Red Within The Forest

Chapter One: Jealousy At Its Finest

Stories of old have many different aspects of a beginning and end, all having the same conclusion and lesson. But this story is one you most likely know very well. This is the story of a young girl who is known to wear a red hooded cloak. Such a vibrant color that it caught the eyes of the big bad wolf one day when the child was traveling through the woods. The wolf asked the child, "Where are you going all by yourself Dear?" he sneered with a twisted grin. The child, so naive and filled with curiosity, shared a lovely smile. 

Her rosy cheeks complemented the cloak hugging her body, "I'm on my way to visit my grandmother Mister Wolf! I'm going to give her these delicious baked goods that my mother baked me!" she replied. The wolf nods at the child, "Ah, I see. Well if you're going to continue on this path then I must advise you, child. There is a giant tree blocking it. I recommend you take the path on the left when you reach the fork in the road." he tells her.

 The child tilts her head, "But why the left? Isn't that where the monsters live Mister Wolf?" she questioned. The wolf shook his head, "Oh, no, no my dear sweet child. You should never judge one's appearance based on others' thoughts. That path will lead you to where your grandmother is much quicker and safer." he explains. The child hummed in thought, "Alright then Mister Wolf! I'll trust you!" said the little girl. She goes down the path and as she walks away, the wolf smiles. A grin of sadistic malic and rage meets his face as he travels in the opposite direction.

You all know what happens from then on, I presume? It's a classic tale of time and time again. No matter what changes come to this story, it always ends the same. But what if I were to tell you that this story is not like this one? Where the villain wins instead of the hero? Now that would be a lovely story, wouldn't you say? But let us change it up some more, make it more worth your while. Instead of a young girl who wears a red hood, what if it was a witch? And the big bad wolf is instead a young woman who was cursed? I've piqued your interest, yes? Good...

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Our story will take place in a village. Just like in any other village, you have men and women of all ages as children run around laughing. A young woman was strolling, holding a basket of many fresh spices and baked goods. Her vibrant auburn curls trailed past her shoulders as her golden hazel eyes glanced over some apples displayed in the market. As she was squeezing some apples, a figure walked up to her, "Um...excuse me, Asena?" they said. The young woman, Asena, turned her head. She giggled, "Oh, good morning Ethan! How can I help you?" she asked. The young man, Ethan shook his head, "Oh, uh...I..." he mumbled. Asena tilted her head at the boy. Ethan took in a deep breath, his freckled cheeks burned and he shot his arms out in front of her. There in his hands was a beautifully assorted bunch of forest flowers. From bluebells to hawthorn, sorrel, and some small white flowers peeking through. Asena lightly gasped, "Aw, these are beautiful! They would look lovely in mine and my father's home." she gushed.

Asena stared at the flowers, "How did you manage to get ahold of these flowers? I've only seen these in the kingdom's market every once in a spring." she wondered. Ethan nervously chuckled, "Ah, you see, I managed to find some out in the wild a little past the forest border. Luckily I did before some animal ate them up." he explained. Asena giggled, "These are so beautiful. I appreciate it, Ethan, you're too kind." she stated. Ethan's cheeks became more flushed, "I'm glad you like them." he mumbled. Asena looked at him, "I love them! You certainly have an eye for this kind of thing don't you?" she lightly teased. Ethan let out an airy laugh, "I shall take that as a compliment Asena." he told her. Asena brought the flowers closer to her chest, "Well thank you Ethan. Have a nice day." she told him. But before she could leave he stopped her. 

He smiled, "If I may be so bold Asena, I was wondering if you would like to possibly spend some time with one another around the village?" he asked. Asena's voice was caught in her throat. She chewed her bottom lip, "Um...I'll see if I'm not busy. I have a pretty packed schedule but let me discuss things with my father and see if I might be able to." she said. Ethan grinned some more, "Perfect! I'll wait for you then Miss Asena." he told her. Asena shared a small forced smile and she strolled away, Ethan watched her, his eyes never leaving her figure. Asena sniffed the flowers once more before she carefully placed them in her basket. They were very beautiful, she'll admit it. Asena arrived at her next destination, "Hello Mister and Misses Hughes. How are you this fine day?" she asked.