Reflection of Us

The smell of cold almost burnt his over-sized nose as he crawled out of his small dwelling in the forest. Moving forward, his right knee gave out causing his step to stumble before he was able to steady himself on the crystal rock that had stood beside his door for the past two-hundred years or so.

Realizing that he perhaps did just a tad too much dancing the night before, Grofernik waited for a few heartbeats before beginning his trek through the chilly woodlands to the warmth of Mohana’s cave. His medication, as he liked to call it, had been consumed and it was time to replenish.

As usual, the entry to the old witch’s cavern opened as Grofernik approached.

“Welcome, my friend,” Mohana breathed, “What is your need today?”

“More of the same. A troll as hideous as I would never be permitted to entertain the King’s daughter and be included as many castle events without something to enhance his appearance. I danced more than ever last night and want to continue. I have ten gold pieces today.”

The forest witch nodded, “Enough for two full moons. But have you ever pondered that perhaps you’re going to regret this one day? That you should consider showing your true face. Others may accept and understand.”

Grofernik was about to refute the outrageous statement of the sorcerer before him when a knock at the cave door interrupted and the most stunning female troll-creature that he had ever seen stepped over the threshold.

“Welcome Princess,” Mohana breathed, “What is your need today?”

“More of the same, I’m running out. A princess with a face as shocking as mine would never be permitted to inherit the kingdom; my father must never know I’m not truly his.”

The forest witch nodded. And smiled.