I dont want to go, you know. Brother, you said to leave, and so I am. I think I know why. I've seen you, sitting up there in the trees at night, right near the edge of the forest. Nothing but a candle in the window to light your way home. Sometimes I'd light the candle for you, just because you forgot. Once you went inside the forest, and I waited for you at the door, crying because I thought you'd left. Do you remember? I know what you thought about. I remembered some of the letters you taught me, and even if the scripts were fancy you'd taught me that, too. So I could read thost letters, that said we-hadn't-paid-taxes-in-a-year and would-you-like-a-loan and if-you-work-in-the-kings-gardens-your-meals-are-free. I know times are hard even now, brother, but do I have to go?
You told me, late last year, sitting by the fire, that I didnt deserve to be here. You told me those old tales of nights and castles and fey and dreams, and said that was me. And I remember you telling me to go to the castle someday, because I deserved better than being a farmer's daughter.
You always know things, Brother. You knew when our mother would die and when they'd take Daddy away. And tonight you knew Id decided to leave, and thats why you smiled and left my coat where I could get it later. I forgot my coat, Brother, and its cold outside.
There's frost on the leaves and snowflakes drifting down and everything is white and black and gray. I guess you were right when you said I needed new shoes, because the cold is leaking through these. I have a letter in my pocket, though. I saw it on the step, with my name. I can't read it yet, but I promise I'll learn more letters at the palace and read it soon.
I would have brought some water but I didn't think the palace was this far. You showed me it, from far far away, when we walked to town. You said that was where magic happened. The forest always seemed more magical to me. The sound of your steps followed me along the paths, but I havent heard it for a while and I dont know where Im going. The path is strange here and I cant see but for the moonlight. I hope this is the right way.
Its growing lighter now and my fingers are numb. My dress got torn and my shoe is loose, but you were right when you said just follow the path, because I see the end of the trees. Its bright out there, and bare, and the grass it dying. It doesnt look like magic to me.
Im tired, but Ill keep walking. I want to make it to the palace safe, so you dont worry. Ill keep walking for a while. The sun is glinting off the frost, and everything is white and clear and I know you wanted me to go, so Ill just keep walking.
~
A girl stumbled into the palace today, tired and dazed. She couldn't remember anything about where she had come from, but had been walking for a while and had come from the direction of the forest. After being shown to Her Royal Majesty the Queen Alice, she was placed under the care of three handmaidens and will be kept at the palace until Her Majesty's desires are further known.
This I have seen and affirmed this twentyith day of April.
Signed,
The Lord Chanceller Burke
rapidarketidings Community Member 
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