When The Witching Hour Strikes

Chapter 2

'What do you mean, not what you expected? Was I meant to be better? Older? Taller? Prettier maybe?'

'No, just.. Never mind. Anyway, you've got a lot of work to do, but for now I'll see you later'

And with that the apparition vanished. I didn't see her for a few days afterwards, and would have forgotten about her had she not reappeared in my dreams many times, though I dismissed it as my overwrought imagination playing tricks on me. I mean, I have been sleeping well these past nights, and well, I can't see any other excuse that would make any sense whatsoever.

As I walk through the garden with a load of vegetables and fruits on my back, I can feel the weight of it crushing me, yet I carry on, because I'll have to get used to it eventually. My mind wanders to the apparition, and the words she spoke. What could she possibly mean not what she expected? Maybe I'm not good enough? But for what? As I'm lost in my thoughts I notice my surroundings become more gray concrete, and dull. I near the schoolhouse, and enter the kitchen to deposit my load. As I walk out to the corridor, I notice someone new standing by kitchen door. I subtly eye her, dark hair, bright green eyes. But there's something shimmering behind her...

I wonder...

I look around to make sure no one is within earshot.

"Are those..wings?" I gingerly ask.

She winks, then slightly nods her head. She beckons me towards her, and starts to walk away. I follow her, wondering where she's going. We seem to be walking towards the garden, not following any particular path, just walking slowly. As we near the edges of the garden she stops, turns and looks at me.

"I had to get away from the house, people would hear. And yes, not many people see my wings, in fact, you're one of the only mortals who can see them. No, I don't have answers to all of your questions, but I will answer what I can. Go ahead"

"Well first of all, why am I having these crazy dreams? What has any of this got to do with me? Who are you? What are you doing here? Why me?"

"Calm down, one question at a time please. Now, the first one, you're having these dreams because you are needed in the fae realm. Secondly it has everything to do with you, and will be explained later. Thirdly my name is Naida. Fourthly, it is you because it will become your job to help us survive. That is all I can answer for now, you shall have to wait to see their majesties before you know any more of our realm. Now you must promise me that whatever happens, you will not tell a single soul of what I have told you. It is vital that the secrets of our realm are kept, as there are those who would destroy us."

At this point all I can do is nod, mute. It's a lot of information, but I know that I'll have many more questions along the way.

"Okay, so when will I know the answers to every other question I have?"

"Didn't I tell you that's all I can answer? Besides, you have much to learn before you will find the answers to all of your questions."

Okay, that was justified, and well put. Props to her for being so witty. I wonder when I'll get to visit the fae realm. For real this time.

"No, I can't take you there anytime very soon, it takes time for you to learn the essentials first, then you have to learn how to get there."

"Did I say that out loud?"

"You sure did. Anyway, it'd be useless, I can read you like an open book, your emotions are so easy to see. It's all in the eyes before you ask."

"Oh" is all I can manage before wandering off into my thoughts. She seems to notice this, and look at me as though she's debating whether to tell me something vaguely important. I notice how the shrubbery around us perfectly matches her eyes, as if she designed it that way. Her dark curly hair frames her face, and those green eyes are mesmerising. Suddenly I'm jolted out of my thoughts by something she says.

What?

"I said, you need to know that whatever happens in this world, you mustn't deter yourself from learning all you can from me. It is essential that you learn the basics, and then I can take you to the fae realm. I already suspect what you are capable of, and until we begin lessons, you will not know. Usually my guesses are accurate, so I'm sure of this."

"When do we start?"

"Not now, and before you ask why, it is getting late, I must return to the fae, and you to the schoolhouse before people start asking questions."

Suddenly her eyes dart to something or someone behind me.

"Quick! Get out of the way before it gets you!!"

"Before what gets me?"

"Shut up and do it! Now is not the time to ask any questions!"

I fall down and the last thing I see is a jet of blue light emitting from her fingertips towards whatever is coming towards us...

A/N: Ello loves, Sorry for the cliffhanger, but it was the only way I was happy with the chapter. I know it's short, but they will become longer as the story progresses. Thank you for the patience with the upload schedule, but that's how it is at the moment. I will attempt to have a chapter up by next week, but bear with me if there is none. Please don't be a silent reader I would appreciate feedback and votes, as it would motivate me to write more. What do you think of the story so far? Was Naida the apparition? Tell me what you think