Board Thread:Off-Topic Fun/@comment-8883075-20140401045205/@comment-8345449-20140413112531

Chapter 4: The Diamond Slippers

Ignoring the warning, the girl stubbornly headed out to seek the diamond slippers, which were located in an old castle in the lost Kingdom of Reich. Tales bespoke of a Princess that lived in the castle and who had been cursed by a witch. While the girl was making her towards the kingdom, David suddenly appeared in front of her.

“I have yet to thank you for saving me from the witch's curse,” he smiled. “It surprises me that her curse did not change you into a beast of some kind. You must be very powerful or something very powerful protects you. Now, what can I do to thank you?”

In answer, the girl told David of her quest and that she was travelling to the Kingdom of Reich to seek one of the items for the spell.

“I offer you this ride to express my gratitude,” said David as he changed into the bird-like creature that had once attacked her and flew her to the castle. Upon arriving, he let the girl down. "You're on your own now. This is witch territory and I cannot enter," and so saying, he flew away.

The girl then entered the castle and inside, saw the Princess, who informed her that she was the guardian of the slippers. The girl begged the Princess for the slippers, but threatened that she was not afraid to take matters into her own hands if the Princess refused. In answer, the Princess led her to a set of three doors.

“One of these will lead you to the slippers you seek, while the other two will lead you to your death," warned the Princess.

The girl was hesitant to pick a door and turned to the Princess. "Which door would you pick?" she asked.

In answer, the Princess pointed to the inscriptions written on each door. “Read them carefully.”

The girl looked closely at the first door on the left, and read out, “Through me lies death.” And on the door in the middle was written, “Do not trust my brothers, for they both lie.” And finally the last door on the right: “Beyond me lies your heart’s desire.”

“Choose wisely for only one of these doors speaks truly," smiled the Princess.

At the Princess’ words, the girl felt a sudden heat from the Dark Necklace as in warning. She clutched the necklace and thought long and hard as she stared at the Princess. Finally making her decision, she opened the door on the right and went in. But she could not see anything inside, and before she knew it, the door was slammed shut and she was in complete darkness. She wandered through the darkness until suddenly, she heard distant footsteps. She headed towards the sound and saw the Princess dancing in a pair of diamond slippers. The slippers gave off a strong, white light and illuminated the area around the Princess such that the girl could see her very clearly. Strangely, the Princess's hair was now dark-brown although it had been golden-yellow when the girl had first met her.

The Princess took the diamond slippers from her feet and gave them to the girl but not before warning her: “Beware of my hair. It has great powers as you will soon find out. I shall appear before you again.” And so saying, she disappeared in a cloud of pink smoke.

A little while later, with the aid of the light given off by the slippers, the girl found the door again and made her way out of the castle. Upon her leaving, David dropped from the sky and landed on the ground beside her.

"Did you find what you need? Where is your next destination?" he asked.

"I have the diamond slippers but I must find something to barter with the fairies for their dust,” the girl replied. “But what can I give them? I have nothing of value except these slippers and the necklace, and I cannot give those away," she bemoaned.