Thirst
You walk towards the beckoning figures. The strange voice calls your name again but you hurry away.
When you draw closer you are a little awed by the regal aspect of the man and woman in front of you. You greet them with deference and the woman stretches forward her hands to grasp yours, as if you were good friends. Her hands are soft and she smells of exotic flowers you cannot name.
“How charming you are,” she says, making you blush. “We are so happy you have found your way to us.”
“Thank you, my lady,” you say shyly. “I hope I am not intruding.”
“Never! Why, we have a room readied for you upstairs. Refreshments as well.”
When she mentions food and drink you realize that you have no idea how much time has passed, but it has been some time since you had anything. You are not merely thirsty, you are parched. The desire for a cool drink nearly overcomes your reticence, but you remember your abandoned work and know you must wake soon.
You thank her and explain that you must return to work, but she continues to urge you upstairs in a cajoling, silky voice. The man joins in with his own pleas. As they speak your desire to drink grows to unbearable heights. You lick your lips and find they are cracked and your tongue feels strange and sluggish. Your mouth has become so dry it is difficult to swallow.
They both start up the stairway a few steps, smiling and reaching out for you, assuring you it is their pleasure to serve you in this way.
Do you follow them?
This is part of the story Beneath Leadmere Manor, written for @calluna’s 9th Tell a Story to Me Contest, based on the prompt, “Deep below ground, a portal opens…,” as well as the Day 249 photo prompt for the #365daysofwriting challenge by @mydivathings.
Photo by Nick Dietrich.