• Rumplestiltskin

    There once was a man who lived alone in a castle. He was no ordinary man, for he had a few strange talents. His skin was sickly and gross, so no woman could ever love him. His teeth were rotten and yellow, and those who smelled his breath would run for the hills. His eyes were like that of a snake's, beady and evil. His hair was something quite nasty, it was long and streaky and some even said it was slimey. However, his clothes were nice and shiny, covered in all sorts of jewels. He walked with a cane despite not needing it, he would claim it added to the look. One might not expect this man to live in a castle, save for his fancy clothes. The man did not live here through nobility, he had acquired the castle and riches by granting wishes in exchange for things. Most people who asked him for help were too greedy. The only one way for people to get out of paying him was if they spoke his name, “Rumpelstiltskin.”
    He would grant any wish, no matter how strange, as long as they matched its worth with something of their own. He was given the castle when he granted the wish of a king to save his dying wife and two sons.
    This man had everything he wanted, from riches to magic and horses and more. Despite this, the man felt like he was missing something, for he had no love in his heart so he grew unhappy. Due to his loneliness, he spent hours staring at a rich merchant’s daughter in a town nearby. She was extremely beautiful, and had long locks that reminded him of the night sky. Her eyes were like the blue of labradorite, and her skin was white as snow. She would often spend time reading books in the yard, usually sitting under the large willow tree. She was the youngest of six, having three brothers and two sisters. She was often bullied by her sisters for they were jealous of her beauty. Rumpel hated this and vowed that he would take her away somehow.
    The girl's father, a very greedy merchant, had asked a favor of Rumpelstiltskin. He wished for Rumpel to make a woman marry him. Rumpel agreed to this, in exchange for the merchant sending his youngest daughter to live in his castle with him. The merchant agreed, having seen his youngest daughter as a nuisance. The following day his daughter came to live with Rumpel. She was devastated by her father's decision and did not speak to Rumpel at all. She spent the first few weeks crying in her chambers and ignoring the man despite all his attempts to speak with her. He only saw her at breakfast, lunch and dinner. One evening, he finally asked her for her name. She did not respond as usual, so Rumpel decided to resort to other tactics. He pulled a key from his pocket and slid it across the table
    “I have decided to give you the key to the library.” He said, and for the first time since she’d arrived, the woman smiled.
    “Thank you for this kind gift.” She said before getting up from the table, curtseying, and retiring to her chambers. As the days went on, the two began to talk more and more, slowly building a relationship. The woman finally gave the man her name,
    “My name is Belle, but what is your name my lord?” She asked, a kind smile on her lips. Rumpel was put in a very difficult situation; Should he tell the girl he loved his name and risk losing her to her father, or should he refuse to tell her his name and risk angering her for good.
    “I wish not to speak my name, for it is not a pretty thing to say.” He said, trying to come up with a good excuse for not telling her.
    “I do not care what it is, I would like to know what to call you. Whatever name it is, it will be beautiful to me.” Belle smiled at the man, making his heart thump.
    “I do not wish to tell you my name, for it is too long and complicated.” he said, trying another excuse.
    “I do not care if it is long, I will slowly learn it.” She responded. Rumpel began to worry, how would he get her to drop the subject.
    “I do not wish to tell you my name… for it is… it is…” He sighed and looked away from the girl.
    “Rumpelstiltskin…” He said quietly.
    “What was that?” Belle asked, having not been able to hear him.
    “Rumpelstiltskin.” He said, a little louder.
    “Rumpledmilkmen?” Bella questioned, a little confused.
    “Rumpelstiltskin.”
    “Rumplysilkspin?”
    “Rumpelstiltskin.”
    “RemmyTacoBin?”
    “Rumpelstiltskin”
    “HumbledCanCan?”
    “What no, Rumpelstiltskin.”
    “RuffledKiltSpin?”
    “No no! It’s Rumpelstiltskin!” He finally yelled, how could someone mess it up so many times?
    “Oh, Rumpelstiltskin,” she said, “What a pretty name.” Suddenly a white light flashed around them. When it disappeared Rumpelstiltskin began to cry.
    “Oh my Rumpel, whatever could be wrong?” Belle gasped and ran to his side.
    “You spoke my name, and now you are free to go back to your father.” He said and he wipe the tears from his eyes.
    “Rumpel I could never leave you, you are much kinder than my father. You are not the monster they all say you are.” She said quickly.
    “For Rumpel, I love you.” She cried out, taking the man by surprise.
    “Oh Belle, I’ve always loved you.” He said and embraced her.
    “I shall never leave you!” She said and then planted a soft kiss on his lips.
    Suddenly white lights burst out everywhere and surrounded Rumpelstiltskin. When it disappeared he was a different man. He now had beautiful skin and sharp features. His hair was short and black, and he had a clean shaven beard. He was now well built, and tall. His eyes were blue like the ocean. He flashed a charismatic grin towards Belle.
    “Will you marry me Belle?” Belle blushed and nodded,
    “Yes, we will get married tomorrow.”
    And so the two got married and became the queen and king of the abandoned castle. They slowly gathered subjects and turned it into the most powerful kingdom in the land. With the help of his magic, and the love from Belle, Rumpelstiltskin went on to take over the world. That was until their son, Peter Pan, stabbed Rumpelstiltskin and made a run for it leaving the kingdom in despair. Some say Peter died, others say he went to the forbidden island of Neverland. No one really knows. Belle was left to grieve alone for the rest of her life in the castle.