Off To Wonderland

Behind Green Doors

Her eyes took in the sight of grassy green hills that seemed to bob on for miles. Something tall was far off in the distance. She squinted trying to get a better look at it, but it was too far off to tell what it was. She was just about to take a step, in and then froze.

Are you sure you want to do this Amber? She asked herself, someone has to do it!

Do you remember what was behind the last door?

It wasn’t that bad…

Wasn’t that bad!! Those things nearly killed you! And now you’re throwing yourself into another door that could potentially hold the same danger?!

But it’s so pretty. And it smells nice. There are no scary woods, and no trees screaming.

You’re just a door whore aren’t you?

Am not!... ok I need to stop arguing with myself. Taking a deep breath, she braced herself for the worst, and took a step in. nothing happened. The wind softly blew; she heard birds in the distance. All seemed at peace. She began to walk through the low grass. It felt nice. The sun was warm on her face, and she felt extremely happy. This was the best choice, to help erase what happened tonight. She thought as she continued over the hills. She looked again to the tall far off thing; it now looked like some sort of building.

“Hello there.” Amber froze. She turned to see a young couple, and a child, no more than five, walking toward her. Her mind kicked into over drive. Run? Stay? Fight? As she was thinking of the best option the man spoke. “Hi there stranger, you must be new in the Land Of Clovis.” Amber nodded slowly.

“We are heading to the Emerald City, to see the dancers!” beamed the little girl. Emerald city? She thought to herself Like in the Wizard Of Oz?

“Would you like to join us?” the woman’s voice was soft and her smile seemed sincere.

“Yes. Thank you.” Amber replied back with a smile. All four continued to the far off tower, and Amber listened to the stories of the Land, and about the huge procession and party that was to be held at midnight. “What is the party for,” she ask curiously.

“it’s for the King. He is getting married.” Said the little girl whose name was Emma. “They the woman he is going to marry is the most beautiful to ever live in the kingdom.” She looked off into the distant with dreamy eyes. Amber smiled, watching her eyes shift into a dreamy place.

“So what brings you to the Land of Clovis?” Chalet asked, she was the mother off Emma. John, her husband, stood by her side with his arm wrapped around her waist. Amber could tell that they were deeply in love. They all had tanish skin, dark hair and dark eyes.

“Excitement, and Curiosity,” she said watching Emma pick up a red flower.

“Are you a traveler?” John’s husky voice asked. Amber smiled.

“Something like that…”

“For you,” Emma said holding up the red flower she had just pick. “It matches your hair,” she said with a large smile. Then she stopped smiling and looked curiously up at Amber. “Does it hurt?” Confusion shown on Amber’s face,

“Does what hurt?”

“Your hair. Does it hurt to have fire for hair?” Amber burst out laughing. She laughed so hard till tears were falling from her face. Both Chalet and John chuckled at their daughter.

“Sweetie, her hair is just a different color. It is still hair. Not fire.” Her mother giggled.

“Can I touch it?” Emma asked with wide eyes.

“Sure,” Amber bend down and Emma reached out to touch the frizzy hair. A smile danced on her face when she felt that it was just hair. The sun was slowly setting as they walked up to the gates of Emerald City. Both Amber and Emma gazed open mouth at the large green walls, made of pure jade, John and Chalet, smiled at their reactions. Both of them had been the Emerald City several times, however this was Emma’s first, and defiantly Ambers. They walked into the city, and watched as people bustled around, buying and selling goods of all kinds. The smell of fresh bread wafted through the air, and both Emma and Amber’s mouths salivated at the smell. Amber’s stomach grumbled and she realized that she hadn’t eaten since lunch.

“Well you both look hungry,” John said with a deep laugh, “come. Let’s go buy some food.” Amber paused a second.

“What’s the matter dear?” Chalet asked with concerned eyes.

“It’s just that… I don’t have any money on me right now and-“John laughed.

“Don’t worry. In the Land of Clovis hospitality is a cherished tradition.” He reassured her, “for the fact that you are a traveler and this is your first visit, everywhere you go you should be able to get free food. But that only lasts up to a month. So enjoy it while you can.” He gave her a wink and laughed again. This is the best place EVER! Amber thought.

They traveled to different venders and various shops along the road. Just like John had said, the food was indeed free. The people even offered her the best of their products, she even bout a dark green hood to cover her hair. She didn’t like being stared at by everyone. Chalet, had laughed at her explaining that, it was only natural since everyone in the kingdom had dark hair and eyes. She tried some many different things that by the time they had reach the middle of the city, all she wanted to do was lie down and sleep. But Emma grabbed her hand and said,

“Dance with me.” she saw people dancing in the street. Everyone was merry and happy. Music was playing by some street performers, with interments. The music was enchanting and soon Amber and Emma were twirling and laughing round and round. Even John asked Chalet to dance. By now the sun had set and dozens of paper lanterns lit up the street hanging by thin lines that zigzagged from window to window. Suddenly a loud trumpet blasted. And every one dropped to their knees. Amber still stood looking around. Chalet tugged on her jeans.

“Amber you must get down!” she urged in a whisper. Amber dropped to the ground like the others. Then she heard shouts.

“Make way! Make way for price Clovis, Soon to be King of the Emerald city and all the Land of Clovis! She looked up through her lashes and saw, a very tall and handsome man walking in a white uniform, and a green club was stitched just over his chest. Draping off his shoulder was a deep green cape that looked so smooth. Amber wanted so bad to reach out and touch it. Next to him walked a slender figure in a strikingly lovely wedding gown. Her face was totally covered by the white vile that was pinned to a small tiara that sat on the top of her head. Amber felt a tug of jealousy; even though she didn’t know the prince or his bride to be. She still wanted to have him for her, to hold him, and kiss his lips that looked so sweet. He turned and saw her looking at him. His brown eyes, speckled with gold flakes meet her sea green ones met. His eyes widened with surprise. Fearing she did something wrong she dropped her head down and broke the gaze.

She looked up through her lashes. He blinked as if waking from a dream, and then continued on side by side with the woman in white. She felt another tug but this time it was hurt. He had looked at her with such wonder and then acted like nothing happened. She stated to laugh at herself. As if the prince of my dreams would come and sweep me off my feet. She thought bitterly. Something jerked her arm excitedly; she looked down to see Emma tugging lightly on her sleeve.

“What is it,” she whispered.

“The dancers,” Emma whispered back.