Chapter 1
In the middle of the dense, enchanted Echofrost forest, Käthe and her best friend Christa were walking along a narrow path. The air was cool and crisp, and tiny snowflakes danced around them, even though it was the depths of summer. The forest seemed to sing, every rustle of the leaves and crackle of the branches created a melody that enveloped the two girls.
“Do you hear that, Christa?” asked Käthe, her eyes shining. “It’s as if the forest is talking to us.”
Christa nodded and pulled her hat down over her face. “Yes, it’s beautiful. You know, you really should show off your special gift.”
Käthe stopped and looked at her friend. “Do you really think it’s that special?”
“Of course,” Christa said firmly. “No one can imitate melodies and sounds as perfectly as you can. It’s a gift!”
Käthe hesitated. She knew Christa was right, but the fear of embarrassing herself often stopped her from showing off her talent. But before she could think about it any further, a majestic voice suddenly rang out from nowhere.
“Who dares to enter my forest?”
The girls turned around and saw the Quince Queen, the famous singer from the capital. She floated in front of them in a glittering dress of icy blue leaves and sparkling snow crystals. Her presence was overwhelming and Käthe could hardly believe that she was actually standing in front of them.
“It’s me, the quince queen,” said the apparition with a smile. “And I have heard the melodies of the forest. Which of you two is the source of these beautiful sounds?”
Christa gently nudged Käthe and whispered: “This is your chance, Käthe.”
Heart pounding, Käthe stepped forward. “It’s me, Your Majesty. I can imitate melodies and sounds.”
The quince queen nodded appreciatively. “Show me what you can do, my child.”
Käthe took a deep breath and let out a soft melody that she had taken from the forest. Her voice was clear and pure, and the notes floated through the air like delicate snowflakes. The quince queen listened attentively and a radiant smile appeared on her face.
“That’s incredible,” she said enthusiastically. “Your talent is truly extraordinary, Käthe. I invite you to take part in my show for a day as the princess of the stage. It will be an experience you will never forget.”
Käthe felt overwhelmed by the sudden invitation. Her thoughts raced. What if she failed? What if people laughed? But before she could make a decision, she felt Christa’s hand on her shoulder.
“You can do this, Käthe,” Christa said firmly. “This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Go for it!”
Käthe looked into her best friend’s eyes and felt a wave of encouragement. “Yes,” she finally said and turned to the quince queen. “I’m going to do it. I’ll be on your show.” Chapter 2
“When are we leaving?” Christa asked excitedly as they entered the small cabin they were using as a base in the forest. “I can’t wait to see the capital!”
Käthe smiled and felt the nervousness slowly turn into anticipation. “Tomorrow morning,” she said, “the quince queen has organized everything.”
The next morning dawned with a bright sunrise and the two friends set off for the capital. The road was long and took them through green valleys and over rolling hills. The city itself was a vibrant swirl of colors, sounds and smells. The streets were lined with merchants selling their wares and artists displaying their talents.
“Isn’t it wonderful?” asked Christa, turning in circles to soak it all up. “I could stay here forever!”
Käthe nodded, but her thoughts were already on the upcoming rehearsals. They finally reached the magnificent theater where the quince queen held her shows. The stage was huge and shone in the light of the crystal chandeliers hanging from the ceiling.
“Käthe, Christa, welcome!” The quince queen approached them, a friendly smile on her lips. “I hope you had a pleasant journey. Käthe, are you ready for the rehearsal?”
Käthe swallowed and nodded. “Yes, Your Majesty. I am ready.”
“Good,” said the quince queen, clapping her hands. “Then let us begin.”
The first few rehearsals were nerve-wracking, but Käthe quickly found her rhythm. Her voice filled the room and the notes flowed effortlessly from her lips. The quince queen watched her carefully and gave gentle instructions from time to time.
“You’re doing great, Käthe,” she said after a particularly impressive performance. “Remember to reach the audience with your heart, not just your voice.”
Christa sat in the front row and applauded enthusiastically. “You’re incredible, Käthe! I knew you could do it!”
Käthe’s self-confidence grew with every rehearsal. She learned to move around the stage, interact with the other performers and use her voice in a way she would never have thought possible. The Quittenqueen was a patient and inspiring mentor who constantly encouraged her and helped her to overcome her fears.
One evening, after a particularly intense rehearsal, Käthe sat down next to Christa on a bench in the theater garden. “I never thought I could do that,” she said quietly.
Christa put an arm around her friend. “You were always capable of it, Käthe. You just had to believe it yourself.”
Käthe smiled and looked up at the starry sky. “Thank you, Christa. I could never have done it without you.”
“And now?” asked Christa. “Are you ready for the big show?”
Käthe took a deep breath and nodded. “Yes, I’m ready. Let’s enchant the world.” Chapter 3
“Are you sure you’re ready?” asked Christa, eyeing her friend anxiously.
Käthe nodded firmly. “Yes, I’m ready. But I wouldn’t be honest if I didn’t admit that I’m nervous.”
“That’s understandable,” said Christa, squeezing Käthe’s hand. “But remember, you rehearsed all this. You’re great.”
The hours until the show flew by. There was a lot of activity backstage. Artists were getting ready, costumes were being checked and final instructions were being given. Käthe stood in the dressing room and looked at her reflection in the mirror. Stage fright crept up her spine like icy fingers.
The quince queen entered and smiled reassuringly. “Käthe, you’ll do wonderfully. Remember why you’re singing. It’s not just about perfection, it’s about the passion you put into your music.”
Käthe nodded, took a deep breath and felt some of her tension ease. “Thank you, Your Majesty. I will do my best.”
Christa stepped in as well, her eyes shining with pride. “You’ve done this a thousand times, Käthe. This time it’s just a slightly larger audience.”
“Just a little bigger,” murmured Käthe and couldn’t help but smile a little.
The time had come. Käthe stood behind the heavy curtain and heard the murmur of the audience as it slowly calmed down. Her heart was beating wildly and the seconds dragged on like chewing gum. Then the curtain rose and the bright lights of the stage caught her.
Käthe squinted into the bright light and looked into the expectant faces of the audience. Her nervousness seemed too overwhelming for a moment, but then she remembered Christa’s words and the encouragement of the quince queen. She closed her eyes briefly, took a deep breath and began to sing.
The first notes came hesitantly, but then her voice filled the room. Käthe let the melody flow from her heart and the music carried her away. With each song, her confidence grew and her stage presence became more powerful and self-assured. The quince queen watched her from the side stage, a proud smile on her lips.
As the last song faded away, there was absolute silence for a moment. Then the audience burst into frenetic applause. Käthe stood breathlessly on the stage, overwhelmed by the reaction of the people in front of her. She saw Christa in the front row, clapping loudly and beaming with joy.
“You did it, Käthe!” shouted Christa over the applause. “You were incredible!”
Käthe smiled and felt the last remnants of her nervousness disappear. “Thank you, Christa. I could never have done it without you.” Chapter 4
Christa smiled and pulled Käthe into a tight hug. “You were incredible, Käthe. I’m so proud of you.”
The stage slowly emptied and the artists made their way to their dressing rooms. Käthe felt like she was in a dream, her steps light and springy. The quince queen joined them, her face beaming with joy.
“Käthe, I have something important to tell you,” the quince queen began, placing a hand on Käthe’s shoulder. “Your performance tonight was more than just impressive. You enchanted the audience and showed that you have the potential to become the next big sensation. You’re not just the princess of the stage for one day, I want you to take on a permanent role in my shows.”
Käthe could hardly believe it. “Are you serious, Your Majesty?”
The quince queen nodded with a warm smile. “Yes, Käthe. I see great talent in you and I want you to develop it further. With the right support and your tireless efforts, you will go far.”
Käthe felt her eyes grow moist. “Thank you, Your Majesty. I will do my best and do everything I can to meet your expectations.”
The quince queen pulled Käthe into a hug. “I know you will, Käthe. You’ve shown something special tonight, something not many have – the ability to touch people’s hearts.”
As the quince queen withdrew, Christa stepped to Käthe’s side. “That’s fantastic, Käthe! Your dreams are coming true.”
Käthe nodded and felt a wave of pride and relief wash over her. “It really is incredible. I’ve always dreamed of singing and touching people, but I never thought it would happen so quickly.”
Christa laughed. “You’ve earned it. You’ve worked hard and faced your fears. That’s true greatness.”
Käthe thought back to all the moments of uncertainty and fear she had experienced over the last few days. She realized that every challenge, every little mistake had made her stronger. She looked to the future with renewed self-confidence.
“I will continue to work hard and improve my skills,” Käthe said resolutely. “I want to pursue my dreams and become the best singer I can be. And I’m so glad you’re by my side, Christa.”
Christa nodded. “Always, Käthe. We’re a team.”
The two friends walked slowly along the empty stage, which now shone in the soft light of the crystal chandeliers. They talked about the upcoming rehearsals, the new songs and the exciting performances that lay ahead of them.
Käthe felt fulfilled and ready to take on any challenge that came her way. With Christa at her side and the support of the Quittenqueen, she knew she could achieve anything.
Looking back on her journey through the magical Echofrost Forest, the nerve-wracking rehearsals and the overwhelming performance, Käthe realized that true greatness comes from courage, friendship and the willingness to make mistakes. She was ready to pursue her dreams and enchant the world with her music.
