Book: Hollow Kingdom, by Clare B. Dunkle, Fanfic by: Fishguts-Sama. Thanks for reading!
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It was a beautiful spring day, the trees and hills were fresh and moving quickly across the car window. She wished she was outside to enjoy it though. The young girl's hand was pressed gently on her right cheek as she stared aimlessly at the countryside.
"We're almost there ma'am." spoke the calm driver in the front seat.
She didn't reply, but brushed her short blonde hair away from her peach face and blue eyes. The drive was long, she was lucky to find a car before she departed from town; she dreaded sitting in a bouncy carriage. The car stopped in a gravel entry front, an older woman with pulled back grey hair and a large smile welcomed them. She stepped out of the car weakly, not waiting for the driver to open the door for her. Her feet wobbled a bit before she regained her posture, and she walked forward in her white dress and lavender sash.
"Welcome Clare! I welcome you to the Lodge!" the woman cheered at her, waving her hand in the air.
Clare smiled sweetly before giving the kind woman a curtsy and a hug. The woman showed her inside, the wood structure had Clare looking up at the tall ceilings for what felt like several minutes.
"The Lodge has been here longer than I have, and I'm still amazed that it still stands." the woman giggled as she walked towards the stairs. "We get lots of storms and wind this time of year, so hopefully you'll get used to it as I have." she continued as she led Clare up the stairs.
"I like storms actually," spoke Clare cheerfully behind her. "They're always so fascinating to watch!" she cheered as they took a turn down a hallway of doors.
The woman did'nt turn around, but lead her to a door on the right, which faced the front.
"Here you are!" spoke the woman as she unlocked the door and stepped aside to let Clare in. "This room belonged to my great great grandmother's niece many many years ago, and her grandmother too!" she blathered on.
The room was very large, maybe a little old fashioned for Clare's taste, but the bed looked extremely comfortable.
"If you need anything, just holler down the hall, I'll be right there." she smiled before leaving the room to Clare.
It took only one day out in the fields of her new territory to settle in for Clare. The hills were beautiful, the trees comforted her inner feelings, and the fresh air was sensual. Clare and the old woman sometimes dined alone, but they had occasional visits from people who owned the other house not too far from the lodge. Another elder woman, named Cythia, who seemed to love flowers and their strong perfume more than her expensive fur coats she wore daily. She seemed a little arrogant, but was very entertaining for Clare who seemed to contradict whatever she threw at her. Cynthia had a short husband, a very short husband. He was maybe a little higher than her knees, and Clare herself was very short as it was. He was such a father figure, very kind, had white hair and a beard, and a warm smile. Howard, reminded her a lot of Clare's father, or what she could remember at her young age.
"So, you're going to live up here permanently?" spoke Cynthia between sips of wine.
"Yes, I love it so much up here, I don't ever want to leave." she smiled cheerfully.
"How did you decide to live in such a wild area Clare?" asked Howard kindly. "After all, you left such a posh place in society, and to come up here where there's hardly a soul causes us to wonder does it not?" he chuckled.
"Well, I've lived in the city for such a long time, but I remember coming here when I was very young." she continued as she cut her dinner. "Once I was old enough, was I only allowed to visit this place without my parents." Clare's parents died ill when she was very young, she could hardly remember her parents, but she knew they were beautiful. Her father had chestnut brown hair, clear blue eyes, and a scruffy moustache. Clare's mother on the other hand, had long gold wavy hair, and soft jade eyes. Some she could remember, would tease her of being an elf, which she would laugh loudly at. Her parents, mainly her father, encouraged her to read books and even about mythical creatures(which she seemed only interested in fairies), but Clare was more fascinated with games, and daydreaming. The property was given to her offically by her godfather on her eighteenth birthday, which she eagerly prepared to see.
"Oh? Really?" spoke the old woman curiously. "When was that?"
"I cant remember much, but I was at least five or somewhere around that time."
"Did you own the property then?" Howard asked.
Clare shook her head while taking a bite of her salad. "We took the day out by the lake, and my father only bought it within the last year of his life. It's called Hollow lake correct?"
"That's right," nodded Cynthia. "Hollow lake has been here for ages, some say that druids or goblins come out of the hills at night." she giggled out loud with delight.
"Goblins?" Clare asked. "They don't exist, just most likely made up by some child." she insisted while grinning cheerfully. Although she now wishes that magical beings existed, Clare knew it was too good to be true.
"Maybe," spoke Howard. "But they've been around for centuries, held on by breaths of the people who've lived here." he took a sip of wine before he continued. "And Marge's family has been here longer than we have!" he smiled across the table.
"My great grandmothers even lived here, and I guess I joined in the tradition!" she cheered.
The group laughed and chatted on for several minutes before Howard and Cynthia decided to leave, the sky just starting to show colors of crimson and orange. They picked up their coats off the coat rack and walked out onto the gravel. Marge and Clare bid them farewell from the door.
"Make sure you bring David next time!" Marge cheered, waving at her two friends. She didn't notice at that time Clare blush silently. Clare had met David one day in the pasture, who seemed to have boundless information on the history of Hollow lake. He was handsome, had curly brown hair with matching brown eyes. To many he wouldnt seem actractive, but for some reason Clare seemed to like him. David was the two's son, and was even a graduate of a posh college!
Marge went inside while Clare stayed outside to listen to the trees move in the breeze, and to watch the red sunset. The trees seemed to be wispering secrets to her, almost tickling her ears with its voice. Finally after a few minutes, she turned to go inside, but she heard something rustle behind her. Clare quickly turned to look in the dark tree's, she could see nothing, but looked up at the tall tree's. Still waving in the wind, the trees waved in the direction of the lodge, almost warning her of something, or perhaps someone. Clare quickly dashed inside, closing the door quickly and locking the door behind her. She felt her beating heart and adrenaline fade calmly, she felt much better now that she was inside. Clare didnt realize that she was being watched by Marge until she turned around, blushed, and went to bed embaressed.
Clare had a fear of the dark since she was little; and at being eighteen, she shouldnt be afraid of such things shouldnt she? After dressing for bed, Clare hesitantly turned off the light and went to bed. Clare dreamed of flying over the valley, the magnificant moon beaming down onto the famous Hollow Lake, she could feel herself light as a feather, and soaring with the birds in the sky. She continued to fly until suddenly, she could no longer fly, and she fell hopelessly towards the lake. Clare could feel her hands reach out and struggle towards the night sky, and her stomach feeling qeezier and queezier as she fell towards the water. Thats when she awoke, sweaty, and cletching her soft pillow for dear life. It was not too long from dawn, so she got up and left the quiet house without a word.
The trees were not waving anymore as she stepped out into the woods, the first rays of the sun just hitting the treetops. She did not know where she was going, but that didnt stop her from continuing past the dark trunks of the tree's. As Clare walked across perfect green grass, she came upon a wall of tree's in her path. Curious how so many trees could be in front of her, she squeezed barely past them, and realized she was in a giant circle of tree's. The sky could be seen overhead, and the treetops almost blocked all sight past its tall branches. It was the quietist place Clare had ever been, no sound of the chirping birds or howl of the wind could be heard. Seeing that she was alone, she did what she always did: sing. Clare had a huge passion for singing, but she was always greatly embarrassed with singing in front of people. She could hear her voice almost circle the whole area, and feel her song fly around her and embrace her shoulders and heart. She had loved to sing since she was a child, and mostly sing stories made up on the spot; but this time she sang of wishes. It was almost dark, she had spent the entire day in the circle of the tree's. Clare danced happily in spirals, staring happily at the clear sky; until she had a feeling she was being watched. Silancing, she turned and looked all around her. Although her eyes saw nothing, she felt that something, or someone was there.
"Who's there..?" she asked nervously. No response. "Who's there?!" Clare yelled turning back and forth. She felt that the tree's were a barrier for some reason, their tall trunks raising high into the sky and blocking the world outside it.
"I..I know there someone here! Show yourself!" she demanded out of fear, hoping she wasnt loosing her mind. The darkness was starting to come down on the clearing, which only made her more paranoid and fidgety. Clare heard some footsteps ahead of her, the sounds of her heartbeat pounding in her ear. A short old woman, around the size of Howard stepped into the clearing.
"Oh I'm sorry, I just couldnt stop myself from listening to your lovely song." the woman spoke smiling.
Clare blushed red and let out a loud sigh of relief. The older woman chuckled, noticing her face and sigh.
"Oh dont be embarrassed!" she teased, "a voice like that would make anyone jealous."
Clare walked closer to the woman, and realized how short she was. She even a little shorter than Howard, had wavy white hair, a face of wrinkles, and was holding a basket of what seemed to be stones, herbs and mushrooms.
"I'm sorry ma'am, but whats youre name?" Clare asked trying to change the conversation.
"I'm Agetha," she grinned revealing more wrinkles. "Oh do let me read your palm dear!" Agetha suddenly cheered, snatching Clare's hand before she could react. What a strange woman, Clare thought as she watched her turn it side to side with the small amount of daylight.
"What a skillful hand you have!" Agetha perked. "A writers fork, an artists nob, and an exstremely fine lifeline! In fact, you might live longer than you would expect I assume." she smiled at the confused Clare. "And.." she said pausing. "an interesting love line! But dont worry! Your match will be fine." Clare wasnt listening to the last reading, she was gazing at the moon coming over the center of the clearing. She smiled as its moonbeams shone down below like a beacon. Her feeling faded when she heard the tree's moan in the breeze, and started to look out into the black woods, inching closer to Agetha.
"Oh? Afraid of the dark are you?" she spoke teasing. "I can help you get back to your house Clare, dont worry." Agetha spoke while picking up her basket again.
"How do you know my name?" she questioned curious.
Agetha grabbed her hand and started leading her out of the circle, speaking as they went.
"Oh everyone up here knows you, the newest heir to owning all the land you see up here, who wouldnt know you?" she smiled back at Clare. As they left the tree circle, Clare looked up to see a black horse, with a cloaked rider placed on its back. She couldnt see his face, but she knew he was looking at her through its large hood. Her first impression scared her, and felt uneady almost immediately as she gazed at the dark rider. Agetha however, seemed to know him.
"Oh Marak!" she waved. "How are you this fine evening?"
The rider spoke with a rich, pleasant and commanding voice to Agetha, leaning over his horse to speak to her.
"Fine I guess, who's your short friend?" he said teasing. Clare twitched, she hated very much to be called short, even more since Agetha was much shorter than her! Agetha giggled in response, but then brought her closer to Marak.
"Such a pretty thing isn't she?" she spoke as Clare blushed. "Clare here needs an escort to her house, Marak, she's a little afraid of the dark." Clare turned at Agetha, embarrassed with herself.
"I'm not afraid of the dark! I'm just..well.." Clare paused trying to think of an excuse.
"Scared?" suggested Marak, who started laughing loudly. Now feeling even more embarrassed, she turned sharply to Agetha.
"Couldn't you just show me the way Agetha?" Clare asked, hoping she would say yes.
"Oh no! Marak knows the woods like the back of his hand!" she insisted. "I would just stumble around in the night like a blind dog."
Gazing at Marak, who now had his horse turned the other direction, looked down at Agetha. "You want to ride? Or.." Marak gazed at Agetha pausing and speaking in a joking tone. "I'd rather walk." Then the two started laughing loudly, it seemed to Clare that they were laughing at an inside joke of some sort. After they finished laughing, Marak started trotting away slowly, but then stopped after a few feet.
"You coming Clare?"
Hesitantly stepping forward, she walked nervously next to the horse. Clare turned around to wave goodbye to Agetha, but when she looked back, she wasn't there.
"Come on now, don't be figity." he teased.
Clare turned back to Marak annoyed. "I am not figity!" she stated. "I just wanted to say goodbye to Agetha." Clare continued as she walked by the horse.
Marak let out a slight laugh. "If you say so."
The walk through the woods was very creepy for Clare, but was at least thankful that someone was there; even Marak. Usually she wasnt the sort of person to be clumsy, but for some reason she was tripping over everything; which entertained Marak greatly. It was very cold, she had already stepped in puddles, and tripped on broken branches and bushes, and rocks. Her outfit she could barely see, but she could tell by the way she moved that it must have been covered in mud and dead leaves. Clare constantly wonder how the horse wasn't tripping over anything, and how Marak could see in such darkness.
"So," Marak engaged in conversation. "What brings you to Hollow Lake? Is it tourist season already?" he chuckled loudly.
Clare tried to remain calm, and not fall for the cloaked man's taunts, but she knew she wouldn't hold out much longer. "I thought you knew about me Mr. Marak, Agetha told me that everyone knew me." she said coldly. "I guess you must live under a rock or a cave to not know who I am."
Marak turned to Clare, still covered by his cloak. "Or a lake?" he questioned back. Before Clare could reply, he interrupted. "Oh don't worry Miss Clare, I know plenty about you. I just refuse to let you know how much." he snickered.
Clare was about to chuck a rock she had in her pocket from a previous fall, when she tripped over another large branch and fell face first into the leafy ground. Marak hooted with laughter, Clare could have sworn that he almost fell off his horse with laughter.
"What perfect timing!" he gasped. "It couldn't have been anymore perfect!" Marak continued to laugh loudly again.
Clare on the other hand, was boiling with rage, trying to keep her cool against his loud laughter. Pushing herself off the ground, she stood back up and wiped her face with her arm.
"Oh I'm sorry Clare, I should have helped you up." Marak joked. "Of course, the key words are 'should have'."
"Yes you should have." she grumbled. Clare couldnt believe how inconsiderate Marak was being. She had constant encounters like this, but mostly with children or rude people.
The two went on through the forest, Marak still teasing the tired Clare as they went around the trees. Clare felt as if the tree's were bending inward from the cold night wind, and almost felt them watching over her like a parent. It wasn't long until they finally reached the front of Clare's home. She felt a rush of joy cover her as she saw the warm lights and smoke escaping from the chimney. Marak stopped in front of the house, still on his black horse.
"Here you are Miss Clare, next time don't stay out too late." spoke Marak.
Clare looked up at Marak, It was time for her to thank him, but she didn't want to at all. "Thank you..Marak, for helping me find my way home." she said quietly.
Marak adjusted himself on his horse proudly, and bowed. "Of course." Just as he bent over, he looked up at Clare. The moon's light reflected down onto the area, and through the dark cloak, she saw his eyes. They were the most beautiful eyes she had ever seen, and knew in an instant, they were'nt human. Marak's eyes were as gold as jewelry, and almost seemed to look through Clare's very soul. She took a step back in response, and clenched her hands near her heart.
"What are you?" she sputtered at Marak nervously.
He sat back up on his horse, and tightened his grip on the horses reigns. "Have a good night, Miss Clare." he said darkly before disappearing into the night.
Clare stepped back inside and found her neighbors and Marge sitting at the table playing cards. "Oh Clare! Youre a mess!" said Marge surprised at her tattered appearance. "Are you alright?" Clare nodded slowly, she felt her legs weak and wobbly, she didn't know how much longer she could stand. "Do you feel well Miss Clare?" asked Howard noticing her pale face and tired eyes.
Clare smiled back at Howard, trying not to let them worry. "Oh I'm alright, I just got lost in the woods and I clumsily fell in a large puddle." she giggled with a poker face almost. "Excuse me, but I'm going to bed." she said curtsying and walked towards the stairs. When she stepped into her room and closed the door, she fell exaustedly to the floor. Clare hugged her arms and pulled her short legs closer to her body; she couldn't believe what she had seen, never the less make it through the forest in the dark. All she could think about as she prepped for bed was his golden eyes. They were beautiful, but creepy in another sort of way. When she laid down into the bed, Clare already felt sleep taking over her legs and gradually her arms and torso. She switched off the light with her last ounce of strength, and went to sleep.
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Whoo! My first chapter! I am having soooo much fun fanfic this book! (I know there's a lot of grammer mistakes!) BTW, I've only read the first book, so forgive me if things were added in the second & third book and I didnt add them in or make the story follow them! I'm sorry! Otherwise, thanks goes to OfficialRambler for suggesting this book to me! Without her, this wouldnt be here! Thanks!