Tale of the forest princess

(The story misses it's full prologue as I don't think it is suitable for people under 15. I have still took some of it here as the rest of the story has so many references to it. Warning, it is a sad story so if you are very sensitive, skip to the First Chapter!)
=== Shortened prologue ===
Once upon a time there was a happy
little girl who believed in magic and wonder with all her heart. She
was just a small little girl but she climbed trees and ran trough
flower fields with older children and always kept up to their pace. She swam in the darkest waters and dried herself on high rocks her light brown hair flowing free. When the sun hit it right 
it seemed to be weaved from golden threads. Her mother often braided them loving the sight of her little daughter's beauty. The little girl was so curious about the world around her she even ventured dark forests
alone even though her parents always forbid her. Her parents worried
about her a lot as she was a wild girl from the heart and very
accident prone. She had a big brother who was her other best friend.
He always rescued her, many times even saved her life and always
kept things hidden from their parents. He didn't want her to get in
trouble. Her other best friend was a girl next door who enjoyed to go
for long walks and lie down in flower fields for hours talking about
what shapes they saw in clouds. The three of them were inseparable. Few years went by happily ever after until big storm clouds gathered and
showered the girl's and her brother's life with unending misery.
Their parent's divorced
and their former best friend disappeared. Their mother was forbidden
to see them anymore and they had to stay with their father who had turned
evil and narrow minded. He didn't care about them a lot so the girl
and her brother were all by theirselves now. Their father let them
live in his house but he didn't want to see them or be bothered by
them so they tried to stay quiet and hidden even in their own home,
if you could call it even that. They gathered money from places where
children had no place going and begged so they could feed themselves. The girl cried every night
and her brother hugged her every night telling her things would change
for the better.
Another miserable year
went by and the girl had started to get in fights with her brother.
They both were frustrated, scared and angry and had no one but the other. Still they
didn't spend that much time together anymore and they didn't play
children’s games anymore. When the girl wasn't out in forests
collecting roots and berries to eat they practised sword fighting
with sticks, they wrestled and competed about everything; which one
ran faster, which one could climb a tree further, which one dared to
stay longer in haunted houses and the list went on. It wasn't a 
friendly competition. The brother started to shut himself from the
world by reading, the girl kept on seeking out new forests and
practised to fight with a staff by herself. Soon she fought her
brother with the staff as he kept his wooden stick sword. He was
stronger and hit harder but she was more agile. She still lost almost
every time and it was even more frustrating so they kept growing
apart. They started to collect money by theirselves and had started to get
their own food which they didn't share anymore. As the brother didn't know how to cook the girl
did make him some eggs and bread time after time. When days and weeks and months passed by, their father turned more evil and hateful towards them so the girl decided to escape. Her first attempt wasn't successful, she was caught and brought back to the angry father but the girl just turned and ran away again. She ran as fast
as she ever could out of the house using the back door so she wouldn't be caught by the people who had brought her back. Thought of her brother came to her mind and even though they had grown apart the girl was afraid what would happen to him. She almost turned back but her feet didn't stop running. Tears flew from her cheeks as she ran to a forest and from
that forest to another, all the time further and further away from
the small town, from her father and from her brother. Finally she
collapsed on the ground as her lungs hurt so bad. She wanted to
scream and cry but she couldn't, even trying to catch her breathe was
painful. In a way the pain was soothing, her body felt was she did
inside. Her foggy mind tried to caught up to what had happened but
she could only made bits out of here and there. It was clear she
couldn't go back. After resting a while she started to walk towards
north east. She wanted to get out of the forest before nightfall. She
wasn't afraid of the bears, wolves, bobby cats or other wild animals
but she was scared of the dark. She did get out of the forest
eventually but tried to stay clear of people for she was afraid she
would just be taken back. She stole apples from people gardens and
searched out old barns to sleep in. After few days she wasn't worried about life, it
was summer, food was easily to be found and it was warm enough.
She had started to enjoy the freedom she had after living under
constant fear. It felt like she would have gained wings but the
knowledge of the becoming autumn hid as a dark thought on her mind.
She wouldn't survive winter unless she would get more clothes and a
warm place to be. She wasn't sure where she was but she knew she
could try to get to her grandmother. She lived far, far away but she
could try. She was six years old and she had nothing else left.
The girl had to turn to
people for help as she knew only the name of the place where her
grandmother lived but she didn't know how to get there, not even the
direction from where to start. One old woman felt so bad for the
“lost” little girl, as she has lied to all, that she promised to drive
her there so her parents would find her from a safe place. The girl
was really grateful for the old woman and hugged her in tears before rising from
the car and running inside her grandmother's house. When she came in her grandmother looked like she would have seen a ghost, then
she ran to the girl, hugged her and they both cried. The girl tried
to tell all that had happened but she couldn't remember a lot anymore
and the thought of her brother just made her cry hysterically.
“Ssh, love. You are safe here. I will call your mother and tell you are here, she has been missing you both and will fly here with wings of joy to hear her baby has returned.”
“If only us both would.” The girl said and started to cry again. Her grandmother
smiled.
“The main thing is that you are, love.” She said and took the girl to bath and left
her there as she called her mother. After an emotional phone call she
went to see how the girl was doing. She had got up from the bath,
wrapped herself in towels and slept solidly. It was only noon but the
grandmother let her sleep. She woke up to screams and cry of her
mother who ran towards her. At first she was startled and took the closest
object to protect herself with, then dropped it and ran to her
mother's arms overjoyed to see her again. They hugged tightly and it felt like she would never let her go. The girl
opened her eyes and tried to pull away when she saw her brother
lingering in the doorway. She couldn't believe her eyes. She fought off
from her mother's grip and flew to hug her brother.
“I thought...” She cried.
“No. I ran too.” He said silently hugging her back. Only a small smile
crossed his serious face.
Their mother tried her best to offer them a
safe, normal childhood from there on. They moved far from the town to
the forests to continue their life. The girl with his brother went to
a small school there. They didn't fit in well with the other
children. The girl mainly spend her time in the forest while her
brother read. He was left alone while she was violently teased.
Their mother worked long hours to afford to buy them clothes, books and
toys so they lived quite free life still and their mother didn't know how things
were truly in school. The girl was a fluent liar and great at hiding
things. The girl liked the freedom she had and she was afraid the
truth would take it away. She was afraid they'd move and she'd lose
her forests. The girl and her brother both loved to read and as the girl hadn't made even one
friend she lost herself to the world of the books. She didn't just
read them, she lived them. The characters of the books were her
friends who with she shared the adventures. She also ran to the
forest anytime she got a chance and got scolded badly by her mother
every time she got caught sneaking out during night. The girl thought
it was unfair, how else she could go find animals to be with? Wolves
moved by night, owls and things unknown moved then and she was stuck
inside four walls! While living outside over a month she had grown
over her fear of dark. There was no beasts, there
was only reality. When light was removed the faintest of lights were
seen the best, she had thought to herself while she had watched the
dim stars in the darkening night sky. It was a happy memory.
The girl's mother started to
take notice that no one ever visited her and she had said she just
felt uncomfortable if she would throw her a birthday party as she was
still afraid of people so she shouldn't bother. The
mother realized her little girl didn't have any friends but while
confronting the girl about this she laughed and told how many friends
she had and what kind of adventures they had.
“But honey, they aren't real.” Her mother said silently in a tone that poisoned a
piece in the girl's soul. To her they were, they had been. “Why don't you try and make a new friend in the new school you go?”
“I'll try.” The girl said and dodged her mother's smile. She didn't want to go to the
junior high, to big school, to the town where she had lived her first
years. She was afraid she'd run to his father there. Her brother
comforted her that she wouldn't but she feared it still. The first
day of school was so anxiety filled she spent half of the time in the
nurse's office. The second wasn't much better. On the third day she
had to share the room with another girl. They glanced at each other
and saw the same fear in the others eyes and smiled. The girl was
happy that finally she could have made her mother proud; she had
found a friend. The girl always had tried to keep her thoughts to herself as she
had found out she would be just left out that way but this girl spoke
the same language as she did. They didn't have always the same point
of view or they would agree but for once the girl didn't felt
homeless without the woods. They talked a lot about being
homeless in this land where no one understood you. Then they would
look at each other and grin. Those were the best two years of the
girls life.
A week before the last
year of junior high the girl received a call from her best friend to
meet her. She sounded really depressed. She had been moody, depressed
and grown darker during time and the girl had tried her best to be
there for her but she knew what ate her inside. It made the girl sad
as she seemed to more immune to it. She had lost touch with reality
ages ago yet no one spoke of it or even hinted it. She wouldn't have
admitted it either but she had tried to teach it to her best friend
so she could be more happy. It seemed she wasn't a good teacher. The girl took a
familiar forest path they had walked together hundreds of times. She
started to feel something was off. It was like the world was quieter,
the shadows were longer, the grass was of different hue. The girl
called her best friends name and saw her coming towards her behind a
big fir tree with odd colour of green. For the first time in half a year she saw a big,
genuine smile on her face. The girl smiled too and ran to hug her but
stopped as she noticed it. Her red dress was more red. It was
dripping red.
“I know you're too dutiful, I couldn't wait. I'm sorry.”
The girl screamed, lifted
her friend to her arms and ran but the path grew thinner and longer
the harder she ran. She left a line of red behind her and as she
watched it in horror the trees around her started to drop their
colours too. The hay made yellow pools to the ground. The girl looked
at it all in confusion and terror. The colours started dripping from
sky. It was like rain but it left blue spots where ever it hit. The
girl lost her feet and hugged her friend crying. She hugged her back. At least her tears
were still just tears.
=== The first chapter begins ===
The girl woke up on a forest path. She looked around for her best friend who she had just held but she was not there.
She screamed her name, she searched for her phone but realized she
had forgot it at home. She got up and realized it wasn't the same
forest path that she had been on. There was no puddles of colours in the ground, the
trees were different, the soil was different and everything look
painted. She lifted her
hands. They didn't look exactly her hands. She looked down. She wore
her green woollen dress but the way it moved was different. She
touched her hair. She had got a lot more of it suddenly.
“Hey there, are you lost?” A kind voice sounding like a songbird called
out. The girl turned around and lost her tongue. In front of her was
Ashlynn Ella, daughter of the Cinderella, smiling kindly and letting
a yellow bird fly from her hand.
“Are you all right? You look... pale.” She ended though the word “different” was the one about
to slip from her tongue. The girl turned around but all around her
was the same forest. No hints how she ended up there. No path
what she had used to walk was seen.
“Oh you must be one from freedom year and got lost. This is the enchanted forest, we're allowed to visit here during daytime but leaving the school grounds during late evening is strictly prohibited! You'll get in fairy big trouble if you don't follow the rules.” Ashlynn took her
hand and started to lead her down the path.
“I'm in Ever After?” The girl whispered in awe as she pulled her hand
back hurriedly. They stopped and Ashlynn's sweet face was even more
sweet while looking confused.
“You were not supposed to be in here?”
“I... I'm not sure.”
“Then we need to take you to Headmaster Grimm. He knows what to do!” Ashlynn said cheerily with a determined face and she started to pull
the girl incredibly fast trough the forest for a girl who walked in high heeled 
glass slippers. The girl thought she had to be dreaming. The Ever
After! She had read all the books, looked all the shows regarding the
Ever After High, a high school for the sons and daughters of the
fairytale legends. She knew so much about the place, it's
surroundings, the Wonderland, the people here and she knew that
presenting her to Headmaster Grimm knew trouble.
“Here we are!” The cheery voice woke the girl from her thoughts. She had
noticed nothing on their way here and wondered how it would be even
possible in a wondrous place like this? Ashlynn knocked the door and
explained she had found a lost student from the woods.
“Thank you Miss. Ella.” Headmaster Grimm said seriously and took a grim look
on the girl. “Come in. Have a seat. From which story are you from?”
He showed a chair behind a huge, old mahogany table and even though
he wasn't royal he sat on a throne on the other side of the table.
The sun shone brightly from big windows behind him showing the girl
and her every face and movement keeping Headmasters face in shadow.
The girl still looked around baffled by this all.
“What were you doing in enchanted forest? It's Orientation for freedom year students.” Mr. Grimm asked a bit too
loudly. The girl flinched.
“I was... looking for my friend. I got lost.” She answered.
“And your friend is?”
“She was just passing... by.” The girl lowered her head and tried to
find her breathe. She had to come up with a story and fast.
“Are you one of the new students here?”
“I'm not sure but here I am!” The girl managed to pull a small smile.
There was a clearing of a throat and no smile back.
“I am Headmaster Grimm of Ever After High and you would be?” Mr. Grimm
stood up and walked to the edge of the table and looked at her with a
very tight face. The
kind of face he gave only to Raven Queen, the daughter of Evil Queen
who didn't sign the storybook of legend and so had divided the school
in two. The Royals wanted their destiny and wanted to go by the book
just as Headmaster Grimm liked. The Rebels like Raven Queen
questioned their destiny or wanted to write it completely new, thing
Mr. Grimm looked down upon highly. The girl thought fast, all her
knowledge of this land and people and especially now about Mr. Grimm
could get her out of the trouble.
“I go by many names but I think here it would be the easiest to call me the forest princess Amidala.” The girl answered grinning in her head.
It was a name she had when she played in the woods as a child.
“And you would be the daughter of...?” Mr. Grimm obviously had no idea
about the name so she could come up with a story of her own or she could bend the
truth a bit.
“Tapio and Mielikki.” Amidala answered quickly.
“I have never heard of such names!” Amidala didn't think it could be
possible but his face grew even grimmer and tighter.
“I am not daughter of a world wide fairytale. I come from mythology.” Amidala said carefully.
“We do not usually take such kind in here.” Mr. Grimm said strictly.
“This is the school for future fairy tales! For the Queens and Kings of tomorrow!”
“That is why I'm unsure why am I here. At first I was roaming in my home woods and then I found myself here.” Amidala told truthfully and
felt really confused again but pushed the feeling aside so she could
concentrate.
“But I come from legend, passed down hundreds of years from generation to generation. My story has lived longer than many of others combined.” She said sincerely sounding but cunningly. Headmaster Grimm pondered this.
“Tell me about your story.” He sat back down.
“I'm from a very, very old traditional legend of my home region.”
Amidala said as she knew this would please Mr. Grimm. Traditions were
always good. “My father is the king of forests and hunting. He was a God once. My mother takes care of the forests, fields, crops and our family. We had different names back in the old times when we were Gods to a very large region but then our stories were hunted down and we settled to our own regions and took one name. I am Tellervo back at home but I think Amidala would be easier to say for the people here. I got the name from the Wind.” She smiled. Mr. Grimm looked
surprised. She looked at her sharply as if he was trying to see
trough her. She was happy she wore her green dress today so she
looked the part. She wondered would her clothing have changed if she
has wore something else? Her hair had changed and she hadn't looked
herself from the mirror yet.
“You don't look like the others in here.” He said slowly like he would
be reading her mind.
“Actually I haven't even seen what do I look like now.” Amidala blurted out. 
“We are not necessarily in human forms.” She added hurriedly.
“I must talk with the other faculty about this but first answer me, do you want to take your parent's place?” His eyes narrowed.
“I'm not sure will such a day occur as they have always been there, perks of being a God. I don't know will I continue out as a new protector of their forests or in different area but I have done it from the day I learned to walk. I have done more of my father's job than mothers.” Amidala answered. It was kind of fun to pretend to be the daughter of the forest king like she had done while being a child!
“So your destiny would be...?” Mr. Grimm obviously had trouble
understanding this and it brought great pleasure for Amidala. She had
never liked him anyway.
“To be the protector of forests. To bless or curse the hunters or their prey. To give or take from wonderer’s in me.” Amidala stretched
her shoulders back, pulled her chin up and knew she looked powerful
and proud. She had spent years in front of mirror practising
impressions so she could make the right ones and blend in but she
never got the right one in the right place. Mr. Grimm looked
impressed.
“Very well Ms. Amidala. I shall call out a student to keep you company and tell about our history as me and the other faculty members will talk about this.” Mr. Grimm said. Amidala knew they would try to dig up her
story to find out if it was true. She also knew who would soon burst
in like a bunch of sun rays. Apple White, the daughter of Snow White,
future Queen of Ever After and an incredible optimist. The bubbly and
happy personality made Amidala anxious even though the door hadn't
even opened yet. She knew everyone were good and friendly here, some
on their own way, and some more than others, but she couldn't erase her
past and fears and be a completely new person here. She didn't in the
end even want to stay here, she knew her mother would be sick of
worry if she would disappear again for a longer time but where she
had came in wasn't the way out. She had pinched herself secretly so
many times she also was pretty sure this wasn't a dream.
“Headmaster Grimm? As I emerged here seemingly out of nowhere I can't go back home. I don't know what I should call my world, it's just a... world. Reality? But in the end I need to return there. Do you know how...”
Amidala started but was interrupted by a polite knock on the door and
a high pitched, cheery and sweet hello by a fair young woman with
golden hair. Amidala forced a small smile to her face as Apple White
glided to her.
“Miss White. Here would be perhaps a new student. I need to hold a meeting, could you go and tell her about our school's glorious history in meanwhile?” Mr. Grimm said seriously.
“Oh it would be my pleasure, Headmaster Grimm! I'm always happy to help.” The girl smiled like a sun. “Hi, I'm Apple White and I know we are going to be best friends forever after!” She grabbed Amidala and
flew her out of the room. When the door was closed Amidala pulled her
hand to herself.
“I'm sorry I don't like to be grabbed and touched. People here seem to have a tendency to do it.” She said shyly and took few steps
backwards. She looked at the wall instead of Apple.
“Oh, I'm sorry.” Apple's smile faded a bit but came soon back brighter
than ever. “Headmaster Grimm forgot to tell me who you are. Which story are you from?”
“I'm Amidala.” She answered nervously. “My story... well it has been many things. Now I guess it's just a traditional story among my region.”
“What...”
“From another world.” Amidala interrupted her and looked away again. She
was suddenly homesick, scared, confused and sad. Luckily she was master in
hiding her feelings too but she couldn't hide her anxiousness. She
wondered what had happened in the forest path, had it been real?
Where was her best friend and what had happened to her?
“It's okay to feel overwhelmed by all this. The first days of freedom year are just a blur of getting the hang of things.” Apple comforted. “I know a hexellent cure for it! We should go to the Village of Book End and visit the Mad Hatter's tea shop! They have a tea that will cure anything and is the maddest place in Ever After!”
“You were supposed to give me a lecture about the school.” Amidala
reminded. She didn't need it and she didn't want to hear it but it
would keep the girl busy and she would have time to let this all sink
in and think of some kind of plan.
“Oh it's a fairyload of yada yada and uponing, you'll hear it anyway. This will make you feel better and will cure the last bits of thronesickness.” Apple came closer to her and gave out her hand.
Amidala didn't take it.
“I don't want to leave. They are there deciding what to do with me and I don't want to be gone when they will call me in.” Amidala said
seriously. Then she looked surprised, how had she known they all were
there, no one had entered after Apple! The bright girl looked
embarrassed.
“You are absolutely right. I am royally sorry I tried to talk you to do something else that what is hexpected of us.” Apple said and looked
as royal as she could which was a lot. She scolded herself for not
filling out her duty as she should have.
“On a second thought, do you have a mirror nearby? I would like to see
myself.” Amidala lifted her face. Apple doubted a second but smiled
and nodded.
“I think the closest is in my dorm room, it's not fairy far away. If we run we won't be gone but a minute!” She said and started to lead
the way. Amidala ran with her down the corridor, up the stairs, to
the end of another corridor and to a door where was a picture of a
red apple and a violet feather. Apple told about her room mate Raven
Queen while showing Amidala a big mirror. She knew everything about
Raven so she had stopped listening but when she saw herself she
forgot to stop pretending.
“That's... That's it?” She said a bit disappointed. She hadn't turned out to
look like one of Ever After, she looked like a drawn version of
herself. She didn't have the big head and plum cheeks others had.
Hers was like it always had been, heart shaped and a bit long with
high forehead and dented cheeks. Her hair was a big bunch of finer
golden brown coloured... mess. She looked like she was, she hadn't
brushed her long hair in a week and it was all entangled and it
looked like only the mass had increased and so had the tangles. Her
eyes were a bit bigger and looked unnatural in her head. She hadn't
got the clear, bright colour to her eyes others had, hers was still a
blur of grey, green and yellow. She wasn't special beauty, she was
plain. Just plain. She was happy that the imperfections of her skin
had disappeared. She had always enjoyed being pale and avoided
sunlight but it came with the side effect that her pimples and blue
veins showed only more clearer. Now she was as pale as Snow White if
even paler and her skin was porcelain perfection. She grinned a bit
as she always had had full lips and she loved to paint them blood
red. If she would dye her hair black she would look more of Snow
White than Apple White would ever. She turned away from the mirror
and then turned back. The perfection of her skin hadn't moved her
scars away. She was happy the ones in the face were almost invisible
but the one in her chin could be seen and if they were there, the
rest of her scarred body would be there. She had to live life of long
sleeves and long skirts in here and it was a lot warmer than it had
been back home.
“Are you all right?” Apple asked carefully as she had watched the faces
Amidala had made without noticing. Amidala turned sharply to face
Apple with blank face, brushed her dress few times as if to
straighten it from the front and started walking hastily off from the
room.
“Yes, thank you. We should return.” She said tightly. She really wanted
to be sent home. Apple came unsure after her.
“You're welcome.” She said silently and walked next to her. “Hey, if you ever want to talk about anything, or ask about anything in here or need anything I'm here for you.”
“Do you know the way out of here?” Amidala turned sharply to face the
fairest and confused face.
“To where?”
“Back to my world.”
“What is it? Where is it?” Apple was plain baffled.
“I wish I would know that too.” Amidala sighed and continued walking
hastily down the stairs and to wait behind the big oak doors. Apple
followed her pondering her words. She came here but didn't know from
where? How was that even possible? She took a deep breathe and took
it to her royal duty to make the girl feel welcome and wanted in Ever
After now matter where she came from. Apple would be the next Queen
and this was her chance to prove that she would be a great one! She
came to Amidala who stood motionless just staring at the doors. Just
as Apple was about to start her speech the doors opened and
Headmaster Grimm nodded approvingly to the two girls. Behind him was
Baba Yaga, a faculty advisor of Ever After High. She was an old witch
with long, grey hair that she partly hid under a red scarf. Feathers
and skulls were braided to her hair. Next to her was Maid Marian who
Amidala knew to be teacher of royal subjects yet trying to look the
part in her dress, cone hat and veil, she still was Robin Hood's wife
and lived by the way of the merry men, only toned down. Next to Maid
Marian was the White Queen of Wonderland who kept her royal distance
of her and looked down on her saying something a bit hurtful by the
glare Maid Marian gave to her. She was tall and thin, white from tip
to toe and even though she had been the other Queen of Wonderland
before the Evil Queen parted these two world apart she had adapted to
Ever After very well considering that in here they were considered
more or less mad. Amidala still knew she was fickle, bossy and full
of herself. What surprised her was that Mr. Badwolf was there too. He
was teacher of the rebels and she had declared herself as royal to
Mr. Grimm to get on his good side. Why he was there then? As Amidala
was called in she noticed that Headmaster Grimm's brother Giles was
there too. So they had tried to search her legend.
“Miss Amidala, do sit down.” Mr. Grimm said and introduced her to the
faculty. “We have a problem with you, you see, no one has ever
heard of your story.”
This didn't surprise Amidala at all but she had had time to think.
“Madam Baba Yaga, where are your story roots from?” Amidala turned sharply
to face the witch who glared at her behind big and thick glasses. She
was surprised of such act and flipped her glasses in her hands but
managed to catch them.
“I come from many stories where I am a mighty sorceress.” Baba Yaga
answered looking down on Amidala with her big, white nose turned up
and eyes saying that Amidala should be very aware of it. Amidala did
not slouch a bit in front of her gaze but continued her sharp stare
to the witch.
“In Slavic folklore, Madam Baba Yaga.” She said sharply. “I'm from there too, daughter of old Gods to the Scandinavic people, daughter of the forest King to the Slavic. I don't know has your ancestors came here or has your story always been here but our stories come from my world. I hope that will help you seek the gateway back.”
Amidala turned back to face Mr. Grimm who looked at the changed girl.
In front of him at first had came an unsure, sad and confused little
girl and now she looked at...
“Mighty white may it try to be, flesh bitten and leaves of green, not as white as me but still a genuine queen!” The White Queen declared.
She spoke only half riddlish anymore, the language of the Wonderland.
“Indeed.” Mr. Grimm said grimly. Amidala looked at him with a face as tight as
his.
“You have three choices.” She started feeling nervous.
“You are not the one who gives out choices here!” Mr. Grimm pointed out angrily.
“One. You search the gateway to my home world and send me back, I would be happy about it.”
“No one has even heard of such world!”
“Two. You take me as your student although I already know my trade back at my home world but not in here.” Amidala pressed on her heart
beating so loudly she was sure the Big Bad Wolf could hear it and
look down on her for this.
“We only serve true fairy tales! Enough with this!”
“Three. You throw me out and never will know why I was sent here.”
Amidala stopped and looked at Mr. Grimm who was all red from his
face. Amidala's heart and head raced. She hoped hard that she had
played her cards right, with this trick she might lose Mr. Grimm from
her back but she didn't need him anyway. Giles smiled at her and took his
brother to the corner before he got his mouth open. Amidala was quite
sure she got at least somewhat backing up from the faculty now. By
being outspoken, tight, direct and taking the lead she tried to prove
to White Queen she was a true royal. None of the others would like
that but the fact that she broke rules should please Mr. Badwolf. Hinting she was sent here like Baba Yaga's ancestors should get the
witch either to hate her or to give her a point. Being a protector of
forest should be enough for Maid Marian but to hint that she might
have been sent here on purpose to be the protector of some of the
forest here should get at least her curious. It had worked on Giles
like a dream. She sat still, lips tight, shoulders back, chin raised
and looked out of the window. Birds flew in the perfectly blue sky
and somewhere in the distance she was quite sure a dragon flew in
circles around a mountaintop.
“Ms. Amidala, you would sign yourself as royal?” Maid Marian asked
quietly. Amidala didn't turn to look at her.
“I am a being, destined to be a Goddess or a Queen, a hero and protector of my forest or land. I am not a one word.” She replied as silently but clearly. She wouldn't take
a side in the whole royal/rebel nonsense. They all just wanted to
live their lives. She wanted to find out how she could have came here
and why. She wanted to know how to get back.
“Ms. Amidala, we need your full name to the student form.” Giles Grimm
smiled to her as Headmaster Grimm stayed silent and looked at her
disapproving from further back.
“Back home I would be Tellervo daughter of Tapio as it is traditional to describe other. Wind didn't give me any other name than Amidala. I could go and ask.” She said with serious face.
“I think in here you will find that there is a whole different wind blowing.” Baba Yaga said narrowing her eyes. “You need to fill out your class schedule. Now.”
“How many of the classes am I allowed to take?” Amidala asked as few
papers were given in front of her.
“How many you think you will survive?” Baba Yaga cackled.
“Well I need to know environmental magic and geografairy to get to know the land here. Better take magiology too to get things right. I need beast training and care to know the animals. I need hero's training in order to be able to protect my forest by any means. I seem to be struck with this human form in here. Better take grimnastics to build
more muscle.” Amidala looked through the papers.
“If you truly want to be a Queen you need to learn to act like one and lead like me. Not that you'd get to shine in those subjects.” White
Queen interrupted.
“Kingdom management, science and sorcery. I have eight subjects is that a lot or a little?” Amidala stopped writing.
“I think it will be fairy good amount to start with.” Maid Marian said
amused.
“We don't have free dorm rooms for her.” Headmaster said coldly.
“I can live in the forest or in the garden.” Amidala said lightly.
“No true princess would even think of such a thought!” White Queen
screamed.
“But a princess of the woods.” Maid Marian added smugly.
“The daughter of Snow Queen has a room all for herself. I think we could pair you up with her.” Giles said looking trough a book. Amidala
rose up and smiled.
“Thank you. Ms. White hinted about the book of completely reasonable few rules of your school and I shall go trough it tonight Headmaster Grimm, do not worry.” Amidala looked at him with a blank face.
White Queen had stepped forward and hurried Amidala away so she could
show her her royally new dorm room. They walked the halls in silence,
Amidala taking notice of the White Queens walking, posture and
behaviour so she could add those traits to her act.    
=== Students and meetings ===
Amidala was led to a
room that was made from pure white marble. A girl with tan skin,
white and silver hair and white, snowflaky dress rose hurriedly up to
curtsy for the White Queen.
“Ms. Snow, this is
your new room mate, Ms. Amidala.” White Queen informed, clapped her
hands and suddenly the room seemed to shrunk in half, although it was
just all of the Snow Queen daughter's furniture that moved suddenly
to her half of the room with the white marble.
“What? You could have
at least warned!” Ms. Snow shouted as she dodged a big mirror and
jumped to her bed to not be run over by her wardrobe. The White Queen
cleared her throat.
“I am sorry Mrs. Your
Majesty the White Queen, I will not speak without permission again.”
Ms. Snow said and looked down embarrassed.
“Get comfortable on
your half and get all you need to your classes, they start tomorrow.”
The White Queen pointed Amidala to the other half of room. It had
plain oak floor and tasteful, yet toned down wallpaper with standard
princess four poster bed, wardrobe, chest and a plain wooden table
with plain wooden chair.
“Excuse me, Mrs. Your
Majesty the White Queen, how will I know what do I need for each
class?” Amidala asked. She remembered she was to be called by her
full name or she could turn all wonderlandic at you.
“It all was in the
introduction letter.” She answered and closed the door behind her.
“But I haven't
got...!” Amidala shouted and grunted frustrated. She turned to the
white mess behind her.
“Are you all right?”
She asked silently and gave her hand to Ms. Snow so she could climb
easier down from her dresser that was on top of another dresser. She
got an icy glance and a sigh as an answer.
“Yes.” She answered
and took her hand. Amidala had hoped she wouldn't but she didn't want
her room mate to hate her from the start.
“I can help you
rearrange these.” Amidala offered awkwardly.
“No need to. Just
step aside.” Ms. Snow said and crammed all the furniture to the
smaller space by moving them with an icy wind and a bit of an ice on
the marble. Amidala looked at her and bit her lip. She didn't have
any magic powers at all and she was a bit jealous about it. Then she
remembered she had all the knowledge from the place, it was kind of a
magic power. She took a peek in her wardrobe, which was as empty as
the chest. At least there was sheets in the bed.
“You usually bring
your own stuff and fill your room with them.” A bit sarcastic voice
said from the other side.
“I have nothing with
me.” Amidala sat to the bed and looked out. It was only afternoon,
she could search the library and get all the books for the classes
there.
“What do you mean?”
Amidala flinched and
moved hurriedly further as she noticed Ms. Snow leaning on her bed.
She knotted her eyebrows and looked at Amidala suspiciously.
“I just... found
myself from here. I am forest princess Amidala.” She rose and
curtsied to the other girl taking few steps further from her.
“Elena Snow. Daughter
of the Snow Queen.” She curtsied back. “What story are you from?”
“No one knows it
here.”
“If it's not a secret
it could be told in here still?” Elena hinted carefully.
“It's a myth, a
legend and a folklore story from another world. I don't know exactly
what of the version I should be representing.”
“They differ much?”
“Only from the region
we hold under us.” Amidala said unsure.
“We?” Elena asked.
Amidala felt anxious. The girl surely asked a lot.
“Gods, Kings and
Queens. I looked after my... forest when I ended up in here.”
Amidala answered painfully. Her best friend's face flashed in her
mind and she had to close hers to concentrate to her act. “I was
there the one second and then I woke up here. I guess the faculty
thinks there is a reason why I am brought here and took me in.”
Amidala explained shyly keeping her distance. She knew nothing about
Elena, she must have been a background person or just started here.
It was a discomfort. Amidala bumped carefully to the wall.
“So this all is
completely new to you?” Elena asked sounding a lot warmer. Amidala
nodded shyly.
“Let me help you to
start then. Usually we bring our own stuff from home but the school
does have some magic for the not so fortunate fairytales. You can
change your dorm room to your liking once. The walls, the floor,
furniture, even the roof!” Elena smiled. “I used it to make
everything out of white marble. I love the feel and touch of it!”
“So do I wish for it
or say something or...?” Amidala felt really insecure and suddenly
the floor was made from white marble.
“Oh no! Yes, you
think and wish for it and now you spent it on this!”
“It's all right, I
like white marble too.” Amidala lied. She closed her eyes, took a
deep breathe and touched the wall. It was suddenly made of thick and
wide tree trunks with blooming ivy rolled around them. Amidala peeked
and sighed in relief. It looked good. She looked at the windowsill
and a thick coat of ivy and moss grew to it and fell down from the
window. She changed the table to be made of thick, old oak and to be
twice as big as it used to be and she changed the chair to a big
block of birch with thick moss on top of it so it would go with the
marble floor. The wardrobe grew vines around itself and moved next to
window. The bed didn't change. Amidala touched it, closed her eyes
and imagined hard but it didn't change.
“What you want it to
be?” Elena asked carefully.
“A flowerbed.”
Amidala answered and Elena grinned as she had guessed the answer.
“I think it needs to
keep it's shape. You could make it out of living trees and have the
leaves as the roof.” She suggested.
“Not a bad idea at
all.” Amidala smiled and changed the bed to be made of living
trees. Then she looked at the roof and tried her luck. Elena sighed.
“Wow. Why has no one
thought of that?”
“It worked?”
Amidala opened her eyes and looked at the black roof with starry sky
in it. “Yay!”
“You should really
meet Ashlynn Ella, she loves nature as much as she loves Hunter. The
Huntsman, they're a pair. Part of this rebel thing. Or actually
rebelling against the rebel thing. It's complicated.” Elena grew
awkward. Amidala looked at her side of the room and came to
conclusion she was a royal trough and trough. Then she looked at her
side and thought everyone would think the same of her.
“I actually have met
her. She found me and dragged me here.” Amidala tried to smile. “I
guess I should go and try to figure out what all do I need for my
classes.”
“I can tell you.”
Elena smiled and Amidala gave a small shrug and handed her schedule
carefully to her.
“What in the name of
the Grimms? How you think you can survive this kind of schedule?”
Elena shouted.
“They said I had to
pick classes and didn't tell me how many.” Amidala said defending
herself.
“Hero's training?
Magiology?” Elena looked at her suspiciously.
“I am the protector
of my forest. Or will be as I hold no forest now. I'm stuck to this
human form in this world so I need to be able to defend my woods one
way or another. Those seemed like good classes to take.”
“It's just... royals
don't usually pick them. Girls don't go to hero's training either, it
can be dangerous.” Elena said carefully.
“I am not picking a
side in your school, I am simply going to learn this world, it's
forests and how to defend them if I cannot ever go back home again.”
Amidala's voice almost died out at the end of her sentence. Elena bit
her lip.
“Well, grab some
parchment and a pen. I'll tell you all I know about these classes.”
She said and Amidala blushed.
“You don't have even
pen and parchment? We need to go to the village of Book End and get
you some! Get you a fairyload of things.” Elena shook her head.
Amidala grunted.
“I don't have any
money either. I will go and look for after school job but before that
I guess I'll need to go by what the library has to offer me.”
Amidala looked as embarrassed as Elena.
“I'm sorry, it's hard
to understand that you have just popped here out of thin air.” She
said.
“I'm having trouble
understanding it too on top of everything else.” Amidala gave a
small smile. Elena took a notebook and a pen and started to write
down things Amidala needed to know for the classes, what books to
search and what all she should try to get.
“You keep the pen and
the parchmentbook. They'll get you started.” Elena smiled.
“Thank you.”
Amidala said surprised. She knew people in Ever After were kind but
it was still odd that a stranger would be so kind towards her. Her
school mate was kind towards her. Helped her.
“Thank you very
much.” Amidala smiled widely.
“No biggie.” Elena
laughed. Amidala thought the opposite. It was a big deal to her. The
only one who had been kind was, no, she wasn't going to think about
it now. She had to focus to get the first few school days in order
first.
“I'll go and start
searching for a job. Thank you for your help.” Amidala smiled a bit
and wiped off her tears disguising it as just wiping hair off from
her face.
“I warn you, you will
be hexhausted after those classes and then you have your thronework
to do! I doubt you can manage a job on the side.” Elena said
seriously.
“I don't have much
choices here. I need the money and I need to learn all and fast.”
Amidala sighed.
“But if you don't
know your destiny...”
“I do know my destiny
and that is why I have to work hard so I can claim it no matter the
world.” Amidala said proudly and walked out. She leaned on the door
and blew out a long breathe. She started to walk the halls but pretty
soon she was lost and way too anxious to ask anyone for help. She
didn't want to go in rounds but she couldn't roll up to a corner to
cry either when there were other fairytales present.
“Amidala!” A
familiar voice called out.
“Oh no, not her!”
She sighed but managed to pull a smile. Apple came to her like a sun
smiling and waving to her fans. Everyone loved Apple. Little
songbirds flew off from her shoulders.
“I'm sorry I lost
you, I had to go to my class and you were gone when I came back but
I'm so glad we found each other again!” She almost sung.
“I got my verdict and
was shown to my room.” Amidala answered shortly.
“So you'll stay? Yay!
We should spellebrate! Now I'm taking you to the Tea Shop, oh don't
worry, as the Royal student council co-president this is on me!”
Apple's laugh was like small bells ringing. She grabbed Amidala and
then hastily let go.
“I'm sorry, I forgot
you like to keep your distance. It's all right! Don't worry! You'll
see how spellbinding this place is and how nice everyone is!” Apple
walked down the hall and told Amidala at the same time who was who.
She was amazed how Apple could remember all of the student's names
and stories.
“Apple!” Someone
shouted behind and ran to them. She grabbed Apple from her shoulders.
“You can't spellieve
this, I just heard an oddball from another world has popped to here
and the faculty is sure she will be some kind of hero to this world!
How mad is that?”
“Briar!” Apple said
with scolding voice as the tanned girl with brown and pink hair
noticed Amidala. Her sunglasses dropped from her head to low on her
nose.
“Oddball, nice to
meet you Briar.” Amidala said blankly. “Thanks for the story but
I'll be no hero.”
“Whops I'm sorry. I
really royally am. I didn't...” Briar stuttered.
“It's okay. I know I
look... different.” Amidala sighed.
“It's just because
your face is so weird and you have really odd body structure even
though you hide it under all that dress and you should really comb
your hair because it is more tangled than the destinies are right
now.” Amidala heard behind her. She turned in horror.
“I'm terribly sorry!
I cannot tell a lie!” A wooden girl blushed and looked like she'd
be almost in tears. Her wooden hands which had traces of different
colour paints were slapped on her mouth.
“It's okay.”
Amidala sighed painfully. “Really. I've heard worse.” She said
and continued walking down the hall leaving the three girls argue by
themselves. She knew Cedar Wood had heart of gold but she couldn't
tell a lie until she would be the next Pinocchio and sometimes she
blurted the truth out not even wanting to do so. Their words hadn't
hurt Amidala as she really had had worse but she pondered had the
faculty really used the term hero? Was there something going on they
haven't told anyone about which was the reason they took her in? But
surely Headmaster Grimm would have been happy to take her in then
also. Amidala shrugged, rumours were rumours.
“Amidala, wait!”
Apple ran after her. Amidala slowed down but didn't stop. “I'm
sorry about that, they're both really sorry about it and want to make
it up to you. Briar wants to throw you a pageripping welcoming party
so everyone would get to know you!”
“NO!” Amidala
shouted horrified. “Not in a million years! I hate parties! I hate
attention, I hate to be the centre of attention!” Her shout echoed
in the silenced hallway where everyone had turned to stare at her.
Amidala felt her heart squeezing to a small ball and she felt the
cold sweat on her skin. She started to run down the hall, down the
stairs, towards the doors to the garden. The hall seemed never
ending, the steps looked a mile high and the doors were so far away.
Laughter and evil names rang in her ears. Tears filled up to her eyes
as the anxiety took over her. She ran without a destination but she
ran where she saw treetops and a mountain. She ran through the
forest, she ran to the dark forest and it's shadows where she finally
was out of breathe. She collapsed to the path and tried to get some
air to her lungs. The run felt so familiar she would have cried if
she would have had the breathe for it. She would have screamed but
she couldn't. When she finally had got her breathing levelled she
started crying. She cried the anxiety out as well as the missing
towards her best friend and home.
“This is golden. The
oddball is one for water sports!”
“What the...”
Amidala glanced at a fairy with platinum hair with teal strike on it.
Her skin was quite grey and even though Amidala knew people here
could be pink or blue or grey it still seemed odd to her.
“What the hex do you
want?” Amidala swiped her cheeks embarrassed and annoyed.
“What do I want? To
take the joy out of your misery of course!” The fairy laughed.
“Then take a seat,
this will take a while.” Amidala spat out. She recognised Faybelle
Thorn, daughter of the Evil Fairy who but Sleeping Beauty to her
sleep. She was a happy villain, embracing her evil side. Amidala's
answer didn't give her satisfaction but she did land down.
“Well do not stop
crying just because of me! In fact, let's have that cry baby face to
the mirrorNet!” Faybelle took out her mirrorPhone and started
recording Amidala. That was where she drew the line. Her self-pity
and fear turned to anger. She rose calmly, grabbed the phone and
threw it far in the thick and thorny bushes.
“Hey! What did you do
that for? You get that back for me or you will regret the day you
were born!” Faybelle screamed. Amidala looked at her coldly to her
eyes.
“Only that? I thought
you would be evil.” She said with a hint of a smile and started to
walk back from where she had ran. She saw blue light surrounding her
but nothing happened. She heard frustrated screaming and threats
behind her but she kept walking calmly ahead. She wondered was it a
spell Faybelle had cast and why it didn't work on her? She didn't at
least feel any different and what she saw herself without moving her
head too much from the royal posture she didn't look different...
more different. Maybe Ever After magic didn't work on her because
magic wasn't real and she came from reality. She felt a sting in her
heart. She used to believe in magic and she knew
this place was full of it. She thought about herself but it was a bit
blurry who she was. She remembered the hardships, the loneliness and
the forest. The memory of her worlds forests was vibrant and filled
her with hexcitement and pride. Her
forests. But they hadn't been her forests! She knew them trough and
through, she knew the animals living there, she felt the life of it,
she mourned the misfortune of it. She had felt the thirst of the
land, she had felt the enjoyment of thunder. Amidala realized she had
stopped walking. Had she been the forest princess? She wasn't
completely sure anymore. Lost in her thoughts she walked onwards
until she was back on school grounds. She pondered would she search
out Apple but the thought of going inside the school gave her the
cold sweat again so she started to walk towards the village of Book
End. She had to get a job and then get the books from library anyhow.
She walked fast through the main road and then turned to a narrow
street. The cobblestone felt incredibly uncomfortable to walk so
Amidala took her ballerina shoes away. She either needed new shoes or
would have to go barefooted, she looked how her shoes had seen their
days.
“Oh
well, maybe I can fix these somehow.” She sighed and walked on. She
finally came to a building that looked like a warehouse except it had
a chimney that puffed out black smoke. Amidala walked to the metal
door that had a plate “Smithy” on it. She knocked the door
knowing the smith wouldn't hear it and walked in. The hammering was
heard outside but inside it hurt Amidala's ears. A very tall, strong
built woman was hammering metal singing some Ever After pop song
while doing it. She had pitch black hair with multiple braids.
Amidala tried to remember all she could about her but as she didn't
take notice on her she took a plate armour and started to clear out
the dents and polish it. She might as well show herself useful from
the start.
“Who
are you and what are you doing?” The tall woman created a dark
shadow over Amidala.
“I
am Amidala from Ever After High and I'm looking for a job to do after
class and on weekends.” She answered not lifting her eyes from her
job.
“So
you thought the smiths job would be the nicest?”
“No.
This would be the hardest, dirtiest, hottest and smelliest but I
wouldn't have to see so many people and this is a job I can do.”
Amidala handed the armour over. Smithy took it but didn't look at it.
She looked at Amidala sitting on her royal posture, looking back at
her proudly and with a calm face that hid many faces underneath that
the blacksmith could sense.
“You're
not from around here.” She said and looked at the work.
“Is
it that obvious?” Amidala asked sarcastically. She got a small
laugh back.
“I
am Betty, the blacksmith. You polish good but this isn't pristine,
there's still small dents in it if you look and move it in light.”
She said. “I don't have much use for assistance either.”
“I
have much use for a job. I popped here today out of thin air from my
world and I need money to be able to study and live in here. I can
keep this place clean and in order and do the smaller jobs for you so
you could take more bigger and more difficult orders.” Amidala said
strictly.
“You
came here today? From another world? And already you have figured out
the most secluded place from the village and came here to look for
job?” Betty asked and looked suspicious.
“I
knew where to start looking.” Amidala answered truthfully.
“So
what's your story then?” Betty put the armour away and leaned to
the wall still studying Amidala. She told the short version of it.
“You
do realize what burns there?” Betty grinned and pointed towards the
forge.
“That
is dragon fire. It doesn't use wood and even if it would I would have
nothing against it. The forest gives and the forest takes.” Amidala
smiled. Betty looked at her biting her lip.
“You
have dragon fire in your world?”
“No.
We have books.” Amidala said hoping there wouldn't be further
questions. The conversation wasn't going as she had hoped. Then
again, why would everything happen like in fairy tales just because
she was in a fairy tale world? She wasn't part of it. She rose up.
“I
will come tomorrow at five after the classes. You can see then am I
any use or not. Thank you for your time.” Amidala curtsied, took
her shoes and walked out. Betty looked after her from the door and
the black footprints she left behind her and shook her head. At least
she was persistent. Amidala walked back to the main street and with a
sigh to the Glass Slipper store Ashlynn Ella was keeping.
“There
you are! Apple has been royally worried about you!” Ashlynn cried
out as Amidala came in.
“I
figured so. Could you be so kind and hext her to meet me at the main
street?” Amidala asked awkwardly.
“You
don't have her number? Here, I'll give mine too.” Ashlynn smiled
sweetly.
“I...
I don't have a mirrorPhone.” Amidala said silently and looked at a
pair of extremely high pink heels in embarrassment.
“Oh,
I'm sorry.” Ashlynn blushed. “I'll call Apple and we can both
meet her at the Hocus Latte!”
“Thank
you.” Amidala said silently and lingered at the door hiding her
shoes to the folds of her hem. She felt anxious about having to go to
a public place after her outburst and was afraid people would point
her out and laugh, insult her or worse. Memories flashed through her
mind and not even noticing it she crept towards the door to run away.
“They
are already in Mad Hatters Teashop, come on!” Ashlynn said hexcited
and pulled Amidala out who flinched and fought hastily free.
“They?”
She asked suspiciously as Ashlynn locked the door.
“Apple,
Briar, Cerise, Cedar, Maddie and Blondie!” Ashlynn said with a wide
smile.
“What?
I... I just remembered I must go and look for the books from the
library before...” Amidala felt the cold sweat growing and her
breathing blocking.
“They
are all royally nice and looking forward to meet you.” Ashlynn
smiled so sweetly and comforting it eased Amidala's anxiety a bit.
She nodded nervously and walked behind Ashlynn towards a brightly
painted door. The inside of the shop was mad. There was clocks and
doors on the wall and in the ceiling, teapots and cups flying around,
butterfly flew past her and ate a fly while on its way with a sudden,
huge mouth with sharp teeth. It was more alive and vibrant than the
books had ever gave it credit to.
“Ashlynn!
Amidala!” Apple called out and waved to them from a large table
filled with all kind of small pies, buns, cookies and scones. There
was only two seats left on the table and six pair of eyes fixed on
Amidala. Blondie Lockes, daughter of Goldilocks who held her own
podcast 'Just Right' lifted her mirrorPad but Briar lowered it and
looked at her warningly.
“Sorry.”
Blondie grinned. Amidala took a deep breathe and walked to the table.
She could at least say hello to them before running to the library.
She started to feel she owed Apple even that for all she had tried to
do for her.
“I'm
sorry I ran off, Apple. Again.” She said silently avoiding her
eyes.
“It's
all right, honestly. We have obviously started off with the wrong
slipper so I would like you to meet few of the fairytales here.”
Apple smiled and introduced everyone.
“Hi.”
Amidala sat down half forced by Ashlynn and looked as a flying teapot
filled her cup with warm tea. She sniffed it and it smelled like
vanilla and warm hugs.
“That's
because it is made of those!” Madeline Hatter, daughter of the Mad
Hatter laughed out. Everyone else lifted their head and looked Maddie
seemingly confused but didn't think much of it. She was mad, after
all.
“Oh
you all think I'm mad?
Thank you friends!” Maddie clapped her hands together.
“She
says she can hear 'narrators'.” Ashlynn whispered. Amidala nodded
and lifted her cup for a refill. The tea was just what she had been
craving. She concentrated to it and tried to forget everything else
for a moment.
“Look,
I'm royally sorry about earlier.” Briar started scratching the back
of her head. “I would like to make it up to you but I never thought
someone wouldn't like a party.”
“It's
okay, you don't need to make it up.”
“I
am terribly sorry too! I didn't mean to point out all what is so
weird about you, oh no! I'm sorry!” Cedar slapped her hands on her
mouth again.
“Really,
it's all right. Just let it be, please?” Amidala said her
anxiousness growing. She was about to ask Apple why she had brought
all these people here but didn't manage to say it out loud.
“Ooh
Apple, Amidala wants to know why you brought all of us here but is
too shy to ask it herself.” Maddie (who is interrupting with the
narration too much) smiled and whistled for more small pies that came
on a silver platter that a wooden owl held in his mouth. It dropped
the platter to the table which made a loud sound that startled
Amidala. She grabbed a butter knife and jumped up ready to defend
herself.
“She
is smart! Never go anywhere
without a butter knife!” Maddie announced. Amidala stood up
normally looking embarrassed.
“It
was kind of you all to come here but I have to go.” Amidala said
silently looking at the floor.
“Wait!
Please, sit down. These girls all are royally sweet and could help
you to feel more at home in here!” Apple cried out. Suddenly there
was a league of boys asking was Apple all right and promising to
protect her. She giggled and thanked everyone politely and sent them
away. Amidala sighed and sat down. At least she got another cup of
tea and scones to eat.
“I
used to be a lone wolf too.” Cerise Hood, daughter of the Red
Riding Hood and Mr. Badwolf said. “I didn't think anyone would like
me as me but when I opened up a little I found out that all they
wanted was just to be my friends. Raven and Maddie are truly great.
And I couldn't have better room mate than Cedar.”
“We
are all different. I'm made of wood, we have giants and trolls in the
school and our grimnastics teacher is a huge gingerbread man. You
will fit right in.” Cedar smiled. “We do have a tense situation
going on at the school but as you can see we all can still come to
the same table.”
Apple
blushed as she wished the tight relationship with royals and rebels
could be avoided.
“I
would love to make a show of you to my podcast so everyone could get
to know you without you needing to be in a large crowd. Everyone is
curious about the new student!” Blondie smiled and lifted her
mirrorPod to the table. “Rumours fly fast and I'm always faster.”
Amidala
sat silent for a while.
“Thank
you.” She said awkwardly. “It's just that... Why they would need
to know me? I'm not an important legend, I'm a dying story.”
“Then
how did you end up in here?” Blondie pushed the record button.
“Blondie!”
The others shouted at her. She blushed and put her mirrorPod away.
“Are
you from a different world too?” Maddie asked her face lightning
up. Amidala nodded carefully. Maddie laughed and jumped to stand on
her hands on the table in front of Amidala.
“I
am too! And it means we have something in common and if we are in
common we are like everyone and everyone like us likes us!” She
laughed. Amidala smiled but bit her lip. It wasn't the same at all.
They could return one day, no one even knew her world, how there
could be made a portal to somewhere no one had ever even heard of?
“Oh
that's easy! If you open that door you can't know what's behind it
but if you know what
is behind it then that is hard to do! Unless it's something really
easy!” Maddie jumped to the wall and opened a door. A big pile of
colourful pillows dropped out. “Well, better luck next time!”
“Does
anyone else wonder why she doesn't wonder all this wonder around us
at all?” Cedar asked carefully.
“Actually
yes.” Three girls said. Amidala blushed. She had forgot to play
surprised as she was too anxious to think clear.
“Oh
come on! If this is her first day in Ever After how in a hat she
would know what to wonder as everything is a wonder? You need some
more relaxing tea! And a bigger cup!” Maddie ordered and both
literally flew in front of Amidala.
“Um...
Thank you all for all this but I really should be going. I have to
search all the books for the classes and start reading as the classes
are far gone started already.” Amidala rose up. Apple looked
troubled, her attempts to make Amidala feel welcome and at home
weren't working and she always succeeded in everything she did! She
wouldn't let this be her first fairy fail.
“I
could help you with that.” Apple volunteered.
“Thank
you but it is not necessary for you to waste your day on me. I'll
just grab the books and go to the forest to read. Have a nice day you
all.” Amidala forced a small smile on her face.
“I
could come with you!” Ashlynn suddenly rose up too. “You must
have a lot of hextbooks to carry and I could help you to find and
carry those. The enchanted forest is my favourite place in the whole
world!”
“It
is enchanting.” Amidala gave a small, genuine smile and walked out
with Ashlynn.
It
turned out that it was good she was with her as she could have gotten
nowhere in the huge library and with the evil step-librarians.
Amidala was glad she only had five books to read but as one of them
was the rules of the school it would take her the whole night to
catch up with other students. She and Ashlynn walked out of the
school and Amidala could relax already a bit. Ashlynn wasn't
threatening and she shared her love towards the woods. Their chat of
the forest turned into a lecture what life was like in Ever After.
=== The first school day ===
Amidala
was a bit early to the class of beast training and care. It turned
out Ashlynn had took all the courses and she taught her the basics
and some more about healing Ever After animals during the evening
that they spent in the enchanted forest. They were accompanied by
Hunter who told her about the animals of Ever After. Both had helped
her to understand many of the subjects and Amidala felt a lot more
confident to start learning than she thought she'd ever be. Soon
other students started to emerge and looked at Amidala with curious
faces. Their teacher, Poppa Bear, introduced Amidala to the class
which was very awkward for her and then told her to search out a pair
so she could catch up. Amidala nodded but didn't move.
“Go
on, today we continue where we left yesterday. Who could make the
first bird call?” Poppa Bear asked. Amidala walked shyly further on
the lawn when someone called her name. A thin boy waved for her and
as no one else didn't seem to want to take a partner Amidala walked
to the boy.
“Hi,
I'm Carl, my mom is the little Match Girl.” The boy introduced
himself. Amidala smiled shyly.
“You've
been doing animal calls?”
“And
tended the students pets.”
“Carl
Match!” Poppa Bear pointed out. “Show our newest student an eagle
call.” Carl blushed and did his best to scream like an eagle but
only one old magpie came. There was laughter among the students.
“Erika!
The eagle call.” Poppa Bear said and the strawberry blond haired
girl swallowed her laughter and tried but didn't get even a voice
out. She blushed hard and hid behind her hair.
“She's
the daughter of the Little Mermaid and sometimes loses her voice
completely for hours.” Carl whispered to Amidala who pulled back
hurriedly.
“Poor
girl.” Amidala thought. Four students tried and failed until a
fair, handsome boy got it right. A majestic eagle landed to his arm
and he smiled smugly.
“Well
done.” Poppa Bear said. “Remember, the secret is in the tone and
pitch of your voice. Let's try one more round. Jonathan, Erika and
Amidala you are excused to sit this round.”
“Actually,
I would want to try it.” Amidala found herself saying carefully. It
surprised her as much as it did everyone else. Poppa Bear looked at
her doubtfully a while and then nodded. Amidala cleared her throat,
closed her eyes and thought about a majestic eagle and the scream it
made. She was startled by the sound she had let out. She slapped her
hands to her mouth horrified of it.
“Give
your hand out, here comes the eagle! Praise it!” Poppa Bear advised
and with loudly beating heart Amidala let the eagle land on her arm
and swept it feathers few times making a low, gargle sound. The eagle
looked at Amidala's wonder filled eyes and then flew away.
“That
was amazing.” Amidala sighed breathing heavily. “I feel dizzy.”
“Are
you all right, Ms. Amidala?” Poppa Bear came to her.
“Yes!”
Amidala smiled widely and fainted.
“Give
her room! Keep practising your calls!” Poppa Bear shouted as he
carried Amidala to the shade of a tree. Amidala slowly woke up her
heart still beating wildly. Her eyes had a new light in them.
“A
bit too much excitement?” Poppa Bear asked.
“Maybe
a bit. An Ever After animal answered to my call!” Amidala almost
laughed.
“Well
if you are destined to be the Queen of forests it would be natural
that animals listen to you.”
“But
I only arrived yesterday! The magic here doesn't work on me. Oh no,
would it work on me now?” Amidala thought of Faybelle.
“What
magic?”
“Faybelle
practised one of her spells on me but I just glowed blue and nothing
happened.” Amidala answered. Poppa Bear nodded slowly.
“Try
calling a phoenix.” He said.
“I
don't know what phoenix sounds like. Eagles we have back home.”
Amidala said baffled.
“Try.”
Poppa Bear said standing back. Amidala took a deep breathe, closed
her eyes and thought of phoenix. What kind of sound it could make
while flying, what it looked like flying, what it would sound like
while screaming. She didn't have a sound in her head. She opened her
eyes and looked around. No phoenixes were to be seen, only eagles
flew to the students and away.
“This
is interesting indeed. If you would have succeeded that would have
been a miracle.” Poppa Bear said.
“Can
I try some other animal we have back home? Like bunnies?” Amidala
asked and Poppa Bear nodded. Amidala closed her eyes. She hit the
ground with her hand in fast pace but strongly and soon three little
bunnies ran out to her and hid to her hem. Amidala let them sniff her
hand, she pet them and then carried them to safety before any eagle
got hungry.
“Well
done.” Poppa Bear said slowly in his thoughts. “Rest a bit and
when you feel strong enough come join the class.”
“Yes,
Mr. Bear. Thank you.” Amidala smiled. She felt the power. She felt
the faint feel of land swirling just beyond her grasp. Maybe she had
came here for a reason. She took few deep breathes and leaned hard on
the trunk. She smiled and joined the class.
“How
did your first class go?” Hunter asked Amidala as he was assisting
in the hero's training class.
“It
couldn't have gone better! We practised animal calls and I ace
bunnies and eagle with the first attempt! Not at the same time, I did
want the bunnies to be safe.” Amidala smiled as Hunter tightened
the leather armour on her hands.
“Well,
if you...”
“But
I just came here! I don't have magic back home!” Amidala grabbed
Hunter from his hands. “I have started to feel the land. Like it
would call me. I know it sounds crazy but...”
“You
say the rumours are true?”
“What
rumours?” Amidala asked reserved.
“The
Fairy Queen from enchanted forest has been missing for a while. The
rumours say you came here to take her place.” Hunter whispered.
“But
I just came and my training will take years. I'm not even a fairy.”
Amidala argued.
“Those
are the rumours. Sorry, I have to go and help others. Good luck!”
Hunter tapped her back and ran to the next tent to help another
student with their armour. Amidala came out to the bright sunshine.
Professor Knight gave a disapproving mumble for Amidala. Hero's
training wasn't suitable for girls! He was not pleased either that
Amidala attended the class in a dress but after their argument would
she wear a dress or go nude, he had let her keep the unsuitable
clothing for the class. He gave Amidala a wooden sword and reminded
how she didn't belong to this class. She didn't say a thing, she just
stood there tall and proud, ready to action. Sword fighting with
wooden swords? She had done this since she was four. A confident
smile on her face she paired up with the boy called Jonathan who so
smugly had ace the eagle call. He was one of the becoming princes who
would save damsels in distress and he moped as he had to fight
against one.
“Princesses
are to be saved only.” He said and refused to raise his sword.
“Afraid
you'll lose?” Amidala grinned. That got the boy to take his
position.
“No
one has ever won a battle against me! I have been training since I
was three!” Jonathan said with great pride.
“You
have a year of advantage on you then. Let's see does it count.”
Amidala incited. Jonathan huffed disapproving. Amidala had a memory
of the excitement from the sword fighting. Then she had a flash of
memory of her brother and had to take a step to gain her balance
again and she hurriedly took a strict look on her face. The memory
was blurry and soon forgotten as Professor Knight started to shout
the positions they were to make with the swords. Amidala was lost as
she had never practised any positions, only fighting, but she looked
at Jonathan and mimicked him to learn the names for the moves. She
started to dislike his smug face and snarky comments how she did the
moves wrong. She didn't bother to answer him.
'This
will lead to the most boring sword fight ever.' She thought. The
swords barely even touched while switching positions and for her
disappointment they didn't even fought on the class.
Amidala knew there
would be problems for having only one dress. She couldn't switch it
in between hero's training where she sweated and got smelly and
kingdom management. White Queen would surely point her out, out, out
with her smelly clothes. Amidala ran to her dorm room and was
relieved to see Elena there.
“I have something
huge to ask from you.” Amidala panted from the run. Elena turned
and straightened out her snowflake tiara.
“You are a complete
mess.” She pointed out. “White Queen won't have that in her class
even if it's not princessology. She can mix the subjects sometimes.”
“I know. I only own
this dress and need to wash it so do you have anything
you could lend me? I'm sorry this is much to ask and embarrassing
but...”
“I
have a laundry gnome. The dress will be washed and pristine after
lunch.” Elena smiled. “I'm not sure do I have anything that big
that it would go on you...” She opened her wardrobe.
“Even
the laundry gnome would be way too kind, Elena.” Amidala smiled and
took the sheet out of her bed as she had got a thought. She made a
simple, white wrap dress out of it that fell to her other shoulder
hiding the scars on her upper hand. It wasn't much but it was better
than go nude.
“Now
for that I have a
belt.” Elena smiled. “Makes it looks less of a sheet and then
these earrings if you'd pull your hair back and spell with me here,
this necklace.” Elena grabbed stuff from her dresser and put a
silver, sparkly belt on Amidala and some flowing, silver jewellery.
Amidala looked at herself from Elena's mirror. She looked like a
hextbook princess.
“Thank you, Elena!
You saved me.” Amidala hugged her and then was startled about it.
She breathed out and thought it hadn't been that bad.
“I wish I could
present you as my Princess Design work, I'd get an A for sure.”
Elena smiled. “Now come on! We don't want to be late!” She
grabbed Amidala and they ran to the other side of the school. Amidala
was happy Elena sat with her as she didn't understand half of what
was going on or what White Queen talked about. Elena looked like she
would take notes but she wrote to Amidala all the time so she would
keep up with the class.
“Ms. Fauna, you can
stop talking altogether in my classes. That is not a voice anyone
would want to hear. Terrible!” The White Queen held hands to her
ears as one of the princesses answered to her question.
“Ms. Snow, your
handwriting is simply awful. Fix it!” She tapped Elena's
parchmentbook like that would have changed everything immediately.
Elena blushed and looked down. Amidala lent Elena's pen as the White
Queen went on about hexes and wrote a message;
“She's just bitter
you look better in white. Your handwriting is beautiful.”
Elena gave her a
thankful smile as she took the pen back. Amidala knew the White Queen
loved to point out princess’s flaws but she hadn't expected her to
be so mean in them. Oddly enough, she was left alone when it seemed
every other princess got some mean comment from their teacher.
“When I can, I will
repay you this any way you want. You've been such a huge help.”
Amidala sighed after the class. Elena laughed.
“I have been taught
these things back home but this is a mandatory course for me. The
classes are more interesting if I tutor you at the same time.” She
smiled.
“Thank you so much.”
Amidala smiled back. They entered the castleteria and Amidala asked
for double portion of what ever after it was they were serving. She
was hungry after the hero's training and she would have gymnastics
next. She was happy they had school uniforms for it so she wouldn't
have to worry about the dress.
“Amidala!” Apple
waved her hand from a big table where a big bunch of royals were
sitting. “Come sit with us!”
“No thanks, it's
pretty crowded there already.” Amidala answered looking at all the
pretty princesses and their staring and set her platter to a table
where Lizzie Hearts and Kitty Chesire were eating.
“Do you mind if I sit
here?” She asked awkwardly even though she was at the other end of
the table. She thought she'd feel more normal in presence of the
Wonderlandians.
“OFF WITH HER HEAD!”
Lizzie shouted.
“Thank you, you too
or I'll sit anyway.” Amidala answered and sat down.
“You understood her?”
Maddie appeared almost from thin air with Raven Queen, daughter of
the greatest Evil Queen there had ever been. Amidala looked for Elena
but she had gone to another table with her friends.
“No.” Amidala
answered as she didn't want to tell she knew it was just a matter of
saying simple things for Lizzie.
“How did you know
that? The narrator said you knew what it meant.” Maddie asked and
pushed her face almost on Amidala's.
(I didn't! Well, I did
but you shouldn't be listening to me to snoop up information, Maddie.
It's wrong.)
“Oh, hey wow, look.
I'm not hungry anymore.” Amidala said getting anxious as she looked
how Maddie sat in the table and seemed to argue with someone no one
could see.
“Don't mind her. She
has been acting weird even for her a while for some reason. I'm Raven
by the way.” Raven Queen smiled as she sat down. Amidala hesitated.
There started to be too many fairytales and too much voices around
her. She didn't like it.
“OFF WITH HER LUNCH!”
Lizzie shouted and pointed to Maddie who sat down to the bench and
looked from Lizzie to Amidala and from Amidala to Lizzie with moping
and suspicious face.
“You must be the new
girl everyone is gossiping about?” Raven asked and took a bite from
her sandwich.
“I'm a new girl and I
don't like gossips. They are never right.” Amidala said and tried
to hide behind her hair but it was so tangled it moved as a huge mass
that she had to hurriedly throw it back behind her before it would
have crushed her plate. She thought she had to find a brush or pair
of scissors to get rid of her hair.
“Even if they would
say you are nice and polite and sweet as a freshly baked cupcake?”
Maddie asked.
“They don't say
that.” Amidala said bitterly and tried to eat fast.
“Hey, it's okay. We
all get gossips about us flying around, you just have to let them be.
You know the truth, right?” Raven Queen smiled. Amidala didn't
answer, she tried to finish off her food. She knew the truth but did
she remember it right anymore? The memories of her past started to
feel like a picture book she would have read.
“And the rumours
about you aren't even bad! Except the one where they say you are an
evil spy for the badwolf so he could take the students he don't like
and feed them to the wolves.” Maddie smiled brightly.
“What!” Amidala was
choking in her food. Raven facepalmed and Kitty giggled.
“The rumours ARE
true!” A shout came from the castleteria door. It startled the
whole table where Amidala sat horrified as everyone turned to look at
her with a doubting face, except for Kitty who grinned and giggled
more. A girl with strawberry blonde and violet hair pointed at
Amidala who looked back at Poppy o' hair, the other daughter of
Rapunzel. Amidala had no idea why she would be against her but she
was having a panic attack so she wasn't going to find it out either.
She tried to rise and run away but Poppy was faster.
“What the hex has
happened to you?” She lifted Amidala's hair.
“Poppy?” Apple
called. “She doesn't like to be...”
“Come, we fix this
now.” Poppy said determined
like she would be dragging Amidala to a war from her hair. She was so
baffled and anxious she didn't even fight back.
“How
can anyone have so much tangles in their hair without being a witch
and I know they see lot of trouble to get their hair like that but
you're a princess!” Poppy huffed and puffed while she took Amidala
to her dorm room. She couldn't get a word out of her but she shivered
in panic. Poppy sat her down and suddenly there was magic brushes
flying trough the air and her hair was pulled and brushed from every
direction. Poppy let her scissors run.
“What
are you doing?” Amidala finally got speech out of her as she gained
control of herself.
“What
have you been doing?
How the spell you got your hair to this point?” Poppy snapped back.
“No wonder they say a
bear-human has came to the school.”
“What?
I just didn't have time to brush my hair and when I popped in here my
hair mass multiplied and it must have multiplied the tangles?”
Amidala asked. She hadn't thought it would be that bad, her hair
still was to her waist like it always had been. She was quite hurt to
hear people talked about her as a bear-human.
“Oo
this is a challenge!”
Poppy huffed and threw a small section of incredibly long hair on
Amidala's lap.
“What
on earth? Is this my hair? My hair isn't this long!” Amidala looked
at the hair in her lap. The amazement and confusion drove away her
panic and left her staring at the growing hair pile in her lap.
“It's
almost as long as Holly's, my sister, the next Rapunzel. I have to
cut her hair every week as it grows wicked fast!” Poppy laughed.
“You're going to lose a lot of hair now but it'll grow back. Of
course not as fast as Holly's. No ones hair grows so fast!”
Amidala
started to get over her confusion and felt just embarrassed and
awkward again.
“Why
do you do this?” She asked silently.
“I
heard about your hair and I couldn't leave the thought be. Isn't it
painful to keep this much tangles?”
“I
haven't thought about it. Or well, I thought about it once that I
need to cut my hair loose. So you are Poppy?”
“Yes,
I have a hair salon at the Book End but I doubt you would have came
from what I have heard. You're having hard time settling in? I came
here because Holly wanted me to. I don't have a destiny so I first
wasn't even allowed in but Holly was so persistent they took me in. I
thought everyone just judged me because I had no destiny but I really
didn't even give anyone a chance to get to know me before I ran off,
if you know what I mean?”
“I
do have a destiny, I just don't have... anything else.” Amidala
started strongly but ended ashamed.
“I
still don't know what my destiny will be. I guess I'll find it out on
Legacy day! If they ever hold one anymore.” Poppy sounded a bit
sad.
“If
you have your own salon and love to do hair then isn't that kind of
destiny? A path you have chosen?” Amidala asked carefully. Poppy
stopped.
“I
don't know. I have never thought about it that way. Would I start a
new story then?” She looked at her mirror pondering.
“Well
there is the tale of Edward the scissor hands. He was good with hair
and topiary.” Amidala pointed out.
“None
of his children has came here for what I know.” Poppy said slowly
starting to comb Amidala's hair.
“You
could take the story and change it to hair styling. Skip the living
in abandoned mansion and be shunned by everybody part.” Amidala
thought out loud.
“Maybe.”
Poppy said silently and they sat in silence as Amidala's hair was
fully untangled. After that Poppy took out the scissors again and let
her hands fly. Amidala thought she looked just the part.
“How
much is the clock? I must change and make it to grimnastics!”
Amidala suddenly remembered.
“Not
so much that I wouldn't have time to finish this!” Poppy smiled and
soon pushed Amidala in front of a big mirror. Her jaw dropped open.
Her hair had been so tangled it looked like it would reach to her
waist but now as it was flowing straight and free it reached her
ankles.
“I
didn't have this long hair back home.” She sighed.
“I
layered it so it wouldn't be so heavy.” Poppy smiled as she looked
at smiling Amidala who admired her hair.
“Thank
you. I cannot pay you, I don't have any money...” Amidala said
silently and embarrassed.
“The
best thank you you can give me is to take this brush and use
it. Brush your hair every
evening trough. No excuses.” Poppy handed a silver brush to her.
“Oh
I cannot take it, I'll make the money and buy one, thank you.”
Amidala stuttered.
“Oh
no, you'll take it and use it today.” Poppy put the brush to her
hand looking demanding. Amidala took it carefully. It was royally
beautiful, heavy and probably made from real silver and real animal
hair.
“Thank
you so much, Poppy.”
“Thank
you for giving me a new way of thinking my destiny. Now hurry to your
class and if the students ask, say they can come to my salon!”
Poppy pushed her out. Amidala turned and hugged her.
“Thank
you! I will tell everyone what a miracle you are.” She smiled and
ran to her dorm room. Elena wasn't there so Amidala left the
jewellery and belt to her table and switched back to her green dress
that was cleaned and put carefully on her bed that had new sheets
also. Amidala smiled and put the sheet she had used to her chest. She
could make a real dress from it later. She ran to the locker rooms
where she got her grimnastics uniform. After a hurried change of
clothes she was just in time to join the class. The people who had
been with her on earlier class whispered and stared at her hair. It
glowed in the bright sun like her hair would be threads of gold. Few
girls dared to ask what had happened and Amidala told about Poppy and
her salon with a loud voice. She would surely get new customers for
this! The teacher, Gingerbreadman cut the talk short and made people
run around the field.
“You'll
thank me later when someone is chasing you to get a bite out of you!”
He shouted. Amidala maybe the first time in her life really enjoyed
the running. She didn't have shoes as the uniform didn't come with
any so she ran barefooted but it felt more natural and easier for her
even though some snickered at her because of it. Amidala smiled as
their laughter died off as she ran past them first once, then a
second time. She wasn't really fast runner but she could run a long
time without slowing down.
“You're
doing well Ms. Amidala! Have you been practising?” The
Gingerbreadman shouted.
“I
have ran all my life.” Amidala said to him as she ran past him.
After running the laps Gingerbreadman started to tell about the
coming tournaments their school would be having. Amidala took the
time to stretch herself. She snapped straight as Gingerbreadman
introduced Faybelle Thorn to everyone.
“She
is the captain of our school cheerhexing team and to tell you more
about it if some wants to join. Ms. Thorn.”
“Hello
everyone.” Faybelle smirked. Amidala wondered how would she get
anyone to join the team but she told about cheerhexing in a way that
even Amidala thought it sounded good. Many of the girls signed up
immediately and few boys did too. As the class was over Amidala
started to walk towards the showers to be there first and leave first
too. She didn't want people to see how scarred she was and to explain
them all or to have other not-so-cute nicknames for her.
“I
see some princess is too good for the team.” Faybelle said icily as
Amidala walked past.
“Or
way too weak.” Amidala sighed and batted her eyelashes to Faybelle
and continued walking. She could almost hear the sizzling sound of
Faybelle's nerves. She didn't mind if this would end up in battle.
She had fought with every bully she had. Too bad everyone had always
been against her and said she was the one who had started the fight
and she was the only one who got in trouble, but here she was pretty
sure she wouldn't have to stand alone. She had at least Ashlynn,
Hunter and Elena backing her up. She was almost sure they would do
so. Amidala showered very fast, changed to her dress and her gym
uniform tucked under her arm she ran to geografairy class. After a
while Amidala whispered to the girl next to her was the teacher from
Wonderland also.
“No,
he is just... well, like that.” The girl grinned.
“And
by that I would love to hear about new worlds! I have wondered far
and wide but never have I heard about a world where girls like you
come from. Come forward, Ms. Amidala! You'll be keeping this class
with me!” Jack B. Nimble threw a cartwheel from behind the
whispering girls to in front of the class and handed his hand towards
Amidala.
“No!”
Amidala cried out.
“No
need to be shy, what's the point of geografairy if we don't learn new
things?”
“I
want to learn about the land of Ever After!” Amidala sat tightly in
her bench heart beating fast in horror even of a thought to have to
talk to the whole class.
“Then
you have to live it. You have the weekend coming up, your personal
thronework is to learn at least three new places in Ever After and
visit them! Then write a 3000 word essay of each place.” Mr. Nimble
winked his eye and was beside Amidala trying to help her up.
“No.
I have a full weekend of work ahead of me. I'll cut you a deal. I'll
go and tell about my world and I just visit two new places and learn
them, no essays.” Amidala said silently. As Mr. Nimble saw how
absolutely horrified the girl was he smiled and patted her on the
head.
“Deal.
Now go on, you're Jack B. Nimble and I am Amidala!” The teacher sat
to her place. Almost losing her consciousness of anxiousness Amidala
walked in front of the class and faced the crowd.
“There
is many theory's of how my world came to be but the one that is
taught is that there was a big bang that created the space and time
that we knew.” She started and told about how galaxies and planets
were born, how life started on her planet, how humans evolved and how
they made Gods and myths and stories.
“I
could listen to this all day but we're out of time, students! As your
thronework draw a model about the galaxy she described. I will see
how many actually here listens to the teachings!” Mr. Nimble
laughed and shook Amidala's sweaty hand.
“It
wasn't that bad, was it?”
“Even
worse.” Amidala shivered and walked to her environmental magic
class. She wasn't thrilled that Jack B. Nimble taught that too.
Ashlynn had took these classes also and had told about them but
Amidala was nervous. She had hard time calming down and she wasn't
sure did she believe in magic. She knew
this place had it but knowing wasn't the same as believing and many
said you had to believe in your magic to make it work. As Amidala was
already behind the class she was struggling with everything.
“That's
the future Forest Queen? The forests will wilt.” She heard someone
saying and she blushed. She should have natural gift for this kind of
thing if she would be forest princess. Then again, she just came here
from world without magic. It would take it's time. Too bad Amidala
wasn't a patient girl. She kept trying and trying harder until Mr.
Nimble came to her and said she should just watch and ask for some
tutoring. Amidala felt humiliated as there was once again snickering
towards her. She sighed and watched as others practised blooming
magic. One after another the flowers they had in front of them
started to bloom. Amidala sighed and thought about the blooming vines
on her dorm wall. How sweet they smelled and how tired she actually
was. How she wanted to have a nap in the hammock she had made from
them.
“Ms.Amidala!
As interesting as it is stop that at once!” Mr. Nimble's sharp
voice punctured to her daydreaming. She was high up in the air, still
sitting on a chair that had been raised by growing vines that had
started to take over the classroom. She screamed as she was scared of
highs.
“Get
me down!” She screamed.
“How
did you do the vines?” Mr. Nimble asked.
“I
don't know! I just thought about my hammock!” Amidala had a tight
grip of the chair and she had closed her eyes. She felt the wobbling
of the vines and it made her really scared and sure that she would
fall. Some girls snickered to her again.
“I
see. Ms. Amidala, think how the vines pull back to earth and lower
you down and disappear.” Mr. Nimble said with a lot warmer tone.
Amidala did her best trying to concentrate thinking about the vines
but her fear stood on the way.
“I'm
too scared.” Amidala said silently holding the chair tighter.
“You
created these, you can undo them.” Mr. Nimble said. Always clean
your own mess, Amidala thought about her mother's teachings and tried
to calm herself down. After a while she could feel how she dropped
down bit by bit. She opened her eyes and wasn't that high anymore and
she sighed in relief. The vines pulled back smoothly and left Amidala
sit where she had been.
“That
was horrible. Even worse than being you.” She shivered as Mr.
Nimble made sure she was all right. Then she realized she had used
magic, she had made the vines grow. It was a scary thought. Was she
becoming to what she claimed to be? But she had been the forest
princess in her world, hadn't she?
“The
class is over. As your thronework you will make the garden of the
school bloom. Each one of you have to make 30 flowers bloom. Ms.
Amidala would you stay behind?” Mr. Nimble said seriously and
Amidala sat back down embarrassed. Her first school day wasn't going
well. As others had left the classroom the teacher came and sat next
to her.
“Now
what was that all about? You couldn't make a simple flower bloom but
you could infest the classroom with vines?” His tone was tight.
“I'm
sorry, I didn't mean to. I... I didn't think I have any magic in me
but it seems the longer I am in this world it is growing on me. I
just don't know or notice it.” Amidala stuttered.
“Or
control it.” Mr. Nimble added scolding.
“I'm
sorry.”
“Try
to make that flower bloom now.” He ordered and showed a wilted
flower she had killed with her tries.
“I
don't know how to use magic. It is way different in our world! We
don't really even have it!” Amidala protested. Mr. Nimble looked at
her like he would study her and then told shortly how magic worked in
Ever After.
“Go
on and try.” Amidala nodded and looked at the flower. She didn't do
chants or fancy hand movements Mr. Nimble had told about. She
imagined it getting power and nutritions, water and sunlight, to grow
from them, to reach towards the sun. She was amazed as the flower
slowly started to turn green and sprout new leaves.
“Good,
go on.” Mr. Nimble encouraged even though she didn't do it right.
Amidala concentrated harder and the flower started to lift it's head
and slowly, almost like testing was it safe to open it started to
bloom. Amidala sighed. It drained her, all the concentration and
imagining gave her a headache.
“Well
it wasn't that hard was it?” Mr. Nimble smiled. Amidala looked at
him grimly, it had been hard for her! “Do you have magiology
class?”
“Yes.”
“Good.
There you will learn different kind of magic, more of the sorceress
style. You can take what you learn there and add it on these classes.
The way you do it now seems to be hard on you.”
“I
do have a terrible headache.” Amidala admitted and thought
unexcited about going to help Betty and hear all the hard hammering.
Mr. Nimble nodded, took some leaves behind his desk and gave them to
Amidala.
“Eat
those and rest a while, the headache will go away. As your
thronework you will grow ivy over the garden gazebos. All five of
them!” He said and left. Amidala looked after him in amaze. How
would she do that? This would be a major fairy failed class. She ate
the bad tasting leaves and went to her room. Elena was putting on her
knee high, white satin high heeled boots. Amidala wondered did
everyone walk in high heels here? It seemed to be so natural for all
the girls.
“How
did your classes go?” Amidala asked as she laid to her bed.
“Unhexitingly.
It seems the first year classes for princesses are what I have been
taught already so I find this quite boring. Crownculus isn't my
favourite subject but it is new so I'm waiting for tomorrow's
classes.” Elena sighed and rose up. “Your hair!” She screamed.
“Oh
yeah, that. Poppy o' Hair had heard about me and forced me to sit
down and be untangled. I never knew I would have this long hair.”
Amidala took a piece of her hair and looked at the ends of her hair.
Not a single split one.
“It
looks hexellent.” Elena smiled. “I have visited her salon and she
does miracles.”
“So
it seems.” Amidala grinned. “I'll be gone this evening, I will
try to get the job I want.”
“Where
did you ask for it?” Elena came to lean on her bed poster.
“From
the village blacksmith. She said she didn't need help but I need a
job so I said I'll come today and she can see am I any good.”
“Blacksmithing?”
Elena looked at her like she had gone mad. “You could have asked a
place from anywhere else! Hocus Latte is always one short of
waiters.”
“I
don't like crowds. I think that'll be a very suitable job for me. It
will build muscle, grow my patience and make money.” Amidala
smiled.
“It's
just not suitable for princess.” Elena pointed out.
“I'll
be more of a protector than Queen or Goddess in the future so I think
I need to look skills for that. No damsel in distressing for me!”
“I
have to take that class even though I will become the Snow Queen and
will not be in distress either. I'll just have to drive around in
sleigh and kidnap a boy. Hey, you had magiology?” Elena smiled.
Amidala blinked as her annoyed tone of her destiny turned to a cheery
question.
“You
don't want to be the Snow Queen?” Amidala asked.
“Of
course I do! Mom is so graceful and beautiful and after the boy is
saved I can live in peace with my snowflakes. It'll be wonderful!”
“Okay
and yes, I do have magiology.” Amidala smiled back.
“Great!
We can then pair up and study together!”
“That
sounds hexellent.” Amidala smiled.
“Well,
I gotta go. I promised to meet my friends at the Book End at five.”
Elena waved.
“It's
that much already? I should be at the smiths place by five!”
“Well,
let's go then. We can walk together to the village.” Elena smiled.
Amidala felt happy. Had she really made a friend? Elena told about
her future land. Amidala told about her world too and that she had
read all the original stories of each fairytale and that Snow Queen
were to live where she had lived too in her world.
“You
think you could come with me? If I return to your world?” Elena
thought when they crossed the bridge.
“No,
you won't travel to my world, you stay here and take over the place
in here. This is the world where the stories live.” Amidala smiled
and then stopped.
“What
is it?”
“Our
story has been dying for a long time. Was I sent here so it would
continue and come back alive?” Amidala thought. A small nagging
sound told her she lied to everyone and to herself but it was getting
quieter and Amidala ignored it anyway.
“Talking
about adding the pressure.” Elena grabbed her to move. Amidala
laughed. They reached the village centre and Amidala waved Elena and
her friends goodbye and half run to the Smithy's place. The hammering
was heard outside so Amidala didn't bother to knock, she just walked
straight in. On the side table there was dented armour, tools and a
leather apron. Amidala smiled a bit, put on the apron and started to
work. She didn't notice that Betty had started to watch her and her
working with a small, amused smile.
“You'll
ruin your dress if you come to work wearing it.” Betty said finally
as small metal flakes flew while Amidala removed rust from a hand
plate.
“This
is everything I own.” Amidala answered.
“Really?”
Betty was genuinely surprised. Amidala turned to her and tilted her
head to look more up.
“I
told you I just popped here out of thin air and at the moment it
seems I'm trapped here for a longer time I would like.”
“Then
I realize why you are so desperate for work.”
“I'd
prefer the term 'determined'.” Amidala answered and Betty laughed
as loud as her hammering was. Amidala got back to work.
“You
sure are. You won't leave me be until I hire you, right?” Betty
grinned.
“No.”
Amidala answered.
“You
realize then I would get free work power.”
“And
sloppy workmanship. Why I would do my best if I'm not paid?”
Amidala asked lightly.
“I'm
not sure is this blackmailing already.” Betty said seriously.
Amidala turned to her again.
“Then
give me a job and determine by that will you take me in or not.”
Amidala said with flaming eyes. She was ready for any challenge.
“Well,
I'll sit down. Do me an axe.” Betty said. Amidala wasn't ready for
that challenge.
“You
do them in a mould?”
“No,
pure craftsmanship.” Betty said lightly. The blade wasn't a problem
but how she would do the hole? Amidala took a good looking piece of
metal and heated it in the dragon flame and then hammered the blade
side first. She had no idea how to do the hole. She looked at her
doing and grabbed a longer piece of metal and heated the blade and
the tip of the of the rod and then hammered them together so the rod
would serve as a handle. It wasn't refined but it would do. Amidala
turned to the whetstone and started to sharpen the blade for it's
final sharpness and whet at the same time the lumps away. It looked a
tad odd so she whet the whole axe and then polished it and handed it
over to Betty who tried to hold her smile.
“You
have never done this before?” She asked.
“I've
seen how people have made daggers.” Amidala answered. Betty nodded
and looked at the axe.
“Well,
it does look somewhat like an axe and you could use it in emergency.”
Betty said. “You know axes aren't the easiest to do if you have no
idea of the trade?”
“I
figured so. The hole and balancing are things I have no idea but
otherwise I had some idea what to do.” Amidala shrugged.
“Not
that much. Well, let me show you how it's done. You do what I do.
Grab another pair of tongs.” Betty smiled.
“Am
I hired?” Amidala didn't budge even though Betty was rising up.
“If
you tie up your pretty hair so you won't burn it.” She answered and
Amidala felt like jumping from joy and hugging her but she controlled
herself, found a piece of leather string and tied her hair back. She
came to the forge with tongs and piece of metal and started to learn
the craft.
=== Where magic happens ===
“Amidala
get up!” Elena got
only a grunt as an answer. “I'm leaving to breakfast soon, will you
come or not?”
“I
can't lift my arms.” Amidala rose up. She felt completely powerless
after yesterday works.
“I
told you you'd be hexhausted.” Elena grinned as Amidala rose up.
“Have you even done your thronework?”
“All
of them. I stayed up till three.” Amidala yawned. “Please tell me
you have coffee in the castleteria in the mornings?”
“Well,
some kind of. I've heard it grows hair to your chest.” Elena
grinned for the nasty thought.
“If
it has caffeine I'll take the chest hair.” Amidala pulled on her
green dress and joined Elena for the breakfast.
“Um,
I'm sorry if this is an awkward question but why you don't wear any
shoes?” Elena asked as they waited in line for their food.
“The
one I had on are ruined. I need leather to fix them and I need a bow
and arrows to get the leather. I don't mind being barefoot though,
nature child and things like that.” Amidala grinned. They got their
breakfast, a mug of something black and thick and cheery good morning
from Apple. She looked fairest as always. Amidala started to be
ashamed of the dark circles around her eyes. None of the other
princesses ever got those. Then she pondered had she got them? When
she first time had looked herself from the mirror her dark circles
had disappeared. A bluebird flew to Amidala and took a piece of her
hair to it's beak and started to walk her to the table where Ashlynn
and Hunter were eating.
“Elena
will you come too?” Amidala turned to ask as her room mate had
stayed behind and looked around.
“If
you take me. None of my friends are here.” She answered and sat
shyly next to Hunter. Amidala introduced everyone to each other and
told Ashlynn about her fairy fail in the environmental magic class.
“You
already know growth magic? That's what you learn at the end of the
year!” She admired. Amidala blushed. Ashlynn always made everyone
feel themselves special.
“I
don't know it. I don't know
any magic, they just spurt out uncontrollably.” She said uneasy.
“We have magiology class next and I'm actually scared I'll blast
out something that I shouldn't.”
“Well
you can always sit on top of your hands?” Hunter suggested.
“My
magic doesn't work like that. Nothing comes from my hands, see?”
Amidala laughed and thought of a little sapling and rolled her finger
on top of the wooden table. She screamed and fell to her back when a
green flame shoot out of her finger and there was a small sapling
growing from the table. The whole castleteria stared at them so
Amidala stayed at the floor until everyone went on their own
business.
“I
need gloves.” Amidala said looking horrified.
“I
think that's beautiful!” Ashlynn smiled.
“You
said you felt the land calling you yesterday?” Hunter asked being
more serious than the girls.
“Then
it was. Now I'm just scared as this kind of things happens. I didn't
have magic, not like this. I think Ever After is changing me to be
what it wants.” Amidala whispered.
“But
those kind of things should be known by the forest princess.” Elena
gave her opinion.
“On
the third day I'm in here? In my old...” Amidala stopped. Then she
looked at the three person sitting with her with wide eyes.
“Are
you all right? What is it?” Ashlynn asked worried and placed her
hand to Amidala's shoulder.
“I
have friends.” Amidala's voice was barely a whisper.
“Of
course you have!” Ashlynn laughed sweetly. Hunter looked at her
beautiful girlfriend with tender smile. Her laughter was the sweetest
sound to his ears.
“My
path has been a lonely one. My future will be a lonely one.”
Amidala said awkwardly.
“Then
why not enjoy the time in between?” Elena smiled warmly. Amidala
thought this a while and then smiled looking at the three of them.
“You're
right. I will. Maybe I'll grow out my anxiety towards crowds and
people too.” Amidala dared to hope.
“Why
are you so afraid of others?” Hunter asked.
“Who
is nature's worst enemy?” Amidala lifted her eyes to look at him.
The look in her eyes seemed to make Hunter uneasy. “Humans.”
“I...
I never hurt anything.” Hunter said. “I don't even eat red meat!”
“I
didn't say it would be you Hunter but in my world in two days a
whole, large forest could have been swept off. Nothing left.”
Amidala said. She had a flashback of loneliness. Utter, cold, hollow
loneliness. Ashlynn and Hunter were silent and serious.
“I'm
sorry Amidala, that's horrible to hear.” Ashlynn finally said.
“Well,
I just have to study and train hard so nothing like that can ever
happen in here.” Amidala pulled up a smile. “We should get to our
class, Elena.”
“You
didn't drink your coffee.” She pointed out.
“I
changed my mind about the chest hair.” Amidala laughed.
“It
actually doesn't give you chest hair. Only terrible... feeling.”
Hunter ended his sentence. Amidala smiled to them and went to her
class with Elena who filled her in once more what they had gone
trough.
“I'm
not sure will Baba Yaga be understanding towards the fact you just
came here. She's not too fond of royals.” Elena said.
“I'm
not a royal!” Amidala sighed. “I'm neither. I'm just behind you
all in every class possible.”
“I
thought you would have used your time wisely and caught up with the
others.” Baba Yaga said right next to Amidala's ear. She would have
been startled but she was too confused about the breakfast she forgot
to be.
“Have
you found my world yet?” Amidala turned to the witch with a hopeful
face. She knotted her brows and her whole face.
“No!
It doesn't exist!” She declared.
“Yes
it does, how else I would be here? Or you? Or... Several others who
are folklore from our region?” Amidala snapped and followed Baba
Yaga. “I think this is the world where the stories live. The
stories that my world's population tells. So there must be a direct
link back home!”
“There
isn't. Now take your seat or I'll fail you.” Baba Yaga said
annoyed.
“Well
no need to do it twice in a second.” Amidala snapped and went to
sit next to red Elena.
“You
don't fight with Baba Yaga! She is spelltaculary powerful witch!”
She whispered barely moving her lips.
“She's
a disappointment.” Amidala sighed. Elena looked at Amidala with
wide eyes of respect. Not many would have walked away from such a
conversation without a curse.
“Today's
lesson will be a bit harder one. Conversion spells!” Baba Yaga said
and handed out a box of seeds and bulbs. Everyone took one while Baba
Yaga explained how and what they should do to it. Amidala was anxious
again. She was sure her magic wouldn't work or would backfire.
“Is
this clear? Ms. Amidala? Show us how it is done.” Baba Yaga smiled
a nasty little smile. Amidala stood up and looked at the bulb in her
hand. She closed her eyes and started to imagine how it would turn to
stone.
“Wrong!
You chant the spell and shoot it out, you don't take a nap!” Yaga
shouted and squirted water from a spray bottle to Amidala's face.
Amidala opened her eyes in annoyance.
“As
these no goods can't ever get me home, there shall be no lilies, let
this bulb turn into stone!” Amidala looked at Baba Yaga in the eyes
and threw a flat, yellow stone in front of her and sat down frowning.
“You
may drop the attitude Ms. Amidala.” Yaga said and with a movement
of a finger threw the stone back at her. It hit her chest with force.
The classroom was very silent and tense.
“Ms.
Snow!” Yaga said and Elena stood up nervous. She managed to turn
her seed into a piece of wood. Some of the class were very good and
elegant in their magic, some managed to turn the seed or bulb into
something else, some failed completely. Yaga was not satisfied.
“Your
thronework is on your hand. Turn it into a snake's egg and next class
we will learn to hatch them. Class dismissed!”
“Finally.
Do you have Science and sorcery next too?” Elena whispered.
“Yes.
I heard the teacher is a complete...”
“Ms.
Amidala, I would like to talk with you a moment.” Baba Yaga said
coldly. Elena grabbed Amidala's hand, squeezed it and went away as
Amidala walked back.
“You
seem to be in a hurry back home.”
“Of
course I want to return back home. I had my duty there. I had my
family there and they must be worried sick because I just
disappeared!” Amidala said.
“Well
we have stopped looking for your world as there is no gateway here.”
Baba Yaga informed.
“There
has to be!” Amidala protested annoyed.
“You
might have came her for a reason, Ms. Amidala.” Baba Yaga looked
like she had just ate something sour.
“Don't
start with the hero rumours and I'm going to be the next Fairy Queen
fables. I have my destiny clear.”
“In
your world perhaps.” Yaga said and came closer to Amidala. She
smelled like old socks. “Here we have completely different rules.”
“I've
noticed. I never had magic powers, now they grow on me faster than I
can control them.” Amidala sat on the table and turned a bulb into
stone and from stone to a rose. She sighed.
“Well
are you going to tell me what is going on here? Or just inform that I
really am a bear-human?” Amidala asked sarcastically with a small
boa on her hands.
“Did
you just make a snake egg and hatched it?” Baba Yaga asked tightly.
Amidala woke from her thoughts and looked at the snake.
“I...
I have no idea.”
“Turn
it back to egg.”
“No!
It's cute. I'll keep it as my pet.” Amidala let the snake slither
to her hair. Baba Yaga cracked a smile.
“Then
you still have your thronework to do. Come with me, we must meet
headmaster Grimm.”
“I
can't be late from Rumplestiltskin's class. He'll make me spin hay to
gold for it.” Amidala said but Baba Yaga took a firm grip of her
arm.
“You
will skip that class.” She informed and walked Amidala to
Headmaster Grimm's office. Once again Mr. Badwold and Maid Marian
were there.
“Sit
down Ms. Amidala. I trust you have started studying hard?” Grimm
asked from his throne.
“Yes.”
“And
you wonder why you are here now?” He continued.
“No.”
“And
why not?” He asked tightly as he couldn't now make grand start of a
story.
“I've
heard rumours that the Fairy Queen of enchanted forest is missing.
I've heard some saying that here I come to save the day.” Amidala
said sarcastically.
“And
you don't think so?”
“Why
would I? This is my third day here, I am confused and tired and more
confused. Even if the Fairy Queen would be missing, I'm not a fairy.
My training will take years and enchanted forest can't be without
someone to keep it up that long. I think the dark forest would try to
take over. Besides I'm not that happy to hear no one is trying to
find my world. These two are tightly linked. The stories that live
here on and on are the stories people tell in my world. They can make
new ones and they can forget some.” Amidala said trying to control
her growing anger.
“The
rumours are true, the Fairy Queen is missing. The enchanted forest is
starting to be restless. The Dark forest has grown darker, even for
it's own inhabitants.” Maid Marian interrupted. “The faculty has
been keeping things hidden and under control as well as we can but we
will soon have to restrict the forests from the students.”
“Unless.”
Mr. Badwolf said with a low, growling voice.
“What?
Really? Me? I do have some magic and it grows wildly but I have no
knowledge of it or control of it.” Amidala said.
“Then
learn.” Mr. Badwolf grunted. Amidala snorted and let herself feel
her insides for a while. She felt like she was a whirlpool of unknown
things. Amidala thought about a big, meat eating plant and shoot a
green flame from her finger to the centre of the room. A wild and
hungry plant grew there.
“Ms.
Amidala!” Headmaster Grimm shouted. Amidala thought about a sheep
and pointed it again. It turned into a goat.
“Close
enough. It should have been a sheep.” Amidala said.
“You
need to learn to control yourself, young lady!” Headmaster Grimm
said tightly. Madam Baba Yaga cast a spell that made the goat
disappear. Amidala ignored Headmaster Grimm and looked at the place
where the plant and goat had been.
“Where
does it come from? If I will grow a giant tree, where does the matter
come for the tree?” Amidala asked. There was a silence.
“It's
magic, it happens as it should.” Headmaster said a bit confused
sounding but strictly. He didn't even fully understand the meaning of
the question. Amidala thought she should try to figure it out or then
there was nothing else to it but “it's magic”.
“The
thing is we need more help controlling the forests and as you happen
to be the future of the forests you will aid us.” Maid Marian said
straightforwardly.
“Is
there elder students helping? Raven Queen could control dark forest,
Ashlynn Ella could help with the enchanted forest.” Amidala asked.
“I am not ready. You can't just drag me into this world, give me
four hours of sleep and then inform I should control a forest with
powers I don't understand? I have my studies, my thronework and my
after school job to do already!”
“After
school job?” Headmaster asked.
“I
help the village smith. I need money. I have only this dress and
nothing else. My room mate was kind enough to give me a parchmentbook
and a pen for my studies.” Amidala sighed. How hard it was for
these people to understand it as she was terms with it? She was terms
with the Ever After, how about her...
“No
no no no.” Amidala shook her head. She wasn't going to think about
her home and best friend. She wasn't in terms with all this.
“Are
you all right?” Maid Marian asked. Amidala breathed heavily and
shivered.
“Fine.”
“We
have few elder students helping us out but you coming here this time
isn't a coincidence.” Baba Yaga said. “I will give you extra
classes where you will learn to use magic.”
“I
will give you extra classes so you will know every plant and tree and
what should be and what should not.” Maid Marian said.
“I'm
to show you the dark forest.” Mr. Badwolf said shortly.
“I've
been there. Not far in but in it anyway. It didn't look that bad.
Branches that try to catch you, spirits who try to fool you, it's all
normal in a forest like that.” Amidala said. The faculty changed
looks.
“Dark
forest is forbidden area from the students.” Headmaster Grimm said.
“That
wasn't in the rulebook. I read it. It was boring.” Amidala sighed.
Before Headmaster could say anything Maid Marian interrupted.
“I've
talked with your teachers. You can skip the next classes and come
with me to the enchanted forest. We should leave.” Maid Marian said
emphatically. Amidala sighed and rose.
“You
should study hard on your environmental magic class. I will hold you
a class after that.” Baba Yaga said.
“I
have beast training and care after that and then I run straight to
work. I come back at eight, I can have any class then.” Amidala
answered.
“Then
you will come with me.” Mr. Badwolf said and his eyes flashed
yellow. The thought wasn't comforting at all.
“So
you don't have even shoes?” Maid Marian asked as they hurried
towards the front doors.
“They're
done for. I need leather for them but I can't hunt without a weapon.”
“Hunt?”
“The
forest gives and the forest takes. If I need leather, I take leather
and give something else back. It worked like that in my world.”
Amidala explained.
“It might not work
like that in here.” Maid Marian said. “Doesn't the smith have
leather?”
“I'm not using her
stuff for my own advantage.” Amidala said tightly.
“Oh loosen up a
little.” Marian took the cone hat off as they were on the edge of
the school grounds. She hurriedly pulled her dress off from her and
tucked them both to a hollow tree near them. She had leather pants
and green tunic under it all.
“It's great to be
myself again. Why don't you try it once?” She looked at Amidala
sharply.
“I wouldn't know what
you're talking about.” She said proudly.
“Oh come on! You
crack every once in a while. You're losing your memories or do you
try to stick to them?” Maid Marian asked and stopped. “I am not
supposed to tell you this but it is true that you were dragged here.”
“What! Who ordered
that?” Amidala stood at least a feet taller suddenly.
“Me and Baba Yaga
mostly. The situation here is already out of hands. We know you were
a school girl but your story is part of you too. That's why you were
the one who ended up in here. I'm sorry but these are desperate times
and needs desperate actions. We need someone to rule over the
forests.” Maid Marian was serious and calm. A bit too calm.
“What happened to my
friend?” Amidala asked fearing the answer.
“We can't know. We
only called for you.” Maid Marian said.
“Then she's gone. No
one will find her there.” Amidala burst to tears. It was relieving
in a way to finally let it all out. All the sorrow she had held
inside. Maid Marian took steps back as from each tear that reached
the ground grew a forget-me-not until there was a blooming bank of
them. Amidala rose up after she had no tears left and looked at the
flowers. She moved her hand and a large, white stone emerged behind
the flowers. Amidala breathed out and in and then turned to Maid
Marian.
“If you could get me
here, you know my world. You knew where to look! And then you say
there isn't such a place?”
“We simply made a
summoning spell for a forest Queen or King. We didn't know where the
one would emerge but we did expect one to be from this world. We
don't know your reality as you call it. We can't find it.” Maid
Marian told her. She thought should she tell how Amidala's life has
rolled in a whirlpool film when she was transferred here. Baba Yaga
and her knew and hid it all. Amidala remembered one of the books she
had read as a child, The Never-ending Story. The seed of Fantasy was
in one boy who read the story and believed in it. Maybe Ever After
existed only in the mind of people and would disappear when no one
remembered it anymore. It might disappear faster if there was a
magical unbalance in the world and as there was no turning back
Amidala would disappear with Ever After. She pulled herself back
together. She was the forest princess now and she had her duties.
“Well, tell me
everything about these forests and if there is a way to contact my
mother I want to send her a note that I'm all right.” Amidala said.
Maid Marian shook her head.
“I'm sorry.” She
said and led Amidala deeper to the forest where the forest pixies
tried their best to keep the magic of the forest alive. Marian told
so much about the enchanted forest, the trees, plants and flowers
Amidala couldn't keep up with the pouring teachings.
“Concentrate, this is
important and we have only little time.” Marian said seriously.
“There is so much to
remember!” Amidala sighed. “I can't remember what is berrywanks
and how they differed from Hopsterlily. What was that hay called
again?”
“Your story is
growing on you. The land has looked and saw you are who you claim to
be. You'll know these things, the magic is already growing in you and
you start to use it naturally but you also need to know the names so
try harder.” Marian kept on teaching her. After two exhausting
hours and a lot of odd looking but delicious berries eaten Amidala
could return to school and get ready to her environmental magic
class.
“Where have you been?
Skipping classes are not looked well upon. Mr. Badwolf and Headmaster
Grimm loses their fairy tales if they'll find out!” Elena shouted
as Amidala came in and slumped to her bed. She was hexhausted.
“They were the ones
who dragged me out of the classes.” Amidala sighed.
“Why?”
“They wanted to talk
about my destiny here.” Amidala said. She wasn't sure how much did
she dare to tell Elena. “Then Maid Marian gave me some tutoring as
I'm so behind you all.”
“Really? That sounds
odd.” Elena looked at her suspiciously.
“That
is odd? I just walked through a forest where little fairies keep
magical plants alive and had to try to learn all 2000 names of the
plants. I call it torture, not odd. Oh no, I came in time for
geografairy?” Amidala moaned as
she looked Elena's clock on the wall.
“You
don't like it? I think the teacher is quite funny.”
“Except
last class he made me tell about my world and I'm afraid I will have
to continue it this class. It was horrible to stand there everyone
staring at me. I kept my eyes closed most of the time and thought I
am alone but I heard the snickering.” Amidala bit her lip. She
wanted to use her new grown powers to show those girls she wasn't to
be messed with but she didn't want to be named evil.
“Ouch.
I'm sorry to hear that. If it makes you feel any better I have damsel
in distressing next where we will practise fainting.” Elena grinned
and Amidala started to laugh.
“Why
you have to take those classes, you're the villain of your story.”
Amidala laughed.
“I
do have some villains classes too but mostly I will learn the basic
princess things. You should learn them too.” Elena smiled.
“I'm
so glad I don't have to.”
Amidala
was right that she had to continue her story after Mr. Nimble had
looked trough throneworks. It turned out not many was interested in
Amidala's world and it gave her a bit of relief that people weren't
listening to her. She continued talking about evolution, science,
important people and events throughout their history. She noticed
when she started to tell about the horrors of wars the boys sat
almost on the edge of their seats. There were suddenly a lot of
questions why no hero came to win it all or were there dragons. Girls
wanted to hear more about the princesses and about their style.
Amidala answered to the questions that were thrown to her until Mr.
Nimble stood up, clapped his hands and informed that Amidala's world
sounded dangerous and could give wrong ideas to Ever After and was
not to be talked about again. After class Mr. Nimble called Amidala
once again to stay. She grunted displeased.
“Is
the world you call reality really like that? How can anyone survive
in there?” He asked seriously.
“Well
those were one of the darkest times. Some people are good, many of
them are bad and the rest just does what is told. It's complicated.”
Amidala tried to get out so she could get some snacks before the next
class but Mr. Nimble kept asking questions.
“Mr.
Nimble, you will be late from your own class soon and I am a princess
and princesses can't be late so as you said, my world is dangerous
and not to be talked about anymore.” Amidala finally snapped and
walked out of the classroom. It felt stupid to walk head up high to
the next class as Mr. Nimble just followed her. She sat down and
sighed. Mr. Nimble scolded the class as the whole garden wasn't in
bloom and everyone who didn't bring him a flower right now was failed
in their thronework. There was many blushing students who didn't even
rose from their seat. Amidala had nothing she could converse to a
flower and she was one of the last ones. She thought could she make a
flower out of thin air but then she tried her luck.
“We'll
be silent, all be hush, behind the teacher grow a flower bush!”
Amidala whispered and shoot a green flame to the wooden floor that
started to grow a hydrangea.
“No
need to show off Ms. Amidala.” Mr. Nimble said. “Spell it off.”
“Um...
I don't know how.” Amidala said.
“Reverse
the spell.”
“We'll
be silent, no need to hush, all is done, be gone you bush?” Amidala
tried but nothing happened. The Ever After magic wasn't as draining
but her style was bulletproof. She closed her eyes and thought how
the bush withered and died and turned into a floorboard. She opened
her eyes and was pleased the bush wasn't there anymore.
“Well,
Ms. Amidala here has given us a good point to practise. Reverse
spells. Everyone make yourself a rose and I'll turn it to meat eating
plant and your job is to reverse the spell!” Mr. Nimble jumped to
his table.
“Thanks
a lot!” Someone whispered angrily behind Amidala. She hated to get
so much attention. She hated to be hated. Mr. Nimble looked at her.
“Where
is your rose?”
“I...
have nothing to converse to a rose.” Amidala said.
“I
didn't say converse something to a rose, I said make yourself one.
Chant and spell!” Mr. Nimble conjured a rose in front of everyone.
Amidala felt embarrassed. She had to find time to practise spells!
She flinched as her rose turned to a quite big and sharp toothed meat
eating plant. She shrieked and the plant disappeared. Amidala blinked
few times and then turned to Mr. Nimble.
“I
suppose it shouldn't work like that?”
“No
but interesting approach you have. Try again but this time use a
reverse spell.” Mr. Nimble made her a rose and turned it to the
monstrous plant. Amidala tried to listen the words other students
said but she couldn't hear one clear word from the humming.
“This
and that, please turn back?” Amidala tried. It didn't work.
“Sometimes
you also need to know a spell for knowing a spell.” Mr. Nimble's
voice whispered behind Amidala. He whispered the words and for a
second behind the plant and rose Amidala saw her boa she had conjured
earlier.
“You
monster!” She spat out.
“Just
a bit of...”
“So
not right! I can't know these spells yet, I've been here only few
days! No one has ever told me the words or how the chants should be
made, you just told me how magic works here! I can make things grow
but these things you as a teacher should teach us without using dirty
tricks!” Amidala stood up angry.
“You
do know that snake is made from a flower bulb?” Mr. Nimble asked
dryly.
“Of
course I do! I made it! It doesn't make it any less alive.”
“Well
go on then, save your little boa.” Mr. Nimble waved and
disappeared. Amidala growled in anger and looked at the plant that
tried to look as innocent as possible. She didn't have any words that
she could chant and spell.
“The
hex with the spell!” Amidala swiped across the plant that turned
back to rose.
“Well
done! A bit of encouragement makes miracles happen!” Mr. Nimble
clapped his hands behind the class. There was shouts like 'my shoe!'
or 'Mr. Durrington!' behind Amidala. She lifted the rose and walked
to Mr. Nimble.
“That's
just another reverse spell.”
“It
isn't. I don't know the original chant or spell so how can I reverse
what I don't know? I can turn it to what ever I want but I can't
reverse it.” Amidala said with tight lips and angry gaze.
“Turning
it back to boa isn't good enough for you?” Mr. Nimble asked and
bowed a bit to lower his eye level closer to Amidala's.
“No.
And you know why.” Amidala whispered.
“Ms.
Amidala made another good point that we will learn later on the
course. When you have got your rose back you may leave the class.
Your thronework is reverse spells, I'll be testing it on Tuesday!”
Mr. Nimble informed. Amidala stood in the back of the class and
turned her rose to many variable things. It was an old shoe, it was
poison ivy, it was a cup of tea, it was a sunflower, it was a 
pigeon, but not a rose or a boa. All the time she stared at Mr.
Nimble with angry eyes. When the last student left looking at Amidala
with a fearful gaze Mr. Nimble came to her and apologized.
“Not
good enough. Teach me the spell.” Amidala said.
“I
know you hold an important role here but it doesn't give you special
rights, Ms. Amidala.” Mr. Nimble said strictly.
“Being
a teacher doesn't give you the right to turn my pet to something else
without me knowing how to get my pet back. Teach the spell.”
Amidala said at least as strictly. Mr. Nimble felt he couldn't give
in here without losing his authority but he knew Amidala was also
right. He mumbled the spell and turned a fork Amidala held back to
her boa.
“You
will learn the spell with the rest of the class later on.” He said
and pushed Amidala to go away. She wasn't pleased she didn't know the
spell as it could turn useful but she was happy to get her boa back.
She hurried to the big lawn that beast training and care used the boa
wrapped around her wrist. She thought it would be for the best as she
knew princesses and snakes didn't go well together.
“Amidala!”
She heard a familiar voice and Carl waved shyly on her. She waved
back and sat next to him.
“I'm
so glad I'm not late. It seems all I do is fight with the faculty
now.” Amidala sighed.
“Oh
they were telling the truth?” Carl said and looked at her in awe.
“What
now?” Amidala laid down to the grass and let her boa slither
against her cheek.
“Umm..
Some of the girls just says it's not right you get special treatment
just because you're new from unknown world. That you get to teach and
learn spells others doesn't.” Carl said looking at the boa. “Can
I hold it?”
“Sure,
she won't bite. I don't get special treatment. Well, yes Mr. Nimble
made me tell about my world in geografairy which was horrible and
Baba Yaga didn't turn me into a lamp post even though I argued with
her but I feel like they hexcept much more from me than I can do. I
should know things that aren't even taught yet! At least not for me.”
Amidala huffed. “I bet it's the girls who laugh at me all the time
and enjoy my misfortune.”
“That's
not nice.” Carl said and giggled as the boa tickled his nose while
tasting it.
“I'd
like to drop that boa to their hair but I like it too much and I
can't do anything evil, it would destroy my destiny.” Amidala
sighed.
“We
are free to choose it now after Raven...”
“I
know but I like my destiny! Forests has always been my home. I don't
want to risk it.” Amidala said silently as Poppa Bear came in front
of the class.
“Well
you have it good.” Carl muttered.
“We
are free to choose it now after Raven Queen didn't sign.” Amidala
whispered and grinned to Carl who grinned back. On the class they
practised more of basic animal calls and few tended to some student's
ill pets. Amidala was surprised every time she got the call right
with the first attempt. She just listened to the voice and something
inside her knew it and made it. Amidala felt herself a bit like a
vessel for something that Ever After needed. She wasn't happy of the
thought, she wanted to learn all this, really learn it, not just know
and then suddenly do the right thing on right time.
“You
sure are good on animal calls. You should be proud of yourself!”
Carl said as they walked together towards the village of Book End
after class.
“I'm
the next big thing in the forest, I'm supposed to know these things.”
Amidala said unhexcited.
“Why aren't you happy
about it? You like your destiny.” Carl asked confused. Amidala
looked at the boy. She thought would he be trustworthy.
“Can you keep a
secret?” Amidala asked and slowed down.
“Of course.” Carl
smiled. Amidala showed her wrist where the boa was and then did a
reverse spell on it until it was just a bulb again.
“This is the real
form of that boa. I don't know how I did it then and that reverse
spell I learned today. I don't learn that much in here, the teachers
are useless. It's more like the land just stuffs it's magic in me and
then I find out I can do something like turn this bulb into a boa.”
Amidala turned it back to her little pet. “I feel like I'm just a
vessel and I don't like it. I want to learn things fair and square.
If that makes any sense to you.”
“I think I get what
you're saying. I would be happy about it. Probably brag with it too.”
Carl gave a laugh. “But if you don't know what you are vessel to it
doesn't sound fair to me.”
“And what if I would
know? Would it be any better? I know I sound like a selfish princess
but I want to be known for my own
merits. I want to be adored because I
can do something.” Amidala blushed.
“Is
that why you wanted to help the blacksmith? You either do a good job
or not.” Carl asked.
“No.
I wanted it because then I wouldn't meet people. You still have a
good point there. There I can be proud if I do my job well.”
Amidala smiled.
“If
you study hard you'll earn your own merits during time.” Carl
smiled.
“Thanks.”
Amidala smiled back. “Hey, want to take care of my boa while I'm at
work? It's too hot and dirty in there for her.”
“I'd
love to! I can't wait that we get our true pets. It won't turn into a
plant?”
“If
it does just put it in fresh soil and give some water. Thanks!”
Amidala laughed and ran off to work.  
=== Dark Chapter ===
The
sun was hanging low when Amidala finally stepped out of the smith's
place. She had fixed and polished twelve whole armours and her hands
ached. She was happy that Betty had smiled proudly and told her to
sleep late and come only for eleven. Maybe she would finally get some
decent sleep!
“You
are late.” A low, familiar voice growled.
“I'm
sorry Mr. Badwolf. There was more armours to do than there should
have been and they all needed to be done for tomorrow morning.”
Amidala sighed.
“Excuses.”
His eyes glowed yellow.
“Truths.”
Amidala corrected. “We were to see the Dark forest?”
“It's
not a safe place after dark. We barely have time to even reach it.”
Mr. Badwolf scolded.
“We
have until midnight. Elena promised to cover me up.” Amidala
yawned.
“You
told her?” Mr. Badwold roared.
“Of
course not, keep your tone down. I told I was having a secret date.
She thinks it's with some guy from upper class.” Amidala gave a
laugh and had started to walk quickly towards the edge of village.
“The
Dark Forest is already closed from the students and it's too
dangerous to enter after dark.” Badwolf stopped Amidala.
“Then
how do you get home?” She asked. She noticed how his senses
sharpened.
“I
manage.”
“Then
trust me. I'll manage too.” Amidala started walking again. “After
all, I am the forest
princess!” She added sweetly.
“You
are pushing your luck and my nerves.”
“After
we get to the forest is it safer for you to be a wolf? I made dagger
for myself and I can cast a dark light spell. It won't blind me but
does it affect wolves eyesight?” Amidala asked as she partly ran
towards the forest. She heard displeased growling.
“I'm
not taking you there. We go tomorrow.”
“Then
I guess I'll just study it by night alone.” Amidala continued
walking and took a dagger out of her calf holder. She noticed the
difference in the forest, the whole woods was nervous. Even trees
seemed to shiver. Amidala sat down and touched the ground. It didn't
call her, it didn't give her anything, it didn't calm the forest, she
was just touching dirt. She shook her head and felt stupid. At least
Mr. Badwolf was seeing how she acted her part. She got up and with
sudden urge went to a tree to try something else.
“Could
you give me a strong staff?” Amidala asked and tried to relax,
tried to empty her head from everyday stuff. She felt something, like
a thought that disappeared as fast as it came and then heard a sound
of wood hitting the ground. There was a sturdy, good wooden staff on
the path.
“Thank
you so much.” Amidala hugged the tree surprised. She tried not to
notice the wolf that walked in the shadows behind her. She took the
staff and walked towards the dark forest. When she reached the border
the sun set and in the tunnel that she had ran earlier was utter
darkness. Amidala sat down and stared to the tunnel.
“My
eyes takes some time to get used to the darkness. It uses different
kind of cells for it and they need to activate. Besides now I can
listen.” Amidala said silently to the wolf that was hidden in a
black shadow. She laid down and let the stress and worries of school
go to the back of her mind. She listened. Ravens, crickets, branches
making scary noises, flies, frogs and growling. She tried to relax
more as she had heard something else. A whisper or a muffled scream?
Spell under the ground?
“You
hear it?” Amidala whispered. She tucked her hand hard inside the
soil and thought how she reached out from her body. She felt
something snapped her hand. Amidala rose quickly and cast the dark
light spell. There was nothing around them.
“There
is something or someone under the ground. It whispered or spoke or
cast a spell and it tried to grab me.” Amidala said. “If it's
this far no wonder the enchanted forest is in danger.”
The
wolf finally came out of the shadows and sniffed the ground where
Amidala had kept her hand. He looked at her and shook his head.
“Bummer.
Let's see what else can we find.” Amidala stepped to the tunnel.
Branches like bony fingers swept her and tried to grab her but she
hit them with the staff and they let go. All around her there was
plain darkness and odd noises. Some creature Amidala had never seen
tried to attack them but Badwolf jumped and dealt with it before it got even near. Amidala
watched could she get some leather out of the creature but it was
slimy and scaly so she let it be. After a while Amidala stopped and
sat down again to listen, tucked her hand in the cold moss that
instantly took hold of it. She let it, she listened and tried to
reach out. She felt nothing. Either she couldn't concentrate or the
dark forest was running empty. Amidala told her notices to Mr.
Badwolf while taking her hand out simply by ordering the plants to
let go. Mr. Badwolf was again in his human form and helped Amidala
up.
“There
is lots of new creatures here that are aggressive but now that I
think of it, they have moved more and more to the enchanted side of
the forest.” He pondered.
“The
Queen is missing and something is trying to go towards enchanted
forest? That sounds like a fairy tale I have never heard.” Amidala
said.
“No
one has. Come, we are too late to reach the school in time.” Mr.
Badwolf started to lead her through a marsh.
“I
can get trough the barrier, I can return.” Amidala said not
following.
“If
what you say is true it is safer that I'll take you behind the woods
and we'll return in the morning.” Mr. Badwolf said.
“Tell
me about the Dark Forest on the way. Everything and every change,
please.” Amidala said as she started to follow him. Sighing Mr.
Badwolf started a lecture about the Dark Forest's history. Nothing
bothered them on their way and as they came out of the forest Mr.
Badwolf warned that soon they would enter the Hood Hollow. He told
about how Wolves and Hoods were fighting all the time even though
Amidala knew the story. If anything out of ordinary happened Hoods
blame it on wolves and went to them with torches and pitchforks.
Wolves played pranks on Hoods and kept them in their village. Amidala
thought that deep down the clans did like each other, it was just
their stories destiny to be like it.
“If
you walk towards that hill there is a cave there where you can
sleep.” Mr. Badwolf said, transferred himself as a wolf and ran
away. Amidala raised her eyebrow as it would have been polite to ask
her to sleep in their cottage but she didn't mind caves either. It
would give her a chance to feel this ground and forest. She walked
towards the forest of Wolves and going by it neared the hill. She was
happy to get some sleep, she was tired beyond tired. She thought that
why should she bother to walk all the way to the cave as she could
just find a good tree to sleep next to? She walked to the forest and
found a big oak which branches reached the ground making a nice and
secluded place to sleep. Amidala crawled under the branch and fell
asleep immediately. She didn't know was there nightmares in Ever
After but she saw one.
She
was standing on the path back home where from she had been token to
Ever After. She wore a green satin, royal dress and had a crown on
her head. She heard motors coming, she heard trees falling, she knew
animals were left under. She tried to run but she couldn't move and
suddenly she faced tarmac, it reached from world's end to another and
it was about crush her. She tried to use magic but there was no magic
in this world. The tarmac flew over her. She felt it pushing her
down, scraping her and at the same time pulling her down. She was
drowning in the tarmac when something grabbed her violently and threw
aside. She woke up to it and saw the oak fighting against a wolf.
It's feet started to bury to the ground as the branches loosened the
soil around them and the more the wolf tried to lift it's feet the
more the others were buried. Amidala was somewhere between sleep and
reality but touched the oak's trunk and told it to calm down and
stop. Something in the back of her head said this was not a tree.
Amidala searched her dagger hurriedly and hit the trunk, started to
peel the trunk to see what was in it. The branches lifted and a
roaring sound filled the air. A huge branch was coming towards her
bent like it would be rubber, not wood and it came fast. Amidala
jumped to the wolf and tried to dig it out but was hit by the oak.
She flew few meters and rolled a few more. She grinned from pain that
the falling had caused but rose up and hurried back. She had lost her
dagger and hexed it. The branches of the oak made a barrier between
her and the still fighting wolf. Amidala tried to find a way to the
wolf or grab the branches but the barrier moved and if she got too
close the branches tried to grab her. She was starting to get scared
and frustrated. After few tries she was almost desperate.
“Enough!”
Amidala screamed and a blast of green light emerged from her to every
direction. The oak roared again and pulled itself under the ground.
Amidala ran to look where it came from but there was just stirred
dirt there, like there would have never been any tree. She dug her
hand to the dirt and felt around, tried to lose her mind to the
ground and hear it. She heard an angry voice, frustrated voice and
felt a familiar presence. She took her aching hand hastily away and
backed off. Could it be that whatever had been on the edge of
enchanted forest had followed her here? She turned to the wolf who
still tried to fight his way to freedom and came carefully towards
it.
“I
will release you, do not fight against.” Amidala said calmly, put
her hands to the ground and let the ground rise until all the dirt
fell off around the wolf. It leaped off from the pile and Amidala let
the dirt back down. She pondered could she have lifted only the wolf?
But she went with her instincts. Or was it just Ever After magic that
went trough her using her as a puppet? Then she shook her head, she
had to be dreaming still. The pain in her body felt awfully real,
thought. She tried to search for her staff and dagger but it was
still too dark for it. She cast a dark light spell and noticed the
wolf was walking a bit further around her, keeping itself to her side
so she could almost see it but not all the time. It wasn't comforting
but Amidala reminded herself that the wolf had helped her so why
would it attack her now? She found the splinters of her staff and
sighed. She wasn't even sure anymore where she was thrown into so she
could search for her dagger. She would have to wait for daytime. She
finally turned to face the wolf and was surprised as she realized it
was not Mr. Badwolf. It was younger, slimmer and it's fur was more of
silver and white than grey.
“Thank
you for saving me.” Amidala curtsied. She didn't know what to do
next so she just stood and looked at the wolf who stared right back
at her.
“I
should be able to understand animals.” Amidala suddenly realized.
“What was that?”
“Not
a Hood.” The wolf answered. Amidala looked at the wolf with tilted
head and scolding face.
“Has
that came this far before?”
“I
don't know, I have never met that before.”
“Do
you visit the Dark Forest often?” Amidala came closer to the wolf
to see it better in the dark light.
“Yes
but I haven't met that there either.” The wolf answered. Amidala
thought would it be bad to call for Mr. Badwolf at this hour. She
decided not to. If she truly would be what she was in the dream she
should figure this out by herself. She just didn't know what to do
and she was still very tired.
“What
was it?” The wolf asked.
“Bad
news for Ever After.” Amidala answered and sat down. She closed her
eyes and felt the ground again, let herself wander further, she felt
she was close to a wolf den. It must be where the wolves lived or
spent their time. She felt water and humans, the village of Hoods.
She reached towards Dark Forest but got more and more anxious the
further she tried to reach. She sighed and let herself flow back to
her body again. She had done this back in reality too but it never
had given this much information, it had never felt like this and she
certainly couldn't have stretched so far!
“Whatever
it was it is gone. Thank you again.” Amidala yawned and fell to the
dirt.
“You're
going to just sleep?” The wolf asked and sounded a bit annoyed.
“I
am exhausted.” Amidala answered.
“You
should go after it! I should go after it!”
“No.
You stay out of this. I must sleep, I have slept for 8 hours since I
came to Ever After and I have a long day ahead of me.”
“Since...?”
“I'm
not going to answer. I'm going to sleep. Thank you but I'll be fine
from now on.” Amidala rolled herself to a smaller roll. Her side
ached, her whole body ached actually. She let it slip over her. Pain
was just a feeling and you could control your feelings. She had
learnt it well in a very young age. She heard the wolf growling and
laying down near her. It was comforting she had to admit. She was too
tired to wake up to danger it seemed.
Amidala
woke up as sun shone to her eyes. She got up carefully worried she
would be late for work but Mr. Badwold had promised to walk her back.
He wasn't to be seen. A pair of ice blue eyes were staring at her.
Amidala was fully awake and realized this was not just a wolf. It was
like Mr. Badwolf, human and a wolf. In the dim light it had seemed
slim and small but in bright light Amidala realized how big this wolf
actually was. It must reach her to her hips at least. It was wide and
strong looking. She wondered would the wolf be part of Mr. Badwolf's
clan. Was there only one clan of wolves or was it several packs that
had made a clan? Amidala realized she knew nothing of this region.
She had someone to ask about it now but she was quite sure it would
be rude. She was hungry too so she walked to the forest and searched
some berries that she remembered were editable.
“If
you go to the village of Hoods you can get a decent breakfast there.”
The wolf said.
“Actually
I need to find Mr. Badwolf. I have to return to the school.”
Amidala said and collected a handful of berries. She needed just
enough so she wouldn't feel nauseous of hunger.
“I
can take you near the cottage.”
“Is
there many routes to the cave on the hill? I was supposed to sleep
there and then wait for Mr. Badwolf.” Amidala turned and faced a
bit older boy. He was tall, strong built, had silver and white hair
and piercing light blue eyes. Amidala took a step back. She liked the
wolf but the human made her uneasy.
“Several.
If you were supposed to sleep there why were you under that oak?”
The boy asked. He was serious. He looked like he had been serious all
his life.
“I
was exhausted. I didn't think it would matter where I sleep but I
walked straight to a trap. I was too tired to even notice anything
would be wrong.” Amidala blushed. It was stupid of her. Then she
remembered her dagger and looked to where they had came from. Would
she find the place?
“I
found it if it's this you're looking for.” The boy handed the dagger towards Amidala. She kept her
distant and cast a levitation spell. The boy knotted his brows.
“Thank
you.” Amidala said awkwardly and started to put the dagger to her
calf but noticed at what state her dress was. It was torn from
several places, full of dirt and it had blood on it. She wasn't sure
was it hers, she didn't feel to be that badly hurt but could oaks
bleed? Some of it still had to be. She carefully put the dagger under
her hem trying to hide her blackened leg at the same time. Healing
spells. She didn't know any. She tried to search the whirlpool of
everything unknown inside her if a healing spell would emerge but she
got nothing. She didn't feel quite herself.
“Does
Mr. Badwolf response to a simple wolf howl?” Amidala turned back
towards the boy.
“Depends
what you say in it.”
“I'm
not sure can I say anything in it. I can call a wolf but speaking is
a whole different matter.” Amidala pondered while walking out of
the forest. She could try but it would attract attention. This was
things she had wanted to learn. As a vessel she had nothing usable
when she needed it. She decided to try it. She breathed out, closed
her eyes and felt what she wanted to say. Then she howled as loud as
she could. It hurt her body enormously. She opened her eyes, took few
breathes and looked at the boy who stared at her suspiciously.
“I
didn't get it right?” Amidala asked.
“You
got it right.” He answered like that would be the problem. Amidala
sighed in relief and tried to start running towards the edge of dark
forest but soon noticed she was too sore for it. She didn't feel that
strong either that she could run long distances now.
“You
seem to be pretty badly hurt.” The wolf boy started carefully.
“It's
nothing.” Amidala answered tightly and walked a bit further from
the boy. He made her nervous.
“I
could carry you.” He said. Amidala stopped and turned with a tight
face to face air. She lowered her gaze to the wolf.
“You
know wolves aren't anatomically designed to carry humans.” Amidala
said and didn't mind the wolf coming right next to her. This was Ever
After, maybe it didn't matter. They both lifted their heads as they
heard a howl. It was Mr. Badwolf.
“I'll
carry you, otherwise you'll never get there.” The wolf gave her a
nudge. Amidala wasn't sure how she was supposed to sit on the wolf so
she just lifted her leg over him and leaned on his back holding on to
his neck fur.
“I'm
not too heavy?” Amidala asked worried and the wolf snorted.
“Hold
tightly.” He said. Amidala took a firm grip of him and he started
running. Amidala knew he could have ran faster but this was smoother
ride. It still hurt every time his paws hit the ground.
“May
I ask something?” The wolf asked after a while.
“Yes?”
Amidala said carefully.
“You
must know what we are, Mr. Badwolf, I and our clan. Why you don't
fear the wolf but you smelled of fear when you faced a human. It
usually goes the other way round.”
“Do
you know who I am?” Amidala asked.
“No.”
“Good.
I just don't trust humans. I've spent too much time with them.”
Amidala said with contempt. She could feel the cloud of questions the
wolf had but she was glad he asked none more. Amidala smiled as she
saw Mr. Badwolf walking towards the edge of Dark Forest. She wouldn't
be late! His expression was first surprised, then grew almost angry.
Amidala came down from the back of the wolf and thanked him. Mr.
Badwolf growled at the other wolf who pushed his head a bit down but
Amidala lifted it up.
“He
wasn't the one attacking me if that is what you think, Mr. Badwolf. I
walked to a trap as I was too tired to walk all the way to the cave.”
Amidala said standing tall with determined face. She told everything
and the wolf who had transformed to a boy filled in the gaps.
“I
told you coming here would be dangerous!” Mr. Badwolf scolded
Amidala.
“If
I wouldn't have came I wouldn't have felt her, that she managed to
follow us without me noticing her in the forest tells that she's
careful and smart and knows the region. She didn't attack your hut?”
Amidala asked. She felt pleased as Mr. Badwolf flinched almost
unnoticeable.
“She?”
The boy asked.
“It's
female. I can feel that.”
“We
should return. You need healing, you reek of blood.” Mr. Badwolf
said.
“Mine
or someone else's?”
“You
don't know?” He turned sharply to Amidala who sighed and looked
down.
“No,
Mr. Badwolf. I'm quite hurt all over so I can't tell what all has happened to me. My side hurts the most. I haven't got any healing spells so I could have fixed any of
this. I didn't even know oaks would bleed. Though it wasn't an oak.
This is so confusing. It was the thing but how it could turn to something else? It was so weak.”
“With
your permission Mr. Badwolf I can carry her to the edge of the
forest. You'll move faster that way.” The boy said.
“You
are meddling in things that aren't to be meddled, boy.” Mr. Badwolf
snarled. Amidala closed her eyes and listened to her body. It felt
weak. She would have a full day of work ahead of her.
“He
may carry me.” Amidala opened her eyes and looked as royal as she
could.
“Your
highness wants a golden carriage too?” Mr. Badwolf spat out and
started to walk to the forest. Amidala didn't follow. She bit her
lip and thought should she try to walk or ask to be carried. She was
embarrassed to admit that she wasn't sure would her feet carry her
and if she was followed by some evil power she was way too weak to
fight it.
“Your
highness?” The boy asked unsure.
“I
am forest princess Amidala.” She answered silently and awkwardly.
“Well
that gives us a nice little loop hole. I can't go against Mr. Badwolf
but if someone higher than him gives me orders then I can.” He
transformed to a wolf as Amidala looked at him pondering about it.
Mr. Badwolf was her teacher so he had authority over her no matter
her title. Amidala rose once again to the wolves back thinking titles
of Ever After High seemed to be twisted always to favour the purpose.
“Are
all the wolves here from the same pack?” Amidala asked whispering
as she knew Mr. Badwolf had way too good hearing.
“No.
In our clan there is several packs and other packs wonder in other
regions of Ever After.” The wolf answered.
“Is
Mr. Badwolf the clan leader?”
“No.”
The wolf sounded amused. “Our clan leader is old and holding us
behind.”
“That's
not...” Amidala started when a rush went trough her. It was like
invisible wind had stormed and left a shout inside her. The wolf
noticed how Amidala's breathing changed, how she had dropped down
more on his back.
“Do
you manage?” He asked. Mr. Badwolf took a peak behind him as
unnoticed as possible. Amidala lied on the wolf her other hand almost
dragging the ground. She tried to lift herself and hold on.
“Yes.
Mr. Badwolf? We should run.” Amidala said and locked her hands
around the wolf's neck. The teacher looked at her doubting but the
wolf didn't question her. He made sure she would stay on his back and
ran faster and faster through the woods. Soon another wolf ran next
to him.
“She
gathers strength from somewhere. If she hasn't bothered you on
daytime she really is only after me. She screamed trough me. It was
like needles.” Amidala said wearily. Mr. Badwold grunted and
hastened the pace. They ran out from the Dark Forest and as close to
the school grounds as they dared. There Mr. Badwolf helped Amidala
off from the wolf who turned to his human form. They held her up. She
tried to gather strength to her feet but she was exhausted. Holding
on such a distance was hard and she didn't have much strength to
start with.
“You
know levitation spell, can you do it on yourself?” The boy asked.
Amidala tried but she couldn't concentrate enough. Then she got so
mad at herself being so useless and weak she turned and walked
towards the school grounds with the adrenalin she got. She didn't get
far but she tried to crawl on all four forwards until her body gave
up on her. Mr. Badwolf facepalmed and grunted to her stubbornness.
The boy hid his amusement.
“Who
is the healer?” The boy asked from Mr. Badwolf as he lifted Amidala
from the ground.
“We
take her to Baba Yaga.” Mr. Badwolf answered. It made the boy feel
a bit restless, he had heard about the sorceress. Amidala thought a
while through the fog in her mind and then cackled. The boy looked at
her in wonder but Mr. Badwolf nodded.
“Surprisingly
well thought, Ms. Amidala.” He stopped and listened. “Louder.”
Amidala
gathered all her strength and cackled as loud as she could. Soon loud
thumps were to be heard and a house on chicken legs came near them
but stopped as it felt two wolves. Baba Yaga came down as she had saw
Mr. Badwolf on the trail.
“What
in the name of Grimm is this?” She asked. The boy explained all
that had happened during the night and how fast Amidala had grown
weaker now. Baba Yaga took a closer look of Amidala who was almost
translucent but looked at the old witch warningly. She lifted her
right hand as much as she could and Baba Yaga snatched it and cast a
spell on it. On her hand were three long lines and two dots glowing
red.
“Interesting,
this mark I have never seen before but it is from a demonic spirit.”
Baba Yaga said and tried a spell to remove it. It just made the lines
wider and Amidala lost her consciousness.
“It
looks like she is gathering strength straight from her.” Baba Yaga
said grimly.
“Who
is the best prey? The one who is set to help.” Mr. Badwolf said
almost self accusing.
“Bring
her to my office. Inside the school, my poor house would make rotten
eggs if I let wolves inside her.” Baba Yaga said.
The
boy looked at Mr. Badwolf asking but he had no option but to nod and
let him carry Amidala inside. He wasn't going to carry students
around. As there was students in the hallways Baba Yaga cast an
invisibility spell over them to keep order and peace in the school.
Her
office was dark and decorated with stuffed or dried animals. She cast
a spell and candles all over the room lit up and made the room
surprisingly bright. Yaga removed some books and former animals from a
table and the boy lowered Amidala there.
“You
will run what ever Baba Yaga needs to her and when you get Amidala up
search me. I must tell Headmaster Grimm about this.” Mr. Badwolf
said to the boy who nodded and was left being nervous in the witch's
office. Baba Yaga tried few spells but the mark in her hand didn't
disappear. She then started to take odd looking and disgusting
smelling things out of jars and made a mixture of them. The boy tried
to stay out of the way but was a bit concerned that no one cared
about Amidala's injuries, only about the mark. He wasn't going to say
it out loud to the witch. He liked to keep his intestines inside him.
“Boy!
Go search me some fairy bush leaves!” Baba Yaga startled the boy
who bowed and ran out. He had never been in Ever After High and even
though they just walked in there was so many twist and turns he got
lost. He was surprised how many helpful and cheery girls was in the
school and he soon found the exit and ran to the enchanted forest. He
knew exactly where to find the bush and it didn't took long to gather
a good amount of leaves but once again inside the school he got lost.
After a girl who giggled a lot and seemed to have something in her
eye had walked him to the door of Baba Yaga he got the leaves to the
witch. She burned some of them and put the ashes to the mixture and
then covered the mark with the mixture and asked the boy to go out.
He hesitated but didn't dare to disobey. He was standing behind the
door when Headmaster Grimm and Mr. Badwolf returned.
“I
think the young man can return to his home already. We will continue
from here.” Headmaster Grimm said. Mr. Badwolf for once looked
doubting.
“I
think he might turn out to be still useful.” He dared to say. Mr.
Grimm looked at Badwold with a raised eyebrow but didn't have the
chance to say anything as the door exploded from it's hinges and
shoot itself to the wall on the other side of the hallway. Baba Yaga
laughed maniacally.
“I
haven't had this much fun in years!”
“Madam
Baba Yaga! That door could have injured some passing students!” Mr.
Grimm scolded loudly walking inside.
“Yes,
risks must be taken. I got it removed. Whatever it was that hit her
hand can't drain her anymore.” Baba Yaga said. “But it has
drained a lot and grown powerful if you say it can now move by day
too.”
“Can
you tend her wounds?” The boy took the courage to ask.
“Do
I look like a nurse to you, boy?” Baba Yaga pushed her grey nose to
the boy's face. He didn't answer, neither did he move.
“We
all know few healing spells.” Mr. Grimm cleared his throat. There
was a short silence which after they gathered around the table and
cast their spells. The boy looked at the scene with high interest.
This was new to him and exciting. The faculty stopped and waited. The
boy almost held his breathe. He tried to hear every movement and
smell something else than all the horrid things in the room. He
wished he wouldn't be able to smell things so well.  
=== Sickbed ===
As
Amidala seemed to be only sleeping the faculty decided to take her to
her dorm room to rest. Elena was getting ready to go out with her
friends and looked with wide eyes as Amidala was carried in.
“No
questions, Ms. Snow.” Headmaster said tightly. Elena closed her
mouth and looked worriedly at Amidala and her torn, bloody dress. She
had been really worried about her last night but now she was anxious
about what had happened to her.
“You
can help to change her in her nightgown, Ms. Snow.” Headmaster said
as they laid her to her bed.
“She
doesn't have one, Headmaster Grimm. That is all the clothes she has.
Beside the gym uniform.” Elena said carefully.
“Then
just cover her.” He ordered and they pulled the duvet on top of her
so her state wouldn't be seen. They stood awkwardly around the bed.
“Oh,
I'm running late of my meeting.” Elena realized she wasn't wanted
in the room.
“Ms.
Snow? Not a word about this to anyone.” Mr. Grimm said
emphatically. Elena nodded and hurried away.
“This
must stay a secret, we can't let students see her or hear about this.
Lock the room.” Headmaster sighed.
“We
can't leave her alone in here. What ever is out there is after her
now. She could endanger the school.” Mr. Badwolf said even though
Amidala seemed to sleep deeply. “I will go and look around the dark
forest and the place where she was attacked. You'll show it to me,
Adam.”
“Yes,
Mr. Badwolf.” The boy said humbly.
“We
could alert some student who is aware of the changes in the forests.
I trust Ms. Ella would be happy to help in this situation.”
Headmaster Grimm thought.
“She
is running her shoe shop, it would take quite some time for her to
get here.” Baba Yaga said with contempt in her voice. “I am too
busy to be looking sleeping students.”
“We
could always trust Ms. White to help.” Mr. Grimm proposed but got
low growling from both of the faculty members present.
“We
don't need attention drawn to the situation. Call Ms. Ella here.”
Baba Yaga said with such a strict tone Mr. Grimm did as told. She
cast a spell on Amidala.
“Now
she will surely sleep until Ms. Ella gets here.”
“If
the situation starts to be this dangerous we have to close the
forests from the students so no one else will get hurt. We need to
secure the school grounds from this threat.” Headmaster said
gravely as they left the room.
Ashlynn
ran all the way from her shop to Amidala's door just to find it
locked. She knocked the door and called for her.
“Oh
slippers!” She cursed. Luckily she knew someone who could get past
any lock. She hexted and soon Blondie came with wide smile.
“I
wonder why they want you to enter an empty room.” She said as she
took a pin from her hair and opened the door.
“It's
not empty. Amidala is sick and the faculty wanted me to look after
her. Oh, she's still sleeping.” Ashlynn whispered as they entered
the room.
“Quite
late time to be sleeping.” Blondie thought and went to Amidala. At
first it seemed she would be just sleeping but then Blondie noticed
the branches in her hair and how she smelled.
“Look,
she is injured and she spells of wolves!”
“But
wolves ever after never come to here and they certainly don't attack
fairytales.” Ashlynn said. She knew it for sure. She was the most
connected to the nature from the whole school.
“I
smell something is just not right here.” Blondie said and recorded
Amidala and her state. As she was about to lift the duvet Ashlynn
told her to stop.
“She
needs to rest. I'm sure there is a reasonable explanation to this
all. Don't cry a wolf ahead of it's time.” Ashlynn warned. Blondie
had once made a scoop about Cerise Hood without hearing both sides
and it had ended up badly. Blondie blushed and put her mirrorPad
away. There was a knock on the door.
“Amidala?”
Carl came in. “Oh, I'm sorry, is she here?”
“She's
sleeping. Headmaster said she is sick so I came here to look after
her.” Ashlynn smiled to the boy who blushed.
“I
just would have returned her pet. She gave her to me yesterday before
she went to work.” Carl said and took the boa out. Blondie
shrieked.
“Oh
you scare the poor snake!” Ashlynn scolded and went to take the
boa.
“Did
Amidala say anything about her plans for the night?” Blondie had
her mirrorPad recording again.
“N-no.
She just gave her to me as the heat is too much for a boa in the
smith's place. I promised to look after her but when I came to give
her back in the evening Elena said she hadn't returned yet.”
“What
time was this?” Blondie asked.
“After
seven and nine.” Carl said.
“Did
she break the curfew?” Blondie gasped.
“She
wouldn't!” Carl said strongly. “She's really dutiful and careful.
She royally wants her destiny and she can't do anything wrong as the
protector must be good and pure from her heart.”
“Blondie,
I'm sure she has just stumbled in the dark and had to work later than
she thought. Now if you two please, let's give her the rest she seems
to need.”
“Does
Betty know about this? She should be working today.” Carl asked.
“Could
you go and tell her she can't make it?” Ashlynn asked and smiled
sweetly. Carl was happy to do anything to someone so sweet.
“I'll
come with you. Never know if I find more about the story!” Blondie
said and waved goodbye to Ashlynn and closed the door behind her.
Ashlynn could hear Carl defending Amidala loudly in the hallway. She
looked at the boa and asked did she know anything what had happened
but to her amaze the boa didn't answer. Ashlynn could talk to animals
and they always answered.
“She's
a flower bulb.” Ashlynn heard a whisper. Amidala tried to keep her
eyes open but they felt heavy like lead.
“What
do you mean?” Ashlynn asked and placed the boa next to Amidala's
head.
“I
conjured her.”
“Do
you know you will get a pet in the second year? We have a ceremony
where we will open a kind of rocket that will call our pet to us. You
don't need to conjure one.” Ashlynn smiled. Amidala smiled wearily
back.
“What
ever after happened to you?”
“Have
you been in the forest today?” Amidala asked slowly.
“In
the morning. It seems restless but it has been it for a while.”
Ashlynn said. Amidala thought should she warn her.
“Don't
go there.” She finally said. “At least not deep.”
“I
know something is wrong there. The Fairy Queen is missing and the
forest needs her magic to survive. The animals have told that there
is evil lurking just in the edge of the Dark Forest but the fairies
still manage to keep it away and keep the forest barely going. It's
still draining and hard for them, poor ones.” Ashlynn told.
“I
know.” Amidala sighed.
“You've
been there? You did broke the curfew!” Ashlynn sighed scared.
“Ashlynn,
you are one of the students who are to help to keep the forest safe,
aren't you?” Amidala felt the sleepiness wearing off slowly.
“I'm
not to speak about it.” She blushed.
“I
need all the information you know. Talk to all of the animals and
fairies and tell me what they know.”
“What
is happening?” Ashlynn sounded scared.
“I'm
not to speak about it.” Amidala smiled. “I need to talk with the
faculty.”
“Are
we in danger?” Ashlynn whispered leaning towards Amidala.
“I
don't know. The evil there grew a lot stronger. The forest needs your
help. If the faculty forbids students to go there, go anyway but
please be careful. Take Darling Charming with you and Raven Queen,
they can protect you. And don't go deep. What ever happens, don't go
deep in the woods.”
“Darling?”
“She's
a good damsel in distress. Maid Marian will help you if you can't get
out of the school grounds.” Amidala smiled.
“Amidala
what...”
“I
just need more information.”
“Why
do you
need more information?” Ashlynn asked suspiciously.
“I
think I might have to step up to shoes I don't even know.” Amidala
sighed. “I told Hunter one day I felt like the land was calling me
and it has been stuffing magic in me so much I don't even know what I
can do. I feel I am like a vessel, just a means for the land.”
“You
aren't. I'm glad you are awake.” Maid Marian slipped to the room.
She took off her cone hat and smiled to Ashlynn.
“You
dragged me here. The land has just been using me. I don't know the
spells I do.” Amidala said looking almost angry. “If I am here I
want to learn all myself.”
“Headmaster
Grimm closed the forests from the students.” Maid Marian avoided
the subject and Ashlynn sighed sadly. Amidala tried to sit up but was
still too weak to do it. Amidala told Maid Marian that she had to
help some of the students to get to the forest. Maid Marian smiled to
her surprise.
“Ms.
Ella, could you get some food to Amidala, her stomach growls like a
beast.”
“Of
course, Maid Marian.” Ashlynn curtsied and hurried away.
“I'm
sorry you feel lost in here but you are not just a vessel for the
land. You were an imaginary story when you came here, me and Baba
Yaga know about it, your life twirled in front of us when you were
brought here. I guess we should have came clean with everything right
away.” Maid Marian felt uncomfortable under Amidala's angry stare.
“So
you know I'm just a fable.” Amidala said coldly.
“Are
you? Can you say you are not her?” Maid Marian asked. Amidala
didn't have the answer.
“The
land has tried to fill you with everything you should be. Everything
you truly are in your story. You came to Ever After and a new story
has begun, it can't have a hero who is hollow. You know all that is
stuck in you after you come in terms with all the changes. You have
created everything that is in you yourself.”
“Can
I create new then? Like healing spells?” Amidala asked still
displeased.
“No.
Those you have to learn like everyone else.” Marian smiled.
“How
does a new story begin here? These stories are told in my world.
Someone must tell this story there for it to exist.” Amidala felt
confused and her head ached.
“I
don't have the answer to that. Look, Headmaster Grimm tries to keep
me in dark with the latest turns so tell me what has happened.
Please.” Maid Marian said straightforwardly. Amidala looked at her
tightly but told her everything that had happened leaving out the
mark and spell in her hand.
“That
doesn't sound good. How badly are you wounded?” She took the duvet
off and looked at her dress sighing.
“Give
your dress to me, I'll see what I can do to it.”
“It's
my only dress!” Amidala protested.
“Give
the dress to me. I can make others using this as a model.” Marian
said and shyly Amidala let her help the dress off from her. She
looked at herself and grinned sadly.
“Well,
at least those are just bruises. I'd hate to get more scars.”
Amidala sighed. Marian was about to say about the big wound in her
side that had started to heal but decided to stay quiet about it. She
felt bad for the girl. She felt guilty that they had took her here
and not given her enough time to settle in and get ready before she
got in danger. It was their fault she was in such a state.
“When
Ms. Ella comes back ask her to bring in the faculty. They are waiting
for you to wake up. Eat and rest. I will take the students to gather
information how grim the situation has become.”
“Thank
you Maid Marian.”
“I
think you may call me just Marian.” She smiled and went away
tucking Amidala's dress under hers. Ashlynn came soon with a platter
full of all kind of things to eat and after Amidala asked her to
alert the faculty that she was awake, she ate almost everything. Some
she hid in her table just in case. She was surprised how quickly
Headmaster Grimm, Baba Yaga and even Mr. Badwolf came.
“You
took your time sleeping.” Baba Yaga said suspiciously. Her spell
shouldn't have lasted that long. Amidala didn't know what to say so
she didn't say a thing.
“What
do you remember, Ms. Amidala?” Headmaster Grimm asked.
“Last
thing I remember is Madam Baba Yaga finding the mark in me.”
Amidala answered.
“I
have looked to it but haven't yet found who uses it.” Baba Yaga
said.
“Fairy
Queen.” Amidala sighed silently.
“You
know where she is?” Mr. Badwolf came to Amidala. She raised her
hand on top of the blankets.
“She's
gone.” She showed her hand to Mr. Badwolf. The faculty members
looked confused.
“She
or part of her is the one. Fairy Queen is the demonic spirit that
tries to destroy what she have protected. She put the mark in me when
I was on the edge of dark forest. She has no true power elsewhere but
in enchanted forest and the fairies keep her away. She could track me
and attack me trough the mark, using my strength as hers.” Amidala
told.
“If
what you tell is true she has gained quite a lot of power from you.”
Mr. Badwolf said grimly.
“Yes.
I hope the fairies and your spells can keep her away. I need to
gather my strength.”
“I
think under these circumstances we could ease your classes a bit.”
Headmaster said reluctantly.
“I
don't need geografairy, you can tell me about the land and show me a
map of Ever After. I can also leave grimnastics, I will build my
strength in hero's training and blacksmithing. I need extra help with
controlling and learning my magic, if you would give me few lessons
Madam Baba Yaga?”
There
was silence as the faculty members looked at each other.
“That
wasn't what I had in mind.” Headmaster said.
“I
think it's quite fair.” Baba Yaga said carefully. Amidala nodded
and closed her eyes. She felt the burning on her skin. Traces of the
evil that the Fairy Queen had left in her.
“I
think I know how we can weaken her!” Amidala opened her eyes
suddenly.
“How?”
Headmaster's voice was like thunder.
“She
marked me and drained me through the mark. I can reverse it. If I can
get to what was the source of her power when she was good and mark it
I can drain her strength to me.” Amidala's eyes started to burn.
She wanted revenge. She hoped she would gain some fairy power from
it. She noticed the looks exchanged.
“Only
the closest fairies of the Queen knows it and are very protective
about it. It could also backfire.” Headmaster said. “I don't
think it's a good idea.”
Amidala
bit her teeth together. Of course he didn't like the idea, he didn't
seem to like anything that had to do with Amidala. Was he against new
stories?
“I
think she needs to rest now, I will make sure all of the mark is
gone.” Baba Yaga said and started to look her hand while Mr.
Badwolf lead Headmaster out.
“How
can I make sure it won't backfire? Does it need to be her mark or my
own?” Amidala asked straightforwardly.
“She
has marked you so her mark should work. You still carry it.”
“I
can feel it. Can she trace me through it? Can she use me through it?”
Amidala was worried.
“I
removed the spell. She may be able to sense you if you are close but
she can't drain or find you anymore. You are safe here.”
“Are
others too?” Amidala looked worried.
“We
will secure the school grounds. No evil will land here.”
“If
I could see the source of the Queens power we could might have a clue
what changed her. If her source is tainted?” Amidala pondered.
“I
can cast a spell on you that forbids you to leave the school grounds.
Don't make me use it, Ms. Amidala.”
“Why
you would use it?” Amidala looked at the witch challengingly.
“Because
the story needs it's hero alive.” Baba Yaga said strictly. Amidala
felt like she was in wrong skin. She was no hero. She could be the
forest princess, she could be the protector but hero was something
else. She looked away and bit her lip. Things just felt wrong.
“I'm
not...”
“Who
took your clothes?” Yaga asked sharply as she was sure Amidala
didn't hold nothing but the memory of the mark.
“Ashlynn.
She will try to clean and fix it.” Amidala lied.
“Good.
Then you can't get out of the bed.” Yaga said and left the room.
Amidala was still weak, she could feel it. She closed her eyes and
went trough all she had learnt since she had came here. She wondered
how much could fit in such a little time. She was quite happy that
she could rest and go trough the spells and practise them. She
thought would it be too draining to start practising already as the
door opened and Elena and Carl stormed in.
“Oh
my Godmother you're awake! I was royally ever after mad worried of
you!” Elena flew to hug her. Amidala grinned of pain but hugged
back.
“I'm
fine.”
“Who
did you really go out with? Did he do this to you? Who was the boy
who was with the faculty?” Elena asked and turned the marble under
her to ice. Amidala blushed. She hated to lie to her friend but she
couldn't tell the truth either. Not at least when Carl was present.
“It
was a boy I met near the forest and I lost track of time. The barrier
grew before I got back and I had to spend the night in the forest.”
Amidala said. It was kind of truth. “I don't know who would have
been with the faculty.”
“The
forests are closed.” Elena said. “I guess I spell why.”
“I'm
sorry.” Amidala blushed.
“Why?
I'm just glad you made it if it's that dangerous out there already. I
wonder why they haven't closed it earlier!” Elena huffed and went
to put away all she had bought that day. Carl came carefully closer.
“I
went to tell Betty you won't be able to make it there in few days.
She sent you this.” He gave her an envelope.
“That
is so thoughtful of you Carl, thank you so much.” Amidala smiled.
She looked in and there was quite amount of money in there. Amidala
hurriedly took the letter and read it.
“Dear Amidala, 
I know you're not
sick, you're the type who would drag herself here with her last
strength so something severe must have happened to you. I hope you
are all right. Here is your payment from this time and a little
ahead. Heal yourself in peace and come back only when you're strong
enough to. Betty”
Amidala
smiled. She knew she could count on Betty.
“She
seemed to be worried of you.” Carl said carefully.
“She
said that I can heal myself in peace and not worry about work. I
think that is just what I will do.” Amidala said wearily.
“If
you need anything I'm happy to help.” Carl said.
“After
I have got some of my strength back and can move myself I can teach
you the animal calls as thank you for this.” Amidala grinned. Carl
grinned back and left her to sleep. Elena took as her duty to take
care of Amidala while she was too weak to get up. She brought her
food to their room and ordered her helpers to bathe Amidala. After
that they went trough magiology throneworks together and practised
the spells Amidala knew. She tried to teach them to Elena but as she
didn't know how they worked she wasn't much of a teacher. Elena tried
to teach ice magic to her but the result was quite the same. Amidala
got one snowflake conjured and that was it. Not minding the time
Amidala slept and Elena was away the weekend was a blast for Amidala.
She had got a lot stronger and a lot closer with Elena. It felt
hexcellent to have a close friend again even though the thought made
her cry in silence at the same time for the memory of another.
On
Sunday evening there was a careful knock on the door. Amidala was
alone in the room but called the knocker in.
“Hi,
are you any better?” Ashlynn came carefully inside and lingered at
the door.
“A
lot.” Amidala smiled.
“That's
tea-rrific!” Madeline Hatter ran in and took a big table full of
pies, cookies, scones and tea from her hat and placed it next to
Amidala's bed.
“Surprise!”
Briar smiled a bit shyly as she, Apple, Blondie, Cedar, Cerise,
Hunter and Raven came in. “It's not a party, I'm told but we heard
you were sick and wanted to say hi?”
“It's
royally great to see you all.” Amidala gave a laugh.
“I'm
sorry to hear you were hurt in the forest.” Apple said sadly. “It's
good that they have closed all the entrance to the woods.” Amidala
glanced at Ashlynn and Hunter who didn't seem to agree.
“It's
all right, I'm getting better. My amazing room mate has taken good
care of me.”
“So
you're making friends?” Apple seemed to light up.
“Yes.
I try not to be such a lone wolf anymore.” Amidala smiled to Cerise
who smiled shyly back.
“I
met Maid Marian who sent you a package.” Ashlynn said. Amidala
looked in wonder a big bag that Ashlynn handed to her.
“Wow,
thank you.”
“You're
not going to open it?” Raven asked. She was a bit curious.
“It's
just my dress and maybe another one. She could get her hands to
fabrics I like and offered to help as an apology as she taught me a
wrong berry was editable.” Amidala lied.
“I
heard you had only that one dress so I asked my little dwarves to
make you another one!” Apple said proudly as bluebirds flew in and
presented a very frilly green dress.
“Wow,
Apple. That's... beautiful. That is a very thoughtful gift, thank
you.” Amidala said doubting as she knew she wouldn't fit in it in
million years. Apple gleamed.
“It's
the least I could do.”
“Who’s
up for some tea?” Maddie poured tea to a cup from her hat. Amidala
giggled.
“Do
you have the one which is made of vanilla and hugs?” Amidala asked.
“Well,
I don't have vanilla but I do have hugs!” Cedar smiled and came to
hug Amidala. “I'm glad you're okay.”
“Me
too.” Apple came to give her a hug.
“Me
too.” Sooner than she could realize her bed was full off people
trying to hug her.
“I
think this is just as good as the tea.” Amidala smiled.
“It's
not too much?” Briar asked surprised.
“I'd
say it's just right.” Amidala said smiling as she wrapped her hand
around Blondie.
=== Because I have to ===
Amidala
woke up at the same time as Elena on Monday. She had made up her mind
she would attend the classes.
“Are
you sure you can manage?” Elena asked as Amidala sat in side of her
bed. She went trough the bag Maid Marian had gave her. She took out
pants, green tunic and leather boots that could be laced up to the
knee. They looked good but her hand had touched linen so she took out
a long sleeved, wide hemmed light green linen dress. She stood up and
slipped it on.
“I
don't want to fall even more behind.” Amidala answered.
“But
you have Hero's training today, it can do more harm than good.”
Elena protested.
“I
will see what the class is about and if I think I can't manage I can
sit and watch.” Amidala smiled and brushed her hair. There was a
knock on the door.
“Come
in, I'm almost ready.” Amidala called. Carl came in saying hello to
Elena who hurried to her classes and told Carl to keep an eye on
Amidala.
“She's
such a worry flurry but still so sweet.” Amidala laughed as they
started to walk the hallways. Amidala finished braiding her hair and
rolled it over her head like a crown. She had noticed it looked good
and her hair was less on the way worn like that.
“Are
you sure you want to do this? You know you can do all the animal
calls.” Carl said.
“Believe
me, we won't be doing animal calls today.” Amidala sighed sadly.
Carl raised his eyebrow but then thought about the situation in the
woods.
“You
might be right.” He said with a serious face. She had been right.
On the wide lawn there was cages filled with injured animals and even
though they were early Poppa Bear was already handing out animals to
early students.
“We
have our hands full today. We will have to learn healing spells as
well as traditional care.” He said to Carl and Amidala as he handed
a cage to both of them. Amidala's heart jumped of joy as she heard
the word healing spell. She opened her cage carefully talking calmly
to the lynx inside. It looked at Amidala suspiciously but finally
gave her paw to Amidala.
“A
sudden landslide threw rocks all over and one hit my paw. I haven't
been able to walk with it since.” The cat told.
“I
hope it's not many days ago because it feels like your bone would be
broken and it might have started to heal to wrong position then.”
Amidala said petting the lynx that felt embarrassed. Amidala called
Poppa Bear to look at the situation and tell what would be the best
approach.
“How
many days has it been?”
“Four.”
The lynx said silently.
“It
has started to heal then. We need to use magic here but Amidala, be
warned. Healing spells are not to be used lightly. What you give in
health to the other you will lose from yourself.” Poppa Bear said
seriously.
“You
might have to use it a lot today?” Amidala asked. Poppa Bear sighed
and nodded. “I have heard about your situation and I...”
“And
I want to learn the spell. I can't use it maybe after this but at
least I could have healed one animal. I can tend the ones that don't
need magic after this.” Amidala said seriously. Poppa Bear nodded
and told Amidala the words and ingredients needed. Amidala took part
of the lynx's hair, part of her own and held them to the injured leg.
She took a deep breathe, concentrated and cast the spell. She watched
how the hair sank in, how the leg seemed to stretch and then shrink.
“How
do you feel?” Amidala asked. The lynx rose up and walked. It
smiled.
“Like
new. Thank you.”
“No
injuring animals today, we will have our hands full already, okay? Be
careful out there.” Amidala pet the lynx and watched it run away.
She went to get another animal from Poppa Bear. He handed out the
ones that might need magical healing to others and gave Amidala
easier ones. She splinted wings and paws, tended wounds and helped
Carl with his animals. Then she heard a silent howl.
“Did
you hear that?” Amidala asked Poppa Bear. “Someone howled in the
forest.”
“We
can't enter there.”
“It
sounded hurt!”
“We
can't help everyone.” Poppa Bear said and cast a healing spell to a
baby dragon. Amidala started to wonder how the animals came here.
Then she remembered Poppa Bear lived in the dark forest and he always
came with a carriage so he probably picked them up himself. Amidala
took a bird to herself and went further with it. After it had been
looked after Amidala walked carefully to the edge of the spiky vine
barrier and howled silently. She got a faint howl as an answer. The
wolf was injured and badly. Amidala took a peak behind her and as no
one was looking she told the spiky wines give way to her. The vines
opened before her and closed behind her until she reached the forest
and heard silent yelping. It wasn't far so Amidala howled silently
that she was coming and started to run. Soon she found a small dire
wolf laying on the ground. There seemed to be nothing wrong with it.
“What
happened?” Amidala asked and lifted the wolves head.
“Swept
through, took me.” The wolf managed to say. It was weak. Amidala's
hand ached and she feared the Fairy Queen would have set this as a
trap so she grabbed the wolf to her arms and ran towards the barrier.
She felt a wind flew past her.
“Leaving
so soon?” Words echoed inside her head.
“You
are not fooling anyone. You eat yourself Fairy Queen!” Amidala spat
out and stopped to the wall. The wind waited. It started to get a
body who looked at Amidala smiling. It wasn't the Fairy Queen, she
got minions now.
“Go
on.” Her voice was like honey.
“No.”
Amidala lifted the wolf to her shoulder. She felt anger in the air
which raised hers and she shot a green flame all around her. It had
been a small one but the spirit shrieked so Amidala swept another,
stronger green flame all around while backing up to the tunnel she
made and closed so fast she almost was caught in the spikes. There
was a painful, angry scream as Amidala had shot the spirit. She
turned and ran. She could hear the spirit screaming in frustration
 on the other side of the wall.
“Almost
there!” Amidala fell to the grass holding the wolf in her arms
protecting it from the fall. Poppa Bear, Carl and few other came
running towards her as they had heard the screams and noticed Amidala
was missing. She muttered the healing spell and all around her
strength was given to the wolf.
“Amidala!”
Carl knelt next to her but she held to the wolf tightly, almost
cramping around it. She felt the wolf's breathing and it's heart beat
getting stronger.
“Let
him go.” A girl said gently and touched her. She opened her eyes
and looked at Erika, the daughter of little mermaid with wide, scared
eyes.
“It's
all right.” Carefully Amidala loosened her grip and Poppa Bear took
the wolf from her.
“That
was... stupid from you.” Poppa Bear said to Amidala who shivered on
the ground and walked away with the wolf.
“What
was there?” Carl asked silently.
“A
banshee of some sort? I'm not sure was it her or the wolf wailing but
he was drained. The spirit tried to come here. It wasn't a normal
banshee, it was more alive. Some spirit?”
“It
didn't get trough. You're safe.” Carl hugged her. “Tell me you
didn't use that much magic?”
“I
had to keep her away and give the wolf enough strength so it's vital
organs would stay functional.”
“You're
so weak again.” Carl scolded.
“Please,
don't tell others. I'll come and help you with the easier ones if you
help me up.” Amidala smiled.
“I
don't know whether to scold you and leave you there to get your
lesson or help you up.” Carl shook his head but gave his hands out.
“Like
you would leave a damsel in distress.” Amidala teased and leaned
hard on him. Carl felt a bit proud, he really was helping a princess
here in her weak state like a prince or a hero, not like a boy whose
destiny was to sell matches in blistering cold. He helped her back to
the lawn and Amidala laid in the ground and calmed the animals around
her that students had so they could tend them more easily. Soon a
small wolf came to Amidala and gave her a lick.
“You're
in that good strength already?” Amidala asked happily and pet the
wolf. She howled a small question.
“I
think so. The spirit lurked near all the time.” The wolf answered.
Amidala bit her lip.
“This
is the second time I walk straight to a trap like an idiot.” She
sighed.
“Second?”
Carl asked seriously.
“Oh
hey, what do you know, this is Cerise's pet, I bet she can tend him
back to full strength. I should take him to her.” Amidala stood up
wearily. Carl looked at her warningly but Amidala and the wolf walked
away.
Amidala
waited on the front chairs that someone familiar would walk past her.
Soon she spotted Rosabella Beauty, daughter of Belle and the Beast.
“Excuse
me?” Amidala asked carefully. “Do you know Cerise Hood?”
“Not
well but yes?” The girl looked at Amidala and the wolf who hid in
her hem.
“Could
you get a message to her that I have her pet. He isn't completely
well yet and I thought she would like to tend her. We have our hands
full of injured animals on beast care.” Amidala said awkwardly.
“No
matter the purpose those cages are too small for the animals and no
animal should ever see a cage!” Rosabella said proudly and handed
her a flier.
“At
the moment I'm glad that they do. I wouldn't want to see the forest
if Poppa Bear wouldn't bring the injured ones here.” Amidala said
seriously. Rosabella thought of the option and seemed to calm down a
little.
“Well
it is our duty to look after the ones who we look over.” She said.
“I'll hext her, will you wait here?”
“Yes.
Thank you.” Amidala smiled and took the small wolf to her lap and
pet him. Rosabella looked at them while hexting. Maybe it sometimes
was good that they brought the animals in cages. It didn't took long
that Cerise came running like a wind to Amidala.
“Carmine!”
She cried out. “What had happened to him?” She took her pet to
her lap.
“The
forest got him.” Amidala said.
“Oh
my. You healed him?”
“Partly.
I don't know was it Erika or Poppa Bear who gave him more strength
but he's still not well. He needs looking after, rest and tending.”
“They
don't like if I keep him here.” Cerise sighed.
“Can't
your dad take him to Hood Hollow?” Amidala asked and then
remembered she wasn't suppose to know it. Cerise growled.
“He
didn't give you up. Forest princess remember? Animals are kind of my
knowledge.” Amidala tried and it seemed to work. Cerise sighed.
“You
can't tell anyone
about it!”
“Of
course I won't.” Amidala promised. “I'm just worried will your
father soon be able to make the trip either. I'm not sure was it a
more alive banshee that drained almost all of his strength or was it
something much more dark. We all are soon prisoners here.” And it's
my fault as I don't let myself heal, Amidala thought embarrassed.
“Wait,
you went to the forest? You met an evil spirit?” Cerise asked.
Amidala was so baffled that she admit it.
“Why
you would do it? In the middle of your class? Everyone could see you!
You'll get in tons of trouble!”
“I
heard a silent howl. I knew there was a wolf fighting for it's life.
How was I supposed to let it be?” Amidala asked almost angrily. She
didn't know should she had or shouldn't she had. She was so tired and
confused she sat down and burst to tears. Cerise looked at Amidala in
confusion.
“It
was a trap set for me and I fell for it. But if I wouldn't have fell
for it... It's low to use our pets as baits!” Amidala cried. Cerise
sat next to her and hugged her awkwardly. Carmine licked her tears
off.
“When
it comes to me I am grateful you did it. I can't thank you enough.”
“When
it comes to me I am very, very, very disappointed in you Ms.
Amidala.” Headmaster Grimm said behind them. “You broke direct
school orders, placed yourself in danger and dangered the school
grounds!”
“I
never dangered the grounds! They can't come trough what ever the
green light I shoot is. It hurts them, tears them. I shoot it all
around and all the way back when I run here.” Amidala said fiercely
trough her tears. Cerise grabbed Carmine and run to the garden. She
didn't want to give or get in trouble.
“I
can't have such reckless behaviour in my school. You will not put
anyone in danger anymore. You will face detention and Baba Yaga will
put a spell on you so you can't leave the school grounds.”
“That
is not fair, I will lose my job if I don't go there!” Amidala
shouted.
“You
should have thought it before, Ms. Amidala.” Headmaster said coldly
and walked away. Amidala felt defeated and angry. How Headmaster
Grimm even managed to hear about it so fast? She returned to the lawn
but the last of the animals were in tending already.
“Ms.
Amidala!” Poppa Bear shouted with tight voice.
“Please,
Headmaster Grimm already gave me detention and I'm spellbound to
school grounds for a week. Isn't that punishment enough?” Amidala
said almost in tears. She felt like screaming but didn't want to
scare the animals.
“That
is fairy unfair!” Carl said as he had followed her.
“You
seem to have your strength still.” Poppa Bear said and put cages to
his carriage.
“I
only gave enough for him to stay alive.” Amidala said. She wasn't
going to admit how weak she felt.
“You
know you broke the orders and I don't know how you got through the
barrier but that wolf would have died without you.” Poppa Bear said
strictly but it warmed Amidala that there was approval behind the
words.
“How
do you make it back home and here? There is new threats there and I
think they eat the strength of all the animals. They can't be
released to the forest or the evil will grow enormously powerful. We
need a safe haven for them. They need to be moved." Amidala
realized. Poppa Bear sighed. Moving of animals wasn't an easy job.
“We
have guards there securing us but if they feed on animals we have to
release them to the forest behind the village, it's the most secure
place though not ideal.”
“I
can call all animals I can to gather here. I can ask Raven to help,
Nevermore can carry a lot of animals in her back.” Amidala said. “I
don't have a mirrorPhone, could you call her and Nevermore here?”
“They
don't have as much living space behind the village. Nature will take
it's way there.” Poppa Bear warned.
“I
can't let the animals be and our enemies grow stronger. I'd rather
let them eat each other and let them grow stronger. I can talk to
them to try and get along.” Amidala lifted her chin. She felt the
power of the land in her and her weakness fading away. It felt like
roots would have grown to her feet and held them strongly on the
ground releasing strength to her.
“It
won't be too draining for you?” Poppa Bear made sure.
“Please,
make the call. I will call the birds first and talk with them.”
Amidala said and started various screams and screeching sounds. Soon
the field started to fill with birds and Amidala talked to them in
serious tone. Poppa Bear looked at the sight. Every eye pair from
raven to eagle, from owl to songbird was on Amidala. Soon the smaller
birds flew towards the village and bigger ones flew towards the
forest. Amidala started new pattern of sounds and was glad to see the
big birds carrying bunnies, hedgehogs and smaller animals carefully
towards the village. She screamed cheers for the animals. She didn't
even notice Raven and Nevermore coming up.
“Hey,
what's going on? You needed us?” Raven said very loudly startling
Amidala.
“Immigration.”
Amidala explained the situation. Raven looked at the birds and then
back to Amidala.
“And
the problem is the barrier.”
“Hexactly.
The bigger birds are moving small creatures but we have deer and such
still roaming and there I would need Nevermore.” Amidala said.
“I'm
glad to help. What can I do? Why do we also do this?” Raven smiled
and looked at Poppa Bear carefully. Amidala explained shortly.
“I
will try to get animals to one point and hope they won't be badly
attacked. If you can get as much of them on Nevermore I'd be
grateful.”
“Whoa,
they would be riding
Nevermore?” Raven sounded suspicious.
“Many
of the animals fear dragons, it wouldn't work Ms. Amidala.” Poppa
Bear warned.
“Oh,
I thought they would be gotten used to them. Well then we must... 
Unless... Well I'm already facing detention and will be spellbound to
school grounds, if I make a hole in the wall can you and Nevermore
keep the evil at bay? There are spirits near the wall.” Amidala
thought. Raven blinked her eyes few times.
“I...
I can always try.” She tried to smile.
“I
won't be part of this. I hope you know what you are doing and don't
endanger the school Ms. Amidala.” Poppa Bear said. “Never
endanger the school.” He walked away.
“Great.
Get on Nevermore and fly around the clearing behind this place. I'll
call the animals there. If there is danger, do what you will.”
Amidala smiled and watched Raven fly to the sky. She started to call
all the animals she knew and tell the animals to take all the others
with them and be in a hurry. Soon Raven gave her a mark to make a
hole in the barrier and concentrating her drained powers she made a
tunnel from where the animals could come. She had also made a
precaution that no evil could come trough as an animal. There was few
poofs and ashes as the evil spirits faced her protective shield, but
soon enough all the animals were on the other side and with her last
powers Amidala shoot a blast trough the tunnel and closed it. She
dropped to her knees and panted.
“Your
new home is behind the village. That way. Thank you for listening and
helping each other. Please try to get along.” Amidala said and
smiled to the animals. Few bowed to her and the herd of animals went
to cause chaos on the streets of Book End.
“You
did it!” Raven rejoiced as she landed near Amidala. “Are you
okay? You drained yourself completely out?”
“I'm
still weak. I have used way too much of magic today.” Amidala
admitted.
“We'll
take you to your dorm room. Mr. Grimm doesn't need to hear about
this.” Raven smiled and helped her on Nevermore.
“Thank
you. Though there isn't much punishment left he could give.”
Amidala smiled wearily. Raven helped her in and made sure she would
be okay, sent Nevermore away in her smaller size and crept out from
the door. Amidala was in her bed and fast asleep as Headmaster Grimm
stormed to her room.
“Ms.
Amidala!” He roared. Amidala woke up screaming as she was startled
by the shout. Headmaster Grimm looked confused but still angry.
“Are
you aware there is a forestfull of animals running through the Book
End?” He asked in a tight tone. Amidala sat up yawning.
“That
sounds good. Maddie will love it.” She said disoriented. She had
fell to a deep sleep and had had slept for a while already. “I'm
sorry I skipped the Hero's training class. I know students are not to
skip classes but we used healing magic on beast care and I felt too
weak to enter.” Amidala tried to lead Headmaster off from her
doings. She made her best effort on sad, innocent, embarrassed face.
“That
sounds like something you would have your hands on Ms. Amidala.” He
pressed on.
“What?
Yes, I did heal with magic.”
“I
meant the wild animals!” Headmaster was really starting to lose his
patience. Amidala sighed.
“I
did talk to animals. I asked that birds would move off from the
enchanted forest and bigger birds would take smaller animals with
them. For others I asked them to leave.” She lied. She really hoped
Poppa Bear wouldn't turn her in.
“And
why would you do that?” He closed in Amidala who raised her blanket
like a protective shield in front of her.
“The
evil uses animals to build her strength. If we just heal them and let
them go back she has unending source of power and she will grow so
strong nothing would hold her anymore. I wanted the animals out of
there so she wouldn't have anything on which she could feed on.”
Amidala said hastily.
“And
why you endangered yourself, school grounds and other students before
instead of coming to us and let us handle the situation?”
“Because
they set me another trap that I went for and trough it I learned
where they get more power. It's not just Fairy Queen anymore in
there. She has summoned spirits.” Amidala said with stronger face.
They said this would be her story, then she was the one who was
supposed to find things out and solve everything.
“She
has entered enchanted forest?” Mr. Grimm sounded almost scared.
“At
least her spirits have. We need to weaken her.”
“It
would be too dangerous!” Amidala was shouted at.
“Life
is dangerous. If we don't do anything she can't be stopped.”
Amidala found herself almost shouting.
“Your
magiology class will start in fifteen minutes, Ms. Amidala. I do not
want you to skip a one class ever anymore.” Headmaster said angrily
and stormed out of the room. Amidala grinned to herself. She rested a
bit more and then changed her clothes and walked slowly to the class
where Elena was waiting for her already.
“I
heard you're in trouble.” She whispered worriedly.
“I'm
not sure did I just talk myself out of it.” Amidala whispered back
and straightened herself as Baba Yaga flew to the room and looked at
Amidala sharply. She wouldn't show weakness. She would have the rest
of the day free so she could rest.
“I
have heard some of the students are disobeying school rules and
orders.” Baba Yaga started the class. “To ensure no student will
do what they will we have a restricting spell around the school. Only
place you are allowed to visit anymore is the village of Book End.
Anyone who even tries to enter anywhere else will be severely
punished.” Baba Yaga looked at Amidala again who had her blank face
on. She lifted her hand and got an angry stare back.
“Am
I allowed to enter the village?” Amidala asked.
“No.”
Baba Yaga answered and Amidala cursed in her head. Elena took her
hand and squeezed it.
“Let
me see your thronework! Everyone take your stone and turn it to
snake's egg!” Elena had her original stone with her, Amidala had
token just some stone from the yard.
“You
were to have the original stone with you Ms. Amidala.” Baba Yaga
pushed her face almost on hers.
“She
is slithering in my hair somewhere.” Amidala said lightly and
turned her stone to an egg.
“Your
boa is the bulb?” Elena couldn't keep silent. Baba Yaga turned her
angry stare at her and nervously Elena turned her stone to an egg.
She was grateful they had gone this trough so many times with Amidala
on the weekend that she could do it under Yaga's stare. She grunted
and watched as everyone turned their stones to an egg.
“Now,
hatch them!” Yaga ordered. Elena used time control magic as Amidala
used warmth and grow. Elena had froze enough eggs on weekend. Her egg
hatched and a small, yellow snake came out. There was a scream in the
class as someone had managed also to hatch a snake but hated them.
Pretty soon the floor was filled with snakes.
“Why
you don't hatch yours?” Elena whispered.
“It's
not hatching.” Amidala whispered back a bit nervous. It should have
came out already. “Hex it.” She said and cast a spell on the egg.
So much for the kind and princess-like acting. The egg exploded and
an anaconda rolled hurriedly around Amidala.
“Anaconda?”
Elena sighed in horror.
“It
wasn't supposed to be fully grown!” Amidala shouted and talked to
the anaconda that it would let her go. It didn't. Amidala didn't know
any shrink magic so she just expelled it with a small explosion that
left her ears ringing.
“That
didn't went well.” She sighed and leaned her head to the table and
breathed hard.
“Overdone
but pass.” Amidala heard Yaga saying while she flew back in front
of the class and started to teach about how magic was gathered and
could be harvested for any spell. They got as their thronework to
gather magic to a crystal ball.
“It
should be filled with it, any less and you fail.” Yaga said
strictly and dismissed the class. Everyone took a crystal ball on
their way out.
“I
can ran these to our room, you go and eat. I'll catch you there.”
Elena said and took Amidala's ball.
“Thank
you. I'll save you a seat.” Amidala smiled and went to castletaria.
She was immediately surrounded by her new friends.
“We
heard what happened and about your punishment. That is so not right!”
Blondie stomped her feet.
“What
you did was really brave and incredibly stupid. You seem to
overestimate yourself and that can put you and the whole school to
danger.” Cedar blurted out and blushed.
“You
are partly right Cedar. I did a bit overdo everything.” Amidala
admitted.
“I'm
just glad you are okay and you managed to save Carmine!” Ashlynn
hugged her.
“That's
a true hero's work.” Darling blurted out and smiled awkwardly yet
charmingly.
“Hunter
keeps you all a seat. I'll bring you your food, Amidala. You seem a
bit weary.” Raven smiled and winked her eye. Amidala thanked her
and sat next to Ashlynn.
“Did
you manage before the spell? I tried to get all the animals out of
the forest.” Amidala whispered. Ashlynn nodded and chewed her food.
“The
enchanted forest is infested with evil spirits. The fairies had to
pull back to protect themselves and the grove. They can't hold the
enchanted forest's magic up anymore.” Hunter said silently.
“The
rest you seem to know already. We can't enter the forest anymore!”
Ashlynn sounded sad.
“Not
necessarily. The spirits have no food so they can't grow stronger. If
the fairies can hold this week I think we can break the spell and
break into the forest.” Amidala whispered and thanked Raven who sat
down with them.
“Did
Madam Baba Yaga teach you about gathering magic?” Amidala asked.
“It
was long ago. We did a small ball and then burst it to destroy a
target.” Raven said. Hunter's hand stopped middle air.
“You
think quick, Hunter.” Amidala smiled. “I'm spellbound and have
detention this week but after that...”
“Madam
Baba Yaga is already teaching you to gather magic?” Raven sounded
surprised.
“Yeah,
she gave us crystal balls as big as our head. It'll take a lot to get
it filled. At least we have this week to do the thronework.” Elena
sat down smiling. Everyone in the table grew silent and Amidala
giggled.
“What?
Did I say something?” Elena blushed.
“They're
just a bit jealous as Baba Yaga teaches us better than them.”
Amidala said.
“Yeah.
That.” Raven said hurriedly and faked a smile. “Lucky you!”
“What
do you have next, Amidala?” Elena asked.
“Sleeping.
I'm hexhausted. I royally need to rest. After that I think I'll go
look what the school grounds has to offer.” Amidala smiled.
“Want
to come with us to see a movie in the evening?” Elena asked before
thinking. “Oh, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to remind you...”
“It's
okay. I think I'll enjoy just a small walk and then just sleep some
more. I'm so tired I start to feel I have changed destinies with
Briar!” Amidala laughed. After they had finished their lunch
Ashlynn walked Amidala to her dorm room as Elena hurried to meet her
friends. Amidala showed the size of the crystal ball.
“That
can't be coincidence. But Baba Yaga helping you?” Ashlynn sounded
unsure.
“If
we use enough of these crystal balls we can go trough any spell. If
we have some of these empty we can collect the magic from enchanted
forest and study it.” Amidala said excited.
“It'll
be royally dangerous still.” Ashlynn said doubting.
“You
won't have to come to the forest, I don't want to risk you. I do need
your help with gathering the magic to break the barrier and then to
lift it back so the school would be safe.”
“But
how you will get back then?” Ashlynn looked at her with wide eyes.
Amidala hugged her.
“I
will make the forest safe again. When I'm done the barriers can be
lowered and I'll come back. Everything will return closer to normal.”
“Closer?”
Ashlynn doubted.
“I
haven't even declared my destiny so how I could claim it yet?”
Amidala smiled.
“You
act like you have.”
“I
do want it badly and to be best at it. Now I just do what I have to.”
“You
won't do it alone. We will help you in any way we can to get the
forest back!” Ashlynn smiled.
“I
knew I could crown on you.” Amidala hugged her again.  
=== How to be a hero ===
Amidala thought the
week would fly by sleeping and going to the classes but the time
seemed to have stopped. The more she gained back her strength the
more restless she became. In hero's training she fought against three
princes and beat them all. She didn't try or even want to win, it
just felt good to let the frustration out through somewhere. She got
shouted badly by Mr. Knight about it and her wrong techniques which
were interpret as cheating. So to 'drop her from her golden cloud'
she was to sword fight with real swords with the current champion;
Daring Charming.
“You got to be
kidding me! I have had three classes of training and you put me
against the school champion?” Amidala shouted to Mr.
Knight who just rode away to wait for Daring to arrive and dismissed
the rest of the class. Some lingered around to see what would happen.
With biting her teeth together Amidala went to change her leather
armour to a real one.
“This is ridiculous!”
Amidala huffed as she tried the plate armour. She knew they were
protective but heavy. After feeling it on her a while she threw it
away and came out without it. She had tied her sleeves with leather
strips to go by her hand and she had belted her waist with wider
leather strips. She knew she had to protect the wound on her side so
she had slipped a piece of metal under the leather.
“A decent armour is
mandatory in the battle field!” Mr. Knight shouted.
“This won't be a fair
fight so why would I go with the fair rules? I have my armour.”
Amidala shouted her green dress shimmering like emerald in the sun.
Her hair looked like a golden crown on her head while she waited. She
heard the clanking sound of metal armour coming near her.
“You can choose
someone to fight instead of you.” A low voice said.
“Thank you Darling
but I will fight.” Amidala said silently. The armour clanked in
surprise.
“How you...
nevermind. Daring is one of the best! You will be sliced!” She
whispered.
“I won't. There is
something behind this and I want to know what it is. It can't be pure
hatred towards me.” Amidala said. “Thank you for caring,
Darling.”
“I will be here and
interfere before you'll get hurt.” She said and moved a bit further
as Daring came smiling widely his golden hair flowing easily in the
gentle breeze.
“Good day Mr. Knight,
you said you had a student who needed to be taught how to really
fight?” He smiled charmingly.
“Grab a sword and
come to the playground!” Amidala shouted her sword shining in the
sun.
“What is this? I will
not fight a damsel!” Daring said proudly. “A beauty like that
should be rescued, not fought against!”
“Get in your armour
Mr. Charming. Three courses, it will decide the champion. Ms. Amidala
you will still have the opportunity to get in your armour!” Mr.
Knight shouted. Amidala stood her ground and felt the sword.
Something was off with it too. It wasn't well balanced and it was
oddly light in the end. Amidala turned to Darling.
“Can I have your
sword?” She asked and gave the sword Mr. Knight had given to her to
Darling. The feel was completely different.
“Only approved swords
are allowed!” Mr. Knight shouted. Amidala was confused and worried.
She looked at the faint mark in her hand. It ached a bit still.
“Darling, something
is not right. I think Mr. Knight is under a spell or something. He
wouldn't act like this. Get Raven or Baba Yaga, I'll try to hold on.”
Amidala whispered and the armoured knight nodded and walked away.
Amidala felt the real sword, it's weight, it's balance, it's
movement. Smiling to herself she held tightly from the hilt and let
herself feel the metal, let her hand feel like metal until her hand
and the sword felt like one. She knew every hit would hurt this way
but she wouldn't lose this way so fast either. Daring came from the
tent in his armour which shone almost as bright as his smile.
“Do tell me this is a
bad joke? No damsels are in hero's training.” Daring asked Amidala
as they saluted before the combat. “I do not want to fight you.”
“You have to.
Something is off. I have called for Raven or Baba Yaga to reveal what
is going on with Mr. Knight but until then let's just play his game.
He called his champion to teach me a lesson so teach me.” Amidala
said silently.
“I'd love to teach
you a lot of...” Daring started.
“No lolly gagging,
let's fight.” Amidala wiped her blade against his and took few
steps back. Mr. Knight blew the first round to start. Daring was
confused and doubted so Amidala made the first attack. Daring blocked
it easily. He made a counter attack that Amidala dodged. His strength
was in his skills and thick armour but Amidala was quick and agile.
If she would get Daring to lose his balance she would win the round.
A scratch in Amidala and Daring would win. The fight heated fast.
Their hits were harder and they tried to fool the other and then make
a hit. Where Daring fought like a true champion should, Amidala
fought like she had learned as a child. Three courses under Mr.
Knight hadn't taught her enough to fight like they did in the fairy
tales. It confused Daring and it was the weakness Amidala went for.
She twirled around Daring like she would be dancing and then hit him
to his back so hard that he fell to his knees. Amidala placed his
blade to the back of his neck between the armours.
“Do you call it a round?” Amidala shouted. She could
see the boiling anger in Mr. Knight. He called the round and Amidala
helped Daring up.  
“You don't fight
fairly.” He scolded.
“This is my third
lesson. I haven't even learnt to fight yet.” Amidala said. Daring
grew serious like he just now understood the situation truly. He
looked at Mr. Knight who shouted the second round.
“This can't be
right.” He said.
“It isn't.” Amidala
sighed and hoped Raven or Baba Yaga would come. “Win this round.”
“What?”
“We have to stall!”
Amidala whispered as they started the fight. She tried the few moves
Mr. Knight had taught but she almost got hit.
“I'm sorry!” Daring
whispered and they froze. Time seemed to stand still. Amidala felt relieved over boundaries. Then she felt she
could move again and saw Raven and Darling running to them.  
“I'm so happy to see
you!” Amidala drew herself from the sword and let it drop to ground
as she ran to hug Raven.  
“Are you hurt?”
Darling asked worried.
“I actually won the
first round but I don't fight with Ever After rules so it doesn't really count, I guess. Mr. Knight wasn't going to even call the round off!.” Amidala huffed. They all turned to look at the Knight.
“Can you reveal who
he really is?” Amidala asked from Raven.
“Why we just don't
take his helmet off?” Darling smiled sweetly and went to the
teacher. Raven and Amidala followed giving a laugh.
“Don't touch him!”
Amidala cried out suddenly. She felt a penetrating pain in her hand
and the mark of fairy Queen flashed red on her skin as she closed in at the
teacher. “It's the Fairy Queen.”
“What? She's here?”
Raven seemed relieved.
“No! It's bad! She's
bad! Oh slipper, look, I will need your help on Sunday to get to the
forest and get to where she gets her powers and drain it. She is the
evil spirit that tries to destroy Ever After. She hit her mark in me
and drained me. She grew quite powerful so we need to drain her.
Darling, I wish you come to be... by my side in the forest. Raven, if you
could come too, your spells would come handy. I can handle the fairies
and the draining but we all need to get there in one piece and for that I need help. I believe Madam
Baba Yaga has restricted me for this week so I would get my strength
back. We give our thronework her on Friday, the crystal balls full of
magic. I'm sure she will help us to the woods but all this needs to
be a secret. The faculty knows about Fairy Queens turn but no one
else does. Not even Ashlynn or Hunter.”
Amidala looked at the
two girls who stared back at her with wide eyes.
“Okay, totally did
not see this coming.” Raven sighed.
“Fairy Queen is the
protector of the enchanted forest! She is the enchanted forest!” Darling said. “How she could
have turned evil?”
“That's what I'm
going to find out.” Amidala said strongly. The others looked at
each other doubtingly.
“You've been lucky so
far.” Darling said carefully.
“I am trying to
prepare the best I can. The Fairy Queen is angry I took her prey
away. I don't know how she has tainted Mr. Knight during the class
but we have to be hextra careful.” Amidala said. “I will ask Mr.
Badwolf can he give a helping paw too. A pack of wolves would come
in handy in protecting us. If you're in.” Amidala added hurriedly.
“Of course I'm in.”
Darling smiled. She was excited!
“You think we three
can handle this?” Raven asked worriedly.
“Four. I still have
to ask Cerise but if I want backup from Mr. Badwolf he won't let her
come. We do have others helping from the school grounds so we won't
be completely on our own.”
“Well, we will worry
about it later. What do we do to the situation at hand?” Darling
asked. Amidala and Raven grinned to each other and blasted Mr. Knight
with their spells. They heard screaming and roaring and saw smoke
from Mr. Knight's helmet.
"This?" Raven giggled.
“I'll go back to the
battlefield, Raven stay here in case you need to blast him again or
stop time.” Amidala ran to the field and grabbed her sword on the
way. She went battle ready and nodded to Raven who released
everybody. Daring attached, Amidala blocked it and made a counter
attack. There was loud, angry shouts from Mr. Knight.
“We can stop,
Daring!” Amidala smiled and lowered her sword. She smiled to Raven
and Darling who tip toed off.
“Someone explain me
at once why are you fighting here with real swords and Ms. Amidala
without a proper armour? First year students aren't allowed in action
like this!” Mr. Knight roared.
“But you summoned me,
wanted me to teach her a lesson. We were to fight three rounds.”
Daring said confused.
“I never...!” Mr.
Knight started.
“You did.” Amidala
said coldly. “But it was the evil from the forest that reached you.
I don't know how it did it but we have dealt with the situation. No
harm has been done.”
“Except my pride.
Fair maiden, would you battle the rounds with me with wooden swords
so I could claim my victory?” Daring bowed grinning.
Amidala laughed in awe. Mr. Knight didn't pay heed to them anymore as
the swords had been dropped and the students were in good health. He
went trough all in his head and he did remember ordering them to
fight, the hatred he had for the girl. He blushed inside his helmet
but as he wasn't paid attention he went further to go things through
in his head again.
“With pleasure. I
need to be dropped from my golden cloud as Mr. Knight said.” She
curtsied and they went to get training swords for themselves. Mr.
Knight watched the battle between dress and armour feeling ashamed.
He did deeply disapprove the tactics Amidala used, they weren't
proper at all but he had to admit that being agile and fast had it's
perks in fighting. Amidala stormed with hits to the armour. Then
Amidala made a mistake in her stepping and Daring sliced her hand
with the wooden sword.
“It's just a flesh
wound!” Amidala laughed unharmed and continued the battle.
“The last round,
don't make me look bad.” Daring said. “What am I saying? No
one can make me look bad.”
“Well I do have few dirty tricks up on my sleeve.” Amidala blocked the
attack, took a step towards Daring, grabbed the hilt of his sword and
yanked it fast from his hand.
“That is dirty trick
indeed!” Daring scolded.
“Thee yield?”
Amidala held a sword towards him, other pointing to the ground, her hem flowing in the
wind and one golden braid dropping to her shoulder.
She looked wild and victorious. Even though she looked unnatural and
odd for him even Daring had to admit she was an impressive sight.
“A true hero never
yields!” Daring snapped the sword from it's wooden blade, threw it in the air and took it
to his hand without even looking.
“Impressive, how long
did it take to learn that?” Amidala admired. She had forgot in his
armour he could grab the blade.
“For me? Three
tries.” Daring laughed. “I'm a natural.”
Amidala twirled once
again to his backside but Daring was faster in his movement. At least
now his armour didn't shone so brightly to her eyes. The battle
heated up again and Amidala was starting to run out of tricks. She
did had the advantage that she wasn't in a tin can on a boiling
sunlight so she kept on moving to wear Daring out.
“Hey!” He shouted
as Amidala got a hit on his bottom giggling. He made an attack that
Amidala blocked but the fast second attack she had to try and dodge
but she fell to the ground and moaned from pain. She was still badly
bruised and the metal plate had hit her side and hurt her. She stayed
still her eyes closed until the worst thorn went away.
“Are you all right?”
Daring knelt next to her.
“Fine, I'm just a bit
sore of... training.” She lied quickly. Daring
helped her up.
“Thee yield?”
“I'd call it a tie?”
Amidala grinned. “If I had to fight with your rules I would be in
small pieces already. I need few years to learn them first.”
“Amidala!” Carl
came running to her smiling widely. “You fought great! You have to
teach me too!”
He laughed as Amidala
threw her sword to him winking her eye. Daring took off his helmet
and swooned his hair giving out his killer smile. Carl's yawn
dropped.
“Daring Charming!
You're like the champion of champions!” He sighed.
“That's right my
boy.” Daring said and flashed him a smile. “I don't hand
autographs right now.”
“Oh don't brag, I got
the first round.” Amidala hit Daring to
his shoulder armour smiling widely. Daring looked confused. Usually at this time
girls would be hanging on his neck, not hitting him to his shoulder.
“You really fought
against Daring Charming?”
Carl couldn't believe his ears.
“He's
good I have to admit.”
“The
very best. Would you like a refreshing hocus latte to spellebrate our
tie?” Daring asked charmingly.
“Why
were you in such a hurry?” Amidala asked Carl.
“Oh,
nothing. Elena and I just thought if you'd like to join us on picnic
as your class is cancelled but I under...” Carl blushed.
“That
sounds spellbinding! You don't mind taking the swords away, won't
you?” Amidala gave the wooden sword to speechless Daring. “Oh,
and take my belt armour too. Thank you, you're the best!” Amidala
smiled and started to walk away with Carl.
“Thanks
for the sparring too, it was fun!” She waved to Daring who just couldn't
believe someone could resist his charm. Neither could Carl.
“You
could have gone out with Daring! He is like the most wanted boy of
the school!” Carl shook his head.
“Well
then I'm sure he will find company for the hocus latte. To tell the
truth, he's really not my type. I actually find him annoying.”
Amidala grinned awkwardly.
“Really?”Carl
blushed a bit.
“Well
he was fun to fight against. Besides I'm spellbound to the school
grounds remember?” Amidala waved to Elena and few unfamiliar girls
who had set a picnic to the garden.
“Hi
Amidala! I brought an extra bottle of fairywater for you, the class
must have been tough?” Elena gave her a big bottle of refreshing
and reviving water.
“She
sparred against Daring Charming!” Carl told excited and the girls
gasped in unison. Amidala was suddenly stormed with questions about
him. She sat shyly next to Carl and gave short answers to the girls
who so far has never really minded her a bit.
“Look it was only sparring, you don't really chat there. I just tried to
hit him as hard as I could or trip him over to win the round. He was
royally tough opponent.” Amidala said. “Thanks for the bottle
Elena, I royally needed it.” Amidala tried to change the subject
several times from boys and fashion to something else but in the end
gave up and talked with Carl about science and sorcery classes and
how fairy unfair Rumpletiltskin was as a teacher.
“Just
be glad he hasn't seen your hair in sun. It's like threads of gold.”
Carl smiled shyly.
“Really?”
Amidala sounded surprised and lifted her braid. She moved it in the
sunlight and was surprised how like a real gold her hair did look.
“You
didn't know? Your braids look like a crown when the sun hits them
right. You look like a Queen already.” Carl smiled. “I wished I
would have greater destiny also. I know we have the right to choose
now but in my story you can't be much of a hero and I still don't want my
story to vanish.”
“That's
noble of you and fairy brave also. Your story isn't a happy one but
you're still thinking to go trough it. I'm sure all of the princes would run
if they would face destiny like that.” Amidala said. Carl was
silent for a while and then hugged her.
“Thanks.
You always know what to say to cheer me up.” He smiled.
“Yay!
I don't have to teach you the animal calls now!” Amidala rejoiced
and they laughed until a shadow came over them.
“Ms.
Amidala, would you please follow.” Mr. Badwolf said seriously. The
other students looked at her worriedly but Amidala wasn't worried.
She had done nothing wrong this time. She followed Mr. Badwolf in
silence to his office where there stood a familiar boy that surprised
her but there was also Cerise and Carmine. Amidala hurried to greet
them warmly.
“Carmine
is almost back to his normal self. I can't imagine what I would do
without him!” Cerise smiled. “Mom will take care of him, I
already got complaints.”
“I'm
just glad we got him out in time and there was others to help too.”
Amidala smiled warmly back. “Is this about me breaking the rules
and entering the forest?”
“I
believe you have been punished from it already.” Mr. Badwolf said.
“A bit oddly though.”
“I
think you know the reason behind it. I have gathered some students so
we would break the spell around the school and would enter the fairy
grove. I would ask if some of your clan wolves and Cerise could come
with us to secure us from whatever we will face there.” Amidala
said straightly.
“What?”
Mr. Badwolf roared. “Absolutely not! Wolves don't meddle on humans
business and Cerise will not be put to such danger!”
“Dad!
I can handle myself!” Cerise moaned.
“Cerise's
speed and instincts would be needed as well as her ability to blend
in the shadows.”
“I
will not risk my daughter for this!” Mr. Badwolf growled. Amidala
pondered would she dare to push the subject harder.
“Very
well. We will do it on smaller group then.” Amidala was getting a
bit nervous. “What was the reason that you wanted me here?”
“Removing
the animals was a good thought but you forgot that you put the people
living in there in greater danger.”
“That
is not fair dad! You risk your skin every day there and won't let me
be on secured group to remove the evil?” Cerise growled. Mr.
Badwolf glared angrily at Cerise who seemed to grow smaller.
“I'm
sorry but I think it is necessary for our plan to work. I hope
everyone can survive this week. What was the real reason?” Amidala
asked.
“I
heard you were fighting against Daring Charming with real swords
without an armour?”
“The
armour would have just slowed me down. I won the first round.”
Amidala said with blank face. Cerise looked at her with face of
amazement and a bit of jealousy.
“How
did this happen?” Mr. Badwolf hit his fists on the desk.
“Headmaster Grimm isn't aware of this yet and I have asked Mr.
Knight to leave it be.”
“Thank
you, I would really appreciate if Headmaster wouldn't ever after hear
about this.” Amidala sighed and told the story but left Darling out
of it.
“How
could she have came through the spell?” Mr. Badwolf asked.
“I
think her hatred for me gave her enough strength that she could shoot
some of her power to school grounds and taint Mr. Knight.” Amidala
guessed.
“But
from where?”
“From the ground.
I told you I heard muffled sounds, someone was under the ground. She
has always attacked from under the ground. Her spirits and demons are
on it but I think she can't come up. At least couldn't earlier.”
Amidala slowed down as she started to think nearing the end of her
sentence. “It makes no sense. She was a fairy, they don't go
underground!”
“I
think we won't know more until you have visited the fairy grove.”
Mr. Badwolf said. He smelled Amidala's nervousness. “You don't
think you can handle it?”
“Not
without proper gear and I can't get to Betty. Mr. Grimm has made sure
none of my friends can get to her either without a punishment. I
would only have my magic that I still don't fully control. Everyone
seems to forget that I'm a foreigner, an outcast and not a hero.”
Amidala sighed. “I'll do what I have to do don't worry. With each
mistake I make, I learn a lot more about her.”
“We
can't afford mistakes, Ms. Amidala.” Mr. Badwolf said and looked at
the focused face of the girl. Amidala was thinking wildly. The
mistakes.
“Ever
After has rules to everything right? It has rules for villains and
heroes and fights and everything? So the story would always go with
the pattern?” Amidala said getting seemingly excited.
“Every
story has it's way. Yours is so new we can't know how it goes.”
Cerise said.
“We
don't have to, every story has the same elements. We just have to
know the elements and then go against them. The only reason why I
defeated Daring was that I haven't been taught to fight like heroes.
I fought like I did as a child and won. I can use it when I go to the
grove, you just have to tell me all the rules.” Amidala looked at
Cerise and Mr. Badwolf.
“You
think like Maddie now.” Cerise grinned. “I'll tell all I know.
Raven can tell all about villains.”
“I
can tell all about battles.” Amidala had forgot the presence of the
boy and screamed.
“Oh,
I'm terribly sorry! I even forgot to greet you when I came in. Hi.”
Amidala said awkwardly. “We haven't even been introduced. Or well
you haven't been...”
“Adam.”
The boy gave out his hand and Amidala looked at it doubtingly but
shook it fast. It was wide and strong. He sighed.
“Sorry,
you're just making me nervous.” Amidala blushed.
“Why?
I thought dad would.” Cerise asked getting up.
“Why
would he? He's my teacher. Well, not my teacher but part of the
faculty.” Amidala said as she, Adam and Cerise with Carmine walked
out of the office.
“And
I'm not making you nervous.” Cerise made a point.
“You
did. You all did. Apple especially. Or maybe Briar was the worst with
her party ideas.” Amidala sighed.
“Oh
yeah the tea shop, you were a nervous wreck!” Cerise laughed.
“Where are we going?”
“I
thought we could go to my room. Elena is out.” Amidala said and led
them to her dorm. Adam looked at the pure white and silver part of
the room and then the white, cold floor from which grew trees and
vines that made the walls, bed and table. Flowers were everywhere and
the white marble had started to grow moss on it.
“You
seem to be an odd couple.” Adam said.
“Elena
is the next Snow Queen. She's an ever after sweetheart. When she will
kidnap the boy he will have the best time of his life with her!”
Amidala laughed and sat to her table by the window and fixed her
braids back up.
“How
could you really beat Daring in what he is best in?” Cerise asked a
bit shyly.
“By
not knowing the rules. I didn't wear armour, I wore only what I have
on now. I was more agile than he so I could dodge easily and get him
lose his balance more easily by dodging and not blocking the blow
when he expected it. I almost danced around him as he was so confused
and clumsy. And that is exactly what I will use against all I face in
the forest.” Amidala smiled confidently.
“Well,
this is going to be hard, these are everyday things to us so ask a
lot.” Cerise said and started to tell how things worked in Ever
After. Amidala tried to ask what she thought would be relevant but
she ran out questions and Cerise ran out of story.
“Hey
have you eaten yet? I'm hungry like a wolf.” Cerise grinned.
“It's
just because you are one. You two go along, I ate on the picnic.”
Amidala smiled.
“I'm
not hungry. I can tell about the fighting.” Adam said seriously.
Cerise shrugged and went to eat with Carmine. Amidala felt anxious as
she was left alone with the stranger.
“I
can turn to wolf if it eases you.” Adam sighed.
“No,
no need to do it for me, I'm sorry. I think you know how beasts fight
so I want to hear about everything about it as well as how animals
fight.” Amidala said and dropped her legs from the table. Adam
looked at her bare feet.
“You
still haven't got shoes?” He asked.
“I
actually got a pair but I like... you have a point.” Amidala went
serious and searched the shoes Maid Marian had snatched or made her.
She started to put them on. She could try to cast a spell on them so
the Fairy Queen couldn't come to her from ground.
“You're
still that badly bruised?” Adam grunted as he saw her legs. Amidala
blushed.
“They
don't heal instantly, you know.”
“I
know you learned healing spells.” Adam pointed out. Amidala sat to
her bed next to him.
“What
I heal with the spell I give off from myself. During that day we all
were drained. I'm not very popular around here and I can tell all
that is going on in here to only few fairytale. Everyone who even
knows about the real threat don't know any healing spells. Raven
might know but they always backfire. So I have let them be.”
Amidala explained. “I hope girls can keep me safe enough that these
won't be a problem.”
“How
many is there going to the forest?”
“Me
and two others if Cerise can't come.” Amidala blushed. It wasn't a
lot but they wouldn't draw that much attention either.
“I'll
come.” Adam said to Amidala's surprise. “If you need carrying.”
“The
spell is gone. She can't drain me anymore. Actually we are using the
remains of the mark to drain her powers to me.”
“Won't
that turn you evil?” Adam asked and his neck fur rose up.
“That's
why I have the best damsels of the school with me.” Amidala smiled.
“And now you. If you really meant you will come? You're not to
meddle in human business.”
“I
think this is forest business and I meant it. I'm a good fighter.”
He said proudly.
“Climbing
up the hierarchy?” Amidala sharpened her stare. She let herself
feel the forest and animal in the boy. “You're alpha. You want to
lead.”
Adam
looked sharply at Amidala displeased she used her powers to gain
knowledge. They stared each other almost angrily for a while until
the door opened.
“Are
you in trouble I'm sorry, I wasn't disturbing anything?” Elena
blushed deep red. The ice cold eyes of the boy that had turned to her
made her knees melt. Amidala looked at Elena and waved her to come
closer. She fixed her hair and came closer.
“How
good you are at ice spells?” Amidala asked.
“Just
the best.” Elena laughed and made a small burst of snow to burst
from her palm over Amidala.
“How
brave you are?” Amidala asked wiping snow off her. The tone told
Elena this was a serious question.
“What's
going on?” She asked. “I think I'm not brave enough if I
interpret that look right.”
“You
do. I will need your help again on Sunday, can you cover me if necessary?” Amidala smiled. Elena
looked confused but promised to cover her up.
“We
move on Sunday?” Adam asked.
“You're
starting your thronework?” Amidala asked Elena.
“Thought
of it. I can go to the library if you need.” She grinned.
“No
need to, smartfairy. Come Adam, I'll take you to see some sights.”
Amidala gave a dry look to the grinning dorm mate. She led them to
hallways that were empty, looking almost abandoned and then to a wide
balcony on top of the school. She had found this place to be quiet
and calming. Adam felt a bit nervous to be so high up from ground.
“Okay,
tell me all about the fighting.” Amidala sat down.
“Why
you sniffed me?” Adam asked standing tall and serious. Amidala
didn't understand what he meant at first.
“Oh,
that. To know more of you. I'm not just going to take anyone with me
and you're still a stranger.” Amidala said seriously.
“You
said that I'm alpha like it would be a bad thing.” He said but sat
down.
“I'm
not interfering your clan business but if you want to come part of
our little group you're not in the lead, everything goes trough me.
You're a helper and a fighter. This is my quest, my duty and my
story.” Amidala said seriously.
“I
thought you live your stories after you graduate?”
“Let's
then say I'm the one who broke all the rules.” Amidala sighed.
“After I graduate I will become either Queen or Goddess of the
forest or a protector of forests, I don't know. What ever is needed
from me. But right now those forests there needs me, I can't turn my
back to it!” Amidala had risen up annoyed. Adam had his piercing
stare on.
“You're
alpha now. With others you're equal, sometimes you fear and are under
all. How can one be all that?”
“Humans.”
Amidala spat out and sat down. She looked at him with tight face.
“Teach me.”
Adam
sat down and thought from where to start.
“You
haven't said do we move on Sunday and what time?” He realized.
“I
haven't made up my mind about you.” Amidala answered. “You'll be
either great help or will destroy it all.” She answered calmly to
the angry growl and stare. She started to smile a bit but it was an
unsure, sad smile.
“Never
question the leader.” Adam sighed. “I'm sorry.”
“You
have bad temper and you want to prove yourself. It worries me the
most. In the stories there will always come another one to try to
steal the hero's place but we will break all the story lines here
so... Can you just teach me now and give me time to think?” Amidala
leaned her head to her hands. There was a short silence and then Adam
started to tell how the wolves were taught fighting and how their
instincts grew. He told about the hunting. He told about different
animals and how they acted.
“Hardest
ones are the magical beasts. Some can alter time and when you attach
they have already escaped. It's too bad wolves don't know spells,
some kind of reversing spell would be handy there.” Adam gave a
laugh. Amidala looked at the sun.
“Oh
hex! I'm late! I'm going to be so late!” Amidala suddenly jumped
up. “I royally forgot I have environmental magic today!”
“Can't
you just skip it?” Adam asked.
“I
can't skip another class, I'm already too deep in trouble with
Headmaster Grimm! Wait. That's it! We're on east side!” Amidala ran
to the railing and saw the big glass dome of the classroom. She could
see it was almost full of students.
“You're
class is about to start?” Adam asked as he came to watch what
Amidala stared. She moved next to the railing staring down. “You'll
never make it on time.”
“Thanks
for the reminder and idea, Adam. I'll come here after class if you
have the time to wait and then continue teaching me.” Amidala
smiled and skipped over the railing.
“Amidala!”
Adam screamed and looked horrified as she fell. Amidala laughed, she
started to understand Briar. The adrenaline rush was immense. She had
to push it aside and she concentrated to grow vines from the
classroom floor and fast. They broke few windows from the dome and
grabbed Amidala gently from mid air. She waved to Adam who was a
small face still staring from the railing. She let the vines pull
back in and lower her to the classroom where Mr. Nimble was looking
at her entrance with mixed feelings.
“I
didn't want to be late.” Amidala said smiling shyly. “And as my
thronework...” She said and cast a reverse spell to the windows.
The splintered glass flew up and made pristine new windows to the
ceiling. Amidala sighed and went to her seat. She was still high on
adrenaline and had hard time staying still. The whole class was quiet
and just stared at her and for once Jack B. Nimble didn't have a come
back for what just had happened.
“Well
then, shall we look the other reverse spells?” He asked slowly.
“You'll pass Ms. Amidala but never ever after try a trick like that
again.”
“It
was so much fun!” Amidala felt like exploding.
“Ever.”
Mr. Nimble emphasized. Amidala tried to control her enthusiasm.
“Yes,
Mr. Nimble.” Amidala managed to say. She was so excited all her
class spells backfired one way or another. Even conjuring a simple
flower filled the classroom with one gigantic sunflower. Amidala
apologized all the time until she asked permission to not do the
spells until she had calmed down.
“That
sounds like a good idea.” Mr. Nimble said ever so slightly annoyed.
“I was about to touch growth magic but I think we have had enough
of that for today.”
There
was muffled laughter in the room and Amidala blushed.
“Instead
how about we try to learn to feel what is alive and what is not? It's
simple to revive a wilted plant with bloom magic but how do you know
is it wilted or dead?” Mr. Nimble said and took a piece of wood
from his table. With it he demonstrated how inside even a barren
looking wood could be life that can be revived. Amidala lifted her
hand carefully.
“Does
these spells work only on plants or do they work for other living
things too?” She asked carefully. Mr. Nimble's eyes narrowed.
“Question
that a dark witch would ask.” He said and came to Amidala.
“Why?”
She asked back.
“Because
you would know if an
animal is alive or dead. Or a plant in that matter. So why ask?”
Mr. Nimble pushed his face even closer to Amidala who started to feel
really uncomfortable.
“I'm
curious.” Amidala said silently. “Sorry I asked.”
“These
works for living things but not on humans or animals. Those spells
are dark, forbidden magic that shouldn't be even mentioned.” Mr.
Nimble said. “Practise bloom and reviving for tomorrow. I'll bring
plants you can try your skills on.”
Amidala
was relieved to get off the class but her relief disappeared as she
spotted a serious, familiar face waiting for her.
“To
my defence, I would do it again.” Amidala said silently as she
walked past a blue eyed boy who was almost disappeared in the
shadows.
“Leaders
can't be reckless.” Adam said tightly as he started to follow her
in the crowd.
“I'm
not reckless. I'm the dictionary case of perfect princess balance.”
Amidala bumped him smiling but didn't get a smile back.
“Let's
go near the forest path. I'll tell you what I can before Mr. Badwolf
comes.” Adam said strictly. Amidala nodded. She had started to
think was it good that she knew the rules so she could break them or
was it better not to know and just do what felt right? Madeline
Hatter could do anything if she didn't know it was impossible. It
could work on her too even though she didn't posses Wonderland magic.
She looked around and curved behind a big topiary and looked at
herself her hands glowing green. She closed her eyes and tried to
feel the wilderness in her, the cold howls in the night, the fur
under her hands.
“How...
You... Are you? What?” She heard Adam stutter. He was tall. He was
really tall suddenly. Amidala looked at her paws and chased her tail.
It really had worked! She felt like howling from joy but she knew
howling on school grounds would mean lots of trouble for lots of
people. She ran around Adam few times from pure joy and then settled
down to the ground and concentrated. She remembered her reflection.
She remembered her hair when she first time saw it flowing free. She
remembered how the dress felt around her when she sparred. She opened
her eyes and looked at her hands and laughed. She rose to sit and
noticed her hair was open again. She made sure she had managed to
keep her dress along with the spell.
“You
know what? I think ignorance can be a bliss.” Amidala grinned.
“How
did you do that? It's...” Adam started and Amidala hastily slapped
her hand on his mouth.
“Don't
say a word! Don't make a sound. This is how we will win.”  
=== Turn for the worse ===
(Warning! Includes scenes that might be too much for sensitive people! They are tagged with //* text *\\ marks!)
Friday was a full and
long day of studying which annoyed Amidala. She had so many people
she still needed to talk to about the plans!
“I heard about the
stunt you did yesterday, it was a roar! You have to do it with me
again!” Briar turned to her hexited and Amidala sat down. Poppy,
Holly and Apple were in the same table.
“Oh it was a blast!
We just can't have fairyone seeing it as I would get in more trouble
again. I felt like I would explode as I had to just sit down in the
class!” Amidala laughed. Apple didn't look hexited at all.
“That was dangerous,
Amidala. What if you couldn't have got the vines out soon enough?”
She asked seriously.
“Really didn't popped
to my mind then. I could push the adrenaline rush aside and
concentrate just fine. I couldn't be late or skip a class, I already
did it once and Headmaster Grimm was furious.”
“I love what you have
done with your hair.” Holly said in between and looked at the braid
crown.
“What your sister
did.” Amidala smiled to Poppy.
“I can't take credit
for that look but I would love to steal it and modify it.” Poppy
grinned.
“It's all yours. I
have you to thank I even have hair to braid.” Amidala smiled.
“You should pop in to
my salon after school, I'd love to try something new on you.” Poppy
smiled.
“Already? I can't.
I'm spellbound to school grounds.” Amidala blushed. Apple blushed
too. Amidala guessed she wasn't happy of her doings either.
“Oh, I'm sorry to
hear that. What did you do? That is like the fairy worst punishment
you can get!” Holly said putting her fork down. It looked like she
was hexcited to hear the story.
“She broke the direct
orders we got!” Apple snapped. Amidala blushed deeper red. “The
rules and orders are made to keep us safe and you endangered it all!”
“I'm sorry Apple.”
Amidala said sincerely.
“She saved Cerise's
pet from the forest.” Briar filled Holly in.
“You broke the
barrier!” Apple looked at Amidala accusingly. “And I know you are
up to something again. I've seen you with strange people and to fight
against Daring? What in the name of Grimm is going on? Why can't you
let the faculty deal with this?”
“Because the forest
can't wait for me to graduate. I need to fulfil some of my destiny
now.” Amidala said truthfully.
“You can't possibly
be ready for it!” Apple argued.
“I'm not but I can't
let it get in the way. Apple, I'm not doing this behind the backs of
faculty. I'm doing this with them. They have been giving me hextra
lessons so I would be ready.”
“I'm just worried
Amidala. I'm worried what is in there and I'm worried of my friends
and everyone in here.” Apple sighed. Amidala went to sit next to
her and hugged her.
“Have you noticed how
everyone is worried around here? A bit edgy?” Amidala asked.
“Of course I have!”
Apple said unhappily.
“They all look up to
you, Apple. If you are worried and nervous, they are too as they know
something is fairy wrong in the kingdom. If you lift your pretty
little head up, smile and believe all will be fine again they will
too no matter what is behind the barrier.” Amidala said gently.
Apple bit her perfect, red lip. “I want everyone to be safe and
happy too. Leave that part to me and the faculty.” Amidala said.
“You are right. I am
to set an example.” Apple lifted her head and took a deep breathe.
It was like an inner light was lit again or sun just had happened to
hit it's beans to Apple as her curls glimmered beautifully and her
fair skin looked even fairer as she lifted a smile on her face.
“Thank you.” She
smiled to Amidala who smiled back. She felt a bit bad to use Apple
this way but if people were relaxed and happy they were far less
likely to take notice to suspicious actions as they believed all was
fine.
She was happy she had an hour of free time after hero's
training so she could try and find Raven and Darling. She didn't see
them on their usual places so she went to search for Darling's dorm
room first. She soon came upon it and knocked on the door. Rosabella
opened it pouting and didn't even fake a smile for Amidala.
“I'm sorry, is
Darling here?”
“No, she has damsel
in distressing.” Rosabella answered and went to her table leaving
the door open. Amidala though a while to go and search Raven but came
in and closed the door.
“You seem to have it
too and what do you know, I just came from hero's class. Can I help?”
Amidala asked and got a small smile back.
“Headmaster Grimm
forbid me to hand out flyers in the hallway as they would be too
'messy' as students would throw them off. Why they would throw them
off?” She asked annoyed. “I try to lift awareness how draughty it
is under the bridges for trolls but he says it is how things have
always been and how they should be!”
“I'm sorry to hear
that. You know he doesn't like change and there has been a lot of
changes around here lately.”
“And you are stirring
them up more.” Rosabella blurted. Amidala blushed.
“Yes, that too. He
doesn't seem to be too happy that a new story has came to Ever After.
I more likely wonder why it hasn't been here already.”
“If every folklore
legend would come here the school would be crammed. Only important
and famous ones gets to come.” Rosabella pointed out and then
blushed. She hadn't meant to sound so arrogant and mean.
“You have a point
there.” Amidala rose up. “Could you be so kind and say to Darling
I was looking for her? Thank you.” She said quietly and walked to
the door.
“I'm sorry, I didn't
mean to hurt.” Rosabella said embarrassed.
“That is the truth.
No need to apologize.” Amidala smiled hastily but Rosabella had
risen and pulled her in.
“It was still mean as
you did come here to play an important role.” She sighed.
“What do you mean?”
Amidala asked suspiciously. She thought could Darling had told her
about their plans? She blushed.
“I know you are
trying to set things right in the forest.” She admitted. “No,
Darling didn't say anything!” She added hurriedly as she noticed
the quick, annoyed glance to the other side of the room. Amidala
stood silent and waited her to continue. Was there rumours around
school? Did everyone know? She had tried to keep a low profile from
students regarding the forest. She kept staring at Rosabella
suspiciously. It made her seemingly nervous.
“I... I have been
spying on you.” Rosabella admitted embarrassed and suddenly.
“What? Why would you
do that?” Amidala asked not knowing should she be angry or hurt.
“I... I wasn't sure
what to think of you as you seemed to do what you will and I heard
about your outbursts but then you also saved Carmine so I started to
look what you did and even though your doings do harm to many I now
know why you have done it. I don't know is it good as there is
hundreds of toads and flies that were left for the Fairy Queen to
eat! They are important living creatures also!” Rosabella poured
out.
“Slow down! You know
about the Fairy Queen? How? How have you been spying on me?”
Amidala was serious, nervous and angry.
“It's a secret.”
Rosabella said silently.
“You spy on all I do
and then claim that's a secret? Don't you realize how many fairytale
rights you have broken by spying on me!” Amidala snapped. She
didn't feel bad guilt tripping her, she would make a boat and sail
her to the guilt sea if she had to but she wouldn't stand for this.
“But father said I
wasn't to spell anyone.” Rosabella seemed to be torn in two but
turned and pulled a mirror from a locked drawer.
“Are you insane? Do
you realize what kind of danger you put everyone using a magic
mirror?” Amidala hissed as she saw what she held in her hand.
“What do you mean?”
Rosabella asked nervously. Amidala remembered everyone thought
Raven's mother was defeated for good, not trapped in a mirror prison.
“Mirrors are
dangerous things. Never ever after by any circumstance touch the
mirror itself, am I clear?” She ordered.
“But why?”
Rosabella sounded almost scared.
“So you won't release
the next evil in here.” Amidala said shortly. Rosabella looked at
the mirror confused. It was an heirloom, it had nothing bad in it.
“I can see fairytales
and places from here if I have met them or been there so this is what
I have been using.” She said silently.
“Have you watched the
enchanted forest?” Amidala asked.
“Yes. Mirror, show me
the enchanted forest.” Rosabella said and Amidala saw the forest
had grew darker, there was shadows riding fast in between the trees.
The flowers didn't bloom and the sun seemed not to reach it anymore.
“Can you show me the
crossroad to dark forest?” Amidala asked. The picture changed and
she stared at the ground. The dirt was stirred. Could it mean that
the Fairy Queen has risen? She had entered the enchanted forest?
“I haven't been in
pixie hollow so I can't get picture from there.” Rosabella said
apologetic. Amidala held the mirror and looked at the forest. It
didn't look like they would be entering against an army of evil.
“I promise I won't
spy on you anymore. I'm terribly sorry about it, I guess I just got
carried away.”
“Show me the dark
forest.” Amidala said to the mirror and the mirror walked the paths
she had walked. The forest seemed empty and got more empty the closer
they got to Hood hollow. People there should be safe then. The Fairy
Queen seemed to be interested only of enchanted forest. Did she try
to get to her source of magic too?
==== //* ====
“I have mostly used
it to keep in touch with grandpa as he doesn't have a mirrorPhone.”
Rosabella's talk penetrated to Amidala's thoughts. She lifted her
head.
“May I... Can I use
it to see my mother?” Amidala asked carefully.
“If it would make up
to you the wrongs I've done.” She answered sighing. Amidala sat on
the floor, placed the mirror there and asked to see her mother. The
picture wasn't very clear but she could see her being grey and
depressed. It looked like she had been crying. Amidala got tears to
her eyes.
“My brother?” She
whispered and dropped her jaw. She had to take support from the
floor.
“Are you okay? Is
everything okay?” Rosabella asked worried as tears flew down on
Amidala's face. She couldn't speak, she could barely breathe. She
stared at the mirror and Rosabella had a terrible urge to stand up
and see what she saw. Finally Amidala drew some breathed and leaned
forwards.
“Hey stupid, I love
you and I'm okay.” Amidala whispered to the mirror. It warmed her
heart as her brother lifted his head a bit and looked around him. She
let the picture disappear and tried to take control of herself.
Rosabella didn't dare to ask what she had seen. She had the ability
to see people's true self as a coloured aura around them and Amidala
was drowning in sorrow surrounded by fear. Amidala tried to
concentrate to the situation at the forest and remember that she was
the forest princess but all that slipped away from her mind now.
Rosabella put the mirror away and came to sit next to her on the
floor. She didn't know what to say so she just held Amidala's hand
who stared at the wall with empty eyes still crying.
“I don't know is it
any comfort now but we're here for you.” Rosabella finally got out.
Amidala sighed and nodded.
“As I will be here
forever after.” She said gloomily, thanked Rosabella blankly and
walked out.
==== *\\ ====
She walked to the empty environmental magic classroom and
sat down. She looked at the garden behind the windows. She felt the
bottomless sorrow eating her, she had thousands of
questions but as students came in she knew she couldn't go and seek
the answers yet. She let her hair down and hid behind it. She didn't
want to be present, she didn't want to be there at all. The sudden
change didn't go unnoticed by anyone and it made the students
nervous. It made even Mr. Nimble nervous. As he handed out the
seemingly dead plants he quietly asked was everything all right with
Amidala but she didn't answer. Amidala was so distracted that she
didn't even realize that her magic worked without her even thinking
about it. She felt the life or death of the plant, revived it and
made it bloom. Then she drained the life out of it and left it back
to it's barren state.
“What you did that
for?” Mr. Nimble asked tightly.
“It's ready for your
next class.” Amidala said blankly staring into emptiness. She
created a gentle breeze so the dead leaves would rustle quietly yet
creepily.
“Your turn to evil
starts to worry me. Go see the White Queen. Now, Ms. Amidala.” Mr.
Nimble hurried Amidala's slow movements.
“What ever after. I'm
not evil.” She sighed and walked out of the class. White Queens
office was in one of the highest towers in school so Amidala was
quite out of breathe when she knocked to her door. There was no
answer but it wasn't unusual when dealing with the White Queen. She
could leave questions or people unnoticed for quite some time.
Amidala knocked again.
“It is quite rude to
come and make such a loud noises before even introducing yourself!”
Was heard behind the door. Amidala opened it and came in curtsying.
“Mr. Nimble sent me
to see you as he worries I've become evil Mrs. Her Majesty the White
Queen.” Amidala said dryly.
“Well have you?”
She asked and looked at Amidala. She didn't wore black, she didn't
cackle, she didn't look evil at all.
“No.”
“Problem solved! You
may return to your class now.” She informed. Amidala sighed as she
closed the door. This was typical for White Queen. She started the
long walk back but took a turn and walked to the silent east wing and
to it's balcony. She looked at Ever After, her new home.
==== //* ====
The land
that had took her from her mother and brother who had suffered so
much in their lives already. Thought of them broke her heart again
and her into tears. She fell to the cold floor of the terrace. She
thought bitterly how she was to save a land that had token everything
from her. She started questioning herself and her being. She was just
a child's play character! But then again she really was her, there
was no doubt about it as the magic was there without an effort but
who was she really? She had never thought it deeply. She should find
it out.
Raven broke the
tradition, they could choose, she thought grinning. Amidala lifted
her bitter eyes from the terrace to Adam who had crochet next to her.
She blasted him further from her and stopped him in a net of strong
vines that captured him before he hit the wall.
“Why do you follow me
wolf?” She asked angrily and walked slowly closer to the cage tall
and proud magic flaming in her hands.
“I was to see are you
all right!” Adam said annoyed. “What has happened to you?”
“That is none of your
business. Leave.” Amidala said coldly and called back the vines.
Adam landed to his feet and looked at her doubtingly. She looked
powerful, arrogant and ready to do things Amidala he knew would be
sorry for. Her hair moved like pile of whips beating the air. He
could feel the hatred and bitterness strongly. He could smell salt.
With barely a hint of a smile he moved quick to her, grabbed her
tightly and forced her to sit.
“What is going on? I
was sent by Mr. Badwolf as he heard you have token a dark turn. The
news move fast within the faculty. I wouldn't believe this if I
wouldn't witness it.” Adam gave a confused laugh.
“Get your paws off
me! Wolves aren't to meddle with the humans.” Amidala spat out
angrily and readied a spell. Her usually light green magic had a
black tone in it.
“Good thing you're
not a human.” Adam smiled, took her by her hand and sat next to her
looking how the magic vanished. He let go of her hand but was still
ready to grab her if she tried to cast any spells again. Instead
Amidala sat like a statue staring to somewhere where only her eyes
could reach.
“What am I then?”
She whispered. She conjured a sapling on her other hand and a stone
to the other. She weighted them in her hands and then clutched her
hands to tight fists. She turned to Adam with a questioning face.
“You're the hero of
the story.” He said unsure. The sudden turn confused him.
“What story?”
Amidala spat out and looked bitterly away again.
“How can you not
know? Your story! Your destiny that you are already fulfilling!” He
said confused.
“Fables.”
“What do you mean?
Where has this sudden change came from?” Adam was baffled. “Just
between you and me.” He promised and took her hand. Amidala
flinched.
“The story I've been
giving out is an old legend of my region and has nothing to do with
me. Amidala was a... I was her when I was in woods as a child. In my
world, back home.” Amidala started to get tears in her eyes and she
fought hard to keep them off and her voice level. “Some of the
faculty summoned someone to be the solution to the forest crisis and
so I was snatched from my world and trapped here.”
“You weren't this
angry about it before.” Adam said silently.
“I didn't know then
that I am dead!” Amidala shouted to his face and rose up angrily.
“What? You aren't...”
“I thought I had a
chance to return and be with my mother and brother again, not to see
them cry their heart out on my gravestone!” Amidala broke to tears.
“I'm sorry.” Adam
said silently. This was a situation that was completely new to him
and he didn't like the helpless feeling he had. He flinched as
Amidala's face was suddenly right in front of his.
“So why would I want
to save a world that killed me and took away everyone I loved?”
Amidala asked him bitterly. Her tears had dried up again and she had
the black glow around her. She looked at Adam so deep in his eyes
that he could see the change behind hers. He stood up and took her by
her shoulders.
“Why you wanted to do
it earlier?”
“I had to. But now we
can choose.” Amidala's grin was evil.
“Amidala no! I ever
after never meant it that way!” Raven ran to her followed by
Cerise.
“What are you two
doing here?” Amidala didn't seem to be that happy to see them so
Adam took and held her hands tightly behind her back. Raven hugged
her.
==== *\\ ====
“We heard rumours you
had turned evil, we didn't know you would have this much reason for
it but it's not who you are.” Raven whispered.
“I'm sorry for your
losses, Amidala.” Cerise hugged her too. Adam sat back down to be
off from the way.
“We came in when you
told that you were snatched from your world.” Raven smiled
apologetic under Amidala's darkened stare.
“But we got you.”
Cerise smiled and held her hand tightly. Amidala felt the warmth
brought by her friends and she couldn't hold her tears in anymore.
She fell to the terrace and cried her heart out. Raven and Cerise
looked at each other not knowing what to do. They knelt beside her
and placed their hands to her back if it would bring her any comfort.
“Amidala?” Adam
rose up and sat next to the crying girl. “I know you feel lost now
but you weren't before so you just lost your story.”
“What?” Cerise
blurted out but held her tongue after an angry glance.
“I think no one knows
you and you don't know your full powers either but what I have seen
is that you have some awesome friends here by your side you can rely
on. We can figure out your story together but I was quite strongly
told that you were the hero of it, not the villain.” Adam smiled as
a fist came from under all the hair and hit him gently to his knee.
He took it and helped Amidala to sit up and get the hair off from her
face. She smiled a bit. Adam and Cerise helped her up and Adam walked
her to the railing.
“So can you forgive
yourself?” He asked quietly. Amidala looked at him confused.
“You are the land.” He grinned and Amidala burst to laughter.
“I am not!”
“Then what you are?”
“I should be one with
the land. If I am the forest princess now, what does it make me in
the future?” She grew serious and looked at the land. Adam leaned
to the railing next to her.
“Can we worry about
now first?” He smiled. Amidala took his hand and smiled back. Raven
and Cerise came carefully closer.
“This isn't that big,
bad place to live.” Cerise said carefully. Amidala gave her a small
smile and watched as students gathered on the big lawn and then
realized she should be there too.
“Don't say you're
going to be late from some class again?” Adam grabbed her arm
tightly. “I swear I'll put you to a cage if you ever scare anyone
like that ever again.”
“Beast training and
care? I got this.” Raven smiled and whistled. Soon a small dragon
flew to her and greeted everyone happily. “Hey there, I need you
full sized and to take Amidala down to the lawn. Thanks.” There was
a 'poof' as the small dragon suddenly grew and crushed part of the
railing under her feet.
“Thank you Raven!”
Amidala shouted as she climbed to the back of the dragon. She
couldn't believe she actually got to ride a live dragon. As she
twirled towards the lawn and was spotted some of the girls she could
hear them scream and see how they started to run. Amidala grunted.
She hadn't even done anything evil! Except to Adam, she had to
confess and felt sorry for it. She had to remember to apologize him
later, she thought as she climbed down.
“Thank you,
Nevermore. You're a sweetheart.” She smiled and the dragon changed
to it's small size again and flew towards the balcony. Amidala was
almost tackled to the ground.
“Tell me the rumours
are just rumours!” Carl shouted seriously and shook her from her
shoulders. Amidala laughed and hugged Carl.
“You're silly, you
know that?” She smiled and went to listen Poppa Bear. It turned out
they would hold the class in the forest behind the village so Amidala
couldn't attend the class. She slowly walked back towards the school
but then continued walking behind it. She might as well think things
trough now that she had some peace and quiet around her. She had
until Sunday to figure herself out.
=== Building a character ===
Amidala loved to sleep
late. Elena had got up bright and early but didn't dare to disturb
Amidala as she had told her last night a short version of her day.
Elena believed that there was nothing that a good night sleep, good
meal and a good friend couldn't fix and she thought she'd try to give
all three of them to Amidala today.
Amidala was waken up by
a sharp and demanding knock on the door.
“I think it's open!”
Amidala shouted and fell to the floor as she was entangled to her
blanket and hair.
“You do realize that
note on the door could be read evil by some standards?” Baba Yaga
asked as she and Headmaster Grimm came in. Amidala had got fed up to
the people coming to ask if she was all right and glancing her either
hopefully or scared, so she had locked the door and put a note in it
that said “I'm not evil, spell off!”.
“That's the joke. Is
it you Madam Baba Yaga?” Amidala hadn't found a way out from the
blanket. It was raised from her with some of her hair. “Ouch! Oh,
Headmaster Grimm. Good morning. What is this about? I am not evil and
I haven't done anything evil and the only reason I didn't enter beast
class was because it was held behind the village.”
“You really haven't
even tried to visit the Book End?” Headmaster Grimm asked sounding
surprised.
“You told me I was
spellbound to the school.” Amidala answered dryly.
“Well it turned out
the spell had been forgotten in the heat of protecting the school.”
Headmaster said scolding but Baba Yaga didn't seem to mind. She gave
a bit disappointed and scolding look to Amidala. She would have hoped
more rebellious behaviour from her.
“You mean I could
have gone to work and movies? I was held here for nothing? Aargh!”
Amidala fell back to her bed frustrated.
“You were held here
as a punishment and I am glad you have token it seriously.”
Headmaster said with a grand tone. Amidala rolled her eyes.
“But as for your
evilness, that is to be decided by the faculty. Jack B. Nimble told
us you asked about spells to bring back the deceased.” Baba Yaga
said seriously.
“No, I asked did the
spell he taught us revive all living things, including humans and
animals.” Amidala corrected.
“And did you try?”
Headmaster asked grimly.
“You mean have I
killed someone just to try it off? Is there students missing?”
“No need for that
tone, young lady! White Queen said you wouldn't be evil, she had
checked on you.” Headmaster continued.
“And Mr. Badwolf sent
his little lackey to see were I.” Amidala sighed annoyed. “So am
I now evil or can I continue my studies to be the next forest Queen?”
“We haven't actually
heard from Mr. Badwolf his verdict and he isn't coming trough the
woods on the weekends anymore for safety reasons.” Baba Yaga said.
“I think we have seen
enough, she hasn't turned evil. I will make the announcement. I do so
hate empty rumours.” Headmaster said. Amidala was about to snap to
him that he wasn’t the bullied one here but held her tongue.
“Go on, there was
something wrong in your magiology thronework.” Baba Yaga turned
back to Amidala.
“I filled it as well
as I could.” She defended herself. Actually she and Ashlynn Ella
had, as their environmental magic was very similar. It wasn't visible
that she had used help. After the door was closed Baba Yaga flew
hurriedly closer to her.
“When have you
planned to go into action? You have had the whole week!” She said
annoyed. Amidala was surprised.
“To study, rest and
gather information, people and strength. We go tomorrow.” Amidala
answered. “Where do we find the crystal balls? I need at least four
and two empty ones for research.”
“You plan to break
the spell with only four balls?” Yaga cackled.
“If we can't get
more. If we get more we won't need anyone on the yard.” Amidala
said. “How many does it take to break the spell and blow a hole to
the barrier?”
“Twelve.”
“Are they in your
office?”
“I cannot just give
them to you. Headmaster Grimm has not approved this and is unaware of
the situation.”
“Then we need to
break and enter your office.” Amidala sighed.
“It almost sounds
like you would be evil.” Baba Yaga smiled.
“And only because
Headmaster has something against this story.” Amidala said
emphatically.
“He is under
surveillance.” Baba Yaga said shortly. “How many will be going
in?”
“Three students and
me. It's better to keep the group small and efficient.”
“I'll leave the
details to be your responsibility but do know, if anything happens
inside there to any of you, there will be no one coming to rescue you
and you won't find help here after you have came victorious or not.”
Baba Yaga said strictly.
“I figured so.”
“Good that we
understand each other.” Yaga said tightly.
“Not completely. Why
are you helping me to do
this?” Amidala asked strictly.
“None
of your concern!”
“All
of my concern if I am to do this!” Amidala argued.
“Things
haven't been under our control for a while. Headmaster is too
cautious and slow so we needed someone to deal with the situation.”
Baba Yaga said squinting her eyes to as thin line as her strict mouth
was.
“And
didn't want to risk your cosy place as a teacher?”
Amidala said squinting her
eyes and making a thin line of her mouth.
“Don't
get on my nerves, girl.”
Baba Yaga grunted displeased and left. Amidala sat a while
thinking about things trough and then switched to the pants and tunic
she had got from Maid Marian. She climbed to her windowsill and grew
ivy against the wall so she could climb to Darling's bedroom.
“Darling! Are you
awake yet?” She called and peeked inside. She was doing push-ups
and looked at Amidala with widened eyes. She hurried to help her in
from the window.
“How did you manage
to get up here?” She asked.
“Ivy fingers.”
Amidala grinned. “We move tomorrow, need to break and enter Yaga's
office today and keep a meeting between us girls.”
“Well I'm free after
my workout.” Darling said. “How do we break and enter Yaga's
office in broad daylight without raising suspicions?”
“There is nothing odd
if say an evil student like Raven will search for counselling from
her office while others are under an invisibility spell?” Amidala
asked innocently. Darling grinned.
“You should talk with
Rosabella by the way. She cried almost all evening as she is sure she
is the reason you turned evil. What was that about?”
“Let's get back to it
on Monday, we have bigger issues to deal with now than stupid
rumours. Does Raven and Cerise know you're a becoming hero? Do you
want to disguise yourself for the meeting?” Amidala asked a bit
worried. Darling blushed charmingly.
“They would guess if
I would come as myself...”
“They are also great
at keeping secrets and backing people up to do what their heart tells
them to do.” Amidala hinted. Darling lifted her chin a bit.
“Meet me on the swan
pond in two hours. Try to find Raven and Cerise, we can hold a
picnic.” Darling said. Amidala doubted.
“I think it's better
if you are not seen with them. It doesn't... suit you.”
Amidala tried to be tactful.
“Oh, right. Should we
meet...?”
“At my dorm room.
Elena is out again and will probably be that way for a long time.”
Amidala smiled and left Darling to her workout. She went to search
Raven from her dorm room from where Apple came out.
“Hi Apple, is Raven
still there?” Amidala smiled. “I'd like to ask her help with some
spells.”
“Hello Amidala.”
Apple said politely being cold and warm at the same time. “I think
there would be better students to ask help than Raven in that
matter.”
“Oh? I thought she'd
be a natural.” Amidala looked surprised.
“Like you?” Apple
smiled sweetly with a sharp edge on it.
“I'm only good with
nature stuff. Magiology class needs a bit more than that.” Amidala
sighed.
“Well, she is there.
Have a nice day.”
“You too, Apple.”
Amidala said unsure. Apple really did have a great affect on people,
even Amidala was now worried as Apple acted so weird. She knocked on
the door.
“WHAT?” Raven's
voice was angry and the door blasted open by itself. Amidala had to
jump back not to be hit by it.
“Raven? Are you all
right?” Amidala came in and closed the door carefully. Raven sat by
her vanity table and was taking off her spiked headband.
“Apple knows we're up
to something. She has been bugging me all the time.
I'm losing my crows with her!” Raven said angrily.
“So
that's why she was more of an ice queen than Elena. Yeah, she talked
about it with me too but I managed to calm her down earlier.”
Amidala said.
“It's
that stupid you turning evil thing that got to her even though
Headmaster Grimm told everyone that was an idle rumour and mean thing
to do.” Raven sighed.
“I'm
sorry.” Amidala said quietly.
“Oh
don't be. We're so on the same page with that thing. It's my legacy
to be the Evil Queen but I don't want to be evil! I just can't help
that it comes out sometimes.” Raven said sadly.
“I
think we all have a good side and a bad side in us and it's constant
battle between them who wins. That's why we are mean sometimes and
people with magic can be evil with it sometimes. We just have to
balance it out.” Amidala smiled.
“Are
you okay?” Raven asked.
“I
still need to figure out who I am before tomorrow but I'm... trying
not to think about it as we have so much to do. Can you hext Cerise
to meet us after an hour and a half in my dorm room? I'll go for a
walk.” Amidala smiled sadly.
“Want
to have a lonely walk or a friend to talk to walk?” Raven smiled.
“I
want you to be ready to cast invisibility spell on us as we're going
to break and enter Yaga's office after two hours. We need to steal
the crystal balls.” Amidala grinned.
“But
you know my spells always backfire if I use them for good!”
“I
think breaking and entering and stealing is evil. You'll do fine.”
Amidala smiled and got a small smile back.
“I'll
call Cerise. Charm you later.”
Amidala
walked to the hallway and was almost ran over by Faybelle.
“Hey!
Watch where you're going!” She snapped.
“Get
a pair of glasses, you were the one to run me over.” Amidala
snapped back before she could hold her tongue.
“Well
well, isn't it our little miss hero who seems to take a bite of the
villains cake.” Faybelle smiled sarcastically. “You know, life is
more free and fun on this side.”
“Sorry
Faybelle, I cheer only for the winning team.” Amidala grinned and
walked around her. She could hear the sizzling in the air as Faybelle
was annoyed but as she didn't say anything Amidala let it go. She
wasn't worth a thought. Amidala walked outside and trough the big
lawn that they used in beast training and care and for festival
activities and went to sit under a tree near the barrier. She
listened the silence behind it.
Forest
princess Amidala who was to be a hero by releasing the enchanted and
dark forest from the evil they had befallen into, she thought. It was
her mission at the moment but it left her still hollow. She had
nature magic in her, protective and with which she could fight.
Forest princess was a protector. She hoped she would have made
Amidala a super being with all the magic there could be so it would
be easy just to walk trough the forest and in to the Fairy Grove. She
suddenly realized Faybelle was actually the only fairy she had seen
here. It would be no use trying to ask about Fairy Grove from her.
“Am
I the forest then? Or just a spirit of it?” Amidala asked out loud.
She placed her hand on the grass and let herself wonder in the
ground. She didn't go near the barrier. She felt the different soils
as she felt her way through the lawn under the pavements, into the
garden and near the small lake in it. She felt the moisture, she felt
the worms, bugs and even pressure coming to the soil from walking on
it. She let herself come back to her. So she was in terms with the
land. She opened her eyes and scolded herself for being so in her
thoughts she hadn't noticed anyone coming near. What a great, blind
and deaf protector for the forest she would make!
“I
have been wondering, as no one is to get in or out of that barrier
and spell, how do you come trough it?” Amidala asked.
“Faculty
has the counter spell and I spent my night hiding in the school
grounds.” Adam answered.
“Doesn't
that angry Mr. Badwolf and your pack?” Amidala was a bit worried.
“Mr.
Badwolf has made clear his opinion but my pack is used to me for
wonder off for days.”
“Restless
much?” Amidala asked sarcastically and looked over her shoulder.
Adam shrugged.
“Curious.”
Adam raised his head up to watch the leaves.
“So
basically Mr. Badwolf or Baba Yaga could help us by lifting the spell
for a while but instead they want us to go trough a lot of trouble so
we can get it blown out.” Amidala said annoyed.
“It
wouldn't be so dramatic.” Adam assumed.
“I'm
having hard time to think this would be a story. I'm living here,
trying to figure things out, not trying to make the greatest story
ever told!” Amidala huffed. “And I still don't know what I am.”
“Well
maybe you should think about more what you give to the story than
what you are. You two walk hand by hand. Without the other there is
no other.” Adam thought out loud.
“Our
next phase is to steal the crystal balls. We need twelve full one to
get trough. That makes me evil, evil ones are villains. Then we hold
the meeting where I tell how we do things. That makes me the leader.
Then we go to sleep and on Sunday right before the vines would go
down I lower them and we go into action. That makes us... something.
And I should defeat the evil, get answers what has turned Fairy Queen
to what she is and drain her powers, lower the barriers and get the
forests back and return as a hero. That gives me detention.”
“You
don't sound that sure of the story.” Adam pointed out.
“I
just don't get it. The faculty says they let things get too bad
before they acted and that is the reason I was summoned but it... it
just doesn't sound right. It's not how things work here. There is
another reason I'm not aware and no one will tell me.” Amidala
turned to face Adam. “Am I just a bait?”
“You
have your friends around you there, you can't be. It would endanger
them and their stories too.” Adam said seriously.
“Then
there is you. You just happened to be there when I walked to the
first trap. Just happened to be there when I was drained and then
suddenly come here suspiciously often and just happen to offer to
help asking nothing in return.” Amidala sighed.
“I
happened to be wondering around when I noticed the oddity happening
with the oak. It was pulling you underground and something just told
me I had to get you safe. Maybe it's the land or the story that moves
us.” Adam turned to look at the barrier.
“What
is it that you are not telling me? You can't fool the forest, wolf
boy.” Amidala smiled amused. Adam stayed silent and just stared at
the barrier. Amidala rose up, it wasn't yet time to meet the girls
but she hadn't have any breakfast and was hungry.
“I
might need you later.” Adam said silently.
“To
what?” Amidala asked.
“I'm
going to challenge our clan leader. You have the power to help me in
it.” Adam spoke so silently Amidala had to sit back down next to
him.
“I
can't interfere wolves business.” Amidala reminded.
“You're
the spirit of the forest, aren't you? You feel us, you know us, you
can aid me.” Adam looked at her. Amidala thought about it.
“I
am only forest princess now, I have only this human form. I have
understanding with the land and magic from it but not power over
anything. I'm sorry I cannot be of help.” Amidala said silently.
“You
can ask the land or the forest or something to...” Adam grabbed her
hand.
“No.
I can't.” Amidala took her hand away.
“Why?”
Adam asked annoyed.
“It
would be wrong. We are not to change the nature's course.” Amidala
said seriously with widened, scared eyes. Something spoke trough her,
moved her body. She had been right about being just a vessel! Or was
there a hidden story she was to bring alive? A hidden spirit she
should become? She did understood the meaning behind the words, she
understood the responsibility she would face. It was a bit confusing
to have this rush through her. Adam wasn't satisfied. Amidala batted
her lashes and took a deep breathe. She was only herself again. She
looked at the demanding eyes that kept staring at her. She smiled
politely.
“You
have been great aid and I thank you for it. You have no commitment to
our cause, you're not forced to come. I can't help you so I can't ask
help from you.” Amidala said and rose. Adam rose with her.
“I'm
still coming.” He said shortly.
“This
isn't your training ground.” Amidala said sadly. “We need to do
this for right causes.”
“Why
does your friends come then?” Adam asked.
“Because
they have skills I can use. Because they are my friends. I think they
are wrote to the story, everything went so... fast.” Amidala
started to feel unsure.
“I'm
here. Aren't I then wrote to the story too?”
“In
every group there is the one who betrays the others. I think I don't
need more drama. I can skip that part.” Amidala said in unease as
she walked towards the school.
“Ouch.”
Adam said silently. “What have I done to you that you're so hostile
towards me?”
Amidala
stopped as she remembered she was to apology him for the spell blast
and vine cage and here she was blaming him for what were only her
fears. She turned around sighing painfully.
“Nothing.
Absolutely nothing. I'm sorry. I'm sorry for this and I'm sorry for
yesterday.” Amidala walked back to him really embarrassed. “Spell,
I'm sorry for everything!”
“You
smell of fear.” Adam said blankly.
“I
am afraid. Of everything what will happen. What if we are
caught before we can even start the plan? What if something goes
fairy wrong or some of you gets badly hurt? What if one of us really
will turn against the others? I've seen the Fairy Queen doing it to
one of our teachers from behind the spell and barrier. I'm...”
Amidala stopped surprised as Adam hugged her awkwardly.
“You
worry way too much. I have been told stories will find their way and
whatever will happen, will happen. You can be strong and you will be
strong and whatever situation we'll face you'll know what to do.
You're the hero. You got this.” He said. Amidala didn't believe in
his words so much as he seemed to but she shyly hugged him back.
“You
doubt me I know, but I do want to be your friend. I don't have
exactly anyone who I could really call that but I'd like to call you
my friend.” He let her go and turned to look at the forest. Amidala
was red from her face from embarrassment.
“I'm
sorry I doubt you. You have been nothing but a friend.” She smiled
a small smile. “I shouldn't let my fears get in the way of my
thinking. It twists the world and will affect the outcome.”
Amidala
though and sat down again. She had felt a strong presence in her
earlier of someone who was much like her. Would she be a messenger
like C. A. Cupid?
“What
are you thinking?” Adam asked.
“It's
hard to be anything when you don't know what your true story is or
what you should be. This world is ran by stories and I will live out
some story tomorrow.” Amidala sighed.
“If
you need that backing you up your story is that you are a forest
princess, a hero who fights for what she owns.” Adam made up.
Amidala was quiet for a while.
“No,
I fight for myself. I have always fought to save myself.” Amidala
thought. She understood that she couldn't make herself up in here,
she had made herself already in another world. “I protect what I
own.”
“Amidala...”
Adam said silently as a gust of wind whipped her hair open.
“I
won't let bad touch me anymore but I won't run from it either. I'm
old enough to face it and angry enough to destroy it.” Amidala said
tightly. She hadn't noticed the glow around her as it was sunny day
as always.
“I
am forest and all that is in it. What I will become I don't care, I
am me now and I will get myself back from that witch that claims to
be the Fairy Queen!” Amidala proclaimed proudly and angrily. She
was lowered to the ground and for the first time she noticed
something had happened around her. She felt powerful. She had fading
green light around her. Her tunic had turned into a grand gown with
leaf patterns on it. She looked at the wide, flowing hem that seemed
to move aside from her steps by itself. She had dark green full
length cloak with fur trimming running around the hood and the
edge's. Her hair had suddenly green stripes in it.
“What...”
She sighed. Adam started laughing.
“Welcome
to be you and your story. It looks like you're an Ever Afterlandian
now.” He stood up and laughed to Amidala's confused face. He could
see how she thought wildly, went trough things, understood things.
Amidala shook her head and draw a deep breathe.
“Well
this is a bit overdone and draws too much attention.” Amidala said
and sent the cloak with the wind to her room. For the dress she
couldn't now do much so she let it be. She braided her golden brown
hair again and hid her green stripes behind her braids which she
lifted on her head again.
“Why
you try to hide?” Adam asked.
“Too
many questions would arise and I really don't need the attention. The
girls and me are going to meet up in my room and then go steal some
stuff. Want to join? We do have to eat first, I'm starving.”
Amidala grinned.
“If
I'm allowed to join there I would like to, I haven't eaten anything
since yesterday.” Adam said awkwardly.
“Then
let's grab some lunch and then be swoon away by the beauty in my
room.” Amidala laughed. She thought Darling would really make an
impression to Adam. For some reason it bothered her a bit and she
felt stupid because of that.
She
hadn't expect that they would make such an impression to everyone in
the castleteria. Amidala was showered with compliments on her dress,
many of the princesses sighed that she finally tried to look like
one. The three pigs squealed and ran away, Kitty hissed at Adam and
disappeared, many of the girls turned to look at Adam instead of
Daring who looked at the newcomer angrily for stealing his spotlight.
“I
do not like that boy, he looks like he can't be trusted.” Daring
announced. Adam turned to glare at him but Amidala hit him.
“Try
not to draw attention okay? I guess it's impossible with you being a
head taller of everyone and... just find a place for us to sit.”
Amidala sighed. Adam saw a free table in the corner shadowed by a big
tree that grew in the castleteria. A bit ashamed he moved quickly to
there.
“Loving
the new look. Whose your friend?” Amidala turned to look at
Faybelle who for once smiled to her.
“A...
friend.” Amidala didn't know what to say of him.
“A
bit suspicious that you bring your new friend here as there is so
much rumours about you moving. Turning evil, bringing boys in, you
really do have the villain bite, don't you? He looks like my kind of
boy. A cold leader. Mind if I join you?” She said friendly.
“Actually
I would.” Amidala said annoyed. Faybelle hit a glass to her
platter.
“So
typical to not invite me!” She hissed and left. It took a while
before Amidala remembered that Faybelle was the daughter of the Dark
Fairy and was never invited to parties and it annoyed her. Cursing in
her head she crammed as much as she could to two platters and tried
to move unnoticed to the corner. Too bad Ashlynn called her to sit
with them, Cedar waved and shouted she looked like a queen and Apple
announced she would like to speak with her. Amidala ran to the corner
and hit the platters to the table. Adam lifted his eyebrow but was
too hungry to care as there was a pile of bacon in front of him.
Amidala walked to the other side of the tree to face Apple.
“Who
is he?” Apple asked suspiciously.
“He
is my friend. They are allowed to visit during daytime.” Amidala
remembered from the rulebook.
“I
have seen him with Mr. Badwolf and now you start wearing gowns that
are fitting to your name... Amidala, are you dating a
rebel?” Apple looked at her
with big, worried eyes.
“No!”
Amidala laughed. “Nothing like that, Apple.”
“I
love what you've done to yourself now
but you have been acting royally weird lately. What is going on? You
are up to something aren't you? Are you turning sides?” Apple
sounded sincerely just worried.
“I
have never took a side Apple and I won't. I haven't turn evil either,
that was just a not nice rumour that some students started to spread.
Yes I was moody one day but who can be all sunshine all the time?”
Amidala asked and then remembered who she was talking to. “I seem
to have a cloud of idle rumours around me but I'm still just me and
you've met me.”
“I'm
worried of you.” Apple said friendly.
“Everything
is okay.” Amidala smiled and took Apple's hand. “I'm going to eat
now, if you allow it royal co-president of council of...” Amidala
tried to remember. Apple laughed and gave her a push towards her
table.
“I
shouldn't have came here.” Adam said silently as Amidala sat to eat
her salad and vegetable rolls.
“At
least you got some food. You'll be spending the weekend here, right?”
Amidala asked. Adam nodded unhexcited. “Then I'll take food from
here for both of us and we'll search you a good place to sleep. I
need you to be your best tomorrow.”
“You'll
get in trouble because of me.” Adam said glancing around.
“Not
bigger than I will be anyway.” Amidala smiled widely.  
=== Plans and surprises ===
Amidala was royally
embarrassed when she came to her dorm room with Adam as everyone else
was already there. They looked at Adam surprised. Raven, Darling and
Cerise had all tried to come up with something to say and Elena was
nervous with the older students.
“I am so sorry I am
late, I had to eat is that a three meal course on my table?”
Amidala looked baffled.
“You have had so
rough time here I thought that I'd let you sleep, bring some good
food and we'd spend a girls night to get you back on the right
slipper.” Elena told looking embarrassed. Amidala blushed.
“That is so sweet of
you Elena!” Amidala ran to hug her and dropped a braid accidentally
while at it which made her green hair flow down.
“You've been in
Poppy's salon this time?” Cerise asked annoyed.
“No!” Amidala and
Adam said at the same time. Amidala told what had happened.
“You're
not telling fables here?” Cerise asked.
“No.”
Amidala and Adam answered yet again at the same time. Amidala gave
him an annoyed glance.
“It
just sounds odd. I haven't spelled that happening ever after before.”
Cerise said.
“I
went trough it and I don't believe it!” Amidala huffed.
“But
it looks good on you.” Raven said carefully.
“I
guess this does close a chapter permanently.” Amidala said
silently. Raven, Cerise and Adam all looked awkward. “But it's not
what we are here to talk about. Baba Yaga's office is...”
Darling
cleared her throat and smiled charmingly batting her lashes towards
the other side of the room.
“Elena,
we're about to talk about our plans. Does it bother you?” Amidala
asked. Elena blushed, shook her head and went to her table.
“I
can go to the library or ask if...”
“You
don't have to go, you already know I'm up to no good.” Amidala gave
a laugh and went to her taking her hands. “I just feel bad you took
the trouble to try and cheer me up but I can't slip away from this.
We can have a slumber party if you want? I'll bring the treats, I
never was spellbound to the school as I found out this morning.”
“It's
okay. You will bring me meal to the bed, pamper me and come up with
something nice to do after you have done what you have to do.”
Elena hugged her.
“You're
the best.” Amidala laughed and waited as Elena took her bag and
waved everybody goodbye.
“She's
thoughtful.” Darling smiled. Amidala found herself glancing fast at
Adam how he looked at her and then noticed Cerise had the same
action. She was happy she already smiled as she found both of their
actions amusingly stupid. Cerise's made somewhat sense though.
“She
has been like that from the point the White Queen almost ran her over
with her own wardrobe as she cleared my part of the room. Elena is
the villain of the story but she acts like a true royal. Either
she'll stab me in the back or she is the girl's best friend.”
Amidala gave a laugh as she opened her braids to let the green hair
find it's place.
“May
I ask who is this gentleman?” Darling asked with a charming smile.
Adam looked around and all but Darling burst to laugh. Amidala
introduced them to each other, told a bit of everyone to everyone and
then moved on to the plan with stealing the crystal balls. Raven
looked nervous when they stood up.
“Adam,
could you wait in the hall for a while? I'll change my dress.”
Amidala asked. She took another green linen dress and slipped herself
to it. She knew everyone in the room could see her scarred and
bruised body but was thankful no one dared to say a thing.
“From
a green dress to green dress?” Cerise asked sarcastically but
smiled.
“This
is less princess-like. I might have changed to be Ever Afterian now
but it doesn't mean I have to prance around.” Amidala pointed out
as she let Adam in.
“Okay,
if you really do want me to do this gather round and let's be quick.
I can't guarantee it lasts fairy long.” Raven said nervously. She
looked at the encouraging smiles from Amidala and Darling and cast
the invisibility spell on them.
“It
worked!” Raven laughed. “Spelltastic!”
“Great
work, Raven!” Amidala encouraged.
“There
was a chance it wouldn't
work?” Adam asked thinking of the consequences. He wasn't at ease
with all the magic.
“Quiet.
Don't make me slap a leaf on your mouth.” Amidala said seriously.
“If
you could even findmmth!” Adam's voice was muffled. There was a
charming little giggle.
“From
now on, a total silence.” Amidala ordered. Raven opened the door
and closed it saying her faked goodbyes to Amidala. They walked down
the hall, the invisible ones trying to dodge everyone. They walked to
the quieter, more secluded area of the yard and then Amidala ordered
them to stop. She cackled a call for the Baba Yaga's office who soon
came and looked at Raven suspiciously. Amidala talked it to calm down
and after a while it let them all in even though the invisible
students made it feel uneasy.
“Okay,
everyone grab three balls to your bag and be careful. Raven, search
two empty ones.” Amidala ordered and there was silent 'cling'
sounds. “Don't break them. Don't bump to each other. When
you have your balls go outside behind the big shrubbery and wait
there. Make a low, silent sound so others know where you are. Say
your name when you go out, I'll be the last one to leave.”
Amidala
waited for a while and as others had got out she went out too and
sent the office away.
“Now,
Nevermore.” Amidala said hoping they would stay invisible just a
while longer. Raven called for her pet and it felt like forever for
the dragon to appear. Amidala noticed she was holding her breathe
until she felt a gentle nudge on her back. Nevermore came and greeted
Raven fiercely and happily.
“Hey
to you too. I need you to grow up and wait. You'll might feel a bit
weird but just hold still, okay?” Raven pet her and Nevermore grew
to her full size.
“Now.”
Amidala said and said in which order they should climb the dragon,
she and Raven being the last ones to get up.
“Oh
no.” Raven said as they took flight. “The spell is wearing off.”
“Then
hurry to the roof. We'll leave the bags there and I'll go get them in
the night.” Amidala said.
“Can't
we use the east high terrace again? It seems to be a solitude place
and I can spend my night in there guarding the bags.” Adam
suggested silently. Amidala turned to him.
“You'll
freeze in there.”
“I
won't.” Adam's eyes flashed a bit. Amidala hid a smile.
“East
it is. Keep a low profile everyone, it needs to look like Raven is
the only one riding.” Amidala said leaning towards the dragon's
body. After a while they landed to the roof up from the east terrace
and Amidala grew them some vines and ivy to climb down with. After
they had took the bags to the most darkest corner of the place they
looked at each other and smiled, all but Adam.
“The
flight?” Amidala whispered understanding and got a small nod as an
answer. Wolves were meant to stay on ground. She looked at Cerise who
laughed.
“I
can't believe it was this easy.” She said to Darling.
“Baba
Yaga knew about this so she didn't even try to stop us. If you didn't
notice they were almost packed already for us.” Amidala grinned.
“Tomorrow will be a different matter. Then we have no backup from
the faculty no matter what happens. We are on our own. Even when we
will come back victorious we will be punished.”
“Why
they would punish you?” Adam asked.
“We
will break about every rule and order given. I will take the blame as
it is obvious I am the one who lured you all into my plan but you
won't get off easily either. I hope I can save you three from
punishment. It would mean I'd get all the glory but I know you can't
be seen Darling. And Cerise your father will ground you for life.”
Amidala spoke with strict, serious tone.
“Will
we use invisibility to escape then?” Cerise asked.
“I
don't know will we have magic left. If we do it might backfire this
time. I'd rather come out alone and after all the rage is given you
could sneak back. Of course if you want to share the glory you're all
saving the forest just as much as I am and deserve all of it. If you
want to pull back now I strongly suggest to do it or sleep late. You
have already been a huge help. I can't thank you enough for all the
help and support.” Amidala smiled.
“I
haven't come this far to be left out of the fun part!” Darling
said.
“I
am just as curious as you are what is going on there.” Cerise
smiled.
“I
never let a friend go alone to the danger.” Raven smiled. Amidala
smiled widely and opened her arms for group hug.
“Adam
this is a group hug get in here!” Amidala laughed as Adam stood
aside. He came to the group and had immediately arms and hands on his
back. Two warm bodies squeezing him. Happy, excited, nervous and
scared faces looking at each other. Everyone sharing the same feeling
and same future. It was odd for him. Flashback of the proud feeling
when he was declared to be part of the pack flashed in his mind.
“We
won't have anyone other in this anymore. We start just before the
vines would go down and attack from above. Either Nevermore will
carry us or I'll make the vines. We drop the crystal balls, jump down
to the hole and I'll catch us all and lower down. All seems calm in
there but shadows lurks in between the trees so I don't know what we
will face. There is possibility that the Fairy Queen has risen from
ground but I think she lacks the power for it and she tries to get to
her source of magic also.” Amidala told seriously.
“Jump?”
Adam asked dryly. Amidala looked at him trying not to smile.
“I
can carry you.” She said and Adam tried not to smile also. Cerise's
eyes flashed yellow. “We will meet here half an hour before the go
time.”
“Will
I...” Darling started awkwardly.
“We
can get your armour tonight here, I have to visit Betty anyhow.”
Amidala smiled. “Actually I could get my cloak and we could leave.”
“Oh
I wish I would have such a cloak too.” Darling sighed.
“A
green one?” Amidala was confused.
“One
that I wouldn't be recognized in.” She gave a charming, small
laugh.
“Does
Dexter have an armour he needs to take to Betty?” Amidala grinned.
Darling went serious and looked at her questioningly. Amidala bit her
tongue. It was information she had read in reality.
“I
just thought that it would hide you and he is in hero's training too
where armours get dented and you are more close to him than Daring,
right? Besides I'd rather see Dexter than Daring.” Amidala rolled
her eyes. She got odd feeling from Cerise and Adam and wondered what
she was missing here. For what she knew Cerise had a crush on Daring
and should be relieved.
“Well,
yes.” Darling said shortly but suspiciously. “I will go and get
the armour, you get your cloak. I'll meet you in training grounds.”
“Okay.
Thank you for your help so far everyone. It feels actually good to be
part of something. Maybe I'm not such a big loner that I thought I
would be.” Amidala smiled.
“Well,
I have cauldron-load of thronework to do so I guess I'll go and do
them out of the way.” Raven said.
“Wait,
I'll come with you to the hall.” Amidala left with Raven leaving
Cerise looking at Adam with a tight and a bit angry face.
Amidala
ran to the training grounds as she knew Darling could glide like a
true princess faster than fairytales could run. When she reached the
grounds she was putting on the helmet on her head.
“I
just thought it would be odd that Dexter would be seen with me so we
should just go and meet at Betty's.” Amidala said.
“It
went trough my mind too.” Darling said and continued
straightforwardly. “How do you know so much of things about us?”
“I
read a lot back home. I know all the stories but mine.” Amidala
smiled and ran away before further questioning. She used the longer
but quieter route to the blacksmith's place. When she stepped in it
felt a bit like coming home. She dropped her hood and smiled widely
to Betty who looked at her in awe.
“You...
You look like a princess.” She said but something in her tone was
serious.
“You
can say it. I am from Ever After now, the chapter of my past is
buried six feet under.” Amidala said and tried to keep her tears
in. She ran to hug Betty.
“I
am sorry I haven't been here for you but depending on my punishment I
can continue on Monday. I've missed you and this place.” Amidala
smiled as Betty hug her back. “Thank you ever so much for your
letter!”
“Oh
you'll be doing overtime for that.” Betty smirked and got her to
laugh. “I've been worried of you.”
“I
was in pretty bad shape. Not in the best yet either. Darling will
come soon to fetch her armour. She'll leave Dexter's here but it's
fine so just put it on the shelve.” Amidala told.
“You'll
be going soon? I have heard you will go and try to set things
straight in the forest.” Betty asked.
“Tomorrow
really early in the morning.” Amidala answered. “I'm a crown of
nerves.”
“Then
you'll need these.” Betty smiled and gave her a leather armour, a
sword and few daggers. Amidala smiled as she knew Betty would have
something for surprise.
“Thank
you. We will have good use for these.” Amidala smiled.
“I
hope the armour fits.” Betty said.
“I'm
quite sure. One of my girls will be wearing it. I will have just a
dagger, a sword and a pretty dress.” Amidala smiled. Betty didn't
answer to it.
“You
need to be properly protected out there.” She said seriously as the
door opened and Darling came in.
“I
will be, trust me. I have learned how to win here. I just hope me
changing to one from Ever After won't change it.” Amidala sighed.
“What
do you mean coming one of us and that your chapter has closed? It has
bothered me the whole day.” Darling asked as she and Betty started
to take the armour off her.
“I
can't go back home. My world is impossible to reach from here.”
Amidala said standing high and royal. “So the change with the
clothes and the hair means Ever After made me one of it's own.”
“Then
you would need to graduate before fulfilling your destiny.”
“Look
at the situation! Do we really have four or five years to wait?”
Amidala asked. “I'm ready to do this and I think my destiny will be
decided only after this. This is just something I have to do as my
royal duty.”
“I
wish my duties would be like yours. All I have to do is wait and be
charming.” Darling sighed.
“And
go into tainted forest to fight evil spirits and things unknown.”
Amidala grinned and got a blushed smile back. Betty gave a sharp look
to Amidala.
“I
haven't made any magic armour or weaponry as I don't know what you
will be facing.” Betty said apologetic.
“I
will handle the magic.” Amidala smiled. “During the week it has
really grown on me.”
“I
must say the girl who left is a different one that is here now.”
Betty said seriously.
“It's
the same one and it will leave now too. I have fairyload of
thronework to do before tomorrow. Thank you for all this Betty. I'll
work double time to make this up to you.” Amidala smiled.
“No
need to. Just come back safe.”
“That
was the plan! Thanks!” Amidala lifted her hood and walked slowly
back to the school grounds with Darling who wore now her own armour.
“Have
you been in it before? Your armour?” Amidala asked.
“Once.
We did modify this a bit and it feels a lot better now.” Darling
answered.
“We
can't have you walking trough the school like that so let's go almost
behind the terrace and I'll lift us up.” Amidala said. “Let's
just hope no one pays too much attention.”
“Well
it starts to be dinnertime, I think the yard will be quite empty.”
Darling thought. For their relief she was right. Amidala got a weird
feeling that it was too good luck for them. Everything had gone so
smoothly so far. She grew a cage around them and lifted them to the
terrace and left the vines to grow against the wall. Amidala noticed
Adam hiding further in the shadows as they walked away from the
railing.
“It's
just us.” She said and took off her hood. She helped Darling to
take off the armour and carry it next to the bags. Darling smiled
sweetly to the amazed face of Adam.
“Oh
don't be so surprised. I told I'd bring the best damsels with me.”
Amidala laughed. Darling blushed but looked proud.
“Should
we go and eat too?” Darling asked.
“I
think it's better if I stay here.” Adam said and went to sit by the
bags.
“I'll
bring you something!” Amidala shouted as she and Darling walked in
and down towards the castleteria.
“He
isn't much of a people person?” Darling asked carefully on the way.
“He's
a wolf. That's why he's in.” Amidala answered. Darling stopped
surprised.
“But
wolves aren't to...”
“We
know. He said I'm not a human so it would be all good but I think he
misunderstands what I am. Or then he is more right about me than I
am. I don't know.” Amidala sighed.
“But
you are a
human.” Darling said
confused.
“Or
a forest spirit in human body. I get these odd feelings like the land
would call me or give something to me or speak through me. I can
touch a plant or ground and let myself wonder quite far feeling all
that is around me or inside something. It's not very humanly?”
Amidala said quietly. Darling didn't answer.
“I
didn't know anyone in their freedom year would posses such powers.
Even Raven Queen didn't! It's... like you'd be ready.” Darling
seemed confused and a bit worried.
“Let's
just worry about tomorrow and not about anything else now, okay?”
Amidala smiled and crammed her platter full of food. She waved to
Ashlynn but as unnoticed as possible went to the hall and ran all the
way to the east terrace. A wolf was lying in front of their bags and
opened one eye to look at Amidala.
“We
share so don't eat all.” She said as Adam started hungrily eat.
“And don't drool over everything, gross.” Adam nibbled her hand
as a protest. Amidala laughed and tried to separate her food as far
from his as possible.
“Is
it hard for you to be in human form?”
“Confusing
mostly.” Adam answered and licked the platter clean.
“What
do you mean?”
“People
here act oddly. I don't meet much people as I am one of the wolves
and bound to Hood Hollow but I feel all the men has their neck fur up
the second they meet me and all girls have something in their eye in
here.” Adam said. Amidala laughed.
“The
men feel threatened by you and the girls just see a handsome new boy
they want to snatch to themselves.” Amidala smiled.
“You
and the few others act differently.” Adam said sounding still a bit
confused.
“Well
my room mate does want to go to date with you, me and Cerise know
what you are and Raven and Darling takes everyone as they are. And as
tomorrow everyone will know anyway so I already told Darling you are
a wolf.” Amidala said a bit in unease.
“And?”
“And
she said wolves aren't to meddle things with the humans. Like
everyone else has said so far.” Amidala smiled. “I am in human
form so I am a human and you will get in big bad trouble for this,
you know it. Why you still want to help? You want to be the clan
leader but then you ruin your chances with this?”
“They
don't have to know.” Adam said.
“Don't
you think Mr. Badwolf will let them know? That they guess and smell
when you return?”
“I
like that forest. It's good place to hunt.” Adam said silently.
“Does
something speak to you too? Or try to speak trough you? So you feel
you have to do this? You said...”
“I
am free to listen or not to listen. No one is telling me what to do.
Well you are during the time we're there but..”
“I
just worry what will happen to you after this. I hope I can get the
girls off the hook but you are on your own. I'm not sure will I be
stripped of all my powers after the forest is freed and I start as
some story in here. Again I'm no use for you.” Amidala pet the
rough wolf fur. Adam laid his head to her lap.
“Those
girls do this because they are your friends. Why I can't do it for
the same reason?” He asked.
“I
have a feeling you don't.” Amidala said uneasily. “I've seen you
following me in the garden. Either you will betray us or... Why you
follow me?”
“I'm
a wolf. I'm drawn to forests.” Adam turned his head away from her
lap.
“I'm
not a forest. I'm not a forest spirit. After tomorrow I might be
nothing.” Amidala stood up.
“Funny
how you sense the beast in me but not the human and I can smell the
human but feel the forest in you. You want to know what you are? You
should listen.” Adam said and rolled to tighter roll. Amidala stood
a while looking at him telling herself she was just a forest
princess, just a human to guard and walk in it. It didn't sound
right. She sighed, took away her cloak and put it over Adam to
protect him from the cold wind and went to do her throneworks. Elena
was dancing while listening to her favourite band. She grabbed
Amidala to dance too.
“I
have to do my thronework!” Amidala laughed as she danced across the
marble.
“You
can copy me!” Elena pointed her parchments.
“Then
I won't learn fairything.” Amidala looked at her scolding.
“You
know already more than many senior fairytale, I think you can cut
yourself some slack.” Elena laughed.
“But
I want to learn all on my own!” Amidala protested.
“Where
is your shadow? Carl is worried as he has seen the odd boy lurking
around watching you.”
“He's
not worried, he's jealous, isn't he?” Amidala took Elena by her
hands and started a royal waltz.
“Oh,
you have noticed?” Elena bit her lip.
“Let's
just say subtle isn't his middle name.” Amidala grinned. “But I
royally rather not get into such mess. I want to rule alone when the
time comes so dating would be stupid.”
“What
was that face you made?”
“My
own face after finishing a sentence?” Amidala asked.
“Come
on, you looked sad. Or guilty.” Elena dragged her to her bed and
grinned challengingly.
“Okay,
I go first; Why you act like a true royal when you're a villain?”
Amidala grinned to the game they had came up with.
“I
am a true royal and a
true villain. I just act like I'm supposed to. Well okay, I don't
want to be so cold and mean. I'm with Raven Queen here; I don't want
to be evil.” Elena whispered.
“That
would hexplain why you're the sweetest thing I have ever after met.”
Amidala whispered back. Elena laughed.
“My
turn! Why you act so distantly sometimes and then sometimes are
royally easy to talk to?”
“I
do that? Well it's because of all the secrets I hold.” Amidala
answered. “Why you act like you wouldn't be talented in magic?
You're only the best in ice magic and the principal is the same.”
“My
story doesn't use much others and I don't actually understand the
principal.” Elena blushed.
“I
can teach you it. I'm starting to understand it myself.” Amidala
offered.
“That'll
count as a meal. Oh, I put a cold spell on your food so it won't
spoil.” Elena smiled. “Why you act so nervous around the odd
boy?”
“Don't
ask that!” Amidala hit her head to the blanket.
“Already
did.” Elena grinned.
“He
confuses me. At the same time I fear him and want to be his best
friend.”
“This
is the truth game!” Elena sang almost laughing.
“And
I might have a crush on him?” Amidala confessed.
“You
say it like it would be news.”
“I
think he has one for me too.” Amidala whispered.
“Well
that's spelltastic!” Elena hugged her.
“No
it's not! What I just spelled about dating? I was serious. Having a
crush to fairyone only will make me less focused and I need to be
sharp like a needle tomorrow.” Amidala sighed.
“Well,
after that?”
“I
don't know will my powers disappear and I start from point zero like
all of you or will I be hexpelled for breaking every single rule
there is.” Amidala sighed.
“I
hope not. Even though your coming here was about to crush me I
royally like having you around.”
“I
hope I won't have to leave here either.”
“But
you didn't answer why you couldn't try him out after all this?”
Elena smirked. Amidala hit her with a pillow.
“Because
it's not going to happen!”
“Girls,
turn down the music, fairytales are going to sleep already. You
should consider it soon too.” Momma Bear turned her head from the
door.
“Sorry
Mrs. Bear.” Elena turned her stereo off. “Good night.”
“Good
night, girls.” Momma Bear smiled.
“What
is it? Like eight a clock? No one is going to sleep at this hour!”
Elena laughed.
“Well,
I copy your thronework, take some night snack to Adam and will go to
sleep. I'll be gone before you'll wake up.” Amidala smiled. “I'm
so nervous.”
“To
go to the forest or meeting Adam?” Elena smirked and a leaf was
blown to cover her mouth. Amidala packed the whole meal Elena had
made her and switched her dress to the one that had seen one battle
already and sneaked towards the east terrace. She stood quite a long
time behind the door thinking would she dare to open it. Finally she
took a deep breathe and opened the door. Adam was looking the falling
darkness on the railing Amidala's cloak moving gently even though the
wind was inordinately hard and cold. She tried to creep silently to
the bags and leave the basket there but Adam had the senses of a
wolf; nothing got past him. Amidala stopped, felt herself stupid and
walked to drop the basket behind the armour. She walked to the
railing where Adam had turned back to look at the darkening world.
“Are
you cold?” He asked.
“No.
I'm from north, I'm used to this.” Amidala answered.
“You
changed your dress.”
“I'm
just getting ready and am so nervous about this even though I should
be calm and collected. Leaders are and they show only that. They
never show how afraid they are, how hurt they are, never show
anything but what keeps the others going.” Amidala thought out
loud.
“Tomorrow
morning you will come here like that. Lead us trough it, give your
orders...”
“I'll
cast protective spells on you all so you wouldn't be tainted so
easily and armours and weaponry would be more effective. I'll do it
here before we climb on Nevermore. You think you can handle the jump?
I'll hold onto you.” Amidala asked with serious face and royal
being. It was odd how the change was so fast and she didn't even
notice it. Adam looked at the horizon.
“Humans
don't mind high places. I'm trying to get used to this.” Adam said.
“I'm
afraid of heights.” Amidala said. Adam turned to her surprised.
“You?
Jumping down from here? Climbing on vines? Flying on dragon?”
“It
doesn't mean I try to stay away from my fear. I have learned a long
ago that facing it won't take it away but it makes facing it easier.”
Amidala gave a laugh. “I brought some night snack and breakfast.
There should be left breakfast for us all, mind you.” Amidala
turned to leave.
“Wait.
I want to try heights.” Adam said.
“We
are high enough and we should go to sleep.” Amidala said gently.
“I
meant dropping. To prepare for the jump.” Adam sounded nervous.
Amidala placed her hand to his and tried to smile encouraging instead
of amused.
“Isn't
it better to face it tomorrow? If it is absolutely horrifying it'll
just make it worse tomorrow and you'll be a nervous wreck.”
“If
you hold onto me and catch us mid air?”
“You
are serious.” Amidala said surprised. “Okay, but let's go to this
side and a little precaution.” Amidala conjured a leaf in front of
Adam's mouth which he couldn't tear off. She smirked as he looked at
her annoyed. Amidala jumped to the railing and gave out her hand to
Adam who didn't look as sure anymore. He lifted his foot carefully to
the railing and that was the second Amidala yanked him up and off.
The wind whistled in their ears as they dropped. Adam looked
horrified how the horizon changed it place and ground details grew
bigger. He held to Amidala as tightly as she held to him. He glanced
at her and couldn't look away. She had closed her eyes, smiled
happily and almost looked like she embraced all that was around her
even though her heart beat wildly. She was so calm that to Adam's
annoyance it calmed him too. It meant he was truly under her in
ranks. Suddenly the wind didn't howl anymore and bring tears to his
eyes. He felt something had grabbed him and wrapped itself around
him, it let go and left him to stand on a leaf that grew up towards
the terrace. Amidala held on to Adam the whole time like she had
promised. When they were back at the terrace she made the leaf
disappear from his mouth.
“You
would have screamed.” Amidala said.
“I
would have not!”
“You
were so horrified.” Amidala smiled.
“It
was worse than I imagined.” He said.
“Will
you be okay with it tomorrow?” Amidala asked worried.
“If
you hold on to me.” He smiled and only then Amidala realized they
were still holding tightly onto each other. She let go hurriedly but
Adam let her slip only slowly away. She stood there in confusion a
while feeling she should say something but all she had to say would
take too long so she just turned and hurried to the door. She ran all
the way to her dorm room. Elena looked worriedly how Amidala buried
herself under all the pillows and blankets. A muffled scream could be
heard.
=== Branching to the Woods ===
Amidala woke up as she
was gently shook.
“We have to go.”
Cerise whispered and sniffed Amidala. She recognized the smell she
had on her dress that she had went to sleep in. She didn't like the
way those two meddled to business that were to left alone. They would
in the end affect her story.
Amidala woke up sleepy and silently crept to the hallway and yawned
loudly there.
“Didn't
sleep well?” Cerise asked sharply.
“I
did.” Amidala lied. She couldn't tell them she had been so nervous
that she barely got an eyeful of sleep.
“I
didn't. I had nightmares all the night.” Raven said. Amidala
searched her hand in the dim hallway and squeezed it.
“I'm
glad you still came. I will keep you safe and you will keep us all
safe. Today you'll show us and yourself what all you are capable of.”
Amidala said encouraging.
“I
hate to bring this up but does anyone of you have anything to eat? I
forgot to take myself breakfast.” Darling blushed.
“I
got some.” Raven smiled.
“I
left the three meal course up last night and said there'd better be
enough breakfast for all of us left.” Amidala gave a laugh.
“Why
did you still visit there?” Cerise asked lightly.
“So
I wouldn't make noise with the food now, Adam had something to eat
during the evening and I left my cloak to him as the wind got colder.
I need you all sharp and healthy today.” Amidala smiled and glanced
Cerise sharply.
“You
weren't kidding about the wind.” Raven said when she stepped to the
terrace.
“It's
not usually this windy here.” Cerise said.
“Bad
omen?” Darling's big, blue eyes were round in excitement and fear.
“I
will be. Let's get behind my cloak and get some breakfast and I'll
walk us trough the day.” Amidala walked towards the bags. She took
the cloak off from the wolf and nudged him.
“You're
awake, I know it. I hope you didn't shed much fur, I can't afford
magical clothing clean up.”
“I
don't shed fur.” Adam answered annoyed.
“Does
animals here change fur at all? We had constant shedding as they were
always changing between winter and summer fur.” Amidala said and
felt a cold void in her heart.
“I
don't think they do.” Cerise said thoughtfully and looked at all
the things Amidala pulled out of the basket.
“You
barely touched these.” Amidala said to Adam and after seeing his
stare avoided his eyes at any cost. She didn't need reminders of home
or comforting, she needed to hocus focus.
“I
wanted you to have a decent breakfast. Carrying that armour will be
draining.” Adam had turned to human and looked at Darling who had
blushed. Raven looked uncomfortable too.
“Yeah,
sorry Raven, I forgot to tell you he's a wolf. He will change in the
back of Nevermore and we will jump immediately so she won't freak
out.” Amidala grinned apologising.
“Is
there other surprises in store? Like you're really the evil Fairy
Queen and just take us to our doom?” Raven asked.
“Oh
spell! You got me!” Amidala laughed and they all joined it. “Well
back to the situation, I have thought as Cerise is fast and good in
hiding, you and Adam will be our scouts. I have this leather armour
and dagger to you Cerise to keep you more safe. None of you go beyond
eyesight at any point. No matter what. We all keep each other safe.
Me and Raven will blast our enemies, I have a dagger to you too just
in case, and Darling is our another hero who will fight with
everything she can fight. You can keep either me and Raven or Cerise
and Adam safe, depending of the situation. I will cast a spell on all
of you to keep us more safe and I will
act oddly to you, please don't mind it. Act like all I do would be
completely natural and normal even though I would start to sunbathe
in the middle of the heated fight. It's royally important that you do
so. Try not to even think about it, it's all normal.”
“What
do you mean? Why you wouldn't fight with us?” Cerise asked.
“Because
I want to win and I want to get to the Fairy Grove first and I think
this is the way. Don't mind me at any point. They are prepared to you
and your fighting, but they aren't prepared to meet me.” Amidala
smiled and ate with good appetite.
“I
have a small bag with me, I thought we'll need at least some water
and food there with us.” Raven said.
“Smart
thinking. Let's save your food.” Amidala smiled and made a bubble
around them. “They are safe this way.”
“Could
someone help me with my armour?” Darling asked as she had started
to put it on. Raven and Cerise hurried to help her. Amidala took all
the weaponry and cast her protective spell on them.
“Are
you okay?” Adam whispered as he had came to look at the weapons.
“All
is fine. Hocus Focus.” Amidala whispered back and called Cerise to
get her armour on too. After a while of dressing, taking weapons,
checking and double checking things they were finally ready to go.
Amidala looked at her friends. She felt really bad she took them
along, she wasn't sure was she to face it all alone but she knew she
couldn't go out there alone. She was afraid something would happen to
her friends but tried to stay positive and think they all would keep
eye on each other. She smiled feeling warm that she had such friends
now. It brought almost tears to her eyes.
“Before
you call Nevermore, all of you carry these at all times. These will
protect you and keep you more safe.” Amidala handed out small, flat
rocks. “Don't. Lose them.”
“Blessing
of the forest.” Adam gave a laugh and put it in his pocket. Amidala
glanced at him angrily. She hoped he wouldn't think it would help him
in his own clan business's.
“Where
does the stone go when you transf... okay I'll stop thinking.”
Darling blushed inside her helmet. Others gave a laugh.
“I
honestly don't know. Rather not think about it.” Adam answered
smiling. Amidala breathed out nervously as Nevermore flew to them and
changed size. She gave out the order in which they would climb up and
they all helped Darling up in her armour. Amidala made sure they had
the crystal balls and climbed up last.
“This
is it. We're writing history here. I mean a new story.” Amidala
said as they took off. She told the vines to open up and they flew
out from school grounds to the magical barrier that bent over the
enchanted forest. Nevermore grew restless so they flew closer to the
school grounds and Amidala decided they would drop the magic filled
crystal balls there. First bag was dropped and it made a huge boom.
They could see the barrier had damaged. Second and third bag were
dropped closely each other and the explosion threw even Nevermore off
balance so quickly no one could catch Darling who had lost her grip
and fell.
“Darling!”
They all screamed and as Nevermore turned and flew to catch her
Amidala grew vines from all around as fast as she could. The vines
were faster than Nevermore and helped her back on the dragon.
“Are
you all right?”
“Shaken.”
Darling said even though her heart still raced and she shivered from
fear. “Not waiting to jump down anymore. That was horrible.”
“I'll
grab you and lower you but you must come last then.” Amidala
comforted and leaned to keep her by her armoured hand as they flew
over the hole in the barrier and thick roof of vines. It was dark
inside the forest but they saw movement around the hole.
“The
whole school must be up from the sounds, we go now. Adam, change.”
Amidala ordered and then took the wolf to her arms and jumped. She
blasted a missile from the hole to secure their landing and then
hurriedly grew vines from there which caught them and lowered them to
the ground. She let Adam go and fired a small blast upwards so others
would know to jump too. She grabbed them from mid air with her vines
while Adam studied the surroundings. Lastly Amidala grew a thick vine
to take Darling off from very nervous Nevermore. As soon as she was
freed from her load she flew away like a bullet.
“I
didn't know dragons that size could fly that fast.” Amidala said to
Raven who had cast a dark light spell and looked at the riding in the
shadows and behind the trees.
“Me
neither.” She answered.
“All
here? Good. Then let's go visit our soon new friends.” Amidala
smiled and started to walk to the forest like it wouldn't have
changed a bit.
“Um,
the empty balls fell too.” Raven hurried to her side and whispered.
“Then
we go without.” Amidala smiled. Raven smiled back relieved. Darling
walked beside her, Cerise blend into the shadows and walked near them
too and Adam walked a bit further from them. They all could see
spirits and ghastly faces in the forest around the path.
“Why
they just lurk in there? Are they gathering numbers?” Raven asked
nervously. Amidala walked to the forest edge and started to count the
spirits from there that pulled back hurriedly. Others changed a quick
look but then tried to think that was completely normal. Raven
thought Amidala reminded her of Maddie so this should be easy for
her. Amidala danced around and shouted numbers as they went on. It
lightened up the mood and eased the nervousness of her friends. It
also kept all what was lurking in hiding. They walked to the
crossroad of enchanted forest and dark forest and realized why it had
been so easy to just walk in. There was a barrier of all kind of
demons and evil spirits, even skeletons. Raven and Amidala threw
their biggest missiles to the crowd but where the others fell others
came to fill the gap like flowing water. After third blast Adam and
Cerise whispered they were surrounded. Amidala hadn't even noticed
the things had crept so close to them. She didn't feel the pain in
her hand so the Fairy Queen wasn't nearby. Darling was battling the
skeletons and more alive spirits but she could have as well fought
with air. Amidala looked at the ring around them. Something was off.
Cerise and Adam felt it too and all three changed a bit confused
looks. Amidala cleared her throat.
“Could
you please stop that and come here. It's rather silly, Darling. They
just want to welcome us and here we are rude as a Grimm!” Amidala
said sweetly.
“Apple
would be royally offended by that.” Raven laughed. Darling stopped
fighting and came to Amidala who went to the wall of spirits and
demons greeted them all warmly. They still just stood there staring
forward so Amidala took a demon and kissed it. Her friends gasped in
awe and one growled silently.
“Like
I thought, so like my prince. Pretty from outside but empty from the
inside. Come along, friends. We have still quite a trip ahead of us.”
Amidala smiled and started to walk through the barrier.
“They're
not real.” Raven said and gave a laugh.
“They
feel real. They spell real.” Cerise said and watched the small army
walking behind them closing in.
“Oh
the ones in the back are! They are escorting us I would assume. Raven
could you?” Amidala smiled to her and at the same time walked
backwards straight to a demon that wasn't an empty shell. All of her
friends had turned their attention to their escorts and had started
battling with them. Amidala hexed her stupidity. The demon had
grabbed it's arms around Amidala and laughed evilly.
“You
fool, didn't even think not all of us are just air.” The demon
said. Amidala tried to keep her head levelled and her heartbeat
regular. Show no fear and things will go fine, she told herself.
“Are
you waiting for a kiss too? Usually princesses kiss only frogs, if
you didn't know. And of course other princes but there is set of
rules for that too. I don't trust you would turn into a prince but I
could turn you into a frog.” Amidala said innocently trying to get
her hands free enough to blast a spell without hurting herself. The
demon laughed to her tries and held her tighter snapping her hands so
that she couldn't move even a finger. Adam had glanced away from the
battle and was running to her aid but she had walked surprisingly far
from the others who had stayed as a group. She felt the burning from
the demon's skin. His laughter made her ear ring. It was irritating.
“You're
not stalling your way out of this, little princess.” The demon
kissed her ear and burnt it. The hotness of her ears and laughing to
her reminded Amidala of the shame she had felt during her first day
of school. This time it all only fed her anger.
“Okay.
Have it your way then.” Amidala closed her eyes, breathed out and
was soon let go as a spike of stone grew fast where the demon had
earlier been. Amidala turned to look at it and grinned pleased with
herself.
“Wow.”
Adam said as he stopped. “I was ready to show him but ouch.”
“How
the girls are doing?” Amidala asked and looked at her battling
friends. Raven smiled as she made a huge wave blast towards their
enemies. It looked like she enjoyed that her magic didn't backfire
and she could use it freely.
“Almost
done. Remind me never to cross any of you.” Adam gave a laugh and
pulled her hem towards west. “Those are real too.” Amidala looked
through blurry spirits and noticed two that did have sharper
outlines.
“I'll
have the just right one.” Amidala said as she charged with the
sword. Adam smiled amused as he ran beside her. Amidala found out
that even though she didn't sword fight like a hero, it was harder to
beat the spirits by weapon. While she battled she though which one
would be draining in the end; to use magic all the time, use both or
go by the sword? She would need a lot of magic in the end. She knew
this was a rouse and the real trouble was where the Fairy Queen had
made her way. She hoped it would be far from Fairy Grove. She gave
the spirit a finishing blow and looked did Adam need any help but a
small missile of purple finished the spirit off.
“My
mom would love that as a lawn demon.” Raven pointed at the spiky
stone pillar.
“I
felt like decorating.” Amidala smiled. “Let's stay as a one group
now, I won't wonder off. I'm sorry about it. Cerise and Adam point
out the real ones from this wall of fakes, this can't continue
forever after. I'm afraid the Fairy Queen has got deep into the
enchanted forest and is making her way to the Fairy Grove too. When
we get near her the royal trouble starts so save your strength.”
“Do
we attack the real ones now?” Darling asked.
“Only
if they attack us or start following.” Amidala answered and they
walked a while with Adam or Cerise pointing out real enemies of which
all of them either attacked or started to follow them. After a while
the group of friends started to take turns who got to handle them.
The illusion wall seemed to get thicker all the time but blurrier too
and there started to be more enemies nearby.
“Adam
and Cerise, go spell what is ahead of us. Only a seeing and hearing
distance away, remember. Keep each other safe.” Amidala ordered.
“Keep looking out for the real ones girls. Let's walk more loosely
and whoever is the closest gets the price. I'll take the middle seat
as I try to save my strength.”
“Oo!
Fun!” Darling rejoiced and ran to a demon she had spotted. Amidala
laughed and looked at the way she fought. Their battling could have
been painted to a masterpiece or weaved as a tapestry. It was how
hero's and enemies fought around here, not short of epic poses.
Amidala turned her head away so she wouldn't start to think like Ever
Afterian. She counted on her lack of knowledge. She looked how Adam
and Cerise crept on different sides of the wide path they were
walking. Cerise disappeared to the woods sometimes which worried
Amidala but she could feel her moving so she let her do it her way.
They walked out of the blurry wall of spirits and saw nothing ahead.
It was dark but Raven's black light spell lit the woods well enough
for them to see the way was clear. Adam had slowed his pace ahead of
them and Cerise appeared next to them.
“Nothing.
The woods are empty of ever after everything.
Even fairies.” Cerise said grimly.
“Wait
a spell, everyone.” Amidala said and closed her eyes. She had never
done this over air but she tried to reach out to the trees, from
shrub to wilted flowerbed and from there on. Everywhere she reached
was silence. She barely felt life in the enchanted forest.
“It's
all clear fairy far ahead if I could feel it right.” Amidala said
starting to feel worried and a bit more scared.
“Why
you don't feel by the ground? You could go all the way to the Fairy
Grove.” Adam, who had came back to the group, asked.
“And
tell where we are and that we're coming and give her possibility for
the first attack?” Amidala asked sharply. “Let's hurry up. This
forest is dying. No running though, it echoes too far.”
They
moved as fast and silently as they could for a good distance.
“The
Fairy Hollow is near. It's down that path. It looks so dark in
there.” Cerise sighed.
“I
would guess it's abandoned and every fairy is protecting the Grove.
Is it far from here?” Amidala asked even though she knew they were
getting closer. She had started to feel the palm of her hand.
“No.
We can be there in a spell.” Cerise grinned and hastened her pace.
“We
walk silently from here, Adam and Cerise be alerted as I'm sure there
soon will be the first spies. I want them down and silenced before
they know which book hit them. If you can't crept and get them
yourself, point it to us and Raven or I will spell it off.”
“What
do you want me to do?” Darling asked silently.
“Try
to walk quietly even though you'd be just a bit behind. You will have
your sword full of work when we get closer.” Amidala smiled to her.
They continued so, Raven and Amidala looking tightly at Adam and
Cerise if they would point out a spy. Amidala's palm started to ache
more and more.
“Stop.”
She said and waited everyone gathered around. “Something is off.
The Fairy Queen is near but here is no spies or enemies.”
“How
do you know she's near?” Raven asked.
“The
mark.” Adam said and sniffed her hand.
“My
hand aches, she's really near but we see no one. Either she is
underground and will try to attack from there or she is by the Fairy
Grove already.” Amidala said seriously and thought a while. “Now
we make a run for it.”
=== Fairy Grove ===
(WARNING! This paragraph includes material that isn't suitable for sensitive persons or persons under 13.)
-
Adam and Cerise
disappeared to the forest and the rest ran not minding the noise they
made. If Amidala's fears were right they might be late. Her hand hurt
all the time more and more. It had never hurt this much so Amidala
almost burst to cry as she was starting to be sure they were too
late. Suddenly Adam came from the woods and almost tackled Amidala.
“Get on! She's
there!” He shouted and without further questioning Amidala hopped
to his back heart squeezed from fear and they rode away.
“Keep each other safe
and hurry!” Amidala shouted to Raven and Darling. She hoped she
would know where Cerise was.
“But we were not
to...” Raven started to protest but Adam and Amidala disappeared to
the forest. She and Darling looked at each other worried and hastened
their pace.
“Adam the mark hurts
so much it almost paralyses my arm. She wasn't to influence trough it
anymore!” Amidala whispered.
“No time for hurting.
You either fight or protect.” Adam said seriously as he ran out
from the forest to a once beautiful clearing that was now infested
with everything Mr. Nimble feared Amidala would have summoned. There
was all kind of spirits except the nice kind of ones. There was
demonic spirits, shadows with piercing eyes, banshees, almost
transparent old women with evil smile and sharp teeth, spirits on
fire, even ghosts. There was also more skeletons, demons and monsters
with more horns and thicker scales than Amidala was willing to see.
“Go get the girls
here.” Amidala said quietly as she saw what they were up against.
“I won't leave you
now.” Adam came closer.
“It was an order,
spellit!” Amidala snapped and looked how all of the attention was
in the shield that protected a grove in the middle of the clearing.
It was filled with fairies but the bouncing to the shield was
immense. The fairies couldn't hold on forever. Amidala could hear a
voice she realized she knew; the Fairy Queen! It shouted orders to
the troops how to get trough the magical barrier. She was a fairy,
she knew the fairy tricks.
“Get Raven here
yesterday, I can't blast these all away alone! They haven't noticed
us, I'll wait.” Amidala said painfully. It was horrible to just
stand and watch how the fairies were in trouble but there was just
too much enemies for her to handle alone. She could do some
preparing, though. Silently she walked by the edge of the clearing
and revived the dying trees. She hoped the fairies would see it and
realize help was on it's way.
“No!” She couldn't
hold her cry when she saw how the globe got smaller. The fairies were
losing. They were running out of time.
'Isn't this how the
stories go? When the good is losing, all seems to be lost, the heroes
come and save the day? I was to fight against the story. So should I
wait?' Amidala thought. It felt a painful decision, she had the urge
to blast the enemies and run to the grove. Would that be fighting
against the story? Amidala started to be confused, was she swallowed
into the story so tightly she couldn't but go by it? She was from
Ever After now, she couldn't break it's rules?
Some of the spirits
that were furthest away from the globe had heard Amidala and turned
to her. Few attacked straight towards her. She had never seen such
ghastly faces of evil grin. Few that had heard her too alerted the
others. The word was like fire in a dry hay, soon everyone knew she
was there. Even the Fairy Queen, Amidala thought hexing herself in
her mind. Even though Amidala was facing an army of evil she was
relieved the shield was left alone for a while. The fairies would
have time to take a small break and reinforce it. Amidala stared at
the ghastly faces that ran towards her and thought what would she do
to them. She was surprised she wasn't afraid of them at all, even
though they were like nightmares. The ones that had turned to attack
her first didn't get even halfway to the empty space in between the
grove and the edge of the forest as Cerise jumped on them seemingly
out of nowhere and dealt with them faster than Amidala could
interfere.
“I was worried where
you had disappeared.” Amidala smiled to Cerise. “Adam is getting
Raven here.”
“And me! Oh my.”
Darling's cheery voice dried out.
“Raven, on three?”
Amidala asked and Cerise jumped off from the way. They blasted huge
magic missiles to the crowd that had turned their attention to them.
Amidala noticed the attack against the shield was on again. At least
it didn't have as much against it this time as it seemed most of the
army had turned to face them.
“I must get to the
grove, can you handle?” Amidala asked and blast a wave on the
closing army to give her friends more time to prepare.
“Can you
handle trough?” Raven asked as she ran with Amidala towards the
wall of too alive evil.
“I
have to get to the grove no matter what.” Amidala answered and
hastened her pace. She had her sword in the other hand and she
blasted a hole through the spirits with the other.
“Take
care of each other!” Amidala shouted as she was swallowed by the
army. She used her sword as a lance to the left and ignored
everything on the right. Then she realized they didn't even seem to
mind her if she didn't fight against them and would just ran trough
so she blasted a green flame to all around her to get more space, put
her sword off and continued running like she would be on her very
fast paced morning jog. The ones that grabbed or spiked her she
turned to smoke.
Cerise
was fighting by Raven who started to feel there wasn't enough magic
in the world to stop what they were facing. She made huge blasts and
turned everything that it hit to smoke or ashes but there was a row
of new demons, spirits and evil creatures behind them.
“Good
news is, we're still winning.” Cerise comforted as she fought a
demon with a dagger. She was fast and always as the enemy tried to
hit her she had already moved out of the way and hit it instead. She
was surprised even herself how good she was in fighting.
“And
I bet Darling is enjoying herself.” Raven said as she blasted
another wave towards the unending crowd. She saw a glimmer of silver
nearby.
“I
thought I would too but I was wrong!” She shouted and fought
bravely on but she could feel her body was strained from the long
walk and the run and she had too many opponents. Way too many.
“Well
then the good news are that these won't last forever?” Cerise tried
to sound a lot more unsure.
“Neither
will we. Where is Adam?” Raven asked worried as she conjured a
strong wind to blow the closest enemies to the other side of the
clearing.
“I
bet he went after Amidala.” Cerise said bitterly.
“What
is it with you and them?” Raven asked as she readied another wave
blast.
“This
is hardly the time and place to talk about it!” Cerise growled and
fought her way to the side where there were lesser enemies and as she
was starting to feel angry again there soon would be no enemies.
Amidala
had to finally fight her way closer to the grove as the closer she
got the more aggressive everything around her became. She felt her
hands heavy after using the sword for so long time so she finally had
to resort to magic. The animals that attacked the globe weren't
letting her stop them and the ones around were not letting her
interfere. Amidala thought displeased that of course it was the
scaly, horned beasts that were attacking the shield. Her sword was
useless against them and she would have to use some royally strong
magic to get rid of them which would drain her and endanger the
grove. The Fairy Queen was cunning, she had to give her that. Soon
she found herself to be the centre of attention of way too many so
she built a thorny cage around herself where she could rest a while
and think about her next move. She couldn't make a strong blast
towards the shield so she wouldn't injure it more but she had to get
rid of the attackers. She knew the Fairy Queen would come to face her
herself and try to get in with her so she had to be cunning and fast.
She took a deep breathe, dropped the thorn cage and made a circular
blast around her to get rid of the spirits that had been right behind
the cage. She jumped and climbed on to the back of one scaly monster
that was attacking the shield and ran towards the grove jumping from
creature to creature. When the monsters pulled back Amidala jumped
down and made a strong shield for herself with another hand and
started to grow a strong shield around the fairy grove with the other
that wasn't penetrable by breaking the fairy tricks. The fairies flew
backwards being afraid when Amidala hit her hand towards the shield
but when they saw a faint ivy pattern like frost in the window they
looked at her and smiled. Few of them dropped to the ground, few
rested and tried to revive themselves from the drained fairywater
spring, few kept the shield on and after a short rest more fairies
came to reinforce it. Amidala took notice they reinforced it
downwards too so it was a globe of a shield. She smiled that of
course it had to be.
“Fairy
Queen!” Amidala shouted. “Too afraid to face me?”
There
was a roar, annoyed orders and almost a silence. The monsters around
her stopped hitting the globe so she weakened her shield and gave
that magic to protecting the grove. She started to see the mark of
Fairy Queen as a scar on her palm.
“You
want it too? Immense power?” A honeyed voice echoed around the
clearing. “You want to own the land. You share my forest girl, you
can't hide your true emotions, don't act so surprised.”
“Maybe
I can't but it is not me who twists them to be fables.” Amidala
answered. She couldn't locate the Fairy Queen. She had to be
underground but her voice was heard everywhere. Amidala tried to see
her friends but couldn't see any of them. The whole globe was
surrounded thickly by the huge, scaly beasts. She didn't know were
they still fighting and what they would believe. She had more faith
to others than one of the group. She feared the Queen would stall so
long she would be drained and attack then. Keeping up the shields was
hard on her.
“Oh,
how I love hate and revenge! You know you could have it too.” The
Fairy Queen said persuading.
“I
don't have to.”
“Don't
act so noble, your spirit is as dark as the forest you hold. You
don't even trust your so called friends. Tsk! You don't think they
are as good as you, as strong as you, even worthy of you. You think
they couldn't even defend themselves.” The voice scolded Amidala.
She couldn't keep her emotions but she could keep her head.
“What
would you know about friendship, worm?” Amidala gave a laugh. She
could feel the hatred and bitterness storming trough her. She took
her anger and took it's strength. She started to need it.
“You
were right not to trust them. They couldn't even keep themselves
alive.” The voice was bitter but it sounded also victorious.
Amidala saw how the beasts gave way and on the horns of one monster
was a silver and white wolf.
“Adam!”
Amidala screamed and let her shields drop. She ran towards the beast
and heard the Fairy Queen's laughter and pounding sound as silenced
voices in the background. She moved like in a dream. She ran as fast
as she could but she felt like she was barely getting any closer. She
could see nothing but the faint movement of the wolf's side. She
could still save him. Hope let her breathe again.
“Hold
on Adam I'm there!” Amidala shouted and was tackled to the ground.
“No
you are not.” Cerise growled with her eyes yellow.
“I can still save him!” Amidala shouted.
“He's
gone. You get to the grove and protect it or else...” Cerise growled.
“Cerise!
What in the name of Godmother has gone into you? Are you insane!”
Amidala was confused and started to be scared as well.
“All she said was fables and tales!”
“All
you two been doing is endangering the wolves and my story!” Cerise
shouted.
“He
has but I'd never allow it to happen.” Amidala said looking Cerise
seriously to her eyes.
“You've
been letting it!”  
“I
haven't! I don't care do you follow tradition or your father's path
but you're letting a fellow wolf... If you care about him let me
go!” Amidala looked at Adam in despair. He was slipping away.
Amidala could feel it like the last water drops falling from your
palm. “Adam!”  
“You'll
let everyone down if you don't get out there and protect the grove!”
Cerise screamed as Amidala fought against her to get to Adam. She
stopped as she saw a dirt filled, bony arm around Cerise's leg. She
started to hear her surroundings again. The pounding. The honeyed
praising of the Fairy Queen that she gave to Cerise.
“She
never trusted you, she took you here only to use as a bait, why else
take two wolves? You were but a competitor. She doesn't care about
anything but herself. She lost her glory as she couldn't save you
all.” The Queen spoke softly to Cerise. “Let her say goodbyes to
her boyfriend, we're not monsters. Then you can finish her off.”
“Cerise...”
Amidala whispered in awe, looked at her and she hoped she could have
said she wouldn't believe her eyes but somehow she had always knew if
someone was to betray them it would be Cerise. She had grew so much darker
and bitter against her.
Raven
blasted a small wave to clear the enemies off around Darling.
“Get
up! We can't give in! I saw the grove got a new shield, Amidala made
it there.” Raven helped Darling to rise.
“I'm
exhausted Raven.” Darling sighed.
“We
can't stop now.” Raven encouraged as the Fairy Queens talk was
heard even near the forest border. “She'll finish her off soon.”
“Just
a bit longer.” Darling smiled and they answered to the attack they
had tried to defend themselves from. Fairy Queen's speech pierced the
air but Darling knew she tried to defeat them by talking.
“She's
lying. Amidala trusts us. She said this is where we can show what we
are made of.” Raven said and got new strength from the anger burst.
She had switched to dagger but she could blow this one more blast
wave. It didn't end the fight, but it did weaken the opponent.
“We're
the best damsels there is.” Darling said proudly. “Where is
Cerise?”
“You
were right not to trust them. They couldn't even keep themselves
alive.” Fairy Queen's words flew through the air.
“Cerise!
Adam!” Both girls screamed and fought even though Darling could
barely lift her sword and Raven had been hit so many times every move hurt
her too much.
“Look!”
Raven pointed and grinned from pain as a fire spirit hit her hand
burning it deeply. Near the globe there was an explosion of green.
They saw how even the big monsters fell. “Amidala is winning!”
“I
thought you would be my friend.” Amidala spat out and kicked Cerise
off her.
“I
thought I am!” Cerise shouted and only then saw the hand on her leg
which had crawled there like a parasite. The Fairy Queen had started to fed herself with
her. Cerise could almost feel the anger she had but she quite
couldn't reach there. She felt how she weakened.
“Amidala
the Fairy Queen is...” Cerise started almost panicking and looked
at the forest princess who cried in the ground feeling defeated. Hearing her
voice made Amidala grin painfully and lift her head towards the sky.
She opened her eyes.
“Enough!”
She screamed and let all her rage explode out of her. The Fairy Queen
screamed in pain and let go of Cerise. Amidala stood a second like
paralysed thoughts storming in her head and then she started running towards the grove.
“Away
from them, don't think it, let it be.” Amidala kept talking to
herself. She didn't first even realize the vines and leaves she was
stepping onto. When she realized them she made them taller. Cerise had started to
follow her but stopped as she faced the globe. All vines behind Amidala withered away. She turned her back at
it and looked at the few spirits that were slowly coming towards her.
She felt the globe vibrating with each hit. She hit her head to it
too. Amidala had run upwards and finally dropped herself to the top
of the globe and tried to hold on.
“Fairies!
Please let me in!” Amidala shouted. The fairies kept the shields on
as the monsters still attacked it from two sides. Amidala hit her
fist to the globe and cried in frustration.
“We
thank you for your help and would be grateful if you could provide
more shielding but we cannot let you enter.” One fairy flew near to
her looking suspicious. Humans were never allowed to the Fairy Grow
and the fairies were afraid as Amidala had proved to be a powerful
human. They were scared of the Fairy Queens words and Amidala's
actions that had token a darker turn. Amidala hit her hand to the
globe and the fairies flinched from fear. She let the magic flow out
of her but it was weak. Just like she was. Drained out like
the enchanted forest and the beautiful tree under her.
“Please,
I can save us. I can still save us from her.” Amidala cried.
“No
humans can enter.” The fairy said strongly.
“I'm
no human. I'm the forest princess.” Amidala felt she started
slipping. She tried to hold on to the glass-like surface.
“You
look like a human.”
“See
those trees? I tried to tell you help was coming. I would save us
all.” Amidala laid her head on the globe and let herself slide. She
was too tired, too betrayed, too sad and ready to give up. She fell
and closed her eyes. She didn't even mind the pain that hitting the
ground caused.
“Then
prove yourself and save the forest.” She heard a fairy speaking
right next to her. She opened her eyes and saw she was inside the
globe. She was in the Fairy Grove. She could hear the angry scream of the
Fairy Queen. All that was left from her army attacked the globe all
at once.
“We
can't keep it up much longer.” The fairy said. Amidala nodded
slowly.
“Is
that tree the source of Fairy Queens magic?” Amidala asked.
“Yes.
It and this grove but both have been withering since she went missing and
came back changed.” The fairy spoke silently and sadly. Amidala
walked on her all four nearer the tree and then stood up. She looked
at the dirty shadow of a fairy that screamed and hit the shield.
Amidala looked at her straight to her eyes and climbed up few rocks
to the trunk. The Fairy Queen kept screaming but noticed Cerise and
attacked her faster than she could have defended herself. Amidala
paid no heed for it but took her dagger and hit the trunk. The
fairies screamed and were about to stop Amidala but as she drew a
line and hit the trunk another time and drew the another line they
started to know the pattern.
“How
does she know?”
Amidala
drew the third line and two dots to the trunk and turned to the Fairy
Queen who had felt what she did and had dropped on her knees towards
the shield screaming in rage. Amidala dropped the dragger and lifted
her right palm towards the Fairy Queen who realized what she had
done. Her eyes widened with horror, she drew long lines with her long
fingernails to the weakening shield. Amidala was secretly relieved
that her hunch had been the right one. This had proven it.
“You
gave your mark to me, worm. You drained all the life from me, you
drained the Fairy Grove so feel now what it is to be drained!”
Amidala shouted and hit her palm to the mark in the trunk.
“Let
no branch ever reach to you, let no trunk ever give you a place to
lean, let no sap ever run in your veins, let no leave ever cover you
from sun and let no root ever give you it's life!” Amidala shouted
and gave everything she had in life and magic in her to revive the
tree. There was green glow that grew dimmer and Amidala dropped
unconscious towards the stones that were under the tree but an army
of fairies flew, caught her and put her gently down to the yellow
grass. Few started to heal her immediately, few flew back to
strengthen the shield even though the attack was now disoriented and
lacked power. As soon as Amidala breathed by her own the fairies
dropped fairywater to her mouth to revive her. It was the only
fairywater strengthen by the Fairy Queen's tree sap so it could bring
life literally back to a person fighting for it. The fairies hoped it
would be strong enough for her. They sat and waited.  
=== Gathering the Pieces ===
The
first thing Amidala saw when she could focus her eyes was a silver
leaf on the Queen's tree. She closed her eyes again and smiled. She
could hear the joy and wonder of the fairies as they saw the leaf
too. She heard from their talk the tree grew more leaves. She could
feel it grow more, she could feel it coming back to life. A single
drop of golden water dropped to the empty pond under the tree. She
opened her eyes as she received a kiss from a fairy.
“Thank
you, forest princess. You don't know what this means to us.” The
fairy smiled almost crying.
“I
have a hunch.” Amidala smiled and watched the tree growing leaves
like it just realized what it was supposed to do. Amidala could feel
it's strength, she felt strength in her body again too. Soon she
stood on her own feet and watched how the golden water started
carefully to drip between the rocks and slowly grew to steady stream
that started to fill the pond. She took a sip of the water and turned
to smile to the Fairy Queen that grew weaker and weaker by the
second. Her beast and spirits started to fade. Amidala felt strong
again, she felt faint whispers of Fairy Queens feelings and thoughts
as the magic of the tree flowed to her like the water flowed to the
pond. It was strong, much stronger than the earth magic she had.
“Fairies,
do not fear. She has no magic from here anymore. I will send her and
all that came with her away.” Amidala smiled to the fairies and
walked to the middle of the grove.
“Goodbye.”
She smirked to the Fairy Queen and shoot all the magic and strength
she had gathered all around her. The power of the blast made the
grove disappear in green light. The shield shattered like glass, the
Fairy Queen screamed and disappeared and all of her remaining minions
turned to dust. The blast shook even the very earth. Amidala panted
feeling weary. She enjoyed the feeling of strength flowing back to
her and looked at the tree victorious which had grown gold, bronze
and silver leaves that shone beautifully in the sunlight.
“Sunlight!”
Amidala realized and laughed. She turned and saw how the enchanted
forest was revived. It lacked the magic but it was sunny and alive
again. Amidala laughed happily and sat down by the pond to wait her
strength to build up again. She looked at the glimmering water and
then took few straw of grass and blew them gently to the water. Soon
there was golden goldfish swimming there happily. Few of the slower
fairies gasped.
“My
Queen, the trees will be enchanted as soon as they reach the water
again.” A fairy bowed to her.
“I'm
just a forest princess.” Amidala laughed and gave her finger for
the fairy to be shook. “Although
the magic of the tree will flow straight to me before we can ensure
the danger of the Fairy Queen is truly gone. I want to know what
changed her. I will come here every day and give the magic to the
forest so it will be as enchanted as it should ever after be.”
Amidala announced. The fairies cheered.
“I
know the tree is still growing it's strength but I now need to use
it's power to my friends, they have done as much as me to save you
and the grove and they need healing.” Amidala said seriously and
stood up. She walked to Cerise who had lost her consciousness in the
blast but was not injured by it as Amidala's blessed rock kept her
safe. Amidala looked at her legs, sighed painfully and healed them.
She was surprised of it, she didn't need ingredients anymore, she
just needed to give her health, give part of her to heal what had been hurt. Fairies
flew to Cerise and drank her a bit of fairywater. Soon she woke up a
bit confused and then looked around amazed. She hurriedly looked at
her legs and then to Amidala.
“Cerise
I'm sorry for all I did and said. You were right and you were the
true friend there. Thank you for it. I hope you can forgive me.”
Amidala smiled apologetic. Cerise jumped to hug her.
“I'm
sorry. I'm so sorry.” She cried.
“Don't
be. You were absolutely right that I would have been selfish and
doomed us all. You were amazing. It took huge courage to do what you
did there.” Amidala hugged her back.
“What
has happened?” Cerise looked at the lively, beautiful grove, green
trees and blooming flowers in the sun.
“The
Fairy Queen lost, we won.” Amidala got up smiling and gave her hand
to Cerise. “Come, let's search Raven and Darling.”
Cerise
stood up and grew doubtful but walked behind Amidala to where Darling
was laying on top of Raven shielding her.
“Oh
no, Raven!” Amidala cried out, lifted Darling carefully aside and
put Raven gently to lay in the ground. Amidala tried hard not to
think what they had been going trough here when she could have made
things to go faster.
“We
will get some sap.” Two fairies said seriously and curtsied to her.
“Thank
you but no need to, the sap is in my blood now. The fairywater is
enough and fairy kind of you.” Amidala smiled and left Cerises
asking face be. She concentrated hard and ran her hands over Raven
from head to toe. Cerise looked in awe how the wounds closed and Raven woke up confused but being well. Amidala smiled a
bit weary but knew it would pass fast.
“Please,
help me take the armour off from Darling before any questions.”
Amidala said and took the helmet off. “She must need water, please
bring her normal water too and more of it.” Amidala said and a
swarm of fairies flew hurriedly away.
“Amidala,
are you a Fairy Queen now?” Cerise asked carefully as she and Raven
helped her to get Darling to lay on the grass. Raven looked at
Amidala carefully and confused too. She wasn't sure what all had
happened when she had passed out but she had been badly hurt and now
all she had was torn clothes and she knew Amidala didn't know that
advanced healing and fairyhealing didn't make fairytales as new.
“No,
why on Godmother would you think so?” Amidala gave a laugh and then
grew serious. “I don't have wings, do I?”
“No
but if we won and you have the sap and the fairies... well, look at
yourself.” Cerise gave the chest plate and after a while of
searching Amidala found a place that wasn't dented too badly so she
could see herself. She shimmered like fairies and a piece of the
globe shield had broken down and dropped to her head and it looked
just like a crown. It was fairies magic glass and enchantingly
beautiful.
“I
guess every forest princess needs a crown?” Amidala grinned
uneasily and helped the fairies to give the fairywater to Darling.
They gave a whole lot more of it. Amidala didn't have much to heal in
Darling so she gave her just more strength so she could sit up and
drink. She rested a while and then faced her friends with a smile and
a big group hug.
“Not
a fairy, not a queen.” Amidala raised her finger warningly to
Darling who looked at her with her huge, blue eyes of wonder.
“What
has happened here?” Darling looked around in awe.
“We
won, yay!” Amidala hugged Raven. “Thank you both for risking yourself for the cause. I cannot ever after repay you what you have done
to me but if you ever need anything, just ask. Goes for you too,
Cerise.”
“Where
is Adam?” Raven asked. Amidala closed her eyes painfully and Cerise
looked at the ground and blushed.
“...but
that.” Amidala muttered.
“What
happened to him?” Raven looked at Amidala with serious, nervous
face. The Fairy Queen's words came to her mind but before she got the
question out Darling gasped and rose up.
“Darling
don't! Stop!” Amidala shouted and ran after her. She had turned
away in tears hand on her mouth when the others reached her and Adam.
Raven sighed and had to look away too.
“Why
you don't try your healing powers on him? I know what you did to my
legs, I saw how you fixed Raven!” Cerise whispered. Amidala looked
at the grove with a tight face and tried to hold her tears. Leaders
never showed if they were hurt or sad or scared.
“He
is way too far beyond my skills.” Amidala said silently feeling how
the water filled up in her eyes. “It
would take a dark sorcerer to bring him back and those powers aren't
to be played with. Besides, we don't have anything to trade him to.”
Amidala sighed sadly.
“Um,
Amidala? Daughter of the Evil Queen here.” Raven turned to her
raising her hand and then wiping tears off with it. Amidala looked
confused.
“Mother
taught me resuscitation when I was seven. She demanded me to learn it
right. I didn't like it and I don't like it but... I know how to do
it.” Raven said carefully. Amidala looked at her in awe. She
remembered she had read about Raven's childhood, how she had spent
time with her mother learning the dark arts. She had hated it but did
it to please her mother.
“You
are her daughter yes, but you're so sweet and nice so how...
Do you remember how?” Amidala asked almost fearing she wouldn't.
“These
are things we really shouldn't meddle with. I do grieve for him too
but isn't this too much?” Darling's voice was silent and scared.
“Raven
just doing what her destiny says she is to do? How could it be too
much?” Amidala asked her voice getting stronger.
“But...”
“I
can do it.” Raven said a bit uncomfortable. “I will do it. I just
need something we can trade him to so he won't be a ghoul or claimed
back.”
“Would
this do, your Majesty?” A fairy came shyly with a silver leaf from
the tree.
“No!”
Amidala said strongly for everyone's surprise. “We don't want to
risk the tree.”
“That
would have been perfect.” Raven said carefully.
“I
don't want anyone to have power over that tree or grove ever again
after me. It couldn't be brought down then. I don't want to take a
risk that anyone would have even a leaf from it to misuse.” Amidala
said. The fairies bowed smiling and took the leaf back. Cerise flew
to hug Amidala.
“I
am so sorry I understood you so wrong! I'm so sorry I made you to
make the choice! This is all my fault!” She cried.
“It's
only the Fairy Queens fault and no one else's. You still did the
right thing Cerise. If I would have healed him I wouldn't have had
the strength to save the grove. The grove was and is most important,
I just lost my focus there for a second.” Amidala hugged Cerise
hard. Raven and Darling listened in confusion.
“I
will trade him to me.” Amidala said finally.
“What?
No!” Raven shouted and took few steps backwards. “I won't do it.”
“Why
you would give yourself up now? The forest needs you!” Darling
shouted confused.
“She
just wants to save her boyfriend.” Cerise said.
“He is not my
boyfriend hex it!” Amidala
shouted angrily. “He has saved my life already and saved me from
doing stupid things many times so I owe this to him. Why I wouldn't
try to bring my friend back? I did it to all of you without
questioning.” Amidala looked at Cerise looking hurt.
“I
thought...”
“Stop
thinking and start asking! I'm having enough hurtful rumours in my
back without my friends adding more of them.” Amidala turned away
from Cerise who was red from her face and had her tail between her
legs. She almost cried as she felt so bad of everything she had done
to her without even noticing it.
“Amidala,
we will find something we can change him for.” Raven took her by
the shoulder.
“We
already have! Trust me. Either we will have no deal or we will have a deal and we all walk away here good as new.” Amidala said seriously.
“I'm
sorry, I won't. They always just try to trick us and we can't lose
you. I haven't done or seen this in ten years!” Raven said
seriously. Amidala bit her lip.
“Please?
Let's just hope they're still on the last chapter.” Amidala smiled
and after a while Raven laughed.
“You
really think we can pull it off?” She asked.
“Can
I handle the details of the deal?” Amidala asked.
“As
you're the merchandise you have the right for it.” Raven smiled.
“We
will wickedly pull this off.” Amidala grinned.  
=== Missing Chapter ===
I have decided to remove this chapter from the story on this wikia.
Short summary; Cerise and Darling has ran back to school as Amidala and Raven revive Adam and leave him to sleep on the clearing so he could return to his pack and old life normally from there. Raven hides and Amidala goes to face the faculty to the woods.
=== Back to School ===
Amidala wasn't sure
what had royally happened. The faculty found her from the forest,
Headmaster Grimm was going to expel her but the faculty told her to
keep on walking to the school and later in the evening she heard she
wasn't expelled after all. Elena was happy to get her room mate back,
Ashlynn and Hunter hugged her tightly and thanked her for getting the
forest open again. Lizzie Hearts had started to spend more time with
her all of a sudden. Raven, Darling and her smiled mystically to each
other every time they saw each other but they didn't really have time
to hang out. Amidala hadn't seen Cerise since and was worried about
her. Headmaster kept unusually low profile for a while but no one of
the faculty would tell Amidala what had changed his mind. She kept
most of the details about saving the grove to herself too but she had
to tell about the new magic she had and how she needed to release it
to the forest daily. She had found out if she kept away too long the
magic started to spill from her and make unhexpeted things grow or
change shape around her so she rather let it out where it belonged
to. Baba Yaga had gave her few of the larger crystal balls so she
could release the magic in those in case of emergency. The school was
in roar about the happenings and how Amidala had changed once again.
After the first day Amidala didn't wear her crown anymore as the talk
about her being the new Fairy Queen was starting to sound more than
just a rumour and it didn't help that Amidala was named the official
keeper of the enchanted forest. Otherwise she was busy in between her
studies, job and new found duty with the forest. After a week Amidala
came to conclusion the Fairy Grove needed to be hidden better than
just by fairy magic. She started to study how to build a magical
place out of Ever After where she could place the Grove but from
where it still could work like it did so far. She took piles of books
to the Fairy Hollow and discussed about the matter with Ashlynn,
Hunter and the fairies but the problem always lied that the enchanted
forest wouldn't reach it anymore like before. Amidala hadn't seen
Raven, Cerise or Darling much but she wanted to talk things trough
with them too, especially with Cerise. She just never seemed to have
time anymore.
“Oh dear, the time
spells! I'm almost late for work.” Amidala hexed and slammed her
kingdom management thronework to her bed and started quickly to
change clothes. Even though Raven, Cerise, Darling, Adam and Amidala
had agreed they wouldn't tell anyone about the happenings Amidala had
told most of what had happened to Elena. She turned on her chair.
“You haven't visited
the forest today.” Elena reminded worried. “And wasn't this your
night off?”
“Betty got a big
order she needs to do and quick so I'll go give in some hextra hours
for all the hextra help she has provided. I'll try to be quick and
visit the forest after that or in between.”
“So you'll be gone
late tonight too?” Elena asked silently.
“Yes. Is something
wrong?” Amidala turned to her while braiding her hair.
“It would just be
nice to hang out with you some time again.” Elena shrugged. “But
I understand that you have one destiny to fill already and you'll
turn us to tulips if you don't do it.”
“This Saturday, no
matter if the world would ever after end, we'll spend some quality
time together. That's a promise.” Amidala smiled to her. She had
planned to use the day to find out her friends and talk about how
everyone had got over about saving the grove but she couldn't bare to
see Elena's unhappy face.
“You said no matter
what last Friday and got caught up.” Elena said silently. “And
Wednesday before that.”
“I'm really sorry
about those Elena but I do have to go and deal with situations in the
forest if there emerges one. I need to keep the balance yet I feel
the balance is off all the time. Not badly but I don't know what
makes it so. That's why it's so important.” Amidala justified her
actions but it didn't make neither of them feel better.
“It's OK.” Elena
gave a small smile.
“Besides I didn't say
no matter what this time!” Amidala shouted from the door and ran
through the hallways. She almost bumped to Cerise.
“I'm sorry!” The
both said awkwardly until realized who they faced.
“Hi Cerise, howl are
things?” Amidala asked even though she was in hurry. She shrugged.
“You know, the
usual.”
“I have wanted to
talk with you as there is nothing usual about all what we've been
trough but I'm late from work. Could you please stop avoiding me and
meet me sometime?” Amidala held Cerise tightly. She looked really
uncomfortable.
“I... I guess.” She
said silently.
“Thank you Cerise.
Spell you later!” Amidala smiled and continued running. Even though
Ashlynn had protested loudly and often her going on barefooted around
Amidala had started to prefer it. She loved the feeling of cobble
stones under her bare feet when she went and came from work. She
slammed the door open with so much power it hit the wall and made a
dent in it. Amidala was startled by it herself also.
“You haven't been in
the forest?” Betty moaned. Amidala grinned apologetic while she
tied her apron. The magic didn't only make her magic strong, it gave
her more strength. Timed right she had used it to her advantage at
work but once she had turned the anvil to a pond of frogs and she had
had really hard time turning it back.
“I haven't got the
time yet. But I thought I'd steal it a little and enchant the swords
today you needed enchanted. It'll drain it off so I shouldn't make
surprises today.” Amidala said and went to get the swords.
“Are you sure you'll
get them right?” Betty asked. “I can just go and... wow.”
“I think I overdid
it.” Amidala sighed as the sword that was to be enchanted against
trolls had catchphrases against trolls etched to the blade. Amidala
swiped them away and handed it over to Betty. She could feel by the
hand if something was done right.
“Now it's good. If
you can control yourself with the rest it would save me quite a bit
of money. If you can handle all the enchantments.”
“Not two of them but
the rest I can do. What is the big order you got?” Amidala asked as
she took the next blade.
“MirrorPod covers.
Thousand of them.” Betty said unhexited. Amidala burst to laugh.
“You have to be
spelling me!”
“I wish I would. 500
of them needs to have kitty ears.” The contempt was almost
thick enough to be cut with a knife. Amidala laughed harder.
“Why you took the
order?”
“You won't believe
what they pay for this.” Betty grinned. Amidala smiled and
concentrated to enchanting the sword as Betty started to make the
first one. After Amidala was done with the weapons she started to
polish and finish the covers Betty had made. She couldn't help her
outbursts of laugh.
“Do you have a
mirrorPad?” Betty asked.
“No. I haven't yet
even bought a mirrorPhone. I should buy one as soon as I will have
time to go out shopping.” Amidala answered.
“How do you keep in
contact with your friends then?” Betty asked. Amidala blinked few
times.
“I know where their
dorm rooms are and what are their favourite spots. Before starting a
search I can always ask people have they seen them and usually I just
have to walk straight to where they are. I'm quite busy these days so
I don't have that much time even for my friends anymore.” Amidala
sighed.
“I'm sorry to call
you in on your free day but I really do need your help to get these
done in time.”
“It's okay. I'll see
few of them tomorrow in the forest and I promised Elena that I'll
give the Saturday to her and no excuses.” Amidala smiled.
“Okay, I won't ask
you in then.” Betty said sighing deeply. Amidala stopped polishing.
“Please tell me
you're joking.”
“Of course I am.”
Betty laughed. “This is kind enough from you.”
“Just paying off my
debt.” Amidala grinned.
Next day Amidala
managed to get a message to all of her sisters in crime in saving the
grove and asked them to meet her on the east terrace on Friday after
school. She had postponed too many things for too long and she had
made up her mind now she would get all done during the weekend. She
just hoped she could as the rumours flew there would be a page
ripping party on Saturday.
“If it's put together
by Briar it has to be hexellent!” A princess had said in the
hallway before she freaked out what she would wear. A bit worried
Amidala opened her dorm room door and was surprised to find Briar
sleeping in her bed.
“She came here three
hours ago to wait for you and fell asleep.” Elena explained.
Amidala blushed deep red.
“I was in the forest.
I wish I could duplicate me so I could be fairywhere where needed.”
Amidala sighed and sat to her bed. “Briar. Hey, Briar! Wake up!”
“Maybe you should
just get a prince to kiss her.” Elena grinned.
“Do you know what she
had to spell?” Amidala asked.
“Wait. You haven't
heard? I haven't told you either?” Elena dropped her parchments.
Amidala shook her head slowly having a feeling this was one of the
things everybody else loved except her. Like-
“-a Party! The most
spellbinding, hexellent page ripper of the year! Just to spellebrate
our newest hero who saved the forests. I call it Fairy Queens Ball!” Briar woke up talking immediately. Amidala screamed and
jumped off from her bed. “You are the most important guest of the
evening, it will be your
evening! Hex, maybe we can make it a new Blue Moon Forest
Festival!”
“Um,
how do you politely say no in these situations?” Amidala asked her
voice trembling a bit.
“Come
on Amidala, you're the Fairy Queen! You can't hide in your shell
forever! Blondie still thinks it's her failure as a journalist that
she didn't get an interview from you. Come and finally show all your
true self!” Briar begged.
“My
true self would be behind a tree having a panic attack. Briar, I'm
sorry but I'm just not so... comfortable in that kind of situations.”
Amidala sighed. “Besides only the fairies think me as their
majesty. I'm still just a forest princess.”
“But
I've been planning this party over a week!”
“You
could just call it We got the forest back -party? If you spellebrate
the forest you spellebrate me too.” Amidala tried. Briar moaned.
“Please
reconsider, Amidala.” Briar said disappointed and left. Amidala sat
to her desk and hit her head on it.
“Besides
I have something royally important for Saturday already!” Amidala
moaned silently.
“So
we reschedule?” Elena asked looking disappointed. Amidala lifted
her head.
“You
are my royally important for Saturday.” She smiled. “What time
the party starts? I don't want you to miss it.”
“Are
you sure you wouldn't come?” Elena tried carefully.
“Don't
you start too!” Amidala whimpered.
“It's
just that ever since Carl heard about it he's been a thorn in my
flesh about asking you there. 'But I can't ask her! She's the most
important person of the evening! She'll go with a true prince!'”
Elena copied Carl. Amidala laughed. “I'm really losing my
snowflakes with him.”
“I'll
talk to him.” Amidala promised. “We have some classes together
tomorrow.”
“Just
be careful, okay? He's really sensitive about this.”
“I'll
handle it like a true royal. You'll have my word, snow princess.”
Amidala curtsied. Elena laughed and jumped on Amidala's bed. She
looked at the leaves and stars.
“Do
you think these trees will change with the seasons?”
“Oh
you have seasons here? Awesome! I don't know. It would be great to
see all the colours but to wake up under a pile of leaves... not so
tempting.” Amidala grinned.
“But
when they would be bare I could do ice crystals and frost on them and
they would be oh, so pretty!” Elena sighed.
“Do
you do it? All that when winter comes?”
“No.
I will take ice and winter fairyever I will go. I do love to do them.
I once decorated my whole room with them but froze everything at the
same time that my maid slipped and almost flew out of the window!”
Elena giggled.
“You
can paint them here if you wish. I love the patterns too.” Amidala
smiled. Elena hugged her as thank you.  
Amidala
wasn't waiting the beast and care class with enthusiasm. They had a
lot of less injured animals to tend but lots of cleaning up to do
still in the refugee forest. She was anxious to meet Carl. It would
be an awkward class. She was happy they had riding in hero's training
so she could calm her nerves and relax while riding and cutting
pumpkin heads off.
“Well
done! I have never seen a freedom year rider being so good with the
horse. Princesses aren't usually that... what I meant to say you were
great out there.” A soon blushing prince said to Amidala smiling
nervously.
“Thanks.”
Amidala answered indifferently. She knew where this was heading.
“Um,
have you heard about the party on Saturday?” The boy continued.
“The
one held to my honour? No, can't say that I have.” Amidala answered
as blankly as before.
“Yeah,
stupid question, of course you knew. I just thought would you like to
go there with me?”
“Look,
we have never talked before, I don't even know your name, you have
been booing on me on the first classes so no. I won't go with you.”
Amidala hopped back to the back of the horse and rode towards the
village. She might as well lend the horse for the next class. She
left the blushing prince to think about his or her manners and
trotted the small sideways trough the village until she reached the
forest. She was one of the first students there.
“The
forest looks good to me, why are we still here?” One of the
students asked another.
“Not
all small animals are willing to move back but we can't let them stay
here. This isn't their natural habitat.” Amidala said.
“Forest's
a forest, what does it matter?” Another sighed.
“Want
a lecture?” Amidala grinned. The students glanced at her angrily
and turned away. Amidala had got anxious again and she knew she would
be snappy while that way.
“Excuse
me, Amidala? Couldn't you just talk to them?” Erika came to her
carefully.
“We've
tried it twice. They think this is better and quieter place but here
is less territory and food for all of them. Reasoning with animals is
sometimes impossible.” Amidala gave a smile.
“I've
heard you're about to cage small animals!” Rosabella ran to the
forest with a big plaque that said “Cage me no more!”. “That is
cruel and unnecessary!”
“Hi,
Rosabella.” Amidala waved her hand. Rosabella's jaw dropped open.
“YOU're
in this too?” She almost shouted.
“Of
course. We have tried that they would have moved with the others, we
have tried talking to them, but they won't listen.” Amidala said.
“Why
can't they stay?” Rosabella asked.
“Here's
is not enough food for all who wants to stay and this is not their
natural habitat. This isn't their home, this is another animals
home.” Amidala smiled.
“Can't
you move them by any other way than by cage?” Rosabella sighed.
“Cages
don't hurt them, dear. We could try carrying if they would stay put.
Want to give it a try? We have plenty of students so we could get
them out in a week.” Amidala took Rosabella's hand and led her to a
small hole from where a rabbit looked out.
“For
the final time, we aren't moving!” He said and looked at Amidala
angrily.
“He's
afraid.” Rosabella said. Amidala lifted her eyes. She knew
Rosabella could see others what they were as an aura around them. The
rabbit run back to his hole.
“Why
are you afraid?” Amidala asked to the hole. “If you have heard
the Fairy Queen has returned, she has. I am right here.”
“The
rumours were true?” Rosabella sighed.
“I
don't want to call myself that, I want the fairies to be free and
safe without a protector who could turn against them. They do call me
it but I will be the last one and will not bare the tainted name.”
“Is
it true?” The rabbit came back and looked at Amidala.
“I
don't use the crown. If you want, I have a horse right there and we
could ride to the enchanted forest, you can look with your own eyes
what it is like in there and then we come back. I need to visit the
forest anyway. What do you say?” Amidala smiled.
“No
cage?” Rosabella made sure.
“Well
I'll have to hold on tight.” Amidala grinned and looked at the
pondering rabbit. “That is your true home.”
“I
guess I could come and see.” The rabbit said. Amidala stood up.
“Want
to walk to the horse?” She asked and received a nervous nod from
the rabbit. They walked slowly to the horse. Amidala noticed Carl had
came but was glad he was so nervous he didn't dare to come to her and
startle the rabbit.
“Poppa
bear!” Amidala called. “Rosabella here helped me to understand
the animals better. I will take this rabbit to the enchanted forest
so he can decide will he move. We will use the horse so we won't be
away too long. You might want to take Rosabella's help with the
others.”
Poppa
Bear and Rosabella looked at each other unsatisfied but agreed to
work on together. Amidala hoped they would learn to see each others
point of view better as she galloped away with the rabbit inside her
rolled hem. She was happy that she could visit the forest during
school hours, it would mean she wouldn't be a catastrophe at the
work.
“I
will do my work at the forest now so you can look around freely. I
will call you when I'm ready.” Amidala smiled to the rabbit and let
him down to look at the sunny and glimmering, beautiful forest.
“The
enchanted forest...” The bunny said quietly.
“Is
almost as enchanted as it was before.” Amidala said let her magic
loose on the forest. It made the shrubs grow, flowers bloom and trees
look stiffer. “I still have few corners left that I haven't even
visited but I hope they have grown already on their own.”
“My
Queen, I am sorry I haven't listened to you earlier. We all do want
to come back home.” The rabbit bowed.
“So
are you ready to go back now?” Amidala knelt to the rabbit.
“I'm
ready to move out now.” The rabbit smiled. Amidala made a little
rain of glimmering magic pieces over him.
“Thank
you, you will move then with my blessing. Could you help me talk to
the others as well?” Amidala asked as they rose up on the horse.
“If
you wish so.”
“Thank
you.” Amidala squeezed the rabbit a bit. They came back to the
refuge forest and as soon as the rabbit got down he ran away.
“Well?”
Rosabella hurried to her.
“They
will move back and he tries to convince others to go too. Thank you
for your help Rosabella, I have seen only anger and frustration but
not the fear.” Amidala smiled to the girl who blushed a bit.
Amidala noticed that Carl still stayed far away from her so she
walked to him.
“What
have I done that you don't even greet me anymore?” Amidala asked
pouting.
“Oh,
nothing, I mean nothing!” Carl straightened himself up.
“You
look as anxious as me as I heard about the party.” Amidala gave a
laugh. Carl blushed a bit.
“You're
not thrilled?” He asked.
“I
do know Briar means all the good in the world but still throw a party
to me? I would hate to let her down though.” Amidala sighed.
“You
haven't decided will you go?” Carl asked hopefully. Amidala shook
his head. “You must have had people lining up to go with you!”
“I
know only two of them and both aren't worth even mentioning. Everyone
just wants to go because they would be on the spotlight. If I go I'd
rather go with someone I know and could count on to cover my panic
attacks.” Amidala sat down. She looked at Carl grinning in her
head.
“I
could go with you. If you go.” Carl said trying to sound casual.
“It
would be nice to go with a friend. The spotlight wouldn't hurt you
either, people would finally start to notice you.” Amidala smiled.
Carl thought about it.
“You
really think so?” He asked unsure.
“If
we make a grand entrance.”
“You
hate those and hate parties.”
“But
I could make two people happy here and maybe it wouldn't be so bad. I
can't know if I don't try.” Amidala took a deep breathe and tried
to be brave. The very though chilled her.
“You
don't have to do this because of me.” Carl said silently.
“Well,
I'll ask will Elena be my date then.”
“Hey,
I was first in line!” Carl lifted his head. He looked at grinning
Amidala and started to smile.
“What
time should I pick you up?” Carl asked and bowed.
“I'll
ask Briar.” Amidala smiled as she saw there was a rush of small
animals from the forest.
“We
want to go back!” They shouted. Poppa Bear smiled to Rosabella and
together they started to lift the animals to the carriage Poppa Bear
always dragged behind him. Amidala smiled too as they had finally
found some common ground.
“Poppa
Bear! Will you use the horse to pull the carriage?” Amidala asked.
“I
will go slower but steadier.” He answered.
“Then
I will take her to the stables so I won't be late from my next
class.” Amidala informed and rode away.    
After school Amidala
worked some hextra hours in again so they could get almost all
mirrorPhone covers done. Amidala told Betty about the party Briar
wanted to throw for her and how she felt about it. Betty twisted thin
steel to it's shape and added leather around it in silence. They
worked like that for a while.
“You know what? Do
it.” Betty said finally. Amidala looked at her asking. “You
haven't been in any parties in here so you don't know will it be as
horrible as you think. You did a good thing there, why not enjoy a
little recognition especially if you can make many people happy at
the same time and help some to get new friends.”
“Party is a party.
Lots of people and noise and I didn't do it on my own. I so would
want the others to get the recognition they deserve as well. I do
want Carl to be noticed and make Briar happy. After that it would all
the same to give Blondie the scoops she wants and make her happy
too.” Amidala pondered out loud.
“How can it be that
you're ready to face evil face to face in a blink of an eye but are
so scared about spending a night with your friends?” Betty smirked.
“It would be the
whole school!”
“They stay in their
own groups. Your friends would be with you. What's so horrible about
that?”
“I don't want to be the 
centre of attention.” Amidala said uneasy.
“Why?” Betty asked
but Amidala didn't answer. She was odd looking and in wrong world,
she would be revealed to everybody that she was a fake and everyone
would leave her. Point and laugh, scream mean things.
“Hey, what ever you
fear you can beat it.” Betty said as Amidala had turned away as she
couldn't hold her tears in. “If you give up the fear wins and you
haven't been running away from anything until now.”
“I'll think about
it.” Amidala said quietly. Betty had a solid point. She came here
and almost immediately came up with a story and started to play the
faculty to the sound of her drum. When she was needed she took the
mission and did it. Why she couldn't just go? It would make her more
normal.
Amidala cling to the
word normal. She walked slowly off from work and looked at the
students heading back to school. Many coming from shopping. Amidala
stopped to look at the dresses in the store window. Would her gown
do? She was happy she room mated with someone who knew the direct
answer.
“No.” Elena smiled
as she looked at her gown.
“I think it's pretty
and very princess...” Amidala defended her dress.
“For boring
occasions. You need something that will be noticed immediately.
Normal grand coming in will look like sneaking in next to you! We
need more skin!” She clapped her hands.
“No! No skin! You've
seen... I don't want anyone to see my bruises and scars.”
“They just show you
fought to free the forest.” Elena said lightly but the grim look
made her grew serious also. “All right, no skin. I was just
thinking about to show some leg.”
“The worst.”
“You know, we do have
a royal seamstress in here, if you'd just have the time we could go
and make you one that you would be comfortable in but what I say
would rule.” Elena smiled.
“On one condition.”
Amidala sighed.
“What?” Elena
sighed.
“You get a dress to
kill at the same time.” Amidala grinned. Elena laughed and jumped
to hug her.
“As you wish, your
highness!” She giggled and then grew serious. “Will you wear shoes?”
===Dresses and Damsels===
Elena wanted to hext the news to Briar first thing in the morning but Amidala wanted to tell the news herself after classes so she hoped she would see her at lunch. She walked to the castleteria but Briar was nowhere to be seen. Amidala sighed and sat down to an empty table. Soon Ashlynn and Hunter joined her.
"Hi." Ashlynn said shyly.
"Hi?" Amidala answered confused of the tone she was talked to and how awkward the pair was.
"Is everything alright?" Hunter asked.
"More or less. Have you seen Briar?"
"She's at the forest planning the party." Ashlynn said quietly.
"Well I hope I'll catch her there then." Amidala continued eating but stopped as she watched the faces of her friends. "What is wrong?"
"We're just a bit worried as you..." Hunter started quietly.
"I'm sorry I haven't spent so much time with you anymore but I have been royally busy."
"It's not so much us but others. I know you're shy but you royally hurt Blondie's and Briar's feelings by saying no. They just wish you would start to open up a little. If you wouldn't be such a mystery there wouldn't be all these rumours flying around either." Ashlynn lifted the cat on the table. Amidala blushed.
"Well I was searching Briar to tell her that I would come and do as she wished and then it would be all the same to give Blondie what she wants. No, I don't like this but I can make so many of my friends happy by going there that I don't want to let them down. I know I haven't been the best of friend to anyone lately but I'm starting to have more time in my hands so I will have time for others too soon." Amidala sighed.
"That's nice to hear." Hunter smiled.
"I'm sorry if I have hurt you two." Amidala said seriously with sad tone and got up. She had to find Briar. She didn't know this all was so annoyingly important to her friends. She ran to the forest and soon heard voices from nearby clearing. Briar was there with Holly, Poppy, Dexter and Humphrey. It seemed they planned the lights and decorating of the place.
"Amidala! I haven't seen you in a while!" Holly noticed her and waved happily. Everyone turned to face her with more or less happy faces.
"Um... Hi all." She said awkwardly as she walked closer.
"On your daily forest trip?" Poppy asked.
"No, I was actually searching for you Briar."
"I have thought about the new name but they sound lame." Briar said with a hint of accusing in her tone.
"You don't need to change the name. I'll come and I would like to make a grand entrance." Amidala said unhexited.
"You will? Who is forcing you?" Briar crossed her hands and looked at her with tight lips.
"Peer pressure." Amidala grinned. "I'm sorry it hurt your feelings that I don't want to come but I will for you and for my other friends. The grand entrance would be for Carl. He is almost invisible to everyone due his story so with that he would surely be noticed now and afterwards. It could change his script around."
"A royally grand entrance. That is a brilliant idea! All lights would go dim and suddenly there would be different music and from that road you would come with all spotlights on you! You have to wear your crown. The fairies could fly with you in dropping petals..."
"No petals. I don't want flowers to be ripped bare for me." Amidala interrupted. "I don't want this to hurt the forest."
"I promise it won't." Briar smiled like sun. "What will you wear?"
"Elena and me will see the royal seamstress today." Amidala sighed.
"Will you wear shoes?" Briar asked carefully but didn't get an answer as Amidala walked away. Why everyone was asking her that? The dress would hide her feet anyhow! She sat next to a flower bush and let her magic flow through the flowers making them glimmer. A fairy carefully approached her and cleared his throat.
“Your Majesty, I'm sorry to interrupt but it seemed you do not approve this party?”
“I do approve it and I do appreciate the title you have given me but I'm just not comfortable with everyone spellebrating only me and I am not even the real Fairy Queen here. I don't want to lie to fairytales.”
“May I speak straightforwardly?” The fairy sat on a flower looking serious and a bit nervous.
“Of course.”
“If you really have the tree sap in you, if you are one with the Fairy Queens Tree, if you are the only one who can keep balance in enchanted forest you are the true Fairy Queen no matter what others would say or what you would think. The shattering globe crowned you then, everyone saw it. You saved us. We can keep a coronation for you if it would...” The fairy boy spoke silently, every word jingling like a small bell.
“I do not wish a coronation, thank you.” Amidala interrupted. “I just have a feeling I didn't defeat the Fairy Queen once and for all. Or then I just have memories of her that has came from the tree.”
“That is unsettling to hear.” The fairy boy moved nervous. “We all saw her fading away.”
“I know. Maybe I worry for nothing.” Amidala smiled. “The water has spread wide, soon I don't have to come here so often.”
“The forest is blooming.” The fairy boy smiled. “The Tree is more alive than ever.”
“Yet I feel that it doesn't run through me so much anymore, it goes straight to the forest. I like it that way. I will soon have more time for my friends. Speaking of which, I would have a favour to ask.” Amidala smiled a small, cunning smile and whispered her wish to the fairy. The boy smiled and bowed.
“Your wish is our pleasure to fill.” He said and flew away. Amidala watched him go and walked back to school. She could do her thronework before the last class. She wasn't enthustiastic about Mr. Nimble's classes. He was a popular teacher and almost everybody liked him but Amidala felt he was just making fun of the students and didn't appreciate it. Every class she took she felt less and less interested to show up.
“Today dear fairytales, we start learning elemental magic. How to control the power of the elements? Some of you have natural born gift to some element but do you really know how it works?” Jack B. Nimble spoke dramatically. Amidala didn't like the drama but was interested in the subject. She did understood some of it but as she couldn't make the ice magic work she didn't get all of it. And now what she needed was knowledge of it. She listened hard and practised harder.
“Miss Amidala, we are practising to control air not ice.” Mr. Nimble scolded Amidala who tried to make a winter breeze but only got out few snowflakes.
“Sorry.” She mumbled and tried to create a small tornado like the others. She started to grow frustrated as she couldn't get it right.
“Your mind is not in it. Did you listen at all what I told you? What is the common maker in everything?” Mr. Nimble was once again next to Amidala.
“I did listen. I just can't get it right.” She huffed annoyed.
“Anger isn't going to help. Think. Concentrate.” Mr. Nimble said strictly. Amidala wished they would have been taught fire spells so she could have made a small burn on his behind. She sighed and tried to clear her mind and understand truly what had been said. She thought about earth magic and fairy magic and how they worked. How her magic worked differently from Ever After magic but it worked. Then she realized the point. It was so simple that she hadn't seen the forest from the trees.
“A little tornado, a small winter breeze, sprinkle in rain, make everything freeze.” Amidala tried and almost clapped her hands in happiness as she had created a frozen tornado.
“Show off.” Someone mumbled behind her. Amidala blushed and hurriedly made just a small tornado that whirled on the table. She didn't want to show off, she just wanted to test did she get it right. Mr. Nimble was on her again with sharp eyes but saw only the small tornado going around.
“Pass.” He said suspiciously and walked away still turning to look at Amidala with darkened face. Amidala breathed out slowly. She had a feeling things would get harder on her in these classes.
Elena was already waiting her in the royal seamstress room. So was Ashlynn and Briar.
“Um, hi. What are you all doing here?” Amidala asked nervously.
“I am the most fashionable princess in the school so I came to help you and Elena out. Your grand entrance will be The Biggest. Entrance. Ever. After. You are the Fairy Queen and nothing that isn't suitable for a Queen aren't to be added.” Briar snapped her fingers.
“Wouldn't Lizzie or Apple be good for adviser then?” Amidala asked.
“I also will be one, you already are one.” Elena grabbed her hand and took her on a pedestal to be measured.
“Ashlynn?” Amidala asked as she sat down and looked how Briar and Elena brainstormed with the seamstress.
“You will wear shoes. I will see the gown and then we go to my shop and you will put on enchanting pair of shoes and will use them.” Ashlynn said unhexpectedly strictly. Amidala started to feel cold sweat rising. Did she have any authority over herself anymore?
“Silk, satin or chiffon?” Elena asked and woke Amidala from her thoughts.
“Silk and chiffon.” She answered without even thinking about it over.
“Told you she would go with them!” Elena said smirking to Briar who pouted her lips.
“Shiny silk.” She answered.
“Amidala, we have the sketch ready, what do you think?” Elena asked smiling. Amidala came nervously to a large table that was filled with luxury fabrics. She looked at the picture.
“Are those my legs?”
“You got to give fashion a chance!” Briar pleaded.
“Absolutely no legs!”
“I tried to say that.” Elena defended herself.
“Why not?” Briar put her hands to her waist and looked Amidala challengingly. Amidala straightened to her whole length and looked Briar straight to the eyes with determination.
“Because I say so.” She said with a commanding voice.
“Uu, nice evil queen touch there. How about if we lower the hem here?” Briar smiled and drew a new line.
“Just over the ankles. That is the highest you can go.” Amidala said strictly. Briar moaned and Elena smiled smugly. “Briar, listen to what Elena says. She knows me well.”
“But it will be so old fashioned!”
“I thought you were the most fashionable princess in the school and you can't make it with full hem? Tsk! I think Elena will snatch your place if you don't step up your game.” Amidala scolded and smiled to the determined face that threw the sketch away and started to draw new one. Elena grinned to Amidala and as she had made a sketch about her dress she went and picked up the fabrics in the meantime. Every time she walked past Briar she pointed something out that should be done otherwise. Briar nodded and let the pencil fly.
“Top that, ice princess!” She finally shouted. Elena and Amidala came to look at the gown.
“Wow, it's like you would have thought about me while drawing this.” Amidala laughed.
“And if we remove this layer and add four of these it'll be lighter and move gently with the breeze.”
“But it won't sparkle!” Briar protested.
“Instead of those sleeves we will go bigger.” Elena drew the changes. Briar and Amidala watched the picture a while and then hugged Elena.
“It's beautiful.” Briar smiled.
“It's so grand and big and will get all the attention but it looks like me. I love it. You are a great pair!” Amidala was almost in tears.
“Would you like to look at my gown and say what you think about it?” Elena asked Briar and they walked to the other side of the table as Ashlynn came and took a firm grip from Amidala's hand.
“First we visit a beauty salon that will do something to your feet and after that you'll get some shoes.”
“I love walking barefooted.” Amidala sighed.
“Amidala, I say this as your friend and because I care about you. Many princesses looks down on you as you don't act like a proper princess should. They question are you a princess at all. There are rumours that you are just a lying village girl who has everybody fooled and the thing with forests was just you manipulating the faculty to believe there was something there so you could claim you would be now a queen.” Ashlynn said silently as they walked towards her shop. Amidala stopped first ashamed how right they were, then about how bad the rumours had got.
“They don't see that it is suited for a forest princess?” Amidala asked.
“You're in high school, not kindergarten. Here we act like we should and walking barefooted isn't a thing you can speak off. You can blame it on being a rebel or a forest princess but they will look down on you.”
“Why should I care what they think of me?” Amidala rolled her eyes.
“Because one of them is Her Majesty the White Queen and as your story doesn't have backing up she has talked about expelling you as a fake. Headmaster doesn't seem to be too fond of you either and I don't want to see you go.” Ashlynn sighed. Amidala stopped her.
“How long this has been going on and where have you heard all of this?”
“Before you even went to the forest. Briar and Blondie hears a lot of rumours and my little animal friends has heard some of the talks the White Queen has had with the Headmaster.”
“Why you haven't talked about this sooner?” Amidala felt overwhelmed.
“I have tried to talk you to use shoes!”
“If you would have told all this I would have!”
“You were so hurt by all the rumours, I didn't want to hurt your feelings even more.” Ashlynn took Amidala's hand and they walked in silence for a while.
“Thank you for telling me all this. I have kingdom management tomorrow. Let's show Her Shiny White Schemer what a real queen looks like.” Amidala said with determination. She wasn't just annoyed, she felt betrayed by her advisor and wanted to shut her mouth for good.
“Don't do anything you will regret.” Ashlynn pleaded.
“I might regret the face treatment but let's hope my face isn't red tomorrow. Come on! I have feet, hands and face to treat!” Amidala smiled. Laughing Ashlynn followed her to the beauty salon. Ashlynn had a massage meanwhile Amidala was scrubbed, whet, cleaned, cut, moisturised and painted. Ashlynn smiled amused thinking about the faces people must have had when Amidala showed her feet.
“Well, Cinderella? Are these feet that would go to glass slippers?” Amidala lifted her hem.
“Now I'm not afraid to put your foot to my shoes, it will be my pleasure!” Ashlynn laughed. Amidala got a pair of slippers to use while walking to the Glass Slipper Shoe Store and as a reward for going through the treatment Ashlynn got them hocus lattes on the way.
“This is actually really good! What is this?” Amidala sipped her drink.
“Pumpkin latte with extra foam and caramel syrup.” Ashlynn smiled. “I thought you might like it.”
“It's like ice cream but I can drink it.” Amidala laughed.
"I know! This is one of my favourites too." Ashlynn smiled and opened the store door. "Now, two rules."
"Everything is heeled so I guess first would be no flat shoes." Amidala said.
"The second is that you will take two pairs. One pair for the party and another one to use every day."
"I have to walk on that high heels every day? I'm not used to it!" Amidala protested. Ashlynn didn't even listen, she went through her shoe collection.
"Try these on." She brought her a pair of brown leather high heels with wedge heel and silver ornament decorations. Amidala had to admit they were beautiful. She tried them on but they didn't feel just right.
"I need a bit larger shoes." Amidala whispered embarrassed.
"Did you like the look?"
"Yes, those are beautiful." Amidala smiled. Ashlynn nodded and went for another pair of brown leather shoes. They had wedge heel also but the heel was higher.
"Wow. I'll be the tallest girl in Ever After with those!"
"Go on, try them on. They go all the way to your knees so you could use shorter hems sometimes too." Ashlynn encouraged. Amidala smiled a bit embarrassed looking but tried them on. The fit was perfect. She stood up and really was almost a head higher than Ashlynn suddenly. She took few steps and blushed. Ashlynn smiled all knowingly and then went and snatched a pair of emerald green heels that looked like they were made from thin lace and jewels.
"Your party shoes." She informed. Amidala looked at the pair but as Ashlynn put them in the bag she trusted she knew better and stayed silent. After all, she had found her the perfect pair of every day shoes! Ashlynn grabbed her hand but Amidala stood still thinking.
"I think I need to buy a third pair. I can't use neither of these at work." She finally said.
"Blacksmithing isn't really a good ever after school job to a becoming Queen." Ashlynn said carefully.
"How many does know about it? I haven't told it around." Amidala tilted her head and looked at her friend demandingly. She hated to think that all the rumours and bad mouthing of her would have started just because her friends told about her to people.
"Apple has been a bit upset about it and the word spreads fast. You know, you could help your cause a lot if you'd give Blondie the interview."
"She'll get it at the party." Amidala sighed. "I hope after that I could study in peace. I came here thinking this would be a welcoming place but I guess there is mean girls everywhere."
"Apple isn't mean!" Ashlynn shouted defending her friend.
"I didn't mean her. Though she can be really unemphatical towards the people who doesn't have it as well as she." Amidala sighed. "And I'm not giving up blacksmithing."
Amidala walked out of the store. Soon Ashlynn ran and caught up with Amidala. They walked towards the school in silence. You would think a girl would be happy after getting two pair of new shoes but Amidala felt horrible. How could people judge all that she did when they didn't even know really what she did? Why they even cared? She wasn't like Apple or Raven, she wasn't that important, in school hierarchy she was no one yet still people bothered to go on about her.
"Are they good to walk on?" Ashlynn asked to break the ice.
"You know these are perfect. You know shoes."
"I have been wrong before." Ashlynn said.
"What do you mean by that? Am I now wrong? Not supposed to be here? What does people want of me?!" Amidala shouted frustrated.
"No! I didn't mean it that way! Amidala, wait! I'm sorry!" Ashlynn shouted after her then sighed painfully, took the shoe bag and walked back to school. Amidala had ran to forest yet stayed clear of the place where the party would take its place. She felt confused and annoyed. She tried to give everyone what they wanted of her so she could be left alone and continue without scandals. Yet even her own advisor was against her. Baba Yaga had said there would be no one helping her even if she would come back victorious but there had been someone or several people in the faculty that got her off the hook and she wasn't expelled. But she had done her part that she was brought here for, Baba Yaga nor Maid Marian didn't need her anymore so would she have anyone backing her up this time? She felt like shouting from frustration, she couldn't make sense to any of it anymore, but she did have few dear friends in Ever After High and she wasn't willing to go and leave them behind. She lifted her chin and walked back to school determined that no matter would come her way, she would make it. After all, she lied her way in so she might as well lie her way out of everything. She came to her dorm and saw a bag from Glass Slipper Shoe Shop behind her door. She sighed, put the bag inside and went to find Ashlynn to talk things over.
The wind wasn't cold neither hard on the east terrace like it had been before. Amidala sat there nervously waiting for others. The place held so much memories already it felt hard just sit there and look at the scenes in peace. She waited something bad to happen but instead she heard the door opening. She turned to look and started smiling.
“You came!” She ran to hug Cerise.
“You wanted me to.” Cerise said silently. She looked at Amidala in doubt. She had never seen her with shoes and even less with a skirt that was just under her knees. She had fancy hairdo also and even make-up.
“I got a lecture about my looks yesterday.” Amidala said embarrassed. She had shut White Queens mouth for a long time appearing in the class like a queen made by Elena. She tried to feel confident and in ease in her new look but she wasn't too fond of it.
“You do look... different.” Cerise said carefully.
“Oh good, I'm not the only one hating this.” Amidala sighed and got a smile out of Cerise. “I haven't seen you around at all.”
“Yeah well, about it...”
“Cerise? Oh my Godmother, Cerise!” Raven flew to hug Cerise with force. “I haven't seen you in ages!”
“I haven't been avoiding you guys, it's just that father did know I was part of saving the forest and he was fairy angry I went against his direct orders not to. I've been grounded. It hasn't been that bad, I have had to go home with father so I have got to spend time with my family but the growling has been getting my neck fur up. I'm so glad I'm not grounded anymore.” Cerise huffed.
“That's not fair. You are able to make your own decisions.” Raven said displeased.
“Sometimes he treats me like a cub!” Cerise growled and walked to sit on a bench. “Weird to be here again.”
“I know.” Amidala smiled and sat next to her.
“I'm glad it's peaceful.” Raven said and came to sit with them too. “What's up with your new look, Amidala?”
She sighed and told all Ashlynn had told and what she had tried to do. Raven laughed.
“I'm not even picking a side! Why they are forcing me to be a royal?” Amidala moaned.
“Maybe because you look like one?” Cerise grinned. Amidala started to open her hair and tried to messy it up when Darling came in.
“I'm sorry, am I late? What has happened to you?” She looked at Amidala with messy hair and smudged make-up. She got laughter and a hug as an answer.
“I know what happened to Raven but I've been worried about you and Cerise, has things been bugging you as you ran away?” Amidala asked.
“It bugged me then but I have had enough time to go things trough in my head. I'm cool with you Amidala if you are with me.” Cerise said carefully. Amidala fist bumped her grinning.
“Have you seen Adam?” Darling asked carefully.
“No. He has been visiting the forest though. Have you met him Cerise?”
“I haven't been allowed to meet even you, how would I have the permission to meet him?” Cerise rolled her eyes.
“I'm just worried about the.. you know.” Darling blushed charmingly. Amidala and Raven switched looks.
“All went fine, just like we planned. We got him back and Death got my old self from my old home.” Amidala said smiling.
“You can't then...”
“I was dead there.” Amidala interrupted. Darling blushed deeper red.
“I'm sorry.” She said silently.
“It's all right. We had something to swap and we all could go on our lives. I just wanted to make sure you all are fine with everything and if something has been bugging you we could talk it over.”
“Well I haven't had any use for my armour since.” Darling sighed and the three others burst to laugh.
“What's next on the adventure list?” Raven asked grinning.
“How about tea and scones?” Cerise suggested.
“You really all are cool with things?” Amidala asked a bit confused. Three girls shrugged.
“Something bugging you?” Darling asked.
“The upcoming party.” Amidala said unhexited.
“Briar loves to plan parties.” Raven smiled.
“But I'm hogging all the credit! Cerise, you're caught. You could come and share the recognition with me?”
“Can't. Not allowed to go to the party. Another evening with my parents.” Cerise sighed but smiled. Amidala moaned.
“We really don't mind, Amidala. We would just get in trouble, it was amazing that there wasn't any consequences for you.” Darling said smiling sweetly.
“I was about to get expelled and the White Queen tries still to get me expelled. I don't know did I really get out of the hook or what happened but I guess as long as the enchanted forest needs me I'm quite safe.” Amidala shrugged. “But I think I'm hanging on a thin branch still. I have to stop at least the rumours and see can I then look like myself or do I have to keep this silly dress -up game on.”
“Oh so that's with the... look.” Darling smiled amused. “I'd wash my face before the scones.”
“Oh yeah, we undo did it.” Amidala giggled. “I'll wash my face and tie my hair and then how about a long night with a lot of catching up?”
“Sounds hexellent to me.” Raven stood up smiling.
The thing about Saturday.
Amidala woke up as someone sat to her bed.
“I can't have an hour more of sleep?”
“I can't sleep.” Elena sighed and yawned.
“I can.” Amidala hid her head under her blanket.
“But it's our day! And before it we need to go and try on our dresses. And the sooner we go the more time we can spend together before getting ready to the party!” Elena fell down over Amidala who groaned annoyed.
“That's not together time also?” Amidala gave up and threw her blanket over Elena who giggled.
“I might have invited some friends over so we can help each other to get ready.” Elena confessed and looked from under the blanket how annoyed roommate she had at the moment. She didn't have a happy roommate. “But I have a surprise for you.”
“I'm thinking of jumping off the window and running away. Don't push your luck.” Amidala yawned frowning. She really wasn't a morning person.
“No! It's a good surprise! I promise!” Elena got up hurriedly. “It's not only from me. It's from... well, you'll see.”
“Is it worth getting up?” Amidala yawned again.
“A big cup of black hocus coffee is waiting for you downstairs.”
“That's worth of getting up.” Amidala smiled.
“I'm not?” Elena pouted.
“I would have got up! Eventually.” Amidala grinned and put on her leaf patterned gown. Elena sighed and hurried Amidala up as she brushed her hair. Amidala started to grow nervous and suspicious, Elena was never this inpatient. She feared she would have to face big crowds or... well, Amidala had to confess to herself that nothing was as bad as waiting for the party. She hadn't slept well as she feared it so much. It was too late to turn away now, she thought as they set to walk to the royal seamstress. Elena almost bounced of happiness and she reminded Amidala of Maddie as she was speaking so fast she stumbled in her own words but didn't let that slow her down. Amidala could feel Elena getting a bit nervous the closer they got of the seamstress so she knew to hexpect at least Briar or Ashlynn being there. She hadn't hexpected the crowd of people that was in there.
"Good morning!" Was heard all around. Amidala stood a while at the door until Elena pushed her in.
"It's just all your friends from here! Well, not the boys. But they're in this too." Elena took Amidala's hand and smiled. "You'll face the whole school tonight."
"Thank you for reminding me." Amidala muttered as she felt the cold sweat slowly rising.
"But you'll be spending the night with us. Be a big girl and get used to it." Elena patted her hand and went to the seamstress. Ashlynn came and gave Amidala a big cup of coffee.
"Elena said you'd want it black." She said a bit uncertain.
"Thank you Ashlynn. I'll have anything that will wake me up." Amidala smiled nervously while wondering why was she nervous? It was only all of the girls she had spent time in here and made friends with. Amidala could hear even Lizzie shouting orders somewhere behind the crowd.
"This is not a dream, silly! Here, have another cup for your other hand and one for the legs too!" Maddie smiled and gave her two more cups filled with strong scented tea. "But if this is a dream you might shrink from either of those!"
"Then she couldn't try on her dress. Are you sure neither of those will shrink her?" Raven asked and Amidala's hand stopped halfway.
"Wait, that could happen?"
"Anything can happen! But yes, maybe you should try the dress first and shrink only after." Maddie took the tea away from amused Amidala. Maddie's tea was extraordinary so it could have the power to shrink her. Amidala wanted to finish at least her coffee before it.
"Pink fluffy elephants, pink fluffy elephants!" Cedar muttered and hugged Amidala quickly.
"Not to spoil the surprise?" Amidala asked and Cedar nodded, then thought should she have nodded and hurried away. Amidala laughed and greeted Darling, Briar and...
"Faybelle? What are you doing here?" Apple's voice was sharp. Faybelle rolled her eyes.
"I'm known to crash parties." She said sarcastically. "What's going on here?"
"This is not a party! It would be terribly boring if it would be." Briar shouted.
"I agree on that." Faybelle said and turned quickly back to Amidala who had tried to walk to the seamstress's platform. "Yet a crowd of this size are only gathered to spellebrate something big. Though only big thing here is the fables you have been given by this phony queen."
"Oh get over yourself, Faybelle." Amidala huffed.
"And if you call yourself a fairy you should be fairy more polite in front of your queen." Elena said and put Amidala's crown on her head. It started to shimmer a green glow which seemed to annoy Faybelle even more.
"I am not one of her little servants! Liars!"
"Then tell us some truths then." Elena put her hands on her hips and looked at Faybelle with a tight face, strict chin and lips like a line. With the grand, shining and glimmering white gown, annoyed face and cold eyes Elena was quite a sight. She looked like she could freeze the whole room over with a quick glance, she looked like a true blue blooded villain should look. Amidala could see the dark blue magic surrounding Faybelle and how the room was silent and everyone took few steps back.
"You hurt her, you end up in trouble. I don't mind you picking on me but I promise you that you'll end up with clipped wings if you ever after hurt any of my friends." Amidala took a step towards Faybelle who switched her rage back to her. "Faybelle is right though, Elena. She's not a forest fairy so she's not one of 'my fairies'."
"And that gives her the right to act like an..."
"No!" Amidala interrupted Elena. "It doesn't."
The whole room stared at Faybelle and waited for her next move. She knew she couldn't back away without losing her face and Amidala soon understood it too. She didn't want any added drama so she took Faybelle by the arm and started to drag her towards the door.
"We'll have a little chat now." Amidala informed with an angry voice and hurried stunned Faybelle out. "You sure know how to cook up trouble. Look, I don't know what's your beef with me... Ugh, I'm hungry, never mind. Just go, will you?"
Amidala was fed up with Faybelle and her attitude already. She expected her to blast her rage out so she had a shield spell readied up in her hand. Amidala was then utterly surprised when Faybelle muttered her thanks and walked away. She hadn't expected that.
"What the hex? I really must be still dreaming." Amidala muttered as she came back to the silent room. She grabbed her coffee and walked to the platform next to Elena when she realized no one had said anything or moved. Everyone just stared at her.
"It was a quick chat." Amidala shrugged.
"Well that was a party pooper." Maddie huffed and looked pouting to the door.
"This isn't a party!" Briar argued. She felt bad for Faybelle. Even though she would be the one who would make her sleep the 100 years, she was still a good frenemy for her and didn't deserve all this.
"Blondie, do not put that on mirrorNet. Please. You'll get anything you want from me but delete all you recorded of Faybelle." Amidala turned to a familiar curls. Blondie blushed and Briar looked at Amidala amazed.
"What? Why are you defending her? She has been nothing but rude to you!" Elena argued.
"Because it won't make the situation any better if she is humiliated in front of the whole school! Blondie and Briar, either of you must know what's behind all this." Amidala turned to Briar who shut her mouth and nodded before she even realized it. There was a silence where everyone turned to look at Briar. She swallowed nervously.
"Shouldn't you try the dress on?" Briar tried to get out of telling everyone what Faybelle had confronted her with.
"I've heard the rumours but there is more to this than that, isn't there Briar?" Apple said silently yet her friendly voice was well heard.
"Well how would you feel if there would be a freedom year future queen who would outshine you in every aspect of your future!" Briar let out. "And the whole school would talk only about her and then address you under her ranks?"
"Who is spreading these rumours? They are ridiculous!" Amidala asked while Apple blushed. Elena looked down and blushed too. "Seriously, how come I never hear any of this and why these rumours aren't clipped down immediately?"
"This is a big school." Apple said silently but then stiffened her upper lip and looked up with a determined face. "But we at the Royal Student Council will take this bad mouthing of innocent students seriously and will do something about it! Right, Maddie?"
"Cookies crumble and pies are hot! Cosy is a soft one and round is the pot!" Maddie informed happily.
"Great!" Raven smiled nervously. "Well, let's go and try your dress on, Amidala."
Apple nodded a little to Raven as she took Amidala's arm and walked her behind curtains. Elena ran after them.
"I feel bad for shouting at her. I just... all I saw was white. She has been so mean to you. We're not bad, right?" Elena sighed to Amidala.
"If you go you still might see yourself from Blondie's recording. You won't recognize yourself. That was the destiny you. It came so naturally from you." Amidala said uncomfortably. She knew it would hurt Elena to see it but she thought she should see it. She should see herself.
"Oh fairy godmother." Elena muttered getting pale and ran out.
“But she's the villain of her story. She'll be perfect.” Raven whispered.
“You are the villain too, Raven.” Amidala reminded hinting.
"Where did Faybelle go?" Raven asked carefully changing the subject. Amidala shrugged and slipped into her gown.
"I just told her to leave, she said thanks and left."
"What, really?" Raven sounded surprised but suspicious.
"For Briar's sake I hope she doesn't plan anything for tonight but she didn't look like she would. Thank you, could you bring the shoes?" Amidala smiled to the seamstress and looked at herself. She thought she would have been more enthusiastic about her gown but Faybelle really had spoiled her mood. She told herself she didn't give a branch about her but she did felt bad for her, even though she didn't completely understand why Faybelle was so angry at her. Amidala had done nothing to her straightly! Except throwing her phone to the thorny bushes but she had deserved it, she thought. Amidala wasn't a villain so she wasn't stealing her story, she had nothing to do with it or her. But the rumours did and Amidala hated to admit that she seemed to spawn rumours faster than she could conjure flowers.
"Amidala?" Raven waved her hand in front of her face. "Wake up!"
Amidala flinched and fell down from her heels screaming.
"Are you alright?" Ashlynn and Cedar ran to the fitting booth as Raven helped Amidala up. She turned to them with her full height and nodded trying to look not embarrassed.
"Wow, even I would be intimidated by that!" Cedar sighed impressed and then regretted saying anything as she saw Amidala's painful face. "I'm sorry, you're just beautiful."
"Do I look like an evil queen? Sorry, Raven." Amidala asked and turned to her reflection. She was very tall, she was various shades of green, she was slim but the dress made her some curves that didn't exist. Her full, multi-layered hem moved softly and changed its colour with every movement, she showed just a bit of cleavage and then had a standing collar to even out the skin showing. Her sleeves were long and seemed to melt to her hem. Her crown shimmered beautifully and her hair flowed free around her tight, serious face.
"A bit. Things did get tense back there but if you'd smile you wouldn't seem so... distant." Ashlynn said carefully.
"I think a plain smile won't make it. I can't go and make an entrance that would only make things worse!"
"I do have the whole day to fix the dress to your liking, your highness." The seamstress curtsied.
"Oh no, the dress is gorgeous. You did an amazing job, thank you. It's me that's wrong." Amidala sighed. Ashlynn and Raven came to hug her. The curtain moved and Elena came in paler than ever and took off her gown in silence. Then she burst to tears.
“I'm a villain!” She sobbed. “I looked so evil and cold and cruel!”
“I know.” Amidala went to hug her. Ashlynn looked a bit confused. Raven shook her head warningly to her questioning face.
“I wish mom would be here to tell me what to do.” Elena whispered. Amidala hugged her tighter.
“I wish Adam would be here.” She sighed deeply. Elena hugged her back giving a small smile.
“Who is Adam?” Ashlynn asked sharply breaking the moment. Amidala's eyes flew open as she realized what she had said.
“He's my... distant cousin.” She stuttered.
“She's really close with him.” Raven added hurriedly. Ashlynn looked at them suspicious.
“From my father's side. He always has a solid advice to give.” Amidala stood up and smiled nervously. Ashlynn looked like she didn't know whether to believe her or not when the curtains moved.
“Is everything okay? Will you show your dress to us?” Apple popped in and looked at the situation at hand.
“Go on. I'll dress up.” Elena said silently and wiped her tears.
“I know you are not the villain. You are the sweetest and kindest girl I know.” Amidala whispered to Elena who managed to smile. Amidala smiled back and nodded to Apple and slowly walked towards the curtains. She felt nauseous of nervousness. A warm hand slipped to hers and held it tightly. Amidala turned flinching to face Raven's calm and encouraging smile.
“We fought demons and evil spirits together, is this truly worse?” She whispered.
“Much.” Amidala whispered back but didn't feel so nervous anymore. She stepped out and Raven walked her to the edge of the platform. There was whispering and staring which made Amidala nervous again.
“You look beautiful, Amidala.” Apple came to her and hugged her. “But you should relax. It's just us anymore.”
Darling climbed to the platform and gave Amidala a hug.
“I'll give you a quick course how to walk on those shoes.” She whispered quickly and Amidala burst to laughter. It seemed to lighten up the mood in the whole room. All the girls climbed up and gave her a hug and complimented her. Amidala tried to stay calm and handle being the centre of attention with modest grace. She looked at Apple who smiled a bit forcefully. She usually was the one who had all this going on around her, how did she handle it so well? Amidala wondered.
“Thank you everyone, you are being incredibly sweet but I'll go change now.” Amidala soon informed and rushed behind the curtain where Elena was fixing her make up.
“I don't get it, why does people want that? All the attention?” Amidala said silently as she was helped out of the dress.
“Princesses destinies are to be adored.” Elena reminded.
“Count me out, not one.” Amidala huffed and received a lifted eyebrow and suspicious face. “I meant not one who likes to be adored.” Amidala corrected.
“Besides we're queens, right? Though I wouldn't mind being adored.” Elena looked at herself. She looked stylish and pretty as always.
“Oh the beauty! The grace! You're stunning!” Amidala breathed out fluttering her hand in front of her face. Elena pushed her giggling.
“Someone more handsome than you.”
“More Charming perhaps?” Amidala grinned.
“If only!” Elena sighed and Amidala grinned in disgust.
“What you girls see in him I'll never understand.”
“Less fur than in your crush for starters.” Elena grinned and they came out from the fitting booth giggling and pushing each other. Everyone was gathered on the platform and looked at them.
“Oh, right! Remember that I said there's going to be a surprise?” Elena asked smiling widely.
“I thought you guys being here was it. So I wouldn't just turn on my heels and run away in panic the second I realized there is more people than Carl?”
“You really are afraid of crowds.” Apple sighed in awe like she would have just realized it.
“And even more afraid of attention.” Amidala smiled a bit. “But thanks to you all I might survive the coming in part before I faint from horror. This has really been helpful.”
“Hello, I told you the boys were in this too and they're not here.” Elena reminded not caring about breaking the moment and hurried next to Apple and Maddie who looked silly trying to stand still and proper.
“Yes. On behalf of everyone you have befriended here and who will stand by your side tonight we would like to give you a small present.” Apple said grandly. Maddie jumped to Amidala and gave her a beautiful gift wrapped with a huge, candy apple red bow. Amidala took the box and opened it carefully.
“Your very own mirrorPhone! Everyone who is in this has already put their number in there!” Elena smiled excited.
“Now you'll be easier to contact and we don't have to run around asking if someone has seen you.” Cedar blurted out. “Sorry!”
“Wow, I don't know what to say. This is... is.”
“Oh, it's not even the latest model, it would have been too complicated for you. But we know you have tried to save money for one, so now you can spend them to buy some makeup or dresses instead!” Apple gave a bright smile. Amidala wasn't the only one who couldn't hold a small laugh.
“Thank you, everyone! I really mean it, thank you for the phone and all of this. I'm the luckiest girl in the school to have friends like you.” Amidala smiled blushing. After a round of hugs Elena informed that she would be taking Amidala's time from now on and the royal lounge room was to be readied for them at three in the noon.
“Few friends?” Amidala asked laughing as Elena grabbed her hand.
“Well, the more the merrier!” Elena laughed.
“Could you wait a second? Briar!” Amidala ran her up. Briar turned to her and as Amidala still had her mirrorPhone in her hand she showed excited how she had already put herself a custom ringtone.
“Great tune.” Amidala smiled and quickly glanced around. “Could you give me Faybelles number?”
“Why?” Briar turned quickly suspicious and protective. Amidala blushed.
“I just... wanted to send her a message.”
“Saying what?”
“Briar, I'm not going to be mean!” Amidala said almost hurt but didn't get her phone back. “Okay I thought to invite her to come tonight.” Amidala sighed silently. Briar lowered the phone.
“She will come. Crashing parties is her thing.”
“I know but it would be different to show up invited for once.” Amidala mumbled. She got her phone back with a new number on it.
“Why the sudden kindness?”
“Not kind. I just want to make sure she won't ruin your party.” Amidala said hurriedly and sent a message. Briar looked after her but shook her head and let it be.
Elena had wanted to go shopping and as it seemed they did have time for it Amidala agreed. She really didn't have any makeup of her own so she could take Apple's advice and buy some for the evening. Asking Elena to help her pick up something for her seemed to have made her day. She dragged Amidala through every store in the village and without even noticing Amidala didn't only had new makeup, she had jewellery, scarves, nail polish, lotions and a new handbag. A bit baffled she sat down for ice fairy frappe while Elena went on excited about all things they had found.
“Next we should get manicures in the...”
“Umm... Actually, next we should drop these to our room and hurry to the forest. I have something for you in there.” Amidala interrupted her carefully. Elena looked as baffled as she felt.
“Oh, okay. Yeah, we have done what I have wanted so we should do your things too.” She smiled blushing a bit.
“Oh it's going to be your thing too.” Amidala grinned.
“Double date?” Elena said hopefully.
“I thought this was supposed to be our time together.” Amidala laughed as they walked back to school.
“Well you seem to have certain connections so I just thought...”
“Oh come on, everyone knows Daring is Apple's prince and even if they can choose it seems they still choose each other. They really have their mind made up about it.” Amidala rolled her eyes.
“You think others will choose the same prince they are prewritten to?”
“No. Raven and Dexter remember? Even though they would make a fairytale couple if Raven would go evil. Dexter is just too sweet to be anything but a good king. Hopper is madly crushing on Briar who doesn't even know who her prince is but have you noticed how she keeps letting him spend more and more time with her? I think she is warming up to Hopper.”
“Yes! I have! And did you know that Humphrey and Lilly-Bo Peep went on few dates?”
“No, how it turned out?”
“No one seems to know. They seem to be friendly but not dating.” Elena bit her lip.
“Oh come on! A school that seems to know even my toe size doesn't know what's going on with them?” Amidala laughed.
“Crazy right? Okay, who you would pair Blondie with?” Elena grinned.
“We shouldn't be talking about others behind their backs.” Amidala thought.
“We're just brainstorming! We're not telling these things forward.”
“Okay. I think she would be cute pair with Grant even though their stories don't meet.”
“You mean Ali Baba's son? Where did that came from?” Elena laughed.
“Maybe from his bear-like appearance.” Amidala giggled. “I once saw him shirtless and that boy is hairy!”
“I would have thought the son of the Beast would have been hairy but have you noticed he already starts to have a bald spot in his head?” Elena laughed.
“It's mean to laugh to other's misfortune, he can't help it. And he'll get a lot more of fur when he is changed to the beast.” Amidala scolded.
“But he is so nice, I can't think of him turning the old woman away.”
“He wants to live his story. I'm sure he keeps thinking of it at the moment.” Amidala smiled.
“What will happen to his story as Rosabella is a Rebel and not so keen on him?” Elena pondered.
“Stories will figure themselves out.” Amidala smiled.
“Then why are you so worried of yours?”
“Because I am protector of the forests and what am I now to the fairies? A queen and protector of the forest. It's like I have been fast forwarded from my freedom year straight to graduation and kicked to fulfil some part. I just know that this isn't my story, it's just a duty I now hold, but I can't tell what is my story.” Amidala sighed. Elena was serious.
“I bet that's a first in Ever After High history too.”
“Poppy.” Amidala reminded.
“Oh yeah, then don't worry. Where are we actually going?” Elena asked as Amidala kept walking her deeper and deeper to the woods.
“Not far anymore. It's a surprise.” Amidala smiled proudly and hoped the fairies had managed to do what she had asked.
“It smells familiar in here.” Elena said doubting and gasped as the woods grew thinner. “You have not!”
“I didn't. I swear.” Amidala lifted her hands as they came to a large clearing which was filled with deep snow and had an ice skating pond in it. “It was these little fellows that did the honours for me.” 
A group of ice and snow fairies flew like wind to hug Elena who screamed and laughed of surprise and greeted them with tears of joy.
“How did you...” Elena didn't find the words as she was so surprised.
“I asked a favour and few of the fairies flew to ask them to visit here. I thought a piece of home would be a nice surprise and today you really seem to need it to get back on your book.” Amidala smiled. Elena hugged her long and kept thanking her.
“It wasn't only the fairies that wanted to come.” A soft, woman's voice said and the girls turned their head surprised to look at a bit round woman with blue hair and white skin. The dress she wore seemed to be made from pure ice but it moved softly as she walked towards them.
“Mom?” Elena screamed and ran to hug her so fast they fell to the big pile of snow. Amidala stared at them with her mouth still open.
“I apologize your Majesty for the turn, but she had insisted to come and she was of great help in making the place.” A fairy flew to Amidala.
“No need to apologize, this was a great surprise for both of us. Thank you ever after so much for going through all the trouble to make this happen.” Amidala curtsied for the fairy who blushed. “Please make sure everyone knows how grateful I am to all of you.”
“Thank you, your Majesty.” The fairy bowed and flew away while Elena dragged the elegant woman towards her.
“Mom you just have to meet...”
“The Fairy Queen. How do you do, Your Highness?” The woman curtsied.
“I am overwhelmingly happy and grateful you let your fairies come to make this surprise happen and even more glad that Your Highness has decided to join our company. You honour me.” Amidala curtsied. Elena looked at her with her mouth open. She hadn't expected such ways from Amidala. 
“I really just planned to get some of your fairies here to make us a winter wonderland to have fun in but this is even better! It's like your wish came true, Elena. I'll go talk to the winter fairies, you'll get some quality time together.” Amidala winked her eye to Elena who couldn't hold her tears in again. Amidala thanked the winter fairies and conjured them snowdrop flowers as a thank you and went ahead to ice skate with them while Elena sat talking with her mother. After some time they came and joined her. They had a snowball war and they built a big snowman and slid down a hill.
“I'm hungry, who's hungry with me?” Elena said laying to the snow with such a wide smile Amidala waited her head to crack open.
“I'm glad you asked. If milady and Your Highness would follow me...” Amidala bowed but was interrupted by blushing Snow Queen.
“I do hope Your Highness wouldn't take offence and by any means I do not try to take over you, but I brought a picnic basket of her favourite foods from back home.”
“Does it hold enough for us all?” Amidala asked sharply.
“Yes, Your Highness.” Snow Queen said sounding embarrassed.
“Then I would be honoured to taste your food, Your Majesty.” Amidala smiled and fell down as Elena grabbed her so fast. This led to a quick snow fight and lots of laughter. Amidala was excited to taste everything the Snow Queen had brought but she had brought so much she was full before she had the chance to taste everything.
“This is the best day ever.” Elena smiled.
“So am I forgiven for rescheduling Wednesday and Friday?” Amidala asked grinning. Elena laughed and hugged her long.
“Yes and this counts as forgiveness for the next three times you will screw up.” Elena smiled.
“Only three?” Amidala shouted and they giggled.
“I am glad you have got such a good friend from here, Elena. You always told about your friends but all you do is being princesses. Now you have luckily found someone who will show you the meaning of fun and letting go, being yourself. It is important to have someone you can trust beside you, even if it would be for school.” Snow Queen smiled. Amidala smiled token and told how Elena was almost crushed when she had came to her roommate yet still she helped her to start and took care of her when she was in need.
“It's not Elena who is lucky, it's me for having a friend like her. You have an amazing daughter, Mrs. Snow.” Amidala hugged her friend. Snow Queen wiped a tear from her eye.
“I couldn't be more proud of you, Snowflake.” She said. “I hate to leave you darling, but I understood you will have to return to school already.”
“What? Why? Oh, the party! I had forgot all about it!” Elena sighed and stormed to hug her mother. Amidala thanked the Snow Queen for everything and after they all bid their goodbyes the girls started their way back to the school with picnic baskets.
“That was the nicest thing anyone has ever done for me, even without my mother showing up.”
“If the winter fairies wouldn't have been able to come, then we two would have made the snow and ice for the clearing ourselves but I wanted you to have some comfort of home. I was so amazed when your mother showed up. That was so nice from her!” Amidala squeezed Elena's hand.
“Amidala, I truly mean this. Thank you. No one else in here would even take the trouble to take me off to the woods to freeze a pond and ice skate a bit, and I have forgot how good it feels to do familiar things. I got so sucked up to do what the others wanted.” Elena stopped and said seriously.
“I know. That's why I wanted you to remember yourself. You have given so much to me and I have never figured out how to repay you all your kindness but as you grew sadder I knew this was the thing, not a manicure.” Amidala gave a laugh and Elena laughed with her.
“Can we do this more often? Go to the forest and make snow or ice and just have fun?” Elena asked carefully. “It doesn't hurt the forest?”
“No, if we pick the place right. It's just water when it melts. We just have to make sure nothing gets frozen that isn't supposed to and I have already made a list of all the places I know we can do that over.” Amidala grinned and received one more hug from Elena.
“How do you feel about the party now?” Elena asked as they entered the school grounds.
“Less nervous. The morning was a good reminder it'll be just my friends there and after a day of having a blast I'm ready to have few panic attacks.” Amidala gave a laugh.
“Let's go get our gowns and then take these baskets to our room.” Elena said and got another basket in her hands.
“Actually you take the baskets to our room and put the spell on them while I will get the dresses. I don't want your dress to have food spots in it.” Amidala smirked.
“Well we could have held your dress against the baskets.”
===Party!===
“Excuse me? I would be here to pick up the gowns.” Amidala called out.
“Your highness, such a pleasure. They are over here.” The seamstress curtsied.
“Thank you.” Amidala followed the seamstress and noticed immediately her dress wasn't the same she had tried on in the morning. The change was subtle but as the seamstress noticed Amidala had seen the alteration she curtsied and took it to a fitting room.
“If your highness would like to try it on again?” She asked. Amidala was a bit baffled about this. She had said the dress was to her liking and princesses dresses were never to be messed with without their permission. Seamstress of that age would know it. Amidala followed her to the fitting room and guessed she would know a lot of other things too. The seamstress helped her to her dress and Amidala looked at herself again. Either it was her feelings or the alterations that made her look a lot more warmer and alive. Amidala looked through her hem and she found few layers of shimmering copper under all the green.
“To give it more depth and warmness, your highness.” The seamstress curtsied. “I do hope it is to your liking.” Amidala went through the layers of the dress more carefully and noticed there was more of the thin, mesh copper layers in it.
“Maybe I needed more depth and warmness too.” Amidala turned around and gave a hug to the old seamstress who was almost scared of such gesture. “Thank you.”
Amidala was helped out of the dress and she ran to her room to pack all the jewellery and make up to take to the lounge. Elena struggled with the same task and ended up taking everything she had.
“You can't wear them all.” Amidala laughed.
“Was that a challenge?”
“I'll get you the manicure if you do it.” Amidala grinned when they left their room. Elena laughed.
“Not worth it. Add a pedicure and I'll consider.”
“I'll throw in few bracelets too, just to be a good sport.” Amidala winked. They came in to the royal lounge laughing and looked how the place was filled with people. There was vanity tables all over the room and in the middle there was servings of small sandwiches and cakes and all kind of small editable goods. On each vanity table there was a group of friends helping each other to get ready.
“The guest of honour has arrived!” Elena announced and everyone greeted her with clapping, laughter and invites to their table.
“Have you ever done this class of make-up before?” Holly asked smiling.
“I have about never after done make-up. Elena has done it for me.” Amidala said a bit baffled. Every royal princess not including Lizzie and Duchess gasped loudly. Suddenly Amidala was sitting in front of a vanity, her make-up was token out from her bag and what felt like dozen pairs of hands started to work her face and tell what every product did. Amidala didn't get even half of everything.
“That doesn't look like her.” Cedar said after a while and Amidala looked at her reflection and couldn't have agreed more. All the layers of make-up felt like a mask in her face even though it looked like her skin wouldn't have been touched much.
“Girls, I know you are hexcited but maybe less would be more?” Darling said carefully with a charming smile. She took Amidala to wash her face.
“Nervous?”
“Actually not nearly as much as I should be. Or thought I would be but don't worry, I still have hours to panic.” Amidala answered smiling. “Could you help with my make up? You know the tricks and can keep your head.”
“Of course. Then we can see about that walking.” Darling smiled.
“Oh, that won't be necessary. I... upgraded Ashlynn's shoes. Honestly, me with that thin heels in a forest? I changed them to wedge-heeled shoes.”
“But that changes the whole look of the shoe!” Darling said doubtingly. Amidala grinned. “Unless the wedge is some iron thick lacy ivy?”
“How ever you thought of such a thing?” Amidala laughed as Darling sat her to the sofa and put her a moisturising mask on. “If Blondie has her mirrorPad on someone take it away from her.”
“I would never post anything embarrassing of my friends!” Blondie argued.
“Again.” Amidala heard Raven muttering. She had been quite surprised that also the Rebels had been invited to the royal lounge to get ready. Raven and Maddie shared a vanity in the last corner of the room while the royal princesses were in the middle and had token their vanities closer together. Kitty and Lizzie shared a vanity next to Maddie and Raven and the three Wonderlandian seemed to change places all the time. Amidala found it amusing and familiar to watch.
“Sorry I'm late!” Poppy said a bit out of breathe while rushing in. She took her equipments out and spotted Amidala. “Sorry I couldn't make it in the morning.”
“It's alright. Thank you for the gift.” Amidala smiled and felt her hair started to be pulled suddenly.
“Oh no one warned you?” Poppy laughed at Amidala's startled face. “I'll be doing your hair. No braids.”
“You said yourself it's a good look.”
“Amidala, this is your evening we're talking about. No common hairdo's. And no overdoing either, I promise.” Poppy smiled.
“Okay. I trust your judgement.” Amidala sighed out and closed her eyes to concentrate to her breathing. Her anxiety levels had started to rise quickly and she wanted to get a control of herself. She felt like she was on a crazy trust exercise but she had made up her mind that she would see this night trough. While after while someone brought her something to drink in a fancy glass or small platter of food. She tried to even look like she had ate something even though she was still full from their Snowlandian lunch.
“And we're done here.” Poppy announced happily. There was sighs and applauses and compliments for both of them. Amidala went nervously to the closest mirror some princesses shared and tried to take a look. She saw she had amazing curls. Every hair was pulled off from her face and the curls seemed to come from high up made bun and flow down like a golden waterfall. Her hair reminded her of the Fairy Tree actually, and she flinched to the thought.
“Do you like it?” Poppy asked getting unsure as Amidala had went pale and serious suddenly but turned to her with a warm smile.
“I adore it. You couldn't have made it more perfect. Thank you.” Amidala hugged Poppy who smiled happily back.
“We could be almost twins!” Apple giggled as she came next to her with her perfect curls.
“No one can beat those curls, Apple. I don't understand how you keep your hair so perfect all the time.” Amidala gave a laugh.
“They just do it naturally.” Apple smiled sweetly. “Should we have another go on your make up?”
“Actually Darling promised to do it. She is Charming after all.” Amidala whispered the last part. Apple nodded understandingly. Amidala blinked once before moving as she couldn't believe that had actually worked. Apple might be the fairest of them all but she was also very smart, a trait that many underestimated her in.
“Pick two colours for your make up.” Darling smiled. “Or will it be just green?”
“No. Purple and copper.” Amidala smiled as she sat down while Raven gave her way. “Purple will bring out the green and copper will bring warmth to the look.” 
Darling looked at her suspiciously and Raven shrugged giving out a grin.
“I have the perfect shade of purple.” She said and started to go through her eyeshadows.
“How many shades of purple do you have?” Amidala asked amazed as Raven kept taking them out saying 'no, no, no...'.
“Eighteen.” Raven answered and hold up the one she had searched for victoriously.
“Do you have copper?” Darling asked and looked trough what all Amidala had.
“Oh, no I don't.” Amidala blushed.
“Does anyone have warm copper...?” Darling started and soon they had a pile of copper eyeshadows, liners, lipsticks, nail polish and body mists.
“Thank you.”
Amidala giggled. This started to feel surrealistic again.
“Maddie you can't put lipstick in your eye!” Lizzie shouted.
“Why not?”
“Because... it says it is for the lips. Lip. Stick. Not eye stick. Eye stick is the thing you poke eyes with and you don't want that near your eye so put it down immediately!” Lizzie ordered. Maddie put the lipstick back. Raven giggled. Amidala looked at Raven's jewellery and make-up which were dark and fit for evil queen. Feather's, bird skulls, ravens and rivets. Black and dark purple hair worn around an old, silver, spiky crown. Yet she was best friends with the most colourful and happy girl in the whole Ever After and Raven was more like Maddie than what her appearance gave out. Amidala pondered why did Raven still keep the look on if she had no intention to be the next evil queen?
“Is there something in my face?” Raven came to the mirror and tried to look at herself. Amidala realized her staring and blushed.
“Oh no, no. You're beautiful. I was just lost in thoughts.”
“Stop moving.” Darling sighed and Amidala stiffened to be painted. She kept her eyes mostly closed and opened them only when Darling told her to. She barely recognized herself. It was her, obviously, but she didn't look so different anymore. Her cheeks weren't dented looking, her eyes looked more bright green and she looked actually beautiful. Amidala burst to tears.
“Oh no, you didn't like it?” Darling sighed amazed and hugged Amidala who soon had half roomful of princesses around her consoling her. Elena took the best friend rights to use elbow tactics to get to her and knelt to be by Amidala's side.
“No.” Amidala stuttered. Darling looked ashamed. “That's not it.”
Amidala took her hand and squeezed it while squeezing a smile out of herself. Elena was fast to pat and fix up the make-up as Amidala tried to get the tears to stop.
“What's wrong?” Raven whispered and leaned closer. Darling shrugged.
“I look more like you. I'm not an oddball anymore.” Amidala sighed getting the tears to dry. Briar blushed as pink as the streaks in her hair. “I look beautiful.” 
There was a silence in the room. You could have heard a pin drop to the soft full floor carpet.
“Amidala, you have always been beautiful.” Ashlynn came next to her. Amidala shook her head tears piling up again. Briar sunk to the soft sofa corner her head in her hands feeling really ashamed. She had wanted to throw a welcoming party to Amidala as an apology and now she did the same thing again, forced Amidala to go through thing she hated just because Briar liked parties and loved to throw them and see people having fun and enjoying theirselves but she had known all along Amidala didn't enjoy parties. Or being the centre of attention. Briar truly was selfish and unthoughtful.
“Briar?” Blondie noticed her. The mass of princesses turned to look at a sad girl in the corner of the sofa. The one who was the party, she was the heart and soul of it, every time. Nervousness started to fill the air. Apple and Blondie were already by Briars side who had started to cry.
“Briar?” Amidala rose up worried. She pushed her way through to her. “What's wrong?”
“Me!” Briar cried out and poured out how sorry she was for everything and how selfish she had been not listening to her even on the third time. “I had my head so fixed to throw this party that I forgot to listen to my heart too and a true friend wouldn't force another to go through all this just to please people!”
Amidala sat to the sofa and let Briar cry her make up to her shoulder. She hugged her a while. 
“And I'm so, so, so sorry I have ever called you an oddball. You've never been one. Cedar we know she doesn't look just like us but like you said, neither do you. Or Tiny or Hagatha or Rugsy. Just because you look different doesn't mean you wouldn't be beautiful.” Briar sobbed.
“I've never been. Or have felt myself truly beautiful. I have never been called so, if you don't count my mom and grandmother. I'm more used to be the oddball, the teased one, the outsider. Yeah, my world was cruel.” Amidala wiped Briar's cheeks dry. “Here you all tried your best to make me feel welcome. Apple your persistence was admirable. Ashlynn you showed me the ropes. Elena you're my boulder of ice. You all wanted to help and were friendly in your own way. I know you thought the best while planning the party, you couldn't understand who wouldn't like a good party? Like Apple can't understand why I don't like being centre of attention especially if it's admiration. All these things are new and scary to me but everyday to you.”
“I have never thought of it like that.” Apple sighed like she would be ashamed of herself.
“But not all new and scary is bad. Yes, this is a struggle for me still and I'm about two nerves away of a panic attack but if I have it, I can count on my friends to be here for me then.”
“And block the door.” Poppy grinned. Amidala gave a laugh.
“I am scared but I'm also just a bit eager to see what happens.” Amidala smiled to Briar who sat silently thinking and squeezing her hand tightly. “And look what else you have done, Briar. We are all here, at the same room helping each other. Royals and Rebels together.”
Apple and Raven lifted their heads hurriedly and looked at each other. They smiled a bit. Briar looked around how Holly was helping Maddie to get the lipstick smears off from her eyelids and get her curls to settle. Cedar was painting the heart to Lizzies face as she had born without such a birthmark. Blondie had helped Rosabella to get her hair just right. They were just a bunch of princesses excited to get ready to party. Briar finally broke a smile.
“I still shouldn't have never ever after forced you to this.” Briar apologized.
“You weren't the only one pressuring me. We haven't even started our evening and already you have made me wore shoes daily, go through manicure and facial, shoved the White Queens' mouth full of herself, brought us all together and made me feel for the first time ever after truly beautiful and like I belong to somewhere. So thank you for pushing me through this.” Amidala hugged Briar. There was many confused faces and few holding their laugh.
“Then why are you all just sitting there! We have less than an hour and a half before our carriages leave!” Briar jumped up and shouted. “Our dates will come fifteen minutes before the carriages!”
Briar stormed to fix her make-up but on the way she whispered 'thank you' to Amidala who smiled after her. It seemed this would be truly a night to remember, as so many seemed to be buried in their thoughts while putting on too much blush or powder. When people thought, it was always a good thing. Amidala got up and sat down in front of the empty vanity and looked at her make-up and then started carefully to fix her make-up herself. She was learning and going through hoops of fire already, what was little make-up next to it?
“That thing goes to your eyebrows.” Apple whispered next to her. Amidala looked at the tube looking puzzled. Apple gave her another one. “This is mascara.”
“Thank you.” Amidala blushed a bit and applied a bit of mascara carefully to replace all that she had cried out.
“No, thank you. For opening the forests, for doing this and bringing the both sides together. You always said you wouldn't take a side but you have always been a Royal to me so it was hard to see you with Rebels so much. But even though we don't share something we still do share many other things. Thank you for pointing it out and opening my eyes.” Apple said like she was confessing her biggest flaws.
“I'm so happy that you are as smart as you are beautiful. But give Briar her credit.” Amidala hugged Apple who hugged her back confused and token. Amidala grinned in her mind.
“Come on Amidala, let's go and get dressed.” Elena hurried her. “There is a room readied for it.”
“Yeah, like our dorm room. We forgot to bring the dresses.” Amidala remembered and laughed. Elena took her by her arm and stopped her.
“We can't put on our dresses then yet! Let's surprise fairybody. Let's find the perfect jewellery, eat a bit, make sure our make-up is pristine and before the boys arrive we take our leave.”
“How will your date then know to get you if you're not here?” Amidala dragged Elena along.
“I don't have one.” Elena whispered. Amidala casually dragged Elena to sit on the sofa and poured them a glass of sparkling juice.
“What do you mean you don't have one?” Amidala whispered amazed.
“No one asked me and by the time I started to ask around fairyone had a date so I gave up. I know I'll be the dateless princess from now on but...”
“You won't go without a date. You're my second date. I all the time thought that Carl would go first and get his name announced and then we would walk there together and we'd go there as a trio. We have been a trio from the start. Why stop now?” Amidala whispered and sipped her drink realizing she had never talked about it with Carl and Elena.
“You thought?” Elena said coldly.
“I'm sorry. I have forgot to tell you obviously that it's how I have pictured this. I have to call Carl, I haven't said anything to him either.” Amidala sighed, got up and hurried to the hallway to speak. After she came back Elena was still sitting on the sofa. 
“Elena? I'm sorry. It was just how I pictured things, even though I thought that of course you'd go with a date. You're so gorgeous and sweet that those stupid frogs don't know what they're missing out.” Amidala threw a bite-sized cake to her mouth and sat down a bit annoyed. How come Elena was dateless? It had to be because of her, who would go out with the best friend of the girl who got rumours flying all around her? No one wanted part of that even though Elena hadn't been in even one of the rumours. Amidala felt really bad.
“Well, I'm just glad you pictured me with you two all along. I wouldn't be a third wheel now, we're a trio.” Elena smiled warmly to Amidala.
“Carl was nervous but also hexcited that he will get two gorgeous woman in his arms while he is walking down in limelights.” Amidala smiled.
“Oh my, he will boast about it forever after!” Elena sighed.
“Well at least not to us.” Amidala giggled. “Have you made up your mind with your jewellery already?”
“No, have you?”
“I have one set of jewellery and it's not fitting so I'm thinking of going without. I'll have my crown and the shimmering. Have you seen my crown by the way?” Amidala stood up and looked around trying to remember had she brought it with her.
“Ashlynn, has Amidala's crown been brought here already?” Elena shouted. Ashlynn turned to them with a bit confused face.
“Not that I know of. Darling, was it Dexter who took it to Hunter?” Ashlynn asked.
“Why have you taken it?” Amidala asked suspiciously.
“So the fairies could polish it and make it pristine. We wanted fairything to be perfect.” Darling said apologetic. “Don't worry, it will be here on time.”
“Fairytales, that's not the only thing that's missing from her. She lacks jewellery.” Elena announced and everyone called Amidala to go through theirs if something would please her. Elena gave her a push smiling and Amidala shyly went through other people's jewellery boxes. She had never seen so much different kind of golds, diamonds, jewels and jewellery altogether!
“Amidala? I know you don't show much skin and your hands are hidden under the sleeves but I think this would suit you.” Ashlynn came carefully to her. She had a beautiful bracelet with green emerald leaves and red rubies as roses throughout it. Amidala dropped her jaw as she saw it. It sparkled and seemed to captivate the light only to let it out from the angles it wanted it to be seen. She hadn't even realized she had put out her hand.
“It's amazing, Ashlynn. Thank you so much.” Amidala hugged her and at the same time thought that no necklace would look good on the dress.
“Does anyone have copper or red gold earrings shaped as leaves?” Amidala asked. There was wild rummaging and lot of 'I'm sorry, no's'.
“Would these do?” Cedar asked carefully and showed her beautiful, dropping earrings with multiple, thin, wooden leaf.
“Wow.” Amidala touched them and then hurriedly pulled her hand back. “The leaves are so thin, I'm afraid if I would break them.”
“These are made from special kind of wood, they won't break.” Cedar promised smiling and put the earrings on Amidala. Towards her hair and skin they almost looked like they would be made from copper.
“Thank you Cedar, these are just what I had in mind.” Amidala smiled and went to help Elena with her decisions. She looked how princesses around them got into the most gorgeous gowns and party dresses and were ready to leave. Her crown hadn't came yet.
“I'm sure Hunter will bring it with him. We'll leave it in here so you can take it while your way down.” Ashlynn comforted. Amidala smiled yet she started to feel more and more anxious the more the time grew near to face the whole school.
“Come on, we better get dressed too. Carl will pick us up from our room.” Elena took Amidala's hand and led her to their room.
“I feel nauseous.” Amidala said nervously. Elena hugged her and comforted her until she got hold of her nerves again. They helped each other dress up and Elena kept looking at Amidala's gown.
“It's not so cold as it was this morning. Was it really just Faybelle who got to us so bad?”
Amidala smiled and told about the changes the seamstress had made. She twirled around in front of Elena's mirror not believing it was her who truly looked back.
“And I'm the cold Ice Queen.” Elena looked at herself in her gown and sighed sadly.
“You are just a princess. You have time to be a cold witch for the rest of your tale.” Amidala hugged Elena who burst to laugh. “Help these shoes on me.”
“Wow. Those are gorgeous! Where you get things like these without spike heels?” Elena wondered as she helped the lace up and tightened the lacing in the back.
“I couldn't walk on those so I might have used a bit of fairy magic on these.” Amidala admitted.
“Cheater!” Elena laughed and helped Amidala up. The heels were a lot higher on these than in her everyday shoes. She was almost walking on her toes.
“You're so tiny little snowflake!” Amidala smiled to Elena who was a lot shorter than she was suddenly. “Oh my goodness, Carl will be a midget in between us!”
“I heard my name being called?” Carl bowed deep in a black tuxedo. “Oh, look at you two! I... Elena you're so beautiful! You're always so pretty but... and... Your Majesty.”
“Carl get up! It's just me. In very high heels.” Amidala laughed. “Let's get going, we have to look is the crown there on our way.”
Amidala and Elena hurriedly checked their handbags and then the three of them almost ran to the royal lounge.
“No crown?” Amidala looked confused and let her fairy shimmer die out.
“You don't need it, Amidala. Just be yourself. You saved the forest, not the Fairy Queen you were announced after that.” Carl said and took her hand. “Man, I'm like a midget next to you!”
Elena and Amidala burst to laugh and they walked out to their carriage chatting happily.
“Briar will hext me when we should get there. It won't take long.” Carl smiled and helped his friends to the carriage.
“Ever the gentleman.” Amidala smiled to Carl. “You feeling confident going on first?”
“I'll try to look confident but I have to say, knowing I'll be walking down with sights like you, every prince in there will wish they would be me. That's going to be awesome.” He smiled widely.
“You sound like you're plotting a revenge.” Elena pointed out when Carl got a message.
“Maybe a bit. It's go time!”
“They haven't done anything to you. You just want to outshine them for a second?” Amidala asked sounding a bit worried as they started to move.
“I have always been nothing in here, no one ever after notices me. Now they will have to, even for a while. And even though they would remember only you two walking down I will know I was the one walking you two down.” Carl smiled a bit ashamed, a bit sad and a bit excited.
“Then let's make them remember you too. After all, we're a trio.” Elena hugged Carl. They came to the other side of the hill and listened. Briar was already speaking about the meaning of the evening.
“I would also like to say that even though this evening is a spellebration to the forest and it's Fairy Queen, it's also an evening that we all can enjoy together. Royals and Rebels, we're all here and we're all ready to have fun!” Briar shouted. The crowd cheered. Amidala smiled proud of Briar and the bravery she took to add that to her speech and how happily everyone cheered to it.
“Then let's have the most important person come out.” Briar announced and the spotlight hit the hill. Melody Piper started to play dramatic music in background. People started to cheer and applause. “Give a big applause to Carl Match! The son of the Little Match Girl!”
The applause changed to quiet and confused one even though the small group of princes and princesses tried to make it loud.
“Who? I have never heard about him.”
“Thank you Briar. Good evening fairytales. I'm Carl Match and due to my story quite invisible so I don't think fairy many of you recognise me. But on the first day Amidala came here, she saw me right away as I called her out to be my partner in class. She has since been a great friend who always has seen the better page of me and made me see it too. So tonight is for my friend, Amidala.” Carl said and walked into the shadows. The people clapped more and some cheered. Carl walked out Elena to the top of the hill. The clapping died again in confusion. 
“Hi. I'm Elena Snow, the daughter of Snow Queen and Amidala's roommate. The second she came in the White Queen smashed fairything to the other side of the room. I was almost ran over by my own dresser. She came and helped me down and offered to help me to arrange fairything. Soon I found out that I was roommate with a girl who had nothing but the clothes she wore. Be sure to hear the whole story in 'Just Right' as Blondie Lockes will get an hexclusive interview from my BFFA, Amidala!” Elena gave way as Carl walked proudly back to the top of the hill with Amidala who was a nervous wreck.
“I can't do this.” She whispered.
“You are already through the worst. They are applauding, they are cheering for you. Just breathe. We only have to make down the hill.” Carl held her arm tighter and spoke calmly. Amidala looked at him and smiled. 'From the ashes always rises a new phoenix'. A thought ran through her mind. Carl looked at her and smiled too.
“You think they will remember me?”
“Absolutely.” Amidala smiled and was confused as Carl stopped. She got anxious again but Carl held her hand tight.
“Amidala. You keep saying you are just the forest princess and in the school grounds it is so. Your story is just beginning.” Elena said behind her. Amidala turned around to look at her on top of the hill. She had been so anxious she hadn't even noticed Elena didn't follow. She was starting to panic.
“Carl, what is happening?” Amidala asked almost in tears.
“Do you trust us?” Carl asked and looked Amidala in the eyes.
“Yes.”
“Then trust us. Calm down. We are here for you and nothing bad is going to happen.” Carl smiled comfortingly. Amidala was starting to see everything through a fog. “Calm down. Everything is fine.”
Amidala heard a fairy speak. She knew to others it would sound like a sweet ringing of a small bell.
“You're all in this.” Amidala said feeling feeble.
“We are not in the school grounds anymore, fairytales. We are in the Enchanted Forest. The forest you saved, Amidala. You saved all the forests. This fairy told me it was the Fairy Queen herself who had turned against her own.” Ashlynn spoke to the microphone. There was loud gasp and shouts. “He told me you fought risking your own life for the forest. You gave your everything to save this forest and while banishing the evil Fairy Queen you shattered the fairies protecting dome. And from that dome this piece fell to this place.” Ashlynn said and Amidala felt something dropping in her head. She felt she started to shimmer like fairies and she couldn't help it, but in the same time the weight in her head soothed her and brought her peace so she could fight against her panic attack. She soon started to see clearly. Carl stood there by her side like a deep rooted tree, Elena had came to the other side of her and held her hand smiling apologetic. The forest fairies and pixies were there in front of the confused students.
“Ever After High, welcome to the coronation of the next Fairy Queen!” Apple announced.
“But no...” Amidala started but Carl and Elena bowed to her as did all the fairies and pixies. After they got up there was a massive ringing sound as the fairies cheered. Many flew to Amidala to pledge their loyalty or bring her small gifts. After the fairies didn't come to her anymore Amidala turned to her friends.
“Traitors.”
“Now they all know what the fairies know. The line is drawn, you are but a student on school ground and you're what you have to be in here.” Elena tried to explain. Amidala nodded and took the microphone from Elena suddenly.
“Thank you to all of my scheming friends. Thank you fairies and pixies. I will work for the benefit of the forest so that this all could never, ever after happen again.” Amidala's voice broke down but she hurriedly collected herself. “But we didn't come here to mourn what was but to spellebrate what is. Hit it Melody!”
The crowd applauded and cheered as Melody started her newest remix and the party lights went back on.
“I'm sorry we had to do it this way but you wouldn't have had it.” Elena said seriously.
“I wouldn't.” Amidala answered shortly. She looked to the group of her friends who ran to her to apologise and congratulate.
“Amidala, now you have to take the title seriously. You have token the job seriously, but not the title and it is important to the fairies! They were worried as you kept saying you weren't the Fairy Queen but if you don't take the title even for a while, the forest will wither. The enchantment is in the Queen and you hold it now. You must own it. We didn't do this just because we wanted everyone to see that you truly are important but to make you realize it too.” Ashlynn spoke seriously looking to Amidala's eyes the whole time.
“It's just hard to accept.” Amidala said awkwardly.
“I'm not giving you a choice there.” Raven grinned. Amidala looked at her and Darling winking their eyes and broke into a smile.
“Fine. I shall be the Fairy Queen.” Amidala admitted and there was a sudden flash around her.
“What was that?”
“Did you do it, Amidala?”
“Please tell me I don't have wings!” Amidala cried out.
“For a second it looked like you would have but there's nothing there.” Darling swoop up and down her back.
“Good. Could we now get to somewhere lower where fairytales wouldn't look at me all the time?”
“Good luck with that. It's quite hard to get eyes off from you.”
“Hunter!” Ashlynn snapped jealously. Both Amidala and Hunter looked baffled though from different reasons.
“Thanks?” Amidala stuttered and started to hurry down the hill where she could blend in the crowd. She had had quite enough attention already. She stumbled in her heels and were about to fall but there was suddenly a hand out of nowhere which pulled her back up and against Daring.
“You look dashing tonight.” Daring flashed his signature smile.
“Thanks for catching me. I still have a lot to learn about running in heels. Actually it could be fun to try to train in heels. Want to spar next week?” Amidala smiled to her new idea and baffled Daring let her go and agreed to it. Amidala made her way towards the edge of the crowd right next to forest where it did a small turn so you could hide a bit from the crowd.
“Knew you'd come here.” Cerise whispered and showed her to follow. Amidala made a clearing in the bush and jumped behind it.
“You were supposed to be grounded!” Amidala almost screamed while hugging her.
“I am. Just sneaked out to take a peek of your coronation. I didn't want to miss out on that.”
“The whole school knew?” 
“No, just your scheming friends. You deserve it. But I must head home before they notice I'm missing. Have fun!” Cerise waved and disappeared. Amidala walked a bit further from the party and then walked from the woods behind Melody who stood a bit higher enjoying the sight of people dancing and having fun. Amidala looked at them also. Her friends looked a bit worried, Elena and Carl were arguing and she didn't see Faybelle anywhere. Sighing Amidala walked to Elena and Carl.
“What are you fighting about now?”
“You're here! I told you it wasn't too much. She's tougher than you give her credit for!” Elena shouted to Carl who stomped away.
“Carl! Wait!” Amidala shouted but he had disappeared to the crowd. “That wasn't nice!”
“Well neither is disappearing!” Elena snapped. “We got worried of you. If you would have had a panic attack and ran away, how would we ever find you?”
“Ashlynn and fairies, maybe?” Amidala smiled sarcastically.
“What about me?” She asked suspiciously.
“That if I would have a panic attack and run away you would find me because you are the only one who can talk to the fairies and animals.”
“Well you can too.” Ashlynn said quietly. Amidala gasped and grabbed Ashlynn aside.
“I have never after ever even thought about it! I'm so sorry, Ashlynn.”
“About what?” Ashlynn asked looking confused.
“You were the only forest girl here. Only one who understood the forest and its inhabitants...”
“Well, Hunter does too.” Ashlynn said quietly.
“Not like you do! You can royally speak to them and understand them, you have a fairy deep root to this forest and then I came and stepped on your slippers! I'm sorry!” Amidala sighed painfully. Ashlynn laughed and hugged her.
“That is not what I am worried about. I am glad I have like a sister with whom to talk about the forest and I was so token that you took me and Hunter in when you started to think defending the forest.”
“You know this place better than I do. You still do.” Amidala smiled. “You're worried about what Hunter said? He was just trying to be nice. Overkill and not cool in front of your girlfriend but he has eyes only for you.”
“I'm not so sure...” Ashlynn sighed.
“I'll prove it to you. Keep your distance from him a while and I'll photograph the faces he does fairytime he sees you.” Amidala took out her mirrorPhone. Ashlynn pushed her hand down.
“You're that sure?”
“There you are! Are you ready for your big interview?” Blondie stepped in and grabbed Amidala's arm.
“Yes!” Amidala shouted to Ashlynn who smiled warmly back.
“I'm glad you're this enthusiastic about this! I'm so hexcited too!” Blondie smiled and dragged Amidala far away from the speakers so the music wouldn't overrun the speech.
“I didn't mean... Oh, nevermind.” Amidala sighed and faked a smile. “Hi Dexter.”
“Hi Amidala. Congratulations?” He said awkwardly.
“Thanks. Where you want me?” Amidala asked as Dexter held the mirrorPad but Blondie pushed her a bit here and a lot there and then back a bit until the background was just right. Amidala took a deep breath and prepared herself for the interview. She tried first to forget she was filmed and then to remember it. The questions were tough and she had troubles trying to keep her destiny open and true background hidden but Blondie was one tough journalist. Amidala wished she would be more easy to the ones she was interviewing as she got anxious just by the bombing of the questions. Finally they were through and Amidala wanted just to get some punch but several princes snatched her to dance and trying to play along she danced always away towards the punch bowl.
“Want a cup?” Amidala was given a full glass of punch.
“Thank you, Hunter. You upset Ashlynn pretty badly.”
“I know. It just blurted out, I meant just to compliment you as you seemed so anxious! Ashlynn's my everything!” Hunter sighed and buried his face to his palms. Amidala smiled and switched places with Ashlynn who had seen the opportunity. Amidala searched out Raven who was chatting with Dexter and Darling.
“How are you feeling?” Darling came to her quickly.
“Hoping all the surprises are done and I can just try to blend in the forest.” Amidala sighed.
“But you did it. You stood in front of the whole school. You were the centre of attention and you survived it. Was it that bad?” Raven smiled.
“Yes! It was horrible! I barely could see or hear a thing until I got the crown back and it brought the soothing feeling of forest. I'm just happy I didn't faint.” Amidala sighed.
“Wait... you were afraid? There? Just standing in front of... But you fought a great evil and banished it!” Dexter seemed really confused.
“Well I could blast it with a spell or sword but there I can't do fairything. Just be stared at.” Amidala defended herself.
“You have a point. It would be pretty horrible if everyone would keep staring fairything I do. I guess I would rather fight with some monsters too.” Dexter though and Amidala smiled to him. It felt good that people saw it from her point of view and agreed. She didn't feel so stupid for fearing crowds and attention.
“Have you seen Briar by the way?” Amidala asked.
“She was busy by the snack table the last I saw her. Oh, I love this beat! Come on Dexter, let's dance!” Raven rejoiced and grabbed Dexter to dance. Darling giggled.
“They look so odd pair.” She said.
“They are more alike than their appearances. I think they are cute together.” Amidala smiled and went to search Briar. She found her finally with Apple and Holly.
“Are you mad? I felt so bad that we were pulling the coronation in top of fairything else.” Briar asked nervously.
“I'm not mad. Ashlynn knew what she was doing and she was right. Was it horrible? YES! But now I can spend the evening with my friends, right? That doesn't sound like a barren tree.” Amidala smiled to Briar who looked relieved. Apple hugged Amidala and they chatted for a while until Amidala saw a familiar face in the crowd. She excused herself and pushed her way through to Faybelle.
“I was worried you wouldn't show up!” Amidala said smiling as she reached her.
“Well I thought the invitation was a rouse to keep me away but I'm known for crashing parties. Usually with more style.” Faybelle said uncomfortably.
“I just thought that maybe it would be nice to be invited for once. To see if it would feel any different or something.” Amidala shrugged.
“Way less fun.” Faybelle lifted her nose. “I'm proud to live my destiny out by crashing parties!”
“Well, I hope you enjoy this anyway. Briar is trying royally hard to make this legendary.” Amidala turned away.
“You look pretty.” Faybelle said silently. Amidala turned around surprised. “For a forest fairy. That's not even a fairy.”
Amidala smiled amused and walked away. She started to feel quite happy and relaxed. She found a princess dancing with Carl who looked happier and prouder than ever in his life. Amidala really hoped people would start to notice him from now on. Elena was dancing with a handsome prince too with a smile that would melt a glacier.
“Fear not, fair maiden. You shan’t go without a dance partner tonight.” Daring bowed suddenly in front of Amidala.
“I haven't had that problem. More like how not to get a dance partner.” Amidala gave a laugh.
“Then I shall make sure there will be no dance partners for you, at least in a while. Want some punch?” Daring gave out his hand.
“Got some already. Make a better deal.” Amidala grinned. She wondered was it just because he was THE Charming of the Charming family that he saw as his mission to be in the limelight all the time. He already would have happily ever after with Apple, he was the best in everything that a hero could be best in, he had a group of girls following him everywhere adoring his every move and a different date to each night. Wasn't that enough attention?
“How you can resist all this charm, I'll never find out.” Daring sighed.
“Because being boastful isn't that charming to me.” Amidala smiled and took Daring's arm. “We can look what the snack table has to offer.”
“What Your Majesty desires.” Daring bowed.
“Do and say that again and you will be sparring with me with bare fists here and now and I don't care how un-Queenly that would be.” Amidala warned. “I don't like fairytales bowing. They don't bow to a tree or a flower, why then they would to me?”
“Because you are royalty now.” Daring said confused.
“I took a job and a title. Does it really make me a royalty? I'm not even a real fairy. Besides, I have always been a princess.” Amidala sighed.
“As much as I would love to see you in fist fight and kicked out of the Royal ranking, you kind of are a fairy.” Faybelle said next to Daring taking mint leaf cakes to her platter.
“Well I posses the magic and the odd shimmer but that hardly makes me a true fairy, more like a channel to them.” Amidala pointed out.  
“Oh my wand, you can't see them?” Faybelle burst to laugh and looked how Amidala looked behind her getting anxious again. She saw nothing but jealous girls in a row.
“Faybelle, you...” Daring started with mighty pose but Amidala pushed him aside and grabbed Faybelle dead serious.
“You better be just evil and pulling a prank.”
“Who would have thought that the truth is sweeter than the lie? Oh, I'm not being evil, how could I? This is your forest Your Majesty.” Faybelle curtsied with a mean smirk. “And yes, you have ethereal wings.” She said and flew away. Amidala started to feel that her new title would be too real and the White Queen would get what she wanted. With her being the Queen of the Enchanted Forest her destiny would be fulfilled. She would have graduated, so to speak. 
The end is just the beginning....
Category:Fan-Fiction
Category:Amidala
Category:MisLuck's OC's
Category:MisLuck's stories
Category:MisLucks's pages
Category:Elena Snow
Category:Carl Match
Category:Adam
Category:Tale of the forest princess