Transitioning to 1st person cause...
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Anai
I clutched the reigns of my trusty steed, venturing further into the dark forest of our kingdom. A willowy wisp of air bounced against the exposed surface of my body, pulling goosebumps from beneath my skin. I could not see where I was going nor where I ventured, but I didn't care. All I worried about was a route to escape; a place where I could run far, far away.
Steer the reigns over there!
There it was! That voice was again.
I tried my hardest not to welcome its command but again, I found myself steering into the clearing.
Keep going!
Faster!
"Would you just shut up!" I screamed, pulling the reigns of my horse and abruptly coming to a halt. This voice would not control me, I refused it...
Carefully, I slid off my horse, leading him to a tree near the middle of the meadows. Just as I tie the leather reigns to a tree, I see a small cottage near the clearing.
Hmm... that was strange?
It wasn't there before...
Don't be shy. Go explore it.
My mother always warned me to never journey into strange houses uninvited; she deemed it rude and "un-princess" like but what more did I care? After today, I was no longer her perfect little princess.
I keep my eyes on what seems to be a stone chimney, its foggy smoke luring me in. There was a rather invasive smell of chicken and hot grain drawing me in, so I continue down the path until I am at the base of its boarded door.
Knock princess!
But the voice didn't have to tell me. The soft patters of my knuckles lingered against the wood as I tapped its surface. "Hello?"
There was no answer.
"Hello?" I call again, raising my voice above the sounds of my knock. Finally, the door jingled open and in stood the most careworn woman I have ever seen. Before I had a chance to even speak, she laughs, showing off a toothless smile and guides me into the warmth.
"Princess Anai" she sighs.
I cower into a corner, instantly regretting my venutre into the cottage.
"Do not be scared my child, for I am only a friend" she smiles. I see her figure more clearly since the light of the fire illuminated the room and see she is even more hideous the longer you stare.
She was short and haggard looking with brown liver spots lining her wrinkly hands. She ran over to turn something in a bubbling pot near her kitchen before turning back to face me.
"How do you know my name?" I finally speak
"Let's not get caught up in technicalities my dear princess. Come closer! Come in. Take off your cloak and sit"
I obey her out of fear and sit in the worn out chair near the heat of the fire. She plates a large bowl of warm soup and corn, placing it into my lap. "Eat, you look frail" she advises, patting my palm with a spoon.
