A/N: Disclaimer is on page two, Thanks to those who have reviewed so far, and I hope you enjoy this…I forgot to mention about Fae Glamour in the last chapter. What it is, for those of you who don't know, is a sort of illusion Fae use to make their stuff look rich and beautiful. Really, it's a bunch of dirt and ugly material. But don't tell them I told you that. ;)
Chapter 5: Dream Come True
Guenevere heard voices above her. She tried to move but was too weak. They chattered anxiously as she struggled to get up.
"Is she wakin'? I don't think it would be wise to wake her ourselves, y'know. I think it would be best to let her get up on her own."
"She looks so tiny…such a sweet little thing…too bad she's going to…" "I know, I know."
The voices were women. Two women: One with a distinct Irish brogue, the other with a…*Southern accent?!!* She opened her eyes slowly and saw two women in loose, flowing gowns. One had bright red hair and freckles. * A lot like Ginny, I never bothered to ask if they were Irish at all! * She thought briefly. The other had long, blonde hair that curled slightly at the ends. They stared in amazement at her, as if they had never seen another person before.
Whatever impression she first had, it now was certain: They were a bit…flighty.
"Oh, she's awake now. I wonder what her name is…"
"Well why don't you ask her, Molly?"
"No, you. I've never talked to a human before…I couldn't!"
They cautiously stepped towards where Guenevere lay.
"Hello young Guenevere. My name is Molly. Welcome to Lithelight Castle."
Guenevere blinked in confusion.
"Maybe she doesn't speak English…"
"That's ridiculous! Demitrius said she spoke American. If ya ask me, she looks like the USA type…"
They cleared their throats and were about to speak again, when Gwen interrupted.
"Hi. Who are you?"
They both jumped and stepped back. Then they laughed.
"Why hello! We weren't sure ya could talk. Molly, you were so worried!"
"Well 'tisn't my fault the child didn't speak right away…" Molly tittered.
Guenevere frowned. *Who ARE these guys? *
"But, in answer to your question, my name is Molly McDunn. This is Celeste Marquette. We are servants here at Lithelight Castle and were told to greet you once you woke up."
"It's a pleasure meetin' you, Gwen! We've heard so much about you and were just waitin' so anxiously to see you in person! And now, here you are!"
Guenevere nodded, not quite understanding. "You knew about me?"
"Why of course! Who hasn't around here? Why, D talks about you 24/7. You'd think he knew you in person! Of course, he does, now anyways. But that's beside the point."
Molly sniffed. "You never get to the point anyway. The point is we need to show you around a bit." She leaned towards Celeste and was trying to make an offhand comment, but Gwen had keen hearing and heard it anyway.
"We should distract her while D fixes himself up a bit…you know how he adores first impressions." The two women rolled their eyes in frustration.
Guenevere frowned more deeply now. "Demitrius? What does he have to do with this? And I still don't get who you are and why I'm here!! I don't even know where HERE is!!" Gwen shouted, waving her hands around. I don't know anything and you guys aren't telling me anything either."
"No time to explain…we have to show you this place before…well, before later. Just follow us."
They lifted her by her arms with surprising strength and hurried her out of the room. Guenevere struggled, and stopped when Molly and Celeste started to talk to her again.
"This is the front entry hall…wait…put the balm on her eyes. Not that it matters…this whole place is glamour whether Fae or not!!" They laughed and reached for a case of something by the door. Gwen was terribly confused. "Wait…Fae…Glamour…Fae glamour? Am I in some Fae mound? Is this Faerieland?"
Thoughts dawned on her as she realized she might be there for a good reason if they were really Fae. Maybe this had to do with some ancient Fae grudge or maybe they had kidnapped her and sent a changeling to Hogwarts…either would make sense…but Guenevere was sure there was another reason.
The women stopped and put clear balm on her eyelids as they answered.
"Yes dear, we are Fae. You are in Faerieland, but I assure you, we aren't completely underground!! Demitrius would never live all the way underground!"
"Yeah, not even if we was in Texas and there were twisters everywhere!" Celeste agreed.
"What does Demitrius have to do with this?" Guenevere asked slowly.
"All in good time, m'dear, all in good time." They hurried her down the hallway. Guenevere expected to see dirt and grime and hay everywhere, as it was in most Fae mounds. Instead, there was marble and velvet and finery everywhere. "Are you too sure this stuff is working? Everything looks so…extravagant."
They laughed. "Yes, it is. D likes extravagant stuff. One of the few Fae with taste." They grinned at one another and pointed to a large, maple door. "That's birds-eye maple. This is the front hall door. There are many doors around here so be sure to enter through this one only. Others might be a trap or lead elsewhere—to keep unwanted people out."
Guenevere nodded, admiring the beautifully carved door. It had pictures of a group of Fae hunting a fox, who was running along the bottom doorframe. The walls were stone, but it wasn't chilly about. Torches were lit on walls all around, and Guenevere assumed they were in one of the underground parts of the place now. It was then she noticed music. It sounded like a string quartet. As they moved, she found all different kinds of music playing. Irish jigs, Classical, even something that sounded strangely like a hip-hop song coming from behind a closed door. The sounds were muffled, and in other rooms. She did, however, pass a strange-looking young man. He had brown hair that fell to his shoulders, and was dressed in something out of the 18th century. He was playing a pennywhistle and Molly danced briefly and giggled as they passed.
They pointed out fondly things of great importance to them: "That's the sword of Oleander the Third. That was a gift to our Lord here…very special."
They passed quickly groups of tough looking men and women: "You don't want to meet them yet…safer when we're around other kindred."
They slowed down by a large, flowing waterfall. The water was clear and flowed from the stones near the ceiling, gathering in a walled pool at the bottom. There was a strange glow about the place, seeming to come from the water itself. The water reflected on the roof in glowing streams, making it seem like the whole room was underwater. Servants, or what she assumed were servants, wandered here and there about the pool, chatting with each other. Other servants in flowing gowns came and gathered water, then left. Molly looked fondly at the pool.
"This is called The Pool of Many Waters in your language. The sound of our language would be like the wind to you, and most of it would not be translatable if you tried. This is one of the exceptions…this is the main water source for this castle. We get our life-water from here—Ambrosia, The Nectar of the Gods, is made from this water. This is what keeps us alive and immortal."
They walked away and towards a great, open room. "This is an indoor ballroom. People do dance in here, but as is the preference with our people, we prefer to dance outdoors."
Guenevere gaped at the large, glittering chandelier in the center of the room. Small oil lamps sat on shelves along the wall, giving a very soft look to the room. The floor looked almost new, but as with all Fae things, Guenevere assumed it was magic that kept it looking so fresh.
They walked for some time among more beautiful things, and Guenevere assumed that she would be touring the castle forever, when they returned to the Pool.
"We have circled the lower floor. We can't go any higher right now…you'll have to see it later, perhaps. Are you hungry at all? We could get you some food if you wish."
Guenevere remembered what she had read in Hermione's book. "I won't fall for that. I can't eat any of your food. I'll be enslaved here if I do."
The two women gave dark looks to one another and sighed.
"You should eat. You'll be here quite a while."
"Why? Why will I be here for a while? Why AM I here?"
Suddenly someone cleared their throat behind her. She turned and saw Aflac staring back at her. He looked much like he did at the Masquerade, but now he had black robes on top of his jeans and t-shirt.
"Aflac?" Guenevere said, clearly confused now.
"Yeah. It's me." He stared and seemed almost sad as he regarded her—as though she were someone about to befall some horrible tragedy.
"Why are you here? How did you get here? Did they take you too? I--" Guenevere stopped. It dawned on her that perhaps Aflac wasn't human. *But then…if he wasn't…*
She looked him in the eyes. They were green, and had the same strange quality that Demitrius' eyes had. They were deep, but did not burn the same way his had. What was it, then, that had made them burn so?
Aflac sighed and looked to Molly and Celeste. "He's ready…should I or will you?"
"We will, Aflac. I will." Molly replied slowly. The room seemed suddenly solemn. All other movement had ceased. No one was talking or playing any kind of music.
Guenevere looked at the red-haired woman strangely; as if she were about to tell her she would be dying in an hour {or something}. Something was definitely upsetting them, whatever it was. "Gwen, I think it's time you met the lord of this castle…you already have, but no charades this time. The real thing."
She stepped back and looked towards the shadows, where Aflac stood. He stepped to the side and announced: "Presenting Lord Demitrius of Lithelight Castle…"
Guenevere was taken aback. *Not the same Demitrius…*
A figure stepped from the shadows, slowly and softly, an inhuman air about it. Guenevere had a sudden wave of déjà vu, and suddenly wanted to be back at Hogwarts again. The light touched the figure, and a familiar face, un-masked, stared back at her. His icy blue eyes burned into hers. Guenevere gasped. "It's you…"
He merely smiled and walked towards her. His outfit was virtually the same: black, with a long, flowing cape that curled about his black boots between steps.
As he reached her spot, he circled her like a mountain lion about to spring at his prey. "Well, well, well, what do we have here? A mortal? So far away from home…lost, I suppose?"
"If lost, I'm lost because I followed a will-o-wisp."
"No, you followed me. I suppose you wanted to see me again, after all."
"It was an enchantment, Demitrius." Guenevere said harshly. "I didn't follow because I knew it would bring me here."
He grinned and stopped circling, standing behind her. "No? So my charms didn't get to you as much as I had hoped they would…I thought this would be easy…But apparently a little force may be needed after all. The dreams weren't so far-fetched."
Guenevere's eyes flickered angrily and she spun to meet him, only to find him a few inches away from her. "So it was you who sent them…you were the man…it was you all along."
He said nothing, eyes searching her face for an unknown emotion.
Guenevere tried not to meet his gaze and eventually shut her eyes, scolding herself for not realizing it was he from the start.
"Don't think about it so much…it was an enchantment. You wouldn't have known it was me."
Her eyes shot open. "You can read my thoughts? Can everyone here read my thoughts?"
"No. Only if you let them in. Then again, I've spent four years inside your head, reading every thought, trying to find a way to understand whom you were. Finding out what made you tick…what would make you like me. You must admit I did a wonderful job."
Guenevere turned away, upset and still confused. "Why am I here? Why did you bring me here?"
He was right behind her now, whispering in her ear. "I think you now that answer, my dear. You've known it from the second you got here."
She turned again, practically against his chest as she spoke. "Refresh my memory."
He grinned and stepped back a little, singing softly:
I have brought you,
That our passions may fuse and merge,
In your mind you've already succumbed to me,
Dropped all defenses,
Completely succumbed to me,
Now you are here with me,
No second thoughts you've decided.
Decided…
He stopped and leaned closer. "Now do you understand? This is why you have come…"
He whispered, as to leave the others in the dark.
"I want you, Guenevere. I can't explain it, but I do. You already know you want me. Here is your chance to accept and urge your desire. You can have me, if you want me."
Guenevere was stunned for a minute. It was true he was very handsome, but she was only 13. He was 21—or looked it at least.
"It wouldn't be right, Demitrius. I'm too young for you…you're too old for me. It would never work. Besides, relationships have to be based on love…not lust."
He snorted and shook his head. "I knew it wouldn't be easy…you're nearly impossible to seduce, you know that?"
Guenevere grinned, although it was half-hearted. "Good. I should be hard to seduce at my age."
"But you're ahead for your age. In muggle schools, you would've been in 10th grade. You should be 15, my dear. You are ahead for your age emotionally, mentally, and especially physically." At this, his eyes lingered for a moment at her chest, and then rose back to her face. Guenevere sighed. *The curse on my family…why did I have to be so grown-up for my age? Alright, if reason won't work…*
"Look, Demitrius, I'm not your type. Really. I'm so inexperienced and…and…" She searched for another problem. "I'm overweight. Yeah, only a few pounds, but still…who would want me?"
"I don't care about that. Did it occur to you I like you for you? Besides, for every bad thing there is about you, there are at least five good things. Besides, I like inexperienced partners. Ask Celeste!"
Celeste blushed slightly.
Guenevere was frightened now. He always had a comeback. *I can't let him get to me!!*
"Look, there are many women out there…you don't need me."
He nodded, thinking. "True, very true. But I haven't chosen them, I chose you. You should be honored, Guenevere. Not many mortals make it within these walls and come out again alive." He stressed the word alive, making sure she knew he wasn't as merciful as he seemed. "Besides, the women I choose are often special. They have a certain quality or talent that appeals to me. You are one of them, and you are a human. Right there are two things that give you a reason to stay."
"I don't intend to stay. I want to go home. Will you take me?"
"No. You cannot leave."
"I'm not enslaved here! I haven't eaten anything. I haven't drunk anything either! I can leave if you show me the way home. But I will not stay and be a part of your twisted games." She stared at him, trying to keep a calm exterior and not scream.
"If you will not stay willingly, I will force you. And you do not want to see me angry, Guenevere…"
She laughed, although she didn't mean it. "HA! The words of a coward…"
He smiled. "The laugh of a coward, my dear. Everyone has something to be afraid of. Let's see how you get away from this 'nightmare'."
He turned calmly to Molly and Celeste, who had been standing quietly in the background.
"Molly, prepare her for this evening. If she will not eat, let her starve. I expect her in my chambers by the time the moon shines in that window. Is that clear?"
"Yes, milord."
"Very good."
He began to walk towards the shadows. Guenevere was shocked and upset. "You can't just leave now! I want a just answer about this!"
He turned, grinning mischievously. "You're absolutely right. I can't leave yet…"
He walked towards her again, and Guenevere backed up, trying to avoid him.
He reached her before she could back up and wrapped his hands around her waist. He bent down and kissed her.
It was Guenevere's first real kiss. She didn't know what she was expecting, but this kiss was not sweet or gentle. It was possessive; reminding her she was far away from the comforts of home and was slowly journeying into a nightmare.
Before he withdrew from the kiss, he bit it—*Not softly either! * She thought.
He smirked at her as he walked away into the shadows behind the waterfall. She touched her lips softly, wondering how she ever would get out of this, or if she ever would.
~ ~ ~
Hermione, Ron, Ginny and Harry were coming back from Hogsmeade. They were in good spirits and discussing the day.
"That was rich when you set off those dung bombs near Crabbe and Goyle! They didn't know what hit them!" Harry said happily to Ron.
"Yeah, but it's too bad Malfoy wasn't there. Would've loved to see the look on his face!"
They all laughed and walked towards the Gryffindor common room. When they turned to look inside, they all jumped. "Whoa…where'd Guenevere's harp go?"
"Yeah, and what happened to all her music?"
"And her stool?"
They stared in confusion.
"Maybe she left to go play it for the teachers or something…" Hermione mused.
"No, that doesn't make sense. She would've told us this morning if she planned to do that." Ron said quickly.
Ginny and Hermione looked darkly at one another. "Should we check on her room?"
"Yeah…just in case."
They were uneasy as they headed upstairs. Ron and Harry waited by the door as the girls went into her room.
"It all looks normal—wait a minute! Her trunk is gone!"
"And her broom!"
"And all her books! They were on this desk, I know it!" They searched around for a minute.
"And her cat's dishes are gone! They were over there!" They looked around, taking note of all the missing things. Everything was gone. It was as if she was never even there. They were about to leave when they heard a muffled noise from behind one of her roommate's bed curtains. They approached it cautiously and pulled them back. There was a house elf, cowering behind the curtain.
"What are you doing in here?"
"Please don't hurt me! I didn't do anything! It wasn't my fault!" It cried shrilly.
Harry and Ron came in and stared at the creature.
"We aren't going to hurt you…do you know what happened to all of the stuff in that side of the room?"
"Yes!! I saw them come and take it but please don't make me speak of it!! I don't want to talk about it! I can't talk about it! It would be very, very, very, bad!"
They were upset at this and pressured the house-elf—whose name ended up being Grindold—until it talked. "There were big people…they came in and took everything over there. I was cleaning at the time. They told me to get over here and stay here if I didn't want to get hurt. They was magic, they was! I didn't want to get hurt, so I went here."
Harry frowned. "This doesn't have anything to do with Voldemort, does it? Sorry." He added, seeing them all stare at him in fear.
"No! No!! These wasn't human! These was Fae, they was!"
Hermione gasped. "What kind of Fae?"
"Big ones! They were tall—not little like Grindold."
"So they took everything from over here?"
"Yes! I heard one of them sayin' to another it belonged to a girl. They said other things about the girl too…she was going to a castle and wasn't coming out again…I thought they meant to kill her, but then they said something about her living there. I wouldn't want to live near big Fae like that…they'd hurt Grindold."
They all looked at one another mysteriously. "What did these Fae look like?" Hermione asked energetically.
"They was tall. One of them had blonde hair and was wearin' Muggle clothes, so he was. The others had brown hair and wore robes. One of them, he seemed to be in charge, he told them to get everything and take it back so Guenevere would have her things. I think Guenevere was the girl, so I do."
Harry pushed the question further. "What did the one in charge look like?"
"He was tall, but some of the others were taller than him. He had black hair. He looked mean. I didn't like the way he looked at me. I thought he was going to hurt poor Grindold, so I did."
"What color were his eyes?" Hermione asked quickly.
"They was blue, so they was."
They all stopped. Hermione gasped. "It's Demitrius. I'd bet anything it was him!"
Harry frowned. "Let's not jump to any conclusions. A lot of people have black hair and blue eyes."
Ron agreed.
"Begging your pardon, but he also said something about meetin' the girl last night, but not showin' his face until now."
They knew it then. It was Demitrius Andromeda who had kidnapped Guenevere. They ran to Dumbledore's office, only to discover he was on his way to the common room to investigate Guenevere's disappearance.
"But how did he know?" Hermione asked Professor McGonagall, who had been at the office.
"Draco Malfoy told him she disappeared into a wall about ten minutes ago, right before you came back from Hogsmeade. He was white as a sheet when he told the story. They're going to the common room now."
They ran to find him, but only found out the spot where she had disappeared. Nothing else was left. She was gone.
A/N: Uh-oh! What's going to happen to Guenevere? And why is Demitrius really after her? Are her friends going to rescue her? Log in next time to: PORTALS!!!!
(dum-dum-DUM!!)
Okay, so I'm insane. Sorry to leave you all hanging. The next chapter is going to get very intense…good luck reading!!
My Beta reader put this song at the end of my fic, note included. Read it:
I've had Nana Somopoulous (however you spell her name, I think that's why she doesn't use it anymore) in my head for two days now. It'd be nice if I could understand Greek and actually had any clue what some of the songs meant. lol. Right now it's Aphrodite's Star— really pretty, but really weird. And actually kinda appropriate to this story:
I saw you rise over the vineyard
In your lightbeams
The wind paused to sigh
I saw you, over the sea
The waves envied you
From my cell window, I greeted you
From the arms love
Over the fires of war
I saw you.
Chorus: Master and slave to no one/I desired and claimed you/Knowing you belong to/All eyes that see you.
I can't remember all of the second verse. And I know none of the Greek. It's actually about the women of the Greek resistence (to what, I don't know . . .I'm guessing like their revolution or something.). Oh yeah, that's it.
I saw you
Over the sea
The sirens met you
From my cell walls
Your voice resounds
. . .
and that's all I can remember now, lol.