The Land in the Sky

2

A/N: photo was not taken by me

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Melodic music played in the distance as I passed through the forest. A clearing opened up in front of me and my eyes surveyed the area.

A group of musicians sat in the far left corner, strings and flutes creating the best rhythms I had ever heard. In the center, beneath the moonlight, gorgeous men and women swayed to the sound. Red, brown, and yellow leaves painted the floor crunching under their feet as they moved in unison.

Each pair of eyes was on me, different colors of the rainbow watching with mischief. Sometimes the people would whisper to me, telling me to join them in their festivities. At first their voices were soft, as tantalizing as the music.

"Dance with us, Rae," they would beg.

"We promise you'll never want to stop."

"Dance with us."

"You're going to love it."

"Dance with us."

"Come on, Rae, you'll have a blast."

A sudden urgency filled me as their chanting continued. I needed to dance with them and take part in their beauty. My feet stepped forward, moving before I could protest.

An angelic girl snaked her hand around my wrist, pulling me into the crowd.
The music changed from fun and upbeat to soft and slow. Bodies and hands spun me and dipped me, faces changing so quickly, I barely got a peak at their features.

All eyes were on me as I twirled and shimmied, laughter escaping my mouth. Before I knew it I was having a great time no longer trying to resist from the enchanting music and people.

Hours passed, my feet grew sore and my voice raw from giggling. Never had I felt so alive and free. I didn't want it to end but I needed to sleep before work tomorrow.

Fear took hold of me when my body proceeded to waltz and my brain telling me no more. I couldn't stop. My limbs moved to music.

Tears spilled from my eyes as I begged them to stop me. "Please! Someone help me!"

The dark sky brightened as the night grew to morning, my limbs numb from the pain. My eyes adjusted to the newfound light and I shrieked.

The beautiful men and women I saw before had animal attributes. Some had wings others had antlers.

Not only did the people change but so did the melody. An eerie song played instead as they watched me with glee.

Their laughter was obnoxious and scary as they teased me and toyed with me.

"She's crying!"

"That's what you get for dancing with us, Rae."

"Pathetic human!"

Their voices no longer eloquent, but venomous. Some of the creatures near me clawed at my arms. Their nails puncturing my skin causing blood to surface.

The sun began to rise when my body finally collapsed to the ground. My legs were completely jello as I crawled away from the party.

When there was a large distance between them, I forced myself on my feet. Glancing back, I noticed them watching with delight.

They cackled at my panicked expression. For some reason the creatures loved the way they terrified me.

They always did.