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1306 Words
Elion’s home looked like the inside of a mini library. Book shelves standing, mounted, built in furniture. It was decorated with wooden accents, carved and constructed beautifully, with forest green cushions, throw-blankets and pillows. The decor translated through the rest of the home beautifully. He had a big office and kitchen. Another lounge room. Then an actual room that was the library and that was crazy to see because some books were floating! Literally floating! “They’re my books to be studied.” Elion said. I turned to see him leaning on the wall behind us. So aloof and calm. He made me feel settled. Safe. But again, you never know with people. I looked at the floating books once more than turned and waited for him. He took me up a few flights of stairs, the third flight had a door where we stopped. I looked between Elion and the door.
“This will be your room, Gia. For the time being.” He grabbed the doors knob and when he turned it and opened the door… nothing. A closet? I leaned to look in and around. Just a closet. My heart felt like it had stopped. Was this a sick joke? “Oh please excuse me, I haven’t had it ready for a guest in ages, quite literally.” He laughed nervously. It was charming. He looked genuinely flushed. Elion closed the door again. “Please, place your hand on the door. Think of your dream getaway.” I stood there and watched him. Knowing my face did not look pleased. Slowly I placed my hand on the center of the door. I looked at Elion, embarrassed that I was even listening to him, then back to the door. I closed my eyes. I pictured an all grey and black room, fully lit by twinkling lights, a shelf of books, my own bathroom with a grand tub. And a big window to look out of. I opened my eyes, suddenly feeling silly. Elion watching me in wonder. He placed his hand over mine and from behind the door, a shimmer of light flashed really bright then it was gone. I waited, removing my hand and stepping back. What in the actual hell… He stepped forward, opening it again to reveal what I literally just imagined!
I walked in amazed! A beautiful vanity across from a bed dressed in fluffy dark grey and black comforting and pillows. With black, sheer curtains elegantly hanging from its posts. The window was large and I could see out to the trees and snow. “Wow.” I admired the winter wonderland. And about two or three football fields away, was a glimmering cluster of lights on buildings, at least that what it looked like, emerging from the trees. “That’s the heart of Whispering Pines.” Elion interrupted my thoughts. I turned to him, “This is amazing. Thank you for making me feel comfortable.” He nodded, “I’m happy I can until this is all figured out.” That took me out of my trance.
“Can we sit and talk?” I asked him. Elion nodded enthusiastically. “Follow me to the kitchen.” He said kindly, with a reassuring smile.
I settled into the dining chair, and Elion scooted me in. I watched him walk around to the other end and sit. Resting his hand in his lap and looking at me. “Please.” He nodded, urging me to start us off, I guess.
“Oh- uh- okay. So, I am in Whispering Pines?” I started, and he nodded a yes. “And I was summoned here?” He nodded again to my question. “Why?” I asked. Elion sighed, smoothly untying his cloak’s tie and hauling it over his head and on to the other dining chair, “That I cannot answer. Whoever wanted you here had enough power to open a whole door to you. And if it was there for a few moments… Even portals I could open would not be very long. And only so many can even open these portals.” He finished. I watched him, “But you could, right?” His silence told me something was off when I asked this. Like I should not have shared that and kept it between Missus and I. “If you can, please…” Tears spilled over my eye lids. His face looked like he was pained to see me like this. “If you could please just send me home… I won’t tell anyone.” His eyes softened, “I would never ask you to deceive. However, it is forbidden for us to open the mortal world.” “Then who do I talk to! I want to go home! My family will be looking for me.” I lied. He sighed, “I’ll do everything I can to help you. But only the person who opened the portal for you, can do it again to send you home. As I said it is forbidden.” I knew my face gave away the frustration and lack of patience I had. “So much for forbidden, someone did it!” I said my voice rising the slightest at the end. I took a deep breath, “Prince Elion. Please.” I tried once more. He rose, pushing his chair in. “My answer won’t change and I cannot- will not- open another door. It leads to situations like such.” Elion stood firm. I almost wanted to scream! I stood. “I’m going to my room then.” I said, my voice cracking slightly. “You haven’t eaten.” Elion said, “At least eat.” He seemed genuine about his concern for my eating. I simply turned from him ascending the stairs to the third floor.
I sat in the room. Watching as the wind blew outside. I had thought about leaving. Trying to make my way to - I’m not even sure where I’d even go. Like home, I wouldn’t survive this cold. Not alone. It had been some time since I’d left Elion downstairs. I felt the need to calm down so I wouldn’t panic again for the millionth time today… Elion said I’d have to be ‘summoned’ here. What if he was the one who did?! That’s why he could not - would not- send me home. I felt a wash of angst come over me. “I need to know where I am.” I whined and said to myself. Letting my forehead rest on my palms.
I suddenly heard a small thump. I looked up. Everything looked normal until I realized there was a book floating just outside of where it was shelved, as it was the only row not standing straight anymore. One had fallen over. I watched the thick floating book. It just hovered there. I rose and walked to it slowly. I reached out to grab it. When it was in my grasp I felt its full weight in my palm. Causing me to have to catch it with both hands. I looked at its beautiful, handmade etches in the leather bind. I turned it over and in gold it read: History of Whispering Pines. I looked around. I was alone, so no one could have done it. And books were hovering all around the house. Elion called them his “to be studied” books. Did he simply ask something, and it came to him for them to do that?…
I brought the book to the large bed with me. Opening it. It felt as if a gust of wind engulfed me quickly when I did. I started by skimming pages then returned to the first page. I took a deep breath and began reading.
- Writer
