Between A Rose And Its Thorns (ON HOLD)

The Beginning

Isabelle's point of view

"I have to go to work, you know the routine." Lucinda says, grabbing her cloak as she moves for the door. I nod as I place the plates away. "Oh, and don't forget, Betsy is still outside in the pen. Make sure you put her back in the barn. I should be back before sunrise, I love you."

"Love you too," I call after her as she shuts the door behind her. I sigh and smile. Finally, the whole house to my self! I place the plates into the cupboard, my eyes widen as I watch the plates begin to rattle. "What the..." I gasp, the house shaking as the winds rocks against it. One of the windows slams open, letting the wind crash inside. I run to the window and close it, locking in the lock. I wrap my shoulders around myself, suddenly cold. I look to the fireplace, walking toward it I grab a piece of wood and throw it into the small flame. Smiling as it grows and warms our cottage. I sigh and drop into my chair, placing my arms on the tiny table. "What to do, now...?" I ask myself, bored.

I stand and walk to our room, my eyes meeting the book on my bed. I smile and cross the room, carefully picking up the book.

'Maiden in a Tower.' I smile down at the cover and open the worn out book. I've read this story so many times yet I never get tired of it. The protagonist reminded me of Lucinda and I. Of how we were trapped in our small village, just as Rapunzel was trapped in her tower. I smile and begin to read, unconsciously twirling the stray hair in my face.

Sitting peacefully in my little salvation.

Although, compared to living in a tower, my life wasn't too bad. I had civilization, I have my sister, and I have my books! What more could I ask for? I bite my lip. Adventure, and escape from this place. Anything to leave this boring town. Everyday was always the same thing, the same schedule, the same people, the same dull, provincial town.

A roar of thunder has me jumping with a scream. My head snaps to the window as strong wind blows through inside the open window.

Didn't I lock that?!

I hastily place my book down and stand, rushing to close the window. I give it a few tugs before it slams shut. I look through the window, my eyes widening as a flash of lightning strikes the sky. The light revealing our beloved cow running out into the woods.

I forgot to put Betsy back in the barn!

"Betsy!" I yell and run out of the room, I grab my cloak and dash outside. My slippers ruined as I run through the mud, water pouring down onto my cold form. I run to the entrance of the woods but stop. I shiver, the talks tree looming over me. They look so much more different at night.

My knees shake and I take a step back.

"Moo!" I hear the cow cry out from inside the haunting trees.

"Betsy!" I yell and sprint into the trees. Another flash of lightning followed by loud thunder. I gulp in fear, running into the unknown.

~~~
Lucinda's point of view

I pull my cloak tighter around me as I exit into the cold air. I look up and groan at the sight of thunder clouds. I will not be looking forward to walking in a storm again. I bite my lip, trying to decide whether or not I should run for it. I yelp at the sound of thunder.

Storm or not, I am not going to die by being stroked by lightning!

I tighten my grip on my cloak and run for it. Panic filling me as I felt the rain beginning to pour, hitting against me and the world around me. I groan in frustration, mud sticking into my boots. I run faster, a smile slipping onto my lips once I get within ten feet of the tavern. I slow down my pace, taking in deep breaths as I walk toward the Rosemary's Cavern. As I walk to the tavern I can't help but feel eyes on me. I stop and look around me, not a person in sight. I squint into the darkness of the storm, I swear I could almost see something.