella smiled. "You know it's Commander only when I'm on official duty."

"We know," Candice winked. "But, Commander Greythorn has such a nice sound to it."

"I have to admit, Princess Candice, it is nice to be back on duty, if only occasionally," Marcella happily responded.

"Commander Greythorn?" Doc wondered.

"Mrs. Greythorn here is one of our greatest Enchancian Navy attack broom squadron leaders," Dorrie explained.

"I take it this is our young Doc?" Marcella asked, looking at Doc.

"This is our Doc," Candice confirmed. "She's just been accepted into Hexley, and has been sorted into Pepperton House."

"A pleasure to meet you, Doc," Marcella smiled. "I got the message from Headmistress Lovegood explaining the situation. It's an honor to serve a new Hexley student."

"And this is Doc's mom, royal physician Maisha McStuffins," Dorrie introduced.

"A pleasure to meet you, Doctor," Marcella greeted. "Let's get Doc outfitted with what she'll need. As for the expenses, King Roland will be taking care of that. A generous man."

Dorrie and Candice happily nodded in agreement as Marcella's daughter, thirteen-year-old Lynn Greythorn, walked in wearing a Hexley Hall school uniform.

"Good afternoon, my precious one," Marcella greeted as she walked over and hugged Lynn. "Have a good day at school today?"

"Yes, Mom," Lynn smiled.

"You're just in time," Marcella explained. "We have a customer we need to get outfitted."

"Ah, yes," Lynn happily acknowledged. "Doc, isn't it?"

"Yes," Doc confirmed. "You're at Hexley, too?"

"Oh, yes," Lynn happily acknowledged. "I'm in Kennicot House."

"Let's get started then," Marcella suggested.

"Doc will need some school uniforms, and magical equipment," Lynn noted. "Did you want me to bring out some uniforms, while you start in with the magical equipment, Mom?"

"Yes, Lynn," Marcella confirmed as Lynn walked off.

"A fine girl, and a fine daughter," Marcella said of Lynn. "If you'll step over here, Doc, we'll get you outfitted with a wand. We have a fine selection to choose from."

Marcella brought out a wand and handed it to Doc.

"Now what do I do?" Doc asked, unsure.

"Give it a wave," Marcella directed.

Doc waved the wand. A bright flash came from the wand, knocking over some books on display.

"Sorry," Doc apologized.

"Not to worry," Marcella said in a reassuring voice. "These things happen. It's all part of selecting a wand that's right for you."

Marcella then brought out another wand and handed it to Doc. Marcella then instructed Doc to wave that wand, but it sent some boxed decks of tarot cards across the display case.

"We're not quite there yet," Marcella commented as she brought out another wand. "Try this one."

Doc touched the wand, Immediately, a brief gust of wind and a bright light surrounded Doc before dispersing.

"Excellent!" Marcella exclaimed in joy. "You've found your wand."

At that moment, Lynn walked up with some female Hexley Hall school uniforms.

"Let's walk over to a changing booth and have you try these on," Lynn smiled at Doc. "Each of these already has a Pepperton patch on it, so it's just finding the right fit for you."

Elsewhere in Dunwiddie, inside the Satu embassy, Liang and Helen were in the embassy's sitting room.

"People are starting to talk," Helen started. "People are starting to figure out there's more to our relationship than me being an advisor to you."

"Yes, I've been noticing that," Liang confirmed. "Perhaps we should start planning our marriage."

"But it's only been six months since Emma died," Helen pointed out.

"Yes," Liang agreed. "But, we do have feelings for each other, and I think Emma would want all of us to go on with our lives."

"You're right, of course," Helen acknowledged. "But, before we do anything, we should discuss it with our daughters."

"Agreed," Liang responded. "I'll have Jade and Ruby summoned from their respective schools, and we can discuss this ... as a family."

Back at Greythorns, Lynn was helping Doc try on the school uniforms. As Lynn helped Doc, the two talked.

"Any idea what you'll be taking at Hexley?" Lynn asked Doc, curious.

"Headmistress Lovegood gave me a class schedule," Doc revealed as she pulled out a piece of paper. Lynn then read the paper.

"I see they are giving you a bit of everything," Lynn noticed. "Great Witch War Studies with Princess Gloriana."

"Princess?" Doc asked.

"Miss Elodie, I mean Princess Gloriana, is the youngest daughter of Annora, the Witch Queen," Lynn answered. "She's very nice. You'll like her. I see you're also taking Paranormal Training with Professor Boris Hauntley. A nice man, or I should say a vampire."

"Vampire?!" Doc asked in shock.

"Not to worry," Lynn said in a reassuring voice. "Vampires have gotten a bad rap. They are really nice people."

"But don't they ... drink blood?" Doc wanted to know.

"Yes," Lynn answered. "But they drink in private a substitute for blood that is made from proteins found in nature. They don't go after people for blood. They are ladies and gentlemen in every sense."

"I didn't know that," Doc admitted. "Thank you for telling me."

"No problem," Lynn smiled. "I see you also have Herbology with Professor Silvia Sage-Moto. You'll like her. And you have Magician Arts with Professor Oxana Hauntley."

"Hauntley?" Doc asked. "Any relation to Professor Boris Hauntley?"

"Yes," Lynn answered. "She's his wife. You'll like her. I also see you've got beginning stuff like Basic Broom Riding, Basic Wand Training, Charms, Potions, and Defense Against the Dark Arts."

"I hope I'm up to all of this," Doc said, nervous.

"You'll do fine," Lynn said in a reassuring voice as she gently patted Doc's shoulder. "This uniform fits you well. Let's see what the others have to say."

Lynn led Doc out of the changing booth where Marcella, Doc's mom, Dorrie, and Candice were waiting.

"An excellent fit," Marcella approved.

"You look good, Doc," Doc's mom smiled.

"Looking good, Doc," Dorrie said with a smile as Candice gave Doc a thumbs up.

"The other uniforms are the same size, Mom," Lynn reported.

"Then that's taken care of," Marcella commented. "Let's get Doc's other supplies taken care of, including a broom."

"Headmistress Lovegood said the school would be supplying a broom," Doc's mother pointed out.

"I have special instructions from King Roland on that," Marcella revealed. "He wants Doc to have the best broom available. If you'll step over here, I'll get Doc set up with a brand new SkyCruise 1120 broom."

"You're very lucky, Doc," Candice smiled. "The SkyCruise 1120 only came out about a week ago. You're probably among the first in this area to have that model."

Back at the Satu embassy, Liang entered his office where Helen was waiting.

"I've made the arrangements for our daughters to be brought here," Liang announced. "Jade will come from Duel Academy, and Ruby will come from the Hogsmeade Medical College. Both schools were very cooperative. Jade and Ruby will be arriving here tonight."

Later, at Enchancia Castle

The royal carriage carrying Doc, Doc's mom, Dorrie, and Candice arrived back at Enchancia Castle. Waiting at the castle were King Roland, Sofia, Lucinda, Amber, and James.

"Welcome home, ladies," Roland greeted. "I've been informed that Doc has been accepted into Hexley Hall."

"Yes, Your Majesty," Doc's mom confirmed. "I want to thank you for your generosity concerning Doc's supplies."

"You're most welcome, Maisha," Roland smiled. "I wanted to give Doc a good start at Hexley Hall."

"Thank you, Sir," Doc said to Roland.

"You are very welcome, Doc," Roland happily responded.

"So, come on," Amber said to Doc, excited. "What house did you get sorted into?"

"Go ahead, Doc," Dorrie urged. "Show them your school uniform."

Doc brought out one of her school uniforms and pointed at the patch on the sleeve.

"Pepperton!" Amber exclaimed in glee.

"Brilliant," James said, impressed.

"Always knew you had it in you," Lucinda smiled at Doc.

"Congratulations, Doc," Sofia happily said as she high-fived Doc.

At that moment, Baileywick walked up.

"Princess Dorrie, Princess Candice," Baileywick started. "Princess Dianna of Yensid will be arriving in an hour. She wants to go over the final details of your official princess luncheon."

"Of course, Mr. Baileywick," Candice acknowledged.

"Sounds like a big deal," Doc said to Candice.

"It is," Candice smiled.

"You do know, of course, that you and your family have been put on the guest list," Dorrie happily informed Doc.

"Why, thank you," Doc acknowledged, impressed.

"Thank you very much for inviting us," Doc's mom said, pleased.

"You're very welcome," Dorrie happily said. "Everybody at the castle is one big family. And your family is now part of that family. And that family is invited."

Everybody smiled at Dorrie's kind words.

That evening

At the Satu embassy in Dunwiddie, nineteen-year-old Jade and eighteen-year-old Ruby arrived by flying carriages.

"You, too?" Jade asked Ruby.

"Apparently so," Ruby answered. "All I know is that your father requested I come here as soon as possible."

"Same here," Jade responded.

As Jade and Ruby talked, a man who worked for the embassy walked up.

"If the two of you will follow me, I'll take you to your parents," the man announced.

Jade and Ruby followed the man into the embassy. Once inside the embassy, the man led them to the embassy dining room where Liang and Helen were waiting.

"Ah, good," Liang smiled. "The two of you are just in time for supper."

"What's going on, Dad?" Jade wanted to know.

"We'll get to that in a little while," Helen responded. "Let's enjoy a good supper first."

"Okay," Ruby said, curious.

The four enjoyed a good supper while Jade updated everybody on her schooling at Duel Academy, and Ruby updated everybody on her schooling at the Hogsmeade Medical College.

"I imagine the two of you are wondering why you've been summoned," Liang said to Jade and Ruby.

"The thought had crossed my mind," Jade responded.

"Your father and I have something to tell to both you and Ruby," Helen announced.

"You see, ladies, something has happened involving Helen and myself," Liang started. "The truth is that Helen and I have fallen in love."

"Yes!" Jade and Ruby exclaimed in glee.

"Wait a minute," Helen cut in, puzzled. "Did the two of you know already?"

"Well, Ruby and I overheard the two of you a while back," Jade confessed. "We heard the two of you express your feelings for each other."

"Helen and I want to get married," Liang announced. "We want to know what you think about that."

"If the two of you are happy, that's what counts," Ruby responded.

"And you, Jade?" Liang asked. "It's only been six months since your mother's death."

"I know, Dad," Jade started. "Mom would want you to go on with your life. And, I have to agree with Ruby that if the two of you are happy, then that's what counts."

"Then we have yours and Ruby's blessing," Liang smiled. "The next step then is to make the arrangements."

"Let's say we celebrate your new life together," Jade said as she picked up a bottle of champagne and filled four drinking glasses with it.

"To a long and happy life together," Ruby toasted as the four drank the champagne.

A little while later, at Enchancia Castle, Dorrie, Candice, and Dianna were having a working supper in a castle conference room. The three were planning Dorrie and Candice's princess luncheon when Baileywick walked in.

"I thought you'd want to know," Baileywick started. "We've just received word that Prince Liang of Satu and Helen Hanshaw are to be married. The exact details are to be worked out."

"Well, good for them," Dianna smiled.

"Princess Dorrie," Baileywick began. "Princess Sofia is going to the Satu embassy in Dunwiddie to extend our official congratulations. She needs her spring jacket, but we can't find it."

"Not to worry," Dorrie said in a reassuring voice. "I know where it is. I'll go get it now."

As Dorrie and Baileywick left the conference room, Dianna turned to Candice.

"Now that I have you alone, I'd like to get your opinion on something," Dianna announced. "I have a sweet dessert surprise planned for you at the luncheon. But I'm having trouble thinking of a similar sweet dessert surprise for Dorrie. What would you suggest?"

"Well, Dorrie does like brownies," Candice answered.

"That's perfect," Dianna happily responded. "I have the perfect brownie recipe I can use. It's an brownies your way recipe where I can mix in nuts, flavored syrups, or even small chocolate candies."

"That sounds absolutely perfect," Candice smiled. "I know Dorrie will love them."

A while later, at the Satu embassy in Dunwiddie, Jade and Ruby were in a room talking with each other.

"Well, our parents are going to tie the knot," Ruby happily said.

Jade nodded as she looked through her Duel Monster cards.

"What has your attention?" Ruby wanted to know.

"After my Mom died, I went through her things, and I discovered ... a deck of Duel Monster cards," Jade reported. "She must have been a student a Duel Academy at some point."

"Wow!" Ruby exclaimed in awe.

"I incorporated some of the cards in her deck into my deck," Jade revealed. "It's a way of keeping her close."

"That's nice," Ruby smiled, before turning serious. "I have something of my dad's to remember him by - an old seaman's cap he left behind before ... he died at sea."

"I remember," Jade acknowledged. "He was on the same ship as Sofia's father. They were both on board when the ship went down."

"Yes," Ruby remembered. "You have something of your mother to remember her by, and I have something of my father to remember him by."

"Having second thoughts about all of this?" Jade asked.

"No," Ruby answered, cheering up. "Your mother would want your father to go on with his life, and my father would want my mother to go on with her life."

Suddenly, there was a knock at the door.

"Come in," Jade invited.

The door to the room opened and in walked Sofia.

"Sofia!" Jade and Ruby exclaimed in glee.

"So," Sofia started. "I heard the news about your parents. How does it feel knowing you're going to be sisters?"

"Amazing," Jade smiled. "Though, to be honest, it felt like we were sisters all along. This just makes it official."

"Yeah," Ruby chuckled as she took Sofia's hands. "I guess this is how you must have felt when your mom married King Roland. Now I'm going to be a princess too. I guess I could use a few tips from someone who was in the same boat."

"Say no more," Sofia happily responded. "I mean, look at me. I came from nothing and now I'm at the top of the mountain. You're in good hands, Ruby."

Back at Enchancia Castle, Doc was in her room with her toy friends Lambie, Stuffy, Chilly, Hallie, and Squeakers.

"I have to pick a helper toy to go with me every day to Hexley Hall," Doc announced.

"What exactly would a helper toy do?" Hallie wanted to know.

"That toy brings magical ingredients to me, brings other magical supplies to me, whatever I need while I'm busy doing a magical assignment and cannot leave it," Doc explained.

"Sounds like a big job," Hallie responded. "I'm already your assistant at the toy clinic, and Lambie and Stuffy help me there."

Squeakers let out a squeak as if to say don't look at me.

"I have an idea," Hallie announced as she motioned Lambie, Stuffy, and Squeakers to gather around her. As the four talked, Doc and Chilly looked at the scene, puzzled.

"We've come to a decision," Lambie happily said to Doc and Chilly.

"We've decided that ... Chilly should be your helper toy," Stuffy smiled.

"Oh, my!" Chilly exclaimed, worried. "I won't melt, will I?"

"You won't melt, Chilly," Doc said in a reassuring voice. "So, how about it? Want to be my helper toy?"

"I'll do it," Chilly agreed as everybody cheered.

A little later in a hallway inside Enchancia Castle, Dorrie and Candice were walking when King Roland approached.

"Good evening, ladies," Roland greeted. "What has you up this close to bed?"

"We're taking a walkthrough of the castle, King Roland," Candice answered. "We always did this when we were maids."

"Old habits die hard, King Roland," Dorrie added.

"Well, I for one am glad to know the two of you keep an eye on things," Roland praised. "Did Princess Dianna retire for the night?"

"Yes, King Roland," Dorrie reported. "She's settled into her guest quarters for the night."

"She wants to thank you for letting her stay overnight," Candice said to Roland.

"It was my pleasure," Roland smiled. "I've better be off. Good night, ladies."

"Good night, King Roland," Dorrie and Candice smiled back.

As Roland walked away, Dorrie and Candice smiled in happiness. It was a quiet night in the castle. Everything was the way it should be. Everything was right with the world.

(End of Chapter 17).

Behind the scenes

In this installment of "Behind the scenes", thanks to dbug27, we have the recipe for brownies your way.

Brownies your way

Ingredients:
1.5 cups sugar
2 sticks butter
1 tsp good vanilla
One half teaspoon each baking soda and baking powder
1 bag of mini chocolate chips
4 eggs
2.5 to 3 cups flour

Mix ins:
Nuts
OR Different flavors of baking chips
OR Flavored syrups
OR Small chocolate candies such as M&M's or Reese's Pieces

Instructions:
Mix chips and butter together over medium heat in a small pan till melted. Transfer to a bowl. Let cool to room temperature. Add eggs, baking soda, and baking powder then add mix in of your choice. Slowly add flour till thick. Transfer to pan. Bake at 350 degrees until a toothpick or knife comes clean.

Author's notes

Arnan is the same snowy white owl who appeared in the "Sofia the First" episode "Holiday in Enchancia".

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

Catalina and Kiera are originally from "Tangled: The Series" (also known as "Rapunzel's Tangled Adventure"). Readers of my story "Once Upon a Time in Enchancia" will remember that Catalina (Red) and Kiera (Angry) showed up in Enchancia and are now living at Enchancia Castle. Readers of "Once Upon a Time in Enchancia" will note that here in "Ever Realm Chronicles", the two are now using their real names of Catalina and Kiera at the request of Brigade701.

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

Doc, Doc's mother, Lambie, Stuffy, Chilly, Hallie, and Squeakers are based on the same characters from "Doc McStuffins" but adapted for the "Sofia the First" universe. Having these characters appear in "Ever Realm Chronicles" was the idea of MisuteriTenshi / SailorWednesdayMercury.

Duel Academy, and Duel Monster cards, are from "Yu-Gi-Oh! GX", but adapted in this story for the "Sofia the First" universe.

Elizabeth West-Chadwick, Marie Perkins, Silvia Sage-Moto, and Timothy O'Toole are characters created by MisuteriTenshi / SailorWednesdayMercury and are used in my stories with the permission of MisuteriTenshi / SailorWednesdayMercury.

Gloriana is the first name for Miss Elodie that Jolly Roger Brat came up with for use in Jolly Roger Brat's stories as well as in my stories.

Having Chilly be Doc's helper toy at Hexley Hall was the idea of MisuteriTenshi / SailorWednesdayMercury.

Having Princess Dianna of Yensid come in to help plan Dorrie and Candice's official luncheon was the idea of dbug27. Having Princess Dianna make brownies your way for Dorrie was also the idea of dbug27.

Headmistress Lovegood (A.K.A. Miss Gayle Lovegood) is originally from my stories "Dorrie", "Dorrie: Book Two", and "Once Upon a Time in Enchancia", and is an ancestor of Luna Lovegood from "Harry Potter".

"I'm the one who should be thanking you," the male dragon said in a relieved voice. "Now that I'm no longer needed to guard the Dragon Talisman, I can take my place in the stars among the other dragon spirits." - this was inspired by the ending of the 1996 movie "Dragonheart" where Draco the dragon dies and joins the spirits of past dragons who are stars in the night sky.

Jade discovering that her mother had a Duel Monsters deck, and having Jade incorporate some of those cards into her deck, was the idea of MisuteriTenshi / SailorWednesdayMercury.

Princess Dianna of Yensid is a character created by dbug27 and is used in this story with permission from dbug27. Princess Dianna is from dbug27's story "a special princess".

Ruby and Sofia's fathers being on the same ship that went down at sea was the idea of MisuteriTenshi / SailorWednesdayMercury.

Ruby having her father's old seaman's cap was based on an idea by MisuteriTenshi / SailorWednesdayMercury. While not used in this chapter, MisuteriTenshi / SailorWednesdayMercury also came up with a name for Ruby's father: Stanley Hanshaw.

Sofia showing up while Jade and Ruby were talking was the idea of Jake H Voronkov (who also provided the dialog for that scene).

Sorting Hat is from "Harry Potter". The Hexley Hall Sorting Hat is based on the Hogwarts Sorting Hat seen in "Harry Potter".

Tarot cards are small, paper cards that come in a deck, similar to playing cards, and are used for looking into future events.

The Dragon and Pig Talismans are originally from "Jackie Chan Adventures". Using the Dragon and Pig Talismans in this chapter was the idea of Jake H Voronkov.

The Hogsmeade Medical College is from Chapters 1,2, 12, and 15 of "Ever Realm Chronicles" and is something I created for "Ever Realm Chronicles". The Village of Hogsmeade itself is from "Harry Potter".

The Kingdom of Cinnibar is a kingdom created by Jake H Voronkov and is used in my stories with permission from Jake H Voronkov.

The Kingdom of Satu is originally from "Elena of Avalor".

The Kingdom of Yensid is a kingdom created by dbug27 and is used in this story with permission from dbug27.

The Kingdom of Zumaria is from "Sofia the First".

The Scarlett Warrior (A.K.A. Scarlett) (A.K.A. Queen Scarlett) (A.K.A. Queen Scarlett Katherine Felchenerow) is a character created by Jake H Voronkov and is used in my stories with permission from Jake H Voronkov.

The scene with Scarlett handing Sofia the Pig Talisman was the idea of Jake H Voronkov (who also supplied the dialog for that scene).

Using Crackle in this chapter was the idea of Brigade701.

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).

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

Elizabeth West-Chadwick, Marie Perkins, Silvia Sage-Moto, Timothy O'Toole, and the other original ideas from MisuteriTenshi / SailorWednesdayMercury are the property of MisuteriTenshi / SailorWednesdayMercury and are used in my stories 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.

"Jackie Chan Adventures" and everything associated with it © The JC Group, Blue Train Entertainment, Adelaide Productions, and Sony Pictures Television.

Princess Dianna of Yensid and the other original ideas from dbug27 are the property of dbug27 and are used in this story with the permission of dbug27.

"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 Jake H Voronkov are the property of Jake H Voronkov and are used in my stories with the permission of Jake H Voronkov.

"Yu-Gi-Oh! GX" and everything associated with it © Roadshow Entertainment, 4Kids Entertainment, and Konami Cross Media NY.

I only own Candice Cosmarune-Cooper, Dorrie Cosmarune-Cooper, Greythorns, Headmistress Lovegood, Kennicot House, Lynn Greythorn, Magician Arts, Marcella Greythorn, Pepperton House, Queen Annora, Stryker House, the Hogsmeade Medical College, the House of Revargia, the male dragon, the man at the Satu embassy, the SkyCruise 1120, and the Treaty of Dramance.