A Moonhigh Christmas Carol by Bethan Rees (read dune .txt) 📕

a hurt arm, due to YOUR actions.' Violet lectured Rosaline. The duo went through a passageway to another Christmas.

It was Fluttershy's house. She was setting the table for one - herself. Yet again, she had only asked for vegetables this year, mourning the anniversary of Charlotte's (her daughter's) disappearance. Once she brought her plate to the table, she started talking to herself.
'If only Charlotte was here with me today, on one of the happiest days of the year. She would love what was in the seamstress' shop this year - those gorgeous dresses, the cute teddies - oh, I miss her so!' she cried, sobbing her heart out.
'Charlotte has been missing for 3 years now,' Violet whispered. 'Fluttershy is so sad. She will someday starve herself.'
Rosaline cried that she wanted to see no more. The vision of Fluttershy disappeared.
'I must give you this.' Violet pressed a present into Rosaline's cold hand. 'It will help you - when you get to Archer. Goodbye.' Violet disappeared. All Rosaline could see was darkness.
Chapter 4 - Archer's Christmas Yet To Come

Rosaline was alone. It was dark, and she could see an open gate far behind her, leading to her bed. Rosaline broke into a run, needing to get to the gate. Slowly, as she ran, the gates closed, until she arrived, when they shut and locked with a clang.
Rosaline banged the bars, yelling 'LET ME GO!'. It was no use. She was locked.
A shadow went over Rosaline. It was tall. She turned around to see....
Archer.
'Archer,' Rosaline exclaimed. 'what do you want with me?'
'You know, to open that gate, you need to say from your heart that you will change. Time for torture.' Archer spoke seriously, and with a wave of her hand, flashbacks from previous Christmases flashed before Rosaline's eyes.
Then the crying began. Cries from hungry children, Fluttershy for Charlotte, Wayfarer for another year without her mother, the poor families with no food, the Elders from other directions remembering the Eastern Elders...
It was truly torture.
Worse, Archer showed Rosaline what would happen in a few Christmases to poor Fluttershy. She was so weak, shying away from the world. She could barely move her lips to talk. Her house was on fire and Dark Force spies were whacking her, until she shut her eyes and her world faded.
To make matters even worse than it was, Archer showed Rosaline the City of Light during the Christmas that Fluttershy dies. The city was more of a raging inferno than a city, really. Dark Force warriors were finding their way in from all over the place. From Wayfarer's home, ninjas dressed in black carried out Archer, Violet and Wayfarer - who were all struggling. Queen Ray was killed and Princess Sky caught to be a slave.
'No more, Archer, please!'
Archer didn't listen to her.
'Archer, I beg you, NO MORE.'
The vision stayed. Rosaline remembered the present that Violet gave her. She opened it to find a key with a bit of ribbon tied to it. The lettering on the ribbon said: Open your heart and honor Christmas

.
'Archer, I beg you, I will honor Christmas with all my heart. I will live with the Past, Present and Future striding within me. Please, let me use this key to get me out of here!' With that, Rosaline rammed the key into the lock on the gate and turned it.

Chapter 5 - The End of It All

Immediately, the gates swung open and Rosaline found herself back in her bedroom. There was no trace of Archer's vision at all. She was free.
'Oh, my! I've done it! Thank you, girls. I will stick to my will, I promise.'
With her new-found cheer, Rosaline pounded out to the street to the food shop, where they sold fine turkeys. Rosaline bought a turkey, knowing who to give it to...

'Hello? Oh, Rosaline, it's you.' Fluttershy shuddered, her short brown hair acting like a curtain on her shoulders. She looked like she had been sobbing all night. 'What do you want?'
'Good morning, Fluttershy. I have something for you. Get your oven on, you have turkey this year!' Rosaline cried. 'Get some food in you this Christmas. I don't want you to starve yourself.'
Fluttershy seemed shocked by this kind gesture. She welcomed in Rosaline, who helped her in the kitchen. They had a few laughs. Once they were done, Rosaline whispered to Fluttershy.
'Don't worry about Charlotte. I can't get her back, but I know she will return.' Fluttershy smiled. Rosaline had given her hope, which was all she needed.

After a day with Fluttershy, making sure she wasn't alone, Rosaline ran out into the street.
'I am a changed girl,' She cried out. 'I will honor Christmas with all my heart, as you do. Merry Christmas everyone! Merry Christmas and a happy new year to each and every one of us! God bless us all!'

Wayfarer heard from her house.
'It worked.' She whispered to herself.

Parting Note from Bethan Rees

Hi everyone!

I hope I haven't bored you to death, and I'm thankful for everyone who reads, gives me critique and leaves a comment.

Life has thrown lots at me - distractions, clubs, sweets (yum) and a successful play, but I can't believe it's Christmas already. I hope you enjoyed this.

Sorry this part's short, I'm going to spend some time with my family now.

Merry Christmas everyone!

-Bethan
In Wayfarer's Oath

Imprint

Publication Date: 12-24-2012

All Rights Reserved

Dedication:
This is dedicated to... Charles Dickens - for writing the original 'A Christmas Carol'. My English teacher - for reading my class the book. All of the fans of Strike - for getting me this far. Merry Christmas!