The Abyss

part 36

Slowly he reached for his helmet, the excitement rushed through me. Finally I would get to see what Silas looked like. Even though it had only been a few days, it felt like years. I could see the skin of his neck now, he was darker than me, a light brown. My eyes went wide and I held my breath, waiting. Suddenly he let out a loud laugh and dropped his helmet back into place, "just kidding, come on Princess, back to bed." He walked by me, his shoulders pulled back, chest out, letting a few chuckles slip as he went on his way. "Silas!" I screamed after him. His laughter only grew, "Princess!" he yelled back. I couldnt hold it in any longer, i broke out in laughter too. Together we walked back to the castle and he became a guard again. All jokes aside he went into serious mode, i wonder if he was like this with my mother. As I laid down in bed i felt the sleep trying to consume me, so i let it. I counted the soft tap of Silas's boots on the floor as they echoed in my head.

In my dreams I was in a field, I could hear Fendewens voice but as i tried to find him i couldnt. I screamed for him but his replies only seemed to be further and further away. In the distance I could see smoke, but I was already choking on it. The heat burning my skin, smoke suffocating me. My eyes began to water and I found myself laying down in the grass trying to free myself from the smoke. I could hear everyone's voice now. Rocyla, Teralyne, and Fendewen all screaming out to me saying it was my fault. But I couldnt reply. The ground was melting underneath me. My arms sunk into the earth and it covered me like liquid, the murkiness of it soon faded into a dark blue water. I was holding on to the edge of the bank, my body dangling down in the new formed river. The freezing water stung my skin, my breath showed in the air, i began to shiver. I could feel my body shutting down, me giving up. With one last struggle i prepared to let go of the grass. I took a breath and released it. But i didnt move. I could feel myself being lifted, pulled onto the bank, into the grass. I opened my eyes and a large black wolf stood in front of me, his fur glistened with water but he knelt down to me and wrapped himself around me. Nudging me closer to him, the warmth of the large creature overwhelmed me. I pressed myself closer, digging my fingers in his fur. He looked back at me and i felt my heart stop as i stared into the liquid pool of his golden eyes.

"Laila!" I heard him whispering as I woke up. "Are you okay?" Silas asked me. I nodded and reached up, running my fingers through my matted hair that now stuck to my face. I sat up and pulled my blanket back then got out of bed and walked to the bathroom. "Im going to take a bath,'' i said to him. He nodded and left the room. I turned back to the tub and turned on the water, letting it fill the tub all the way to the rim, almost pouring over. I took off my clothes and stepped into the tub, laid back and sunk under the water. I could hear it pouring over, dripping onto the floor. The coolness on my skin made me feel so much more relieved. Then.. A sound. So distinct. Tapping, scratching almost, caught my attention. I held my breath a little longer, afraid to go to the surface. The scratching came closer, down the side of the tub, the sound tearing into my ears. I opened my eyes and counted. Waiting.. The water glistened above me, my eyes burning a little. But now i saw it. The nails, the claws.. Slowly coming over the edge of the tub, dipping into the water. I pressed myself hard against the bottom of the tub trying to get away from it but still it wasnt enough. The black sleeves of the cloak came into the tub and I couldnt wait any longer, my lungs would explode. I leaned up as quick as I could and screamed for Silas. The scream barely came out, I found myself face to face with the creature that had tried to take me from the dungeon.

Part 37

The water splashed around me as i tried to escape the demons grip, its claws dug into my arms as he pulled me out of the tub and onto the floor. I could hear the banging on the door, Silas trying to get in. I screamed for him to help me. Splinters of wood flew across the room covering me, sticking to my wet skin. The creature growled, yanking me off the floor and to the gated window. His right hand reached out gripping onto the bars. I could hear his teeth clench together as he growled again. Blood seeped from the cuts in my arm and dripped onto the porcelain floor. "Laila keep your eyes closed!" Silas screamed. I looked back at the creature trying to pull the bars free then at the door. I could hear the strength in his voice, "trust me" he said.

I closed my eyes and waited for something crazy to happen but it didnt. Time was going by so slowly, every deep breath seemed an eternity. Suddenly the door busted behind me, shattering wood everywhere. The demon let go of me and i could hear a sickening sound like bones being popped. Snarling erupted into the air, making me shake, terrified. I wanted to open my eyes so bad but the fear consumed me. I closed them tighter than ever and crouched to the ground, with the fight behind me now i started to crawl, my hands stretched outward trying to find my way. I found pieces of the door and peeked a little, looking down at the shards of wood. My breath caught in my throat as my eyes opened wide. I followed the trail of wood to the door, long scratches dug deep into the door. It had splintered up the center, breaking it almost in half. I could see small bits of hair, dark, almost black. As i picked one up i could hear breathing behind me, the hot breath sinking through my clothes and burning my back. Slowly i closed my eyes and took a deep breath then turned around.

part 38

As my eyes opened I tried to believe and make sense of what i was seeing. There was so much fear inside me that it became impossible. "Silas!" I screamed. No answer. I covered myself and moved back a little more and realized I was against the wall, now no where else to go. The large wolf came closer, his black fur glistening in the light. I watched his lips peel back revealing his teeth. A large lump slid down my throat, my eyes grew wide. Slowly it moved closer to me, drawing in a deep breath, his golden eyes never leaving mine. I knew a few things about animals, that was always the plus side to being a fairy, but wolves were new to me. This one was much larger than i had ever seen. He pulled back now and gave a small whimper. The sound made me want to reach out and touch him but i was still afraid. With one last look he watched me, then turned and started to walk away. His huge paws hit the floor as he walked, i could hear his nails tapping. I watched him go, his thick black fur still shining.

I waited then got up and grabbed a towel then headed for the door. When i opened the dresser drawers i pulled out some clothes and quickly put them on. "I have to get out of here," i mumbled to myself. I went to the bedroom door and carefully cracked it open, looking both ways then running. The stone floor was freezing under my bare feet. I could hear someone walking, their boots clicked in the foyer ahead. Carefully I moved to the wall and pressed myself against the large column, trying to shield myself from their view. I could hear what they were talking about, something about an event that was happening in a few days, seemed fancy. But they continued to walk passed me, never turning back. Yes! I started around the column then realized something, the happiness in me fading. Why am I sneaking around?

The trip to the courtyard was much easier without sneaking. I still felt a little silly for sneaking around my own house. I walked passed the gate to the garden then turned back and stepped inside. There was a bit of fog still hanging in the air, flowing between branches of the trees and over the flower beds. Leaves on the ground were glittering, slick with water. I continued to follow the path, not wanting to step out into the grass. Ahead was the tree farm, trees for miles upon miles, it was beautiful. The hum of bees and birds calling filled the air around me. I stopped for a moment to take it all in, just breathe and relax. I was safer here, even though the creature had gotten in, but how safe was i really? I tried to not think about it. I opened the small gate and stepped inside the tree farm. The wind wrapped around me, leaving the smell of earth behind. As i walked I reached out and touched the saw-edged leaves that clung onto the trees. The cold damp soil squished beneath my feet. Then up ahead I could hear something moving, but i didnt see it. I stopped walking and tried to find what it was. Still nothing, only now the sound had stopped. Fear gripped my heart again. Carefully i stood up and turned to my right and started to run.

Every tree looked the same, which way had i come from. I didnt know. Tears were dripping down my face now. I came to a small clearing and knew i hadnt been here before. As i turned to run back the way i had, i could hear the heavy footsteps. Coming quickly the way i had came. With no other choice i started to run farther, deeper into the trees. A stale breeze came over me, the smell of decay. I stopped running. "What the.." My body froze, I looked around. This part of the garden was more brown then green. There were leafless branches and skeletal twigs everywhere. There were no sounds. No insects, no birds singing, even when i walked the sounds of my footsteps sank into the dying grass.

part 39

The light outside was fading, creating new shadows. Wind blew between distorted tree trunks, carrying the stink of rotting wood. My heart was slamming against my chest causing me to gulp for air. I tried to slow my breathing enough to hear behind me. In the shadows branches were snapping. Sunset had drained from the sky overhead, sheathing the woods in shadows. All i could do was wait. I moved into the clearing, ignoring the briars that caught on my jeans. I jerked my legs away but too quick, slipping on the wet leaves and it sent my body tumbling. There was a sharp pain in my head then i felt everything slip away.. everything turned black.
Silas's view

I watched her running, freaking out, then she fell and hit her head. "What is wrong with this girl," i laughed to myself. Carefully I reached down and lifted her in my arms, then carried her back inside the castle gates. As we went up the stairs the queen and her guards passed us. "Silas?" she called out. I stopped and turned to her. "What is wrong with my daughter?" she asked me. I just shook my head, "she fell asleep in the garden my Queen." She nodded and went on her way. With a deep breath I continued up the stairs and headed down the hall to Lailas room. I opened the door then went to her bed, carefully pulling back the covers and laying her down. When everything was right I stepped back out of the room and closed the door. I smiled then started for the foyer to talk to the other guards about the gathering the Queen was having in a few days. There were a few of the main guardsmen standing in the corner of the room, I could hear their whispers. "Dynoken, Sholto!" I yelled to them. They turned and held up their fists, "brother!" they replied.

We talked of the night and of the gathering. It was going to be outside of Faerie walls. This would be difficult, but it was for the return of the princess. On the far side of the foyer the large wooden doors came open. Four of the elders came through, their old faces looking our ways. Eyes of wisdom bore into mine, i felt the small spark inside me. But i hushed it. "Silas, you supposed to be doing something tonight arent you?" Dynoken asked. I laughed some but then nodded. "Ah, I see." he said. He moved passed us but i could see him wink at me just as he moved out of sight. His laugh flooded the room, others joined in. I wasnt sure why they were laughing but i felt myself smile some too. "Ill see you later,'' I said to Sholto then started back to Lailas room.

When I opened the door she wasnt in bed, the fear that she had left again started to bother me. But i looked for her first. I could hear her moving around in the bathroom so i waited. As the door opened I turned to her, only to see her standing there. My mouth dropped a little. Her body still wet from her bath, towel clinging to her. Quickly i turned around, "Princess forgive me," i whispered. A little giggle escaped her, "call me Laila." I nodded but didnt turn back. I listened for her steps so i could move accordingly and always have my back to her. "Im going to be outside the door," I said. As calm as possible i went to the door and opened it, i turned to close it and saw her towel slide down. Her back was exposed to me, her long hair still wet. But I admired her beauty, then i quickly closed the door. The small giggle that she let out afterwards almost melted me.

part 40

Fendewens view
I sat in the field, a heaviness in my heart. Why did she leave without saying goodbye, what had we done wrong? I drew in a sharp breath and lifted myself off the ground and headed back toward the house. Rocyla stood on the porch whispering to Teralyne. Their whispers hushed the closer to them i became and I knew something was going on now, "tell me." For a minute they looked at each other and a look of panic came over Teralynes face. "Please dont make me ask Talos," I said.

"Its almost like a ball, but its outside of the Faerie kingdom," Teralyne said. "So can anyone go?" I asked her. She gave a small nod and turned away to the sink and started washing her hands, "what are you thinking?" I turned and pulled the chair from the table and sat down as Talos walked in, "im going." Both of them stopped and looked at me. No one objected so I stood and left the room. As I went up the stairs I could see Rocyla sitting in Lailas room, her head tilted back, slow deep breaths coming from her. I leaned against the doorframe and watched her for a moment. She was having a vision, i didnt want to disturb her. Slowly her head came down and her eyes opened, blackness filled them then it began to shrink now letting some of the white show until only a black pupil remained. "Fendewen," she purred. I could feel my jaw drop a little at the way she whispered my name. She stood and started walking toward me, her hips swaying. As she went by her hand slid over my chest. I felt the tingles of being touched still there even after she was gone. She went downstairs like nothing had happened and I still didnt understand. I turned and went to my room, closing the door behind me. We would have to start our trip there tomorrow, I closed my eyes and let sleep take me.
Silas's view

Laila lifted a grape to her mouth and took a bite, "So Silas, what are we doing today?" I looked over at her and laid back on the blanket starring up at the clouds, "Princess your wish is my command." She frowned at my answer then picked up another grape and tossed it at me, there was a small thud as it hit my helmet and bounced off. "When you gonna take that stuff off? You know you are hot Silas.." She mumbled. I gave a small laugh, "Princess i am here to protect you not strip for you." I could hear her breath catch as she turned her head away, her cheeks a light red. I smiled to myself then sat back up and looked at her. Finally she turned her head back but remained quiet, eating her grapes. "I want to go swim,'' she said suddenly. "Okay then I will take you somewhere to swim," I replied.

We rode horses for a few miles, passed the town into the fields, over to a small pond. "No one comes here, its where I go to swim sometimes" I told her. She jumped off the horse and smiled at me then started for the water. I climbed down and lead the horses over to a small tree, tied their ropes up, then walked back to watch Laila. "Silas! Come on get in" she yelled at me. I shook my head no, "how can i protect you in there?" i asked her. She just frowned and stuck her bottom lip out a little, "please?" I laughed and shook my head no again then turned my back to her and surveyed the field. The grass was flowing, wildflowers blooming, sunshine everywhere. It was beautiful. I turned back to the pond and looked around. "Princess?" I didnt see her, I called her again. Still no answer. I closed my eyes and blocked out all the images, only sound now. But I heard nothing, then something in the water. I quickly opened them and could see the bubbles at the far side of the pond, but she never came up. I threw down my sword and dove in after her.

part 41

The water exploded around me as I jumped in, swimming toward where the bubbles had been. I opened my eyes and felt the slight sting of the dirty water but it began to fade. My armor weighed me down a little but I was trained to carry the weight. I dug my shoes into the thick mud and felt around, grabbing at the rocks to hold myself at the bottom of the pond. Then I saw her, just there, floating in the water. Her hair flowing around her but she didnt move. I shoved off the rock toward her, grabbing her by the waist and swimming to the surface, my lungs aching for air. We came through the water, I was gasping, taking long deep breaths. I held her up to keep her head out of the water and pulled us up onto the bank. My body flopped down beside her, both of us dripping onto the grass. I turned her over on her back and pulled her hair out of her face then quickly ripped off my helmet. I placed my hands on her chest and pressed down a few times, leaning in to see if she was breathing but i heard nothing. "Laila,'' i whispered. Then I heard it, a soft tune, she was humming. A smile curled on her lips and i closed my eyes and let her lullaby roll over me. But as i opened them i could see hers were open and suddenly she drew in a sharp breath.

Lailas view
His hands were pressed to my chest and i tried desperately not to breathe, but as he lowered his mouth to mine i began to hum. His lips only inches away. I wanted to laugh because he had jumped in to save me, now his armor was wet. Slowly i opened my eyes, he had taken his helmet off. His black hair now slick, sticking to his head and face. His face.. the structure of his face amazed me. I followed the bridge of his nose down to the tip then his lips, his beautiful lips. The bottom lip was bigger than the top and i just wanted to reach up and touch them, i had never seen such beautiful lips. His skin was darker than mine, exotic but tan. Then he opened his eyes, I could feel my heart skip and i took a deep breath. His pupil was split, catlike, but his eyes were a light golden brown almost like honey, surrounded by a darker ring. "You're all wet.'' i giggled. He just looked down at me then took a breath, looking away, then back at me and smiled. His smile was genuine, raising his cheeks some, but it was the cutest thing ever. "That is so not cool,'' he laughed, pushing away from me. I sat up and watched him stand then go for his helmet, "just take that off Silas, please?"

He had told me to get back in the water, I did but still i kept my eyes on him. Piece by piece he removed his armor, leaving tan pants behind and a light shirt. His feet were bare and slowly he stepped into the water. I couldnt move, I couldnt stop watching. The look on his face froze me, intrigued me more than anything. "Laila, why are you watching me?" he smirked. I shook my head and dropped into the water and let out a small scream, watching my air bubbles rush to the surface. When I came back up he was waist deep in the water walking over to the larger rocks toward the waterfall. I felt myself gulp a little when he reached for the water. He lifted handfuls of it toward his face, leaving it dripping from his skin. Then he stepped into the waterfall letting it flow over him, soaking him again. I drew in a breath and sunk back into the water.

Back in town....
Silas had let his armor dry while we swam, then he put it back on before we got back to town. I stood in my room thinking about earlier, what was with this man. Why did he feel so different? I figured it was just a thing since I hadnt paid attention to men lately, it had been a while. Then it struck me, Fendewen. I wonder how he is.. "Laila?" Silas's voice broke my thought. I turned to him and smiled then he continued. "Your mother wants you to join her for dinner, it will just be the two of you and I would suggest wearing a dress,'' he said. I frowned at that, "im not wearing a dress." A smile curled on his lips, "your mother is having dresses delivered to your room. You're wearing a dress" he laughed. But my frown hadnt changed, "Silas... I am not wearing a dress!"

part 42

The dresses were the most horrid things i had seen in a long time. I had become so used to the normal ones i had wore with Fendewen but these.. These were bad. Large poufy layers upon layers flowed to the ground trailing behind me. How was I supposed to walk in this thing? "You like nice,'' Silas laughed. I gave him the evilest stare i could but he leaned against the bed his hand clutching his side then he looked at me again and bursts into a fit of laughter. "Give me a different freakin dress!" I screamed at him. He shook his head as he left the room, i could hear him still laughing in the hall. When he came back he held up a dress and smiled at me, ''its the best one out there Laila." I took it from him and looked at it then went to the bathroom to try it on.

The satin poured over my skin, its slick feel slipping over me. There were no sleeves or straps so i held it in place over my chest then reached back and zipped it. Reaching up i held my hair in a ponytail and looked at myself in the mirror. The dress was black but had a line around my waist with glittering crystals, there was a slit in it that rose up my left leg almost to my hip. I liked this one, a lot actually. It fell in all the right places, staying with the curve of my hips. I turned and looked at myself, i was impressed at Silas's pick. Slowly i walked to the door and opened it, "what do you think?" i asked him. For a moment he stood there, never had i wanted his armor off as bad as i did then. I couldnt see his face, I couldnt tell what he was thinking and it drove me insane. "It looks amazing,'' he whispered.

Silas's view
We walked down the corridor heading toward the dining hall. Dynoken and Sholto stood watching us, their thoughts invading mine. "She's beautiful,'' Sholto said. I just nodded at him and kept walking, their thoughts turned and i had to control myself to not go back. Laila started to hop from stone to stone not touching the cracks in the floor, a small giggle escaped her. I stopped walking and just watched her, she was a woman but part of her was still a child. "Laila!" her mother hissed as she stepped around the corner. Her dark dress fell like spilt blood around her. I felt a small lump in my throat. "Act like a princess for once daughter,'' she spat at her. Laila stood there, her hands behind her, fingers nervously moving with the others, "yes mam." The queen notified all the guards that their dinner was starting and no one was to come into this door until the queen left. After all the guards praised her she reached out to Laila and held her hand, pulling her into the room with her and closing the doors behind them. A feeling of unease came over me the longer I waited. Time just slowly went by, so i found something to do.

part 43

I walked down the hall following the cracks in the floor. The warning bells went off and i walked over to the balcony and looked down at the courtyard. People moved from the road onto the sidewalks as the large wooden doors opened. Surgat came through first, his dark cloak flowing behind him. Behind him came the six other elders, their eyes met no one, their heads held high as they walked down the road headed for the castle doors. This couldnt be good. Surgat looked up at me, his scaled skin glittered in the sunlight but his blood red eyes never changed. A smile came to his face as he looked at me. Then I pulled back from the balcony and into the shadows, heading back to Laila as quick as I could.

Lailas view
There was food everywhere, too much for the two of us. "Mother, is someone else joining us?" i asked her. Her face was solemn then we heard the bells and she smiled, "yes." I crossed my ankles under the table, becoming slightly nervous now. My eyes kept glancing at the door but nothing happened. My mother talked on and on about the riches of the kingdom, the guards, the chances to be higher than everyone. Her words meant nothing to me. I looked down at the table, my reflection in the blackened stone was not me. Everything was so different. Then the door opened, the sudden movement made my jump. My heart was beating in my throat as they came in. Each one wearing their black cloaks, covering their head. The shadows it cast across their face scared me. Surgat was the first to take off his cloak, he stood behind one of the chairs at the table and waited. The other elders began to do the same. I watched my mother look at Surgat, a small smile on her face, but it wasnt genuine. There were three women and four men, I had always thought there was only one woman elder but i was wrong. After i was introduced to them, one woman spoke to me. She was the one closest one to me, her hand moved under the table and she touched my leg, softly patting me. Her smile warmed me, my nerves had calmed some. "So Princess Laila, where do you see yourself in a few years?" she asked me. I looked at my mom for the answer but she just nodded at me so with a deep breath i began, "I would like to go somewhere and just start over without the princess title, maybe...