Fic: Impossible Things Are Happening Every Day
Here's my contribution to the birthday fic exchange. I'm sorry that it's late!
My recipient was c00kie, who requested a fairy tale fic. I wrote her something based on Cinderella. Many thanks to saucydiva for the beta.
Once upon a time, in the realm of Hooiserlandia, which was far, far away from the most interesting and notable parts of western civilization, a young maiden named Leslie lived a comfortable life with her mother, Marlene. They lived in a stone farmhouse in the hamlet of Pawnee. They had no servants and did not wear fine clothes, but they were very happy.
In order to make a living, Marlene ran a schoolhouse for wealthy boys. She made sure that her daughter had learning opportunities even though girls and ordinary civilians could not attend school. Leslie’s favorite topics were dragon keeping, fairy politics, and goblin peace studies. Her modest surroundings could not contain her thirst for knowledge.
On a cold, starry night, a government messenger knocked on their door. Marlene had been selected to join a small delegation of educators on a quest to the distant land of Buckeyeville. The delegation would visit schoolhouses and suggest potential educational reforms for Governor Gunderson’s perusal.
Even though she was conflicted about leaving her daughter behind, Marlene chose to take the once in a lifetime opportunity. She packed her bags and convinced her friend, Lady Langham, to let Leslie stay in her villa.
When it was time for Marlene to depart, she comforted her daughter. “Don’t be afraid, Leslie, for I shall return. This quest has the potential to improve our lives beyond my wildest dreams. Promise me that you shall obey Lady Langham. In return, she shall treat you kindly.”
Leslie gave her mother a kiss on the cheek. “Yes, mother, I shall be a good houseguest. I’ll keep up with my reading and do whatever Lady Langham wishes.”
Marlene gave Leslie a hug, picked up her dragonskin bag, and jumped on her horse. “Goodbye, Leslie! I shall return in a few months.” Her horse whinnied and they rode off to join the delegation.
As soon as Marlene was out of sight, Lady Langham rushed Leslie inside and forced her into a dress made of rags.
“Your mother was wrong; you are not a houseguest. I do not look kindly on young women who defy the Lord by daring to read and dreaming beyond their station.” She sniffed her nose, as if she smelled something unpleasant. “You are now a scullery maid. Ann will show you how things work in my household.”
Lady Langham shoved Leslie into the basement and slammed the door. Another girl, who must have been Ann, was holding a single candle and sitting on a barrel.
“Sorry about her; she’s a bit dramatic. I always have to hold onto the candle so it doesn’t blow out. She’s a bit stingy with the matches.” Ann gave Leslie a faint smile.
“How long have you been here?” Leslie asked. She didn’t want to live her life in a soot-filled basement. Frankly, she had better things to do. She’d always wanted to go to dragon keeper school.
“A while. My parents went off to find a white cow, a red cape, some yellow hair, and a gold slipper. They wanted another child and completing that quest would get them one. They haven’t come back for me yet,” Ann shrugged.
Leslie had read about many quests in her books, but had to admit that quest sounded a bit outrageous.
“Well, I’m Leslie. My mother just left on a quest. I guess we have some chores to do.”
“It will be good to have someone else around to help out. I should show you how to scrub the floors. Lady Langham is very particular.”
Thus began Leslie’s life of chores and drudgery.
**
A few months later, Leslie was sorting through Lady Langham’s correspondence. It appeared that she had a new suitor who liked to stamp envelopes with frilly pink seals. While Leslie set the love letters aside, she discovered an envelope with an official seal. Maybe it was an invitation from the Governor!
Lady Langham marched into the room and threw her shawl into Leslie’s arms. “Leslie, I have heard that there is to be a political convention and ball next Saturday. I will need you and Ann to hem my new gown. It will arrive in the post tomorrow.”
Leslie nodded in the affirmative; she was not to speak to her ladyship unless it was absolutely necessary. “Has Ann drawn my bath? I hope she remembered the rose petals this time.”
“Yes, Lady Langham,” Leslie replied.
“Good. I will not be home for dinner; I have a personal engagement. You can dine on stew and bread. Such a meal is good enough for servants, but not good enough for people who matter.” Lady Langham stormed off to her quarters.
The idea of a political convention and ball made Leslie dizzy with excitement. There would be knights and countesses, royalty and bureaucrats! It would be thrilling to see what they envisioned for the future of the realm. A realm with education for all and no indentured servitude would be most ideal.
Sadly, Leslie knew she had no way of getting to the ball. More importantly, since she was a member of the underclass, they would never let her into the festivities. Later that day, when she and Ann were dining on their stew and bread, she lamented her situation.
“If only my mother had returned by now. As someone who did service for Governor Gunderson, she would be on the guest list and I could have gone with her. I’d love to see what life was like in the Governor’s Palace.”
Ann stirred her stew with a wooden spoon. “I have been taking a fairy godmother correspondence course, in order to learn a trade. Maybe I can help you!”
“Ann, a chance to go to the convention would be amazing. Can you turn a pumpkin into a coach? Why haven’t you told me about your course?” Leslie asked.
“I’m not very good at magic. I can turn an egg into an omelet.”
“Don’t bring yourself down. You are a stealthy and talented unicorn. Once we finish hemming Lady Langham’s new gown, we can make plans for the convention.”
“I hope that I master pumpkin coaches by next week,” Ann laughed.
**
Each night, after Lady Langham had retired to her quarters for the evening, Leslie helped Ann practice her burgeoning fairy godmother skills. So far, Ann had produced two pumpkin rickshaws, turned seven mice into piglets, and created one gleaming tunic from a pile of rags.
“Well, tunics are practical. I would be able to move around easily,” Leslie opined.
“No one at this event is going to wear a tunic, Leslie. I need to make you a gown.” Ann clutched her training wand in frustration.
“Maybe you just have to be in the moment. Once Lady Langham’s coach is on its way, you will make my dream come true.”
“I hope so, or I’ll have to tell the Fairytale Business Bureau that Impossible Things Are Happening Every Day Inc.’s correspondence course is a total sham.”
**
At dusk, Lady Langham got in her coach to head towards the castle. Her voluminous maroon gown made it difficult for the footmen to assist her.
“Do not wait up for me, girls. Don’t touch the valuables while I’m gone.”
Leslie and Ann stifled their laughter as the coach made its way into the distance.
“You grab the pumpkin and I’ll catch the mice,” Ann ordered.
Leslie rolled a large pumpkin into the center of a clearing. Ann placed a small piece of cheese on the ground and four white mice ran towards it.
“You can do this, Ann. I know you can do it.” Leslie bounced up and down.
“Leslie, you have to hold still! I don’t want anything to go wrong when I make the dress!” Ann’s brow furrowed in concentration.
Maybe it was Ann’s determination. Maybe it was the magic of the evening. But several quick spells later, Leslie had a sparkling coach, two footmen, and two white horses.
“Now for the big finish - it’s time to make your dress. Now remember to stand still,” Ann said sternly.
A warm glow enveloped Leslie. Seconds later, she was spinning around in the air. Her hair styled itself into a glamorous bun. Her rags turned into a radiant, silver ball gown. Leslie resisted the urge to remind Ann that a tunic would be more practical for this occasion.
“Ann! Look at what you did!” The girls ran towards each other and hugged. Seconds later, Ann’s face fell.
“I forgot to learn how to make shoes.”
“Well, that’s easy. Just grab something and turn it into a shoe.”
Ann gave Leslie an indignant look. “I can’t just turn anything into a glass slipper. I could probably make glass sneakers out of your clogs.”
She aimed her wand at Leslie’s clogs. They turned into fragile, glass sneakers. They were stylish, but also inelegant. They looked well suited for someone who was about to spend a long time on their feet.
“They’ll have to do.” Ann frowned.
“They are absolutely great. They have Velcro so I don’t have to tie anything!” Leslie hopped into the coach without any assistance from the silent footmen (creating talking footmen from mice required a more advanced spell). Ann handed Leslie the glass sneakers and she put them on.
“Remember, by the stroke of midnight, you will need to be back in the coach! The dress will turn back into rags and the coach will head home.”
“You should come with me! It will be loads of fun!”
Ann scrunched up her nose. “Political conventions aren’t really my thing. This is your night to have fun. That’s what fairy godmothers in training do. We create fun for deserving people.”
“Very well. I will be back on time. Thanks to you, I will have the best night ever.” Ann waved as the coach set off towards the palace.
**
Shortly after departure, the coach arrived at Governor Gunderson’s palace. There was valet coach parking, which was a major help since the mice footmen couldn’t speak.
The palace was decorated with ornate paintings and garlands made of cornstalks. Servants offered mulled wine and corn-filled canapés to the guests. A small orchestra was perched on a stage, providing soft music. It was enchanting.
Leslie gathered her ball gown and set forth towards the convention hall. There were so many panels and only a few hours until the ball began. Should she attend the discussion on troll rights or the one on elf underemployment? There were so many options and they all seemed like good ones. While she examined the convention program, she bumped into another attendee.
“Oh! I’m sorry. I was walking and trying to read the program at the same time.” Her cheeks flushed and she dusted off her gown, hoping that she hadn’t ruined Ann’s handiwork.
The gentleman gave her a small smile. “That’s fine, you have caused me no harm. I’m not from around here and I was looking for Hall C. Do you know where that is?” He was slight and had amazing hair. He was also wearing a practical tunic that featured the colors of his city.
Leslie tried not to get flustered. She took a second to collect herself. “Is that where the panel on discrimination towards dragons and dragon keepers is taking place? I’m heading that way!”
“I’m curious to hear the panel. Dragons and their keepers need to be kept away from women and children. Having them roam freely would force the realm to increase the public safety tax.”
Leslie frowned. “Dragons are the most fascinating creatures. Studies show that most fears about dragons are based on skewed survey data from many years ago! Moreover, dragon keepers should have the right to tie up their dragons and go in a pub for drink if they choose!”
The gentleman gave her a startled look. “You have a lot of opinions about dragons.”
“I speak freely because it is pleasing to me,” Leslie retorted.
“How about we attend the panel, together?” He offered her his arm. Leslie couldn’t tell if it was because he was being polite or if he fancied her. Nethertheless, she took his arm and they walked towards the hall together.
**
After several exhilarating panels, it was time for the ball. Leslie danced with several partners and exchanged pleasantries, but her mind kept returning to the dashing gentleman she met earlier. What were his opinions on spinning needle regulations? Did he support the legalization of poisoned apples?
Even though Leslie had conversed with him plenty, she felt like she didn’t know enough about him. He reminded her of the ream of books that her mother had left for her to read while she was at Lady Langham’s. There was so much to learn about him and only a few hours left in the evening.
During a dance with Lord Perd, who was the head town caller, Leslie spotted her suitor. He was sitting at a table with another man who was wearing the same kind of tunic. They must have been representatives from the same delegation.
After the song ended, Leslie excused herself. She would defy social norms and ask her suitor to dance with her. She cut through the crowd, stumbling around the many large gowns.
“Kind sir, I hope that we can share a dance before the evening ends.” She wasn’t sure what to do next. If she were a man, she would extend her hand in invitation. Flummoxed, she gave a curtsy.
“Sir Benjami, you have not danced with anyone this evening. This maiden is unorthodox and subsequently, very refreshing,” said Sir Ben’s companion.
“Fine, Sir Christopher. If it will be pleasing to you, I shall dance.”
Reluctantly, Sir Benjamin stood up and took Leslie’s hand. As they danced, they discussed peasant’s rights. Leslie shared her tale of plight, but disguised her true identity by creating a new protagonist - Torple.
“So, Torple must stay in servitude until she dies?” Sir Benjamin asked.
“Or until her mother returns. Her guardian sees her as owing a debt. However, the work is strenuous and Torple receives no pay. I, uh, she sleeps on the floor!” Horse dung on a freshly cleaned walkway. Leslie hoped that Sir Ben did not notice what she just said.
“That is horrifying. Are there countless more in this situation?” Sir Benjamin spun her around. He was a clumsy dancer, but that didn’t make him less attractive.
“I suppose. Since Torple is a member of the underclass, she doesn’t get out much to meet with her compatriots. That is why I came to the convention to share her plight.”
Sir Benjamin pondered this for a moment. “Sadly, I am a guest of Governor Gunderson, so I have no power here. But I shall share this information with Sir Swanson, who provides guidance to the Governor. It is a shame that women cannot bring about change on their own.”
Despite the widespread nature of the problem, Pawnee’s leadership was not likely to support the liberation of the underclass. Still, knowing that her terrible life story had moved Sir Benjamin to approach Pawnee’s leaders gave her a sense of accomplishment. Leslie did not believe in chivalry, but the concept was proving itself to be quite useful and strangely attractive.
Abruptly, the large clock in the ballroom started to ring. There were only a few seconds left.
“Sir Benjamin, it was a pleasure to meet you this evening but I must be going. My coach is waiting.” Leslie gave him a quick curtsy and pushed through the crowd.
“Fair Maiden, don’t go! We had a long, stimulating conversation but I didn’t neglected to learn your name!” Sir Benjamin followed her through the crowd.
Leslie went down the stairs at a rapid pace. Why were there so many stairs? She tripped and one of her glass sneakers fell off. The Velcro must have come loose during the ball.
With only a few seconds to spare, Leslie would have to leave Ann’s handiwork behind. She hopped in her awaiting coach and rode off into the distance. As soon as she stepped inside, her gown dissolved into rags.
**
The next day, Leslie was serving Lady Langham her porridge. It had to be hot, but not too hot. Lady Langham would only eat food that was “just right,” as if she were a small child.
Ann was busy scrubbing pots and pans. There was a knock at the door. Even though Lady Langham was not expecting callers, she nodded and gave Ann permission to open the door.
It was Sir Benjamin and Sir Christopher. Leslie tried her best not to spill porridge all over her dress.
“Good day, Fair Maiden. My friend, Sir Ben, is looking for the fascinating girl that he met last night at the convention. She left behind her shoe. Did any of you attend?”
Lady Langham stood up and waltzed towards the door. “I was there. I’d be happy to try on the shoe.”
Sir Benjamin frowned. “My lady, I am nearly positive that I did not speak to you last night.”
Sir Christopher pulled out a chair and set the shoe on the floor. “If we are to do a comprehensive search before we leave town, we must try the shoe on every woman who was there.” He slid the shoe onto Lady Langham’s garish foot.
It cracked instantly. Lady Langham let out an unladylike scream.
“That was disappointing,” Sir Christopher lamented. “I suppose that we won’t find her without the shoe.”
At this moment, Leslie did the unthinkable. “I know where the other glass shoe is.” She opened a kitchen cupboard and there it was, gleaming in all of its glory. She brought it to the table and sat down.
Sir Benjamin attempted to offer assistance, but Leslie put the shoe without his help. His face lit up with excitement. “I have found her! The most fascinating and socially-just girl in the world exists!”
They stared longingly into each other’s eyes.
Lady Langham’s face turned red with anger. “Leslie, you left the house last night? You know that you are not supposed to go anywhere!”
“I wanted to speak up for those of us who have no voice!” Leslie retorted.
Sir Benjamin smiled at the sound of her name. “Leslie. What a beautiful name. Sir Christopher and I are returning to the capitol. Would you like to join us so you can share your plight in a public forum? I would love to get to know you better and show you my city.” Sir Benjamin asked.
Leslie was torn. She wanted to leave her hellish existence and she had no idea when her mother would return. However, she couldn’t leave Ann behind. Not after how much she had helped her.
But then, something very strange happened. There was a small dinging sound and a magic scroll appeared in Ann’s hands.
“Leslie, I just got accepted to the Fairy Godmother Academy in Indianapolis! They saw what I did for you and they think I have potential!”
“Then it is settled. I will go with you! I, too, want to know you better.” Leslie was thrilled. She’d met an adorable man who found her intriguing for her thoughts. Granted, he thought she was cute and the feeling was mutual. But there was nothing more fulfilling than being respected for one’s conscience.
To make things even better, Ann had finally found a way out of poverty and Sir Christopher had appeared to taking a liking to her. He was helping her onto his horse.
She grabbed her glass sneaker and ran out the door. Sir Benjamin followed her.
“Girls, if you leave, you will regret it!” Lady Langham screamed.
“I’m sure you’ll manage without us,” Leslie replied. The happy couples rode off into the distance and Lady Langham was left to scrub her own floors.
Shortly after they arrived in Indianapolis, Ann and Sir Christopher vowed to stay together forever. They didn’t get married because they weren’t interested in labels. Ann finished her degree in Fairy Godmothership and they had a child, who brought them great joy.
Leslie’s life was also quite fulfilling. After the underclass raised an uprising, Leslie became the first female Commissioner of Human and Non-Human Rights. Sir Benjamin did various things that didn’t amount to much of a career, but still found fulfillment nonetheless. Every year, they returned to Pawnee to celebrate having found one another.
And they lived happily ever after.
My recipient was c00kie, who requested a fairy tale fic. I wrote her something based on Cinderella. Many thanks to saucydiva for the beta.
Once upon a time, in the realm of Hooiserlandia, which was far, far away from the most interesting and notable parts of western civilization, a young maiden named Leslie lived a comfortable life with her mother, Marlene. They lived in a stone farmhouse in the hamlet of Pawnee. They had no servants and did not wear fine clothes, but they were very happy.
In order to make a living, Marlene ran a schoolhouse for wealthy boys. She made sure that her daughter had learning opportunities even though girls and ordinary civilians could not attend school. Leslie’s favorite topics were dragon keeping, fairy politics, and goblin peace studies. Her modest surroundings could not contain her thirst for knowledge.
On a cold, starry night, a government messenger knocked on their door. Marlene had been selected to join a small delegation of educators on a quest to the distant land of Buckeyeville. The delegation would visit schoolhouses and suggest potential educational reforms for Governor Gunderson’s perusal.
Even though she was conflicted about leaving her daughter behind, Marlene chose to take the once in a lifetime opportunity. She packed her bags and convinced her friend, Lady Langham, to let Leslie stay in her villa.
When it was time for Marlene to depart, she comforted her daughter. “Don’t be afraid, Leslie, for I shall return. This quest has the potential to improve our lives beyond my wildest dreams. Promise me that you shall obey Lady Langham. In return, she shall treat you kindly.”
Leslie gave her mother a kiss on the cheek. “Yes, mother, I shall be a good houseguest. I’ll keep up with my reading and do whatever Lady Langham wishes.”
Marlene gave Leslie a hug, picked up her dragonskin bag, and jumped on her horse. “Goodbye, Leslie! I shall return in a few months.” Her horse whinnied and they rode off to join the delegation.
As soon as Marlene was out of sight, Lady Langham rushed Leslie inside and forced her into a dress made of rags.
“Your mother was wrong; you are not a houseguest. I do not look kindly on young women who defy the Lord by daring to read and dreaming beyond their station.” She sniffed her nose, as if she smelled something unpleasant. “You are now a scullery maid. Ann will show you how things work in my household.”
Lady Langham shoved Leslie into the basement and slammed the door. Another girl, who must have been Ann, was holding a single candle and sitting on a barrel.
“Sorry about her; she’s a bit dramatic. I always have to hold onto the candle so it doesn’t blow out. She’s a bit stingy with the matches.” Ann gave Leslie a faint smile.
“How long have you been here?” Leslie asked. She didn’t want to live her life in a soot-filled basement. Frankly, she had better things to do. She’d always wanted to go to dragon keeper school.
“A while. My parents went off to find a white cow, a red cape, some yellow hair, and a gold slipper. They wanted another child and completing that quest would get them one. They haven’t come back for me yet,” Ann shrugged.
Leslie had read about many quests in her books, but had to admit that quest sounded a bit outrageous.
“Well, I’m Leslie. My mother just left on a quest. I guess we have some chores to do.”
“It will be good to have someone else around to help out. I should show you how to scrub the floors. Lady Langham is very particular.”
Thus began Leslie’s life of chores and drudgery.
**
A few months later, Leslie was sorting through Lady Langham’s correspondence. It appeared that she had a new suitor who liked to stamp envelopes with frilly pink seals. While Leslie set the love letters aside, she discovered an envelope with an official seal. Maybe it was an invitation from the Governor!
Lady Langham marched into the room and threw her shawl into Leslie’s arms. “Leslie, I have heard that there is to be a political convention and ball next Saturday. I will need you and Ann to hem my new gown. It will arrive in the post tomorrow.”
Leslie nodded in the affirmative; she was not to speak to her ladyship unless it was absolutely necessary. “Has Ann drawn my bath? I hope she remembered the rose petals this time.”
“Yes, Lady Langham,” Leslie replied.
“Good. I will not be home for dinner; I have a personal engagement. You can dine on stew and bread. Such a meal is good enough for servants, but not good enough for people who matter.” Lady Langham stormed off to her quarters.
The idea of a political convention and ball made Leslie dizzy with excitement. There would be knights and countesses, royalty and bureaucrats! It would be thrilling to see what they envisioned for the future of the realm. A realm with education for all and no indentured servitude would be most ideal.
Sadly, Leslie knew she had no way of getting to the ball. More importantly, since she was a member of the underclass, they would never let her into the festivities. Later that day, when she and Ann were dining on their stew and bread, she lamented her situation.
“If only my mother had returned by now. As someone who did service for Governor Gunderson, she would be on the guest list and I could have gone with her. I’d love to see what life was like in the Governor’s Palace.”
Ann stirred her stew with a wooden spoon. “I have been taking a fairy godmother correspondence course, in order to learn a trade. Maybe I can help you!”
“Ann, a chance to go to the convention would be amazing. Can you turn a pumpkin into a coach? Why haven’t you told me about your course?” Leslie asked.
“I’m not very good at magic. I can turn an egg into an omelet.”
“Don’t bring yourself down. You are a stealthy and talented unicorn. Once we finish hemming Lady Langham’s new gown, we can make plans for the convention.”
“I hope that I master pumpkin coaches by next week,” Ann laughed.
**
Each night, after Lady Langham had retired to her quarters for the evening, Leslie helped Ann practice her burgeoning fairy godmother skills. So far, Ann had produced two pumpkin rickshaws, turned seven mice into piglets, and created one gleaming tunic from a pile of rags.
“Well, tunics are practical. I would be able to move around easily,” Leslie opined.
“No one at this event is going to wear a tunic, Leslie. I need to make you a gown.” Ann clutched her training wand in frustration.
“Maybe you just have to be in the moment. Once Lady Langham’s coach is on its way, you will make my dream come true.”
“I hope so, or I’ll have to tell the Fairytale Business Bureau that Impossible Things Are Happening Every Day Inc.’s correspondence course is a total sham.”
**
At dusk, Lady Langham got in her coach to head towards the castle. Her voluminous maroon gown made it difficult for the footmen to assist her.
“Do not wait up for me, girls. Don’t touch the valuables while I’m gone.”
Leslie and Ann stifled their laughter as the coach made its way into the distance.
“You grab the pumpkin and I’ll catch the mice,” Ann ordered.
Leslie rolled a large pumpkin into the center of a clearing. Ann placed a small piece of cheese on the ground and four white mice ran towards it.
“You can do this, Ann. I know you can do it.” Leslie bounced up and down.
“Leslie, you have to hold still! I don’t want anything to go wrong when I make the dress!” Ann’s brow furrowed in concentration.
Maybe it was Ann’s determination. Maybe it was the magic of the evening. But several quick spells later, Leslie had a sparkling coach, two footmen, and two white horses.
“Now for the big finish - it’s time to make your dress. Now remember to stand still,” Ann said sternly.
A warm glow enveloped Leslie. Seconds later, she was spinning around in the air. Her hair styled itself into a glamorous bun. Her rags turned into a radiant, silver ball gown. Leslie resisted the urge to remind Ann that a tunic would be more practical for this occasion.
“Ann! Look at what you did!” The girls ran towards each other and hugged. Seconds later, Ann’s face fell.
“I forgot to learn how to make shoes.”
“Well, that’s easy. Just grab something and turn it into a shoe.”
Ann gave Leslie an indignant look. “I can’t just turn anything into a glass slipper. I could probably make glass sneakers out of your clogs.”
She aimed her wand at Leslie’s clogs. They turned into fragile, glass sneakers. They were stylish, but also inelegant. They looked well suited for someone who was about to spend a long time on their feet.
“They’ll have to do.” Ann frowned.
“They are absolutely great. They have Velcro so I don’t have to tie anything!” Leslie hopped into the coach without any assistance from the silent footmen (creating talking footmen from mice required a more advanced spell). Ann handed Leslie the glass sneakers and she put them on.
“Remember, by the stroke of midnight, you will need to be back in the coach! The dress will turn back into rags and the coach will head home.”
“You should come with me! It will be loads of fun!”
Ann scrunched up her nose. “Political conventions aren’t really my thing. This is your night to have fun. That’s what fairy godmothers in training do. We create fun for deserving people.”
“Very well. I will be back on time. Thanks to you, I will have the best night ever.” Ann waved as the coach set off towards the palace.
**
Shortly after departure, the coach arrived at Governor Gunderson’s palace. There was valet coach parking, which was a major help since the mice footmen couldn’t speak.
The palace was decorated with ornate paintings and garlands made of cornstalks. Servants offered mulled wine and corn-filled canapés to the guests. A small orchestra was perched on a stage, providing soft music. It was enchanting.
Leslie gathered her ball gown and set forth towards the convention hall. There were so many panels and only a few hours until the ball began. Should she attend the discussion on troll rights or the one on elf underemployment? There were so many options and they all seemed like good ones. While she examined the convention program, she bumped into another attendee.
“Oh! I’m sorry. I was walking and trying to read the program at the same time.” Her cheeks flushed and she dusted off her gown, hoping that she hadn’t ruined Ann’s handiwork.
The gentleman gave her a small smile. “That’s fine, you have caused me no harm. I’m not from around here and I was looking for Hall C. Do you know where that is?” He was slight and had amazing hair. He was also wearing a practical tunic that featured the colors of his city.
Leslie tried not to get flustered. She took a second to collect herself. “Is that where the panel on discrimination towards dragons and dragon keepers is taking place? I’m heading that way!”
“I’m curious to hear the panel. Dragons and their keepers need to be kept away from women and children. Having them roam freely would force the realm to increase the public safety tax.”
Leslie frowned. “Dragons are the most fascinating creatures. Studies show that most fears about dragons are based on skewed survey data from many years ago! Moreover, dragon keepers should have the right to tie up their dragons and go in a pub for drink if they choose!”
The gentleman gave her a startled look. “You have a lot of opinions about dragons.”
“I speak freely because it is pleasing to me,” Leslie retorted.
“How about we attend the panel, together?” He offered her his arm. Leslie couldn’t tell if it was because he was being polite or if he fancied her. Nethertheless, she took his arm and they walked towards the hall together.
**
After several exhilarating panels, it was time for the ball. Leslie danced with several partners and exchanged pleasantries, but her mind kept returning to the dashing gentleman she met earlier. What were his opinions on spinning needle regulations? Did he support the legalization of poisoned apples?
Even though Leslie had conversed with him plenty, she felt like she didn’t know enough about him. He reminded her of the ream of books that her mother had left for her to read while she was at Lady Langham’s. There was so much to learn about him and only a few hours left in the evening.
During a dance with Lord Perd, who was the head town caller, Leslie spotted her suitor. He was sitting at a table with another man who was wearing the same kind of tunic. They must have been representatives from the same delegation.
After the song ended, Leslie excused herself. She would defy social norms and ask her suitor to dance with her. She cut through the crowd, stumbling around the many large gowns.
“Kind sir, I hope that we can share a dance before the evening ends.” She wasn’t sure what to do next. If she were a man, she would extend her hand in invitation. Flummoxed, she gave a curtsy.
“Sir Benjami, you have not danced with anyone this evening. This maiden is unorthodox and subsequently, very refreshing,” said Sir Ben’s companion.
“Fine, Sir Christopher. If it will be pleasing to you, I shall dance.”
Reluctantly, Sir Benjamin stood up and took Leslie’s hand. As they danced, they discussed peasant’s rights. Leslie shared her tale of plight, but disguised her true identity by creating a new protagonist - Torple.
“So, Torple must stay in servitude until she dies?” Sir Benjamin asked.
“Or until her mother returns. Her guardian sees her as owing a debt. However, the work is strenuous and Torple receives no pay. I, uh, she sleeps on the floor!” Horse dung on a freshly cleaned walkway. Leslie hoped that Sir Ben did not notice what she just said.
“That is horrifying. Are there countless more in this situation?” Sir Benjamin spun her around. He was a clumsy dancer, but that didn’t make him less attractive.
“I suppose. Since Torple is a member of the underclass, she doesn’t get out much to meet with her compatriots. That is why I came to the convention to share her plight.”
Sir Benjamin pondered this for a moment. “Sadly, I am a guest of Governor Gunderson, so I have no power here. But I shall share this information with Sir Swanson, who provides guidance to the Governor. It is a shame that women cannot bring about change on their own.”
Despite the widespread nature of the problem, Pawnee’s leadership was not likely to support the liberation of the underclass. Still, knowing that her terrible life story had moved Sir Benjamin to approach Pawnee’s leaders gave her a sense of accomplishment. Leslie did not believe in chivalry, but the concept was proving itself to be quite useful and strangely attractive.
Abruptly, the large clock in the ballroom started to ring. There were only a few seconds left.
“Sir Benjamin, it was a pleasure to meet you this evening but I must be going. My coach is waiting.” Leslie gave him a quick curtsy and pushed through the crowd.
“Fair Maiden, don’t go! We had a long, stimulating conversation but I didn’t neglected to learn your name!” Sir Benjamin followed her through the crowd.
Leslie went down the stairs at a rapid pace. Why were there so many stairs? She tripped and one of her glass sneakers fell off. The Velcro must have come loose during the ball.
With only a few seconds to spare, Leslie would have to leave Ann’s handiwork behind. She hopped in her awaiting coach and rode off into the distance. As soon as she stepped inside, her gown dissolved into rags.
**
The next day, Leslie was serving Lady Langham her porridge. It had to be hot, but not too hot. Lady Langham would only eat food that was “just right,” as if she were a small child.
Ann was busy scrubbing pots and pans. There was a knock at the door. Even though Lady Langham was not expecting callers, she nodded and gave Ann permission to open the door.
It was Sir Benjamin and Sir Christopher. Leslie tried her best not to spill porridge all over her dress.
“Good day, Fair Maiden. My friend, Sir Ben, is looking for the fascinating girl that he met last night at the convention. She left behind her shoe. Did any of you attend?”
Lady Langham stood up and waltzed towards the door. “I was there. I’d be happy to try on the shoe.”
Sir Benjamin frowned. “My lady, I am nearly positive that I did not speak to you last night.”
Sir Christopher pulled out a chair and set the shoe on the floor. “If we are to do a comprehensive search before we leave town, we must try the shoe on every woman who was there.” He slid the shoe onto Lady Langham’s garish foot.
It cracked instantly. Lady Langham let out an unladylike scream.
“That was disappointing,” Sir Christopher lamented. “I suppose that we won’t find her without the shoe.”
At this moment, Leslie did the unthinkable. “I know where the other glass shoe is.” She opened a kitchen cupboard and there it was, gleaming in all of its glory. She brought it to the table and sat down.
Sir Benjamin attempted to offer assistance, but Leslie put the shoe without his help. His face lit up with excitement. “I have found her! The most fascinating and socially-just girl in the world exists!”
They stared longingly into each other’s eyes.
Lady Langham’s face turned red with anger. “Leslie, you left the house last night? You know that you are not supposed to go anywhere!”
“I wanted to speak up for those of us who have no voice!” Leslie retorted.
Sir Benjamin smiled at the sound of her name. “Leslie. What a beautiful name. Sir Christopher and I are returning to the capitol. Would you like to join us so you can share your plight in a public forum? I would love to get to know you better and show you my city.” Sir Benjamin asked.
Leslie was torn. She wanted to leave her hellish existence and she had no idea when her mother would return. However, she couldn’t leave Ann behind. Not after how much she had helped her.
But then, something very strange happened. There was a small dinging sound and a magic scroll appeared in Ann’s hands.
“Leslie, I just got accepted to the Fairy Godmother Academy in Indianapolis! They saw what I did for you and they think I have potential!”
“Then it is settled. I will go with you! I, too, want to know you better.” Leslie was thrilled. She’d met an adorable man who found her intriguing for her thoughts. Granted, he thought she was cute and the feeling was mutual. But there was nothing more fulfilling than being respected for one’s conscience.
To make things even better, Ann had finally found a way out of poverty and Sir Christopher had appeared to taking a liking to her. He was helping her onto his horse.
She grabbed her glass sneaker and ran out the door. Sir Benjamin followed her.
“Girls, if you leave, you will regret it!” Lady Langham screamed.
“I’m sure you’ll manage without us,” Leslie replied. The happy couples rode off into the distance and Lady Langham was left to scrub her own floors.
Shortly after they arrived in Indianapolis, Ann and Sir Christopher vowed to stay together forever. They didn’t get married because they weren’t interested in labels. Ann finished her degree in Fairy Godmothership and they had a child, who brought them great joy.
Leslie’s life was also quite fulfilling. After the underclass raised an uprising, Leslie became the first female Commissioner of Human and Non-Human Rights. Sir Benjamin did various things that didn’t amount to much of a career, but still found fulfillment nonetheless. Every year, they returned to Pawnee to celebrate having found one another.
And they lived happily ever after.