[Ash]: 102.Jack Frost.11

Cassandra stood over the edge of the Frozen Wastelands, a barren area of the winter tundra where Jack didn’t allow any trees to grow, it was the place where his palace stood with his bloody throne, where he slaughtered the villagers, those whom he had know all his life.

Cassandra guessed that he never forgave himself and now keeps the entire place to himself under meters of ice. She walked slowly and quickly. Several snow guards appeared in front of the castle.

"Who are you to walk so into this area?"

"I am Jack's betrothed. Move."

"A thousand pardons Mistress Cassandra. The King is in a meeting with a man named Nicholas Clause. Would you like to be escorted to the side parlor and meet the man=s family?"

"Yes, thank you Frosty." The snow guard rolled over into a half ball and moved easily on the snow and she followed best she could even though she could have easily ran after the giant snow mound. He led her to a room on the side of the foyer and opened the doors.

Two men, a woman, and a child sat in wait. "Why are you all so sad?"

"He's going to kill me husband, I know it!" Wailed the woman who had obviously been crying. The child placed an ice statue on the table and walked over to Cassandra and smiled, "you, you the woods lady!"

"Aye my pet, but not for long, my daughter, Marylin, is soon to become the woods lady."

"We are in an enchantment are we not great woods lady?" Screamed the mother frantically grabbing and shaking one of the men till she collapsed into sobs on the floor.

"Did you get lost?"

"No, we were lead here by the snowmen, the large one said Nicholas had business to discuss with the Winter King."

"Oh, Claus? Oh, no, no, no, it was Father Winter who had business with Claus, but Jack has to be the messenger boy since Father Winter is away on business. You know bring extra winter and everything."

"What?"

"It's just something Father Winter wanted to start. Nothing major, of course, but you husband has the right qualities."

"How do you know this, woods lady?" Pleaded the mother slowly groveling forwards toward her.

"Well, he's my actual father of course." She said smiling and grew a rose in your hand. “Here, you can calm down, nothing bad is going to happen. Actually, something wonderful is going to happen.”

Cassandra walked over to her and handed her the rose. The woman smiled and nodded. Cassandra was bored and really wanted to do something different then comfort a family, she would much rather be back at her cottage teaching the children, or watching Marylin with her love.


Marylin strolled back to the little cottage and opened the door, finding all three girls fast asleep. She supposed she should wake them and sent a call out to the fawn that was feasting outside. He came inside and proceeded to lick their faces till they woke up.

All the girl woke up giggling. “Marylin, call him off.” Regina yelled and pulled her blanket over her head.

“You want Tiffin off? You have to use your powers and call him off.” Marylin sat down in her wicker chair and watched as one by one the deer stopped licking them. Tiffin walked over and sat down next to Marylin. “Good, now, if you want to pass today’s test, follow me.”

The girl’s got up and followed her out. They were still in their sleeping robes with their hair all messy and really didn’t want to do anything. Kristine stepped forward and smiled at the birds. “So, what’s today’s test, anyway? Growing a tree, discussing with the animals, or languages?”

“None. One of the prospects of being a witch is that we must not only deal in magic, but also potions. You must get a paralyzing potion. I gave you the recipe three weeks to the day. You have till sun down to bring it back.” Marylin waked inside and closed the door.

“Does she really expect us to remember everything?” Gina said quietly.

“Well it is Marylin, if we got it anywhere close we could probably pass.” Kristine said.

Regina pulled out a piece of paper and began to scribble on it with some charcoal. “Let me review what she said, I think I found something.”

“What? A short cut?” Gina asked. “That would be nice for a change.”

“Well, anything that can get us out of it.” Kristine grabbed the paper and read it over.

“We don’t have to make it, only get it. If we can make the trip over to Grandmother’s, I’m sure she wouldn’t object to helping us.” Regina said and pulled out her compass. “Grandmother’s is north of here, so let’s get going.” The girl all nodded and started off.

Marylin watched from the window and smiled. “You know, even when Mother told me to make it myself, I went to Grandmother for help.”

“How interesting, you wanted them to go there?” Tiffin asked and moved up beside her. “Your not even going to make them try.”

“I want them to know that Grandmother is always there to help.” Marylin said and walked back to her chair. “I just surprised they thought of it right off.”

“Well, three minds have more thinking power.” Tiffin said.

Marylin shook her head. “I just need the last ingredient; I had most of the potion already done.”

Tiffin slowly walked to the door commenting on his way out, “you mean that boy had most of it done.” Tiffin shut the door and Marylin sat back and decided to doze off for a bit.


Cassandra only had to endure ten more minutes of the woman’s ranting until she heard Jack’s loud boisterous voice fill the entire castle. “You can’t be serious! This sounds amazing!”

“Well it is, you won’t believe the inventions they’re coming up with these days. This piano thing is said to lull you to sleep.” Nicholas said walking in and saw his wife sitting nervously. “Meg, come, we are going a little bit father north. Come on men, we have a place to build.”
“Cassandra.” Jack said stepping back and blushing a bit.

“Hello Jack. Do we have time to talk?” Cassandra said standing up.

“Umm… Well, I’ll stop by for a visit Nick. I’ll make sure the weather’s clear when you get there.” Jack said and patted him on the shoulder. He waited for them to leave until he spoke again. “You know you shouldn’t have sent Klaus with that type of message.”

“What, that you’re daughter’s dating the Dryad prince of Avalon?” Cassandra asked walking over smiling.

“The other news.”

“That we have three beautiful pupils?”

“The other, other news.” He said and went to fall down on one of the snow couches. “Was it you’re father’s idea?”

“No, it’s mine.” Cassandra said walking over and standing beside him. “You see, Marylin doesn’t know, but if she loses her virginity before she gains her full status…”

“And when would she be doing this?” Jack said loudly crossing his arms over his chest.

“Oh, she over 400 years old now, she’s a woman. Anyway, if she does, then she can never gain full status and I will be forever stuck in my current position.”

“So you’re doing this for you.” Jack said and sat up.

“Well, do you accept? Or are you going to act like a child.” Cassandra asked.

Jack sighed and laid back down, “I guess, but you have to tell your father.”

Cassandra started to walk out, “but you’re his messenger boy.” She closed the door behind her and Jack covered his hands in his face. ‘I don’t know what to do’ was running through his mind, he had just agreed to marry a woman who thoroughly annoys him to his very core, for his daughter.


Marylin woke to the shaking of her shoulders by a large hand. “Who…” she said turning over, Gareth was shaking her. “What is it, won’t you die out here?”

“I came to warn you, a special group of wolves were released on accident, I wanted to make sure you were safe.” He said quickly.

“Of course I’m safe…. The girls!” She yelled and rushed out the door, Gareth behind her. “What type of wolves? Silvers, nights, or forests?”
“Neither, they are called Strigori sometimes, but most commonly known as werewolves.” He said running besides her. “We have to hurry. They’re in terrible danger.”

“I can only hope they made it to Grandmother’s cottage. They should be safe there.” Marylin said running out of breath.

“What about the woods lady?” Gareth asked. “Where is she?”

“It doesn’t matter, she can take of herself.” Marylin rushed forward and grabbed Gareth’s hands. “Thank you.”

Gareth smiled a bit.