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Post by Layla on Feb 25, 2006 10:15:11 GMT -5
"How does he meet her?" Layla repeated for dramatic effect. "Well, I'll tell you. You see, as Christine entered the woods so that she could get to the old castle on the other side, the wind started to pick up. Soon, the trees were creaking and groaning from bending so much and because it was so dark in the woods - as in pitch black, with the exception of a very faint glow of the moon coming through the branches - it frightened Christine immensely. Convinced that every noise she heard was some vicious animal coming to attack her, she urged her horse to run faster and faster. After what felt like an eternity, Christine saw the tall iron gate of the castle looming ahead of her. Wanting to get out of the woods more than anything, she found the entrance to the gate and crossed her fingers, hoping that it wouldn't be locked. Pushing against it, she sighed with relief as it mournfully creaked opened on rusty hinges. Crossing the long courtyard to the castle's main entrance, Christine took a deep breath and then banged the knocker against the door and then, she waited."
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Post by Belle on Feb 25, 2006 10:18:53 GMT -5
Belle sat, paying rapt attention to Layla's story. She was waiting patiently to hear how the Beast met his Beauty. "Does the prince answer the door or does one of the enchanted servents?" Maybe she sounded a bit over eager but she loved Layla's stories.
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Post by Layla on Feb 27, 2006 21:13:22 GMT -5
"As several tense moments passed, the door slowly opened, revealing only darkness. From Christine's position in the doorway, it appeared as though no lights were lit, nor could she hear any sounds emanating from inside. Confused as to whether anyone even lived there, especially as she also did not see whoever it was that had opened the door, Christine hesitated for a moment and then tentatively walked into the foyer."
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Post by Belle on Feb 27, 2006 21:15:23 GMT -5
"So what answered the door, Layla?" Belle asked. She sort of hoped it was the beast and not a talking candlestick. That would just weird her out.
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Post by Layla on Feb 27, 2006 21:34:02 GMT -5
Layla smiled as she replied lightly, "Well, we can't be sure of what it was - but I'm guessing that the castle was unlocked. The way it was, no one before Christine had dared to venture into the beast's territory, so really, there was no reason to keep the castle in bolts and chains. In any event, as Christine entered the castle, and as her eyes adjusted to the dark she came upon a grand staircase - with a light at the top. Wanting to do some more exploring of the castle, and deciding that the light would be useful, Christine quickly ascended the stairs and reached out to take hold of the candelabra when she heard a voice behind her growl ominously, "What do you think you're doing?""
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Post by Belle on Feb 27, 2006 21:38:59 GMT -5
"Uh oh, it doesn't sound like he's going to be too friendly," Belle said. "Is it wrong of me to hope that he rolls over on his back and wants his tummy scratched?"
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Post by Layla on Mar 1, 2006 18:33:52 GMT -5
Layla grinned as she replied, "Oh silly, you don't want the beast to do that! Where's the fun in having things go Christine's way right from the start, hmm? Besides, the beast has every right to be angry - after all, she is technically trespassing on his property."
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Post by Belle on Mar 1, 2006 18:36:35 GMT -5
"Yes but she didn't know he was still alive," Belle pointed out. "Nor would she think that he was the owner of the castle. Beasts don't normally own castles." She bit her lower lip. "He won't bite her, will he?"
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Post by Layla on Mar 7, 2006 20:32:02 GMT -5
"Well, you'll just have to wait and see, won't you, you silly goose?" Layla teased affectionately. "Now, let's see; where was I? Right - the beast was approaching Christine from behind." Clearing her voice, Layla continued, "The beast, irritated by the girl's silence, repeated, his voice this time deadly calm, "What are you doing in my castle?" Christine was terrified - and who wouldn't be? After all, it was undeniable that the beast was terrifying to look at. He was so very large and covered in masses of mangy fur that made him look bulky and threatening. Taking a few steps back, Christine found herself pressed against the cold, stony wall - cornered. And from the looks of it the beast didn't seem to be in the mood to simply step aside and let her proceed on her merry way. Not good. Not good at all."
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Post by Belle on Mar 7, 2006 20:35:33 GMT -5
Belle sat riveted to her seat. "Poor Christine," she breathed. "I just hope the beast doesn't kill her." She bit her lower lip and looked up at Layla. "I can't wait to see him get mellowed out by the girl being there."
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Post by Layla on Mar 11, 2006 11:30:11 GMT -5
Layla laughed as she replied teasingly, "And how are you so sure that the beast will mellow out, hmm? What if this is the end of the story? Of course, I don't mean that the beast will bite her or anything gruesome like that - but what if he kicks her out of his castle and then they never see each again? It could happen, you know."
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Post by Belle on Mar 11, 2006 11:32:01 GMT -5
"But then his curse will never be broken," Belle protested. "I'm sure he wants to be human again!" She looked upset that the beast could possibly do what Layla suggested.
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Post by Layla on Mar 11, 2006 11:37:00 GMT -5
"Well, you've got to keep in mind that by the time Christine arrived, the beast had long given up hope on having the curse broken. Even when she stood right in front of him, it didn't cross his mind that she could be the one to return him to his human form. He was just too angry at the thought of having someone in his castle - his only sanctuary from the world - that he couldn't care less about scaring her off."
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Post by Belle on Mar 11, 2006 11:45:44 GMT -5
"I hope she stands her ground and doesn't let him scare her off. She got this far. It'd be silly for her to leave now," Belle said firmly. She giggled a bit. "Remember me trying to get close to my Beast? Is it going to be like that for her?"
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Post by Layla on Mar 11, 2006 12:01:46 GMT -5
"Well, it didn't go quite that way," Layla replied. "You see, Christine was very much afraid of the beast looming above her - she was absolutely ready to run. Of course she knew she couldn't - not with the beast in front of her; but she wanted to nonetheless. After several long moments, Christine finally answered the beast's question with a timid: 'I thought something out there in the woods was going to attack me so I ran . . . and I came here. I know I am trespassing but, I just needed a place to hide. I swear it.' To this, the beast frowned as he replied darkly, his voice still terrifying and low, 'You mean to tell me that your intent in coming here was not to see whether I really exist as the townspeople say I do? Do not lie to me or you will wish that you had stayed out in the woods with the wolves."
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