“That sounds like a wonderful plan.” Emily lifted her glass, ignoring the logic trying to push its way into her mind. I'm going to enjoy this, no matter what!
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22. Ellhion
“We’re almost there!” Sam’s voice rang out with excitement. Behind him, Renee rolled her eyes. Her struggles with the awkwardly fitted pants increased as her light sandals simultaneously rubbed against her aching feet. Looking ahead at the enthusiastic Sam though, she simply sighed and pasted on a smile. After all….he did say we’re nearly there…With that in mind, she simply continued forward, following behind Sam’s effortless pace.
Five more minutes of jogging progressed before Renee gave into the overwhelming desire to say something. “I thought you said we were close, where is this guy already?” Her impatience grew as she glanced up at the setting sun. Fear crept into her mind. What if we end up trapped in these woods, alone in the dark…..I don’t even have little guy here to comfort me…
“Here it is!” Sam’s voice rang out with pure joy. He pointed ahead to where a large cavern rested. Its outer structure was not unlike the one that brought Renee to this strange place. However, the inside of this cave was pitch black. Its entrance faced east, away from the setting sun’s light. “Ellhion!” Sam yelled the name loudly. Guess he doesn’t care if he’s sleeping after all…Renee giggled quietly at the thought. Then, out of the dark depths of the cave, she caught a glimpse of a massive body rise and shake. What is that thing? Chills ran up her spine. Sam was still approaching the entryway but Renee’s feet froze in place. A massive growl echoed in the chambers of the cavern. and she felt an overwhelming desire to run. I can’t leave Sam behind…Just then, the creature moved into the light. Sam was simultaneously looking back at Renee with a quizzical expression. He was clearly confused as to why she stopped.
“Sam!” Renee was still frozen in place, tempted to run, yet unable to move. Her body prepared to grab the foolish boy and take off in the other direction. Before she could move, the massive, furry head was fully revealed. It was a Siberian tiger. Oh crap...
“Why, I’ve had quite a great day myself. How has your day been?” Sam was smiling vividly.
Is he talking to the thing? Renee was at a loss. Her body was completely immobile. A mixture of curiosity and fear rushed through her now. Sure enough, the creature responded in a series of small growls and lowered his head down, rubbing his fur against the side of Sam’s cheek. Sam laughed wildly; he was clearly comfortable with the situation. The tiger redirected his attention and stared at Renee, releasing a small growl as he did so.
“Oh, how rude of me. Yes, this is someone I would like you to meet.” Sam was definitely trying to sound proper. He’s trying to impress the growling tiger now? Oh…that’s just great….just wonderful…Renee was not happy about this situation in the slightest. Sam waved to her, as though implying she should approach closer. Renee shook her head, steadfast in her location several feet back. It was already taking everything in her to not run off in the other direction. She also knew such an action could potentially trigger a kill switch in the animal’s instincts. She used this logical excuse to satisfy her curiosity from a distance.
“It’s okay, Renee. Has he not been reassuring enough thus far?” Sam’s expression was one of bewilderment. The tiger leaned his head in closer to Sam’s own. For a second, Renee scanned the forest for any kind of potential weapon. The creature let out a light growl and sadness seemed to cross his eyes. “What? No way, how could she not hear you?” Now Sam was the upset one.
“Oh, I can hear every growl just fine.” Renee was still not about to budge.
“That’s it, you only hear growling?” A look of extreme disappointment crossed over Sam’s face. The creature offered him several more growls as, seemingly, an explanation.
“Well of course, he is a tiger…tigers do growl you know? You really should step away Sam.” Renee wanted him to come closer to her more than anything. An overwhelming mix of fear and sadness rushed over her. Here she finally found her lost friend, only to discover that he lost his sanity.
“Ellhion says it’s because you’re not a citizen of Neveah…” Sam's head hung low.
“Ellhion is that thing’s name?” Renee regretted the words as the animal reared up his head and let out a massive roar in her direction.
“Please, she does not mean any disrespect, she doesn’t know any better.” Sam’s attention was directed at the tiger again. With one final, small growl, the creature turned around and retreated into his cave. “Great, now you hurt his feelings, way to go Renee.” Sam was clearly pissed. He walked towards her with a look of defeat in his eyes. “You remember when we were in the woods and you heard that strange voice warning you about the snake?” Sam started.
“Yes, what about it?” Renee did not see where this was going.
“Well, I didn’t believe you at first, right? I thought you’d gone bonkers. Then it turned out you were telling the truth.”
“Ok, what’s your point?”
“This is the exact same situation, Renee. I realize you’re not a citizen and you can’t understand him, but I truly can. I need you to humor me for a moment and at least apologize to him, for my sake, please.”
“You want me to apologize to a tiger?” Renee’s expression said it all.
“Yes and stop acting like it’s so ridiculous. The animals here are unlike any you’ve ever known before.” Sam was unyielding.
Renee reflected upon the interaction at the feeding trough, seeing all different types of animals eating together peacefully. Then she remembered how she got this far in the first place. “Little Guy…” The words came out as a half whisper, intended to remain a thought.
“Who is Little Guy?” Sam was lost now.
“The cardinal that led me here….he revealed the entrance to the cavern.”
“Oh, you mean Winston?” Sam burst into laughter.
“I liked the name, Little Guy….wait, you can talk to him too?” Renee was trying to process this.
“Yes and that guy is a spunky little character, very insistent when he wants to be…” Sam clearly drifted off into a reflection of his own. Suddenly excitement crossed his face. “Okay, Renee, humor me by apologizing to Ellhion; then we can find Winston and I’ll translate for him to you. You can ask him any question about the journey, something only you and he would know. Would that prove to you that I can talk to them?” Sam’s absolute confidence was astounding.
Renee hesitated a moment and then she remembered the way Little Guy used his wing like an arm, waving to direct her. It would make sense the character's intelligence level was higher than the average bird. She was already all but convinced. “Ok, deal.” Renee stated the words boldly. However, as they approached the cavern’s entrance, she swallowed hard and crept forward. “Ellhion?” She eked out hesitantly. There was a light growl from the bowels of the cavern. “What’d he say?” Renee looked to Sam for an answer.
“Oh, nothing important, go ahead and say what you intended…” Sam was probably lying. More than likely, Renee’s performance thoroughly angered the creature. She now assumed he was throwing in an insult of his own. Nevertheless, it was time to be the bigger being. Well, theoretically at least.
“Ellhion, I’m sorry. Sam explained everything to me and I feel horrible for being rude to you.” The words came out smoother than she expected. Perhaps Sam’s eager face was all the encouragement she needed. The tiger hesitantly leaned up from his resting position and slowly approached the cave’s entrance. Finally, he was a mere three feet from her face. He remained there, silently, for some time. The tiger was staring her directly in the eyes. To her pleasant surprise, it was not a look of hunger or a blank stare. It was something far deeper. There was a gentle kindness in his eyes interwoven with pain. It was as though he was trying to tell Renee something without releasing a single sound. It felt like a warning. It was undoubtedly not a threat in any way, Renee could sense that much now
, but it was more so a cautioning of what would come for her. After what felt like an eternity and a connection of their souls, the tiger bowed his head to her. Raising it, he turned to Sam. He released a series of small growls, and then returned to his cave.
Sam’s look instantaneously turned into one of concern. “We need to see Miria immediately.” The words were more a command than anything else.
“What about Little Guy….I mean, Winston?” Renee's question seemed minuscule compared to the bigger picture. Still, she longed to grant her winged friend a more formal 'thank you.'
“I’m sorry but that will have to wait…..follow me.” Sam was not asking. He rushed the other direction at a jogging pace. Renee's body followed accordingly as her mind drifted. What were those last growls? The thought would later consume Renee.
Sam flew through the woods as though it was nothing. Renee kept up with him for some time, but alas was starting to feel winded.
“Can….we….slow down?” The words left her lips amongst heavy breathing. Sam slowed from a full jog to a speed walker’s pace.
“We really must hurry.” He was insistent.
It took Renee several seconds to catch her breath before she could respond. “Can you...at least....tell me what has you so worried?”
“No, I’m sorry, but Ellhion was very specific. Miria will explain to you what she chooses, but that is not for me to decide.”
“Since when have you been a rule follower?” Renee’s irritation was back in full blast.
“This is bigger than you or I. Besides, when Ellhion gives instructions, they are followed, period.” Sam was not budging.
“Why is that? If all the animals here talk, what is so special about Ellhion?” Renee was not about to just give up on the issue.
Sam stopped in place and faced her. “Ellhion is second in command only to The Protector himself. When he gives instructions, you follow them, okay? Now, if you’re up to it, I would like to jog again. We’re almost there.” There was no youthful leniency or play in Sam’s voice. His resolution was as strong as any man’s. Without waiting for a response, Sam resumed their jogging pace.
Finally, they approached the hut where Renee first met Miria. Images of the hug that would forever change her life flashed into her mind. She could almost feel the comforting embrace all over again.
Sam stopped suddenly in front of the hut and tapped on its outer edge. “It is Sam and Renee. I have an important message for Miria. May I enter?” His formality was shocking. Before speaking to Ellhion, Renee never heard Sam converse in such a serious and proper manner. It was nice, in an odd way.
“Absolutely, enter as you wish.” This was the voice of Miria.
Sam rushed forward. “I have very urgent news to discuss with you.” Miria nodded and then stood in silence, seemingly waiting for him to continue with delivery of the message. “Alone.” Sam turned to Renee, insistent in his nature.
“Okay, okay.” Renee exited the hut feeling shunned. She waited outside several minutes, desperately trying to translate their subtle whispers into tangible words. She failed miserably and finally sat down outside the hut, crossing her arms. Her frustration with the awkwardly fitted pants was now growing more than ever. She fidgeted through several different sitting positions before finally resting in an Indian-style pose. Just as she got comfortable, Sam and Miria emerged from the hut. Both of their faces wore the same expression of deep, genuine concern. Renee jumped to her feet, desperately hoping to be filled in on at least some of the new information.
Miria was the first to speak. “Have you seen the dock yet, Renee?”
Renee opened her mouth, clearly tempted to respond with a flabbergasted response and ask how that could be relevant at this time. However, a single glare from Sam implied such action was not appropriate. “No…well, only from the water looking up.” Renee managed to keep her composure.
“Follow me then, we shall take a brief walk.” Miria spoke the words slowly, as though they were chosen with caution. She was clearly in a deep state of thought. Looking across Renee and her current wardrobe seemed to provide a momentary distraction and she shot Sam a questioning glance.
“Sorry.” Sam shrugged his shoulders.
Miria just rolled her eyes, a light smile crossing her face. “We shall get you some fresh, more appropriately sized pants, immediately. Follow me, my dear.” Miria’s words were soft and gentle, as always. Oh, forget the freaking pants….what the heck is going on here? Renee desperately wanted to yell the thought out loud but forced it to rest within the boundaries of her own mind.
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23. A Burning Desire
After several more glasses of wine and multiple puffs off the hookah, Emily's head spun. “This wine is aweeesoommee…” She smiled at Ethan, tossing her hand on his leg.
“Yes, it realllly is…” He was clearly feeling the effects too. “Can I ask you something?” Ethan was clearly trying to keep a straight face now.
“Of course, anything.” Emily flung her hands into the air. She was definitely past the point of composure.
“Do you know how beautiful you are?” He was looking her directly in the eyes. There might as well have been fireworks going off inside the building.
“That’s very sweet…for you…to say…” She stood up, turning her face from him and walked toward the glass wall, staring at the view of the city. Even under the influence, she could truly appreciate its beauty. Looking further to the left, she noticed an odd facility. It was massive and solid concrete, a wire fence surrounding the place. “What’s that overrr there?” She pointed as she half stumbled, looking back at him. Ethan came up to her side and examined the view.
“Oh, that….it’s basically the prison of Luthania…” He suddenly seemed more sober.
“There’s a prison here? Why? This place is fucking perfect” Emily laughed loudly. Her give a damn level was completely gone.
“Well, we do have some rules here, you know…..but other rules you may have known in the past do not exist here….” He started running his fingertips gently across her arm.
“You mean like an 18 year old drinkin? Ha!” Emily found the thought hilarious. After all, the laws back home never stopped her from having a good time.
“Well that….and moral codes, if you will….” At this, he wrapped his arm around her waist and leaned in closer. Emily pursed her lips blatantly. Ethan ignored them, opting to delicately kiss her neck instead. Goose bumps ran all over Emily's body. She wanted him. She wanted him now.
Seemingly picking up on her desires, Ethan asked, “Would you like to see my room here?”
The hunk then gently took her hand as he walked forward. Her body followed automatically. Her eyes glued to his perfect chest. She barely noticed as they passed a kitchen with marble countertops and cherry wood cabinets. They were quickly approaching an open doorway. The bedroom beyond it was lovely.
Marvelous decorations covered every wall. In the center rested a massive king sized bed with wood engravings all across the headboard. Emily released his hand and headed straight towards the comforting surface. As she fell onto it, she felt she was sinking into a sea of clouds. Ethan sat on the edge beside her, smiling and watching as she waved her arms in a swimming motion. “It’s sooo soft…” Emily smiled brilliantly. She was in paradise; she was sure of it. Ethan just continued to sit beside her, a melancholy look now on his face.
Why isn’t he touching me…Emily was suddenly agitated. She leaned up and wrapped her arms around his massive shoulders. An undeniable urge arose in her. Giving in, she turned her head and immediately wrapped her lips around a thick chunk of his skin, biting down hard. Sucking on his neck, her tongue simultaneously tickled his skin in one fluid motion. Lightning was going off in her new jeans. Ethan was clearly experiencing a similar sensation. He grabbed the back of her head, pulling her off of him and kissing her passionately. Their tongues seemed entrapped in synchronized dance. She never felt so alive. Ethan’s fingers started t
o wander down her body, over her chest. In a sweeping motion, he lifted her shirt, and eased his palm over her breast. She leaned back for a second of clarity; then gave in completely, relocking her mouth on his neck. Her own hands began to wander; her fingertips ran down his abs, proceeding to his jeans. She could feel every bit of him through the clothing and he was clearly pleased by the situation. He pushed her back onto the bed. Then proceeded to unbutton her jeans, reaching his hand where no man had gone before. Passion and desire overcame her. She was ready. This was it, the time to lose her virginity.
Kyle. “No.” The thought and word came out as a whisper, one in her mind and the other externally. Ethan seemed to not hear her as he proceeded, growing more passionate with every second. “Stop!” Emily raised her voice now and pushed him back. Ethan looked flabbergasted, agitated.
“Why?” His tone was obviously one of anger and, for the first time since being released from that cage, Emily felt terror flowing through her. She did not wait to explain. Something told her he would not respond well. She grabbed her shirt and rushed toward the door. She was fast, but Ethan was faster. He blocked her path; his massive form previously so sexy was now nothing more than an intimidating wall. “How could you not want this?” He dropped his pants as he spoke the words, evidently proud of what laid beneath.
Emily closed her eyes for a split second. Think Emily, think….how can you get out of this…Her mind reverted back to a self defense class. At the time, she was mainly interested in flirting with the instructor, but one key principle remained vividly in her mind. She hesitated no longer. With her right arm she swung toward Ethan’s left jaw. Time seemed to slow. His hand appeared to move at the pace of a snail; yet he beat her to the punch and blocked it easily. This was her chance. Her arm still mid air, now captured by his, she gathered up every bit of force in her. She then raised her knee directly into the location of his pride. It was a solid hit. Ethan immediately released his grip and cowered over in pain, a scream of horror pouring through his lips. There was no time to wait. Emily rushed past him, easily pushing the vulnerable Ethan out of her way. She flew through the lounge and to its exit door. Before she could process what was happening, she was making her way down the mall’s ramp, flying through the crowd as if they were non-existent. Her movements were sloppy. Her body still influenced by the alcohol. Nevertheless, she pressed onward. She shoved past shoppers on every side and finally made it to the bottom of the ramp. Faces turned toward her in disgust and outrage. Emily did not even notice. She needed freedom from this place. She needed it now.
R.E.M.: The Hidden World Page 13
