Chapter 7
Portarius
She stands inside my home looking so tiny, helpless even, and I curse myself for not being more observant. It's been centuries since a human has come through the Gate with such a sound mind. Albeit the Ananea attack was unusual, I can't blame the beast for being curious when the Gate hummed.
Her skin has paled, and I'm concerned that my simple dwellings are not enough as she takes it in.
What are her usual comforts? High towers and lavish indulgences do not exist in this realm because we do not need them.
We live simply. If additional resources are required, we send word to Realm One and the damned are sent.
I still fear she will and lose her mind like the others who came before her.
I must ensure my dagger is sheathed at my side from now on, if not for her, then in case another becomes curious about her arrival.
Humans are a sought after species, and I need to be sure authorities are notified and the correct procedures are followed.
We will need to venture into the closest village.
A day spent pressed against Emmie as we ride to Inferloch sounds like a gift from the Devil herself, and then add on the need to spend the night.
I will be proud to ride into Inferloch with her at my side.
No doubt she will garner curious stares but she will be safe beside me.
No monster would dare attack us like the Ananea did.
Her eyes droop, as her body sways. Exhaustion must be taking her. I must remember to feed and water her regularly. Her body will acclimate to this realm over the next few weeks if she chooses to remain.
“I don't feel good …”
She fumbles her words, her shoulders sagging and her head falling forward.
Wasting no more time, I scoop her into my arms, the comforting weight of her resting against my chest once again.
Understanding dawns of why human women are so desirable, her soft pliant body is a thing of beauty.
In fact, I'm not sure why humans aren't more sought after given the way my body responds to her touch.
Unless … No it couldn't mean that … Could it?
I would be pleased if she decided to stay nearby so I can learn everything about the human world and its advancements.
It's not often a monster seeks entrance to pass through the Gate. The Great Demon Migration of 1472 was enough to trigger mass hysteria and resulted in a century long persecution of women who were accused of witchcraft. By the time it was contained, we had a strict travel visa in place if you wanted to venture through the Gate. Genuine reasons were assessed, but ‘sowing one’s seed’ was no longer considered a reasonable excuse for travel.
I lay her soft, pliant body on top of my bedding, and she sinks into the mattress.
A gentle whimper escapes her lips, and her face relaxes, content in her surroundings.
I puff up my chest as I look down at her sleeping body, proud of correctly assessing her needs.
The shirt she wears has ridden up and her luscious thighs are now exposed, silken skin calling out for me to touch it.
As titillating as that thought is, I must remember my duty.
She is comfortable in my home.
I have not scared her.
She is content enough to rest.
I am not so frivolous as to leave her in a position where anyone could take her.
The Ananeas' behaviour is enough of a reminder that free will exists, and monsters will act on their own desires if it outweighs the consequence.
They would have to kill me before that happened, and lucky for her, I am an eternal being.
Moving to the kitchen, I pull the untouched loaf of bread from the now cool oven, the embers long since blackened.
Checking my cupboards, my basic supplies are well stocked with all of my grains and sugars full.
My cool stores look good, and I take a big enough portion of salted meat to feed three Gatekeepers, just in case she requires additional feeding.
Silently, I prepare everything for when she wakes, before carrying my chair across the room, positioning it so I can sit and observe her.
Selfishly, it also gives me uninterrupted time to study the way her chest rises and falls.
Watching the occasional flutter of her eyelids as she dreams.
I hope she dreams of me.
??????
The moon flames are high in the night sky when her breathing changes, her eyes slowly opening.
“Emmie?” I whisper. Not loud enough to startle her, but to alert her of my presence. My protection.
Her eyes snap open, wide as they stare at me, the flicker of the moon causing shadows to dance across her body.
“Gatekeeper?” She rasps.
Slowly, I stand, not wanting to alarm her further after a lengthy slumber. She will no doubt be groggy and sluggish. Pushing herself up, her head hangs, a tiny hiss escaping as she rubs her forehead.
“Do you … Do you have any water?”
Hurriedly, I tear a crust of bread and take her a cup of cool water, kneeling in front of her as she takes it from my hands.
“Sip it slowly. You are still acclimating to this realm. Hopefully, this is the worst of the sickness, but it is not unheard of for it to last several days.”
I prop two pillows behind her, leaving her to recline a little and set to work cooking a meal full of nourishment.
Meat, eggs, and bread tower on the plate for us to share, but I have no table for her to sit at.
Although I am excelling at her care, proud that she is not scared of me or chosen to free her soul. There is still room for improvement.
The soft patter of her footsteps cross the room behind me, and I turn, noting the gentle glow of the oil lamp and her silhouette through the fabric of the shirt she wears.
It hangs to her knees, but the soft curves of her body are still on display for me to see.
My cock begins to thicken, and I want to reach for her, feel her.
My body seems to come alive when we touch, but there is something more with it, a pull of desire.
“I have no table for you to sit at. I will have one fabricated in the village tomorrow. We will depart in the morning.” I tell her, more nervously than I expect.
I want to ensure that she has every comfort.
I should have been more prepared, but I became as disinterested as the rest of the realm, never truly believing that I would be standing in this position, with a female human no less.
“Where do you usually eat?”
“On the front porch, under the moon flames … I find it peaceful.”
I feel like I've told her a secret. A hidden joy that I like to bask in.
She walks toward the front entrance, tentatively stepping out into the night sky, standing just as awkwardly as I do.
Holding the plate of food, it takes a second to realise she is waiting for me to show her where I sit.
Placing the food down, I settle into my usual position.
One leg dangling off the porch, the other lying straight as I lean back, resting against the large wooden pillar.
“Come, Emmie, sit and break bread with me.”
“You mean, let's eat,” She corrects me on the phrase, and I enjoy the confidence she shows. Not many would dare challenge me but when she does I can't help but grin. She is tiny but fierce.
Tentatively, she takes my hand, stepping over my leg and sitting on the edge of the porch. She is close enough for me to pull her into an embrace if I so desired.
Do I desire it?
Resting the plate next to her, I use my fingers to pile some eggs on the bread and take a large bite. She watches me before repeating my actions.
“I will order proper utensi—”
“Why am I here, Gatekeeper? What is the point of all this? And do you have another name, or do I just call you Gatekeeper?” A range of emotions flash across her face. Anger, confusion, frustration and sadness. Looking up at the moon flames, she whispers the words I have been waiting for her to say.
“Am I dead?”
My poor, sweet human doesn't know how well she is doing as silent tears track down her cheeks.
Her poor droplets lost forever. I lift my hand, cupping her face and wiping them away with my thumb.
Taking the half eaten toast from where she clumsily holds it.
I move the plate away and gently lift her onto my lap, wrapping my arms around her as she weeps.
“Death is a simple concept. On Earth, you no longer exist. Your memory, yes, but your body is here now, your soul. You are not alive in the way you understand, but you are alive. Some part of you wanted the Gate to open, and so it did.” I try to soothe her in a way I hope she understands. Explain it so she will accept her fate.
“Can I go back then?” her wide eyes looking up at me with hope.
“No. Your body, your soul, it can not happen. The Gate would destroy every part of you if you tried to pass through without permission. There is …There is one other alternative. I can release your soul. Your body will die, but your mind will be free.”
Reluctantly, I give her that option, but selfishly, I do not want her to take it. This is the most companionship I have had in millennia, I had forgotten how beautiful it is to share space with another. Even just watching her sleep brought me more joy than I have experienced in a long time.
“Let me show you this realm. See the life you could create before you make any decisions.” I say the words softly, the warmth of her body soothing me as I try to bring her comfort.
Her tears turn to sniffles, and I pass her a piece of salted meat to chew on, still perched in my arms. Protein and hydration will aid in her recovery, and I continue to pass her little pieces of food until she turns me down, softly saying, “No more.” We stare out to where the Gate lies, quiet and still as the moon flames twinkle across the night sky.
“Why is the moon on fire?” She asks curiously, and I smile at her question.
On Earth, the moon is cold. The flames of its existence long since burnt out, but here, in this realm, the flames of life dance brightly.
A giant fireball in the night sky shining its light, boldly for us all to enjoy.
Smiling down at her, still tucked into my chest, I give her the only explanation I can.
“The moon burns to keep us warm when the nights would otherwise be cold. To remind us that there is always tomorrow. Sleep, Emmie, we must go to the village when the red sun rises, and you will need your strength. Equina will be happy to have a beautiful new rider to show off to.”
The night air grows still as the soft rumble of my voice quiets.
Emmie fell back into slumber while I spoke, and I dare not move in case I wake her.
Resting my head back against the pillar, I silently tell the Gate to alert me if there is an intruder.
Its senses are far more alert while I am asleep. A symbiotic relationship of protection.