Here is another chapter for all you out there! Please, tell me what you think in regards plot/character development, any feedback would be greatly appreciated from fellow LLL fans! I was intending on making this 'episode' only four parts...however, as you can see by the ending, a fifth part may be in order...I am also intending on putting all my LLL stories up on fanfiction.net as well, thanks to the wonderful suggestion of Allura Arwen, but of course I will post them on LLL.org first and foremost! My name at fanfiction.net is Aura LovelyLocks if you intend to find me....anyway, on with the show...enjoy!

Part Four

Duchess RavenWaves held her breath as she entered Lady LovelyLocks’ bedroom for the first time. The Lady had led the way with the Duchess disguised as Countess RubyTresses close on her heels. RavenWaves’ violet eyes had not left the sight of Lady’s luminous hair- her prize was so close! RavenWaves looked about with a small smile on her lips at the pastel hues of Lady LovelyLocks’ bedroom- the soft pink of her bedspread, the deep rose of the fabric draping from her canopy and magnificent bed head. The French doors had been thrown open, welcoming the calm spring evening, and the balcony was awash with the glow of exploding fireworks. RavenWaves spied Lady’s embroidery sampler on its stand, beside it a wicker basket brimming with spools of silk in every hue. In the far corner of her room were the engagement gifts Lady had been presented by the guests. Lady sat lightly at her vanity, leaning into the cup of her hand as her fingers traced across crystal perfume bottles and trinket boxes idly. Her blue eyes watered as she stared into the mirror at her own reflection. There was a heaviness in Lady LovelyLocks’ heart, the hurt of rejection and the confusion of not being able to understand why her Prince Strongheart had disappeared so suddenly, without warning or care. RubyTresses quietly shut the door, her lips twisting into a smile of satisfaction and cunning as she made sure there would be no escape for the all too-trusting Lady LovelyLocks. Lady’s hair, which usually shimmered, night or day, had lost some of its luster with her melancholy mood. The air that hung around her was thick with sadness, disappointment and most of all…puzzlement.

RubyTresses cast her gaze over the array of engagement presents Lady and the Prince had acquired- such magnificent gifts, some rare, many exquisite. The stinging sensation of jealousy pierced RavenWaves’ cold heart as it often did when the Lady LovelyLocks was concerned. She does not deserve such fine things! RavenWaves seethed, crossing her arms as her true personality flared up. Fortunately for RavenWaves, Lady LovelyLocks was too busy fighting back tears to notice RubyTresses’ distinct change in demeanor.

Lady tried to conceal her sniffing. What was supposed to be one of the happiest moments of her life was now tainted with failure. The Grand Dance was little more than a farce and she was now pitied and ridiculed by her guests…the evening that was to be her night of nights was now, for her, in shambles. Strains of music from downstairs wafted up through the French doors like perfume, Lady could hear the murmur of conversation and revelry. The night was a success for everyone…but her. She sighed, blinking back tears, maintaining her strength.
“He loves me…I have no cause to doubt it.” She murmured, her soft rose-tinted lips barely moving. Tears almost fell; instead they caught on her delicate eyelashes, glimmering like crystals. She sniffed, hastily wiping them away, “And I love him with all my heart…”

A look of frustration crossed Lady’s features, her usually open and warm expression furrowing into exasperation with the entire situation.
“It just does not make sense for Prince Strongheart to disappear like that! And Maiden CurlyCrown too!” She exclaimed, getting up from her vanity and wandering over to her balcony, inhaling the sweet air of the night. She glanced at the guests downstairs who were oblivious to her heartache. She smiled sadly…how she longed to partake in their merriment, how she wished to rid herself of this strange sensation of dissatisfaction! She shook her hair back from her face, her golden locks rustling.
“Something is not right…I can sense it. I have felt it in the pit of my stomach all night.”
She turned back to Countess RubyTresses with a look of confusion upon her features. RavenWaves, meanwhile, had barely paid heed to Lady’s monologue; for she was too absorbed in trailing her fingers over Lady’s gifts and plotting what her next plan of action was to be.
“Hmm?” RubyTresses surfaced from her distraction, now attentive. Lady sighed, seating herself on the foot of her bed, her skirts swishing as she sat.
“Something is not right…and I cannot think what it could be. What could cause both Prince Strongheart and Maiden CurlyCrown to disappear like that…?” Lady mused, her finger lifted to her mouth thoughtfully.
Perceptive little imp! RavenWaves glowered. She swallowed her annoyance, transforming herself into the sweet-tempered RubyTresses once more, much to her distaste. She lifted her gaze to the elaborate clock on Lady’s mantelpiece. Panic gripped her heart once she realized she had five minutes until Hairball’s Betterment potion would wear off.

“Perhaps one does not know who their real friends are…” RubyTresses offered slyly.
“I cannot explain it! I was so excited for tonight, and awfully nervous….but now I just feel…hollow. I feel so strange and…I am frightened Countess RubyTresses!”
RavenWaves relished Lady’s fear, the way her emotions taunted her rival in a way she had never felt before. She seated herself besides Lady LovelyLocks, her lavender skirts puffing up to her irritation.
“That is the feeling of disappointment.” RubyTresses informed Lady quietly. RavenWaves smiled internally- now Lady LovelyLocks knew the heavy feeling of disappointment! The feeling that engulfed RavenWaves every time her plans were quashed, botched, foiled, spoiled and bungled! Of course, the melancholia of disappointment never really lasted long with the Duchess, as it more often than not simmered into anger towards the unfairness of her situation, which would always transform itself into yet another scheme to bring the Lady LovelyLocks down. I am so close now, RavenWaves trembled with excitement as she inhaled the delicate perfume that wafted from the radiant Lady LovelyLocks. Lady looked up as a large firework exploded in the night sky, the raining colours enchanting her. Laughter came from downstairs. She sighed again, but this time resolved to swallow her heavy feelings and enjoy the night. It was a perfect evening…an evening that should be enjoyed.

“I must return to my guests, they will be expecting me…” Lady announced, standing up, “Thank you for being so kind, Countess RubyTresses.”
RavenWaves’ eyes widened in dread as she saw Lady move towards the door. She gathered her frilly lavender skirts, dashing over to the door before Lady reached it.
“No! You cannot leave!” RubyTresses exclaimed urgently, causing Lady to stand back, confused.
“Whatever do you mean, Countess?” Lady blinked and laughed, suddenly becoming uneasy with this odd display from the Countess. RubyTresses laughed nervously, flicking back her hair.
“I mean, you cannot leave in such a miserable state…” RubyTresses simpered, taking Lady’s hands and leading her over to the bed.
“I am the hostess, I cannot avoid my own celebration. I must return, it is the right thing to do…” Lady protested gently but was overcome by RubyTresses’ sudden insistence. Lady did not feel comfortable in the company of this mysterious Countess, but she did not wish to seem rude.
“Perhaps opening a present will cheer you up.” Countess RubyTresses asserted, wandering over to the display of presents and picking up her own silver box. She thrust it upon Lady LovelyLocks with a wicked gleam in her eye. Lady looked uncertain as she caressed the gift.
“I ought to wait for Prince Strongheart, they really are gifts for both of us…” She reasoned, trying to offer the box back to RubyTresses. But RubyTresses became all the more impatient, her eyes darting to the clock, as she pushed the box back to Lady LovelyLocks.
“Oh, but I am sure that he will not mind if you open just one. This one was intended for you anyway…” She maintained, her voice becoming silky and seductive as she spoke close to Lady’s ear. Lady tried to resist, but temptation overcame her as she pulled at the crimson ribbon that bound it. She bit her lower lips as she proceeded to open the delicate silver box.
“Well…if you insist…”

Minutes earlier, Maiden CurlyCrown had felt shock grip her heart as she discovered the dastardly deeds of the Comb Gnomes in Castle LovelyLocks. She gasped as her green eyes lay upon the bound and helpless form of her mistress’ fiancé. Once she heard Snags order her capture, she lifted her skirts, trying to make her escape. But the Comb Gnomes were too swift for her, bounding and snarling, latching themselves into her apricot curls, dragging her down.
“Let me go! Get off of me!” Lady’s loyal friend protested as she was captured by RavenWaves’ sneering henchmen. The lively maiden tried to kick at a laughing Snags as she was gagged, her hands and feet bound. She made muffled sounds of protest as she was thrust next to the captured Prince Strongheart. Her usually dancing green eyes smouldered as she glared at Tanglet, her heel smartly kicking him, causing him to yelp with pain. Tanglet whimpered, limping back to a now incensed Snags.
“You can kick and thrash all you may,
But pretty Maiden, for this you must pay!”

Just as Tanglet yelped with pain, the music paused in the ballroom. PixieSparkle, PixieShine and PixieBeauty hovered about a fountain with marble Pixietails spouting rose-scented water, delicate flower petals swimming in the elaborate marble bowl.
“Poor-ix Lady-ix.” PixieShine sighed. All three Pixietails had lost their cheer since seeing the predicament their mistress had endured, their hearts even heavier when their search for the Prince with Maiden FairHair proved futile. PixieBeauty’s ears drooped, PixieSparkle frowned as she trailed her glistening tail in the rose-scented water. PixieShine’s ears suddenly perked up as she heard Tanglet’s cry.
“What-ix is that-ix?” She enquired to the other two Pixietails, suddenly curious. PixieBeauty flicked her drooping ear away from her face whilst PixieSparkle looked up lazily. Neither of her friends had seemed to have heard it. PixieShine hovered upwards, anxious to investigate. PixieSparkle and PixieBeauty seemed in no mood for intrepid investigation.
“Come-ix on-ix!” PixieShine exclaimed urgently, dragging both her friends upwards. The unenthused Pixietails sighed and rolled their eyes, knowing they had little choice in the matter. A flash of light came from a door left ajar and a muffled noise which sounded an awful lot like Maiden CurlyCrown caused all three Pixietails to become alert. Snags’ voice wafted out from the little room.
“Comb-ix Gnomes-ix!” PixieSparkle squeaked and trembled slightly, before swallowing her fear. PixieShine silently beckoned her magical friends to the side of the door.
“The Maiden-ix and the Prince-ix!” PixieBeauty whispered, “We must-ix do something-ix!”

All three Comb Gnomes’ mouths dropped as soon as they saw the Pixietails’ glittering forms. PixieBeauty swooped down to disentangle Prince Strongheart from his glowing binds, but a searing lightening bolt from Tanglet caused the small Pixietail to be thrown backwards. PixieBeauty landed on her back with a small ‘oof!’, soaring upwards to join her friends who were now under attack from the magical bolts of light from the Comb Gnomes. PixieShine dodged a blinding bolt, but before the third bolt could reach the Pixietails they had conjured up a glowing magical shield to deflect the weapon, and sent it back in the direction of the three Comb Gnomes, who scattered. Both Prince Strongheart and Maiden CurlyCrown tried to shield their eyes from the blinding light of this magical feud- the brilliant radiance of the Pixietail’s shield and the sparking lightening of the Comb Gnomes’ bolts clashing against each other.

ShiningGlory had the impression that something was afoot as soon as he felt the distinct tingle of magic in the air. This is no ordinary magic, he thought to himself as he tried to sense in which direction the magical activity was coming from. A white flash of light coming from the small room where Prince Strongheart was seen last pointed him in the right direction. He hurried towards the source of this clashing magic, feeling it throb within him.
“ShiningGlory-ix!” PixieSparkle cried, squeaking with effort as the trio of Pixietails deflected another bolt from the Comb Gnomes. A snarl of effort from Snags alerted ShiningGlory to just what magic was being used. Lifting his arms above his head, he drew a deep breath, summoning his inner magical strength and as his swept his arms towards the three Comb Gnomes, the cuffs on his deep violet robe rustling, a great gust of wind was sent over in their direction. Snags and his companions barely had time to cry out when they were whipped around and bowled over by this overwhelming blast, falling together in a heap, disoriented and dazed.
“Make quick work Pixietails!” ShiningGlory’s wizened voice commanded, summoning the Pixietails into action. The three magical creatures nodded in unison, trilling as they swiftly wove a strong, glowing magical thread, descending upon the wide-eyed Comb Gnomes. The Pixietails laughed as they speedily bound Hairball’s three henchmen together with their glistening rope. The Comb Gnomes struggled and writhed, but to no avail.

Strongheart and CurlyCrown were soon freed from their gags and ties, shaking their binds off with the help of the Pixietails. As soon as Prince Strongheart spat out the grubby piece of cloth Tanglet had so crudely used as his gag, he had barely enough time to thank his mentor and Lady’s friends for coming to his rescue.
”We must hurry!” He exclaimed as he stood up, kicking off the loose rope around his ankles. Maiden CurlyCrown, once her hands were freed, wrenched out her gag as well, tossing it to the floor. There was a look of urgency upon both their faces.
“My Lady is not safe-“ Strongheart began, striding over to the door.
“Countess RubyTresses is not who she seems…!” CurlyCrown added.
“It is Duchess RavenWaves in disguise and she plans to have a lock of Lady’s hair tonight! There is no time to lose!” Strongheart implored insistently, flicking his cape over his shoulders. ShiningGlory could hear the authority in the Prince’s voice as he became the man he was born to be before the curse- a leader, brave and strong, and in no way to be opposed, “My Lady is in danger!”

“Well, we must hurry!” ShiningGlory’s wizened voice added, “But where could she be…?”
All eyes turned to Maiden CurlyCrown, the Lady’s loyal friend. The red-haired Maiden lifted a finger to her mouth, her brow furrowing as she thought hard.
“I would not expect her to leave her guests…but if she is upset, I have known her to retreat to her bedroom-“
“To her bedroom it is then!” Strongheart declared, tossing his blond fall of hair back from his clear, blue and very determined eyes. The Comb Gnomes made a noise of protest.
“But what are we to do with them?” CurlyCrown insisted as the three bound Comb Gnomes glowered at their freed captives.
“Do not worry-ix Maiden-ix!” PixieSparkle laughed impishly, “We know-ix what to do-ix!”
All three Pixietails giggled, their ears perking up as they hovered about the bundled-up Comb Gnomes. Prince Strongheart’s patience was wearing thin.
“Come on!” He urged, leading the way out of the darkened room, out to rescue his fiancée.

Maiden FairHair was curious as to the whereabouts of her mistress as well. Leaving the company of the royal guests, she wandered up the grand staircase in search of Lady LovelyLocks.
“Perhaps she wanted a rest…” FairHair reasoned, lifting up her skirts slightly as she climbed the stairs, her petticoats trailing after her. She shook her brown waves back from her face and pushed the blue ostrich feather away from her eyes as she entered the gilded hall which led to her Lady’s bedroom. Normally it was ablaze with the warm glow of candles…however it seemed that the candles leading up to Lady LovelyLocks’ room had been mysteriously extinguished.
“That is odd…” Maiden FairHair commented as she looked about in the darkened recesses, the beams of silver moonlight flooding in from the French windows her only guide. A shiver passed up her spine as she trembled with unease. She could sense, in the darkness, that she was not alone.
“Lady…?” Her voice trembled, no matter how hard she tried to swallow her fear. She could see the crack of light coming from her friend’s double doors leading to her bedroom.
“Lady LovelyLocks…?” She called a little louder. She saw a looming shadow scuttle across the wall, causing her to gasp and jump away, her heart to constrict and her skin to break out in cold sweat. Calming herself, she tried to reason some sense into her terrified heart.
“Do not be so silly! It is ridiculous to be afraid of shadows!” She whispered to herself, her mind trying to overcome her heart. Yet she still felt sick to the stomach with fear. The looming shadow crossed her path again, causing her to stop.
“Who…Who is there?” She demanded, her brown eyes wide with dread. She saw a small figure approach her, a figure which looked like a funny little man, she shrank back, covering her face and closing one eye in terror…until the figure entered the moonlight.

“Master HeartyFleece!” She exhaled. Her features relaxed into visible relief, “You gave me a fright!”
However there was something rather different about this Master HeartyFleece…for he wore a wicked smile as he stroked his ginger moustache, his eyes glinting in the moonlight.
“Huh, huh, you do not know the meaning of fright Maiden!”
Maiden FairHair looked confused as she tried pass this stout footman. She blinked as Master HeartyFleece deliberately blocked her way. FairHair tried to go around him again, on the opposite side, but HeartyFleece was intent on preventing her progressing to Lady’s bedroom. FairHair’s brown eyebrows drew together with annoyance.
“If you will excuse me Master HeartyFleece, but I need to see to Lady LovelyLocks!”
“Huh, huh…” HeartyFleece’s voice changed tone to something that unsettled Maiden FairHair further, “No one will be seeing the lovely Lady until Duchess RavenWaves has had her way!”
“Duchess RavenWaves…? Whatever do you mean….oh!” Maiden FairHair gasped as she saw Master HeartyFleece suddenly transform in front of her, from a stout little humanoid….to something shorted, rounder, hairier, with two great teeth jutting from his lower jaw, two piggy eyes and a rat-like tail….it could only be…
“Hairball!”
FairHair exclaimed as Hairball threw off his costume to reveal his true self, rubbing his fingers together to produce magical sparks.
“Huh, huh, now it is time for some real fun!” He declared to the frightened Maiden.

“Lady LovelyLocks….?”

Maiden FairHair’s voice had trailed down the darkened hall to reach Lady’s ear. She looked up immediately as she heard her name. Lady had barely undone the ribbon to the gift RubyTresses had presented her. Lady stood up, curious.
“I thought I just heard Maiden FairHair calling me…”
RubyTresses’ eyes widened with alarm as she hurried to prevent the Lady from leaving.
“He, he, it must have been the wind! Your name is on everybody’s lips tonight!” RubyTresses dragged Lady back to the present.
“Now open it.” RubyTresses stood over Lady, her dancing with wicked pleasure. Lady still looked doubtful as she disentangled the ribbon from the box. Countess RubyTresses is quite insistent, Lady mused to herself, suddenly ill at ease with this demanding guest, but I would not wish to be rude…Duchess RavenWaves had to restrain herself from clapping as she saw Lady’s slender fingers catch the lock on the fine silver box, gradually lifting the lid…

Lady’s brow furrowed with confusion as she laid her blue eyes on what was inside. A pair of fine gold scissors lay in the plush crimson velvet interior of the trinket box. Lady traced her finger over them hesitantly, picking them up and laying them on the flat of her palm. She looked up at the expectant Countess. Lady wore a look of confusion.
“Scissors…they are lovely Countess RubyTresses…but I am not quite sure what I am to do with them…” Lady LovelyLocks began, however was cut off when RubyTresses swooped down, holding them aloft and snipping them.
“Oh no, my dear Lady, these are not for you!” RubyTresses exclaimed, her voice losing the forced softness and now bore RavenWaves’ scheming determination. Lady shrank back with fright, stumbling off the bed and backing away from RubyTresses, a look of shock and bewilderment upon her face.
“Countess RubyTresses….I do not understand the meaning of this…!”
“Of course you do not, my precious Lady LovelyLocks!” RavenWaves cackled as she brandished the pair of scissors, relishing the fear and confusion in Lady’s wide blue eyes. Lady gasped as she suddenly saw RubyTresses undergo a transformation…her locks of auburn drained into waves of ebony, her features became sharper, more refined and her mouth lost its plumpness. Lady LovelyLocks backed away as the Countess RubyTresses that she had trusted was revealed to be none other than…
“Duchess RavenWaves!” Lady cried, hurrying behind a chair to put some distance between her and the Duchess.
“That is right, my pretty Lady! And now I have come for what is mine!” RavenWaves declared, approaching a visibly shaken Lady LovelyLocks.

Lady dashed out of the French doors leading to her balcony as she shrank back from the unwavering Duchess RavenWaves. Carefully, her dusky pink satin heels stepped backwards until she was forced against the balcony railing. The commotion of the ball downstairs floated up from downstairs, guests unaware of the drama unfolding upstairs. RavenWaves approached, her mouth curled into an expectant smile. Lady LovelyLocks swiftly glanced down over the balcony, only to swallow with dread as she realized that it was an awful long drop…and into the LovelyLocks moat! She turned back to face her attacker.
“You tricked me Duchess RavenWaves! My Prince will soon be here.” She stated definitely, refusing to betray her fear to the Duchess, however in the pits of her stomach, she was trembling. RavenWaves only laughed sinisterly.
“Your Prince! My Comb Gnomes have taken care of him!” She scoffed, “Now let me have what I have come for! There is no escape now Lady LovelyLocks!”
Lady gasped as RavenWaves leaned over her, stealing another fleeting glance of the drop below her bedroom balcony. Duchess RavenWaves was right…there was no escape!