The Faerie Key

Chapter Six

It was nerve-racking to leave without planning anything. Last time she had traveled she had planned for a year, doing research, finding the best locations which turn out to be for nothing since she had gotten sick and had spent the whole time in her hotel room. The plane was filled with coughing people. She hoped that she wouldn't get sick again.

Selcouth was sandwiched in between a couple who had decided not to sit together but ignore her presence as they chatted away the whole trip. Maybe there was something to planning and buying the tickets ahead of time.

She attempted to sleep but was woken by a screaming baby two rows in front. Judging by the wild look of the parents the baby was probably a crier. The mom had giant dark circles under her eyes. Selcouth almost felt bad for her but then remembered what Tanya always said, "they do it to themselves". Tanya disliked kids, but she hated parents or "selfish bastards" as she referred to them.

Tanya had agreed to watch Selcouth's plant while she was away. She had been a bit surprised at Selcouth's sudden departure but had not tried to stop her. All she said was "I hope you find what you are looking for."

After about an hour on the flight, the plane became quiet as everyone either watched videos or slept.

Selcouth tried to watch the movies, but all she could think about was the key and her conversation with Risa. She wanted to reach for it, but her book bag was underneath the seat. Afraid of waking her neighbors she opted to sleep.

As soon as she closed her eyes she felt the fog dance around her. She was back in a forest covered in dew. Her body felt damp. There was no light except for the moon.

When she tried to walk she tripped over the root of a tree. She heard whispers but saw no one. Then something grabbed her leg, the tree root was now a hand. Selcouth kicked trying to release herself but the grip got tighter. It squeezed until she yelped in pain.

"Are you okay?" a female voice asked.

Selcouth opened her eyes and found a flight attendant staring at her.

"Sorry I was having a nightmare," Selcouth replied.

The blond lady nodded and then added, "you need to place your seat upright we are about to land."

Selcouth wanted to look out the window but her neighbor kept the screen closed. She didn't understand why people took the window seat if they didn't plan to use the window. Before Selcouth could argue the plane began its descent. She thought of Risa and whispered, "I will find the door and unlock it."

Getting off the plane took longer than Selcouth expected, but she was happy to get off. She had booked a room at a hotel near the city center.

The airport was bustling and much nicer than the one in New York. Everyone had an accent.

Her taxi driver was talkative and told her about his visit to New York after he found out she was from there. He listed all the tourist places he enjoyed. Selcouth had never actually visited any of those places. After this trip she would visit them she promised herself.

When she arrived at the hotel she felt both exhausted, excited and hungry. Selcouth dropped off her bag and headed out to find a place to eat while exploring the city.

The city was combination old and new merged together with castles and tall buildings standing together. It had the same busy noises as New York. Cabs honked but didn't follow it with angry profanity.

Everyone strolled and didn't attempt to beat each other to the crosswalk. People smiled and they made eye contact. Selcouth was unnerved so she gazed at the horizon avoiding people's gazes. Tanya would hate it here, Selcouth thought.

After all the walking she got thirsty for a beer. The streets were lined with fancy bistros, but she looked around until she found a pub. On second thought Tanya might like it here.

The pub was packed. There were groups of young people chatting and laughing. Selcouth became self-conscious but her desire for beer won out. She walked up to the bartender and asked for a pint. She sat in a corner and people watched.

She could see who liked who in each group of college students, by the way that the girls laughed at certain jokes or how the guys glanced at the girls while talking. Falling in love was fun as long as the other person didn't betray you.

Her attention turned to a tall man who was greeted by the bar staff and college students as he strode into the pub. He saw her watching him and smiled. She quickly looked away. He laughed.

Selcouth downed the rest of her beer and ordered another pint.

The man from before asked, "beer drinker, huh?"

She nodded. It was like her lips wouldn't open. His gaze made her nervous.

"Not a talker, ay?"

She shrugged. He laughed again.

"Silence has its virtues"

Just as she was about to answer him a tall slender lady called, "Fionn, sorry to keep you waiting."

She kissed him. Their embrace made everyone in the pub stop talking and watch them. Selcouth mouth gapped by the public display of affection, or rather lust. He winked at Selcouth when he caught her watching them

"It was well worth the wait," he said when they finally broke away.

"To what do I owe this pleasure?" she asked, "I thought you had gone back to teaching in the very rural school. I still don't understand why you can't teach at our uni."

"I'm not sure that they would want to learn about my craft," he replied, "but let's not talk about work but pleasure."

"That's true, my time is limited, I have an event to attend with my husband," the lady grabbed Fionn's thigh. "It's your fault for the short notice otherwise I could have feigned a business trip."

"Why didn't you say so," he emptied his drink and got up. He whispered something to the bartender before paying and leaving.

Selcouth glared at them as they walked out. They reminded her of her parents. She finished her beer and got up to pay.

"No need, Fionn paid for you, said something about wanting to help out a nun in training," the bartender smiled.

Selcouth felt her cheeks burn. She had the urge to kick the Fionn guy and smack the bartender instead she asked, "will he be back again, I don't like owing anyone anything?"

"Back tomorrow probably with a different lady," the bartender winked.

"Thanks, see you tomorrow then," she winked back.

When she got outside it started to rain. She ran back to her hotel, showered and went to bed exhausted from her long day.

Selcouth was back in the forest the fog had turn to mist and the darkness had faded. Birds were chirping. A gust of wind blew a familiar smell at her. It recognized it as the same floral smell as Risa. She followed it. The trees seemed to watch her while the birds chirping became more melodious. Even as she walked the birds' song seemed to lull her to sleep. Her steps dragged as her energy faltered. She had lost control of her body and collapsed. Panic set in as her lungs stopped breathing and her heart beat faded.

Selcouth woke up with a gasp. She knew that her nightmares were related to the Risa and the key. A memory of Risa warning her when Selcouth had an encounter with poison ivy, "each plant has its own magic, some can heal, others can hurt or even kill." The memory frightened her.

To distract herself from the uneasiness she felt, Selcouth got the key our from her bag. She traced the flower on it. She felt a warmth radiating from the key. The warmth made her feel like a warm blanket had been placed on her. "Tomorrow the search for your door will begin," she said as she tucked the key under her pillow and fell soundly asleep