Enter Juliana's Tale…

It was just on the outskirts of the kingdom where a small, yet quaint village rested. It was like much of the other surrounding villages, yet this one was special. It could have been because the villagers treated one another like family, or it could be that a vast flower field was located right next to the village. However, someone lived within this cozy town that did not know that she was destined to be put on a journey that would threaten her life, but at the cost of finding everlasting love.

It seemed to be another day as the rising sun began to replace the moon that illuminated the sky with all its might just hours ago. The sun knew how to paint the sky as it seemed to be a blank canvas, ready to be used by the sun's mischievous actions. It was much like precise paint strokes as the sun began to streak the sky with hues of gold and bright crimson shades. The sunrise was always so vivid to her that she would always take the time to rise early and view the sun's actions from her small window. She lived in an average sized home that wasn't too lavishly furnished, but it did have a rather warm aura that was welcoming to any stranger. Juliana always enjoyed the warmth of the light, even as a young child. Her mother would always rock her back and fourth as she spoke of stories of the sun and how it aided a hero in saving a princess from a terrible peril; this was the start of her curious state of mind. Her light colored lips pulled back slightly as her glistening teeth were shown, the smile caressing her face. She was known as the strange, yet beautiful girl within the village. She knew that was her title, but she did not mind it. Her mother always told her that she should be proud of whom she was, and Juliana was wise to follow her deceased mother's words. Her playful colored eyes that were of a cream colored auburn illuminated from a patch of sunlight that seemed to pierce the smooth surfaced window that was before her; it made her silk-like skin glow from the small impact. She did, indeed, have breath-taking features but Juliana was not the one to be the doll that everyone viewed. She had a voice and stated her opinion that filled her mind and heart.

"Aye me, it is another lovely morning." Her voice was light and airy as she spoke rather softly to herself, more like a whisper. She was always content with whatever the weather was, but she enjoyed the sunlight for she could read in her sacred haven; the flower field. She always would grab a book that intrigued her rather curious mind and just sit among her silent friends. The thought of the blissful hobby caused herself to rise from the wooden stool that served as a chair for her viewing pleasure. It did not take long for her to search for a dress that was made of a simple chocolate colored material, but stitched with elaborate designs. She stripped away her silk slip that made up her nightgown as she placed on the dress she wore every so often. Her fragile looking fingers ran through her dark chestnut hair that fell past her half-bared shoulders. She fiddled with some strands of hair as she viewed herself in a small looking glass that wasn't cherished much by her, for she did not mind how she looked. She did not care much about her appearance, but she wasn't aware of her natural beauty that so many others took in. She was light on her feet as she began to inch closer to her closed bedroom door that was carved out of a simple wood. She let her hand glaze across the doorknob for a moment before she swung open the door and began her descend away from her room and towards another room where a man of age rested within a chair.

His lean body pressed against a nearby wall where his back arched in a strange position; he was fast asleep. Juliana approached the older man with much care within her footsteps, so she did not wake the man. A smile danced upon her lips as a clever thought passed her mind, "Papa?" She whispered as she was now just a few inches away from the man whom she called Papa. The man did not stir at the call, for it was too silent for his ancient ears, "Papa?" She spoke with an increased tone of voice that seemed to startle the man, "Hmm? What? Who..?" He mumbled as his sagged eyes opened to peer upon his daughter, "Ah. Juliana." A toothless grin appeared from under the bundles of hair that served as a mustache that needed much care, "Good morning Papa. I hope you slept well." Juliana said with a child-like smile as she studied the features around her father that included a block of wood with some sort of metal strand coming out of it, "Working again?" It took some time for Robert to understand his daughter's joking manner as he saw his work scattered around him; he did not even make it to his bed last night. A confused expression crossed his face as he tired to recall the night before, "I thought I went to bed, but I suppose not." A chuckle was followed by his witty response as Juliana chuckled along with him, "Oh Papa." She loved her Father dearly, and she could never stay mad at him! Although, she had warned him countless time to get to bed, he seemed to always rebel against her wishes. She knew he was of an older age, and illness could embrace his body in a single moment. Juliana shook away the thought; for she did not want this melancholy thought spoil her blissful morning.

Juliana somehow had gotten her father out of his work space and into the dining room which wasn't spacious for all that was within the room was a simple table which her father had carved by hand, and a few matching chairs. Philippe, also known as Papa to Juliana, settled into his usual chair that was set at the foot of the table. It did his old body well at knowing that he was still the head authority in the household, although Juliana was fairly close to his position. He was much like Juliana in other aspects, but sometimes, Juliana puzzled him. He wasn't sure how she formed such a wonderful personality, or how she took the beauty of her Mother. It did not matter much to him, for he knew he and his beloved wife had raised her well, "Papa?" Juliana's timid voice broke his trance like state as he responded with a, "Hmm?" His eyes fixated on her as she was preparing some fresh fruit for breakfast. Her hands were steady as she peeled away the coating that wrapped around the crimson apple that was to soon be her father's morning meal, "Am I strange Papa?" This question took him off guard as his eyes brows furrowed, "No, my dear Juliana, you are not!" He was always straight to the point in serious questions, which always made Juliana chuckle, "Well, the villagers always gossip about me! I mean, I do not do anything strange…I think." Philippe could clearly see the distress in her eyes; he knew the perfect words to say to her.

He straightened his back as he cleared his throat for the simple response he was going to give, "Remember your Mother's words. Be who you are, and do not be ashamed." That was all he needed to say as his eyes now studied the peeled apple slices that was before him. He was rather greedy he quickly took in the sweet juices that stung his swollen gums, "I know Papa. I am proud of who I am. I just wish we were in a world where everyone was accepted, and no one was harmed by someone's foolish words." Juliana let her arms intertwine with one another as she felt the small embrace she impacted on her own self. Philippe's taste buds were satisfied as he finished the last of the meal. He sighed as he let the food sink into his weary body, "You are just like your dear Mother, Juliana." Juliana stared at her Father for a moment as she let another smile caress her face, "Thank you Papa." Those reassuring words always filled her with joy.