Timeless

...because you'll never forget what he did.

How does one who has never done drugs of any kind, describe the most wicked and fucked up trip ever in the world? Picture millions of colors, and lights, and shapes flickering past your eyes every nano-second of every minute. Plus screeching sounds and feelings of both lightness and heaviness. Imagine your stomach lurching but never quite giving you the satisfaction of throwing-up. You can't tell where the ground ends and the sky begins. Your body feels as if it's being twisted and contorted in every pose known to man yet there you are just standing there. Your eyes roll up then back, up then back. Your ears pop. Your mouth is dry. Your throat clenches.

That, my friends, is what the voyage to the mystical island of Avalach or Avalon is like. And may you never experience it.

When my vision cleared of the nastiness, I was still unable to move but now I was glad I couldn't. From all sides creatures of grotesque shapes and sizes watched me and gorged on the lush smorgasbord before them. Fruits and wines unknown to me were neatly arraigned on the long wooden table. The creatures were all dressed in forest colors too; dark greens, browns, blacks. Their clothes also looked to be stitched together, and quite half-hazardly at that. Some wore dresses, others well…mostly wore leaves and twigs. I think one passed by not wearing anything at all! How could I say for sure though, it was dark and gloomy here. And my being motionless worked like a charm; I went unnoticed. Like avoiding a Tyrannosaurus Rex, I was invisible. But that did nothing to stop my heart from racing in my ears, and my palms from sweating.

The inhuman figures laughed and spoke in that rough ancient language Peter himself had used. But these creatures were nothing compared to Peter in beauty. These were the animals of nightmares and urban legends. Horns, fangs, bulging eyes, and greasy skin seemed to be the staple of these folk. One, a wraith looking girl with sallow skin and huge black eyes unwrapped her long, twiggy arms from around the neck of a stout gnome and saw me. Clearly, she was not a Tyrannosaurus Rex, she was more like a Velociraptor. She came towards me. She touched my hair with her too long fingers and licked her thin lips.

"Mmmmm, Peter, what did you bring us this time? She seems divine!"

Her voice was like foil wrap. It was shrill and crumbling. I wanted to scream and run away. I felt like I had been transported into Ridley Scott's Legend movie. The smells around me, the sounds, the energy were all both fantastic and horrific. It made me wish to run away, and when I realized that I still could not, I began to panic. Which was not a good thing. These creatures, I wouldn't be surprised if they fed on panic and fear.

The female's hands came up into my hair now, their clammy skin damp on my face. I felt like I was finally going to be sick. Suddenly I felt more surges of energy, and I looked over to see Peter- his face pulled tight over his sharp bones.

"Do not touch her, Maestra! This one belongs to me." Peter hissed in the faerie tongue, coming closer to me.

The fairy Maestra snarled, her thin lips curled back to reveal black pointed teeth, "All offerings belong to the Queen, Paedhar! You know that, or must you be reminded again?"

Peter tensed. His green eyes flaring wildly. But not as much as my own. I was an…offering? AN OFFERING? Like a sacrificial lamb or something? Avalon be damned if I was going to be sacrificed for Peter's sake. You know, this whole freaking mess was his fault! The abduction, the trickery, and now this? If I could cry and stomp and pull my hair I would.

I wanted to hit Peter. I wanted to grab him by his ridiculous red hair and ask him questions on pain of death. Then as if a mute button had been pushed, the great room became deafeningly quiet. All of those alien eyes were focused on a large throne made of thistles and thorns. In one graceful movement, Peter stepped in front of me, his height hiding me. I stared at the back of his head and noticed that his red hair seemed more disheveled, for some reason.

"All worship Her Majesty, Queen Mab. Rise Peasants!" The squeaky boom of a short and stout goblin came.

Clumsily, the creatures rose, knocking chairs and dishes as they did so. Peter straightened and I saw the muscles in his back tense. Trinkets clanked as the most lovely woman I had ever seen entered, followed by fairy maidens and knights. I immediately felt ashamed by my own ragged appearance; I had taken off my dress in Peter's room and now I was left in a flimsy 18th century shift. You know how when a woman walks into a room and completely shoots down your confidence? Yeah, imagine that but twenty times worse.

"Ahhh, Paedhar. Such a pleasure to see you here before me again. Why have you come to me this night?" OMG! Her voice was heavenly. I disliked her instantly.

"Greetings my Queen Mab. Fairy Queen of the Unseelie Court and Mistress of Darkness, I bring good tidings. I have ventured far to beseech your majesty, a request."

My brows shot to my hair line. I'd never heard Peter speak so properly and politely before! Such eloquence! Clearly, he respected this fairy more than me…bastard.

"Hmmmmm, and what is this tasty morsel you bring to my court?" Shit! She saw me.

Peter tensed again. "This? She is nothing. Just a mere mortal girl."

The fairy queen studied me as one examines a fine piece of jewelry. "Why, she's lovely Peadhar. Such a gift!"

The red-headed fae in front of me sucked in a breath. "Forgive me, my Queen, but I have a request to make."

"I realize that my dear Pan. You've made your intentions clear before. What is it you wish of me?" The Queen rested her tiny chin in a slender palm.

"This mortal has magic. Such a human is a rare find, and in such an older specimen. My wish is that she remain with me in Neverland. She could prove useful."

My eyes widened and I murmured something against the silence spell. The Queen took notice and flicked a long finger. I opened my mouth wide and gasped.

"I want to go home! This is all a misunderstanding. Peter what the fuck! I demand you take me home now!"

"You do not intend to stay in Neverland?" the Queen asked silkily.

I shook my head wildly, "Hell no! I want to leave!"

A harsh gasp gripped the surrounding fae. Each one whispered eagerly into the ears of another. Their gossip and obvious glee disgusted me. I suddenly felt like an island. Peter's shoulders jolted as one fae approached me, reading itself to throw what seemed to be half eaten fruit at my head.

Peter emitted a low growl from his pale throat, which seemed to quell any aspirations the other fae had. The Queen watched calmly, her lovely eyes like twin gems.

"You seem very attached to this mortal, that is quite unlike you." She said.

Peter turned to her and bowed his head. Behind him, my face flushed. I mean, sure this was a dreadful situation to be in, a pure nightmare. But having a strong otherworldly man protect you in front of his peers is something that any woman would feel warm about.

"It is against our ways to force one into being a part of our world, Peadhar. You know that."

Peter clenched his fists, "Yes-I am well aware."

"I may not be able to, but I can make a wager with you, dear Peadhar. Return to Neverland. If you can persuade this girl into staying with you and your Lost Boys, then I shall fulfill your wish and make her one of us." The Queen offered without considering what I might think.

"What is it with you fae! You can't toss me around like I'm some piece of meat! Don't I get a say in what happens to me?"

The Faerie Queen turned and smiled at me. "The die has been cast, my dear. I shall send the two of you back, where you will play out this little game. I wish you luck Peadhar, remember she is no child. She may prove more of a challenge than even you had expected."

I don't remember what happened next, but when I regained my senses, I was back on Peter's bed with the green eyed imp inches from my face.