The Abyss

part 25

I looked out over the garden plot with awe. Bean vines ran over the tomatoes. I smelled turnips and could see them hiding under the mass of weeds in the corner. Rain splattered into the soil like blood dripping from an open wound. Slowly turning away I headed over to the corral fence to see if Talos had brought in our new horses yet. Rocyla stood in the middle of the dusty yard with Teralyne, taking careful steps toward the black stallion with a training bridle in her hand. Rocyla climbed up onto the rail next to me and watched. Early morning was the best time to break a horse, even the wildest of creatures had to be amicable after a night of rest.
A few hours after trying. And failing..

I yawned and rested my chin against the smooth top rail of the corral. Dark begin to cover most of the fenced area as the sun was begin to fall. Teralyne held out her hand to the animal, waiting. The horse turned to her and pinned its ears back, its tail flicked to the side as it stomped its foot on the ground. She took another step toward him and i could see his nostrils flaring, then he snorted. "Tera please be careful, hes mad" I said to her. She turned and looked at me, "I know hes mad" she hissed. I frowned at her then looked at Rocyla, she shrugged at me.

The horse bit Teralyne, Rocyla almost fell off the rail laughing at her. "Damned horse!" Teralyne screamed. She kicked the gate open and slammed it shut, Rocyla followed her as she headed for the house. I giggled a little and just sat there and watched the horse. He looked up at me, his ear turned back. I stepped away from the rail and headed toward the barn to take Amadi for a ride. She nickered at me when she saw me come into the barn and stepped over to the gate door. I climbed up on the rail and hugged her, then ran my hand down her neck brushing back her hair. The gate swung open as i unhooked the lock and she came out then stood there lightly stomping her feet. I jumped down and picked up the rope off the hook, sliding the hoop around her head and leading her out of the barn. The stallion started to whinny at us as we headed toward his pen. Amadi returned it with a loud nicker. They looked at each other for a moment, making small blowing sounds when they exhaled. I opened his pen and stepped inside, pulling Amadi with me.

Fendewens view
We all stood at the window watching Laila. "What is she doing?" Rocyla asked. I just smiled, "shes about to break this horse," I said. The others stepped away and went to sit down. Talos stood there with me and watched too. Laila let Amadi go to the stallion, they walked around each other, checking each other out. Finally the stallion stomped his feet, Amadi copied him. Slowly Laila stepped to Amadi and pet her, the horse pressed herself to Laila, showing that she trusted her. The stallion watched. Laila held the rope that was tied to Amadi and made a hoop on the other end then carefully threw it over the stallions head. At first the stallion began to freak out, pulling at the rope, only to be held still by Amadi. Small panicked screams came from the horse as he leapt around, pulling at the rope. Laila walked away and opened the fence then called to Amadi. As Amadi started for the fence Laila grabbed onto her and jumped on her back, the stallion followed them. The rope between the horses gave the stallion room to run but not too far, a few feet.

Lailas view
I nudged my calves into Amadi's sides, urging her into a gallop. A smile lit up my face as my hair went streaming behind me and the air tearing at my clothes. This was the best part of it all, the best part of my world. This was when I could fly so fast, not even the wind could catch me. The sound of the horses hooves pounded in my head the faster we went. I took them to the open field and let them drink from the water then i slid from Amadis back and pet her. Quietly I spoke to the stallion. His head lifted from the water and he turned his ears forward, his eyes were open and bright when he looked at me. A small snort came from him and I stopped moving. Amadi gave a small nicker and he looked at her. Slowly he started to step toward me, making blowing sounds again. I reached my hand out and waited for him.

part 26

Fendewens view
We all ran out of the house, Lailas screams echoed everywhere. "Where is she!" Teralyne yelled. The horses panicked calls rang out. "In the field," Talos said. I ran climbing over the fence and heading into the field. The moon was bright and we could see the horses running, but we didnt see Laila. The girls were calling out for her but we didnt get an answer. A piercing scream made all of us freeze. It was a cat. I looked around then back the horses, "its Silence.." I said.

I called for him, I could hear his growls in the distance. "Silence! Come here now,'' i said. He came running toward me. When he got closer he instantly started hissing at Talos. "Whats his problem?" Rocyla asked. We all looked at Talos, he was looking at Silence. "Damn cat!" Laila screamed. I jerked around and saw her walking our way. I asked her what happened and she said that they were at the water when silence bust out of nowhere growling at the horses. She didnt realize it was him and she started screaming, the horses got spooked and ran away. Laila stopped talking and looked at Silence and Talos. Talos looked away then turned and headed back to the house. A small growl came from the cat and he started to stalk him. "Silence,'' i said. He stopped moving then turned his head toward me. He took one last glance at Talos then came back to my side. "Lets get the horses and call it a night, ok everyone?"

Lailas view
Rocyla and Teralyne left, I showed Talos to the guest room if he wanted to stay the night. But he turned down the offer, "I have somewhere to go, thank you though." I watched him walk back down the stairs then I turned to Fendewens bedroom door. When I couldnt put it off anymore, I tiptoed into his room. The floor was cold against my bare feet. My only light came from a slit between the curtains at the window, the light barely enough for me to make out anything. I crept closer, trying to be quiet. On the floor beside the bed I could just make out a lump of clothes. Please don't wake up, I thought. I strained my ears for the sound of his breath. "Laila, what are you doing?" he laughed. I jumped when he spoke, almost tripping over his clothes. "Nothing," i giggled and quickly left his room, closing the door behind me. I heard him laugh a little then the bed squeaked. I turned and pressed my forehead against the door then leaned back and was about to knock when he opened it. He had pants on but that was it. His dark hair was messy and a smile crept to his face as i looked him over. "My lady, where im from, when a woman creeps into your room at night she wants something," he said. I could feel my face burning as I turned away and went to my room. I opened the door and looked back at him, his arms crossed as he leaned back on the doorframe smiling at me. "Ugh.." i whispered and went in my room, closing the door behind me.

I laid in the bed and stared at the ceiling. Playing over what had just happened in my head. "Laila i cant sleep now," i heard him yell. I started to laugh then i got out of bed and opened my door. "Fendewen," I whispered. He turned over in his bed and glanced down the hall at me. I stuck out my tongue at him and he smiled, "I'll bite that pretty tongue off." I almost choked on my laughter, falling to the floor and rolling onto my back, "that is so weird," i said. He laughed and climbed out of bed then came down the hall toward me. Getting down on his knees on the floor above my head he looked down at me then twirled my hair on his finger. "You're weird,'' he laughed. I smiled then grabbed his arm and pulled him down. He kissed my forehead then moved down over me. I slid up a little and lightly kissed his neck. I could feel his hands on my sides and he pushed me some, sliding me back down. His lips lingered over mine, i could feel his hot breath. Slowly i leaned up and kissed him. His hands came to my face holding me as he kissed me back. I pulled away then got to my knees and wrapped my arms around his neck and kissed him again. He smiled against my lips and put his hands on my side pulling me closer. I pushed him back a little, making him sit against the wall and i sat in his lap then grabbed a handful of his hair, lightly tugging his head back. "Oh really,'' he whispered. His hands went down grabbing onto my legs as he got to his knees then stood up and carried me into my room. We went onto my bed, him over me. Lightly kissing me, his kisses trailing down my neck. He came back up and kissed me again then smiled and pulled away. "Good night Laila," he smirked. Then he climbed off the bed and left my room, closing the door behind him. I laid there, not believing what just happened. I heard his door close. "Ugh!" I yelled out making sure he could hear me. But i got under the cover and laid there, then fell asleep with a smile on my face.

part 27

My skin itched from the prickly hay. The strong smell of animal invaded my nose. As my eyes focused to the dark, I could made out the stalls with milk pails stacked against them. The barn door slammed back and forth against the wall, hinges giving a squeal with each bang. The barn was so dark, so i had to make my way through it by reaching out in front of me touching everything, it was unnerving. Cobwebs fluttered, attaching themselves to my skin. Then the boards creaked overhead, my mind started to wonder what could be dwelling in the darkness above me. I looked around trying to find Amadi. I could see her laying down in her stall. Slowly I crept over and opened the gate, stepping in. I turned back after closing it and a piercing scream tore through my head. My hands went up, covering my ears, my eyes closing. More shrieks erupted around me, bringing me to my knees.

I looked up and could see the light pouring around me, as i glanced behind me I could see Rocyla and Teralyne holding torches. Their faces were twisted in an evil smirk as they looked at me. Rocyla reached out, her hand ungloved, the scarred tissue reaching for me. Quickly i moved away, closer to Amadi. I reached back touching her, shaking her, for her to get up. But she didnt move. My hand rested against her and I could feel that she wasnt breathing. Slowly i turned to look at her and was face to face with the hooded demon from the dungeon, his emerald eyes burning into mine. I looked down and saw his claws buried inside of Amadi, her stomach torn apart. His cloak was drenched in her blood. Then he moved, lifting his claw to his face. Her intestines were wrapped around his sharp nails. A sick slurping sound came from him as he began to feed on her. I felt the fear coming over me, tears streaming down my face as i watched the creature. Slowly he crawled over her, coming toward me. His eyes never left mine.

I moved back, bumping into Rocyla. Her hands grabbed onto my shoulders and i looked at them. One perfect and smooth, the other destroyed. Pale scars ran between her fingers up toward her wrist. "Let him show you Laila," she whispered. I looked up at her, her eyes were dark and empty as she looked at me. Teralyne dropped to her knees and crawled over to the cloaked creature, rubbing herself against him. I could hear the purr deep in her throat. A growl came from him and she moved away, her eyes meeting mine. He came closer, crawling over my legs, his claws brushing my pants. I could feel myself shaking, it was getting hard to breathe. The thick scent of animal invaded my lungs again, almost forcing the air out of me. A small pain came to my chest, it was faint, but i could feel it growing stronger. He was inches from face, i could feel the heavy ragged breaths. Reaching up he touched the scar on my face then his hands went to his hood. He paused and looked at me, then peeled it back.

I woke up screaming, my eyes wide, remembering the terrifying dream i was having. Fendewen rushed into my room, blade at his side. I pulled my knees closer to my chest and hugged them. He scanned the room then walked over to the window and closed it. He looked over at me and stood there, "are you ok?" I just shook my head yes and he headed for the door. I took a deep breath and tried to calm down, maybe i could just relax. He stopped by my bed and lean down to kiss my forehead. Before he kissed me he pulled back and looked at me. He looked around the room again then back at me. "What is it?" I asked. I watched him question himself then he went back to the window and locked it, closing the curtain as well. "Did Silence sleep with you?" he asked me. I shook my head no and he frowned. "Your room smells like cat,'' he said.

part 28

I was standing there, looking down from the rock I was on. Rocyla waved as she swam in the water below, her mouth moving but I couldnt hear her over the sound of the waterfall. I didn't need to hear her to know she was screaming for me to jump. The wind wrapped around me, playing with my hair, brushing it off my shoulders. I took a deep breath, I could do this. Once more I looked down into the frothy cascade of water in the pool below, a bit of fear returned. I stepped back a few feet and started to run toward the edge of the rock. As my foot hit the end i jumped.

The mist brushed my skin then i could feel the cool water sliding over me as i fell down the waterfall. The sound filled my ears like pounding drums. I gulped back a deep breath before i hit the pool below. Water beat down hard on top of me, slowly i shook my head and started to swim away, heading for the bank. When I broke the surface I reached out, grabbing onto the lush grass and lifted myself from the rippling pool. Water dripped off of me as i rolled onto my back, my chest heaving. "Laila!" Rocyla screamed as she fell down beside me, lifting me up. A small laugh came from me, "told you I would jump,'' I said. We both laughed and she pushed me away, "dont tell Fendewen I got you to jump, he will kill me." I thought about that then laughed again, getting up. I walked passed Rocyla and patted her back, "dont you worry, im not telling him,'' i said. She smiled at me then grabbed my arm and pulled me, trying to shove me back into the water. As i fell i grabbed onto her shirt and jerked her with me.

Faerie Queens view
I reached for the golden rail that ran down the length of the stairs. I knew it wasnt there before but it felt solid enough beneath my hand. Small droplets of water trickled down in front of me. I tried to ignore it, but when the next drop hit my cheek I looked up at the icicles above me. Another drop fell down and I opened my mouth without thinking. The water tasted pure and cold, it was almost sweet. Light and shadows dance across my skin, the sound of my feet hitting the stone floor echoed around me. I walked over to the stone water well, reaching out to touch the pool of water, it rippled beneath my finger tips. I watched the water turn a pale color, like clouds before the sun rises. "Show me my daughter," i whispered into the still air. The distant sound of harps became louder as i watched the fogged water, then her image came into view. Laila walked over to a man, smiling. He pulled her to him in a sweet embrace. I looked at them, seeing how happy she was, how alive she was. Who was this man. "Syrina," I called out. Her quick steps came behind me, "yes my Queen?" Turning to her I ran my hand through the water, ruining the image of my daughter and this man. "Fetch me my horse and guards, I leave at sunrise."

Lailas view
Fendewen picked me up and carried me upstairs. Playfully he shoved me in my room and closed the door, "get changed already!" he laughed. His steps faded down the hall and I heard his door close. I went over to my stack of clothes and picked out a dark blue dress, then took mine off and changed. Tonight there would be a barn fire, it would be so much fun. Our usual group would be there, but Talos was bringing some more people and so was Rocyla. I slipped my shoes off and quietly snuck out of my room, headed for Fendewens. I opened his door and stepped inside, he wasnt there. "Fen?" i said, taking a few more steps into the room. His arms wrapped around me and lifted me off the floor. A small giggle came out of me as he pulled me back onto the bed. I rolled over and pinned him down, softly kissing him. Our kisses got deeper, and he smiled against my lips. A sudden cough at the door made us quickly separate. I looked up, my face burning. Talos stood at the door, a cocky grin on his face,"when you two need a break from each other, fires ready" he laughed then walked away. Fendewen smiled, "you need a break yet?" he whispered. I looked at him and raised my eyebrow then crawled across the bed, pulling him to me, kissing him again. Softly biting his lip i then pulled away and got off the bed. "Maybe" i purred, winking at him as i left.

part 29

Me and Fendewen sat on a log by the fire watching Rocyla dance with Talos. An ember popped and sent sparks through the air, spraying over us. Teralyne screamed and grabbed onto one of the guys near her. I smiled and leaned down laying my head against Fendewens shoulder. "I wish I knew these people better," I whispered to him. He turned and looked at me, then reached down and took my hand in his. I ran my thumb over the top of his hand then stood up and pulled him with me. A man had brought a guitar with him, everyone around was dancing to his slow melody. Teralyne spun around the man, her dark dress swaying. The fire glistened in the mans eyes as he watched her. Carefully he handed his guitar to another man that was sitting down. As the music started back up, he turned, stepping to Teralyne and taking her hand. A smile crept to her face while they danced.
Teralynes view

I could smell his strong scent as he pulled me closer to him. He pressed his lips to my throat, a small growl escaped him. Pulling back a little I looked into his pale eyes, full of hunger. "We'll be right back," I said to everyone. He smiled and picked me up in his arms and started for the woods. I heard the grass slapping against his legs when he ran with me. I turned in his arms and pressed my lips to his, demanding him. As we reached the edge of the woods he set me down, we ran together. My heart was slamming against my chest, I gulped in the air, trying to slow my breathing enough to hear. Back in the shadows, the branches snapped as he called to me. I could see him, pressing his face against the bark of the tree, marking it. There had to be a full moon somewhere, but the clouds were so thick, the darkness so complete, we didnt know. "Can you feel the night" he said, almost a snarl. I smiled and walked toward him. He lifted me, pressing me against the tree and kissed me.

Throwing back his head he howled, his mouth full of glistening fangs now. His hands convulsed around my arms, then his power rolled over me, shoving into me. I couldnt see anything but the glow of it behind my eyes. I couldnt breathe, I couldnt scream. His fur broke through his skin, ripping over him. I felt it flowing under my hands. Muscles formed and shifted, bones broke. We slipped to the ground, my lower body trapped underneath him. Clear liquid gushed from his body, pouring over me in a scalding wave. I screamed and struggled to get out from under him. "Hurry!" I shouted. He rolled off me half man, half wolf. His fur a golden color. Then he looked at me with amber eyes and offered a clawed hand as he rose on two slightly bent legs. His wolf form was taller than his human shape, almost seven feet. My body was tingling from the brush of his beast. A low growl tore through the air and i felt the power ride me down. It filled me until my skin refused to hold anymore.

Lailas view
I stopped dancing and turned my head toward the woods. "Fendewen, do you hear that?" I asked him. Carefully he pulled me to the side, away from everyone. I could hear it perfect now, wolves howling in the distance. "Laila, there are wolves here,'' he said. I laughed some and nodded, "obviously.'' He pulled me to him and kissed me then turned me around with my back facing him and me looking at everyone. Very quietly he whispered to me," No Laila they are shape shifters, they turn into wolves. Almost everyone Talos brought is a wolf." As i listened to him I tried to understand, it was just so weird. Then I thought about Teralyne, fear gripped my heart, "will he kill her?" i asked him. He smiled and shook his head no, "she's a wolf too." I looked at everyone and saw some of them look back at me and smile. They were wolves, I never knew.
Everyone had sat back down around the fire, watching the smoke drift upward carrying small glowing embers with it. The strum of the guitar had faded now, some people started to tell stories, a few had begun to leave. Teralyne left with most of the pack, all that remained was Fendewen, Rocyla, and me. "I guess I should head home,'' Rocyla said. She stood and hugged us then started to walk away. I glanced over at Fendewen and pulled him closer to me. We sat back down, watching the fire finish off the sticks, only a pile of ash remained. I laid my head on his shoulder then softly kissed the side of his neck, "wanna go upstairs?" i whispered.

part 30

I started for the house, holding his hand when i felt him stop. "Laila, can we go somewhere else?" he asked. I looked at him and could tell he had a good idea by the grin on his face, "sure." We walked through the field, passed the cows and horses, heading for the woods. I lifted my face, letting the light and shadow dance across my skin. The wind slipping through the leaves made the night so peaceful around us. I heard him laugh a little and we kept walking. The moonlight was fading, creating new shadows around me. I stepped around a tree, ignoring his lead. The sudden pain on my legs made me yelp. I had walked into a briar patch, that now clung onto my shoes and legs. "You dont listen very well," he laughed as he stepped up behind me and lifted me in his arms then carefully moved back and around the tree, sitting me down. We continued walking and he reached over and took my hand, pulling me with him. "So you dont stray too far again," he said. The roar of the water became louder the closer we got. An old smile crept to my face when i thought about the night he kissed me behind the waterfall, that moment was so perfect. I turned to him "turn around,'' i whispered.

He looked at me for a minute then turned and crossed his arms, "and why am i doing this?" I didnt answer, I remained silent for a moment. Carefully I reached up and slid my fingers under the straps of my dress then pulled it over my shoulders and let if fall to the ground. Stepping out of it, i placed my foot under the dress and kicked it over toward him. Slowly i turned away and walked toward the ponds edge. The cool water slide over my skin the deeper i sunk. I could feel the slick mud squishing between my toes as i touched the bottom. I glanced back at him to make sure he was still turned around, then very quietly i sunk into the water. I swam to the waterfall, under it and to the other side, pulling myself onto the rock where we had kissed. I glanced up into the small cave near me, i wonder if he knows about it.
Fendewens view

It had become so quiet so i turned around. Laila was gone. I felt a slight panic run through me and i started to move. My foot caught onto something, almost tripping me. When i looked down i felt the smile grow on my face. Her dress was laying at my feet. "Laila," i called out. No answer. I called to her again, only to receive the same silence. After scanning the area i looked at the water to see if i could see her, then i heard her giggle. My eyes immediately went to the waterfall. I knew she was watching me. Carefully laying me weapons down i hid them beside a rock in the tall grass, then i took off my hat, shoes, and shirt. I knew she wasnt completely naked, i didnt want to show up that way. Just in case. I walked around the pond, until i knew she couldnt see me anymore. Then i jumped onto the rocks and climbed over toward the waterfall. The mist of it started to wet my skin as i passed behind it, i looked for her. But she wasnt where i thought she'd be. I climbed down and sat on the rock where we had kissed "Laila?" A small noise behind me caused me to turn. Pulling myself up the ledge i looked into a small cave and was almost inches from her beautiful face. Laila smiled at me. She was laying on her stomach, her hair was wet, clinging to her arms and back. Her eyes were a very light blue right now, her skin glowing. The moment was breathtaking. "Hi," she whispered. I leaned down toward her and she lifted her face to me. We shared a light kiss. I pulled away and moved closer to her, she never moved off her stomach. I got behind her, my legs on both sides of hers, then i reached down grabbing her hair, brushing it to the side. I leaned down and kissed her neck, then over her shoulder and slowly down her back. A shuddering breath came from her as my lips touched her scars.

She turned over and my mouth was near her stomach. I placed a kiss on her soft skin and moved up. My hands ran down her hips and i moved my legs, pulling hers around me. I leaned back down and kissed her chest. Her hand ran through my hair then she pulled me up toward her again. Our kiss was deeper this time, more passionate. "I've never done this," she whispered against my lips. I kissed her again,"i will stop when you want me to okay?" i told her. She nodded a little then kissed me again,"i love you."
I didnt pull away, i held her. Every breath she took, every small moan that escaped her beautiful...