There Was A Magic Tree In The Dining Room

Marlee Belle had not seen Mrs. Davy in the doorway, but she had seen strange things that were happening not only in the forest but to her as well. When she sneezed her dress had turned from gold to blue.  Right before their eyes everything kept changing; the color of her dress, the beautiful birds and animals were changing as well. "Oh Father, what is going to happen to us? Look at all these birds and animals. That have all been turned to stone."

Before her father could answer they heard a loud gong. The door swung open and the smell of wonderful cooked food reached their noses. "Well, little beauty, let's go in. I could sure eat something. Maybe everything will be alright."

They very slowly walked in the door and looked all around them. It seemed like everywhere they looked there were beautiful things. They had lived the good life before their house had burned down and her father's ships were destroyed, but their home had looked nothing like this. And it was so very quiet. Her father motioned for her to go up the stairs. He whispered to her that was where he found food waiting for him the last time he was here. So she started up the very long flight of stairs with her father following her.

When they reached the top of the stairway they heard voices. They followed the sound and there in an elegant room they found a table full of hot bread and meat and vegetables. Food that only the very rich can have. But where were the people that they heard talking?
Marlee Belle and her father walked even slower when they realized that there were no people in the room. Soon they heard a growl and a tinkling sound. There in the corner was a tree with twinkling lights. "Oh, Father there are Stashia and Zeke! How on earth did they get here? Who was talking?"
The tree's lights grew even brighter and it started to speak. "You and your father are supposed to start eating. The Beast will be here when you finish."

They were both so startled that for a moment they lost their appetite, but within just a minute or two they both started eating. The food was so delicious. Soon Marlee Belle's father said, "I am getting sleepy. I slept in a room just down the hall when I was here before. I'm sure someone will show you where to sleep soon. Finish your meal. I will hopefully see you in the morning."

Marlee Belle did what her father said. She finished her meal until she was full. She was taking her last drink when she heard a sound at the door. She looked up and the next sound that could be heard throughout the castle was Marlee Belle's scream. There stood the Beast!