*****Well, early yesterday evening I snuck out of the Castle. I wanted to see how easy it would be. It was too easy. My parents are too busy designating where they want all their belongings placed, that they didn't notice my absence. I shut my door, I shut the drapes to the french doors as I exited via the balcony and stairs off of my bedroom. I went to the stable and told the boy that I wanted my horse, a mare named Vixen, ready for me immediately. I had filled my coin purse before I left. He asked if he would get in trouble by the King. I told him, "Of course not, Silly. But if anyone does ask, just say I took Vixen and left, which isn't a complete lie, now is it?" He smiled up and me and shook his head no. Then quick as a wink, he had Vixen saddled and ready for me. I climbed up on her, and rode side saddle which I HATE. But before I left, I flipped the boy a gold coin. THAT put a smile on his face. Giving him a wink, I nudged Vixen in the ribs and we were on our way. I wasn't quite sure where I was going, I just figured it out from the view from my balcony. Soon enough, I was out of the forest and on a well worn road. Soon, I was passing quaint cottages, farmers fields. Then I was in the towne square, I had seen from my room. It was fairly busy. As I went to dismount, a stranger offered me his arm. He was very sweet, and once I was down, he just tipped his hat and was on his way. I was walking around leading Vixen, when I was looking at the different shoppes. One of the keepers washing her window, told me where the stable was if I wanted to put up my horse. I thanked her, and took Vixen and tied her into one of the stalls. I strolled about the square, then I saw some folks entering The Red Dragon Inn. I looked up at it, contemplating entering, but I figured why not. It was a large establishment. And their were beings of all types in there. A pretty female blue dragon did speak to me. Assisting me, telling me there was no bartender or waitresses. That I had to fetch whatever I wanted myself. So I did. I thought she was teasing about the "Till Snake"....but she wasn't. Good thing I didnt know that before I dropped my coin into it. Then she pointed to some glop heading for another dragon's tail. I asked her what it was, she said, "Stew" and to watch out for it. Very odd things were going on in there indeed. I sat near the hearth, and took a few sips of the red wine I had poured for myself. I found it all odd. They trust people to pour their own spirits, talking dragons, moving "glop". There were some other humans, or I presumed they were humans there. But they were all in deep conversation. I enjoyed the short time I was there. I left without saying goodbye, which may have been very rude, but I just scared myself silly. Here I am a grown woman and I was afraid what my parents would do if they found me gone. I could just hear my father. Bellowing about how it isn't safe for a Princess to be out alone. Insisting that I take one of the members of the Royal guard with me! Then would come the threats of marrying me off, so he needn't worry about a headstrong daughter, and why couldn't he have had a son. Then I would get angry...well...I didnt want all that, so I left and didnt even stop in the shoppes. Today is Friday. I am going to sneak out again. This time a bit later than I did the last time. I want to have some fun. I want to meet people. Real people, not those stuffed shirts my father wants me to meet. The idea of winding up like my mother terrifies me more than anything. No, not I. Soon as I finishing writing here, I am going to pick out an outfit. I think the dress I wore the other day was a bit much. So I will ask one of the servant girls to help me out. Perhaps a nice dress of theirs....just to wear for one night. For the right amount of money she will do it. Everyone fears my father for one reason...losing their jobs. That is all. My father is not a violent man. Although as a young Prince he was quite the warrior. I used to sit as a little girl, and so long as I was quiet, I was allowed to sit by the fire and listen to his stories, that he told any guest we had staying over. My father is a great story teller. That's where I get it from. ~Smiling she closes the small journal and tucks it beneath her mattress, as she leaves her room to call after one of the servant girls.~~ *****