Chapter 1: Life lives for so little
Dear Katlina,
Today was a long day. I woke up this morning to the sound of my parents yelling at each other while my younger brother ran around the house and refused to get ready for lessons. Telich, what an annoying little brother he can be. I hate being the oldest. Everything is so unfair! Like the other day, Mother blamed me for breaking her crystal vase that has been in our family for over five hundred years, when I witnessed Telich purposely push it off the fire mantle and break into millions of pieces! Mother sent me to my room and told me I could not go to the palace today to tend to the horses. I felt like falling to the floor crying a river of tears. As I was walking up the stairs, I saw Telich's head sticking out of his chamber door with a wicked grin on his face. I couldn't take it. I ran at him but he slammed the door right in my face! That little seron! I would have liked to smack him good if Mother was not yelling up the stairs at me to leave him alone.
I went to my chambers to avoid further punishments and locked the door. I had nothing to do this early in the morn, so I went to my window to look out upon the world that I was shut away from. I sat down on the red velvety cushion that was sitting under the windowsill. Outside of my prison there was a whole different world. The Emerald forest was alive with animals and the tall trees had fresh green leaves that were dancing as the wind rushed through them. How much I want to be apart of nature. Be nature. I strained my eyes to see the flowing river that sparkled in the morning sun. Everything was so peaceful and I felt content. That is, until I heard the shattering of glass and the thundering of many boots downstairs.
Quickly, I ran out of my chambers to look over the banister to see what all the trouble seemed to be. My hand was over my mouth and I softly crawled backwards to my chamber door. I got up from the floor and ran inside my chambers, my hand still over my mouth. I couldn't believe it. What I had saw was going to mark me for life. Father had his bow and arrows out and shooting two off at the same time. Then, as he reached for more arrows, a herd of, the heavens knows what, charged at him and, cut him in two! I hear them still downstairs. I hear their heavy boots clashing onto Mother's clean floor. They probably made black marks on them by now.
Thinking of what to do, I hurry over to my wardrobe and take out a forest green dress with light green trimming along the sides and a gold sash. I put it on, the dress and the shoes then collect my things. The only bag I have is the one I received for my birthday. I put inside of it a whole bunch of things. I stuffed it with my books on plants and animals, a hairbrush, a green silk ribbon, my water jug, my roll-up bed, a map of Emerald forest, a pocket knife, some string, and all the gold I have saved up for the last fifty years or so. With the bag packed, I took my bow and freshly made arrows and slung them onto my back then tying them in place. I was ready to go. I gathered my bag and went to the window. I lifted up the window and taking one last look at my chambers, jumped to the forest floor below. Then I ran into the forest never looking back at the place I once called home. The trees would become my home now. I would have to live like this until I felt everything was safe. This is where I stop for today. I miss you Katlina.
Your little sister,
Ananhkah