Once Upon A Time.....
In the land of Teribanta there was a not quite beautiful but rather
cute princess by the name of Aslanda. In a time when it was practically royal
dictate that a princess should have hair in a shade of sunlight or raven or
chestnut or titian this princess had hair that was a shade somewhere between
raven and chestnut, but not quite either. And all princesses were to have
eyes as blue as the sky or as green as emeralds or as gray as smoke or as
violet as amethysts or as brown as amber. This princess, however, had eyes
that were a color somewhere between gray and green, but not quite either.
And unlike most other princesses who thought it best to spend their time
inside embroidering and therefore had lovely porcelain complexions, this
princess found it more amusing to spend her time out of doors and therefore
developed a tan and quite a bit of freckles. While most princesses were tall
and slim this princess was a bit on the short side and had a low grade
addiction to chocolate which left her with a bit of a potbelly.
Needless to say Aslanda was not like other princesses.
Her parents, not wanting their daughter to feel inferior to the other
princesses, kept her at home. Aslanda had only to look at her mother, who
was perhaps the most beautiful woman in the world, to know the real reason
she was confined to Teribanta. Not knowing that her parents were foolishly
trying to shelter her, she assumed that they were ashamed of her awkward
appearance. She managed to hide her hurt and contented herself at the castle
and surrounding lands, never straying, least she bring her parents shame.
Since the world outside her kingdom had not seen her they were left to
wonder at her lack of debut in society. Rumors quickly spread from kingdom
to kingdom that the princess of Teribanta was the loveliest to be found.
Many princes, being shallow creatures, flocked to Teribanta to see this
beauty with their own eyes and beg for her hand in marriage.
Imagine the King and Queen's surprise when they awoke one morning and
found their courtyard full of princes begging for their daughters hand in
marriage. Aslanda, who had been awakened hours before dawn by the princely
racket, decided that though they'd ruined her chance of sleep, she wouldn't
let them ruin her day. So she hurried out the side door and left her parents
to deal with the rude individuals in the courtyard.
She found the village also flocked with princes seeking lodgings for
their stay in Teribanta, as the castle was already filled to capacity with
the early arrivers. 'I wonder what brought on the rush of rude young men to
the kingdom?' She pondered to herself.
'They've come to seek the hand of Princess Aslanda.' a voice behind her
answered.
Aslanda spun to see who had answered her and caught her breath at the
most stunning man she'd every seen. He had hair as golden as the sun itself
and his eyes were bluer than a summer sky. 'And why would so many come to
court a girl they've never met?'
'Because it is rumored that to look upon her is to look upon beauty
itself.' he answered simply.
'That's the silliest nonsense I've ever heard. I suppose it wouldn't
matter if she had the personality of a shrew and was a dumb as a brick as
long as she was pleasant to look upon.'
He shrugged. 'To some, good breeding is all that matters.'
'And do I correctly conclude that you are one of those people, as you
are here with the rest of the fools.' she taunted.
'Well I wouldn't consider myself a fool but I suppose a lovely wife, no
matter how boring, would be better than a plain one.'
'Then you are a fool. I hope she bores you to tears.' Aslanda replied
preparing to walk away.
'Wait. I couldn't help but notice by your dress that you must have some
bearing in the palace. Perhaps you could tell me what she's like.'
'I suppose you're looking for a girl who is soft spoken and as delicate
as a lily.'
He nodded.
'And I imagine she must have hair blacker than midnight and eyes the
loveliest violet shade imaginable. And skin like porcelain and as soft as
rose petals. She would of course spend all her time embroidering and
learning how best to serve her husband.' The last word came out in a sneer
as the prince nodded finding the description quite agreeable indeed.
'Then she is all the things and more. I wish you luck. Good day.' And
with that she walked away leaving the prince to daydream of his life with
Princess Aslanda.
'Wants hair as black as midnight, does he. Obedient and delicate to
boot. I'd like to show him delicate.' She muttered angrily as she stalked
away. She stopped in the middle of the meadow and sat down, pinching the
bridge of her nose. 'Why did I tell him all those things about the princess?
He'll only show up tomorrow and find it's me then run away screaming.' She
managed a smile for the image of the prince running away, even it was at her
expense. 'I just wish I wasn't so terribly normal looking. What I wouldn't
give for raven hair.' She trailed of wistfully.
'What's wrong with the way you look now, child?'
Aslanda jumped and turned her head to find a old woman sitting beside
her. 'Where did you come from?'
'I think you look like quite a lovely young person! Why if I were you I
wouldn't change a thing about myself!'
'You don't understand though. It's different for me. All my life I've
had to endure my parents looking at me and seeing every imperfection. I'll
feel simply horrible about myself when I'm announced and have to see that
same look of disappointment on all those men's faces when they finally see
that the beauty they traveled so far to see is only a common girl.'
'I'm sure if you look only under the surface you'll see there's nothing
common about you.' The woman suggested.
'But that doesn't matter. Not to royalty.'
'I see my child, I understand. I was once young and foolish myself.'
'I'm not being foolish, merely realistic.'
'And if you were to change anything about yourself...'
'It would be everything. I'm so tired of being a disappointment,
perhaps if I was beautiful my parents and everyone else would quit treating
me like a misfit.'
'Very well my child. See the difference a new you makes.' And with that
she faded away.
Aslanda, not knowing what to make of the woman's sudden appearance and
disappearance brushed herself off and headed home. It was only when she
chanced by a lake she saw her reflection and gasped. In place of her dark
brown hair were locks as black as midnight. And her once gray green eyes
were now the loveliest shade of violet. Her freckles and tan had disappeared
and been replaced by a fetching alabaster complexion.
'There she is!' cried a voice in the distant.
'It's Princess Aslanda!' called another. She turned to see a stampede
of princes heading towards her at full speed. Without a second thought to
her changed image, she lifted her skirts and ran towards the castle. But the
muscles she'd developed from all the time spent walking about her land were
gone with her former appearance and she soon found herself surrounded by
eager young princes.
'Dear lady, I am Prince Edgar from the land of Canablasti. If you
marry me I will shower you with gold.' Before she could reply another voice
cut in.
'Princess Aslanda, I am Prince Harry.' And indeed, he was. 'If you
marry me I'll shower you with gold and jewels.'
Not to be outdone another prince spoke up. 'If you marry me I'll shower
you with riches beyond compare and every night I'll sing ballads praising
your beauteous appearance.'
'And what of love gentlemen. Would you love me? Do you love me now at
this instant?' Aslanda called out above the proposals. Every man present
vehemently proclaimed he did and would always.
'Then all of you claim that you love a girl you just met and know
nothing about?' She questioned. The men seeing nothing absurd about this
agreed again.
'You really must excuse me gentlemen I have duties to attend to at
home. If you'll just let me pass.' The sea of princes quickly parted at her
bidding and she hurried off.
'Princess, if you marry me...' a voice called out but she ignored it
and continued home.
By the time she entered her chamber she was in a ghastly mood. 'The day
I see another prince will be too soon.' she thought as she stalked about the
room.
'The girl who spoke of your beauty was right.' said a voice behind her.
Her eyes narrowed angrily. 'That idiot from the village. We'll just see
how he likes the princess of his dreams.' she thought before turning around
a sweet smile replacing the scowl that had just occupied her lips.
She giggled in an ear splitting tone. "'How sweet of you to say so. Of
course I hear it so often it seems such a common thing to say. Couldn't you
at least say that my eyes shine like stars, that you'd never seen real
beauty 'til now or something of the like?'
'The heavens must be weeping at the loss of such an angel.' he offered.
She quelched the urge to roll her eyes and clapped her hands together
as if in delight instead. 'I don't believe I've heard that one before. You
really are quite charming! Yes, that's what I shall call you from now on.
Would you care to stay for dinner?' He nodded and reverently told her that
any time spent with her would be a gift from the gods.
Luckily Aslanda's parents had retired early for evening and she didn't
have to explain her sudden change of appearance. All through dinner Aslanda
did her best to send the princes running. She laughed loudly and at the
highest pitch possible at everything they said, even though their talk
wasn't meant to be funny. Whenever it was her duty to steer the conversation
she talked of gowns and balls she hoped to attend. By the end of the night a
few princes were still nodding gamely at everything she said, but the
majority were staring sullenly at their plates, regretting the day they'd
ever heard of Teribanta and it's princess of beauty beyond compare. When one
fed up soul dared to leave the table while she was drawing a breath to go on
she threw a fit that had the castle walls shaking. Most princes managed to
cover their ears before any damage was done, but one young man lost complete
hearing in his left ear and never completely regained it. By the time dinner
was over, Prince Charming was the only one not waiting for a chance to sneak
away. While everyone else quickly filed out the prince stayed behind.
'Princess, I find your company to be delightful. Say you'll go riding
with me tomorrow.'
Aslanda would have ground her teeth if he wasn't staring so intently at
her. 'I'm afraid I don't know how to ride.' she lied.
'How about a stroll around town?' He pressed on.
'I have terrible allergies this time of year.' She said with a sweet
smile.
'I do want to see you. Perhaps I could call on you here tomorrow?'
She ducked her head and silently cursed the brainless sod. 'That would
be wonderful. I'll be in the solar perfecting my cross stitch. Ta!' she said
between her teeth and she sailed past him and out the door, barely suppressing
the urge to stomp on his foot as she passed.
She found her self more than weary as she trudged up the steps to her
bedroom. She paused at the mirror on her wall and stared at herself. Her
raven tresses didn't seem so lovely anymore. They were heavy and quite
frankly made the back of her neck itch. And she didn't like her eyes at all,
she discovered. Purple seemed a ridiculous color for ones eyes now that she
took the time to think on it. She scowled at her treacherous reflection as
she stifled a yawn. She wasn't usually this worn out so soon. Her frail body
was turning out to be irritating in it's lack of stamina. And the alabaster
skin that had seemed so lovely in the sunlight seem pallid to her now. 'If
this is beauty I can live without it.' she cried to herself as she climbed
into bed. 'I was perfect just the way I was. I just wish I had realized it
before.' And as she trailed of to sleep an old woman smiled at the edge of
the forest.
The next day the prince met her in the solar. As she struggled with
needlepoint she let him talk about his life back home. He spoke of his
beloved palace by the sea. She wrinkled her delicate nose and told him that
the sea air did horrible things to her complexion. Not to mention the horrid
smell of it. If she were ever to marry, her husband would build her a castle
as far away from the dreadful sea as possible. He spoke of his triumphs on
the battlefield. She gave a shrill squeal before informing him that battles
were nasty business and anyone who fought them was no more than a silly boy
playing dress up. If she were ever to marry, her husband must never go to
battle. Why the very thought of all that blood made her shudder. He spoke of
his love for outdoors. She shook her head before informing him that the
outside world was full of dirt, animals, and insects. She did not like the
outdoors one bit, and hardly ventured outside unless it was absolutely
necessary. If she were ever to marry, her husband must keep her company and
spend his days indoors too.
'The way she complains,' Thought the prince. 'She'll never find a
man willing to marry her. She may be beautiful, but not beautiful enough to
put up with til death do us part.' He stood and quickly excused himself but
before he could leave the room she called out and stopped him.
'Are you going to leave without asking for my hand in marriage? I
might just say yes.' she smiled coyly.
By now the prince could feel the beginnings of a headache throbbing
at his temples. 'Let's just be friends.' he replied quickly. When she opened
her mouth to protest he said a fast farewell and took off towards town to
collect his things and continue home.
'And that,' Said the princess as she did a little dance of triumph.
'Takes care of that.'
Her joy did not last long however. She found that though the princes
were no longer around to pester her about her beauty, there were still
plenty of people at the castle and in the village who couldn't help but
compliment her on her newfound perfection. She ended up throwing her hands
up in the air with disgust halting one subject mid-sentance. 'That's it. I
can't take it anymore! Was I really so horrid to look at before? Why is it
that everyone here is so concerned with aesthetics anyway? I don't care how
pleasing you may find this new improved me, if I could go back to my old
form I would!' She yelled before stomping off in the direction of the meadow
where she'd met the old woman.
The old woman wasn't in the meadow so Aslanda continued onto the
forest, reasoning that she'd never seen the old woman in the village so she
must live in the woods. She made the mistake of straying off the path and
she soon found herself lost. She decided the wisest thing to do would be to
sit down and wait for someone to find her. Surely by now her parents had
sent out a search party for her. She rested her back against an old tree and
promptly fell asleep.
Her parents had sent out a search party, and one member chanced upon
Aslanda's sleeping form. But her parents had sent him with the impression
he was looking for a lass with brown hair and a short build, certainly not
the tall raven haired beauty sleeping before him, so he left her sleeping at
the base of the old tree and continued on his search.
In the short hours before dawn another young man happened upon Aslanda's
sleeping form. But unlike the individual before him, he lifted Aslanda into
his arms and carried her away.
Aslanda woke to the banging of pots together and a male voice muttering
something unintelligible. She groaned and sat up.
The sounds seemed to come from what was surely the kitchen area. Inside
was a average looking man of medium height with brown hair and brown eyes.
On the table Aslanda saw a stack of slightly charred pancakes and a
stack of burned toast beside it. She took the seat nearest to her and was
told to help herself. When she inquired about his name, he told her it was
Gareth and went back to shoveling food into his mouth. Good manners dictated
she press forward with conversation and she thanked him for giving her
shelter and food. He merely grunted. It wasn't until she assured him that
she'd be on her way soon that he took time to pause from his meal.
'As much as I'd like to see you off soon, it's not going to happen. No
one's going anywhere in that fog.' He gestured to the window and Aslanda
found that all she could see was white. 'It could last for days, it could
last for weeks. Until it lifts we're stuck together.'
'Oh my.' Aslanda whispered looking down at her plate. He parents would
be in a frenzy by the time she got home. She studied the man in front of her
as she nibbled on toast. Odd, he hadn't seemed to care about her appearance
one lick. Why any other man would have at least told her how lovely she
looked. 'Tell me something, what color are my eyes?'
Gareth gave her disgruntled once over. 'Purple.' He said shortly.
'And I suppose my hair is...?' Aslanda inquired helpfully.
'Black.' He turned his attention back to his plate.
How bizarre! He didn't proclaim her hair to be raven or blacker than
midnight. And he had called her eyes purple. Not something lovely like
violet or lavender. Her appearance did not seem to effect him in the least.
If anything at all, he seemed repulsed by it. 'Is there something offensive
about the way I look?' she blurted out.
'No, there's nothing offensive about the way you look, just the way you
obsess about it. You'd best learn now that beauty does not stay forever. One
day your beautiful face will be covered in wrinkles, your delicate body
bloated with overindulgence.'
'I can't wait!' Aslanda exclaimed before she'd spoken out loud
Gareth gave her an odd look before standing up and leaving the table.
The next few days passed with relative ease for both occupants of the
cottage in the middle of nowhere. Aslanda spent her time tidying the cottage
up (It was quite messy, Gareth apparently had no idea what a mop or broom
was.) and cooking meals (Gareth couldn't cook either. It was surprising that
he hadn't poisoned himself yet.). Gareth stayed in the barn tending to the
animals as long as possible before going back to the house. He tried not to
be charmed by the little touches she added to his rooms. He endeavored not
to be intrigued by the air of mystery she carried with her. He tried most of
all not to like the soul hidden inside that wretchedly beautiful body. He
failed. By the end of the third night there he was totally and completely
charmed and had stopped trying to deny it. She on the other hand, had
realized by the second night that underneath his gruff exterior was an
interesting, kind man and set about making him her friend. He found he
didn't even mind her constant chatter after awhile. They passed seven
evenings talking by the fire.
On the morning of the eighth day the fog was gone and Aslanda found
herself quite heartbroken. She really didn't want to leave this isolated
little cottage or it's owner. She feared she might have accidentally given
her heart to him without realizing it. She chided herself for being so
careless. While he treated her with a great deal more kindness than he did
when she first arrived, he was by no means in love with her. Her train of
thought was broken by the sound of Gareth shouting at someone outside. She
rushed to the window and saw him arguing with a very handsome man on a white
horse.
'For the last time Daruis, I will not go home with you! Turn around and
trot home to Mom and Dad, tell them you saw me, that I'm in perfect health
and as surly as ever! And leave me in peace!' Gareth shouted.
'It's been a year Gareth. Don't you think this isolation business has
gone far enough?' The man prodded gently.
'You don't know how it is for me back there Daruis. I can't bear to see
our parents look at me and see every newfound imperfection. I hate to be a
disappointment.'
'Gareth, they love you. It wouldn't matter to them if you had two heads
and ten billion warts.'
'But it would matter to me. Whether they realize it or not, I almost
hear what they're thinking when I'm around them. 'Maybe the spell will just
wear off on it's own.' 'Maybe he'll be back to his old self soon.' Until
they can accept that this is me from now on I can't face them. Don't ask me
to again.'
'As you like Gareth. If I thought you could find happiness in this
dreadful forest you've isolated yourself in, I'd wish it to you.' Daruis
said turning and spurring her horse away.
'Perhaps I already have brother.' he whispered to himself before
calling loudly to Aslanda. 'You can come out now Aslanda.' .
She hurried outside and stood behind him waiting for him to say
something. When he didn't, she decided to blurt out the only thing she could
think of. 'I know what it's like to have you parents look at you with
disappointment.'
'How could you possibly know what it's like. You're beautiful, inside
and out.' Gareth muttered bitterly.
'Not always. Two weeks ago I as average looking as could be. I had been
all my life and because of it my parents keep me confined to our lands. One
day an old woman appeared beside me while I was feeling sorry for myself and
I told her I wished I was beautiful. Next thing I know she disappears and I
look like this.' He was staring at her now with open curiosity as she
continued. 'And it didn't take me long to realize that this was overrated.
This delicate body gets tired and worn out after five minutes of hard work.
Nitwits were begging my hand in marriage the moment they saw my face.
Everyone had some kind of comment on how appealing I was. My parents never
got a chance to see me, but I can imagine their reactions to my new
appearance would be somewhere along the lines of relief and elation.' She
stopped and looked at him helplessly, waiting for his reaction.
'I haven't always looked this way either.' He sat down and motioned her
to do the same. 'I was once very handsome and I knew it. I hate to think of
myself the way I was then. I was as conceited and selfish as one can be. For
reasons I still can't name one of the local girls fancied herself in love
with me. She tried everything in her power to gain my love, but eventually I
told her that I could never love her. She was not of royal blood or most
importantly lovely enough to hold my interest. She cursed me to look
ordinary until the day I died or found true love. As soon as others saw me,
pity entered their eyes and eventually I could not stand to be around
anything beautiful. I had every intent of closing myself off from the rest
of my world for the rest of my life...until you.' He took her hand.
'Aslanda, you've turned my life upside down since you've been here and I
can't bear to think of it being turned right side up when you leave. You're
annoying, persistent,' She bristled but he continued. 'Generous and caring.
I find that I wouldn't even mind going back home and facing my old life, as
long as you were by my side. I wouldn't care if you were as ugly as a toad
as long as you were still my Aslanda underneath.' He leaned towards her and
kissed her then.
When he drew back Aslanda opened her eyes and gasped. Gareth did not
look like the man she had fallen in love with. He still had brown eyes, but
this man's eyes were lighter and had gold flecks in them. His hair wasn't
light brown, but instead a dark mahogany shade and his once nondescript
features had refined themselves. She could honestly say he was the most
handsome man she had seen, more handsome than the prince from the market
place, more handsome then even her father. 'Aslanda, is that you.' the man
inquired in Gareth's voice.
She nodded and looking down at her hands saw that they were not pallid,
but rather tan and healthy looking. Not caring that Gareth was present she
pulled her skirt up enough past her ankles to see that her legs were no
longer skinny and weak but sleek and well muscled. She pulled at her hair
and saw it was back to it's original brown black color. Without any words,
merely squeals of joy she pulled Gareth into a hug and started dancing
around. She barely even noticed she was almost a foot shorter than him.
'It's me Gareth. It's really me!' She pulled back and studied him. 'Oh my,
you really are handsome. I'm not sure how I feel about that. I'm not at all
beautiful anymore.'
He silenced her with a kiss on the nose and told her that she looked
lovelier than ever before. Aslanda had only to look in her eyes to see that
he was completely sincere.
They decided that since they never wanted to part, marriage was a
reasonable option. Everyone was invited - their relatives, their friends,
the old woman, and even Aslanda's former suitors. It was a merry event full
laughter and dancing. When she found a free moment, Aslanda pulled the old
woman aside. 'I know you are the reason I changed, but are you also the
reason I changed back?'
'Somewhat, yes. You see my dear, the spell I put on you was to end, not
only when you loved yourself , but when you truly believed someone else
could. I'm delighted you found such a man, my dear.'
'Yes,' mummered Aslanda as her eyes met her Garreth's and he started
towards her to claim her for yet another dance. 'Yes, I'm rather delighted
about that myself. Thank you for helping me find him.'
'Oh no, child. You found him on your own. I merely opened your eyes a
bit.'
Aslanda gave her a grateful smile over her shoulder as her husband led
her out to the dance floor, the sound of the old woman's laughter following
them.
In the land of Teribanta there was a not quite beautiful but rather
cute princess by the name of Aslanda. In a time when it was practically royal
dictate that a princess should have hair in a shade of sunlight or raven or
chestnut or titian this princess had hair that was a shade somewhere between
raven and chestnut, but not quite either. And all princesses were to have
eyes as blue as the sky or as green as emeralds or as gray as smoke or as
violet as amethysts or as brown as amber. This princess, however, had eyes
that were a color somewhere between gray and green, but not quite either.
And unlike most other princesses who thought it best to spend their time
inside embroidering and therefore had lovely porcelain complexions, this
princess found it more amusing to spend her time out of doors and therefore
developed a tan and quite a bit of freckles. While most princesses were tall
and slim this princess was a bit on the short side and had a low grade
addiction to chocolate which left her with a bit of a potbelly.
Needless to say Aslanda was not like other princesses.
Her parents, not wanting their daughter to feel inferior to the other
princesses, kept her at home. Aslanda had only to look at her mother, who
was perhaps the most beautiful woman in the world, to know the real reason
she was confined to Teribanta. Not knowing that her parents were foolishly
trying to shelter her, she assumed that they were ashamed of her awkward
appearance. She managed to hide her hurt and contented herself at the castle
and surrounding lands, never straying, least she bring her parents shame.
Since the world outside her kingdom had not seen her they were left to
wonder at her lack of debut in society. Rumors quickly spread from kingdom
to kingdom that the princess of Teribanta was the loveliest to be found.
Many princes, being shallow creatures, flocked to Teribanta to see this
beauty with their own eyes and beg for her hand in marriage.
Imagine the King and Queen's surprise when they awoke one morning and
found their courtyard full of princes begging for their daughters hand in
marriage. Aslanda, who had been awakened hours before dawn by the princely
racket, decided that though they'd ruined her chance of sleep, she wouldn't
let them ruin her day. So she hurried out the side door and left her parents
to deal with the rude individuals in the courtyard.
She found the village also flocked with princes seeking lodgings for
their stay in Teribanta, as the castle was already filled to capacity with
the early arrivers. 'I wonder what brought on the rush of rude young men to
the kingdom?' She pondered to herself.
'They've come to seek the hand of Princess Aslanda.' a voice behind her
answered.
Aslanda spun to see who had answered her and caught her breath at the
most stunning man she'd every seen. He had hair as golden as the sun itself
and his eyes were bluer than a summer sky. 'And why would so many come to
court a girl they've never met?'
'Because it is rumored that to look upon her is to look upon beauty
itself.' he answered simply.
'That's the silliest nonsense I've ever heard. I suppose it wouldn't
matter if she had the personality of a shrew and was a dumb as a brick as
long as she was pleasant to look upon.'
He shrugged. 'To some, good breeding is all that matters.'
'And do I correctly conclude that you are one of those people, as you
are here with the rest of the fools.' she taunted.
'Well I wouldn't consider myself a fool but I suppose a lovely wife, no
matter how boring, would be better than a plain one.'
'Then you are a fool. I hope she bores you to tears.' Aslanda replied
preparing to walk away.
'Wait. I couldn't help but notice by your dress that you must have some
bearing in the palace. Perhaps you could tell me what she's like.'
'I suppose you're looking for a girl who is soft spoken and as delicate
as a lily.'
He nodded.
'And I imagine she must have hair blacker than midnight and eyes the
loveliest violet shade imaginable. And skin like porcelain and as soft as
rose petals. She would of course spend all her time embroidering and
learning how best to serve her husband.' The last word came out in a sneer
as the prince nodded finding the description quite agreeable indeed.
'Then she is all the things and more. I wish you luck. Good day.' And
with that she walked away leaving the prince to daydream of his life with
Princess Aslanda.
'Wants hair as black as midnight, does he. Obedient and delicate to
boot. I'd like to show him delicate.' She muttered angrily as she stalked
away. She stopped in the middle of the meadow and sat down, pinching the
bridge of her nose. 'Why did I tell him all those things about the princess?
He'll only show up tomorrow and find it's me then run away screaming.' She
managed a smile for the image of the prince running away, even it was at her
expense. 'I just wish I wasn't so terribly normal looking. What I wouldn't
give for raven hair.' She trailed of wistfully.
'What's wrong with the way you look now, child?'
Aslanda jumped and turned her head to find a old woman sitting beside
her. 'Where did you come from?'
'I think you look like quite a lovely young person! Why if I were you I
wouldn't change a thing about myself!'
'You don't understand though. It's different for me. All my life I've
had to endure my parents looking at me and seeing every imperfection. I'll
feel simply horrible about myself when I'm announced and have to see that
same look of disappointment on all those men's faces when they finally see
that the beauty they traveled so far to see is only a common girl.'
'I'm sure if you look only under the surface you'll see there's nothing
common about you.' The woman suggested.
'But that doesn't matter. Not to royalty.'
'I see my child, I understand. I was once young and foolish myself.'
'I'm not being foolish, merely realistic.'
'And if you were to change anything about yourself...'
'It would be everything. I'm so tired of being a disappointment,
perhaps if I was beautiful my parents and everyone else would quit treating
me like a misfit.'
'Very well my child. See the difference a new you makes.' And with that
she faded away.
Aslanda, not knowing what to make of the woman's sudden appearance and
disappearance brushed herself off and headed home. It was only when she
chanced by a lake she saw her reflection and gasped. In place of her dark
brown hair were locks as black as midnight. And her once gray green eyes
were now the loveliest shade of violet. Her freckles and tan had disappeared
and been replaced by a fetching alabaster complexion.
'There she is!' cried a voice in the distant.
'It's Princess Aslanda!' called another. She turned to see a stampede
of princes heading towards her at full speed. Without a second thought to
her changed image, she lifted her skirts and ran towards the castle. But the
muscles she'd developed from all the time spent walking about her land were
gone with her former appearance and she soon found herself surrounded by
eager young princes.
'Dear lady, I am Prince Edgar from the land of Canablasti. If you
marry me I will shower you with gold.' Before she could reply another voice
cut in.
'Princess Aslanda, I am Prince Harry.' And indeed, he was. 'If you
marry me I'll shower you with gold and jewels.'
Not to be outdone another prince spoke up. 'If you marry me I'll shower
you with riches beyond compare and every night I'll sing ballads praising
your beauteous appearance.'
'And what of love gentlemen. Would you love me? Do you love me now at
this instant?' Aslanda called out above the proposals. Every man present
vehemently proclaimed he did and would always.
'Then all of you claim that you love a girl you just met and know
nothing about?' She questioned. The men seeing nothing absurd about this
agreed again.
'You really must excuse me gentlemen I have duties to attend to at
home. If you'll just let me pass.' The sea of princes quickly parted at her
bidding and she hurried off.
'Princess, if you marry me...' a voice called out but she ignored it
and continued home.
By the time she entered her chamber she was in a ghastly mood. 'The day
I see another prince will be too soon.' she thought as she stalked about the
room.
'The girl who spoke of your beauty was right.' said a voice behind her.
Her eyes narrowed angrily. 'That idiot from the village. We'll just see
how he likes the princess of his dreams.' she thought before turning around
a sweet smile replacing the scowl that had just occupied her lips.
She giggled in an ear splitting tone. "'How sweet of you to say so. Of
course I hear it so often it seems such a common thing to say. Couldn't you
at least say that my eyes shine like stars, that you'd never seen real
beauty 'til now or something of the like?'
'The heavens must be weeping at the loss of such an angel.' he offered.
She quelched the urge to roll her eyes and clapped her hands together
as if in delight instead. 'I don't believe I've heard that one before. You
really are quite charming! Yes, that's what I shall call you from now on.
Would you care to stay for dinner?' He nodded and reverently told her that
any time spent with her would be a gift from the gods.
Luckily Aslanda's parents had retired early for evening and she didn't
have to explain her sudden change of appearance. All through dinner Aslanda
did her best to send the princes running. She laughed loudly and at the
highest pitch possible at everything they said, even though their talk
wasn't meant to be funny. Whenever it was her duty to steer the conversation
she talked of gowns and balls she hoped to attend. By the end of the night a
few princes were still nodding gamely at everything she said, but the
majority were staring sullenly at their plates, regretting the day they'd
ever heard of Teribanta and it's princess of beauty beyond compare. When one
fed up soul dared to leave the table while she was drawing a breath to go on
she threw a fit that had the castle walls shaking. Most princes managed to
cover their ears before any damage was done, but one young man lost complete
hearing in his left ear and never completely regained it. By the time dinner
was over, Prince Charming was the only one not waiting for a chance to sneak
away. While everyone else quickly filed out the prince stayed behind.
'Princess, I find your company to be delightful. Say you'll go riding
with me tomorrow.'
Aslanda would have ground her teeth if he wasn't staring so intently at
her. 'I'm afraid I don't know how to ride.' she lied.
'How about a stroll around town?' He pressed on.
'I have terrible allergies this time of year.' She said with a sweet
smile.
'I do want to see you. Perhaps I could call on you here tomorrow?'
She ducked her head and silently cursed the brainless sod. 'That would
be wonderful. I'll be in the solar perfecting my cross stitch. Ta!' she said
between her teeth and she sailed past him and out the door, barely suppressing
the urge to stomp on his foot as she passed.
She found her self more than weary as she trudged up the steps to her
bedroom. She paused at the mirror on her wall and stared at herself. Her
raven tresses didn't seem so lovely anymore. They were heavy and quite
frankly made the back of her neck itch. And she didn't like her eyes at all,
she discovered. Purple seemed a ridiculous color for ones eyes now that she
took the time to think on it. She scowled at her treacherous reflection as
she stifled a yawn. She wasn't usually this worn out so soon. Her frail body
was turning out to be irritating in it's lack of stamina. And the alabaster
skin that had seemed so lovely in the sunlight seem pallid to her now. 'If
this is beauty I can live without it.' she cried to herself as she climbed
into bed. 'I was perfect just the way I was. I just wish I had realized it
before.' And as she trailed of to sleep an old woman smiled at the edge of
the forest.
The next day the prince met her in the solar. As she struggled with
needlepoint she let him talk about his life back home. He spoke of his
beloved palace by the sea. She wrinkled her delicate nose and told him that
the sea air did horrible things to her complexion. Not to mention the horrid
smell of it. If she were ever to marry, her husband would build her a castle
as far away from the dreadful sea as possible. He spoke of his triumphs on
the battlefield. She gave a shrill squeal before informing him that battles
were nasty business and anyone who fought them was no more than a silly boy
playing dress up. If she were ever to marry, her husband must never go to
battle. Why the very thought of all that blood made her shudder. He spoke of
his love for outdoors. She shook her head before informing him that the
outside world was full of dirt, animals, and insects. She did not like the
outdoors one bit, and hardly ventured outside unless it was absolutely
necessary. If she were ever to marry, her husband must keep her company and
spend his days indoors too.
'The way she complains,' Thought the prince. 'She'll never find a
man willing to marry her. She may be beautiful, but not beautiful enough to
put up with til death do us part.' He stood and quickly excused himself but
before he could leave the room she called out and stopped him.
'Are you going to leave without asking for my hand in marriage? I
might just say yes.' she smiled coyly.
By now the prince could feel the beginnings of a headache throbbing
at his temples. 'Let's just be friends.' he replied quickly. When she opened
her mouth to protest he said a fast farewell and took off towards town to
collect his things and continue home.
'And that,' Said the princess as she did a little dance of triumph.
'Takes care of that.'
Her joy did not last long however. She found that though the princes
were no longer around to pester her about her beauty, there were still
plenty of people at the castle and in the village who couldn't help but
compliment her on her newfound perfection. She ended up throwing her hands
up in the air with disgust halting one subject mid-sentance. 'That's it. I
can't take it anymore! Was I really so horrid to look at before? Why is it
that everyone here is so concerned with aesthetics anyway? I don't care how
pleasing you may find this new improved me, if I could go back to my old
form I would!' She yelled before stomping off in the direction of the meadow
where she'd met the old woman.
The old woman wasn't in the meadow so Aslanda continued onto the
forest, reasoning that she'd never seen the old woman in the village so she
must live in the woods. She made the mistake of straying off the path and
she soon found herself lost. She decided the wisest thing to do would be to
sit down and wait for someone to find her. Surely by now her parents had
sent out a search party for her. She rested her back against an old tree and
promptly fell asleep.
Her parents had sent out a search party, and one member chanced upon
Aslanda's sleeping form. But her parents had sent him with the impression
he was looking for a lass with brown hair and a short build, certainly not
the tall raven haired beauty sleeping before him, so he left her sleeping at
the base of the old tree and continued on his search.
In the short hours before dawn another young man happened upon Aslanda's
sleeping form. But unlike the individual before him, he lifted Aslanda into
his arms and carried her away.
Aslanda woke to the banging of pots together and a male voice muttering
something unintelligible. She groaned and sat up.
The sounds seemed to come from what was surely the kitchen area. Inside
was a average looking man of medium height with brown hair and brown eyes.
On the table Aslanda saw a stack of slightly charred pancakes and a
stack of burned toast beside it. She took the seat nearest to her and was
told to help herself. When she inquired about his name, he told her it was
Gareth and went back to shoveling food into his mouth. Good manners dictated
she press forward with conversation and she thanked him for giving her
shelter and food. He merely grunted. It wasn't until she assured him that
she'd be on her way soon that he took time to pause from his meal.
'As much as I'd like to see you off soon, it's not going to happen. No
one's going anywhere in that fog.' He gestured to the window and Aslanda
found that all she could see was white. 'It could last for days, it could
last for weeks. Until it lifts we're stuck together.'
'Oh my.' Aslanda whispered looking down at her plate. He parents would
be in a frenzy by the time she got home. She studied the man in front of her
as she nibbled on toast. Odd, he hadn't seemed to care about her appearance
one lick. Why any other man would have at least told her how lovely she
looked. 'Tell me something, what color are my eyes?'
Gareth gave her disgruntled once over. 'Purple.' He said shortly.
'And I suppose my hair is...?' Aslanda inquired helpfully.
'Black.' He turned his attention back to his plate.
How bizarre! He didn't proclaim her hair to be raven or blacker than
midnight. And he had called her eyes purple. Not something lovely like
violet or lavender. Her appearance did not seem to effect him in the least.
If anything at all, he seemed repulsed by it. 'Is there something offensive
about the way I look?' she blurted out.
'No, there's nothing offensive about the way you look, just the way you
obsess about it. You'd best learn now that beauty does not stay forever. One
day your beautiful face will be covered in wrinkles, your delicate body
bloated with overindulgence.'
'I can't wait!' Aslanda exclaimed before she'd spoken out loud
Gareth gave her an odd look before standing up and leaving the table.
The next few days passed with relative ease for both occupants of the
cottage in the middle of nowhere. Aslanda spent her time tidying the cottage
up (It was quite messy, Gareth apparently had no idea what a mop or broom
was.) and cooking meals (Gareth couldn't cook either. It was surprising that
he hadn't poisoned himself yet.). Gareth stayed in the barn tending to the
animals as long as possible before going back to the house. He tried not to
be charmed by the little touches she added to his rooms. He endeavored not
to be intrigued by the air of mystery she carried with her. He tried most of
all not to like the soul hidden inside that wretchedly beautiful body. He
failed. By the end of the third night there he was totally and completely
charmed and had stopped trying to deny it. She on the other hand, had
realized by the second night that underneath his gruff exterior was an
interesting, kind man and set about making him her friend. He found he
didn't even mind her constant chatter after awhile. They passed seven
evenings talking by the fire.
On the morning of the eighth day the fog was gone and Aslanda found
herself quite heartbroken. She really didn't want to leave this isolated
little cottage or it's owner. She feared she might have accidentally given
her heart to him without realizing it. She chided herself for being so
careless. While he treated her with a great deal more kindness than he did
when she first arrived, he was by no means in love with her. Her train of
thought was broken by the sound of Gareth shouting at someone outside. She
rushed to the window and saw him arguing with a very handsome man on a white
horse.
'For the last time Daruis, I will not go home with you! Turn around and
trot home to Mom and Dad, tell them you saw me, that I'm in perfect health
and as surly as ever! And leave me in peace!' Gareth shouted.
'It's been a year Gareth. Don't you think this isolation business has
gone far enough?' The man prodded gently.
'You don't know how it is for me back there Daruis. I can't bear to see
our parents look at me and see every newfound imperfection. I hate to be a
disappointment.'
'Gareth, they love you. It wouldn't matter to them if you had two heads
and ten billion warts.'
'But it would matter to me. Whether they realize it or not, I almost
hear what they're thinking when I'm around them. 'Maybe the spell will just
wear off on it's own.' 'Maybe he'll be back to his old self soon.' Until
they can accept that this is me from now on I can't face them. Don't ask me
to again.'
'As you like Gareth. If I thought you could find happiness in this
dreadful forest you've isolated yourself in, I'd wish it to you.' Daruis
said turning and spurring her horse away.
'Perhaps I already have brother.' he whispered to himself before
calling loudly to Aslanda. 'You can come out now Aslanda.' .
She hurried outside and stood behind him waiting for him to say
something. When he didn't, she decided to blurt out the only thing she could
think of. 'I know what it's like to have you parents look at you with
disappointment.'
'How could you possibly know what it's like. You're beautiful, inside
and out.' Gareth muttered bitterly.
'Not always. Two weeks ago I as average looking as could be. I had been
all my life and because of it my parents keep me confined to our lands. One
day an old woman appeared beside me while I was feeling sorry for myself and
I told her I wished I was beautiful. Next thing I know she disappears and I
look like this.' He was staring at her now with open curiosity as she
continued. 'And it didn't take me long to realize that this was overrated.
This delicate body gets tired and worn out after five minutes of hard work.
Nitwits were begging my hand in marriage the moment they saw my face.
Everyone had some kind of comment on how appealing I was. My parents never
got a chance to see me, but I can imagine their reactions to my new
appearance would be somewhere along the lines of relief and elation.' She
stopped and looked at him helplessly, waiting for his reaction.
'I haven't always looked this way either.' He sat down and motioned her
to do the same. 'I was once very handsome and I knew it. I hate to think of
myself the way I was then. I was as conceited and selfish as one can be. For
reasons I still can't name one of the local girls fancied herself in love
with me. She tried everything in her power to gain my love, but eventually I
told her that I could never love her. She was not of royal blood or most
importantly lovely enough to hold my interest. She cursed me to look
ordinary until the day I died or found true love. As soon as others saw me,
pity entered their eyes and eventually I could not stand to be around
anything beautiful. I had every intent of closing myself off from the rest
of my world for the rest of my life...until you.' He took her hand.
'Aslanda, you've turned my life upside down since you've been here and I
can't bear to think of it being turned right side up when you leave. You're
annoying, persistent,' She bristled but he continued. 'Generous and caring.
I find that I wouldn't even mind going back home and facing my old life, as
long as you were by my side. I wouldn't care if you were as ugly as a toad
as long as you were still my Aslanda underneath.' He leaned towards her and
kissed her then.
When he drew back Aslanda opened her eyes and gasped. Gareth did not
look like the man she had fallen in love with. He still had brown eyes, but
this man's eyes were lighter and had gold flecks in them. His hair wasn't
light brown, but instead a dark mahogany shade and his once nondescript
features had refined themselves. She could honestly say he was the most
handsome man she had seen, more handsome than the prince from the market
place, more handsome then even her father. 'Aslanda, is that you.' the man
inquired in Gareth's voice.
She nodded and looking down at her hands saw that they were not pallid,
but rather tan and healthy looking. Not caring that Gareth was present she
pulled her skirt up enough past her ankles to see that her legs were no
longer skinny and weak but sleek and well muscled. She pulled at her hair
and saw it was back to it's original brown black color. Without any words,
merely squeals of joy she pulled Gareth into a hug and started dancing
around. She barely even noticed she was almost a foot shorter than him.
'It's me Gareth. It's really me!' She pulled back and studied him. 'Oh my,
you really are handsome. I'm not sure how I feel about that. I'm not at all
beautiful anymore.'
He silenced her with a kiss on the nose and told her that she looked
lovelier than ever before. Aslanda had only to look in her eyes to see that
he was completely sincere.
They decided that since they never wanted to part, marriage was a
reasonable option. Everyone was invited - their relatives, their friends,
the old woman, and even Aslanda's former suitors. It was a merry event full
laughter and dancing. When she found a free moment, Aslanda pulled the old
woman aside. 'I know you are the reason I changed, but are you also the
reason I changed back?'
'Somewhat, yes. You see my dear, the spell I put on you was to end, not
only when you loved yourself , but when you truly believed someone else
could. I'm delighted you found such a man, my dear.'
'Yes,' mummered Aslanda as her eyes met her Garreth's and he started
towards her to claim her for yet another dance. 'Yes, I'm rather delighted
about that myself. Thank you for helping me find him.'
'Oh no, child. You found him on your own. I merely opened your eyes a
bit.'
Aslanda gave her a grateful smile over her shoulder as her husband led
her out to the dance floor, the sound of the old woman's laughter following
them.