11. Memory

Leaves. Red leaves. Red whispering leaves. Red, red, whispering leaves.

It's my favorite place still. Lichtenstein castle in the autumn, just after all the trees have shrugged off their summer clothes. I remember those happy days like a dream...

Those red leaves crackle beneath my feet as I break away from my brothers. I can see the trees around me from where I stand on the cold, wet stone stairs because the walls aren't there anymore. My brothers are far enough now that I can't hear their voices; now the only sound is the rustling wind and the gentle crunching of leaves as I move down the stairs, my blue dirndl swishing around my legs.

Then my feet touch the ground. Brown seeps up those little red bowling shoes, those folded-over bobby socks, transforming them into a pair of riding boots. The alteration continues, until I'm no longer even touching the ground. Instead I'm seated on a horse, slowly stepping out into that pathway of trees. I had often imagined medieval royalty parading down this sylvan road, adoring subjects lining the way, tossing flowers and bowing.

I become aware of armor clinking behind me. I turn and suddenly realize my hands are tied behind my back, and I am, in fact, strapped to the horse. After I catch sight of the guards beside and behind me, I look back to the front and realize there's a noose waiting at the end of the procession. Waiting for me. I struggle some and then notice something. Behind the silent crowds, moving at the same pace as my horse. A hood covers his face, but I know it's a man. I know it's a hero. My hero. I cease my struggling and look straight ahead, looking as majestic as a seven-year-old girl turned medieval young woman can. A small smile curves my lips.

Then it slips. The man is lifting his hood away from his face, but I cannot see it. I'm slipping off my horse, returning to the dirndl and bowling shoes. Red leaves again. I smile anyway; one day I would return and see that man's face. One day. One day when the leaves are red and fallen again. When I return to my homeland.

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So my childhood imagination was weird. Sue me. XD