Annalena wasn't sure what else to do other than wear her three summer dresses at once. She couldn't carry them all, so wearing them seemed like the best option. It would also keep her warmer as her winter dress wasn't quite finished. The arms and waist were tight and they made it difficult to move around, but she managed to grab a few books that belonged to her mother, her summer shoes, and the baked goods she brought home with her.

After slipping into her winter boots and clasping the green cloak over her shoulders, she threaded her arm through the basket handle and opened the door. It was early afternoon when she had started on her journey. She was nervous to cut through the Black Forest. Her mother always warned her of the dangers of the dark woods, where the witches who are children lived. Now with the Queen confirming the superstitions, Annalena wasn't sure what to think. She also assumed that she would get in trouble if anyone caught her going through the forest than around, but it was the shortest route. 

Cautiously, she found an old path that her father showed her years ago that people used often to pass through the woods, but superstition caused the path to become overgrown. Determined, Annalena stepped forward into the dark forest as she lifted her hood over her head.

As she walked deeper into the woods, she found out why it was called the Black Forest. It was as if she was walking at night, even though she had left in the early afternoon. The sun should still be high in the sky, but there was no sunlight shining on the forest floor. It was completely blocked out by the branches and leaves. She clutched her cloak, nervous to be walking though such a frightening place.

As she continued, she glanced down at the path to find that she was no longer on it. She had lost the overgrown road while she had been wary of the trees. Annalena covered her mouth in concern as she looked around her feet. The path was essentially covered, and she wasn't sure that she was going to be able to find it again.

After a few minutes of searching, she found nothing. The path seemed to have disappeared, and she had no idea where she was. Annalena wasn't even sure she was going in the right direction. She could be completely turned around and going back towards Freiburg. With a deep breath, she decided to continue on. No one was expecting her, and with no search party, why would anyone try to find where she was? It wasn't practical to sit and wait. Even if she was completely lost, if she could get out of the forest, she could find her way back to Stuttgart. 

"I hope I'm going the right way," Annalena whispered as she stepped over a log. She wondered if she would ever be able to see sunlight again. There was a high chance that she could never leave the forest again. If she didn't starve, there were wolves and bears in these woods that could make quick work of her. Shaking her head, she decided not to think about something killing her.

After an hour or so, she collapsed at the base of a larger tree, exhausted. She had never tried to walk through a forest, but she didn't realize that it would be more exhausting than just walking through the fields. Annalena closed her eyes for a moment with her head tilting back. When she heard a stick snap, she immediately opened her eyes and found a tall shrouded woman in front of her. Annalena gripped her basket as she stared at the woman, realizing that her green hood had slipped when she tilted her head back.

The woman was by far the most beautiful person Annalena had ever seen. She looked like she was in her early twenties, around Annalena's age. She had the darkest hair and the palest skin Annalena had ever seen, making her green eyes and red lips pop perfectly. Her crimson lips turned up into a small smile, almost apologetic. Annalena nearly missed what she said, and would have if she wasn't staring at the woman's lips.

"I'm so sorry to disturb you," the strange woman murmured, her voice like pure music. Annalena straightened, finding that she wasn't afraid of the stranger. "I saw you walking through the forest, and I was wondering if you were lost."

"You would be correct. I lost the path a while ago, and I didn't expect to find someone out here, so I just kept going," Annalena explained, relieved to find someone. Maybe the stranger knew how to get to Stuttgart. The woman smiled and chuckled, putting Annalena at ease. There was something about this woman that made Annalena trust her with her life, even though they had just met.

"We can't have that. The sun will be setting soon, and that's when the real danger comes out," the woman informed as she helped Annalena to her feet. 

"Do you live in the forest?" Annalena asked as the woman started walking forward. The woman smiled and nodded.

"You could say that. I was forced out of my home, and I found ruins of an old castle that I've been repairing over the years with the help of my friends," she answered before turning to Annalena. "What's your name?"

"Annalena. What may I call you?" Annalena countered, seeing the joy in the stranger's eyes. She was delighted to be asked her name.

"I'm Margarete."