#Echo Dela Mode

[jonnyparable]

Cottage Hills : A Winter Tale, Part XV

Extra, Extra, Read All About It!

Echo Dela Mode once more brings you the most exclusive news about the lives of the rich and famous! We travel down to the the small countryside town of Cottage Hills at the invitation of Gourmand Du Swindleton, eccentric billionaire and proprietor of Swindleton's Sweets and Chocolates, and lifelong friend of the Lady Divadonna.

We meet the pair outside of the town's church, along with several other members of the press, and are greeted warmly by none other than Mr Swindleton himself. A meeting in front of a church? Surely wedding bells are imminent! Read on, to find out, dear reader!

Gourmand:

"Greetings dear friends! Thank you everyone for coming such a distance in this winter cold. Now, I have an announcement to make, and I'm sure your readers will be delighted to hear it! Welcome, first of all to Cottage Hills! This town has been a personal interest of mine for decades now! And I have been investing heavily in this town's authenticity and charm for years. I'm sure you will all be pleased to know that this town is under new management and you are now speaking to the new Mayor of Cottage Hills!"

Echo :

"Mayor? Congratulations! That is big news indeed! This town must be excited to have such illustrious and accomplished leadership!Can you tell us more about your plans for the town, and what Madame Divadonna has to do with it?"

Gourmand:

"Of course! My goal is two fold. Firstly, to open up this town as a charming lakeside holiday getaway for the region's rich and famous, and second, to build a new Swindleton Chocolate Factory right here in Cottage Hills!

Echo:

"Incredible! A new factory? How exciting!"

Gourmand:

"Yes! Think rides through my cacao plantation, chocolate tasting and tours of my factory floor where the magic happens, not to mention a trip to the gift shop where you can buy all my newest candy! But before all that can happen, I've been here to make sure everything is in tip-top shape, and finding suitable sites for construction. This town has it all, amazing scenery, a quaint little village, historical sites, stupendous food, friendly locals and traditions and its surrounded by hectares of fertile, untouched land! All it lacks is some pizzazz, and Madame, a dear friend of mine, has graciously agreed to join me to come assess the town's many qualities, and to lend the town her unique blend of glitz, glamour, talent and charm! She's been staying at the local inn and enjoying the town's hospitality! Haven't you, Contestina dear?"

Echo:

"Madame, you must be excited to be part of Mr Swindleton's plans! After all, everything he touches famously turns to gold!"

Contestina :

"Why, yes of courrrse! Everything my Gourrrrrrmando does is simply magnifico! This town is full of prrromise! I've been enjoying myself immensely, despite my near-death experience!"

Echo:

"Near death experience?? Oh my, do tell!"

Gourmand:

"Yes, it was frightful disaster! The dear Lady Divadonna was almost injured by the falling bricks from the town's old tower, mid-song too! Which is why, I've decided to personally replace the old mayor, for his negligence and additionally, as this town's new Mayor, I've decided to demolish the old eyesore of a tower once and for all! Safety in my new town is paramount!"

Echo:

"What a truly horrific experience for the Madame! Madame Divadonna, can you tell us how you managed to survive such an ordeal?"

Contestina :

"Cerrrtainly! It is all thanks to my herrro, my saviourr! Adora Belisa, here he is!"

Echo:

"Wow! You're quite the looker, gorgeous. I don't see a ring, so I think our readers would love to know, are you seeing anybody?"

Cliff:

"Huh? Seeing? Oh, like a girlfriend? Umm it's complicated.... But there is someone I like....I think... "

Echo:

"Lucky gal! And looking at the badge on your jacket, you're a pilot too, what a catch!"

Cliff:

"Badge? Pilot....??"

Echo:

"All looks no brains, huh? Can't have it all I guess! So give us a name, handsome! How do you feel, being a hero, and saving the life of the world's most beloved songstress? You're gonna be famous!"

Cliff:

"Uh right, well I suppose my name is Cliff Winters...I'm not a hero really, I just acted on instincts I suppose, I'm... Actually not really sure what happened either...heh heh...? "

Echo:

"Wowza! Looks and modesty! Now let's get you, the Mayor and Madame together in a picture. Look this way, Captain Winters!"

Contestina :

"Gala Adora! Thank you everyone! But alas it is time now for us to go, I must rehearse for the town's music festival, where I'll perform all my songs from Shalabar!"

Gourmand :

"Yes, quite right! We shall be hosting a grand recital here in the church, and the who's who of the entire region will all be there! It will be a glorious event that will finally put this town on the map! And..... You're all invited! Join us at the town's inn later this evening for champagne on me!"

You read it here first, folks! Cottage Hills has a perfect new Mayor, and looks like exciting things are finally coming to this sleepy town. This town is about to be completely transformed into a glamorous haven for the world's most beautiful people, and as always, Echo Dela Mode will bring you all the latest updates from right here, the hea-

Unknown Man:

"All great stuff, but Madame Divadonna! Aren't you worried about performing in a creepy little town filled with rumours of strange creatures, a haunted forest and.... missing people?"

Gourmand :

"What? I've never heard of such nonsense. Who are you?"

Unknown Man :

"Why, I'm none other than Kano Kandidi, paranormal investigator extraordinaire and writer at the Supernatural Times, at your service!"

Kano:

"So tell me, Mayor, what do you know about the rumours of strange half-man, half-tree creatures that are said to skulk about at night in people's gardens, the eerie music from the woods, and even rumours of man-eating werewolves?"

Contestina :

"Werewolves!!?? Miseria Mystico! Gourrrrrrmando!! What is he talking about?"

Kano:

"Surely you must know, Mayor. After all, famed botanist Basil Reed disappeared here 20 years ago. Maybe this town isn't the paradise that you think it is. I mean, if its so perfect, why have people been leaving for years? Why all the empty buildings? What if this town is... Cursed??"

Gourmand :

"Cursed!? Absolute hogwash! How dare you, sir! This interview is over! Come, Contestina!"

Contestina :

"Ye-yes, Gourrrrrrmando, coming! Goodbye my dears, for it is time for my rehearsal! I shall see you later at the inn!"

[artificialqueens]

Underneath The Mistletoe, Part 3 (Bianca/???) - Albatross

AN: short chapter but the next one is the final installment and will be a lot longer!

Saying their goodbyes to one another a short time later, Bianca hurried back to her car to call Willam with her updates.

“It’s not Dela and definitely not Manila,” she stated with a short huff of annoyance.

A snort of laughter quickly echoed through the phone’s mic. Rolling her eyes, Bianca waited out the storm until Willam regained control of herself, or at least enough that she was able to ask, “How’d you find out?”

“Texted Dela,” Bianca replied simply as she set her phone on speaker mode and began to drive home. Once she was clear of the driveway, she added, “She took Jinkx home a little bit after 2. Couldn’t have been her. You made out with Jinkx, by the way. Dela saw it.”

“Yeah,” Willam drawled out, sounding a little pleased with herself, “Sounds right. Jinkx had been trying that all night.” There was a short pause, probably reminiscing, Bianca realized, but then she heard Willam inquiring, “What about ‘Nila?”

Bianca stayed quiet for a few moments, debating if she really ought to tell Willam about this but ultimately, she decided, it didn’t really matter. Willam would probably find out from the couple at some point anyways. So, keeping most of the details to herself, she replied back, “I stopped by their house to drop off gifts. Ended up kissing her before I left. Definitely wasn’t her at the party.”

Immediately a loud, echoing burst of laughter filled her car as though Willam were right there with her. Bianca had thought it would die out soon enough but she was dead wrong. Almost half of her drive home was spent listening to an unending seal-like laugh coming from someone she was questioning for the upteenth time, why they were friends. In the end, Bianca’s self-conscious irritation, especially with Willam cackling out “I gotta tell Adore!”, got the better of her and she abruptly ended the call to stew in silence.

Upon arriving back home, she found her notification light flashing away as if to continually mock her. Of course it was only because of Willam. Bianca was inclined to ignore it but it seems Willam did have something of potential use to share about another party guest and potential suspect:

W:😂😂😂😂

W: daaaaamn!!!

W: but you do you

W: btw i was looking through trixie and katyas posts. trix had waaay too much to drink. 

W: she was making less sense than katya!!! 

W: god she’s a mess. i love her

W: but talk to trix

Interesting. 

Bianca thanked her for the information and made a mental note to follow up on it if nothing panned out with Phi Phi. After Manila, Phi Phi seemed to be the next most likely. She was there alone that night, as far as Bianca remembered, and it wouldn’t be the first time they’d gotten a little too close while drunk. Usually it only involved Phi Phi hanging off her or burying her face into Bianca’s neck before being interrupted by a roar of laughter. But it wouldn’t take much of a stretch, especially if both of them were drunk off their asses, for Bianca to picture herself kissing Phi Phi. That stupid mistletoe was probably just the right catalyst they both would need in order to cross that last remaining line.

Deciding that Phi Phi seemed even more like a viable suspect than before, Bianca could hardly wait for their dinner date. They had decided on Thursday night, the last free night Phi Phi had before flying out the next day. She hadn’t been thrilled giving up that chance for a good night’s rest before rushing off to the airport in the morning, but for Bianca…well, Phi Phi always made some extra allowances, Bianca had noticed. After all, Bianca knew she could be difficult to book for a casual hangout most of the year anyway; she preferred to keep herself busy and last minute offers or even inviting her out a week or two in advance would often yield no results.

It was almost a miracle this year that both women happened to be free at the same time, especially so close to the holiday itself. And each snatched up the opportunity to meet up without another thought. Now all Bianca had left to do was find out just what Phi Phi remembered from that night.

*******

Raja: Ladies!

Raja: Do we have a story to tell you.

Willam: go on, girl. I got something even better to share after you

Raja: Just steal my damn spotlight, huh?

Raja: Fine. So Bianca came over and-

*******

The night of their dinner date was pretty relaxing, all things considered. Though the restaurant was a tad crowded, it was nothing overwhelming and the women had no trouble tuning everyone else out. They caught each other up on recent events and ordered drink after drink to accompany their meals. If the service was slow, neither really noticed, preferring instead to just focus on each other. Come the end of it, both women were laughing away about anything that came to mind as they walked back to their cars. Bianca handed over her gift first, something she had taken a chance on in the hopes that it would work out.

Back in the spring, she and Phi Phi had been hanging out with a couple of other friends. At some point in the conversation, Phi Phi’s eyes lit up as revealed that some new game was announced to be released for one of her favorite series. Bianca, and a few others, rolled their eyes at the announcement, but Phi Phi was as excited as ever as she described (in a bit too much detail, in Bianca’s opinion) why the series was so incredible. She spouted out every hope and theory she had for this new installment based on the limited information in the trailer.

Bianca distinctly remembered telling her, “Girl, you are almost 30, why are you still playing those things? Just drink like the rest of us.”

But Phi Phi emphatically defended her choice. Even then, Bianca was a little amused by the passion she had for both this series and other games as well. A few others made a comment or two and then the conversation shifted once again to something else. A movie or something, Bianca thought, but that game that Phi Phi mentioned stuck with her for some reason.

That same night Bianca tried watching the trailer but admittedly nothing really stuck out to her about it. It had that fantasy element that Phi Phi adored combined with the fighting aspect that she seemed reasonably good at. Other than that, nothing spoke to Bianca the same way it obviously did to Phi Phi. She did notice a few things listed in the trailer that were of interest; the release date was still months away but pre-ordering was already in full-swing. She had no doubt Phi Phi already gave the gaming company her money but there were a few offers otherwise for a variety of merch items. Everything from blankets to water bottles, they stuck either a logo or character from the series on anything that could be printed with a design.

But one of the characters did stick out to her…she’d seen it often enough in Phi Phi’s apartment in the form of little dolls, plushies, and even her phone case. There was no denying that this was probably Phi Phi’s favorite character, not just of the series, but in general. And this one seemed to be popular with a number of others as well; many items had the red “Out of Stock’ warning that Bianca felt she’d seen all too often while shopping for herself.

There was one figurine however, that really stuck out. It was an alternative outfit design than what was depicted on almost every other piece of merchandise and of course, was out of stock to boot. But in all the times Bianca had been around Phi Phi’s apartment, she didn’t remember seeing that particular figure anywhere. And when she looked at the price on the website it wasn’t hard to imagine why. She nearly choked on her drink as she saw what the cost was normally. No doubt since it was unavailable through the game’s official site that the price had now skyrocketed.

But it didn’t take a genius to know that Phi Phi probably wanted that figure more than anything. Likely she was waiting and hoping that it becomes available somewhere, perhaps even on the game’s site itself, and she can snatch it up without it costing an arm and a leg. And just in seeing that figurine, Bianca knew what gift she wanted to give Phi Phi for the holidays. She scoured the internet, hoping to find a decent price and kept herself updated whenever a new listing would be added. Finally after a month or so, an ad came out on Craigslist and within a few minutes Bianca was contacting the seller and exchanging shipping information.

The amount she paid meant nothing, hell, she’d even pay triple now, just for that look of absolute joy on Phi Phi’s face. It was even more stunning than Manila after receiving her bracelet back. A wide toothy grin broke out and even her attempts at hiding it did nothing to dull the happiness exuding from her very being. She immediately engulfed Bianca in a tight hug and refused to let go until she had said ‘Thank you’ at least a hundred times.

An unknown tension released itself from Bianca’s shoulders as she returned the gesture and let Phi Phi cling to her for a few moments longer. When she finally pulled away, she looked like she was dying to say more but bit it back in order to shakily hand over her own gift to Bianca. Her eyes drifted to the ground more than once as Bianca tore back the paper. Once it was finally free, a jewelry box was left staring back at her and her heartbeat picked up as she opened the top.

Inside was a beautiful pair of stud earrings. Sapphires so blue they almost looked black in the dark of night and cut into an oval shape set in sterling silver. Surrounding the sapphires were a ring of amethysts and on the posts themselves, small diamond chips extending down the short length. The design was incredible…and quite familiar.

As if sensing her thoughts, Phi Phi mentioned with a hint of nerves, “Yeah, when we were at the mall that one time, I saw you looking at them for awhile. You didn’t say anything but…”

“Thank you!”

Bianca truly couldn’t find the right words to express how much she loved her gift. She’d honestly forgotten about these earrings until now. She had intended to go back another day to pick them up but life just always got in the way. She always found herself too busy to get back to the mall or on the rare instances when she was there, she’d completely forget about heading into the store. 

But Phi Phi didn’t forget. 

She had recognized the interest Bianca took in those earrings and had gone back for them. That meant more to her than words could ever express.

Closing the box, Bianca stepped forward until there were only a few inches of space left between. She had just enough time to see Phi Phi swallow back a nervous gulp before their lips were pressed together and a pair of hands were resting firmly on her hips. Her own free hand found its way to Phi Phi’s face, tucking back the loose waves behind her ear, before cupping her cheek and letting their lips glide against each other until it came time to part.

Though this still wasn’t the kiss she was looking for, Bianca almost wished it was.

There was something there…something that she hadn’t felt in any of the other kisses. That tiny little spark was present but there was nothing calming about this kiss. It left her nerves on edge…like they’d been thoroughly fried by a sudden jolt of electricity…

Even Phi Phi didn’t seem too certain of what to say. Her eyes looked a bit dazed and an almost goofy looking smile rested on her lips. It took a few seconds for her to find her way back to reality, only then did she dare let out a nervous laugh, “Wow…really liked those earrings, huh?”

“I do,” Bianca assured her, taking a step back so they both could get some breathing room. “I really do. Thank you.”

“No problem,” came the vaguely distracted response. It seemed like the conversation would end there, that they’d part ways to each bang their heads on their steering wheels before driving home but Phi Phi dared to make one final inquiry before Bianca slipped away. “Hey…when I come back, after the holidays, I mean…do you wanna meet up again? Just us, like we did tonight?”

Finding herself relieved at the proposal, Bianca confirmed, “I’d love that…Pick a date and I’ll make it work, promise.”

With that understanding, the women said their goodbyes and returned home. Before falling into bed, Bianca texted Willam a quick update.

B: Not Phi.

W: what? kiss her too?

B: Yes

W: gross

W: lol

B: She was better than you.

Bianca let out a soft laugh as her phone became flooded with message alerts. Ignoring them for the time being, Bianca instead let her mind wander to her dwindling suspect list. Though that kiss with Phi Phi was a nice turn of events, she certainly wasn’t the same person she’d kiss beneath the mistletoe. Thinking back on it again, Bianca was sure there was another detail she remembered but just couldn’t pick out what it was. Something familiar…

But she didn’t dwell on that for long before realizing she now only had two names left (if she ignored Willam’s earlier suggestion of certain person, and of course, she would). 

Trixie and Shangela…Well…Willam did mention that it looked like Trixie had been drinking a bit that night…perhaps it really was her, after all.

But would she remember anything if they had?

Maybe Katya knows something…it certainly seemed like she was posting a lot of her roommate that night…but then again, when isn’t she? About half of Katya’s posts on any platform are of the various tactics she uses to annoy her roommate. Hell, it was a wonder that Trixie hadn’t killed her by now. 

Mmm…she still had yet to deliver their gifts…perhaps a visit this weekend is in order? 

Bianca was dead certain that if either of them knew something, she’d find out before too long. After all, they both turn into quite the chatterboxes when placed together and neither was above spilling secrets if the right buttons were pushed. Or…with a little luck….all she might need is just a bit of alcohol and some encouragement and off those two would be recounting the party and everything they remember…

*****

The next morning Bianca awoke to no less than 23 messages from Willam revolving around her kiss with Phi Phi. A few were demanding to know why Phi Phi was better, some even accusing her of lying and then finally it just devolved into sulking and name calling, ending with a simple text of ‘hateful old cunt.’

Sending back a short series emojis to further taunt Willam, Bianca let the conversation die with that and moved on to her next person of interest. She sent a quick inquiry to Katya to see if both she and her roommate would both be at home tonight, or failing that, when they’d be together so she could drop off their gifts.

A flurry of emojis flashed across her screen less than half an hour later and somewhere mixed in with all of that and a few nonsensical words (thank you button-mashing), Bianca learned that Sunday night they’d both be in for a ‘quiet’ evening together. With that understanding, Bianca sent a confirmation that she’d be over for a quick visit while out dropping off gifts for them and a few other friends she’d not yet seen. 

******

Later that week, the group chat came alive once more and immediately Willam tuned in to see what was developing. Things had been silent for awhile but now it seems Bianca was back in action and one of the other girls had news.

Trixie: You were right Willam.

Willam: i always am

Willam: about what this time?

Trixie: B’s coming over tomorrow. Katya just told me. At least i think that’s what her text said

Sharon: Does she know?

Trixie: Katya?

Trixie: No, I haven’t told her if that’s what you’re asking. But I know someone told Adore.

Trixie: Willam

Sharon: Willam

Vanessa: Willam

Jinkx: Willam

Willam: what? it was funny!

Mariah: She better not ruin this for us.

Willam: she won’t. as long as i keep her updated. that was our deal.

Willam: she’s having just as much fun as we are

Mariah: If you say so. No one told Phi Phi, right?

Sharon: I haven’t heard anything since Willam told us. 

Sharon: Pissed off at her. Why wouldn’t she tell me? You sure it actually happened Willam?

Willam: trust me, bitch. it happened.

Sharon: Bitch.

A few further texts of name calling were exchanged before the conversation reverted back to Trixie. She had precious little information to go on but anything she knew, she gladly shared with the group. By the time the conversation faded out for the evening, Willam was dying to know what would happen. She was certain that something huge was gonna go down Sunday night. But just what, she could only guess.

[sincerelyella]

The Confrontation - Surrender Part 2

Book: Open Heart (AU)

Inspiration song: Surrender by Natalie Taylor

Pairings: Ethan x MC (Ella)

Characters belong to Pixelberry; MC Ella Dela Cruz belongs to me

Summary: What would happen if MC found out Ethan was leaving for the Amazon and she confronted him?

A/N: Well … this has been highly requested so here we are! Thanks all for the messages, I love getting feedback from ya’ll. This was actually kind of difficult to write since, y’know, I DO love Ethan Ramsey and I hate torturing the guy. I changed some things around sooooo it won’t be quite the same as what you saw in the WIPs I posted LOL. Hope you enjoy it!

Catch up here

Warnings: Angst; adult language; car accident; trauma

**My stories are not to be stolen or reposted on any other site. Reblogs and welcome are appreciated.**

Words: 770

We let the waters rise, We drifted to survive

I needed you to stay, But I let you drift away

Ethan flinched when he heard the door slam after Ella, and it was like a gunshot going off. The sound echoed through the house, and the deafening silence that followed was even more insufferable. Her last words to him echoed in his mind over and over, like a bad song that you couldn’t get out of your head. I meant nothing to you. That wasn’t true, not even a little bit. She meant everything to him. His mind, body, and soul belonged to that woman who had just run out of his apartment. As long as he lived, he wouldn’t belong to anyone as much as he did to Ella; and he was just going to leave her without so much as a goodbye. He felt the warm tears slowly slide down his cheeks, and he was caught off guard because he hadn’t even realized he was crying. Fuck. He wiped the tears away with the back of his hands and made an executive decision to find her. She couldn’t have gone far. He raced out of the bathroom, slipped on his shoes, and flew out the front door. He suddenly cursed the three flights of stairs he had to run down just to get to her.

Ethan vaguely heard sirens but paid no attention to them. His focus was to find Ella and convince her that he was a fucking idiot. Ethan’s feet slammed onto the pavement as he burst through the front door of his building, he looked right and left and saw no sign of her. The rain had dissipated, and it was just sprinkling now, the visibility getting a little better than it was earlier. Ethan saw the ambulance pull up with the sirens whirring, his head tilted to the side and saw a group of people as they stood in the middle of the street. Doctor-mode kicked in, and Ethan jogged over to try to lend his expertise. He noticed that Rafael Aveiro had just arrived at the scene with his three coworkers, and it made Ethan feel at ease.

“Rafael, I’m here to help.”

The paramedic nodded, handed him a pair of gloves from his pocket and bent down to try to assess the woman lying on her side on the ground. Ethan knelt down and with his trained eye assessed her appearance. She was missing her shoes, jeans were ripped at the knees and bloodied, her grey sweatshirt was slightly lifted exposing her torso. Wait … is that … Ethan’s pulse started to beat hard in his chest and he could practically hear the rush of his blood through his ears. He leaned over and saw the unmistakable birth mark Ella had on her stomach right next to her navel. “I … it’s …”

“What?” Rafael took one earpiece from his stethoscope out of his ear to hear better.

Ethan tore his eyes away from Ella’s body on the pavement and looked at Rafael with tear filled eyes.

“Why do you keep looking at me? Focus on the patient,” Ethan opened his mouth to speak but no words came out. Raf followed Ethan’s eyes to the woman’s covered face. He bent forward and brushed the hair away. “Ella!” he gasped.

Ethan’s head gets foggy, like he’s going to faint. He couldn’t take his eyes off of her beautiful face, the face that had streaks of blood and dirt across it. This is my fault.

Raf signals to his coworkers to take over and looks up to see the terror in Ethan’s eyes, the shock evident on his face. “Ethan …”

Ethan’s breaths were gasps now. “Rafael,” he choked out. “She’s … I think she …” his voice hitched at the last word. The two were interrupted by the other paramedics who had brought a gurney to her side.

Rafael quickly stood and pulled a still shocked Ethan up to his feet. He realized that he was half holding the older man up. He was trembling, tears running down his face and he was unable to speak. Rafael closed his eyes for a moment, opened them, and turned Ethan to meet his gaze. “Dr. Ramsey,” he said authoritatively. “You need to get a hold of yourself! If you want to ride in the ambulance then you need to snap out of it.”

Ethan wrenched himself away from Raf’s hold on him and wiped his tears with his hands. “I’m going … with her.” He jogged to the ambulance and jumped in the back; Rafael ran around to the passenger’s side door and let himself in. The ambulance sped to Edenbrook, sirens blaring.

No one will win this time, I just want you back

I’m running to your side, Flying my white flag

[jonnyparable]

Cottage Hills : A Winter Tale, Part XX

A Night with Shalabar!

Hello again avid readers, we here at Echo Dela Mode continue to be your number one source for all the latest news about the fascinating lives of the rich and famous! Following Gourmand Swindleton's surprising announcement a few days ago, we are certain you must all be eager to know what is in store for the quiet little town of Cottage Hills! Wait no more, as we bring you all the latest news from the heart of it all!

Anticipation certainly is mounting here in the wintry cold, as we await the stupendous Lady Contestina Divadonna, the splendid soprano's Midwinter opera performance tonight, where she will serenade us with some of her most popular songs from the hit musical of the season, "Shalabar".

Shalabar follows the historical love affair between the Maharaja of Sri Vama, and Shalabar, the handmaiden of the Queen, who herself rises up the ranks to become Queen, before taking her own life in the end. Tonight's very special performance is the doing of none other than Gourmand Swindleton, the new Mayor of Cottage Hills, who has put together a private show in the town's beautiful centuries old church for the who's who of the region, as part of his plans to rejuvenate the region! Speaking of which, read on as we say hello to a few of tonight's esteemed guests!

It will soon be time! As we wait patiently outside the town's church, the first guests start streaming in as their cars fill the road in front of the church, and wowza, its definitely an illustrious guest list for tonight! First in attendance is the ever punctual Baron and Baroness Cobbles of Cobbleton! Followed by the Duke and Duchess Hildegarde of Windenburg, in all their ceremonial finery.

Echo:

"Good evening Duchess Hildegarde! What stunning attire! You look like you sprang to life from the pages of Shalabar itself!"

Duchess Hildeharde:

"Then the dressmaker was successful! This dress was designed by my palace. They drew inspiration from traditional Sri Vamian sarees, which are very beautiful. It's truly a work of art. I'm very lucky to be wearing it."

Duke Hildegarde:

"And we're all lucky to see it!"

That we are! Tonight is truly an event fit for royalty, and without a doubt, a historical night for the tiny town of Cottage Hills!

Next to arrive is Studio Town's newest and brightest star, Ruby Valore! She shows up in emerald, and unaccompanied tonight, following rumours of a messy, drunken breakup with fellow young actor Sydney Starr, but as usual, she's happy to see us!

Echo:

"Hello, Ruby, you look amazing! Simply stunning! Flying solo at the opera tonight?"

Ruby:

"Hey, it's you honey! Hicc! Thank you, its an original Johan Strauss! Hicc! Oh excuse me, I must have had one too many Martinis! But ol' Ruby is free as a bird tonight! Just the way I like it! Ooh but look you brought me so many handsome cameramen! My favourite kind of man! You guys always make me look fabulous!"

Strike a pose, Ruby! The absolute darling of the cinema firmament! What a card!

Right behind her is none other than wealthy businessman, Mickey Landgraab and his wife, artist and philanthropist Tiffany Zarubin, who also runs an exclusive garden club. Up next and fashionably late, is of course celebrity power couple, Kennedy Cox and Astrid May!

Astrid:

"Why if it isn't Echo Dela Mode! Now I definitely know we're in the right place! That, plus all the fancy cars! How do you do?"

Echo :

"Hello Astrid! Kennedy, you look sharp as ever. Astrid, darling, you're truly a vision in red, don't upstage the diva now! Excited to watch the soprano tonight you two?"

Astrid:

"Well aren't you a doll? Oh absolutely, I'm a huge fan of the diva, and she can never be upstaged by little old me, don't you worry about that. I'm certain tonight will be more than worth the trip here. Aren't you fellas chilly? I'm freezing! Come on Kenny baby, let's head on inside!"

Good idea, Astrid! As the rest of the guests arrive and make their way inside, we, dear readers, will follow them in and bring to you all the excitement and spectacle within, courtesy of Gourmand Swindleton, who has invited Echo Dela Mode, and a select few members of the press to join our esteemed guests in the town's historic church!

Inside the church, Gourmand himself greets us all in front of a large red velvet curtain. There are rows of pews in the cavernous space, and wintry moonlight shines through the large stained windows on either side. The guests are all seated in the church's pews, and Gourmand is greeted by roaring applause.

Gourmand :

"Good evening! Friends! Esteemed guests from near and far, members of the press, and welcome to Cottage Hills! The building we are in is a historic church, hundreds of years old! A truly worthy backdrop for tonight's performance! Thank you for coming today, to this beautiful town, it is an honour to be in the midst of you all! It is my hope that tonight's performance will usher in a new era of fame and prosperity for this town, that as you know, I now run, and that tonight will be a glorious, historic event!"

Gourmand:

"I have spared no expense in recreating the dazzling beauty, the colours, the sounds of Sri Vama, and we shall all be magically transported tonight to the Indian coast by not only the gorgeous set, but by the music, the dancing, and the unbeatable voice of the Angel of Song, the minstrel of heaven herself, our Lady Contestina Divadonna! Now, we all know you're not here to hear me! So, ladies and gentlemen, without further ado, I present to you..... SHALABAR!"

The gathered dignitaries erupt in applause! The curtains go up and a mystifying purple light washes over our guests, as the sound of a lone flute fills the hall and rings out in the silence. Shalabar has begun!

[jonnyparable]

Cottage Hills : A Winter Tale, End of Book 6

A Town to Fight For

It's a calm snowy morning at Rosenberg Hall, the old venerable house that's been in the Rosenberg family for generations. A Rosenberg has always been mayor, going all the way back to one of the town's founders, Tobias Rosenberg. Today, the house is expecting a visitor.

It's the next day after the events at the square. An expensive looking car drives up to the house. Gourmand sits in the car quietly for a while. Looking up at the old house of his good friend, Thomas, thinking about what to say. He slowly gets out of the car. He finds Thomas sitting in the back garden, on his favourite stone bench behind the arbor.

Mayor Thomas :

"Good morning Gourmand. I've been expecting you."

Gourmand :

"Yes..... Well you know why I am here then. I trust you've seen the headlines. Here's a few of my favourites : 'Swindleton A Swindling Bully?', 'Town Rallies Against Unjust Landgrab!', 'Town's Youth Expose Swindleton's Swindle!', 'Divadonna Distances Herself From Swindleton', 'Mayorhood Returns to Rosenbergs'.

Gourmand sits down defeatedly next to Thomas and sighs deeply. He looks down at the snow at his feet. They sit in silence for a while before Thomas speaks.

Mayor Thomas :

"That's not what I think of you, Gourmand. We've been friends for so long... I hope you know none of those headlines mean anything to me."

Gourmand :

"Sigh... I'm sorry for what I did, Thomas. I really thought I was helping. I feel like such a fool. I saw you struggling with this town and I had all these ideas to make it better... I thought my ideas could save this town but I was wrong... I don't understand the community at all. Now everyone hates me."

Mayor Thomas :

"No one really hates you, Gourmand. I know you were just trying to help, you've always been there for me, but Gourmand, I see now that this is my town. And it's my responsibility. I'm mayor. I will need to see the town through it's difficulties. I was wrong to have relied on you as much as I did."

Gourmand :

"You're right, Thomas. I'm sorry, I guess I didn't help at all..."

Mayor Thomas:

"That's not true. You did help. I think you made the people of this town see that what we have here truly is precious, and worth fighting for. I think they realised what we have to lose now. You helped me to see that too."

Gourmand:

"Thomas, your town really is quite special... And it truly is precious. The world outside is changing fast. Too fast, and not for the better, if you ask me. I don't know how long your town can remain the way it is but perhaps the time to fight for your town will come sooner than you think."

Mayor Thomas:

"Well, we'll be ready, when that time comes."

At the Train Station...

On the edge of town, a train has pulled in at the town's train station, to whisk away a certain diva, who is preparing to make her exit. But not without her usual drama and flair, of course.

Contestina :

"Adora! Farewell my friends! It has been a pleasure! But alas, it is time for me to travel to Saqhaba! To begin my tour of visitation!"

Doug:

"Thank you for visiting our inn, Madam. It was an honour to have you. We hope you'll come back... Uh... Ahem... Soon!"

Cliff:

"Goodbye, Madam Divadonna! All the best on your tour!"

Contestina :

"Ahhh! Belisa my herrrro! My saviourrr! I will never forget you or this town! Don't worrrry ill definitely return! But for now, a Sheikh awaits! CIAO REVOIRASIMO DARLINGS! GOODBYE!"

As the diva boards the train, and everyone watches and waves. Ann, standing next to Cliff, turns to him with a fretful expression. One that she's worn for a few days now.

Ann:

"Hey Cliff.... Um... So you appeared in the papers didn't you? Um Echo Dela Mode? With Gourmand and Madam. Do.... Do you think someone from your past will see your picture and... You know, come get you?"

Cliff:

"Ann.... Is that what you've been worried about these few days?.... I can't say, Ann...maybe someone will?"

Ann:

"Heh heh worried? Me? Why would I? I mean that's good for you right? Maybe you'll be reunited with your family, those people in your old photograph...you can go home....where you truly belong."

Cliff:

"Maybe.... But maybe I belong here. In Cottage Hills. With.... With you, Ann."

In the Misty Woods...

Far outside town in the misty woods, Kano is lost, hopelessly lost. All around him, he's surrounded by mist, ice and forest. He's been lost for who knows how long now, and things are starting to look bleak.

Kano:

"Ohh why did I have to follow that man into these woods!? I'm lost! Its freezing, how am I going to get out of this one? Looks like this is it! This is how the great Kano Kandidi will finally meet his demise! Perished while searching for a mystery.... Perhaps in time people will begin writing about my disappearance too....I wonder if anyone will care to look for me... "

As he's mulling over these grim thoughts, he hears the loud, mournful howling of a strange creature. It sounds like it's sad, in pain. It also sounds like it's nearby. Very near. What is it? It doesn't fully sound like a wolf, but what else could it be? Perhaps the big black dog he was told about?

Kano can't help but feel he's being watched. As he looks around, he suddenly hears a twig snap behind him. He whips around and is horrified by what he sees. A low, gruff voice barks out at him.

Voice :

"Who are you!? What are you doing here in my woods!?"

Meanwhile...

Wally has been walking through the very same woods, following his guide, Bramble. He's leading him to his home in the forest, and to the fabled Tree of Life. Wally wonders if the tree is real, what it could look like or if maybe Bramble is referring to something else, maybe just a really old tree? Wally is so deep in thought that he doesn't notice how warm its gotten. There isn't even any snow on the ground. Suddenly, Bramble's jovial, booming voice breaks his train of thought.

Bramble:

"We're here, Master Wally! The Garden of the Sprites! And home of the Tree of Life!"

Wally looks up and is in awe of what he sees. The rest of the Sprites usher him in. And before him, in the dead of winter, stands a garden, warm, bright and sunny, growing in the midst of some ruins. And right in the middle, a massive, ancient tree with golden leaves, just like the one he saw in his dream.

Wally:

"Oh my.... Bramble.... Is that... Is that the Tree of Life? It really... It really exists!"

A Few Weeks Later...

In distant Saqhaba, in the shady recital pavilion of the Palm Palace, the city's most exquisite luxury hotel, Contestina has finished her private performance. The Skeikh and his son stand up to applaud her warmly. They congratulate her and thank her for her performance, and the usual round of shmoozing and pleasantries ensue. They're watched meanwhile by a man in a white linen suit, dark green shades, neat short hair and a well trimmed beard.

Contestina walks up to him and he greets her warmly but with cool restraint. He kisses her hand. His voice is rough and throaty. His words roll out in a cold, almost hypnotic drawl.

Contestina :

"I trrrust you enjoyed my performance. Thank you for inviting me to your beautiful establishment! Gala Adora! The Palm Palace truly is the pride of Saqhaba!"

Man:

"Divadonna. You are a welcome presence in my hotels always. The Palm Palace is the best of all my Palms Luxury Hotels. It is the pride of not just Saqhaba, but the world. Anywhere you go in the world, my hotels will be waiting to accommodate. So, Madame, tell me about your travels. I hear you and Swindleton are no longer.... Associates?"

Contestina :

"Yes... Gourrrrrrmando and me are.... Journeying in different directions for now."

Man:

"How sad. His fiasco in Cottage Hills is so very typical of him. He has money, no doubt, but what he lacks, Madame, is that... killer instinct. But alas, what more should we expect from a candy peddler? Now, why don't you tell me more about that town? It seems such an unusual little place to have attracted his interest."

Contestina :

"Cottage Hills? Ohh, t-there is much to tell, p-perhaps over lunch?"

Man:

"But of course. And Madame, you will tell me... Everything. "

[jonnyparable]

Divadonna Visits Bucolic Countryside!

Extra, Extra, Read All About It!

We here at Echo Dela Mode catch up with Contestina Divadonna, the acclaimed soprano, on her last day in the city, and confirm rumours of an upcoming world tour, and perhaps a romantic escapade in the country? Read on as we spend a candid morning with the beguiling songstress.

Best known for her stunning performance in the opera, Shalabar, where she plays the lover of the Maharaja, Contestina Divadonna is undeniably a household name, known the world over. In recent years, she has been travelling within elite circles and visiting the homes of her wealthy patrons for private performances all across the city.

Here she is, captured performing the song "Under the Jasmine Moon" from Shalabar, at the mansion of wealthy merchant, Hans Von De Trap.

Shalabar is the exciting romantic opera documenting the torrid historical love affair between the Maharaja of Sri Vama, and his queen's handmaiden, who rises through the ranks and is ultimately crowned queen herself, before being falsely accused of stealing the Maharaja's jewels, taking her own life before her innocence is proven.

As always, she is accompanied by her maid and harpist, Hilda Pluckley and her pianist, Ismay Keys.

Echo Dela Mode visits the so-called Angel of Song outside her country home just north of town, and are invited to spend a morning with her.

Echo dela Mode:

"Hello, Madame Divadonna. Thank you for inviting us to join you for your morning drive. Our readers will be delighted to read about one of Sim Nation's most prolific personalities."

Contestina :

"But of course! I love the readers of Dela Mode! And they love me! Adora la Bussima! They cannot get enough of me! Adddoooraaaaa🎶"

At the thought of you, our readers eagerly poring over her every word, the saintly soprano bursts into powerful song, sending some hapless rabbits scurrying from a nearby bush.

We follow the diva as she prepares to go for a morning drive. As we join her in her elegant state of the art automobile, she regales us on her past, and the high points of her career.

Contestina :

"When I was a little girl, I already had the voice of a thousand angels! My father would bring me to the operetta to watch his shows, and I knew then that I would one day be on that stage! And voila, here I am!"

Madame speaks of course, of her father, famous composer, Antoine Divadonna, who himself wrote many songs for her in the early years of her career.

Contestina :

"Nowadays, Papa is gone, but there is no composer who will write an operetti and not think of me! I have been in many operas over the years, but Shalabar was written just for me, and has been simply a sensation. The exotic locales, the romance, the passion, the costumes, me! Shalabar is the spectacle of our time, and it is I who am the jewel of the Maharaja's crown no? "

As Madame finishes her morning drive, we speak to her about her upcoming plans.

Echo:

"Madame Divadonna, such a voice must be shared with the world! Our sources say that you are leaving the city tomorrow on a tour of visitation around the world, where will you be going first, our readers would like to know."

Contestina :

"Yes! I will be touring the world, visiting royalty, nobility and aristocracy to perform Shalabar to private audiences the world over. That is true. My tour will begin in Saqhaba, jewel of the river Nerine, where I will perform for his highness, the Sheikh of Saqhaba, Asmed Abdabiza. I am most excited to be going to such a beautiful city, and am eager to perform for his highness at the Royal Palm Palace, one of the most exquisite hotels in the world!"

Echo :

"Wonderful! Congratulations! Rumour has it, however, that you are, before that, going very much out of your way to visit a certain gentleman for a short winter getaway in the country. Can you tell us more about these rumours? Are wedding bells ringing?"

Madame laughs merrily and tells us she has a brunch appointment she must rush to. But fear not, readers, we later find her as she leaves the famous Bistro De Angelou.

Echo:

"Madame, please, if you would, our readers would love to know!"

Contestina :

"Adora, you are still here? Very well, I will tell you, I am meeting with an old friend of mine, Gourmando Swindleton, in a little town called Cottage Hills!"

Echo:

"Gourmand Swindleton? Wealthy owner of the Swindleton Candy and Chocolate Empire? A perfect union! But why such a remote place such as Cottage Hills? Why not somewhere more glamorous, like Monte Vista for winter?"

Contestina :

"Beliso, we are only friends! I have only been invited to sing for him and his friend, the mayor, for their winter opera at the church. Yes it is a small little town, hardly worth my time, but Gourmand has some big plans for it! And I will help him, of course! Now, Ciao, my dear, I must be going! Toodaloo!"

You heard it here first, folks, Divadonna has confirmed she will be travelling the world, stopping first at Saqhaba! But before that, she will be performing at Cottage Hills, a small remote farming village in the Cobbleton countryside. No news on whether her performance there will be open to the public, but continue reading Echo Dela Mode as we bring you more updates on the glamorous and exciting life of Contestina Divadonna!