Here's a nice long chapter - enjoy! (:
Chapter 5
The closet allowed me a sensible dress and I was soon put to work by the desk who ordered me to clean the kitchen and after that the bathroom.
"Those things don't clean themselves you know!" he said.
I didn't complain. After all I was staying here for free and Rael was helping me get my father back. This was the least I could do. After cleaning the kitchen I took out the bag with rubbish. I wonder where you dispose of it? I looked around, but couldn't find any place. I could probably ask the desk, but I didn't want to have to listen to another of his long lectures... Eventually I peeked out the door that opens into the corridor. There was no bin or anything there either.
"Good morning," a voice greeted me, giving me quite a fright. It was Serena. She was leaning against the wall very close to the door.
"Er...can I help you?"
"Yes...by dropping dead."
What?!
She was staring at me with hatred. I didn't understand why she hated me so much. Surely she couldn't think that Rael and I...
"Do you know where I could dispose of these bags of rubbish?" I asked, hoping to break the ice between us a little.
"Yes, that door over there leads to the rubbish disposal unit."
"Oh. That's great! I'll just..."
As soon as I stepped out into the corridor Serena had grabbed me by the throat and pushed me up against the wall. The rubbish bags fell and got strewn out on the floor.
"Stupid little girl!" she grinned, "now I have you right where I want you!"
"Wh...a...h.e..lp!"
I could barely speak. She was busy slowly suffocating me. I kicked her and scratched her, but nothing seemed effective. The world was slowly starting to get dark when I suddenly heard a loud hissing sound. Serena let go of me, letting me sink into a heap against the wall. She was now fighting with someone else. I was still trying to clear the black spots in front of my eyes. It got a bit better and I could see it was Rael.
"She's mine!" he yelled at her, "how dare you touch my property?"
"Gmph...if she was yours, wouldn't she have your scent on her? Especially after last night, there's no mistaking that you wanted her really bad."
What was Serena talking about?
"What I do with her is of no concern to you! Leave!"
"Fine. I'll leave for now. Later," the last word was said to me and a twisted friendly manner.
Rael came and picked me up and carried me inside.
"It's okay, I can stand," I objected, but he ignored me and eventually put me down on the bed. He then carefully examined my neck and then sighed a sigh of relief.
"You should not go outside for any reason without me, didn't the desk tell you that?" he asked in an angry voice.
Now that I think of it, yes he did...
"I had forgotten...and she tricked me."
Rael took both my shoulders so I had to look at him.
"Listen carefully Annabelle, demons will not help a human if they can help it. Serena will use whatever means she can to get what she wants. You have to stay aware of that. Not just Serena, that goes for all demons."
"Even...you?"
"...yes."
I wondered why there was hesitation before he answered me?
"I will remember. I'm sorry."
Just then Rael pulled me into an embrace. I was too surprised to speak.
"I'm just happy you are unharmed," he murmured. I didn't understand this, why was he being kind to me at odd times?
As if remembering himself he let go of me and got up.
"I asked to speak with the demon about your dad, but he said he couldn't see me today."
"Oh..." I said a bit disappointed.
"He agreed to see me the day after tomorrow."
I could see he looked frustrated. He was pulling his fingers through his hair.
"I...need to rest," he said and was about to head towards the lounge.
"Wait! Rest here. This is your bed."
He didn't argue. He simply walked over and dropped down on the other side of the bed and very soon fell asleep. I watched in fascination as his breathing slowed. He must have been extremely tired...I wonder if he really did sleep last night? And it's all because of me... and... I was feeling sleepy too...
I later made some tea for us both and we sat in the lounge. We talked about many things. He asked about my life at home and the town. He seemed interested in everything I had to say. He was vague when I asked about his life. He grew up with a younger brother and his father died when they were still young. It was clear to me that he was hiding something. What exactly it was I couldn't tell... did it have to do with the spell? When I asked about the furniture he said that they were enchanted to make his stay here more comfortable. He didn't elaborate on that. Even when I asked why he had fallen into the quicksand pit, he just said that he fought with an enemy and got wounded and was dropped. Again he didn't want to elaborate so I didn't push the issue. He very quickly turned the conversation back to me and asked about the bakery I worked at and such.
"So, did you ever...see anyone?" he eventually asked.
"See? What do you mean?"
He looked uncomfortable.
"You know...date?"
"Oh! No, I have responsibilities at home to help my father. I didn't have time for that..." I said trying to hide my embarrassment. The real reason was that I didn't know how to date anyone and was too shy to anyway.
"Your Mr Hunt seemed to have thought you were."
Did I spy a bit of jealousy?
"He is not my Mr Hunt. He's a pompous idiot that thinks that status and money can get you anything."
"And that doesn't impress you at all?"
"My mother had a very good head on her shoulders. She always used to say that the oldest trees are the ones that grow slowly. Those that grow fast don't last and fall over as soon as the weather puts strain on them. Same with people. Mr Hunt didn't earn his riches, he was born rich and even more so when his father died. Besides, I wouldn't want to be with someone who just sees me as another trophy..." I realised I was babbling and blushed.
"Interesting... you know, that saying of your mother's is an elven saying."
"Yes. She did know a lot of them. It's a shame the elven people faded. They new so much about nature and life. It really is a great loss."
"Yes..."
"Sorry, did something I say upset you?" I asked.
"Don't worry about it," Rael said with a smile, "this tea of yours is really good, could you make me another cup please?"
I somehow felt like he wanted to get me away from him for a little while. I didn't mind. After he had his second cup he said that he would be in his study. I was feeling a bit down since I didn't really have anything do now. There was no cleaning to be done. Rael picked up that I seemed down and asked me about it. When I explained that I was bored he asked if I read.
"I love reading!"
"Then, come with me."
He took me into one of the rooms that was locked before. It opened up into a huge room with many shelves full of books. It was a huge book collection and in the centre was a desk and comfortable chair, Rael's study.
"Wow..." was all I could say.
"You may read any books you like," he said and went to his desk. I eventually figured out what type of books were in which section and selected some and took them to the lounge. One I was very excited about was one on elven history. Talking about the elves earlier made me keen to see what I could learn.
It stated that the elves had been gradually declining in number until there was only about three hundred or so left. They had been led by a very wise and noble king, but one day the king died and the rest of them disappeared. What a sad way for a civilization to end!
I read until my eyes were sore and then asked the desk if there was anything I could help with around the place, but was told to just not disturb the master. Eventually I found myself peeking into the keyhole of the other locked room. It was still brightly lit inside. I wonder what was inside?
"What are you doing?" a voice asked. I jumped. It was Rael.
"Um...er...I'm just curious."
"Don't be. In this place it will only get you killed."
He looked very scary while saying it. I quickly stood away from the door.
"Sorry..."
"Are you hungry yet?" he asked. I was surprised by his sudden change in demeanour, but nodded.
"Okay, then I'll make us something tonight," he said.
"Can I watch?"
"If you want."
It was odd seeing a demon in the kitchen, wearing an apron. He pushed up the sleeves of his dark green shirt and as usual the top two buttons were undone. That seems to be his casual style. I noticed that he was preparing bread and a vegetable dish in elven style. It amused me to see how he used his tail to 'fetch' bottles and stuff of the shelf for him. I guess a tail had its uses, apart from being lethal as a spear...
"Where did you learn to do that?"
"Like you, I've also been very interested in the elven race. I have many books in my collection about their civilization, habits, lore and even cooking."
"Really? You must show me where to find the cooking books sometime!"
Rael smiled and expertly continued cooking. Soon a very pleasant smell filled the kitchen which made my mouth water.
It was simply delicious! No bread from the bakery even came close to this and the vegetable dish was very satisfying and tasty. I took mental notes of all the spices that Rael used. Who would have thought a demon would like cooking?
Afterwards we had some wine and chatted about cooking. Rael knew a lot and I explained to him how to make almond doughnuts, a speciality of our local bakery. It felt nice to talk like this and it helped distract me from worrying about my father. When we finally decided to go to bed I realised that I might have had too much wine. I was very unstable and Rael had to save me from falling on my face.
"You don't seem to hold your liquor well," he said kindly.
"S...orry... I think my worrying about my father made me drink more than I intended."
He helped me over to the closet and I climbed up, holding on to whatever I could.
"Are you okay Annabelle?" the brush asked.
"Yes...just a bit tipsy...don't worry..." just then I accidently pushed some clothes off a rail.
"Stop that at once!" the screen yelled at me and grabbed me. She very quickly changed my clothes and had the carpet kick me out before I could even register what was going on. Rael again saved me from a nasty fall.
"Th...ank you!" I said said to the now closed closet doors.
"The closet...is not a gir...l's best friend!" I declared as Rael helped me to my side of the bed.
"You mean diamonds?" he asked.
"Eh?"
"Never mind. Here, get in."
I got under the covers and waited for Rael to go around to his side. The bed was huge. Four people could comfortably sleep side by side on it. I was feeling talkative.
"Why is this bed...so big?" I asked and made a snow angel on the bed. He didn't answer so I rolled over to his side.
"Are...you sleeping yet?"
"Not with you rolling around like that."
"Oh, good. I just...wanted to say thank you," I said and sat up so I could look at Rael.
"For what?"
"For helping me...my dad...for beating up Erik...you are a good pers...demon? Demon...person?"
"Demon is fine."
"Okay...that's what I wanted to say."
I sat and looked at him feeling all light-headed.
"Annabelle?"
"Y...es?"
"Unless you want to carry a demon's child I suggest you cover up and go to sleep."
"Wha...?!"
I looked down and all I could see was very skimpy lace. OMW... I quickly pulled the duvet up to cover myself. I had no idea... that closet!
I scooted over as far as I could to the other side of the bed and laid my head down. It was still spinning a bit.
"Goodnight," Rael whispered softly to me.
"Goodnight."
The next morning I woke up feeling a bit groggy. I had such a weird dream last night... I looked under the duvet and reality set in. I was dressed in a very skimpy lacy outfit that didn't cover much at all. How on earth did this happen?!
"Are you okay?" Rael suddenly asked and I quickly looked at him while at the same time pulling the duvet up to my ears.
"I'm so embarrassed right now!" I can't believe the closet dressed me like this and pushed me into Rael's arms! He must have had a good eyeful of my body!
"Don't worry, I'll go through to the lounge so you can get dressed."
Rael stretched, got up and left.
I counted three more counts and then dashed to the closet.
"What did you do to me?!" I asked as soon as I got in.
"Did you have pleasant night?" the screen asked as if nothing was wrong about what I was wearing.
"You look so pretty, what a beautiful shapely body you have!" the mirror chimed in.
"I'm not looking, honest!" the brush piped up.
"I don't want Rael to think I'm cheap! I'm not some girl who'll just throw herself at a guy she likes!"
"Oh...so you do like him?" the screen asked.
"Er...that's not the issue! Please let me change into something decent!"
The screen sighed and then changed me into an elven style light blue dress. It had a high collar and long sleeves. Nothing was see-through, thankfully. It had a thin belt around the waist and came up to my knee, almost making it look like a tunic, but the material was soft. It had gold trimmings. And very comfortable, sensible short boots and stockings. My hair was braided too, but no make-up was put on. I felt a bit over-dressed for just being inside, but decided not to complain. Then a coat got tossed at me.
"What do I need this for?"
"You'll see."
I climbed out of the closet and could smell something delicious. I followed my nose to the kitchen.
"Ah, you're ready..." Rael said and then almost dropped the pan when he saw me. I quickly double checked my clothes in case something fell off or something, but nothing was out of place...
"Um... good morning."
"Good morning. I am just about done. Hope you like it," he said while he quickly resumed what he was doing.
He was making flat cakes, and it was served with berries and honey. I wolfed down three before I knew it.
"You really seem to like these," Rael commented.
"Yes!" I said and blushed while eating the fourth one slowly.
Rael had only eaten two so far.
When we were done Rael took a small bag and fastened it around his waist. He was wearing a long sleeve dark blue pullover shirt and comfortable looking black pants and boots that came up to the knee. I was always surprised how all his clothes were accommodating his wings. There were slits in the back.
"Are we going somewhere?"
"I thought since we have to wait until tomorrow to speak with your father's demon we might as well travel a bit. Have you been to Edenvale before?"
"No. I've never left town."
"Really? But you like walking around in the woods?"
"I do so occasionally, yes. The day I found you I was actually helping a friend look for a pig."
I told him in short what had happened that day.
"That makes sense. I wondered why I was on the back of a cart when I regained consciousness. Anyway, you should like Edenvale if you are fond of nature."
"I am!"
Rael smiled and took my hand before leading me out into the corridor. I shuddered a bit thinking of when Serena attacked me and instinctively held on tighter. We didn't hear or see anyone while walking down it and eventually after many twists and turns arrived at a door that led outside to some sort of landing pad. It was high on the side of a cliff. Humans wouldn't be escaping this way any time soon... I sighed happily as the sun warmed my face. It felt like I hadn't seen light for ages. I then got on Rael's back and we flew off.
Edenvale was a forest area high up some mountains. I never knew this place existed. There was no way to get to it apart from flying from what I could see. It was protected by high mountains on all the sides. Inside there were many fruit trees and beautiful flowers. I could hear birds singing. It was breathtakingly beautiful.
"Wow! This place is amazing! Rael, have you come here before?"
"I come here every now and then," he replied.
"If I was you, I'd live here!"
Rael didn't answer so I Iooked at him and caught a glimpse of the sad look on his face.
"Here," he said and took off the little packet he had tied to his waist at home. It had crumbs in.
"Pour some out in your hand and sit underneath that tree."
We both sat under the tree with crumbs in our hands. After a little while squirrels came running down. They seemed to know Rael, because they ran down his wings onto his shoulders and straight for the crumbs without hesitating. They were eyeing me out to see if I'm dangerous or not. Eventually Rael's crumbs were finished and their greed got the better of them. I got so excited when they ate out of my hands that I had difficulty not saying something and scaring then off. I sat very still while watching them in amazement. When the crumbs were finished one sat on my knee and looked at me expectantly.
"Sorry, those were all we brought today," Rael said kindly. The squirrel almost seemed like it nodded and jumped of my knee and ran up the tree.
"I've never done that before!"
"Have you never tried feeding the animals in the woods near you?"
"I have...but they are all very scared. Erik hunts them."
Rael's facial expression darkened for a moment.
"I don't think I like this Erik very much."
"Me neither."
We spend several happy hours walking around, tasting some of the different fruits that grew here and drank fresh water from the spring. It was so peaceful here. Eventually we came to a part that I could see bits of ruins.
"Look! There must have been people here before!" I shouted excitedly and ran up some stairs. Most of it had fallen into decay. There was a single pillar oddly sticking out at one place. It had some sort of writing on it. It looked elven.
"Rael, come look!"
"This is where the last of the elven people perished," he said calmly.
"But...why? There is everything you could possibly need here?"
"Greed...boredom, jealousy, take your pick."
The way he said it made me look at him. He looked disgusted. Why did this affect him so much, I wondered?
"Do you know what it says here?" I asked showing to the elven writing.
"I do...here rests our last king of elven descendent, king Ryold of the house of trees. His rulership shall be remembered with fondness and his kindness with love."
They way Rael said it was like he'd memorise it. He didn't look at the pillar at all. Perhaps he had read it many times before? Just then I realised something.
"Oh! I must be standing on his grave!" I quickly put some distance between me and the pillar.
"Elves pass on to the lands beyond when they die. They have no use for their body anymore. It is not seen as being disrespectful."
"Oh..."
I stared at the pillar in silence for a while.
"It seemed like the people really loved their last king. I read in a book that the last king died quite young."
"Not young for humans, but for the elves, yes."
"I wonder what happened?"
"There was unrest between his sons. The youngest wanted to be the next king and so planned to kill his brother, but ended up killing their father."
"I didn't see that in the book I read... that is terrible! But...what about the brothers? What happened to them?"
"Who knows?" Rael said shrugging his shoulders.
"That's such a sad story. And then the other elves just faded?"
"Must have been. You don't see any around, do you?"
Tears were rolling down my cheeks.
"Why are you crying?" Rael suddenly asked, looking confused.
"It is so sad to me that the royal family got torn apart like that and then all the other elves too...sob..."
I knew my tears meant more than crying for the elves. It also reminded me of losing my mother when I was still a child and the situation my father was in now. Perhaps my family would also just fade away like them?
Rael pulled me into his arms while I sobbed. I thought he knew why I was crying. That would explain why he didn't say anything. Eventually I felt better.
He took me to a lake that had the most beautiful lily pads and flowers in full bloom. It cheered me up. Eventually it was starting to get dark.
"We will have to leave soon," Rael said looking at the sky. Some clouds were building.
"I wish time could stand still while we're here. Being here with you like this...is so peaceful. I somehow don't want it to end."
"Me neither."
Rael's face was very close to mine as he said that. As we looked into each other's eyes, I didn't see a demon, but simply a being who was being honest with me. I realised that I really liked Rael. I didn't know about love. I've never loved someone before, so I wouldn't be sure. Rael didn't move so I thought I'd do something. I leaned forward to kiss him, but he suddenly moved away.
"We must get going," he said.
