The Woods , the Well, and the White Rose

Part three

"Humphrey was really nice," Jack said to his sister as they walked along a large dusty path. "I really hope we see him again." He looked over to see his sister, lost in thought. They continued to walk until they saw the white rabbit. He was a weird kind of rabbit, unlike any rabbit they had seen before. He wore a long waistcoat, wore strange glasses that sat on the very end of his nose, and was holding a large pocket watch. He looked up, saw the siblings and said, "You're late! You're late! Shame on you to disrespect your elders like that."

"We apologize, I didn't know that we had to be here at a certain time. Your coat, by the way, is absolutely marvelous." The method of flattery usually worked with her mother, Jill expected that this would get the white rabbit off their case. She believed it worked for the rabbit's face looked brighter and the scowl on his face turned to a smile.

"No matter," the white rabbit muttered, his voice suddenly dropped really soft to the point that the children couldn't hear. "You'll still get to the wizard on time." He then directed the unsuspecting children to what they believed would be the well.

"Are you certain we didn't take a wrong turn somewhere?" Jack was tired of walking, it had been hours and they still hadn't arrived at the well.

"Yes, I'm sure of it." Jill clenched her teeth to keep from shouting.

"Are you really sure?"

"Of course! White Rabbit said to turn left at the Bubbling Brook and go straight until we saw a wanted sign for Robin Hood, then we would arrive at our destination."

"Okay, then why have we arrived at a house in the middle of the woods?"Jill paused midstep. She looked up to see a building that, at first glance, appeared to be a lonely cottage. The closer Jill got to it the more she realized that it wasn't a cottage at all. Her vision began to shift and in front of her was a massive building. In the eyes of a child who had lived in a small village her whole life, it might as well have been a castle. The outer walls of the house were a dark gray stone with vines climbing up. The windows were tinted with various rainbow colors with beige drapes hanging from above. Surrounding the house was a courtyard surrounded by little statues of gnomes and pixies and jovial, smiling children. There were red roses, yellow roses, daffodils, daisies, carnations, chrysanthemums, peonies, poppies, and her favorite, the white rose. She decided to see who was inside, surely someone with such a wonderful lawn would be quite nice. Jack beat her to the front door.

"I get to knock first!" Jack called gleefully.

"No, I get to!"

"But I got here first"

"But I'm the oldest!" As the two children fought over who would knock on the door, it opened, and out stepped a beautiful maiden holding a key and egg. They froze, embarrassed by their actions. Jill stood up and brushed off her skirt. Jack dusted off his trousers and cleared his throat. He tried his best to fake a low voice and chivalrous tone before saying, "Pardon me madame, my sister and I have been travelling trying to get to the well and seem to have gotten lost although we followed the directions given to us. We apologize for bothering such a radiant woman such as yourself." Jill stifled a laugh. The woman decided to humor him.

"Kind sir, you have not inconvenienced me at all. In what way can I be of service to such noble heroes and travelers? Perhaps a warm meal and directions for your journey?"

"That would be wonderful, thank you." Jill was absolutely famished and could use some food and rest. Although it was quite curious as to why they had arrived at such a house when there was no way that they could have messed up their directions. She cast the thought aside and went to join Jack in the magnificent house with the nice woman.

While they were eating a decadent meal with fish and duck, gravy and potatoes and dessert, the maiden asked,"Would it be inappropriate to ask your names?"

"Not at all, I'm Jill and this is my brother Jack. What about you? After all we are in your home, why are you all alone?"

"My name is Evangeline and I am in a dilemma. You see, an old beggar came to my home where I lived with my two sisters, he simply tapped my arm and I was magically sent into his basket."

Jack interrupted her story by asking, "Wait, hold on, how did you get magically sent into a basket?"

Evangaline's voice got higher and she started speaking faster. "Well, it turns out that he is Bluebeard, the wealthy mage of King Red. He brought me here to be his wife, as he did to my eldest sister, before she was never seen again. Now he has left, for King Red has summoned him to court and I can go to every room in the house except one. I'm so terribly curious and worried but I really shouldn't disobey him, for I'm sure he is a dangerous wizard. Why else would my sister have disappeared?"

Both children looked at her with shocked faces. How had such a terrible thing happened to such a kind maiden?. Evangaline was close to tears at this point. They wanted to comfort her but were unsure how to go about it. Luckily, they didn't have to do anything because she wiped away her tears, stood up and said, "What am I doing? You kids are here for food and help while I'm here complaining about marrying a rich wizard. Let me go get something for you."

Evangaline came down several minutes later with a small pouch and handed it to Jack. "To you, the most noble of knights, I give this pouch. Use it in your greatest hour of need. And do not forget what I told you about being careful as you pass through the trail of despair. I wish you well on your journey."

"Thank you. I wish you well with the wizard. We will never forget your kindness and generosity!"And with that, the two siblings walked out the door, leaving the magical house behind. As Jack skipped gleefully down the path, caramel strands of hair flying in unruly waves around his face, Jill couldn't shake her suspicions. Why had they arrived at the house of a powerful wizard? Surely he was dangerous. The White Rabbit seemed awfully rude to them. Sir Humphrey was kind to them, but sent them to the White Rabbit. Were they in danger? Who should they trust? The longer she thought about it, the more worried she got. This had turned out to be quite the adventure, more so than she had anticipated. At least they got food, but who knows how long they would be journeying. What if they never made it to the well? She'd never see mother and Evie again. What about Jack? She couldn't let anything happen to Jack, he was much too sweet and innocent. She'd rather die than watch him get hurt.

She would have replayed every worst case scenario in her head if it weren't for the squish she felt as her boot landed in a pile of mud. "Ugh, can this get any worse?"

"Umm Jilly, I'm scared." There was a quiver to Jack's voice. Her thoughts began swirling. The sun had started to set and it had been hours since they left Evangaline's house. Her stomach rumbled. The clouds darkened and collected overhead.

"Jack!" Jill shouted at him. "Jack! Be careful! Remember what Humphrey said! Think happy thoughts. Please Jack!" What started as a warning turned to pleading as Jack curled up into a ball and rain started pouring. She continued, "Remember, you're stronger than this! You're my knight in shining armor! I'm here for you!" Her voice was drowned out by the pounding of rain up above. She heard thunder. Lightning. She felt warm tears streaming down her face in contrast to the frigid rain. She grabbed on to Jack, held him like her lifeline. Humphrey wasn't going to come save them this time. What was it that Evangaline had said? She said to be careful on something. What was it? She racked her brain for answers, getting desperate. The rain was still pouring. Jack was still trembling, no, shaking with tears. And Jill thought they would eventually drown in a river of despair.

So Evangaline is a cross of Thistles Bird and Bluebeard... I'm a sucker for Grimm stories.

I hope you're all having a wonderful day!

-xena