Jessica (10:19)
Months after the wedding, but their home was not truly harmonious for long. The stepmother turned out to be quite critical. She questioned Daria's father about every perceived shortcoming, and she especially took a dislike to her stepdaughter, Daria. This was due to no fault on the girl's part. The simple truth was that the woman knew her own daughter. Maria fell short because of this. She was resentful of Daria's superior charms. The harder Daria tried to please her, the more she scolded the girl. Even when revealing her best qualities, Daria only seemed to make her stepmother more annoyed with her. Luckily, Daria was not completely without friends. She had an enormous furry dog named Victor, whom her father had given her as a gift many years ago. They often joked that Victor was actually a wolf, as he had the size and strength of one. But despite the penetrating gaze of his icy blue eyes, he was just a big, gentle beast. He was as loyal to Daria as could be. She was grateful for Victor's companionship and his furry hugs. It came to pass that Daria's father was to set off on a brief journey. He was delivering wood to a nearby village, and he'd be gone for two days. With winter approaching, it was important for him to take advantage of the great demand for firewood, so he was willing to travel a bit in order to trade his wood for important supplies that they'd need in the months ahead. His wife packed him food for the journey, and all three bade him farewell. Daria especially hugged him tight and wished him good fortune. As Victor sat patiently at her heels, watching her father ride away in the heavily laden wagon, Daria leaned down and wrapped her arms around her faithful dog. She wasn't looking forward to spending these next two days without her father, her trusty pet, her only real friend. Turning reluctantly, she went back into the house, noticing that her stepmother and stepsister had disappeared as soon as the wagon had started rolling. They didn't seem to care that her father had left. The day proceeded as it usually would. Each of them attended to their own chores, and they spoke to each other very little. But Daria's stepmother was calmly planning to take advantage of her husband's absence. She was plotting a way to rid herself of Daria once and for all. In the late afternoon, with the early winter sunset just an hour away, Daria was reading quietly in her sleeping loft. She was quite absorbed in her book, but she was pulled away from it by the sound of commotion in the kitchen downstairs. Her stepmother was carrying on loudly about something, and Daria quickly descended to find out what was going on. The front door was wide open, allowing cold air to flow through the house, and her stepmother was clasping her hands in distress. Daria, she said. The wind blew the door open and your dog Victor went running off. Daria looked from the door to her stepmother and then to Maria, who was making pancakes in the oven. Indeed, Victor was nowhere to be seen. He could usually be found enjoying the heat from the stove, but he wasn't upstairs, and he was not here in the kitchen, either. Daria could see that. Without a word, she grabbed a woollen wrap and ran outside into the yard, calling here and there for Victor. She covered the length of their little homestead. She searched every possible outbuilding and shed, but there was no sign of her dear and trusty friend. She returned to the front door and asked her stepmother if she had seen which way he'd gone. The crafty woman pointed in the direction of the trail that led deep into the woods. Then she added, if you're quick, you may catch him. Without taking care to bring heavier clothing, Daria immediately ran off in the direction of the path. She wasn't thinking very clearly, but it was her hope that she would come upon Victor quickly and be able to bring him back to the warmth and safety of the house. As the girl disappeared into the gloom, the stepmother closed the door and gave Maria a sneaky smile. Then she crossed to the pantry and opened the door. There, inside, without a care in the world, sat Victor. He was finishing off an enormous pile of pancakes, which had kept him very busy while Daria had been calling for him. Maria and her mother snickered in delight at the deception they had successfully performed as Victor went and snuffled at the front door. Realising his mistress was gone, they sat down and heartily ate the rest of the pancakes from the oven. Meanwhile, Daria's search for Victor had led her deep into the woods. If she had stopped for a moment, she would have realised that twilight was coming and she should delay her search until morning. She would have considered that Victor was a hardy dog of the north and that he would be fine, probably even finding his own way home. She might have, at the very least, gotten herself a heavier coat. But who could have blamed her for her urgent wish to find her best friend? She kept telling herself that if she just went around this next bend, if she just called out a little further on, her dog would come running in this way. She wandered too far. By the time she realized she was lost and far from home. Night was falling. Soon Daria was trudging blindly through the twilight. Over tree roots, around boulders and under low hanging branches. She went, calling out for Victor. In her heart, though, she suspected her dog was nowhere near. As the woods became darker and darker, she realised that the best course of action would be to find some kind of shelter and huddle there until daylight. She soon came upon a small clearing fringed by thickly clustered evergreen trees. Crawling under the shelter of their low hanging branches, she wrapped her shawl around herself more tightly. Her resting spot provided some shelter from the breeze and she could see the light from the moon illuminating the scene before her. It was not comfortable, but it had to be enough, she told herself. Leaning back against a tree trunk, she began to doze off. But then something strange happened. The very air around her seemed to quickly drop in temperature to the point where it pulled her from her chilled stupor. Her nose tingled and the forest seemed to whisper in her ear. She turned to look behind her over her shoulder, sensing a presence. Or perhaps it was just a change in the atmosphere. When she turned to face the clearing again, she could hardly believe her eyes. Standing just a short distance away, she saw a tall figure. At first she couldn't make out what type of person it was, but he was arcing his arm to the left and then the right. As he did this, the air around him seemed to sparkle. These tiny dazzling fragments travelled away from his fingers on the wind. As they touched the branches and the ground. Wherever they landed, a new colour appeared. Green boughs and green grass turned pristine white. It was as if he was a painter, reimagining the forest and making it new. As she stared open mouthed, he appeared to notice her for the first time, he stopped his mysterious activities and regarded her with obvious surprise. Daria didn't know what to say. In fact, she was quite dumbstruck. So it was he who spoke first. My goodness, where did you come from? He asked her in a friendly way, but Daria found her tongue was quite tied. He really was rather handsome, she realised. Seeing she had no response, he folded his arms and peered at her, considering the answer for himself. Then he shook his head as if coming to a realization. Well, Miss, you can't stay here. I'm about to layer this entire forest in a deep winter freeze and you will not find it comfortable for sleeping. Daria finally found her words and reassured him that she didn't want to interrupt. After all, she thought to herself, being lost in the forest again was worse than just being cold. She didn't want to have to start wandering the woods again in the dark. The man shook his head sceptically, brushing some stray ice off his trouser leg. Regarding her for a moment, he shrugged. All right then, I'll get on with it. Then, rather apologetically, he added, I really have so very much to do tonight, you see. Daria nodded vigorously and pulled her shawl around herself again, tucking her feet further under her skirt. Putting on a brave face, she said, good luck. I'll just go back to sleep. The man retreated to a spot deeper in the clearing, looking back over his shoulder at her once or twice, as if hesitating. Then he began spreading his arms wide again and a spectacular glittering spray of winter resumed in the light of the moon. It was like diamonds coated the forest floor and every other surface near him. Oh, but the temperature did drop. Daria was determined to keep her courage up, but it was very, very cold now. Her chin began to wobble as she shivered, and then her teeth made a little chatter. The tall, handsome stranger turned mid clearing and looked at her. And then he abruptly stopped his work, once again striding back in her direction, he spoke to Daria a second time. Miss, you are clearly not dressed for winter and I fear that this isn't even the coldest it's going to get this evening. Perhaps you could travel homeward to a fire somewhere. Daria knew that wasn't an option. Putting on a very brave smile, she clenched her chattering teeth together and shook her head. I'm not cold at all, she fibbed. I like the winter. It's my favourite season and you do make it so very pretty. The man looked a bit flattered, but then exasperated, he regarded her again. Bemused Then, wordlessly, he returned to the centre of the clearing. This time, his magical hands let loose the most frigid enchantment yet. Icicles appeared on the tree boughs. Freezing wind gusts made little swirling cyclones of snow. The world around Daria was frosted with dazzling sugar. It was a nose biting winter wonderland. Andaria was forced to stand and start stamping her feet and rubbing her hands together. She could no longer keep up appearances. She was too cold. Finished with his work in the clearing, the strapping young man returned and gave Daria a kindly look. Then, squinting at her appraisingly, he said, you are lost, are you not? You have nowhere to go, even though you are freezing here. Daria's face fell and she nodded her head reluctantly, explaining that she had gone off course while seeking her dog and that she actually had no idea how to get home. Hearing this, the man's face softened. With a friendly expression, he bowed low and introduced himself. I am King Frost. I have dominion over the north, and I sometimes even bring our climate to those in the South. Then he winked mischievously and added, people take me for granted up here, but those folks in the warmer climates find me awfully impressive. The girl smiled and responded with a curtsy, introducing herself. But even as Daria put on her best manners, the Frost King could see that this intriguing young lady was looking numb and weak. And he realised he would have to help her if she were to survive the night in his wintry forest. Motioning that she should follow him, he said, my sleigh is nearby, and there are warm blankets and refreshments there that will revive you. Come, let me show you the way. Grateful for his offer, Daria trailed a few steps behind him while he crossed the clearing. As her leather shoes sank into the powdery snow, she marvelled at how the entire area had been grassy just a short time before. But her attention was soon redirected when she saw a shining white sleigh tucked up beneath the tall trees. It was hitched to a snow white horse and its silver runners sparkled in the moonlight. It was so beautiful that it seemed unreal. The Frost King casually swung open the door to the sleigh and bowed gallantly, indicating that she should step inside. Daria approached gingerly and thanked him, stepping up to find a luxurious red velvet seat draped with very soft woolen blankets. Eagerly, she wrapped herself almost to her nose, trying to warm her face and hands. Looking up, she saw the Frost King snap his fingers. Out of nowhere, a silver tray materialized holding a steaming mug of mulled Cider. Uttering a small cry of delight, she accepted the mug from him, and he smiled widely. He then closed the door to the sleigh and leaned on it as if ready to have a chat. Furrowing his handsome brow with a look of concentration, he asked her how she had come to be lost out here, deep in the forest on her own. Sipping the delicious cider, Daria proceeded to tell him all. All about her faithful dog, Victor, that he had slipped out of their cottage and disappeared into the forest. The Frost King listened attentively. Then he asked her to describe her Was it large, small, built of stone, or built of wood? Did it have a garden with a fence or a chicken house, perhaps? Daria proceeded to tell him about their cozy wooden house with its steeply pitched roof. Her hands waved delicately in the air as she described the richly carved detailing around the windows, all created with loving care by her father's hand. She told him of the yard, which contained a kitchen garden, a hay shed, and a small barn. All of this, she added, was surrounded by a rustic woven wood fence. As she created the picture in his mind, he couldn't help but smile. Not only was her love for her home apparent, but he knew exactly where it was. After all, he was familiar with every inch of his lands, and there were not many houses to be found. Conjuring a pretty wrapped box from behind his back, he presented it to her with a wink. I have two pieces of good news, he said. The first is that these will be the most delicious chocolates you've ever tasted. Daria blushed and accepted the box, pulling off the lid. While she was marvelling at the delicate treats inside, he continued, the second piece of good news is that I know where your house is and I will take you home. At this, Daria clapped for joy. Dropping the box into her lap, she thanked him effusively and then politely offered him a piece of the chocolate. He accepted one and savoured it briefly before seating himself in the sleigh next to her. Daria thought that the Frost King would be cold to the touch, but he radiated something. She couldn't quite put her finger on it. He managed to be both dazzling and comforting. As he urged the horse forward and the sleigh gently lurched into motion, she glanced at him from the side. Until tonight, she had always thought of winter as a sparse and difficult time, but meeting the Frost King had changed her view entirely. As she sank further into her luxurious seat, enjoying the feeling of the speeding sleigh, she was keenly aware of him. Her Feelings were not cold. They were happy and warm. She couldn't have said how much time passed, because the sleigh ride was like a journey through a magical dream world. The very trees seemed to graciously lift their branches as the Frost King passed, and the forest sang with the gentle song of a thousand shimmering bells. The snow and ice he had wrought were like glittering decorations, generously dressing every inch of the landscape with enchantment. And nothing was more complimentary than the bright light of the moon, which made everything appear to glow. For his part, the Frost King was the perfect travel companion. He sang jolly songs, told her delightful stories about his adventures, and politely asked her about her own life as a woodcutter's daughter. She felt her responses were quite dull in comparison to his fantastical experiences, but she offered what she could. She told him about her father, her stepmother and stepsister, and their life together at the homestead. These details seemed mundane to her, but she didn't want him to stop talking to her. The Frost King found her sincerity charming and thoroughly enjoyed her tales. Most of all, he appreciated her love of the simple life in the difficult north country where he reigned. Finally, the time came when the musical shushing of the sleigh through the wintry forest faded out. As they pulled into the yard of her house, Daria felt a twinge of regret. Having started out so desperately, this night had turned out to be the most amazing night of her life. The Frost King got out of the sleigh, opening the door wide, and offered her his hand. Careful. Don't slip, he cautioned with a smile. Someone has coated your entire garden with ice and snow. Daria laughed lightly and began to remove the exquisite woolen blanket from her shoulders. No, no, you keep it, he said. Consider it a gift from me to you. She blushed and nodded, at which he added, it may be of some use next time you wander into the woods at night. As Daria opened her front door, she was overjoyed to see Victor sitting there, madly wagging his tail. He must have come home while I was gone, she thought to herself with puzzlement as she buried her face in his soft fur and hugged him tight. Then, as she stood and slowly closed the door behind her, she peeked through the crack. She got one last look at the Frost King as he instructed the stately horse to take him away. She could have sworn as he pulled out of the yard, that he winked at her one more time. Daria's stepmother and stepsister made quite a show of welcoming her home, as if they had worried themselves the Entire night. Secretly, of course. The stepmother was extremely put out that Daria had found her way back, and with quite an incredible story to boot. She would have chalked it up to delirium had it not been for the beautiful blanket the girl now had in her possession. It was so finely made, and she was certain it must have been extremely expensive. The woodcutter returned that evening and listened to his daughter's story with some skepticism. However, his overriding emotion was one of relief. To hear of Daria's misadventures in the forest was very concerning to him, and he marvelled at the idea that Victor would run off into the woods in such a manner. Fixing his sternest look on the dog, he told the beast that he had better not cause his mistress further concern. Then he also added that Victor ought to stop begging for pancakes by the stove. Sitting hopefully by the oven, Victor tilted his head to the side and looked repentant. Life returned to normal, and winter properly commenced in its usual routine. But Daria felt a change in herself. She was prone to spells of daydreaming, and she had thoughts unlike any she'd had before. Prior to her adventure in the forest, she had never envisioned anything beyond the humble cottage life she currently led. But her meeting with the Frost King had opened her eyes to marvels she had never imagined. At night, she dreamed of his warm smile and wondered what exciting place he was seeing now. She endlessly pondered what wonders were occurring at the wave of his regal hand. One morning, several weeks after their meeting, Daria opened the front door. The night before had brought a heavy snowstorm. To her amazement, there was a box on the doorstep. It was beautifully wrapped in shining silver paper and tied with a soft green velvet bow. Bringing the package inside the house, she carefully unwrapped it, feeling as if she shouldn't tear the beautiful paper in the process. Lifting the lid, she found an exquisite velvet cloak inside. It was of a royal blue colour and embroidered all over with tiny silver snowflakes. Her stepsister and stepmother crowded nearby, unable to resist touching the beautiful fabric. Daria draped the cloak around herself and leaned her cheek down to feel its softness. Then she hugged the garment closer around her, feeling a surge of joy. She knew that it was a gift from the Frost King. Even though the cloak itself was a treat, it was his thoughts of her that made her happiest. The arrival of this extravagant gift put her stepmother in a very sour mood indeed. She commanded Daria to put the silly cape away and to busy herself with her chores. Further, she instructed the girl that she must clear the entire front walkway of snow. This last instruction was the most spiteful one, as it was very cold outside and there was no urgent need to do such a thing. But Daria's good spirits couldn't be ruined. She put on her old coat and completed her chores as if in a dream state. The Frost King had returned to her as the winter continued. Days and nights passed in a monotonous fashion, for the winter in the north was dark, and there were no neighbours to visit or entertain the woodcutter and his family. He was happy with his home and his work. However, Andaria sustained herself with secret hopes that she might see the Frost King again someday. Meanwhile, her stepsister and stepmother only grew in their envy and discontent. Matters worsened when, following the next heavy snowstorm, another surprise gift appeared for Daria. Opening the door in the first light of dawn, with snowdrift standing high around the cottage, the girl found a second beribboned package. This one was wrapped in a shining gold paper and the ribbon surrounding it was white. Bringing the beautiful gift inside, Daria once again unwrapped it carefully in front of her family. As her father watched from his chair by the stove, her stepsister and stepmother leaned in, eager to find out what was inside. The box turned out to contain the softest, most finely crafted boots that any of them had ever seen. They were richly embroidered in a colourful pattern, and there was a soft wool lining inside for warmth. Daria pulled off a clog and slipped her foot inside one of the beautiful boots, reveling in its soft embrace. It was like they had been made just for her. They fit perfectly. She was too absorbed in her delight to notice that her stepmother was tight lipped with annoyance. But a moment later, the woman could no longer contain herself. Well, she said brusquely, maria, my daughter, you are going to have to make a trip out into the forest. See what beautiful presents your stepsister gets from this King Frost she has met. You must let him rescue you as well, and then you will have many more lovely, expensive things. Maria gaped at her mother. Surely the woman did not propose to send her out into the cold on such a fool's errand, she thought. But her unscrupulous mother was quite serious. She commanded the woodcutter to drive Maria out into the woods without a coat and leave her there. Daria and her father tried to talk the stepmother out of the plan, but she would not be moved. So it was later that afternoon, he reluctantly packed his stepdaughter into his sled and took her out into the forest, not even knowing exactly where the girl should be deposited. Upon leaving her, he gave her his coat, telling her he wouldn't leave her there long and that she should take care until morning. Maria rejected his offering, saying that his coat smelled like a horse and that she would soon be showered with gifts from the Frost King anyway. Unable to change her mind, the sorrowful man shook his head and returned home. Meanwhile, Maria stood in a clearing in the forest, stamping her feet and clapping her hands together. Impatient to encounter the Frost King, she affected her most helpless voice and called out for assistance. Alas, no majestic, wintry figure appeared, and all she succeeded in doing was scaring away any wildlife that may have been lingering nearby. As darkness fell, the girl became very ill tempered. Where was her rescuer with his lavish gifts and his warm drinks? Why had he not appeared to her just as he had to her sister? No amount of making a fuss seemed to conjure him, and she soon began weeping in self pity as she huddled under the shelter of a pine bough. She was just about to start walking homeward when she heard the sound of harness bells approaching. Sure enough, an elegant white sleigh appeared, pulled by a massive white horse. And seated in the conveyance was none other than the Frost King. She was sure of it. She had never seen such a dazzlingly handsome man before. He was everything Daria had described him to be, and then some. Not wanting to be overlooked, Maria ran out into the path of his sleigh, ready to play the damsel in distress. He stuck to the horse and looked at her quizzically. What are you doing out here in the depths of winter by yourself, miss? He asked her, raising an eyebrow, simpering in a way that she imagined to be attractive. She danced from one foot to the other, explaining that she had become lost and that she was awfully cold. Could he not offer her assistance? The Frost King pondered her question for a moment and looked at the skies as if considering her request. I have a lot of work to do in the woods tonight, you see, he explained. But you may ride along with me for a bit, and when I'm finished, I will see that you are returned home. Unconcerned that she might be interrupting his tasks, she immediately pulled on the door of his sleigh, indicating she would like to get in. With a wave of his hand, he made it fly open, but he appeared to do it with slight regret. Although she was disappointed not to be regally handed in like a fine lady, she took her chance to climb Aboard, she gently wrapped herself in the fine blanket that sat there, secretly assuming it would be going home with her. After all, this was where Daria's fine woolen wrap had come from. As they started driving, Maria cleared her throat with a sense of importance. The Frost King stopped the horse and turned to her. With a long, suffering look. He asked her what was amiss. Well, she said with a cloying smile, will you not offer me some refreshment? A look of understanding crossed the face of the Wintry King, as if he suddenly realized a truth about her. Then, with a look of mischief, he conjured up a rustic cup of hot water and a slice of plain bread. Handing it to her on a plate, he told her to enjoy it. Maria was extremely put out. This was not at all the treatment she had been led to expect. Had she come out into these freezing cold woods to be treated like a commoner? No, she reflected with annoyance, she had not. As the sleigh started up again, she cleared her throat a second time. How long must your work go on? She asked petulantly. I am quite chilly and desire to be returned home. The Frost King didn't even turn his head to look at her. Instead, he replied, indeed, young miss, I've just realised that returning you home is my greatest priority, for I do not think we'll enjoy the rest of the night in each other's company. Then he added, riley, I believe I know where your house is. Maria gaped at this response, greatly disappointed by his indifference to her. As he sharply turned his sleigh and sped towards the cottage, she slumped under the blanket in a sulk. Her mother was not going to be pleased at all when she came home without any worthwhile gifts. The Frost King politely deposited Maria at the cottage, but without ceremony, and was gone from the yard before she could even open the door. When she appeared inside the house, only her stepfather and Daria seemed relieved to see her. Maria's mother was rather disappointed that her encounter with the Frost King had been so short. Her mood only worsened when she saw that the girl brought no gifts with her whatsoever. Even the blanket she had been using in the sleigh had vanished with him at departure. Meanwhile, Daria was filled with relief. Yes, she was glad that Maria had not come to any harm in the wintry woods, but she was also secretly happy that the Frost King had not shown her sister equal favour. The memory of the talks they had shared and the gifts he had left her were Daria's most treasured reflections. She didn't want to believe that he made those offerings to every young lady who found herself lost in the forest. Life at the homestead returned to its usual winter rhythm. No more big storms came, and it soon seemed that spring was on the horizon. Although the season of rebirth was usually cause for celebration at the homestead, Daria felt differently this year. She knew that with the departure of winter, there would be no more visits from the Frost King. This made her feel oddly desolate. However, Daria was due a reprieve. After weeks of warming temperatures, April brought a surprise. The family awakened one morning to a late, heavy snowfall that buried everything in the yard. Frost coated all the windows, and the sun sparkled on the land. Hoping for one last surprise, Daria pulled open the front door and found another wrapped box sitting on the pile of snow on the front step. It was covered in soft purple cloth and topped with a silver ribbon. She looked up and was further delighted to see the Frost King standing there, some distance away, his sleigh waiting under the trees. He was grinning widely. He was even more handsome than she'd remembered, and his entire body seemed to shimmer in the late winter sun. In a godlike way, breaking the momentary spell, he nodded at the box and jovially said, open it. Standing in the doorway, Daria tugged on the ribbon, unravelling the knot. Then she pulled off the lid and gave a cry of delight. Inside was a stunning tiara of diamonds. She had never seen a diamond before, let alone a crown such as this one, and she could only clap her hand over her mouth in amazement. Looking up at the Frost King, she shook her head in disbelief and said that she couldn't accept such a lavish gift. After all, what was a woodcutter's daughter to do with a diamond crown? The Frost King approached her and walking through the snow to reach her door. Then, soberly, he told her that his heart had been captured by a lovely girl he had encountered in the forest, and he no longer wanted to preside over the winter of the north country alone. Bowing just a little bit with his hand over his heart, he asked Daria if she would be his wife and become his beloved queen of snow and ice. For a moment, she simply gazed in disbelief at the delicate tiara winking and glittering in the sun. But Daria knew that she would accept. There was no question that this would be her future. And she was filled with joy, for the Frost King was her perfect match in every way. Daria and the King were married in a small, stately ceremony at his ice palace, in the part of the world where the snow never melts. Naturally, Victor came along, and he was the happiest dog imaginable. Not only did the royal pet get pancakes at every meal, but Victor was right at home in the wintry palace as it suited his heavy coat of fur. Of course, being a woman who was also accustomed to summer, the Queen of Snow and Ice continued to sometimes make little excursions to the warmer climes, bringing with her a gust of cool, refreshing air. So next time you relish that early burst of autumn, or you enjoy a cold rainstorm that gives relief from the heat of summer, you will know that she is near. And know also that she and the Frost King will be coming back together when the time is right to return you to the full magic of a winter wonderland.
