Ever Realm Chronicles - a Sofia the First fanfic
I apologize for this chapter taking longer than usual. I've had some non-writing things to take care of that got in the way of writing this chapter.
Song in this chapter: "Double, Double, Toil and Trouble" from "Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban".
Chapter 25: Settling In
October 28, 1872
In the skies of the Ever Realm, Lucinda was sitting in a flying carriage on its way to the Kingdom of Yensid. There was a surprise event going on in Yensid. Prince Carter of the Kingdom of Farmington would be proposing to Princess Dianna of Yensid ... and Dianna had no idea of Carter's planned proposal. It was meant to be a surprise for Dianna. In fact, Dianna's sisters had been secretly working on a dinner to be held at Yensid Castle that night, and Lucinda had been invited as one of Dianna's best friends. At the dinner, Carter would propose to Dianna.
Lucinda smiled as she sat back in the carriage as it flew toward Yensid. It would be a great evening featuring a pleasant surprise for Dianna. Everything was going to be fine with the world.
In a while, Lucinda's carriage landed in the courtyard of Yensid Castle. As Lucinda got out of her carriage, she noticed a visiting carriage parked nearby. Lucinda then walked over to the visiting carriage and noticed that the carriage was empty as a male servant from Yensid Castle approached.
"Princess Lucinda," the servant began. "If you'll follow me, I'll take you to where the guests are assembled."
"Thank you," Lucinda acknowledged as she followed the servant into the castle.
In a few moments, Lucinda found herself in the castle's great hall where some guests, as well as Dianna's family, were gathered.
"Hey, girl," a female voice came from behind Lucinda.
Lucinda turned around to see Dorrie and Candice standing there.
"Dorrie! Candice!" Lucinda cheerfully greeted them as the three hugged. "I didn't know you'd be here tonight."
"We wanted to keep it a surprise," Dorrie smiled
"If everybody will take their seats, we'll get started," King Jake of Yensid announced.
Everybody sat down at a long dining table as male servants started serving dinner. In a little while, Prince Carter stood up and looked at Dianna.
"Dianna," Carter started. "I have something to ask you."
"Okay," Dianna responded, taken off guard.
"Dianna, you make me the happiest man in the Ever Realm," Carter began. "I was wondering, if you're agreeable, if you would like to marry me?"
Dianna nearly fell over in her chair in shock.
"Dianna?" Candice asked as she raced over. "Are you all right?"
"Yes, Candice," Dianna said in a reassuring tone. "I'm okay."
"I didn't mean to shock you in such a way," Carter apologized to Dianna.
"It's okay," Dianna responded, starting to smile. "This was the last thing I expected tonight. Apparently, my family and friends are very good at keeping secrets."
Everybody at the table chuckled at Dianna's joke.
"Dear Dianna," Carter cheerfully said. "Would you do me the honor of marrying me?"
"Yes," Dianna said with tears of happiness filling her eyes. "Oh, yes."
Everybody at the table clapped in happiness for Carter and Dianna. Carter then brought out a small ring box and opened it.
"Dianna, please accept this engagement ring with all my love," Carter said to Dianna.
"I accept," Dianna responded, pleased, as Carter put a simple rose gold engagement ring with four small diamonds around a medium diamond on Dianna's finger.
"This ring has been an heirloom in my family for generations," Carter explained.
"Then I shall do everything in my power to be worthy of it," Dianna promised.
Again, everybody at the table clapped in happiness. Everybody then enjoyed a wonderful dinner which had been put together by Dianna's sisters. It was a wonderful evening which would be remembered always.
October 30, 1872
It was a Wednesday evening in the Ever Realm. Aboard the Cosmarune flying carriage, Violet was sitting with Bethany and Louise. The flying carriage was on its way to the Kingdom of Corona.
"This is a lot to take in," Bethany admitted to Violet. "Louise and I get adopted, find out we're now ladies connected to the House of Cosmarune, and now we find out you're dating King Erik of Corona."
"I realize this is a big surprise," Violet admitted. "But, Erik wanted to meet the two of you."
"What is he like?" Louise wanted to know about Erik.
"You'll like him," Violet smiled. "He's a kind man."
"Does he know about you being ... a Voyager?" Bethany asked Violet.
"No, he doesn't," Violet answered. "I suppose as we get closer, I'll have to eventually fill him in. But, we'll worry about that much later. We'll just keep this between us for now."
"Understood, Mom," Bethany acknowledged.
"Understood, Mom," Louise also acknowledged.
In a little while, the flying carriage landed in the courtyard of Corona Castle. The driver of the carriage got down and helped Violet, Bethany, and Louise off of the carriage as a male servant from the castle walked up.
"Ladies, if you'll follow me, I'll take you to King Erik," the servant announced.
In a few minutes, the servant led Violet, Bethany, and Louise to a huge dining hall where Erik was waiting.
"Lady Violet, Lady Bethany, and Lady Louise of House Cosmarune," the servant announced.
"Excellent," Erik smiled as the servant walked off.
"Erik, allow me to introduce you to my daughters, Bethany and Louise," Violet proudly said.
"Ladies," Erik cheerfully greeted as he kissed Bethany's hand, then kissed Louise's hand. "It is a great pleasure to meet you."
"The pleasure is ours, King Erik," Bethany said as she and Louise curtsied.
"That's not necessary," Erik informed Bethany and Louise. "We're all friends here."
"Thank you, sir," Louise acknowledged, a bit nervous.
"I expected that you and your sister would be nervous," Erik said in a gentle voice. "Therefore, I did something behind the scenes to help put you at ease."
Erik then motioned two women to come into the dining hall - Dorrie and Candice.
"Dorrie, Candice," Bethany and Louise acknowledged in glee.
"Thank you, Erik," Violet said, gratefully.
"A family should be together for important gatherings," Erik smiled.
Erik, Bethany, Louise, Dorrie, Candice, and Violet had a pleasant conversation as they sat down at the royal dining table. Male servants then started serving dinner.
"It's so good having the family together again," Violet smiled at Bethany, Louise, Dorrie, and Candice, before turning to Erik. "Thank you for arranging this."
"It was my pleasure, Violet," Erik happily acknowledged, before turning to Bethany and Louise. "Dorrie and Candice call me uncle. I'd love it if you would also call me that."
"You're royalty, sir," Bethany pointed out. "Louise and I are simply new nobles at best."
"The two of you and Dorrie and Candice are more sisters than you would think," Erik smiled. "Dorrie and Candice were uneasy about calling me uncle at first."
"Uncle Erik doesn't have children," Dorrie explained. "We're like the children he never had."
"And I know Uncle Erik would be proud to take you under his wing," Candice added.
"Erik is a good man," Violet pointed out to Bethany and Louise. "You'll find him to be a good uncle."
"Then Uncle Erik it is," Bethany agreed as Louise nodded her head in agreement.
"Excellent!" Erik exclaimed in happiness.
The six then enjoyed a wonderful meal as they had a pleasant conversation. Afterward, it was time for Violet, Bethany, Louise, Dorrie, and Candice to head back to their homes.
"Don't be strangers," Erik happily called out.
"We won't, Uncle Erik," Bethany, Louise, Dorrie, and Candice happily called out.
"I'll see you later, Erik," Violet smiled.
As Erik walked into Corona Castle, Dorrie and Candice turned to Violet, Bethany, and Louise.
"Candice and I were talking," Dorrie revealed to Violet. "Since Bethany and Louise know of Voyagers, we thought it's time they know about the ... you know."
"The ... you know?" Bethany asked, curious.
"Yes," Violet agreed. "They should know. When were you thinking?"
"How about this Sunday?" Candice suggested. "We could all meet in the Secret Library, and Dorrie and I could show off the you know as it were."
"Secret Library?" Louise asked, puzzled.
"I keep forgetting there are things you and Bethany don't know about yet," Violet smiled at Louise. "We'll consider this to be covering two things at once."
"Then, it's settled," Dorrie acknowledged. "We'll show up in the Secret Library say, around two in the afternoon?"
"Sounds good, Dorrie," Violet agreed. "We'll see you and Candice then."
A while later, the flying carriage carrying Violet, Bethany, and Louise arrived back at Enchancia Castle. Waiting for the carriage was twelve-year-old Kiera and twelve-year-old Catalina.
"Good evening," Kiera greeted.
"Good trip?" Catalina wanted to know.
"A very good trip," Violet reported. "King Erik wanted me to say hello to you and Kiera."
Kiera and Catalina smiled at Erik's greeting.
"King Erik also wanted me to say how proud he is of the two of you," Violet continued. "He's impressed at the life you've made for yourselves here."
"King Erik knows about what we've been up to?" Kiera asked, curious.
"Oh, yes," Violet smiled. "Whenever I see him, he wants to know the latest on you and Catalina. He's taken quite an interest in the two of you."
"Oh, my!" Catalina exclaimed, impressed.
"The kids are gathered in the castle sitting room," Kiera reported. "Princess Hikari is there, along with Doc, Donny, Calista, Timothy, Marie, and Elizabeth. We were wondering if Bethany and Louise would like to join us?"
"Can we, Mom?" Louise asked, hopeful.
"Go ahead, you two," Violet cheerfully said to Bethany and Louise. "I'm sure everybody would like to hear about your trip to Corona Castle."
As Bethany and Louise happily walked away with Kiera and Catalina, Queen Miranda walked up.
"Ma'am," Violet acknowledged.
"I take it everything went well, then?" Miranda wanted to know.
"Yes, ma'am," Violet reported. "King Erik bonded quite nicely with Bethany and Louise. He's now uncle to them."
"That's wonderful, Violet," Miranda acknowledged, pleased. "I was about to have some evening tea. I would love it if you would join me."
"I wouldn't want to impose, ma'am," Violet pointed out.
"I'd love to have you," Miranda said in a reassuring voice. "And, I'd like to ask you about a visitor who will be staying with us during the school year. Roland and I know she's the daughter of two Voyagers. And not to worry ... Roland and I, along with you, are the only three here at the castle who knows who she really is. We thought it would be easier that way."
"I thank you and King Roland for your consideration," Violet said, appreciative. "I know Ella will appreciate it as well. How did she wind up staying here, if I may ask?"
"Headmaster Merlin approached us," Miranda answered. "He thought it might be better if Ella stayed in a home environment during her time at Wendarby. Roland and I thought so, too."
"Then you know that Merlin is ..." Violet started.
"... a Voyager?" Miranda finished. "Yes. He told us. I have to admit, it's interesting that some Voyagers live here in the Ever Realm."
"This is an important point in history, ma'am," Violet acknowledged. "Voyagers are required here to make sure that history stays on track."
A few minutes later in the castle sitting room, the castle kids were listening to Bethany and Louise talk about their trip to Corona Castle. As they talked, Baileywick walked in with a twelve-year-old girl.
"Excuse me for interrupting," Baileywick apologized. "I want to introduce you to a guest who will be staying with us for the school year. This is Ella Ayward."
"A pleasure to meet you, Ella," Calista smiled. "Where do you hail from?"
"I'm from the Northern Territories," Ella happily responded. "I'll be attending the Wendarby Institute."
"What house?" Bethany wanted to know.
"I'll be connected to Cosmarune House," Ella answered.
"My friend Princess Elsie is connected to Cosmarune House," Hikari smiled. "So are Bethany and Louise, along with Timothy and Marie."
"You must be Princess Hikari," Ella happily acknowledged as she curtsied.
"Yes," Hikari said. "But, just call me Hikari. All the kids here do."
Baileywick nodded at Ella, indicating what Hikari said was acceptable.
"Elizabeth and I are connected to Magwin House," Hikari revealed. "Meanwhile, Calista, Kiera, Catalina, and Doc here attend Hexley Hall."
"It's a pleasure to meet all of you," Ella happily said, before turning to Donny. "And where do you go to school?"
"I go to the village school," Donny cheerfully answered.
"Before I leave, I have some news for Lady Bethany and Lady Louise," Baileywick announced.
"I'm still getting used to the title," Louise whispered to Bethany.
"As am I," Bethany whispered back.
"Not to worry, ladies," Baileywick said in a reassuring voice. "I'm sure you'll get used to your titles before you know it. In fact, what I'm about to announce will help you."
"And what would that be, sir?" Bethany asked, curious.
"Starting next week, you and your sister will be attending Royal Prep on Tuesdays and Thursdays," Baileywick answered. "Since the two of you are nobles now, it was decided to enroll you in Royal Prep."
"But we're not royalty, sir," Louise explained.
"Royal Prep is opened to royalty and nobility," Timothy explained. "You'll like it there."
"What about our coursework at Wendarby?" Bethany wanted to know.
"We'll work out a schedule that will accommodate your time at both Wendarby and Royal Prep," Baileywick explained. "You shouldn't notice too much of a change. We'll push back some of your electives at Wendarby to accommodate you going to Royal Prep. Your core classes at Wendarby will remain intact."
"Thank you, sir," Bethany acknowledged, grateful.
"I'll let all of you get back to your conversation," Baileywick announced before he left.
"The Northern Territories?" Bethany asked Ella, interested. "They are pretty far away from here."
"Indeed," Ella acknowledged. "But the chance for me to attend the Wendarby Institute was too good to pass up. I'm very grateful to have been accepted."
"You'll do well, I know it," Doc said in encouragement.
"Of course, she will," Calista happily added.
"So, what were all of you talking about before I walked in?" Ella wanted to know.
"Bethany and Louise were telling us about their visit to Corona Castle," Kiera explained.
"Sounds very interesting," Ella smiled.
The castle kids and Ella listened to Bethany and Louise describe their visit to Corona Castle. It was a fun way to spend an evening. In a little while, it was time for everybody to retire for the evening.
"Miss Ella," Baileywick said as he walked up. "King Roland would like to see you in his study. He wants to have a quick discussion about your first day of school at the Wendarby Institute."
"Yes, Mister Baileywick," Ella acknowledged as she walked toward Roland's study.
In a hallway of Enchancia Castle, Bethany, and Louise were walking to their rooms when Violet approached.
"Come with me, girls," Violet instructed.
"Have we done something wrong?" Bethany asked, nervous.
"No," Violet said in a reassuring voice. "The two of you are being trusted with a secret."
In a few minutes, Violet, Bethany, and Louise approached the door to Roland's study as Ella approached.
"Ah, good," Violet smiled at Ella. "King Roland is expecting all of us."
Violet knocked on Roland's door.
"Enter," Roland instructed.
Violet, Bethany, Louise, and Ella entered Roland's study as Violet closed the door behind them.
"Ella," Roland began. "It has been decided to let two more people in on your secret."
"Secret?" Louise asked, puzzled.
"Ella here is the daughter of two Voyagers," Roland explained, before turning back to Ella. "These are Bethany and Louise, Violet's daughters. Like you, they know of the existence of Voyagers."
"Well, a small world, isn't it?" Bethany smiled at Ella.
"Yes," Ella smiled back.
"We thought it would be nice if Ella had two people around her age to confide in," Violet revealed. "This is, of course, something that should be considered top secret to the outside world."
"We won't let you down, King Roland, Mom," Bethany promised Roland and Violet.
"You have our word on that," Louise promised.
"Great!" Roland happily acknowledged.
"The three of us should be getting to bed," Bethany suggested for herself, Louise, and Ella. "It will be a school day tomorrow."
"I'm looking forward to starting at the Wendarby Institute," Ella happily said.
"You're starting on a fun day," Bethany pointed out. "Because of Halloween tomorrow, there will be only morning classes, followed by an afternoon Halloween celebration."
"Everybody at Wendarby is looking forward to it," Louise smiled.
"How about the two of you walk Ella to her room?" Violet suggested to Bethany and Louise. "You can get to know Ella better."
"Let's go, Ella," Bethany happily said.
As Bethany, Louise, and Ella walked out of Roland's study, they happily talked among themselves.
"I think the three of them are going to be fast friends," Roland observed, pleased.
"I agree, King Roland," Violet smiled.
Halloween
It was the next morning at the Wendarby Institute. At the Cosmarune House table in the great hall, Bethany and Louise were enjoying breakfast with other Cosmarune House students. In a few moments, Headmaster Merlin walked up with Ella. Merlin then looked at all four house tables where students were eating breakfast.
"If I may have your attention, please," Merlin announced. "We have a new student starting with us today. This is Ella Ayward who is from the Northern Territories. She will be connected to Cosmarune House. Let's give her a warm Wendarby welcome."
The students at the four tables warmly clapped as Ella made her way to the Cosmarune table. Bethany and Louise had saved Ella a chair and beckoned her to come over.
"As you know, today is Halloween," Merlin continued. "There will be morning classes today, then this afternoon after lunch all afternoon classes are canceled. There will be a Halloween celebration this afternoon in the school courtyard. May all of you have a happy Halloween."
The students clapped and cheered in celebration. Meanwhile, that afternoon, the students and staff of the Wendarby Institute celebrated Halloween. In the school courtyard, there were Halloween games, as well as singing activities, and candy being passed out by teachers. It was a wonderful way to celebrate Halloween. At one point, Ella walked up to Bethany and Louise.
"I'm really enjoying this," Ella announced with a smile.
"As are we," Bethany smiled back on behalf of her and Louise.
"I was wondering," Louise said to Ella. "Since your parents are Voyagers, how do you get back and forth?"
"Oh, yes," Ella started. "I have a training Omni. It allows me to go to Voyager Command for visits with my family, and then returns me here to the Ever Realm a few moments after I've left."
"Very nice," Bethany approved. "Louise and I will eventually be getting training Omnis. Mom wants to enroll us in beginning Voyager training. The final details are currently being worked out."
"Excellent," Ella smiled as Timothy walked over.
"We're going to sing a classic Halloween song in a few minutes," Timothy announced. "I hear Marie, Hikari, and Elsie are already over there. Want to join us?"
"We'd be delighted," Bethany accepted on behalf of herself, Louise, and Ella.
Timothy, Bethany, Louise, and Ella walked over to where everybody was gathered. Bethany and Louise recognized some familiar faces among the students - Princess Skylar of Cinnibar, Dorrie Lucinda Cook, Joseph Samuel Cook, and Samantha "Sam" Cook. All of them were connected to Cosmarune House.
"Ah! There you are!" Sam smiled at Timothy. The two were boyfriend and girlfriend.
"I was just getting Bethany, Louise, and Ella after I got back from Hexley," Timothy explained.
"Ah, yes," Sam happily acknowledged, before turning to Bethany, Louise, and Ella. "Me, Timothy, and a few others have some classes over at Hexley."
"How do you get there?" Ella wanted to know, curious.
"There's a magical portal that connects Hexley Hall to the Wendarby Institute," Sam explained. "Some of us take some classes at Hexley, and some from Hexley take some classes over here."
"That must be a bit confusing," Ella theorized.
"Not really," Timothy spoke up. "Those who take classes at both schools belong to two houses. I'll use me and Sam as an example. When we're here at Wendarby, Sam and I belong to Cosmarune House. When we're at Hexley, I belong to Pepperton House, and Sam belongs to Kennicot House."
"I take it the two of you started out at Hexley Hall?" Ella asked.
"Yes," Timothy acknowledged. "But, when the Wendarby Institute opened, me, Sam, and some others wanted to get in on the action here. So, we take the bulk of our classes here, and also take some classes at Hexley."
"It keeps us connected to Hexley on a part time basis," Sam smiled.
At that moment, a female teacher walked up.
"We have a good-sized crowd," the teacher happily noticed. "I have a song we can all sing - Double, Double, Toil and Trouble. Everybody, please turn to page fifteen in your sing-along books."
Everybody gathered smiled in anticipation of the song. Everybody then started singing.
"In the cauldron, boil and bake. Fillet of a fenny snake. Scale of dragon, tooth of wolf. Witches mummy, maw and gulf."
"Double, double, toil and trouble. Fire burn, and cauldron bubble. Double, double, toil and trouble. Fire burn and cauldron bubble!"
"Double, double, toil and trouble. Fire burn, and cauldron bubble. Something wicked this way comes!"
It was a wonderful way to spend a Halloween.
November 3, 1872
It was an early Sunday afternoon at Enchancia Castle. In a secret passageway under the castle, Violet, Bethany, and Louise appeared out of thin air.
"Where are we, Mom?" Bethany asked, curious.
"These are a series of secret passageways under the castle," Violet explained.
"Wow!" Louise exclaimed in awe.
"These passageways are one way to get to the Secret Library," Violet announced. "We just need to wait for somebody else to arrive."
In a few moments, Lucinda appeared out of thin air.
"Hello, ladies," Lucinda smiled.
"Princess Lucinda," Bethany and Louise acknowledged as they curtsied.
"No need for that," Lucinda directed. "We're all friends here. No curtsying. And it's just Lucinda to you."
"Yes, Princess ... I mean, Lucinda," Bethany said in understanding.
"Excellent," Lucinda started. "Violet wanted to give you the grand tour as it were. If you ladies will follow me, we'll get started."
Lucinda led Violet, Bethany, and Louise down a flight of stairs to an area covered with water. As Bethany and Louise looked around, a boat emerged and then stopped where the four were gathered.
"Please climb aboard," Lucinda instructed.
Lucinda, Violet, Bethany, and Louise stepped aboard the boat and sat down. The boat then started moving under its own power. In a few moments, various things started appearing off to the side of the boat as the boat traveled along. The first things to appear were the Wishing Well and the Cottage of the Seven Dwarfs from "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs". Then, as they traveled along, the Castle Clock, the Pumpkin Coach, and the Glass Slippers from "Cinderella" appeared.
"Wow!" Louise exclaimed, impressed.
"Amazing!" Bethany exclaimed, equally impressed.
As the boat continued to move under its own power, more things appeared: King Stefan's Castle and the Spinning Wheel from "Sleeping Beauty"; the Blue Lagoon from "The Little Mermaid"; and the Enchanted Rose from "Beauty and the Beast". Then came Casa Madrigal from "Encanto".
Along the way, even more things appeared: Agrabah and the Magic Carpet from "Aladdin"; the mountain, and the wind, from "Pocahontas"; the lilies, the Magnolia tree and the bridge from "Mulan"; and the fireflies in the log from "The Princess and the Frog". Then came the Land of the Dead from "Coco".
As the trip continued, Rapunzel's Tower, Corona Castle, and the floating lanterns from "Tangled" came into view. Then came the Ring of Stones, and archery games from "Brave", followed by the snowy wind and the ice droplets from "Frozen".
The boat then docked at the bottom of a long staircase. Lucinda, Violet, Bethany, and Louise stepped off of the boat and walked up the staircase. At the top of the staircase was a large, round, iron door. Lucinda took out a small blue book from her purse and inserted it into a keyhole-type opening in the door. The door then opened, and the small blue book magically reappeared in Lucinda's hand.
Lucinda, Violet, Bethany, and Louise walked through the doorway and found themselves in a large circular room with a variety of books located on several levels above them. Bethany and Louise looked at the sight in awe.
"So, this is the Secret Library," Bethany observed, impressed.
"It's amazing," Louise said, equally impressed.
"Not bad, huh?" Lucinda smiled. "Most of the books here have no endings. As the new Story Keeper, it has been my job to go out and find endings for these books. I'm honored that Sofia chose me when she went off to dance school."
At that moment, a loud whirring sound started filling the Secret Library. As Lucinda, Violet, Bethany, and Louise watched, a tan metal box with a door on it started appearing out of thin air.
"That thing can sure make an entrance," Lucinda noted with a smile.
In a few moments, the tan metal box completely materialized. It was the First Story Keeper's Tardis. The door then opened and out walked ... Dorrie and Candice.
"Hi, guys," Dorrie greeted.
"Lucy," Candice smiled at Lucinda. "We didn't know you would be here."
"Your mom wanted me to give Bethany and Louise a proper introduction to the Secret Library," Lucinda answered. "Good to see you guys again."
"Same here," Dorrie smiled back.
"What is that?" Bethany asked, pointing toward the tan metal box.
"That's our ship," Dorrie answered.
"Your ship?" Louise asked in an unsure tone of voice. "It's too little to be a ship."
"Looks can be deceiving," Candice pointed out. "Want to see inside?"
"How can we fit inside?" Bethany wanted to know.
"As Candice said, looks can be deceiving," Dorrie answered with a wink. "Go ahead. Step inside."
Bethany walked into the tan metal box and gasped in amazement.
"What is it, Bethany?" Louise asked.
"You've better come in here," Bethany instructed.
Dorrie, Candice, Violet, and Lucinda watched as Louise stepped into the Tardis.
"Oh ... my ... God!" Louise exclaimed with a mix of awe and shock as she entered the Tardis and started looking around. "It's bigger on the inside than it is on the outside."
"It is?" Dorrie joked.
"We never noticed," Candice also joked.
"You two," Violet said to Dorrie and Candice, resisting the urge to snicker. "We've better get in there before they faint."
Dorrie, Candice, Violet, and Lucinda walked into the Tardis and found themselves inside of the Tardis control room where Bethany and Louise were standing. The Tardis control room was much like the Tardis control room of the Peter Capaldi Doctor, with the same kind of Tardis console, and two side panels. However, the walls of Dorrie and Candice's Tardis control room were slate blue, with circles on the walls reminiscent of Tardis control rooms seen in classic "Doctor Who". Also, the circles on the walls each emitted a soft white light, gently lighting up the control room. In addition, the Tardis console and the two side panels were also slate blue.
"You two okay?" Dorrie asked Bethany and Louise, concerned.
"I think so," Bethany responded.
"Yeah," Louise agreed with her sister.
"Not to worry, girls," Violet said to Bethany and Louise in a reassuring voice. "The Tardis is tried and true technology. It's perfectly safe."
"Just when we thought we'd seen it all with Voyager technology," Bethany remarked, impressed.
"So, what exactly does this ship do?" Louise wanted to know.
"It travels through space and time," Candice answered.
"Space and time?" Bethany asked.
"Why not show them how it works?" Lucinda suggested. "Take us somewhere out there."
"Sounds like a plan," Dorrie smiled as she walked over to the Tardis console. "And I know just where to go - Wataria."
"Excellent!" Candice happily approved.
Dorrie set the coordinates for Wataria. In a few moments, the Tardis disappeared into thin air. About a minute later, the Tardis reappeared in the Secret Library as the Tardis door opened and Dorrie, Candice, Violet, Bethany, Louise, and Lucinda stepped out.
"An entire planet of witches!" Bethany exclaimed in awe.
"That was awesome!" Louise happily exclaimed.
"Off for a ride?" a man's voice came from their side. Dorrie and Candice looked to see the First Story Keeper standing there.
"Sir," Dorrie acknowledged. "A pleasure to see you again."
"And it's a pleasure to see you and your sister again," the First Story Keeper smiled, before turning to Bethany and Louise. "And you must be the newest members of the Cooper Family."
"Bethany, sir," Bethany introduced herself. "And this is my sister, Louise."
"A pleasure to meet you, sir," Louise acknowledged.
"The pleasure is mine," the First Story Keeper happily said.
"Who are you?" Bethany asked the First Story Keeper.
"I built this place a long time ago," the First Story Keeper answered. "I was the first ever Story Keeper here."
"Amazing!" Louise exclaimed in awe.
"There's someone who would like to meet you," the First Story Keeper revealed as he turned to the door. "You can come in now."
With that, the door of the Secret Library flung open, and in stepped Scarlett as she smiled warmly upon Bethany and Louise.
"Are you ... the Scarlet Warrior? The Queen of Cinnibar?" Bethany asked as Scarlett chuckled. "Dorrie and Candice's godmother?"
"None other," the warrior queen confirmed. "But you can just call me Scarlett. I am your godmother too after all."
"Wow!" Louise said as she gave a slight curtsy. "Your reputation certainly precedes you."
"You know of me?" Scarlett asked.
"Yes," Bethany confirmed. "Your daughter, Princess Skylar, has told us a lot about you."
"Ah! I see," Scarlett acknowledged. "You should know that Skylar has told me much about the two of you. I already feel like I've known you for years."
"High praise," Bethany smiled. "Thank you, Queen ... I mean, Scarlett."
"Yes, thank you, Scarlett," Louise added.
"We're going to get along wonderfully," Scarlett happily said. "I have something for each of you."
"What do you have, Scarlett?" Bethany asked, curious.
"Let's start with you, Bethany," Scarlett smiled as she brought out a small velvet bag, opened it, and produced an amulet with an ocean blue gemstone. "You've been so very brave, losing your parents, and looking after Louise. I hereby give you the Amulet of Fortitude. With each deed performed, for better or worse, a power is granted, a blessing or curse."
"Oh, Bethany," Violet praised. "It's beautiful. Remember to use your amulet's powers wisely. Good deeds give you gifts. Not-so-good deeds bring you curses."
"I'll remember that, Mom," Bethany acknowledged, before turning back to Scarlett. "Thank you."
"You're very welcome, precious one," Scarlett happily said before turning to Louise. "And now for your gift."
Louise stepped forward as Scarlett brought out another small velvet bag, opened it, and produced an amulet with a pink gemstone.
"You've been so very loyal to Bethany," Scarlett started. "I hereby give you the Amulet of Steadfastness. It works the same way as Bethany's amulet does."
"Thank you, Scarlett," Louise acknowledged.
"You're very welcome, precious Louise," Scarlett smiled, before turning her attention to both Louise and Bethany. "I have something else for the two of you - an explanation of why both of you have magical powers."
"How do we have magical powers, Scarlett?" Bethany wanted to know. "Louise and I have been very curious since we first found out."
"The simple fact is that the two of you are ... Percuilars," Scarlett revealed. "Percuilars are people who have magical powers. Each Percuilar also has a specialty magical gift."
"I wonder what my specialty gift is?" Bethany wondered.
"And mine?" Louise also wondered.
"Well, I can tell you that, too," Scarlett smiled. "It turns out that each of you has the same specialty gift - the ability to control plants."
"Scarlett?" Violet asked. "How do you know this?"
"To be honest, a Voyager from the future told me," Scarlett admitted. "She's from all of your futures, so her identity has to remain a secret. Just know that she's acting on the orders of Voyager Command from her time."
"I can live with that," Violet acknowledged. "It wouldn't be the first time a Voyager from the future has been instructed to help out with the past."
"Headmaster Merlin at the Wendarby Institute has been made aware of Bethany and Louise's status as Percuilars," Scarlet announced. "He'll make arrangements for Bethany and Louise to be specially trained in the use of their plant powers. He was thinking about setting aside some time after school."
"Then that's settled," Violet said, pleased. "The only other thing I would suggest is that Bethany and Louise's amulets remain a secret between just us gathered here. You never know if anybody is around who might want to swipe a magical amulet or two."
"A wise precaution," Scarlett agreed, before turning to Bethany and Louise. "Each of you, wave your hand over your amulet, and it will become invisible. To make your amulet appear again, wave your hand again over your amulet."
Bethany and Louise waved their hands over their amulets, and each amulet became invisible.
"Excellent, ladies," Scarlett approved.
As Violet, Bethany, Louise, Dorrie, Candice, Scarlett, Lucinda, and the First Story Keeper had a pleasant conversation, a sixteen-year-old white-skinned girl with brown hair looked down on the sight from an upper level. The girl, unseen by those below, was Rachel Beckenbauer. Rachel opened her Omni as its green light flashed on.
"Green light," Rachel happily thought to herself. "Everything is right with the timeline."
At that moment, a white-skinned woman with blond hair appeared out of thin air behind Rachel. The woman was an older version of Candice who happily motioned Rachel to come over.
"Nice going, Rachel," the older version of Candice praised in a whisper. "The information you gave Scarlett gave Bethany and Louise the information they needed to hear."
"Thanks, Mom," Rachel whispered back, pleased.
"You did well," older Candice whispered as she hugged Rachel. "I'm sure after this that Voyager Command will give you more special missions. You're a natural."
"High praise, Mom," Rachel whispered with a smile.
"High praise well deserved," older Candice smiled back in a whisper. "You make a mother very proud. We should be going now."
Rachel and older Candice adjusted the dials on their Omnis. Rachel pressed a button on her Omni, and older Candice pressed a button on her Omni as the two disappeared into thin air. Everything was right with the world.
(End of Chapter 25).
Behind the scenes
In this installment of "Behind the scenes", a list of Voyagers (and future Voyagers) living in the Ever Realm as of 1872.
Ella Ayward
Adopted daughter of Voyagers Matthew and Trixie Ayward
Student at the Wendarby Institute
In the very early stages of being trained as a Voyager
Headmaster Merlin
Headmaster of the Wendarby Institute in Enchancia
Voyager in Residence
Lady Abby Cosmarune-Murphy
Maid at Enchancia Castle
Voyager in Residence
Lady Bethany Cosmarune-Cooper
Maid at Enchancia Castle
To be trained as a Voyager
Lady Louise Cosmarune-Cooper
Maid at Enchancia Castle
To be trained as a Voyager
Lady Violet Cosmarune-Murphy
Head maid at Enchancia Castle
Voyager in Residence
Prince James Milledtion
a prince of Enchancia
Voyager in Residence
Princess Amber Milledtion
a princess of Enchancia
Voyager in Residence
Princess Candice Cosmarune-Beckenbauer
a princess of Ornburgh
Voyager in Residence
Princess Dorrie Cosmarune-Beckenbauer
a princess of Ornburgh
Voyager in Residence
Princess Isabel Castillo Flores
a princess of Avalor
Royal Inventor of Avalor
Voyager in Residence
Being trained to be the next specialty Voyager in charge of royal history
Princess Lucinda Magwin-Milledtion
a princess of Enchancia
a royal sorceress of Enchancia
Voyager in Residence
Princess Sofia Balthazar-Milledtion
a princess of Enchancia
a royal sorceress of Enchancia
Voyager in Residence
Author's notes
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.
Doc McStuffins and Donny McStuffins 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.
Dorrie Lucinda Cook, Elizabeth West-Chadwick, Joseph Samuel Cook, Marie Perkins, Samantha "Sam" Cook, and Timothy O'Toole are characters created by MisuteriTenshi / SailorWednesdayMercury and are used in this story with the permission of MisuteriTenshi / SailorWednesdayMercury.
Ella having a training Omni was based on a suggestion by CarlaSwanKnight108.
Having Bethany and Louise being friends with the Enchancia Castle kids was based on a suggestion by CarlaSwanKnight108.
Having Carter ask Dianna to marry him was the idea of dbug27.
Having Ella using a training Omni was based on a suggestion by CarlaSwanKnight108.
Having Scarlett introduce herself to Bethany and Louise was the idea of Jake H Voronkov (who also provided some of the dialogue for the scene). I added in Scarlett giving Bethany and Louise the Amulets of Fortitude and Steadfastness to help round out the scene. I also added in Scarlett telling Bethany and Louise they were Percuilars to further help round out the scene (the fact that Bethany and Louise were Percuilars was first revealed in Chapter 12 of my story "Dorrie: Book Two").
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".
King Jake of Yensid, Prince Carter of Farmington, Princess Dianna of Yensid, and Princess Elsie of Yensid are characters created by dbug27 and are used in this story with permission from dbug27. Princess Dianna is from dbug27's story "diary of a special princess".
Matthew Ayward and Trixie Franklin-Ayward are slightly older versions of Matthew and Trixie from "Call the Midwife", with Matthew and Trixie now each a Voyager.
Omni, and Voyager, are from the "Voyagers!" TV series.
Percuilars are from "Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children".
Queen Scarlett's daughter, Skylar, is an original character created by Jake H Voronkov for my stories (the fact that Scarlett's daughter, and Elena of Avalor's Jaguin, share the same name is simply an interesting quirk of fate).
Tardis is from "Doctor Who".
The engagement ring that Carter gives Dianna was designed by dbug27. Having the ring being an heirloom in Carter's family for generations was the idea of dbug27.
The Kingdom of Avalor is from "Elena of Avalor".
The Kingdom of Corona is from "Tangled", and also from "Tangled: The Series" (also known as "Rapunzel's Tangled Adventure").
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 Farmington is a kingdom created by dbug27 and is used in this story with permission from dbug27.
The Kingdom of Ornburgh is where Prince Frederick and his family live. The kingdom was never given a name in "Sofia the First", so I named it Ornburgh.
The Kingdom of Yensid is a kingdom created by dbug27 and is used in this story with permission from dbug27.
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.
Disclaimer
"Aladdin" and everything associated with it © Disney.
"Beauty and the Beast" and everything associated with it © Disney.
"Brave" and everything associated with it © Disney.
"Call the Midwife" and everything associated with it © BBC, Neal Street Productions, and PBS.
"Cinderella" and everything associated with it © Disney.
"Coco" and everything associated with it © Disney.
"Digimon: Digital Monsters" and everything associated with it © Akiyoshi Hongo, Bandai, and Toei Animation.
"Doc McStuffins" and everything associated with it © Brown Bag Films, and Disney.
"Doctor Who" and everything associated with it © BBC.
Dorrie Lucinda Cook, Elizabeth West-Chadwick, Joseph Samuel Cook, Marie Perkins, Samantha "Sam" Cook, Timothy O'Toole, and the other original ideas from MisuteriTenshi / SailorWednesdayMercury are the property of MisuteriTenshi / SailorWednesdayMercury and are used in this story with the permission of MisuteriTenshi / SailorWednesdayMercury.
"Elena of Avalor" and everything associated with it © Craig Gerber, Disney Television Animation, Team TO, and Disney-ABC Domestic Television.
"Encanto" and everything associated with it © Disney.
"Frozen" and everything associated with it © Disney.
"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.
King Erik Fitzherbert of Corona is the property of Skyrimfan and is used in my stories with the permission of Skyrimfan.
King Jake of Yensid, Prince Carter of Farmington, Princess Dianna of Yensid, Princess Elsie 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.
"Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children" and everything associated with it © Chernin Entertainment, Tim Burton Productions, TSG Entertainment, Scope Pictures, St. Petersburg Clearwater Film Commission, Ingenious, and 20th Century Fox.
"Mulan" and everything associated with it © Disney.
"Pocahantas" and everything associated with it © Disney.
"Rapunzel's Tangled Adventure" and everything associated with it © Disney.
"Sleeping Beauty" and everything associated with it © Disney.
"Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs" 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.
"Tangled" and everything associated with it © Disney.
"Tangled: The Series" and everything associated with it © Disney.
"The Little Mermaid" and everything associated with it © Disney.
"The Princess and the Frog" and everything associated with it © Disney.
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.
"Voyagers!" and everything associated with it © James D. Parriot Productions, Universal Television (MCA), and Scholastic Productions.
I only own Abby Cosmarune-Murphy, Bethany Cosmarune-Cooper, Candice Cosmarune-Beckenbauer, Dorrie Cosmarune-Beckenbauer, Ella Ayward, Kennicot House, Louise Cosmarune-Cooper, Magwin House, Pepperton House, Rachel Beckenbauer, the Wendarby Institute, and Wataria.
