My Curse

Session 12

 The banquet Milah was talking about was nothing short of magnificent. We were in a large dining room. There was table that stretched nearly a full football field. There were fairies everywhere. They milled about to room. Laughing and talking drunkenly. I was sitting next to Milah at the table. Nikova had insisted he sit next to me but there was a strict rule that women sat on one side and men on the other.

Milah wasn't a bad host. She often offered to get me new refreshments or food. I declined more than once and could tell she was getting impatient. She excused herself after a while and went to talk to some women gathered in a corner. I sighed and decided to enjoy the meal before me.

The table was set with all kinds of dishes. I didn't know what half of them were. In the end I settled for what looked like mashed potatoes, cooked carrots, and some sort of herb soup. I was beginning to eat when the strange man started talking.

He rang a bell and immediately the whole room went back to their seats. With the room in silence it was easy for everyone to hear him. I sat in the back and I could hear his voice as clear as if it was right next to me.

"My people," he started," today we have guests!" everybody cheered. "Not just any guests." He paused for suspension," Humans!" The room erupted with noise. I looked to Nikova but he just shrugged his shoulders. The man continued to talk about how great an honour it was we were here. Everyone looked overjoyed except for Milah.

She sat quietly, hands folded in her lap. She watched her water as he spoke. Once in awhile she'd scoff at something he said. I leaned over to ask her what was wrong but then the room was silent. Every eye was staring at me.

"Milah? Why is everyone looking at me?" I tried to whisper but everyone could hear me. The room burst into laughter.

"My dear, I simply asked you a question." The man wiped away a tear and gave me his terrible smile.

"Uh and what was that question again?" I could feel myself turning red with embarrassment.

"What is your name?" His voice echoed so loudly it sounded as if he was right next to me.

"Oh sorry," I looked at everyone sheepishly. "My name is Catherine." I tried to sound authoritative but it came out weak.

"And yours?" The man turned to Nikova.

"I never share my name to someone who hasn't done the same." He replied coolly. I cringed at how rude he was being.

"Smart lad." The man stared him down but Nikova didn't flinch. "My name is Emerald." The name fit him well. A beautiful gem that, if crafted right, can hurt many people.

"Hmph," Nikova scoffed. "Mine is Simon." Nikova's voice was steady. I looked at him confused. Did he really have that big an ego? He told Milah his real name, obviously Emerald was going to figure it out. I rolled my eyes at how childishly he was acting.

"Hello, Simon." Emerald kept eye contact a few seconds too long and then addressed the crowd again. I payed close attention to his words, worried I'd have to repeat my last experience.

When he was done speaking everyone got up and returned to their socializing, except Milah. She sat next to me in silence. Her hands were tightly knitted together and her lips were pursed. She kept looking at me fervently and then back at her hands.

"Milah? Is everything all right?" I didn't like the girl but the way she was acting was scaring me.

"Yes, yes but... may I come to your room tonight? Help you settle in before you leave?" She had fear in her eyes but her voice was full of hope. I nodded my head once. She let out a sigh of relief and smiled at me. It wasn't her same charming smile. She looked scared.