Ally twisted and turned, sticks poking her sides. She lifted her eyelids, expecting morning light to spiral down into the tree. Instead all she saw was darkness. A darkness so deep, she could almost feel it pinning her down. And yet, when she looked at her hand, she could still see it. Which was odd, but she didn't know what was logical now, being in a magical land. Ally pressed her hand down, which stood it's ground when she pushed it, but all she felt was cold emptiness. In terror, she sprang to her feet, forcing through the imaginary net above. She looked around, but there was nothing. She called out; her voice swallowed by the pitch black. Ally took a step, and another. She kept going until she found herself running. Finally, she saw a light. She sprinted forward, and leapt into the small white hole. Tumbling to a stop, she opened her eyes. A tall, stone tower greeted her. Green grass swirled around her, fresh air filling her lungs. Trees surrounded the tower, and Ally couldn't help wondering if Rapunzel lived there. 

Suddenly the bright sky darkened to a stunning sunset. But it didn't hold that romantic feel. In it's place was a grim band of colors. She looked up, fear in her violet eyes. Wind rushed through the trees and around the massive tower, anguished cries echoing from the top. A deep cackle poured out of the tower and into the valley, the shadows looming in from all directions. Before Ally could scream, the scene swirled into a blur of color. It settled, and this time she stood on a craggy cliff. Fires burst around her, and when she looked down she spotted lava, bubbling and boiling. Around the enormous cavern were guards, posted on the rocky ledges. Hanging from the ceiling was a small cage, barely large enough to cram in two people. Before she could investigate any further, the scene swirled again, dropping her in a crowd. Sirens blared and people shouted, desperately trying to get past the police lines. A few figures pushed their way through, tears streaking down their cheeks. She heard her name called, but for some strange reason, she kept shouting at them in anger. They tried to coax her into being calm, and when she refused police grabbed her and dragged her off. Ally's screams tore through the commands and cries, begging them to explain where someone was. 

Once again, the scene mashed into a swirl, the shouts muffled by the change. And then it was quiet. She was back in the black emptiness. But this time there was an elegant chair and bindings. She rocked the chair back and forth, rubbed her wrist together, trying to break free. Panic rushed into her eyes, and she was almost surprised to feel cold tears running down her face. 

A figure stepped out of the darkness, an evil grin spread across her red lips. Her crimson red hair was tied into an elaborate up do, and her red, gold, and black dress was fit for a queen. She bore necklaces and bracelets of pearls and rubies and gold; sparkling earrings dangled from her ears. An unearthly glow blazed in her ice blue eyes. 

"It's because I am a queen," she purred, her voice both soothing and dripping with malice. 

Ally wanted to ask questions, but too many were compacted into her panicked mind. The queen filled the silence by stalking closer, running a black gloved hand across her face. She drew it back. A sneer sprawling on her elegant face. 

She leaned in, and whispered, "you will be mine." She then cackled hysterically, a cold, rich sound. 

Ally finally found her voice and screamed, "what do you want from me?!"

"I want your power," she said slowly, her voice like ice.

"W-what?" Ally asked, terror filling her own voice.

"Don't play games with me, child."

"But I don't have power! I just want to go home!"

"Of course you do," the queen sneered. "But that will never happen, because I will have your power," she paused, and turned around, "and your life."

"I told you! I don't have any powers!" Ally screeched.

"Yes . You. Do!" The queen wheeled on Ally, venom dripping from her words, her gaze like a forest fire. "And I will have it--all of it!" She laughed, hysterical words occasionally sprouting from her mouth. Ally just sat there, eyes wide. 

~{}~{}~{}~{}~{}~

She awoke with a scream, cold sweat and tears running off her skin. She tore off the blanket, jumping to her feet. She looked around wildly, wondering if it all had been a dream. But, she was still in the hollowed out tree, light creeping through the entrance and the ceiling. She wiped her face on her arms, her legs shaking. Trembling, Ally climbed the ladder. The cot upstairs was empty, and Shad was no where to be seen. She sighed angrily, hauling her terrified self up. Stumbling to the chest, she found a piece of parchment with an ink-dipped feather to the side of it. A note had been quickly scrawled across the top in tilted writing: Take your stuff and leave. And don't come back unless you actually need help. 

Ally was surprised at how much his handwriting looked so much like her own, and then realized she left her satchel upstairs. She lifted up the flap, peering side. A map and some fruits in a pouch had been put inside, as well as her other things. She closed it, tentatively picking up the fluffy brown feather. She flipped the parchment over, and pressed the inky tip to it, unsure what to say. Eventually she wrote "thanks," and turned to leave.