Book Challenge Day 3: Your favorite series

The Kingdom Keepers series by Ridley Pearson

There are so many reasons why I love this series. Not only does it put me back in my second home, The Disney Parks, but it is also an epic adventure with the most feared Disney villains. The first book introduced me to the Stonecutter's tale, which I had never heard before. The second book took place in the park where I used to work, Animal Kingdom and taught me the original story behind the scariest villain in Fantasia. With each book I learn more about the Disney parks, the Disney characters and conquering fear. The powerful themes and the clever characters will stay with me for a long time. Kingdom Keepers has the spirit of Disney, the structure of adventure and the important lessons that heroes teach us with each story we learn. 

Snow at Cinderella's Castle

Frosted trees dotted the area around the castle. Cinderella couldn't believe it. This was her first winter in her new home, and she wanted to explore the castle grounds right when she took a step out on the veranda. The clouds overhead almost melded with the snow, creating a beautiful scene. She noticed that the river had not completely turned to ice, and a few animals were still roaming in the bushes and walking through the forest. 

She watched the snow move with the wind, adding a sparkle to the air. It was like fairy dust, falling slowly to the ground. Some of it melted in the river, while some disappeared with more snow.

"What are you doing?"

The Prince smiled as Cinderella turned around, her eyes wide.

"You spent winter like this every year?"

"How else could I have spent it?" He said with a laugh, "Would you like to walk around?"

"Can we?"

"Of course!" The prince said, holding out his arm. Cinderella looped her arm through his and grinned as the walked toward the forest.

"When I was little," Cinderella said, "My father used to take me ice skating."

"You haven't ice skated since?"

"I didn't have the time." Cinderella sighed, "I was always doing chores."

"Well now there's no time for chores," The prince said, "And I know the perfect spot for skating."

Cinderella smiled as they walked toward a frozen pond. 

"After you your majesty." The prince said with a bow.

"What about the skates?" Cinderella asked.

They both looked at each other and laughed.

"Let's go get some." The prince said, offering his hand.

Together, they walked back to Cinderella's new home.  

Fireworks

We held hands as the sky lit up with reds, oranges and blues. It was funny how one little vacation and one small moment out of all that time guarding the parks would be so perfect. As the music played, the fireworks danced, and Cinderella's castle became an outline compared to the bright lights and smoke. I knew Finn was smiling without even looking at him. Wayne would be somewhere cheering with each sucessful boom in the sky. 

"Amanda? You ok?"

Finn looked at me, and I realized that I had a single tear in my eye. After all we'd been through. After Maleficent, Chernabog, Ursula and Frollo, Finn and I had been able to conquer any obstacle in our way and honor Walt Disney's dream to keep the parks a safe and happy place. 

"I'm fine." I said. I could feel my cheeks burning. If Jez were here, she would have never let me hear the end of this. 

"You sure?"

I squeezed his hands and nodded. 

"It's just nice to know the parks are safe."

Finn gave me a lopsided grin and nodded.

"Yeah. Old Wayne can finally relax."

A sequence of cracks turned our attention back to the castle. Th grand finale was in full swing. As the music reached a crescendo, I decided to join the fun. With a small spell, a bright blue firework burst in the shape of a star after all the fireworks were over.

"You did that didn't you?" Finn asked me.

"Well, I am a Fairlie aren't I?"

"Oh yeah? Well I'm superman!"

In a way, he was. By saving the parks from the Overtakers, Finn was a true hero and he'd always be in my eyes.