The snow was falling faster now. Big fluffy flakes, landing on my face. My white rabbit fur coat was keeping out the cold Scandinavian mid-winter wind as I trudged onward. My wool mitts held the collar tightly, pulling it up to cover my tender neck, and my long skirt was clinging to my legs, wet with snow. The bitter cold nipped at my cheeks and chin, and I knew they were now a rosy shade of red, along with my nose. I brushed the hair out of my eyes and kept moving. I had to be close by now.
I had left my cabin an hour ago, to venture down the mountain trail to the hot springs. As I had left and looked back at my cabin, the windows glowing with warmth, the first heavy flakes began to fall. My intuition told me to stay home, but I so wanted to bathe in the beautiful steamy mountain waters. So I turned, adjusted my white fur hat, and didn't look back as I started down the mountain trail. But now, the snow was picking up by the minute.
I could hardly see where the white terrain ended and grey sky began, with tall leafless trees sticking out, connecting the two. The occasional tall evergreen stood, branches heavy with snow, hung suspended in the silver abyss. Snowflakes landing on my long eyelashes made it harder to see, as I walked forward, squinting to get a glimpse of the white frosted path. The snow began falling at an angle that made my feel like I was inside a snowglobe, turning upside down.
I talked myself out of being afraid. It's got to be close, I said to myself. The trees looked familiar on the trail. Didnt they?Ahead in the distance, to my left, I saw a sign hung on a snow covered tree. As I got close, I saw it was weathered and fading, unwelcoming and unfamiliar. I approached the sign, trudging through the deep snow, pulling on my skirt after getting it caught in a rose bush. Now I could read it: No Trespassing. Private Land. Beware.
Damn. Beware of what? I must have gone off the trail at some point. Maybe I should turn around. But I turned around to find my tracks had been covered by the big fluffy snow, falling heavier now. So I kept walking into the snowy terrain, getting deeper, cursing myself for journeying out in this storm. I should have stayed home, I should have listened to my intuition. I could be sitting by my warm fireplace. But something else inside me made me want to wander today. My body was tense but I didn't allow myself room for fear as I swallowed hard and kept moving forward, snow melting as it hit my warm cheeks.
I'm not afraid, I convinced myself. I know these woods, I'm less than an hour from home. I'll make it to the hot springs, and by then the snow will have stopped.
I brushed the blond fringe out of my eyes, and then I saw right in front of me - a white rabbit that had stopped on the trail. It stared at me, and I stared back. Both of us frozen in our tracks. For a moment I admired it's courage to be out in this storm, courage or stupidity. I wonder if it was thinking the same about me. Both of us dressed in white fur. Both of us still. Standing in the silence of a heavy snowfall.
Suddenly my heart jumped as I heard a loud branch crack behind me, and fear flooded my body head to toe. There was nothing behind me but snowy forest when I whirled around to look, but when I looked back, the white rabbit was gone. Not knowing what to do next, I paused, then I took a small step backward. Quiet. I glanced around, so still, listening, smelling, all my senses on high alert. I took another small step. Nothing. I almost laughed aloud. One more step. In an instant, I shreiked as my body became very suddenly upside down. Then, nothing but the sound of soft snowfall.
Helllp! I screamed, breathless. I looked up at my legs, they were bound, and I was hanging from a thick, rough tan rope, my long skirt falling above my knees, almost blocking my view.
Well, my oh my, a deep voice purred.
I couldn't see him, but I could hear the crunch of the snow under his slow footsteps and saw his boots, huge worn leather boots stopping underneath me.
He slowly knelt down on one knee and picked up my white fur hat that had fallen to the ground, and he brushed off the snow with his enormous leather glove. He didn't look up at me. I could see his long dark hair shining, with a slight wave, a few strands of silver, and white snowflakes now decorating it. It was falling from beneath a dark sort of fur hat. He stood up, and gently, slowly, spun me around to see my face. Our faces were at eye level, except for me hanging upside down. Trembling inside.
Please let me down, I gasped, trying to remain calm. His eyes narrowed, a mischievous smile forming. I was surprised to see that his face was stunning, and he had chestnut sparkling eyes, a slight scruff on his face. His black coat was well worn, but beautifully crafted. He caressed my cheek with his rough leather glove.
What have we here, he spoke delicately, in more of a statement than a question.
I don't know who you are, but could you please let me down, I gasped again. He chuckled, and walked around me, circling me, like a wolf. The snow was falling softer now.
He was strong. Despite layers of winter clothing, I could tell by how he carried himself, with ease and steadiness. Stepping toward me, he took my body weight onto his wide shoulders and chest, and sliced the long rope in one quick movement. His arms caught my legs as they fell from the sky, setting me softly on the ground. My legs were still bound. And now he was holding the end of the rope.
I was trembling visibly now, and he reached out and gently placed my white fur hat back onto my head. Warmth. He patted it twice, then stroked my cheek again, his glove smelled of wood and leather. I was stunned. His glove moved down to my chin, down further to stroke the front of my white fur coat.
A little white rabbit, he grinned. Don't be afraid.
I swallowed hard.
I want to be untied, I stated firmly, maintaining a glare with those wild eyes. He looked me up and down. He was tall, taller than I predicted. I stood to his chest, I was shrinking smaller with every quick heartbeat.
Okay little bunny, I'll untie you, he said in a gruff voice. Have it your way.
Thank you, I was just on my way to the -
Mhm, he nodded. On my land.
I'm sorry, I wasn't -
Wasn't prepared to play today?
What? I shivered.
What if, he bit his red lip, pausing. Let's say you get away... survive the storm... make it home... you'll never have to see me again.
He bent down and untied my legs. This beautiful man in front of me on his knees made my whole body buzz with excitement.
