Annalena followed Margarete through the forest, wondering what kind of castle existed in a forest. She also thought back to when her mother talked about an ancient castle that housed a great evil. Annalena didn't believe in superstition, but the mention of castle ruins did make her slightly uneasy. Although, she didn't have better alternative options, so she followed the beautiful woman farther into the forest.

It wasn't long before they came upon a large castle that was covered in vines, but to describe it as ruins was inaccurate. The castle indeed look ancient, and it was completely intact. Nothing except the architecture suggested that this castle was older than a couple of decades. Annalena gaped at the castle as Margarete laughed.

"Come inside, and I'll make some tea," Margarete motioned as they walked in together. Annalena only nodded and followed, staring at the architecture and the beauty of it. Margarete pushed the door open as Annalena noticed that the sun had set by the time they returned.

The inside of the castle was mostly bare with old rugs and some wooden chairs around. It looked like Margarete did her best to decorate the impossible castle, as she didn't have access to tapestries or large paintings. Annalena also noticed that the castle seemed to be colder than outside, which surprised her.

Margarete led her into the large kitchen past a bare dining room. A rickety long table was placed, but it looked like it had been left with the castle. Annalena noticed the ancient chairs that matched before following the woman into the next room. The kitchen itself was impressive, as it had good storage space and a large hearth to cook feasts. Although, it looked like it hadn't been lit in a very long time.

"Sit down," Margarete suggested, pulling up a chair to the massive table at the center of the kitchen. Annalena did as she was told as she continued to glance around. She wondered if Margarete rebuilt this place by herself, if she hadn't seen the repaired section yet.

Margarete rushed around the kitchen, finding her kettle and tea set in one of the cabinets. Within a few minutes, she had the kettle over a fire in the hearth. Annalena watched with interest, still blown away. She hadn't really left her home farther than Freiburg, so she had never seen anything larger than the local church. Her eyes fell on Margarete, and Annalena noticed her perfect porcelain skin, admiring it. There wasn't a blemish or an imperfection, and Annalena wondered if anyone had painted her. Margarete would make a wonderful focus for any form of art.

"Here you go," Margarete smiled as she handed Annalena a teacup, breaking her out of her gaze. Annalena felt her cheeks grow pink as she had been caught staring. Margarete sat across from her and barely sipped her own tea. "So what were you doing so far out into the forest? Not many travelers come through this way."

"I was on my way from Freiburg to Stuttgart. The Queen essentially seized my land, but arranged a home for me to live in as well. I think I am one of the few that used to live right next to the forest," Annalena explained with a light chuckle. She didn't want to talk about leaving her home, she just wanted to think of where she was going. 

"That's terrible! Even if she does compensate you, that's ridiculous. Did you fight the decree?" Margarete asked, upset for her guest.

"No, I left early today after receiving the message. I wouldn't have left at all if I didn't leave immediately. I tried to remember the adventure ahead, but I didn't take into account getting lost in the Black Forest," Annalena mentioned after a sip. Margarete offered a smile, which made Annalena feel infinitely better about the situation. "Of course, if she didn't, I wouldn't have met you."

"Oh, and what a loss that would have been," Margarete laughed, setting her cup down. Annalena thought it was strange that she went through the trouble of making tea if she wasn't going to have any herself.

"Why did you decide to live in these old ruins, though? I can't imagine life is easy here," Annalena noted as she placed the teacup on the saucer. Margarete grimaced, knowing that question was going to come up.

"I was similar vacated from my home in a little more forceful way, and I ran into the Black Forest for safety. I found the ruins and holed up here," Margarete explained with a sigh. Annalena detected a hint of a lie, but she kept quiet. If Margarete was removed from her home, there were probably aspects she didn't want to talk about. "Ah, but that was a long time ago."

"Would you mind if I slept here tonight?" Annalena asked, surprising Margarete.

"Not at all. I would love to have some company," Margarete smiled genuinely. Annalena grinned back, detecting no lie in her host's glee.