Rumpelstiltskin: What's His Name?

                                  Based upon the fairy tale by Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm

                                                        Adaption by Greg K. Morris

Once upon a time, many a year ago, there was a minuet, great distance away kingdom. It was ruled over by a fussbudget king and his bubbly queen. Next in line for the throne was their son, a noble, lonesome prince. We'll meet them later on. Meanwhile, we will now focus on two of the kingdom's other inhabitants. Far from the royal family's castle lived a miller. His name was Francis Wuppermann. He owned a mill and his daughter Dora led the daily operations of it.

Dora was a bright, thoroughly beautiful maiden in her twenties and on the taller side. She had warm, bold brown eyes, flowing, ashy, matching hair, a golden heart, defined cheekbones and a voice full of personality. She'd frequently wear white, silky shoes and a self-made blue dress with pink trim. Over the years and by this point in her life, she had succeeded at finding herself.

Her father was quite the character. Francis was an exuberant, aging, tall widower with pinkish skin, white hair, grey eyes, a mustache and bushy eyebrows. His peasantly, folksy attire was befitting for a miller. He had a penchant for boisterous tall telling, too.

Life was about to change drastically for Dora. The forthcoming events were initiated one Autumn. It was late afternoon. She and her father were sitting outside of their homely homey home.

"My, what a tough, loaded, tiring day of work that was", proclaimed Francis as he wiped sweat from his forehead. "Indeed it was, but it was worth it. We got loads accomplished", said Dora. "Quite right dearest daughter. So, how do you intend to spend the remainder of your day, or night, as it were?", replied Francis. "Let's see, I might make a nice supper for myself, sew a bit, write and paint", Dora responded. "Oh, how utterly lovely, my dear. That sounds marvelous. I do hope you have a momentously meritable time", gushed Francis. "What will you be up to, Papa?", asked Dora.

"I'll be gallivanting into town, dear", answered Francis. "Will you be stopping the robust tavern during your adventures?", Dora cheekily inquired Francis hesitated. "That isn't outside the realm of possibility, my sweet", he said. Dora smiled, shook her head and rolled her eyes. "Alright, you worked hard earlier today and deserve some leisure. Just don't go too far or get yourself into trouble", she said. "You have my word and I intend to keep it, child", responded Francis.

Just then, somebody came into view. This person was a foppy, stocky, lanky, middle-aged, dark eyed man who donned satin clothing and a powdered wig to compensate his thinning hair underneath. A worried, sullen look was on his face. "Good evening, citizens", said the gentleman. There was a fervor to his speech. "Why, hello there, stranger", said Francis. "What's your name?", asked Dora. "I am Irving Leopold, personal aid to the royal family. At your service. What are your names?", replied the man. "I'm Dora and my papa here is Francis. He's the miller and I help him run the mill". "What brings a man of stature like yourself to these parts and where are you bound?", asked Francis. "I was attending to external affairs off in a neighboring land. I was on my way back to the castle. Alas, my horse abandoned me", cried Irving.

"So sorry to hear about that. Have you been walking this whole day?", questioned an empathetic Dora. "I'm afraid so. My legs are beginning to shake", Irving answered. "Oh, how terrible", empathized Dora. She turned to her father "I think we'd better help him out, papa". "I concur", concurred Francis. "You may stay with us for the night if you wish", Dora stated to Irving. "Blessings to both of you", said a grateful Irving. "In the meantime, I must treat you to some merriment. We'll eat and drink, too. It'll take your mind off your troubles", declared Francis. "You don't know how much I need that", cried out an enthusiastic Irving." Shall we depart now?", Francis asked. "We shall!", Irving said. Dora looked at her father and said, "Take care of our special guest, papa". "I will do that", Francis promised. "'Twas a pleasure meeting you!", Irving said to Dora. "Likewise, my good man. You gents enjoy yourselves" she said. The two men then set off.

The fellers had too much fun on their escapade. They sang together and danced on top of tables. After supper, a few drinks and some laughs, Francis began gushing to Irving about his daughter. "I'm so proud of woman she's become. Her mother, bless her soul, would be, too." "She was quite the lady when I met her earlier. Dora ought to meet up with Prince Paul. A lonely, gallant, hopefully romantic man he is. In need of a friend, too. He'd love to meet a lady such as her", replied Irving. "Oh, really? May I continue to sing her praises?", inquired Francis. "By all means", answered Irving. "Well, she is a woman of numerous abilities", boasted Francis. "What's an atypical ability of hers'?", Irving asked. The need to tell a tall tale took over Francis. He glanced at some straw on the floor and felt the golden coins in his coat pocket.

"Dora's got the ability to spin straw into gold", he said. "Begging your pardon", said a confused Irving. "She's miraculous at using a spinning wheel and somehow turned bits of straw into gold", fibbed Francis. He brought the gold bits of money out of his pocket and showed them to Irving. "See? This is my daughter's handiwork". "Impressive. Her talent would interest the king!", exclaimed Iriving (he was a bit out of it at this point and believed the fib). "A toast to Dora", Francis said as he picked up his mug". "To Dora!", uttered Irving as he raised his. They clanged their mugs together and said, "Cheers!".

In the early hours of the morning, Irving and Francis returned to Francis's house. Dora, who had a productive evening herself, stayed awake to greet them. "Well, you two seem like you had an enjoyable time", she said. "Oh, we definitely did!", exclaimed Irving. "It was a wonderful night out", agreed Francis. "I'm glad to hear about that, but it's time you two got some rest" uttered Dora. "Yes, Dora", Francis and Irving said together. Everyone then went to sleep. Bright and early, Irving got ready to go back to the castle. "Thank you for the accommodations, friends", he said to his former hosters. "You are welcome", said Dora. "It's been our pleasure", added Francis.

When Irving returned to the castle, a monumental, fancy place, he knocked on King Blohart's quarters door. "Who's knocking?", the king's voice boomed. His way of speaking was blustery. "It is I” Irving replied. "It's about time you returned", the ruler called back. "I ran into snaggings, your majesty. However, I've got news that'll peak your interest. It concerns Prince Paul's aspirations to find a friend and gold", responded Irving. "Oh really? Come in!", bellowed the monarch. Irving entered the quarters and filled in his employer .

The next morning, Francis fumbled into Dora's room. "Darling, wake up!", uttered Francis. "What is it, papa?", asked an awoken Dora. "There are two castle guards outside, we're being summoned. "Why's that?", queried an interested Dora. "I might've given Irving an earful on your wonders", Francis said in a cheeky manner. "You're too much, Papa. Thank you", responded his daughter. "'Tis but a pleasure. The royal family wants to meet you as well", said Francis in response. "I'll be ready soon!", exclaimed the giddy at that point Dora. She washed, brushed, got dressed and put two good luck charms in her pocket (they were prized possessions). Escorted by the two guards, she and her father made the trip to the castle.

"What a fantastical location!", proclaimed Dora when she arrived inside. "It's gobsmacking", added Francis. Irving was there to greet them both. "Great to see, friends", he said. Francis shook Irving's hand firmly. Dora hugged Irving and said, "Lovely to see you again". "The royals await you", declared Irving. The two guests followed him into the sparkling, intimate throne room. "Your majesties, please allow me to introduce Francis Wuppermann and his daughter Dora", Irving announced. Dora curtsied, Francis took off his hat and bowed.

The royal family sat before them. Blohart was a grey-haired, jowly monarch with pursed lips and narrow blue eyes. He looked down over his nose and simply let out a drawling "Hello". A golden crown was placed upon his head. His clothing was gold-colored, too.

Thankfully, his wife and son looked more pleasant. The warmly smiling Queen Millicent had red, ringleted hair, rosy cheeks and blue eyes. She wore a white dress with a silver, ruby encrusted tiara and pink, healed shoes. "Welcome, dearest subjects!", the queen primly said.

Lastly, but certainly not least, there was Prince Paul. Dora and him locked eyes. "It's a pleasure to meet you both", he said with a smooth voice. There was a mutual attraction going on. He had a dashing, gentlemanly personality, dreamy eyes, dark skin and lush locks. Paul had on a white shirt, blue pants and black boots. The prince took after his mother.

"Enough pleasantry, please!", the king carped. "Oh, at least try to be welcoming with the peasants. Don't be such a blowhard", scolded the queen. "You know I don't like being referred to as much, dearest", said a red in the face, embarrassed Blohart. "It isn't our fault that the name fits and sounds similar", teased the prince.

The king turned to Dora. "Anyway, I understand that you run the mill, have an array of interests and are a woman with numerous talents. It that true?". "The first two are correct, but I can't confirm the third. I've been told that. It honestly took me a while to come into myself, but I'm happy with who I am now, out and proud", Dora modestly replied. "Well, you do seem like a well rounded lass", complimented the queen. "You should be proud. You're the kind of person I'd want to be friends with", blurted a forward, desperate Prince Paul. Dora shrugged bashfully. "Thank you both, your majesties. The feeling's mutual, Prince Paul", she said. He blushed.

"There's one particular talent of yours I wish to discuss", the king told Dora. "Which might that be?", she inquired. "Your ability to transform straw into gold", he replied. "I beg your pardon", said a full of confusion Dora. "Irving has informed me that your father told him that you're capable at transforming mere straw and into the purest of gold” Blohart explained. "Oh, he did?", asked Dora as she glanced at her father. He turned green 'round the gills. "That's very interesting", stated a dumbfounded, though genuinely intrigued Paul . "Is it possible for one to accomplish such a task?", queried Queen Millicent.

Dora began to sweat and tremble. Still, she kept on smiling, turned to her father and whispered through teeth, "How could you do this to me?". "I was only fooling around. I didn't think he'd actually believe me and inform the king", Francis whispered back. The king then spoke up. "I am skeptical. However, as a lover gold and hater of lies, I'm going to test you a trio of times. Succeed and you'll be my son's companion." "I don't think that's necessary of you to go through that", Prince Paul protested to Dora. "You shouldn't subject yourself to all that hard work", added Millicent.

My mind's made up", declared Blohart. It occurred to Irving that he'd been joshed earlier. He felt concern, turned to the king and said, "I'm in agreement with them". The King said, "We're doing this my way". He kept talking to Dora. "First you'll turn a pile of straw into gold or else". "Or else what?", asked a nerve wracked Dora. "You and your father will be banished from the kingdom for lying", King Blohart stated. "Guards, take the miller's daughter to her prepared room", he ordered. The guards escorted her out with the king in their stride. His wife and son chased after him. "Don't do this, dear!", cried the queen. "We'll try to fix this, Dora!", promised the prince. "What have I done?", a remorseful Francis uttered. Irving put his hand on Francis's shoulder. "Things will turn out for the better, just wait and see. Come along, I'll take you home", Irving said.

Dora was led to a large, stony, torch lit room and locked in. In the middle, a heaping mound of straw was placed next to a spinning wheel and stool. The door had a barred window. "Since nightfall's upon us, you'll have 'til morning to transform all this. Please don't miss any pieces", the king instructed on its other side. "That should be enough time". He went out of view and his family appeared in the window. "He isn't listening to us, but I've got faith in you" said the prince. "Best of luck to you, dear. Goodnight!", uttered the queen. Dora called out, "I appreciate you two”.

Dora was left alone now. After a few brave attempts at fulfilling her orders, she felt extremely overwhelmed. After pacing for a while, she started to panic and shake. Dora sat on the ground and began weeping. "How am I ever going to do this?", she asked aloud. "What's your problem?", a deep voice called out. Dora leapt to her feet and turned around. There stood an elfin man. His blue eyes pierced. He smiled with shining teeth, had triangular eyebrows, medium lengthed, spiky, silver hair and waxy skin. Just over three feet tall, this fella wore a yellow, red feathered hat, green clothes, purple shoes, orange stockings and a brown, fur cape.

"How'd you get into this room? The door's locked and the widows are barred", inquired a surprised Dora. "I was passing through", the impy fellow nonchalantly uttered. "That doesn't really answer my question. Who are you then?", Dora asked. "That's not important right now. Please tell me, what is your predicament?", the little man queried. "Well, my father went out with the king's assistant and told him a tall tale that landed me in here", Dora explained. "My Goodness. How do you feel about that?", the imp questioned. "I can't be too mad at him retrospectively. He was just being silly. All this was an accident, he didn't mean to do something harmful", she responded. "What sort of tall tale did he tell?", asked the impish fella. "He said I've got what it takes to turn straw into gold. The king caught wind of this and his interest was peaked", informed Dora. "What happens if you don't complete your task by morning's light?", asked the inquisitive, impish feller. "My father and I will be banished. Though I'm still a little bit upset with him, I can't allow him to lose our home and mill", was Dora's response.

The little man asked a final question. "How do you the queen and prince feel about this sticky situation?". "Oh, they're completely supportive of me. The prince is especially dear. Unfortunately, I don't think King Blohart's the kind of man who changes his mind", Dora answered. "He isn't. However, you've told me all I need to know. It just so happens that I'm quite familiar with the act of magically making straw into gold", the imp said to Dora "You are?!", she asked. "Yes. It's an acquired trade", he responded. "Oh, brilliant",

cried, Dora. "There's just one thing", said the little man. "What is that?", Dora questioned. "I do require a small payment. What do you have that'll make the job worth my while?" the imp queried. Dora put her hand in their pocket. She took out a ring. "This used to belong to my mother, she wore it on her wedding day. I'd hate to part with it, but if it meant keeping our lives afloat, she'd want me to give this to you". She held it out to the mysterious imp and he snatched it.

"That'll do nicely. Now then, let's get started. While I spin, you may rest” the imp stated. He put on the ring and proceeded to the spinning wheel. Dora laid down and drifted into a deep sleep with pleasant dreams. He sat down on the stool and got to work. A crooked smile took heed on his face and muttered a rhyme. "Straw to gold. Spin, spinning, spun. Work by the moon's light, sun come up and I am done". He chuckled to himself and a golden light illuminated the room. Later on at dawn, Dora woke up. Before she knew it, a pile of gold was in the straw's place. "Thank you very much for doing that. You've saved my hide", she said. "All in a night's work", replied the impish man. At that moment, the door was unlocked and Dora turned towards it. By the time it was opened, the little man had vanished. Dora double took.

'Twas the queen and prince who were at the door. They each had a unique reaction. Queen Millicent jumped up and down. "Oh my goodness, what a marvelous sight. You did it, darling. very well done!", she shouted. Prince Paul went up to Dora, gave her a hug and exclaimed, "Thank Heavens, the fates are in your favor. I spent the night worrying about you and didn't sleep a wink. Hope you managed to get some rest despite working hard". "That's extremely kind of you to say. Thank you. Your words are appreciated. I did, your majesty", she responded back. "Oh, you can call me, Paul. You're welcome, by the way. I'm just relieved and thrilled you're going to be alright", the prince said in turn. The giddy queen put her hand on Dora's shoulder and stated, "I second that notion. You just wait 'til Blohart gets a load of what you've done".

Speak of the devil, the king himself walked into the room. Nothing could've prepared Dora or the remainder of the royal family for how he reacted. His eyes widened as far as they could. The king's jaw dropped to the floor and he got on his knees. He put his hands on their head and let out an elated yell. It caught everybody off guard. He picked up two handfuls of gold shards and stared at them intently.

The king looked at Dora and enthusiastically said, "Look at all this. You actually did it. I honestly thought I being lied to. Blatant lying to my face. However, you've proven me incorrect. That doesn't happen frequently". "It does", Millicent whispered to her son. Dora heard this and secretly chuckled along with Paul. "This means you won't have trouble with the larger room I've prepared for you", uttered the king to Dora. "None whatsoever, your majesty", she said.

"In the meantime", Queen Millicent interjected, "She must spend with the day with us". "Quite right", agreed King Blohart. "This girl's got splendor to her". "She's got all that, father", proclaimed Prince Paul. He turned to Dora and stuck out his hand. "You can be my guest of honor today". Dora held it and said, "I'll enjoy that". She then had a lovely day with the royal family. Unsurprisingly, you couldn't tear her and Paul apart.

When night arrived, Dora was escorted to another stone room in the castle, more gently this time. The door wasn't locked, either. True to Blohart's word, it was larger than the prior night's chamber. There were four sizable straw piles in each corner of the room. Once again, there was a spinning wheel and stool for sitting.

Dora called out for the little man from before. "Are you here?". A voice suddenly responded from behind her. "You called?". Shocked, Dora turned around and saw the impy person grinning at her. "Ugh, you startled me!", Dora exclaimed as she grasped her heart and caught their breath. "Well, my apologies", the imp sarcastically sneered. "I'm assuming you wish me to goldify this straw for you". "You assumed correctly, sir", replied Dora. "You know how I work. What shall you present to me as payment?", asked the impish negotiator. Dora retrieved a necklace from her pocket, looked at it sadly and said "Mother gave this to me right before she died". The imp quickly grabbed and put it on. "She'd want you to sacrifice it" he interjected" "I wish you'd let me hand it you, but you're right. It's for the greater good", Dora sighed. She sat down on the floor and watched the imp work his magic this time around. He finished his work in half the time. It was really a dazzling sight to behold.

"There you have it", said the imp. "Odd as you are, you're a life saver. Thank you!", Dora said. "You'll be seeing me again", the imp replied as he disappeared into a dark corner of the room. When the royal family went to check on Dora, the king was no less excited than he was the previous morning.

"I've never seen so much gold in all my life! This is beyond wonderful!", Blohart gushed. "And you didn't believe her at first", the queen teased. "It's just a pleasure keeping my word", Dora said. At this time, she was thinking, "If they only knew what's been going on". "I guess this means you won't have to change anymore straw into gold", Prince Paul said to Dora. "Oh, no!", cried an overly excited king. "A man doesn't obtain this much gold everyday. There's still one more room for her to work on". As you'd imagine, Dora was taken a back by this. However, she wanted to spend more time with Paul. "I'll do it, your highness". "Splendid!", uttered the King. Queen Millicent began to get cross but didn't show it--Yet.

"Dora, Paul, you two run along and enjoy the wonders of the today. It's a beautiful day. Blohart and I must have a talk" she said. Ever the chivalrous charmer, Prince Paul held out his arm to Dora and said, "Shall we?". "We shall!", she replied. Dora grasped Paul's arm and they strolled out the door.

When they left the room, Millicent flicked Blohart's nose and blew a civil gasket on her husband. "Though a good man deep down, you are flawed. You're forcing Dora to do way too much for you. Even though she's willing to spin for one more night and going to do it, you've asked enough of her talent. Also, you haven't officially apologized for threatening to banish Dora and her father. Next time you see her, please apologize and admit you were wrong to do so. Never ask her to spin straw into gold again, either. By daylight, you'll have a more than sufficient amount. Also, keep in mind, our son's been a lonely lad for sometime. He's making a friend. Be grateful that Dora's entered his life”.

The old curmudgeon took in his wife's words. While greed at clouded over his judgement and got the better of him, it dissipated. He sighed and admitted, "You're right, Millie. I'll make it up to Dora". His queen smiled. "Now that's the king I love". She gave her king a kiss.

Meanwhile, Dora and Paul had a ball. They had even more time together than the previous day. It was a joy having each other all to themselves. These two ate their meals together, frolicked the castle ground, went for a carriage ride, swam together in a pond outside the castle's walls, painted and talked non stop. She even read him some of her poetic writing, which Paul loved. As he listened, the prince had a dreamy look in his eyes. They were kindred spirits. Their feelings for one another developed.

It was him who walked her to the final castle chamber. It was the largest of all. With the exception of a small circle containing the stool and spinning wheel, the floor's remaining length and width were covered in straw. "I had the best day", he said. "Me as well, you're the epitome of a handsome prince", gushed Dora. "And you know how to brighten a person's day", complimented Paul. The prince looked around the room and was dismayed. "I hope this isn't too much for you". "Oh, it's alright. I can handle this", Dora reassured. "You're sure?", he asked. "Absolutely", she responded. "Just double checking. Well, I'll leave you to your task. Once this is all over, we're going to see way more of each other", said Paul. "That'll be a dream come true", stated a smiling Dora. Paul smiled back. These two then shared a kiss and hug. "Good night, fair maiden", said Paul as he exited. "And to you, sweet prince", Dora answered back.

Dora was so entranced in her bliss that she didn't see the impish straw-to-gold spinner sneaking up behind her. "Happy day today?", he said. Dora nearly jumped a foot in the air. "I do wish you'd stop startling me. Yes, incidentally" she replied. "Force of habit", the little man muttered as he shrugged a shrug. "Would like me to get down to working?". "We might have a little bit of a problem this time", Dora said. "What would that be?", the imp inquired. "I'm all about of treasures. Is knowing that you kindly assisted me enough?", responded Dora.

"That isn't how I work!", snapped the imp. "I thought not", sighed Dora. "However", continued the Imp. "I'll make a bargain with you". "What might that entail?", asked Dora. The impish man explained. "I will work my magic one last time. However, you must agree that if you ever mother a child, your baby is mine forever". "Why a baby?", inquired a perplexed Dora. "I've always wanted to be a father and have something to love. Don't you want to parent a child someday?", the impish man responded. "I do. Sadly, I don't think I ever will. Well, you won't have to worry about me becoming a mother anytime soon. I accept your bargain", agreed Dora. "Excellent!", said the imp with a puckish, off-putting smile. In a flash, he transformed each bit of straw into golden bits. "Don't forget me", the old imp said as he faded away into the darkness. When he'd gone, Dora muttered "I'll try to".

As per usual, the royal family went to go see Dora. King Blohart led the way. Instead of making a spectacle of himself over the gold, he went up to Dora and spoke with her. "My wife gave me a good talking to and made some extremely fair points. I'm sorry for being so cantankerous and greedy. You're a divine young woman and I'm glad my son's made a friend such as yourself". "Me, too", quipped Paul. "Me three!", added Millicent. Dora smiled, laughed and said, "Your apology's accepted”. "Paul's certainly become quite fond of you", Millicent teased. Dora turned to him and proclaimed, "It just so happens I've become fond of you, too". Paul blushed--Again. Millicent and Blohart looked at each other and smiled. "Thank you for be there for me, your majesty", Dora said to Millicent. "Don't mention it, dear", Millicent said with a wink.

"To make further amends, I invite you and your father to live here with us. You'll be able to be closer to Paul. Francis and yourself can still keep the mill open, too", the king told Dora. She started to shed a joyous tear. "On behalf of both us and Francis, thank you, father", Paul said. "You are most welcome, my son", the king replied.

True to the king's word, Francis moved in shortly thereafter. The first thing Francis did when he saw his daughter was run up to her. He wrapped his arms around her, cried and blubbered, "Darling, I will never fail you again. Not ever". "You're forgiven, papa", replied a forgiving Dora. She gave her father a kiss. Francis turned to Prince Paul, who was standing nearby, and said "You can't find a finer friend than my daughter here". "Oh, believe me, sir. I know that for certain", Paul responded.

Irving then returned to resume his post. He'd taken a leave of absence out of guilt. "Good to have you back", commented King Blohart. "You were missed", cried out Queen Millicent". "I'll say you were", added Prince Paul. "Thank you, everybody", said Irving. He went over to Dora and whispered, "I will atone for what happened. You've got my word." "I already forgive you", Dora whispered back.

Dora and Paul became extremely close in the coming months and got to know each other quite well. Eventually after spending so much time together, he proposed to her. Paul was stricken with panic when he uttered the phrase "Will you marry me?". With nothing resembling hesitation, Dora exclaimed, "Of course!". They were then married.

On their wedding day and at a lavish church, Francis proudly gave away the bride. "Thank you for being here", Dora said under her breath. "I wouldn't miss this moment for the world", Francis softly replied as he walked his daughter down the aisle. Irving officiated the union. Millicent and even Blohart bawled. Paul was entranced by Dora's beauty when her veil was lifted. "Do you take this woman as your wife, your majesty?", asked Irving. "I absolutely do", answered Paul. In turn, Irving said, "I now pronounce this couple husband and wife. Paul, you may now kiss the bride". They kissed and looked forward to sharing their lives together. Nothing would stop their love.

Later on, it was time for Dora and Paul's public coronation. Given that they tied the knot, it was a natural progression. "I'm so proud of them", blubbered Millicent. "I am as well", agreed Irving. "You're son's going to a worthy successor to you as king", Francis stated to Blohart. "And your daughter's going to make quite the queen", Blohart said to Francis. The two were dubbed king queen and king of the land. After being crowned, Dora and Paul bowed humbly to the visiting, out front crowd, who were ecstatic for them. Both were benevolent, adored rulers. They even spread the imp's gold throughout the kingdom by sharing it with those in need.

Unfortunately, Dora couldn't have children of her own. Since this was so, Paul had a plan. He surprised Dora by putting a royal roof over the head of an infant from the kingdom's orphanage. She was an adorable baby girl named Dorothea. Dora was overjoyed at this. "I never thought I'd be a mother. Thank you. She'll be our little princess", Dora said to her husband. "You'll make a great one, dear", replied Paul. "Bless you! We'll raise her together, be there, give all we can and show her a good life!", exclaimed a jubilant Dora. In the joy of the moment, she'd had forgotten about her bargain with the imp. You would, too. However, he was about to rear his ugly head soon.

Queen Dora and King Paul were in the castle's quaint drawing room. Their parents were there, too. It was evident that they loved being grandparents. All three of them were doting on Princess Dorothea, who enjoyed every second of the attention. "She's the world's sweetest baby", cooed Millicent. Francis was cradling Dorothea in his arms. "An utter dear", he said. Even Blohart of all people showed his softer side. "I'm in the presence of an angel", he concurred. Dora smiled and rested her head on a smiling Paul's shoulder.

A bemused looking Irving entered the room and announced, "There's a bizarre visitor here to see you all". "What's the person like?", asked Paul. "A colorful little man", answered Irving. Dora gulped at hearing this but remained calm. "Send him in", she said. "You may enter", Irving called out to the corridor". "Miss me?", asked the imp as he strode towards Dora. "Though you did help me out, not particularly", replied Dora. "I didn't miss you, either. However, I still remember our little bargain", he said. Everybody else was confused at the sudden appearance of this impish person and wondered what he meant.

"Who is this?", inquired Millicent. Dora sighed and said, "It's time to be truthful. I could never spin straw into Gold at all". "That's true", Francis confessed. "I got carried away with a tall tale and made that talent up". "I didn't know he was fibbing and told you, Blohart", Irving added. "It was I who did Dora's supposed spinning all along", boasted the impish man. "Yes, out of desperation, I traded my mother's heirlooms for his services", Dora told her husband. "The prospect of banishment was terrifying. I couldn't let father lose it all, either. I also wanted to be with you". "Well, it doesn't matter that you weren't the spinner", Blohart said to Dora. "It was wrong of me to put you in such harsh situations. All that matters now is that I now have a delightful daughter-in-law". "You said it, dear", Millicent agreed as she faced her husband.

"Curses, I hoping everybody would be angry at you", the impish man carped at Dora. "I couldn't care less about her not being able to create gold out of straw. I'm too busy caring about the darling lady I married", uttered Paul. "Oh, you're going to care about this. By the third time I goldened straw for your wife, she'd bartered her last treasure. We bargained and she promised to give me any child she'd mother" the imp answered back. "Only because I doubted the possibility of partaking in motherhood. However, I am a mother now and not giving up my princess without a fight", Dora stated to the little man. She and her husband joined hands. "Don't mess around with me. You don't want to know what I'll do if you don't hand over your child", threatened the imp. The baby princess started to get upset and her grandparents tried to soothe her. Paul spoke up. "Don't you dare speak to my wife like that. Is there anything we can do to get out of this bargain? You're clearly someone who finds bargaining enjoyable. Come on, I dare you to think something up." The imp was surprised by his gumption.

He thought it over for a minute and finally said, "If you can answer a challenging question, the baby is all yours." "You've got deal", said Paul as he shook the imp's greasy hand. "What is your question?". "What's my name?", answered the imp. "That's not fair", Dora protested. "You never told it to me". "Precisely. You'll have to guess it now", cackled the impy man. "You really are a frustrating rogue", Paul told the fiendish imp. "Might we have a hint?", asked Francis. "Not in the least or on your lives", snapped the little man. "However, you may have three guesses right now. Who's going to guess?". "I'll put one out there", declared Irving. "Karl?". "Nay. A foolish attempt at guessing", relished the imp. "I will supply one", said Millicent. "Ludwig?". "Not even close!", averred the impish brute. "I'll give the last guess", chimed in Dora. "Philipp?". "All of you are wrong", taunted the impish scoundrel. "You'd better start coming up with some superior name guesses. If you don't, your princess is mine to father. I'll be back in three days. See you then!". He let out a villainous laugh and, as per the norm, disappeared without much notice.

"Unpleasant fella", grimaced Francis. "Does he do that a lot?", Irving asked Dora. "All the time", she responded. "We can't let him take the baby!", exclaimed an anxious Millicent. "And we're not going to", declared Paul. "What'll we do?", Blohart asked. "Irving and I will go around the kingdom to make inquiries. Somebody's got to know that imp's name. No matter what it takes, we'll learn it", stated Dora. "Righto", uttered Irving. "While we're gone, you, father and your parents can protect our daughter. Thank you for negotiating ourselves an out, by the way". You're the best, Dora said to her husband. "You're welcome. As are you. We'll guard her at all costs", Paul reassured. Before she left, Dora comforted her child. "Please don't cry, beloved. I'm not going to let him take you! You've already been through enough. You'll be protected and the family's not going to be split up. That's a promise". Dora then sang her daughter a calming lullaby. Once Dorothea had settled for a nap, the new queen and Irving then set out to discover the impish man's name.

Despite much scouring, nobody had even heard of the impy, little man. Still, Dora was determined to keep her baby from his clutches. "I'm not giving up", she said. "Me neither, ma'am", said an reassuring Irving. At this particular time, the two were passing through an ominous forest. "There isn't anything to frightened of", Dora told a trembling Irving. "I know, but the ambience is making skittish" Irving responded. Just then, they heard something. It was a man singing a song. "Quick Irving, let's follow that familiar sounding voice" said Dora. "Yes, ma'am", replied Irving. The two peaked through some trees. They caught sight of the imp outside his grungy, miniature hut. "There he is!", the queen whispered. He pranced 'round a fire and sang, "Today I'll bake, tomorrow I'll brew. The next I'll fetch the queen's new child. Still no one knows it just the same, that Rumpelstiltskin is my name". "Yes, now we know!", uttered a still whispering Dora. "What a most peculiar name", Irving said quietly. "It is indeed, but now can return to the castle and keep Dorothea with us. Let's go", responded a quiet Dora. They quickly dashed back.

When the three days were up, the imp returned as expected. "Alright", he said. "Guess away". Everybody acted blissfully ignorant. "Might it be Hermann?", asked Millicent. "You aren't even trying, Millie", sneered the disgusted imp. "Is it Jack?", inquired Blohart. "That's a better guess, but the answer's no", responded the imp. "Dear, why don't you take a guess!", King Paul said to Queen Dora. "Yes, please do!", requested Francis. Dora and Irving shared a silent wink. "Oh, very well", she said. A cheeky Dora looked at the imp and asked, "Would your name be Rumpelstiltskin?".

A look of shock came over Rumpelstiltskin's face. Then, he got angry. Rumpelstiltskin screamed and shook his fists. He cried, turned red in the face and shrieked out, "No! This isn't possible. How dare you guess correctly. You're a group of utter cheaters. That is not fair at all!". In the midst of his temper tantrum, he stamped a foot so hard that its connected leg went through the solid floor. This leg was wedged up to his waist. "Argghh!", grimaced the little man. He pulled out his leg and held it with both hands. Rumpelstiltskin did this with such force that he accidentally split himself into two symmetrical bits. His insides were a black void. Despite being a halved human, both halves kept on screaming in aguish. Lastly, the impish fellow's halves disappeared in a poofing puff of smoke, never to be seen again.

His demise evoked numerous responses. Dora and Paul were flabbergasted. Totally speechless. It awoke baby Dorothea, who began crying. Dora ran to rock her cradle soothingly. The parental figures and Irving were gladdened by Rumpelstiltskin's dramatic exit. "And thus, Rumpelstiltskin was no more", declared Irving. "He didn't know his own strength", commented Blohart. "Not at all. Fitting end for a horrid man", stated Millicent. "That's the last we'll see of old what's his name", joked Francis.

He looked near the hole caused by Rumpelstiltskin's stomping, pointed and said, "Look, Dora. Its your mother's ring and necklace". King Paul picked up treasures, looked at his wife and said, "Here, dear. Let me do the honors". "Thank you, love", a touched Dora responded. He put the ring on a finger next to her wedding band. Paul placed placed the necklace 'round her neck, too. "Perfect", he said. Dora smiled. She turned towards Princess Dorothea and picked her up. "Hush little one, we've all got you. There's nothing to fear. You're safe and he can't scare you anymore. either. Everything'll be alright from now on". Everybody else looked on with a smile, nodded in agreement and gently proclaimed "Amen to that!". Dora then kissed her baby on their forehead. As you'd probably guess, everyone lived happily ever after. The end.