Ash had a look of bafflement on his face. I agreed with him. Why
would a deer be wanting his presence? But, I enter the water and submerge.
I could still feel his stare even though he was out of sight. I could hear
his gasp and see his awe as the moon's rays hit the water and it started to
glow a ghastly yellow. A large cyclone erupted from the lake's surface and
after it cleared, there I stood up to my knees. I was soaked, but I didn't
care. I turn to face him. One of his legs had staggered backwards and one
arm was arched in front of his chest. His eyes were locked, his whole body
was paralyzed. My face showed no expression. And I speculated why. But
again, I could care less. I slowly walk through the muck bottom and come
fully out of the waters. We just stare at each other for what seemed like
hours. I wouldn't have heeded if it were days. He was here, and I was
before him, as my human self. I take another step, slowly as if I were just
learning how to walk. I finally reach him, we stand about two feet apart.
He straightens his arm and lifts his hand up. He rests it on my cheek and I
close my eyes half way. It was so relaxing; his touch. Again, our eyes
didn't move. It seemed as if there were never meant to shift. That it would
be the devil's doing if he looked away. Without warning, I falling into his
arms and lace my own around his back. I sob. I came so adapt to tears. I
cried so often. But now, I welcomed them. My heart was splintered and I
could feel pearl drops falling from it. I sob, and let his aura swathe me
once more. I enjoy every moment, every second. Ash was warm, he radiated
it. I wanted to be the number one consumer. Please, invite me. Take me in.
He takes a hold of my shoulder and takes me away from his chest. He smiles
at me meekly and wipes away some of my tears.
"Shh…" He coos. "Please, Misty, calm down. It's going to be alright. I promise you." I finger my necklace to remind me of my promise—that I will remain strong.
I swallow hard and try to breathe normally. "Oh…Ash…I…I feel so guilty, so wrong. I thought I'd never see you again, I thought I'd never get the chance. To tell you what I've been hiding for what seems like forever. I love you so much it's getting hard to keep anything in. Even my tears. I've always felt deeply about you, I just thought you didn't feel the same about me. That ball, I thought it was all a hoax. I thought you were fished into it as I thought I was. It was so long ago…but I never forgot you, Ash. I never forgot my love for you." I couldn't continue.
My chest was swollen with those heavy pearls of relief, happiness, and sadness. Why didn't he say anything? I just spilt my heart out and did what I have been waiting two years to do. And he stands there, with a mild smile, which I couldn't place in joy, disgust, or possibly nervousness. I then remember my thoughts. He must be King, ruler of his kingdom. I came up to him like a peasant and fell into his royal arms. Such a thing should bring abhorrence to anyone as high as a courtier. He is King, and I can no longer be his queen. I fall to my knees before him once more. A stick injects itself into my upper left calf but I ignore it, for I can not scream out in pain in front of such a noble. I lean forward and bow the rest of my body so my nose is almost being rubbed in the dirt. I will make myself low, as I should be and will be. Why did I even bother? Him seeing me alive won't make any difference. I'll just beg him to give my regards to my father, so he won't worry anymore. I feel a finger under my chin and my head is lifted up. I am face to face with Ash again. He has knelt down—fallen on his knees; just like me. Why did he do this? He shouldn't waste his time! He smiles again and my mouth hangs open. His face. It had the same, handsome and glorious look on it as it did the night of the ball. Right before he told his mother to announce the engagement. He looks at me, with such love, but again I must ask myself why. My lips curve into their own smile, I could not help myself.
I finally get the nerve to ask what I have wanted to for a long time. "Why?"
"To what question shall I answer?" Ash replies.
"Everything." I sigh. My lungs were deflated, I couldn't get enough air to sound serious.
"Like…" He plays.
"Why you still think of me. Why you didn't kill me. Why you left when I tried to stop you. Why you are kneeling before me when I should be the only one in dirt. And why you are smiling at me with such a handsome face I can't help but love." I list off.
"I will answer those for you." Ash reports and sits back to count off my questions with his fingers. "Answer to question number one: I think of you no matter where I go for you are still in my heart. Answers to question number two: I didn't kill you because who could harm such a beautiful face, and such a beautiful soul. Answers to question number three: I didn't want to leave. I wanted to find you and retrieve you back into my arms, but I had no choice. Answers to question number four: I am kneeling before you because you are kneeling before me without reason. Or at least one that I can't think of. Plus, you shouldn't even think of yourself as low as dirt. Answer to question number five, and final: I smile because I'm happy, and I can't help but love…you."
I start to cry again, this time tears of joy. "I am as low as dirt! I am a simple peasant now, you are King…"
"Who said I was a King? Who gave you that idea?" Ash smiles.
"Two years gave you an awful long time to find a bride. I am sure you found a decent girl." I reply with my hands now in my lap.
"I never searched for a bride for I already had one. I am already married." Ash says and my heart droops. But Ash sees my expression and laughs.
I get the hint. "You don't possibly mean me, do you?"
"Who else would I speak of? And I considered everyday I was gone from you, as a day of marriage. You as my wife." Ash rests his hand on my cheek once more. "I thought of you as alive. I thought of you constantly shining in radiance and truth. That is why I have returned. To find my rightful bride, and princess."
I had that lump in my throat. One you could not swallow. I wanted so much to answer him. My rightful man, and prince. I wanted to continue, but Ash already had. But he didn't move on with words, he moved on with a kiss. My first, and most perfect. I wouldn't choose to be anywhere else in the world but here and now. Even if I had to remain a doe for the rest of my life, at least I experienced this. I wanted the world to freeze. For time to stop, so our lips would be joined forever. I felt such passion boiling up inside of me; such energy. But to my misfortune, and to my dislike, we pulled apart.
"Please…tell me." Ash was the first to speak. "How did you get here?"
"I am cursed." Are the first words from my lips. "The night I fled I ran into Lord Altrogge, who brought me to his castle. There, my life was changed. I now must enter the lake at sunrise, to become a doe. At first moonshine, I must enter the water again to become woman. Three days after I ran away, I overheard you talking to your mother on a path not far from here. I heard you were leaving. I could hardly bear it. I tried to stop you. I cried out. You turned to see me, but only to turn back around and leave me behind. Since then, this is how I lived. Two years in a half life."
Ash soaked in every word. "I never believed the stories. Of you being dead. I always thought the blood and clothes on your horse as a trick. This Lord, will never fool me. He will never take you away from me. You'll come back with me tonight. You will be free."
I cry inside. "I can't."
"Why can't you?"
"Because," I explain. "If I don't enter the water at those times, I will die."
"You'll…die?" Ash chokes. His face went ghostly white. I only nod.
It fell quiet, a silence where even the wind was hushed. We sit there in the dirt, kneeling before each other. I want him to kiss me again. I want a lot of things. Things that I probably can't get. I hate this silence. More than angry words. A silence that passes time as if it were water to a dehydrated man. Gone in one gulp and quicker then you hoped. As quick as a candle to blow out in a mighty wind storm. To my surprise, Juniper shows up. She hops into my lap. I gently rub her ears and stare at the sky before glancing over at the lake.
"Is there anyway to destroy this spell?" Ash asks.
"I don't know. You'd think I'd know a way to since I've been like this for so long. You'd think I'd find a way. But I haven't. Only Lord Altrogge knows." I reply as I stroke Juniper's soft, gray fur.
"What are you starring at?" Ash was a little embarrassed about asking that, you could tell.
"The sky." I say. "You can see it slowly turning purple beyond the trees. That will soon be followed by pink, then red, orange, and finally yellow until the sun comes up. Day is upon us. And I must enter the lake."
Ash gets up and helps me to my feet. I let Juniper jump out of my arms and into the forest once more to wait for me. Ash takes my hands in his. "Can I say goodbye without having to leave?"
"Yes," I nod. "Come back tomorrow night—if you can."
"Nothing will keep me away." He kisses me one last time before turning to go back into the woods. He had forgotten about Bradley. It makes me happy knowing that he'd drop everything to be with me, even his best friend.
He walks backwards, and I stand there staring back at him. I feel the sun on my back, so I walk into the lake. I could tell he was still standing there. I can feel his eyes. My head goes under and I must struggle to get my footing again. Walking out of the water, I see my prediction was correct. He still stood on the border line of the forest. I smile, but I didn't know if he could tell. I let out a small cry; 'bye'. That is when he finally turned to leave. I watch until the trees conceal him completely. Juniper lands by my side once more and watches him leave with me. I lay down to dry in the morning sun and sigh. We had done the devil's doing, and looked away.
"You seem sad, Misty." Juniper observes.
"I'm not sad, Juniper. Not at all. For I know he still loves me. All my knowledge makes me smile. Knowing his love, and knowing he will return soon. I am not sad, Juniper. My heart is singing." I reply.
Gustav comes out of the lake from his sleep and nudges me, trying to give a hint "Not interested in men, huh, Princess?"
I blush. "Oh, shut up, Gustav."
"I believe, this will be the first time Pippin's hypotheses will be correct." Gustav smiles.
I laugh a little bit. "Just don't tell Pip."
"Come on, Misty." Juniper said anxiously. "Let's go find some food. I know where some fresh autumn rose blossoms are. Com on, I know they are your favorite."
"Oh, alright." I give in and stand up to follow my rabbit friend into the woods.
I felt so free this morning. My lungs were content with every breath. I noticed things I never did before in Mother Nature's loving display. When the early sun peeked through the tree branches setting the dust in the spot light. It was so beautiful. Warm and wonderful. My heart was open and exposed to every noise, for it was now complete. The hole that penetrated it for so long has now been filled. It beats with a new tone of satisfaction and wealth. It's amazing what love can do to a person. The world is amazing. Ash is amazing. My life is amazing. I cherish them all. The sky is so blue, pale and pretty. Filled with whispering cirrus clouds. I should expect light rain today. I'll welcome the water, so fresh. Nothing will upset my day. For what is to come will keep me filled with endless joy and jubilation.
"Shh…" He coos. "Please, Misty, calm down. It's going to be alright. I promise you." I finger my necklace to remind me of my promise—that I will remain strong.
I swallow hard and try to breathe normally. "Oh…Ash…I…I feel so guilty, so wrong. I thought I'd never see you again, I thought I'd never get the chance. To tell you what I've been hiding for what seems like forever. I love you so much it's getting hard to keep anything in. Even my tears. I've always felt deeply about you, I just thought you didn't feel the same about me. That ball, I thought it was all a hoax. I thought you were fished into it as I thought I was. It was so long ago…but I never forgot you, Ash. I never forgot my love for you." I couldn't continue.
My chest was swollen with those heavy pearls of relief, happiness, and sadness. Why didn't he say anything? I just spilt my heart out and did what I have been waiting two years to do. And he stands there, with a mild smile, which I couldn't place in joy, disgust, or possibly nervousness. I then remember my thoughts. He must be King, ruler of his kingdom. I came up to him like a peasant and fell into his royal arms. Such a thing should bring abhorrence to anyone as high as a courtier. He is King, and I can no longer be his queen. I fall to my knees before him once more. A stick injects itself into my upper left calf but I ignore it, for I can not scream out in pain in front of such a noble. I lean forward and bow the rest of my body so my nose is almost being rubbed in the dirt. I will make myself low, as I should be and will be. Why did I even bother? Him seeing me alive won't make any difference. I'll just beg him to give my regards to my father, so he won't worry anymore. I feel a finger under my chin and my head is lifted up. I am face to face with Ash again. He has knelt down—fallen on his knees; just like me. Why did he do this? He shouldn't waste his time! He smiles again and my mouth hangs open. His face. It had the same, handsome and glorious look on it as it did the night of the ball. Right before he told his mother to announce the engagement. He looks at me, with such love, but again I must ask myself why. My lips curve into their own smile, I could not help myself.
I finally get the nerve to ask what I have wanted to for a long time. "Why?"
"To what question shall I answer?" Ash replies.
"Everything." I sigh. My lungs were deflated, I couldn't get enough air to sound serious.
"Like…" He plays.
"Why you still think of me. Why you didn't kill me. Why you left when I tried to stop you. Why you are kneeling before me when I should be the only one in dirt. And why you are smiling at me with such a handsome face I can't help but love." I list off.
"I will answer those for you." Ash reports and sits back to count off my questions with his fingers. "Answer to question number one: I think of you no matter where I go for you are still in my heart. Answers to question number two: I didn't kill you because who could harm such a beautiful face, and such a beautiful soul. Answers to question number three: I didn't want to leave. I wanted to find you and retrieve you back into my arms, but I had no choice. Answers to question number four: I am kneeling before you because you are kneeling before me without reason. Or at least one that I can't think of. Plus, you shouldn't even think of yourself as low as dirt. Answer to question number five, and final: I smile because I'm happy, and I can't help but love…you."
I start to cry again, this time tears of joy. "I am as low as dirt! I am a simple peasant now, you are King…"
"Who said I was a King? Who gave you that idea?" Ash smiles.
"Two years gave you an awful long time to find a bride. I am sure you found a decent girl." I reply with my hands now in my lap.
"I never searched for a bride for I already had one. I am already married." Ash says and my heart droops. But Ash sees my expression and laughs.
I get the hint. "You don't possibly mean me, do you?"
"Who else would I speak of? And I considered everyday I was gone from you, as a day of marriage. You as my wife." Ash rests his hand on my cheek once more. "I thought of you as alive. I thought of you constantly shining in radiance and truth. That is why I have returned. To find my rightful bride, and princess."
I had that lump in my throat. One you could not swallow. I wanted so much to answer him. My rightful man, and prince. I wanted to continue, but Ash already had. But he didn't move on with words, he moved on with a kiss. My first, and most perfect. I wouldn't choose to be anywhere else in the world but here and now. Even if I had to remain a doe for the rest of my life, at least I experienced this. I wanted the world to freeze. For time to stop, so our lips would be joined forever. I felt such passion boiling up inside of me; such energy. But to my misfortune, and to my dislike, we pulled apart.
"Please…tell me." Ash was the first to speak. "How did you get here?"
"I am cursed." Are the first words from my lips. "The night I fled I ran into Lord Altrogge, who brought me to his castle. There, my life was changed. I now must enter the lake at sunrise, to become a doe. At first moonshine, I must enter the water again to become woman. Three days after I ran away, I overheard you talking to your mother on a path not far from here. I heard you were leaving. I could hardly bear it. I tried to stop you. I cried out. You turned to see me, but only to turn back around and leave me behind. Since then, this is how I lived. Two years in a half life."
Ash soaked in every word. "I never believed the stories. Of you being dead. I always thought the blood and clothes on your horse as a trick. This Lord, will never fool me. He will never take you away from me. You'll come back with me tonight. You will be free."
I cry inside. "I can't."
"Why can't you?"
"Because," I explain. "If I don't enter the water at those times, I will die."
"You'll…die?" Ash chokes. His face went ghostly white. I only nod.
It fell quiet, a silence where even the wind was hushed. We sit there in the dirt, kneeling before each other. I want him to kiss me again. I want a lot of things. Things that I probably can't get. I hate this silence. More than angry words. A silence that passes time as if it were water to a dehydrated man. Gone in one gulp and quicker then you hoped. As quick as a candle to blow out in a mighty wind storm. To my surprise, Juniper shows up. She hops into my lap. I gently rub her ears and stare at the sky before glancing over at the lake.
"Is there anyway to destroy this spell?" Ash asks.
"I don't know. You'd think I'd know a way to since I've been like this for so long. You'd think I'd find a way. But I haven't. Only Lord Altrogge knows." I reply as I stroke Juniper's soft, gray fur.
"What are you starring at?" Ash was a little embarrassed about asking that, you could tell.
"The sky." I say. "You can see it slowly turning purple beyond the trees. That will soon be followed by pink, then red, orange, and finally yellow until the sun comes up. Day is upon us. And I must enter the lake."
Ash gets up and helps me to my feet. I let Juniper jump out of my arms and into the forest once more to wait for me. Ash takes my hands in his. "Can I say goodbye without having to leave?"
"Yes," I nod. "Come back tomorrow night—if you can."
"Nothing will keep me away." He kisses me one last time before turning to go back into the woods. He had forgotten about Bradley. It makes me happy knowing that he'd drop everything to be with me, even his best friend.
He walks backwards, and I stand there staring back at him. I feel the sun on my back, so I walk into the lake. I could tell he was still standing there. I can feel his eyes. My head goes under and I must struggle to get my footing again. Walking out of the water, I see my prediction was correct. He still stood on the border line of the forest. I smile, but I didn't know if he could tell. I let out a small cry; 'bye'. That is when he finally turned to leave. I watch until the trees conceal him completely. Juniper lands by my side once more and watches him leave with me. I lay down to dry in the morning sun and sigh. We had done the devil's doing, and looked away.
"You seem sad, Misty." Juniper observes.
"I'm not sad, Juniper. Not at all. For I know he still loves me. All my knowledge makes me smile. Knowing his love, and knowing he will return soon. I am not sad, Juniper. My heart is singing." I reply.
Gustav comes out of the lake from his sleep and nudges me, trying to give a hint "Not interested in men, huh, Princess?"
I blush. "Oh, shut up, Gustav."
"I believe, this will be the first time Pippin's hypotheses will be correct." Gustav smiles.
I laugh a little bit. "Just don't tell Pip."
"Come on, Misty." Juniper said anxiously. "Let's go find some food. I know where some fresh autumn rose blossoms are. Com on, I know they are your favorite."
"Oh, alright." I give in and stand up to follow my rabbit friend into the woods.
I felt so free this morning. My lungs were content with every breath. I noticed things I never did before in Mother Nature's loving display. When the early sun peeked through the tree branches setting the dust in the spot light. It was so beautiful. Warm and wonderful. My heart was open and exposed to every noise, for it was now complete. The hole that penetrated it for so long has now been filled. It beats with a new tone of satisfaction and wealth. It's amazing what love can do to a person. The world is amazing. Ash is amazing. My life is amazing. I cherish them all. The sky is so blue, pale and pretty. Filled with whispering cirrus clouds. I should expect light rain today. I'll welcome the water, so fresh. Nothing will upset my day. For what is to come will keep me filled with endless joy and jubilation.
