Clover stood outside her willow tree home, her fingers clenching the newly grown wand. Golden morning sunlight cascaded over the majestic mountains, bathing everything in a radiant glow. The McKay's rooster crowed, stirring the Glenaleen to life. Villagers slowly emerged from their homes and shuffled towards her, bringing their unfulfilled wishes.
As the villagers slowly gathered, murmurs rippling through the crowd, Clover summoned her inner strength, steeling her nerves. If she succeeded, they would forge a new future together. If not, a Diversion Spell wouldn't be able to hide her from the angry mob she feared they might become.
Clearing her throat, she took a step forward, her voice initially trembling as she addressed the gathered villagers. 'Good people of Glenaleen,' she began, her words laced with both determination and a hint of vulnerability. "As a child, you welcomed me as one of your own." A few in the crowd nodded in agreement. "I want to apologize for the chaos of the past few days. I know my new role as your fairy godmother has been an adjustment for all of us. That changes, starting now."
The villagers hushed and gave her their full attention.
"It's been years since there has been a fairy godmother here. I'm still learning what this means. I hope you'll honor the obligations set forth in the ancient pact made between fairies and humans."
She gazed into the eyes of the villagers, allowing her words to sink in.
"In exchange for your protection and care, I will use my magic to grant wishes with fairness. But there are rules that must be followed.
"Rule number one." Her voice hardened. "I will not grant any wish I believe will be used to harm or deceive or is otherwise immoral."
Her gaze landed on her adoptive father, his burly frame towering over the crowd like a formidable oak tree. She locked eyes with him, her stare unwavering. "Nor will I be coerced or bullied into granting wishes if we are to maintain our trust and friendship."
Vakur flushed under her scrutiny, shame creeping into his bearded face.
An uneasy silence settled over the crowd as they absorbed her words. She was no longer the timid and shy 'fairy girl' they had known, replaced by a fairy godmother radiating strength and determination.
Vakur Doyle muscled his way forward. "Aye, she speaks the truth,' he confessed, his voice gruff. 'Times have been hard. I'm ashamed to say I forced her to enchant my coin purse to double what I put into it out of desperation and greed."
He held his large right hand over his head, revealing an extra thumb and two additional fingers. "This is the price I paid when I tried to take out a gold coin. I deserved this and it will remind me of the shameful things I said and did."
A ripple of shock coursed through the crowd, sparking furtive glances and hushed whispers. Clover stood composed, her gaze steady, waiting for the commotion to settle. "What happened to Mr. Doyle was not intended, but it illustrates why your wishes should be worthwhile." She paused for her words to sink in.
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"Someone I know deep in my heart who is worthy is my best friend, Lily." Clover gestured to Lily, "Will you share a wish with everyone?"
Lily stammered, barely meeting Clover's eyes. "I wish for my garden to fill up with delicious fruits and vegetables that will impress Declan O'Shea."
Clover arched an eyebrow. "Your garden? Do you mean that patch of weeds and stones beside your house?" A few people chuckled as Lily's cheeks reddened.
"That's an honest wish, Lily. One everyone hopes for when they plant their seeds in the Spring. Growing a garden until harvest takes work and time. Not magic. Which brings us to rule number two.
"Fairy godmothers grant wishes based on their discretion about what the intent behind the wish is. Lily wants a garden she can be proud of, which can only happen by putting in the work so I will not wave it into existence." Clover turned to Lily, her voice gentle but firm as she gestured to the side of her hut. "Hand me my watering bucket, please."
Clover took the bucket from Lily. With a graceful flick of her wrist, she waved her wand over the bucket in a swirling motion. A faint shimmer of magic danced across the surface, then vanished. "I've enchanted this bucket. It's yours now. The water poured from the bucket will make your plants grow bigger and stronger than ever." She turned to the crowd. "As I replenish the magic we've lost over the years, everyone will experience benefits like this."
As Clover handed the bucket to Lily, her wand glowed in dazzling brilliance. Large magic fairy wings erupted from her shoulder blades. They lifted her two feet off the ground, a soft glow emanated from her clothing. The crowd buzzed in amazement, enthralled by this dazzling display of magic. "See what happens when a wish is honest and granted faithfully?"
She stretched out her hand toward Vakur Doyle and floated to him while rising to his height.
"Now, to show I remain the kind, forgiving adopted daughter you know, give me your right hand." She waved her wand over his hand, returning it to normal.
"Mr. Doyle, you taught me that a coin saved is as good as a coin earned." Then she tapped his coin purse. "I replaced the enchantment. Now your coin purse will refuse to open if it detects you are being cheated."
He stood dumbfounded, inspecting his restored hand in disbelief. "I don't deserve it after the monstrous things I said." He got down on one knee in front of the crowd. "You have my word, Fairy Godmother Quinn. I'll not threaten you ever again." His voice rose so everyone could hear. "I also pledge that if anyone threatens you, they'll have to deal with me."
Murmurs of agreement passed through the villagers. Relief washed over Clover, a smile breaking across her face. "I accept your apology." She reached down to place her hand on his shoulder. "I am proud of you. It took courage to apologize like that, and in public. Now please stand up, you're making me uncomfortable."
Vakur nodded gratefully and stood.
Clover then noticed Timmy, the small boy whose teddy bear she had failed to mend. The cloth bear hung from his hand by its ripped arm. "Did you come to have me fix your bear again?"
He looked at the ground and whispered, "Yes."
She gestured to the people around her. "Do any of you think I'm better at sewing than the tailor?"
"No way. That Susan could sew sunbeams together," replied one of them.
Clover smiled, then raised her voice again. "Then we agree, a fairy godmother is not the best solution for this boy's wants. The people of Glenaleen pride ourselves on our self-reliance and cooperation. Do we want to lose what makes us our best selves by using magic on problems we can solve ourselves?" She ascended higher still. "I am proud to be your Fairy Godmother and promise to elevate us all."
The villagers cheered and then dispersed to go rethink their wishes. Clover smiled and waved, looking ever the part of a fairy godmother. Inside, she harbored one more concern. I hope I figure out how to land before the wings fade away, but not until after I taunt the McKay's rooster.