As You Like It LRJ 1

I haven’t had a moment to catch my breath since early this afternoon!
My uncle has banished me from his court and the town on pain of death. I can still scarcely believe how it has changed since only this morning. It seems one moment I’m eating breakfast with my dear cousin Celia, and the next we’re fleeing for our lives, disguised as beggars! For now we are paused beneath a tree while Touchstone fetches bread from a nearby inn, and I have a minute to write this entry. My heart is still pounding beneath the man’s shirt and coat I am hidden inside.
We are going to the Forest of Arden to find my father, whom I have missed terribly ever since his own banishing. I can’t wait to see his face again. Celia and I have discussed it, and we think the only way to travel safely to him is to disguise ourselves. She is traveling under the name Aliena, and I am pretending to be a young man called Ganymede. My heart still stands still in fear when I think of our predicament, but I know we will be able to use our wits to get out of any unpleasant situation. Hopefully my uncle will come around to see the error of his ways, but for now he is the only thing back home I do not miss.
But in all this mess, I have almost forgotten about the young wrestler! I met him only earlier today, and I would give my heart to him in an instant. He is Duke Rowland’s youngest son, and a fine wrestler. I wish I could see him again, but I fear it cannot be. For I am banished, and we must find my father.
--Rosalind