I will be honest, this chapter is probably my weakest chapter. I always wanted to give introduce characters some time before killing or writing them off so you guys could grow accustom and understand their personality. Obviously, trying to flesh them (the minor characters) out is - in my opinion - not my strongest suit since it just feels so slow. Usually chapters with action or conflict are more easier for me to write because I naturally feel drawn to them.

But anyway, I hope you guys enjoy this chapter despite it feels bit slow and boring to me.


Chapter 2: New Year Celebration

Six years have passed since her birth. Simply wearing a white dress and matching boots, the girl hastily brushed her blonde, shoulder length hair. With her hands, she moved her bangs aside, parting them down the middle to the best of her abilities. Though she did her best, her bangs were more so parted towards the left. Still, it was close. Deciding not to waste her day with focusing on her hair, Giselle left her room to meet with her parents downstairs. Today is going to be the last day of 1806. That's right. It's New Year's Eve.

And of course, Giselle was excited. She never understood the significant of the day, but she is aware that it was a time where families get to go out and spend time with each other. And that was all that matters to her, spending time with her mother and father. This will also be the first time she'll celebrate in the town!

"Hold it there, Giselle." Berthe stopped her.

Kneeling down, she turned the girl around before pulling out a pair of cream colored ribbons and tying a braided half up half down hairstyle from her daughter's blonde locks. Turning the child around again so she was facing her, the woman also took two thin locks and have them resting in front of the girl's shoulders. After that, Berthe took out a white coat and made her daughter wear it. Finished with keeping the girl warm and presentable, she let her go. Immediately, Giselle turned around and run towards the door. She couldn't wait any longer. Just as she was about to reach the door, she caught sight of her father.

"Father! Are we going now!?" she asked excitingly.

"Yes, Giselle." he laughed, patting her head affectionately.

"Hehe..." she giggled.

"Why don't you open the doors?" Berthe replied, taking out a warm coat and a bonnet for herself to wear.

"Okay!" the girl happily exclaimed. As she opened the doors, her blue eyes beamed at the winter wonderland outside. "Waa..."

Laughing with glee, the child ran outside without a second thought. Kicking the snow, the girl played, enjoying such a beautiful scenery. She has seen snow before, but this time seemed more beautiful than the other years. After making a snow angel, she ran back to her parents who have just locked the exit on their way out.

One thing that Giselle never understood was that her mother always wear a large bonnet hat whenever she goes out. She doesn't wear one, so why does her mother does? However, that curiosity of hers never really stick for long despite it occasionally crosses her mind. If that's what her mother likes to wear, then it's not really her business to ask questions.

"Remember, Giselle. Don't worry if you can't sell them all." Claude reminded her.

"Okay." she nodded eagerly, taking the basket full of matchsticks.

"And if you make money, you keep it. It's yours for you to buy." Berthe added.

She nodded again before she went ahead of her family. Her parents always work hard and she wants to help too. She knows how the schedule for today goes. First, sell matches until noon. Second, she reunited with her mother and father for lunch with the other family. After, they'll return to the Starlight Lane to consider buying something for the holiday. Last, they will go to the town square where supposedly, there will be a big celebration of some sort.

How exciting!

The moment the family arrived to town, they began their work. Starting with one street, the girl tried to sell her matchsticks. Because the street she currently took were filled with kind hearted people, she had some success in selling her matches. In two hours, the child sold everything and her basket is full of gold coins! Looking in her basket, Giselle felt happy and a sense of accomplishment filled her mind.

'Father and Mother will be so proud of me!' she smiled to herself.

Looking at a clock, the girl realized that she still have two more hours until it was noon. So, to pass the time, Giselle decided to look at the toy shop. In one of the shop, her eyes glued to a castle that looked to be modeled after the Land of Sweets. Pressing her hands against the glass display, Giselle gasped in delight at such wondrous model. It has a girl figurine with dark brown hair in a purple dress. Next to the girl is a nutcracker. She never knew what the story was called, but she know about the plot.

Many times during Christmas to New Year's, everyone would tell the story about of the Nutcracker and the Mouse King. Story say that the girl named Clara saved the Nutcracker from the Mouse King. She loved the toy soldier that she broke his enchantment. They would go to the Land of Sweets after.

There was actually a group of traveling actors who would put on the play annually. They would come to Egeskov during the span of December 25th to January 1st to perform for many people. Critics say that the play gets better every year! Sighing longingly, Giselle wished she could see the story play out. She loved the story and it was one of her favorites. However, she doesn't have the money to attend the play.

"Oh well..." she muttered, her tone accepting. "Even if I am poor, I don't mind if I can't go to some fancy play. As long as I'm with Mother and Father, I'm happy."

Indeed, that was what the girl thought. She was already in Paradise, having all that she needed. A kind mother and a loving father. They're the reason why she never asked from anything else.

Moving away from the toy shop, Giselle began to go find her mother. It didn't took long until she found her. She was talking to someone - a man - and he wasn't a stranger to the girl. The man's name is Jacques. He has brown hair and matching eyes. Truth be told, he was one of the more wealthier people living in the kingdom. His clothes tell that much. Long dark coat with silver buttons, dark trousers with woolly stockings underneath, and dress shoes with a golden buckle.

He would often be invited to "babysit" Giselle. Honestly, she found the man to be decent. He is kind and sweet. Because of his wealth, he would somethings donate some of his money to her family. As she got closer, she heard some of their conversation.

"...Thank you so much, Jacques." Berthe replied.

"It's nothing." he insisted, his face turning a slight shade of red.

"Mother!" Giselle called out.

The woman whipped around, almost looking panicked, "Oh, Giselle! What are you doing here?"

"I finish selling my matches!" the girl happily showed her mother the gold coins.

"Oh..." Berthe trailed off. "That's... Good. Why don't you go find your father? I'm sure he would be proud!"

"Oh... Okay." the girl complied, turning before walking away.

"I'll join you later." her mother promised.

As Giselle walked away, she find it strange. Why was her mother becoming distant? In fact, for some odd reason, she sound disappointed... As if she had wanted her to not finish early. Shaking her head of the thought, she put on a smile and ran off to find her father. It probably wasn't anything to be worried about.

Finding Claude wasn't that hard. He was on a different street, selling as much as he could. Clearly from his expression, he wasn't doing as well as she did. It was evident from his basket, which had more matchsticks than coins. She couldn't wait when she show him hers. Eventually, she couldn't contain her excitement and resorted to calling out for him.

"Father!"

"Hm?" he turned around. Seeing his daughter, he beamed, "Giselle!"

He put his basket down before crouching with his arms open wide. Smiling, the girl leaped into his arms, wrapping her arms around his neck. The impact nearly tipped the man over, but luckily, that didn't happen.

"Father, look, look!"

"Oh, I see you did far better than me." he remarked. "Where is your mother?"

At the mentioning of her mother, Giselle's smile falters a bit, "Mother told me to find you."

"What's wrong, Giselle? You sound a bit depressed." he urged her to speak. She didn't, but her puzzled look caused him to frown, "Giselle, you have to tell me... What's going on with your mother?"

"She's... Being distant." was her reply. "But it's probably nothing!" she quickly added.

For a moment, Claude was in deep thought. From the way his daughter phrased it, she makes it seem as if his wife isn't looking forward towards this New Year's. Had she told him about how Berthe appeared friendly with Jacques, that would have been a different story. He began to had doubts on his wife's faithfulness, but did not pursue on his suspicions. It could be a simple misunderstanding and he clearly didn't want to break a relationship based on something he presumed. Together, father and daughter walk the streets, going back to find Berthe. It's time to eat.


During lunch time, the family reunited and return home to eat. Along the way, they met with another family who was visiting the countryside. Their visiting caught Giselle's attention.

"Ah! Good afternoon, Ms. Anderson!" she greeted merrily, running up to the family.

"Why, hello to you too, Giselle." the woman greeted back, patting the girl on her head.

Smiling, the girl peered over to the baby boy in the woman's arms. The baby was asleep and Giselle couldn't help, but cooed at his cute face. She couldn't resist and started to lightly tapped at his nose with her index finger before gently pinching at his cheeks. That woke the boy as he opened his brown eyes to stare at the person who disturbed him from his sleep.

A mischievous smile spread on the girl's face as she cheerfully greeted the little boy, "Hehe, good afternoon to you too, Hans."

"Giselle! It's lunchtime!" her father called out.

"Coming!"

Running back to her parents, Giselle eagerly help with setting up the food. Although it was cold out, the family decided to eat outside to enjoy the white scenery. Midway during the break, the girl started to play in the snow. There would be times where subconsciously, she would wished for a playmate, but it didn't really matter to her. So long as she is with her mother and father, she is the most happiest.

After lunchtime was over, the family momentarily returned home to drop off the empty lunch basket as well as the remaining matches that weren't sold. They could sell more at another time. With the money that their daughter gain, it should be enough to spend for any holiday gifts.

So, back to the Starlight Lane, the family were out looking for what to buy. Food is a necessity as well as new clothes. And yet, the parents wanted to provide their daughter with a gift. It will soon be New Year's, after all. Their daughter, so dutiful and hardworking, never had anything she wanted. There must be something that she would like.

"Is there anything you want, Giselle?" Claude questioned.

"Um..." the child thought before shaking her head. "I already have what I wanted. I'm with Mother and Father."

"Oh, how sweet you are. But still, there must be something that you want?" Berthe pushed.

Looking back at the toy shop, she eyed the toy solider at the display, "I want that one."

"Okay." Claude replied, entering the shop.

Giselle watched as her father talked to the cashier. The man took the toy solider over to the desk and checked the price. Claude paid for the toy as the cashier wrapped it in a bag before giving it to him. Her father thanked the man before exited the shop, giving the present to his daughter.

"Thank you, Father!" Giselle exclaimed, taking the toy soldier out.

"You should thank your mother too, but you're welcome." he smiled, patting the girl affectionately on her head.

"Thank you, Mother!"

The family of three left the shop to wander around. Eventually, they reunited with the Anderson family. Together, the two family spend the day of shopping and talking until dusk began to fall.

As the stars align in the night sky, everyone was gathering in the Town Remnants to celebrate New Year's. In the town, there was a large Christmas tree, decorated with many stunning ornaments. Some of the children were still singing Christmas carols. As the family pick a spot to sit down, the parade began! A lot of dancers danced with ribbons in their hands, confetti thrown into the air, and a bunch of people followed after. There were many signs that wishes everyone a happy New Year and floats started to be seen.

Beautiful floats with the people on top dressed in costumes, it was like the pages out of a fairytale was being brought to life! Everyone was having a great time until they saw the last float. On the platform is the king. Dressed dazzlingly with a lot of materials, you'd think that it would be heavy to drag around wherever you walk.

"Don't worry, your king is here!" Oberon boasted. "Cheers! Cheers! Wish your king a happy New Year!"

At the remark, everyone's mood turned sour. They scoffed at their ruler as a few started to leave. Some simply turned away, not wanting the man to ruin the festivity. As Giselle looked at the vain king on the float, she didn't exactly understood why everyone else have become less merrier than before. But after noticing that when the king spoke, everyone had stopped cheering, she eventually get the whole picture.

"Father, the king must be blind to not see that no one is looking at him." she innocently remarked.

"Shh... Quiet, Giselle. Don't let the king hear you." Claude hushed.

After the parade, the family returned to the Matchstick Shop to rest for the night. They were tired, all except for Giselle. The girl was in bed, staring at her present. It was her first present and she just couldn't sleep. Of course, after a few hours passed midnight, the girl eventually tired herself out and fallen asleep, happily dreaming with the toy soldier in her arms.


In the palace, King Oberon was slowly pacing back and forth, panicking. He is aging! Him of all people! How could this be happening?! Why is it happening to him!? Today, he had went on that parade, hoping that everyone would pay attention to him, but they didn't! Instead, they turned away. Was his breathtaking looks diminishing so much that they can't bear to look at him?

"No, no, no. Don't overthink it." the king muttered to himself. "They are just modest. They know they can't compare to me, so they looked away. Haha, that's it!"

Alas, Oberon was being in denial. Though neither of his guesses were correct, the first was more believable. However, the king didn't want to believe any of it. But one look at his mirror, he shriek in terror. Frantically looking around his room, the king ran over to his vanity set and began pulling the drawers open.

Finding a makeup set, the man started to brush up his face with makeup, trying to cover up those horrid signs of aging. He continued to layer on with the makeup that his face was caked with so much powder. Trembling in anger and fear, the man called for his minister.

The prime minister reluctantly entered, "Y-Yes, Your Majesty?"

"Go rally my men and go find the best healers or magicians! I need their help in keeping my beauty!" he demanded.

"B-But sire, we ran out of resources to even accomplish such task."

"Excuse me!?"

"For the last six years, we've used up all the treasury for your clothes..." the prime minster explained.

"So? Go to the forest and burn it! Collect the gold from the burned trees!" King Oberon replied, becoming impatient.

"Your Majesty! Burning down the forest like that would not only ruin nature, but it could anger the wildlife."

"I don't care how many trees are destroyed or if the wildlife are angry! Just do it!" he points towards the door. "And if you encounter resistance, order my men to kill anything or anyone who goes against me!"

"But-"

The poor minster got cut off when he felt the king pulling him by his collar. Shaking the man, the minister was now staring face to face with an enraged ruler.

"Listen, you dumb oaf! I'm out of patience and if you push further, I will have your head cut off!"

"Beg for your forgiveness, my King." the prime minster replied, running out of the door immediately.

"Hmph, stupid minister."

Watching from his window, he can see many of his men mounted of horses. They carried torches with them and set out immediately towards a single destination. It didn't take long until smoke can be seen and fire blazing across the distance. A few hours later, Oberon saw his men returned with bags stuffed with gold. Delighted, the king went to the Throne Room as the gold was spilled on the floor before his feet.

"Your Majesty, we have done what you asked. The night is late. We request to retire to our homes and rest." the captain of the guards spoke.

"Rest? Who said you can take a rest?" Oberon arrogantly inquired.

"What?"

"I need a healer, a witch, or anyone who has otherworldly powers to help with my dilemma. No one will be going to sleep until they find someone."

"But Your Majesty, we've been burning the forest and collecting the gold for hours. We're tired and completely worn out." the captain vouched for his men.

"You want to sleep?"

"Very so."

"Very well. You shall have your rest." the king began. "Guards! Arrest the captain!"

The guards were hesitant at complying with the order, but they were too afraid of their king to disobey. So, they took their captain, who was confused of his arrest.

"Wha- King Oberon! What are you doing?!" the captain exclaimed.

"You said you wanted sleep. So I'm giving what you want. Take him to the Execution Platform." he directed his order at his guards. "He is to be beheaded immediately."

The captain's eyes widen in shock before he tried to cry out in fear, "Please, Your Majesty! Have mercy! Spare me of my life!"

"Stop." he ordered. Turning around, he walked down the steps and stared down at the captain. "Now, what was that phrase people say? Out with the old and in with the new? In other words, I'm doing what everyone else does. I'm taking out the trash. Take him away."

Laughing, the king turned around as the captain was being dragged away, "Curse you, Oberon! CURSE YOU! You won't get away with this! It isn't just me! Soon, the people will leave! They wouldn't want a king who doesn't care for his subjects!"

"They care for me. That's why they're here. And they will love me more once I regain my beauty." Oberon argued, sitting on his throne.

"You're in ****ing denial! You're mad! No one loves you! They all hate you!" the captain yelled.

"Nonsense. I don't see any hate. Quit lying. You'll be sent to hell for slandering your king."

"You're no king! You're an evil person! You hear me! How could you let the people starved at the cost of your vanity?!"

"If the people are hungry, then let them eat sweets." the king smugly respond.

"****, you!"

The king rise a brow as the captain's screaming and cursing were eventually silenced by the sounds of the door closing. Despite he was cursed at, the man was unfazed by it. In silence, he played around with his coins before looking at the clock. Then, he addressed to the remaining guards in the room.

"Oh, look at the time. It's getting too late. I must retire to my chamber and get my beauty sleep. Don't come back until you find someone worthy of fixing my disease."

With that response, the king left his throne and retreated to his bedroom. Feeling that his problem will be solved soon, he slept easily. He is the king. There has to be someone who would feel honored enough to help him. It's just a matter of time.


Meanwhile, deep in the forest, lurks the evil spirit. She sighed, feeling boredom... Which ironically, she embodies. There was just nothing for her to do. For six years, she has yet to find the right host to inhabit and during those years, she felt less motivated to spread her sloth magic. There was one exciting event that happened though...

A few hours ago, as the spirit was wandering around, she heard commotion heading closer. It was the king's men. They were on horses with torches in their hands. Curious, the spirit followed them as the captain gave the orders.

"Burn it! Burn the forest!"

His men did as the captain said, setting many trees on fire. It didn't take long until after the trees turned charred black that the men shook the trunk, causing gold to rain down. The men brought out sacks and began to fill it up with gold. Such hardworking people. It would be a shame if they became effortless in their work, wouldn't it? On the contrary, why continue to work all day and night for their selfish king, right? So the spirit giggled to herself, sending her magic towards their way.

"Captain, are you alright?"

"Just tired. Let's hurry up and return to the palace. You all must be very tired as well."

After they collected the gold, they left. But much like how the men left the burnt forest, her fun has left with them.

So, the spirit sighed as she was bored and have nothing to do.

Suddenly, under the moonlight, a magical cabin appeared. This intrigues the evil spirit, but she kept her distance from the cabin. Stepping outside, a beautiful woman came into view. A beauty who is the very image of elegance and grace. Her long white hair glows silver under the pale light of the full moon. Her grey eyes are quite attractive. The woman is dressed in white with gold detailing and white shoes. She is wearing a short, evening blue jacket with short sleeves and a white feathered collar. It's still winter, so it's reasonable for the woman to be wearing fingerless gloves. A white veil with blue roses drapes down her back, going as far as her forehead in the front.

'This woman is clearly a witch.' the spirit thought. 'But despite I sensed a trace of my brother's magic, this woman clearly doesn't seemed influenced. In fact, her aura is completely pure of any evil influences. Why is that?'

The witch in question was taking a stroll in the forest, taking in the beauty of nature. The evil spirit followed, hoping to learn of the witch's plans. However, the spirit was careful to keep her distance. She doesn't want to be caught. Many times, the witch would frowned, having witness many of the burnt trees and the wildlife living in this forest were too afraid to approached her. Why, when she approached a tiny bird with an injured wing, the little creature was too frightened to go with her.

"Come on." she gently spoke, extending a hand.

The bird was still hesitant, so to help give encouragement, the woman took out seeds from her dress pocket, giving it to the feathery animal. It worked! The bird trust the woman and hop into her hand. Smiling, the witch gently pet the animal with her finger, soothing out its ruffled feathers.

'This forest is so beautiful, why would anyone do such a terrible thing and burn it?' the witch wondered.

With a wave of her hand, she used her magic to restore the forest to its nourishing, natural state. Doing extra, she caused flowers to spring from the ground. Many of the wild animals felt her magic spreading and felt comforted by it. The spirit hissed a bit. The positive magic negated the ill intentions of the king and she naturally hates anything that goes against dark magic. After wandering around and spreading her magic, the beautiful woman nods to herself in satisfaction.

"This is the place I shall stay." she muttered to herself.

The spirit frowned, 'She can sensed it! The magic my siblings have left behind! This is bad! The dark magic has been stirring trouble for the people, so this witch must have come to help! Ugh!'

Turning around, the witch felt as if she was being followed. Cautiously, she returned to her hut, but not before casting an enchantment to protect her area. From now on, this forest shall be her home. She has been wandering around and since she didn't have much time left, she might as well spend the last of the few years she has helping the people here. After all, she made herself a promise. To help those who needed it the most. Perhaps one day, "she" will come to her senses and understood the errors of her way. Perhaps one day, the enchantress will return to being her old self. Until that day comes, the witch promised to herself that help others in the woman's stead.


1) Hans Christian Anderson was born in the year 1805. And because Giselle's timeline is in the 1800s, why not insert the author himself?

2) I have little knowledge over makeup, so I don't know what effects makeup has on a person who used it too much.

3) One of Oberon's quotes came from the famous misquote from Marie Antoinette.

4) Oh my, the first legit curse word since 2016.

5) The "she" is referring to Amelia.

To all the unnamed Guests who've commented on my stories or one shot, thank you for telling me your thoughts. If you're happening to read this story and wished to critique it, please do. If you don't have an account, please use whatever alias you go by so I can distinguish you from the other unnamed Guests who've commented on my stories.

Thank you and see you in the next chapter.