Reflections of Fantasy

The chill wind swept through the maiden's dark, brunette hair. She shielded her eyes from the fallen leaves that seemed to swirl through the cold sun. Why was the sun cold to the lady? Because it provided her with no comfort, no warmth, and no hope. A tear trickled down the maidens cheek. She tugged at the now chopped strands and tufts of short hair that were on her head. She raised her eyes to the sky ; the leaves had subsided their frontal attack. Her dry lips began to speak a personal prayer. "My Lord, call my name and save me.... Save me from the nothing I've become." Suddenly the maiden heard a crackling sound of dried leaves that had been stepped in. A tall being now stood before her, one that she recognized to be called a MissMister. The kind person towered over her and smiled amusingly, yet affectionately at the now curious woman. "Forgive me my lady, but.... Hasn't that prayer been said or sung before?" The MissMister carried a long walking stick and tapped it against a nearby tree for emphasis, clearing his throat. The young woman smiled and laughed. "Perhaps it has been prayed in another lifetime." The MissMister nodded his head and tapped his stick,"Ahh. I gathered so. And you.... You are the one they call Lady Silver, am I right?" The smile disappeared from the woman's lips. She looked downwards to her old, muddy boots. "A lady I am not, kind Sir MissMister...." The MissMister grinned. "Call me Tiff please". The girl looked up into Tiff's eyes. "How about you refer to me as Pat. Not miss Pat not Lady Pat, just Pat. Lady Silver is no more. I escaped The Dark Asylum and left her behind there." The MissMister narrowed his eyes. "You are on the run, yes Pat?" Pat slowly shook her head and a look of determination came over her face. She looked back up into Tiff's eyes. "No, not on the run. I am taking slow steps into a new life. A life of potential free from my past." The MissMister warmly smiled again. "Care to have companionship along on your journey, young one? I have been dismissed from my tribe and am an outcast like you. I would be delighted to accompany you on this quest for a new life. The femman gripped the top of his walking stick and leaned his chin on his wrists, hope sparkling in his eyes. Pat looked at the MissMister inquisitively. "But sir-mam, you don't even know me? And I am unsure as to your intentions. Forgive me sir, but speak your plan." The MissMister looked up into the sky as a cold breeze again blew through, carrying with it dry red and brown leaves from the trees. "Do you know where we have met this cold, windy day, young Pat? Our paths have led us to the Enchanted Woods. Our meeting here was no accident. Do you agree with me?" Pat thought for a moment and then ran her fingers through her short hair. "You are right. These woods whisper destinies." The femman unsheathed something metal from behind him and held it out to Pat. He spoke, "Yes and they wield swords."