The golden fire of the sky steadily ascended towards the cornflower horizon, bathing the onetime Enchanted Castle in its warm, invigorating radiance. Before long, all of the Forgotten Kingdom was stirring from its life-giving beams of light.
This domain had been disregarded for a decade because of the onetime Enchantress, Rosalind. She'd hexed the Prince for the sins of his parents. For they had stood by and done nothing as the les charmantes, one by one, were victimized by the 'ordinary' folks.
The les charmantes or individuals of a magical nature were casualties of unmerciful hate crimes. Then due to the sick twisted mind of Frederic D'Arque, a man who loathed himself so much for being born 'unnatural?'
That monster had been given the authority to round up the "abnormal.' Next, he'd brought them to a bogus mental institution where he set out to torture the magic out of them. The unspeakable horrors that had transpired, including those who had survived through it? They'd been the lucky ones as countless souls committed self-annihilation from being tortured.
However, the few who persevered had more then scars on their bodies. Their psyches had been scarred as well. It was liable to take years for them to recover fully. Assuming it was even conceivable for any of them to improve!
Rosalind had turned out to be Belle's long-lost mother. However, a decade of being relentless tortured left her far from the captivating all-powerful woman she had once been. As it was? Both her elegance moreover magic had been stripped from her by that bastard! Now she remained restricted to a wheelchair due to how frail her body had become.
Rosalind may've lost her looks, moreover, magic. Yet the one thing she and her beloved offspring shared in common? Their passion for books that she still possessed. While her daughter and the Beast King were questing to return home the charmantes, Rosalind spent most of her days outside in the palace's enchanting gardens, reading whatever she'd unearthed in the palace library.
Today she was enthralled in a fascinating one regarding botany. Unfortunately, she couldn't cultivate enchanted roses anymore. However, her love of horticulture hadn't faded either. "Hmm, Maurice?" she beckoned to her devoted husband. He looked up from his current contraption. The last month or so, he'd been venturing to construct a machine to aid the groundskeepers.
As expected, his first few attempts hadn't worked out. However, he remained strong-minded as ever to see the fruits of his labors come true. One thing she loved so much about him. "Yes, Rosalind? Do you need another blanket, or should I call Beatrice to bring you more tea?" as he stroked her delicate hand.
She managed a weak smile. "I'd like a fresh cup of tea, yes. However, that can wait for a little bit. I'm more interested in studying the blossoms Belle brought back last time she was home."
The lovable oddball chuckled with amusement. "Well, she and Adam did travel quite far away to bring our current refugees homeward. Traversing the jungles of Africa must have been quite entertaining for her."
"Yes, I'm confident it was. I do hope she arrives home again shortly. I'd love to talk to her more. I still regret missing her grow up moreover not helping her become a woman," she sighed heavily, closing her book.
A single teardrop fell from her brilliant green cat-like eye onto the book. It broke Maurice's heart so much to see Rosalind weep. Enough tears had been shed already. However, no doubt more were to come.
He took a deep breath before speaking softly, "Rosalind, what happened happened. You couldn't change it even if you hadn't lost your magic. We must simply let time and life take us where it goes," as he embraced her tightly.
"I know, I know!" before she started coughing from straining her voice. Her husband immediately helped her drink a glass of water. Finally, her aggravated throat was soothed.
"Sorry, I shouldn't have shouted. I hate being so helpless!" she sobbed pitifully. His heart shattered even more as she wept. How he wished he could eradicate from her memory the psychic trauma she'd undergone. If he could cast one enchantment himself? He'd utilize it to repair his wife's psyche.
Fortunately, she'd improved, given she wasn't skin and bones anymore. Moreover, the castle servants she'd freed had been going out of their way to help those brought back. "There, there, Rosalind. It's going to be okay. Someday we'll be able to put this nasty chapter of our lives behind us. I'm going to get you a fresh cup of tea, alright?"
Drying her tears, she nodded gratefully, "Thank you, Maurice. God, how I missed you so."
"I'll never leave you, that I promise you, Rosalind. I'll never leave you," kissing her forehead before heading out for tea.
Rosalind took a deep breath, striving to find a shred of inner strength. But, failing to see it, she could only further sob. Why had fate handed her such a cruel hand? Magic came back on magic. That was the nature of things since time began. Except why couldn't some form of magic release her from hell still raging in her mind? When would she truly be set free?
"Maman?" called a sweet voice behind her, causing her to turn to see her daughter's gorgeous features. "Belle! It's been far too long!" as her daughter's gracefully strolled over to her to hug her.
"I'm delighted to see you too, Maman. I've so many stories to tell you of where Adam and I went this time. However, I'd like to give you this gift first," as she held out a fantastic rose.
Glowing apricot in a neatly formed rosette emanating tea, lilac, and vanilla. She cradled it delicately as Belle smiled, "It's called a Juliet Rose. I hope its an acceptable birthday present, Maman. Seeing how its the first birthday gift I've given you."
This time her mother cried tears of happiness, "How did you know it was my birthday? I thought my forgetful spell still kept that from your mind!"
Chuckling, her daughter pushed back a lock of hair, "It wasn't hard to figure out. Before we started our adventures, I wanted to familiarize myself with everyone we'd bring back. Now that it has been thoroughly restored locating your birth record was easy enough. Now that the spell was broken. I hope you appreciate your gift, Maman."
"It's a wonderful gift from a gorgeous daughter. Now tell me, what's been going on with your newest escapades?" Smiling, both mother and daughter sat together for a long time talking.
Belle's Mother: Emmanuello Chriqui- Cheetara ThunderCats 2011
Pursue Your Own Best Life
Do work that you love, regardless of what others think. Live in a way that makes you proud. Keep good company.
Make space for creativity. Drink good coffee or tea while smiling on the inside. Learn from others. Love well, dream and repeat.