Ever Realm Chronicles - a Sofia the First fanfic
Song in this chapter: a slightly rewritten version of "Reunion With Marie" from "Paulie".
Chapter 14: New Things
March 14, 1872
In the laboratory of Cinnibar Palace, Scarlett paced around the pedestal in the center of the room and glanced at the Horse, Rat, Sheep, Pig, and Tiger Talismans resting in their slots as she nodded to herself.
"Five down, seven to go," she said to herself before turning to Faith. "Any reports?"
"We did just get a report from Freezenburg," Faith responded. "Valuable riches from all over the kingdom have been going missing. And there's no evidence of nothing at any of the crime scenes to be found. Even the guards weren't knocked out and didn't see anything going missing. You and I must be thinking the same thing."
"The Snake Talisman," mother and daughter chorused.
"I'll let Violet know right away," Faith promised as she walked away.
Meanwhile, in the royal palace in the Kingdom of Freezenburg, King Henrik was talking to his nineteen-year-old daughter, Princess Hildegard of Freezenburg.
"These thefts are very disturbing," Henrik stated to Hildegard. "Something has to be done."
"Indeed," Hildegard agreed. "The good people of Freezenburg deserve all the help we can provide them."
"Which is why I'm assigning you to investigate this," Henrik announced.
"I'm honored," Hildegard smiled, before turning serious. "But law enforcement isn't exactly one of my skills."
"What we need is a member of the royal family to stand out on this as a figurehead," Henrik responded. "Your sister is busy with her charitable work, and I'm busy running the kingdom. That leaves you."
"I will, of course, do whatever it takes to stop these thefts," Hildegard pledged.
"I know you will," Henrik smiled as he hugged Hildegard. "You may, however, may need to use the you know if it comes to that."
"But, Dad," Hildegard started, "that is supposed to be our family's secret. And you know how uncomfortable I am with having the ... you know."
"Desperate times call for desperate measures," Henrik pointed out. "The you know has been our family's secret for generations. But, if it comes down to it, then it must be used."
"I understand," Hildegard acknowledged.
Later, at Enchancia Castle, Roland was meeting with Violet, Dorrie, Candice, Sofia, Lucinda, Amber, and Abby.
"Violet has received a message from Princess Faith," Roland reported. "There have been a series of thefts in Freezenburg. There is no evidence left at the crime scenes, and people who were there report seeing nothing out of the ordinary."
"Mysterious," Lucinda remarked.
"Princess Faith and Queen Scarlett believe somebody is using the Snake Talisman to commit these thefts," Roland revealed. "The Snake Talisman gives its user the power of invisibility."
"It would certainly be the perfect tool for a thief," Sofia noted.
"Yes," Roland agreed. "I'm sending the seven of you to Freezenburg to assist in finding this thief, and if he or she is using the Snake Talisman, you are to recover it and make sure it is delivered to Queen Scarlett for safekeeping. Once you arrive in Freezenburg, you'll report to Princess Hildegard who has been put in charge of finding the thief."
"It will be nice seeing Hilde again," Amber smiled.
"Two royal carriages are waiting to take the seven of you to Freezenburg," Roland revealed. "Good hunting."
Arriving in Freezenburg
In a while, the two royal carriages from Enchancia arrived at the royal palace in Freezenburg. As everybody got off of the carriages, they noticed that it was cold and there was a light snow falling - typical weather for Freezenburg. As the new arrivals looked at the snow falling, King Henrik walked up, followed by Hildegard.
"Welcome to Freezenburg, ladies," Henrik greeted. "We're grateful to have you here to help."
"We come to serve, King Henrik," Violet acknowledged as Henric turned to Candice.
"Lady Candice," Henrik smiled. "A pleasure to see you again."
"And it's a pleasure to see you again, King Henrik," Candice acknowledged.
"The two of you know each other?" Violet asked, taken off guard.
"Candice, on behalf of Enchancian Intelligence, helped us to recover a stolen magical device from Weselton," Hildegard explained.
"Interesting," Violet remarked as she turned to Candice. "Please explain."
"It was a top-secret mission," Candice started. "Weselton stole a magical device from Freezenburg that allows Freezenburg to keep its winter weather manageable. Ever since the Duke of Weselton's encounter with then Queen Elsa of Arendelle, Weselton has become very interested in all things magical. They were hoping to reverse engineer the device to use as a weapon."
"And, of course, we couldn't let that happen," Henrik pointed out.
"I managed to take back the device, and I high-tailed it back to Freezenburg ... with agents from Weselton hot on my tail," Candice continued. "Those agents got the shock of their lives when they found Freezenburg's military waiting at the border. They fled for home with their tales between their legs."
Henric and Hildegard laughed at Candice's humorous description of what had taken place.
"Thanks to Lady Candice, we got the device back, and everything returned to normal," Henrik praised. "We view Lady Candice as a heroine here in Freezenburg."
"You never cease to amaze me, Candice," Violet said with pride.
"Now on to the matter at hand," Henric announced to the arrivals from Enchancia. "I understand you feel that a magical talisman is at the heart of our current problem."
"Yes, King Henrik," Violet stated. "We believe it is a talisman capable of making its user invisible."
"Which would explain why our thief can carry out his or her deeds without being seen," Hildegard thought out loud.
"I've put my daughter here in charge of the investigation," Henrik explained. "Meanwhile, guest rooms have been prepaired for all of you. If you'll follow my daughter, she'll take you to the scene of the latest theft."
As everybody followed Hildegard, Amber walked up next to Hildegard.
"Good to see you, Hilde," Amber smiled.
"And it's good to see you, Amber," Hildegard happily responded, before turning serious. "I'm so hoping all of you can help. To be honest, I don't know much about law enforcement. I feel like I'm some sort of third wheel."
"You're nothing of the sort," Amber said reassuringly. "You've been put in charge because of your leadership skills. You'll do fine."
"Thank you for saying that, Amber," Hildegard responded in a relieved way.
"You're welcome, Hilde," Amber smiled as the group continued to follow Hildegard.
In a few minutes, Hildegard led the group into the village that was near the castle. Hildegard then stopped at a local jewelry store. "This is the scene of the latest theft," Hildegard announced as a male guard walked up and saluted.
"Captain Eberhart at your service, Princess," the guard announced. "Your father has sent word that you've been put in charge of the investigation."
"Thank you, Captain," Hildegard acknowledged. "These are friends of mine from Enchancia. They will be helping with the investigation."
"Very good, Princess," Eberhart responded. "We've sealed off the area. What you see here is how it looked immediately after the theft."
"If I may ask, Captain, what was taken?" Violet asked.
"The entire inventory, ma'am," Eberhart reported.
"Any clues, Captain?" Sofia wanted to know.
"Just some footprints leading away from the store, ma'am," Eberhart answered. "They end at the street where they blend in with other footprints. Impossible to track from that point."
"We're obviously dealing with somebody who knows how to shake a pursuit," Lucinda theorized.
"Indeed, ma'am," Eberhart agreed.
March 15, 1872
It was a Friday morning. In the royal palace in the Kingdom of Freezenburg, everybody had just finished breakfast when Candice raced into the royal dining hall.
"I suggest we get going," Candice urged. "Another crime is about to take place. If we hurry, we may be able to cut off the thief at the pass."
"How do you know this?" Hildegard asked.
"Our Candice can sense future events before they happen, Princess," Violet spoke up. "We'd be wise to take Candice at her word."
"Then we should get going at once," Hildegard directed. "Candice, please lead the way."
Candice, Violet, Dorrie, Sofia, Lucinda, Amber, Abby, and Hildegard quickly put on their coats as Candice led them into the nearby village. In a short while, Candice led the group to a small general merchandise store. As they approached, they heard a commotion coming from inside the store.
"I may not be able to see you," a man shouted. "But you're not leaving my store with my hard-earned money, thief!"
"What's going on?!" Hildegard demanded to know as the group entered the store.
"Close the door, Princess!" the man exclaimed. "We have an invisible thief who is trying to escape!"
Suddenly, somebody who was invisible brushed past the group. As Hildegard watched, footprints started forming in the snow outside as the invisible thief fled the store.
"Have to stop that thief," Hildegard thought to herself. "Even if it means revealing my secret."
Hildegard outstretched her hands and shot an icy blast in the direction being made by the footprints. The icy blast caused the figure of a man to form outside. The icy blast also froze the man in place.
"Hilde?" Amber asked in shock.
"Whoa, girl," Lucinda said, impressed, to Hildegard. "Didn't know you could do that."
Hildegard went to the corner of the store, trying to hide from the attention.
"It's okay," Candice said in a reassuring voice as she walked up to Hildegard. "We're not judging you. We're just ... taken off guard."
"I'm a freak!" Hildegard cried.
"No, you're not," Candice gently said. "You're just different. There's nothing wrong with being different."
"Thank you, Candice," Hildegard said, grateful.
Sofia, Dorrie, and Abby raced outside. Sofia grabbed the man with her Enchantlet as Dorrie and Abby used their wands to unfreeze the man. Violet then came out of the store with a small bag of flour and poured the flour on the man which made the man totally visible. The man struggled to escape, but Sofia's Enchantlet held him firmly in place.
"Here's the little bugger," Violet remarked as she grabbed the Snake Talisman from the man's neck. "You won't be using this to commit any more crimes."
With the thief no longer able to become invisible, some guards raced up and took custody of the man. Sofia released the man from her Enchantlet, and the guards dragged the man off to jail. Inside the store, Candice was trying to reassure Hildegard that everything would be fine.
"I can't go out there," Hildegard quietly said. "Everybody will look at me like I'm a freak."
"Yes, there will be surprise at first," Candice gently pointed out. "But, everybody will come to accept what you can do. I should know. I have Maleficent's powers. People eventually accepted that."
"Come on, Hilde," Amber said in a reassuring tone. "You, me, Lucinda, and Candice will walk out there. We'll stand with you."
"You're still a Princess of Freezenburg," Lucinda pointed out to Hildegard. "Always remember that."
"You're right," Hildegard responded, trying to muster her courage.
Hildegard walked out the door, followed by Amber, Lucinda, and Candice. The people outside noticed Hildegard and started cheering.
"Our beautiful princess," a man praised.
"She showed that thief a thing or two," a woman remarked.
"All hail Princess Hildegard," another man called out.
"You're not ... frightened?" Hildegard asked, taken off guard by the crowd's support.
"Surprised, yes," the woman admitted. "But frightened? No. You're still our princess."
Hildegard smiled at the woman's kind comment as Violet walked up.
"There you go, Princess Hildegard," Violet smiled. "At the end of the day, your people love you, no matter what. You're truly blessed."
"Thank you, Lady Violet," Hildegard smiled back, pleased and touched.
March 16, 1872
It was a late Saturday morning in the Kingdom of Cinnibar. Violet, Dorrie, Candice, Sofia, Lucinda, Amber, and Abby had just arrived at Scarlett's palace to deliver the Snake Talisman to Scarlett. As they walked into the palace, Faith was waiting for them.
"My mother is occupied with royal duties," Faith explained. "I take it you have the Snake Talisman?"
"Yes, Princess Faith," Violet confirmed.
"If you give the Snake Talisman to me, I'll make sure my mother gets it as soon as she's finished," Faith promised.
Violet handed the Snake Talisman to Faith. Faith then smiled as she took the talisman and tossed it in her hand.
"Thank you, ladies," Faith acknowledged. "My mother will be pleased ... although there is one more thing I would like to talk to you about."
"Well? Spit it out," Sofia said as Faith sighed.
"As you know, fate is a cruel mistress," Faith started. "And what we do as Protectors is dangerous. Just look at what happened to Colette, Hematite, and Caitlyn."
"So you're saying you want to make us immortal?" Candice asked in shock.
"Not exactly," Faith answered. "With this kind of job, any of you can get your ticket punched at any time. What I'm saying is that should any of you should die before your time comes, I would like your permission to use the Resurrection Gauntlet on you."
"Let us have a moment, Princess," Violet requested.
Violet, Dorrie, Candice, Sofia, Lucinda, Amber, and Abby all stepped to one side and whispered to one another. In a few moments, Violet stepped forward and approached Faith.
"We've made a decision, Princess Faith," Violet announced. "We accept your offer, but there is a condition attached."
"I'm listening," Faith acknowledged.
"The Resurrection Gauntlet may only be used on any of us if there's absolutely no hope of surviving," Violet said.
"I can live with that," Faith agreed. "If all of you will follow me, I've made arrangements for lunch to be served. I'm sure you're hungry after your trip from Enchancia."
"Thank you, Princess," Violet smiled. "That's most thoughtful."
"My pleasure," Faith smiled back.
As the group walked to the palace dining hall, Faith turned to Dorrie and Candice. "So, I understand the royal family of Ornburgh are coming to Enchancia Castle in April."
"Yes, but how did you know?" Dorrie asked.
"Word travels fast in royal circles," Faith answered. "Any idea why they are visiting?"
"There is the Ornburgh royal tradition that five months before a royal wedding, the king or queen ruling the kingdom offers a special gift to the bride or groom entering the Ornburgh royal family," Violet explained. "In this case, Dorrie and Candice are marrying into the Ornburgh royal family. I imagine King Jonathan has a special gift for Dorrie and Candice."
"Such gifts in the past have been quite impressive," Amber pointed out.
"Sounds interesting," Faith said in awe.
March 22, 1872
A week had passed since the events in Freezenburg. At the royal palace of Freezenburg, Hildegard was relaxing in the sitting room of the palace as a male servant walked up.
"Princess, Lady Candice is here to see you," the servant announced.
"Please, send her in," Hildegard happily instructed.
In a few moments, Candice walked into the sitting room.
"Candice," Hildegard cheerfully greeted as the two hugged.
"Hilde," Candice smiled. "How are you doing?"
"Everything is fine, Candice," Hildegard reported. "The people accept who I am. I was worried for nothing."
"That's good to hear," Candice happily responded.
"What may I do for you?" Hildegard wanted to know.
"I've brought a royal friend with me who very much wants to meet you," Candice answered.
"Who?" Hildegard asked, curious.
Candice motioned for somebody to come into the sitting room. "Allow me to introduce you to ... Elsa, Queen Emerita of Arendelle."
"Oh, my!" Hildegard exclaimed in awe as she curtsied.
"There's no need to curtsy on my behalf," Elsa smiled at Hildegard. "We're the same, you and I."
"Welcome to Freezenburg, Queen Emerita Elsa," Hildegard greeted. "It's a great honor having you here."
"The honor is mine," Elsa nodded with a smile. "And please, just call me Elsa."
"Thank you ... Elsa," Hildegard responded, before turning to a passing male servant. "Please ..."
"That won't be necessary, Hilde," Candice cheerfully interrupted. "Food and drink are coming in a few minutes. I took the liberty of making the arrangements as soon as Elsa and I arrived."
"Always the consummate professional," Hildegard happily approved. "Your years of royal service proceed you."
"My pleasure," Candice winked. "Shall we sit down?"
Candice, Elsa, and Hildegard sat down as two male servants brought in tea and sandwiches. Candice, Elsa, and Hildegard then started to have a conversation.
"I'm curious, Hildegard," Elsa started. "Does your family have a history of ice powers?"
"Actually, we do," Hildegard admitted. "The power has been in our family for generations, but it skips a generation with each child. I was the one who inherited the power this time around."
"I see," Elsa acknowledged. "Have you ever had any formal training in how to use it?"
"No," Hildegard answered. "Our family has kept the ability secret up to now. I naturally know how to use the power on a general basis, if that makes any sense."
"It makes perfect sense," Elsa reasoned. "Whatever gene that passes the power from one child to another would also include genetic instructions on how to use it."
"Interesting," Candice commented. "It sounds like what I inherited from Maleficent. I just naturally know how to use her powers. I have, however, trained with the help of others to refine my use of those powers."
"Which brings up another matter, Hildegard," Elsa announced. "You'll need training to refine your power. If you'll allow me, I'd like to train you myself. I can show you ways of using your power that you never dreamed of."
"I would like that," Hildegard smiled. "I just hope I'm worthy of your standards."
"You'll do fine," Elsa smiled back.
"Where would this training take place?" Hildegard wanted to know, curious.
"I'm glad you asked, Hilde," Candice spoke up. "The Wendarby Institute in Enchancia has offered its grounds to you and Elsa. The school isn't operating for its students until September, so you and Elsa would be able to train in private."
"I was thinking we could train on weekends," Elsa suggested to Hildegard. "The school has dorm facilities, so we could spend entire weekends there. Also, the Village of Wendarby is quite pleasant, and would make a good diversion when we take breaks."
"That sounds wonderful," Hildegard approved. "I want to thank the two of you for your support. I'm most grateful."
"You're very welcome," Elsa smiled.
"What are friends for?" Candice cheerfully added.
March 23, 1872
It was a Saturday morning at Enchancia Castle. The royal doctor had recently retired, and he and his family had moved out of the castle. In what had been the royal doctor's living area, nineteen-year-old Amber and nineteen-year-old James walked into the now empty living area. The living area was quite spacious, and was large enough for an entire family to live in. The living area itself was made up of a sitting/living room, a family kitchen, a family bathroom, and some bedrooms. Amber and James walked into one of the bedrooms where some baby items were laying on the floor.
"This will make a great nursery for our new doctor's baby daughter," James remarked.
"Yes, James," Amber smiled, pleased. "All we have to do is to get this room ready."
"Then let's get started," James happily responded.
As Amber and James got to work getting the room ready, the two talked among themselves.
"I haven't heard much about the new doctor and her family," James said, curious.
"I heard Daddy talking to Baileywick," Amber volunteered. "There are six of them. There's our new royal doctor. Then there is her husband who is a cook who will be joining the kitchen staff. They have three children. And our new cook has a mother who will also be living here."
"One big happy family," James smiled.
A little while passed, and Amber and James had finished the room.
"Amber, James," a female voice called out.
Amber and James looked up to see Candice walk in.
"Candice," Amber warmly greeted. "What may we do for you?"
"Your parents want you in the throne room," Candice announced. "Our new doctor and her family are here."
Amber, James, and Candice walked to the throne room where Sofia, Lucinda, Hikari, Miranda, and Roland were waiting. Also standing in the throne room was a black family.
"Amber, James," Roland smiled, "come meet our new royal doctor and her family."
The new royal doctor walked up to Amber and James and curtsied. "Nice to meet you, Princess Amber and Prince James. I'm Doctor Maisha McStuffins."
"A pleasure to meet you, ma'am," Amber greeted.
"Allow me to introduce you to my family," Maisha started. "This is my husband, Marcus. This is my mother-in-law, Lois. And these are our children, Dottie, Donny, and Maya."
Amber and James looked at the McStuffins children. Dottie was a seven-year-old girl, Donny was a four-year-old boy, and Maya was a baby girl being held by Marcus.
"A pleasure to meet all of you," James greeted.
"The pleasure is ours, Prince James," Dottie smiled. "I'm Dottie, although most people call me Doc."
"Doc?" Amber asked, curious.
"Doc is a fine toy doctor," Lois praised. "If a toy needs to be fixed, Doc is the one to see."
"I'm sure your services will be appreciated by the local children," Roland said to Doc as he walked up, before turning to Amber and James. "Is Baby Maya's nursery ready?"
"It's ready and waiting," Amber said proudly.
"Great," Roland acknowledged, pleased, as Violet and Dorrie walked in to join Candice. Roland then turned to Maisha. "This is our head maid, Violet Cooper, and her two daughters."
"A pleasure to meet you, ladies," Maisha nodded in acknowledgment.
"It's a pleasure to meet you and your family, ma'am," Violet smiled. "If you need anything, please let me or my daughters know. We'll be more than happy to help."
"That's very kind of you, Violet," Maisha smiled. "And ..."
"I'm Dorrie, and this is my sister, Candice," Dorrie responded.
"It's very nice to meet you, ma'am," Candice smiled.
"What two kind young women," Maisha remarked about Dorrie and Candice.
"If you or your family need anything, just say the word, ma'am," Violet offered.
At that moment, some luggage was brought in by some male servants.
"Please take the luggage to the royal doctor's living area," Violet instructed as the servants carried out Violet's orders.
A large crate was then brought in.
"Oh," Doc said. "These are my stuffed toys. I hope you don't mind I brought them along? They're friends to me."
"No problem," Candice smiled. "I understand completely. I have a special friend myself - my doll Jenny. I've had her since I was a girl."
"I'd like to meet Jenny sometime," Doc suggested.
"I'm sure Jenny would like that," Candice said, pleased.
April 6, 1872
It was a Saturday morning at Enchancia Castle. In the auxiliary kitchen of the castle, Dorrie and Candice were putting the finishing touches on a large cake when Amber walked in.
"You're here working on a cake for your occasion tonight?" Amber asked.
"It's what we do," Candice acknowledged.
"Since the occasion is for us, Candice and I want to make sure the cake is perfect for the guests," Dorrie explained.
"The two of you are such professionals," Amber smiled. "When the two of you become royals, you're going to make wonderful hosts."
"Thank you, Amber," Candice responded, pleased.
"Yes, thank you, Amber," Dorrie also responded, pleased.
"It's high praise the two of you deserve," Amber happily said. "So, you two ready for tonight?"
"As ready as we can be," Dorrie answered.
"All we have to do is to change into gowns, and then greet the royal family of Ornburgh when they arrive," Candice pointed out.
At that moment, Baileywick walked into the auxiliary kitchen.
"Three hours until the royal family of Ornburgh arrive, ladies," Baileywick said to Dorrie and Candice as Dorrie put a final frosting rose on the cake.
"Done," Dorrie smiled.
"The two of you should be getting ready," Baileywick instructed Dorrie and Candice.
"Leaving now, sir," Candice acknowledged as she and Dorrie left for their rooms.
In a short while, Candice reached her room. As she went to open the door, she heard two female voices coming from inside the room.
"There, Jenny," one of the voices happily said. "All mended. Lady Candice will be pleased."
"Thank you, Doc," the other voice said, pleased. "My shoulder stitching was getting a bit worn. I feel much better now."
Candice started to open the door.
"Go stuffed," the first voice instructed as the door opened. Candice then saw seven-year-old Doc standing there holding Jenny.
"Oh, Lady Candice," Doc smiled. "I've fixed Jenny as requested."
"Thank you," Candice acknowledged, pleased. "And what's with the Lady bit? Just call me Candice. Everybody else does."
"Of course, Candice," Doc responded.
"Did I hear voices in here?" Candice wondered.
"I like to talk to myself when I work," Doc answered. "You must have heard that."
"Well, all the best workers do," Candice smiled as her amulet started glowing.
"What was that?" Doc asked, amazed and taken off guard at the same time.
"My Amulet of Valorage," Candice answered. "Its magical, and it glows when it gives me a new gift."
"Amazing," Doc said, impressed. "Any idea what gift you got?"
"I usually don't know right away," Candice explained. "I'll find out sooner or later. What do I owe you for repairing Jenny?"
"I don't charge for my services," Doc pointed out.
"A labor of love," Candice happily acknowledged. "You have my deepest gratitude for repairing Jenny. She and I are quite close."
"You're welcome, Candice," Doc smiled. "I suppose you need to get ready for the arrival of the Ornburgh royal family?"
"Yes," Candice acknowledged. "Got to change into a gown, then fix my hair a bit."
"Then I'll see you tonight," Doc said as she left.
That night
Guests from far and wide were gathered in the Enchancia Castle ballroom. Standing to one side were Dorrie and Prince Frederick, and Candice and Prince Everett. In a few moments, King Roland stepped forward.
"As all of you know, Dorrie and Frederick, and Candice and Everett, will be getting married in September," Roland announced. "In Ornburgh royal tradition, five months before a bride or groom enter the Ornburgh royal family by way of marriage, the bride or groom is given a special gift. I now give you King Jonathan of Ornburgh to make the official gift announcement."
Everybody clapped as King Jonathan stepped forward.
"Thank you," King Jonathan smiled. "This is such a happy moment. It is my great honor to give a very special gift to Lady Dorrie and Lady Candice. I have an official scroll for each of them that explains what that gift is. I'll have you know that the gift has the official support of the Ornburgh Parliament."
Jonathan walked over to Dorrie and Candice and handed them their scrolls. Dorrie and Candice then opened the scrolls and read them.
"Oh my God!" Dorrie exclaimed in both shock and awe.
"I must be reading this wrong," Candice said in both disbelief and wonderment.
"You're not," Dorrie smiled in happiness.
"Ladies and gentlemen," Jonathan announced. "With the blessing of the Ornburgh Parliament, I officially present to you ... Princess Dorrie and Princess Candice of Ornburgh."
Everybody gathered clapped and cheered as Jonathan put a tiara on Dorrie's head, and a tiara on Candice's head. Violet, standing nearby, cried in happiness for her daughters.
"Since Dorrie and Candice have been around royalty for a long time, and since they have graduated with honors from Royal Prep, it only seemed fitting to give them their titles now," Jonathan happily announced to those gathered.
"All hail Princess Dorrie! All hail Princess Candice!" those gathered chanted in respect as Dorrie and Candice smiled in happiness.
Everybody had a wonderful celebration dinner which was followed up by the cake that Dorrie and Candice had made. For Dorrie and Candice, it was simply the most wonderful night of their lives.
After the celebration and after having spent time with Everett, Candice made her way back to her room. Upon entering her room, Candice turned on the gas lighting to light her room up. Suddenly, her amulet glowed for a few seconds, then went back to normal.
"Ah!" Candice remembered. "My new gift. I wonder what I got?"
"Hello?" a girl's voice called out.
"Who's there?!" Candice called out as she quickly brought out her wand.
"It's okay, Candice," the girl's voice said in a reassuring manner. "It's just me."
"Who's me?" Candice wanted to know.
"Jenny," the girl's voice answered.
"What?!" Candice exclaimed in disbelief. "Come on, Candice. You're going nuts, girl."
"No you're not," Jenny said as she stepped forward.
"How is this possible?" Candice asked in disbelief.
"Doc has the power to bring toys to life through her stethoscope," Jenny explained. "Your amulet must have given you a copy of Doc's gift."
"Oh my God!" Candice exclaimed in happiness as she gently picked up Jenny and cradled Jenny in her arms. "Jenny. My Jenny. You're alive."
"Yes, I am," Jenny smiled. "Now we can talk like I've always wanted to."
"Oh, Jenny!" Candice cried in happiness. "This is so wonderful."
"First things first," Jenny started. "I want to thank you for picking me out from that toy shelf all those years ago. You'll never know just how happy that made me. Somebody actually wanted me."
"You're the song that the tree sings, when the wind blows," Candice started happily singing. "You're a flower, you're a river, you're a rainbow. I loved you the first time I saw you. And I always will love you, Jenny."
"And I'll always love you, Candice," Jenny happily responded.
Candice and Jenny then sat down on Candice's bed. The two had a pleasant conversation. After an hour, it was time to go to bed. Candice got into bed as Jenny snuggled next to Candice. Creamy, who had just walked in and was now laying in his cat bed, looked up at Candice and Jenny and smiled. It had been an exciting evening. And the adventure was just beginning.
(End of Chapter 14).
Behind the scenes
In this installment of "Behind the scenes", we have two recipes kindly given to us by Jolly Roger Brat.
This is a favorite treat at Enchancia Castle. The royal family loves waking up to one of Violet's special breakfasts, especially during Wassalia! But don't let the name fool you; it can be enjoyed at any other time of the year as well.
Wassalia Morn Casserole
20 oz package of frozen hash browns, thawed
4 cups shredded Monterrey Jack cheese
2 cups diced cooked ham
7 eggs
1 cup milk
½ tsp salt
½ tsp pepper
½ tsp ground mustard
1. Place hash browns in a greased 13 x 9" baking dish.
2. Sprinkle with cheese and ham, set aside.
3. Beat together eggs, milk, salt, pepper, and mustard, pour over ham and cheese.
4. Bake covered at 350 for one hour. Uncover and bake 15 more minutes or until golden. Serves 8.
Dorrie and Candice like making these bar cookies when the queens get together or for another treat for the Buttercups. And they know that if there's one thing that can get James to take a break from the stacks of papers he helps edit, it's this!
Brown Sugar Shortbread
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups light brown sugar, firmly packed
3 eggs
1 ½ cups flour
1 tsp baking powder
¼ tsp salt
2 tsp vanilla
1. Preheat oven to 350. Lightly grease a 13 x 9" baking pan and set aside.
2. Cream butter and sugar together in a large bowl until fully combined, at least 5 minutes. Add eggs, one at a time, and continue to mix until light and fluffy.
3. Sift flour, baking powder, and salt together. Add to creamed mixture and combine until smooth. Add vanilla and mix once more.
4. Pour batter into prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 30 minutes or until golden brown.
5. Let shortbread cool for 15 minutes then cut into squares.
Author's notes
Catilyn is a character created by Jake H Voronkov for my stories, inspired by a character seen in the "League of Legends" video game.
consummate professional: a character who is characterized by their intense professionalism.
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.
Elsa of Arendelle, and Weselton, are from "Frozen".
"First things first," Jenny started. "I want to thank you for picking me out from that toy shelf all those years ago. You'll never know just how happy that made me. Somebody actually wanted me." - this is a reference to events seen in Chapter 21 of my story "Tales from the Castle".
Having Mr. McStuffins be a cook joining the kitchen staff was the idea of MisuteriTenshi / SailorWednesdayMercury.
Hematite is a character created by MisuteriTenshi / SailorWednesdayMercury and is used in my stories with the permission of MisuteriTenshi / SailorWednesdayMercury.
Hikari is an alternate universe version of Hikari from "Digimon: Digital Monsters". Having Hikari appear in this story was the idea of Shaddowridder221. I decided to use Hikari's original Japanese name of Hikari to avoid confusion with Princess Kari from "Sofia the First".
Hildegard having ice powers was the idea of Jake H Voronkov.
Maleficent is from (in order of appearance) "Sleeping Beauty", "Maleficent", "Disney Descendants", and "Maleficent: Mistress of Evil".
Princess Faith (Queen Scarlett's adopted daughter) is an earlier version of Faith seen in the "Torchwood" episodes "Dead Man Walking" and "Fragments".
The idea of giving Dorrie and Candice each the title of a full princess was the idea of Brigade701 (based on the fact that each had attended and graduated from Royal Prep).
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 McStuffins family is based on the McStuffins family from "Doc McStuffins" but adapted for the "Sofia the First" universe. Having the McStuffins family appear in "Ever Realm Chronicles" was the idea of MisuteriTenshi / SailorWednesdayMercury (who also suggested that Maisha McStuffins be the new royal doctor). In the interest of transparency, it should be noted that a doctor who appears in dbug27's story "A Special Princess" is a distant relative of Doc/Dottie.
The Resurrection Gauntlet is originally from "Torchwood".
The royal doctor's living area in Enchancia Castle was the idea of MisuteriTenshi / SailorWednesdayMercury.
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. Meanwhile, the character of Colette (A.K.A. Lady Colette Cosmarune) is a character that I and Jake H Voronkov created and is based on Bayonetta from the video game "Bayonetta" (please note that Colette, and Madam Collette of Enchancia Castle, are two different characters who are not related in any way, shape, or form).
The scene with Faith, Violet, Dorrie, Candice, Sofia, Lucinda, Amber, and Abby was the idea of Jake H Voronkov (who also supplied some the dialog for the scene).
The scene with Scarlett and Faith at the beginning of this chapter was the idea of Jake H Voronkov (who also supplied the dialog for the scene).
The Snake Talisman is originally from "Jackie Chan Adventures".
The song that Candice sings in this chapter is a slightly rewritten version of "Reunion With Marie" from "Paulie".
The storyline revolving around the Snake Talisman and Freezenburg was the idea of Jake H Voronkov.
Using the Wendarby Institute to have Elsa train Hildegard was based on a suggestion made by Brigade701.
Disclaimer
"Bayonetta" and everything associated with it © PlatinumGames, Sega, and Nintendo.
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).
"Digimon: Digital Monsters" and everything associated with it © Akiyoshi Hongo, Bandai, and Toei Animation.
"Disney Descendants" and everything associated with it © Disney.
"Doc McStuffins" and everything associated with it © Brown Bag Films, and Disney.
"Frozen" and everything associated with it © Disney.
Hematite 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.
"Jackie Chan Adventures" and everything associated with it © The JC Group, Blue Train Entertainment, Adelaide Productions, and Sony Pictures Television.
"League of Legends" and everything associated with it © Riot Games.
"Maleficent" and everything associated with it © Walt Disney Pictures and Roth Films.
"Maleficent: Mistress of Evil" and everything associated with it © Walt Disney Pictures and Roth Films.
"Paulie" and everything associated with it © Mutual Film Company, and DreamWorks Pictures.
"Sleeping Beauty" and everything associated with it © Disney.
"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.
"Torchwood" and everything associated with it © BBC.
I only own Abby Cosmarune-Murphy, Captain Eberhart, Candice Cosmarune-Cooper, Dorrie Cosmarune-Cooper, Jenny, King Jonathan, the Amulet of Valorage, the auxiliary kitchen at Enchancia Castle, the Village of Wendarby, and the Wendarby Institute.
