Carrie Blade & Her Cat's Adventure's in Trollheim Hollow Ch.1 The Window to Other Worlds

Chapter One: The Window to Other Worlds

Carrie Blade sat on the edge of the old, creaking bed in her grandmother's spare room, staring at the faded floral wallpaper. It was hard to imagine that just weeks ago, she had been by her mother’s side, watching as the brain tumor slowly took everything away—the woman who had once loved her so fiercely was no longer there. Instead, there was only anger, pain, and the harshness that Carrie had learned to endure in silence. The memories of her mother’s outbursts, the things she had said and done in her illness, still clung to Carrie like shadows she couldn’t shake off.

Now, there was only this: her grandmother’s house, with its strange smells of lavender and something old, and a silence that felt too big, too empty. The house felt foreign, as though it belonged to another world entirely, and Carrie didn’t know where she fit into it.

Outside, the world was grey. The streets were lined with houses that looked exactly the same, rows of dull facades hiding dull lives. She could feel the weight of her new reality pressing down on her chest. There were no more friends, no more familiar places, just this quiet house on the edge of nowhere. Her grandmother—distant and odd, a woman she barely knew—hovered at the edges of her days, keeping herself busy with things Carrie couldn’t understand.

She absentmindedly stroked Luna, her sleek white cat, who purred softly beside her. Luna was her only comfort in this strange, empty place. The only one who hadn’t changed, who hadn’t turned cruel. Sometimes, Carrie swore she could hear Luna’s voice, soft and wise, whispering things no ordinary cat would know. But she kept those thoughts to herself. She had learned long ago that some things were best left unsaid.

Her mother had warned her to stay away from this house, from the woman who lived here. And now here she was, in a place filled with oddities, curiosities, and things she wasn’t supposed to touch. But one thing, in particular, called to her—the window.

The window was unlike any other in the house. It was narrow, with thick, dusty blinds that never seemed to move. Her grandmother had told her in no uncertain terms to stay away from it. “Don’t touch the window, Carrie,” she had said, her voice trembling slightly. “Don’t even look at it.”

But now, sitting alone in the dimly lit room, curiosity gnawed at her. She had never been the kind of girl to follow all the rules, and tonight was no different. She felt drawn to the window as if something on the other side was waiting for her, calling her.

Her bare feet padded softly across the wooden floor, each creak a small rebellion against the silence. She hesitated for a moment, her hand hovering over the blinds. What if her grandmother was right? What if there was something terrible on the other side? But the pull was too strong, the whispers too enticing.

She reached out and pulled the cord, and the blinds fell away with a soft thud. The windowpane was fogged with years of neglect, but she could see something beyond, something more than the dreary neighborhood. Carrie leaned closer, pressing her face against the cold glass, and then she saw it—a flicker of light, a glimmer of something magical.

Her heart raced, a mixture of fear and excitement. She turned away from the window and noticed the closet, slightly ajar. Inside, something caught her eye. A pair of shoes, blue and sparkling, like the night sky caught in a storm of glitter. They didn’t belong in this room; they didn’t belong in this world.

Carrie hesitated only for a moment before slipping them on. They fit perfectly, as if they had been waiting for her all along. The shoes shimmered in the dim light, casting tiny stars across the floor.

Taking a deep breath, she turned back to the window. With a trembling hand, she unlatched it and pushed it open. The air that rushed in was not the cold night air she had expected but something warm, fragrant, and utterly foreign. It smelled of wildflowers, ocean spray, and distant rainstorms. It smelled like dreams.

She climbed onto the windowsill, Luna at her heels, and looked down. Instead of the garden below, she saw a vast landscape stretching out before her—rolling hills of emerald green, forests of towering trees, and rivers that shimmered and changed color under a strange, glowing sky.

This was the place she had seen in her dreams, the place she could never fully remember upon waking. But now, it was here, waiting for her.

With a final glance back at the room that had once seemed so dull, Carrie stepped forward into the unknown. The wind whispered through the trees, carrying with it the faint echoes of something magical, something just out of reach.

And so, Carrie Blade took her first step into the land where the ordinary met the extraordinary, her cat Luna by her side, the blue shoes on her feet, and the strange, beckoning world before her.

Chapter Two: The Land of Witches

Carrie’s feet touched down on the pink brick path, smooth and warm beneath her, a startling contrast to the rough wooden floors of her grandmother’s house. She looked around in awe, taking in the world that had unfolded before her. The sun was high, casting golden rays over everything, making the place seem alive with color. The trees that lined the path were tall and ancient, their twisted branches covered in vibrant leaves. But something about them felt… off. Their beauty had an eerie quality, like a painting that might come to life if you looked at it for too long.

Carrie shivered, imagining the trees transforming into monstrous figures once night fell, growling at her like they used to in her nightmares back home. But now, this was no dream. It was real, and she was standing in the middle of it.

As she walked, she glanced toward the shimmering river that wound its way alongside the path. The water was unlike anything she had ever seen. It changed color as it flowed, shifting from sapphire blue to emerald green and then to a deep, mesmerizing purple. Carrie squinted, trying to make out the shapes beneath the surface. She saw fins and long, slender tails moving gracefully through the water. Mermaids? She thought, but she couldn’t focus on that right now. She needed to find shelter—fast.

She knelt down to stroke Luna, who had been following silently at her side. But when she reached out, she gasped. Luna’s once white fur had turned as black as midnight, and a small, glowing star now adorned her forehead. Carrie blinked in surprise, her hand hovering just above the cat’s head.

“What… what happened to you?” she whispered, feeling a knot of worry tighten in her chest.

Luna simply stared back at her with knowing eyes, and then, to Carrie’s shock, the cat spoke. “This is obviously a land of witches,” Luna said in a calm, almost matter-of-fact tone. “You must find a witch who can hopefully direct you to some shelter.”

Carrie’s heart skipped a beat. “You… you can talk?” she stammered.

“I’ve always been able to talk, you just weren’t ready to hear it,” Luna replied, her voice soft but firm. “Now, let’s not waste time. We need to find someone who can help.”

Carrie nodded, too stunned to argue. She stood up and continued along the path, her mind racing with questions she didn’t know how to ask. The world around her seemed to grow stranger with every step. The trees whispered as she passed, their branches swaying even though there was no breeze. She felt eyes on her, though she couldn’t see anyone.

After what felt like hours, she spotted a figure up ahead. A man stood at the edge of the path, his back turned to her. He wore a long, dark cloak that seemed to blend into the shadows, even in the bright sunlight. Carrie hesitated for a moment before cautiously approaching him.

“Excuse me,” she called out, her voice trembling. “Can you help me?”

The man turned slowly, and Carrie saw that his face was hidden beneath the hood of his cloak. Only his eyes were visible—deep, piercing eyes that seemed to see right through her. He was no ordinary man. There was something ancient about him, something powerful.

“You are lost,” he said in a low, melodic voice. “Far from where you belong.”

Carrie nodded, clutching Luna closer. “I… I need to find shelter. Can you help me?”

The warlock studied her for a moment, his eyes narrowing as if weighing her worth. “The only shelter for you is back where you came from, child,” he finally said. “But to return home, you must find the Troll Queen. She is the only one who can grant you passage.”

Carrie’s heart sank. “The Troll Queen? Where do I find her?”

The warlock pointed toward the distant mountains, their peaks shrouded in mist. “She dwells in the dark forests beyond the mountains. But beware, the path to her is treacherous, and not all who seek her find what they are looking for.”

Carrie swallowed hard, feeling a chill run down her spine. “But… I have to try. I need to get home.”

The warlock nodded, his gaze softening just a little. “Then go, and may the magic of this land be with you. But remember, not all witches are friends, and not all enemies are foes.”

With that, he turned and disappeared into the shadows, leaving Carrie and Luna alone on the pink brick path. Carrie took a deep breath and looked down at her cat. “Well, I guess we’re off to find the Troll Queen.”

Luna blinked up at her, her star glowing faintly. “Then let’s not waste any more time.”

And with that, they set off toward the distant mountains, where the unknown awaited them

Chapter Three: The Werewolf

As Carrie neared the edge of the forest, the air grew colder, and the once vibrant colors of the world began to fade into shades of grey and brown. The towering trees loomed over her, their twisted branches like skeletal hands reaching for the sky. She could feel the weight of something dark and menacing lurking in the shadows, watching her every move.

Suddenly, with a growl that sent chills down her spine, a massive figure leaped out from the underbrush. Standing before her was a wolfman, half-beast, half-human, with matted fur, glowing red eyes, and sharp fangs bared in a snarl. He towered over her, muscles rippling beneath his thick fur, and his claws dug into the earth as he blocked her path.

“How dare you come here to hurt my Queen!” the wolfman growled, his voice rough and guttural. “I shall feast on your blood, bones, organs, hair, fingers, and eyes. The meat on your bones will taste delicious in my soup, which I shall share with the Queen. Come any closer, and I'll end you.”

Carrie froze in place, her heart pounding in her chest. “But I’m not here to hurt the Queen,” she said, her voice trembling. “I’m here to meet her so I can find my way home. I’m not from here.”

The wolfman’s eyes narrowed, and he took a step closer, sniffing the air around her. “You are an underground witch,” he accused, his voice dripping with disdain. “You’ve come to hurt the most elite of witches and steal her throne. I see your kind all the time. You’re not getting by.”

“I’m not a witch!” Carrie protested, shaking her head. “I hardly even know what a witch is!”

The wolfman growled again, his eyes gleaming with suspicion. “Then why are you wearing the sparkling blue shoes?”

Carrie glanced down at her feet, the shoes shimmering faintly in the dim light. She had forgotten all about them in the chaos of this strange world. “I… I found them in my grandmother’s house,” she stammered. “I didn’t know they were special. I’m just trying to find my way home.”

The wolfman studied her for a long moment, his eyes searching her face as if trying to detect any hint of deception. Finally, he let out a low, rumbling sigh and stepped back slightly, though his claws remained ready. “If what you say is true, then you must prove it. The Queen does not see just anyone, and I will not let you pass unless you can show that you mean no harm.”

Carrie bit her lip, unsure of how to prove her innocence. She had no idea what this world’s rules were, and she certainly didn’t know how to convince a werewolf that she wasn’t a threat. But she knew one thing: she had to get home, and the only way to do that was to meet the Troll Queen.

“I swear,” she said, her voice stronger now, “I’m not here to hurt anyone. I just want to go home.”

The wolfman watched her for a moment longer before nodding slowly. “Very well. I will take you to the edge of the Queen’s domain, but from there, you are on your own. If you truly seek an audience with her, then you will have to face whatever trials await.”

With that, he turned and began to walk down the path, motioning for Carrie to follow. She hesitated for a moment before stepping forward, Luna by her side. The forest grew darker around them as they ventured deeper into its heart, and Carrie couldn’t shake the feeling that something much more dangerous lay ahead.

As they walked, the wolfman glanced back at her and spoke in a low, gruff voice. “If you truly seek the Troll Queen’s help, be warned. She is not easily swayed, and her power is great. Many who have sought her favor have never returned.”

Carrie swallowed hard, her mind racing with fear and uncertainty. But she knew she had no choice. The only way home was through the Troll Queen, and whatever trials awaited her, she would face them. "I will walk you part way. I am not permitted to be near the castle."

Chapter Four: The Mermaids

Carrie walked in a daze, the encounter with the werewolf still weighing heavily on her mind. The forest had grown denser, the trees closing in around her as the pink brick path twisted and turned. The sun was hot overhead, its rays relentless as they beat down on her small frame. Her mouth felt dry, her tongue heavy in her mouth. She hadn’t realized just how thirsty she was until now.

“Why don’t you drink some magic water?” Luna suggested, padding along beside her, her black fur shimmering faintly in the sunlight.

Carrie blinked, glancing over at the river that flowed beside the path. The water was enchanting, shifting in colors from deep blue to emerald green, shimmering with an otherworldly glow. “Oh, that sounds wonderful right now,” she said, her voice raspy. The idea of magical water seemed almost too good to be true, but at this point, she was willing to try anything.

She knelt down by the riverbank, the cool air rising from the water offering a brief respite from the heat. Carefully, she cupped her hands, dipping them into the river. The water was cool and refreshing as it slipped through her fingers, sparkling as if filled with tiny stars. She brought it to her lips and drank deeply, the water flowing down her throat like liquid moonlight. It tasted of fresh rain and wildflowers, filling her with a sense of calm and renewal.

But as soon as she lowered her hands, a ripple disturbed the water’s surface, and something began to emerge from the depths. Carrie gasped and stumbled back as a figure rose from the river—a mermaid, her body half submerged in the shimmering water. The mermaid’s eyes locked onto Carrie, her gaze both menacing and curious.

The creature was a striking blend of beauty and terror. Her upper body was slender and graceful, with long, flowing hair that cascaded down her back like liquid gold. But her face was sharp, almost predatory, with gleaming eyes that glowed like the moon. Her lower half, visible beneath the water’s surface, was a sleek and powerful tail, covered in iridescent scales that shifted colors in the light. But there was something monstrous about her, too—her nails were long and sharp, and her smile revealed pointed teeth, more like those of a predator than a gentle sea creature.

Carrie stared in awe and fear, unable to look away. The mermaids green but sparkling gold eyes had little Carrie in a trance and she didn't want to look away. "Wow, she is beautiful!" Thought Carrie. The mermaid leaned forward, resting her arms on the grass at the edge of the river, her eyes never leaving Carrie’s face.

“You’ve drunk from the river,” the mermaid said, her voice soft and melodic, yet carrying an unsettling undertone. “A wise choice, for this water holds power.”

Carrie swallowed nervously, her heart racing. “What kind of power?” she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

The mermaid tilted her head, her eyes narrowing slightly. “The power to see beyond what is known, to hear what is unspoken, to feel what others cannot. But power comes with a price, little one. Be careful how you use it.”

Carrie nodded, her mind spinning with questions. “Do you know where I can find the Troll Queen? I need to meet her to find my way home.”

The mermaid’s smile widened, though it didn’t reach her eyes. “The Troll Queen is not easily found, but if you continue along this path, you may reach her domain. Whether or not she will help you… that is another matter.”

Carrie hesitated, glancing at the mermaid’s shimmering form. There was something about her that was both enchanting and dangerous, like a secret that shouldn’t be revealed. “How can I… how can I turn into a beautiful mermaid like you?” she asked, her voice filled with curiosity.

The mermaid’s expression darkened, and for a moment, Carrie regretted asking. The creature’s gaze grew cold, and she leaned in closer, her face inches from Carrie’s. “With a spell that is forbidden in Trollheim Hollow,” she whispered, her voice like the hiss of the wind through the trees. “But beware, little one. Such transformations come at a great cost, and once you choose that path, there is no turning back.”

Before Carrie could respond, the mermaid vanished beneath the water, her form dissolving into the shimmering depths. The river returned to its peaceful flow, as if nothing had ever disturbed it and Carrie snapped out of the trance.

Carrie sat back on her heels, her mind racing with the mermaid’s words. Forbidden magic, dangerous transformations—this world was far more treacherous than she had ever imagined. She glanced down at Luna, who watched her with calm, knowing eyes.

“We have to keep moving,” Luna said softly, her voice pulling Carrie back to the present. “The sun won’t stay up forever.”

Carrie nodded, rising to her feet and brushing the dirt from her knees. She cast one last glance at the river before turning back to the path. Whatever awaited her, she knew one thing for certain: there was no going back now