Isa

Isa threw her cloak over her shoulder, and prepared to face the wind. Even though she was used to Yungling's winters, Greenhallow's winters were so much harsher. She shuddered, probably in anticipation of the cold, and opened the door.

She took the path through the woods, zigzagging through the trees she knew so well. It had taken her some time to find a good place to live; one where no one could find her. She hoped.

Finally she reached the road, and although she wasn't thrilled that she was attending the Countess' party, she felt compelled.

Perhaps 'attending' wasn’t the right word. Perhaps 'sneaking in' was.

She followed the road to the estate, watching the crows that watched her. They perched in the trees, staring at her with their beady eyes. She walked faster to escape them.

Pulling down her hood, Isa stepped into the ballroom. It was warm and welcoming, filled with the bright, dull kind of people she had come to know so well. They welcomed her by not looking in her direction, and conversed with her by dancing around her. The party was full of people, but she knew she was alone.