Waiting for Forever

In the spirit of Christmas, here's a short story.



You wanted time. I gave you eternity.

Erika sighed, shaking her head as she bent down and shoveled more snow from the courtyard. It was too much to hope for, that Daniel would finally forgive her. She hadn’t meant to lie, but after an eternity of keeping the truth from society, it had become routine to hide. Everywhere Erika looked, the world was covered in white. Despite being outside, it was silent, not a single bird chirped.

“Miss Darens, the master requires your presence.”

Shielding her eyes from the glare of the sun, Erika smiled. “Tell Grandfather that I’ll see him in a moment. Just let me finish the drive around the fountain.”

“Don’t tire yourself out, miss. It wouldn’t do for peers to see you.”

“I know, Paul. Don’t worry.”

As Erika piled more snow onto the grass, she shivered. It was time to go inside. Placing the shovel against a tree, Erika hurried into the house, quickly shedding her large coat and shawl. Inside, lights blazed and a fire burned merrily. She allowed herself to warm up a little before going up to Grandfather’s study.

“Grandfather?”

“Come in.”

Pushing open the oaken door, Erika stepped into the dim study. “I told you to light a lamp when you’re reading, Grandfather. It’s no good for your eyes.”

Shaking her head, Erika walked over to the antique desk across from the door and lit an oil lamp from the candle sitting on the windowsill. “Now isn’t that better?”

“Much.”

The door had muffled his voice but now that Erika stood in the same room, there was no mistaking it. “Daniel?”

He stood in front of the mantle, his blond hair tousled and unkempt. But his eyes were still as bright as Erika last remembered. A startling green, like emeralds.

“What are you doing here?”

“I…” Daniel ran his fingers through his hair in frustration. “I’m sorry. I was a complete fool for thinking that you lied to me on purpose. Sir Garet explained everything. I never should have doubted you.”

He looked at Erika and she melted.

She remembered the first time they had met. One of the silver bells had fallen from the horses’ harness, jingling merrily down the street. Daniel had picked it up, handing it to her with a smile. Since then, he had given her a new bell every winter.

Erika hadn’t expected one this year. “It was my fault too. I knew you would have understood, but I couldn’t face the consequences if I had been wrong. I didn’t want to lose you. I…”

Hearing jingling, Erika looked up to see a bell hanging from a young puppy. Attached to his collar was a note and small parcel. As she reached to undo the ties, the puppy bounded away, snapping the string. The glitter of gold caught her eye and she gasped.

“I love you, Erika. Will you marry me?”

All the stars in the sky couldn’t have given Erika a better Christmas gift.

Web of Starlight

Because I don't care anymore, because it takes too much effort to think about what could be. If only... two words that hold a world of meaning...

Web of Starlight

Give me a sign.

Kayla looked out her window and shook her head. It was useless to wish on stars, but for some reason, she still closed her eyes every night and hoped. Night after night, the moon came out, accompanied by the stars, and no matter where she was, Kayla picked the brightest star and recited the childhood rhyme she had learned.

Star light, star bright, first star I see tonight. I wish I may, I wish I might, have the wish I wish tonight.

So far, it hadn’t worked out. But she still couldn’t shake the feeling that something was going to happen. For the past week, she hadn’t been able to sleep, tossing and turning in bed for hours before finally drifting off near dawn. It was getting tiresome, the waiting and the doubts that maybe she was wrong about everything.

“Kayla, I have a letter for you. I was going to leave it until tomorrow, but I saw your light. Shouldn’t you be asleep?”

Turning around, Kayla smiled mischievously. “I should be asking you the same thing.” Amelia stuck her tongue out before handing Kayla an envelope.

“I don’t have to wake early for lessons tomorrow. Aren’t you going to meet Christian and work on your technique before the morning bell?” Amelia raised a brow when Kayla shrugged.

“Don’t worry about me. I’ll be up long before I have to. I’m not a slugabed like someone I know.” Laughing when Amelia made a face, Kayla wondered what she was doing up. It didn’t matter whether she had to finish her work or if she had nothing to do, but Kayla had been staying up regardless. A restless feeling kept her from falling asleep so she sat up instead of lying in bed. It always seemed more productive when her hands were moving.

“Well, don’t sleep too late. I’ll see you tomorrow morning. Good night, Kayla.”

As Amelia closed the door behind her, Kayla looked down at the letter in her hands. There was nothing written on the white paper except for her name and honorific.

Mademoiselle Kayla Yverns

Turning it around, she took her dagger from the sheath and slit the envelope open. She hadn’t been expecting a letter from any of her friends from abroad and Kayla didn’t recognize the handwriting on the envelope either. Slipping her fingers into the opening, Kayla pulled out a sheet of folded vellum. The letter was beginning to seem a bit strange, especially since none of her close friends or family ever bothered to address her formally in correspondence or in person.

When Kayla unfolded the sheet of vellum, her eyes widened in surprise. The paper was completely blank and devoid of writing. Instead, a single rose bud lay nestled in the folds of the page.

“Why?” Kayla shook her head, wondering if it was merely the lack of sleep that was affecting her senses. As a blush began to creep up her cheeks, she quickly slipped the flower and paper back into the envelope. It couldn’t possibly be from him. No matter how many questions he had asked, it had come to nothing. She was better off trying to catch some rest.

“I would have killed you before you had a chance to land that on me.” Christian danced back, slitting his eyes at Kayla before assuming a fighting stance once more.

“I know.” Letting out the breath she had been holding, Kayla switched feet to face Christian, staying on her toes. “But you know I’m better at footwork than defense.”

“That’s the reason why we’re here.” Stepping in quickly, Christian threw a punch at Kayla’s head. She barely had time to block before he struck again, this time aiming for her ribs. A quick step back to catch her balance allowed Kayla to kick Christian in the chest before he came back with a swift jab. For the next few moments, they were silent as they exchanged blows. The round finally ended when Kayla grabbed Christian’s arm and forced him to his knees.

“You know, you didn’t have to kick me that hard. I’m going to have a bruise the size of your fist.”

Kayla grinned sheepishly at Christian. “It was hardly my fault. How many times do I have to tell you to watch your right side? You’re always leaving it open. One day, you’re going to get hurt.”

“Right. Like you aren’t? You practically step into my punches, Kayla. You’re lucky I don’t hit hard.”

“I know.” Kayla sighed. Standing up, she stretched out her legs, wincing when they ached. They were going to be sore the next day.

“So, I want to ask you. Honestly, how do you feel about Jon now?” Christian stared expectantly at Kayla. “I won’t say anything. This stays between us.”

Sitting down on the mat and folding her legs beneath her, Kayla bit her lip before answering. “Let me ask you something. Have you ever seen me act the slightest bit infatuated?”

Kayla sighed when Christian stared at her in silence. “No. Never.” His eyes widened. “Then you like him. A lot.”

Glaring at Christian, Kayla nodded imperceptibly.

“Well, I’m not going to say anything now that you’ve told me.” Slinging his towel around his neck, Christian headed for the door.

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Not getting a reply, Kayla uncoiled from her position on the floor and jogged after Christian.

“Are you going to come with us tonight?”

Adjusting the strap of her bag over her shoulder, Kayla shrugged. “I don’t know. I guess, we’ll just have to see.” Heading for the door, Kayla shook her head when Haley and Mari smiled secretively.

“But you always say that,” Mari pouted.

“It’s hardly my fault. Blame it on the professors. If I can get through Halifax’s Symposium tonight, then I’ll see you there. If not, well, you know how it is.”

“Right. Are you sure it’s not just because of Jonathon?” Haley laughed when Kayla tried to keep the blush from her cheeks.

“It’s not funny. In any case, it’s not as if he owns me or anything. I’m allowed to have fun when I want. Unless I have work to finish.” Kayla rolled her eyes when Mari winked slyly at her.

“So you say. We’ll see you at the South Gate.” Hugging Kayla tightly, Mari ran off to her next lesson. She would be busy until the dinner bell in the stables. Haley shrugged her shoulders and gave Kayla an apologetic smile before heading towards her next lesson as well. Which left Kayla with her own thoughts. It always ended up that way during the afternoon hours.

Walking out into the sun, Kayla headed for the dormitories. If she used her time wisely, she would be done with everything before she had to head over to the infirmaries. It was her day to watch over the patients and make sure no one tried to leave before their assigned date. Kayla just hoped that it would tire her out enough that she would be able to sleep later that night. But considering how she was joining the others, it was unlikely she would get to bed before dawn.

“You look amazing.”

“Right. I think we all know who the sexier one tonight is.” Kayla grinned when Mari and Erin both hugged her at the same time. Dressed in a knee-length skirt and an old cropped tunic top, Kayla did feel better than she had in a long time. Tucking stray strands of hair behind her ear, Kayla linked arms with the other girls and started walking.

“Come on. It’s getting cold out here.”

As they walked into the city, lights slowly came on around them. Before long, all of the streets were brightly lit with multi-colored lanterns. Behind them, groups of similarly dressed students and other people laughed and talked. With the last days of summer slowly turning to autumn, each night was a chance to revel in the warmth of the night before it became too cold to venture out of the dormitories and study halls.

“Here, take these.” Erin pulled out three unadorned demi-masks which she looped over a finger. “If we get separated and you don’t want to leave alone, which I doubt will happen, then look for a crescent moon dangling from the left ribbon. I made sure we all had the same masks.”

Taking one of the masks from Erin, Kayla raised a brow. “I thought it was only for the midwinter festival that we had to hide.”

“Gavin thought it would be interesting to see what happens if we were masked. It’s bound to be fun either way.”

“I suppose.”

Tying the demi-mask around her head, Kayla looked through the holes with a different feeling. As the three friends continued to the inn where they were to meet up with the rest of their group, Kayla let all of her inhibitions go. She would enjoy herself this night, no matter what happened.

“Go on in. I’ll see you two inside. There’s something I have to do.”

“If you say so,” Erin said reluctantly, allowing herself to be pulled inside the inn by Mari.

Left by herself, Kayla tilted her head back to look up at the sky, leaning against the wall of the inn. Scanning the sky, she settled on a bright spot close to the moon.

“Star light, star bright…”

“…First star I see tonight, I wish I may, I wish I might, have the wish I wish tonight.”

Hearing another voice join her soft whisper, Kayla stopped and turned, letting the other person finish the children’s rhyme. Shadows cast from the windows of the inn concealed the other person’s face, more so than any mask could. But something told Kayla that she knew who was standing nearby. She wasn’t sure if she wanted her guess to be correct or not.

“Are you going to come inside, or stay out in the dark?” The figure chuckled when Kayla hesitated.

“No, of course not.” Feeling defensive at the laughter, Kayla shrugged past the figure and through the door, ignoring the outstretched hand he put in front of her.

Inside, warmth met Kayla’s chilled body and she smiled slightly. Music came from further in, barely heard over the cacophony of laughter and voices that mingled with the clinking of glasses as beer flowed freely. Swaying gently, she let the sound of the drums and lilting tune of one of the art students drift through her mind. In seconds, she forgot about the person from outside. It was easier to relax with all of the noise.

“I think I love you, but I don’t know how to tell you. You don’t know what it’s like. You don’t know how I cry. You don’t know how I feel at night. How I wish I could be with you and do those things only lovers do. I envision us together. Sharing every day. I guess it’s my fault I never know the words to say. I should show you that I’m interested but I’m scared that you will turn and walk away.”

Feeling arms wrap around her from behind, Kayla leaned into the embrace, not caring who stood behind her. She wouldn’t regret anymore. It took too much effort, all of the doubts, all of the worries.

“You know, you don’t have to walk me back. It’s perfectly safe.”

Kayla wrapped her arms around the guy who had stayed with her throughout the night. Unlike some of the other people who had taken off their masks, they had kept theirs on. Perhaps it was the need to stay unknown that prompted the guy to keep his face hidden. But for Kayla, she felt safer behind the demi-mask; as if she could forget about everything with the slip of cloth and become a different person altogether.

“It’s okay.”

Kayla breathed in, enjoying the slight cool breeze, wishing that the night would never end. The moon lit up the night, making the path visible even without the candles and lanterns from nearby dwellings. As they walked beneath the trees, Kayla shrank back, hearing the cawing of crows.

“Scared?” The guy’s voice was husky, as if he was trying to keep something back.

“No, just a little unnerved. I don’t like the crows.” Kayla glanced up at the branches above them and shuddered slightly. It was the one thing about autumn that she disliked the most. Not even the cold bothered her that much.

As they got nearer to the South Gate, Kayla sneaked looks from the corner of her eye at the guy. He hadn’t spoken since they left the inn, only tightening his hold on her waist every so often.

“I guess this is it. Thank you for walking me back.” Untying the ribbon that held the demi-mask in place, Kayla ran her fingers through her hair, tousling it slightly. With a faint smile, she turned to face the guy.

It only seemed appropriate, so Kayla wrapped her arms around him one last time, giving him a hug. What she didn’t expect was for him to lean in as she was about to let go and place his lips on top of hers. Closing her eyes, Kayla deepened the kiss, finally breaking away reluctantly.

“I –” Shaking her head, Kayla smiled sadly. No regrets. She wasn’t going to forget, but neither was she going to regret her actions. “Thank you,” she whispered softly before pulling away and running back up the path to the dormitories. She didn’t look back, but if she had, she would have seen the guy smile as he fingered the demi-mask hanging from his fingers.

“So are you going to sit there all night huddled underneath your blankets or come out with us?” Amelia questioned with an annoyed expression as Kayla grinned.

“I’ll find you later. I just need to get warm right now. You’re not the one who had to run through the rain.”

“You mean I wasn’t the one foolish enough to do that.” Shaking her head, Amelia hugged Kayla before walking out into the hallway and closing the door behind her.

In a sennight, it was going to be the Winter Solstice Festival. The shortest day and longest night of the year. Kayla hoped that it would turn out better than the last festival she attended. The Autumn Equinox. It wasn’t a night she was likely to forget, since she had met Jonathon on that night, only to realize nothing would ever come of it. But she still hoped for the longest period of time. All of the short conversations they shared only renewed her hope each time.

Shaking her head, Kayla admonished herself. “Stop thinking about him.”

Throwing off her blankets, she quickly pulled on a long skirt and tugged on her boots. Checking to make sure her dagger was in its sheath, Kayla draped her cloak over her shoulders and opened the door. Hearing the rasp of cloth against the floorboards, she looked down.

Kayla’s eyes widened in surprise when she saw the demi-mask, with a distinctive crescent moon pendant hanging from a ribbon, lying on the floor. After that night, she had wondered what happened to the mask, but didn’t think much of it. Now, she remembered all too distinctly what had happened. Bending down, Kayla picked up the mask, rubbing the piece of cloth between her fingers. The crinkle of paper made her turn it around and unfold the note hidden in the folds of the mask.

Midnight. The South Gate.

Hearing the tolling of the bell from the clock tower, Kayla realized she had just enough time to reach the South Gate before the appointed time. Biting her lip in apprehension, Kayla let out her breath and shook her head in admonition. She might as well take the risk. After all, she had nothing to lose.

Tugging the hood of her cloak lower over her face, Kayla shivered as the wind grew stronger. She should have worn trousers instead. But it was too late to go back now. Standing under an alcove formed by the branches of an elm tree and the weathered brick wall of the gate’s support, Kayla wondered for the hundredth time why she had decided to meet at the appointed time.

“You know, I wasn’t sure if you would come, even with the mask.”

Hearing the slightly surprised comment, Kayla turned around, biting her lip when she saw Jon standing at the base of the tree.

“To be fair, I don’t know why I’m here, either,” Kayla said in a low voice.

“I knew it was you even before you took off your mask. I knew the moment you stepped into the room, but I didn’t think you wanted to know who I was.”

Kayla smiled bitterly. “I didn’t.”

Stepping away from the tree, Jon came closer. Shaking his head, he sighed. “I wasn’t sure how you felt. I couldn’t take the risk.”

Pulling something from out of his pocket, Jon placed it in Kayla’s hand. “This is what I wanted to give you, regardless of your answer.”

With that, he turned and walked away, leaving Kayla to stand numbly as it began to drizzle again. When Jon was out of sight, Kayla untied the tiny leather pouch and overturned it on her palm. She could feel the tears threatening to spill down her cheeks as she stared at the silver ring in her hand.

With a heart clasped between two hands and capped with a crown, the claddagh ring symbolizes the intertwining of love and friendship, governed by the loyalty usually reserved for a king and nation. Keep your heart open, for one day it will belong to one who treasures it like the world.

Kayla couldn’t remember where the words came from, but she knew that if she didn’t take the risk this time, she would regret it forever. Slipping the ring onto her finger, she walked back to her room.

“Star light, star bright…”

“I thought you already got your wish.”

Looking over at Haley, Kayla smiled. “This one isn’t for me. It’s for you.”

Fortune Cookie Futures

A new round of midterms and now I'm even considering taking advice from a fortune cookie. It's telling me to "take that chance you've been considering." It only sounds easy, then again, everything is simple until it becomes complicated.

Voice of Bookworm

This is my very humble opinion/review of Jeri Smith-Ready's latest addition to to the Aspect of Crow Trilogy, Voice of Crow.

After greatly anticipating the sequel to Eyes of Crow, I hungrily devoured this amazing second novel. I was expecting a lull before the action started, but events came right after another and blended so well that there was no break until the very end. Luckily, I reread the first book recently, so I wasn't lost when previous events were referred to. I recommend reading Eyes of Crow first since I don't think this book can stand on its one that well.
After getting to know Filip, the Ilions became more human instead of the brute fighters the first book depicted. It was very interesting when the Descendants received powers of their own from the Guardian Spirits, making me think that there was indeed a Reawakening. Hopefully, we'll find out the truth about the past and how Rhia's people came to live so differently from the Ilions.
Also, it was a bit disconcerting when the point of views kept on changing compared to the first book where we only saw Rhia's view. Right when things began to get interesting, I had to go back to another character's story and attempt to remember what had happened. After getting used to that change, I held my breath with the rest of the characters when I waited to find out what happened to Marek and Nilik. I wanted Marek to take bloody vengeance on the Senator, and was disappointed when she cheated him of the kill by dying.
I would have liked to see more use of the Spirits' powers and the second stage of Rhia's powers. I'm interested in finding out more about Rhia's Crow brother and his story. After finishing the book, I'm left wondering about the Raven dreams and the possibility of Nilik's early death. What will happen? >_< I can't want until the next books is released! Overall, I enjoyed the continuation of the first book and look forward to the conclusion of this unique world.

May Crow ease your passage to the realm of eternal peace. =D

Reviewed by Tiffany

Follow the Electrons

If all else fails, just follow the electrons...... -_-;;

Well, midterm season is upon us and coffee is absolutely useless. Strangely enough, I've been craving vampires for some reason lately, not that I've gone back to them in a long, long time. Not since the first time I started to write. Must be because of Kim Harrison's For A Few Demons More, which I finally got to read after slaving away over finals just three weeks ago. Let me just say.... beautiful as usual but I don't think I could tell the difference between my tears and laughter after a while. =(

Bored and trying to stay sane while studying so this is my break.


Untitled

“Where do you think you’re going?”

Sighing in defeat, I turned around and faced my stepmother. She was always harping on me to do this and do that. The first year before we moved to California, she had tried to be nice. But now that my dad was working night shifts, she tried to control me as much as possible – not letting me go out with my friends and setting a curfew. It was getting to be that I couldn’t even go to an afterschool activity without telling her.

“I told you yesterday. Today is homecoming. I already said that I was going with Marcus.”

“But –” She had a stricken look on her face, as if my refusal to stay home was painful. What she didn’t know was that staying in the house at that moment would have hurt even more than leaving for school.

“Give me one good reason why I should stay. I’ve been planning this with my friends for weeks. You can’t just say no.” My voice rose as I spoke. Soon, I was on the verge of yelling.

“Fine. Just get back before midnight. Your dad will be worried.”

“Right, Steph.” I saw her wince at my use of her name. It had bothered her from the beginning when I wouldn’t call her mother. But I didn’t need her to replace anyone. Now that my dad was never home, I just did what I wanted. Stephanie Laurens. That was her name. She wore her hair up in a severe bun that added several years to her age. But when her dark brown hair hung down her back in wet tangles, she immediately became more approachable. Not that I was going to tell her. She had a figure I would have killed for. Even though I was at least two decades younger, my stepmother had a better body.

It was worse when she insisted that we have mother-daughter shopping days. Then the guys would all whistle at her. I finally made up enough excuses every time that she didn’t bother.


“You know she doesn’t mean what she says.”

“Didn’t hear the tone of her voice? She hates me. She thinks I’m trying to take over her mother’s place in the house. She thinks that I torture her on purpose.”

Shaking my head, I closed the door behind my stepdaughter’s retreating back. It was enough to drive a person to distraction the way she ignored all my efforts to get to know her.

“It’s only been two years. You can’t expect Elle to forget about her mother’s death so easily.”

“I know that, Derek. But it still gets to me. She didn’t even remember that this was your night off.”

Shrugging off the comforting hand he placed around my shoulders, I went into the kitchen to pour myself a cup of coffee. Cradling the steaming mug between my cold hands, I took a sip of the hot liquid before meeting my husband’s eyes.

“I don’t mind. It’s a nice change to be able to relax. We can watch a movie or go out for dinner. Don’t worry about Elle so much, Stephanie. She can take care of herself.”

“I know.”


“Please get back. There’s nothing to see here.”

The sirens blazed – lights flashing red and blue in a shocking myriad of colors. An ambulance sat parked on the edge of the curb, close to the smoking wreck of a red four-door sedan. The hood was crumpled and the taillights had been crushed upon impact with another car. As the medics and firefighters worked their way through the debris, two bodies were slowly extracted from the gaping maw of twisted and misshapen metal.

Gawkers slowly left in singles and pairs when they realized that every member of the rescue team was shaking his/her head in sorrow – not disappointment at the follies of irresponsible drivers.


“Excuse me, are you Elle Sanders?”

Turning to look at the man dressed in an impeccable suit, I nodded my head slowly. The dance had just ended – and with that, the world turned dark once more.

“I’m afraid I have bad news, Miss Sanders. Your parents were in a crash earlier this evening. The other car caught them head-on. I’m very sorry for your loss.”

The words didn’t register in my mind until the lights all went off in the gym. Standing in the circle of light the lamps gave off, I cried silent tears, frozen in shock. The hem of my silver-white gown dragged in the mud but I didn’t care.

~Jen

Witches, Now and Forever

First off, I completely love my Humanities class this quarter. It's about witches and tracing their development throughout history, mainly focusing upon the European countries and America. But I remembered a little something that I did a long time ago and a picture that my friend, Tina, did, especially after class on Thursday about the Greek and Roman ideals about witches.


Hymn to Artemis

Awaken, Muse –

And speak

Of the long-suffering foolishness of a man,

Weak enough to fall prey to his desires.

Tell me, Muse,

The tale of fair-tressed Artemis,

Deadly huntress and daughter of favored Leto.

Born on the isle of Ortygia, hidden from the eyes

Of Hera, the queen of the immortal gods

And consort to lightening-wielding Zeus.

Twin of Apollo, god of the sun and giver of light.

Speak, Immortal One,

Of the lusting hunter Actaeon, who dared

To look upon virgin Artemis in all her glory.

Sister of far-shooter Phoebus Apollo, with

Shafts of gold filling her quiver and a bow,

Curved and supple, forged by Hephaestus,

Crippled patron of craftsmen. Reveling in the

Clear cool waters of Gargaphia, Artemis,

Goddess of the hunt and wild things, bathed.

Hunting, grandson of Cadmus, Actaeon,

Trained by the centaur Chiron, stopped.

Hearing the quiet laughter of children, the

Twinkling sounds of bells as water flows

Over orbs of purest glass, the mortal man

Quieted his hounds. Creeping closer, hidden

In the shadows of green leafy bushes, Actaeon

Watched, mesmerized. Waterfalls of light

Cascaded down around the goddess of the hunt,

Framing her supple body in a golden shower.

Nymphs splashed playfully in the shallows,

Companions to the shooter of stags. Naiades,

Daughters of Amnisus, twenty all in count,

Virgins in their prime, young and innocent.

Arethusa, Britomartis, Nephele, Maera, Rhanis,

Aura, Pheraea, Hyale and Callisto, most favored

Of all attendants to great Artemis, protectress

Of the innocent and bold of heart.

The crackle of leaves underfoot, the snap

Of a dry branch, stopped all revelry. Cautious

Looks and fearful glances roamed surrounding

Trees, searching for the source of the noise.

Sharp and piercing, the goddess’s gaze lit upon

A spot of color in the bushes. Blue and bright,

A contrast against the leafy green bowers.

Stringing her bow with nimble fingers, healer

And mistress of death, Artemis drew a shaft

Back, releasing the quarrel into the bushes.

A moment of silence, then the quick fluttering

Of wings, as a jay flew from a tattered nest.

Sighs of relief followed the maidens, pure in

Their hearts, all. Laughter ensued, ending

All worries. Yet unknown to all, Actaeon,

Mortal hunter and defiler of the beauty

Of virgin Artemis, watched with greater

Interest. Such precision of aim only spurred

His lust on further. Nothing could persuade

The student of Chiron to look away, not even

The threat of death, for those who looked upon

Artemis’ untouched body could never leave to

Tell of the tale. Immune to Aphrodite’s wiles,

At home in the wilderness, fair-haired huntress

Of the night, Artemis continued with a watchful

Eye. Every sound and movement caught

Her attention, wary and watchful.

Feeling the gaze of the goddess, Actaeon

Stepped out from the shelter of the bushes.

Panic followed his appearance in the

Sheltered glade, hidden from prying eyes.

Intruding upon the calm serenity of the

Maidens of the river and their mistress,

Twin to chariot-riding Apollo, the hunter

Approached with desire in his steps.

Flocking round, naiades all, hid their

Friend and companion from sight.

Anger roused the goddess to fury,

So waving all her handmaidens off,

Far-shooting Artemis beckoned the

Hunter close. Cyprian Aphrodite guided

His steps, bringing him toward the dread

Goddess of the hunt. All worries left,

For only the beauty of the goddess

Could placate the desires coursing

Through his veins, driving him to

Foolishness and the beckoning hands

Of Aidoneus, lord of many and commander

Of the underworld.

Masking her distaste, Artemis, pure in

Thought and form, wove a spell of

Entrapment for the misguided hunter.

Confusion and change followed Actaeon,

Believing the goddess to welcome

Him with open arms. A fierce smile

Upon her lips, the huntress washed her

Hands in the spring of Gargaphia. Clean

And untouched by the lustful thoughts

Of Actaeon, mortal hunter of beasts,

Artemis beckoned her companions close.

Puzzled and unsteady, Actaeon stepped

Nimbly to the water’s edge, leaning in

For a drink of clear, clean water. Short

Fur and full antlers met his eyes. Backing

Away in panic, he ran from the goddess of

Wild animals, fearing her wrath. Soon,

The baying of hounds followed on his path,

Scenting young flesh and salty blood.

Feeling eyes watch his flight of terror,

The stag, young and foolish, looked back.

Hounds of once human Actaeon chased

Their master through the trees, seeing only

What the virgin goddess of the hunt desired.

A faulty step, a misplaced stone, tripped

Unsteady Actaeon, leaving him prey to the

Jaws of his faithful hounds. Pleading, cajoling,

The grandson of Cadmus, kicked futilely, only

To fall back on the ground, victim to

His own foolish endeavors. Cheering on the hounds,

Artemis of the golden bow, watched in satisfaction

As the man who dared to look upon her

Splendid nakedness left the world

Of the living and slipped onto the raft for

Hades, flowing swiftly on the Styx and past

Three-headed Cerberus, guardian of unruly spirits

And the gates of the underworld.

Calling back the dogs with a whistle,

The daughter of blessed Leto, closed

Her eyes to the slaughter and turned

Her back to the mangled body of Actaeon.

Accompanied by her favored companions,

Artemis returned to the glade with

Animals following in her footsteps.

And so, I bow down before your beauty,

Deadly goddess of the hunt, virgin and

Protector of the innocent. Now, I turn

To another tale of love and life, ending

Your tale of change and praise.

Once Upon A Winter Wish

Standing on a balcony overlooking the snow-covered gardens, twenty-one-year-old Miranda Spencer rested her arms on the stone balustrade as she gazed wistfully up at the stars. She could hear laughter and music drifting out from the masquerade ball on the other side of the glass doors. Yet to Miranda, it seemed a world away. How could she possibly enjoy the festivities when all she could think about was that one winter night three years ago?

With a sigh, Miranda drew a small music box from her pocket. Carefully opening it, she listened to the soft Christmas melody. A faint smile appeared on her lips as she remembered the day Darius had given her the music box, a gift meant for a child. Miranda would never forget the moment she saw him. She was playing with Lady Windham’s three-year-old granddaughter when he strode into the room with a neatly wrapped gift in hand. Tall with dark hair and gold-specked brown eyes, Darius Ashmore captivated her the instant he walked in with the intention of giving a Christmas present to his great aunt’s young guest, only to discover she was not as young as he thought. Miranda was a few years younger, not a few years old.

The night had gone by quickly after that. From her first waltz at Lady Windham’s winter ball to her first kiss in the shadows, Miranda never forgot a moment of that magical night. How often had she, as a child, wished upon a star to live a fairy tale? That night Miranda thought Darius would fulfill her wish. He had promised he would come for her. But he never did.

Yet, Miranda never ceased to hope that one day he would come and take her away from the miserable life she led under her stepmother’s roof. With another sigh, she closed the music box. Shaking her head to clear her mind of such foolish reveries, Miranda froze when she heard the doors open behind her. “I did not think I would find you out here.”

Her eyes widened as she recognized the familiar voice she had dreamt of for the last three years.

~*~*~*~

Staring at the woman who had thoroughly entranced him and then disappeared without a trace, Darius said quietly, “It seems you are finally done hiding from me.”

“What do you mean?” Miranda asked incredulously. “I never hid from you.”

“I have had enough of your games, Miranda. I spent the last three years searching for you,” Darius said bitterly. “Do not tell me you never knew.”

She shook her head, confusion evident on her face. “I waited for you… But you never came.”

“Your mother –”

“My stepmother?” Miranda asked, her eyes wide with realization.

And then everything began to make sense. All those times he asked for Miranda, the same woman answered the door, giving him different excuses. He should have suspected something was wrong…

Darius noticed a familiar music box in her hand. Reaching for it, he realized it was the same one he had given her three winters ago. She had kept it all this time…

With a shy smile, Miranda said softly, “I never gave up. I always hoped you would come for me.”

“I’m here now,” he said quietly. “And I’m not leaving this time.”

Tilting her face up, Darius leaned down and kissed her gently.

When snow began to drift from the sky, neither noticed.


I know how sappy this story might sound, but I really wanted to write a happy ending. That was the only thing I had in mind when I started writing this for the Holiday Contest on Eloisa James' Bulletin Board... I think it might have sounded better if I decided to write it as a thousand words story rather than a 500 word story as specified for the contest. As it is, I've already maxed the word limit. But I'll post this up on the blogspot. This should make Jen happy. Jen? I still haven't seen that first chapter. I'm not writing anything until I see it... lol. A little late, but here's my holiday story which you can also find on Eloisa James' Bulletin Board.

~Andrea