A Cold Heart
Chapter 7: Stepping Beyond The Boundaries
Tohru looked at herself in the high polished mirror, frowning at her appearance. The forest green woolen tunic fit snugly on her slight frame, hugging her curvy body. The dark coloring of her fitted pants made her feel self-conscious. Slidding on her knee-high boots, Tohru carefully laced them, constantly brushing her dark tresses from her face. Looking at the mirror once more, Tohru sighed, her face distraught and her eyes filling with tears. Quickly trotting down the stairs, she looked at her friends with tears in her eyes. "What's wrong, Tohru?" asked Uo, cocking her head to the side. Tohru snuffed back her tears, putting on a smile, her eyes closing"Nothings wrong, why?" answered Tohru, handing her skirt and petticoats to Hana. Hana tooked the garments, her eyes looking over the mass of cloth."Well, I guess we never thought that you would give up your skirts without a fight." said Uo, motioning Tohru to come to her.
Tohru's tears began to fall, though her smile remained on her face. "That's not true." Tohru said shakily, walking to Uo. Uo gathered her friend in her arms, embracing her"I'm sorry we have to do this, if there was another way than we would take it, but, we have to cut your hair." said Uo, hugging her tightly. Tohru's smile faded, her face now bare of emotion. "I...I understand." said Tohru, hidding her face in Uo's shoulder. Hana pulled up a stool, holding a knife in her hand. Alex watched as they lead Tohru to the stool, like the lamb lead to the slaughter."Ready Tohru?" asked Hana, tying her friends hair in a ribbon. Tohru nodded slowly, tears cascading down her cheeks. Hana placed the blade to her long brown hair, slicing away the the long locks, cutting to her eyes, having her it gadually getting longer as it went further down her neck.
Tohru looked at herself in the mirror, her eyes growing wide with astonishment. She looked like a boy, a young boy, her beautiful healthy hair gone with the slice of a blade. Tears brimmed in her eyes, but she held them back, placing a brave facade on her femimine face. "Are you alright, mistress?" asked Alex, reaching out to her. Tohru nodded, placing her hand in his, holding her head high. Uo pulled her pack onto her back, a small smile on her face." You'll be alright, Tohru, we'll make it through." said Uo, placing her sword in it's scabbard. Tohru sighed, grabbing a cloak from the rack.
Stepping into the cold night, the group made their through the small town, the snow crunching beneath their feet. White vapor rose from their mouths, as they exhaled the air. The guards stood watch at the village gate, never leaving their posts. "How are we going to get past?"asked Tohru, whispering into Uo's ear. Uo motioned her to be quiet, their steps slowing. Tiptoeing to the nearest wall the group silently squatted near it, keeping out of sight. "Alex, what are we going to do?" asked Tohru, her large brown eyes hopeful. Alex looked at his young charge, his eyes scanning her now boyish face."Be quiet and you will see." answered Alex, looking toward the guards. Soon the guards left their posts, leaving behund their weapons. "Come." Alex commanded, running the distance to the gate. Uo and Tohru followed, their packs bouncing against their bodies.
Soon they were standing outside of the gate, running along the length of the wall. Running swiftly into the forest, they followed the river, it's course twisting and turning, winding deeper and deeper into the darkness. Resting at a giant oak tree, Tohru and Uo caught their breaths, panting with exhaustion. Alex stood erect, his senses searching the forest as the two girls rested."We cannot stay here lomg, we must keep moving." said Alex, urging them foreward. Tohru clumsily picked up her pack, nearly falling to the ground."How come we can't stay here?" asked Uo, steadying Tohru. Alex looked at the two girls, his icy eyes scanning them, before moving to the woods behind them."Because we need to find the elves, they are never far from Kyoko, and she from them, but they may have moved on."explained Alex, leanning his back against a tree. Uo sighed, running her hand through her hair, pushing it out of her face."Fine,fine, whatever."said Uo, as they began to trudge through the snow. They walked on and on, till the sun rose over the treetops, the warm rose colored light caressing their tired faces.