THE FOREST FAIRIES, Part 2

Annalisa & Arabella

  

The Queen of the Fairies

The twin sisters decided to ask their mother, the Queen of the Fairies, about Rapunzel.  As Queen, their mother knew everything which was sometimes extremely annoying.

"Mama, tell us about Rapunzel in the dark tower.  We know that old witch, Hepzibah, can't be her true mother," they said in chorus.

"Of course, Hepzibah is not Rapunzel's mother.  She stole her from her cradle when she was newly born and it was all over some rhubarb ....or radicchio; I can't remember.  Her parents were heartbroken and begged Hepzibah to return their baby, but she pretended not to know what they were talking about.  Hepzibah took Rapunzel to the dark tower--she could still fly then--and hid the child inside. There was no door and only one window near the top of the tower.  When Hepzibah grew too old to fly, Rapunzel had to let down her long hair so the witch could climb up.  Oh, it is a dreadful story and all over some rutebagas."

"Mama, Annalisa and I are determined to rescue poor Rapunzel and return her to her parents."

"Well, I hope you don't invent another rattlebrain plan.  Think it through this time.  Remember poor Cinderella and those ridiculous glass slippers.  Her feet were covered with blisters!  And at midnight she was left on the street with her rags, a pumpkin and some mice.  Cinderella had to run all the way home on her blistered feet, carrying those mice whom she said were her friends.  I think the poor girl may be mental."

Stung, Arabella cried out, "Well, she is marrying Prince Charming next week!  And he is very handsome.  And, of course, charming!

"But not very bright, I fear," said the Queen Mother and flew off.

Her daughters stamped their feet in a fit of pique, but since they were floating in the air, it had no effect whatsoever.