Taking Charge

Lady Braena woke to the feel of cold fingers on her face, she blinked, sitting up startled, she scooted back from the man before her, pulling her cloak around her.

“Who are you and why are you touching me?” she hissed from between clenched teeth.

“Who I am is unimportant, what is important is that I have found you,” the strange man said softly as he knelt down. “I have been requisitioned to bring you to the Castle again. You are needed there.”

“Needed? By whom? My last visit there was not pleasant, nor do I wish to be in a place where I am not wanted.”

“Perhaps there was a misunderstanding last time, but I do know that you are wanted and needed.” He reached out a hand towards Braena. She shook her head.

“I will not return there without knowing who wants me.” A tear slid down her cheek as she spoke these words.

“Fine, then I shall return to the castle to see if there is something that can be done to convince you that you are wanted there.” He stood and started to walk away.

“Bring me a note from the one who wishes my presence…” Braena sighed, leaning her head back against the tree, hoping to receive a note from a certain fae she had been missing, but unsure that she would hear from anyone but the one who liked to play with her heart.

Lady Braena woke, cold, wet, her cloak clinging to her body. She frowned, unsure of what had happened. She looked at the note near her head, read it, shook her head then balled it up, throwing it into the lake.

Braena stood, steadied herself, gathered up her bag, which was also soaked, sighed and walked along the edge of the lake, pondering what had driven her to the water and what had kept her from losing her life.

She looked back towards the path she had followed the prior day.. or had it been longer.. then remembered. Sighing again, Braena continued walking, away.. from everything.. Where will she end up this time? She wasn’t quite sure, but she just kept walking.