She walked into her dark room with a wicked smile, greeting no one but her red velvet walls and book cases against them. Looking from shelf to shelf, she wondered where to place her new box carved of jade. The shade was chosen with care for she reveled in the color green when it brought destruction.  She felt life was nothing without evil in ultimate control.

Her beauty was intense and with it she managed to marry a powerful king. Becoming queen, she sought to gain influence and power. Seducing him was easy, especially since he possessed a lonely heart. She then thought back and  remembered how simple it was to manipulate him.  The poor man possessed such a lonely soul, so it was easy to poison him with a glass of red wine.  He was  a very devout husband and he might of been useful to her, but his weakness for his daughter was what decided his fate.  The queen would not have another woman more beautiful than she alive, and he loved his child very much.

Her mother named her after the immaculate snow and ebony on the window panes when she saw a peaceful winter from inside. The evil queen wondered what her predecessor must have felt when the sewing needle pricked her finger. Drawing blood the mother wanted her child's lips to be just as red.  'It's no matter,' she thought to herself as the image faded from her mind. 'We all see blood soon enough.'

The vision then changed to something more recent.  The queen laughed loudly as she pictured a hunter cutting out the princess' heart. He would do anything to satisfy the queen with his family locked in the dungeon. After she saw the task performed, she decided to be nice for once and let them go. It would give her more joy to be cruel when she did not feel so delighted.

The green box was placed on a shelf near a tall mirror that caught her attention.  Its surface free of smears and scratches, the queen saw a glimpse of her image in it.  Her wicked smile was enhanced by deep red lips, and her countenance was flawless to anyone easily influenced by appearances.  Arched eyebrows were colored black as was her hair that absorbed some of the light in the room.  Her form was hidden beneath a flowing red robe tied at her slender waist by a black, cloth belt.  She watched her movements for a moment but saw much more charm in her face than dexterity.  It was then that she focused and looked at her deep brown eyes in the image and mentally summoned a servant she knew quite well.

Many years ago she found an elf that could see and know everything.  She didn't know much about why the creature knew the things he did, but realized his power could benefit her.  After reading through various spell books, she found a way to make the creature one of the mirror folk. She changed him by trapping his soul into the glass where he was chained to do her bidding and answer whatever question she had.  Since each mirror folk was an elf held captive by evil magic, she decided to call it forth by asking, "Mirror mirror in front of my face, who is the most beautiful in this place?"

Her image shifted in the glass and she smiled. After a few seconds, an angular face appeared with gray, arched eyebrows and pointed ears. His skin pale and eyes violet, she nodded at him and awaited an answer. His pink lips moved to tell her the truth, "The heart is true and was pulled from her breast, but you have not completed your quest, deep within the forest she has been found, by creatures who once lived underground."

The queen's green eyes began to flicker in fury, "What?!" she screamed, "Mirror mirror tell me now, who has her, where and how?"

It began to answer, "In a cottage far from sight, some dwarves have healed her right, with a ruby heart inside her chest, and eternal life has replaced her rest."

"So she's alive, is this what you say, and death will never take her away?"

"That is correct my evil queen, but with her life you may live a dream, for her heart can pump your own blood, and on your face your features you'll love, for you will be immortal, never aging and you can't resist that admiration and praising."

The queen froze hearing the mirror's rhyme and at that moment she understood what it said. Snow White was alive, but her heart in the box of jade could grant her eternal life.  She moved over to the shelf and opened the lid to look at the muscle. Sure enough it was slowly contracting and releasing various chambers. "So what I've read is true." She muttered, "Hearts that beat outside of an immortal body can grant eternal life." She looked over at her wrist then back into the box.  From reading through archaic texts she already knew the procedure. "All I need to do is pour my blood through the valves of the heart and smear it on my face!"  Glancing back at her mirror she said, "I'll let her live as long as she stays hidden in the forest, I want to live forever!"
 

A young woman laid still upon a bed of straw.  The room was dimly lit by a few candles on a table nearby but the light still managed to reveal her intense beauty.  Her hair was black as the night and within it was a fair face chiseled into perfection by oval curves and dark arched eyebrows.  Her lips pursed in her unconscious state, almost as if she longed to kiss the morning and awake to her surroundings.  She was known as Snow White to many, and was about to meet new friends for the first time.

After blinking a few times, her hazy vision subsided and she beheld a few short men with plump faces. Their garb was woven out of wool and dyed in a variety of green and brown colors. They smiled in a charming manner as she stirred and one of them approached with a compassionate greeting, "We were worried after the hunter cut out your heart." He spoke clearly.

His voice was one of relief but she gasped at a memory. She recalled her assassin and the knife he plunged in her chest. She winced and tried not to remember, but found herself clutching a white sheet that surrounded her body. The same dwarf reached out a hand to comfort her, "Shhh it's OK princess, we've healed you."

She looked at her body beneath the sheet and saw a large scar between her breasts.  Then she wrapped her slender form to keep it covered and looked at the little man, "What happened exactly?" she asked, her deep blue eyes offering a gaze of curiosity.

He extended a hand with a variety of jewels. Sapphires and emeralds sparkled in his grasp and as a gesture of friendship he laid them on her lap, "We're miners and one of us even dabbles in magic. Without your heart we knew you couldn't live so we replaced it with a large ruby. It will keep you alive for as long as you wish and will continue to nourish your blood."

She opened her eyes wide at what she heard, "Another heart? A gem at that!"  she gasped, "And I'm alive! How does this come to be? Will a ruby continue to pump my life blood?"

"Yes," he continued to explain, "Your new heart will beat and your life is saved."

She sighed for a moment. Surely she was grateful for the dwarves saving her life but she thought of the hunter and who sent him. "My stepmother is behind this," she said, "My killer admitted that to me before the assault."

The little man nodded and tried to extend another comforting hand, "We know and we also know more about your situation than you realize. The queen has enslaved one of the mirror folk who spoke to one of us in dreams. Her evil is growing strong child and we cannot stop it. All I can tell you is that you will never be able to go back."

Snow White looked among the dwarves and tried to get a better look at them. They all appeared similar in their stature but were not perfect replicas of each other.  Some looked more youthful while others had gray hair and wrinkled faces.  She still tried to distinguish them apart and asked, "Which one of you did the mirror folk speak to?"

"He's a brother that remains secret."  A youthful looking one said as he approached, "We'd rather not show you to him now."

"Yes." An older one added to the conversation, "You'll have a hard enough time keeping us apart!"

"Let me introduce my family."  The one closest to her replied, "This is Rirkzkonlot, Tirulemanino, Wirkonlirbod."

The princess blinked in confusion as the dwarves were introduced.  After three names were said she shook her head and interrupted him, "I'm afraid I can't remember names like that.  They're too long and complex."

"Well, what do you suggest calling us then?"

"I'll think of something later, I feel so tired."  She replied and fell back into the bed. Snow White had already lost so much she wouldn't even try to remember such difficult names.  Putting the naming problem in the back of her mind, her thoughts began to drift to a handsome prince and his gentle ways. She began to recall their courtship until her father was pronounced dead.  His compassionate gaze and tall stride echoed in her mind. She closed her eyes in an attempt to forget him but could not. The ruby red gem inside her chest chimed with sorrow and the dwarves began to gather around her. Looking at them with teary eyes she asked, "My prince?"

They sighed and looked to the floor in sorrow. Finally the first one that approached her said, "You'll need to forget him too."
 

She looked upon the heart as it beat on a plate of glass. Its rhythm perfect, it welcomed the tube the queen attached to its valve. On the other end of the heart a funnel was positioned so the new blood would siphon into a small bowel. Everything was ready now and she took a silver knife to her wrist.

Gazing over her spell-book for hours left the incantation fresh in her mind.  "Alakarn girt leerakon." the ancient words rolled from her lips as the blade sliced her skin. She tried not to wince and instead thought of her beauty that would remain perfect for all time.  "Alakarn girt leerakon." she muttered again and placed her wrist at the beginning of the tube. In moments blood flowed freely and entered the valve of the heart.

The muscle welcomed it and sensing new fluid beat the liquid through its chambers and back out the opposite valve. The queen smiled as the bowl at the end of the funnel slowly started to fill with new blood. Looking at her wrist she chanted, "Tiraki len Ukron." The ancient words for healing. She could feel her skin seal itself and the pain of the wound was soon obsolete.

The bowl glistened red with the substance and she knew exactly what to do.  Dipping her fingers into it she brought it to her face. Slowly but surely she could feel it absorbed through her skin. She repeated the treatments until the bowl was almost empty. Taking a mirror she placed next to the heart, she brought it in front of her eyes. She showed no signs of being anemic as the fluid flowed back within her body. The heart had done its job and the queen's features looked more radiant than ever.
 
 

The days passed and Snow White's beauty never faded. She learned many valuable things from the dwarves including how to speak to birds and gather food from the forest.  She was thankful for these skills, and even more thankful that they let her live in their home deep within the woods.

It rarely rained so the roof was made of thatched straw and walls of rough mortar kept the building sturdy. A red wooden door led into a large dining room and she learned that cooking for them was a job that often involved everyone. The dwarves ate at least four meals a day and while she didn't consume near as much, she grew accustomed to their habits.

And they grew to love her. The princess was not just an efficient member of the family but a gentle woman who offered compassion anytime one of them fell upon bad times.  Whether it was breaking a dish or loosing one's favorite ax, Snow White always made the situation seem better.  As time went on, she discovered things that set them apart and watched each dwarf individually.  Knowing she had to call them names she could remember, she gave each one an alias that fit their individual characteristics.  Each dwarf spent a lot of time in the mines, but she knew one of them was the best at chiseling stones and finding gems than the others.  He was stout like the others and always chuckled when attention was paid to him.  She decided to name him Miner and he smiled, knowing she named him well.  But there were three other dwarves and she also found names for them. One was young looking and thinner than the two others and his keen eyesight also set him apart from the group.  She called him Watcher, and found out he was much like another dwarf who she called Study.  Study had good eyes as well, but he often had them in books learning everything he could.  The last dwarf wore small glasses and sprouted gray hair and wrinkles indicating his age.  Yet he still held a youthful smile, and found his joy in building and working on clocks throughout the house.  For his love of clocks she named him Clockwork and he giggled at the name, liking it very much.

Yet Snow White's thoughts strayed from the dwarves on occasion and she began to think of her father. Trying to relieve her grief one day, she walked out of the house and moved near a tree where a dove whistled in greeting. Its wrinkled feet perched upon a tiny limb, she smiled then chirped in return asking of the kingdoms beyond.

Much time had passed and she listened to what the bird had seen. Chirp by chirp it relayed that her stepmother was growing in power and still appeared youthful. The bird also said it witnessed many people of the kingdom disappearing and leaving only tall dark figures as subjects to her majesty. She continued to listen and her friend told her the palace was no longer filled with vibrant life but darkness.

She sighed upon hearing the news but was not all that surprised. Then something else made her inquire about the other kingdom where her prince reigned. She heaved a sigh of relief after hearing he had become king of a powerful land but then froze as she heard he had taken a wife.

Her eyes glistened with tears and she asked the bird if he loved his bride.  The dove answered back saying he didn't know but the thought of his arms around another was painful enough to her. She chirped a quick good bye to her companion and quickly ran into the cottage, unable to hold back her tears any longer.
 

The dwarves looked up as she burst through the door in tears. Miner and Clockwork quickly ran to her side. It was Miner who took her hand and patted it softly, "Please tell us what troubles you dear." She wiped her eyes and saw the other two appear.

A sigh then escaped her lips and she slowly sat upon a small wooden chair, "The queen grows in power and I fear that, but as I speak my ruby heart is chiming in sorrow."

Clockwork raised his eyes over his glasses and spoke in a comforting tone, "The queen growing in power is not that much of a surprise. You know she has your real heart and with it she has immortal life."

His words were a bit of a surprise to her but she didn't gasp in shock, "I didn't know that it was so powerful."

He nodded, "It is, but that's not what troubles you is it?"

She blinked and another tear fell from her cheek, "No, I found out my prince has found another."

Every dwarf sighed and a few even shook their heads. "Unfortunately this is not a surprise either." Study continued to speak in comfort, "I am sorry, but you know it's not safe for you to enter a human kingdom again."

"Yes." She trembled, trying to hold a few tears back, "I know."

Miner patted her hand again, "We're sorry my dear. But if it's any consolation a Fae ring will appear beneath the moon tonight. Maybe you can find a dance partner that will relieve your troubles."

Snow White's eyes opened wide. She had heard of Fae rings and their hypnotic power to lull mortals into an eternal sleep or an eternal dance. Miner sensed her concern and smiled, "Don't worry, everything will be OK. We won't let any harm happen to you."

"But you need to get your mind off your prince." Study interjected.

"Yes." Clockwork exclaimed, "And the ring tonight will relieve your worries!"

Snow White nodded and slowly stood up, "You're probably right. I just can't keep asking myself if he is really happy."

Study sighed, "Unfortunately my dear, I don't think there's a way to get that answer."
 

The moonlight shimmered above the dark grass as enchantment in a forest clearing grew. A mystical hum was heard and the dwarfs approached with Snow White in front of them. The sound continued and particles of bright light began to flicker in the air under the moon. Glamour was gathering and the princess gasped in amazement. Even a human could sense that magic was strong here.

The light shifted and formed a variety of enchanting creatures. Some small and some tall, they all stood with pride while the hum began to change into a mystical melody.  Their bodies were slender yet athletic, and their muscles twitched beneath fair skin with each twist and turn they took.  Some were clothed in dark cloaks and robes, while others wore multicolored, light fabric that shifted with the motions in the dance.  As the sounds grew more elaborate they reached out to hold hands and began moving in a circle. Snow White and her friends slowly approached the group.

Then the music caused the dancers to move faster and some of them broke off into small groups. The harmony continued to mystify the princess and she quickly ran to get a closer look at the creatures here.  Some bowed in greeting to her but most continued to move on their own accord. Each one seemed to shimmer with an aura that accentuated their magical movements. Bright and graceful, she knew these were the Fae and was a bit surprised when one in particular approached her.

He was Elven as seen by his long, pointed ears. His alabaster skin and violet eyes did not contrast with the others, but his smile was entrancing as it was focused only on her. In the distance she heard the dwarfs laughing with other Fae so her concern for their happiness was fleeting. Nothing else seemed to matter except this one whose hand was gentle when he took hers and pressed it to his suave lips.

"So you are the one the mirror folk watches." He said in a voice that chimed directly into her heart, "This does not surprise me for your beauty is impossible to match."

Her white cheeks flushed at the flattery and she slowly took her hand back, "I am not sure what you mean." She said slowly as she was still spellbound by the creature.

"Ah yes," he replied, "You are human and not used to the Fae world."   Reaching forward to take her hand again he began to guide her away from the dancers, "Perhaps let me explain?" he asked as if seeking her permission.

Snow White's eyes lit up and she nodded eagerly. Letting him lead her away from the others they found a tree stump to sit upon as the elf began to explain, "The mirror folk are elves, or one elf, who has been imprisoned by evil magic to serve a master or mistress answering any question asked." he shifted his gaze to look deeply into her eyes, "The thing about my kind is that some of us are gifted with knowledge that few mortals can ever comprehend. We know what is happening anywhere in any realm, and we also know the future."

"We?" Snow White asked, "Are you one of them?"

"I am Elven fair one and yes I am one of the gifted elves. 'Tis why I only come out with other Fae, this helps to keep me safe from evil."

She smiled seeming to feel more comfortable with the creature and said, "Please continue, why does a mirror folk watch me?"

"Your stepmother commands him to. As he watches you and answers questions about you, he has no freedom. The folk also speaks in dreams to a dwarf you have not met yet. He wants you to be safe even though his will belongs to the queen."

"Why does he want me to be safe?"

He smiled as he looked upon her again, "Because you will save him from his prison, few mirror folk have that hope but this one does.  He also knows that by granting you an answer to a question he will grow young again.  Each elf gains confidence when he pays his debt."

She spoke in confusion, "I..I don't understand. The dwarfs tell me that I can never return to the human world.  I can't help him unless I enter my stepmother's castle."

"Never return now or never return years later?" he asked with a snicker.

"What do you mean?"

"Dance with me in the Fae ring tonight and time will pass quickly for you. A minute will become a year and you will receive a vision of what all has happened in the mortal realm. This will strike you to move and strike you to fulfill your destiny."

She paused to think of what he said. Time would pass faster than she could comprehend, but could she accept that? "The dwarfs said I am immortal." She replied, "So I will not age?"

"You will not age because of your heart and even if it wasn't for that gem I wouldn't let you age in my arms. You deserve peace Snow White and I can tell deep inside you do not have it. I will tell you this much, you will find your love again but not as you expect. In your world everything is fleeting."

"Fleeting?" she asked a bit curious and disappointed, "What do you mean?"

He stood up and smiled, reaching out to take her hand, "Dance with me and see."
 

He slowly grabbed her hands and stepped closer. In moments she found herself in his arms. The embrace bringing them together she heaved a sigh of anxiety as she was not able to expect the movements of her companion. He sensed her concern and moved forward to rest his head on her shoulder, "Shhh my beauty." He whispered in a soothing tone, "Time changes soon enough."

Keeping her close he pulled her with him and they became part of the Fae ring. The air began to glow and a variety of colors sparkled around them as he guided the princess in a dance. Their bodies twirling, she gasped in excitement and to her surprise was able to keep up with his movements. The mystical music continued to play and the elf slowed down his motions to allow her to see her world changing.

Images of her father's castle appeared and began to grow darker as only shadowed forms walked in and out of the entrance. The stone walls became black and the blue water surrounding the castle found its new color to be a stagnant green. No life lived in her previous home, and seeing this she tried to hold back her emotions. Then with a quick pull, her companion moved her away from the vision to show her something else.

Her prince appeared upon a throne.  His blond hair was turned gray and his once smooth face was lined with blemishes of age. Now king, he met with his lords to discuss new provinces and taxes. His face wrinkled, she tried to focus upon his expression and could only tell he was not happy. Then the elf extended his arms and twirled her to look at another vision. There she saw a tall, handsome man that looked very much like her young love. She was entranced for a brief moment and slowly stepped away from the elf.
Desperately seeking the image to be real she walked farther from him and did not hear her companion scream as she stepped out of the Fae ring. Time had changed and she found herself face to face with a man she never met, but felt he was familiar.
 

She stepped forward and caught a good look at the prince and was amazed at his features. His chin angular and skin clear and taunt, he looked familiar but for some reason she couldn't remember how. Regardless, he looked upon her with compassionate eyes and extended a hand. Slowly she took it as he asked, "Are you alright M'lady?"

She tried not to blush and at the same time he tried not to be spellbound by her appearance. Her ebony hair shifted as she nodded in greeting and she hid her beautiful gaze from his sight while he kissed her hand in respect. Gaining some composure she slowly took her hand and stepped back for a moment. "I.," Her voice stuttered slowly, "I think I may be lost."

"Then you should be careful." He replied, "This is an enchanted forest and when magic is afoot there's no telling what can happen."

She paused and listened to his voice, hinging on every word. Even his tone seemed familiar and she yearned to know why. His stance regal, he attempted to move closer and her curiosity made her stand still, "Who are you?" she finally asked.

"Oh forgive me my beauty." He bowed before her, granting an introduction, "I am prince Aryn, heir to a grand kingdom. And who may you be?"

"I am.," she began to reveal who she was and then thought about her safety. Though he seemed charming she knew that in an enchanted forest anything was possible. To answer she replied, "I am lost."

"As I am," he told her. "Perhaps we can find a way out here together?"

It was then she heard a rumble in the bushes behind her with various familiar voices muttering. "Don't enter the human world!" She recognized them as Study and Miner and knowing her friends were nearby she heaved a sigh of relief, "I'm...I'm sorry," she replied to the prince, "I must go!"

"No wait!" He called as she walked away, "When will I see you again?"

"I..I don't know." She paused to answer him, "But I must go. If you are looking for a way out just continue following one of the dirt paths in the forest, you'll get out eventually."

He longed to follow her to see where she was going but she was quick to disappear into the woods beyond his sight.
 

She ran into the woods where her friends greeted her. Miner, Clockwork and Study pulled her farther into the brush whispering, "Is he gone?"

"I think so," She replied as she moved closer, "He wants to see me again though."

"That can't happen," Study said continuing to walk with her hand in his, "you know it can't, we need to keep you safe."

Snow White quickly pulled away from him and paused for a moment. Her voice firm, she relayed what the elf told her in the Fae ring, "My safety is not an issue anymore, I was told I am to save one of the mirror folk."

"The mirror folk cannot be saved," Clockwork said, "They are imprisoned forever, not one of them has been rescued. That's not going to change anytime soon."

She shook her head in disbelief, then shouted, "But it is! The folk believes in it because he's been watching me, regardless if the queen demands him to or not."

It was then Miner paused to think of the situation. Then Study gave his companion a strange look and realized what needed to be said, "Perhaps you are right." He sighed.

"She's not!" Clockwork yelped, "She's not right, we need to protect her!"

Miner put a hand on Clockwork's shoulder for comfort and then Study told them all, "As much as we hate it you can't remain in our world forever, you will need to return to the human realm. We know that and even though we don't like it, we must accept it."

"I know," she replied. Part of her didn't want to return to her world either but images of the new prince entered her mind, "I need to find and free the elf. Maybe the prince will help me."

"NO!" Clockwork yelled, "You don't know him you can't trust him."

"Well, I'd rather not do this alone." She huffed in response.

Study then took a step forward and bowed his head in respect to the princess, "Then we'll help you."

She paused for a moment, "I can't ask that of you."

Miner then stood before her and bowed as well, "You're not asking we're offering."

"Really?"

Clockwork then came forward and nodded in agreement, "Well let's get everyone together! What are we waiting for?"
 

The queen's throne room consisted of shadows hanging from gray corners where the dark walls kept few secrets.  In the middle of the darkness was a black chair decorated with wood and soft upholstery.  There was nothing much to see in the dim area, but she enjoyed it that way. Without light there was no peaceful home and her servants were led to believe that all too often.

Those who didn't flee her kingdom long ago united with her dark magic to become depressive slaves bending to her every will. For the queen it was all too perfect as it displayed her evil influence to other kingdoms, making her feel invulnerable.

Yet to no surprise she found the dark palace a bit lonely. Though she had many at her beck and call, they offered little companionship which did nothing to excite her. Because of this she watched the other kingdoms in her dreams and finally found one who caught her eye.

Prince Aryn was the son of a handsome and powerful king and with his suave movements and diplomatic ways, she could tell he was destined for greatness.  Since she saw him in a vision, she used her magic to speak to him in dreams and out of curiosity the two met a few times. She felt he grew fond of her and she invited him to visit her kingdom more often.  Though her palace was gloomy, she had a feeling he would return.

It was easy for the prince to cross her mind again as she sat upon the velvet covered throne.  She remembered his stunning appearance and licked her lips at the thought. It was best to take things slow, and with Snow White's heart she always had time. Smiling at the notion she relaxed a bit more until a knock was heard.

"Yes?" the queen scoffed at the sound. In response the tall door opened and a cloaked figure muttered, "Letter from Prince Aryn."

She jumped up with a gleam of delight evident in her eyes. "Well, bring it in now!" she snapped. The figure wasted no time at the command and gently set the sealed letter in her eager, long white fingers.

Her eyes hung upon each written word as she read them all eagerly. His diplomatic fashion was even evident in the message as it said:
 

My dearest queen. I hope this finds you happy in your kingdom. My father and I continue with matters here as he is beginning to become very ill. The best apothecaries have been sent for and I stay by his side as often as I can. Hearing of the magic of herbs I perhaps made a foolish move and entered an enchanted forest. I ended up being quite enchanted with something there. I have a feeling I will be going back and with that and the situation of my father, I doubt I will be able to visit you soon. I wish you peace and prosperity in your realm my queen. May your future be well.
 

Her eyes opened wide with rage as she read the letter again. The second time was enough for her to bear and in anger she threw it aside. "Insolent fool!" she yelled, "I want you and I take what I want." Yet as her anger grew she began to contemplate what exactly enchanted Aryn in the forest.
 

Aryn walked through the halls of the castle with a grim expression on his face.  After talking to one of the apothecaries he discovered that his father's illness had little chance of becoming better.  He sighed and tried to push the thought aside but knew that he must see him.  As he neared the wooden door to his father's chamber, he remembered the woman he saw in the forest and a brief smiled crossed his lips.

Knocking softly upon the door he paused for a moment until a weak voice softly yelled, "Enter."  Aryn stepped inside and sat upon a chair next to his father's bedside.  The chamber was indeed elegant with rich red carpets and various tapestries on the walls insulating the room.  A few windows were cut to reveal some light into the area, but it offered little hope to the dying king.  Laying upon a bed of feathered mattresses and a pillow, almost any other person would easily seek repose within the silk sheets--unfortunately he could not.

The disease was something no one ever heard of.  It all started with an intense headache and then suddenly the king felt his heart flutter.  Then he grew weak and couldn't stand.  For days after growing ill, he found he couldn't eat and had an even worse time sleeping.  Already his skin was pale and his eyes were glazed over from him being sick.  Yet as he turned to face his son his eyes began to sparkle with love and an old, wrinkled hand reached forward.

"Aryn," he said with a smile, "How are you my son?"

Aryn hated seeing his father so sick but smiled in return to please him, "I am fine.  I think about you all the time.  Mother is worried about the kingdom," He sighed deeply and held his father's hand gently, "I don't want you to die Father."

The old king sighed in response, "I don't want to either....I want to stay with you...you are the light of my life."

Aryn built up an emotional barrier to keep from crying and tried to change the subject, "I went into an enchanted forest to find some herbs and...I met someone."

The king's eyebrows raised at his son's word, "Met someone?" He asked in a raspy voice, "Who?"

"A woman....very beautiful."

"Enchanted forests are full of strange magical things," the old man continued, "I rarely went in them when I was young.  But I remember a beautiful woman.  I could never forget her."

Aryn listened to his father's tone as he spoke 'never forget her.'  In those words there appeared to be a longing of some sort but the prince couldn't pinpoint it.  As if in doubt he asked, "Mother?"

The king slowly shook his head, "No, son not your mother.  Your mother is a good wife and excellent queen.  It was an arranged marriage.  They said I would grow to love her and I did.  But I never fell in love with her."

Aryn sat there confused at the words he heard, yet part of him was not very surprised.  He remembered watching his parents take care of legal matters together and address the various royal courts many times, but he rarely saw them kiss as lovers do, "I...don't know what to say," came his reply. "You are happy aren't you?"

He smiled, "My son you make me more happy than you can possibly imagine but  if there is anything I wish for you to have it's true love.  Falling in love is a powerful thing that no kingdom can ever provide for and no money can buy.  If there is a possibility you can find it embrace it, I wish I was able to."

Aryn grew more curious hearing his father's wish, "What do you mean you wish you were able to Father?  What happened?"

The king opened his mouth as if to answer then began coughing.  Aryn was about to get up but the king took his free hand and gestured for him to sit again.  After a brief moment the coughing subsided and he said, "It's a very long story my son, very long.  I remember everything but it's in the past.  Too much of a long story anyway and I don't have the time to share, I need to rest."

Aryn nodded and gently let his father's hand go.  Standing up he began to move from the bed and slowly opened the door.  Already his father's eyes were shut and for once he wondered if the sick, old man fell asleep with thoughts of love.
 

The travel back home was not long for the dwarves. Snow White had no problem keeping up with them, sometimes even getting a bit ahead of the group. After turning down a small dirt path, Watcher approached them and nodded in greeting. Snow White came forward and relayed her plan to the other dwarf.

Watcher nodded and gestured toward the house, "You have yet to meet one of our brothers. He doesn't talk with us too often for his loves are spell books and solitude. Yet he says that someone speaks to him in his dreams, someone he is surprised to hear from.

Snow White raised an eyebrow and asked with a hint of curiosity, "A mirror folk perhaps?"

Watcher stood in shock for a moment in reaction to the question.  He then gestured for her to walk toward to house, "Perhaps it's best if you just talk to him."

The group continued until they came to the door. Lifting a hand to knock, Snow White was prepared for someone to say 'enter' but instead the door opened before her fingers rapped along the wood. She blinked in a bit of surprise then saw a short figure pushing the door aside. It was dressed in a dark robe and hooded cloak, yet moved its face up to her to reveal its wrinkled features. She nodded in greeting and Watcher introduced the two, "This is our brother who we call 'Spells' sometimes and I believe he already knows about you Snow White."

"That I do," he said stepping forward, "And my brothers have told you I like to stay away from others, yes?"

Snow White nodded in response and instead of talking let the dwarf continue, "You're right to say a mirror folk speaks to me in dreams about you. He believes you are his last hope....Is that what you believe?"

She looked down at the ground for a moment, "I am not sure, but I feel there is something urgent about this situation."

The little man only shook his head, "You must not feel, you must believe."  came his response.  He looked at his brothers surrounding her and announced, "I have the ability to open a portal to the queen's chambers where the elf is, but what happens from there is out of my hands. She has your heart and uses it to keep her appearance immortal, she is also very powerful."

Snow White nodded, "I know and this is why I must go, I feel something calling me to help the elf."

Spells slowly walked outside the house and looked at the group. He merely shook his head and began chanting some words unfamiliar to everyone. As he continued the incantation a patch of light began to form in the air. By intricate gestures from Spells' hands, the light grew bigger and he told them, "Jump into the light and find yourself in the castle. But be quick for the queen is powerful!"
 

As the group stepped into the light, they felt disoriented and tried to stay focused. The area around them was brilliant and caused a temporary blindness until they all found themselves in a dim room. A few candles hung on cold stone walls, but they did little to allow them to see. Wincing to get a better view, Snow White walked around and groped the area to make out a few small tables and even a bookcase. She could hear the other dwarves stumbling behind her and tried not to make any noise herself.

"Quiet!" Watcher said trying to use his keen eyes to make out the area, "The queen will find out we're here soon enough! Let's not announce our presence OK?"

The others were in agreement and tried not to stumble as much. Keeping a low tone one of them asked, "So what are we looking for anyway?"

"A mirror." Snow White replied, "But so far I can't find one."

"I can't find one either." Watcher said as he continued to wince in the darkness, "And I've got the sharpest sight out of all of us."

Snow White sighed in despair hearing the dwarf's words. Leaning against the wall she rubbed her eyes to try to ease the strain. It was then she heard a voice call, "Believe."

She returned her hands back to her sides and quietly called out to the others, "Did you all hear that?"

"Hear what?" her friends replied. Their tone indicated their confusion but sure enough she heard the same voice call, "Believe."

Snow White recalled what Spells said and looked into the darkness. For once she understood the voice and instead of relying on intuition she relied on confidence. Not knowing exactly where the voice was coming from, she called out to it, "Yes, I believe."

"What do you believe?" the voice asked sounding a bit clearer. It was masculine and asked the question with a sense of urgency. She replied, "I believe I am the one pure of heart who can save the mirror folk."

"Then reach for me," it quickly said. As if on instinct Snow White reached into the darkness until she felt a slender hand. She was not able to see who it was but continued to hold it tightly. "Pull," the same voice commanded her and she did so with all her strength. Suddenly a loud shattering sound was heard.  After the noise, light flooded into the room and chased the darkness away. The queen's chamber was illuminated by the shards of a broken mirror and a figure laid on the floor in front of it.

The area was now able to be seen and everyone winced as they grew accustomed to the light.  The walls were gray, yet not near as dark as before and on them were a variety of shelves and bookcases. In a few corners some tables stood and a large bed with black sheets was on the opposite side of the room. The dwarves rubbed their eyes again to see things clearly, but the main object of focus was the glass and figure before it.

The frame of the mirror was silver and a few shards still clung to its sides. Sparkling with light, the elf was quite easy to see. His features were angular and his hair long and gray.  His eyes were violet much like the elf she danced with before, yet his face was wrinkled with age.  But his face did not show despair as he slowly looked up to the princess and smiled, "I knew you were the one who would save me."

She held his hand tightly but couldn't help but look at him in sorrow, "But....you're old. Elves never grow old."

He shook his head, some weak words coming from his mouth, "I am old compared to humans, but not as old as you might think."

"Will you become young again?"

"If I pay my debt to you."  He lifted his weak fingers to attempt to trace her face in admiration. "You have done me a great service, now I must return the favor. Knowledge is what I hold so ask me a question so I may grow young."

Snow White then understood what he meant. Through her kindness he was saved but could not heal until he gave her something in exchange. It was then she asked, "Is my prince still alive?"

"Yes," he responded, "But he has changed."

"Does he still love me?"

"That will never change."

"Will I see him again?"

"Yes," the elf said, "But not as you expect. Too often we see what we want to see, but not what is really there. Your prince does love you though and you will see him, but not as you expect. Remember to see things for what they really are, not for what you wish them to be."

Snow White nodded and slowly released the elf's hand. The dwarves started to step back as the light from the shards began to move toward his form.  Slowly but surely the light surrounded his body and began to glow with the radiance of healing. Everyone gasped in amazement as he grew young again, but no one noticed the footsteps behind a door coming closer.
 

The door opened and shadows traced the form that appeared. Her long, black hair framed a face of youthful beauty but it was also full of evil as she scowled at the occupants of the room. Giving them a fierce glance, she began to speak in a magical incantation in an effort to overpower their will.

As the words, "Alikar nimon girkt." rolled from her lips Snow White knew this was her stepmother. She winced and tried to hide in the shadows but the queen already knew of her presence. It was then she stopped the incantation to glare at the princess, "So you have come back?" she sneered, "I wanted you dead because I hated you for being so beautiful! But now look at me," she stepped closer and demanded attention in her tone as she yelled, "Your heart pumps the blood that keeps me young! I should kill you for that. But there are worse fates than death princess, and you're about to find them out!"

"Forget someone?" the elf spoke in the distance and she turned around to face him. His skin glistened with magic which made her eyes open wide in terror. She knew that by being freed he was quite powerful, but she dare not show her fear. Gathering darkness from the corners of the room, shadows extended to stretch to her feet. Once there they materialized into dark orbs that made a hissing sound. In a simple gesture the balls rose to meet her eyes and extending her fingers they flew toward the elf.

The elf only smirked in return and waved a hand toward the queen. By the gesture the black orbs dissipated into smoke. He laughed and took a step closer to his enemy, "So you thought you could keep me trapped forever and thought I would be easy to defeat once I was freed? Tell me why did you think that?"

"I am more powerful than you!" she shouted, "I am evil! Evil will always overpower good!"

Again the elf smirked and replied, "Evil may be more powerful at times but it is not as wise, let me show you yourself."

In front of the queen a large mirror appeared with no warning. Her eyes looked upon it for a brief moment to admire her beauty. Then her face began to change with wrinkles first forming around her eyes.  Suddenly her mouth and the rest of her skin started to sag, "No!" she yelled as her flesh continued to loosen, "I do not look like this!"

The elf spoke in a deep, commanding tone, "You are evil, your beauty is only skin deep. Your appearance was maintained by the heart of an innocent one, therefore your essence is  horrifying....see that."

Sure enough she saw her real image as a grotesque woman with black eyes and a deformed face. Her skin was sagged from her skull and between a few wrinkles blisters were seen. Screaming she touched her face and the blisters broke. Full of liquid, the flesh began to collapse on itself and she yelled again. Not able to stand any more of the horrifying vision, the queen threw herself at the mirror to break the image. Shards flew everywhere and everyone ducked to avoid the glass, but the queen fell back to land on a large shard that pierced her heart. She was dead.
 

Snow White turned away after seeing the Queen meet death. She sighed deeply, not wanting to stare upon her body. Blood flowed from her form and even a few of the dwarves groaned at the sight. The elf even showed a little remorse, but the aspect of freedom began to outshine any guilt. He walked slowly over to the princess, a comforting hand reaching for her.

She sensed the hand and turned to take it. Focusing on his face she watched him and forgot about her stepmother. His features were much more attractive now--his gray hair now blonde and eyes a sparkling deep blue. She smiled and squeezed his hand. He responded by speaking gentle words, "Things will be fine now, you have your father's kingdom as it should be."

"I know," she muttered, "I just don't like the idea of someone dying. Did she have to die?"

"She was already dead," the elf sighed, "Someone that evil only seeks to control life and not let it take its natural course. Nothing is forever Snow White, and the sooner we accept that the sooner we can be at peace."

"So everything dies?" she asked with a hint of despair in her voice.

"No." he replied quickly to soothe her doubt, "But everything changes.  The compassion in your heart will always exist, but your heart will change."

"How will it change?"

"There is one thing you do not realize, you belong to another and always have."

She sighed a bit still confused. "I, don't know if I understand or not."

"You're not supposed to," he replied, "But you will soon, believe me. For now the queen's servants are yours. There is a lot of cleaning up to do but with their help you can do it." The elf slowly let go of her hand then turned to the others. A bright smile formed upon his lips and he called out to them, "Is there a Fae ring tonight my brothers?"

The dwarves walked closer to the two and smiled widely, "If there isn't one we can announce one! It's time to welcome you home!" Miner said.

"Yes," Watcher replied, "It's a time to celebrate! A mirror folk is alive and well and free!"

The dwarves smiled wider then Clockwork paused for a moment and looked at the princess, "You know, you can visit us whenever you wish."

Study nodded as well, "Yes, we want you to! Please visit!"

Snow White kneeled down to look at all the dwarves closely, "I do plan on it believe me, I can't thank you all enough for saving my life. I won't forget you all."

"We won't forget you either," they all said in unison. Then Miner replied, "But we know you have a kingdom to run. If you ever need us you'll find us, you can be sure of that!"

She smiled and stood up. The elf walked closer to the dwarves to stand beside them. "We are forever in your debt your highness," he said, "You have brought much hope to the Fae. Your heart is pure whether it is flesh or a gem because it comes straight from your soul. You will be at rest when you find your other half, and I praise that day."

Snow White smiled at what he said though she didn’t completely understand it. The elf sensed her confusion but didn’t offer an answer. Instead he muttered a few ancient words to a teleportation spell, and he and the dwarves were gone in a flash of light.
 

Many moons had passed and through that time the castle was restored to its original beauty. The dark hallways soon became white from hours of scrubbing and painting the stone walls.  With much work they shimmered with the outside light and also from many candles that adorned the hallways. Snow White smiled each time she looked at the rooms.  She made sure every area held its own vibrancy.  Decorated with golden tapestries and multicolored paintings, each chamber told stories of Elven folk as they danced in Fae rings.

And she never forgot her Fae friends but unfortunately didn’t see them as often. A few times a month she would enter the enchanted forest and dance with them, but her human world demanded much more of her attention. Some of her stepmother's servants were freed but many of them stayed behind and praised their allegiance to the new queen. She was thankful for their help and even in less than a year, the kingdom flourished over her reign.

She smiled thinking of the land's prosperity and knew the allegiances with other kingdom's were another thing in her favor. She remembered prince Aryn, who visited her a few times each week and she knew she was growing quite fond of him. With thoughts of him on her mind, she greeted a servant who slowly approached her.

The servant bowed in respect and told her Aryn was waiting outside.  She smiled upon hearing of the surprise visit and nodded politely to the maid.  Remembering their meeting place, she walked down a few stair wells and met the prince at the first portcullis in the castle. He grinned and politely kissed her hand.

"I apologize for not warning you of my visit, but I would like to bring you to my kingdom today." The prince was quick to say, "I wish for you to meet my father." Suddenly his tone grew more solemn and he continued, "He's very close to death...I won't lie and say you don't mean anything to me my queen, and I want you to see him before it's too late."

Her eyes opened wide at his request but she nodded in return, "Certainly, let's not waste any time."

The two walked out of the castle where a carriage awaited them. Its upholstery made of red velvet, both sat in luxury as the horses began to walk. The ride seemed smooth for the most part, but Snow White remained focused on the price who seemed rather distressed. To show compassion she extended her hand and he took it. Squeezing it tightly she tried to offer comfort, "I know what it's like to loose your father," she said.

Aryn sighed and squeezed her hand a little, "I love him so much, it just doesn't seem right for him to go."

"It never does but sometimes we have to let go of the things we love the most, I had to do that."

He nodded then looked straight at her, "I...have something to tell you after all this."

"Why don't you just tell me now?" she asked as the carriage moved on, "We have time."

Aryn nodded, "I am going to be king soon and...I need a queen."

Snow White blinked at what she heard, but still unsure of herself she said, "Please...go on."

"I want you to be my queen Snow White...that is why I want you to see my father before he dies."

The proposal surprised her a bit. Without a doubt she was very fond of the prince but questioned if she could give him a straight answer. The momentary silence began to make him uneasy and sensing that she replied, "My dear Aryn, I care for you deeply, even more than I want to admit but I cannot answer you now for at this moment you are under such distress. Ask me again when your head is clear and not concerned about your father, and I will answer you."

Aryn felt uneasy at the response and took his hand away, "But what does our marriage have to do with my father?"

"You have too much on your mind, it's best to focus on one thing at a time." She reached forward to hold his hand, "But I can tell you this much, I would be honored to be your queen as any woman would, believe me."

Aryn smiled at the response and squeezed her hand again. Both enjoyed the moment they shared which was finally interrupted by the carriage stopping in front of Aryn's castle.

The castle was much like Snow White's, built by bricks that were painted to reflect light. She smiled when she looked at it and longed to examine its appearance more, until a frantic woman ran toward the two yelling, "Prince Aryn!"

Snow White looked upon the woman who was trying to catch her breath. Her expression ragged, she finally managed to speak, "We've been looking all over for you! Your father is almost dead! He stopped breathing a while ago and doesn't have much time left! Please come!"

Aryn's eyes opened wide and running quickly, Snow White followed the two down a variety of halls until they came to a large room. In it was a large, comfortable bed, two white robed apothecaries, and the queen sitting in the far corner of the room. Dressed in long, red robes she was beautiful even though ruling the kingdom took its toll on her appearance.  Like her husband, her skin was wrinkled and her face revealed an expression of sorrow as she saw her son’s sadness.  Through her countenance one could see she held more concern for Aryn’s feelings than the state of her husband.

The prince ran to his father's bedside and pleaded to him, "Father....stay alive for now please."

The old man took a short breath and slowly opened his eyes upon hearing his son. His face was wrinkled and pale but Snow White froze upon seeing him. Taking slow steps she focused on the king until his eyes met hers. At that moment there was no denying the truth.

"My prince..." Snow White's voice trailed off as if she was speaking in doubt. She recognized his deep blue eyes and the contours of his face from so many years ago. It was him even if he was older and without the same youthful rigor she remembered. As if in a trance, she walked to him and sat on his bedside. Her eyes began to glisten as she remembered everything the elf said. She knew now she found her true love, but not as she expected.

"My princess..." the king said extending a hand to trace her face. She leaned in so he could touch her and at that moment nothing else mattered. "You're alive...and so young."

She blinked and tears rolled down her cheeks. The moment so intense, she couldn't hold back her emotions anymore, "Yes, I'm alive and thoughts of you never left my mind. I was found by dwarves and they saved me. I've been immortal."

"And I'm dying," he replied in a weak voice, "death is all around me."

She moved her fingers to trace his face in admiration. Trying to keep her emotions in control she choked back another sob. The queen in the corner of the room watched the scene not understanding what was going on, but she did nothing to interfere. The prince didn't interfere either, but he knew that Snow White was the woman his father talked about. He knew many years ago he fell in love with her, so deeply in love that they still felt the same way now.

"My son has spoken of you."

She nodded, "Yes he has, but you hold my heart I can't help that." She brought his wrinkled hand to her breast where the ruby heart chimed in glee, "You can feel it can't you?"

"Yes," he smiled, "it sounds so..perfect. Like you..."

She choked back another sob again, "You can’t die now." she said.

"I feel like I'm dying, but now I can live again. You are alive and you will be well."

"Not without you," she said, "Not without you anymore....I sense you are going to slip from my fingers at any moment, so I have something to give you."

The king looked confused but Snow White gestured to one of the apothecaries to get a sharp knife they used to cut herbs. She took it in her hand and quickly cut her chest open. Her movements were even faster than she expected and no one had the time to stop her. The knife then fell to the floor and Aryn quickly approached to stop her from cutting herself again. She yelled at him and the others to stand back and everyone obeyed. Blood began pouring from her chest and from the open wound she grabbed the giant ruby. The intense pain meant little to her at this moment as it glistened inside her hand. Even if it was coated in blood, it still shimmered brightly reflecting all forms of light with precision. She then handed the gem to the king and fell upon him as he grabbed it. She could not stop bleeding and used her last breath to say, "My heart is yours, it always has been and always will be."

The king held onto the ruby tightly with all the strength that remained. Slowly but surely her breaths grew shallow with his. He took his arms and wrapped them around her in a tight embrace until death came for him.  Not able to hold on any longer, the priceless gem fell from his hand.