It was the beginning of October and fall has just begun. The sun was shining brightly bringing some warmth and the sky was clear of any clouds. The leaves were falling graciously from the trees as the trees swayed in the cool breeze. Each tree had leaves of the typical fall colors such as yellow, brown, and orange. The town was running about as always. All the stores were open as the people were preparing for yet another cold and hopefully not harsh winter. Mirabelle opened her eyes as she awoke from her dream. She sat up, stretched out her arms and moaned softly. She then pulled back the curtain and looked out the window and smiled softly. "I think today will be a perfect day to go for a ride." Mirabelle got up off from her bed, made it, and then undressed herself. She put on a white lace corset matched with lace underwear, her hair up in a bun as she did so. She then opened her dresser and pulled out her favorite dress; it was the color of a light magenta and it was embroidered with rose patterns on the hem of the dress, around the waist and the sleeves. It also came with a matching pashmina that was made of silk, mirabelles most expensive item that she owned. She wasn't very wealthy, but she worked for the nearby bakery which her father and the owner were good friends. Mirabelle admired herself in the mirror for a moment, her emerald green eyes staring back at her, before taking the pin out of hair and letting her long wavy dark brown hair fall. She sighed softly as she touched her necklace. It was her mothers and belle resembled her mother by her features and personality. Sadly, her mother died giving birth to belle. Even though belle didn't know her, she felt like a part of her was missing. She stepped back from the mirror and went by her bed once more and grabbed her black riding boots and put them on, lacing them nice and tight. "There, all set." She left her room, grabbing her bag on the way out which had carried some money, bread and cheese, oats for her horse and a few books, and a large bowl, and went downstairs as she saw her father in the dining room. "Father, I am going out for a ride. I will be back later." She went up to him and hugged him from behind. "Okay mon Cheri, but you be safe and don't come back too late!" Her father was a short, stocky fellow. He was intelligent and was an artist. Although he struggled to sell his art, seeing his daughter happy made him happy. He was very humble and very kind. He was very overprotective of his daughter too. Mirabelle nodded as she smiled and waved goodbye as she walked out the front door. She looked around as people were walking by. She would say her hellos and how are you's as she walked by each person. Her smile could warm any persons heart and her kindness was so pure. Mirabelle headed to the stable where her horse was waiting for her. It was a black mare with a white star-shaped spot on its forehead. The horse was pretty tall considering it was a female. "Bonjour Francine. How are you doing today, girl?" The horse neighed at her as if it were responding to her question. Belle giggled as she grabbed the harness and saddle and placed it on the horse, tight enough so that the saddle wouldn't fall off but comfortable enough for the horse to not be bothered by it. Belle then put her left foot onto the stirrup as she pushed herself up and got on the horse, putting her foot in the other step. She then tapped at the horses side with her right foot and the horse reared up and galloped off, belle holding tightly onto the reins. She would steer the horse into the direction where she wanted to go which was her secret spot that she would go to often for some peace and quiet. It took about twenty minutes for her to reach this place for it was out in the countryside, where the fields were vast and there were many trees. This spot also had a small stream running through it that would eventually pour into a large river. Belle got down from her horse and tied the reins to a branch. She then fed the horse some oats and went towards the stream with the bowl she brought with her and retrieved some water and set it down in front of the horse. Belle then sat against the tree trunk and pulled out one of the books from her bag and began to read. She pulled her pashmina off her and set it inside the purse for where she was was surprisingly warm. The trees offering her some shade from the sun but she could still feel the warmth of the sun on her pale skin. Two hours passed by as she closed her book and sighed happily. "Wow, that was such a good read! Such adventure! If only home was like the story. Full of adventure and life. Well the town sure is lively but...it's not thrilling in any way." Belle stood up and stretched out her legs as she reached her hand out and pet the horses muzzle. "Come on girl. Let's go for a ride once more before we have to go back home." Belle hopped up onto the horse as she guided her horse deeper into the forest. The sun was about to set for the time was around 5 pm. Birds could be heard singing their songs and there were many animals such as raccoons, deer, squirrels, and chipmunks. Belle admired in awe at the beauty of nature. Suddenly, the horse came to a halt and stomped it's hoof onto the ground and neighed some. "What is it girl?" Belle looked around and then something caught her eye. She squinted her eyes a little to try and see past the branches, but when that failed she guided her horse down a narrow path. The area seemed to have a dark aura to it and the trees were dead, barely having any leaves on them. It was very eerie and unsettling, but belle continued in the direction for her curiosity got the best of her. As they got closer, belles eyes widened in awe as she was seeing a massive castle. It was absolutely beautiful but there was a gloominess about it. "How peculiar. I never even knew there was a castle around her. I wonder who lives here." She tapped her foot onto the horses side again, making the horse to continue forward. The horse seemed a little hesitant, but obeyed her order. They were directly in front of the castle now as there was a large moat around it and a drawbridge that led to the front doors of the castle. "Wow. It's beautiful." Belle gawked in awe but suddenly her horse began to rear up and freak out, backing away. "Francine what is it?" Belle tried to control the horse as the horse started galloping towards the forest. "Francine, stop!" Belle tried to pull on the reins to stop the horse but the horse bucked her off as Belle fell off the horse and landed on the ground. "Ompf..." She groaned in pain, but she was okay. Her vision was a little hazy as She slowly stood up and saw that her horse was fleeing. "Wait...stop!" She called out but the horse didn't come back. "Oh no....what am I going to do..?" Belle held her bag tightly against her as she tried to think of what to do. She bit her bottom lip and then looked into the direction of the castle. "Maybe I can stay there for a night. It doesn't seem like anyone lives there. Maybe it's opened." Belle nodded to herself and started walking in the direction leading to back to the castle. The sun was just above the horizon, as darkness will come upon the sky. "I better hurry before it gets dark." She started to pick up the pace praying to God for her safety and thinking of her father.