I tossed my ponytail. It is really windy today. To make it worse, it's snowing. It has been many years since I left my small cottage. I don't miss it at all, I kind of like living in the wild. I felt the last snowflake drop on my nose as the snow suddenly came to an end. I still haven't found any humans. Did they disappear? I have no clue. I felt something knock me down. I don’t know what that was. It pinned me down and pulled off their hat. "What are you doing in Lynxdom’s territory?" They growled. "Who are you?" I asked, out of breath. The wind was so strong I could barely breathe. I blinked to clear my eyes and could finally make out my attacker. "Ann, of Lynxdom. Haven't you heard of me?" she answered. "Unless you're a spoiled cottage girl," Ann began, cringing. “Dry flakes in milk, closed yards, spiders in attics, why would anyone want to live there?” "I agree." I said, trembling. “There was no excitement in my many years of living in a trash dump.” Ann gave a slight nod, though I could tell she really wanted to say more. "Ann!" A distant voice called out. A girl ran towards us, out of breath. “What is it?” Ann said. “You’re late for the kingdom meeting!” the girl replied hurriedly. “Oh yes,” Ann realised. “King Arnfinn said he would announce the new battle plan today. Thanks Kristin.” Kristin ran back to the meeting. “Where are you planning to go?” Ann asked me. “I'll have some of the guards escort you out.” I thought for a moment, I did not want to go back to the empty forest. Eating plain and bitter fish fingers every day. “Actually, I would like to join you.” I said, hopeful. Ann stared at me, “How will you survive, you- you’re just a cottage girl.” Ann stuttered, confused. “I’ve been living in the forest for many years alone.” I said, pronouncing ‘alone’ very clearly. Ann gave me a look. I could tell she was trying hard to act serious. “I’ll go tell someone about this, they won't be pleased with your stubbornness.” I knew I had to explain properly. “Actually, I would like to come.” I said. She stared into my eyes as if she was trying to read my mind. “Very well,” She half-sighed. “Follow me to the lounge.” She waited for me to follow and after a few moments we finally arrived at the lounge. We walked up to the front desk that was so tall that we had to stand as straight as an arrow for our shoulders to touch the rim. One of the people behind the table gave a nod signalling for us to stand in front of the desk. “Greetings, Ann.” He began in a gentle voice. “Who is that friend of yours?” “She is a loner at the moment, Sir Oskar.” Ann gave a slight smile as she talked and untied her scarf. “For what reason is she here?” Sir Oskar asked, his voice still soft. “I would like to become a member of this kingdom.” I said, making eye contact. “What happens to be your name?” Sir Oskar questioned. “I don’t really know, but I like to call myself Jade.” I said. “Very well then,” Sir Oskar breathed out “I’ll talk to King Arnfinn to see what he thinks.” Ann and I thanked Sir Oskar for his time and started to walk out of the building. Ann sighed “I guess you were right,” she began, “but I doubt the king will let you join us.” I sighed. If I don’t join, what is my purpose? I’m not doing anything but struggling to survive. We reached the kingdom gates, where I had met Ann. “Farewell, I hope we meet again.” I said. Ann grinned, “If that happens, I’ll stop pretending to be someone I’m not.” As if she thought she was being too kind, she cleared her throat, “If we ever meet again.” We both nodded and went in opposite directions.
677 word count!
