Hush

Jack: Portals and Giants

Jack could make out the stag antlers on her head, and below them she had cow shaped ears poking from thick brown hair beaded and decorated in vines. She walked with grace, bare chested and wearing only a moss covered sarong, she was as white as the glow she was emitting. The sound of a beautiful warming melody travelled from her direction as she hummed in peace as she moved about the forest. Trees closed in around her, eager to be in her presence.

'She....She's so beautiful.' Jack mumbled, stepping forward without thinking into her view, if only she opened her eyes.

'Jack.' Ace hissed almost silent, 'don't let her see you.' He pulled him back, too slow. The ethereal creature stilled, her eyes that had been closed opened wide on her small, pretty freckled face, a look of curiosity touched her features as she looked upon them, her ears twitched as she stood tall and proud.

'We have to kill her.' Ace whispered in Jack's ear.

'What?' Jack rounded on him, 'no way.'

Hearing the threat the Cernunnos girl instantly drew a bow and arrow directed at them.

'We have to, she's a portal point.' Ace explained in rushed quiet tones. 'We are between Requirden and Enchanten right now, we have stepped into no-man's land.' He rushed on.

'Then we will find another way.' Jack snapped back.

'Why have you come here?' Her voice sang out, soft and as melodious as her gentle humming. 'So far into the forest of Make Believe.'

They both looked at her, poised with her weapon and ready to fire. Jack made to move closer, his hands up in a show of innocence.

'Don't move,' she said sharply, 'another step and I will shoot.'

He stopped and looked back at Ace who had vanished. Shocked, Jack turned back to the creature.

'What is behind you?' She asked her eyes innocent but guarded.

She hadn't seen Ace, Jack realised. 'Sorry, I am lost.' He answered, avoiding her question, it felt wrong to lie to this creature.

'I am looking for a way into Requirden.' He said, discreetly looking around for Ace.

Her deep green eyes narrowed. 'Nobody is ever trying to enter there.' She seemed more suspicious of him now. Her eyes scanning around Jack the same way his had when looking for Ace, for other possible intruders into her peaceful place. 'Requirden is Hell, nobody willingly steps into there.'

'Dean Winchester does.' Jack offered as a light joke, a reference to one of his favourite TV shows.

Her ears moved but she spoke no words at his comment. He felt himself blushing as he accidentally let his eyes fall down her bare chest and back up.

She moved closer, lowering her bow as though deciding he was no danger to her. 'You shouldn't be so far out in the thickets.' She said, 'there are malevolent souls out here. You would do better to return to Enchanten.'

'I am trying to get home.' Jack said frustratedly.

She paused for a moment. 'I cannot direct you to the place you seek, but I can give you this as an amulet for when you get there, it will help you see into the soul of all who you meet and will help you discern who to trust and who not to.' She pulled free one of many decorative necklaces and looked down at it, then back to Jack as though she almost missed its presence already. 'It has served me well for many years, and in you I see a pure soul, tainted with horrible experiences and an unfortunate fate.' She kissed the charm softly then extended her hand towards Jack.