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An Artist's Dreams

Black hair. Cropped. Smooth. Thick.  Green eyes. Bright. Cold. Unfeeling. Tall. Thin. Brad chest. Pail skin. Angular face. Muscular figure. American. Lip ring. Bars. Silver. Tattoos. Arm. Neck. Black. Ink like. Teenager. 17. Ageless. Appearance of immortality. Dark clothing. Dress pants. Long coat. Formal. Modern. Amulet. Sliver. Star. Circle. Black cord. Dangerous. Mysterious. Distant. Educated. Embodiment of shadows. Embodiment of desire.

My eyes snapped open and I banged the off button on my alarm. An alarm I had snoozed three times before. My phone rang. The police sirens that warned me that my friend, Ava, was calling to yell at me.

“Hello?”

“Open the door! It’s freezing,” I heard a crash come from the back side of my house, “Never mind.”

She came through my bedroom door less than a minute later. “You need a new window,” she said in a calm voice.

“What?!” I jumped up, already dressed, and ran to my front window. It was fine. I looked to her and she pointed behind me.

“Oh no. Oh,” I looked at the crashed window and the rock sitting in a puddle of broken glass.

“How does that not hurt?”

“What?” I was leaning agents what was left of the window and she looked at me like I was going insane.

“Your arm.”

I looked down at my arm which had gone numb a moment later. Blood was running down my skin and cutting into my flesh. “Ava.”

She was already there, handing me a cloth.

I cleaned all the blood and pulled glass out of my arm. I than burned the cloth that contained my blood.

Some people I knew thought I had a mental disorder. My mother thought I was just observant and creative.  Ava thought I was psychic, cautious, and maybe a little nuts. 

I heard voices, saw things, and was extremely careful. By careful I mean that, I don’t trust people and am careful about who has access to my blood.

I can’t explain why I’m like this and I try to hide it from most people I meet. Most of my friends, even those I’m close to, don’t know about it.

After the cloth was burned I fixed the window, replaced the screen, and cleaned up the glass, throwing it away outside. When I came in the house I heard whispering and the air stank of grief, ash and wilting roses. Someone was here. “Ava?”

“I know.” She was holding a pale pink rosary and we walked out to sit out on the porch until the uninvited guest had left.

“You could sense it?” I asked, not looking at her.

She nodded. “Ya. Sadness.”

We were silent for many moments.

“Why?”

“Why what?!” I snapped.

“Why are they watching you? Why are they here?”

“If I knew why than I would know how to stop them.” I didn’t have to say any more. She knew what I meant. If I knew how to stop them, I would.  Same thing went for my odd dreams. The dreams that weren’t really dreams at all, just descriptions of people. People that I drew, bue Ava didn’t know about those, and neither did my mother.

After about fifteen more miniutes, we went back inside.

 

Who I Am

I am One of You

© a super cool and creative website

The other day I went to an advice website for teens and asked, “I feel overwhelmed with homework. What should I do?” Do you know what I got back?
“Eat your vegetables and get a good night sleep.”
Wow. Thanks a lot. Then I asked, “My friends are fighting. Should I try to stop them?”
“Go to a trusted adult.” Really? Again I asked the site. “Why is the sky blue?”
“I’m sorry. We could not decode this question. Please retype your question in the box below.” What kind of a person would write such predictable answers? Answer? None. It’s run by a computer. What the hell! I’m on a computer right now! I want a person to answer my questions.
*********************************************
School. Family. Friends. Pets. Relationships. No relationships. Grades. Homework. Sports.
I am a student. A daughter. A friend. A girlfriend. An ex-girlfriend. A team member. An artist. A musician. A scientist. A blogger. A Facebook user. A girl. A teen.
How can I be all these things and still be me? How can I be all these things and not even know how to just be me?
I’ve made it through my crazy life and I’m still in it but I’m here to help. I don’t want any teen, anywhere to have to go to a stupid, computerized advise site run by adults, and I don’t buy the whole “We’re older and know all about what’s best. Blah, blah, blah…”
I’m a teen and I know damn well that when I’m sad, pissed, or just plain confused, there is no way I’m going to talk to an adult about my problems. I need a girl. A teen. A friend.

I’m here, ask me anything. I’ve been through a lot and I survived. You will too.
To all the girls with no hope, the teens with nowhere to turn, to all the tormented angels stuck on earth: I’m one of you and I’m here to help. Just ask.

NEw StoRY you chose the title

Chapter 1

When the final bell rang, I threw my books in my locker and grabbed my bag. I slammed the door with an ear splitting “bang!” I ran out into the parking lot, narrowly avoiding the passing cars.

I don’t know how it happened and it didn’t matter. I was goofing off. The last thing I remember was waving goodbye to one of my friends, turning my back for a split second. That’s when is happened.

I heard a crash and felt a horrific jolt as I was struck to the ground. Bits of glass and steel flew everywhere, a large mass, shielding me.  My body seemed to fold in on itself, and my head smacked against cool concrete. I heard myself scream and the world went dark.

I awakened and it was very quiet. A figure was standing over me, wings outstretched. My vision was still blurred but I could make out the face of my “rescuer”.

I sat up and looked around, “If this is heaven, “I shook my head at my untended backyard, “I want a refund. And I want to know how the hell you got in.”

“I,” he winked, “am your guardian angel.”

“No, you’re my parole officer, one of the many.”

He shrugged, “Close enough.”

I began to walk inside, leaving him behind me. I wasn’t in the mood to fight. Not with him. Not now.

He caught up faster than should have been possible, if he were human. “Would you try to stay alive? Killing yourself won’t keep us away, you know?

“I know,” I decided to have some fun, “Worth a shot through.”

He didn’t laugh, “That wouldn’t make him feel better about this unfortunate event, not that I’m going to tell them.”

“I don’t give a crap about him or how he feels.”

“You should.”

“Why? He doesn’t care about what I think. He doesn’t give a damn about how I feel! Why should I care about him?”

“Because, you value your life,” with that he vanished, leaving me completely alone. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoyed the little privacy this gave me, but I had just been screwed. Again. 

Damn. Why could they just never speak the plain truth? You see, fey don’t lie. What I mean is that they can’t lie. “That’s what the others said.” Word games. I had enjoyed them about a year ago. Now they were starting to piss me off.

I closed the door and walked to my kitchen, grabbing a Coke and bag of chips. I considered my status at this moment: avoided death, saved by Cutsuo.  Not that I would tweet that.

Although… could you imagine the comments if I changed my status from “Stressed about this year’s finals, gods I hate school” to “Just cheated death and saved by I fairy I’ve been avoiding since his king messed up my life. Gods I hate the fey king”?

Ya, I know, not a good idea. All things considered, I was having an extremely shity day.

I looked at the clock. 4:10. I had another 20 miniutes until the 4:30 guard, Jack I think his name was, arrived to keep watch until 7 when, just like every Friday, I would be summoned.  

I let my mine wonder until I realized I had no idea what was going on in their world since I hadn’t been there for the last three weeks. I really needed to update my knowledge of fey gossip.

Another glance at the clock. 10 minutes. I that it was cutting my time a little close but then again, I didn’t care. I looked at the clock, 9 minutes. I looked outside, no guard.

I went to my room and pulled out one of my many spell books and flipped to a page my late mother had tricked me into learning more than my fair share about. I cursed her under my breath then turned back to my book. I murmured the spell and with a dizzying spin, I was transported me to a small meadow I think was a few miles outside of Tulsa. A place I had heard about but didn’t exactly know where it was. In a way, I was lost but I knew exactly where I was. I was at one of the many entrances to Belle Terre; I just didn’t know where the entrance was located.

I pulled out my cell and texted Chris to meet me.

It took him 20 seconds.

“Hay Ro. How you doin’?”

“Good Chris, how ‘bout you?”

“I’m fine but I bet you didn’t come for idle chit- chat.”

“Good, so we can cut the crap and get down to business.” He knew I was in no mood for stalling so he relayed every piece of gossip he had heard in the past month, which was a lot.

“Hell no!!! No way, no how!”

“It’s what I heard.”

“Live?”

“Yep.”

“No.”

“Yes.”

“Yes?”

“Yes.”

“But I can’t! I mean, isn’t I bad enough I have all these fey watching me? Now I have to… to…”

“Live in the palace.”

“He can’t make me. He can’t. He can’t!” I looked at him, “Can he?”

Chris shrugged, “He’s the king. He can do whatever he wants.”

“But if…” The meadow began to spin, “Already? Now? It can’t be time yet.” I looked down at my watch, 4: 28. “Shit! Thanks Chris got to go!”

“No prob-” he was cut off and I was back in my room.

6:30. I sat watching a rerun of my favorite anime, Bleach. It was addictive and I cursed my hypnotic friends for showing me an awesome, bloody, and yet somehow still romantic, first episode.

I was running out of things to do so I flipped through some of my favorite books and pulled out two. The first was, A Field Guide to Fairies, a frilly, fantasy book about little flower people. All the misconceptions about fairies tied up in a sparkly, pink book.

My second book was a favorite I had read not two months before I met the real fey. Wicked Lovely by Melissa Marr. I think this book was the closest any mortal could come to the truth. She spoke of horrible, cadaverous, and beautiful creatures known as “The Fey”. In her book, she speaks of four courts. In reality there is truly only two, light and dark.

I loved her book.

I loved how she made the horrible creatures kind, feeling, and capable of love.

 I loved how it could help me escape from the truth.

I loved how untrue it was.

Again I looked at the clock. 6:49. One minute.             

“It’s time,” I said to myself.

Cutsuo flashed into my living room.

“You ready?”

“Ya, I guess.”

He looked down at my clothes and sighed. “You know the rules.”

I looked too. I found nothing wrong with my tank top, mini skirt, and knee high boot; the king thought differently. True, he knew I wasn’t going to be a pretty, pink, proper lady, but that wasn’t necessarily what he wanted. He would settle just fine with a hot, dark bitch and I do mean bitch and not witch (even though I knew he liked my being a witch).

“Fine,” I groaned, “but I get to pick this time, right?”

“Think again. Although…” he held up a bag and peaked inside, his grin widening, “I think you might like this one. It’s a little less… traditional.”

I rolled my eyes, “Great.” He threw the bag at me and I stoked of to my room to change.

When I reached into the bag my hand touched something smooth, soft… velvet.  Shadow black velvet and blood red silk. The dress was more like a corset and skirt.

I stepped back

 

Beware the Fey

Beware the demon beauties, beware the demon fey.
Beware them i was told, beware them she did say.
Beware them i did promise and beware them i did try,
But when she spoke of them, when she spoke she lied.
She spoke of horror and she spoke of lust,
But never did she speak of trust.
She never spoke of the beauty of fey,
The simple sight of fairy flight, too swiftly gone away.
He made me laugh, he made me cry.
He made me smile, he helped me fly.
He made me feel special, he made me want to lie.
He told me it was fate, and so I said goodbye.
Never could they find me, never would they try.
I should have listend to her, and now I have to die.

Beware the demon beauties, beware the demon fey.
Beware them i was told, beware them she did say.
Eventhough I knew I shouldn't,
eventhough i swore i wouldn't,
I did not beware them, did not beware the fey.
i did not beware them, upon my deathday...

i will remake this scene when i get home watch for it..

SCENE II. A bedchamber in the castle: DESDEMONA in bed asleep;
a light burning.
Enter OTHELLO
OTHELLO
It is the cause, it is the cause, my soul,--Let me not name it to you, you chaste stars!--It is the cause. Yet I'll not shed her blood;Nor scar that whiter skin of hers than snow,And smooth as monumental alabaster.Yet she must die, else she'll betray more men.Put out the light, and then put out the light:If I quench thee, thou flaming minister,I can again thy former light restore,Should I repent me: but once put out thy light,Thou cunning'st pattern of excelling nature,I know not where is that Promethean heatThat can thy light relume. When I have pluck'd the rose,I cannot give it vital growth again.It must needs wither: I'll smell it on the tree.
Kissing her
Ah balmy breath, that dost almost persuadeJustice to break her sword! One more, one more.Be thus when thou art dead, and I will kill thee,And love thee after. One more, and this the last:So sweet was ne'er so fatal. I must weep,But they are cruel tears: this sorrow's heavenly;It strikes where it doth love. She wakes.
DESDEMONA
Who's there? Othello?
OTHELLO
Ay. Desdemona.
DESDEMONA
Will you come to bed, my lord?
OTHELLO
Have you pray'd to-night, Desdemona?
DESDEMONA
Ay, my lord.
OTHELLO
If you bethink yourself of any crimeUnreconciled as yet to heaven and grace,Solicit for it straight.
DESDEMONA
Alas, my lord, what do you mean by that?
OTHELLO
Well, do it, and be brief; I will walk by:I would not kill thy unprepared spirit;No; heaven forfend! I would not kill thy soul.
DESDEMONA
Talk you of killing?
OTHELLO
Ay, I do.
DESDEMONA
Then heavenHave mercy on me!
OTHELLO
Amen, with all my heart!
DESDEMONA
If you say so, I hope you will not kill me.
OTHELLO
Hum!
DESDEMONA
And yet I fear you; for you are fatal thenWhen your eyes roll so: why I should fear I know not,Since guiltiness I know not; but yet I feel I fear.
OTHELLO
Think on thy sins.
DESDEMONA
They are loves I bear to you.
OTHELLO
Ay, and for that thou diest.
DESDEMONA
That death's unnatural that kills for loving.Alas, why gnaw you so your nether lip?Some bloody passion shakes your very frame:These are portents; but yet I hope, I hope,They do not point on me.
OTHELLO
Peace, and be still!
DESDEMONA
I will so. What's the matter?
OTHELLO
That handkerchief which I so loved and gave theeThou gavest to Cassio.
DESDEMONA
No, by my life and soul!Send for the man, and ask him.
OTHELLO
Sweet soul, take heed,Take heed of perjury; thou art on thy deathbed.
DESDEMONA
Ay, but not yet to die.
OTHELLO
Yes, presently:Therefore confess thee freely of thy sin;For to deny each article with oathCannot remove nor choke the strong conceptionThat I do groan withal. Thou art to die.
DESDEMONA
Then Lord have mercy on me!
OTHELLO
I say, amen.
DESDEMONA
And have you mercy too! I never didOffend you in my life; never loved CassioBut with such general warranty of heavenAs I might love: I never gave him token.
OTHELLO
By heaven, I saw my handkerchief in's hand.O perjured woman! thou dost stone my heart,And makest me call what I intend to doA murder, which I thought a sacrifice:I saw the handkerchief.
DESDEMONA
He found it then;I never gave it him: send for him hither;Let him confess a truth.
OTHELLO
He hath confess'd.
DESDEMONA
What, my lord?
OTHELLO
That he hath used thee.
DESDEMONA
How? unlawfully?
OTHELLO
Ay.
DESDEMONA
He will not say so.
OTHELLO
No, his mouth is stopp'd;Honest Iago hath ta'en order for't.
DESDEMONA
O! my fear interprets: what, is he dead?
OTHELLO
Had all his hairs been lives, my great revengeHad stomach for them all.
DESDEMONA
Alas! he is betray'd and I undone.
OTHELLO
Out, strumpet! weep'st thou for him to my face?
DESDEMONA
O, banish me, my lord, but kill me not!
OTHELLO
Down, strumpet!
DESDEMONA
Kill me to-morrow: let me live to-night!
OTHELLO
Nay, if you strive--
DESDEMONA
But half an hour!
OTHELLO
Being done, there is no pause.
DESDEMONA
But while I say one prayer!
OTHELLO
It is too late.
He stifles her


my scene will be a bit... well... different.

Fate part 1

He bent down to look me in the eyes, and I was seven years old again.

The man in the lab coat was coming towards me and I hid behind my mother. “And who is this, I wonder?” he asked in a calm kind voice.

“Izabella Green,” I squeaked and he smiled at me.

“What a pretty name.”

“Thank you.”

“I’m Dr. Mac. Izabella?” his face want serious then. Cold and dark. “Do you know why you’re here?” I shook my head, no. “Well, you’re here because of the voices.”

“The Unseen?”  He looked up at my mother and she nodded. “Yes Izabella, the ‘unseen’.”

“Why?”

“Don’t be worried child. It will be all right; you just stay here a few nights and then go home. Like a camp, don’t you like camp?”

“No.”

“No? Why not?” I didn’t answer. The voices were one thing but the “people” were different. “Well that’s ok. You’ll have fun.”

A nurse starter to take me away but I clung to my mother.

“It’s ok child she will be back in just a few days.”

 He lied. My mother left me there in the Bluewood Mental Institution and ever looked back. And here I was, age sixteen, a danger to myself and others… so they said. And there was Dr. Mac, here for his monthly visit.

“What is your name?” He spoke the question clearly and sternly.

“You know if I work at it, I could become the next Houdini.” He looked at me confused. “I mean, I’ve already got the strait jacket.” I smiled and he shook his head.

“What is your name?”

I looked around the room. “I wonder how many rooms there are.”

“Forty- two. Now pay attention.”

“Really?” I shrugged, “Thought there were more.”

“Izabella! Pay attention! What is your name?”

“You just said it.” He groaned. “You know you’re really bad at this.”

“Why? Why you? Why Me?”

“Luck?” I smiled and he stormed out. “Nice to see you too, Mac!” I hollered at him.

I looked at the guard standing on the other side of the room, “Must suck workin’ here.” He shrugged.

“Mac might let you have more freedom if you weren’t such an ass to him.”

“Someone has to be. I’m not going to break just because some god damn smart ass thinks he’s in charge of me.”

“Give it up Izy!” he shouted at me and clenched his fists, “He is in charge! He has power! Don’t ruin your life just because of your own pride!” and with that he left. I didn’t know who he was, but he treated me like a real person. He talked to me and not about me. He also called me Izy. Not her. Not it. Not even Izabella. He called me Izy, and I didn’t even know who he was.

“Hello! I’m still back here!” I sighed and looked down at my feet. “You forgot to chain me again!” at that I heard muffled orders and the guard came back in with his shoulders slumped.

“Hello again.” He turned to me and in a blinding flash, I was on the ground. My cheek stung and my eyes watered. I looked up at him and he backed away. Sitting by the wall, his head in his hands.

“Why? Why do you have to do that?” he didn’t look up at me but I knew it was me he was asking. “Why do you have to point out their mistakes? Show them reasons to chain you?”

I shook my head and he stood. “I’m sorry, that was uncalled for.” He helped me up and I stared at him.

“What?”

“Y…you apologized.” I stared at him, “To me. You said you were sorry.”

“Well of course. It was uncalled for and I shouldn’t have done it.”

“But why? No one has ever apologized to me.”

He stared at me now, his green eyes shining, “Never?”

“Your new here aren’t you?” he nodded. I shrugged my hair back over my shoulder and lifter my chin, giving him a good view of the scratches, bruises, and finger prints on my neck. “I have lived here almost my entire life, and no one has ever apologized to me for anything. Never.”

His fingers reached up and touched me neck, tracing a hand print and I flinched at his touch. “Who did this to you?”

I laughed, “Every man I’ve ever met.”

“Haven’t you told Mac?” I shrugged out of his reach.

“Who do you think ordered it? I know Mac is in charge. I know he has power. That is why I act this way. ‘A danger to myself and others.’ I have other scars, all over my body. I have been chained, beaten, even whipped. But I will not break, ok? I am not weak!” that was it. My legs couldn’t hold me anymore and I collapsed into a pile of chains, hair, and tears.

I flinched away when a hand touched my shoulder. Noticing who it was I fell backwards, burying my face in the green eyed guard’s shoulder, I cried. When I realized what I had just done I began to pull away, but not before strong arms curled around my body. Holding me tight, “I’m sorry, Izabella. I really am. I didn’t know.’

“Thank you,” I whispered.

“Damon. My name is Damon.”

“Thank you, Damon. For everything.”

Jane*Updated*

Preface

Jane, age 5.

“…One, two! One, two! And through and through. The vorpal blade went snicker-snack! She left it dead, and with its head, she went galumphing back. ‘And hast thou slain the Jabberwock? Come to my arms, my beamish babe...”

“O! Callooh! Callay!"

The Hatter laughed, “Very well Jane! O frabjous day! Callooh! Callay! Now say it again and let it be true.” The Hatter through his arms around his daughter and together they sang, “'Twas brillig, and the slithy toves. Did gyre and gimble in the wabe; All mimsy were the borogoves, and the mome raths outgrabe.”

“Father?”

“Yes?”

“Why did Alice leave?”

“Why is a raven like a writing desk?”

She stopped and thought, “I don’t know.”

The Hatter sighed, “The Red Queen is dead. There was no more need for our fair Alice.”

“Do you miss her?”

“I do and yet I don’t. Alice was here because of great sorrow. She will come again with the arrival of a new sorrow.”

“And what of the Black King? He grows stronger each day. Will Alice save us from him as well?”

“Of course. The brave warrior will come again and will rise over evil.”

“I want to be just like Alice.”

“Indeed you will,” he rose from her the small, mushroom bed and went to the door.

“Father?” he looked back at her and nodded. “Why is a raven like a writing desk?”

“I have yet to learn. For now I shall say only that it is because it is.” With that he smiled and quietly said goodnight.

Chapter 1: Tea and a Story

10 years later…

“Good morning Father!” I jumped onto his back and gave him a kiss on the cheek.

“Good morn, Jane. Let us hear of your dreams this past night.”

“Very good,” I felt soft fur on my dangling feet and I smiled, “I was so awaiting a story today.”

“Hello Ches! What brings you to this our humble home?”

“Tea from one Hatter and stories from another.” The Cheshire cat replied taking a seat at the long tea table.

“Father?” I placed his hat on my head and jumped from his back to the table, “How many people do come to tea today?”

“No people this morning,” He said taking a seat.

“But Ches is here.”

“Yes, I am here but I am a cat.” I sat down then, trying to decipher my father’s unspoken riddle. With little effort I noticed my mistake. At this my hair turned pink just as if I were blushing. The Tweedles called me a big mood ring for my hair’s constant change in color. If I tried I could control my hair’s color but my mind often wondered letting its change slip from my control.

My Father looked up at my hair and smiled taking a sip of tea. I carefully composed my new question and with a deep breath I began.

“Father, of all the minds that are not here now,” I took another breath, “what number will come to tea within the day and what be the name of each?”

He smiled then with golden eyes shining, “Jane, of all the minds that are not here now, I expect four shall join us three for tea. The March Hare, the Dormouse, Tweedledee, and Tweedledum be the names of our guests four.”

“I came for tea and a story,” said the cat. “I have one and yet the second is yet to come. Jane?”

“O yes, yes. Come now, Jane, let us hear of your dream- “he was cut off by the arrival of the March Hare and Dormouse.

“Good morning!” said the March Hare, “You’re late for tea!”

“Oh no.” I said, “It is you who is late.”

“Jane!” the Dormouse jumped onto my lap.

“Hello Jack.”

“Did we miss the story?”

“Not yet, just about to start.”

“Go on Jane; let us hear your tale.” My father smiled at me and I began…

“Gather close and hear this, my tale that came to me in the dead of night. Devote your mind to a land of imagination. My story begins with the birth of a great worrier, a guardian of life…”

About an hour latter my story came to an end.

“Wonderful, simply wonderful!” I smiled at my father and my hair turned gold with pride.

“I agree. Very nice, Jane.”

“Thanks, Ches.”

“I told you we would be here if we were not there.”

“No,” said Tweedledum, “You said we would not be there if we were here.” The Tweedles entered the small circle of trees pushing each other from side to side then wondered over to the table.

“Hello, Jane. We did get here for the story to hear of not?”

I looked back at my father, “I tried, Dad. I’ve listened and tried but I still don’t understand.” He smiled at me.

“It takes time.” He motioned for me to come over to him. I did and he whispered into my ear.

“Oh,” I said and turned to the Tweedles, “I’m sorry, the story is over. I’ll tell it to you later if you like?” They didn’t answer but started arguing about which road they should have taken to get here sooner.

I looked around for some tea and quickly found a cup, smaller in size to fit my small hands. Now it was time for some cake. I turned my head and jumped. Ches had materialized next to me, cake in hand. “Damn, Ches! You’ve got to stop doing that.”

“If you really are going to be a warier, you must be less…” he waved his hand in the air as if searching for words, hanging there, “Jumpy. You must be fearless.”

“Dad said that even Alice, wasn’t fearless.”

“Really?” Ches turned to my father who was slowly sliding down his chair. “Dose he speak of Alice often?”

“Oh yes, he always tells me of Alice. When she came, while she was here, the battle, the times with both queens, red and white, he even tells me about the frabjous day. I love the stories and he seems to enjoy telling them.”

“Oh,” said the Cheshire cat, “I’m sure he does.” With that he left, evaporating into nothingness.

I looked back at my father, “What’s that suposta' mean?” He didn’t answer, only looked at his hands.

“Well?” I looked at Jack.

“Well, you see when Alice came back the second time, she and the Hatter-”

“Jack!”

“I was just going to tell her about how-” he was cut off when the Hare not only grabbed him, but trapped him in an empty tea pot, and toped it.

“Shut up!” he said.

“No,” I complained, “I want to know.”

“Oh,” said Tweedledee.

“No,” Said Tweedledum.

When I turned around, I wished I hadn’t. Entering the clearing at top speed was the Black King’s army, lead by the King of Spades himself.

I ran over to my father who quickly shoved me behind him.

As I peeked out from behind him, I saw both the March Hare and the Tweedles running into the woods. The Tweedles escaped but the Hare wasn’t as lucky. Neither was Jack. As I stared at them being taken away, I didn’t notice one of the guards coming towards us.

In a blinding flash, my father was struck to the ground. He shoved me out of the guard’s reach.

“Run Jane! Now!”

I couldn’t move, couldn’t leave them there.

“Now!”

Chapter 2: Alone

I ran. As hard and as fast as I could.

I ran. Heart pounding, chest heaving.

I ran. Figures chasing, men yelling.

I ran. Eyes red, feet sore. I ran.

I ran until I couldn’t run any more. I heard them yelling, trying to catch me but I was strong. Fast. And smart. I swerved through the trees, ran across the fields, and leaped over the trees, bushes, and rivers.

When I finished running I fell. I don’t know why. My legs just couldn’t hold me up anymore.

I cried until my eyes were red and dry. I was so afraid and ashamed. I had left them behind. My friends. My father.

I was safe and they were…

Where? How could I even know? I had left them and now, for all I knew, they could be hurt or even dead.

I knew then and there that I was alone. I also knew that I was going to find them. No matter what, I would find them.

Chapter 3: The Plan

I devised a plan quicker than I would have thought possible, but I did it. I knew that one thing the king could not resist, was an opportunity to gain power.

It was my ticket in. All my life my dad had kept my secret. He had taught me to keep it.

There was a reason I could tell such good stories. This was because life is always the best story, and as long as the story had not happened yet, no one would ever know that it was true.

I couldn’t dream about anyone’s future, but I had dreamed about the king before. If the king knew about me, that is why he would have taken everyone. But how could he know?

My plan was to go to the king. Tell him my power, gain his trust, and then make a deal to get my friends back.

I didn’t know quite how it would work but I knew that I would keep my purpose of staying with him a secret until it was time to leave.

I thought it would be easy to go and make friends with an older, lonely man. I knew he had lost his queen and had a mean, stern, and arrogant son. A stuck up prince all the way.

If I could avoid the anger of either of them, then I was sure my plan would work.

I decided that I would keep the king’s understanding of my power vague. The first way was that I would have to try and keep my hair the same color.

I stayed with many people during my training. I was training for my visit. I practiced controlling my hair, and my temper. While staying with Ches, he taught me about being in a court and acting like a lady. I visited Absolent the butterfly and he thought me how to focuses and recall my dreams.

A few days later, I was ready. I bought some clothes and did my hair. I prepared as best I could and then set of on my journey.

Chapter 4: The King of Spades

“Your majesty?” said the guard.

“Enter.” We did and the guard left. He looked at me but I held my gaze on the flour.

“Pleased to meet your acquaintance, your highness.” I bowed down low and stayed down until he spoke.

“Who are you? And why did you come?”

I took a deep breath and spoke the words I had rehearsed many times, “My name is Jane, I have come seeking protection from those who wish to use my power.” This gained his interest.

“Your power?”

I smiled, “Yes. Many people wish to learn their future using my dreams. And one night I saw that you were destined to help me, great king.” I bowed again as a sign of respect.

“How is it that I could help you?”

This was the time I was waiting for. This was my chance. “Why, by hiding me in your castle, of cores.”

He apparently, also, saw an opportunity. “Very well, Jane. You may stay here for the time being and we will grant you protection.” He clapped his hands and two guards entered, “Prepare a room for our guest and inform the others of her arrival.”

“Should we tell the prince, my lord?”

“No. Not at the time.” The guards left and we were once again alone, “My dear, will you please join me and my son for dinner tonight?”

“Of course. Thank you, your majesty. You are very kind.”

My room was big, beautiful, and lonely. I spent all my time in front of my mirror, practicing changing my hair color. I still had about a half an hour and was growing board.

I heard the door behind me and I grabbed a dagger from my bed and swirled around. I was to slow though. I turned just in time to see the door close. I just hoped they hadn’t seen my hair.

After catching my breath, I lay down on the bed. I only woke up later when dinner was about to begin.

I sat in silence at the table, next to the king and an empty seat. Dinner had not yet been served and from what I was told we were waiting for the prince.

“Thank you again for having me stay here in your lovely home,” I said, trying to fill the silence.

“No worries my dear. Now if my good for nothing, ungrateful son would hurry and arrive…”

Just then the door creaked open and a tall black haired boy walked in.

“Father?”

“You’re late,” said the King, in a flat tone.

“On contraire, father. Perhaps it is you who are early.” I giggled but stopped myself as soon as I started. He smiled at me and his green eyes shined. I quickly moved my eyes to my hands.

“Hey? Who’s she?”

The king looked up at him and then at me. “Oh, this is Jane. She will be staying with us for a while.”

“Pleased to meet you.”

He stared at me oddly, “I thought… your hair…”

My breath caught, “Yes, your majesty?”

“I was sure your hair was a different color…”

A look of shock passed over my face but I covered it as quickly as it came. “That’s impossible. I’ve never seen, let alone met you, in my life. I am so sorry your highness but you must be mistaken.”

He looked taken back, as if he had never been contradicted. Then he smiled, “Of course. I am sorry.”

“Now,” said the king, “Let’s get back to dinner.”

“I’m sorry, but I am very tired and have no appetite now. If you will allow it, I wish to go to my room and sleep.” The king nodded looking shocked. “Thank you. I wish you,” I paused and laughed, “Sweet dreams.”

“Of coures my dear.”

I bowed and turned to leave but a voice stopped me. “It was very nice to meet you.”

I turned to see the prince staring at me from across the room, “Very nice to meet you too, your highness.”

Chapter 5: Melodies in the Night

I sat in my room staring at the door, dagger in hand. With each turn of the blade, I changed my hair a different color.

After a while, I was in a deep dreamlike state. It was how I could focuses my dreams. It was also a very important process in my plan.

I was interrupted by a sound. Not really a sound though, it was more like a song. A melody.

I walked out into the hall where I could hear it more clearly. I then noticed it was piano music. Not any music either. It was magical and by a large understatement, beautiful.

I followed it down the hall and to a room with an extravagant and elegantly carved door. It was opened by only a crack and allowed light to pour out into the hall.

I peeked through and saw him. The prince was sitting in what seemed to be a trance, while playing the most beautiful melody I had ever heard. He didn’t seem to notice me there so I opened the door even more and there was still no change in his actions. I took a step inside and the constant, repetitive song slowly changed to a seductive and lovely one.

“I knew your hair was red.”

I gasped and jumped back. The playing continued but he opened his eyes. “How do you do that anyway?”

“I… I…”

He stopped then. “It is strange.” He walked towards me and stood arm’s length away.

“My father made it impossible for me to properly introduce myself.” He knelt down and kissed my hand, “I am Prince Darien of the Black Kingdom.”

“I… I’m…”

“Jane. Yes, I know. But I am sure that what my father has told me is not completely true.”

My mind caught up to me then, “What do you mean?”

He laughed, “He said you were a weary traveler looking for a place to stay and he is letting you live here out of the kindness of his heart. But, you see, my father doesn’t do things like that.”

“Then what… what do you think?”

He sat down on the large bed in the middle of the room, “Well, there is a rumor that you’re a princess from a long lost kingdom, unlikely. There is also one that you’re a simple commoner, which is,” he smiled, “even more unlikely.”

I blushed and my hair began to change. His eyes widened and I hastily changed it back. “I didn’t ask what the rumors were, your highness. I was more interested in your own thoughts.”

“Ah, yes. But without knowing were my opinion comes from, how can you understand why my thoughts are what they are?” When I didn’t answer he went on. “I most enjoy what the guards think. Some say they heard the story directly from you, even. They say that you are a magical sorceress who is here secretly fighting an evil enemy. I think I’d like to believe that one.”

“You think I’m a sorceress?”

Ha gestured to my hair. I looked down to see that despite my efforts, my hair had changed from bright red to a dull blue. “Oh!” I changed my hair back.

“Don’t stop it. I like how it changes. It’s very interesting. “

“Interesting?”

“Yes, it seems to change with your mood. I wish I knew what each color meant.”

Without thinking I said exactly what I was thinking, “I’m glad you don’t.”

“And why is that?”

“I didn’t mean… what I was trying to say is… oh no… I’m sorry your highness, I meant no disrespect.”

He laughed, “I need a bit of disrespect now and then. And please stop calling me that.”

“What?”

“Just call me Darien.”

“But that’s not proper.”

“Who is to say what is proper? It’s hard to find someone to who will talk to me. And who are you to speak of what proper is?”

“What does that mean?”

“Well, it is improper for a young lady to travel around by herself. It is improper to be alone on a man’s room in the middle of the night. It is also most improper to argue with a prince.”

“I am so sorry Prince Darien, but all these things can be changed,” I changed my hair to the black that the king has always seen, “I am no longer a traveler, I will not argue with you and since it is improper, I shall leave you now. I live in your kingdom so you are my prince. If his highness thinks that I am acting improper than I shall change.” I smiled and walked to the door. After a low and proper curtsey, I left closing the door behind me.

I heard a whisper from the room, “Goodnight, Jane, sweet dreams.” If he only knew.

“Goodnight Prince Darien.” I didn’t think he could hear me but then he started playing the lovely melody.

Chapter 6: A New Day

I was awoken the next morning by more piano music. Closer, this time, than I would have thought. Upon opening my eyes, I discovered why.

A small music box had been placed on the table by my bed. Inside was the dancing figure of a prince and princess. The song was pretty but not as elegant as the songs the prince played. I shook that thought from my head.

After getting dressed and brushing out my hair, I headed down to breakfast.

When I entered the room the king and prince were already seated. “Good morning your highnesses. I’m sorry I am late, I was dreaming.”

The king looked pleased to hear this, “No worries my dear. After all, my son came down only moments ago. So, um…” I could see him trying to piece together the question, “What was it you dreamed about?”

I smiled, “A great and powerful king whose brother came and visited him one day.”

“Really? Interesting.” The king looked down at his plate and sipped his tea. The prince chuckled and I looked over at him. He smiled and pointed to his head.

I quickly understood and tried to change it. I looked over at Darien and he nodded. I pointed to the door and Darien frowned I confusion.

          A guard came in the room, “My lord, your brother has come for a visit. Should we create a room for him?”

          The king stared at me and nodded. I laughed.

I wondered into the dinner hall about an hour early.

When I entered I saw a man. He was tall and well built, with long black hair tied loosely in a silver rope. He was dressed in all black which showed of his blue eyes. Over all, he was charming.  A took a step and noticed the shine of black mettle, a crown.

          “Your majesty.”

          He jumped a bit then turned, “Hello. Who must you be?”

          I bowed, “Jane, your majesty. We were not expecting you until tomorrow.”

          “Expecting me? My brother gave me an hour lecture on how I shouldn’t show up unannounced.”

          “Oh,” I fumbled for an excuse but came up with nothing.

          “It is very nice to meet you, Jane.” He took my hand and kissed it. His lips were soft and warm against the delicate skin of my hand. I was lucky enough to catch my hair before it turned pink, but I could do nothing about my cheeks. “My name is Kristof.”

           “Nice to meet you King Kristof.”

          Just then Darien entered the room.

          “Jane,” he smiled at me then turned to Kristof with a glair that could easily straiten even my hair, “Uncle.”

          Kristof smiled, “Darien.”

          I sat at the table with Darien on my right side.

          “Stay away from him, Jane. He can’t be trusted,” Darien whispered.

          Kristof came and sat beside me, across from Darian. “So Jane. My brother has told me a lot about you, but I would enjoy getting to know you myself.

I gasped when Darien grabbed my hand in plain sight on the table, still glaring at his uncle with a smile on his lips.

I was shocked by his sudden act but I didn’t pull away.

Kristof stared at our hands then back at his nephew, “So Darien, how have you been?”

“I’ve been fine why do you ask, Uncle?”

Kristof smiled, “Because I care about my dear sweet nephew.”

“Since when?” he snapped.

“I think it’s sweet, you two are so close.” They both stared at me in shock. “You seem to have a complicated relationship but I can tell that deep down you really do care, no matter how little that may be.”

I looked up to see surprise and a touch of anger in their faces, my smile dropped and I released the prince’s hand.

“Of course, it is not my place to say such things and I mean no disrespect to either of you, your highnesses.”

“No,” said King Kristof, taking me by surprise, “I find it quite interesting and lovely that you can speak your mind so freely and without fear. All the most beautiful of all creatures, must be free to follow the beauty found within their dreams.”

His poem took my breath away, “King Kristof, that was most beautiful. Did you write it?”

He smiled at me, “Actually, hearing your words just now, made me think of it. It is a peaceful and true fact.”

“Indeed.”

“Oh stop, you poems are crap and we both know it,” growled Damien.

Kristof turned his head from me to his nephew. “I think poetry is a beautiful art form and if you follow you heart you can never go wrong.”

“I do believe your right,” I said.

“You see,” said Kristof, “It takes beauty to notice beauty.” I blushed.

“What does Jane have to do with this?” snarled Darien.

“I think you know quite well why her opinion takes part in this conversation. After all, you are quite the lady’s man,” he gave a wicked smile, “How is Maria? And Jessie? Trisha?”

Darien didn’t answer.

“That’s what I thought. Oh,” Kristof turned to me, “I’m sure he has played for you, correct?” I nodded, remembering the piano melody he had played the night we met. “I thought so.”

Darien was growing angrier, “What’s that mean!?”

“Well it simply means you’re following your usual pattern. Piano,” I thought of the music,”flattery,” all the compliments, “presents,” the music box, “It’s simply what you do. I’ve seen it been done many times.”

I turned to Darien but he was just glaring at Kristof, fists clenched.

“Stop. You’ll ruin everything, just like you always do.”

I turned to him, “Everything? What’s everything?”

He didn’t listen to me but stormed out of the room, leaving me alone with King Kristof.

“You must excuse my nephew’s rudeness.”

“What was he talking about?”

Kristof sighed and rubbed his eyes, “Who knows? All he does is talk back and yell, it doesn’t help that I’m only three years older than him either.”

“Do you mind if I ask you a question?”

“Of course not, Jane.”

“Why do you hate each other?”

He looked up at me, “What?”

“I thought that you might just have a small conflict but after seeing you two fight, I’m not sure you care about each other at all.”

“I do not hate Darien. He is family, but is too spoiled and proud for his own good.”

“I know,” I said looking down at my hands.

“You do?”

“Yes. He is stubborn and seems to care only about himself.”

“Ya,” Kristof laughed, “That sounds like him.”

Chapter 7: Confusion

Here I was once again I sat in my room, trying to brush out my hair.

I had learned so much about Darien and Kristof. To be honest, I didn’t know how I felt about any of it. There was a knock on the door.

“Come in.” As soon as I saw his face I frowned. “Why are you here and what do you want?”

He sighed, “Let me explain…”

“Explain what?”

“I feel for you and-“

“And for all other girls you meet.”

“No, only for you.”

My hair grew red, “Why?! Why do you care at all?”

“Well,” he held my hand and my heat nearly stopped, it did at his next few words. “You’re so beautiful.”

“And?”

“And what? You’re the loveliest person I’ve ever seen.”

“What else do you like about me?”

He looked confused, “What else is there?” I pulled my hand away from his, tears of pain and anger threatening to pour out of my eyes.

“What else is there?!” I stood up quickly nearly knocking him over. “Of all the things to say!” I walked towards him and he took a step back, inching his way towards the door. “I’m sorry your highness, Prince Darien, but looks aren’t everything pretty boy.”

“What did you call me!?”

“When we met you said something I didn’t believe but I do now. Darien, you do deserve disrespect because apparently, it’s the only way to get the truth through your incredibly thick scull, you spoiled brat!”

In a blinding flash I was on the ground, pain stinging my cheek. Darien’s hand was red and his chest was heaving in anger.

When his breath slowed he spoke, “Oh Jane,” he reached out to me but I jerked away. “I’m so sorry, I-”

I didn’t let him finish, “I think it best that you leave now.”

“Jane please…”

“No!”

When he got to the door he looked back to say something bet I wouldn’t hear it.

“Leave!” before the door completely closed I stopped, “Take this with you!” I through

the music box. I crashed against the wall and then clattered to the ground.

The door began to open again, “I told you to go away!”

“I’m sorry,” said Kristof, “I just heard a noise and…”

I turned to face him. A red handprint on my cheek and tears running down my face.

“Jane! Are you alright? What on earth happened to you?”

“Oh Kristof,” I ran to him without thinking but he held me in his arms all the same, “Darien he…” my words failed me.

“Darien? He did this to you?”

I nodded.

Kristof stroked my hair, “It’s alright. I’ll talk to him.”

“It’s my fault. I insulted him and he simply reacted.”

“Even if that’s true, he shouldn’t have reacted like this. And I’m sure he deserved the insult, whatever it was.”

“I shouldn’t have said anything,” I paused thinking, “but it was all true.”

“I’m sure it was. He can be horrible sometimes and he’s jus used to being the center of attention, and that’s kind of difficult when you’re anywhere near him. You’re simply lovely to behold.”

I sighed, “I’ve heard, but what else is there?”

Kristof laughed a deep comforting sound. “What else is there? My dear, you’re confident, kind, and brave. You aren’t afraid to speak your mind and you believe in what you say. This makes you beautiful on the inside and out.”

I smiled. He knew what was important, and thought it was me.

“I don’t understand why you’re so kind to me. You don’t even know me.”

“I would like to.”

Chapter 8: Kristof

The next morning I went to the prince’s room. I slammed the door open and let it bang against the wall. Sitting at his piano, the prince jumped.

“You,” I said walking towards him, “need to work on your reflexes, and,” I slapped him, “your manners.”

I went for another hit but he grabbed my wrists and shook me aggressively. “I’ll teach you not to…” He threw me to the ground.

I pulled myself out of his grasp and stood. “I believe it is you who needs to be taught, but I have done what I came to do.”

I walked towards the door, trailing my fingers over the piano keys. As I approached the door I turned, “Your father left on a trip this morning, but you may join King Kristof and me for lunch if you would like, Prince Darien.”

The door closed behind me and I could hear the prince muttering something, yet I could make out only one word: sorry.

I collapsed against the wall and leaned my head back; closing my eyes although light was still visible through the lids.

Everything was so complicated and I didn’t even get to sleep until early that morning. I couldn’t explain what was happening inside my own head. All I could think about was Darien and Kristof, when I should have been thinking about my friends and father. What was I going to do?

I wasn’t as far along in my plan as I had hoped and yet I had gained trust and affection from the king and, although I hated to admit it, the prince. The funny thing was that it wasn’t even me they trusted.

I looked at my straitened, black hair and satin skirts. This wasn’t me, all nice, clean, and proper. I was the Hatter’s daughter, who loved to tell riddles and climb trees, not sit brushing my hair and doing needle point. And I wasn’t the type of girl who would make small talk with royals and sit quietly in thought.

But this is who I was becoming. I enjoyed being quiet, needle point, and talking with the royals. Who was I? I still liked tea parties and riddles, having fun and getting messy. I was like two different people, equal in each part, but they only knew one of me. They knew the proper dreamer girl, but how would they even react to the little Hatter?

“Jane,” I heard Darien speaking through the door to himself, “I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to hurt you. I promise. I never want to hurt you, ever. I just…. You’re so different and I’m not used to being treated so differently. I wish you could understand. I just don’t feel like myself when you’re around…”

I did. I understood, and wished I didn’t.

Chapter 9: Roses

                I sat in front of a large window staring at the outside world. I felt like a bird, having spent too long in the darkness, in a cage. I hadn’t even been out since I arrived at the palace and I missed it. The smell of the wind, the feeling of the grass, the sound of the birds singing; I missed it all.

          Kristof seemed to notice. “How about we go for a walk?”

          “A walk?”

“Yes,” he walked over to look out the window, “It’s such a divine day for some fresh air. Would you like to join me?”

I nodded and took his arm.

“Let’s see… I know just were to take you.”

When we stepped outside, I was overcome by the aroma of a sea of roses all around.

I sighed looking over the flowers, “It’s beautiful.”

“You are.”

I looked up to see his shining sky blue eyes, glittering in the sun.

We walked through the garden in silence and moments passed.
He took a sharp turn in what i asumed was a large maze of roses when...

"Kristof, darling! How good to see you!"

Standing there in a long green dress was a beautiful woman with eyes as red as the roses surounding her.

"Nice to see you again, Keyda."

"It's been to long," she turned to me, "And Jane. How... swell... to finaly meet you." She winked at us, "You're the one who's been keeping Darien from visiting, arn't you?"

"Um..."
Kristof laughed and i turned to him, "She's not real," he understood my confused look, "Look at her legs." 

I was still confused but did as he said and was struck bu surprize.

Instead of feet two large roots stuck to the groung. "Oh Kristof, " she said, "you ruined my fun. Now what will i do?"

 

Charecter sketchs avalible by request...

Question of the day:

Team Darien? Or Team Kristof?