Alternate Ending for Rosa

Hi, everyone! It’s time for another story part! And, since the results of my “Should I Post The Alternate Ending of Rosa?” poll were 6 for and 1 against, I’m posting the original ending of Rosa: A Snow-White Remake. (For the ending I used, click here.) And now, the previously unreleased, mostly unedited, original ending!

Chapter Nineteen

At that same moment, Queen Leila was deep in conversation with Cullen. “Cullen,” she asked, “Are there any who are a danger to me?”

            Cullen hissed “Aye, my queen, there are those who would have you brought down from the throne right outside your door.”

            Leila gasped. “Do you mean my guards? I thought-“

            Cullen hissed once more, cutting Leila off. “Nay, not they guards. There are others.”

            Leila started to ask “Then who?” but the question died on her lips as her door and a tall, kingly man strode in. “Leila, “ he declared, “Your time for evil is at an end.”

            Leila’s already pale face got even paler. “Who are you?” she asked, her voice high and shrill.

            “I am Lord Alanal, eldest in the elven clan of Allë.” he said.

            At this, an angry look came over Leila’s face. “Guards!” she shouted, but no guards came. Instead, a smaller man, dressed in black appeared in front of her, his hand on the hilt of a dagger. 

He said “I’m afraid your guards won’t be coming for some time. They apparently decide that it was time for their afternoon nap. I may have helped the process along, but they’ll wake up in a few hours I’m sure.”

“Who are you?” Leila asked.

“Panthal, warrior of the Allë clan.” he replied. Then, he caught sight of the mirror in her hand, with Cullen’s face still in it, and he gasped. “Cullemanden!” he whispered, and turned to the others, who had com e crowding through the door. “It is a Cullemanden! We may have been mistaken in some of our calculations!” He turned back to Leila. “Where did you get this?” he asked.

“A man gave it to me one day. He said it would help me.”  Leila began to sob. “The man in the mirror made me do it. I didn’t want to become queen!”

No one said anything for several minutes, they just stood there and tried to digest this new development. Then, Rosa slipped up to Leila and asked “Why’d you try to kill me?”

Leila looked at Rosa and explained. “Cullen said that I was the most beautiful, and he would tell me if anyone was more beautiful than I. He’d warn me of threats and do other things like that.”

Lady Clarellë looked sadly at Leila. “He was trying to get you and all other members of the royal family killed so that he could emerge from the mirror and become king. I’ve seen it happen many times.”

Leila’s face suddenly turned purple with rage. She looked at the mirror  and said, between clenched teeth, “I will serve your desires no more!” Then, she hurled it across the room with amazing force. It landed it the fire burning on the hearth across from Leila’s bed. It lay there for a moment, then it exploded with a boom and a large puff of smoke. Everyone instinctively dove for cover.

When the smoke cleared, everyone came out of their shelter. Now one said a word. Then, Leila laughed. “I’m free!” she exclaimed. Then, she turned to the others. “Tell me what I can do to make it up to you!”

Prince Owen, Mandy, and Rosa looked at each other. Then Mandy said “Make it right with those you hurt.”

Epilogue

Well, Leila did make it right. She apologized to everyone she could, let out those who she had unjustly imprisoned, and resigned as queen. She left for the village she had come from soon after, and had a happy life there.

Rosa and Prince Owen finally told each other how they felt, and they were married on the day when they had first seen each other. After their marriage, they became the rulers of the castle and were known for their kindness.

As for Mandy, she was offered a position of high prestige. She, however, refused. Instead, she chose to remain as cook, for she had discovered that she loved that job. She stayed in the kitchen for the rest of her days, and made the castle famous for its plum pies and was always ready with advice and sugar cookies for those who needed them. And, whenever Rosa felt that being queen was too much pressure, she’d go down to the kitchen to see Mandy. Owen would find her several hours later cuddling with Mandy and eating sugar cookies, and all the kitchen servants suspected that he was the only king who had to ask the cook for his wife back.

And what of the elves? Well, they returned to their home in the forest and lived there happily for ages upon ages. However, they remained honored guests at the castle, and Rosa, Owen, and Mandy were always welcome in their clearing. And so, I guess you could say that everyone lived happily ever after.

What do you think? Did you like the ending I actually used or the original ending better? Please comment and tell me! I’d love to know.

-Sarah

Rosa Chapter Nineteen and Epilogue

Hello, all! I hope everyone’s ready to read the next chapter of Rosa, because I’m posting it now! If you need a refresher, here’s Chapter Eighteen! And without further ado, Chapter Nineteen!

 Chapter Nineteen

At that same moment, Queen Leila was deep in conversation with Cullen. “Cullen,” she asked, “Are there any who are a danger to me?”

            Cullen hissed “Aye, my queen, there are those who would have you brought down from the throne right outside your door.”

            Leila gasped. “Do you mean my guards? I thought-”

            Cullen hissed once more, cutting Leila off. “Nay, not the guards. There are others.”

            Leila started to ask “Then who?” but the question died on her lips as her door and a tall, kingly man strode in. “Leila,” he declared, “Your time for evil is at an end.”

            Leila’s already pale face got even paler. “Who are you?” she asked her voice high and shrill.

            “I am Lord Alanal, eldest in the elven clan of Allë.” he said.

            At this, an angry look came over Leila’s face. “Guards!” she shouted, but no guards came. Instead, a smaller man, dressed in black appeared in front of her, his hand on the hilt of a dagger. 

 “I’m afraid your guards won’t be coming for some time. They apparently decide that it was time for their afternoon nap. I may have helped the process along, but they’ll wake up in a few hours I’m sure.” He said.

“Who are you?” Leila asked.

“Panthal, warrior of the Allë clan.” he replied. Then, he caught sight of the mirror in her hand, with Cullen’s face still in it, and he gasped. “Cullemanden!” he whispered, and turned to the others, who had come crowding through the door. “It is a Cullemanden! We may have been mistaken!” He turned back to Leila. “Where did you get this?” he asked.

“A man gave it to me one day. He said it would help me.” Leila’s tone was defensive. “And it has! I’m now queen!”

Lady Clarellë looked sadly at Leila. “He was harming you more than helping you. The mirror warns you of threats, correct?” Leila nodded, and Lady Clarellë continued. “Many of the threats were not threats at all, but instead people who wouldn’t have harmed you. He was trying to get you and all the royal family killed so he could emerge from the mirror and take over the throne.”

Leila’s face turned purple with rage. “No!” she cried. “Cullen would never do that! He says I’m beautiful! He said that no one would harm me if he could prevent it!” She tried to rush to the door, but found her way blocked. She turned and tried to reach the small window, but then she tripped. The mirror cracked, and a fiery smoke emerged, filling the room. Everyone except Leila rushed for cover. There was a loud boom, and the room shook. Then, the smoke cleared. Leila and the mirror were gone.

Rosa was the first to speak. “What happened?”

Lord Alanal shook his head sadly. “The mirror cracked, and the spirit within could not survive, but it took Leila with it.”

Everyone was silent for a minute, and then Skyellë asked “So what happens now?”

Prince Owen answered her, his voice quiet. “We make things right.” 

And now, since there’s only the short epilogue left, I’ll post that too.

Epilogue

Well, they did make things right. After some dispute, it was decided that Prince Owen would rule until there was time to sort out who was the rightful ruler. And he, with the help of Mandy, Rosa, and the Allë clan, did his best to right Leila's wrongs. Those who were unjustly imprisoned were set free, and anything else that could be done was done.

After this process finally came to an end, something wonderful happened. Prince Owen and Rosa told each other how they felt. They were married on the anniversary of Rosa’s healing, the healing that was brought about by love. The day later became a national holiday in that land. Their marriage also solved the problem of who was the rightful ruler. Together, they ruled as king and queen, and they were known even beyond their kingdom for their great kindness.    

As for Mandy, she was offered a position of high prestige. She, however, refused. Instead, she chose to remain as cook, for she had discovered that she loved that job. She stayed in the kitchen for the rest of her days, and made Aren Castle famous for its plum pies and was always ready with advice and sugar cookies for those who needed them. And, whenever Rosa felt that being queen was too much pressure, she’d go down to the kitchen to see Mandy. Owen would find her several hours later cuddling with Mandy and eating sugar cookies, and all the kitchen servants suspected that he was the only king who had to ask the cook if he could “please have his wife back?”

And what of the elves? Well, they returned to their home in the forest and lived there happily for ages upon ages. However, they remained honored guests at the castle, and Rosa, Owen, and Mandy were always welcome in their clearing. And so, I guess you could say that everyone really did live happily ever after.

Well, Queen Leila and Cullen are both gone, Rosa and Owen are together, and everyone can finally relax. So, what did you think? You can tell me in the comments, or in the survey that I’ll be putting up soon. Please don’t forget to vote in my other surveys too!

-Sarah

Rosa Chapter Eighteen

Hi, everyone! Ready for Chapter Eighteen of Rosa? I hope so, because I’m posting it right now! (If you need a refresher, here’s Chapter Seventeen.) And now, on with the tale!

Chapter Eighteen

Rosa quickly found the servants’ stairs, and they all hurried up to just outside Queen Leila’s chambers. However, there they ran into another problem. That problem came in the form of two burly guards stationed in front of Queen Leila’s door, who weren’t too keen on letting in uninvited guests. The group soon learned this when they tried to persuade the guards to let them in, a conversation that went something like this.

            “Let us pass!’ ordered Prince Owen.

            The guards laughed. “Not happenin’ little half-royal pup. We’re under direct orders from the queen not to let anyone in!”  One guard scoffed.

            “Yeah,” agreed the other, “Now go away before we decide to make you leave.”

            The quality of guards that the queen merits has obviously gotten worse. Mandy thought.

            Suddenly, Panthal appeared in front of the guards, holding a pair of daggers like he knew how to use them. “I would suggest that you not say that.” he said, his voice soft but dangerous.

            The two guards looked uncomfortable for a moment, and then laughed again. “It’ll take more than one man with a few little knives to scare us!” they scoffed. “Now leave us in peace before we decide to chase you away!”

            Panthal sighed, and looked at Lord Alanal and Prince Owen. “Should I?” he asked.

            They both nodded.

            Panthal turned back to the guards. “Well, too bad for you I’m an elf, not a man.” Then, almost casually, he expertly threw the two daggers so the hilts hit the guards’ heads heavily. The guards looked bewildered for a moment, then their eyes crossed and they dropped to the ground.

            Rosa gasped. “Did you kill them?”

            Panthal shook his head. “Nay, they’re just knocked out. They’ll wake up in a few hours with humongous headaches, wondering what hit them.” Then, he looked around and asked “Everyone ready?”

            They nodded, and Lady Clarellë and Mandy almost simultaneously said “Aye.” They were all eager to confront Queen Leila.

What will happen next? Will our friends be able to defeat Queen Leila? There’s only one way to find out: check back soon when I post the next chapter! In the meantime, please comment and vote on my surveys. I’d love to hear your thoughts!

-Sarah
Update: Chapter Nineteen and the Epilogue are up!

Books, Music, Tales, and a Few More Books: My Week

Hi, everyone! Friday’s here again, so it’s time for me to give an update on what’s going on with me! So, without further ado, my week in short.

·        I finished Morgoth’s Ring on Sunday or Monday, which I can’t quite remember. As it turns out, there’s a lot more than I thought that you can’t find in any other books, to my knowledge. Tolkien, apparently, had two ideas for The Silimarillion, and the unused one is found in Morgoth’s Ring. It's actually rather interesting, believe it or not, as is the (slightly confusing) piece on where Orcs came from.

·        I am beginning to wonder if someone in the music group BarlowGirl has read The Door Within. One of their songs, which happens to be one of my favorites, is called “Never Alone”, which has a large connection with this series. Of course, it could be nothing, like my “someone in the Newsboys likes The Lord of the Rings” theory.

·        My story is going fairly well. It’s got so many mysteries that even I’m not entirely sure of everything that’s going on, my one of my character’s dreams just got even stranger, and another character has spied on my creepy guys in black, finding out their plans . . . though she has no idea what in the world they’re talking about. I plan to have a lot of attacking going on soon, as well as a nice-sized chase scene or two and a bit of answering questions. As you can hopefully see, I’m having a lot of fun writing this.

·        I plan to either reread The Swiss Family Robinson or read the full version of Pilgrim’s Progress this month. Why? Well, for the past three or so months, I’ve been setting monthly reading challenges for myself, the purpose of which is so that I’ll have extra encouragement to read some of the longer, more difficult-to-get-through books in a slightly more reasonable amount of time. If I didn’t do this, I’d probably still read the books, but reading them would take a few months, like reading The Book of Lost Tales did, instead of one month. The Book of Lost Tales, by the way, is basically the very beginnings of The Silimarillion, and it took me most of the summer to read it. I do not plan to repeat this incident, since the reason for the lengthy time was not that it was a long book (The Silimarillion is far longer, and I finished it in a month), but simply that I was putting off reading it.

·        As many of you can probably guess, Rosa: A Snow-White Remake is almost over. For this reason, I will have two surveys up very soon. One will be “What Story Should I Post Next?” The other is a little more complicated. You see, Rosa actually has two endings, one that I actually used and one that I ended up “discarding”. However, I do still have both versions. So, if you want, I could post the original ending so you can see which you like better. Please vote in both of these surveys; I really do want your opinions.

Well, that’s about it. Please comment and vote! I’d love to hear what you think!

-Sarah

Rosa Chapter Seventeen

Hello, all! Are you ready for the next chapter of Rosa? I hope so, because I’m posting it right now! (If you haven’t read the rest of Rosa, or you need a refresher, here’s Chapter Sixteen.) Now, on with the tale!

Chapter Seventeen

Days passed. Rosa slowly, but steadily, continued to recover from the poison. And, as she healed, her love for Prince Owen and his love for Rosa grew and blossomed. The others were careful not to tell Rosa how Prince Owen’s simple kiss had healed her, for as Mandy said one day, “Some things are best left unspoken, and secrets told are secret no more.” However, Rosa soon decided that she did not need to know how, all that mattered was that she had been healed.

            Despite this Lord Alanal, Lady Clarellë, and Mandy still worried about Rosa, though for a different reason. Every day they wondered Will Prince Owen and Rosa ever tell each other how they feel? However, they kept this thought private, and told themselves Better to let them come to it on their own.

            One day, when Rosa was feeling very well, everyone simultaneously decided that it was time to confront Queen Leila. For much of the day, no one said anything. However, at lunch, Prince Owen summed up their feelings in two words as he declared “It’s time.” So, the whole group set out for the castle, determined to expose Queen Leila’s dark deeds.

            When they arrived at the castle, however, they found this to be easier said than done. No one would let them up to see the queen. After many attempts, they sat down in the kitchen, the one place they could be without being disturbed, to try and figure out what to do.

            “This isn’t going as well as we hoped.” Mandy stated, gloomily.

            “Nay, it isn’t.” Lady Clarellë agreed. “Perhaps we set our hopes too high.”
            Suddenly, Rosa burst out with an idea. “The servants’ hidden staircase!” she cried. “No one will notice us and we’ll be able to get right us to Queen Leila’s chamber!

            “Dearie, that’s a nice idea, but there’s a reason those stairs are called hidden.” Mandy said, dryly. “We don’t know where they are.”

            “But I do!” Rosa exclaimed. “I learned about them the time I helped the queen’s serving maid, and I know exactly where they are.” With that, she dashed off to find the servant’s staircase, the others following close behind.

Will Rosa and the rest succeed in stopping Queen Leila’s reign of evil? Will Rosa’s idea work? To find out, check back next time when the next chapter is posted! Until then, please comment and tell me what you think! I’d love to know your thoughts!

-Sarah
Update: Chapter Eighteen is up!

Rosa Chapter Sixteen

Hi, everyone! Ready for more of Rosa? If so, that’s good, because I’ve got Chapter Sixteen here! Need a refresher? Here’s Chapter Fifteen. And now, on with the tale!

Chapter Sixteen

A few minutes later, Lord Alanal, Lady Clarellë, Skyellë, Mandy, and Prince Owen were standing around the once hidden rope ladder that led to the highest level in the tree house. “Who is going up?” Skyellë asked.

            Mandy and Prince Owen glanced at each other, and then Prince Owen said “Mandy and I will go up one at a time. Mandy, do you want to go up first?”

            Mandy hesitated, and then whispered “No. I can’t go up just yet. You are welcome to go ahead.”

            Prince Owen looked at her wonderingly, and then began climbing the rope ladder. Lord Alanal followed, saying that Panthal would need some persuasion to leave Rosa.

            Panthal did need quite a bit of persuasion to convince him that it was alright to leave Prince Owen alone with Rosa, but Lord Alanal managed it. Soon, Prince Owen was standing by the side of Rosa’s bed with no one else nearby. As he gazed at her, he thought She’s even more beautiful than I remembered. Without thinking about what he was doing, he leaned over and kissed Rosa. Suddenly, her eyelids fluttered and her breathing grew quicker. Prince Owen gasped, and then rushed outside to tell the others the news.

            Rosa fully awoke to find herself in a room with jewel-covered walls. She blinked, trying to figure out where she was. Suddenly, she heard Panthal’s voice beside her. She turned towards the sound and saw Panthal himself walking toward her. In his hands was a tray bearing food, drink, and a small flask. “Ah, you’ve awakened!” he said, smiling. “I thought you might.” He set the tray down on a small table by the bedside.

            Rosa stared at Panthal. He rarely smiled, and she had never seen him smiling this broadly. “What happened?” she asked. “Where am I?”

            Panthal’s smile faded somewhat. “As far as we can tell Leila, or another who seeks to kill you, poisoned you somehow. You almost died.”

            Rosa gasped. “The lady . . . I don’t know how long ago, but a dark haired lady with pale skin gave me a basket of fruit. I started eating a plum from it, but I fainted or something after the first bite.”

            Panthal frowned for a minute. “The plum must’ve had the poison in it. I wonder . . .” his voice trailed off and he shook his head. “No matter.” he said briskly. “You’re all right now, that’s what matters.” He turned to leave, but was stopped by a last question from Rosa.

            “But how was I cured? And where am I?” she asked.

            Panthal turned to look at her. “You’re in the top room of our house.” he told her. “And love is what healed you.” With that, he turned and walked out of the room, leaving a confused Rosa lying in bed, staring after him.

What will happen next? Has Rosa really recovered? Who is the strange lady who poisoned Rosa? To find out, check back next time! In the meantime, please comment! I’d love to hear what you think!

-Sarah

Rosa Chapter Fifteen

Hi, everyone! Sorry this is so late, but I’ve got Chapter Fifteen here! Need a refresher? Here’s Chapter Fourteen! And now, Rosa!

Chapter Fifteen

Back at the elves’ clearing . . .

            Panthal sighed and looked at Rosa. She lay on a bed in the center of the uppermost room of their tree house. The multicolored shafts of sunlight that came streaming through the jewels danced around Rosa. We’ve tried almost everything, and nothing has worked. What are we going to do? His sensitive ears caught the sound of someone entering the room, and he turned toward the door.

            Skyellë entered, looking around. “Is she doing any better?” she asked softly.

            Panthal shook his head. “Nay.” he answered. “What do you have there?”

            Skyellë looked at the flask she held in her hands. “The last possible remedy we can make.” she told him. “There’s only one left in the book of lore, and we cannot procure that one.” She handed the flask to Panthal.

            Panthal opened the flask. “What is this last remedy that we cannot make?”

            Skyellë’s eyes filled with tears. “The kiss of an unknown lover.” she whispered, and then she turned and fled the room.

            Hours passed. Rosa still made no move, and uttered no sound. Panthal, Skyellë, and Lord Alanal took turns sitting with her, just in case. Panthal was just beginning a third turn when the sound of horses galloping came from below. Skyellë rushed out to the edge of the lowest platform and looked down. When she saw who was below she cried out in near-joy. “Clarellë has returned!” she called out. “And there are others with her!”

            Skyellë watched as Lady Clarellë, Mandy, and Prince Owen climbed up the rope ladder. As soon as Lady Clarellë was on the platform, Skyellë rushed over. She opened her mouth to speak, but Lady Clarellë beat her to it. “How is Rosa?” she asked in a whisper.

            Skyellë shook her head. “No better. Who are the others you brought?”

            “The lady is Mandy, the one who watched over Rosa before that task fell to us.” Lady Clarellë replied. “The young man is Prince Owen, who Mandy seems to trust. She insisted on his coming. I am not sure why.”

            Skyellë gasped. “Perhaps the last remedy-“she snapped her mouth shut, wondering if she should say it.

            “What about a last remedy?” asked Lady Clarellë.

             “The only remedy in left in our book of lore is the kiss of an unknown lover. What if Prince Owen is that unknown lover?”

            Lady Clarellë nodded slowly. “It could be.” she whispered. “It would be a miracle if he was and it worked.”

            “Should we mention it to him?”  Skyellë asked.

            “Nay.” Lady Clarellë told her. “We do not want to take any risks of getting their hopes up. If Prince Owen kisses her and it does not work, it would be heartbreaking.” She gestured towards Mandy and Prince Owen, who were standing just inside the house, talking with Lord Alanal.

            Skyellë nodded. “You’re probably right.” she reluctantly agreed. “So what should we do now?”

            “We invite them up.” Lady Clarellë replied, simply.

What will happen next? Will Prince Owen be able to cure Rosa? To find out, check back next time! In the meantime, please comment! I’d love to hear your opinion!

-Sarah
Update: Chapter Fifteen is up!

Rosa Chapter Fourteen

Hi, everyone! Ready for more of Rosa? I hope so, because I’m posting Chapter Fourteen now! Need a refresher? Chapters Twelve and Thirteen are just a click away. And now, on with the tale!

Chapter Fourteen

Mandy busily mixed and kneaded the bread dough; intent on making what she hoped would be one of her best loaves. Carefully, she finished kneading it and laid a cloth over the top of the bowl. Glancing up, Mandy saw a tall, golden haired lady wearing a silver cape walking towards the castle. Hmm. thought Mandy, That’s odd. I don’t believe I’ve seen her before. I wonder why she isn’t riding a horse like most royalty. Suddenly, the lady turned and began walking towards the kitchen, instead of going to the big back gate. Mandy soon heard the sharp, urgent sound of knocking on the kitchen door. Wiping her hands on her apron, Mandy quickly walked over and opened the door. It creaked as it opened, and Mandy made a mental note to oil the hinges. However, all thoughts of oil vanished from Mandy’s mind when she saw the person at the door. Why, it’s the lady I saw walking up here! Dropping a curtsy, Mandy said “What may I do for you, milady?”  What does she want with me? Did she somehow miss the main gate?

            The lady looked at Mandy, and Mandy could see that the lady’s deep green eyes were filled with worry. “Are you Mandy?” the lady asked urgency evident in her voice.

            “Yes, milady.” Mandy answered.

            “I am Lady Clarellë.” the lady told Mandy. “I am afraid that Rosa is near death.”

            “What?” Mandy exclaimed. “How? Why? How do you know?”

            Lady Clarellë shook her head. “Rosa has been staying with us for several years, but there will be time for explanations later. You must come quickly!”

            Now it was Mandy’s turn to shake her head. “There’s someone else who needs to come.” she said, and hurried off to find Prince Owen.

            Prince Owen was sitting in his usual spot by the window. Suddenly, he heard a loud banging on his door. Is someone trying to knock the door down? He jumped up and hurried over, wondering who was disturbing him. He flung open the door to find Mandy, the cook who had told him the truth about Rosa, standing before him. “Your highness,” she said, breathlessly, “Rosa is near death. I thought I should-“

            Her words were cut off by Prince Owen’s exclamation of “Where is she? How did this happen?”

            “Come with me, please, your highness, and I’ll explain everything.” Mandy told him, turning to go.

            Prince Owen nodded, grabbed his cape, and followed close behind. 

What will happen next? Will Mandy and Prince Owen make it to the elves’ clearing? Will Rosa die? There’s only one way to find out: check back Thursday! In the meantime, please comment and tell me what you think! I’d love to know!

-Sarah
Update: Chapter Fifteen is up!

Rosa Chapter Twelve

Hi, everyone! I’ve returned, with more of Rosa! Need a refresher? Here’s Chapter Eleven! And now, without further ado, here is Chapter Twelve! Enjoy!

Chapter Twelve

The next morning . . .

            The sun shone brightly through the amber striped wall of the elves’ tree house. It danced across the lower room and fell on Rosa, who was busily sweeping the floor in a ceaseless battle against the leaves that were continually blowing in. Suddenly, she stopped as a voice wafted its way up to her. “Excuse me?” the voice said. “Is anyone home?” It was the voice of a young woman, sweet and low. “Hello?’ it called once more. “Hello?”

            Rosa quickly left the room and climbed down the rope ladder. Then, with her feet firmly on the ground, she surveyed the owner of the voice.

            The person was a young woman, probably in her mid to late twenties. She had short, curly, black hair, and her eyes were a blue-black color, which Rosa had often admired. The woman’s skin was pale, but not as pale as some skin. “Do you live here?” she asked, pulling back her hair to reveal a pointed ear.

            Rosa frowned. Something about her doesn’t seem right. She shook her head. It’s probably just my imagination. Besides, no one dangerous can get in here. Out loud, she said “Yes. Why do you ask?”

            The woman smiled. “I brought this as a gift to you and the others who live here.” she said, holding up a basket of fruit.

            Rosa’s mouth watered as she caught sight of the two plums nestled in with the apples, pears, and peaches. “Thank you.” she said, taking the basket.

            “Don’t mention it.” The woman turned to leave.

            Rosa turned as well, than suddenly turned back around. “What did you say your name was?” Rosa called.

            “Nightblossom.” the woman answered without looking back. Rosa turned, satisfied. She didn’t see the black flash that rippled outward through the web when the woman passed through.

            Holding the basket of fruit in one hand, Rosa climbed up the rope ladder and back into the tree house. She set the basket on the table, glancing longingly at the plums. Just one won’t hurt, and they look so delicious . . .  Rosa reached out, grabbed a plum, and bit into it, filling her mouth with the sweet fruit. She swallowed, and was about to take another bite when a burning sensation suddenly began in her throat. Setting the plum down, she dashed across the room. She poured herself a glass of water from a small pitcher. She quickly drank it, but it did no good. Her throat began feeling tight, and she started to feel dizzy. She fought the feelings, but to no avail. Rosa fell to the floor, unconscious and barely breathing.

And now I have something special: Chapter Thirteen! I’m posting it in honor of St. Patrick’s Day (not that it has anything to do with the day) and in honor of the exceptionally warm day we’re having today. (I’m wearing SHORT SLEEVES!) So, without any more introduction from me, Chapter Thirteen!

Chapter Thirteen

Hours passed, and Rosa did not stir. Below, all went on as usual. After a while, Lord Alanal, Lady Clarellë, Panthal, and Skyellë returned. Sensing that something was wrong, they gathered under the oak to decide what to do.

            “Something is wrong.”  Skyellë said. “Rosa has not called her usual greeting.”

            “Aye,” agreed Lady Clarellë, “And the web showed signs of a dark entry and exit.”

            “Could Leila have found Rosa?” asked Lord Alanal.

            “It doesn’t matter!” declared Panthal. “We need to make sure Rosa is alright and discover if the intruder has entered our house.”

            “I agree!” exclaimed Skyellë.

            “As do I.” added Lady Clarellë. “Whoever it was is not here anymore, so it is safe for us.”

            “Very well.” Lord Alanal replied. “Panthal, you are the quickest on your feet and the best warrior and healer. You lead. I will come next, then Lady Clarellë, then Skyellë. Agreed?” 

            The others nodded, and they began the climb, wondering what had happened and if Rosa was unharmed.

            As the four entered the room on the first level, they all gasped at the sight of Rosa lying motionless on the floor. “Is she . . . dead?” asked Skyellë, hesitantly.

            Panthal strode over to where Rosa lay. He took a small dagger from his belt and held it before her nose and mouth. “She is not quite dead.” he said, looking at the light mist on the bright metal blade. “She is holding onto life, but only by a thread.” He rose and looked at the others. “Alanal, will you help me carry Rosa to the top room?”

            “Do you mean the gem room?” Skyellë gasped.

            “Aye.” replied Panthal, thinking of the bright gems embedded in the ceiling and walls of the uppermost room. The gems had healing qualities, and the sunlight that filtered through them could heal almost anything. Rosa will need all those healing powers, and then some to stay alive. Then, he snapped out of his thoughts and turned to Lady Clarellë and Skyellë. “Clarellë, will you go to the castle Rosa came from and tell Mandy of Rosa’s peril?”

            “With a good will.” replied Lady Clarellë, turning to leave.

            “Skyellë, I need you to stay here and prepare whatever medicines we may need, and I may need your help in other ways as well.” Panthal told her, as he bent to help Lord Alanal carry Rosa.

            Skyellë sighed, and then replied “Very well.” As she watched her family disappear in various directions, questions filled her mind. She tried to push them down, but two kept resurfacing. They were Will Rosa be alright? And What will happen to us if Leila has found our home?

What will happen next? Will Rosa survive? Will Leila wreck more havoc on the elves? To find out, check back next time! In the meantime, please comment and tell me what you think! I’d love to hear your opinions!

Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

-Sarah
Update: Chapter Fourteen is up!

Rosa Chapter Eleven

Hi, everyone! Want more of Rosa? If you do, you’re in luck, because I’m posting Chapter Eleven! Need a refresher? Here’s Chapter Ten! And now, on with the tale!

Chapter Eleven

Many years later . . .

            Rosa climbed quickly down the rope ladder. As soon as her feet touched the ground, she looked around. Then, spotting the patch of blueberry bushes she had been looking for, Rosa rushed over, her basket swinging on her arm. She had been living with the elves for almost five years now, and she wanted to do something special for them. When she had overheard talk of blueberry bushes near the tree house, she had decided that a blueberry pie would be just the thing.

            As Rosa skipped towards the blueberry bushes, she didn’t feel the passage through Lady Clarellë’s web, and she barely noticed the looming closeness of the pines that showed she was out of the clearing. She blissfully picked berries, every now and then dropping one in her mouth, totally unaware of the pitch-black crow watching her. As she finished her picking and walked quickly away, the crow flew away towards the castle Rosa had once called home.

Far away, at the castle . . .   

            Prince Owen looked once more out the window towards the kitchen gardens. He, for the tenth time that day, thought Oh, how I wish that Rosa had been nobility, and that she hadn’t disappeared! Where could she have gone? Wait! The cook might know! He leaped up and dashed out the door, desperate to know about Rosa.

            In her dark tower room, Queen Leila was consulting Cullen once again. “Cullen, are any fairer than I?” she asked.

            Cullen frowned. “There is one, my queen. Do you remember the servant girl, Rosa?”

            The queen nodded slowly.

            “Well,” Cullen hissed, “She is apparently not as dead as you thought. She is alive, and living with the Allë clan of elves.”

            “What?” shrieked Queen Leila. “How could she have evaded me for so long?”

            “The elves have magic of some sort.” Cullen hissed. “But we can combat it. Here is what we will do. . .”

That night . . . 

            Mandy snuggled deeper into her bed, enjoying its softness. She felt better than she had since Rosa left. Maybe telling the prince was the right thing to do. She drifted off into a deep and dreamless sleep, the first she had had since Rosa left.

            In his tower room, Prince Owen lay awake, wondering at what Mandy, the cook, had told him. Mentally, he cursed the king for turning from Queen Ellen and causing Rosa to grow up without her mother. His thoughts turned to Queen Leila. How could she have known about Rosa?  He sighed and rolled over in his bed. He tried to sleep, but sleep evaded him, and Rosa continued skipping through his thoughts.

            Up in her dark room, Queen Leila was also awake because of Rosa, but with entirely different motives. Ever since the sun had set, she had been busily mixing potions, herbs, and dubious looking liquids into a dangerous elixir. Watching her every move was Cullen, his mirror set in a holder on the wall. “Yes, yesss.” he hissed, his voice unusually low and evil-sounding. “You are doing it perfectly, my queen.” He laughed. It was an unnatural sort of sound, and Queen Leila shuddered a little when she heard it.

            Shaking off her fright, Queen Leila took two plums from a basket of fruit. Then, she carefully submerged them both in the elixir, and let them absorb the poisonous substance.

            “Two, my queen?” Cullen hissed in surprise. “Are two really necessary?”

            “Yes.” Queen Leila said her voice tight. “If we are to lose one, we will still have the other.” Queen Leila picked up a pair of what looked like tongs and used them to lift the plums and place them back in the fruit basket. “No one will be more beautiful than I.” she whispered. “No one.”

What is Queen Leila up to? Is Rosa in danger, or will she remain safe? There’s only one way to find out: check back Thursday when I post Chapter Twelve! In the meantime, please comment and give me your opinions! I’d love to hear what you think!

-Sarah
Update: Chapter Twelve and Chapter Thirteen are up!

Rosa Chapter Ten

Hello, all! Ready for more of Rosa? If so, good, because I’m posting Chapter Ten right now! Need a refresher? Here’s the link to Chapter Nine! And now, one with the tale!

Chapter Ten

When Rosa finished her tale, an awkward silence filled the room. For several minutes, no one spoke. Then, the shorter man spoke. “Well, Rosa,” he said, “It seems that I, Panthal, owe you an apology, and an explanation. Your mother was our sister, my twin sister to be exact. When she left and married the king, I was almost heartbroken, for it was as if she had died to me.” Panthal paused, overcome with emotion.

            Rosa saw his sadness, and softly spoke. “I’m sorry. You must miss her so much more than I do.”

            Panthal smiled weakly at her, and Rosa saw that it was the smile of one who had not smiled in many years. “Tis alright. It’s not your fault.” He straightened up from his slump and continued. “I didn’t think that she had fallen for the right person, and it seems I was right. Her heart must’ve broken.” He paused again, and then quickly began again. “I know your tale must be true, for you would not otherwise be able to pass the web, and-“he swallowed, and then said in a whisper “You look so much like her. I am sorry for what I thought about you. I should have found out the truth first.”

            Rosa smiled at him. “It’s alright. I probably would’ve thought the same if I had been in your place.” Her brow furrowed as a thought struck her. “I thought my mother’s name was Ellen.”

            “It was.” replied Lord Alanal.

            “Then why did you call her Ellenellë?” asked Rosa.

            “Ellenellë is Ellen in the Allë can’s version of the Elfin-tongue!” Skyellë laughed. “The main difference from other tongues, name wise anyway, is that you add “al” onto the end of male names and “ellë” onto the end of female names.”

            Rosa’s brow furrowed as she thought this through. “So,” she slowly said, “My name in the Elfin-tongue would be Rosaellë?”

            Skyellë laughed again. “Exactly. Only, it’s the Allë clan’s version of the Elfin-tongue.”

            “What’s the difference?” Rosa asked.

            “Only the name endings are different.” Lady Clarellë told her. “All the other words are the same.”

            Lord Alanal cleared his throat. “Pardon my interruption,” he said, “But we have yet to discuss what we are going to do about Rosa, and what she is going to do herself.”

            Panthal leaped forward. “If Rosa wishes, she should be allowed to stay with us!” he exclaimed. “She is, after all, Ellenellë’s daughter.”

            Lord Alanal frowned. “Is this what all of you think?” he asked, looking at Lady Clarellë and Skyellë.

            Lady Clarellë nodded, and Skyellë exclaimed “Of course!”

            “What of Leila?” asked Lord Alanal. “If Rosa is traced here, she may put us all in danger.” His brow furrowed, worrying Rosa.

            Will I be sent away? She nervously wondered.

            Lady Clarellë spoke. “If Rosa does not travel beyond the web, it is very unlikely that Leila will ever find her. She will be safe here, as we have been for years.”

            Lord Alanal looked at Rosa. “Would you be willing to stay within the web?” he asked her.

            “Yes!” cried Rosa, barely able to contain herself.

            “Then it is settled.” Lady Clarellë said, firmly. “Rosa shall stay with us.”

What will happen next? Will Rosa stay safe, or will more trouble come her way? Check back next time to find out! In the meantime, please comment with your opinions on my story. I’d love to hear what you think!

-Sarah
Update: Chapter Eleven is up!

Rosa Chapter Nine

Hi, everyone! I’m back with more of Rosa! Need a refresher or new to my blog? Here’s the link to Chapters Seven and Eight! And now, Chapter Nine!

Chapter Nine

The first to enter was a tall man with dark brown hair. His face held a kingly look, and his dark blue eyes seemed to be wells of unending wisdom, as old as the forest, or maybe even older. He did not seem to be surprised to see Rosa sitting in a bed in his house.  The only emotion he showed was a flash of wonder in his eyes, but that was there one second and gone the next.

            The next one to come in was a shorter man. He had blue-black hair that shimmered and shone, and sharp violet eyes. When he entered, a look of immense surprise came over his face, but he quickly returned to his original, guarded expression.

            The third person to enter was a tall lady with long, flowing, golden-brown hair. Her eyes were dark green, and her face held the look of a great queen. She showed no surprise at Rosa, but smiled kindly at her. Her long gown was far more interesting than the men’s tunics, pants, and capes. It was blue and green, and looked as if it had silver threads running through the bodice. Her long, silver cape flowed about her like a waterfall, and Rosa was awed by her.

            The last to enter was much smaller than the others. Tiny and delicate, she looked like she might fly away in a moment. Her bright blue eyes and golden hair reminded Rosa of the summer sky, and the long, sleeveless, blue dress she wore looked to be a fragment of the sky. Her creamy cape added to her appearance of a bit of sky, for it floated about her like a cloud. She too smiled at Rosa, and looked like she had expected to see her there.

            There they were, Rosa sitting in a bed, feeling embarrassed and shocked, and the four who lived in the house standing in front of the huge tree trunk rising from the center of the room, and looking at her with various expressions. Finally, one of them spoke. “Who are you, girl?” the shorter man asked. “What are you doing in our home?”

            Rosa recognized his voice as the suspicious voice. “I’m sorry, sir.” she said. “I didn’t realize this was your home. I was just trying to escape the wolves.”

            The tall lady smiled at Rosa. “It’s alright, child.” she said. “But you still have not told us who you are.”

            She has the singer voice. I guess the other man must be the one who sounds like a king, and the sky-maid is the one with the small voice. They look like their voices! Oh no! She asked me a question!  “I’m Rosa, a kitchen maid in Aren Castle.”

            The four looked at each other, and then the tall man spoke. “I am Lord Alanal, eldest in the clan of Allë.  How did you, Rosa, a kitchen maid in the castle of Aren, pass our web?”

            Rosa looked at him, perplexed. “What web?”

            The tall lady laughed, and said “Did you not feel as if you were passing through a wall of water when you entered the clearing? That was our web, which I, Lady Clarellë, made. It is a magical wall that surrounds our clearing, which is mostly invisible except for a slight shimmer in the air. Until you came, we thought that none but ourselves could pass the web without help from us. So, why can you enter our clearing?”

            Rosa looked down, ashamed. “I don’t know.” she said, sadly. “I don’t know why.” She looked up at them again. “I’m sorry, but I just don’t know.”

            The shorter man snorted, and Lord Alanal looked at him sharply. “Peace, brother.” he whispered. “It is not your time to speak.”

            As this happened, a thought struck Rosa. “Are you . . .  elves?” she asked hesitantly.

            The sky-maid laughed. “Of course!  What else would we be?  Miss Rosa, even I, Skyellë, youngest in the Allë clan, know better than to ask silly questions!”

            Rosa looked down, abashed at her ignorance.  Lady Clarellë saw Rosa’s movement and smiled at her.

            “Do not be ashamed, Rosa.” she said, soothingly. “Skyellë sometimes neglects to think before she speaks. You could hardly have known who we were.”

            Rosa looked up again, encouraged. “I just wanted to know, because my mother was an elf, and I thought that maybe if you were elves, you could tell me about her. And, you don’t exactly seem like humans.”

            The shorter man leaped forward, away from Lord Alanal’s restraining hand. “What was your mother’s name?” he asked, breathlessly.

            “Her name was Lady Ellen.” Rosa said, a bit frightened.

            Lord Alanal frowned.  “Ellenellë left us long ago. We have had no news of her having a child. Also, if you are her daughter, why did she not come with you?”

            A single tear dropped from Rosa’s eye. “My mother died when I was very little. I did not know who she was, or who I was, until yesterday.” She poured out the whole story, her voice trembling.

Who are these elves? Why are they so interesting in Rosa’s mother? To find out, check back Thursday for Chapter Ten of Rosa: A Snow-White Remake! In the meantime, please comment and tell me what you think! I’d love to hear your opinions!

-Sarah

Update: Chapter Ten is up!

Rosa Chapter Seven and Rosa Chapter Eight

Greetings, everyone! I am back with more of Rosa! Need a refresher? Here's the link to Chapter Six! And now, on with the tale!

Chapter Seven

Back at the castle. . .

            Queen Leila hurried into her room. Picking up the mirror, she whispered “Cullen! Cullen! Come to me!”

            Cullen’s pale face appeared, and he hissed “Yes, my queen?”

            “I have gotten rid of the servant girl.” Queen Leila said. “Are any more beautiful than me now?”

            “Nay, my queen.” Cullen hissed once more. “Your beauty is unapproachable.”

            “Good.” Queen Leila snapped. She set the mirror down and left the room troubled no more by Rosa’s loveliness.

            In a different part of the castle, another member of the nobility was also thinking about Rosa. Prince Owen sat in his room, wondering. His dinner had been late, and when he asked why, the servant had told him that Rosa, the kitchen maid, had disappeared.  He had controlled his emotions then, but now he could not seem to keep it up. He remembered how he had watched her from his window and marveled at her beauty and kindness. He thought about the many times he had wished that she was a princess or at least nobility so he could try to get to know her. So her name is Rosa. It fits her. Prince Owen shook his head. I shouldn’t be thinking about her this way. He tried to banish her from his thoughts, but try as he might; she still kept skipping through his thoughts and dancing through his dreams.

            Down in the kitchen, Mandy wondered what Rosa was doing. I hope she’s safe. The huntsman said she’d gotten away unharmed, but what if something happened to her after she left? Mandy shook her head. Rosa was beyond her help now. Mandy could only hope that she was safe now, safe forever.

And now, since that chapter was incredibly short, I shall also post the next chapter!

Chapter Eight

The next morning. . .

            The first rays of sunlight filtered through the leaves and amber striped walls. It danced around the room and fell gently on Rosa’s face. She stirred. What time is it? It can’t be time to get up already, can it? She snuggled deeper into the soft bed, pulling the leaf-green covers up to her chin. A voice filtered up through the floorboards, and woke Rosa up a bit. She listened and realized that it was not one voice, but several voices. She listened intently, determined to figure out who the speakers were.

            “Well,” said one voice, “This is strange.” Rosa thought the voice sounded honey-sweet and full of kindness, like the voice of her favorite castle singer, only far nicer.

            “It is strange indeed.” agreed a second voice. “Has someone else come here?” This voice was deeper, but still kind, like it belonged to a woodland king.

            “This means danger!” exclaimed another voice, this one suspicious and dangerous sounding. “None but ourselves can enter the clearing without dark magic.”

            Then one more voice spoke. “Are you sure? Has it been tried? Perhaps others of our folk may enter by themselves and without hindrance.” This voice was small, but clear and sweet-sounding, and Rosa thought she liked it best.

            The woodland king voice spoke again. “Your idea is a good one, but there are no other elves in the area, and they would not enter without one of us.”

            The singer voice answered him. “When was the last time you investigated that? You have not looked since our sister left. Maybe there are others who we do not know of!”

            The suspicious voice said “Still, how do we know? And where is the intruder? Did he or she come and go?”

            “Nay,” replied the singer voice, “There was no sign of exit in our web, only entry. Whoever it is has not left the clearing.”

            “Then he or she must be upstairs.” the small voice commented.  “But it was certainly kind of whoever it was to clean our home, was it not?”

            “Aye, it was kind.” replied the woodland king voice. “Now, let us go upstairs and see who this kind personage is.”

            Rosa sat straight up, wondering what to do. There was no place to hide, and going outside would offer no escape, for she heard them mounting the rope ladder. She finally decided that her best and only choice was to stay where she was. A few minutes later, the owners of the four voices entered.

Who do the voices belong to? Are they friend or foe? Is Rosa really as safe as Mandy hopes she is? To find out, check back soon for Chapter Nine! Until then, please comment and tell me what you think!

-Sarah
Update: Chapter Nine is up!