Author
Jade Elf

Title
Intrepidity

Rating
pg (for now)

Disclaimer
Like I like don't like own…um… I think that it's called like Lord of the Rings so like don't like sue me... ok.

Last time

She was too formal, too distanced for most to understand. She just didn't understand the way they thought why they did things the way they did. But she supposes as her life's model 'to each their own,' so what ever makes them happy. Just so long as they don't bother her.

Leaf had had a wonderful week. It was just how she had imagined life would be like living in the woods. No one bothered her. She spent her days either ridding in the forest or doing the various chores around the cabin. She had even gotten fairly far in her book on herbs. The new book had detailed ways to use herbs in healing. It was a very fascinating book. It even included many magical uses. Leaf had always been interested in old medicinal treatments, and this was such a nice way to start. Who knew maybe after a while she would learn enough that she could open a small alternative medicine business.

She was lying in the giant oak that grew formed her house. She was outside in the branches enjoying the autumn colors as she read the book on herbs. Leaf was dressed in a simple woolen sweater and a pair of jeans that had seen better days. Shadow was taking a nap at the base of another tree. The scene was perfect, but like all good things this was not meant to last.

The sound of someone walking up the drive way would be heard. Shadow noticed it first and gave a warning growl to whoever it was as she slinked off the shadows of the forest. Leaf looked down wondering what it was. "What is it that you hate so much Shadow?" Shadow looked out from the trees and told Leaf that is was Cassandra.

"Shadow that is impossible the spell I casted shouldn't wear off for at least another week." Leaf said puzzled until she heard it too. The sound of footsteps. She jumped down the tree and landed on the roof. Then with the agility of a squirrel she jumped off the roof, and stared down the gravel road. Sure enough it was her mother looking like a mad cat. Of course she was in another pristine suit and her face looked like it was carved by angels.

Leaf was astounded there was no way Cassandra could have gotten through that spell, unless Cassandra knew magic too... but that was preposterous. Leaf thought hard for a second. Cassandra had a lot of will, and after a week the spell was bound to be weak she probable just broke it through shear force of will.

"You will be coming with me this very instant!" Cassandra shouted at Leaf as she came closer. Cassandra looked at Leaf and Leaf took a step back at the ferocity in that. Cassandra then said, "You will leave this forest, and you well be returning with me to the city to a normal human life." Her voice sounded like it could break stone.

Leaf bit her bottom lip in fear but after a second of remembering how truly happy she had been this week she Cassandra back in the eye. "This is my home. I won't leave," Leaf said simply.

Cassandra looked back at her with anger. "I didn't ask you, you well come now." She looked away and down the way she had come, as if expecting someone. Leaf looked puzzled for a second but soon saw what it was. It was a white van with Berkley's Mental Institution on the side.

Leaf looked at her mother in horror. "You wouldn't have." Leaf looked at her mother deploringly. "Mother?" She said with a lump in her throat.

"This is for the best," Cassandra said. "You well be rid of those silly notions of magic, and other worlds."

"Mother?" Leaf said as though this gross betray couldn't be true. Cassandra turned her eyes as if she couldn't face her daughter in the eye. The men started getting out from the van. They look exactly like all the comic strips made them look like, all dressed in white. Leaf looked at her mother again and whispered, "I hate you." Cassandra flinched from the words. Before the men could take another step Leaf took off like a rabbit.

The men took after her, but after a week Leaf knew several trails and spots to hide that they didn't. They never caught her. She ran and soon caught up with Shadow. The two went deep into the forest and were able to hide. They hid there during the night and listened to the sound of search people and dogs out looking for her.

Leaf fell asleep crying into Shadow's fur.

Thanks to

Possumgurl – I am glad that you enjoy this story

Helpful reader - Thanks, I didn't relies that I was breaking any rules.