You lie on the forest floor beside your sister, small hands entwined, your midnight hair tangled beside her fiery red in the grass. You stare up at the sky that peeks through the branches and it’s hard to imagine a life beyond these trees. You’ve spent your short life in this part of the woods, playing by the river and running through the nearby meadow. There’s a different world outside that you’ve never seen, only heard in snippets from passing travelers and their talk of towns and cities and castles.
One day it won’t be like this. You spend your days out here but that is the privilege of a child and you know those days are coming to a close. It will be more than chores and mother’s exasperation and forest creatures that need help. There are nobles and witches and monsters that roam the lands, each to be encountered with care.
It’s frightening to think of, the world outside of your little cottage but at least you won’t be alone. You spare a glance at your sister, your best friend and confidante, and squeeze your entwined hands before looking up at the sky again.
Whatever lies beyond your house, it matters little. As long as you and your sister are together, everything will be just fine.