October 18th, 2006

Jeneval Forest

Raindrops clung to the leaves, remnants of the autumn storm that had passed. Bella's small figure darted through the forest, her hand clutching a worn bag. She pushed aside unwilling branches, her eyes darting between the path ahead and the village she fled.

Suddenly, her foot slipped on the slick earth. She fell, her gown tearing as she landed. Pain seared through her back. Grunting, she struggled to stand, mud clinging to her white legs.

With a deep breath, she continued her desperate escape. Today was her only chance. At the junction of two paths, she hesitated....