Storytelling Week 14: A Life for a Life

Anna was exploring a cove, trying to stay away from view. Her master had been looking for her for three days now. She had run away, unable to remain a slave to him any longer. If he found her, she would die.
However, none of these things were going through Anna's head at the time. She was too busy admiring the incredibly blue waves crashing softly on the shore and searching after the waters pulled back for seashells in the sand.
As she walked along the shore, Anna became aware of the faint sound of grunting. She made her way closer to the sound, careful to remain quiet. It seemed to be on the other side of a wall of rocks. Anna slowly peaked her head around the rocks and her eyes grew wide.
On the sand struggling, trapped in a net, was an honest-to-god mermaid! Anna grew up with legends of mermaids, but that was all they were to her, legends. This was a real mermaid, with a golden tail to match her golden hair. She seemed more frustrated than frightened as she pulled at the net which surrounded her.
I have to do something, Anna thought. She slowly stepped from behind the rock and as soon as the mermaid became aware of Anna, she stopped and looked up like an injured animal.
"Don't be frightened," Anna said carefully. "I can help." She pulled a knife from her pocket which she had stolen from her master.
The mermaid flinched slightly as Anna got closer and grabbed the net, but Anna smiled and sawed at the rope. Soon, she cut a hole large enough for the mermaid to escape through. She pulled it off the mermaid's tail. The mermaid did nothing at first, until Anna finally realized she was staring at the knife. Anna threw it away and smiled at the mermaid.
"Can I help you?" Anna said, holding out her hand. The mermaid gingerly took Anna's hand and Anna pulled her into the ocean.
The mermaid looked back at Anna. "Thank you," she said softly and then she swan away into the waters.
Anna smiled at the waters, then quickly became aware of two men running behind her. She turned and saw the two standing next to the cut up net. One of the men had his hands on his head.
"What?" He shouted. "We had her!" The two looked up and saw Anna. "You! What did you do?!"
Anna glared at the men. "You had no right to trap her like that."
The other man stepped towards her. "That was our greatest catch!" He turned to his companion. "I leave for one second to get you, and some tramp ruins our plans." He looks back at Anna. "You will pay for this, girl."
His companion looks at Anna closely. "Wait, I think this is the slave that ran away from old Wilson. She looks exactly as he described." He came to Anna and grabbed her wrists. Anna cringed in pain and the man held up her arms, smiling in triumph at her red, blistered wrists. "Perhaps we'll make a profit after all."
The two men grabbed Anna and dragged her back to her master's house. When Wilson saw her, his face turned bright red. "You two will have your reward," he told the men. "And you." He stepped close to Anna and glared down at her. "For your rebellion, you will die."
The next day, Wilson along with four other men brought Anna to a cliff overlooking the ocean. They bound her hands and feet together and then attached a heavy rock to the rope around her feet, intending to drown her.
Anna's heart beat fast. This is where her life would end. Still, there was peace in knowing that she would no longer be a slave. She breathed out and tried to remain calm.

Two men picked up Anna, and two others lifted the rock. "Good riddance, slave," Wilson growled. With that, the men heaved Anna and the rock over the cliff. 

Anna's stomach came up to her throat and her legs felt as though they would be torn off her. She hit the water hard and any breath she held left her. She quickly sank, yet the bottom was not very deep, so the rock hit it soon. Anna closed her eyes and waited for her lungs to lose air. 

She then felt something tugging on the rope attached to her feet. She opened her eyes, but could not see very well in the water. Suddenly, she felt her legs relax and realized she was not attached to the rock anymore. A hand took her arm and pulled her towards the surface. 

Once she broke the surface, Anna sputtered out water and caught her breath. She opened her eyes and in front of her was the same mermaid she had rescued the day before. The mermaid smiled at Anna and held onto her. "Let me help you," she said. She helped Anna reach the shore on the other side of the cliff. 

Anna touched the sand and breathed deeply. Now the two were even, a life for a life. She smiled at the mermaid. "Thank you." 

Author's Note: I read the story of Androcles and the Lion and was immediately inspired. The story is about a slave who escapes his master and finds a lion who has a thorn in his paw. Androcles takes the thorn out of the lion's paw and the two become friends. Later, Androcles is captured and sentenced to death by being thrown to a lion to be eaten. As it turns out, the same lion he helped it the lion he is thrown to, and the lion remembers him and doesn't kill him. I really liked this idea, and so for my story I chose to keep the same plot of a slave escaping a master and later on being found and sentenced to death, but I decided to make Androcles a girl and make the lion a mermaid, because I really like mermaids. It just goes to show you, you never know what might happen if you take the time to help someone. Maybe they will help you back.

Bibliography: This is a retelling of the story of "Androcles and the Lion" from Europa's Fairy Book by Joseph Jacobs. From the unit Europa

Image information: A picture of McWay Cove taken by Brocken Inaglory, 2009. Web source: Wikimedia Commons

Storytelling Week 13: Rags to Riches

For sixteen years I've been on this island.
I wasn't born here. I'm actually not certain where I was born. I arrived on this island in a small boat when I was around two years of age, and no one knows where I came from. The woman I who brought me died a few days after we arrived. Convenient I suppose. Since that day, I have never left the island.
The people here despise me, not so much for anything I have done, but more for the fact that I am an outsider. I am the first stranger to come to this island in over a hundred years I am told. They were hoping to continue that record before I came along.
Not everyone here hates me though. Grayson took pity on me all those years ago, and I've been living with him ever since along with his niece Marge. They suffered excommunication because of me, but they've always loved me regardless.
One night, however, my whole life changed. There was a storm outside, which made me restless. The rain pounded on the roof and the walls crackled by the rough wind. Since I could not sleep, I wandered around Grayson's small house. I was in the kitchen when something caught my eye outside through the window. I turned and moved closer to the window to see what it was. My heart stopped.
There was a ship! Grayson lived right next to the beach, away from everyone else, and never had I seen a ship near this island other than the king's, which were never used. I thought no one outside knew we existed here.
Even though I had never seen a ship sailing, I knew this wasn't what it was supposed to look like. The waves were crashing on the ship and it titled back and forth as if it was about to topple over. And it was dangerously close to the shore. I quickly ran outside and as I did, a colossal wave slammed into the ship and it just shattered. I began to run to the water, then hesitated because of the enormous waves. 

Then, as if nature was satisfied with its destruction, the winds dispelled and the waves calmed. I quickly ran into the ocean without a second thought, searching around me to find any survivors. Lightning still cracked across the sky, giving me a little light to see. With every body I came to, my heart sank more and more, and I felt like vomiting. Every man I came across was already dead.
Finally, I came to a woman, holding onto a piece of wood. Please don't be dead. I grabbed her wrist and felt for a pulse. There it was! I took hold of the girl and paddled backwards towards the shore. She didn't move once, unconscious from the impact most likely.
Once we reached the shore, though I was breathing hard, I managed to lift the girl in my arms, even though the water in her dress seemed to make her twice as heavy. I trudged to the house and kicked on the door, hoping Grayson or Marge would hear me. A few moments later, the door opened and Grayson stared at me open-mouthed.
"Edric, what-?"
"Not yet," I interrupted. Grayson opened the door wider and allowed me to come inside. I carried the girl to my room and set her on my bed. My arms felt weak and I sank to the floor beside the bed.
Marge ran in with a candle. "Edric, what happened? Who is this?"
I breathed out. "There was a shipwreck. She was the only one I found. Alive."
They both stared at me. "Well," Grayson finally said, "I suppose there's not much to do until she awakes." Grayson looked at me. "You should get some sleep."
I chuckled. "She's in my bed." 

Grayson laughed and helped me up.

The next morning, the girl woke up. She was alarmed at first, but as soon as I told her what had happened, she looked close to tears. 

"They're all dead?" She whispered. 

"I'm so sorry," I said. "I couldn't find anyone else alive."

The girl held her composure remarkably well. "What is your name?" I asked her after a moment of silence.

"My name is Crystal. And yours?"

"Edric."

"Well, Edric, I am indebted to you for saving my life." Crystal paused. "You seem familiar to me, though I do not know why."

I shrugged and asked, "I don't either. Where are you from?"

"I am from Lore. It is about a week's sail from here." 

I shook my head. "I've never heard of it."

This time Crystal shrugged. "It's a fairly large kingdom. My father is the king of Lore." 

I stared at her. A princess? I rescued a princess? She only nodded as if she could read my thoughts and smiled. "So you have lived here your whole life I am assuming?" 

"Actually, no. I was brought here sixteen years ago, by a strange woman who died a few days later. I am not certain where I am from. But since then I have lived here." 

The princess narrowed her eyebrows and bit her lip. "Strange..." She trailed off. She looked down and muttered to herself, "Yet it could be a coincidence..." She looked back up. "May I ask you a somewhat odd question?" 

I nodded slowly. "Of course." 

"Do you have a birthmark, on your right shoulder?"

I was shocked. How...? I pulled the collar of my shirt to reveal a dark spot on my right shoulder. 

Crystal's eyes got wide, and then she smiled slowly. "I lost my brother sixteen years ago. No one knows where he was taken. My father told me he had a birthmark on his right shoulder. Edric, I think you are my brother." 

Now my eyes widened. "You're serious?" Crystal nodded excitedly. "You're my sister? I have a family?" 

Crystal attacked me with a hug and my heart began to leap. I couldn't help but smile with her. I'm a prince. I have a family. 

I have a home.  

Author's Note: As I was reading the story of Allerleirauh, I began to get an idea for a sort of rags to riches story. Allerleirauh is the story of a princess who runs away from her father who is trying to marry her. She finds work in another kingdom as servant. Eventually she meets the king and dresses in these beautiful dresses to each of his balls, and in the end they get married. I liked the idea of someone who is royal having a kind of rags to riches story, and so I created Edric, who is a prince, but no one knows it because he was abducted as a child. I wanted to show him primarily before he became a prince to show his character as one deserving of a crown. And in the end, he gets a crown, much like Allerleirauh. I sadly ran out of word space, or this story would have been a lot more detailed. 

Bibliography: This was inspired by the story of Allerleirauh from Household Tales by Jacob Grimm and Wilhelm Grimm, translated by Margaret Hunt. From the unit Brothers Grimm (Hunt).

Image information: "Churning Troubled Water" by Brigitte Werner (werner22brigitte), 2014. Web source: Pixabay 

Storytelling Week 12: Death Day

Knowing when you're going to die isn't as horrible as it sounds. 
Since I was eight years old, I have known the day when my life will end. Of course, my parents have known since I was first born. You see, when a fairy is first born, at least my kind of fairy, an elder comes in and announces that fairy's death day also. It's somewhat ironic, that on one's birth their death is also announced. 
The only thing that isn't known, even by the elders, is how that fairy will die. Now, if a fairy is old enough, it is most likely they will die peacefully of old age and will be able to live a long, happy life. That is how most fairies die here. There is not much danger around to threaten us, and we are immune to sickness. 
Still, there are a few who die much earlier and much more tragically. Some deaths are accidental and some are intentional, and no matter how hard they try, a fairy cannot escape his or her death. 
It would just happen that I am one of the lucky few who die early. Now, I'm sure this should scare me, and at times it does make me sad that I will not live past my 25th birthday (which is actually very young for fairies). There's so much I will not be able to do because of this.
However, there is something about knowing your death that makes life so much more precious, and exciting. Knowing when you are going to die means you won't die until that moment. You're invincible. The fairies who are able to live a long life do it normally, and that's so boring. They could be just as invincible as I, yet they choose to stay at home because they have their whole lives to live, and adventure doesn't seem to be high on their list of things to accomplish. 

My adventure is coming to an end, though. I am twenty-five now, and I only have a few days left. My life has consisted of traveling and exploring and doing things which j may not have been able to do if I were not "invincible." However, I wanted to spend my last days with my family. My parents are the only two who know when I am going die, and I could tell for a few months now that it was not easy for them. My mother would often look at me while she thought I wasn't aware. Today I finally brought it up.
"What are you thinking?" I ask her. She blinks, as if coming out of a trance.
"What was that, Keena?"
"You know it's coming. I was just wondering what you think about it."
My mother came to side beside me and took my hand. "It's not easy, looking at you and knowing I won't be able to look at you much longer. You are my light, Keena, and I hate the darkness. Still, I have accepted it, because to not accept it would just make it harder. How do you feel?"
I looked at her. "I've accepted it to. I'm not sure I can not accept it, since it's going to happen regardless. I'm not really scared, just sad. I'm not sure what to expect."
"Expect peace. I am not sure what is next, but I am hopefully it is so much better than this place. And there is no need to be sad. We will all be there with you soon after." She pulls me into her arms, and I have to hold back my tears.
I enjoy the next few days, and I feel as though I grew closer to my family and friends in those days. Yet, suddenly, the day is upon me and I am forced to decide where I want to go. I could stay with my family and have them watch me die. Or I could leave and die somewhere else. I chose the latter. If I am going to die, why not go in an exciting, mysterious way?
On that morning, my family stood around me as I said goodbye. I begin to turn and leave when my father says, "Where are you going to go?"
I smile. "It's a mystery."

Author note: I know, I know, this is a very depressing story, but I thought it would be interesting to tell. I read Billy Duffy and the Devil this week, which is about a man who makes a pact with the devil. The devil will give him a lot of money, but Billy will die after seven years. Bully outwits the devil and eventually dies of old age, but I thought I this idea of knowing when you will die was interesting. I also read a lot of fairy stories, so I wanted to incorporate that. The story of The Fairy of Dell mentions how fairies don't outwardly age much, but they do die of old age like humans, so I added that as well. I wanted to still make this story hopeful, even though it is about death.

Bibliography: This was inspired by the story of "Billy Duffy and the Devil" from Welsh Fairy-Tales and Other Stories by Peter H. Emerson. Inspiration was also taken from "The Fairy of Dell" From the unit Welsh (Emerson). 

Image information: "River Fairy" by ClaraDon, 2010. Web source: Flickr

Storytelling Week 11: Britomart and the Knight

I laid on the bed, unable to sleep. The days events played through my mind. Being ambushed by six knights, being "rescued" by a strange knight who refused to tell me his name, and then being welcomed by the lady whose knights tried to kill me. Now, laying in one of her beds, I felt unsafe, like I could be ambushed again at any time. The strange knight was in the room down the hall, probably fast asleep. 
A cry from outside the room broke me from my thoughts. I had no time to put my armor on, but still I managed to take my sword and shield before running toward the noise. It was coming from the room the other knight was staying in. I opened the door, but couldn't believe my eyes.
Standing with a sword in hand, surrounded by the six knights, was a woman. She didn't look frightened, as Malecasta did hiding on the other side of the bed. Her eyes were narrowed and her jaw was set. But she was bleeding in the side and her face was pale.
I didn't stop to think any longer. I attacked the Knights from behind, and soon with the help of the woman, all of the knights were down.
The woman clutched her side and turned towards Malecasta, who was still cowering in the corner. "Do you still wish to have me?"
Malecasta said nothing, but instead quickly ran out of the room.
I stared at the woman. "Ah, so you are the knight?"
She nodded, and then cringed in pain. "Come," I said. "You can tell me everything after we bind your wound."
After searching the castle, we found a healer who after some convincing cleaned the woman's gash. Then we went back for our armor. I was fairly certain after Malecasta found out she was making advances towards a woman, she wouldn't be too eager to show her face to us. Still, neither one of us thought it a good idea to stay in this castle, so we took our horses and rode as the sun was just beginning to rise.
"Well," I said as our horse trotted away. "Now could you explain why a woman such as yourself is dressing as a knight and traveling alone?"
The woman glared at me. "I was not 'dressing as a knight,' sir. I am a knight. My name is Britomart, daughter of King Ryence. Since I could walk, I have been trained in combat. I know how to wield a sword, ride a horse, and throw a spear just as well as a man, perhaps better. I was the one who rescued you from those six knights if you recall."
"And I returned the favor just now," I told her.
"Yes, I suppose you did," Britomart said, almost smiling. "Thank you for that." She was silent for a moment, before she continued: "I am looking for a knight called Artegall. He has done me a great wrong and I am seeking revenge." She finished and looked away. I wasn't sure I completely believed the last part. "Sir Artegall is a good man I have heard. He is noble and true. I cannot imagine any harm he has done to you being intentional."
"Still," Britomart said, not looking up. "I must find him. I will continue to search until I have found him. Now that I have told my name and story, it is your turn." 
I sighed. "Very well, though there is not much to tell. My name is Albert of Gloucestershire. I have no reason to be in this land but to seek adventure."
Britomart nodded. "Do you have a destination in mind?" I shook my head. "Then we can travel together until you find your adventure." Before I could argue, she placed her helmet on her head and urged her horse to run. I had no choice but to follow. 

Days turned into weeks as we traveled together. In the beginning, it was awkward and neither of us knew what to say to the other. But as we grew more comfortable with each other’s presence,  we began to open up more to each other. She told me how her greatest fear was to become a woman who only weaves and cooks. I confessed my fear of becoming a merchant, like my father. We both longed for adventure and excitement.
Something in me began to change. Even while dressed as a knight, Britomart suddenly became more attractive to me the more I learned about her. I could not decide what exactly I was feeling, but I know I enjoyed being around her more and more. 
I could not tell what Britomart was thinking. She would often laugh or begin to speak informally, and then suddenly she would grow quiet and formal. I could only guess it meant that she saw me as inferior and did know wish to get too comfortable with me. 
After about two weeks, we finally encountered two knights, the first we had come across since leaving Malecasta's castle. I did not recognize either of them, and evidently they did not recognize us, for the one in front suddenly pointed his spear and rode his horse faster for a joust. 
"Leave this to me," Britomart said and she immediately drove her horse towards the knight. They clashed together and the knight fell off his horse. His friend cried out, "Sir Artegall!" 
Britomart stopped and stared at the knight. Why is she stopping? Is she not able to get the revenge she wanted. 
Instead of striking, Britomart pulled off her helmet to reveal her long golden hair and lovely face. Artegall and the other knight remained turned towards her, not moving. Then Artegall stood up and threw his shield down. "A woman!" He exclaimed, and not excitedly. "I was bested by a mere woman? Lady, how dare you impersonate a noble knight! I am ashamed."
Britomart was taken back and her mouth opened in surprise. Then quickly she narrowed her eyes and sneered. "Yes, sir. You were bested by a woman. A woman who is a knight. Never forget it." She turned her horse and almost ran into Artegall. Her horse trotted away. "Let us leave, Albert. My quest is finished."
I led my horse beside hers. Britomart reached her armored hand over and grabbed mine. My heart did a little flip as we rode off together, into the unknown future. 


Author's Note: While reading the Faerie Queene unit, I began to fall in love with Britomart's character. She is a strong, skilled woman who goes after her dreams. The only problem I had was that her dream is a man she has never met. For those of you who have not read the Faerie Queene, Britomart is a woman who looks in the mirror of Merlin and sees the man she is supposed to marry, Artegall. She then disguises herself as a knight in order to find him. She first encounters a knight (who I have named Albert) and he discovers her secret and the two form a friendship. They end up going their separate ways early on, but I thought that was too soon, and so I wanted the two to journey together until they meet Artegall. I wondered what might happen if the two began to fall in love as opposed to Britomart falling in love with a man she has never met. I wanted to write about this through the perspective of the Knight. I ran out of words as usual, so my story is not as in depth as I would have liked it. Still, I hope y'all enjoy it. 

Bibliography: This is a retelling of the story of Britomart from Stories from the Faerie Queene by Mary Macleod. From the unit Faerie Queene--Britomart

Image information: "Lady Knight" by Janaina (JanainaArt), 2014. Web source: DeviantArt

Storytelling Week 10: The Dog Wife

June 3
Today is the day! By tonight I will be Mrs. Caleb Harrison. I am so nervous I am shaking as I'm writing this. I still cannot believe how lucky I am to have found Caleb. He really is the most perfect, kind, loving man. I cannot wait to be his wife and to build a family with him.


June 4
First day as husband and wife. Caleb told me something very shocking. I didn't believe him a first, and then he showed me, and I about lost it in front of him. This is going to sound crazy even to write, but I have to get it out somehow. This morning, Caleb sat my down and said he needed to tell me something. "This is too long overdue," he told me, "but I was afraid I would scare you away, and you wouldn't want to be with me. But now that we're married, you deserve to know the truth." I was so incredibly confused as he took my hands. "Hannah, this isn't easy to say, but I haven't been completely honest with you. You see, I have this ability, it's been in my family for generations. I'll just say it. I can turn into a dog."
I thought he was insane. I remember I pulled my hands away and stared at him. "What did you say? Are you feeling well, Caleb?
"I am Hannah," he said. "I know it's really weird, but I have the ability to turn into a dog. I've had it since I was a child. I know this is hard to process."
I still didn't believe him. So, he then proceeded to change into a freaking German Shepherd. I about lost it. I tried to smile and then just bolted into the bedroom, where I am now. Caleb hasn't tried to come in. I don't even know what to think. My husband, a dog. What if we have kids?! Am I going to be the mother of German Shepherd puppies?? Is his whole family canines? I feel like I'm going to throw up. 

June 5
We've haven't even been able to enjoy our honeymoon since yesterday's "announcement." Caleb's tried to talk to me, but I am still in shock. I woke up today hoping it was a dream, but it isn't.
I love Caleb. I really do. I wouldn't be married to him if I didn't. So why can I not get over this? So my husband can turn into a dog. Maybe that could be useful. We certainly would never need to get a dog. He would be a good protector of our home.
No, it's still too weird. Why would he not tell me this before we tied the knot? This is not something you wait until your married to tell. Maybe that's what I'm most upset about, that he didn't tell me. Apparently he wanted to wait until he had me forever before he revealed his deep dark secret. What am I going to do?


June 6
Something… interesting happened today. It may have changed everything.
After two days of this, I needed to get out of the hotel. We were supposed to be exploring New York for our honeymoon, but Caleb has ruined that plan. I needed to get out and think clearly alone, so I decided to explore I my own. Caleb told me I shouldn't go alone, but I said if he wanted things to get better, I needed to be alone.
I walked through the streets of New York for about an hour. I was still trying to process everything (and getting no where) when someone grabbed me from behind. There weren't very many people around and the person dragged me into an alley. I tried to fight him off, and I was doing alright, but he was a lot bigger than me. I really feared at that moment that I would be raped or murdered or both.
Then something came on the man and he let go of me. I back away and watched as a dog, a German Shepherd, bit the man. The dog stood in between the man and I and growled at the man. The guy took off running. The dog turned around and changed in Caleb. "I told you not to go alone," he said, smiling slightly. All I could do was hug him.
It's still weird that my husband can turn into a dog. I'm not sure where that will take our lives. But I saw then that Caleb really cares about me, and that he will always be there for me. So I think we'll be alright.

Author's Note: I read a Native American story called The Dog-Husband. It was about a woman who had a dog she loved. The dog could actually turn into a human, and well, she got pregnant. The story was a little messed up, but I liked the idea of a human being able to turn into an animal, so I decided to write about a woman who marries a man who can turn into a dog and to write about her reaction. I chose to write it in diary form to make it even more personal and informal.

Bibliography: This is a retelling of the story of "The Dog-Husband" from Tales of the North American Indians collected by Stith Thompson. From the unit Native American Marriage Tales.

Image information: "Buck the German Shepherd" taken by Nicky Hannaway, 2008. Web source: Wikimedia Commons

Storytelling Week 9: Unconditional Love

There was once a couple who had ten daughters. Each had something special about her; some were incredibly beautiful, some were extremely intelligent, and some were very talented at certain arts. All were desirable, all except for the youngest, Adeline. She was ordinary and plain, and was often overlooked as a result.

However, one characteristic she did possess was her kind heart. All of the other sisters were either too proud or too vain to care about others. As she knew what it was like to feel overlooked and often looked down upon, she made sure to never treat anyone like that. She had few friends because of her plain nature and reserved personality, however the ones she did have were fiercely loyal and devoted to her because they could see her gentle, loving heart.

As the years passed and the sisters grew, one by one they began to get married. Whether it was for love is hard to say, however it was their appealing characteristics which attracted the men to the daughters. Soon, the youngest was the only to not be wed. Normally, this would be nothing to worry over, as Adeline was the youngest and so the last expected to be married. However, as much as her parents loved her, they could see that she was attracting no men to herself. Actually, she preferred to keep to herself and was not even actively seeking out a husband.

It came one day that a stranger, an incredibly attractive and wealthy stranger, visited Adeline's town. All of the inhabitants were completely captured by this fascinating stranger. Every lady, even those who were married, vied for his attention. Why he had come was not made clear, but what was clear was every single lady wanted him for herself. Every one except once again Adeline. She had already decided the stranger would not notice her, and so refused to make a fool of herself in front of him.

This actually made the stranger intrigued. He soon began to notice Adeline and how she refused to acknowledge him. One day he decided to meet her.

"Hello, miss," he said, running to catch up with Adeline. She was on her way home from picking up food from the market. She stopped and stared at him with wide eyes, unsure of what to do. "Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Dallin."

It took a moment, but Adeline finally composed herself enough to reply back, "I am Adeline."

"What a gorgeous name, Adeline." Dallin bowed low and gave her a dashing smile that would have made any girl blush. It certainly made Adeline blush. "What does a lovely lady such as yourself do for enjoyment in this town?" He was flattering her quite a lot, for even though she was plain, she had pride for herself, unlike the other women.

Adeline looked down. "Not much I'm afraid. I have much housework to do, and I help my parents tend to their farm." There was something about Dallin which she wasn't sure about, but she did not know what. "Actually I have to get back to my parents to help cook dinner. I am sorry to go. It was good to meet you, Dallin." With that, Adeline turned and practically ran back home.

Dallin was left feeling confused. He was not accustomed to women running from him. It intrigued him. He made a mental note of where Adeline was headed, and determined to win her heart.

Days past into weeks, and in each one Dallin attempted to woo Adeline. He would often join her on her daily walk to and from the town. Her kind, gentle nature began to grow on him, and he actually enjoyed her company. Adeline herself became more comfortable with Dallin and his incessant flirting. They formed quite the friendship, and every girl who ridiculed Adeline suddenly found herself envying her.

It didn't take long for Dallin to decide that Adeline would make a perfect wife. She would be hardworking and a kind mother. He quickly went to Adeline's father and asked for his blessing. Adeline's father, who had feared Adeline would live to be an old spinster, immediately accepted Dallin's request.

Dallin was thrilled and ready to ask Adeline herself. The next day, as they were walking back from town, he stopped her and smiled. "Adeline. I want to ask you something." Adeline nodded. "I realize that I have only known you for a few weeks, but I feel I have learned all I need to know about you in those weeks." He kneeled down and took her hand. 

Adeline stared at him with wide eyes as he asked, "Would you do me the honor of becoming my wife?"

Adeline's heart pounded. On one hand, she had grown to like Dallin. He was handsome and intelligent. However, she knew she could never love him. There was already too much love in his heart for himself. "Before I answer," she said slowly, "I wish to know why you would chose me."

Dallin raised his eyebrows, but he quickly replied, "Because you are kind and hardworking. You would be a wonderful homemaker and mother."

Adeline sighed. "But do you love me?"

At that, Dallin blinked. "I like you a great deal. I thought you would be flattered a man such as myself would pursue a woman like you."

That was of course the wrong answer. Adeline took her hand away slowly. "I have enjoyed you friendship, Dallin. However, we could never make each other happy as a couple. You don't truly love me, and I don't love you. I want more from marriage than someone who is interested in me. I want love."

Dallin was speechless. Certainly Adeline was right. However, no one had ever rejected him, so this was a new experience to process. Adeline quickly ran to her home.

Adeline's parents, knowing Dallin's plan, were waiting for them. "Adeline!" Her mother exclaimed. "Where's Dallin?"

"I rejected him," Adeline said softly.

"What?" Her father stood up. "Why would you do such a foolish thing?"

Adeline found herself smiling. "Because I feel I deserve love. And one day I'll find it."

Her parents stared at her in horror, but Adeline knew she made the right choice. Everyone deserved to find unconditional love.



Author's note: I read a story from the American Indian Fairy Tales unit. It was the story of a girl named Oweenee who was very beautiful, but who refused every man because none of them were beautiful on the inside. She ends up marrying a poor, ugly man named Osseo because she can tell he is kind and loving. Osseo ends up being a handsome prince who was cursed and the two form a beautiful couple. I was intrigued by this story because Oweenee chooses Osseo because of who he is and not what he looks like. I liked this idea, but decided to twist it by making the female protagonist unattractive on the outside, but beautiful on the inside. I also decided on a whim to make uninterested in her lover, because it has become cliche to have a beautiful man fall in love with an ugly girl, even though I also enjoy those stories. I chose to twist the ending and make Adeline and Dallin not end up together, and to focus on unconditional love. Not every man who pursues a woman is truly in love with her, and every woman and man deserves to be truly loved.

Bibliography: This is a retelling of the story of "The Child of the Evening Star" from American Indian Fairy Tales, collected by Henry Schoolcraft. From the unit American Indian Tales

Image information: Image of a proposal from Openclipart-Vectors, 2017. Web source: Pixabay 

Storytelling Week 7: Why the Roller is so Colorful

In the olden days, the roller bird was a very plain bird with brown feathers which matched the color of the trees and the sand. The roller bird was a lover of fun, and she especially enjoyed playing tricks on the other animals. Because of her dull appearance, the roller bird was able to go about undetected in order to scare or trick others.

One day, as the roller bird was looking for insects for lunch, she spotted the elephant walking past, looking for his own lunch. The elephant was delicately picking marula fruits off of the marula tree. The roller bird decided to have some fun with the elephant. Discreetly she flew closer to the elephant and plucked off one of the marula fruits. With the fruit in her talon, the roller bird hung the fruit as if it were still hanging off of the tree. When the elephant came to pick this fruit with his trunk, the roller bird quickly pulled the fruit up before he could reach it. 

The elephant lowered his trunk and tilted his head up at the tree, however which his small eyes and the bird's camouflage appearance, he could not see that it was the roller bird at work.

The roller bird lowered the fruit again, and the elephant tried to pluck the fruit from the tree. Once again, the roller bird pulled the fruit up in the last second. Now the elephant was frustrated. He was determined to get this fruit. Standing on his back two legs, the elephant reached as high as he could to pick the fruit, but still the bird moved it out of his reach. This time, the elephant lost his balance and quickly came crashing to the ground.

Quite in pain from the fall, the elephant then heard a familiar rak rak rak coming from the trees. It was the roller bird! Furious, the elephant shouted at her, "This is the last time you play a trick on me!" He stormed away while the roller bird continued to laugh.

The elephant went directly to the king and made his complaint. The king decided the roller bird must be stopped for good and the way to do that was to make the roller bird more noticeable.

The elephant gathered some of his friends for this task. They borrowed some paint from the humans and came to the roller bird's tree. Even though they knew she was up there, no one was able to spot the roller bird. So the meerkat dug up some insects and placed them in a large pile so as to lure the roller bird down. The other animals hid as best they could so she could not spot them.

It worked, and soon enough the roller bird swooped down to her dinner. She was so focused on the delicious insects that she did not notice the other animals around her. As soon as she landed, the animals jumped from their hiding places and began to throw paint at the roller bird. The meerkat threw green paint, while the monkey threw blue chunks of paint. The hare threw yellow colors at the bird, and the elephant threw lilac.

By the time the roller bird was able to react, she was covered in bright, colorful paint. No longer was she able to hide in the trees, as when she flew away, all of the animals were able to see her even through the dense branches. This is why the lilac breasted roller bird is so colorful now, and why she is so ashamed to trees for very long. 

Author's Note: As I was reading folk stories from Nigeria, many of the stories that stuck out to me where sort of creation stories which explain why some animals look or act the way that they do. The stories usually are very outlandish and unrealistic, but they are still fun to read. As I was looking at animals from Africa, one that stuck out to me was the Lilac Breasted Roller Bird, which has such beautiful multicolored feathers. I decided I wanted to write how this bird got its beautiful feathers. It is unrealistic and outlandish, yes, but hopefully it entertains. 

Bibliography: This was inspired by various animal folk tales from Nigeria, collected by Elphinstone Dayrell, from Nigerian Folk Stories. From the unit Nigeria

Image 1 information: "Maroela" taken by Davinci77, 2005. Web source: Wikimedia Commons

Image 2 information: "Lilac Breasted Roller" taken by Gareth Rasberry, 2013. Web source: Wikimedia Commons

Storytelling Week 6:

They could see the horses coming from a distance.

How did they find us? Kai thought, his chest pounding. His mother had warned him that men would try to come for him. They had been hearing reports of the same happening recently. But they were so secluded, so far away that they had not thought to worry.

The men were too close now for Kai and his mother to escape. She put her hand on his shoulder and tried to smile. "It will be alright, Kai." The two went outside to meet the five men, soldiers, on horseback.

The soldier in the front waved his arm. "Greetings to you, ma'am and young man."

Kai's mother curtsied to the men. "An honor, sir. What brings you to us, so far from the city?"

The man smiled, a gruesome sight. "We have come to recruit your son. The king is in need of able-bodied, healthy young men to fight in his army. He has ordered every young man to join him."

"No," Kai said quickly.

The man's smile disappeared. "It was not a request, young man. You are to come with us, whether you wish to or not."

"Well I don't wish to," Kai retorted. "Besides, I cannot abandon my mother. I'm all she has."

The smile reappeared. "And I am sure you would not wish any harm to come to her. Come with us, and I can promise you your mother will be safe and you will be well taken care of." To reiterate his point, the man drew his sword slightly, allowing it to glint in the sun.

Kai clenched his jaw, but knew it was useless. "Very well, I will go with you."

"Good choice, boy. Say your goodbyes then."

Kai turned and hugged his mother. "Don't worry," she whispered. "Perhaps you'll become a great warrior." She pulled away and looked at him one last time. "We'll see each other one day, I promise. I love you, Kai."

Kai swallowed hard. "I love you too."

They stood there until the man finally said, "It's time to go, boy." Kai kissed his mother's hand before turning and going with the soldiers.

                                           ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Weeks past as Kai was forced to train to be a soldier for the king. Surprisingly, to himself and to the man who brought him, he became an extremely good swordsman and a fierce fighter. All the frustration he felt at being taken away led him to battle hard and to refuse to surrender. Soon it became apparent that he was ready for a real fight.

He was sent out to defend the borders against a neighboring country. Kai suddenly found himself in the midst of clashing swords and dead comrades. His heart was pounding in his head as he struggled to defend himself against enemy attacks.

Up, down his sword went, blocking soldiers' thrusts at him. All Kai wanted was to defend himself, but he soon found it difficult to continue to defend when he was surrounded. He thrusted his own sword and soon drew blood, killing his opponent who was too slow to block the blow. Time seemed to slow as Kai realized he had just killed a man. He hardly had time to feel sick, as suddenly more enemy soldiers attacked. Kai fought well, and killed many, whether he wished to or not.

Eventually, after hours of fighting, Kai spotted the leader of the enemy country. If he dies, perhaps his soldiers will lose their courage and fall back, Kai thought to himself. Somehow, he must to get closer to the leader.

As he fought his way closer, he noticed bows and arrows lying on the ground next to their dead owners. An idea formed. Fighting the urge to vomit, Kai quickly grabbed a bow and a handful of arrows. While training, Kai had learned how to shoot a bow, although he was not as proficient with it as with a sword. He began to move back, away from the frontline. He would only have a short time to shoot at the king before he himself was attacked.

Notching an arrow and raising the bow, Kai quickly aimed at the king. He focused on the neck, which the king had carelessly, or perhaps arrogantly, neglected to cover. He's so far away. Still, Kai breathed in, took his aim, breathed out, and released the arrow. 

It was not a perfect shot, but it hit its target and the king fell over in response. The enemy soldiers quickly realized their king was taken down, possibly dead. Kai and his fellow soldiers grew in confidence and forced the enemy forward. Quickly, with the king gone, they won that battle.

Soldiers clasped their hands on Kai's shoulders, congratulating him. He was soon brought to the king and declared a hero.

"Well done, sir," the king smiled at Kai. "It is because of you I hear that we have victory. Anything you wish for, if is within my power, will be granted to you."

Kai looked down. "Your majesty, though I am proud to have served you, I did not come willingly. I was forcibly taken from my home to come fight in your army. I want nothing more than to go home."

The king studied Kai. "I was not aware I was forcibly abducting youths for my army. Go home, young man. I will make certain no man disturbs you again."

Still, the king did not send Kai away empty-handed, but gave him enough gold to allow him to live comfortably for the rest of his days. Kai decided it was time he and his mother reentered society, and so with some of the gold he bought a home in the city, for he and his mother. 

                                           ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Kai traveled back to his home to see his mother. He could feel that things were different, he was different. But one thing that still remained was his love for his mother. When he made it to his house, he knocked on the door and there appeared him mother. She cried and hugged Kai, and soon returned to the city with him. Throughout the city, Kai was regarded as a hero, whether he meant to be or not.

Author's Note: I got inspiration from Ozaki's tale of Kintaro, the Golden Boy. Kintaro is an extremely strong young boy who eventually is discovered by servant of Lord Raiko. The servant recruits Kintaro to become a samurai in the lord's army. Kintaro is of course very excited and willingly goes with him to become a samurai. Through reading this, I had the idea that what if Kintaro had not gone willingly, but had been forced to become a soldier. I decided to write about this. Since I do not know much about Japanese culture, I decided to write the setting ambiguously. Kintaro, or Kai, becomes a soldier who eventually becomes a great hero and then moves his mother to the city. I liked these elements so I decided to keep them while changing the details. I ran out of words, so some of the parts are not as descriptive as I would have liked. Hopefully is is still good.   

Bibliography: This is a retelling of the story of "The Adventures of Kintaro" from Japanese Fairy Tales by Yei Theodora Ozaki. From the unit Ozaki. 

Image information: "Rodwewald Wooden House and Bunker" by Philip Graham, 2012. Web source: Wikipedia

Image information: "Arrow Flight" posted on Trinity Lutheran Church's website, 2015. Web source: Trinity Memphis  

Storytelling Week 5: The Genie of the Wonderful Lamp

10,000 years I have been kept in this prison with no one to summon me, no puny mortal demanding riches and power and women from me. How nice those 10,000 years were.

And then that foolish boy had to ruin it.

When my lamp was first rubbed, I thought it must have been a mistake. To my knowledge, I had been trapped in a cave where no one could ever disturb me. But as I came out of my lamp, I discovered a woman in my presence, holding the lamp.

"What would thou have with me? I am the Slave of the Lamp, and am yours to command." I always despised this part.

The woman suddenly fainted, and beside her a young boy, grossly dressed and filthy, grabbed my lamp from the woman and demanded, "Bring me something to eat!"

What a little brat. Nevertheless, I must do as I am told, so I created a grand feast fit for a king. The boy barely acknowledged me as I returned to my lamp. I could already tell from his uncouth manner and greedy face that it would not be long before I was summoned again.

I was correct, however all the boy did was invoke me every so often to give him food. Each time he did, I became more accustomed to him and grew to despise him less. All he seemed to want was to feed himself and his mother. The greed I had seen before I quickly learned was hunger.

With this being all that was required from me, I grew to enjoy my time with the boy. He even began to speak to me, inquiring about my life. I learned his name was Aladdin, and a few years later I learned he had fallen deeply in love with the princess. After he saw her, he rubbed my lamp and awoke me.

"What is thy will, young master?"

I was greeted with a grand smile. "Genie, I have just seen the most beautiful woman in the world. I wish to make her my wife. I command you to cause her to fall in love with me as well." He smiled even more and waited for me to make it so.

"Master, I cannot make anyone fall in love with another. It is out of my power to do so. My sincerest apologies."

The smile disappeared and was replaced with a glare. "You are under my command. You will make her love me."

Crossing my arms, I grew myself in size and towered over Aladdin. "You foolish boy, I will do no such thing! I have no power to do so, however, I have do possess the power to smite you if I please."

Aladdin lowered his head. "Very well. I will win her a different way." He sulked away and did not return to me until a few months later.

As he rubbed my lamp, I exited and asked him again, "What is thy will, young master?"

Aladdin looked crestfallen. "The Sultan, as I have told you, promised me his daughter. But he has broken that promise, and has given her to the grand-vizir's son to be married. I command you to bring the bride and her bridegroom to me tonight."

I thought this was a foolish request, however this I was unable to refuse. "As thou wish, master." Therefore, at midnight, I gather the newly wedded couple in their marriage bed and brought them hither to Aladdin.

"Good, genie," the young master said to me. "Now take this newly married oaf outside in the cold and make sure he stays until dawn." Grudgingly, I did as I was commanded and shut the poor fellow out in the freezing night. Before I returned to my lamp, I watched as my master climbed into bed with the terrified princess.

Aladdin commanded this once more the next night, and I unwillingly made it so. Only once, however. I thought perhaps guilt caused him to cease, but within a few weeks, he summoned me again to grant him riches in order to win the princess. It would seem our little stunt scared the groom away. I did as the master commanded and delivered to him eighty slaves, with eighty golden basins full of fine jewels. They were fit for a grand king. I bid them to follow the mother to the palace.

As soon as they left, Aladdin began to pace back and forth. "What if this doesn't work, genie? I feel as though my heart will break if I cannot have her."

I said nothing, but stayed with him until his mother returned. "The Sultan has granted your request, my son! He wants you to come quickly to meet him."

Aladdin's eyes suddenly grew larger and began to breathe hard. He looked down at his ratted clothes. "Genie, I can't go before the Sultan like this," his voice was strained. "Made me a scented bath. And an embroiled habit greater than the Sultan's. And a grand horse, and twenty slaves. And six beautiful slaves for my mother, and ten thousand gold pieces in ten purses. I need to be so magnificent that the Sultan will beg me to take his daughter."

"As thou wish, young master." And I made it all so.

Aladdin did in fact win the princess, and soon he came back to me requesting a grand palace. I created a glorious home for him and his new wife. To see the boy so happy and in love was a refreshing sight from how my previous masters had been, so full of greed and lust. He gratefully thanked me for all I had granted him. I oddly felt great joy for the boy. I had grown too fond of him it would seem.

I spent the rest of their lives with Aladdin and his wife, until the past me onto their son, my new master, who was as passionate as his father.

Author's note: While reading the story of "Aladdin and the Wonderful Lamp," I had many thoughts about the character of Aladdin. Much like the Disney version, Aladdin acquires the magical lamp and uses the genie inside to help him win the princess. At first I thought Aladdin to be very childish and greedy, but over time I grew to like him more. I wondered what the genie must have been thinking throughout the story, so I decided to write a story from his perspective. 

Bibliography: This is a retelling of the story of "Aladdin and the Wonderful Lamp" from Arabian Nights by Andrew Lang. From the unit Arabian Nights

Image 1 information: "Jinn Magic." Web source: Max Pixel

Storytelling Week 4: Death by Marriage

"Till death do us part"

I knew I would regret saying those words as soon as they came out of my mouth.

I put off marriage as long as I could, but eventually it needed to happen. I made certain I chose the most healthy, least annoying man in my town to be my husband. Perhaps then I could have a chance.

I thought wrong.

A few months after our wedding, my husband died from illness, taking me with him. I tried to leave the city, but too many people have tried this before and the king made sure I didn't leave. See, the king believed because of the "love" between a husband and wife, if one died, the other was buried with them. A merciful act, supposedly, so that they would not have to live on alone.

But I didn't love my husband. Certainly I was sad when he died, but I could very well go on with life without him. This I tried to explain to the king, who replied, "I understand that you are scared, young woman, however you would not be able to survive without him for very long. I am helping you, even if you cannot see it."

He was not helping. He was a sick man who took pleasure in taking the lives of his people. He was a tyrant, but one who held the fear of the people. They've seen what he has done to people who lost their spouses; I can only imagine what he would do to rebels.

So, three days after my husband's death, as they prepared to lower him into the grave, I said my last goodbyes, as I would be going with him.

"We come to mourn for Sara," the king proclaimed in an emotionless tone, "whose husband Aaron died tragically. May they both rest in peace."

I could almost swear I saw a smile playing on his lips. But before I could say or do anything, two men placed me on a plank of wood next to my husband's wrapped body. They handed me some food and water, only enough for three days. Why they do this, I am not certain, however it seems to be the king's way of drawing out the torture. Then they handed me a knife, in case I wanted a swifter death. I was glad for the knife, if it meant I wouldn't have to suffer too long.

Down they began to lower us, my dead husband and me. I looked up at my last glimpse of the sky before the plank touched the ground and the men up above sealed off the opening. 

I was in darkness. Why they couldn't have given me a torch I don't know. Once my eyes adjusted, however, I could see a sliver a light coming from the opening on the ceiling. It was enough that I could see an outline of the food and water, and also of my husband's body.

I quickly grabbed the bag of food and moved farther away from the body. I didn't want to think about how that was going to be me in a few days. I felt me way around me, and soon found the knife in its sheath. I grabbed the hilt and pulled it out.

I could end it right now. It would be easy, and I wouldn't have to stay down here. I put the knife to my chest.

One.

Two.

No.

I can't give up without making sure it's my last hope. There must be a way out of here. So I searched through the cave with minimal light to guide my way.

It had to have been at least three or four days that I searched. My food was almost out and I was out of hope.

The covering of the opening suddenly came up and light shone throughout the cave. I smiled and almost laughed at the sight of it, before I realized why it was opening. Another person had died, and their spouse was about to die as well.

A thought occurred. This person would have food and water. They were already going to die, so I could put them out of their misery, take their food, and continue for a little longer. I grabbed my knife and moved back into the shadows so the person being lowered wouldn't see me.

As soon as their plank touched the ground, the covering shut and everything was pitch black again. I breathed in and out until I could finally see somewhat in front of me. The person stayed still, and I think their back was to me. Slowly and quietly I crept behind them, my knife raised. Once I was close enough, I raised my knife higher for the plunge.

I stopped there. What was I doing? I'm no murderer. I can't take their life to save myself. I back away and dropped my knife.

The person must have heard, because they turned. "Is someone there?" It was a man.

I hesitated before speaking. “It’s Sara. I’m still alive.”

“Sara! How are you still here? It’s Terrence.”

“Terrence?” The boy I grew up with, who was always so quiet and shy, married? “I’m so glad to hear your voice.” I was almost in tears. I wasn’t alone anymore. I told him what I had been doing for the past few days.

“So, is there a way out?” He asked.

“I haven’t found one yet…”

Terrence stood up and grabbed his sack of food. “Well then, let’s keep looking. Here.” He handed me some food.

“No, that’s yours.”

“But you need it more.”

I smiled a little and took the food, my stomach growling hard. There were a few more tunnels I hadn't searched, so I lead Terrence down them.

It had been about a day and we still hadn't found a way out. I was beginning to lose hope of escaping. Suddenly, Terrence began to run forward.

“What is it?” I called after him.

“I thought I heard something,” he yelled. So I ran after him, not really hoping for much.

The cave began to get lighter, however, and before I knew it, I could see an exit. Tears began to fill my eyes as I ran out of the cave and into the world. The forest ahead of me was the most beautiful sight I have ever seen.

“We did it, Terrence. We’re free. We’re alive.”

Author's note: I read the Voyages of Sindbad for this week's reading. One story that stuck out to me was the story of Sindbad's fourth journey, when he arrives on an island which has a law that when a husband or wife dies, their spouse is to also die. I thought this was an interesting concept, so I rewrote Sindbad's experience, but made Sindbad a girl and created her to have grown up on this island. I also wanted her to not kill the second person who comes into the grave cave, as Sindbad did. I wanted this story to feel more personal that Sindbad, and I hope I accomplished that. 

Bibliography: This is a retelling of the Fourth Voyage of Sindbad in the Voyages of Sindbad by Andrew Lang. From the unit Sindbad.   

Image 1 information: "Woman Standing at Cave Opening" by Joshua Sortino, 2015. Web source: Pexels

Image 2 information: "Cave View River Valley out of Stream Water" by Unsplash, 2014. Web source: Pixabay

Storytelling Week 3: The Prince Competition

"By royal decree of his majesty King Xerxes, every eligible young male must hereby be brought to the palace in order that the princess may chose who is to become her future husband!" 

The whole matter is ridiculous. The king is attempting to build loyalties with his people by choosing one of them to be the heir. The princess has no say in the matter I'm sure. Still, no amount of arguing or complaining could release me from this torment, this "competition."
I look around at the other young men around me. This will be a quick decision; most of these men are dirty, ill-mannered, and not incredibly good-looking. They will be released quickly. As will I.
A man in very expensive looking clothing comes in the room where we are all lined up. He looks each man over and either says simply "yes" or "no." The many "no's" stay where they are, while the fewer "yes's" are escorted out of the room, further into the palace.
He finally reaches me near the end and I prepare myself to look ashamed when he rejects me. I had been here almost an hour, and I was so ready to go back home.
Instead, he looks me up and down, and with no expression says "yes" and moves on.
What?! My eyes get wide. This can't be. He obviously made a mistake. I don't want to continue. When I don't move, a guard behind me grabs my arm and practically drags me away.
We come into a new room, this one much more extravagant than the previous one, with gold and tapestries and marble everywhere. I stand here with about twenty other young men, all much more comely than most of the other men who came to the palace. One more comes in behind me, and after a few moments the doors shut.
"Congratulations," the expensive man says as he moves to the front of us. "You are the finalists who will be attempting to win the princess's heart. Each of you will receive a renovation process during which you will be made to look suitable to be in the presence of the princess. After, you will each spend a day with the princess, and in a month, one of you will be our new prince."
Most of the men look excited, smiling at each other and whispering. A few, like myself, look as though they would rather be any place else. Nonetheless, there is nothing we can do, and so we are all led through the palace to the place I am guessing we will receive this "renovation process."
We reach a hall with doors lined on each wall. We are each led to go into one of the rooms. I open mine to find a room five times the size of my own and a man waiting, it would seem for me. Without introducing himself, he says, "Follow me," and leads me to a door on the right, which apparently leads to a washroom. There, a full bath awaits. The man nods at towards the bathtub and says, "After you are done, put those clothes on," gesturing to some clothes hanging on a rack near tub, and then he leaves, closing the door behind him.
I get into the bathtub and quickly wash my body and hair. I've never had a bath this clean before. After I emerge from the washroom, with a clean body and clean clothes, the man sits me down in a chair in the middle of the room, and begins to cut my hair.
Soon, he is done. He looks me over, grins and nods, and then turns and exits the room. I am left alone, unsure of what to do next.

After almost three weeks of doing nothing besides walk around the courtyard and attempting to have conversations with the other men or the servants, it is finally my turn to meet the princess.
The only thing I am looking forward to is being able to go home in a week. I am tired of having to look presentable and having nothing to do.
Two guards lead me out of my room and through the palace. We enter a large room with a grand table and so many chairs. At the end sits a young woman. The guards lead me to the seat across from her.
She is very beautiful, with dark brown hair and big blue eyes. Wise eyes. The princess' eyes.
I stare too long before I finally realize I should bow. "Greetings, Princess."
The princess smiles. "Please sit. I am Princess Xandra. What is your name?"
"I am Estevan, your highness."
She smiles again. "You two may go," she says, addressing the guards. They turn, and as soon as they leave, the princess stops smiling and closes her eyes.
"Is something wrong?" I ask, though I am not sure if I want to know.
Princess Xandra sighs. "You are number twenty of the men that I have met so far. I suppose I am a little exhausted from meeting so many men."
"If you wish, you can just send me home. It will save you the energy of having to get to know me only to reject me."
She smiles a little, this time one that is not forced. "You already assume I am going to reject you? I could choose you. You are an extremely handsome man. You look like a king."
I didn't know whether I should feel flattered or not. "I am no king, your highness. And I am most likely not the one for you."
She smiled a little wider. "You are the first man to have said that. Even the ones who I could tell did not wish to be here tried to say how worthy they are. I am not looking for such arrogance. I am looking for someone who is honest and humble and honorable, and you are not the one who decides if you are those things or not.
"Please Estevan, tell me about yourself. Tell me about the things you love, the things you are passionate about. Allow me to see who you are, and then I will make my choice of whether you are worthy or not."

Author's note: I have always loved the story of Esther and how she was chosen to be queen of Persia. I decided to take the story of Esther and change it so that Esther is a boy, and the king is a princess. It is a lot like the Bachelorette. I found myself very invested in the story and I quickly ran over the word length. So I decided to leave the ending open. Maybe the princess chose Estevan, maybe she didn't. It's for the reader to decide. 

Bibliography: This is a retelling of the story of Esther from the Bible. From the unit, Bible Women.

Image 1 information: "By Royal Decree" by Cye (cyklus07)), 2008. Web source: DeviantArt

Image 2 information: "Crown" by Jason Train, 2013. Web source: Fickr

Storytelling Week 2: The Tragedy of Medusa

He's coming to kill me.

She sees him, still a distance away, approaching her cave, sneering in disgust as he walks past the figures outside the cave, the ones she has tried so hard to forget, but ones which she cannot bring herself to destroy.

I never wanted anyone to die.

A memory sparks in her mind, distracting her from her present situation. A memory of the time before she was a hideous monster. She was so beautiful, and she knew it. But so did everyone else, which was the problem. So many men tried to seduce her. She was of course not interested in any of those oafs. She had pledged herself to the virgin goddess, Minerva. With a lump in her throat she recalls the many times men tried to force themselves on her, but by the gods she managed to survive.

Until it was then a god who forced himself on her.

Neptune.

She was such a loyal servant to Minerva. Even in her vanity, all she wished for was to please her goddess. And Minerva had been so kind to her, blessing her when men would try to violate her, or when women would bully her out of jealousy. When she was in Minerva's temple, she felt peace and love.

Until that scoundrel Neptune shattered those feelings.

He's getting closer.

She remembers the day so vividly, for it was the day her life changed completely. Serving Minerva was her life, and for the goddess she remained chaste. But Neptune cared little for her vow. He is a god, he takes what he craves, and he craved her. Despite her numerous attempts at warding him away, telling him she belonged to Minerva, he would not listen.

She closes her eyes, not wanted to relive the shame, the disgrace. He had violated her, in a holy temple. Her screams were not heard, not even by the goddess herself, not until it was too late. Once he had finished with her, he left her on the hard floor of the temple, stained.

He's so close now.

There is nothing to be done. She can only run farther into her cave. She doesn't want to hurt another human, but it is her only way of survival. Minerva had made sure of that.

Minerva.

She was so kind. As soon as Neptune had vanished, she appeared, tears in her own eyes. "Oh my poor child. You were not meant for such degradation. I am so sorry. There is nothing that can be done. My uncle cannot be contended with. However, I can make certain this never happens to you again." Minerva waved her hand, and Medusa felt her head being contorted. As quickly as it began, it stopped, and Medusa could hear hissing noises in her ears. She touched her hair, and flinched back to feel the scaly skin of a snake.

"Why-?"

"I have changed your appearance. No longer are you a beautiful maiden, but now your face is as hideous as a monster's, and your eyes now have the power to change men and beast to stone. No man will ever harm you again, my child. You will live a life of isolation, but you will be safe."

She was wrong.
Medusa was never safe. Great "heroes" from all over the world came to her dwelling, looking for glory by slaying the mighty Medusa. So far, no one had succeeded.

He's different, though. He has more motivation than the others.

He struts in proudly behind her, sword in hand, eager for bloodshed. She hides behind the wall, but he is coming for her.

All I have to do is turn. He will be stone and I will be safe.

But for how much longer? One day a hero will succeed in his quest. Why not him?

I'm so tired of hiding. I don't want to be a monster. I want to be free.

With a breath, she closes her eyes and steps out from behind the wall. With her back facing the man, she finally feels a peace which she had not felt since before she had changed. She opens her eyes to find Minerva standing in front of her, arms open.

"Time to rest, my child."

Medusa lifts her arms as well and embraces death as the man swings his sword towards her neck. There is no pain, only peace. 

Finally.

Author's Notes: The story of Medusa is one that has been retold in art, film, and literature for years. Most retellings depict Medusa as the villain and monster of the story. However, when you really read the story, Medusa is anything but a villain. She was put in a situation which she could not escape from, and is in reality the victim. I was inspired to see her this way a few years ago, when I saw this piece of art by Matt Rhodes. I wanted to take it further by rewriting her "punishment" as Minerva's way of saving her from more harm. I also chose to refrain from using her name until almost the end, so that she would not be connected with the image of the terrifying "Medusa." By looking at the story this way, Medusa's fate is a tragic and unfair one. 

Bibliography: This is a retelling of the story of Perseus and Medusa in Ovid's Metamorphoses.

Image information: Medusa by Riccardo Rullo, 2014. Web source: Deviant Art