The Rain That Binds Us

The sudden pounding of rain on the roof caught my attention and I removed my headphones to make sure I wasn’t hearing things. As soon as I confirmed that it was pouring outside, I tossed my headset onto the bed and headed for the front door, paper and pen in hand.

I don’t have much to be thankful for when it comes to this old, worn-down house, but I’m happy that it has a porch for just these moments. Thick bushes covered the length of the porch offering plenty of privacy.

This was important for me because of my anxiety and I didn’t have to worry about anyone seeing me. Not that anyone in this neighborhood would be out and about at three in the morning. It’s mostly older folks that don’t go out or party, so the neighborhood is peaceful and quiet.

I settled down in the wicker chair, watching the rain fall onto the driveway with a smile. It’s hard to explain, but I’ve always had this intense love for the rain. Most people hate rainy days, especially when it ruins their usually sunny Florida days. As for me, I’m happiest when it’s raining. It fills me with peace.

It’s like the rain washes away everything negative, creating this magical serenity. We get our fair share of rain in the Summer here, what with hurricane season and all, but it’s not enough for me. There are far more sunny days and I hate it. I would give anything to move somewhere with more rain.

More than anything, I feel most inspired when it rains. I can sit and write for hours. My dream is to write my own book and have it published one day. It’s a dream I’ve kept with me since I was a child, though it doesn’t quite seem possible for me. There are so many factors stacked against me that it feels like there’s no point in trying sometimes.

I can’t deny how happy I feel when I’m writing, though. To be able to turn mere thoughts into worlds filled with characters, stories filled with drama and adventure. It’s magical to me and I really admire those that have managed to craft a story and share it with the world.

I tapped the blank page with the pen as I watched the rain falling to the ground. I could hear the drops pelting the tree leaves. I could see a puddle forming in the large dip in the sidewalk, the water rippling with each drop. Frogs sang in the distance, happy to finally have rain. It was beautiful. I felt like I was going to burst from within because it was all so overwhelming.

I can’t even describe it as it deserves to be described. I can only hope that someone out there understands and feels the same. I wonder… is it possible that there’s someone else who loves the rain as much as I do? It seems impossible, especially here in Florida. People are constantly complaining about the rain and how much they hate it. To them, it’s gloomy and depressing. When I hear things like that, it makes me feel sad that they can’t see the same beauty I do.

Setting the paper on the table, I stood up and slowly left the safety of the porch. Even though it was late and everyone was sleeping, I still looked around to make sure that no one was around. As much as I adore the rain, I enjoy the nighttime a bit more simply because I can be alone. My anxiety and agoraphobia make it very hard for me to deal with other human beings.

Because of that, I only feel comfortable leaving my house at night. The fact that the neighborhood is filled with older people, I don’t have to worry about people coming and going. I can be alone and feel safe while everyone around me sleeps.

Perhaps it sounds sad when put like that, but that is my reality. I’ve learned to live with it, though I can’t say it’s gotten any easier. Rather, I’ve just gotten used to it and know what to expect.

The rain was cold against my skin as I walked slowly down the driveway, pausing for a moment. Because of my condition, I refuse to leave the direct vicinity of my house, so I would walk from one end of the property to the other, listening to the way the rain changed.

The sound was stronger when I walked by the tree. It was softer, more melodic when I walked away from it toward the grass. It made a soft ‘plop’ in the puddles and it was aggressively loud falling from the gutters. If only there was thunder rolling in the distance, it would have been perfect. I would give anything to live in this moment forever, to experience this peace every day of my life.

There was a sudden, small flash to my right and I turned my head, scanning the road carefully. I didn’t see anything so I was about to turn and continue my walk when I saw it again. The streetlight was reflecting off of something small in the road. I once again glanced around to make sure no one was there before slowly approaching the object.

I expected it to be a piece of trash or maybe metal so I was surprised when I saw what it actually was. A dragonfly sat in the middle of the road, its top-left wing broken and hanging on by a thread. Its body was a vibrant blue, like the color of a sapphire, and it seemed to glow when it caught the light. I’ve seen a few dragonflies in my lifetime, but none as beautiful as this one.

A frown tugged at my lips as I kneeled down in front of it, water seeping through my basketball shorts. What do I do? I want to help it, but I have no idea how. I guess I should get him out of the road first so he doesn’t get run over.

“It’s okay, little guy,” I told him softly, reaching my hand out only to pause as I remembered something. Can’t dragonflies spit acid when they feel threatened? My heart rate increased as the cold hands of anxiety started to wrap around me, my hand trembling in mid-air.

He flapped his wings softly, creating a strange sound that sounded like a cat purring and a bee buzzing at the same time. It was soothing and I felt my anxiety level going down. It was strange because it was hard to calm down so quickly when I’m feeling anxious. I wasn’t about to complain about it, though.

Taking a deep breath, I lowered my hand to the ground. “It’s okay, I won’t hurt you. I just want to help.”

He hesitated for a moment before slowly walking onto my hand, his body so light that I barely felt him against my skin. I stood up slowly so as not to scare him, looking around for a safe place to set him down. The grass was a bit high but I felt as if it was the best option so I approached it only to pause when it started to make that sound again, flapping its wings.

I frowned down at him in confusion. He flapped his wings harder, somehow managing to lift himself into the air. I was scared he would fall so I cupped my hands beneath him, following him closely as he slowly made his way through the air. He stopped above the big puddle that had gathered in the dip of the sidewalk before turning to look at me. His wings suddenly stopped beating, his tiny body falling against my palm.

I’m not sure why, but I had the impression that he wanted to be put down by the puddle. Maybe he’s thirsty? Slowly, I kneeled beside the puddle and lowered my hand to the ground so he could crawl off. He placed one of his legs in the puddle and it started to glow, the blue light easily piercing through the darkness.

“What the…” I whispered in confusion and awe. A small ripple formed in the center of the puddle before expanding outward, increasing in frequency until an image started to form. I leaned forward to get a better look.

There was a sudden sound behind me and I quickly looked over my shoulder, seeing a group of men wearing all black running down the street toward me. That was scary enough on its own, but each of them were carrying guns and wearing masks.

My heart pounded against my ribs as if it was trying to escape, anxiety flooding my system like a broken dam. My mind was screaming at me to run away but I was frozen to the spot, trembling like a leaf. People often talk about how people experience fight or flight in stressful situations, completely forgetting about those of us that do neither and just freeze up.

All I could do was stay still and hope that they didn’t see –

“Over there!” One of the men pointed at me before they started to run toward me, raising their weapons.

The dragonfly grabbed the collar of my shirt and yanked me backward toward the puddle. I cried out in surprise, closing my eyes as I waited for the impact. I felt myself hit the water and then… I was underneath the water? There’s no way the puddle was that deep, it was barely an inch!

I started to panic, swinging my limbs frantically as I tried to reach the surface, lungs desperate for air. It felt as if it took forever before I finally broke the surface, sputtering and coughing.

I looked around frantically to try and get my bearings. I was in a clear, round body of water surrounded by tall rock walls. Rain was falling from the dark sky above, making soft plopping sounds that were nearly drowned out by the large waterfall behind me, the top of which was hidden by tall trees and hanging vines. My eyes scanned the walls, looking for any break that I could climb onto.

As soon as I found my target, I swam toward it as fast as my chubby body could carry me. My heart was racing within my chest from the over-exertion my body was experiencing, both mental and physical. It was taking everything I had to keep my anxiety chained down but… I could feel the chains loosening.

I had to calm down and soon.

My hand slapped down on the rock, gripping it firmly as I heaved my body out of the water. When I tried to stand, my legs gave out on me and I tumbled back to the ground, breathing heavily.

‘Calm down, calm down, calm down!’ I screamed it in my head like a mantra, eyes screwed shut as I tried to focus on the rock beneath me. ’Just breathe. You’re okay. You’re gonna be okay, just keep brea -’

My thoughts died and my body tensed up when I felt something sharp pressing against my cheek. I was scared to open my eyes but I did so anyway, slowly peeling them open. I gasped in surprise, quickly sitting up and backing away from the tall man aiming a spear at me. It didn’t take long for my back to hit something solid and, when I looked up, I saw another tall man with a spear of his own.

I was surrounded by these men, their eyes narrowed and angry. They weren’t dressed like the men with guns, though. They wore less clothing, exposing their toned bodies from beneath tribal garb in shades of green and blue.

“Who are you?” demanded the man in front of me, moving his spear to my face once more. “How did you get here? Why were you with prince Forvendir?”

My lips parted and closed a few times but no sound escaped. I was overwhelmed with emotion, mostly fear and confusion. I had no idea where I was! One moment I was in my driveway, setting a dragonfly down next to a puddle and the next I’m here! Wherever here is. Now he’s asking about a prince? I must have hit my head and now I’m dreaming… right?

As badly as I wanted to believe it, that spear felt very real as the metal tip pressed against my cheek. I swallowed hard, trying to control my trembling body.

“Who. Are. You?” He stressed each word as if I were dumb or deaf. It was clear to me that he was becoming impatient.

“I…” I cleared my throat, taking a deep breath. “J-Jill… My name is Jill…”

“How did you come to be here?” He demanded, but he didn’t pause to give me a chance to answer. “What have you done to prince Forvendir? Answer me now before I -“

There was a sudden loud slap, the man’s head dipping forward from the force of the slap. Anger flashed through his eyes as he turned to face whoever had hit him. It was a woman who looked to be in her forties or fifties, her blue hair twisted into a braid that hung over her right shoulder.

She sent the man a stern look, hand on her hip. “Honestly, my child. Have I taught you nothing? Threatening someone will only make them close up, and you will learn nothing from them.”

He scowled at her, seeming a bit embarrassed. “You should not be here, mother. It’s far too dangerous.”

“Dangerous?” She questioned incredulously, waving her hand toward me. “Look at her. She’s just a helpless child.”

I wasn’t sure which part I felt more offended by; the fact that she called me helpless or the fact that she believes I’m a child…

“She’s a human,” he hissed angrily, pointing his spear at me again though his hazel eyes remained on the woman.

I winced at both his tone and the action, attempting to press myself farther back against the legs of the man behind me. What the hell does he mean? Is he not human, too? While his attention was off of me, I took a moment to observe him for the first time.

He seemed pretty human to me, aside from the fact that he was insanely beautiful. His olive skin was perfect without any blemishes or wrinkles. His jaw was sharp, his wavy black hair looking like he just left the salon and… his ears were pointed? I quickly scanned the crowd of men surrounding me. All of them were just as beautiful and they all had pointed ears.

I closed my eyes, holding my head with my hand as a sharp pain shot through my skull. I could feel my heart picking up speed, my breathing becoming more shallow as the cold hands of anxiety started to wrap around me once more. I was completely overwhelmed and I knew a panic attack was coming.

It felt as if death himself was breathing in my ear, beckoning me into his cold embrace. My body started to shiver uncontrollably, tears stinging at my eyes as I tried my hardest to regain control.

‘Please stop, please stop, please stop!’ Tears slid down my cheeks. I wrapped my arms tightly around my body to try and find some comfort, but it did nothing to help. I felt a warm hand rest on my shoulder and a calming voice whispering softly in my ear.

“Rest now, child. No harm will come to you.“

Panic attacks always leave me feeling exhausted, but that usually comes after it’s over, not during the attack. I tried to fight against the sudden exhaustion but it was too strong, washing over me like a tidal wave. I just didn’t have the energy to fight back.

My world went black as I lost consciousness.

━━━━━━༻❀༺━━━━━━

“Has she awoken yet?“

“I’m afraid not, my prince. Humans are quite fragile creatures.“

“…will she ever wake up?“

“Doctor Beredir seems confident that she will. Please try not to worry yourself, my prince. She is in good hands.“

“Yes, I know…“

My brow furrowed at the unfamiliar voices, my eyes fluttering open to see an unfamiliar ceiling. What happened? I feel as if I’ve just woken from a really weird dream. Definitely not the first time its happened, though this one feels… different.

I willed my tired brain to remember it and it started to come to me in bits and pieces. The first thing I remembered was the rain and it made me feel at ease for a moment. At least until I saw a flash of pointy-eared men surrounding me with spears.

My eyes widened and I shot up in bed, breathing heavily. That wasn’t a dream… it was far too real and I actually remember what happened. I never remember my dreams!

“Calm yourself, you’re safe.”

I flinched back when a hand touched my shoulder, my wide eyes landing on the young man kneeling beside the bed. I caught his gaze and I felt mesmerized by his teal eyes, seeming to glow under the low light in the room. A wave of calm draped over me like a comforting blanket, the tension slowly leaving my body.

“Ninwae, please go find Doctor Beredir.” He didn’t break his gaze away from mine as he spoke, his voice reminding me of silk.

The woman hesitated, glancing wearily at me. She seemed to be on the shorter side though she was still taller than me. Her hair was a rich brow, braided and coiled around her head. Her eyes were like emeralds. “My Prince, I don’t believe it’s safe for you to -“

“I will be fine,” he assured her, offering me a warm smile. “She is of no danger to me.”

Ninwae hesitated a moment more before doing as she was told, exiting the tent in a hurry. Normally, I would have felt super nervous being alone with someone I don’t know, especially when that person is an attractive male, but that sense of calm remained. It was strange but not unwelcomed.

“Who…” I cleared my throat, forcing myself to look away from his gaze. “Who are you?”

“My name is Forvendir. Yours is Jill, correct?”

I nodded, glancing at his ears. I really wanted to ask about them, but I couldn’t seem to find the right words. It feels like a rude thing to ask no matter how I phrase it. Forcing my gaze away from his ears, I focused on his appearance.

Unlike the others, he was much taller, having to bend over when he entered the tent. Like the others, he was fit with clear skin. His black hair was long, reaching his lower back, and his bangs had been pulled back into a low ponytail. He wore an outfit similar to the others, but his seemed more… fancy and seemed to be made with a higher quality material. Tiny freckles dotted the top of his nose, giving him a youthful appearance.

He chuckled softly, seeming to read my mind. “You’re curious about our ears, yes?”

I nodded again, glancing at his face to see if he was offended. If anything, he looked amused. “That guy before, he… he called me human. Does that mean… you’re not human?”

“That’s correct. We are -“

The flap of the tent was lifted as the woman returned with a man close behind. Though he wore the same garb as the others, his was white and resembled a long sleeved coat like a doctor would wear. Monocle rested over his right eye which was the shade of a ruby, while the left eye was an crystal clear blue. If that wasn’t jarring enough, his skin was also a pale blue.

He bowed at Forvendir and smiled at me. “Good afternoon, my prince. I see my patient is finally awake.”

Forvendir stood up to make room for the taller male. “Good afternoon, doctor. Please look her over and make sure she is uninjured.”

“I’ve already looked her over and she’s perfectly fine. However, if it will please you, my prince, I will do so a second time.” He settled down on the stool, somehow still towering over me despite sitting a bit lower than myself. “If you would, please hold out your hand.”

I sent him a confused look, glancing at Forvendir. When he nodded encouragingly, I slowly held out my hand, watching as the doctor sandwiched it between his own. They started to glow a faint blue, a calming warmth spreading through my body.

“How curious,” he hummed softly as he pulled his hands away. “You don’t seem to be willing to give in to our magic completely. My prince has used his own magic to calm you, yet there is still a layer of fear and anxiety lingering beneath the surface.”

“Is that bad?” questioned Forvendir with a furrowed brow.

“Not bad, just unusual. I’ve never seen a human that doesn’t submit fully to our magic. You’re quite the unique one, my dear.” Beredir patted me gently on the head before turning to address the male. “I’m afraid I was talking with Perdan when Ninwae found me. He has no doubt informed the king that our guest is awake. The guards will be here soon to take her.”

My body tensed at this information, wide eyes snapping to Forvendir. “W-What? Take me where? What did I do?”

“Calm,” he replied softly, his warm hand resting on my shoulder. I felt a bit more at ease, but I still felt worried and anxious. “These lands are protected. Humans are forbidden to enter.”

“And what happens when a human enters this place?”

Beredir was the one to reply, his voice nonchalant as he crossed one leg over the other. “They are thrown from the mountain’s edge into the kraken’s lair.”

My heart skipped a beat within my chest, fear completely overtaking the calm as I jumped out of bed. “Please, I… I don’t want to die! I swear I won’t tell anyone about you or about this place! I don’t even – I don’t even know what you people are or where this is or how I got here or -“

Forvendir cupped my face, forcing me to look into those jewel-like teal eyes. “You saved my life, Jill. Father – I mean, – the king cannot overlook that fact.”

My brow furrowed in confusion. “What are you talking about? I’ve never met you before!”

The corner of his lips twitched up. “You have, just not in this form.”

“Huh?”

“The dragonfly you saved, that is the form I take when I enter the human world.”

“Which he’s been forbidden from doing,” added Beredir with a smirk, inspected his nails. “Yet he continues to do. If anything, my prince should be punished for breaking the rules and bringing you here. Don’t you agree?”

Forvendir pouted at the taller male. “It is a silly rule and you know it. We cannot live in fear of humans forever.”

I stared at him dumbly, my brain still trying to process what he just told me. He was… the dragonfly? What? No, there’s no way… that can’t be possible!

The tent flap was thrown open as a group of men wearing armor entered, escorted by a blonde man with an eyepatch and a dour expression on his face.

“Arrest her,” he ordered in a deep, commanding voice. Two soldiers started toward me but Forvendir stepped between us.

“That won’t be necessary. She is compliant and no threat to us, Indres.”

Indres closed the distance, sending the prince a challenging look. “She is a human. Her very existence is a threat to us. That is something you refuse to accept and it’s the very reason the Draguard exist. Now step aside, boy.”

Forvendir straightened his back, not backing down from the challenge. “You may be a general in the Draguard, but you have no authority over me. I will escort her to the king myself.”

His brow twitched in annoyance, hands balling into fists behind his back. He clearly did not respect the younger male, but he seemed to be smart enough not to push him too far. “We will be close behind. Should she make one move we deem to be a threat, we will put her down immediately. As is our custom.”

“That won’t happen.” The prince sent him a glare before putting his arm around my shoulders, steering me around the men and out of the tent. Rain fell gently from the sky, the drops cool and comforting against my exposed skin.

Beredir followed, but not before smirking at the general. “You should really learn your place, Indres, before you find yourself as an enemy of the crown instead of its lapdog.”

I felt scared to move with them following us, his words ringing repeatedly in my mind. Beredir was between us and the guard, though, which did make me feel a bit safer. At least they can’t just attack me in the back. Still, I found myself repeatedly glancing over my shoulder to check where they were.

Forvendir lead me up a long set of stairs toward a castle at the top of the mountain, made of marble and stone. A giant waterfall flowed from the right side of the castle and I wondered if it was the same one I had seen when I first arrived here.

“It’s okay,” he spoke softly, rubbing his fingers across my arm in a comforting manner. “My father may be intimidating at first, but he is a kind and fair king. He will not show it in front of his people, but I assure you, he is very grateful to you for saving me.”

“Is he… going to kill me?”

“No. I won’t allow that.”

I frowned, not entirely believing his words. Even though he is the prince, the king’s word is final and if they truly dispose of humans just for finding this place… my future isn’t looking too bright right now.

The double doors of the throne room were white and large, opening slowly to reveal a long room filled with people. Thin columns stood in rows on either side of the red carpet, holding up the tall roof. The throne sat at the back of the room in the middle of a pond, water splashing lightly into it. When I got closer, I noticed a handful of koi fish inside the pond.

“Kneel, human scum,” hissed Indres before he shoved my shoulder down. His strength was incredible, my knees unable to withstand the force as I crumpled to the floor.

“Stand down, general!” Forvendir ordered, eyes narrowed at the blonde.

He smirked in reply, clearly pleased with himself as he took a step back. “Of course, my prince.“

The prince kneeled beside me, hand on my shoulder. I didn’t miss the whispers that broke out amongst the other people in the room when he did this. “Are you alright?”

I lowered my head and whispered, “A prince shouldn’t kneel…”

“A true prince knows when to kneel and when to stand,” he replied softly, our eyes meeting when I lifted my head. “That is one of many lessons my father taught me.”

“A-Ah… I see…”

The king stood up, bare feet kicking up water as he stepped out onto the carpet. He looked like an older version of his son, still as beautiful and elegant. Though his hair was also black, it was streaked with silver and he had a long, braided beard.

“Stand, human.” His voice was strong, echoing through the tall room and commanding obedience.

I shakily stood, keeping my head lowered so I didn’t accidentally look him in the eye. That seemed like something you shouldn’t do with a king.

He closed the distance, stopping a foot away from me. “Tell me your name.”

My reply came out as a shaky breath of air. “Jill… it’s Jill… sir.”

“My son tells me that you saved his life, Jill. Is this true?”

“Y-Yes, sir.”

“And you, my son. You brought her here?”

Forvendir stood by my side, his head held high. “I did.”

Another round of whispers shot through the room at his declaration. I could feel their eyes boring into me and it made me uncomfortable, but I did my best not to move.

“Father, I request that she be allowed to leave. She’s no threat to our people.”

“My king,” Indres stepped forward, head held high. “Forvendir is obviously enchanted by the woman who saved his life. We know nothing of her nor do we know what risk she poses us. I request that you allow us to execute her.”

Forvendir’s eyes flashed angrily as he turned toward the general, voice deepening into a growl. “She has done nothing to warrant such a fate!”

“Should we wait until she leads us all to our extinction? My king, I’m sure you will make the right decision by our people and not be swayed by the whims of a child.”

“Watch your tongue, Indres.” Though the king’s voice was calm, it held a deadly undertone. “You’re dismissed.”

“But, my king -“

His eyes narrowed, forcing him to step down.

“Yes, sir…”

“Lift your head, child,” ordered the king.

I hesitantly lifted my head, meeting his eyes. They were softer than I expected.

“You’ve proven yourself an ally to our people by saving the life of my only child. For that, I thank you. You’ve earned your freedom, but be warned – should you betray us or harm my son, you will suffer a slow, painful death. Do you swear to this?”

I glanced at Forvendir, steeling my resolve. “I’ll never hurt your son -“

Forvendir’s gaze snapped to me, eyes wide with surprise.

“- and I’ll never betray your people. I swear on my life… your highness.”