Through the River and Into the Woods

Glenda ran towards the forest. She knew a few things about surviving in the wild—at least, she had overheard other people talk about surviving in the wild—and the trees were less likely than the townsfolk to point her father's guards in the right direction.

She made it to the tree-line before anyone caught up on her, and the forest was too thick for horses to run much faster than she could. She stumbled through the brush and bushes, her dress heavy with water snagging on every thorn. After a few trips, Glenda's once fine gown became torn and dirty, bearing little resemblance to the garment it once was. At this rate, she might be able to keep it on and no one would mistake her for royalty.

She came across a stream that ran through the woods and stopped to catch her breath. She didn't hear anyone coming after her, no soldiers shouting orders or horses galloping through the forest, so she decided to take a break. She peeled off her slippers (which were hardly made for running) and soaked her feet in the water. The water felt pleasant on her feet, but the water that still soaked her ruined dress made her feel cold, and if she wanted to last the night without catching cold, she would need to dry the thing or find something else to wear.

So she took it off. She felt naughty taking off her clothes under the sun, but she had felt naughty escaping her father's castle and so far that had worked out well for her. She draped her dress over a low-hanging branch and stood for a moment in nothing but her shift and bloomers, not sure what to do next, so she decided to take those off, too. She didn't feel like she was being watched, and her underclothes were wet, too, so she might as well dry everything at once.

Except for herself. Herself Glenda put in the stream, washing off the mud and dirt she had gathered in her escape. The water wasn't very deep, but she found it much easier to swim in without her heavy dress weighing her down.

Unfortunately for her, Princess Glenda was just one failed spot-check away from an unwanted surprise.