10 Minute Tales

Jan 10 - No Longer Home

The first thing he realised as he opened his eyes is that the door was not his own. Cautiously, he sat up, quickly realising that the room was not his either. It was barren, his bed nothing more than a mattress on the floor, with simple wooden walls and a floor made of... reeds? Where was he?

"Uh... hello?" He asked, looking around cautiously as he got to his feet. A simple robe was in the corner of the cold room, so he quickly went over to it and put it on. "Where the hell am I?" He muttered, looking around. He saw a paper door and walked over to it, sliding it aside. It lead only to a balcony, but the view took his breath away. Vast acres of forested land stretched far, coming to the foot of a glorious mountain that sloped up to the clouds. A gentle river's flowing could be heard, as could the startled chirping of unknown birds.

"I see you're awake." A voice broke his fascination, making him turn in shock. Before him stood a woman, fairly short in stature and wearing an elegant kimono. She looked him over, subtly raising an eyebrow. "For a foreigner, you wear our clothing quite well. Come, our lord wishes to speak to you."

"Whoa, uh, what's going on?" He asked, taking a step closer.

"Our lord shall explain. Please, follow me." She bowed slightly and headed off. Scratching his head in confusion, he decided to follow. What other choice did he have?

     The walk was confusing. Through many corridors and into a large central area, down an elevator and back to more corridors. He could hear the sound of steam hissing every now and again, interluded by splashing water. He couldn't describe the scent of the place, though; soapy, definitely, but with no consistency from room to room.

"Where the hell am I?" He tried to ask his host, but she simply walked on, only glancing back to ensure he was still following. He grunted, his fear mixing with impatience. "Look, lady, I need to know..."

"All you know, or seem to know, is but a dream within a dream." She replied calmly, throwing him off.

"What does that have to do with anything? Why won't you tell me?"

"It is not my place."

"... fine, then take me to this lord guy." He grumbled, conceding defeat for now.