Realm 2

# 2

"Blackpool tower" she read from the guidebook "The mid-point of Blackpool's magnificent promenade" Skimming the page before sighing, and closing the book. The words had being swirling together for a while but she had stubbornly persisted to try and finish the book. She had now given up. Elizabeth looked up, if she looked hard enough, she could see past the dense mist to the large steel structure, towering over the other buildings. The wind whipped her face and her pale cheeks flushed with colour. As they neared the docks she stared in wonder at the scene before her.

The buildings were like a breathtaking backdrop against the stunning pier. Amusement stands and small cafés were littered along the sidewalks with people leaning over the railings staring into the deep blue waters. Crowds of people bustled over the cobbled streets. The central pier had a sort of magic to it that she could not explain. It was utterly unique and mesmerizing at the same time. Elizabeth felt captivated by its beauty and entranced by the rhythm of the waves. Black smoke curled from the chimneys of the massive ships and stained the already grey sky. Storm clouds began to rumble as the ship docked at the bay, rain beginning to drizzle lightly. The different noises were like a complex layered song.

By the time Elizabeth had broken out of her trance she realized that most of the people on board had left and been now on the wooden planks of the pier. Quickly, Elizabeth grasped the handle of her heavy leather trunk. Inside was practically a library of her medical volumes from Glasgow. Studying at the University of Glasgow medic was like a dream come true. Not many girls, especially in this day and age, had the opportunity to achieve academic excellence. But she was willing to fight for her place there and she got it. Elizabeth had studied there for three full years and now was returning home. Hurrying off the ship she checked her watch 11.15 exactly. Just enough time to eat some lunch at one of the cafés then to get the inn.

Heaving the trunk she made her way into the bustling crowd of people. She had never been claustrophobic before, but in that almighty swell of humanity, Elizabeth felt the panic rise in her chest. When they moved she had to also and if her feet failed to keep up she risked being trampled underfoot. Even in the bitter January cold, she felt the warmth of all those bodies pressing in. People were gaunt and serious, there was hardly a single utterance in the thousands-strong throng, save a few frightened yelps. There was nothing for it but to move with the crowd. Elizabeth could smell them too, the people, an unholy agglomeration of perfumes, body odor and over-applied cologne as well as the salty sea air and fresh fish.

Feeling trapped and helpless in the sea of society, her breathing quickened. Muttering to herself "Calm down Elizabeth. Just breath-" Suddenly a cold hand curled around her arm drawing her closer. The fingertips rubbed against her pale skin lightly causing shivers to race down her spine.

In her stomach she could feel it, building like an unstoppable snowball in the pit of her stomach. Panic. She struggled, trying to wrench her arm back but she was being pulled, pulled closer through the torrent of bodies surrounding her. Abruptly she collided with a hard wall of force, letting out a shriek of horror and surprise she pushed away letting go of her trunk with a heavy thud.

Elizabeth spun around only to face to face with a blue-eyed stranger. Eyes deep blue with swirls of emerald green. His fine, short hair curled slightly onto his eyes, the colour of black coffee. A close-fitting shirt and waistcoat covered his muscled build. A long overcoat draped over his shoulders. They stared at each other for a second. And then this strange boy gave her a smile that just seemed so genuinely charming unexpected warmth rushed through Elizabeth. "And who may you be?" She asked, curiosity building like a small storm inside her.

He looked at her as if she was someone he knew from a dream. But she had never seen him before, or at least she never recalled meeting him.

"I could ask you the same thing" He intoned, smirking. There was something about this boy that unsettled her. Every form of rationality inside screamed at her to run. Run as far as she could away from his breathtaking blue eyes. They were seriously blue. Elizabeth thought. Some should name a crayon after the guy.

"Should I be worried you're staring at me as if I'm the centre of the universe?" he asked sarcastically. Elizabeth's blush seared through her cheeks and for a minute she thought her face was on fire. She suddenly felt awkward, demure, and insecure.

"Sarcasm is the lowest form of wit" she chastised trying to grasp back some form of her dignity.

The laugh came from the boy like a newly sprung leak low and soft at first, stopping and starting every time he looked at her flustered expression. He wasn't done yet though, she could tell from the way he rolled his eyes to the sky and half bit his lip. He began to shake, face muscles growing tight.

"Sarcasm may be the lowest form of wit, but it is also the highest form of intelligence" he managed to say before dissolving into another fit of laughter.

Elizabeth stared at this peculiar boy who was laughing hysterically. "What's so funny?" she demanded hands on hips. His laughter began to subside. Ignoring her question completely he stuck his hand out "Blake Williams pleasure to make your acquaintance".

"Elizabeth Gray, It has been a great pleasure to convene," Elizabeth said with slight disdain checking her watch 11.30! She had to be at the inn for 11.45 exactly, lunch would have to wait "I am terribly sorry but I will have to leave," she smiled at Blake, but before she could grab her case Blake snatched the handle of the case. "Let me help you Miss Gray" he gave her a charming grin that would've made most girls swoon. "That's quite alright Mr Williams" she replied narrowing her eyes making a grab for the trunk. Before she could grab her trunk, it was raised high above her head out of her reach. "Excuse me! But I would like my trunk back thank you very much!" Her weak attempts at reaching the trunk were pointless, if only she could just... Without delay Elizabeth used all of her body weight and placed a well aim jab towards his stomach catching Blake by surprise. Almost instantly, he doubled over in shock In that instant she snatched her trunk from him. Mortified by what she had just done Elizabeth took a hasty step back and somehow managed to trip over. The world rushed by in a blur almost suspended; she closed her eyes, waiting for the inevitable, but then a strong arm wrapped around her waist catching her mere inches from the cobblestones. "Not so fast sunshine" He whispered. They stood there for a moment gazing at each other, breathing slow and soft.

He reached down to tuck a strand of her hair behind her ear but suddenly waves of fiery pain washed through his body.  He dropped her abruptly and she fell to the floor with a shriek. "Owwww!" His chiseled face closed in a grimace, biting his lip to keep from crying out. Chiseled face? What was wrong with her? She barely knew the guy. "Hey, are you okay?" She asked getting to her feet, but the pain disappeared just as  quickly as it came. His hands clenched, before he looked up at her, his face set in stone. "Daemons. We need to go now."

Without hesitation they began to run.