In Winter's Grasp

Dreamer

I always found it weird that she wasn't ashamed of her name. She never wanted a nickname, it was so bizarre. I was always hiding from my real name, a pretty nickname in its place. Most people would shy away from her name. Well, at least, I know that I would. 

But then Sorcha wasn't most people. That was what I loved about her. She was independent and strong, and full of youthful vibrancy. She helped me cope with my problems and gave me unique and insightful answers. 

I need lunch, I thought to myself, a nice big lunch while sitting on the porch. The porch is where I go when I need to think things through. It was quiet and peaceful, right next to a forest that hummed with life. 

I sat at my steel out-door table, with the rather uncomfortable metal chair. I couldn't stand to be around iron. I always break into a weird burning rash/hives. It sucks. I'm like a stupid metal detector. 

I plopped down with my sandwich and thought about what I did. Okay, so I hung up on my best friend of five years. What do I do? Plan an apology, that's for sure. A long one, because Sorcha isn't the type of person you just hung up on. So tomorrow at school I will apologize saying I was caught up in the moment. Well, I kinda was, so it's not technically a lie.  

I could never lie. I always chocked on the words, so I could never get them out. So usually I just tell half-truths. Works for me, well, usually. I finished my sandwich and went back inside, flopped on my bed and took a cat nap. 

A man was shoved in my presence. He showed promise, young athletic build, golden hair fine as flax, and warm green eyes. He just wasn't right for me. "Show him away." For a hundred years now my father has been shoving suitors down my throat. I sighed upon my golden throne. "Father, how many more do we have to choose from?" 

"You know something, fair daughter? I am tired of your persistence to reject. You need to choose someone, I want grandchildren. You know how hard it is to conceive. Well, to conceive and have the baby live that is. If you don't choose someone of your own will, then I will be forced to choose one for you. For my own gain too." 

"Father! Why would you do such a blasphemous thing?" 

"You heard me," he barked, "Bring in the next suitor!" 

A peasant boy stumbled in, by the looks of his clothes. Amazing thing to attempt, considering that most suitors depended on money and status, rather than looks alone, and it was clear this boy had neither. He bowed, which caught my attention. The other men hadn't bowed. "Look up, please." I heard myself say. He did. His eyes were pure silver, and his hair was startlingly black against his skin. He smiled at me, and I saw that his smile lit up his already handsome face. This was it. He was it. 

I woke up, and I saw that it was dark out. I looked at my alarm clock and I saw that it was twelve a.m. I groaned because I missed dinner. Oh, well, a midnight snack won't hurt anyone. I meandered down to the kitchen, and grabbed a handful of cereal. While I was a-munching I thought I saw something out in the window. I looked, and I saw nothing.  

A couple of minutes later I saw something again. I walked over to the window peered out and saw a small person, only it wasn't a person. Whatever it was it was short, was dressed in white, and had giant globes for eyes. They were about the size of my fist, with no pupils or irises. It was very disturbing. I shrieked and jumped back, well it actually came out as a garbled squeak. I blinked and it was gone.  

This was normal for me. Ever since I was a little girl, I had seen these strange creatures. They seemed like they were watching me, but I could never be sure. They were all horrifying in unique ways. This one time I saw one with scales, and spider legs coming out of his head. And he had no eyes, but I felt as though he was, like, soul-searching me. Not the cheesy kind of soul-searching either. The kind that made you feel as though someone was rifling through your very being looking at your life, your memories. I started to fan myself, and walked away form the window. 

After I finished my cereal I headed back up to my room, tip-toeing when I passed my parents room. I laid down on the bed and thought about that dream. Hmm, I liked that last suitor, or whatever he was. He was just yummy. She didn't notice but he had a nice bod, too. He was practically edible. 

Ungh! I forgot to do my homework! I leaped out of bed, unwillingly, and sat at my vacant desk. I pulled my backpack up, started rummaging around, and remembered that I completed all my homework in resource. I groaned in frustration, and jumped back into bed. I was still wearing my clothes from earlier, so I rolled over and started to yank on the draws next to my bed. My dresser was right next to my bed so it was simple to just grab a pair of pajamas and slide into them. I huddled into a little ball and I sighed peacefully. 

Soon I fell asleep with no more dreams.