Chapter 9
Genevieve
It’s hard to believe what he just said to me, all I wanted was to help that poor squirrel. He was hungry, and if I could offer something simple such as an apple to help his hunger, I would gladly do it again, even if it means that we have to get more food for ourselves.
I wish Esme was here to help with my confidence. I’ve been working hard on it, but sometimes it leaves my body, abandoning me. And that’s okay, not every day can be the best one.
He made me feel embarrassed when he said those things. It felt like I did something wrong, even though I didn’t. A familiar feeling of shame is lingering on the surface, but there is no reason for me to feel that way.
I don’t want him to be able to control my feelings. But somehow he makes me feel all types of different emotions.
Why am I this emotional?
This journey is already taking longer than I thought it would, almost like the sand in an hourglass has turned to stone. The sun is setting and I have no clue how far we’ve come. All I know is that my body is tired and is in desperate need of a long night's rest.
Ector and I haven’t spoken for what feels like an eternity. It was going so well until it wasn’t. He didn’t apologize, nor did he ask if I was okay. We’ve been walking in silence, him taking the lead with the map in his hands and me following right behind.
Feeling hungry, I reach down in my bag to grab the pear, only for the realization to hit me, it’s no longer there. All the food I brought is gone.
I hate to admit it, to accept it, but Ector was right about that squirrel, he only wanted the food and he must have taken everything when none of us were paying attention.
My stomach twists and turns, and I let out a small groan of pain. Ector freezes to ice for a split second but doesn’t stop walking.
We can’t keep walking all night. We don’t know this land well enough. We don’t know what could get to us in the middle of the dark hours. Something, or someone, could steal our lives the moment our eyes fall shut.
Suddenly, the thought of my mother enters my mind.
She must be worried, terrified by now. I need to find a shop that sells papers, pens, and write her a letter, and send it with Fast Fairy Mail.
It's not the cheapest alternative but it's my only option.
They will make sure that the envelope gets to her in a few hours.
Some fairies compete in the yearly Fast Flying Competition to win the title of being the fastest fairy of all time, and a lot of them work for Fast Fairy Mail only to keep up their daily practice.
“Ector, I’m starting to get really hungry and tired.”
“I know, sweetheart, me too.”
“I think we should find somewhere to eat and stay the night before the sun sets entirely.”
“We’re almost at Lake City. If we can get there, I think we’ll find everything we need. And I wouldn’t let anything happen to you even if we kept walking the whole night.”
“Do you know how long it will take to get there?”
“We should be there in just a minute, sweetheart.”
And there it is, that nickname.
“Lake City should be just behind these big bushes.” Ector claims as he pushes the bushes aside with his big veiny hands, a detail I can’t seem to ignore.
As the big bushes blocking our view are pushed aside, both of us try to take in the city unfolding before our eyes.
The buildings are gigantic, castles almost. Their sturdy stone walls whisper of old tales. Their great pillars rise from the ground all around the city, and flowers in pastel with big leaves are growing upon them. The sunset in hues of soft pink and radiant gold is still painted over the sky.
Together, we take a step out of the forest and enter the magnificent city. For years I’ve thought that Fairy Village was the prettiest place of all time, I had no idea I was about to see this.
“Oh, Ector, it’s stunning.”
“It is,” he answers. Neither of us can process this beautiful place. ”Let’s go, we need to ask someone where to stay the night.” He continues, taking a hold of my hand and dragging me with him.
With each step, we move deeper into the warm city. Among the huge buildings, several look newer. Made of stone, they have wooden beams as decor, and dry hay on the roof.
People are still outside in the lingering evening warmth. Out of the corner of my eye, I spot three men sitting on a tree stump, holding three different instruments.
One of them is holding a vibrant purple Ocarina, wearing a tight cream smock with golden pockets and buttons.
The second is holding his emerald green violin that matches his tight suit in the same color, looking more than ready to start playing his music.
The last one is holding a steady grip around his big, wooden, contrabass and looked proud to be right where he was.
The three of them look excited and ready to begin the late evening with their music.
I let go of Ector’s hand and left his side without the slightest hesitation, my dress flowing beautifully around my legs.
“Where are you going?” I could hear his muffled voice behind me.
Too focused on the path before me, I ignore his worried question and continue forward. “Are the three of you going to play anything tonight?” I ask the elves sitting before me.
“Of course, just for you, pretty lady.” The one in a green suit answers with his interesting accent.
They count down and begin playing in unison. Around us, fairies, witches, and elves gather, ready to enjoy whatever is about to happen. Choosing partners, they start dancing around us, not only adults but their children too.
Suddenly, I feel a steady grip around my upper arm, and I am being dragged into the dancing crowd. Turning my head to see who’s holding me, it’s obvious that he’s an elf, one that I have never seen before.
His heavy eyes, dark as the deep ocean, are looking into my soul, and his long golden hair is put into a low tail behind his head. He’s wearing tight cream white pants and a light green vest. His boots, adorned in rich brown and gold, reach just below his knees.
An acorn necklace dangles against his chest, and it’s impossible to ignore his huge bow and arrows on display behind his broad shoulder.
“What’s your name, mi lady?” His deep, masculine voice is gentle.
“I’m Genevieve. What is yours?”
“My name is Castello, the best archer in the city.” He pauses. “I’ve never seen you around before. Are you from here?”
“I’m not. I live in Fairy Village, which is much smaller than this place.” Just as the words leave my mouth, I regret sharing them with a stranger.
“I’ve heard about that place.” He answers me with a warm smile, making me feel safer in an instant.
As I place my hands on each of his shoulders, he tightens his grip around my waist. Suddenly, I don’t feel comfortable anymore. I try to remind myself that Ector is still here, somewhere in the growing crowd.
The music keeps playing for a few minutes, and when it abruptly stops, everyone around us starts cheering and shouting.
“One more time! One more time!”
“Are you staying here? I mean, staying the night?” Castello asks, giving me a flirtatious look.
Before I get the chance to gather my thoughts and give him a proper answer, Ector’s voice echoes from behind me. “Yes, we are staying the night.”
Castello is much shorter than Ector and lacks his strong facial features, making them look like total opposites.
“Well, then I shouldn’t interfere with your visit.” He replies coldly, giving Ector an intense look.
“No, it’s totally fine, I promise.” I say, stopping him from leaving. “Can I ask you, do you know where we could spend the night? We need somewhere to sleep.” I ask him kindly.
“We have multiple places you can stay at, I would recommend Coral's Bed and Breakfast. Everyone loves that place.” He responds before leaving our side.
Coral’s Bed and Breakfast.
Walking up to someone else, we gently ask for directions and somewhere to eat. Leaving the crowd, we made our way to the food booths on the cobblestone street as the lady recommended.
—
As we arrive at Coral’s Bed and Breakfast, the huge shell entrance is displayed before us. It's an open shell with a door that looks like a pearl enchanted by white shimmerness.
Walking inside, we meet the wonderful owner, Marissa, who leads us towards our room.
It was impossible not to fall in love with her flowy, coral dress.
The dress had long sleeves that widened around the hands, and it was covered in light orange shiny pearls, just like the ones she had put in her caramel brown hair.
The colors suited her well, making her aura radiate confidence and power.
Opening the door, she lets us in. The room is painted in different shades of sandy beige and it’s completely covered in seashells along pearls of different sizes. Handing us the golden key with a wonderful smile on her lips , she leaves us to explore on our own.
We pass through the main room, which features a big wooden table and surrounding chairs. We find our way to the bedroom where we are going to spend our night, only to realize...
There is only one bed.