Star

A Little Help From a Little Gnome

Astara was falling. Tumbling down a seemingly never ending hole.

You'd think after doing this three times in one day it might start to feel a least a tiny bit normal, Astara thought to herself.

A bright light flashed and Astara found herself laying on bright, healthy, grass. Flowers bloomed on the ground next to her and she heard a soft whinny from above. She got up to study her surroundings.

Everything around her was lush and green and absolutely breathtaking. Bright, delicious looking fruit hung off of trees and bushes. Brilliant beautiful unicorns were grazing in a pasture nearby and many other creatures were roaming around. Gnomes were tending to the fruit and gorgeous garden, some looked at her in surprise and panic.

She smiled, she was in Lilingale. It was officially her favorite place in Cornacapia, even more then Castle BlueBay, and that was saying something.

"Excuse me, Miss?" A tiny gnome asked her in a squeaky accented voice.

She bent down to the ground. "Yes?"

"Did you...fall from the sky?" The gnome looked dazed, like she couldn't believe the words coming out of her mouth.

"Why yes, yes I did. It's a REALLY long story that I'm sure you don't want to hear but—"

"I do." The gnome interrupted.

Astara laughed. "I don't think you do. Once you hear it, you'll probably be running away from me."

But instead of walking away, the small gnome smiled. "My dear I'm used to hearing unusual stories, I doubt anything can phase me. My names Greta."

She shook Greta's tiny mossy hand. "I'm Astara, Astara Knight."

"Nice to meet you Astara. Now it looks like you have quite the story to tell and it's a good thing that I'm a good listener." Greta winked.

"Well...here goes nothing."

And so she told Greta everything. From skateboarding to school that morning to knowing the answer to the strange message that got her back to Cornacapia.

But even after all that, the only thing Greta commented on was: "So you're without a home?"

Astara hesitated. "I—I guess I am." She hadn't really thought about that. Now that she was back in Cornacapia, where was she going to stay? If she went back to the castle Mr Daniels would surely send her back. Though she knew that she would have to face him at some point.

"Hmm that won't do at all. Maybe..." The gnome seemed to be talking to herself. Her gaze drifted away from Astara.

"Um maybe what?" Astara asked, reminding her that she was still there.

Greta continued to murmur to herself. "Probably won't work...but it's worth a shot...maybe they could be happy again."

"Who?" Astara asked once again.

Greta's emerald eyes darted back to her. "Wait here Miss Knight, I must do something." And with that she ran towards the small quaint house that was tucked behind the greenery.