The Macron Diminished: A Faery Tale

Once upon a time in a far-fetched country, there lived a fair damsel by the name of Corabelle.
She had curls of gold and a brow of purest white and azure eyes which flashed cold when provoked.

Living in a high tower at the battlements of her Uncle, King Winthrop the II, Corabelle would sing lyrical songs on her bony lute to pass the dreary hours away. This had gone on for ever since little Corabelle was a little girl of seven and after her father, the Duke Cleric, and her mother the Lady Annabel had died of the plague.

One day the Baron Woodcock of the adjoining land of Ganderside came by with all his regiment to have a jolly visit with the the King.
The baron, Woodcock as he passed by on his fat white steed with purple banners fluttering behind him and the carts carrying his nobles, he heard a sweet sound coming from Corabelle's tower. Corabelle was singing a sad ballad of a black swan when Baron Woodcock motioned his knights nearer.

"Halt my good knights! What dost thou hear?"
A knight holding an alabaster helmet answered. "A fair lady is doing her utmost to welcome us with song and voice. If that be so, let us throw roses and serenade with your heralds, my Lord."
Yes! Fetch me the lovely flower of love, Sir Marc of Ganderside! I swear to give you my jeweled watch if thou does my bidding."
Baron Woodcock slapped the rump of his fat white horse and galloped under the window grinning foolishly.

The only flower Sir Marc found were blackberry blossoms and daises which were made into a crown and the bramble de-thorned. Both were tossed up and the heralds blew with all their might.

Corabelle looked out her window and grimaced. "Stop you Heralds! What do you mean by this? Imposed on a lady in her wer? Do you think I am the gatekeeper? Begone foolish knaves, Piggish nobles and barmy Baron!"
She tossed down the flowers and shut the window.

The Baron turned purple and with rage tore the wreath to unwanted shreds, looked at his knights and nobles and spoke. "She is like an ornery cow. But while this is past, let us present ourselves to the King Winthrop and bribe some refreshment and spiced wine."

To be continued sometime;)