Feel the Sun

2. Southbound

The forest surrounding the palace was always a bit unsettling at night. It was so enclosed that it was a struggle for moonlight to stream through all of the branches above. The rocks, moss and mud on the ground beneath my feet made it hard to keep a steady pace - the last thing I wanted to do was slip and fall, potentially ruining my chances of freedom. Or killing me for that matter!

But once I was covered by the canopy the trees provided I could travel at a steadier pace. I needed to catch my breath and give my legs a bit of a break from running. However I never stopped - I continued forward, hoping and praying that I remembered the correct path to the cottage and I wouldn't end up lost and left for whatever creatures may inhabit this place.

I hadn't been to the cottage in over a year. And as I pushed forward I felt the creeping doubt begin to sink in. The longer that the path stretched on the more unsure of my destination I became. I had been traveling for about two hours already.

On the bright side I hadn't heard anything but the light movements of small animals in the trees apart from my own footsteps. The Queen told me I had until midnight and I could only hope that it would take the palace guard, who was assigned to watch after me, until then to figure out that I was missing. 

Three hours had passed at this point. The small bit of light that the moon provided was getting lesser and lesser. I had always been good at reasoning with myself, which was what I was trying to do as the forest path stretched on for a distance beyond measure. I could feel my stomach growl but I couldn't really eat yet - I needed to make the food I had packed with me last for as long as possible. 

I noticed my bag becoming heavier over time as well. I was nearly desperate. If you had never been lost in a forest before, it would be hard to imagine the bits of panic and cluelessness that was creeping up on me. I was almost sure that I was lost.

And just as I came to that conclusion I pushed passed a heavy branch to see that there was an opening in the trees a few yards ahead. Oh thank goodness! I smiled to myself as I picked up my pace, still making sure to step carefully. Had I found the cottage at last? Or maybe a road? Something to tell me where in Baradae I was?

I stumbled out into a large clearing. In the distance I could see the outline of the familiar white cottage and I nearly laughed in joy. I grasped my bag tightly and began to run again.

But as I got closer I slowed to a quiet walk - just in case the palace had already came by this cottage to look for me I needed to approach with caution. The lights inside the diamond shaped windows were out. This seemed to be a good indication that it was safe.....

I knocked lightly on the door and waited only a few seconds before the it opened. Standing in the doorway was my Aunt Tiera - she hadn't changed much at all since we last spoke!

Her black hair was tied up in space buns and she had rainbow hued eyeshadow and lavender colored lips. She was dressed in a white gown that was decorated with splatters of dried, multi-colored paint and shamelessly wore gold faerie earrings.

"Amara!" Her expression shifted from surprise to delight. She instantly wrapped me in a tight hug.

"Hello, Tiera. I wish I could say I was just coming for a visit. But it's urgent."

"Does the Queen know you're here?"

I shook my head. Tiera closed the front door to the cottage after she lead me inside. She sat me down at her antique table that sat just under her ceilings of chandeliers and wind chimes....

"Would you like something to drink?" She asked as she moved around the tiny kitchen.

"No thank you."