The Abyss

part 5

A few days later..
I lay back in the soft grass, lacing my fingers behind my head. The warm sunlight touched my skin as the wind ruffled my dress. Turning my head I watched a grasshopper creep up the blade of the tall grass. I reached my hand out to touch it only for it to jump out of reach. Sitting up, I took a deep breath inhaling the scent of the sweet flowers and berries that flowed through the meadow. I heard Fendewen laughing as he came closer, "get up." I got to my feet then put my hand on my stomach and rubbed it, "when are we gonna eat?" He playfully shoved me when he walked by, "wont be long."

He pulled some of his armor and weapons off, down to a simple leather clothing. Then he looked at me, "we need to get you some more clothes." I just nodded and prepared for our training. Bending down I touched my toes and started to stretch. "What.. are you doing?" He asked. I laughed a little then stood back up, putting my hands out in front of me, "bout to kick your butt." He raised his eyebrow then smiled at me, "close your eyes." I did as I was told. Everything became deathly silent then he put his hands on my arms and held me. "Trust yourself, use your senses, everything is not what it seems." He let go of my arms, "now hit me." I stood straight and turned around, "how can i hit you with my eyes closed Fen?" His laughter came from behind me again, "find me." I heard the ground crunch beside me and I swung my arm out, only finding air. He popped me in the head. "Hey!" I opened my eyes and turned to him, "what the heck!" Shrugging his shoulders he motioned for me to turn back around. I let out a deep breath then turned, closing my eyes again. I could feel him moving but I couldnt figure out where he was, air brushed passed my face and I swung out again, only for him to pop me. "damn it," i mumbled. He pushed me forward, "Thats twice Laila, something would have killed you by now. Pay attention." This went on until the sun was setting. "Stop moving!" I screamed. I opened my eyes and jerked around to find him looking at me, trying to keep a straight face but failing. He put his hand over his mouth and let out deep laugh. Stepping closer to him I popped him in the head, "feed me before I eat you." He reached down and plunked a piece of grass then handed it to me, "eat up." Turning away he laughed and started to walk. "Thats not funny Fendewen!"

We walked back to the tree house and he pulled out some carved bowls and filled them with fruit then slid one over to me. I touched everything in the bowl, so many berries. Quickly I got up and ran over to the funnel to pour some of the tree sap on top of my berries. Then I sat on the floor, crossing my legs and put the bowl in my lap. I looked up at him spearing his berries with a thin blade and eating them, a warm feeling fluttered in my stomach, smiling to myself I looked back down and began to devour my berries. Juice dripped down my chin and i licked it away then started cleaning the sap off my fingers. Fen coughed and I glanced at him to see him shaking his head at me, "you are a weird one," he laughed. "We should get some sleep." He got up and took our bowls then went over to the hammocks, "top or bottom?" he asked. I looked at him and smiled, "which do you prefer?" His eyes grew a little wide then he turned away and climbed into the bottom hammock. I giggled and walked over then patted his head, "its ok I kinda like being on top," i said. Then i hopped up into my bed and laid down. Pushing off the wall, my hammock swayed some. I crossed my legs and started to hum. "Laila?" he whispered. "Yes?" I whispered back. I heard the smile in his voice, "go to bed." I turned over on my stomach and leaned over the side of the hammock and looked down at him, my hair falling down some. He turned his head and looked up at me. All i could do was smile, "thanks for everything." The cat crept into the room and nudged Fendewens bed, "come on," he said, patting his legs. Silence crawled into his hammock laying against him, softly purring. His eyes looked up at me, locking onto mine. Finally the cat blinked and i let out a breath and rolled back over, closing my eyes, letting sleep consume me.

When I woke up it was still dark out, i glanced down at Fendewens bed, only Silence slept there. Carefully i dropped to the floor and snuck down the hatch. The grass was wet with dew and a cold breeze swept over me. I walked toward the pond to see if he was there. Hanging moss tickled my face as I hopped on a fallen log, the rough and knotted tree bark pressing against my feet. A splash came from the distance. Jumping from the log I hurried up the path. I wanted to surprise him, so i tried to be as quiet as possible. Lowering my body to the grass in the meadow, I crept toward the water. I could see him standing in the middle of the pond, his hair wet sticking to him, then floating on the surface as he sunk back down disappearing for a minute. I waited for him to come up then i smiled at an idea. I made sure he wasnt up then i ran back some, crouched down and waited.. When the bubbles started to appear I ran toward the pond. Jumping and grabbing onto my legs, then bursting through the calm waters. As i released my legs I swam up toward the surface and looked around for him. He laughed then splashed some water at me. I sunk down in the water and swam to the bottom, pushing my hands in the mud. Then pressing my feet on the ground and shoving back toward the surface. His face was so serious, "Laila.. you better not." I smiled and swam a little closer to him. "Better not what?" I giggled. Suddenly he grabbed me and pulled me to him, pressing a hand to my mouth. I watched his eyes move at something behind me. Slowly I turned around, he let me, but guided me back closer to him. I tried to understand what I was seeing, my mind sick with fear. Fendewen pulled me behind him and pressed us back toward the rocks. "What is that.." I whispered. He was silent watching the creature. Its enormous body stomped around the edges of the water, dragging a large club behind it. Sharp teeth pressed on the outside of its lips. I felt myself gulp when he whispered to me, "its an ogre.."

part 6

He pushed me back against the rock and started to move away, but i grabbed his arm. His eyes met mine and a moment of understanding passed between us. "I have to get my stuff Laila," he whispered. Carefully he pulled away and sunk into the water. My eyes went back to the ogre watching its every move.
Fendewens view

I made sure its back was turned as I slid out of the water, dragging myself into the tall grass. I kept crawling until I found a tree to crouch behind. The ogre leaned its head back and took a breath, inhaling the scents around him. He glanced down at the pile of armor on the ground and picked it up, shaking it around, then throwing it to the side. I watched him look out at the pond and i looked to see if Laila was still hidden, but I didnt see her. If I cant see her, I know it wont. Moving through the grass I followed the creature until it moved passed my weapons. I was closer than I should be, but I reached out and slowly grabbed my dagger. A sharp grunt caused me to look up and the ogre had turned around. I yanked my weapon up and stepped back as he came toward me. With snarls escaping his mouth he began to batter at me as if to pound me into the ground. His large fist reaching out then crushing against the earth again.

Lailas view
I was running back to the tree, I could hear the ogre crushing things and growling, please Fen be okay. I ran up the tree and climbed inside. The cat was pacing back and forth across the wood flooring, "you ok?" I asked him. Silence turned his head toward me and I felt like he was saying so much I just couldnt understand. He came toward me and stepped behind me, pressing his head against my legs pushing me. He kept nudging me until I got to the window. Fear gripped my heart as I looked out at the trees. Far is the distance smoke clouded above the forest. I could see the fire, spread so far across the horizon. Tears formed in my eyes and started dripping down my face. Looking down at the pond I could see Fendewen running. I jerked back around and looked at the room. Grabbing some rope I jumped back down the hatch, "Silence come on we have to go!" I screamed.

We ran back toward the pond, "the forest is on fire!" I yelled to Fendewen. He looked at me and in that split second the ogre reached for him, jerking him off the ground making him drop his dagger. I couldnt breathe.. The ogres hands wrapped around his body and he squeezed him, forcing a small yell from him. I ran to the ogres side and started punching it, only to be ignored. Fendewen screamed for me to get him his dagger. I went back to it and lifted it off the ground, as I turned I could see Silence tearing across the field, "no.." the dagger slipped from my hand. The cat leapt in the air, its claws extended. It landed on the ogres back and dug his teeth into its shoulder. Shrieking in pain the ogre dropped Fendewen and reached back trying to grab the cat. Blood oozed down the ogres shoulder as Silence ripped its flesh away. Fendewen ran over to me and picked up his dagger, "Laila get out of here!" he screamed. I looked up at him, "im sorry.."

The ogre grabbed Silence and slung him forward. The cat slid across the dirt tumbling into a tree, he didnt move. Fendewen ran passed the ogre toward his pet, dropping to his knees at Silence's side. The ogre started toward them. I got to my feet and grabbed some of the rope running for the ogre. Grabbing onto its armor I climbed up its back and slung the rope over its head twisting it around its neck. Pulling back as hard as I could I tied the end. The ogre leaned back grabbing for me, its large fingers brushing at the rope around its neck. I heard Fendewen yell and I looked up at him. He pulled a large stick off the ground and came toward us. The ogre lunged at him and Fendewen swung. The stick slammed across the ogres face, bursting, splints of wood flew past me. The ogre stunned, dropped to its knees. I looked at Fendewen, his muscles quivering, jaw clenched. Eyes so cold, full of pure anger. He reached back pulling his dagger out and stepped closer to the ogre and grabbed onto the rope I was holding on its neck. Jerking the ogre down to him he forced the dagger into its chest. I let go of the rope and slid off its back, stepping away.

Fendewens view
The adrenaline rushing through me wasnt enough, Silence was hurt. The ogre took a few shuddering breaths, the poison from the blade was working. I could smell the smoke in the air, we were running out of time. Pulling the dagger from its chest i stared into the ogres eyes and slit its throat, watching the life drain from him. I stepped back letting his body fall. Laila stood behind him, her eyes failed to meet mine, but the look on her face was all I needed. I cleaned off my blade then went back to my armor and quickly put everything back on. When I turned back I could see Laila, she was on her knees beside Silence. Her soft crying filled the air and she reached out to pet him. A sudden rush through the trees caught my attention. Turning from them I looked out over the meadow. Animals ran everywhere, panic filling them. Then more ogres stepped from the trees. They just kept coming. "Laila," I yelled. "We have to go now!"

part 7

Lailas view
I heard Fendewen screaming but I couldnt move. Looking down at Silence I felt the guilt beginning to fill me. He ran over to me and tried to move me, "let me do it!" I screamed. With tears pouring down my face I slid my arms under Silence and pulled him off the ground. The weight of the cat leaned against me as I tried to get to my knees. "Laila, let me carry him we have to hurry," Fendewen said. I shook my head and slowly got to my feet. Even though I said no he reached out and helped me hold carry the cat. We carried him through the woods trying to find a way around the ogres and fire.

Thick clouds of grey covered the sky above us, ash blew with the wind. The sound of cracking filled the air as the fire torched the trees. Painful heat pushed against our bare skin, almost blistering us. I began to cough as the smoke invaded my lungs. Fendewen stopped walking and took Silence in his arms completely, "tear your dress and wrap your face so you can breathe." He continued to walk and I did as he said. Lifting my dress so i could bite the cloth and rip it, then pulling some away. I lifted it to my face and covered my nose and mouth then tied it behind my head. I ran to catch up with him and tried to help him with the cat but he refused. Flames licked at the trees around us, braches began to fall. Fendewen jumped from the path as one crashed in front of us. He kicked at it, I moved past him to help. Quickly grabbing and slinging it away. But the grass still burned. I grabbed a branch, the wood quivered as I fought to break it from the tree. I beat out every last ember until all that remained was a cold pile of nothing. With trembling arms, I placed the branch on the ground.
a few hours later..

Fendewen moved quickly through the woods, even while he carried the panther, it didnt slow him down. The destruction around us was so intense. We had gotten out of the fire and entered into the mountains. "i have to take him to someone to make sure hes ok" Fendewen said. "Do you want me to carry him yet?" i asked. Looking down he just nodded and handed Silence to me. The cat was very heavy, I leaned down and pressed my face against his fur, "please be ok." We walked up the stone path, the jagged rocks digging into my feet. The air was cooler here, as night began to fall the different hues of purple and blue streaked across the sky. Pebbles crunched under our feet, "this really hurts" I whispered. He turned and looked at me then looked down at my feet. A frown formed on his face, "set Silence down." Carefully i crouched down and let the cat sit on the ground. He lifted his head and looked at me, then laid back down. Fendewen stepped over to me and picked me up in his arms. "Silence, come." Carrying me he walked away, "you dont have to do this," i said. He just looked in front of us and kept moving. Silence crept up next to us and I smiled down at the cat. Fendewen slowed his pace so he could keep up.

As we entered into the top of the mountain he set me down. The thin grass felt good on my feet. I followed them to the side of a hill, laying against it was a large piece of wood with a rope coming through the side. Fendewen reached down and grabbed the rope, pulling back the wood. I looked down into the hole. There was a ladder and a small light coming from the inside. "Silence dont stray to far," he said reaching over to pet him. Turning toward me he stepped down into the hole and climbed down the ladder, "come on." Copying what he did I went after him. A potent smell invaded my nose and mouth, leaving a bitter taste on my tongue. As I reached the bottom I turned to see a large room with dried flowers and herbs hanging from the ceiling, there were shelves with jars filled with seeds, roots, oils, and things i didnt recognize. A pot was bubbling over a stone fireplace, wood stacked next to it. Then I noticed the woman. Her messy grey hair was pulled back in a bun on her head, her sleeves rolled up as she crushed fresh herbs into a bowl. The scraping of her spoon made me wince every time.

"Celeste, I need your help" Fendewen said. She turned her head toward us and I felt my blood leave my body. Her skin wrinkled with age and her eye was a pale blue, but the right side of her face was different. Torn skin reveled the side of her mouth and scars ran up her cheek into an empty eye socket. Her face was twisted in scarred tissue. I gasped for air realizing I hadnt breathed, they both looked at me. "Shes burned," Celeste muttered. Climbing from her seat she came my way, her deathly cold hands grabbed my arm and she pulled me toward a counter. I laid down on it and watched her walk away. When she came back she spread a foul-smelling poultice over the burn on my arm, not bothering to be gentle about it. "Ouch," I hissed at her. "You dont have anything to numb the pain?" Fendewen asked her. Turning to him with a wicked laugh she answered, "maybe i left out an ochre root but my forgetfulness will cure her stupidity next time."

part 8

I sat on the dirt floor, leaning back against the wall listening to Fendewen and Celeste talk. Looking down at myself I saw how dirty I had become on our escape here. "Celeste do you have some clothes I can borrow?" She turned and looked at me, "yes but you need to bathe first."

She led me deeper into her home, down a tunnel and into a small room. There was a large tub carved from wood and a thick curtain hanging from the ceiling hiding the it from the rest of the room. She left then came back carrying another dress, "this is i can find for you, but you are welcome to make your own." A smile passed over my face as i took the dress from her, "thank you." She stepped around me and grabbed onto a large stick that was shoved in the wall, with a quick pull she got it loose. Water poured out the hole and started filling the tub, "its going to be cold, but its river water," she said then she was gone. I took my dress off and stepped into the tub. The cold water felt good on my burns and feet. Sinking completely under the water I slowly let out my breath then listened to the air bubbles pop on the waters surface.

Celeste gave us some things to trade in the market once we got to town. She hugged Fendewen and nodded at me, but it made me smile. As we climbed out he called for Silence and we watched him come crawling from under a large boulder. Then we continued our journey. "So whats in this town we are going to?" i asked him. He shrugged some, "people, food, buildings? The usual." I laughed at his answer. "Thats not what I meant, whats the point in going?" He stopped walking, "does it matter?" I glanced at him then shook my head and kept walking. We walked in silence for a while. "Celeste was nice." I muttered. He nodded. "When we get to town please stay close to me, dont wander off too far," he said. I started to think about where we were going, maybe it was like faerie. "Fendewen, when you say people.." He cleared his throat, "i mean expect anything."

later.. in the town of Talysmont.

We walked down the cobbled street, side by side, Silence following close behind us. Large wooden stalls covered the grass next to the road. People shouting out to everyone to come see what they have, but we never stopped. The sounds of bartering, laughter, and animals filled the air. A man stepped up to the seller of one stand and shook a pouch of coins at him, the man smiled and stepped aside for him, letting him come inside his stand. There were women dancing through the street, tight dresses hugging their bodies, their beaded necklaces clicking together. Fendewen looked over at me and smiled, I returned it. One of the women came up to us and her eyes met mine as she looked me over, then she turned to him and winked, "how about it mister?" He shook his head at her, "where is the tavern?" She frowned at him and pointed to a building down the street, then she stormed away.

We walked into the tavern and the smell of food overwhelmed me. A long bar sat next to the door, bottles lined the wall behind it. Candles lit the place, each one on a small wooden table. The noise was almost too much. People talking and yelling, glasses clinking, the loud thump of mens mugs on the tabletop, and chairs scraping. I looked out at the people, just like the ones outside. Different races gathered here like it was nothing. "I'll be right back," Fendewen said. He stepped through the people and dissappeared through the back. After a slight hesitation, I squeezed myself onto an empty seat at the counter. A small man slouched next to me, his legs dangling off the chair. Scruffy red hair puffed from the edges of his cap and his beard reached down to his chest. The collection of empty mugs in front of him suggested this was not his first time here. "ye plannin on drinkin tonight, eh?" he slurred at me. I laughed some but shook my head at him, "nah not tonight." I felt someone sit on the other side of me so I turned to see who it was.

If it wasnt for Fen i wouldnt know what an elf looked like. This one was slightly different though. His skin was lightly tanned and he had short dark brown hair. I looked at his ears and felt the need to reach out and touch them. As he turned to me I meant to look away but I couldnt. Our eyes met and I stared at him. A smile came to his face, "hello miss." I turned back to the counter, "hi." He laughed some, "nervous much?" I looked at him from the corner of my eye, "new here." He nodded and put his arms on the counter, "i can show you around if youd like?" I turned back toward him to see Fendewen put his hand on the guys shoulder, "wont be necessary." Reaching out toward me he grabbed my hand and pulled me away from the counter. We walked out of the room and up some stairs then down a hallway to an open door. Stepping in the room he pulled me inside then closed the door. "We got a room for a few days. This is it, " he said. I crossed my arms and looked at him, "you couldnt tell me that downstairs?" He laughed and threw a blanket at me, "just go to sleep Laila, he'll be there tomorrow."

part 9

I stepped out of the room very early that morning. I had a lot of things I wanted to do. Walking back down the stairs I passed a few people, they smiled my way, things were easier here, much more comfortable. As i went outside I could see that the stalls were set back up, the people already there waiting. I walked by them really looking this time. There were ones with bright fabric clothing hanging from the sides of it, some with fruit and wine, others had leather goods and weaponry. I continued to follow the path through the town. On another part closer to the homes, cages were set up. Goats tied to a post chewed at the grass, live chickens and rabbits sat in the cages, and stray dogs moved between people begging for attention and food. I kneeled down and whistled to one of the dogs. Quickly it ran over and pushed its face against my chest. For a while I just sat there and pet it. "Looks like she likes you," someone said. I turned to see the elf from last night. He took a bite out of an apple and nodded at me. "Well hello," i laughed. Then he said, "im glad you are still here, I never got to properly introduce myself. Xithyl is my name." I smiled at him then stood up, "Laila." He smiled back, "that is beautiful."

We walked together looking at booths. I reached down touching a pale green fabric, its silky textures rubbing against my finger tips. "Do you like that?" he asked me. I nodded, "its pretty." Going to the next stand he brought up a string of beads and held them out to me. I let the small black pearls fall into my hands, they shone in the sunlight. "Hold your hair up," he said. I did as he told me and felt him slip the necklace around my neck. "Just like i thought, it looks amazing." He gave the man some coins and we walked away. I reached up and touched the necklace, running the smooth stones between my fingers. "You didnt have to buy me that," I said. He smiled at me, "yeah i did."

We bought some more things, mostly food. Then walked out toward some grass. He pulled his cloak off and laid it on the ground. We sat down and dumped the fruits and bottles between us. I picked up a peach and inhaled it sweet scent. Moving it to my mouth i felt the thin fuzzies on the skin rub against my lip then i took a bite. Happiness exploded through me as the juice dripped down my chin. Peaches were amazing. Xithyl was eating nuts of some kind, throwing them in the air and catching them in his mouth. The dog from earlier came up to us and i tore a piece from my peach and held it out to her. She smelled it then took it and smacked loudly as she ate it. It was amusing to me watching her eat. I got some of the bread we had and broke off a few pieces, setting them on the edge of the cloak. We both laughed as she went after them. "So where did you come from," he asked me. I thought for a moment then told him a town not too far from here. He nodded then stood up, "I should get you back. Your friend might be worried." Fendewen.. crap.

He walked me to the tavern then handed me another peach, "for later" he laughed. I thanked him then headed back inside. Fendewen wasnt in the room, i guess he went out too. I went downstairs and back outside, a thought had came to me. Running back down the street I came to the stand where i had seen the green cloth. Pulling coins from my pockets i paid the man and grabbed some green and black cloth, with some golden string. Then I noticed these boots. I had to have them.

Running back to our room I was so excited. I shut the door and dumped everything on the floor then sat in the middle of it. Tearing cloth i laid it out and broke my string measurements. I needed a needle. I went back downstairs and headed to the bar, "do you have a needle?" i asked the man behind the counter. He shook his head no, "ask someone at the lady house."

I knocked on the door of the home and a girl answered. "Ohh," she purred. "Call me Mirabella, how can i help you?" I smiled at her slight gap between her teeth, "I just need a needle." I small sign of dissapointment came across her face but she let me inside. "One moment," she said, and disappeared. When she came back I noticed these pants she was wearing....