Forgotten

[1]

FALL

The girl ran through the trees.

Her small fist was curled against her mouth, eyes brimming with tears not yet flowing out. A single sob racked through her body, causing her hand to press tighter against her flesh as she continued her flight.

She remained unaware of the watching shadow.

Finally, her body found the place of rest she had been searching for.

A silent corner of the woods, nestled close to the curve of a lake. None could find it unless they followed her tracks, taking the effort to pursue through land or choose to take a boat and traverse in water.

She remained unaware of the watching shadow.

Her body quivered with the unshed tears, both fists now holding tightly together as her head swung back and forth. She shook it violently as if trying to cast off the sorrow that did not seem to be going away.

The shadow came closer.

Her sobs finally broke through the air, rippling to sound and disturbing the silence. Her body gave up on itself as she let her back press against the tree. The sight was enough to make the shadow come closer, closer. Too close.

She turned. No sound was made, but upon instinct, her body felt the watching eyes at her back.

"Go away."

She turned back around, folding her knees and hiding her head within her arms. Several seconds passed before she raised her eyes. No sound was made as she stared silently at the dark stranger.

"Hello."

The male before her evaluated, a nervous shift in his steps as he approached. His silver eyes warily darted to the surrounding trees, an edge of unease that the girl was blissfully unaware of.

"Are you alright?"

The girl remained silent to the question, curling even more into herself as she laid her head back down.

"No."

The male stood before her. No danger seemed to pass through the girl. No thought of alarm or worry that such a menacing presence stood in her way. He leaned forward slightly, only barely moving closer to her. His knees bent to become eye level.

"You're not okay?"

"No."

"Why?" Worry laced into his voice as he took in the girl.

She unfolded her limbs, aware suddenly that she was receiving the attention and concern of this stranger.

"Daddy told me he was leaving."

A pause came between them. The stranger seemed at a loss for words as he watched the girl dry her eyes and sit up straighter.

"He told me I had to stay here."

"By yourself?"

"With Warren."

The use of first name threw the stranger off. He started, head tilting back and silver eyes narrowing.

"Who is Warren?"

The little girl only shrugged, arms coming to wrap around her frame as she leaned back against the tree.

The stranger paused before sitting fully down. The girl watched him, her attention captivated by his strange appearance.

"I like your eyes."

He looked away at her words, a blush forming but unable to show against his dark skin. She moved closer, no fear in her movements. The stranger shied away from her actions, not as bold as the child as she came and sat next to him.

"I'm Sansa." She held out a hand, polite in her introduction.

The silver eyes took in the offering before gently reaching and shaking it.

After several seconds she impatiently asked, "What's your name?"

"I have no name."

"How can you not have a name?" She laughed at the odd fact, her giggles causing a hint of a smile to raise within the stranger's face.

"Do you have mud on you?" She reached forward, small fingers sliding along his skin. He pushed back, a shiver running through him at the contact.

The suddenness of his actions startled her. She gasped, rolling backward.

"I'm sorry...are you hurt?" He worriedly watched her get up from her position. She glared at him, crossing her arms in outrage.

"That wasn't nice."

He smiled at that, lips rising to curl at her accusation. 

"I apologize...Sansa..."

She moved closer again, but he held his hand out, stopping her actions.

"That's fine where you are at."

A huff left her small cheeks, but she did not protest otherwise.

The girl began talking then. The stranger remained silent, listening to her words, silver eyes watching her movements.

"I like you." The girl tried to move closer, but her attempt was blocked as the stranger rose and stepped away.

"Are you leaving?" The panic in her voice was obvious to hear. He stopped, staring down as new tears began to form in her eyes.

"Don't leave me..."

She reached forward, holding her hand out. For what, the stranger did not know, but he stepped farther back, not accepting her flesh.

"I must go."

"Don't leave!"

She rose, her small legs trying to carry her quickly to him.

"I...I'll be back..." he bent to be level with the girl. Cautiously, slowly, his hand rose to pat her head. She smiled at the contact, eyes brightening at the act of approval from him.

"When?"

"At the change of seasons...If you still remember me then, I will be here."

"I'll remember."

A burst of small laughter escaped him, a private joke on his part that she was not privy to. He only shook his head, rising to stare down at her small brown curls.

She blinked, and in that second- he was gone- nowhere in sight.