Well, you wanted to be a writer...

She will help save the world...

So I have decided that I want to continue sharing some of Etta's stories.  Maybe one day she will fit a whole book, but for now, let's make this a three-part Etta Sandwich.

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The World had changed that fateful day.  Ever since Etta had entered the woods and returned the whole town rejoiced.  She was their savior, much like prophecy foretold.  They did not know what exactly that terrible future was but they would be saved from it!  The town council had since taken over child duties.  Etta was watched over by five adults now, constantly making sure she was happy, safe, and above all else, in control of her new abilities.

What Etta had learned was that she had indeed received the gift of magic.  She could feel it coursing through her like hot unused potential energy.  What she had not wished for, and what the fairy had not given her, was magical know-how.  Instead, Etta, who now had what felt like enough magic to power a city for eons, had to learn how to harness the ability.  It was not easy.  Magic would spill out of her at random moments causing random effects.  Over time she did learn to cast spells, but if she wasn't careful, too much magic would leak out causing chaos to ensue.  As such the council would often leave the child alone in a field to practice, making sure to keep close enough to watch, but far away enough to not become flambeed by a rogue fireball.

It was several years later and the child was now around 9 when the world changed again, though this time it was a much more subtle slide.  It had started on a cold wintery day.  The young child had been practicing in the field when something shifted in the wind.  Though it was impossible to explain Etta felt compelled to approach.  It was something inside her, a gut reaction.  Part of her gift of magic.  She could now sense when destiny was playing the violin strings of fate.  She walked into the town stopping a bit away from Elspeth's house and stood in the shadows waiting for something to occur though not knowing what or why.

The young girl did not have to wait long.  She watched hidden as a cloaked figure started rummaging inside Elspeth's house.  She knew it was not Elspeth.  The figure was too tall, thin and lean.  The figure seemed to stumble around for a bit as if looking for something but not sure what.  Etta watched as suddenly the town council started running towards Elspeth's door.  Barely pausing to open the door they ran in.  The cloaked figure heard the commotion in the other room and came to a decision, though it was truly a horrible one.  They clambered out of the window, before falling into the sharp rose bush underneath.  Thorns scratched and tore at the clothing and the figure seemed to struggle weakly.  They looked over and spotted the child hidden away.  The figure raised a hand and gave one last wave, before passing out.

Etta approached the figure hesitantly.  She did not at first know why it almost seemed like she had no choice.  But she soon realized why.  For as she approached the figure she noticed a mask.  It was the mask.  The mask from her dream in the woods.  She needed this person.  It was as fate foretold.  Etta did not put this into words.  She felt no need.  She would know this person, figure out their importance.

By now the town council had made it to the rose bush outside.  They quickly grasped the prone figure and dragged it away to the cells underneath the main building.  One of the council members, Orion, spotted Etta and made his way to her.

"Good job on capturing the fugitive, Ms. Zanetta.  We will see to it that they don't bother anyone again."

"Fugitive?" she asked unfamiliar with the word.

"Oh right... uhh, the best term would be Bad-Guy."

"Then they aren't a fugitive.  They are good.  She is good."

"They stole quite a bit.  And she?  How do you know it's a... never mind."  At that, he made to turn away.  "Make sure to be at the main house for supper.  It's my turn to watch you and you know I eat precisely at 7:15."

"Orion!"  she called out, making him pause.

"Yes?"

"I found her.  This one is mine.  I need her."

"Okay.." He said trying to humor her.  "And what exactly do you need a thief for?"

"It is the prophecy.  She is needed for the prophecy."  She uttered the words not really knowing what she was saying but trying to make him understand her gut emotions.  It seemed to work.  At the word prophecy Orion seemed to pale to a ghostly white.

"Uhh, of, course Ms. Zanetta.  I'll do my best Zanetta.  We wouldn't want anything to uhh happen.  You know.  To us.  I'll *cough* I'll do my best."  With that, he practically rushed off to the main house to talk to the other council members.  Etta waited, she knew what would happen.  It happened whenever she mentioned the prophecy.   She would get what she wanted.

At 7:15 she arrived for dinner to find the council awaiting her.  She sat down at the head of the table, feet dangling not even reaching the floor, and began to talk.

"This is my person.  She is needed.  I want her.  She can help me with the prophecy.  The prophecy is somewhere out there" she gestured towards out of town.  "I need to be out there.  She can take me."

The council members seemed nervous, worried.  One of the council members spoke.

"But Zanetta.  This one?  A criminal?"  At this Orion spoke up.

"Elissa, I understand your hesitancy.  But maybe a criminal is just what we need."  Heads swiveled towards him in shock.  "Gods above we know that we can't keep the child here.  And a criminal can sometimes offer better protection.  If we keep an eye out of the pair, checking in every now and then, then surely it would be beneficial."  The member seemed to digest this concept slowly.  "... and it would get rid of her faster."  At that, the members seemed to come to an instant decision.

"Ok Zanetta.  If she agrees, then you can travel the world with her as your new guardian."

"Guardian?"

"Like a parent but not."

"Oh..."  she thought on this.  "Ok."

The next morning Etta and Orion made their way to the cell where the prisoner was being kept.  The masked figure looked at the child.

"You want me to watch... this?  But she is so... so... small!"

"Hi!" Etta waved happy to finally see her again.  Orion spoke up

"Yes... unless you would prefer to stay under here for a week until the king's guards arrive to bring you to a real prison."

"Ok. Ok.  We don't need to do that.  I'll watch the child.  What is your name, small child?"

"Zanetta."

"That is too long."

"I like being called Etta more."

"Then Etta it shall be.  I'm Zora.  And apparently, I am helping you on some sort of... prophecy?"

"Yeah.  You are going to help me save the world."

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Video By: Danica Dickison

SOrry the video is not quite related to this but it is d&d like my story with Etta is.