The Affinities

Izzy- Dreams

Izzy

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I had another dream. It was different from the other dreams I've been having.

I was walking on the beach, the sand was wet and compact under my feet and the hem of my dress was softly brushing against my calves as I walked forwards. I didn't know where I was walking, only forwards. I looked down to see that I was wearing a white nightgown. It was sleeveless, the straps resting on the edge of my shoulders. The bodice was lacy, an intricate pattern of swirls and flowers. It was beautiful, like nothing I've ever worn.

My hair blew gently into my face, being directed by the salty sea breeze. I gazed off into the distance, looking for any sign as to why I was here. It was then, I noticed a shining light in the distance, a couple hundred meters away. I tried running towards it but my legs turned to lead. It was like trying to run through treacle, tiring and frustrating. I racked my head, trying to remember any incantation that would get me out of this mess, or at least moving faster. My mind came up blank. I struggled my way forward, eventually getting within hearing distance of this light.

I glanced around, taking in the scene. There were a few boulders close by, big enough to hide me from anyone if needed. The sand was darker here, everything had a sharper, sinister edge.

I caught a quick movement in the corner of my eye and spun around slowly. There was a polecat slinking by the boulders, seemingly unaffected by the slowness like I had. This must be a message from Hecate!

I realised that if Hecate was trying to show me something, the rocks must be there for a reason. I hid behind them as quickly as I could, struggling against the warped air.

There was a sudden hissing sound, coming from the other side of the boulders. I peeked over the top and struggled to keep from gasping.

There were 4 people. Two had their backs towards me, they were facing the other two. One of the backs had white-silver hair, it was eye-wateringly bright. It must've been the bright light I'd seen earlier. Next to the silver head was a figure knelt down, like they were worshipping. They looked like a girl, the body was feminine and petite, whereas the silver one was masculine but lean, the figure of a teenage boy. The knelt figure had chestnut hair, with highlights of gold and auburn. It was a peaceful scene, except that the girls shoulders were shaking, as if she was crying.

It was the two people facing me that made me gasp. The person facing the girl was a woman, and I use the term loosely. From the waist upwards, she was beautiful. She had ashy blonde hair down to her waist and delicate features. Her eyes were glowing green, framed by dark eyelashes. Her mouth was smiling, but there was a cruel lift to her lips and her eyes were narrowed, suggesting something sinister. There was a diadem resting on her head. It was silver and wrapped around her forehead. It spiralled like snakes and was encrusted with emeralds to match her eyes. The emeralds were small, and paired almost like snake eyes, which was ironic. The bottom half of her body took all the attention from her beautiful face. Her pale skin gradually turned a pale green, her skin had patches of scales until it was all consistent scales. Her torso elongated until it forked off into two spikes. She was half snake.

She hissed something in an old language, older than any I'd ever heard. The boy seemed to understand it and lifted his head, replying in the same hissing tongue.

The snake woman gestured towards the other woman, standing in the shadows.

Her skin was as pale as the moon, contrasting with her fire red hair. Her eyes were closed and her long lashes looked even longer, enhanced by her thick eyeliner. Her nose was delicate and small. Her lips were plump and red, moving rapidly, almost as if she was sleep talking. She was wearing a black dress that reached halfway up her thighs. It had a ruffled, airy bodice with Shakespearean sleeves, almost like a pirates shirt. Her waist was tiny, the dress was drawn in tight. The skirt section of the dress was ruffled and moved in the wind. She was barefoot, showing off her slender legs. Her arms hung limp at her sides. I would've guessed that she was dead if not for her moving lips. She swayed gently in a rhythm, like the wind was moving her along with her dress.

The chestnut haired girl was still crying, but now the silver haired boy was helping her to her feet. Even from behind the rock, I could hear her sniffing.

The snake lady hissed again, this time it was directed towards the girl. She tilted her head in confusion and the silver boy hissed something. The snake lady glanced quickly at the sleeping woman and sighed deeply. She directed her attention towards the crying girl again and spoke in a foreign accent.

“You...m-must end...them.”

someone caught their breath. I wasn't sure if it was me or the girl but after a pause, she nodded dutifully.

“I will.” she replied in a weak voice, kneeling again in front of the woman.

The snake lady spoke again, clearly struggling to form her words.

“She will...awaken!”

The polecat brushed against my arm. I gasped, I had forgotten it was there. It happened so suddenly; the silver boy coughed, a signal I guess, and the snake lady fixed her attention behind the other girl, straight at me.

Her emerald eyes grew brighter with anger, and seemed to grow bigger and bigger until they were swallowing me. She hissed, baring her teeth and lunged at me.