Fiction Friday: Haven..
For the past twelve weeks Silk’s been hosting Fiction Fridays, however, all good things must come to an end and this is the last one.
I’m going to miss this little start to the weekend. I’m going to miss reading these little insights into everyones imagination and I’m going to miss writing them. But there’ll be time for all this later, so have a read and then go and check out the other contributions this week, links at the end..
Haven
She watched the clouds float over the bluest sky she’d ever seen and closed her eyes..
The water was as cold as it was clear, a welcome relief from the heat of the afternoon sun as it filtered down through the wooded grove behind the house. All around her the trees sang with the sound of autumn; insects and birds flitting from leaf to leaf, searching out the deepest shade. Deer ran wild here, and if you sat still long enough then you’d glimpse one darting through the undergrowth.
She walked upstream, the current ticklish around her ankles and calves, her feet sinking into the gravel bed, until she came to the small waterfall. Nothing big, but beautiful nonetheless as the water cascaded over the small fall into the hollow she was standing in. She cupped her hands under the flow and drank, the water fresh and pure as it quenched her thirst.
The scent of jasmine floated over the water, carried on the warm breeze that came up the valley and through the wood. She walked along the sandy bank of the stream, delicate footprints the only sign of her presence here as she wandered into the wood and along the secret path. This was their place, a place nobody else knew about and where they came to escape the world. The shade cool as the dappled light filtered down through the ancient trees, she could feel a presence in this place, old and wise and one that she knew would outlive her.
Coming to the edge of the wood she looked out over the valley and felt the gentle beat beneath her feet, turning to watch as the horses ran down from the stables to the fields. Andalucians, proud and strong and noble, galloping free across the meadows, stirring her heart as she sat barefoot on the fence watching them play, losing all track of time.
She jumped down and wandered through the long grass as she made her way to the stables, the horses trotting over to meet her and escort her back, her bodyguards for this particular trip. She dismissed them at the gate, freeing them from their self-appointed duties with a kiss and letting them enjoy what remained of the day.
She tiptoed over the cold stone floor of the stables, looking in on the sanctuary as she passed by. It was a place where she looked after the sick and injured animals that turned up, its only occupant at the moment a hedgehog that was snuggled up in the corner. She smiled and walked along the tree lined road to the house, glancing up at the canopy of leaves that arched over her from either side.
The wooden porch was soft under her feet as she climbed the stairs and made her way round to the back. She climbed the steps to the balcony outside the bedroom and sat down on the edge, her gaze lingering over the view. The world was ablaze with golden hues as the trees signalled the change of seasons. Every way she looked there were golds and browns and greens and reds, the hills of the valley filled with autumn colour. In a few weeks they’d be bare, but for now the leaves clinged to their branches, reluctant to give up their hold on life.
She shivered slightly. The warmth of the indian summer fading fast as the sun started set to set, the sky ablaze with passion and fire that ignited the colour in the hills. A gentle smile crossed her lips as she felt him sit down beside her, placing an arm around her waist as he pulled her close and sat silently with her, her head resting on his shoulder, words not necessary.
They stayed there until the last of the colour had bled from the sky and the stars hung like tiny lanterns in the inky blackness. He picked her up and led her inside, down through the master bedroom and into the living room. The large open fire warming the candle lit room as they sat down on the couch, the dogs curled up in front of the flames and moving for no one. She lay down next to him, her head resting on his chest as he picked up the book and started to read to her.
She opened her eyes and gazed up at the darkening sky. She’d slept all afternoon, lost in a dream that she’d carried with her for years. It was where she could escape to when times were bad, when the world seemed unfair. A place she felt safe and that she hadn’t shared with anyone for years. Sighing, she got up and headed inside.
He met her in the kitchen, kissing the sleep from her eyes, his body warm and welcoming. The dogs watched lazily as they lay down on the couch, the roar of the fire fading as he picked up the book and started to read. She lay her head on his chest and closed her eyes. Some dreams, she thought, are meant to be..
~~~~~~~~~~
First up is our hostess herself with a story that moved me, Belonging.
Phoenix continues The SpySistah Chronicles with Chapter 9, and again leaves us beginning for more!
And over at Sugarbowl, Rina tears at the emotions with her tale, Shooting Star.
Trackback URL for this post:
http://nuggets.mu.nu/wp-trackback.php?p=158