Mirror Mirror [ONC 2021 Version]

SIXTEEN

When the two maidens exited the tents the next morning, an odd silence fell about the camp. The men all turned. Whispers flew.

"... she came back from the dead..."

"... how?"

"Heard the princess had something to do with it..."

"How could the princess save the dead?"

"She has powers now, doesn't she?"

"... heard the other one does too..."

Millie ignored the gossip, pulling her robe tighter about her. She'd pinned it using the brooch she'd woken up with last night in her hand. The brooch had always stayed on the hood, so she did not know how it had ended up in her grip when she woke.

"Granny used to love daisies."

"I'm so sorry about your granny, Millie." Ruby-Rose stood behind her, worried.

"I'm not sad, Ruby-Rose. She's with me. I wish I could give her some daisies one last time, is all."

Poor Millie, thought Ruby. So distraught all she could focus on was the daisies. "Perhaps, we can send a soldier out of the dead lands to get some?"

"Don't be silly, Ruby-Rose. That shall take them days." Millie turned then with a flighty chuckled. "I have a better idea."

Ruby gawked at her friend then. "You do?"

Millie gave the princess a wink and crouched down in the dry, red dirt. "Watch."

She placed her palm on the soil and closed her eyes. Between her lips, the word 'grow' lingered silently.

About her palm, a miracle began. Green grass blades pushed up from the ground rapidly. Life spread out from her hand, and soon beneath their feet, what had once been a lush meadow bloomed back to life. Life replaced death. Green replaced red. Trees that were merely husks returned, sprouting leaves and fruits. Bushes grew back bearing flowers and berries. Somewhere beyond the treeline, a gurgling stream sounded, and soon chirps of young birds filled the air.

Gasps echoed about the camp as menfolk and Ruby stood still. Awed as what had once been a dead forest turned to green, and as alive as it had ever been.

Daisies pushed up around Millie's hand, and she smiled. "There. That should do it. The Red Forest shall be as good as new."

Millie plucked a handful of daisies and stood, handing one to Ruby.

"How? How did you do this?" Ruby breathed as she grabbed the proffered flower.

A smile played on Millie's lips. "My essence is bound to these lands now, as they are bound to me."

"What is going on out here? Has everybody died?" Sir Bashful stepped out of his council tent, curious why the camp was silent, and his eyes grew wide in astonishment.