The Jewels (Story)

During late fall/early winter, Highland Library presented Writing Up A Storm: A Teen Writer's Group. Young writers came and shared what they had written in a fun, relaxed atmosphere. Below is a portion of a story by one of these writers, who even has her own website. Enjoy!

Here is a bunch of stuff from my story:

Chapter 1

The City and A Visitor

Rosa Mesea was sitting on a bench in a courtyard in the city of Rosetta, Elou, Land of Men. The courtyard walls were made of dark stone that were covered with tapestries of treasure and gods. Green grass grew lusciously and yellow and pink tulips and rhododendrons blossomed whole-heartedly. This courtyard was in a castle, and this castle was Rosa's home. She was a princess.

Rosa looked to the right of the courtyard to where a door was. This door led to the great dining hall. She started toward it, but as if by a magnet, turned to the opposite wall. The opposite wall was very high and had one arrow slit that looked over the town below. Rosa had often looked out and watched the people in the town.

Rosa walked over to the wall and looked out. Then she turned sharply and walked out. She was going outside.

*    *    *

As this was happening, an armored figure was coming out of the mountain 3 miles away.

*    *    *

Rosa climbed down on a rope in a wool skirt and cotton lace-up shirt that she borrowed from a friendly lady servant. The only royal thing she had with her was a leather rope necklace with a large opal at the end. Her mother, the queen, had said to never take it off or lose it. 

She had told her lady-in-waiting that she would be taking a nap and would not like to be disturbed in the next few hours.

As soon as she hit the bottom of the outside of the castle, it was like she was in a whole new world. Bustling people in clothes of which she had on, crowded the streets. There was only one very pretty thing in this jumbled mass of people, and that was a community vegetable garden. The only person in the garden was a girl her age, working hardily on pulling weeds. She had pale skin and slightly red cheekbones. Her mouth was finely shaped and hands were thin and fair. Rose stepped toward the girl and knelt beside her. Rosa helped her pull weeds. After about 15 minutes, the girl got up and made a sudden noise. Rosa jumped. They both stood up and the girl asked, "What's your name?" "Ros-Rosittia" Rosa said shakily, catching herself just in time. "Cassie" she said and held out her hand. They shook.

*    *    *

The armored stranger had just entered the city, and saw two plainly dressed girls shaking hands. At first glance, they looked like normal girls from all over town. But at second glance, the stranger saw that one of the girls looked very familiar. Also the stranger saw a leather rope around her neck.

*    *    *

After introductions, they went to Cassie's house to ask if they could go swimming. Her mother said it was ok.

It was a perfect day for a swim. The air was warm and dragonflies flew low over the water. As they bathed, Cassie told a bit about herself. Rosa found out that Cassie had been found in a forest when she was two. Since then, she has lived with her adopted parents. Then Cassie asked about Rosa's life. Rosa turned very pale. "What is it, Rosita?" asked Cassie, very alarmed. Rosa got out of the pond and sat under a tree. Cassie got out and sat next to her.

Rosa asked "Cassie, can you keep a secret?"

"Sure I can!" said Cassie, thrilled with the chance to keep a secret.

"Well…"

"What?!"

"Umm…"

"Go ahead!"

"Ok. First of all, my name isn't Rosita, it's Rosa."

"What!"

"Yes."

Rosa twisted and rung her hands in nervousness. "Yes," she said again under her breath.

"Anything else?" Cassie asked, her eyes shining.

"Yes. I am a princess."

"Really."

"Yes."

"O.K."

"Uh oh! I've got to go. I hope to see you tomorrow, right here, at noon?"

"Sure!" said Cassie, nodding her head.

Rosa ran toward the castle.

*    *    *

Rosa climbed up a vine that led up to her bedroom window. She jumped inside and walked across the room. Then she stopped. She felt a presence behind her

Rosa whirled around to find a figure had been standing behind her. When it stood, it reached five and a half feet tall. It seemed to have long blonde hair and bright blue eyes. This figure also seemed to have armor, but the armor wasn't steel or iron, but a silky material although strong as stone. It seemed to be a man, but was fair enough to be a woman or even a child. This person said in a calm voice, "I saw in the village today. You know you're not allowed out there."

Rosa was speechless. How did it know? Rosa managed to squeak out "Who are you?"

"I am Coleaf Monarch of Elvenwald. My father was a friend of your father."

"Oh."

Rosa thought about what Coleaf had said. Wasn't Elvenwald were the elves lived? Also her father was away, so Coleaf couldn't be visiting him.

Then Rosa spoke up and said, "Would you please leave the room so I can dress for dinner?"

"Of course," Coleaf said a little alarmed, and left the room, shutting the door behind it.

Rosa quickly surveyed the room. Then she saw a shadow move across the bottom of the door. Coleaf was listening to see if she would escape.

         So Rosa undressed and redressed in a shimmering dinner dress. She spruced up her hair and walked stiffly past Coleaf and down to dinner.