ORPHEUS

Chapter 2

What she saw infront of had to be heaven, maybe she had died falling down the slope. It was magical. What first caught her attention was the reflection of the stars on the still water of the small pond in front of her. Just like a mirror. The twinkling lights were spread out in front of her like scattered diamonds with lights glinting off them. Beyong the pond she saw a lush field of wild flowers scattered all the way to the forest line beyond. Violets, blue bells, daisies, wild rose bushes at the treeline and so many she didn't recognise. They were dancing in the soft, cool breeze as their heavenly scent wafted to her.
She limped into the clearing, pushing aside the annoying branches in her way. She removed her tattered shoes, as she stepped on the soft grass, barely conscious about her injuries. The blades were so soft it was like they melted underneath her feet. It was quiet, perfectly calm. All that could be heard was the soft whispering of the wind. It felt like a lullaby seducing her to sleep. The adrenaline was starting to wear off and Katherine realised how tired she had gotten.
Maybe I should stay here for a while. She thought to herself as she lowered herself to the comfortable bed of grass.
Lying on the grass made her fall asleep almost instantly, but then she heard it . The sound of rustling bushes. She sat up immediately and started to look around. Just as she looked ro the right. She saw what probably made the noise.
A pair of dazzling golden eyes had caught her gaze. They were like two orbs of fire against the dark background of the forest. Katherine was sure that was no animal, for she saw the shadow of a man but his face wasn't visible. She felt her heart beat increase, what could a man be doing outside at this hour. She was trembling. Maybe he was one of those hitch hikers that robbed the poor souls trying to help him then mercilessly murdered them. Or maybe he was just like her, looking for nothing else but an adventure. As if anybody was as stupid as herself. She thought. So she just collected every ounce of courage in her puny body and stammered out "Wh-who are y-you? Wha-what do you want?"
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"What do you want?!" She exclaimed, louder thus time. The figure in the dark treeline simply stared at the fascinating creature, glowing under the starlight. She was quite peculiar, with her long dark locks and big shiny orbs laced with fear. He wondered what she was doing at a time like this. No one dared venture out at this hour. He would've applauded at her bravery, had he not known just how dangerous it was at a time like this.
Her small body was trembling, mayhap she wasn't very brave after all. "H-hello?" He heard her call out. Her voice, it was quite squeaky and pitched, probably from fear, he concluded. She did not sound like someone who could harm a fly, let alone something like him.
Enough, he thought. It was time for her to go. He couldn't waste his time on this creature, he had other things to do. He figured he should ask her to leave politely. If she didn't he would have to heave her back to where she came from.

"Leave, little one. You shouldn't be out here at this hour. Its dangerous" he said calmly, trying not to frighten her more than she already was, but still feeling the urge to tease her a bit.

"Wh-what? Are you going to h-hurt me?" She squeaked out.

"Gracious no, now why would I do that. I would simply drag you back to where you came from" he said" wouldn't want you to be bait for the hell hounds now, would I?"

"Hell-hounds?! There is no such thing! Stop trying to scare me away"she screeched, blanching even more.. " I-I am not afraid."
"Oh but there is such a thing" he replied, partially amused by her behavior, while the other part grew impatient " and you, my dear, are very afraid, so I suggest you leave and let me do my job"