Beautiful People – A Beast and a Rose {February 2015}

Beautiful People Button Yes, it’s that time again! Okay, it has been that time for nearly 3 weeks now, but didn’t we learn from last week’s post that I’m always late to parties? Hey, I never said I was a good role model. I’m sure you know the drill. Beautiful People is a linkup for writers by the ever awe-inspiring Sky and Cait. They give us ten questions to answer about any character we have of our choosing. Always a good time! BUT being as how this is the month of flowers and heart-shaped things we get a special edition centered on, you guessed it, COUPLES. Now I know the romantic in you is itching to get in on this, don’t deny it. There’s still a week (okay, almost a week) left of February! So get your warm and fuzzy hearts on over to Sky’s post or Cait’s and linkup! Even those of us who don’t write in the romance genre constantly find those heart-shaped things slithering into our writing, am I right? It’s inevitable I fear. For me, this edition of BP popped up at just the right moment being as how I’m deep into plotting for Burning Thorns, my Beauty and the Beast retelling. And with a B&B story comes a romantic couple, obviously. This is just what I need to get deeper into their not-always-so-fluffy-but-still-rather-sweet relationship. Allow me to introduce my Beauty and Beast, Rose and the Beast (or the Dragon, he’ll answer to either, probably not politely but he will answer). Rose and the Beast The Beast had barely stepped through before the girl zipped past him, bare feet tapping across the hall as she hurried to the fire.
"Rain really has no right to be so icy this late in spring," she said, holding her palms out in front of the flickering flames.
The Beast eyed the trail of dirt on the once polished floor leading to the girl. He stomped the mud from his own boots and gave the doors a mighty slam. The girl jumped.
"This way," he grunted, moving to the far left end of the foyer to the wide stairway.
The girl chased after him.
Patter, patter, patter.
One new dirt spot with each step.
He growled under his breath and led her down the vast halls of the second floor, the walled candles guiding their way.
"I appreciate your hospitality," she said, bouncing up next to him. He quickened his steps ahead of her. "I mean, I’m not really sure what I’m going to do now. Since I’m on the run and all." Her words faltered, but in seconds returned to that quick, jaunty tone. Did she always talk like that? "I’m sure I’ll figure something out though."
"I’m sure." He shoved open a door and stepped aside, head low. "You may sleep here." He had already made it halfway back down the hall when her response echoed after him.
"Thank you! I never knew dragons could be so kind." 1. How long have they been a couple?
Well, they first meet at the beginning of the story and don’t become a “couple” until the end you could say. I haven’t entirely figured out the timeline yet, but I’m thinking the whole book takes place in a manner of a couple months maybe? Still working out how long everything progresses. Since this is a novella being turned into a full novel, constructing a timeline is hurting my brain a little.

2. How did they first meet?
It was a dark and stormy night. . . No, but really. It was raining torrents and Rose was running for her life from people who wanted to enslave her. She got entangled in the Beast’s rose garden, he found her, nearly sent her away but realized she might be just the person to help him break his curse. . . Maybe not in the way you may think though. *wriggles eyebrows*

3. What were their first thoughts of each other? (Love at first sight or “you’re freakishly annoying”?)
Rose found this tall man completely clad in black a little intimidating, but when he offered her a warm place in his castle she decided he was very kind. (Ah, naïve little Rose. . .) While Rose’s chatty, over perky personality definitely grated on the Beast’s nerves.

4. What do they do that most annoys each other?
The Beast thinks Rose talks way too much. Rose thinks the Beast is too quiet. Yeah, some issues to work out there.

5. Are their personalities opposite or similar?
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAAAAAA!!!!!! Ahem. Let’s just say Rose and Beast are like putting a frisky puppy and an old, bored cat together.

6. How would their lives be different without each other?
Rose would probably be living a torturous life of enslavement in enemy lands. Beast would forever be cursed and probably out of his mind from hatred and solitude. Needless to say, it’s a good thing they stumbled upon one another when they did.

7. Are they ever embarrassed of each other?
This is about the same answer as the things that annoy them. The Beast often wishes Rose would cease her constant chatter and let others get a word in every now and again, and Rose wonders why oh why the Beast won’t participate during social events.

8. Does anyone disapprove of their relationship?
Oh, just about two, maybe three, entire kingdoms. Apparently associating with the Dragon that thrust the world into shadows and chaos is frowned upon. Who would have thought?

9. Do they see their relationship as long-term/leading to marriage?
This is a fairytale. What do you think? *winks*

10. If they could plan the “perfect outing” together, where would they go?
The Beast lives in an enchanted forest filled with all sorts of otherworldly wonders. He’d love to take Rose on a picnic to some beautiful, magical place in the Forest where she could play with sprites and pick flowers. Yes, despite all you’ve just learned about the Beast, he can be a romantic. Now I have a question for YOU.
Who is your favorite fictional couple?
I LOVE hearing about everyone’s favorites, so come, gush. I beg of you!

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Alea Harper
February 24, 2015 1:07 AM

My absolute favorite fictional couple is ️Kyrin and Jace in the Ilyon Chronicles by Jaye L. Knight!!!!

Tracey Dyck
February 24, 2015 2:06 AM

This was SO GOOD! I loved reading that snippet at the beginning. It brought back memories. :')

"Let’s just say Rose and Beast are like putting a frisky puppy and an old, bored cat together." XDDD Oh goodness, how accurate!

Ooh boy. Favorite fictional couples? Gosh, I know I have a bunch, at least a few. But they've all chosen this moment to temporarily vacate my memory. Well, Billy and Bonnie, for sure. (Really, though, any of Bryan Davis' charrie couples are just the best!) EANRIN AND IMRALDERA. Enough said. And I adore Beauty and the Beast type couples, so hey, Rose and good ol' Beastie over there make my list. ;D *sigh* I know I have other favorites, but that's all for now.

Katie Grace
February 24, 2015 2:58 AM

Whoah. Your story sounds amazing. The snippet was excellent, and both of the characters… I hope you'll get it published someday so I can read it! 😀
Favorite couple… Hmm. I have two favorites. Both aren't 'officially' couples yet. Heh. But the first is from The Tales of Goldstone Woods, Eanrin and Imraldera. *sigh* They seriously need to get together.
And my second is Kyrin and Jace from the Ilyon Chronicles. *squeal* Things look a bit more hopeful for them… Maybe…

Anonymous
Anonymous
February 24, 2015 1:48 PM

Ooh, this sounds downright gorgeous! I'd love to read it. It sounds really intriguing, and I love the idea. Fairytale remakes are awesome. 😀

Ashley G.
February 24, 2015 8:52 PM

I love them! And the whole story idea, it's so beautiful. B&B is one of my favorite fairytales. You are going to publish it, right? Because I would read it.

Sarah Elizabeth
February 24, 2015 9:03 PM

LOVE. IT. This is fabulous! I love how these characters seems such polar opposites and yet perfect for each other ("frisky puppy and old, bored cat" <–Love that description!!). And I am so intrigued with that little statement regarding the way this curse will be broken. . . O_O Need. To. KNOW! AGH. ;D Keep it up, dearie!

Oh dear, oh dear. Tut tut. Fictional couples? Why so hard question?? I have many, but like Tracey, they've chosen to disappear from my brain thing. . . Can I name a coupl–few (in no particular order)? Arwen and Aragorn, of course. And I agree with all these ladies about Bryan Davis' couples–so sweet! And yes, Eanrin and Imraldera! Who can't help but love them? Dammerung and Margaret, from Plenilune. Eugene and Rapunzel. #*–*# Howl and Sophie, from Howl's Moving Castle. :3

Tracey Dyck
February 25, 2015 12:31 AM

Oh yes, how could I forget Eugene and Rapunzel?? Love those two. *drowns in Tangled feels*

Candice
February 24, 2015 10:21 PM

Your story sounds wonderful, Christine! I love fairytale retellings, it's so neat to see a unique spin on the original stories! 🙂

Favorite fictional couples, hmm. I really like some of the others commenters have mentioned, and I absolutely love Paula and Stoya from Cybele's Secret by Juliet Marillier – they're perfect for each other and so sweet together!

Deborah O'Carroll
February 25, 2015 4:47 PM

EEEEEEEEEEEEE! 😀 Every time I think of them I go into fits of ecstatic warm glowy mental–and sometimes literal–squealing. ^_^ THEY ARE THE BESTEST AND SO IS THIS AND I LOVED READING YOUR ANSWERS ABOUT THEM!!! *flail* Just… just… SO PRECIOUS AND ADORBZ AND PERFECT. <3

The answer to 6: O_O WOW. Meep. o.o
And 8: Oh my goodness I'm dying over here. XD
Love this post! ^_^

Gaaahh there are too many favorite couples! *more flailing*
Yep, I'd probably have to put Sophie and Howl on there, and Flynn and Rapunzel perhaps (I still call him Flynn. *pouts* Heehee. XD).
BUT BUT. CAN I SAY FARAMIR AND EOWYN? EEEEE. 😀
Ooh, and probably Mendanbar and Cimorene. THEY ARE AWESOME.
So many amazing ships. ^_^

Tracey Dyck
February 26, 2015 2:18 AM

(I admit I call him Flynn most of the time too. 😛 Although Eugene is kind of cute in a nerdy, he's-not-so-invincible way.)

Anonymous
Anonymous
February 27, 2015 12:53 AM

We shall be rebels together. *maniacal laughter*
MENDANBAR AND CIMORENE. 😀 I will never get tired of thinking of those two… I really want to read them again! D: *flail* SO MUCH REREADING TO DO.
Yes. Soooo many ships! 😀 Ooh, and I should add: Achan and Vrell! And your Rose and her Beast of course. 😀 SO ADORBZ AND PERFECT. <3

@Tracey: YAYNESS. 😀 Eugene is kind of a letdown, in a way. 😛 It means he was originally ordinary… Which actually makes me think of Mirri's characters changing their names too! >:D (Digby/Azrael, Leslie/Skata, Ian/Angel. XD *giggle*)

Tracey Dyck
February 27, 2015 3:14 AM

@Deborah: LOL… I do prefer Flynn Rider. Ack. I've got Tangled quotes running through my head now. ("RIIIIDEERRRRR!" and "They just can't get my nose right!" and "You broke my smoulder.") XD
Haha, yes, Mirri's capricious charries. Digby/Azrael I didn't know (since I haven't read those stories yet), but *gigglesnort* Leslie. And Ian. Oh goodness, those boys.

Anonymous
Anonymous
February 27, 2015 4:33 AM

I find it vaguely hilarious that we're just casually having conversations about Flynn and Azrael in the comments here. XD

@Tracey: Flynn quotes are the best! 😀 And *GASP* oh no! D: You are missing out on sooo much not having read those books! o.o *flail* Azrael is the best! 😀 (Well… him and Hal… and Rusty… and… okay I'll stop now. :x) I actually think Ian is a cool name… but with Leslie, I really side with Skata on changing it. XD

@Lauri: I don't even want to THINK about how many books I have that I haven't read yet. Especially with getting like 20 new ones a couple days ago. >.> My bookcase-of-unread-books is starting to get a double layer. *winces* But yes! We miss our favorites! D: And YES YES YES Achan and Vrell–I soooo wanted them to be a thing. 😀 And of COURSE your babies!! *flail* THEY SO ADORBZ I TELL YA!! <3<3 And yes, Flynn is the best. ^_^ (And no, I'm not blaming Azrael at all. XD But Digby is kiiiind of a cute name. 😛 But "Azrael" is way cooler. XD And I think "Digby" is beneath his dignity. *snorts*)

Tracey Dyck
February 27, 2015 5:54 PM

@Christine: It does–I love his backstory! He starts out with such bravado, and then finally reveals his hurt and vulnerability to Rapunzel. Awgsh, so sweet. <3

@Deborah: I KNOW! I MUST READ THEM SOOOOON! Mirri's snippets of those stories on her blog were actually what made me perk up and go, "Hey, I like this gal's writing." And yet I haven't read them yet. They sound exactly like something I'd love. *sigh* So many awesome stories to beta.
I like the name Ian too. Leslie, though…yeeeah…Skata was wise to change it. XD

Tracey Dyck
February 28, 2015 4:17 PM

@Christine: *salutes* YES MA'AM. I am actually in between books right now, so I'm trying to catch up on some beta works. (*winks at Celti* That includes yours!) So maybe perhaps when I'm fully caught up, I'll request those from Mirriam. …No, there's no 'maybe' about it. I will read them. Eventually. 😛 And whoo, favoritest? Then they MUST be as amazing as I imagine.

Hmm, yes, what could Angel's reason be? I suppose we'll find out one day… Perhaps it's just a way of distancing himself from his past.

Anonymous
Anonymous
February 28, 2015 5:30 PM

YES FAVORITEST. Paper Crowns was my #1 favorite book I read in 2013. ^_^ IT'S BRILLIANT. And Paper Hearts is so funnnnn. *flail* I love them so much. ^_^