I look out the windshield and see two small dots in the distance. Oaky goes back to her window and looks up some other things quickly. I watch as the two dots slowly get larger.
I realize the two floating objects are watchers the size of the helicopter. “Why are the watchers so big?” I ask.
“The size of the watchers are proportional to the magic they can use,” Stan says, “A lot of magic is needed to affect a portal. Lady Star Seeker asked them to help.
The watchers agreed and set up four of their most powerful to work on the portal. The watchers found it worth their time since they can learn more from manipulation of the portal. Watchers are interested in anything magical.”
“Is there a chance we will get lost in the void?” I ask.
“Yes, but only a two percent chance. Lady Star Seeker has used portals before, so she helped in stabilizing this one,” it says.
“I just hope I am not the unlucky two percent,” I say. Stan stops the helicopter next to one of the watchers. It has its large eye open and everywhere else has eye stalks moving around. One stalk stops and watches us.
“What are you waiting for?” I ask.
“The watchers are opening the portal now. It will take a couple of minutes to open it.” it says.
“Okay guys we are about to go over. I hate to do this, but when we get over can you stop using the net. It will draw unwanted attention,” I say.
“Okay,” Rock says and keeps looking at things.
“You can shut mine off Stan. I am done for now,” Oaky says. The window clears.
“Secure yourselves please,” Stan says.
Everyone buckles up again. I reach down to buckle up, but realize I never unbuckled.
“Okay shut my internet off,” Rock says and the window clears.
“It will get ruff once on the other side. I have to imitate a helicopter fully over there,” it says.
We all say “Okay.”
Stan flies to a place in the center of the two watchers. I get a chill seeing two huge bloodshot eyes looking at me. We hover for several seconds and the watchers flip to the sides of the helicopter.
The helicopter does a quick drop and starts to shutter. The sounds of the blades are almost deafening. I always said I wanted to fly in a helicopter, but now I question that thought.
We continue going down as the watchers grow smaller and smaller. As we drop I see a body of water getting larger and larger. The water looks like a lake and a river combined.
As I continue to watch, I realize that it reminds me a little of a snake or gold dragon. There are a lot of tributaries or juts to also give it a look of a millipede.
“That looks a lot like dragon lake in the southern content,” Rock yells.
Oversized headphones with mikes appear on our head. The sound is muffled and I hear, “What is this?” In my headphones.
“It is called headphones. It is to make it easier for us to talk,” I say.
“Awesome, I have ear muffs that talk,” he says. I can't help but laugh.
I look out and notice we are moving more angular. I see a large home next to what I guess is a helicopter pad. I have never seen one from above before.
We land with a bump on the pad. I hear the engine stop and the blades slow down. Stan turns around to look at me. “I don't think there is anyone watching, but I am going to play the part for safety. There is another summoned transporter in the front of the house,” it says.
“I thought Star says we will use you,” I say.
“Sesney felt it safer to have two. That way the illusion of the helicopter remains to keep suspicion away. When you leave and I am sure none is watching. I will remove the human illusion.”
“I am so glad Sesney is here. He has a point,” I say and get out.
The home looks expensive and extravagant. It's not what I would have expected of Star. She seems the conservative type. It looks to be just one level. A pool starts in the house and extends outside.
I stroll to the house looking around the area. It is in a very wooded area. It looks as though the house sits on a hill. I can see slanting hills heading away from the house. The entrance to the house is a glass door.
I step into an open area that contains half of the pool. It is cool and comfortable in the house. I guess with the money she has she can afford to air condition an empty home.
I hear a door open on the opposite side of the room. I look and see a watcher coming toward us, “Um shouldn't you be in disguise as a human?” I ask as it gets to us.
“I am in disguise, Master Jode. You have been in the other world long enough to see through simple illusions, so you see me as I am. Lady Elisa sent word you were coming, so I have had some food prepared, if you are hungry,” It says.
“I am starved, but why are you using Star's old name?” I ask.
“She felt it fit better in the human world.”
“Good point, What is your name?” I ask.
“Just call me butler, it saves on confusion.”
“Okay, Lead to the dining room,” I say.
“I don't eat,” Oaky says.
“Lady Elisa informed us of that. But she bid me, tell you to give the illusion you are eating, for the humans sake. She says just transform the food to something of your choosing that can be hidden easily.” butler says
“I can do that, I know how to convert natural materials into mist,” she says.
“Sounds neat, Lead on I am starving,” I say and he walks on and we follow.
The dining room is large, with a hard wood table with the ability to seat six. The chairs are high back master chairs. A small chandelier hangs above the table. Elegant gold trimmed china are displayed at each seat. The glass and silverware are also designed with gold.
“Why is there gold on everything?” Rock asks.
“Because in the human world gold is a sign of prestige,” I say in awe, then ask, “Is that real gold?”
“Yes, master Jode,” Butler replies.
“How many people has she entertained here?” I ask.
“Many people, most were actors or actresses. I think she once had Dolly Parton here, but I can't say for sure. I know Lee Mace has been here a few times.”
Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings.
“Dolly Parton?” I ask.
“I'm not sure, but I think yes. She is now in Branson though. I hear she is doing well,” it says.
“I think that would be an understatement.” I say.
“Who is Dolly Parton?” Rock asks.
“She is a famous singer.”
“A singing healer? What version does she use?” Oaky asks.
“No magic Oaky. She just sings songs to entertain,” I say.
“Oh yea, sorry I forgot,” she says.
“That's okay, we are just here to find the ancient then leave. I just wonder where Sesney is,” I say and sit down.
The others follow suit and Butler says, “He had other errands. He said he is locating the ancient, then he will be back.”
“Okay, we'll eat and wait. It will give Oaky a chance to test her eating illusion,” I say.
“Okay,” Oaky says.
Three watchers come out with a bowl. They stop next to each of us and place the bowl on our plate. It dawns on me that the position of the floating bowls would be where a human hand could reach.
I don’t sense or feel anything connected to the bowl. I do know that levitation never leaves a sense of feeling, so I wonder how others feel the illusionary arm that should be there.
I grab my soup spoon and stir the soup. I would say it is vegetable soup, but I can't be sure. I pick some up with the spoon and sip a bit for taste.
It tastes like a beef base soup, but with a lot more flavor. I empty the spoon and get a small vegetable in my mouth. Even the individual pieces have an interesting flavor.
I take a full spoon full this time with a combination of vegetables. When I put it in my mouth there is an explosion of flavor. The complexity of the flavor combinations are more than I can even understand.
Before I know it, the soup is gone. I sit back and notice Oaky eating slowly like she is savoring every bite. “Boy you can do that illusion quite well.” I say.
“It's not an illusion,” Rock says, “She is actually eating.”
“I thought you didn't need to eat.” I say.
She stops and looks at me, “I don't, but this is good,” she says.
“Um, you do know that an animal was killed to make that?”
“Yes, but it is good,” she says again and continues eating.
“What animal?” Rock asks.
“A cow,” I say.
“Oh the bovine. I read a little on them. Strange how they are raised for milk and food. I wonder why there isn't livestock farms in the other world.”
“Because,” Sesney interjects and startles everyone, “There is no need with magic. Everything done in this world is done without magic, so it is a lot harder,” he finishes.
“I hate when you do that,” Rock says, “You're going to stop my heart doing that.”
“Ah a heartless dragon, how sad,” he says mockingly.
“I will get you, you incorporeal bag of air,” Rock responds snidely.
“I hope I am there to see it,” I say, “Well Sesney, any luck?”
“Yeah, she was easy to find. She works at a gas station. She will be there tonight,” Sesney replies.
“Sounds good. Give us time to be tourists. I never have been,” I say.
“I know some places to take you.”
“Sounds good,” I say and look at Oaky. “Are you about done? I'm still hungry. The appetizer is just a teased.”
“Why are you asking me? I don't bring out the food,” she says.
I chuckle, “Because they are waiting for you to finish,” I say.
“Why?” she asks, confused.
“Its etiquette of the filthy rich,” I say.
“Oh sorry,” she says and eats a bit faster.
“That's okay, not even all humans know that.”
“Filthy rich?” Sesney asks. “Is that what you think of it?”
“It's just a saying.”
“I know, but I just thought you considered the rich as someone bad.”
“Nah, especially since I am one right now,” I say and laugh and Sesney joins me.
“I don't get it. What is so funny?” Rock asks.
“In the human world, people are split between the rich and the poor. The rich have money and wealth and the poor work hard just to survive.
Well there is a lot of fighting between the two. Those poor generally stay poor and the rich get richer. The poor hate the rich for having all the wealth and the rich think the poor are beneath them.
So when it is rare for the poor to become rich it is irony that is funny. They complain at how bad the rich are, then become what they always complain about.”
“I still don't see what is so funny.”
“I figured,” I say, “It's one of those things where you have to live it to understand the humor.”
“Oh,” Rock says.
Three watchers come out with salads. I'm not a salad person, but I figure I will be polite. I take a bite and find that it has a dressing similar to one I had in a Japanese restaurant. I finish the salad and look up. I notice Rock has not eaten his. He pushed the plate away from him.
Oaky on the other hand looks to have a white dressing. She is savoring every bite again. I watch as she delicately forks a lettuce leaf and places it lightly in her mouth. She slowly chews with a look of ecstasy. I watch her eat, unable to ask her to hurry up.
When she finishes the watchers take our plates and place our main dish. Mine is a prime rib steak with baked potato and mixed vegetables. On Rocks plate is what looks like a side of beef. I can see blood still leaking from it. It looks like they quick-seared all the sides and placed it on the plate.
Oaky looks to have an unusual salad. I think there is just about every vegetable and fruit on it. It glitters as if it is all wet. She delicately takes a bite and sighs. I look at Rock and he has the meat in both hands taking a bite out of the side.
“Okay how did they know what each of us like?” I ask.
“Their watchers, they can read any person's mind including animals,” Sesney says.
“Doesn't that get suspicious with humans?” I ask.
“They don't do that with normal humans. They read in your mind that you know of them so they took the initiative. Saves time,” Sesney says.
“True,” I say and start on my food. Everything tastes perfect. I wish there was a restaurant full of them. The butler comes out and floats opposite of me at the table. The only reason I know it is the butler is because it is larger.
“There are several on the earth that watchers serve at. None are in this city though. Those stranded from the other world come here to eat,” it says.
“Why don't they have one here?” I ask between bites.
“Because very few get stranded by this portal. Those that do get transported to the bigger cities for help.” it says.
“Are there any stranded that have stayed here?” I ask.
“A few,” It says, “In fact one requests an audience with you when you are done eating.”
“Why doesn't he, she come eat with us?” I ask.
“Vampires or night people don't eat food.”
I freeze with the fork in my mouth and look at him.
“Do not worry, Master Jode. He is not here to eat you,” it says as it shakes violently.
I take a bite out of my mouth and say, “Sorry, old habits. I watched too many movies,” I say then continue eating.
“I think you will be surprised. This one is a light walker and owns a lot of land in the area.”
“Is he in a hurry?” I ask.
“No sir, he says take your time. He is in the TV room watching the new vampire movies. He says he gets a kick out of the imagination of humans.”
“Oh I bet,” I say.
“When you are ready I will escort you to his audience,” It says and exits the room.
“Thanks,” I say as he exits the door.
“You haven't met a vampire in the other world have you?” Sesney asks.
“No, I am looking forward to it.”
“I'm sure you are. They are a unique race. They are as varied as are humans. I have seen one that ate like humans, but had to have all meat raw. He could never eat in front of humans. They tended to get sick watching him eat.”
“I could imagine. Most humans think raw meat is disgusting.”
“Especially when it was still moving,” Sesney says.
I was taking a drink and almost spilled it when I choked. I then laugh harder. “I could imagine. Took me a while to get used to it.”
We all finish our food and the watchers clear our plate. I lean back well satisfied. “Is that it?”Rock asks, sounding a bit exhausted.
“Nope, dessert will be coming soon. I guess they are letting us digest a bit first.”
“I don't know if I have any more room,” Oaky says.
“Well if you were human I would say yeah you do. The stomach stretches, but as for a tree spirit I don't know.” I say.
“I don't know either. I don't know anyone else that has ate. I think it is a shame. Food is good,” She says.
“How exactly do tree spirits live without food anyway?” I ask.
“Similar to plants. But our skin can absorb nutrients out of the air. We never lost our ability to eat. I was told it is a fall back effect just in case the air becomes too void of nutrients.”
“Interesting, I know of a few females that would love to never have to eat,” I say, then add, “Not counting the anorexics.” I expected one of them to ask what anorexia means, but no one asks.
We all relax and moan for a few minutes when the watchers come out with our dessert. Oaky gets what looks like cheese cake. Rock gets lumpy chocolate cake. I get a lava cake. The outside is nice and hot and the liquid center is lukewarm. It is the perfect lava cake I have ever had.